By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 May 2021 at 8:43 pm
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the state has authorized use of the Pfizer vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds following the endorsement of the vaccine today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The eligibility for the Pfizer vaccine has now been expanded to include people 12 and older, “effective immediately,” Cuomo said.
The CDC decision followed the federal Food and Drug Administration on Monday, which gave its emergency use authorization for the Pfizer vaccine to include people ages 12 to 15.
Dr. Howard Zucker, New York state health commissioner, and the New York State Clinical Advisory Task Force recommended the expanded use of the Pfizer vaccine.
“Children under the age of 18 now account for more than 20 percent of new cases in this country, and vaccine authorization for a younger population will allow the state to continue its tremendous progress towards winning the war against Covid,” Cuomo said in a statement. “More than 17 million vaccine doses have been administered in New York State to date.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 May 2021 at 1:59 pm
Gov. Andrew Cuomo today highlighted a milestone in the state’s vaccination efforts against Covid-19.
The state is at 50 percent of adults who are now vaccinated, people 18 and older who have completed the vaccine series.
In Orleans County, 30.7 percent of adults 18 and older have completed the vaccine series, according to the state’s Vaccine Tracker.
In the state, 60.7 percent of those 18 and older have had at least one dose of the vaccine, which compares to 45.7 percent in the county who are 18 and older with at least one dose.
“Our continued progress on vaccinations is phenomenal and that’s a function of all the good work that our providers and volunteers across New York have done,” Cuomo said. “We are hitting critical milestones, but the rate of people coming in to get vaccinated has declined, and that’s troubling. We are especially focused on the youthful and the doubtful, and we are continuing to work with community leaders and pushing the message that everyone needs to get their shot because this vaccine is our key weapon in defeating this beast.”
GLOW counties
Genesee – 35.6 percent 18 and older completed vaccine series; 52.9 percent of 18 and older with at least one dose; 42.7 percent of overall population with at least one dose
Livingston – 37.6 percent 18 and older completed vaccine series; 51.9 percent of 18 and older with at least one dose; 43.3 percent of overall population with at least one dose
Orleans – 30.7 percent 18 and older completed vaccine series; 45.7 percent of 18 and older with at least one dose; 37.4 percent of overall population with at least one dose
Wyoming – 32.4 percent 18 and older completed vaccine series; 46.8 percent of 18 and older with at least one dose, 38.3 percent of overall population with at least one dose
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 May 2021 at 5:01 pm
Orleans passes 3,000 cases during pandemic; No hospitalizations currently from Covid in Orleans
Orleans and Genesee counties combined are reporting 69 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 today in the first update since Friday afternoon by the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
That brings the total in the two counties to 8,200 since March 2020, and includes 5,193 in Genesee and 3,007 in Orleans.
In Orleans County there are 37 new positive cases since last Friday. That pushes the county past 3,000 cases during the pandemic. The 3,007 positive cases represents 7.5 percent of the county’s 40,352 population, based on the 2019 Census estimate.
Of the new cases, the individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s. There are currently no Orleans County residents hospitalized due to Covid, the Health Departments reported.
In Genesee County there are 32 new positive bringing the total to 5,193 cases during the pandemic. The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s.
There are currently 5 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.
New data format: The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said they will be reporting the total number of positive cases, ages, number of active cases/mandatory isolation and on Fridays will include the NYS Fatality Data.
“We will no longer be reporting by region, facility data, negative and recovered numbers,” the Health Departments said in a news release. “Hospitalizations and ages of new positive individuals will be reported in the narrative. The total age breakdown and potential community exposure risks will continue to be posted on our websites. The data reporting chart will also include the Finger Lakes Covid Vaccination Hub updates on vaccination in both total number and percentage.”
Active cases: There are currently 130 actives cases in the two counties, which is down from 156 seven days ago. In Orleans, the active cases is down from 90 to 77, while Genesee decreased from 66 to 53.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 May 2021 at 1:57 pm
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the Pfizer vaccine, currently the only one permitted for people ages 16 and 17, could get emergency authorization later this week for 12- to 15-year-olds as well.
The federal Food and Drug Administration on Monday expanded the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine to include people ages 12 to 15.
“This is an encouraging step in the ongoing battle against this global pandemic,” Cuomo said in a statement today. “The Covid-19 vaccine is our best weapon to defeat the virus, and we’re taking all the appropriate precautions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of our vaccine program.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, will meet publicly on Wednesday to review data and discuss whether to recommend the vaccine for this age group to the CDC director.
Following that review, Dr. Howard Zucker, commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, will meet with the state’s Clinical Advisory Task Force and make a final recommendation, “which means we could have full authorization for vaccinations to begin for 12- to 15-year-olds here in New York as early as Thursday,” Cuomo said.
“As we have with the authorization of each Covid-19 vaccine and subsequent changes, we will use science and data to determine the safest path forward for New Yorkers,” Cuomo said.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 May 2021 at 7:15 am
Marc Shurtz speaks at annual Twig banquet; Twigs donate $8k for new oven
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Georgia Thomas of Medina,, a member of Laurel Twig, holds a hanging basket she won at the Twig banquet Monday night at Zambistro’s.
MEDINA – The 29 members who attended Medina Memorial Hospital’s Association of Twigs banquet Monday night was by far the smallest number in the organization’s 68-year history.
News, however, shared by Orleans Community Health CEO Marc Shurtz and Foundation director Heather Smith reflect a much bigger picture.
Shurtz and Smith were guests at the annual banquet which used to highlight the dedication of Twig members in supporting the hospital. Due to Covid, however, and many programs and services being cut back, there were no achievement awards to be announced this year.
Twig president Jeanne Crane welcomed members and guests, saying that although their numbers were sparse, they still managed to get together.
Orleans Community Health CEO Marc Shurtz is introduced by Association of Twigs president Jeanne Crane at the Twig banquet Monday night at Zambistro’s. Shurtz announced several areas of growth at the hospital.
Crane, who retired in 2003 as Risk manager and Infection Control manager at the hospital, was called back to work during Covid, to assist the Orleans County Health Department in administering vaccine at its clinics.
She praised the members for their past dedication, saying, “Service to humanity is the greatest form of art.”
Shurtz told the members he was nearing the end of his first year as CEO, a year he called “an exciting one.”
He announced the culture inside the hospital is shifting.
“The hospital has shrunk for a lot years, but now we are working on growth,” Shurtz said.
He said patient satisfaction is a big focus, but to make it work, they first have to make sure their employees are satisfied.
The recently announced closing of Lockport hospital opens up new opportunity for Medina, Shurtz said.
“Lockport is planning to build an ER with 10 rooms behind Home Depot on Transit Road, and any patient needing hospitalization will be shipped to Mount St. Mary’s in Lewiston,” he said. “That opens the door for us to be the community hospital. We will now be the closest by mileage and time for EMS responders from Barker and Newfane. Our focus now is to be ready for this growth.”
Editor’s Note: Catholic Health said the 10 in-patient beds will allow people to be admitted for care. If patients need surgery or a higher-level care they would be transferred to another hospital.
Shurtz said Medina is already seeing Lockport care providers sending patients to them for lab work and tests. Medina has had a daily census of about eight patients per day, with a goal to expand to 18 to 20 a day.
“The sky’s the limit for us,” Shurtz said.
Medina Memorial Hospital opened a Wound Care Center a year ago, whose operator has one of highest healing rates in the nation.
Orleans Community Health is expecting to bring cardiology back into the area, starting in June or July.
Shurtz said Medina surgeon Dr. Misiti had donated his practice to the hospital and they plan to expand general surgery by including Dr. DiBenedetto.
Two empty wings on the south side of the hospital will be turned into a patient waiting area, as part of the hospital’s $350,000 improvement project. This includes installation of an elevator going up to the first floor.
“We are excited to get Medina Memorial Hospital back to growing again,” Shurtz said.
Smith added a list of projects for which the Foundation has been trying to raise money.
“We were working on the money for late nurse Nancy Albanese’s memorial, when Covid hit and we had to stop,” Smith said. “We have the money totally raised and hope to start work again.”
The $350,000 in renovations and improvements is spread across the entire Orleans Community Health, Smith said. Some of the money will be raised by the golf tournament, Treasure Island and a mega drawing. Projects include $10,000 for privacy walls for the registration area; $8,000 for a new oven in dietary; $40,000 for new signage for the hospital and dialysis; three new patient care beds at a cost of $10,000 each; and a bariatric bed at a cost of $25,000.
The Pharmacy Department is in need of new monitor system for temperature control, which can alert personnel at home on their cell phones. They can also regulate the device from home, eliminating the need to drive from the city in the middle of the night.
Smith said the Pharmacy hasn’t had new cabinetry since the 1960s, and it is in need of new windows, all at a cost of $95,000.
The hospital also needs new IV pumps, for which they are looking for a grant.
As was customary for Twig when it was fully operational, the membership Monday night voted on a donation to the hospital. They chose to donate the $8,000 for the new oven in dietary, as that is something which would benefit patients and employees.
The evening concluded with a drawing for six hanging plants. Winners were Jean Benson, Ethel Valentine, Pat Rizzo, June Bush, Georgia Thomas and Janet Blount.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 May 2021 at 12:11 pm
In Orleans County, 433 people have skipped their second appointments for a Covid-19 vaccine. Not getting the second shot makes the vaccine less effective.
The Finger Lakes Covid-19 Vaccine Hub provides a breakdown of nine counties in the region and the percentage of people who have not got the second vaccine shot within six weeks after the first one.
The 433 who didn’t come back for the second shot represents 3.7 percent of the people who should either get the second shot after 21 days with Pfizer or 28 days with Moderna.
The 3.7 percent is Orleans is lower than Yates, at 4.5 percent, and Genesee, at 4.2 percent, among the nine counties in the region.
Paul Pettit, public health director for Orleans and Genesee counties, “strongly encourages” people to get their second shot to be fully vaccinated.
“We’ve heard from many that end up out of town, not feeling well, some even on quarantine when they were supposed to come back,” Pettit said. “We will work with folks that have missed their appointments and get them in to another clinic to make sure they get fully vaccinated as soon as they can.”
Public health officials, including those at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, urge people to still get the second shot, even if it’s past the desired timeframe. The second shot, even after more than six weeks, increases the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Here is a breakdown of how many haven’t come back for the second dose within six weeks in the nine counties in the Finger Lakes:
Genesee – 4.2%, 837 people
Livingston – 3.3%, 734 people
Monroe – 2.8%, 8,831 people
Ontario – 3.6%, 1,768 people
Orleans – 3.7%, 433 people
Seneca – 3.1%, 345 people
Wayne – 2.8%, 870
Wyoming – 3.5%, 421
Yates – 4.5%, 390
Throughout the nine-county region 14,629 individuals have not received their second shot within six weeks, as of April 22, the Finger Lakes Covid-19 Vaccine Hub reported.
This represents 3 percent of all people with at least one dose, and doesn’t include the Johnson & Johnson vaccine with is one-shot only.
The 3 percent is much lower than the national average of 8 percent, which has been reported by the CDC.
The Finger Lakes Covid-19 Vaccine Hub reports that older ages have the highest rates of missed second shots, with 65-74, 75-84 and 85-plus age groups missing at 4.1%, 4.9%, and 7.0% rates of second doses, respectively.
‘With everyone looking forward to the summer and the looser restrictions we encourage everyone to get vaccinated now.’ – Paul Pettit, public health director
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
Genesee Orleans County Health Departments will be on the road this week with pop=up Covid-19 vaccine clinics.
Clinics with Johnson & Johnson Janssen and Moderna will be available for walk-in and registration. Pfizer clinics are by registration only.
“As we transition away from the larger mass vaccination clinic approach, we will be hosting mobile clinics that will be held in various locations throughout our communities along with smaller scaled clinics at both of the health departments moving forward,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the two counties. “Working with community partners in both counties is a great way to reach out to those who want to be vaccinated against Covid.”
J & J and Moderna clinics offer walk-in opportunities. However, we encourage you to register via the vaccination webpage (click here) and choose the vaccine that best works for you. You can also click on the direct links below.
For those who do not have internet they can call the GO Health Vaccine Registration Help Lines:
Genesee: 585-815-7168
Orleans: 585-589-3170
These lines are only to make vaccine appointments, are not able to answer Covid-related questions, and are not associated with either Health Department.
“With everyone looking forward to the summer and the looser restrictions we encourage everyone to get vaccinated now,” Pettit said. “There are plenty of options to get any of the three vaccines offered. For your health and the health of others, we encourage everyone who is able to be vaccinated to get vaccinated now.”
The clinics this week include:
Today (May 10)
• 9 to 11:30 am, 1:30-4:30 p.m. at Ridgeway Fire Hall, 11392 Ridge Rd., Medina. Moderna: walk-ins and appointments; J&J: walk-ins. Click here for more information. As of 10:30 a.m. there are 72 appointments available.
Tuesday (May 11)
• 1 to 5 p.m. at Six Flags Darien Lake, Human Resources, 1501 Sumner Road, Corfu. Pfizer: appointment only (Click here) and J&J: walk-ins & appointments (click here).
Wednesday (May 12)
• 9 to 11 a.m. at GCC Athletic Arena, 1 College Rd., Batavia. Moderna: Walk-ins and appointments (click here) and J&J: walk-ins.
Thursday (May 13)
• 1 to 4 p.m. at Ridgeway Fire Hall, 11392 Ridge Rd., Medina. Moderna: walk-ins and appointments. Click here for more information. As of 10:30 a.m., there are 72 appointments available. J&J has walk-ins available.
Friday (May 14)
• 3 to 7 p.m. at Batavia Downs Gaming, 8315 Park Rd, Batavia. J&J: walk-ins and appointments (click here).
Saturday (May 15)
• 9 a.m. to noon at GCC Athletic Arena, 1 College Rd, Batavia. Pfizer: appointment only (click here) and J&J: walk-ins.
If you are a business/church/organization that is interested in hosting a vaccination clinic at your location, please fill out the survey (click here). One of our staff members will be in contact with you.
For those who are seeking testing, both health departments provide limited free rapid testing for those without symptoms at the respective Health Departments.
For Orleans County, a rapid test clinic is scheduled for May 12th from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Orleans County Health Department at 14016 Rt. 31 West, Albion. For Genesee County, a rapid test drive-through clinic is scheduled for May 13th from 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. at County Building #2, 3837 West Main St. Road, Batavia.
To register for testing go to the GO Health testing page (click here) and choose your preferred clinic location.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 May 2021 at 7:49 pm
This map from the Finger Lakes Covid-19 Vaccine Hub shows the percent of residents 16 and older in each of the nine counties who have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
A breakdown of Covid-19 vaccine rates among zip codes shows Albion is significantly behind Medina for the percentage of its residents 16 and older with at least one dose.
Albion is the lowest of the seven zip codes in the county at 36.8 percent, while Medina leads the county at 47.6 percent.
The nine-county Finger Lakes has a breakdown of each county, and each zip code on the Finger Lakes Covid-19 Vaccine Hub, which is updated every Friday. Click here to see the website with the data.
In Orleans County, 14,109 of the 32,560 people 16 and older or 43.3 percent have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. That rate is only above the 41.2 percent in Wyoming County among the nine counties in the Finger Lakes Region, and significantly behind two counties over 60 percent – Ontario at 60.9 percent and Monroe at 60.2 percent.
In the Finger Lakes region, 56.6 percent of population 16 and older has had at least one dose of the vaccine, and 43.1 percent are done with vaccine series.
Here are the rates for the nine counties in the Finger Lakes (Percent of population 16 and older with at least one vaccine dose)
Ontario: 60.9 percent
Monroe: 60.2 percent
Wayne: 51.1 percent
Genesee: 49.5 percent
Seneca: 48.8 percent
Livingston: 48.5 percent
Yates: 45.9 percent
Orleans: 43.3 percent
Wyoming: 41.2 percent
Orleans County zip codes (% of people 16 and older with at least one dose)
Medina – 47.6 percent, 4,009 out of the 8,427 people 16 and older in 14103 have received at least one dose
Kendall – 46.8 percent, 814 out of the 1,739 people 16 and older in 14476 have received at least one dose
Waterport – 46.1 percent, 480 out of 1,042 people 16 and older in 14571 have received at least one dose
Lyndonville – 44.2 percent, 1,038 out of the 2,346 people 16 and older in 14098 have received at least one dose
Holley – 44.1 percent, 2,801 out of the 6,354 people 16 and older in 14470 have received at least one dose
Kent – 40.0 percent, 587 out of the 1,467 people 16 and older in 14477 have received at least one dose
Albion – 36.8 percent, 4,113 out of the 11,186 people 16 and older in 14411 have received at least one dose
Pittsford has the highest percentage of 16 and older with at least one dose in the nine-county Finger Lakes Region. The 14534 zip code has 21,002 out of 25,675 with at least one dose.
Romulus in Seneca County is the lowest at 23.6 percent with only 783 with at least one vaccine dose out of the 3,320 people 16 and older in the 14541 zip code. Attica in Wyoming County also has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the Finger Lakes Region at 24.2 percent or 1,941 out of 8,016 people who are 16 or older.
Other nearby zip codes
Elba (Genesee) – 67.7 percent, 1,199 out of the 1,770 people 16 and older in 14058 with at least one dose
Stafford (Genesee) – 61.7 percent, 536 out of the 869 people 16 and older in 14143 with at least one dose
Le Roy (Genesee) – 54.3 percent, 3,668 out of the 6,755 people 16 and older in 14482 with at least one dose
Batavia (Genesee) – 48.6 percent, 8,745 out of the 18,007 people 16 and older in 14020 with at least one dose
Bergen (Genesee) – 48.5 percent, 1,507 out of the 3,105 people 16 and older in 14416 with at least one dose
Hamlin (Monroe) – 46.9 percent, 2,730 out of the 5,826 people 16 and older in 14464 with at least one dose
Corfu (Genesee) – 45.9 percent, 1,863 out of the 4,055 people 16 and older in 14036 with at least one dose
Basom (Genesee) – 45.5 percent, 580 out of the 1,276 people 16 and older in 14013 with at least one dose
East Bethany (Genesee) – 44.9 percent, 508 out of the 1,132 people 16 and older in 14054 with at least one dose
Alexander (Genesee) – 44.3 percent, 601 out of the 1,356 people 16 and older in 14005 with at least one dose
Byron (Genesee) – 44.0 percent, 844 out of 1,917 people 16 and older in 14422 with at least one dose
Brockport (Monroe) – 43.9 percent, 7,574 out of the 17,244 people 16 and older in 14420 with at least one dose
Pavilion (Genesee) – 43.9 percent, 990 out of the 2,254 people 16 and older in 14525 with at least one dose
Oakfield (Genesee) – 43.3 percent, 1,276 out of the 2,945 people 16 and older in 14125 with at least one dose
Darien Center (Genesee) – 40.2 percent, 728 out of the 1,812 people 16 and older in 14040 with at least one dose
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 May 2021 at 5:59 pm
Group will have annual banquet on Monday after last year’s was cancelled due to Covid-19
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Seated during their recent meeting of Laurel Twig at the home of Ginny Roberts are, from left, Jan McCloy, Sue Metzo, Jean Sipple and Nelda Toussaint. Standing is Ginny Roberts.
MEDINA – For nearly seven decades, the TWIG organization has been a vibrant part of the Medina community and avid supporter of Medina Memorial Hospital.
But, like many other service organizations, it has fallen victim of the times – a generation which is not of a mindset to volunteer.
The organization, whose membership once neared 400, had dwindled to less than 70 at its 2019 banquet.
There was no banquet in 2020, due to Covid, but the membership has regrouped and decided to have their banquet this year on Monday night at Zambistro.
TWIG, which stands for “Together With Individual Goals,” began as a vision of Mrs. Donald Acer of Medina, who felt there was a need for a women’s organization at Medina Memorial Hospital. She sought advice from women who were members of Twig Associations in nearby communities. She learned that women from Rochester, where a Twig Association had flourished, along with the Albion Twig Association at Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital, were most helpful in several areas to their hospitals.
It is interesting to note that women of that era were usually referred to by their husband’s name, not their own first name.
On March 16, 1953, Mrs. Acer and Mrs. John Wilkinson, with the approval of the Medina Memorial Hospital directors, called a meeting at the Elks Club for the purpose of organizing a Twig Association. About 50 women responded.
From this meeting grew a committee to draw up a constitution, chaired by Mrs. Hubbard White, and a nominating committee, chaired by Mrs. Gladys Walters.
By April of 1953, the Medina Memorial Hospital Association of Twigs was established under the leadership of Mrs. John E. Wilkinson, the first president. Other officers were Mrs. Horace Bird, 1st vice president; Mrs. D.J. Cleary Jr., 2nd vice president; Miss Margaret McCarthy, treasurer; and Miss Laura Dombrowski, secretary.
Eight original Twig groups were formed, totaling 75 members. They were Apple Blossom, Bittersweet, Cherry, Evergreen, Juniper, Linden, Oak Leaf and Silver Birch.
Their early activities included sewing and securing bed pads. Surgical stockings, bandages, glove covers, surgical sheets, curtains and pillows. The first major project was a Christmas party undertaken that year for hospital personnel in the hospital dining room. Twigs supplied all the food and decorations and served the meal.
Georgia Thomas, standing, hands out face masks she made for the members of Laurel Twig during their fall meeting. Seated at front are Carol Smith of Albion, left, and Carol Shafer of Middleport. At rear are Jan McCloy and Sue Metzo, both of Medina. Hostess Ginny Roberts stands in the doorway.
In 1954 it was suggested that each group form a new Twig to ensure growth, and four new groups evolved – Dogwood, Hawthorne, Holly and Plum. The Association’s treasury showed a balance of $350, which Twigs donated, starting what was to become the first of hundreds of thousands of dollars and an unending supply of hospital equipment.
In these early years, it was more common for each Twig branch to donate small equipment individually, such as ice pitchers, glasses, trays, stainless steel medicine trays, pictures, packages of patient tissues, ash trays, books for the library, baby foot printer, ice crushers, etc. A sewing machine donated in 1955 by Mrs. E.C. Rosenkrans was widely used and much appreciated.
At the suggestion of Mrs. Elizabeth Robbins in 1955, the first “coffee corner” for the public was set up in the Twig Room.
By 1956, Twig was already purchasing many fundamental medical supplies for the hospital, such as bandages, pads, basins, gowns, waste cans, service tables, towels, drapes, etc. The annual Christmas party continued to be totally funded by Twig until 1975.
A machine for dispensing drinks for public use was installed in the lobby, when in 1956, Medina Memorial Hospital was in the planning stages for two new wings to be added – a three-story front wing and a two-story rear wing. Olive Twig and Tulip Twig joined the association.
Twig added six new groups in 1957, Beech, Lilac, Magnolia, Jasmine, Willow and Locust and the association grew by 125 members. A cookie and candy dispensing machine was added to the lobby and Twig donated an incubator to the Maternity Ward at a cost of $273. They also pledged $600 to the hospital building fund. Magnolia Twig organized the first hospital benefit dance at the Elks Club, netting $550. The Volunteer Service Program began and decorative tray favors were made for hospital patients. Olive Twig raised $300 for the building fund through a public book review, and decided to fashion puppets to be given to children in the hospital.
In 1958-59, Azalea, Tupelo, Wisteria, Spruce, Forsythia, Laurel, Maple, Wiegela and Tamarack twigs were formed, giving the association 27 twigs and 337 members. A water flash warmer costing $490 was donated for the operating room, along with the Twigs building fund pledge.
Cinnamon and Rosamond Twigs joined the association in 1960, and magnolia and Oak Leaf combined memberships. Miss Katherine Brown chaired the first Twig Fair in October. It took place at Oak Orchard Elementary School and included a roast beef dinner. There were 19 booths and full support of 27 Twigs, netting a profit of $2,500.
A Mardi Gras ball in 1961 created a big sensation, netting $1,500. The association continued to support the hospital with its purchase of equipment such as plastic bassinets for the nursery and two recovery room stretchers. A silver tea service was presented to the hospital in 1962 as a memorial to Miss Estelle Douglas, the first hospital administrator. Twigs made a donation of $3,000 to establish a physical therapy department.
The fundraising events, donations and projects supported by the Twig Association grew to be far too numerous to continue naming them all. It can be said, however, the Twig Association continued until just a few years ago to raise money by their individual projects, sponsor the hospital Christmas party, provide tray favors and puppets for patients, volunteer their services at the Greeter Desk and Reception Desk (saving the hospital thousands of dollars yearly) providing a hospitality room and attending to tons of mending and sewing of hospital linens.
When the hospital undertook a major renovation, the Twig Association pledged $100,000 for the new birthing wing, which was named for the association.
On Sunday, Aug. 10, 1969, Medina’s Twig Association earned prominent mention in The New York Times. The newspaper carried a feature story on Medina’s organization and its use of the term “twig” instead of the more usual guild, auxiliary or league. The story also mentioned the use of flowering shrubs as names for the individual groups.
In the 1965, Wildwood Twig was established for those members who were only interested in the volunteer aspect of Twig and required no monthly meetings. Volunteer service awards were initiated in 1959 when Mrs. Thomas Hickey received the first 100-hour pin. Since that time, endless awards have been presented at the annual banquet for accumulative hours of service, many numbering in the thousands. At its annual volunteer luncheon celebrating Twig’s 25th anniversary, it was reported volunteers over the years had given an estimated 63,500 hours.
In 1969, a newly remodeled Gift Shop and Snack Bar were opened. In 1974, the Gift Shop was expanded into the main hall of the hospital, where it continued to be a major source of funding for the Twig Association until approximately three years ago when it closed due to lack of volunteers. The Gift Shop annually earned an estimated $20,000, which the Twig presented to the hospital CEO each year at the banquet.
By 1979, when Mrs. White retired as Volunteer Services director, the Twigs were responsible for the Reception Desk, Gift Shop, Snack Bar, Gift Cart, Central Supply and Sewing.
By the late 1960s, some of the original Twig groups had disbanded, mainly due to the health and age of their members. In the 1970s, Oak Twig joined the association. By now Twig had begun purchasing larger pieces of equipment for the hospital, such as a surgical lift, operating table ($6,000), proctoscopic table, obstetrical table ($4,300) and mammography X-ray equipment ($25,000).
Dogwood and Honeysuckle Twigs were formed in 1973 and Maple, Ming and Willow joined in 1976. Bayberry formed in 1977 and Hydrangea joined in 1978. Twig added some community education services, such as hospital tours for elementary school children in 1973 and expectant parent classes in 1975, instructed by Jeanne Crane. In 1977, they started sewing and stuffing Christmas stockings for all the patients, a project Laurel Twig continues today.
The newest Twig to be formed was Lilac, as the result of a Twig board meeting Sept. 25, 2004.
On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, the Twig Association had 20 Twigs totaling 273 members.
As of the last banquet on May 6, 2019, only 11 Twigs remained, with a total membership of 66. Of those, only Laurel still has regular meetings, although membership has dwindled to eight or nine who attend. In 1996, Laurel had 25 members.
Ginny Roberts of Medina has been president of Laurel Twig for many years, and Carol Shafer of Middleport remains secretary/treasurer. They have shortened their year, choosing to meet September through December and in June for a picnic. That is in addition to the annual spring banquet which this year is May 10.
Nelda Toussaint is one of the longest standing members of Laurel Twig. She joined, she said, when her son Jeff was a year old and she was looking for something to do to get out of the house at night. Other original members were Arden Dick, Eileen Incho and Jackie Kaldon.
“It was a big group,” Toussaint said. “Arden and I brought Ginny in.”
Original activities included card parties, big dances and fashion shows.
The lack of volunteers resulted in closing the Gift Shop several years ago, thereby ending the Twig’s biggest money maker. They still have a balance in their bank account, from which they continue to make gifts to the hospital.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 May 2021 at 5:48 pm
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments announced today that it will be shifting from weekday Covid-19 updates to providing those numbers twice a week, on Tuesday and Friday afternoons starting May 11.
“Along with the increased relaxation of the Covid-19 restrictions, GO Health will only be reporting 2 days a week on Tuesdays and Fridays starting next week,” the GO Health Departments said in a notice to the media.
Tuesday’s briefing will include data from Friday afternoon through Tuesday morning. Friday’s briefing will include data from Tuesday afternoon through Friday morning.
The GO Health Departments are also changing the data it will be reporting to what it said is the most relevant information. This will include:
Total positive cases by county. “We will no longer be breaking down into zones as Covid is everywhere,” the departments said.
Total active cases (those who are in mandatory isolation)
Ages of new positive individuals will be in the narrative only (the chart will be on the GO Health websites)
Total number of 1 dose vaccinations and percentage of the population per county from the Finger Lakes COVID-19 Vaccine Hub (data updated weekly).
Total number of completed vaccine series and percentage of the population per county from the Finger Lakes COVID-19 Vaccine Hub (data updated weekly).
Total fatalities will be reported only on Fridays from the NYS data tracker.
The age breakdown and community exposure graphs (only when there is a potential exposure) will be on the GO Health websites. The mapping link will continue to be updated, but on a bi-weekly basis to coordinate with the briefings. The briefs will continue to include any updates as well as the community links.
The GO Health Departments will send updates, press releases and hold live zoom press briefings as situations warrant.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 May 2021 at 4:54 pm
Cases past 7 days down slightly from totals in recent weeks
There are 22 new confirmed cases in Orleans and Genesee counties reported today, which brings the total for the two counties during the past 14 months of the pandemic to 8,131. That includes 2,970 in Orleans and 5,161 in Genesee.
In Orleans County today there are 8 new positive cases and those are in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby) and Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s and 40s.
Orleans is reporting 12 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.
There are currently 2 Orleans County residents hospitalized due to Covid. The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said.
In Genesee County there are 14 new positive cases and they are in the West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke), Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) and East Region (Bergen, Byron, LeRoy, Pavilion, Stafford). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
Genesee is reporting 10 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.
There are 5 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.
• 7-day totals: The number of new cases the past seven days totaled 157, with 84 in Genesee and 73 in Orleans. That 157 is down slightly from the totals in recent weeks which includes 164 the seven days ending April 30, 187 the seven days ending April 23, 180 the seven days ending April 16, and 186 the seven days ending April 9.
• Active cases: There are currently 151 active cases in the two counties – 69 in Genesee and 82 in Orleans. That is down from 163 a week ago when there were 163 – 69 in Genesee and 94 in Orleans.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 May 2021 at 4:57 pm
Orleans and Genesee counties today are reporting a 18 new Covid-19 cases in the two counties, for a total of 8,109 since last March 2020. That includes 2,962 in Orleans and 5,147 in Genesee.
In Orleans County there are 7 new positive cases reported today and they are in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby) and Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 40s and 50s, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said.
Orleans is reporting 13 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.
There are 2 residents from Orleans County currently hospitalized due to Covid.
In Genesee County there are 11 new positive cases reported today and they are in the West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke), Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) and East Region (Bergen, Byron, LeRoy, Pavilion, Stafford). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 40s, 50s and 60s.
Genesee is reporting 13 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.
There are 5 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.
National Nurses Day – Today is National Nurses Day. Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued this statement:
“Throughout the Covid crisis our nurses have been on the frontlines caring for New Yorkers and helping to keep us safe, at times putting their own health at risk for the rest of us. On this National Nurses Day and throughout National Nurses Week, we recognize the extraordinary contributions nurses have made – we could not have made it over the mountain and through the darkest days of the pandemic without their dedication, compassion and resiliency. We are eternally grateful for their service, so if you see a nurse today or this week, please stop and say a heartfelt ‘thank you’.”
Statewide Data: The statewide Covid-19 positivity rate dropped to 1.27 percent yesterday, the lowest since October 22 with 2,585 positive tests out of 203,644.
Western New York’s 7-day average positivity rate dropped to 2.82 percent yesterday. The positivity rate in every region of New York State has now dropped below 3 percent for the first time since November 5, 2020.
“As we make progress defeating the COVID beast and the numbers continue to come down, we are incrementally reopening our economy based on the science and the data,” Cuomo said. “We will get past Covid, but only if we do it together, so we need every single New Yorker to do their part and get vaccinated so we can begin to recover, reimagine and rebuild.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 May 2021 at 4:33 pm
There are 23 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 reported today in Orleans and Genesee counties, bringing the total in the two counties to 8,091 since last March 2020. That includes 2,955 in Orleans and 5,136 in Genesee.
In Orleans County there are 12 new positive cases reported today and those cases are in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby) and Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said 10 more of the previous positive individuals in Orleans have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.
There are currently 2 residents from Orleans County hospitalized due to Covid.
In Genesee County there are 11 new positive cases and they are in the West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke), Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) and East Region (Bergen, Byron, LeRoy, Pavilion, Stafford). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.
Genesee is reporting 9 of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.
There are 5 from Genesee currently hospitalized due to Covid.
From the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments:
• The GO Health COVID-19 Events Notification Form is to be completed for any events, social gatherings over the NYS maximum social gathering limit.
Responsible parties are to report events/social gatherings over the state’s maximum social gathering limits, no less than 5 days prior to the event. The notification form is available by clicking here.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Tuesday announced the Citizen Public Health Training Course for New Yorkers to learn about preparedness for and prevention of public health emergencies from top public health experts will open today.
This free, online course, delivered by the New York State Department of Health in partnership with Cornell University and supported by the State University of New York, will prepare and equip New Yorkers to become NYS Citizen Public Health Leaders and build an informed network of community health leaders across the state.
Program participants will learn about Covid-19, public health emergency preparedness and response, and other public health issues, while gaining insight into information and resources that will benefit their communities. Those interested in enrolling or getting more information about becoming a NYS Citizen Public Health Leader can visit the program website by clicking here.
“We are determined to build back better, and part of that is making sure we are better prepared for the next pandemic,” Governor Cuomo said. “This innovative free program was developed by trusted experts and it will empower everyday New Yorkers with critical knowledge to better protect themselves, their families and their neighbors from public health emergencies.”
This training, developed by Cornell University’s Master of Public Health Program and delivered through eCornell, is a four-part online training program to equip New Yorkers with expertise and tools to help build and support community-led initiatives surrounding prevention, detection and response in the event of public health emergencies.
Upon completion of the training, participants will be designated a “NYS Citizen Public Health Leader” and will be informed about how they can volunteer in support of their local public health operations – especially during emergencies – as well as how to find, use and share verified information about public health matters from reliable sources. The course will be available through 2023.
This program was first announced as part of the Governor’s 2021 State of the State proposal. Throughout the Covid-19 crisis, New Yorkers were asked to do their part to fight a virus in ways they had never done before.
Everyone was given a crash course in virology, learning to properly wash their hands, sanitize their homes and businesses, and safely care for their family and neighbors. Thousands of New Yorkers signed up and were trained to be contract tracers, helping to track and mitigate the spread of the virus. When other states needed help, these New Yorkers heeded the call and brought their new public health skills to the rest of the country. This new training will help New Yorkers gain the tools to protect themselves, their families and others against future health emergencies.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 May 2021 at 4:45 pm
There are 28 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 reported in Genesee and Orleans counties today, bringing the total to 8,068 in the two counties since March 2020. That includes 5,125 in Genesee and 2,943 in Orleans, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported this afternoon.
In Orleans County there are 12 new positive cases today and they are in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby), Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre) and East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
Orleans is reporting 8 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.
There are currently 2 Orleans County residents hospitalized due to Covid.
In Genesee County there are 16 new positive cases of Covid and they are in the West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke), Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) and East Region (Bergen, Byron, LeRoy, Pavilion, Stafford). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.
Genesee is reporting 20 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.
In Genesee, 5 of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
