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Orleans County

Historic canal tugboat could be grounded for static display

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 June 2018 at 3:20 pm

Other vessels slated to sunk in Long Island reef

File photos by Tom Rivers: The tugboat Urger was in Orleans County in October 2015 as part of its educational outreach, when elementary school children visit the boat from 1901. This photo shows the Urger in Albion.

A historic tugboat that has traveled the canal in recent years as an ambassador is proposed to be grounded and become part of a static display in Montgomery County.

In addition, the New York Power Authority, the current caretaker of the canal, wants to remove 29 other vessels and sink them in Long Island to make an artificial reef that state officials say would be interesting for scuba divers.

The Preservation League of New York State is opposing the removal of the Urger and the sinking of the 29 other vessels. The State Historic Preservation Office has approved sinking seven of the vessels, according to the Preservation League.

“As we embark on a multi-year celebration of the construction of the Erie Canal, including the 2018 centennial celebration of the Barge Canal, it seems a remarkably poor time to be removing historic resources from the National Historic Landmark NYS canal system,” the Preservation League stated on Tuesday.

The vessels have been decommissioned and include canal tugs, derrick boats, scows and tender tugs, according to The Times Union in Albany.

The Canal Corp. and Power Authority want to send the Urger to a dry-land exhibit at a visitor center off the Thruway near Canajoharie. The plan would not keep the Urger as an operable tugboat.

The Urger travelled up and down the canal most years and was particularly popular with fourth-graders who learn about the state history and the canal.

The Urger was in Albion on Oct. 5, 2015 by the Main Street lift bridge.

The Urger was built in 1901 and originally was a Great Lakes tugboat and was a commercial shipping vessel in Michigan for its first two decades. It joined the canal system in 1922 and moved state dredges, Derek boats, barges and scows, primarily on the Champlain Canal and the eastern portion of the Erie Canal from 1922 through 1986, when she was retired from service.

In 1991, the Urger got new life as a “Teaching Tug.” It was visiting canal communities from early May until late October, educating children and adults about the canal system, which opened in 1825.

The Urger is 75 feet long and weighs 83.7 tons. The engine weighs 19.5 tons. It is a 1944 Atlas Imperial engine that was surplus from World War II. It replaced a steam engine.

John Bonafide, director of Technical Preservation Services Bureau for the State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, sent a June 12 letter to John Kahabka, vice president of Environment Health and Safety for the New York Power Authority

Bonafide noted the Urger in 2001 was listed on the state and national registers of historic places “as a resource of state-wide significance.” The Urger was nominated “for her long and historic association with the development of New York State’s twentieth century canals.”

Fourth-graders from School No. 2 in Rochester visit the Urger in Holley on Oct. 7, 2015.

The tugboat now serves as the canal’s ceremonial flagship, serving as a platform and focal point for educational programs, historic interpretation and celebrations in canal side communities throughout upstate NY, Bonafide said.

“This historic vessel is one of New York State’s preeminent and unique historic resources,” he wrote in his letter. “As such, the proposal to remove the historic vessel from its water setting and create a land-based static exhibit with her, albeit it close to the canal, will nevertheless have an unquestionable and profound direct adverse impact on the National Register listed tugboat.”

The tugboat is also connected to the Erie Canal, which is a National Historic Landmark. “The proposed removal and display may also adversely affect the significant resource as well,” he said.

State Parks wants to see a current structural or engineering conditions survey of Urger “to better understand the rationale for removing the historic resource form operational use on the canal,” Bonafide wrote to Kahabka.

State Parks also wants to see an annual maintenance budget showing expenses to maintain the Urger as an operating vessel along the canal, the estimated cost for creating a static exhibit and the budget for maintaining a static exhibit.

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5 schools in Orleans get ready for graduation

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 June 2018 at 11:43 am

File photo: As is tradition during their outdoor commencement, Holley graduates gather in the corner of Holley Hawks Stadium and throw their caps in the air surrounded by family and friends after the program. This photo is from the 2017 graduation. Holley’s commencement starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

About 400 seniors will graduate from the five public school districts in Orleans County on Friday and Saturday.

Four of the school districts – Albion, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina – start their graduation programs at 7 p.m. on Friday. Holley has its commencement on Saturday at 10 a.m.

Here is a rundown of each graduation program:

• In Albion, graduation is in the high school gymnasium with 133 students finishing high school. The scheduled speakers are Michael Bonnewell, the district superintendent, and Margy Brown, president of the Board of Education, as well as Valedictorian Richard Daniels, Salutatorian Tyler Kast and Class President Victor Benjovsky.

• Holley has 89 candidates for graduation on Saturday at the Holley Hawks Stadium (the football stadium).  There will be speeches by the Class President Matthew DeSimone, Valedictorian Dakota Thompson and the Salutatorian Nina DiLella.

The keynote address will be given by Nick D’Amuro, a Holley social studies teacher, football assistant coach, and track assistant coach.

In case of rain, the graduation will be moved to the Jr./Sr. High Auditorium.

• Kendall has 49 students graduating at 7 p.m. on Friday at the David J. Doyle Kendall Jr./Sr. High School Auditorium.

The valedictory address will be given by Kierstyn Christensen, who is the daughter of the district superintendent, Julie Christensen. Allen Tonas will be the salutatory address.

Karl Driesel, a Kendall graduate and owner of a woodworking business in town, will give the keynote address.

• Lyndonville has 50 students graduating on Friday at the Stroyan Auditorium. Jason Smith, the district superintendent, and Aaron Slack, the high school principal, will be speakers. Paige Gardner will give the valedictory address and Mercedes Benedict will give the salutatorian speech.

• Medina has 120 students graduating on Friday in the High School Auditorium. Speakers include Michael Cavanaugh, the high school principal, and Valedictorian Madison Kenward and Salutatorian Jack Hill.

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Judge allows court case from Orleans, other counties to go forward against pharmaceutical companies

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 June 2018 at 9:28 am

A court case from Orleans and other counties can go forward after a ruling on Monday by a state Supreme Court judge in Suffolk County.

Six pharmaceutical companies sought to dismiss lawsuits by several counties who say the drug manufacturers fueled an opioid crisis through misleading marketing campaigns that minimized the addiction risks of opioids.

Jerry Garguilo, the judge in Suffolk County, rejected arguments by OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma LP and other companies who said the counties’ complaints were insufficiently alleged, time-barred or pre-empted by federal law.

The New York Association of Counties issued a statement on behalf of the counties on Monday.

“Today’s decision validates the efforts of the New York counties that there are triable issues of fact which should proceed before the State Supreme Court,” said Stephen J. Acquario, executive director and general counsel to the New York State Association of Counties. “It’s a very important milestone in this ongoing national and state litigation with far-reaching consequences that are felt in our counties every day. The effects of opioid addiction and destruction are pervasive, and today’s decision marks an important turning point.”

In addition to the New York counties’ pending action in New York State Supreme Court in Suffolk County, there are hundreds of state and local government cases filed in federal court, consolidated in the Northern District of Ohio.

The Orleans County Legislature on Sept. 27 voted to join the lawsuit against pharmaceuticals for allegedly fueling the opioid crisis.

The Legislature voted to retain Napoli Shkolnik PLLC, a Manhattan firm, in the lawsuit. The firm is paying any upfront costs for staffing and retaining expert witnesses, County Attorney David Schubel said then.

The counties are contending the pharmaceutical manufacturers knew that opioids were effective for short-term or trauma-related pain, as well as palliative (end-of-life) care. However, the manufacturers also knew for years that opioids were addictive and subject to abuse, especially when used for more than three months.

The lawsuit contends that prescription painkillers, as well as heroin abuse, are the prime causes for an increase in overdose deaths. In 2014, there were 28,647 opioid overdose deaths nationwide, a 14 percent increase from the previous year.

In 2014, the heroin overdose deaths in New York reached 825, a jump of 23 percent from the previous year and 25 times the number a decade earlier, according to a resolution from the County Legislature in September.

Orleans and other municipalities in the lawsuit are seeking to recover damages that have contributed “to high costs to the taxpayers in the form of increased social services, policing, and other expenditures,” according to the county resolution.

Pharmaceutical companies have denied misleading the public about the addictive nature of painkillers, such as Oxycontin. The prescription painkillers are FDA approved and include warnings on the product label about possible risks, the companies have said.

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Sheriff Bower honored at national conference

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 June 2018 at 4:43 pm

Provided photo: Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower was presented with a MAGNUS Leadership Award in New Orleans on Sunday.

NEW ORLEANS – Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower received a leadership award from a national organization on Sunday for his work to implement several new initiatives in the county, including expanded substance abuse and mental health services for inmates in the Orleans County Jail.

The sheriff also has reached out to the faith community and several local pastors agreed to be mentors for people battling addictions who are transitioning from the jail. That initiative is called the Sheriff’s CARE program for Community Addiction Rehabilitation Education.

Bower says the county can’t solve the opioid crisis solely through arrests and using Narcan. The mentors act as recovery coaches, who help people fighting addiction make their appointments and also provide a listening ear.

Bower has been at the National Sheriffs’ Association Conference in New Orleans this week. On Sunday he was presented with a MAGNUS Leadership Award “in recognition of your tireless work implementing bold initiatives that have created synergy and trust between the citizens of your community and your agency,” according to a letter from Mitch Javidi, chancellor of National Command & Staff College and CEO and president of International Academy of Public Safety.

Bower’s award comes from the National Command & Staff College which stresses a strong moral compass for law enforcement officers and that they are all leaders within their communities.

Bower received the MAGNUS Leadership Award “in recognition of your tireless work implementing bold initiatives that have created synergy and trust between the citizens of your community and your agency.”

The Sheriff’s Office has led a number of outreach and public safety events in the county, including several at local schools. Bower said he is pleased deputies are taking the initiative in organizing the events, including a new one on Sunday at the Albion Walmart from noon to 2 p.m.

That event includes a child restraint check, DWI/Distracted Driving Simulator, Marine Safety, K9 demonstration with “Otto,” hot dog cookout and Operation Safe Child.

“We’re trying to do right by the people and give them everything we can,” Bower said by phone this afternoon.

He praised the deputies and other members of the Sheriff’s Office for embracing the outreach efforts and a more compassionate approach to criminal justice services, including the added programs to help inmates in the jail.

Other agencies and local pastors have all stepped forward to assist people, especially those with addictions.

“Everybody is helping,” Bower said. “If you reach out, they’ll help. They just need to be asked.”

Bower has been active with Orleans Hope, a multi-pronged effort by the community to fight the opioid crisis. Churches have stepped up their efforts, welcoming addicts instead of shunning them. Several churches have Celebrate Recovery programs.

Orleans Hope also welcomed Scott Caraboolad and a group of stunt bike riders for a few days in October. The Ride4Life visited local schools and had community events, including at the Fairgrounds. The lead rider, Caraboolad, is a recovering addict. He shared how he overcame his drug addiction.

The sheriff was one of the early supporters for the Ride4Life, which brought Scott Caraboolad and other stunt riders to Orleans County in October. Caraboolad does a stunt on Oct. 5 in front of the student body at Lyndonville Central School.

Bower embraced Caraboolad’s presentations, wanting to connect with people battling addictions and urge them to seek help. Bower also wanted students to hear a Caraboolad’s message, to not seek comfort from drugs and alcohol, and how drug use can escalate and take over – and end – lives.

Bower has welcomed addiction services for inmates in the county jail, connecting them to treatment programs, health insurance and Vivitrol, a shot that helps stave off drug urges. The county has pushed to have a transition from the jail to GCASA or another treatment program.

Bower in his 2 1/2 years as sheriff has expanded mental health and substance abuse services for inmates in the Orleans County jail in Albion.

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Big ideas from new class of entrepreneurs

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Graduates of the spring class for Microenterprise Assistance Program posed outside Tillman’s Village Inn Tuesday night with their advisers/mentors. From left, front, are Sam Campanella, business adviser with the Small Business Development Corporation of New York; Diane Blanchard, director of MAP; Marcell Taylor, guest speaker and former graduate; Maurice Taylor; Jenelle Boyd; and Adam Papaj. Back row: Jake Olles; Kelly Furness, Michelle Hampton; Richard Gallo; Kin Chesher-Nguyen; Julie Hess; Richard Petitte, business adviser for the Buffalo District of Small Business Development Centers of New York State; and Jon Costello with SCORE.

Posted 13 June 2018 at 12:05 pm

Nearly 500 have now completed microenterprise training program

Kim Chester-Nguyen of North Chili explains the nursery/furniture wedge she designed to fellow graduates of the Microenterprise Assistance Program during a graduation program Tuesday night at Tillman’s Village Inn.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent

ALBION – The latest class of graduates in Orleans Economic Development Agency’s Microenterprise Assistance Program brings the total of aspiring entrepreneurs to 485 individuals since the program started about two decades ago.

Ten of the spring class’s 11 participants shared their business plans and received diplomas Tuesday night at the Village Inn.

Diane Blanchard, director of the MAP, introduced guests, advisers and graduates.

Those lending support to the program were Jon Costello, a business mentor with SCORE; Richard Petitte with the Buffalo District of the Small Business Development Centers of NYS; Sam Campanella with the Small Business Development Corporation of New York; Karen Sawicz, board member and owner of Lake Country Pennysaver/Orleans Hub; Kathy Blackburn, president of the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce and owner of Meggie Moo’s in Medina; and Ken DeRoller, an Orleans County legislator.

Graduates and their proposed businesses were Jenelle Boyd of Lyndonville, whose tentative plan is to open a coffee house/café in the block which her uncle Robert Smith is renovating in Lyndonville; Richard Gallo and Michelle Hampton of Holley, expansion of a towing business; Kim Chester-Nguyen of North Chili, production of a nursery/furniture wedge; Kelly Furness of Waterport, flipping homes; Julie Hess of Lyndonville, the Wed Shed; Jake Olles of Albion, house inspection/property management for cottagers and snowbirds; Robert Owens of Albion, a hydroponics supply store; Adam Papaj of Medina, a multi-purpose sports training facility; Maurice Taylor, a consultant in workplace diversity; and John Brabon, nutrition meals.

Michelle Hampton and Richard Gallo of Holley took the class to further their plans of expanding a towing business in Orleans County.

Each graduate explained their business plan to the audience, what they expected their start-up costs to be, what they would need for operating revenue and what their projected profits would be.

Graduates of the class not only learn how to develop a business plan, but are eligible for low-interest loans.

Several were looking for assistance in expanding a current business, while others are first-time entrepreneurs.

An ambitious plan was unveiled by Adam Papaj of Medina, who wants to open a multi-purpose sports training facility. He would provide sports-specific training in a facility which would have bounce houses, an area for toddlers, a small restaurant with pizza and fast food, a cage for hitting training for baseball and training spaces for soccer and lacrosse. He would coordinate activities with special events happening in the area, such as Thomas the Train, Ale in Autumn and the Steampunk Festival. He is looking for financing to build or renovate an existing building.

Jake Olles of Albion saw a need for the business he hopes to establish – monitoring and managing property for cottage owners and snowbirds.

His plan is to offer his services to open and close cottages for the season and inspect those properties and homes of snowbirds who go south for the winter.

With cell phone technology, he says he can inspect a property every two weeks, take pictures and send them to owners who can then determine if everything is in place. This would also be a check for broken pipes or power outages which could cause extensive damage if not discovered in a timely manner. He has a snowmobile to give him access to lake property when driveways are full of snow. He would also look for footprints in the snow, which might indicate someone had been trespassing on the property.

Jenelle Boyd of Lyndonville explains her business plan to fellow graduates of the Microenterprise Assistance Program. Her tentative plans are to open a coffee house/café in the block her uncle Robert Smith is renovating on Main Street in Lyndonville.

Kim Chesher-Nguyen’s business is the production of a wedge she designed to prevent items from falling down between the wall and a piece of furniture, especially in the nursery.

Julie Hess of Lyndonville hit on her business quite by accident after spending a lot of money buying items for her son’s wedding.

“I had so much stuff left I decided to rent it out,” Hess said. “It became clear there needed to be a resource for couples planning a wedding or special event where they could rent items at a reasonable price and not have to go out and buy them.”

Her Wed Shed offers tables, decorating, lighting and backdrops, among other things. She plans to keep up on trends in wedding planning and has opened a showroom in a chicken coop on their property.

She will set up decorations and tear them down, or the customer can do it themselves.

Her goal is to provide low-cost decorations to create the WOW factor.

Marcell Taylor, a former MAP graduate, told the class how much the program helped him get established. He now owns barber shops in Albion and Batavia.

“Every week I was excited about what I was going to learn at the next class,” Taylor said. “When you are in business for yourself, you speak a different language than the person who goes to work 9 to 5. People don’t understand the passion and drive an entrepreneur has. In this class, I met people I could relate to.”

He said was exited to hear all the ideas this latest class wants to get into.

“You are here with people who share your goals,” he said.

Ken DeRoller has been on the board of directors for the Orleans EDA since 2001 and has been an avid supporter of the microenterprise program. He was amazed at the ideas presented by graduates.

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County’s Veterans Service Agency leader named to state commission for veterans

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 June 2018 at 4:34 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers: Earl Schmidt, director of the Veterans Service Agency in Orleans County, rides in the Strawberry Festival Parade on Saturday. He was promoting a medical van transport service run by the Orleans County Joint Veterans Council.

ALBION – The director of the Veterans Service Agency in Orleans County has a new role to advocate for veterans.

Earl Schmidt on Memorial Day was sworn in as a member of the Veterans Affairs Commission for the state. He was recommended for the post by Assemblyman Steve Hawley, who administered the oath to Schmidt during a Memorial Day observance at Holley.

The Commission advises staff for the State Division of Veterans’ Affairs on policies, implementing programs and coordinating services for veterans.

“This is quite an honor,” said Schmidt, who has been the county’s director of the Veterans Service Agency since December 2015. “It will give us a voice in Albany. We need to do anything that is in the right path for veterans.”

Schmidt’s term on the Commission lasts until Dec. 31, 2019, when his tenure could be extended for the voluntary position.

Schmidt served 23 years in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army National Guard, including combat in both the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan. He retired as sergeant first class and reconnaissance platoon sergeant. He earned 17 medals including a Bronze Star.

A Ridgeway resident, he worked 3 ½ years as an accredited veterans’ service officer with the Niagara County Veterans Service Agency before coming to lead the office in Orleans County.

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Airbnb will collect occupancy tax for Orleans County starting today

Staff Reports Posted 1 June 2018 at 12:16 pm

ALBION – Starting today Airbnb has finalized a new agreement with Orleans County, where the company will collect a 4 percent occupancy tax for rooms, cottages and houses that are rented in the county through Airbnb.

There are currently 33 Airbnb sites in Orleans, with many of them along Lake Ontario. Click here to see the sites in Orleans County listed through Airbnb.

Rather than have the individual sites send the occupancy tax to the county treasurer, Airbnb will take care of it.

“It doesn’t cost the county any money and really just brings us money,” said Kim DeFrank, the county treasurer.

Airbnb now collects and remits taxes to 21 counties statewide. Airbnb has remitted over $1.7 million in hotel and motel room taxes since reaching the first agreement with Tompkins County in July 2016. Airbnb remitted over $1 million in hotel and motel room tax revenue in 2017 alone, the company said.

In addition, Airbnb supports legislation currently under consideration in the New York State legislature (A7520/S7182) that would extend existing sales and hotel and motel room taxes to short-term rentals and authorize platforms like Airbnb to collect and remit such taxes statewide.

This would bring in close to $100 million in the first year alone, the company said. In addition, this bill would ensure that responsible New Yorkers can continue to share their home while addressing public safety concerns and targeting bad actors, including providing a 24/7 hotline for concerned neighbors and requiring that hosts carry a minimum of $250,000 in insurance.

“Airbnb is an economic mobilizer for everyone, from families sharing their home to make ends meet, to the small businesses benefitting from more guests shopping and eating locally – and now to Orleans County, which will join 20 other county governments statewide in receiving a new source of tax revenue from home sharing,” said Josh Meltzer, head of New York Public Policy for Airbnb. “We hope this latest agreement will also serve as yet another clear example of the economic potential of home sharing in every corner of the Empire State.”

By doing collecting and remitting the hotel and motel room tax in Orleans, Airbnb will make the process seamless for hosts while providing a valuable source of revenue to Orleans County, the company said.

“The taxes collected by Airbnb help strengthen and expand the advertising programs we use to attract even more tourists, increasing the revenues for our businesses and taxable sales for our county,” said Dawn L. Borchert, Orleans County Director of Tourism.

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State grant will fund new veteran peer support program in Orleans

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 May 2018 at 9:26 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: Earl Schmidt, director of the veterans Service Agency in Orleans County, discusses the new veteran peer-to-peer support program on Wednesday with county legislators.

ALBION – A state grant will fund a new veteran peer-to-peer support program in Orleans County.

The county has accepted a grant for $52,500 from the State Senate, annual funding for the next two years with a chance for renewing the program after that, said Earl Schmidt, director of the Veterans Service Agency in Orleans County.

Rather than add paid personnel to run the program, Schmidt wants to have the program be volunteer-driven so the grant funds can go for their intended purpose of funding activities and programs for veterans.

Schmidt said the peer support program will function in a similar way as the medical van service run by the Joint Veterans Council. With that program a team of volunteers makes sure there are volunteer drivers to take veterans to appointments.

Schmidt’s wife, Catherine, will be the unpaid leader of the Orleans County PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Program. The effort is supported by the county’s Department of Mental Health and the Veterans Service Agency.

‘The program draws its inspiration from the camaraderie that comes from a shared experience of life in the military,” Earl Schmidt told county legislators on Wednesday.

Orleans is the 23rd county out of 62 in New York to receive state funding for the program, which is focused on assisting veterans who have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder or a traumatic brain injury.

“The goals of the program include helping returning veterans adjust to civilian life, pursue outreach and education, to provide peer support, encourage a connection among family, friends and the community,” he said.

The outreach and support should reduce isolation and suicides for veterans, Schmidt said.

Mrs. Schmidt will serve as volunteer coordinator of the Dwyer program. She is a Blue Star mother with a child in active duty and a past Blue Star wife. She is a past president of Army Family Support.

Other members of the committee organizing the program include: Lori Grube, a Blue Star mother who worked as a county dispatcher and is now secretary of the Emergency Management Office; Frank Panczyszyn, a Vietnam War veteran and volunteer driver for veterans for their medical appointments; Tracey Panczyszyn, a volunteer with the medical van service; and Nancy Traxler, a veterans service officer for the county, a combat veteran and a Blue Star mother and wife.

Mr. Schmidt said additional committee members will be added. He expects the service will begin in September.

“The volunteers in the community have really stepped up to take care of the veterans,” he said.

Mrs. Schmidt said the activities to connect veterans will include many coffee hours and picnics. They may go kayaking or do other activities. She wants to keep the program within the county, which has the added benefit of supporting local businesses.

“There will be many social events in a non-clinical environment,” she said. “It will be used for veterans and their families.”

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2 recognized by County Legislature

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 May 2018 at 8:10 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature on Wednesday presented two Special Recognition Awards. Danielle Figura, second from left, was recognized for winning an award on May 24 from the Mental Health Association of Genesee & Orleans Counties. Figura, clinic coordinator for the Orleans County Mental Health Department, receives the Special Recognition Award from County Legislator Skip Draper, left, and Marc O’Brien, director of the Orleans County Mental Health Department. Kim DeFrank, the county treasurer, is at right.

Figura was recognized last week at the Mental Health Association with the Constance E. Miller Commitment to Excellence. She has implemented numerous programs in Orleans County, including expanded mental health services at the five local school districts, the Orleans County Jail, the Genesee-Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, and Oak Orchard Health.

“Your dedication to serving the needs of those with mental health issues has well exceeded all expectations and had a profound effect on the residents of Orleans County, and beyond,” Draper said.

Jonathan Doherty, center, of Albion also was commended by the Legislature. He receives his Special Recognition Award from legislators Don Allport, left, and Skip Draper.

Doherty on May 19 was presented with the Chris Burke Award for Excellence in disABILITY Advocacy. He received that award during a 20th anniversary celebration for People Inc.’s DisABILITY Museum in Buffalo.

Doherty has been a leader of the Self Advocate All Stars in Orleans County since the group formed in 2006. The All Stars strive to promote awareness and acceptance in the community for people with disabilities.

Doherty is an active community member, volunteering with the Strawberry Festival Committee, Boy Scout Troop 164, the Albion Alumni Foundation, the Eastman at Albion Concert Series, and numerous events for The Arc of Genesee Orleans. He earned his Eagle Scout rank when he was 21 and is an assistant Scoutmaster.

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Communities in Orleans County schedule Memorial Day observances

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 May 2018 at 5:10 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers: Local veterans are pictured during Memorial Day last year, headed down Park Avenue in Medina. This year’s parade starts at 11 a.m.

Five events are planned for Memorial Day in Orleans County. The schedule includes:

• Albion – The parade starts near the Orleans County Court House on Main Street at 10 a.m. and proceeds to the Albion Middle School front lawn where there will be a service near the Vietnam Memorial.

• Holley – Participants will form up at the American Legion Post at 10:30 a.m. with the parade starting at 11 and ending at the Hillside Cemetery.

• Lyndonville – The parade will start at 9 a.m. at the Catholic Church on Lake Avenue and end near the library on Main Street.  A ceremony will be held there. The Yates Community Library has arranged to have many flags in the school front yard.

• Medina – The parade will start at 11 a.m. at the Olde Pickle Factory building and proceed to the State Street Park where a ceremony will be held at about noon.

• Kendall – The town has its Memorial Day observance on May 30. Kendall alternates the location among three cemeteries. This year Memorial Day will be observed at Greenwood Cemetery on Roosevelt Highway (Route 18). The ceremony starts at 7 p.m.

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Orleans signs contract with Niagara to run crisis hotline

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 May 2018 at 8:08 am

Orleans and Genesee have new numbers for a crisis hotline. The previous numbers through the YWCA will continue to work in the short-term.

ALBION – The Niagara County Mental Health Department will continue to operate a crisis intervention hotline for Orleans and Genesee counties, after Niagara stepped up in an interim based when the service ceased suddenly last month.

Niagara assumed Orleans and Genesee calls on a crisis hotline after the YWCA announced on April 2 it would be shutting down the crisis line.

The arrangement was formally approved on Tuesday after a final OK by the Niagara County Legislature. Orleans will reimburse Niagara at the same rate it did the YWCA, said Mark O’Brien, director of the Orleans County Mental Health Department.

The phone numbers for the Care and Crisis Helpline through the YWCA – Local: 585-344-4400 and Toll Free: 1-844-345-4400 – have been forwarded to Niagara County since soon after April 2.

O’Brien said new numbers are being introduced: 585-283-5200 and 741741 to text.

O’Brien said the mental health leaders in the three counties, including Ellery Reaves in Genesee and Laura J. Kelemen in Niagara, have been working hard to have a crisis helpline in place for Orleans and Genesee.

He praised Niagara County “for stepping up with this.”

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New stage for performances under construction at Fairgrounds

Photos by Tom Rivers: Tim Gregoire, right, of Tim Gregoire Construction in Holley and Robert Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, look over progress on a new addition and stage at the Curtis Pavilion at the 4-H Fairgrounds.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 May 2018 at 9:06 pm

KNOWLESVILLE – When the Orleans County 4-H Fair returns in late July, there will be a new stage and location for the popular karaoke, talent show, and other concerts.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension is using a stage grant to put an addition on the Curtis Pavilion which will include a stage, six dressing rooms and a sound booth.

The concrete has been poured a 2-foot-high wooden stage wooden epoxy will be added. The Extension currently has to pay about $2,000 each fair to rent a tent and stage.

Robert Gregoire, Tim Gregoire’s son, screws in metal wall sheeting on the addition.

The state in 2016  set aside $5 million to help county fairs with capital improvements. Orleans received about $96,000. The new stage and addition at the Curtis Pavilion is costing about $83,000. The grant also paid for electrical upgrades for campsites.

Tim Gregoire Construction of Holley is well ahead of schedule on the project. Gregoire has until July 1.

The project includes an electrical upgrade in the pavilion and the installation of stage lighting.

The new addition looks like a pole barn to blend in with most of the other barns at the fairgrounds.

Robert Batt, executive director of the Extension, said the site will also be used for agriculture education programs as an outdoor classroom. He also would like to see other concerts held at the Curtis Pavilion outside of the busy fair week.

Batt said the Extension has applied for another $96,000 state grant for fairgrounds improvements. The Extension wants to replace four or five wooden bleachers with new metal ones. The Extension also has applied to use part of the grant for new animal stalls, lighting upgrades and also a new “show plex” for animal shows.

Ayman Huzair, then 21, performs during the karaoke finals in July 2015. Huzair won the competition singing a medley of songs from Michael Montgomery, Bruno Mars and Cupid. The karaoke competition this July will be held on the new stage at the Curtis Pavilion.

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Cooperative Extension has new LED sign to promote events at Fairgrounds

Photos by Tom Rivers: Robert Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, experiments with programming a new LED sign that went “live” today at the fairgrounds.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 May 2018 at 1:31 pm

KNOWLESVILLE – A new electronic LED sign was turned on for the first time this morning at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

The Extension received a $4,535.75 grant to purchase and install the sign. The funding for the Extension was approved by the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority. The State Department of Agriculture and Markets provided the funding. It is part of nearly $600,000 for research, promotion, and development projects to strengthen New York State’s diverse agricultural industry and spur economic growth across the state, according to Richard Ball, the State agriculture commissioner, who announced the funding in March.

Robert Batt, the Cooperative Extension executive director, said the new sign will allow the Extension to promote several events at the fairgrounds. The previous sign, with letters that had to be set by hand, only listed one event.

Howard Watts, the facility coordinator for the Extension, and Robert Batt, Extension executive director, are pictured with the new sign. Some additional work will be done on the frame.

“Before we could only highlight one thing,” Batt said. “Now we can highlight 4 or 5 things.”

He also wants the sign to include some agriculture facts.

Howard Watts, the facility coordinator for the Extension, had the frame ready last week. He worked on the electric this morning, and the sign went live for the first time at about 11 a.m.

This photo from July 2013 shows Extension Director Robert Batt, who was then the president of the Fair Board, and Kerri Richardson, who was then community educator for the Cornell Cooperative Extension, gearing up for 4-H Fair in Knowlesville. A new digital sign will allow the organization to list more events.

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Outstanding youth and adults who work on their behalf are recognized

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Youth Board on Thursday honored the following, from left: Doug Egling, Cody Crane, Emily Bibby, Jessica Sedore, Alexis Penna, Hannah Duhow, Carrie Janas, Kaitlin Zwifka, Michela Hanlon, Jeremy Browe, Reese Raduns and Sal DeLuca. Missing from photo include Emma Lonnen, Riley Seielstad and Salvador Solis.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 May 2018 at 2:58 pm
 HOLLEY – Students who have stepped up in extraordinary ways to serve their families, school and community were honored on Thursday during the 36th annual Youth Recognition Banquet by the Orleans County Youth Board.

Doug Egling

Two adults were also honored for their service to children.

Doug Egling received the Helen R. Brinsmaid Professional Award, which is given to a paid professional who works with youth.

Egling is a caseworker for the Orleans County Department of Social Services. He is assigned to Albion middle and high schools. He supervises some children who are classified as PINS (Persons in Need of Supervision), and also does preventive and foster care cases.

Egling is musically talented and has found instruments for children to play, and will take them to concerts. He goes above and beyond to connect with children, said Carrie O’Neill, coordinator of the PINS program or juvenile adjustment services for Orleans County’s probation department.

“Doug is truly a genuine person who has a heart of gold and would truly do anything for anyone in need,” O’Neill said.

Egling has worked for the county the past 10 years, with six years as a caseworker assistant and the past four years as a caseworker. Prior to that he worked 16 years for The Arc of Orleans County.

Egling said he is part of team of caseworkers and other professionals who determined to find solutions for kids who are often in crisis.

“I like being a member of that team,” Egling said. “The caseworkers and CPS workers are my heroes.”

Egling urged the community to be more open to reaching out to young people, especially those whose families have broken down.

“It’s neighbor to neighbor,” he said.

Emily Bibby of Holley was recognized as a behind-the-scenes leader. She is active in the Interact Club and has coordinated several projects for the service organization. Jocelyn Sikorski, director of the Youth Bureau, is at left.

Sal DeLuca of Holley received the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Award for his 30 years of volunteer service to Holley youth. DeLuca has been a long-time soccer, baseball and track coach.

Sal DeLuca

He is currently president of the Holley Sports Boosters Club. He spends many hours at the Woodlands field concession stand, working the grill and refilling the cooler with water, Gatorade and soda.

Penny Cole of Holley nominated DeLuca for the award. She said she pays for many meals for students who show up to the stand hungry.

He also mows the grass at the Woodlands Soccer Complex and fixes many things that need maintenance.

DeLuca served on the Holley Board of Education for six years and was influential in the recent capital projects on the campus.

“Sal truly cares about every student in the Holley community and does his best to make sure they have the best education and are the most well-rounded students out there,” Cole said.

DeLuca said he enjoys seeing students happy.

“It’s the smile,” he said. “That’s the bottom line. I just like to do it.”

Jessica Sedore of Holley is a positive presence in the school. She is a role model for her classmates, and pushes others to try their best.

The following young people were recognized for their outstanding service in the community and/or family: Emily Bibby, Jeremy Browe, Cody Crane, Hannah Duhow, Christian Hahn, Michela Hanlon, Carrie Janas, Emma Lonnen, Alexis Penna, Reese Raduns, Jessica Sedore, Riley Seielstad, Salvador Solis and Kaitlin Zwifka.

The students serve in different ways, from volunteering in a Pre-K classroom to serving as an athlete buddy in the Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged. They have all been selfless in serving others.

Cody Crane of Medina accepts a “Youth Recognition Award.” He planned, organized and was a presenter at a public forum on Jan. 30 about the stigma of opioid addiction.

Dr. Daniel Doctor, Medina Central School’s director of community outreach, served as keynote speaker. He urged the youth to continue serving others. He said they need to use their talents to better the world.

“The young people sitting here tonight have done something with their talents,” Doctor said. “Share it and don’t bury it. Because if it’s under something, the world can’t see your talents.”

Dr. Dan Doctor, director of community outreach for Medina Central School, was keynote speaker at the banquet.

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3 senior citizens recognized as dedicated community volunteers

Photos by Tom Rivers: Florence Surdi of Albion is recognized on Thursday as one of two outstanding senior citizens from Orleans County who will be honored in Albany on May 22 during an awards program at the State Capitol. Melissa Blanar, director of the Orleans County Office for the Aging, is at left, and State Assemblyman Steve Hawley is at right.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 May 2018 at 8:31 am

KNOWLESVILLE – Three senior citizens in Orleans County were honored on Thursday for their commitment to community service in retirement.

The Orleans County Office for the Aging held its annual Spring Jubilee program to celebrate “Older Americans Month.” About 200 seniors attended the program at the Trolley Building of the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

The OFA accepted nominations for outstanding seniors from the community. An advisory council then picked the two seniors who would represent the county in Albany during an awards program on May 22.

Florence Surdi, 88, volunteers with Hospice of Orleans, the American Red Cross, Office for the Aging, Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern and Holy Family Parish.

Surdi worked five years at Kodak before going back to school to earn a nursing degree. She worked in many doctors’ offices in a 35-year career.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley thanks the seniors for their many years of service to the community.

Surdi has been a very active volunteer the past 12 years, and is a past winner of Hospice’s “Volunteer of the Year.” At Hospice, she provides companionship to terminally ill patients. She also helps with the administrative office at Hospice.

“Florence calmly and efficiently handles any task she is given,” the nominator wrote about Surdi.

At the OFA she assists with the newsletter and a volunteer driver. As a driver, she took an elderly man to visit his wife in a nursing home for five years.

She also helps the American Red Cross during blood drives. When the Ministry of Concern needs to assemble a mailing, Surdi can be counted on.

At Holy Family Parish, she is active with two charitable organizations, the Ladies of Charity and Catholic Daughters.

“Mrs. Surdi always serves the community with a giving and open heart,” the nominator wrote. “She brings her compassion for others and a fabulous sense of humor to her volunteer work.”

Surdi encouraged more seniors to volunteer, saying she has made many friends in the community through serving the different organizations.

“You will find while volunteering it doesn’t seem like working at all,” she said. “It’s very interesting, you learn a lot, and besides that, it’s fun.”

Don Snyder of Albion was recognized Thursday for his community service as a senior citizen.

Don Snyder has been very busy in retirement, helping church leaders respond to the opioid crisis in Orleans County. Snyder, who is retired as a chaplain in the state correction system, was nominated for the senior citizen award by Sheriff Randy Bower.

Snyder was instrumental in setting up the Sheriffs CARE (Community Addiction Rehabilitation Education) as well as an on-call chaplains’ team. He has been active in helping the community establish an addiction recovery program and is a trained recovery coach.

For the past two years he has been a member of the Genesee Orleans Wyoming Opioid Task Force meetings. He also serves on the Orleans County Mental Health Service Board, which oversees delivery of mental health services in the community.

He also is a board member for the Oak Orchard Assembly of God in Medina, the Grace House in Buffalo/Saving Grace Ministries, and From the Inside Out Ministries.

Snyder also volunteers with the American Red Cross’s Disaster Action Team, responding when people are made homeless, and he participates in Pastors Aligned for Community Transformation.

“With our ever growing opiate epidemic, many times hand in hand with mental illness, Don has volunteered his time as well as getting others involved to assist our community to educate and rehabilitate those struggling,” Bower said.

Snyder said people need to be involved in community issues, especially when they are a resource or can connect people to resources for help.

Patricia Cammarata of Albion receives certificates of commendation for her volunteer service.

Snyder and Surdi will both be recognized in Albany for their volunteer work. Patricia Cammarata also was recognized during the Senior Jubilee on Thursday.

Cammarata worked as a licensed master social worker in children’s mental health. She volunteers with the Catholic Charities Friendly Phones Program, and has been a trustee on the Swan Library Board of Trustees and a member of the Albion Historic Preservation Commission.

She was nominated for the award by Catholic Charities.

“She has happily and consistently made calls or visits to socially isolated elders in our community,” the nominator said. “She has provided friendship and empathy in each relationship, improving the lives of our members significantly.”

The Albion High School Women’s and Men’s Select Chorus performed several songs for the seniors. The group has about 40 members and is led by director Gary Simboli.

Sophia Zambito has a solo in “Draw the Circle Wide.”

Arella Ives also was a featured soloist in the “Draw the Circle Wide.”

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