By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 October 2023 at 8:19 am
Provided photo: Orleans County Treasurer Kim DeFrank holds an award recognizing the county’s money management.
ALBION – Orleans County Treasurer Kim DeFrank has been recognized for managing the county’s finances.
DeFrank invests county dollars, which makes more money. At the end of August, she had $44,478,480 invested.
“Every dollar is invested,” she said. “The taxpayers’ money is earning money every day.”
DeFrank was recognized at the recent New York State Association of Counties conference with the “90+ cashvest” Award. This distinction is given to entities that receive a score of 90 or better for four consecutive quarters on several money management benchmarks.
“What this award really says is that Orleans County’s cash flow and money management are excellent, investing every tax dollar possible to maximize interest earnings and we adhere to best practices,” DeFrank said. “That leads to lower borrowing costs and maximization of tax dollars. That’s what our taxpayers deserve and expect.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 October 2023 at 8:50 am
ALBION – Early voting starts on Saturday, Oct. 28 and continues until Nov. 5.
Registered voters can go to the one early voting polling place at the Board of Elections office at the County Administration Building at 14016 State Route 31 in Albion.
The general election will be Nov. 7, and each town has at least one polling location.
The early voting dates and hours include:
Saturday, Oct. 28: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 29: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 30: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..
Wednesday, Nov. 1: noon to 8 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 2: noon to 8 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 3: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 4: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 5: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The local positions up for election include:
Orleans County
Sheriff – Chris Bourke, Republican and Conservative (4-year term)
County Legislator (at-large from west) – Skip Draper of Medina, Republican (2-year term)
County Legislator (at-large from central) – Don Allport of Gaines, Republican (2-year term)
County Legislator (at-large from east) – Ed Morgan of Murray, Republican (2-year term)
County Legislator (District 1) – Bill Eick of Shelby, Republican (2-year term)
County Legislator (District 2) – Lynne Johnson of Lyndonville, Republican (2-year term)
County Legislator (District 3) – Fred Miller of Albion, Democrat (2-year term)
County Legislator (District 4) – John Fitzak of Carlton, Republican (2-year term)
Town of Albion
Town Supervisor – Richard Remley, Republican (2-year term)
Town Council members (pick two) – Darlene Benton and Terry Wilbert, Democratic Party (4-year terms)
Town Clerk – Sarah Basinait, Republican (4-year term)
Highway Superintendent – Michael Neidert, Conservative, Democrat and Republican (4-year term)
Town of Barre
Town Supervisor (pick one) – Sean Pogue, Republican and “Future for Barre”; and Scott Burnside, Conservative (2-year term)
Town Council members (pick two) – Margaret Swan and Kirk Mathes, Republicans and “Future for Barre”; and Kerri Richardson, Conservative (4-year terms)
Town Clerk – Maureen Beach, Democrat (4-year term)
Highway Superintendent – Dale Brooks, Republican and “Working for a Better Barre” (4-year term)
Town Justice – Earl Jenks Jr., Republican (4-year term)
Town of Carlton
Town Supervisor – Gayle Ashbery, Republican (4-Year term)
Town Council members (pick two) – Dana Woolston and Brian McCue, Republicans (4-year terms)
Town Council member – Charles Ricci, Republican (2-year term)
Town of Clarendon
Town Supervisor – Richard Moy, Republican (2-year term)
Town Council members (pick two) – Allen Robinson and Bruce Hovey, Republicans (4-year terms)
Town Clerk – Susan Colby, Republican (4-year term)
Highway Superintendent – Tracy Chalker, Conservative and Republican (4-year term)
Town Justice – Thomas DiFante, Republican (4-year term)
Town of Gaines
Town Supervisor – Tyler Allport, Republican
Town Council members (pick two) – Rick Ebbs, Democrat, and Ronald Mannella, Democrat and Republican (4-year terms)
Town Clerk – Janet Cheverie, Republican (2-year term)
Highway Superintendent – Mark Radzinski, Republican (4-year term)
Town of Kendall
Town Supervisor – Tony Cammarata, Republican (2-year term)
Town Council members (pick two) – Margaret Szozda, Democrat; and David Bentley and Barbara Flow, Republicans (4-year terms)
Highway Superintendent – Eric Maxon, Republican (2-year term)
Town of Murray
Town Supervisor (pick one) – Gerald Rightmyer, Republican and “Community”; and Joseph Sidonio, Conservative (2-year term)
Town Council members (pick two) – Lloyd Christ Jr. and Randall Bower, Republicans (4-year terms)
Town Council members (pick two) – Michael Christopher and Elaine Berg, Republicans; Eric Collyer, Conservative (2-year terms)
Town of Ridgeway
Town Supervisor – Brian Napoli, Republican (4-year term)
Town Council members – Mary Woodruff and Duane Payne, Republicans (4-year terms)
Town Justice – Joseph Kujawa, Republican (4-year term)
Town of Shelby
Town Supervisor – Scott Wengewicz, Conservative and Republican (2-year term)
Town Council members (pick two) – Jeff Schiffer and Linda Limina, Republicans; and John Pratt, write-in (4-year terms)
Town Clerk (elect one) – Darlene Rich, Democrat and “People’s Choice”; and Christine Pask, Republican (4-year term)
Highway Superintendent (elect one) – Dale Root, Republican and Conservative, and William Wolter, Democrat (4-year term)
Town Justice – Ed Grabowski, Conservative and Republican (4-year term)
Town of Yates
Town Supervisor – James Simon (2-year term)
Town Council members (elect 2) – John Riggi and Susan Hrovat, Republicans; Paul Lauricella and Steve Colon, Conservative and “Taxpayers First” (4-year terms)
Town Clerk – Michelle Harling, Republican (4-year term)
Highway Superintendent – Roger Wolfe, Republican (4-year term)
Courtesy of Mercy Flight EMS: Mercy Flight would keep ambulances at existing bases at 239 South Main St., Albion; 8050 Call Parkway in Batavia; and 1483 Lake Road North, Hamlin. The orange rings represent an estimated 10-minute response time radii and the red rings would be an estimated 15 minutes for response time.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 October 2023 at 1:41 pm
ALBION – Mercy Flight EMS has proposed to provide ambulance services for six towns in Orleans County at a lower cost than Monroe Ambulance, which has the contract for central Orleans and Murray and Clarendon in eastern Orleans this year.
Mercy Flight has submitted a proposal to the towns to provide two dedicated advanced life support ambulances in a six-town block of Orleans at a cost of $180,000 for 2024.
Mercy Flight would commit to responding to emergencies within 20 minutes “at least 90 percent of the time,” Scott Wooton, executive vice president of Mercy Flight, wrote to Bridget O’Toole, attorney for the Town of Barre and one of the negotiators in the new ambulance contract.
His letter was dated Aug. 15. He said that response time is barring inclement weather “or other unforeseeable or unavoidable obstacles.” Mercy Flight would commit to responding within 25 minutes for non-emergencies at least 90 percent of the time for the six towns of Albion, Barre, Carlton, Clarendon, Gaines and Murray.
Wooton said Mercy Flight would keep ambulances at existing bases at 239 South Main St., Albion; 8050 Call Parkway in Batavia; and 1483 Lake Road North, Hamlin.
Murray town officials on Monday during their board meeting characterized Mercy Flight as not being interested in the contract to serve the Orleans towns in 2024. Wooton said Mercy Flight would very much like to have the contract.
“Mercy Flight EMS has remained committed to Orleans County and has great interest in contracting with the towns,” he said today.
Monroe Ambulance is seeking $300,000 to serve the six towns as well as Kendall. The company would commit to one ALS ambulance in Albion and a basic life support from either Holley or Brockport.
Mercy Flight took over the COVA ambulance base in Albion after the organization shut down late last year. Mercy Flight has kept the COVA employees throughout this year.
“Our Albion-based employees are all still active and are anxious to be able to serve their community once again,” Wooton said in an e-mail message. “They have been very flexible and we have been utilizing them in our other service areas temporarily, but they are all ready and waiting (and excited!) to return home on a full-time basis again. We would be pleased to have an opportunity to meet in person with the Town Supervisors and other stakeholders to answer any questions or concerns that they may have regarding what we can bring to the table.”
Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services
ALBION – The Orleans County Department of Social Services announced that the 2023-2024 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) application window will open on Wednesday, Nov. 1.
Applications have already been sent to qualified individuals that received HEAP last year. HEAP assistance has a tentative end date of March 15, 2024.
Applications for furnace repair or replacement are being accepted now. Applications for an emergency other than your heating source will be accepted beginning Jan. 2 through March 15, 2024.
“The cold days are just around the corner and we know many families across the county rely on HEAP to help keep their homes warm,” said DSS Commissioner Holli Nenni. “That’s why we want to get the word out about how to apply for the program.”
According to Commissioner Nenni, if you received a benefit through a HEAP case last season you may apply now through www.myBenefits.ny.gov or submit your completed application along with necessary documentation to the Department of Social Services, 14016 Rt. 31 W. Albion, NY 14411.
If you are currently a public assistance or SNAP recipient you should automatically receive your HEAP benefit through your case. Please be sure your worker has accurate vendor and account information to prevent a delay of your HEAP grant.
For those applying for the first time, a phone interview is necessary which cannot be done until after Nov. 1. Applications will then be available in Albion at the County Office Building, PathStone, Community Action or Ministry of Concern, at the Community Center in Holley and at Lee-Weldon Memorial Library in Medina. People can also apply online at www.myBenefits.ny.gov.
For questions or to set up an appointment for after Nov. 1, please call 589-3182. If you are over age 60, please call the Office for the Aging at 589-3191.
Press Release, Orleans County Department of Planning and Development
ALBION – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will conduct an open house from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Hoag Library in Albion (Curtis and Kirby community rooms).
FEMA representatives will present and explain preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS) for Orleans County. These new FIRMS will succeed the current antiquated versions created for all towns and villages from 1978 through 1981.
This is the primary opportunity for FEMA to explain the needs for the updates to all visitors. A single presentation is not anticipated to last the entire four hours, but rather to engage Orleans County residents on a rolling basis designed for convenient hours of accessibility for the benefit of the public.
FEMA professional, technical staff and those of its partner, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, will offer the purpose and benefit of the mapping project, its timeline for adoption, and how map changes will affect the requirements for insurance and building.
The importance of flood insurance, when necessary, and how to obtain a policy will also be identified. Additionally, the staff will be available to answer questions on a one-on-one basis from attendees, and which may relate to questions of whether the preliminary maps will include their property.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Mollie Radzinski, fundraising chair for United Way of Orleans County, and Jesse Cudzillo, director of the YMCA, hang the fundraising banner outside of the Harvest Restaurant this morning in Medina.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 October 2023 at 11:16 am
MEDINA – United Way of Orleans County welcomed supporters to their annual campaign kickoff breakfast this morning at Harvest Restaurant at the bent’s Opera House in Medina.
Highlight of the morning was announcement of the 2023-24 fundraising goal of $200,000.
Also featured was breakfast provided by Harvest Restaurant, a short video explaining United Way and what it does for Orleans County and a welcome by fundraising chair Mollie Radzinski.
Radzinski thanked the supporters who attended and shared the many ways people can donate and how those donations last year helped 17 agencies in the county.
Donations can be made through payroll deductions in the workplace; sending a check to United Way of Orleans County, P.O. Box 188, Medina; or logging on to United Way’s website for other options to give through Text to Give, Venmo or scan to pay with Cash App. Donors are reminded all money stays in Orleans County, unless designated elsewhere.
Nyla Gaylord, left, director of United Way of Orleans County, presents a certificate of appreciation to Susan Oschmann of Albion for being the spark which led to development of new basketball courts at Bullard Park in Albion.
Nyla Gaylord, newly named director of United Way, extended her welcome and how United Way has stepped up its game in many areas in Orleans County.
Gaylord wrote the initial grant which funded a grant writer for five years, free of charge to any non-profit in Orleans County. She shared how that has taken United Way in a whole new direction.
Relationships have been developed with local organizations, resulting in programs to benefit many sectors of the community. In addition to the grant writer, other grants secured by United Way have created funds for the Digital Literacy program, Caregivers’ Initiative with the YMCA and a nutrition program with Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension and Community Action.
United Way is also partnering with Orleans County in Connect Orleans to provide internet service at an affordable price.
Participating in a new housing initiative to look at homelessness, Gaylord said a relationship was formed with Oak Orchard Community Health to create a warming center.
In a final presentation, Gaylord recognized Susan Oschmann with a certificate of appreciation for her work in setting the wheels in motion to create new basketball courts in Albion’s Bullard Park.
Oschmann had moved to Albion with Chad Beach, an Albion native, and tried to take her grandchildren to a park near their home, only to find the gates locked. That led to conversations with the village and then contact with a former school mate at Kendal High School, basketball star Roosevelt Bouie.
Bouie used to play in Albion’s courts and Oschmann told him he had to do “something” to improve the options in Albion.
The result was raising $95,000 through grants and donations which resulted in new basketball courts, scheduled to open by the end of the month.
The Bullard Park project resulted in United Way’s relationship with the new group formed, the Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events Committee, on which Gaylord sits.
Anyone with questions or wishing further information about United Way and its work in Orleans County can visit their website at www.OrleansUnitedWay.org, by e-mail at director@OrleansUnitedWay.org or by calling (585) 283-4424. United Way’s office is located in the Dwight “Buzz” Hill Education Center at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 October 2023 at 8:22 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Orleans County Courthouse dome is lighted up in purple this month in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.
There were 348 cases were reported to the Orleans County Domestic Violence Unit in 2022, and 222 cases were reported to the Orleans County Domestic Violence Unit from Jan. 1 to Sept. 15, 2023.
Provided photo: County Legislator Fred Miller on Tuesday presented a proclamation to Judianne Gearing, Domestic Violence Supervisor (left), and Kelley Ortiz, Domestic Violence Services Coordinator.
“Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior that may include physical, emotional, psychological, economic, or sexual abuse, perpetrated by an intimate partner over another, to establish and maintain power and control,” according to the proclamation from the county. “Domestic violence is the major cause of injury to women, resulting in more injuries to women then auto accidents, muggings and rapes combined.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 October 2023 at 7:30 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Jack Welch was officially appointed as the county’s chief administrative officer on March 25, 2020. He agreed to a five-year extension last week.
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has extended the contract with its chief administrative officer for another five years.
Jack Welch has served in the role as head of the county government since March 25, 2020. He was previously the county’s director of personnel and self-insurance since 2004.
Welch also serves as the county’s budget officer. The county budget for 2023 totals $93 million. There are about 440 county employees in more than 20 departments.
Lynne Johnson, the Legislature chairwoman, praised Welch for seeing the county government through the Covid-19 crisis and helping push through capital projects, in addition to the day-to-day demands of the position.
“The Legislature is thrilled with the job Jack has done,” Johnson said. “At the end of the day county government is about providing services to people while minimizing the burden on taxpayers. On that measurement, I think Orleans County would be at the top of the list of any best-run counties in New York. That’s how strongly we feel about Jack and his leadership.”
The current salary for the CAO is $127,040. The position is within the Management Compensation Plan that calls for 2 percent increases for 2024 and then in 2025.
The county faces many challenges “and things never get easier,” Johnson said. “But we have the right guy in Jack Welch to work with a Legislature to meet these challenges.”
Welch, a Holley resident, was praised by County Legislator Fred Miller for being “super organized and very timely.” Miller is the lone Democrat on the County Legislature.
Welch presents options for legislators to help the group make decisions.
“You can count on him,” Miller said. “He is very punctual with everything that has to be done at a certain time. He has strong organizational skills.”
Welch succeeded Chuck Nesbitt who was in the role for 14 ½ years. Miller said it is challenging to fill many positions in the workforce today, especially a top administrator. The contract extension with Welch maintains stability in a key position, county legislators said.
Welch, county legislators and department heads are in midst of the budget preparation for the 2024 county budget. The annual spending plan is typically adopted in late November or early December.
“I strive to make a positive influence in the municipal operations of Orleans County that balances the needs of our residents and the needs of our taxpayers and the needs of our employees,” Welch said. “All three stakeholders’ interests must be taken into consideration as we make adjustments to our operations. I hope and believe I am making a positive difference as we serve our residents on a day-to-day basis.”
Jack Welch speaks with Carlton residents on Tuesday during a meeting about garbage collection on narrow private lanes. About 125 people attended that meeting at the Rec Hall.
Press Release, Genesee-Orleans County Youth Bureau
ALBION – October 12th is the 9th annual Family Game Night in Orleans County. This event is sponsored by the Orleans County Youth Bureau and Legislative Office.
The event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Dubby’s Tailgate located at 165 South Platt St. in Albion. This event will feature dinner, games to play, displays to visit and a new board game for every family.
The booths will provide information on a wide array of services for youth and families that are available in Orleans County. The event this year is free for all families.
We will also have a couple drawings throughout the night. Additional contributors to the evening are Dubby’s Tailgate, Subway, Medina Railroad Museum, Medina Lions Club, Mark’s Pizzeria, Evan’s Ace Hardware & Building Supplies, Albion Ace Hardware, Tops, Save-A-Lot and Wal-Mart.
To register or for more information, contact the Orleans County Legislative Office at 589-7053.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 October 2023 at 3:13 pm
One of first actions: creating Facebook page for county government
ALBION – Orleans County has a part-time public information officer in a new arrangement with Niagara County.
Kevin Schuler, Niagara’s PIO since 2020, will work five hours a week for Orleans County. He has been in the communications field for 29 years.
Orleans will pay Niagara $19,600 for the first year and then a cost of living increase the second year. The agreement goes from Sept. 27, 2023 through Sept. 26, 2025.
Schuler in his first week set up a Facebook page for the county government (click here) and has put out three press releases. The first press release was on the Legislature voting to protect local tributaries from STAMP wastewater, with the second on Sheriff’s Week.
There also was a joint press release for the two counties with their county clerks reminding people to submit eye exams or go to the DMV offices if they had their driver’s license renewed between March 1, 2020 and Aug. 31, 2021. Otherwise they could have their license suspended.
Schuler said he will send press releases to local media outlets, and post to the county website and Facebook page.
“I look to consistently put out content (and share other’s content) that covers the broad scope of services, programs and issues that are in the purview of county government,” he said.
Legislators in the resolution approving the agreement said Orleans has a long history of collaboration with Niagara, including through the Niagara Orleans Regional Alliance and the Niagara Orleans Regional Land Improvement Corporation.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 October 2023 at 12:43 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Karl Driesel, owner of Orleans Millworks in Kendall, checks a door that he made to replace one on the County Clerks’ Building.
Driesel teamed with the Orleans County Department of Public Works to put in two new doors on one of the entrances of the historic building from 1888. Driesel is doing the two doors today that used to lead up to the Orleans County Legislature. The Legislature has since moved to a new addition at the County Office Building on Route 31. That space on the top floor is now used for the public defender’s office.
Tomorrow, Dreisel expects he will work with the DPW to swap out the doors for the county clerk’s office on the other end of the building facing Main Street.
Karl Driesel and DPW senior building maintenance employees Dan Cooke, left, and Bert Mathes carry one of the new doors to set it in place. The door weighs about 200 pounds.
The door in 112 inches high (just over nine feet) and 29 inches wide. It is 2 1/8 inches thick, which Driesel said is “extremely thick” for a door.
Driesel and the DPW were able to use the old hardware to attach the new doors.
With the old the doors the bottom parts were falling apart and were no longer weather tight, Mathes said.
Driesel makes moldings, panels and components for doors that he usually sends off to other companies to put the final product together.
He welcomed the chance to do the full project for the doors at the Clerks’ Building.
“This is an opportunity that is close to home and it looked like a fun project,” he said.
Driesel made the doors out of quartersawn mahogany. They replace wooden doors that appear to be Douglas fir in the center with oak veneer for the rest. Driesel said they likely weren’t the original doors. He said the new doors should hold up for many decades to come.
The county DPW stained the interior side and painted the exterior white.
Karl Driesel and the DPW employees, Dan Cooke and Bert Mathes, attach the new doors. The doors had to be taken off for some slight trimming so they would close perfectly.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2023 at 2:51 pm
Provided photo
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature last week presented a proclamation recognizing Sheriff’s Week, which was Sept. 17-23.
Pictured from left include Deputy Savannah Tackley, Deputy Dana Goetze, Deputy Cory Martindale, County Legislator Skip Draper, Deputy Adam Hazel and Undersheriff Don Draper.
Sheriff’s Week recognizes the work done by county sheriff offices across New York State.
“The Office of Sheriff has evolved into a modern, professional, full-service law enforcement agency, manned by fully trained police officers, using state-of-the-art technology and applying the latest and most advanced theories and practices in the criminal justice field,” the proclamation states.
Some drivers could have license suspended if they didn’t submit results of vision exams
Press Release, Orleans and Niagara county clerks
Niagara County Clerk Joseph A. Jastrzemski and Orleans County Clerk Nadine P. Hanlon today announced that the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has begun sending out driver’s license suspension notices to the 95,000 motorists who renewed their license between 3/1/2020 and 8/31/2021 by self-certifying their vision but have failed to submit the results.
“During the pandemic, New York allowed drivers with expiring licenses to renew them online without the eye exam as DMV offices were shut down,” said Jastrzemski. “However, there was still a requirement that these drivers would have to submit a vision test to DMV at a later date. We are now at the point that those who have failed to do so are facing imminent license suspension.”
The two county clerks said the fastest and easiest way to comply is to visit a local DMV office where a person can have their vision checked free of charge and DMV employees will handle submitting the results to the state.
Alternatively, a person may be tested by an approved provider and the provider will submit the results to the DMV. If you pass a test from a provider not approved by the DMV, the provider must complete a vision test report and you must submit it.
Submissions to DMV can be made electronically or by mail. All the information, instructions, list of approved providers and submission link/mailing address can be found by clicking here.
“The state DMV will begin suspending driver’s licenses on December 1, so time is quickly running out on those who have not yet complied,” said Hanlon. “Whether you visit a DMV office or choose a different path to get your vision checked, the important thing is not to delay and get it done.”
Provided photos: (Left) Pumpkins can be decorated with simple natural elements like this one designed by Master Gardener Kristina Gabalski. (Right) Master Gardener Lisa Lancaster with her big pumpkin and a scarecrow – ready for fall!
Posted 29 September 2023 at 1:09 pm
Contributed by Katie Oakes, Orleans County CCE Master Gardener Coordinator
KNOWLESVILLE – Orleans County CCE Master Gardeners will host the first-ever PumpkinPalooza pumpkin contest at this year’s Medina Lions Club Scarecrow Fest on Oct. 14.
The contest welcomes entries from the public in three categories – Biggest Pumpkin (by circumference), Best Decorated Pumpkin, and Best Carved Pumpkin. Master Gardener volunteers will be on site to judge the entries, and there will be prizes for each category winner.
Pumpkins can be dropped off at the side door of the Lartz building (close to the pie plate) between 9 and 11 a.m. Judging will be immediately after drop-off closes, and winners will be announced at 2 p.m. All participants must collect their pumpkins at the close of the Scarecrow Fest at 3 p.m.
The Highway Department decorated a pumpkin for the annual Family Game Night.
The idea for the contest came to Master Gardeners Lisa Lancaster and Erica Joan Wanecski while they were sitting at the Master Gardener table at the Canal Village Farmer’s Market over the summer.
They were handing out gardening information and free seeds when a customer came up to share his experience growing a giant pumpkin the previous season. Erica and Lisa wondered how many other gardeners or creative decorators might want to showcase their own masterpieces in the community.
They decided a friendly pumpkin competition was the perfect way to allow the public to display their works of art or gardening prowess. This will be the first pumpkin-themed event for the Master Gardeners, and if it goes well, they’d love to see it continue as an annual tradition.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing people’s creativity, in decorating and also in carving, ” said Lisa Lancaster, chairperson of the event for the Master Gardener program. “Pumpkins are such a universal symbol of autumn that this is a way to celebrate the season even more!”
It seemed a natural fit to host the Pumpkinpalooza event in conjunction with the Medina Lions Club Scarecrow Festival on the second Saturday of October. The Scarecrow Fest is hugely popular, with hundreds of local families showing up to make their own scarecrow.
When Katie Oakes, coordinator of the Master Gardener volunteers in Orleans County, reached out to Jim Hancock, co-chair of the event for the Lions Club, to ask if they would allow the Pumpkinpalooza as an add-on to their traditional festival, the answer was an emphatic “yes!” from the board.
“We’re hoping to draw some new people and reach a wider audience,” explained Erica Joan Wanecski, chairperson of the Master Gardener program. “The more activities that are present at the Scarecrow Fest, the longer people will stay and the more fun they will have! We’re hoping the Pumpkinpalooza can benefit everyone.”
Anyone entering a pumpkin in the category of “Biggest Pumpkin” must be able to transport the pumpkin themselves – there will be no equipment available to move large pumpkins. One prize will be given to the winner of each category – winner need not be present to win. Please contact Katie Oakes at 585-798-4265 ext 125 or klo54@cornell.edu with any questions on Pumpkinpalooza or the Master Gardener program.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 September 2023 at 4:06 pm
John Sansone joins Susan Howard in bid to replace Joe Cardone, who is retiring after 2024
Photo by Tom Rivers: John Sansone is shown on Sept. 11 at the Courthouse Square when he attended the 9/11 memorial service.
ALBION – A long-time attorney who has worked in Orleans County announced today he will be running to succeed Joe Cardone as Orleans County district attorney. Cardone is retiring after 2024 following more than three decades in the role.
John Sansone announced his candidacy today. Sansone lives in Lockport. He is married to Maria Sansone, formerly Maria Obes of Holley. They have been renovating her Holley childhood home and are excited to move to the home on East Avenue.
John Sansone
Sansone has worked as an attorney for 28 years, including as Holley’s municipal lawyer since 2001. He also is Clarendon’s town attorney, and previously served as town attorney for Kendall and Murray.
He worked for the Orleans County Public Defender’s Office from 1998 to 2001 and has been with the District Attorney’s Office since 2007. In that role he has been prosecutor for felony jury trials and misdemeanor jury and bench trials. He has presented cases to the grand jury, participated in criminal investigations, charging decisions and case reviews.
Sansone, 56, also said he works closely with law enforcement and victims of crimes, performs discovery compliance.
“It would be an immense honor to serve as your District Attorney because the residents and communities of Orleans County deserve a seamless transition at the top of law enforcement,” Sansone said in a statement to the Orleans Hub. “Keeping our communities safe, especially in the current climate, is priority number one. The only way to effectively accomplish that goal is to fairly hold people accountable for their actions. To do that requires tireless preparation, extensive effort, a tenacious attitude, outstanding legal skill and tested trial experience. That is the only proven recipe for success in difficult cases.”
Susan Howard, who also works in the DA’s office with Cardone, also is running for DA next year. She and Sansone are both Republicans. Howard is an Orleans County resident.
Sansone touted his experience and commitment to justice. He has been lead prosecutor in the Niagara County Attorney’s Office for 22 years and won an award in 2019 as the Best AFC (Attorney for Children) in Niagara County.
He is currently special prosecutor for Kendall and Ridgeway in Orleans County and town prosecutor for Newfane and Pendleton in Niagara County.
Before becoming an attorney, Sansone worked as a reporter for The Union-Sun & Journal in Lockport, covering courts and the “crime beat” in Niagara County, as well as reporting on the Niagara County Legislature.
ALBION – The Orleans County Department of Social Services announced that the 2023-2024 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) application window will open on Wednesday, Nov. 1.
