County issues proclamations celebrating older Americans, motorcycle safety, tourism and foster parents

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature presented four proclamations during its meeting on Tuesday. In the top photo, Legislator Bill Eick reads a proclamation declaring May 7-13 as “National Travel & Tourism Week.”

Standing to accept the proclamation include, from left: Lora Partyka of Partyka Farms in Kendall and the Country Barn Quilt Trail, Doug Farley of the Cobblestone Museum, Ginny Kropf of the Medina Railroad Museum, Faye Conley of the Bent’s Opera House and Dawn Borchet, the county’s tourism director.

Eick and legislators said travelers spend $30.9 million annually in Orleans County on lodging, recreation, restaurants, retail shops, agriculture, attractions and second homes, supporting over 510 jobs in Orleans County.

Sportsfishing is the county’s top tourism attraction at a $28 million annual impact.

The county’s occupancy tax continues to increase each year, with a record $111,013 collected in 2022.

Borchet, the tourism’s director, thanked the many local businesses and organizations that invest in their sites to bring in visitors to the county.

County Legislator Fred Miller reads a proclamation declaring May as National Foster Care Month. He is joined by Holli Nenni, the county’s Department of Social Services Commissioner and DSS employees Lianna Scipioni and Judianne Gearing.

“For the nearly 400,000 youth in foster care across our country, the best path to success we can give them is the chance to experience a loving home where they can feel secure and thrive,” legislators stated in the proclamation. “Whereas, strong support structures provide children with the environment needed to learn, grow and reach their greatest potential.”

The Legislature recognizes the efforts of foster families, social workers, faith-based and community organizations, and others that are improving the lives of our young people in foster care across our county.

County Legislator Skip Draper presents a proclamation to Matt Tracey of the Orleans County chapter of ABATE (American Bikers Aiming Towards Education). The proclamation declared May as “Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month in Orleans County.”

There will be a motorcycle safety rally at 2 p.m. on May 7 outside the Orleans County Courthouse. Bikers will then go on an awareness ride throughout the county.

Legislator Fred Miller presents a proclamation to Melissa Blanar, director of the Office of the Aging, that declared May as “Older Americans Month.”

“Orleans County includes a growing number of older Americans who contribute their time, wisdom, and experience to our community,” legislators said. “Whereas, communities’ benefit when people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds have the opportunity to participate and live independently.”