news

GCC wants to recognize Heritage Heroes in Orleans County

Posted 14 January 2016 at 12:00 am

GCC started recognizing “Heritage Heroes” in 2014 and the first class included Erin Anheier, Matthew Ballard, Chris Busch, Craig Lacy and Robert E. Waters. Bill Lattin, the county historian, was honored with a “Lifetime Achievement” award. This plaque hangs in GCC’s Albion campus center.

Press Release, GCC

MEDINA Genesee Community College is eager to recognize the efforts of dedicated citizens who work hard to preserve the county’s history. The college is now seeking nominations for the third annual Orleans County Heritage Heroes Awards.

Nominations will be accepted through Feb. 15.

“Residents of Orleans County take great pride in their heritage,” said Jim Simon, associate dean of GCC’s Orleans County Campus Centers in Medina and Albion. “For our third consecutive year, we want to continue to recognize the time and investment of individuals who are tireless advocates for local history.”

Nominees for Heritage Heroes Awards can be any age but posthumous nominations will not be accepted. History professionals and GCC employees are also not eligible for the award, nor are those who serve on the awards selection committees. Nominees must be Orleans County residents.

Four winners were honored last year including Holly Ricci-Canham, Susan Starkweather Miller, Andrew W. Meier and William A. Menz. Because nominations are not retained for future consideration, nominees not selected to receive awards in previous years are encouraged to re-submit a nomination again for this coming year.

“Many residents from all over the county work hard on restoring historic houses and protecting other community assets, including museums and churches,” said Tom Rivers, Orleans Hub editor. “The dedicated people working to preserve these treasures deserve praise for adding to the quality of life and character of our community.”

To nominate someone for the Heritage Heroes Awards, write up a brief statement outlining the person’s contributions, projects and community affiliations. Anyone sending in a nomination should provide their name (anonymous nomination packages will not be accepted), address, phone number and email address. The more in-depth the detail provided in the nomination, the stronger the submission.

Submit the nomination to:
ATTENTION: Heritage Heroes Committee
Genesee Community College / Medina Campus Center
11470 Maple Ridge Rd.
Medina, NY 14103-9675

The Heritage Heroes recognized last year include Holly Ricci-Canham, Susan Starkweather Miller, Andrew Meier and William Menz. This plaque hangs in GCC’s Medina campus center.

Nominations may also be emailed to Jim Simon at jsimon@genesee.edu. Please write Heritage Heroes Nomination in the subject line.

A screening committee made up of community members, history professionals and GCC students will review the nominations and select finalists. From those finalists, a committee including GCC Associate Dean Jim Simon, Associate Professor Derek Maxfield and Orleans Hub Editor Tom Rivers will choose the Heritage Heroes.

“We’re excited to continue these awards,” said Maxfield. “When we held the Civil War Encampment in Medina for three years, it became obvious how Orleans County values its history and embraces its preservation. These efforts often go unnoticed. This is a way to shine a light on those who make many personal sacrifices in order to preserve history for future generations.”

The Heritage Heroes will be recognized during a ceremony at Genesee Community College in Medina in April 2016.

Officers sworn in for Holley Joint Fire District

Staff Reports Posted 14 January 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photo

HOLLEY – The leaders of the Holley Joint Fire District were sworn into office on Wednesday at the Holley Fire Hall on Thomas Street. The Fire District has a new fire chief with Kevin Dann. He succeeds Peter Hendrickson, who served as chief for five years.

The officers include, from left: Kevin Dann, fire chief; Harris Reed, deputy fire chief; Raymond McMillion, assistant fire chief; Eric Brett, captain; Robert Wood, lieutenant; and Susan Dann, EMS lieutenant. Ron Meiers, a lieutenant, isn’t pictured.

Cooperative Extension transforming kitchen at Trolley Building

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 January 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Most of the appliances and floor tiles have been removed from the kitchen at the Trolley Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County is upgrading the kitchen so it can be better used for classes and also to prepare food for events at the Trolley Building. The Extension is working to develop a commercial kitchen that would also be available to rent.

The Extension received a $15,000 grant from a foundation for the upgrades, which includes new plumbing and electric, new flooring, a 3-bay sink and other improvements. The Extension is trying to secure additional funds for two stainless steel table islands with water and electric.

The top photo shows a refurbished stove with 10 burners that was recently acquired. The Extension also added ventilation and fire suppression systems to the kitchen.

Volunteers and staff removed these pieces from the kitchen. The sink will be put in the Senior Council Stand.

The Extension would like to put an addition on the building and turn the site into a larger commercial kitchen/conference center.

Jennifer Wagester, the Extension executive director, is applying for a $250,000 state grant for the addition, which would include a new roof for the Trolley Building, and renovations, including handicapped accessible bathrooms.

Those funds are available through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York in the Nonprofit Infrastructure Capital Investment Program. The grant would cover 100 percent of the project, meaning no local match. The grant application is due Jan. 29.

The $50 million was announced by Gov. Cuomo last year with the one-time funding to help non-profit agencies combat poverty and who work with vulnerable populations in the state.

Medina students create posters promoting peace

Staff Reports Posted 13 January 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photo – Medina posters winners Jaxon Phillips, left, and Logan Meacham are pictured with Medina Lions Club President James Hancock.

Press Release

MEDINA – Every year, Lions Clubs around the world sponsor the Lions International Peace Poster Contest in local schools.

The contest encourages young people to use their artistic abilities and create a poster that represents their vision of peace. Millions of children participate worldwide every year.

This year the Medina Lions Club recognized two Clifford Wise Middle School students for their artwork. Logan Meacham, a sixth grader, took the top honor and sixth grader Jaxon Phillips received an honorable mention.

Physical education teacher Travis Phillips is a Lions Club member and organizes the contest for the club, who had a record number of entries this year.

The school’s art teacher Judy Light says it was great exercise for her students.

“I find the contest to be a good challenge for my students,” Light said. “It is unusual that there is no slogan or logo. The students have to create their image about a message of peace using only symbols and pictures and no words.”

Farm Bureau sees good and bad in governor’s budget

Posted 13 January 2016 at 12:00 am

Press release, NY Farm Bureau President Dean Norton

“Governor Andrew Cuomo is moving forward with some major budget proposals that will impact agriculture across the state in positive and negative ways. New York Farm Bureau has advocated on a host of issues mentioned in the State of the State, and many of the Governor’s requests reflect his interest to improving conditions for family farms across the state.

“New York Farm Bureau is hopeful his efforts to substantially increase the Environmental Protection Fund will assist farmers with expanded water quality, conservation and farmland preservation programs that are widely used.

“In addition, his request to offer a 100% tax credit on Thruway tolls for farm vehicles that use EZ Pass is a sensible approach to helping farms save money while at the same time making it easier to move their products around New York. Improving rural infrastructure also remains a priority for New York Farm Bureau, and we are pleased to see additional funding as well to improve roads and bridges in the upstate and Long Island regions.

“There is also support for agriculture reflected in funding for critical research. Plus, the Governor has maintained his commitment to marketing initiatives that let our neighbors and the world know about the healthy food and products that come from our farms.

“Despite these positive endeavors, New York Farm Bureau remains deeply concerned about the impact of a $15 minimum wage on our farms’ bottom lines. Many of our members tell us they will be forced to make tough choices should it pass, choices like reducing staff, changing what they grow and how they grow it, or just leaving farming altogether.

“We encourage Governor Cuomo to continue working with Farm Bureau to find better ways to promote job growth, better wages, and new opportunities for our family farms and their employees.”

Hospital eliminating 4 full-time positions

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 January 2016 at 12:00 am

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health, the parent organization of Medina Memorial Hospital, is eliminating four full-time positions from nursing, care management and registration.

The job cuts represent about 1 percent of the overall staff of 422 workers. The layoffs are effective Feb. 14, said Wendy Jacobson, CEO and president of Orleans Community Health.

“OCH expects to minimize the actual number of reductions by offering impacted associates the opportunity to apply for other vacant positions within the health system,” she said today.

Medina Memorial, like many other hospitals, saw a decrease in patient volume in 2015, Jacobson said.

“The reductions and reassignments also come at a time when area health providers are facing increasing pressure to find operational efficiencies amid continued state and federal cutbacks in healthcare reimbursement and an overall weak economy,” she said in a statement.

Medina Memorial in April was designated as a “Critical Access Hospital” by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

“Operational efficiencies are imperative for designated Critical Access Hospitals and those efficiencies are closely monitored by State and Federal regulatory bodies,” Jacobson said.

The Critical Access designation should bolster the hospital’s chances for grants. Jacobson said she is awaiting notification on one grant that would be great news for Medina Memorial.

Many accidents today, but nothing too serious

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 January 2016 at 6:42 pm

High winds, slippery roads and freezing temperatures aren’t a good combination for safe traveling.

Those conditions were likely factors in several accidents in Orleans County today. A dispatcher said none of the accidents resulted in serious injuries.

Some of the accidents include: A car into a tree on Ridge Road in Gaines at about 5:15 p.m. between Kent and Transit roads; accident on Main Street in Albion near railroad tracks around 2:30 p.m.; accident on Quaker Hill Road in Barre at about 2 p.m.; and 2-car accident in Medina around noon on South Avenue.

Collins responds to State of the Union and President’s ‘failed policies’

Posted 12 January 2016 at 12:00 am

Press release, Congressman Chris Collins

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today issued the following statement after President Obama’s State of the Union address.

“I had hoped President Obama would use tonight’s address to apologize to the American people for his failed policies, which have weakened America’s standing abroad, failed to stop the expansion of ISIS, dramatically increased our national debt, and caused poverty rates across the nation to skyrocket,” said Congressman Collins. “But instead, what I heard was a refusal to own up to any mistakes, and a call to continue on a path that fails to find the solutions working families deserve.

“Americans are demanding a new direction. On the global stage, we need to stand up to our enemies and lead by example. Instead of befriending countries like Iran, who detained U.S. sailors and whose leaders still chant ‘Death to America’ and Cuba, which is holding onto one of our Hellfire missiles, we need to protect allies like Israel.

“When it comes to here at home, the president’s policies have failed to create an economy that can support the middle class. As a result, thousands of Western New Yorkers are still struggling to make ends meet. To get the millions of middle class workers on the sidelines back to work, we need to encourage an environment friendly to job creation through comprehensive tax reform, energy independence, entitlement reform and a patient-centered health care system.

“Unfortunately, the president has stuck his head in the sand, again. Instead of real solutions to the challenges we face, he chose to give us more of his failed rhetoric. America is the greatest country in the world, but if we are to stay the best, we need a leader who will make tough decisions, instead of trying to embellish his legacy.”

Holley school officials eager to see governor’s aid projections, find more school bus drivers

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

Photo by Kristina Gabalski – Fourth grade teacher Karin Richards, her student Landin Chaffee and Elementary School Assistant Principal Ashley John Grillo are pictured at Monday’s Board of Education meeting after Landin was recognized for his good character.

HOLLEY – Sharon Zacher, Holley Central School’s assistant superintendent for business, says school officials will be watching closely on Wednesday when Gov. Andrew Cuomo makes his State of the State address.

“We are anxiously awaiting it to get a handle on what will go between him and legislators,” she said in her report Monday evening during the regular meeting of the Holley Central School Board of Education.

Zacher additionally told board members she has begun work to determine where the tax cap will be for the district in the upcoming budget year. Due to “carry over,” Zacher said she anticipates the allowable increase in the levy could be up to 2.5 percent. The district will have to determine by March 1 if it will vote to override the tax cap, she said.

Board members and district officials will begin work on the preliminary budget for 2016-17 on Feb. 1.

Zacher mentioned to board members the district might want to consider participating in a survey being compiled by Transportation Advisory Services, a consulting firm, regarding the possible regional sharing of certain school transportation services.

Districts around the region are finding it “tough to get bus drivers,” Zacher noted. The survey might result in programs that would “help all districts having trouble … it’s something everybody is having an issue with,” she said. Substitute driver pools was an example cited by Zacher as a potential shared program.

“It can’t hurt to participate in the study,” District Superintendent Robert D’Angelo said.

The district would have to pay $1,600 to participate in the survey, but Zacher said there is aid available to help with the cost.

In other business, Board of Education members recognized fourth grader Landin Chaffee, 9, with the monthly Soaring to New Heights Award for “his tremendous character.”

Elementary School Assistant Principal Ashley John Grillo presented the award saying Landin heard about a child in the eastern part of New York State who had suffered the loss of her father and three siblings in a fire and was asking that people send her cards for Christmas.

“Landin started a discussion amongst his peers which lead to a class project to assist the child. He showed selfless compassion and true leadership,” Grillo said.

“The effort became contagious,” said Landin’s teacher, Karin Richards. “The entire fourth grade got involved.”

2 longtime directors retire from Medina Savings & Loan

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

Provided photos – Charles Slack, left, and John Slack were recognized for their many years of service to Medina Savings & Loan on Monday.

MEDINA – Charles Slack and his cousin John Slack both were recognized on Monday during the board of directors meeting at Medina Savings & Loan.

The two are retiring from their positions with Charles serving 37 years on the board, including 25 years as chairman. John gave 27 years to the organization.

Charles has worked in the insurance business and is co-owner of Slack Insurance with his son, Martin. John worked at Fisher-Price and is currently an adjunct professor for GCC in business and marketing.

Medina Savings & Loan has been in the community since 1888.

“We’re one of the few community-chartered banks left,” said Don Colquhoun, who was picked as the board’s new chairman on Monday. “The whole industry is getting rid of the little guy.”

Medina S & L serves Orleans County, eastern Niagara and northern Genesee. Colquhoun said the bank is in “very sound financial condition.”

Colquhoun, a retired executive director for The Arc of Orleans County, prefers the smaller banks to the bigger corporate conglomerates.

“In a small community, small is better,” he said. “We take the money the people deposit and invest it locally. It all stays local.”

The board of directors for the bank are pictured, from left, bottom row: Tim Moriarty (president), Katherine Bogan, Charles Slack, John Slack and Don Colquhoun. Top row: Jeanne Whipple, Craig Lacy, Kathleen Boice, James Gardner, Richard Barry and Ed Fancher.