Editor:

I hope people realize their surroundings when living at the recovery center on Butts Road in Albion, especially with young children.

I have lived on Butts Road since 2018 and since then I have seen numerous coyote sightings going back 3-plus years, either in my side woods between my house and the railroad tracks, on the south side of my house in those woods or even in the back woods.

These coyotes have come out during their normal mating season, to different points of the winter and even during the summer. One sighting I have is a coyote coming out at 10:47 in the morning in August! I also found a deceased deer that was a product of a pack of coyotes.

I have pictures of them coming within 10 feet of my house to within 100 yards of my house. I’m highly concerned about mothers taking their young children on those planned hiking trails, or even the playground, always have to worry would happen if a coyote is hungry. I have contacted the DEC about the sightings and they told me they can’t do anything unless a child is physically harmed.

I have tried to convey this concern as well as putting this recovery center next to a railroad  underpass that for a week last September had two accidents and three near-miss impacts literally within a week, as an example.

Aaron Vosburgh

Albion

Editor:

Hub Editor Tom Rivers recently suggested the excellent idea that the county create a task force to come up with ideas to increase sale tax revenue. As part of the task force work, I suggest the hiring of a consultant to look into luring computer data centers to the county.

In Loudoun County, Virginia where I live, the county has data centers. In 2023, the Loudoun County government received 663 million dollars in data center tax revenue.

Listed here are only a few data centers the county/task force should contact: Microsoft, AWS, Google, ViSA, COPT, Evoque, Cogent, Equinix.

There are hundreds more.

Jack Capurso

Albion Class of 1960

Ashburn, Va.

Editor:

At the 8 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Dec. 24, at St. Joseph’s,  an older gentleman was having a medical issue. About 10 minutes into Mass, an ambulance was called when it became apparent that the man was having difficulties.

Ten more minutes went by, with no sign of any ambulance. The prayers for intentions were read, the gifts brought up, and the collection was taken up. At this point, I’m guessing 30 minutes had gone by. A call was made to the Albion Police Department.

It’s my understanding that the ambulance called for was coming from Murray. There was a second Monroe ambulance sitting at Taco Bell. Again, it’s my understanding that the Albion Fire Department wasn’t called nor was Mercy Flight, or the second Monroe ambulance to assist.   Perhaps 40 minutes had passed, with still no ambulance in sight.

 I believe they showed up as Communion started, so possibly 45 minutes had gone by? It’s my understanding that a call was made by the officers to get the ambulance at Taco Bell over there.  I may not have the timing right, nor who made the calls, but as anyone attending a Catholic Mass knows, you don’t need a watch to know how many minutes have passed in relation to the rites. Since I was sitting with my new friend holding his hand, waiting for the ambulance, I only have this to say to the Town Board members who voted for the contract with Monroe Ambulance – shame on you!

Shame on Monroe Ambulance for not calling for assistance. Think about that the next time your father, grandfather or any relative goes to church services. Where do you want your ambulance to come from? Down the street, around the corner, or from the furthest point possible?

With that being said, thank you to Pete Sidari, Jay Kovaleski, the Albion police officers, Father Dick Csizmar, and Fran Dibley, who spent most of Mass outside in rough weather waiting for the ambulance. I am so glad all of you were there to help.

And to my new friend, I hope you are well, and I’ll expect to see you in the back pew.

Linda Rice

Albion

Photos by Tom Rivers: Ashley Jackson, left, and Michelle Waters from Tree House decorated a light pole on Main Street in a candy theme. They are shown on Dec. 5. Waters said driving around Albion with her 5-year-old daughter and seeing the decorated posts made the holiday season more fun. “It feels like something from the Gilmore Girls.”

Editor:

So that’s a wrap, Christmas is over. Or is it? That is not the end of it my friends!

Look how beautiful our village looked this year with a few lights and lots of community members!

We have Christmas trees lit up on the Orleans County Courthouse lawn. All the light poles have been decorated by families who adopted a light pole for Christmas. They are all different and all of light poles are beautiful. All of them designed with love!

We had Christmas caroling every week with hot chocolate and cookies offered at Hearth and Home real estate. Our last caroling event was at Hospice. Never have I had the feeling of true Christmas as I have had this year.

Some of the churches in our historic Courthouse Square opened their doors for the Hometown holiday. I wasn’t aware of the beauty that is right there. The stained glass, the art, the warm welcome feeling you get when you walk into these wonderful places of worship.

There was a fantastic Tea with Mrs. Claus, complete with sweet treats, some presents, and some wonderful stories about the big man himself – like did you know meatloaf and mashed potatoes are his favorite food after his long trip? You even got to take home a beautiful antique tea cup.

Then there also was Christmas Rock painting  at the Hoag Library, some great gifts were made while munching cookies and listening to Christmas music at this fun event! A fantastic residential light decoration contest, I’m happy I wasn’t a judge for that as there are so many homes that look totally amazing! Way to step it up Albion!

There was also a window decoration contest for the businesses. But there is more, lots more to do to make our community a destination for holiday fun! Next year it will be bigger than ever! Bring Christmas back to Albion is so proud of all of you for making this happen. We are starting the planning for next Christmas already. Come and hear some of the plans for Christmas 2024. We have our first meeting of the year at the Hoag library on Monday, Jan. 8 at 7 p.m.

We need you. Please come join us! I can’t help feeling that Charles Howard is smiling as he looks down on us from the heavens above. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Lori Laine

Kent

Mike and Faith Smith from the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen decorate a Christmas tree for the OK Kitchen. The tree included ornaments listing the many organizations and sponsors that volunteer and support the kitchen located at Harvest Christian Fellowship.

Editor:

Christmas Day is not supposed to be a day to hate. I’m sure around the country there are tables with missing people or people biting their tongues or people arguing. Christians are not being Christians. It is sad.

Christmas, like the rule of law, and democracy are not defined by hate, suspicion, close-mindedness to the wonders of a greater world, narrow-minded or uninformed notions of certainty, inability to accept differences, delusions of superiority, and inability to forgive and forget.

Historically it appears the three wise men came from Iran and were Zoroastrian believers in one God. Their superior knowledge and acceptance of differences is revered despite their self-apparent difference.

What I’m saying is that Christmas marks several things about our better selves. And whether it’s around the table or in politics or between people of different backgrounds and aspirations, or about rejection of the carefully crafted laws and institutions we have to developed to advance democracy and fair administration of justice, the spirit of this day should be a universal, constant and a lesson for all of us.

We should rejoice in those lessons and be mindful of them in every aspect of our lives.

Respectfully Merry Christmas to all,

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

This year’s American Legion oratorical contest for Orleans County featured several outstanding teenage speakers from Albion, Medina and Kendall.

Each took to the stage without a microphone to deliver her, or his, original address calling attention to the importance of the United States Constitution. Each deserves credit for developing a speech pertinent to the topic and putting himself, or herself, out there to be judged on the basis of content and delivery. The winner now moves on to the regional competition in Kenmore.

Kudos to the Legionaires, but especially those of the Jewell-Buckman and Butts-Clark posts and Chuck Eberhardt in particular for orchestrating the competition on Thursday, December 21st at Kendall High School. It was Legionaire Eberhardt’s final year of leading the event and he did an admirable job in my view.

Thanks as well to the teachers and administrators who promoted student involvement. Rich Gannon and the Driesels were heavily involved.

As one of five judges, I was impressed with the students’ knowledge of the Constitution and the Framers’ intent. The manner in which the Constitution’s provisions were placed into historical context was laudable as well.

Very truly yours,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

I have seen a letter from Steven Kast who stated COVA had been looking for help for 2 years. I also saw a letter from multiple citizens concerned over not having enough ambulance service for 7 towns.

As a former COVA member who held many positions within the organization I would like to clarify a couple of things. First COVA had been asking the towns within the center battalion for financial assistance for many years. (Some meetings in which I was present) only to be turned down.

I fail to understand how they can contract for an outside agency for $300,000 instead of helping COVA who had been here for all the residents of the center battalion (and beyond when needed) for all these years.

Secondly, regardless of who the towns are contracted with the residents are not obligated to use the contracted services and can request COVA to come to their aid (which is what I would do for myself or a family member).

I am not willing to take the chance of an ambulance being tied up or an extended response time when we have a more than capable ambulance and personnel right here down the road in town.

Craig Wilston – former COVA member

Albion

Editor:

As we take some much-needed time to celebrate the holidays with our family and friends, it’s also just about time for a new legislative session to begin. I head back to Albany at the beginning of January and the moment the session begins, so does the fight to Rescue New York.

As you may be aware, a super majority of Democrats and progressive socialists exists within the New York State Assembly and Senate, which makes my job as Minority Leader and your representative at times exceptionally difficult and more important than ever.

I will continue to try and make the necessary changes our state, and our community desperately needs. As the New York State Senate Minority Leader, I am proud to represent you and stand up for common sense legislation – fighting for our farmers, protecting your Second Amendment rights, working to keep criminals behind bars, and illegal immigrants out of our backyard.

It is clear, the legislative majority conference want the opposite – they remain obsessed with the rights of criminals instead of your rights.  They refuse to amend the senseless cash bail reforms, and what’s worse, they’d like to take away their criminal history with bills like the Clean Slate Act (Senate Bill S.7551), which would automatically erase the records of convicted felons after a period of time. I will continue to advocate for common sense laws that keep criminals behind bars.

At the same time that Democrats are letting more and more dangerous individuals out of prison, they are also attacking your right to protect yourself, with unconstitutional laws and regulations affecting your second amendment rights. You have likely experienced this if you’ve gone to purchase ammunition recently.

What was once a quick stop at the gun store has turned into long delays and an infringement of your rights. It’s created an unnecessary strain on our already overburdened State Police as they are now tasked with carrying out these invasive checks each time you wish to buy ammo.

Albany Democrats, some of whom have likely never even seen or held a gun, are incorrectly focused on law abiding gun and ammo purchases instead of illegal guns and those who possess them. I will continue to fight and oppose this latest infringement, along with our lawsuits against the majority’s attacks on lawful concealed carry.

New York State has completely failed as a sanctuary state for asylum seekers and illegal immigrants. The open door policies set in place by the majority and leaders in New York City have completely backfired, causing chaos to shelters and budgets not only in one of the largest cities in the world, but across our great state.

Since the beginning of this crisis I, along with many other representatives in the minority conference have called for the end to these sanctuary policies and a stop to bringing in more individuals and families our state does not have room or money for.

But the majority ignores our pleas and doubles down on policies that aren’t good for New Yorkers. Their solution? Raise taxes and slash budgets already in place designed to offer essential services to tax paying residents.

Our state cannot handle our own homeless population. There are veterans who fought for our freedoms who find themselves on the streets, ignored and forgotten – yet the majority is willing to spend billions to fund programs for illegal immigrants.

I am proud to represent a region that stood up to New York City and State leaders and said no to allowing illegal immigrants to stay in Niagara and Orleans counties. Not too far away in Erie County, they allowed the illegal migrants to come by the busload – and quickly regretted it. The National Guard was called in following several violent crimes and now taxpayers will have to help foot the bill for those legal costs.

Residents also have to pick up the tab for the children of illegals to attend our public schools, regardless of their vaccination status. The hypocrisy of Democrats has never been more apparent – It was just a couple of years ago when Albany mandated all students must be vaccinated, regardless of religious or political ideologies – yet they allow illegal migrants to enter our school systems with no medical records, no immunizations, and no concern of putting other children at risk of catching previously eradicated diseases.

We desperately need a voice for change, common sense, and to Rescue New York – and I am proud to represent that for you in Albany. If you need to reach me, have any questions, comments, or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out at 716-434-0680, via email at Ortt@nysenate.gov, or stop by my office located at 175 Walnut Street in Lockport.

State Senator Rob Ortt

North Tonawanda

(Ortt represents the 62^nd district which includes all of Niagara and Orleans counties, and the towns of Sweden and Ogden in Monroe County.)

Editor:

Lynne Johnson, the chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature, and the county legislators have important information.

They know how to reduce taxes, they understand the process to make this happen and know the people in the State of New York who will help. It is called consolidation. Why have they not told voters the benefits of consolidating the 10 town governments into the county government?

To date, 25 NY counties have consolidated town and village governments into their county government. They say it makes government more efficient and reduces taxes. These counties are:  Delaware, Greene, Broome, Jefferson, Madison, Allegany, Onondaga and 18 more.

Perhaps it is time for county residents to ask Johnson and the other legislators why they have kept this important information from voters. I invite Johnson to respond via the Hub.

Jack Capurso, a member of Albion’s Class of 1960

Ashburn, Va.

Editor:

So for the past 2 years COVA had begged for financial support to keep their free ambulance service going. After numerous requests for financial assistance, the county and all of the town governments let them fail.

Now you are under contract for $300,000 for way less service, less ambulances, and very long response times. What were you thinking?

This is the second travesty to Orleans County after selling the county nursing home. What are you people thinking? You should all be ashamed of yourself for not doing what is best for the residents that need emergency and long-time comfort care.

Steven Kast

Churchville (former Albion resident)

Editor:

I have been meaning to write this for some time, but like many, I tend to get busy doing things that are maybe not quite as important.

So, I would like to encourage you to consider donating blood. I started donating more than 40 years ago, probably for the sake of feeling that by doing so, I was helping someone who may be in need. I have continued all this time, as it is simple, not time consuming nor painful, but more importantly, because it helps me feel good about doing something important.

I know that there is a blood shortage, and will probably always be a need for blood, especially with all the disasters that seemingly have increased in numbers in recent years. I have also discovered that the Red Cross estimates that only about 3% of the population actually donates.

So, would you consider donating in the next few months, which if you do not know, you can donate every 56 days? For those of you who have never donated, you can find a donation site close to home (click here). This means that you can likely complete the donation process in an hour or less.  And, to save even more time, on the day of your scheduled donation, you can log onto the Red Cross website and complete “Rapid Pass,” which is a series of pre-donation questions which you must answer before the actual donation.

The following are some of the donation sites in the next few months which are close to home: December 16th at the Hoag Library in Albion; Dec. 18th at the Middleport Fire Department, Jan. 19th at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, Jan. 23rd at the Albion Elks Club, and Sacred Heart in Medina In February.

I realize that many people work during the day. Most sites schedule donations as late as 6 p.m.  This does make for a longer day, but I’m hopeful that the feeling of satisfaction that you are doing something to help someone in need, will make it worthwhile.

And, maybe your employer would give you time off every two months to attend the local donation site. Or, if you work at a site, that employs enough people, might your business be willing to consider serving as a donation site for its employees? I know that the Red Cross staff will be glad to talk to your employer about that.

Tom Robinson

Medina

Editor:

Those responsible for the historic marker memorializing the guys from Holley who gave their lives fighting for us in Vietnam have every right to be proud of having gotten the job done.

Had only one American died there it would have been one too many.

I can tell you unequivocally that George Fischer was as fine a human being as I have ever known. I will not elaborate on his exemplary life. The way it ended, however, saddened this good friend as few other things have.

George’s life was cut short by a war which brought an end to the lives of nearly 60,000 Americans.

Thanks so much to the people who succeeded in getting these people this recognition.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

Why is Orleans County trying to stop the STAMP project sewer project?  The completion of this project will create jobs and opportunities for the surrounding areas.

The people employed will have to live somewhere, support local establishments for their needs, dine out and generally live in this community. The added sales tax alone should make up for any discrepancy.

The question of additional water to Oak Orchard Creek is mind boggling. The state has already delayed closing the Erie Canal to provide more resources to the creek. Why not allow a year-round source?

The question of limiting the Medina area of future growth is questionable. Medina should provide the industry needs to support the STAMP project.

Jim Raymond

Albion

Editor:

I want to reach out to extend my thanks to voters in Shelby for the support and trust shown to me during my campaign.

Although we didn’t cross the finish line as we had hoped, the journey has been nothing sort of remarkable because of your involvement and encouragement.

It’s been inspiring to see so many of you actively engaged and contributing your perspectives. This experience has been more than just an election; it’s been about a community with a common goal.

I want to assure you that my commitment to Shelby doesn’t end here. My dedication to our town and its residents remains strong and I look forward to being a part of ongoing efforts to make Shelby a better place for us all.

The conversations we’ve started are important, and I hope we keep them going. Shelby is defined by its people, and your voices are necessary to shaping the future. Stay alert and speak up for safety.

Bill Wolter

Shelby