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Medina hospital will use state funds for capital projects, debt relief

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – Medina Memorial Hospital, pictured today on Ohio Street, will be the focus of capital projects, including a lobby and emergency department renovations.

MEDINA – The $6.2 million announced for Medina Memorial Hospital and its parent organization, Orleans Community Health, will reduce the hospital’s debt and allow capital projects to move forward.

Gov. Cuomo on Friday announced $6,275,528 was approved for Orleans Community Health. The funding is part of $1.5 billion for 162 health-related projects state-wide.

Orleans Community Health plans to use $2,691,329.40 for debt relief and $3,584,198.60 for capital projects, said Wendy Jacobson, president and CEO of Orleans Community Health.

The debt relief funds will go towards paying off loans, including mortgages for the hospital and a health care center that opened in 2012 on Butts Road in Albion. The state funds will also go towards repaying loans from the hospital’s foundation, and a loan from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.

For the capital projects, Orleans County Health is planning to renovate the hospital’s lobby and emergency department. It is also working on a new project to increase outpatient services, and a co-located primary care and behavioral health site that follows guidelines through the state’s Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) Program. DSRIP is the main mechanism that the state uses to implement the Medicaid Redesign Team Waiver Amendment.

Jacobson said Orleans Community Health has 180 days to submit the Certificate of Need to the state Department of Health for the capital projects.

Some of the state funds will be used to pay off debt for building the health care site at the corner of Butts Road and Route 31 in Albion. The site opened in November 2012.

Albion school district has been overcoming high poverty rates

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 March 2016 at 12:00 am

District has high graduation, Advanced Regents rates

ALBION – In the Albion school district, 63 percent of the 1,874 students are eligible for free or reduce lunch. That puts Albion among the 100 poorest school districts in the state.

Poorer school districts tend to have lower graduation rates, and lower percentages of students earning Advanced Regents diplomas.

Albion, despite its high poverty rate, is attaining academic success close to the levels of the 100 wealthiest school districts, Albion school leaders said on Monday during the monthly Board of Education meeting.

“This speaks to our students, our parents and our staff and the hard work they do everyday,” said Michael Bonnewell, school district superintendent. “It’s an incredible number that we as a community should be very proud of.”

The 100 poorest school districts have a graduation rate of 66 percent. That’s the percentage of students who graduate with their freshman cohort four years later. In the 100 wealthiest districts, the graduation rate is 92 percent. Albion, at 90 percent, nearly matches the wealthiest schools’ grad rate.

In terms of Advanced Regents, 18 percent of the graduates in the poorest schools earn the advanced diplomas, while 49 percent of the graduates in the wealthiest districts are at the level. In Albion, 44 percent of grads earn the advanced levels.

Albion does it despite being underfunded by the state of New York by about $3.5 million a year, said Shawn Liddle, the district’s assistant superintendent of business.

He used a formula from the Alliance for Quality Education to show how the state has been short-changing Albion and many other poorer school districts with Foundation Aid.

Liddle said the district has a culture that pushes student achievement.

“We’re fortunate to have the staff, the community and the students that we have who rise above it,” Liddle said about the poverty in the community.

Albion last year was recognized as one of 17 school districts in the country where students reach their potential despite issues with poverty and other challenges.

The National Education Policy Center at the University of Colorado recognized Albion with a “School of Opportunity” designation. These outstanding schools demonstrate a range of practices that ensure that all students have rich opportunities to succeed, the center said in a news release last May.

For more on the “School of Opportunity,” click here.

Flags are at half-mast for former First Lady Nancy Reagan

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – The American flag by the VFW Lincoln Post in Medina is at half-staff this afternoon in honor of Nancy Reagan, the former First Lady who died on Sunday at age 94.

President Obama directed the flags at half-mast or half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo also has directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Reagan.

“Born in Queens, Nancy Reagan was committed to improving the lives of others, and her legacy will no doubt be felt for decades to come,” Cuomo said. “As we mourn the former First Lady’s passing, I am directing that flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff to honor her life and her many contributions to our nation.”

Albion student creates logo for Coast Guard

Posted 7 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photo – Dakota Purvee of Albion holds the banner with the logo he created in his graphic design class at BOCES.

Press Release, Orleans-Niagara BOCES

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was looking for some artwork to represent their 9th District Eastern Region.

The group asked Orleans Career and Technical Education Graphic Arts teacher Crystal Hall-Cirillo if she had anyone in class who would be willing to take on the project.

“I thought one of my seniors, Dakota Purvee, would be a great person to tackle it,” she said.

Dakota, who is from the Albion Central School, was excited to see what he could come up with.

“They wanted a logo to put on their banner that would represent Buffalo, Cleveland, Massena and Niagara Falls,” Dakota said.

He submitted designs to the 50-person board and waited for feedback.

“They chose one and asked me to add more color and make some other changes,” he said. “When it was done they said they loved it.”

When Dakota saw his finished product on the Coast Guard banner he said, “It’s awesome. It was a good experience for me because I saw what it was like to work with a real client and have to keep making changes to please them. I really enjoyed the process.”

Rochester man sentenced to 5 years in prison for drug sales in Orleans

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 March 2016 at 12:00 am

ALBION – A Rochester man who admitted he sold cocaine from his car in Holley in March 2015 was sentenced today to 5 years in state prison.

Roy L. Carter, 40, has at least one prior felony for a drug charge in Monroe County in June 2008.

Carter on Nov. 2 pleaded guilty to criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree. As part of a plea deal, he would face no more than 5 years in state prison.

Carter declined to speak during sentencing this afternoon. His attorney, Brian Degnan, said Carter wants to make changes to his life while in prison, earning his GED and taking vocational training.

Orleans County Court Judges James Punch gave Carter the maximum sentence as part of the plea.

“You need to turn your life around,” Punch said. “You’ve been selling drugs for a long time. You are clearly a drug seller. You’ve caused a lot of misery and young people to go off the tracks.”

In other cases today:

Judge Punch set bail at $150,000 for a Medina man facing numerous drug charges. Reginald A. Kendrick, 40, of 703 Church St., Apt. 2, was charged last month with eight counts of criminal sale and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, and four counts of conspiracy in the fourth degree.

He was allegedly selling crack cocaine in the Village of Medina. District Attorney Joe Cardone said Kendrick has a history of crimes, including in other states. He also has given false names, Cardone said.

“He has a remarkable record,” Punch said about Kendrick’s criminal history.

A mother and son were arraigned for three counts of promoting prison contraband.

Scott Briggs, 31, of Broome County is an inmate at the Orleans Correctional Facility serving a 6- to 7-year sentence for burglary and possession of stolen property.

Lori Briggs, 54, of Endicott allegedly mailed her son a painkiller on three occasions and also had it during a prison visitation. She faces an additional charge of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree.

Judge Punch set bail for her at $20,000 and bail for her son at $150,000.

$150,000 from NY will upgrade health center at Brockport State College

Posted 7 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photo – Pictured from left: SUNY Brockport student Kelly Valente of Mottville, NY; SUNY Brockport student Mariel Rivera of Webster, NY; State Sen. Rob Ortt; SUNY Brockport President Dr. Heidi Macpherson; and SUNY Brockport Chief Communications Officer David Mihalyov.

Press Release, State Sen. Rob Ortt

BROCKPORT – Senator Rob Ortt (R – North Tonawanda) today met Brockport State College’s president and students to announce $150,000 in state funds to renovate the Hazen Health Center.

The money, included in the 2015-16 state budget, will be used to modernize and upgrade approximately 3,000 square feet of the 12,000 square-foot student health center in Hazen Hall.

The college’s holistic Hazen Health Center is available to all enrolled students for both their physical and mental health needs. The funds secured by Senator Ortt will ensure an improved delivery of physical and mental health care to students.

“As chairman of the Mental Health Committee, it’s imperative for me to do what I can to help with the psychological well-being of individuals, improve mental health care services, and aid and educate in the prevention of mental illness,” said Senator Ortt. “College can be a stressful time in a person’s life and can take a mental and physical toll on our students. Outreach programs and services offered at places like the Hazen Health Center can deliver much-needed support at a critical time.”

The College at Brockport President Dr. Heidi Macpherson said, “The Hazen Center has been a leader in the field of Health, Counseling and Prevention/Outreach Services among New York colleges. In 2013-14, there were 3,401 individuals who received assistance with health services, and more than 900 individuals who received counseling services. I applaud Senator Ortt and the New York State Legislature for recognizing and investing in the health and wellness needs of our campus community.”

Renovation work includes updating patient rooms, improving waiting areas to make them more discrete, and transforming an underutilized back room into three new offices. The building will also have new floors, ceilings, lights and wall finishes to modernize the Hazen Health Center. Construction is expected to start this summer.

The $150,000 in capital funds for the project may be used for the payment of capital costs of construction, demolition, replacement, renovation, planning and design.

Sen. Ortt commends governor for appointing Yates resident to turbine siting board

Posted 6 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Press Release, State Sen. Robert Ortt

YATES – State Sen. Rob Ortt (R – North Tonawanda) thanked Gov. Andrew Cuomo for responding to a pressing request to appoint a representative from Orleans County to the Lighthouse Wind LLC Siting Board.

The Governor’s Appointments Office has announced the appointment of Russell Martino, a Town of Yates resident and former Yates town supervisor.

The seven-member Siting Board will review the final application by Apex Clean Energy in its project proposal to construct up to 70 wind turbines in the towns of Yates and Somerset. The turbines would be as tall as 600 feet.

“I commend Governor Como for fulfilling the role that Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie failed to follow through on,” said Sen. Ortt. “Russ was a wise decision for this appointment. When Russ was the town supervisor, he was instrumental in drawing up the wind ordinance laws in 2008. He is well-versed in this issue. I have no doubt he will honorably voice the serious concerns raised by property owners, businesses, farmers and local representatives.”

Russ Martino said, “I’ve lived in the Town of Yates for 50 years now and am very invested and involved in my community. I’ve seen what this issue is doing to our community; residents don’t feel they’re being heard. I hope to be the voice of my community members who don’t want this project to move forward in our town.”

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R – Batavia) said, “I would like to congratulate Russell Martino on his appointment as an ad hoc member of the board of the Yates Wind Project. I am pleased to see that Orleans County will be fairly represented in this process and that the board is allowing ordinary citizens to voice concerns about local projects. As I’ve said before, this is a local project that would greatly impact the Yates community and I fully support the decision to oppose the APEX Clean Energy Lighthouse, LLC. Local citizens know what is best for their community and this appointment is a great example of transparent and inclusive government.”

State Senate Majority leader John Flanagan and State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie were required to appoint a siting board member from nominations approved by host municipalities of where the project is being proposed. Senator Flanagan chose his representative from the Town of Somerset in Niagara County.

Assemblyman Heastie, however, failed to meet his obligation, and the responsibility to select a board member fell on the governor.

Sen. Ortt wrote a letter to Governor Cuomo, immediately following Assemblyman Heastie’s shortcomings. In the letter sent in January, Senator Ortt advocated for greater local involvement by moving siting decisions away from politicians and bureaucrats in Albany and giving back to local officials.

Apex Clean Energy has not formally submitted an application for the project.

Author shares storytelling advice

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photo

ALBION – Peggy Thomas, a children’s book author from Middleport, reads “Snow Dance” during a recent visit to Albion to meet with parents of children ages 0 to pre-kindergarten. Thomas shared tips about telling engaging stories to children.

Her visit was part of a four-part session organized by the Albion Rotary Club, the Albion school district and Head Start through Community Action.

The next session will be Thursday at 5:45 p.m. and will focus on prekindergarten and kindergarten readiness with the parents’ role. That workshop will include classroom visits.

Parents should enter at about 5:45 p.m. through the community entrance in the back of the elementary school. Child care is available for the sessions.

The program concludes on March 31 with a family fun night that includes children’s author Josie Waverly, professional storyteller Gretchen Murray Sepik, and other games, stories, prizes, refreshments and a book fair.

For more information, contact Community Action at 589-5683.

Early school superintendent advanced education system in Albion

By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 5 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Volume 2, Issue 10

In the earliest years of settlement in Orleans County, the establishment of religious and educational institutions was of the upmost importance. Pioneers cleared their land of trees, constructed cabins, planted crops, and once all other necessities were met, established rural schools to educate their children.

In Albion, Caroline Phipps Achilles became a driving force behind the creation of female-only institutions for education when she constructed her seminary in 1840. It was soon after that other academies developed throughout the region including the Albion Academy and Yates Academy, which would produce highly successful and industrious graduates.

These tuition-driven institutes provided a valuable service to the community, although limited to those families who could afford it. The concept of using taxation to support the common school system allowed for the creation of the union school, providing education beyond the rural one-room schoolhouse.

Freeman Abram Greene was a product of the early academy system. Born on Sept. 23, 1844, Greene was educated in the rural school districts of Yates before attending the famed Yates Academy. It was upon the completion of his studies there that he entered the University of Rochester, graduating in 1869.

His absence from Orleans County was short-lived and he returned to Yates to teach in the same school that provided him with his outstanding education. From there he taught several years in Wilson but was called to Albion soon after. Having established quite the reputation as an educator, Greene was asked to serve as the first principal of the Albion Union Free School.

Greene remained in that capacity for approximately seven years when the school board provided him with the opportunity to serve as school superintendent. Starting in 1887 he was paid $800 annually to act in that capacity. During his tenure, the reputation of the school grew and enrollment increased.

With the loss of Albion’s earliest library in a fire around 1881, Greene worked diligently to establish a replacement. He studied the methodology and standards associated with libraries at the time and pushed for its continued growth. Later, he would approach Lillian Achilles to oversee the collection until she left that position upon the establishment of the Swan Library in 1900.

Freeman Greene’s commitment to education extended far beyond the Albion Union Free School. Working with other prominent men from Albion including Isaac Signor, Greene assisted in the creation of a university extension center, which offered advanced classes to students in his school. Signor would enlist Greene to write the history of schools in Orleans County for publication in Landmarks of Orleans County.

His second wife, Susan Price Greene, was believed to be a descendant of Quakers and was acquainted with Susan B. Anthony. During her visit to Albion in January of 1894, Anthony wrote that she immediately traveled to the home of Prof. Greene, superintendent of the school at Albion. The couple led Anthony to the courthouse where she delivered an address to a sizeable audience.

Freeman continued as the superintendent of the Union Free School until 1899 when he resigned the position due to poor health. He died at Albion on August 25, 1900.

Student musicians perform at All-County festival

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 5 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Kristina Gabalski

HOLLEY – Young musicians and choral singers from across Orleans County gathered at Holley Central School today for the All-County Music Festival featuring Elementary Band, Junior High Chorus and Senior High Band.

The top photo shows members of the All-County Elementary Band, which performed selections including “Joy” by Frank Ticheli and “Mystic Ricer Fantasy” by James Swearingen during the concert.

The band was conducted by Rachael Medler, a teacher at Odyssey Academy in the Greece Central School District.

Students from all Orleans County school districts – Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina – took part. Following rehearsals, which began Friday afternoon, the groups gathered for a concert at 2 p.m. today.

Rachael Medler leads the All-County Elementary Band during at the Holley Central School Jr./Sr. High Auditorium.

Members of the All-County Junior High Chorus perform “Festival Sanctus” by John Leavitt during their portion of the concert at Holley Central School.

The Junior High All County Chorus performs under the direction of Katherine Klock, a middle school music educator in the Webster Central School District.

The All County Senior High Band performs under the direction of John Blickwedehl, the director of bands at West Seneca West Senior High School.

The All-County Senior High Band wrapped up the afternoon’s performance, playing the classic John Philip Sousa March, “El Capitan.”