Provided photo: Staff from the Orleans County Department of Social Services and the Office for the Aging wearing purple in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Posted 14 June 2024 at 2:37 pm
Press Release, Orleans County DSS and Office for the Aging
ALBION – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is this Saturday, June 15. The purpose of WEAAD is to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of elder persons by raising awareness.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day uses the color purple to honor both the victims and survivors of elder abuse.
June Seager, supervisor of Adult Protective Services in the Orleans County Department of Social Services, reminds the community that elder abuse affects people across all socioeconomic groups, cultures and races, and can occur anywhere.
“Elder Abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, financial exploitation, neglect and sexual abuse,” Seager said. “That’s why we stress to people, don’t stand by, stand up against elder abuse!”
Report suspected abuse or mistreatment to adult protective or to law enforcement. To contact Adult Protective Services resident can:
• Make a referral to Orleans County APS by calling 585-589-7000
• Contact the Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS) Human Services Call Center for the Bureau of Adult Services Helpline at 1-844-697-3505 to leave a message for local Adult Protective Services, to obtain the phone number for local APS, or to obtain general information about APS.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 June 2024 at 8:15 am
More oxen could be around the county to help celebrate the 200th anniversary in 2025; Creature to be named during fair next month
Photos courtesy of Robert Batt: Joan Gabalski, a summer assistant at the Cornell Cooperative extension in Orleans County, stands next to a fiberglass ox that was delivered on Thursday at the fairgrounds.
KNOWLESVILLE – An animal harking back to the Orleans County’s early days about two centuries ago is back at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds and will be given a prominent part of the upcoming fair, July 22-27.
A fiberglass ox was delivered by FedEx on Thursday afternoon, traveling from Texas. Robert Batt, the executive director of the Extension, welcomed the idea of having an oxen on display to celebrate the county’s roots.
“It’s impressive,” Batt said about the ox. “We think it’s a fantastic piece to add to the county fairgrounds.”
Joan Gabalski and the ox are shown next to the pie tin that was a world record breaker in 1977.
Orleans County officially formed on April 15, 1825. The State Legislature recognized Orleans County that day, allowing it to splinter from Genesee County. Orleans is now less than a year from its bicentennial. Batt is on the Bicentennial Committee.
The committee is considering having a public art project with fiberglass oxen around the county, and painted in different themes.
But first the committee wanted to see if the public would embrace the idea of the oxen as a public art project, and also as a symbol for the county. The ox will be painted by artist Stacey Kirby Steward during the fair from July 22-27. She is planning an agricultural theme for the ox.
If there are enough sponsors for more oxen, there could be several of them around the county in 2025.
Batt is happy to have an ox at the fairgrounds. He expects it will join the giant pie tin as a fun curiosity. That pie tie celebrates the world’s largest apple pie that was baked at the fair in 1977.
“I see a lot of people stop here to get photos with the pie plate,” Batt said.
The ox is expected to draw a crowd, too. The creature will be on display and Batt thinks it will be a hit with kids and younger adults who like to get selfies for their social media pages.
He also thinks the ox is great way to remind people of the county’s pioneer days. The animal was critical for the fledgling county, pulling wagons across rough terrain, helping to clear trees, dig the Erie Canal and provide lots of muscle for taming the land. Oxen also weren’t picky eaters. They could subsist on poor grass.
Batt would like to name the ox, and wants to see ideas on the Orleans Hub social media page. He already has heard the suggestion, “Orlo,” giving the ox an Orleans-sounding name.
The Bicentennial Committee is expected to create a short list of names to present as options. People can vote during the fair. The ballot box will likely be near the ox while it is painted by Steward, who has created many murals in Albion and Holley. The ox’s name will likely be announced on Saturday, the last day of the fair.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Pastor Albert Wilson of the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries gives the keynote address during the 42nd annual Youth Recognition Banquet last Thursday at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 June 2024 at 8:53 am
2024 Youth Recognition Winners in Orleans County include, front row, from left: Abigail Kincaid of Albion, Elizabeth Whipple of Lyndonville and Hayli Kuellertz of Holley. Second row: Lucy Rivers of Albion and Jake Jackson of Lyndonville. Third row: Samantha Dobo of Albion, Tarek Garrett of Holley, and Aubrey Gannon of Albion. Fourth row: Gabriel Lindsay of Holley and Hannah Brundage of Kendall. Fifth row: Lucas Jones of Kendall, Evan Levett of Kendall and Noah Cudzilo. Top row: Joseph Brueckner of Medina. Missing from photo: Makaila Adams from Kendall, Paige Hardenbrook of Kendall, Christopher Nettles of Kendall, James Poler of Lyndonville, Jeannette Rosario Rios of Albion.
LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Youth Board honored 19 students and three adult advocates during the 42nd Youth Recognition Awards Banquet last week at the White Birch Golf Course.
The group of honorees also heard an inspirational message from Al Wilson, pastor of the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries in Albion. Wilson and his church have been very busy giving back to the community.
Royal Body teams with the Masonic Lodge to serve 2,000 chicken dinners in a December event, prepares and serves about 200 Thanksgiving meals, and organizes an Easter egg hunt with 12,000 plastic eggs with treats as well as other prizes, and even free haircuts.
The church has other ministries in Albion, filling backpacks with school supplies, offering a breakfast with Santa, running Bingo for adults and giving to the summer recreation program.
The Royal Body Shop has been very active in the Albion since starting its first ministry in March 2022 with a refrigerator stocked with food outside Arnold’s Auto Parts on West Bank Street.
“There are benefits to volunteering,” Wilson told the crowd at the banquet. “You get a sense of purpose.”
Wilson urged the group to keep serving others, even when encountering people who aren’t always nice. He said everyone has value and purpose.
The Orleans County Youth Board honored 19 youth for outstanding commitment and service to their community, school and families.
Some examples of outstanding service by youth include: Makaila Abrams, Paige Hardenbrook and Evan Levett as volunteer junior firefighter with the Kendall Fire Department; Christopher Nettles of Kendall and Joseph Brueckner of Medina for many years in the Boy Scouts culminating in earning the highest rank of Eagle Scout; Jake Poler of Lyndonville for beign one of the first to help his teacher at BOCES when a windstorm knocked down his barn.
Other students are very active in their school, making music, athletic and other extracurricular programs stronger. Others take on an extraordinary role in their families, and others are active in their church.
The students recognized include: Makaila Abrams of Kendall, Joseph Brueckner of Medina, Hannah Brundage of Kendall, Noah Cudzilo of Medina, Samantha Dobo of Albion, Aubrey Gannon of Albion, Tarek Garrett of Holley, Paige Hardenbrook of Kendall, Jake Jackson of Lyndonville, Lucas Jones of Kendall, Abigail Kincaid of Albion, Hayli Kuellertz of Holley, Evan Levett of Kendall, Gabriel Lindsay of Holley, Christopher Nettles of Kendall, James Poler of Lyndonville, Lucy Rivers of Albion, Jeannette Rosario Rios of Albion, and Elizabeth Whipple of Lyndonville.
Hayli Kuellertz of Holley accepts congratulations from County Legislator Skip Draper, Steve Hawley’s Chief of Staff Eileen Baker, and County Legislator John Fitzak.
Samantha Dobo of Albion was nominated by the Youth Court Coordinator for her service on that court, and for volunteer work with the Albion Strawberry Festival.
The honorees all received certificates of commendation from the Orleans County Legislature, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
In addition to recognizing the youth, the Youth Board honored three adults – one in a paid role and two as community volunteers – for their service to young people.
Julie Kludt, center, is pictured with Youth Board members John Grillo of Albion and Barb Flow of Kendall. Kludt received the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Award for her active volunteerism in the Kendall community.
Kludt was called “a shining star in the Kendall community.” She steps up in many ways as a volunteer for Kendall, whether leading a benefit for a community member in need, bringing supplies to elementary students, being the Easter Bunny during Kendall’s egg hunt, or helping put on community events, most recently a celebration during the solar eclipse on April 8. She also leads religious education classes the past 10 years, and sponsors youth recreation teams with her husband.
Kludt said so many people give as volunteers in the community, whether as coaches, firefighters, serving at food pantries and in many other ways.
“Volunteers are the spices in the communities,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to be spicy.”
Susan Oschmann also received an Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Award. Oschmann was unable to attend the banquet. She is shown on Oct. 26 when Albion opened two full-size basketball courts at Bullard Park.
Oschmann pushed for two years to get new basketball courts at Bullard, lining up fundraising and support for the project. She rallied the community, including basketball legend Roosevelt Bouie of Kendall, in getting two new courts complete.
Oschmann had recently moved to Albion from Kendall when she was surprised to see the sorry shape of the courts at Bullard, a place where Bouie got his start when he was a kid. The previous court was back further in the park and the surface wasn’t level with asphalt heaving in sports. The hoops were missing nets and were seldom used.
Oschmann wanted kids, including her grandchildren, to have a place to shoot basketballs with friends.
Oschmann and Bouie have been friends since they were kids. Bouie was a big star at Syracuse University and he helped secure $40,000 in funding from the James and Juli Boeheim Foundation. Altogether more than $100,000 was secured to put in two full-length courts, four basketball hoops and some fencing. The courts are painted in vibrant colors.
Oschmann also has helped organize the Santa’s Hometown parade in Albion, and serves on Albion’s Recreation Committee, Strawberry Festival Committee, the Albion merchants Association and the Albion Summer Festival featuring “Rock the Park.”
“She has a passion for helping the youth in our community to be engaged and active and to have a purpose,” said John Grillo, Albion’s recreation director. “She has many new ideas for more fun activities.”
Peter Anderson, an Employment & Training Counselor at Orleans County Job Development, was presented with the Helen R. Brinsmaid Professional Award which goes to a youth serving professional whose work exceeds normal expectations. Anderson was unable to attend the awards banquet.
The photo from August 2022 shows him in back left at Bullard Park in Albion during a celebration of the summer youth program. That summer 41 people, ages 14 to 20, were in the program, working in the community for 25 hours a week over five weeks.
Anderson has worked with Job Development since October 2018, exhibiting tremendous dedication to the youths and their families, the Youth Board said. He coordinates work experiences for youths and young adults. He interviews young people, provides an orientation and educates them on their responsibilities at the job sites. He also assists with administrative services, trainings for youths, and seeking out work placements.
“He has a knack for creating a good personal relationship by showing love, compassion and honesty with firm reminders when needed,” said John Grillo, the Albion recreation director and a Youth Board member. “The youths respect him and look at him as mentor. I have seen Peter go above and beyond the duties and responsibilities involved in his job description.”
ALBION – Orleans County Board of Elections Commissioners Michael Mele and Janice Grabowski today announced information related to the June 25th Primary Elections in Orleans County.
There are only primaries for the Republican ballot line and as such, under New York State law, only registered Republicans can vote in these primaries.
There are countywide primary contests for District Attorney and Coroner. For District Attorney, the election is between Susan M. Howard and John S. Sansone. For County Coroner, voters can choose 3 candidates between Kevin P. Dann, Julie A. Woodworth, Rocco L. Sidari and Scott M. Schmidt.
There is a primary in the 24th Congressional District between Claudia Tenney and Mario Fratto.
There is also a primary for Carlton Council member for a one-year term to fill a vacancy between John L. Olles and Jeffrey A. Gifaldi.
The remaining elections are for members of the Republican County Committee. In Shelby District 3, choose two between Bruce R. Schmidt, Alana J. Koneski and Stephen J. Seitz, Sr. In Shelby District 4, choose for any 2 between John H. Pratt III, Benjamin D. Flansburg and Thomas J. Winans.
In Yates District 2, choose for two between Terry L. Chaffee, Jr., William C. Jurinich, Lynne M. Johnson and Steven A. Colon.
Those who are not currently registered but wish to enroll to vote in the June primary elections must do so by June 15. Early voting begins on Saturday, June 15 and runs through Sunday, June 23 at the Orleans County Board of Elections Office, 14016 State Route 31 in Albion.
Dates and hours are as follows:
Saturday, June 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, June 17, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, June 18, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, June 19, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday, June 20, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, June 21, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, June 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 23, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Those with questions can contact the Orleans County Board of Elections at (585) 589-3274. For more election information, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 June 2024 at 2:07 pm
Howard wants people to decide issue in referendum
Photos by Tom Rivers: John Sansone, a candidate for Orleans County district attorney, passes out candy during a parade in Carlton on Saturday.
John Sansone, an assistant district attorney, is breaking from DA Joe Cardone in a high-profile issue in Orleans County.
Cardone has been pushing in recent years for a district court that would serve multiple towns. Cardone would like to see a county-wide district court that would handle most of the cases at the town court level.
“The current district attorney is a person I respect very much,” Sansone said. “I know that we disagree on this issue. We have different points of view based upon our sincere beliefs. I am happy the will of voters will decide this issue.”
Cardone said state aid should cover most of the cost of a district court. The county provides the facility and the state is expected to cover the salaries for judges, clerks and security. Cardone said having the cases be handled by a full-time court would move matters more expeditiously through the courts system. He said it would be a savings for the District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender and law enforcement by having a centralized court, rather than a patchwork of 10 town courts.
But Sansone sees a lot of negatives with the proposal.
“In addition to the potential financial burden on taxpayers, the creation of a district court eliminates local town oversight of its residents to their detriment,” Sansone said in a news release. “The current system of criminal justice ensures the vast majority of cases begin in a person’s residential locality.”
Sansone faces a June 25 Republican primary against Susan Howard for Orleans County district attorney. Cardone isn’t seeking re-election after 32 years as the county’s top prosecutor.
Sansone joins a chorus of opposition to the district court, which includes the Orleans County Magistrates Association and some of the town boards. The local town justices and many of the board members say the current system is closer to the people, operates at a low cost and the state funding in uncertain, and could ultimately lead to a higher local expense.
“Our current court system has some very important elements to safeguard fairness and one of them is that all issues are local in their nature,” Sansone said. “Our county is not like many in our state. We are a county of many differences based on where you live and what you do and I believe that for the justice system to work best, knowing, recognizing and protecting that localness is very important. Town courts do that, and I believe the structure should remain the same to the benefit of all.”
Howard was one of 13 on the District Court Committee. Three of the members – Albion Town Justice Joe Fuller, Carlton Town Justice Kevin Hurley and former Barre Town Justice Richard Decarlo – cast votes dissenting from the recommendations of the committee. Dean Puleo, a layer who works with village and town courts for the 8th Judicial District, abstained from an opinion on the report, and so did Sheriff Chris Bourke.
Howard is listed as accepting the report recommendations. Others who cast affirmative votes include DA Joe Cardone, Public Defender Joanne Best, Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson, Legislator Skip Draper, Legislator John Fitzak, Susan Howard, former Gaines Town Justice Bruce Schmidt, and County Chief Administrative Officer Jack Welch.
Susan Howard passes out candy during Carlton’s parade.
Howard said she ultimately wants to have the issue go to a public vote where the community decides the issue.
“I don’t oppose it, but I’m not pushing for it either,” she said.
Howard believes a district court will eventually be mandated by the state and required for the county.
“It’s coming,” she said. “We know it will be shoved down our throat.”
She said the county could get ahead of a state mandate and try to implement a district court, or it could wait until there is a state decree in the future.
“I’m leaving it up to the people to decide,” she said. “I will implement whatever they decide.”
Howard, the first assistant DA, said she wanted to be an active member on the District Court Committee.
“I try to keep myself educated and informed because I feel that’s my job,” she said.
There will be a second public hearing this Tuesday at 7 p.m. on the district court. The hearing is in the second-floor legislative chambers of the Orleans County Office Building at 14016 Route 31 West, Albion.
Sansone says the county report doesn’t take the full costs of a new court into account.
“I know that the idea of a district court has been described as a cost saving measure, however, I have not seen studies of substance to substantiate that contention,” he said. “Many financial aspects related to the creation of district court are speculative and fail to account for costs such as improving the current condition of buildings to required state standards for courtrooms and costs related to transporting defendants from the jail for court appearances, to name a few.”
Sansone said the state funding isn’t guaranteed. He said there is no evidence the state will force counties to implement district courts.
“Quite to the contrary, only two downstate counties have created district courts in the 1970s,” he said. “None of the remaining 60 counties have implemented a plan for a district court in over 40 years.”
If the state mandates a district court in the future, Sansone said the county should respond then.
“At that time, issues will be clearer, such as what the state will require for courtrooms, staffing, salaries, etc., and most important, who will be paying for what,” Sansone said. “In my opinion, there is absolutely no benefit to create something of this magnitude now only to have to change to satisfy New York State later on. Proceeding under that reasoning doesn’t make sense.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Public Safety Building, which opened in 1998 at a former furniture store building, needs roof repairs and other upgrades.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 May 2024 at 8:27 am
ALBION – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney announced she is seeking $2 million towards repairs and upgrades of the Orleans County Public Safety Building.
That site needs a major repair to part of the roof, especially on the western side of the building, a former furniture store with a sizable flat roof.
The county is moving the Probation Department and District Attorney’s Office out of the building and into the former Genesee Community College campus in Albion. When the roof is fixed, the DA’s Office is expected to come back to the Public Safety Building.
The county is working on a full assessment of the Public Safety Building that would include the roof, the HVAC system, drainage and other issues with the building and site, said John Papponetti, the commissioner of the Department of Public Works for the county.
Tenney announced the roof work on the Public Safety Building as one of 15 projects she has selected to submit to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 Community Project Funding process.
Tenney said those projects will benefit New York’s 24th District by improving water infrastructure, creating essential public facilities, supporting public safety, and promoting community revitalization.
The CPF process allows localities and non-profits to submit federal funding requests for high-priority community projects. Each application is subjected to a rigorous review process to ensure that it is a sound use of taxpayer dollars and that applicants have a clear and accountable plan to spend funds on targeted projects within a year, Tenney said.
“The Orleans County Public Safety Building is a vitally important epicenter for several functions of our government, housing the Sheriff, 911 Dispatch Center, District Attorney and Probation, so we are very appreciative to Congresswomen Tenny for making our project to upgrade this facility one the priority initiatives to be sent to the House Appropriations Committee,” said Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature. “Our DPW team has worked closely with Sheriff Bourke and DA Cardone to design a project that addresses critical structural issues with the facility in the most cost-effective manner possible while also helping improve the overall functionality of the building. This is not just a building project, it is an investment in our community’s safety and security.”
The full list of projects submitted by Tenney through the Community Project Funding process include:
$4,528,000 for the Town of Phelps Sanitary Sewer Distribution Project
$2,500,000 for the Cayuga County Lake Protection Plan Project
$3,000,000 for the Village of Geneseo Water and Sewer Upgrades Project
$3,500,000 for the Village of Waterloo Rock Storm Sewer Replacement Project
$3,000,000 for the Town of Newfane Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades Project
$1,500,000 for the Village of Mexico’s Water System Improvements Project
$10,000,000 for the Genesee County Section 219 Environmental Infrastructure Project
$2,250,000 for the Town of Torrey Water District #2 Project
$2,000,000 for the Orleans County Public Safety Building Project
$1,000,000 for the City of Oswego New Police Station Project
$800,000 for the Town of Macedon Ambulance Relocation Project
$5,000,000 for the Town of Lyons Revival and Community Empowerment Project
$3,600,000 for Phase III of the City of Lockport’s Erie Canal Flight of Five Locks Rehabilitation Project
$3,000,000 for the Wyoming County Silver Lake Dredging Project
$4,050,000 for Jefferson County Installation of Runway 10 Omni-Directional Approach Lights at Watertown International Airport Project
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 May 2024 at 7:59 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Bill Larkin, left, receives a plaque and certificate from County Legislator Skip Draper and Sheriff Chris Bourke in appreciation for a 48-year career with the Sheriff’s Office.
Draper noted that Larkin gave him his first speeding ticket soon after Draper starting driving as a teen-ager. Larkin spent about 25 years on the road patrol, as well as four years as a criminal investigator and then part-time on the Marine Patrol since 2005.
“I don’t know if there is a person in Orleans County who hasn’t received a ticket from Bill Larkin,” Bourke joked while giving Larkin a plaque on Tuesday during the County legislature meeting.
Larkin for 15 years also was a part-time police officer for the Village of Lyndonville until 2021.
The plaque from Bourke included the words: “Your tireless work ethic and professionalism has set the tone for the rest of the department. You will always have a home here. We wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors!”
Draper and Bourke also presented a plaque and certificate of appreciation to Larry Manning for a 48-year career with the Sheriff’s Office. Manning worked as a deputy, and then was promoted to sergeant and lieutenant. After retiring from full-time work, he started part-time with the Marine Patrol in 2002.
“I hate to say good-bye,” Manning said during the Legislature meeting.
His career actually started in 1971 as a volunteer with the auxiliary police. When he was hired as a deputy sheriff, he was paid $8,400 the first year.
Bourke said Manning and Larkin have both been mentors for him. “I learned so much from Bill and Larry,” Bourke said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 May 2024 at 12:54 pm
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s schedule for Saturday included a day off and she chose to spend it in Orleans County.
The governor rarely gets a respite and on Saturday she spent the day relaxing in Orleans County.
She didn’t have any public appearances and there are no official photos from her being in the county, a spokesman from the governor’s office said today.
When Hochul was the lieutenant governor, she often came to Medina and Orleans County with her husband Bill Hochul. They rented a canal boat on one outing.
Orleans County may be able claim the governor’s preferred place for some R & R.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 May 2024 at 8:34 am
The unemployment rate in Orleans County was 4.0 percent which continues a gradual decline from the start of the year, according to the state Department of Labor.
In Orleans County so far this year, the unemployment rate was 5.3 percent in January, then 5.2 percent in February, 4.9 percent in March and 4.0 percent in April.
The labor force is smaller compared to April 2023 when it was 17,100 total – 16,600 employed and 600 unemployed, according to the DOL. In April 2024, the labor force was 16,900 with 16,300 working and 700 unemployed.
Unemployment rates in WNY counties for April include 3.9 percent in Erie, 4.3 percent in Niagara, 3.8 in Livingston, 3.7 in Monroe, 4.0 in Orleans, 3.5 in Genesee, 4.2 percent in Wyoming, 4.2 in Cattaraugus, 4.2 percent in Chautauqua, and 4.1 in Allegany.
In the United States, the unemployment rate from April 2023 to April 2024 went from 3.1 percent to 3.5 percent. The U.S. has 515,000 more people working in that year for a total of 161.59 million last month.
In New York State, the unemployment rate from April 2023 to April 2024 went from 3.6 percent to 3.9 percent. The state has 19,300 fewer people working for a total of 9.28 million last month.
In New York, the unemployment rate has been trending down since the start of the year, form 4.3 percent in January, to 4.5 percent in February, 4.2 percent in March to 3.9 percent in April.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Orleans County Legislator Fred Miller presents a proclamation declaring May as National Foster Care Month. He presents the proclamation to Teresa Elam-Zwifka, director of Family & Children Services for the county Department of Social Services.
Posted 24 May 2024 at 11:16 am
Press Release, Orleans County Legislature
ALBION – May is National Foster Care Month, a time to acknowledge the many children in foster care and honor the families that open their homes and hearts to a child in need.
The Orleans County Department of Social Services (DSS) honored the many foster families within our community at their annual Foster Care appreciation dinner that was held on Wednesday at Dubby’s Tailgate in Albion.
Kristina McAfee was honored at the Foster Care Dinner as Foster Parent of the Year. Cyndi Stumer, Deputy Commissioner of DSS said, “Kristina has provided a safe haven to Orleans County youth on a continuum basis. Her dedication and willingness to serve, without judgement, makes her a worthy recipient of this award”.
The event was coordinated by Alaina Fleming, Orleans County Foster Care Homefinder Caseworker.
“Alaina has been hard at work ensuring our foster parents are supported and welcomes the opportunity to assist new families interested in providing foster care assistance,” said Stumer. For those interested in becoming a foster parent please contact Alaina at 585-589-3126 or email fostercare@orleanscountyny.gov for more information.
Provided photo: County Legislator John Fitzak is pictured with, from left: Kristina McAfee, Foster Parent of the Year; Teresa Elam-Zwifka, director of Family & Children Services for DSS; and Lianna Sheffer, Foster Care & Preventive Supervisor, DSS.
ALBION – Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson today announced the county will be hosting a paint recycling event on Saturday, June 15th.
Oil-based, acrylic and latex paint, urethanes, varnishes, shellacs, lacquers, primers and clear coatings are all accepted at no cost in the event which is funded by the state’s PaintCare program. Anyone is welcome to attend.
“This is an opportunity to get rid of those old paint cans that are taking up space in your basement and garage, and do so in a way that is environmentally friendly, keeping these materials out of our landfills,” Johnson said. “I want to thank our Planning and Development Department for putting this event together.”
What won’t be accepted at the event include spray paint, paint thinner, solvents, cleansing agents, adhesives, roof patch, drywall mud, auto or marine paint.
The event is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the former GCC campus in Albion at 456 West Ave.
Registration for this event is not required, but is encouraged so participants can choose their time. For more information about registration, click here.
Staff will be on hand to unload vehicles so drivers can stay in their vehicles.
The event is being done in partnership with GreenSheen, a paint company founded in 2010 with operations in the Albany area. GreenSheen has developed their own innovative process to refine recycled paint to create a premium latex paint for reuse.
Those with any questions about the event should call the Orleans County Planning and Development Department at (585) 589-3198.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Orleans County Legislator Skip Draper, right, recently presented a proclamation declaring May 19 through May 25 as “National Emergency Medical Services Week.” He is shown presenting the proclamation to Emergency Management Director Justin Niederhofer, left, and Deputy EMO Director Scott Buffin.
Posted 20 May 2024 at 10:24 am
Press Release, Orleans County Legislature
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has joined with others across the country in celebrating May 19 through May 25 as National Emergency Medical Services Week.
National EMS Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s frontline. This marks the 50th anniversary of this recognition.
“We want to thank all of our EMS personnel for the great job they do on behalf of our residents,” said Justin Niederhofer, Director of the Orleans County Emergency Management Office. “These folks are out there responding to all sorts of emergency situations and, thanks to their talent, experience and dedication, are saving lives every day.”
The Orleans County Legislature passed a proclamation into honor EMS personnel across the county – first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters, police officers, educators, administrators, pre-hospital nurses, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, trained members of the public, and other out-of-hospital medical care providers – to recognize their important work for our residents.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 May 2024 at 7:18 pm
Office for Aging honors Shirley Walter and Charlene Wisnewski for volunteer service
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Charlene Wisnewski, right, of Medina accepts a “Volunteer of the Year” award today from the Office for the Aging. Wisnewski is joined up front by Melissa Blanar, OFA director, and County Legislator Skip Draper who presented Wisnewski with a citation from State Sen. Rob Ortt.
The OFA held its annual Spring Jubilee luncheon today and about 160 senior citizens had lunch at the Trolley Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. The 160 is the biggest crowd for the event since before Covid-19 hit in 2020.
Wisnewski is a retired civilian worker from the Albion Correctional Facility. The past two years she has volunteered as a driver for the OFA, taking seniors to appointments.
Wisnewski last year drove seniors to 55 appointments, logging 952 miles. She said she took about 15 different people, including three veterans. Two of those veterans are legally blind.
“You meet so many wonderful people,” Wisnewski said about volunteering as a driver.
Shirley Walter of Barre also was recognized as a “Volunteer of the Year.” She is shown being presented with an award by State Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
Walter is retired after a career as an accountant and bookkeeper. She also served on the Barre Town Board.
She has volunteered with the OFA at a new Caregivers Connections Respite program, which started in July at the Albion Academy on East Academy Street in Albion where the Meals on Wheels program is based. The respite program offers a break for caregivers of people with dementia or Alzheimer’s. It is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays each month.
Walter faithfully is there spending time with people who have dementia or Alzheimer’s. She has lunch with them, does crafts together, and chats.
“It is rewarding just to listen to them,” Walter said. “They have a lot to say.”
Walter also joins other volunteers in helping the OFA prepare the agency’s monthly newsletter, The Friendly Carrier, that goes to about 3,200 addresses.
Office for the Aging and Arc GLOW staff hold a paper chain that was intended to show how the group of 160 were all connected, with no one alone.
The luncheon was part of the OFA’s annual celebration in May of “Older Americans Month.”
County Legislator John Fitzak read a proclamation about the month. This year’s theme for the month is “Powered by Connections.”
“May is Older Americans Month, a time for us to recognize and honor Orleans County older adults and their immense influence on every facet of American society,” Fitzak said in reading the proclamation. “Whereas, through their wealth of life experience and wisdom, older adults guide our younger generations and carry forward abundant cultural and historical knowledge.”
Vicki Havholm, nutrition program manager for Arc GLOW, emphasized the message that senior citizens aren’t alone and there are many services and opportunities to stay connected in the community.
Kristina Suski-Jewell sings “Sweet Caroline” while entertaining the crowd before the luncheon. She sang for about 45 minutes.
ALBION – Orleans County Social Services Commissioner Holli Nenni today said she has been alerted by the state that New York’s Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system is expected to be unavailable on Sunday, May 19, between the hours of 12:01 a.m. and 11 a.m. The actual outage may be shorter or last longer than expected.
Benefit recipients can check www.otda.ny.gov on May 19 to find out when the EBT system is back up and running.
Nenni said that New York’s EBT system will be changing over to a new EBT vendor during this timeframe. Cardholder access to EBT benefits will not be available during the changeover. This includes access for food and cash purchases or cash withdrawals, as well as access to the EBT toll-free customer service helpline, mobile app, and online client portal.
“While the system will be down for a short period of time, we want benefit recipients to be aware and plan any necessary food purchases or other transactions accordingly,” Nenni said.
For more information on the new system, click here.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Richard DeCarlo, a former Barre town justice, speaks during a public hearing about a proposed district court in Orleans County. In back are District Attorney Joe Cardone and Sgt. Adam Hazel of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 May 2024 at 12:41 pm
ALBION – District Attorney Joe Cardone sees a full-time district court as a much more efficient court system for Orleans County rather than the part-time town courts with varying office hours and court times.
Cardone has been trying for several years to bring district court to a public referendum in the county. That vote could happen in November.
First there will be two public hearings and then the County Legislature may decide to put the issue to a public vote.
The first hearing was Tuesday, and the next is 7 p.m. on June 4 in the legislative chambers of the County Office Building.
The proposal faced criticism during Tuesday’s hearing, with speakers saying the current system is serving the people well, and a district court brings “big government” and could result in more local expense.
“We have something here that works,” said Debbie Berry, a retired chief clerk for the Surrogate Court in Orleans County. “We’re not hearing any numbers. The people want to know what it costs.”
Paul Lauricella, chairman of the Orleans County Conservative Party, sees a district court as an expansion of government.
Cardone said the district court would ultimately operate at a much lower local cost because the state, by its own statue, pays the salaries of the staff and the security. The county would provide a building and its maintenance, Cardone said.
“There is no guarantee the state would pick up the costs of judges and clerks,” said Richard DeCarlo, a former Barre town justice. “We’re assuming they will do it.”
DeCarlo was a member of the 11-member district court committee, but he voted against the committee’s recommendations in its report. The county hasn’t said where the court would be located, DeCarlo said.
He sees a big expense in housing the court, whether it’s a major renovation to the Public Safety Building or the former GCC campus in Albion that has been acquired by the county.
“If we renovate the Public Safety Building, it’s seven figures,” DeCarlo said. “If we build new, it’s tens of millions of dollars.”
Virginia Nicholson, a former court staffer for retired Judge James Punch, commended Cardone and the committee for their work trying to bring the issue to the public. But Nicholson believes the community needs more information about potential staffing, court location and expense.
Tim McMurray, an Albion village trustee, said Cardone and other supporters of the district court have said the county should move to a district court partly because the state is likely to impose such a court in the near future.
Right now there are only district courts in Nassau and Suffolk counties. They were formed in the 1960s and no other counties have gone to that model.
McMurray said he has found nothing to suggest the state wants counties to move from town courts and replace them with district courts.
“It is not on the radar that another county is doing this,” McMurray said during the hearing.
Paul Lauricella of Yates, chairman of the Orleans County Conservative Party, said he prefers the current system where the town justices know their communities well.
“I’m concerned this in an expansion of government,” Lauricella said. “Once that ball gets moving there’s no stopping it.”
Kenneth “Ohi” Johnsen is president of the NYS Magistrates Association and the town justice in in the Town of Day in Saratoga County. The Magistrates Association, which includes 2,300 town and village justices in the state, opposes the district court. Johnsen said the local justices are well-trained and in touch with their communities.
Kenneth “Ohi” Johnsen, president of the NYS Magistrates Association, pushed back on statements from Cardone that judges who are attorneys have a better understanding of complex laws and dispense better justice.
Johnsen, a town justice in Saratoga County, said the village and town justices all do a minimum of 12 hours of judicial education each year and they have access to a hotline through the Office of Court Administration if they need any advice on complicated cases or issues.
One local resident, Ken Ortiz of Medina, spoke during the hearing and he said the local criminal justice system has made mistakes in cases brought against him that were eventually dismissed. He also said the justice system failed in the death of Theresa Karlak, who was hit by a car in Gaines while on a walk with her sister on Jan. 1, 2022.
Sherry R. Davenport, a past president of the NYS Magistrates Association, said the group opposes district courts because they aren’t as accessible as the local town and village courts. The local courts are close by with judges elected by their local residents, she said.
Davenport of Cortland said the local County legislature shouldn’t be pushing for a district court that would ultimately result in fewer local town justices. She said the Legislature shouldn’t be “running roughshod” over the local judicial branch.
She also noted of the 11 members on the district court committee, five did not vote in favor of it – 3 opposed the recommendations and 2 abstained.
Davenport said the committee’s report lacks solid facts on moving to a district court, and instead relies on anecdotes about shortcomings in local courts from the New York State Bar Association.
The Orleans County Magistrates Association has been steadfastly opposed to a district court. The town justices and court clerks at the town level have all signed a resolution last October saying they are against a district court in Orleans County.
Cardone served as co-chairman of the district court committee with Joanne Best, the county’s public defender.
Cardone noted the towns and villages have gone from 24 local justices about 20 years ago to the current 11. Albion and Medina both have abolished their village courts during that time and most towns are down to one justice. He said the local communities have shown they can make changes in their courts. That is partly why he believes Orleans can be a leader in reimagining how to run a local court system.
(Left) Former Gaines Town Justice Bruce Schmidt said he favors the district court as a better way to dispense justice. (Right) Ginny Nicholson said more information is needed on the proposal.
Cardone said the district court would be staffed full-time and offer more consistent justice throughout the county. He sees a district court as far more efficient than 10 town justice courts that typically operate part-time with staff available on a limited basis. They can make it difficult for people to get in contact with the court.
The committee is projecting the costs of the district court at $1.2 million with revenue at $175,000 in fines and forfeitures, and $110,000 through the traffic diversion cases for $285,000 total.
The expenses includes salaries for two judges at $320,000, clerk costs at $150,000, security at $150,000, a stenographer at $50,000, office supplies at $4,000, equipment at $2,500 and interpreter at $2,500.
Employee benefits – Social Security, Medicare, disability, retirement, workers’ comp, unemployment insurance and health insurance – would be an estimated $531,661. Facility costs would cost an estimated $50,000 a year.
The court would operate at a loss of $975,661, with the state picking up the expense, according to the report.
The 10 towns courts operate at an aggregate deficit of $462,160 (which doesn’t include the costs of employee benefits and facility expense), the report states.
The CAP court that does arraignments in mornings and evenings at the county jail, plus on weekends, is another $113,800. If there was a district court, the CAP court functions would shift to the district court.
Employee benefits and facility costs represent 57 percent of the costs of running a district court. If that same percentage is applied to the 10 town courts, that total “real cost” of those courts would be $1,001,935, plus the CAP court costs of $113,800, the report states.
“The citizens of Orleans County are paying approximately $1.1 million annually for a fragmented system of part-time courts consisting of lay judges,” the report states.
