Responds to shutdown by Medina manufacturer in 2014
Press release, State Assemblyman Steve Hawley
MEDINA – State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, lamented the loss of 174 jobs through the announced closure of the Bernz-O-Matic manufacturing plant in Medina.
Worthington Industries, owners of Bernz-O-Matic, indicated that local employees would have the opportunity to transfer to the company’s plant in Wisconsin, which served as little consolidation for proud local residents, Hawley noted. The assemblyman has reached out to Worthington Industries Chairman and CEO John McConnell to discuss the best ways to mitigate the economic damage in Medina.
“The news of Bernz-O-Matic’s closure is heartbreaking for the people employed at the plant, their families and all of us across Orleans County,” Hawley said. “Our immediate priority must be to help those affected find new work here in our community as quickly as humanly possible. I offer my deepest regrets to all of Bernz-O-Matic’s employees and pledge my full support in working through this difficult time.”
Coming on the heels of Chase Bank’s call center closure, Hawley lamented the job-killing policies forced on Western New York by out-of-touch lawmakers at the Capitol.
“How many more local jobs must be lost; how many more local families have to suffer before the Capitol lawmakers see the destruction that New York ’s anti-business climate causes?” Hawley said.
“Runaway taxes, overregulation and regressive policies have run countless job creators out of our community, yet legislative leaders continue to repeat the mistakes of old that have left our hardworking families out in the cold,” he said. “It’s time to open our eyes and change our courses before Western New York ’s families are forced to watch another company take their jobs across state lines.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Ryan Lubba was the “Strawberry” during the June 8 race in Albion.
ALBION – A record field of runners, 274 in all, is allowing Strawberry Festival race organizers to share more money with three local missions.
The 5-kilometer and 8-kilometer races on June 8 drew the biggest field of runners since the race started more than two decades ago. The race features a runner dressed as a strawberry. If runners can beat the strawberry – this year 2007 Albion grad Ryan Lubba wore the outfit – they win a prize.
This year’s race included 100 “day-of” registrations that pushed the number of runners to a record high.
The race is organized by the recently formed “Albion Running Club,” which is headed by local runner and businessman Brian Krieger. (He was the Strawberry two years ago.) The club includes many members of the Albion Free Methodist Church.
The 5k and 8k course started at the Orleans County Courthouse, and wound through the canal neighborhoods, with the last stretch of the race following the Erie Canal towpath and ending at the Courthouse Square.
With the record number of runners, the proceeds from this year’s race outweighed the committee’s expectations. The group shared $2,100 in proceeds with Care Net of Greater Orleans and the Community Kitchen at Christ Episcopal Church, plus funding to help a local group from the Free Methodist churches in Albion and Brockport go on a missions trip to Haiti.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – State Assemblyman Steve Hawley said $90 million that was targeted in cuts to the agency that serves people with disabilities has been restored by the state Legislature. He addressed supporters of The Arc of Orleans County on Monday when quad-amputee John Robinson visited as part of his bike ride across the Erie Canal.
ALBION – For three months State Assemblyman Steve Hawley has been railing against the state’s plan to chop $90 million in funding from programs that support people with disabilities.
The money has been restored due to bipartisan efforts in the state Legislature, Hawley told supporters of The Arc of Orleans on Monday.
Grass-roots advocates from throughout the state pressed the state to restore the funding for the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities.
Hawley and sate legislators said the $90 million in cuts, which was approved in the current state budget, can be made up for through management efficiencies or an influx of cash.
The state’s tax revenue is exceeding projections for the year, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli recently announced. Hawley also said the $90 million came partly at the expense of offering tax incentives to Hollywood movie producers. One of those producers called him to say the industry would film in New York without the incentives.
“Many of the individuals who receive assistance through these programs are among the most vulnerable in our society, and we have a responsibility to provide them with the care and support they need,” Hawley said. “During the budget process, I spoke out against these cuts and supported an amendment which could have restored the funds at that time. I had genuine concerns about the impact it would have on the providers and those receiving care.”
The $90 million funds programs state-wide for disabled residents. The money will allow The Arc of Orleans to “protect existing service levels,” said Kellie Spychalski, agency executive director.
She praised Hawley and state Sen. George Maziarz “for their steadfast work on behalf of the thousands of children and adults with disabilities throughout New York State.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Carolyn Ricker, owner of Bindings Bookstore in Albion, has organized a “Where’s Waldo” event for July that highlights 23 Albion businesses.
ALBION – A fictional character will write a chapter for Albion businesses next month, when shoppers are urged to visit merchants to find Waldo.
The elusive character, with black-rimmed glasses and striped shirts, will be at 23 Albion businesses from July 1-31. If shoppers can find him in 10 spots, they will be eligible for prizes and coupons.
Each participating shopper will receive a passport with addresses of businesses in the game. If shoppers can find Waldo in 20 spots, they will be eligible for the grand prize. Mayor Dean Theodorakos will pull the name from a basket on July 31. The winner receives a six-volume deluxe set of Waldo books.
Carolyn Ricker, owner of Bindings Bookstore, organized the event. The passport with a list of participating businesses is at her store at 28 West Bank St. She said the promotion is a great summer vacation activity, and a way to support local businesses.
Waldo’s American publisher, Candlewick Press, is teaming up with the American Booksellers Association and 265 independent bookstores all across the country, including Bindings Bookstore, for some hide-and-seek fun while promoting local businesses.
For more information, call Bindings Bookstore at 585-283-4498.
Press release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department
CARLTON – A Carlton man injured in an explosion at his home last month died on Monday, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department reported.
Wesley R. Baes, 75, died at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, where he had been hospitalized since the May 17 incident.
Baes was operating an acetylene torch in an attempt to patch a hole in a 200-gallon above ground gasoline tank. The tank had been drained, but there were residual vapors that ignited and caused the explosion at his home, 12905 South Hillcrest Drive.
Baes sustained severe burns and was flown to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester by Mercy Flight helicopter.
The original incident was investigated by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and that investigation now shifts to the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Sinner led organization during time of growth and change
MEDINA – Jim Sinner, CEO of Medina Memorial Hospital and its parent organization Orleans Community Health the past 15 years, resigned on Monday.
The board of directors has hired HealthTech Management Services to manage the hospital and healthcare organization, an agreement that could be as short as six months or as long as three years, with chances to extend the relationship beyond this initial contract.
HealthTech will provide interim management support, help assess the hospital’s current operations and identify options to assure “a strong strategic future for continued healthcare services in the Orleans County region,” according to a statement from the hospital.
Sinner resigned to pursue other career opportunities, said Bruce Krenning, the board chairman.
“The board appreciates Jim Sinner’s 15 years of service to Orleans Community Health and wishes him the best,” Krenning said.
Orleans Hub will post more information, including an interview from the interim CEO, soon.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Leaders of Medina Memorial Hospital see an opportunity to attract more doctors and patients following the closing of Lakeside Memorial Hospital in Brockport.
MEDINA – It doesn’t happen too often on the local health care landscape, a chance for a rural hospital to grow and have money to invest in capital improvements.
But Medina Memorial Hospital and its parent organization, Orleans Community Health, have a narrow window to position the organization for a long-term future in the county, said Bruce Krenning, chairman of the organization’s board of directors.
The organization has about $4 million in a reserve account from the sale of the Orchard Manor Nursing Home. It also has one less competitor for local health care services following the closing of Lakeside Memorial Hospital.
“We have this window of opportunity and we need to seize it and go forward,” Krenning said today, a day after Jim Sinner resigned as CEO and the board hired a health management firm to serve as interim management and also work as a consultant.
HealthTech Management Services will provide management support for the hospital and Orleans Community Health, while performing an assessment of the organization.
The firm is based in Franklin, Tenn. and manages 20 small hospitals, including one other one in New York, the Adirondack Medical Center. HealthTech provides consulting services to 60 other hospitals.
Mike Lieb flew up from Dallas and met with staff and the media today. He will be temporary CEO until Dolores Horvath begins as interim CEO on July 8. She works for HealthTech and is completing another assignment for the company.
A day after CEO Jim Sinner resigned from Medina Memorial Hospital and Orleans Community Health, a new team met with hospital staff on Tuesday. Bruce Krenning, board chairman for OCH, is pictured at left with Diane Bradley, regional clinical coordinator, and Mike Lieb, temporary CEO.
HealthTech will bring a fresh perspective to Medina’s organization, perhaps finding ways to utilize proven strategies from other hospitals, Lieb said. He also expects to learn from Medina’s operation, and take some of its strengths to other healthcare organizations, which are trying to maximize narrow profit margins.
Both Lieb and Krenning want to assure the public that the Medina hospital is on solid financial ground.
“This is not something to panic over,” Lieb said. “We see a lot of potential here.”
That’s why Orleans Community Health hired a firm to assess the hospital’s current operations and identify opportunities for growth and long-term sustainable, Krenning said today.
The hospital recently expanded to Albion with a healthcare facility at Butts Road and Route 31. The timing of that center, with the closing at Lakeside, has Medina poised to reach out to Albion and eastern Orleans. Lieb and hospital leaders will meet with physicians affiliated with Lakeside, urging them to align with Medina and Orleans Community Health.
“We’ll talk with the area physicians as fast as we can,” Lieb said.
The University of Rochester Medical Center announced last week it is buying Lakeside’s Brockport hospital and plans to reopen it in August as “Strong West.” Krenning expects the organization will make a push for patients in Orleans.
He believes Medina Memorial and Orleans Community Health have made several good moves recently, upgrading technology at the hospital, expanding to Albion and selling Orchard Manor.
HealthTech has an experienced team that can help Medina and OCH capitalize on its assets and make any other needed improvements, Krenning said.
HealthTech will provide the CEO for at least the interim, but the remainder of the management team at Medina will stay. The board of directors also retains control of the organization, Krenning and Lieb said.
“We won’t be cramming something down their throats that doesn’t work for the community,” Lieb said.
OCH may eventually pick a long-term CEO affiliated with HealthTech or it could go outside that organization. HealthTech offers a lot of advantages for the Medina Memorial and OCH during this transition, Krenning said.
“The strongest benefit will be having outside eyes,” he said about HealthTech’s role. “They have tremendous experience.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 June 2013 at 12:00 am
John Robinson, a quad-amputee, is riding the Erie Canal
Photos by Tom Rivers – John Robinson of Albion leads caravan of bike riders, including his son Owen, front left, to a reception outside the former Albion Grammar School, which is now used for senior apartments and services for The Arc of Orleans County and senior citizens.
John Robinson addresses about 50 people at a reception organized by The Arc of Orleans County. Robinson was presented proclamations by Orleans County Legislator Bill Eick, a representative for State Sen. George Maziarz and State Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
ALBION – John Robinson pushed a 3-wheeled adaptive hand cycle 27 miles today in the hot sun.
Robinson doesn’t have any arms or legs. But he kept the recombinant hand cycle moving.
He is on a journey for 16 days across the 363-mile Erie Canal, a trip he is doing to raise awareness for people with disabilities and promote adaptive sports for amputees.
“No matter what your age, no matter what your ability, no matter how tired or how discouraged you may feel, we can all do it,” Robinson told about 50 people during a reception in his honor at Albion. “We can get up and get moving and achieve.”
Robinson is joined on the trip by his wife of 19 years Andrea, their 15-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son. Robinson’s son suggested the canal trip for his father, CEO of “Our Ability,” an organization that strives to connect people with disabilities to job and educational opportunities.
John Robinson and his wife Andrea were presented this quilt featuring local historical sites by Nicole Tuohey, second from right, and Erica Francis, who participate in the day rehabilitation program at The Arc.
Robinson believes the canal is a great symbol of determination and bold risk-taking by the state and U.S. officials nearly two centuries ago.
“The canal is an absolute hidden gem in New York State,” said Robinson, who lives in Albany. “It’s a symbol for economic development. But why not use it today for education and employment?”
Robinson trained the past four months for his trek across the canal. He was greeted by many consumers in The Arc of Orleans County today outside the former grammar school. He also was presented gifts from the Arc, including a quilt made by people in the day rehabilitation program. The quilt features historical scenes from the Albion area.
Local political leaders also presented Robinson with proclamations. State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, State Sen. George Maziarz and the Orleans County Legislature praised Robinson for his “extraordinary ability to connect, inspire and achieve.”
The Arc of Orleans was pleased to host Robinson, said Kellie Spychalski, The Arc executive director.
“He is very inspiring to a lot of people, whether they are people we serve or a member of our staff,” Spychalski said.
Robinson traveled with family and friends from Lockport to Albion today. He starts day three of trip tomorrow in Albion, beginning at about 8:30 a.m. at the Main Street lift bridge and heading east to Spencerport.
For more information, check Robinson’s web site by clicking here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
The Western New York Hispanic American Veterans Monument was dedicated June 14 in Buffalo at the Naval and Military Park. It’s the seventh monument in the country that honors the sacrifice and service of Hispanic Americans in the military.
The monument is in front of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval Park which features the destroyer USS The Sullivans, the guided missile cruiser the USS Little Rock and the submarine USS Croaker.
BUFFALO – Sunday afternoon I visited the Naval Park for the first time. It was part of an excursion for Scouts from Pack 164 in Albion. My son is in this group and we ventured off to tour a destroyer, a guided missile cruiser and a submarine.
The Naval Park is a spectacular experience, exploring the close confines of these massive ships. Congratulations to the people of Buffalo and Erie County who welcomed these ships, preserved them and turned them into mega-attractions.
Buffalo’s historic canal is a block from the Naval Park and the city is working to develop heritage attractions by the “Commercial Slip.” They have guided historical tours – on boats. It was an inspiring spectacle on a hot Sunday afternoon.
There is also a growing row of memorials at the Naval Park. The newest one was dedicated on June 14. The Western New York Hispanic American Veterans Monument features two life-sized bronze figures of both a male and a female soldier paying tribute to a fallen hero.
It’s only the seventh monument dedicated in the country to Hispanic American members of the military. There also is an impressive monument to Polish Americans who served in the military as well as several other memorials. The park wants to have a monument in honor of the veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
I was impressed by the Hispanic American monument. The statues are set on an octagon-shaped granite stone with an engraved phrase, “In gratitude to all Hispanic-American Veterans for their service.”
On the other side are the five engraved emblems of all the Armed Forces: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.
I like monuments with bronze statues. I think the likeness of a person draws people in and makes a personal connection. I saw lots of people stopping at the site.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 June 2013 at 12:00 am
John Robinson will stop in Albion today for ‘Our Ability’ journey
John Robinson
ALBION – John Robinson is traveling the 363-mile-long Erie Canal. He started yesterday and the journey is expected to take 16 days.
Robinson will make his trip without arms or legs. He is traveling with a film crew in an effort to raise awareness for people with disabilities. He also wants to promote adaptive sports for amputees.
Robinson will visit the former Albion grammar school today from 1 to 2 p.m. The public is welcome to hear his inspirational message. The former school on East Academy Street is now used for senior apartments as well as the Nutri-Faire site run by The Arc of Orleans County.
Robinson is CEO of “Our Ability,” an organization that links people with disabilities to jobs and educational opportunities.
For more information about Robinson’s journey, click here.
