Orleans County

Public information meetings today for new recycling program in Orleans County

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 May 2019 at 8:44 am

There are two public information meetings today about the county’s switch to a new residential recycling program.

Beginning in June, county residents will start to receive a 95-gallon wheeled cart for recycling which will replace the smaller 18-gallon bin residents currently use.

The recycling will be picked up every two weeks, instead of weekly, by Modern Disposal Services, Inc.

“The move to a cart-based recycling program is designed to increase participation, add convenience to participants, better containment of material between collection and improve the efficiencies of collection,” the county states on its website.

The public information meetings about the new program have been scheduled for the following locations:

• Today from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Town of Murray building, 3840 Fancher Rd, Holley

• Today from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Town of Shelby building, 4062 Salt Works Rd., Medina

• Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 Route 31, Knowlesville

The change to every other week recycling will start July 1. The change with recycling does not impact trash collection which will remain weekly.

“Your day of collection will not change and for example, if your day is Monday it will remain Monday,” the county states on the website. “The difference will be that a portion of Mondays recycling customers will be collected on an ‘A’ week and the balance of the Monday customer will be collected the following week or on the ‘B’ week. This alternating cycle continues week after week, month after month.”

Return to top

Chamber of Commerce has new leaders

Photo by Ginny Kropf: From left, outgoing Orleans County Chamber director Rebecca Charland, outgoing president Kathy Blackburn and new director Darlene Hartway pose in the Chamber’s booth at the Home, Garden and Outdoor Show last weekend.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 May 2019 at 11:45 am

KNOWLESVILLE – Having just wrapped up the 2019 Home, Garden and Outdoor Show, the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce is ready to embark on another successful year with a new slate of leadership.

In April, Rebecca Charland announced she would be stepping down as director, effective April 30.

“I have been working two jobs for the last three years and my husband recently retired, so I am cutting down to only one part-time position to spend more time with him and my family,” Charland said. “I have enjoyed working with the Chamber and am very happy with the accomplishments I have brought to the organization.”

Darlene Hartway of Medina was approved as the new director at the Chamber’s May 1 board meeting.

“Darlene will be great and she will work for the entire county,” Charland said.

Other leaders approved at the 20th annual board meeting were Paula Knaak of Albion as president, replacing Kathy Blackburn, who has held the position for several years; Liz Midkiff, vice president; Adam Johnson, treasurer; and Bryan DeGraw, secretary.

Blackburn praised Charland’s accomplishments during her three years as director.

“Becky will be missed,” Blackburn said. “She has done an exceptional job and it’s been wonderful working with her. She has made our virtual office work, saving the Chamber the cost of rent, electric and other miscellaneous costs of running an office. This allows us to do more for our business community and members. Becky has helped immensely in obtaining new members and running our programs.”

The Chamber is also looking forward to their leadership under Knaak. Blackburn, who has served the chamber for decades as a board member, director and president, is looking forward to scaling back.

Blackburn said Hartway will bring a different aspect to the Chamber as its new director.

“She has a diverse background in businesses and world travel,” Blackburn said. “She has the personality and many new ideas to bring to the Chamber. I believe she will be an exceptional director and will work well with the communities and businesses and you will see our Chamber continue to grow and be our voice in this ever-changing world of business.”

Hartway said she is excited to get out in the community and talk to businesses.

“I want to make sure they know the Chamber is here to support them and let them know what the Chamber can do for them,” Hartway said.

At the annual Chamber meeting, they also recapped a very productive year.

The Robin Hill Wine Walk in Lyndonville was a success, Blackburn said. Attendance at the annual dinner was fantastic, and the Legislative Luncheon was one of the most successful, with the largest panel they have ever had. She thanked Medina attorney Nathan Pace for being moderator.

Blackburn said the Chamber is always looking for new board members, new Chamber members and participation on various committees.

Return to top

Teen input sought for interest in after-school activities in Orleans

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 May 2019 at 11:34 am

The Orleans County YMCA is seeking participation from teen-agers in Orleans County in a survey about afterschool programs in the county.

The survey is through the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, which has grants available for 8 counties in Western New York, including Orleans.

“If our voice is not heard as a county, I would be inclined to think we wouldn’t be considered for these funding opportunities, like a Teen Center,” said Greg Reed, Y director for Orleans County.

This is a three-stage survey and the Y has exceeded the benchmarks for the first two stages. This is the last stage of the survey. The deadline for participation is on Friday.

“Our goal in Orleans is to have at least 160 youth and 60 adults participate in this final activity,” Reed said.

The survey takes about 5 minutes to complete. Adults are also welcome to do the survey, which asks people to rate ideas or programs for youths in their county on a scale from 1-5. The survey can be completed on a Smartphone, computer or tablet.

The Wilson Foundation will be using the county level priorities that people indicate to help guide their future investments to support youth and families in the targeted regions.

Click here for more information.

Return to top

Bourke endorsed for sheriff by local and state-wide deputies’ associations

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 May 2019 at 3:36 pm

ALBION – The membership Chris Bourke has been endorsed for sheriff by two unions representing deputies, both at the local and state-wide levels.

Chris Bourke

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Orleans County Deputy Sheriff’s Association and the New York State Deputy Sheriff’s Association, which represent deputies from across New York State, for their support,” Bourke said today. “Words cannot not express the admiration and respect I have for the Orleans County Deputy Sheriffs that put their life on the line day after day to serve the people of Orleans County. Together with Michael Mele as Undersheriff, I look forward to leading the Sheriff’s Office into the future and serving the people of Orleans County.”

Bourke, a Carlton resident, has been the undersheriff for the past three-plus years. He has worked with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office for 35 years, starting his career as a correction officer and then was a deputy sheriff before working 18 years as a lieutenant. He was supervisor of the Marine Patrol, and also was a K9 officer for 20 years.

Bourke is challenged for sheriff in this year’s election by Brett Sobieraski, a Kent resident and sergeant with the Rochester Police Department. He supervises the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team and is a team leader on the SWAT Team. He also is an instructor at the Monroe County Law Enforcement Academy.

The Orleans County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association voted to officially endorse Bourke for sheriff, according to a March 18 letter from Alex Breuilly, president of the union for the local deputy sheriffs.

Thomas M. Ross, executive director of New York State Deputies Association, sent a letter to Bourke on April 10, informing him of the endorsement, citing Bourke’s experience, working his way up from his first position as a corrections officer to undersheriff, which Ross said makes Bourke “clearly the best candidate to serve the citizens of Orleans County and the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office.”

Ross said he has experience working with Bourke when Bourke was a deputy and in administration for the Sheriff’s Office. Ross said Burke looks for the “right answer” and strives to be fair.

“Being fair does not mean that parties will always agree,” Ross said in his letter. “But even in disagreement, there is respect in recognizing that decisions are made based on facts, not on loyalties or friendships. I trust you will continue to have success as a leader taking on the top spot in the office you have been a part of for over 30 years.”

Return to top

Ballot set for candidates for Board of Education at 5 districts

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 April 2019 at 4:01 pm

Kendall is moving polling place from school to the Town Hall

The slate is set for the May 21 elections for the local boards of education.

Here is who is running for the volunteer board seats at the local districts in Orleans County.

• ALBION – There are four candidates running for two five-year seats on the board. David Sidari is seeking re-election. He has served on the board for 20 years. Another incumbent, Wendy Kirby, isn’t seeking re-election. The other candidates include Joyce Riley, Gregg Boose Sr., and Linda Weller. Riley and Weller have previously served on the Board of Education.

• HOLLEY – There are two open three-year seats but only one candidate, incumbent John Heise. The other position will likely be determined by write-in votes.

• KENDALL – Chaley Swift is the incumbent and running for the five-year seat with no opposition. Kendall is moving the location of the polling place from the elementary school gym to the Kendall Town Hall. Voting will be from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• LYNDONVILLE – Three people – incumbent Harold Suhr, Vern Fonda and Kristin Nicholson– are running for three open seats. Terry Stinson and Rick Mufford, current board members, aren’t seeking re-election to three-year terms.

• MEDINA – In Medina, four people are running for three open seats, including incumbents Wendi Pencille and Lori Draper. Kellie Schrader-Hurrell and Mary Eileen Hare are also running. Brenda Lindsay isn’t seeking re-election.

The candidates with the two highest number of votes will receive a three-year term and the candidate with the third most votes will receive a two-year term.

Return to top

Ribbon-cutting planned June 11 for addition to County Administration Building

Photo by Tom Rivers: The 23,000-square-foot addition to the Orleans County Administration Building is shown on April 9. The building has been under construction for about a year.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 April 2019 at 11:27 am

ALBION – Orleans County officials are planning on a June 11 ribbon-cutting celebration for a 23,000-square-foot addition to the County Administration Building.

Contractors have been working for a year on the $10 million project. The addition will be used by 50 county employees from the Health Department, Board of Elections, information technology department and the Legislative office and staff. The building is connected to the current Administration Building with the addition on the south side.

The new space will include a meeting room for the Legislature with about 60 seats. The current Legislative chambers has about 30 seats and is one of the smallest municipal meeting rooms in the county.

The county is receiving a state grant for $3,682,748 towards the project as part of a healthcare initiative. That state grant includes funds to create space at the neighboring Mental Health Building for a primary doctor from Oak Orchard Health. State Sen. Robert Ortt also secured a $200,000 state grant towards the addition.

The County Legislature last week voted to seek proposals from firms to relocate office supplies, files and IT equipment from the current county buildings to the new site for the departments affected by the move. Those materials and equipment are expected to be moved to the new addition on the weekend following the June 11 ribbon cutting.

Return to top

About 1,000 people attended Home and Garden Show over the weekend

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 29 April 2019 at 3:37 pm

Photos by Ginny Kropf: United Way director Dean Bellack talks with Orleans County Chamber of Commerce director Rebecca Charland at the start of the Orleans County Home Show. This was United Way’s first year having a booth at the Home Show and was part of the agency’s efforts to be more visible in the community.

KNOWLESVILLE – Although the weather did nothing to cooperate, the Orleans County Home, Garden and Outdoor Show still boasts a success from the weekend event at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

An estimated 1,000 people came through the doors, said Orleans County Chamber of Commerce president Kathy Blackburn.

The annual home show provides vendors and businesses with the opportunity to showcase their products and services, while providing the public with valuable information.

Linda Kludt, a member of Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s board, sells a ticket on a pair of gliders to Kat Tsoukatos of Clarendon during the Orleans County Home, Garden and Outdoor Show.

Vendor space was sold out and spilled over from the Lartz Exhibit Building to the Trolley Building. Vendors represented a wide variety of interests, including tourism, gardening, banking, home improvement, building trades, jewelry, pools and spas, heating and more. The 810 Meadworks on Saturday and Leonard Oakes Estate Winery on Sunday were popular with their wine tastings.

The Sourced Market and Eatery added a nice touch with their first participation in the Home Show, serving breakfast and lunch in the Trolley Building.

Kelly Moore of Brockport brought children Payton Preston, 10, and Callen Preston, 4, to the Orleans County Chamber’s Home, Garden and Outdoor Show on Sunday to take part in the Scavenger Hunt. Payton and Callen have their eye patches and pirate’s flags, as they set out to find hidden treasure throughout the home show booths.

Visitors received a ticket with their paid admission which made them eligible to win a prize at any booth if their ticket matched one posted by each vendor.

Saturday the Albion Elks Lodge served a chicken barbecue. Sunday’s highlight was a Pirate Treasure Hunt for children, who donned their eye patch and searched for clues at vendor’s booths.

From left, Kathy Blackburn, president of the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce; Rebecca Charland, director; and Paula Knapp, board member, watch as vendor Denise Best pulls the winning ticket for a pair of Comfort Back Glider chairs, which the Chamber raffled off. The lucky winner was Elizabeth Jubenville of Kent.

A tradition for many years has been to close the Home Show by drawing the winning ticket for a major prize. In past years the Chamber has awarded lawn mowers, scooters and an outdoor shed. This year’s prize was a set of comfort back gliders valued at $1,125. Denise Best, who had the Scentsy booth, pulled the winning ticket, which belonged to Elizabeth Jubenville of Kent.

“I never win anything,” Jubenville said when she received the news.

“What a way to end a successful show,” Blackburn said.

Charlene Pratt of Medina, left, talks with volunteer Pam Schuner in the OCALS booth at the Orleans County Chamber’s Home, Garden and Outdoor Show. Looking on at right is Pam’s husband Jeffrey.

Gail Miller, manager of the Canal Village Farmers’ Market in Medina, and Shauna Gardner greeted people at the Farmers’ Market booth at the Orleans County Home, Garden and Outdoor Show. Miller holds the schedule for summer hours of the market, which begin in June.

Return to top

Chamber’s Home and Garden Show returns this weekend

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 April 2019 at 9:51 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Members of the Preston family in Albion work on a landscaping display in the Lartz Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. The Prestons are one of 44 vendors at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Home and Garden and Outdoor Show.

The show runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Saturday there is a chicken barbecue and Sunday there is a pirate theme and activities to appeal to children, said Becky Charland the Chamber director.

There is a $3 charge for the show, although a coupon can be printed off the Chamber website for free admission. (Click here for more information.)

Boe Preston, 8, has a wheelbarrow with some mulch to help with the display for Preston’s Lawn Care & Landscaping.

Return to top

County Legislature issues several proclamations

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 April 2019 at 9:12 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature issued several proclamations on Wednesday including celebrating “Older Americans Month” in May. Melissa Blanar, director of the Office for the Aging in the county, accepts the proclamation from legislators Bill Eick, left, and Fred Miller.

May is also “Motorcycle Awareness and Safety Month.” Legislator Don Allport presents a proclamation to Chuck Persons, a leader with the Orleans County Chapter of ABATE of New York. There will be a motorcycle safety and awareness rally at 1 p.m. on May 5 at the courthouse steps. Motorcyclists will then go on a ride throughout the county.

Legislators also issued a proclamation for “Western New York Armed Forces Days” from May 5 to May 18. Earl Schmidt, center, is director of the Veterans Service Agency in the county. He accepts the proclamation from Legislator Fred Miller. David Kusmierczak, a veteran from Medina, is at left. Many veterans in Orleans County are spending May 18 at the Buffalo Naval Harbor as part of the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer Program.

Legislators also celebrated “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Appreciation.” Don Allport, left, is picture with Allen Turner, 911 communications coordinator; Undersheriff Chris Bourke; and Mike Mele, chief deputy.

The county has 9 full-time and 4 part-time dispatchers, with two on duty 24-7. Last year they handled 35,343 calls.

Return to top

County Legislature honors retiring DSS employee with 42 years of service

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 April 2019 at 8:14 am

Holley-Kendall wrestling coach also honored for record-setting career

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature presents a special recognition award to Penelope Mosier on Wednesday in appreciation for her 42 years of service to the county in the accounting department for the Department of Social Services.

Mosier, who retired on March 30, is congratulated by county legislators Bill Eick, left, and Fred Miller.

She started her career with the county on March 25, 1977 when she was appointed as a temporary account clerk typist under then DSS Commissioner Jerim Klapper. Mosier worked with three other DSS commissioners in her career, including Patricia Hardenbrook, Carri Blake Ludwig and Tom Kuryla, the current commissioner.

The Legislature presented the recognition to Mosier to “honor her dedicated and outstanding service to the County of Orleans for her long serving commitment to the County and to our Department of Social Services.”

Mosier of Clarendon said she enjoyed working for the department, doing payroll and accounting for child and family services.

“I love the people,” she said about her co-workers. “It’s like a big family.”

County Legislator Don Allport presents a “Special Recognition” award to John Grillo, who is retiring as the wrestling coach for the combined Holley-Kendall team. Grillo, in a 44-year career that started in Pavilion, set a state record with 795 team wins.

“High quality scholastic sports programs are important tools to teach young people teamwork, leadership, confidence, character and grit,” according to the citation from the Legislature. “Coach Grillo spent his entire career committed to driving young athletes to success, winning 13 Section V Team Championships and being named Section V Coach of the Year a jaw-dropping six times.”

The Legislature said it wanted to recognize Grillo for “his extraordinary and unprecedented achievements.”

“Coach Grillo has served as a mentor and role model, giving so much of himself as an educator and a father figure for the benefit of so many young people by teaching work ethic, preparation, character and mental toughness,” the Legislature said.

Return to top