Legislature issue proclamations for dispatchers, foster care families, older Americans and motorcyclists

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The County Legislature on Wednesday issued several proclamations, including the one in the top photo that declared May as National Foster Care Month in Orleans County.

Cynthia Stumer, left, the Deputy Commissioner of Department of Social Services and Holli Nenni, the DSS commissioner, accept the proclamation from Legislator John Fitzak.

“We have a responsibility to remain persistent in the charge to provide the best care possible for children when they cannot remain in their homes,” the proclamation states. “During National Foster Care Month, the Orleans County 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.”

Nenni encouraged people in Orleans Cunty to consider being foster parents.

“During National Foster Care Month we recognize the extraordinary patience and love of our foster parents and concerned professionals whose rewards are often reaped only years after their primary labor is done which is when the child is grown and fully appreciates what has been done for him or her, or when society pauses from its hectic rush forward to recognize the good they have accomplished,” the proclamation states.

County Legislator Skip Draper, second from right, reads a proclamation that declared the week of April 10-16 as “National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.”

Draper is joined by from left Sheriff Chris Bourke, dispatchers Pete Hendrickson and Jerry Bentley, and Allen Turner, director of the dispatch center.

The County Dispatch Center in 2021 answered 64,134 calls and 17,831 calls during the first four months of 2022.

“Telecommunicators help save millions of lives every day,” the proclamation stated. “Emergencies that require police, fire, emergency medical services or other critical services occur twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week; and the Orleans County Dispatch Center is the direct connection to those that dial 911.”

Sheriff Bourke said dispatchers are true first responders. Turner thanked the Legislature for setting aside funding to maintain the technology and equipment for the dispatchers.

The Legislature also proclaimed May as “Older Americans Month.” Legislator John Fitzak presents the proclamation to Melissa Blanar, director of the Office for the Aging in the county.

“Orleans County includes a growing number of older Americans who contribute their strength, wisdom, and experience to our community,” the proclamation states. “Communities benefit when people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds are welcomed, included and supported.”

Blanar also thanked the Legislature for providing resources for her department.

“Orleans County recognizes our need to create a community that provides the services and supports older Americans need to thrive and live independently for as long as possible,” the Legislature stated.  “We urge every resident to recognize the contributions of our older citizens, help to create an inclusive society, and join efforts to support older Americans’ choices about how they age in their communities.”

Matt Tracey, vice president of the ABATE chapter in Orleans County, accepted the proclamation from Legislator Skip Draper that declared May as “Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month” in Orleans County.

ABATE this Sunday will have a motorcycle safety rally at 2 p.m. at the Orleans County Courthouse in Albion and then will go on a 50-mile police-escorted motorcycle ride within the county. The ride will end at V.F.W. Post 1463 on East Center Street in Medina.