By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 July 2021 at 9:01 am
SHELBY – The town will shut off the water on Thursday for about 30 homes on Furness Parkway and Charles Street.
The water will be shut off from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. so the Niagara County Water District can do maintenance on a water vault to alleviate pressure variations. Dale Root, the town highway superintendent, said there are complaints from residents on the two streets about water pressure going from too high to too low.
Niagara County Water District will work on a pressure regulator, taking it apart, cleaning, readjusting and reinstalling it.
The two streets are off Route 31 between the Tops plaza and Salt Works Road.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 July 2021 at 1:47 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Andrea Walton walks down the driveway of her family farm on Maple Ridge Road in Medina where she plans to develop a family entertainment venue. She recently graduated from the Microenterprise Assistance Program.
MEDINA – Andrea Walton’s proposed new business – an entertainment venue at her family farm – isn’t going to happen overnight.
The Medina resident who was one of the graduates from the recent Microenterprise Assistance Program plans to create the entertainment center at the family farm on Maple Ridge Road. Walton grew up on the farm at 11412 Maple Ridge Rd., a daughter of Sharon and the late Walter Hurd.
Andrea Walton points to Oak Orchard Creek, which runs through her family farm on Maple Ridge Road. Her plans include a miniature golf course where she is standing, gem stone mining and an ice cream stand.
“There are a lot of pieces to the puzzle and I will add one piece at a time,” Walton said.
Her plans for what she is calling the Donkey’s Barnyard are to build a miniature golf course along the bank of Oak Orchard Creek, which runs through the property. Then she wants to have gemstone mining for children, U-pick pumpkins, a corn maze, petting zoo and playground for kids. One of the barns will become an ice cream and hot dog stand.
Walton works for a wholesale plumbing and heating contractor in Batavia and looked at developing such a site 12 years ago. She took an entrepreneurial class then, but the plans fell apart, she said.
“The idea has been back in my head for a long time,” she said.
She decided to take the Microenterprise Assistance Program class for the networking opportunities and potential to work with other entrepreneurs. The program is run through the Orleans Economic Development Agency.
Walton’s parents bought the farm in 1961. The land is rented out now, but Walton plans to repurpose part of it for her venture.
“I want this to be a place where families can have fun,” Walton said.
Her goal is to be able to start construction on the miniature golf course by next spring.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 July 2021 at 8:19 am
Board backs Albion battery storage regulations, storage addition for Ridgeway book and toy business
ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Board reviewed several proposals at its meeting last month and gave its recommendation for approval for an entertainment farm with a putt-putt course in Shelby, as well as other proposals.
Andrea Walton is proposing a recreational facility with putt-putt golf, an ice cream stand, gem mining, pumpkin sales and a corn maze at 11412 Maple Ridge Rd. Walton plans to utilize existing buildings on site without new construction.
The Orleans County Planning Board recommended the Town of Shelby approve the site plan for the outdoor recreational facility and activities, which are in an industrial zone.
In other action on June 24, the Planning Board:
• Recommended approval for the site plan and a special use permit for a used car sales business at 5138 South Gravel Rd. in Shelby.
Todd Walter plans to use the site as a pickup location for vehicles that are bought online. He plans to remodel an existing garage and add a 20-by-80-foot lot north of the garage. Walter will be limited to no more than 25 vehicles being offered for sale at the site.
• Backed an 11,200 square-foot addition for product storage at 3161 Fruit Ave. in Ridgeway. Living Waters America LLC, a Christian book and toy business, is adding more room to an existing 4,605 square-foot structure.
• Recommended Town of Albion approve its proposed law to regulate battery energy storage systems. Albion establishes a tier 1 storage system (capacity less than 600kWh) and tier 2 (more than 600 kWh).
Building permits will be required and an electrical inspection must be conducted with the systems. The tier 2 systems will be subject to a public hearing, and adjoining landowners within 500 feet of the property must be notified within 10 days of the hearing. The hearing notice also needs to be printed in a newspaper with general circulation.
The tier 2 systems shall be enclosed by an 8-foot high fence and with a self-locking gate. The tier 2 system also should have screening from adjacent properties “to the extent reasonably practicable” using architectural features, earth berms and other landscaping.
The one-hour average noise generated by the battery storage systems also shall not exceed a noise level of 60 dBA as measured at the outside wall of any non-participating residence or occupied community building.
The operators also need to have procedures for a safe shutdown, de-energizing or isolation of equipment under emergency conditions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injuries.
Albion also includes decommissioning requirements for the systems, requiring them to be removed if they haven’t had any electrical storage for six months. Applicants for the systems will need to have a decommissioning plan for the projects.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 1 July 2021 at 2:14 pm
File photo by Tom Rivers: Eli Pask and Evan Allen play their instruments to “When the Saints Go Marching In” as part of a parade through West Jackson Corners, a hamlet created by the church. This photo was taken in July 2017. The popular event will be back on July 18.
EAST SHELBY – After an absence last year due to Covid-19 restrictions, Old Tyme Day will return to the East Shelby Community Bible Church and its miniature village, West Jackson Corners, on July 18.
The celebration will begin with a church service at 10 a.m., followed by an afternoon of festivities in the miniature village across the street. There will be old-fashioned crafts on display, including candle making, woodworking, sewing, the blacksmith shop, corn husk dolls and weaving.
Another highlight will be old-time games for children and the opportunity to have an old-fashioned picture taken. One of the favorite games is a David and Goliath-style activity, where children shoot the giant with a slingshot, but instead of stones, they shoot gumballs.
Visitors can take a horse and wagon ride or a trip to the East Shelby Cemetery for a tour. Many local residents who were active in the early years of the church are buried there.
The barn on the edge of town has goats to pet, and for entertainment there will be dancing, a band concert, a gospel concert and other music performed throughout the day.
For lunch, visitors can buy a hotdog, lemonade, popcorn, homemade pie and homemade ice cream – all for a penny each or a donation.
At the miniature candy store, everything is only one cent.
A raffle will take place at 3:30 p.m. to give away certain craft items.
Mrs. Claus will welcome visitors to her Christmas shop, or they can stop for a class at the one-room schoolhouse.
All are welcome to join in the festivities, eat lunch and see how people lived more than a century ago.
East Shelby Community Bible Church is located at 5278 East Shelby Rd., one mile south of East Shelby.
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Shelby Volunteer Fire Company is saying thanks to several grant providers and to the community for their support, which has allowed them to purchased much needed safety equipment. Posing in front are Tim Petry, president, holding a Gary Sinese Foundation decal; Dawn Petry, steward; Vincent Viterna, firefighter; Crystal Luckman, lieutenant; and Deegan Bragg, firefighter. Standing in rear wearing their eight new sets of gear are, from left, Robert Schaal and Christopher Montalvo, firefighters; Tiffany Petry, EMS lieutenant; Tim Fearby, past chief; John Palmer, vice president; Joe Kyle, past assistant chief; Gary Lamar, past president; Trevor Fox, firefighter; and Jason Watts, chief.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 30 June 2021 at 3:33 pm
SHELBY – In spite of a difficult year coping with a pandemic and loss of their major fundraisers, the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company has a lot to be thankful for.
Tuesday night, they met to show off new turnout gear which was purchased with one of several grants they recently received.
The firefighters then put on their eight sets of new turnout gear, and provided a picture of 16 new Scott air packs, which the grants allowed them to purchase.
Fire company president Tim Petry said the fire company can’t say enough thanks to Jay Grasso, owner of G&G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing, who wrote the Gary Sinise grant for $50,000 and a USDA Community Facilities Loan Grant for $61,000. Petry also issued heartfelt thanks to the community, whose response to a mail-in fund drive resulted in enough money to purchase five sets of gear at $2,500 each. Petry said they were especially thankful to the community, whose donations, in spite of Covid, were greater than other years.
Petry said the fire company first learned about applying for a grant when they were contacted by the Gary Sinise Foundation, asking if we could use some extra gear.
“How about we buy you eight sets?” Petry was asked.
The Gary Sinise Foundation was founded by award-winning actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise in June 2011. Sinise is known for his support of active-duty service members, veterans, first responders and their families. It has headquarters in Central Florida and San Diego.
The Shelby Volunteer Fire Company then contacted Jay Grasso of Spencerport, operator of G&G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing, asking him to pursue the grant. The result was a $50,000 grant from the Gary Sinise Foundation. Grasso also wrote a grant to the USDA Community Facilities, which resulted in a grant of $61,000.
Provided photo: Shelby Volunteer Fire Company lined up their 16 new Scott Air Packs, which they were able to purchase with receipt of two grants. They are lined up in front of the new ladder truck, which was put into service in July 2020.
In addition to the grant from the Gary Sinise Foundation for eight sets of turnout gear, the fire company was able to purchase 16 Scott Air Packs with two bottles each.
In an e-mail to the fire company, Grasso expressed his satisfaction at helping the fire company with its operation.
“We are honored to assist the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company and they residents they serve with our grant writing assistance,” Grasso said. “Writing the successful Gary Sinise grant and the USDA Community Facilities Loan Grant was a team effort between G&G staff and fire department members. These grants will provide turnout gear and SCBA to department members. This vital gear will protect firefighters as they serve their community in dangerous conditions. I wish to personally thank department president Tim Petry for his hard work and dedication to these complicated grant applications.”
The fire company has also applied for a grant to purchase a grain bin rescue kit.
“With Covid, we lost revenue from hall rentals, as well as all our other fundraisers, so it is a blessing to get these grants,” Petry said.
He also noted the fire company put a new ladder truck into service in July 2020.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 30 May 2021 at 12:23 pm
Organization’s fundraising efforts have been hurt during pandemic
EAST SHELBY – Relaxing the Covid restrictions couldn’t some soon enough for many, including the East Shelby Firemen’s Ladies Auxiliary.
Like every other fire companies, businesses and organizations in the country, activities had to be canceled or put on hold due to the pandemic, but now things are changing.
Bronwyn Green
With the increase in Covid vaccinations and decrease in cases, the Auxiliary has decided to go ahead with a spring basket raffle and fundraiser June 12 at the fire hall. They are calling it “We’re Back Basket Raffle.”
Auxiliary president Bronwyn Green said they have done basket raffles through the years during other fundraisers, such as their His and Hers’ Raffle, usually in April, and Casino Night in the winter. The firefighters have also done one during the “September to Remember” event at the fairgrounds, which was also canceled last year.
“As you can imagine, our coffers took a big hit last year due to the Covid pandemic restrictions,” Green said.
Green explained how important these fundraisers are to the Auxiliary and the Fire Company.
“The money the auxiliary raises goes toward equipment for our kitchen, donations to philanthropic causes, for recognition of members’ milestones in the Auxiliary and to support the firemen and women in our company,” she said. “Through the years, the money we have raised has helped to remodel our kitchen, purchase chairs for the new tables in the firehall and to provide equipment for the firemen, to name a few causes. This past year we were unable to provide a gift to the department, as our fundraising opportunities were stripped away by the pandemic.”
In addition to the basket raffle, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 12, the Auxiliary will have a side raffle of a $200 gift certificate to the soon-to-be-opened Bent’s Opera House. This generous donation can be used by the winner to have dinner at the Harvest Restaurant or a night at the hotel. In addition, there will be a lottery tree door prize giveaway.
“This is our first event where the public will be allowed in the fire hall,” Green said.
Guests must adhere to Covid guidelines in effect at the time. Tickets may be purchased on site for the basket raffle or the Bent’s Opera House drawing. There will also be hot dogs, chips and beverages for sale. The drawings may be observed at 3 p.m. in person or online on Facebook with Eli Howard.
“This event is so important for several reasons,” Green said. “We miss our supporters tremendously. We have been a successful fire company auxiliary in East Shelby since the 1950’s. Our company is our community. We have so many faithful supporters year after year, after year, after year – even if they aren’t lucky enough to have a winning ticket. They continue to come through for us in so many ways. We get to know them when they sit in our firehall and joke with our members, eat our food, drink our beverages and socialize with us and with one another. Our friends of the East Shelby Fire Hall have supported our events and sat in the same seats every year. Plain and simple – we miss them.”
A second reason events like this are so important is that the fire company needs training and equipment, and the money raised by Auxiliary fundraisers enable them to help the fire company any way they can.
The third reason is hall improvements are going to be needed, something that is never ending, Green said. And finally, the fire company has many veteran members who have made the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company what it is today.
“It is an organization of which both firefighters and our auxiliary members are beyond proud, and we owe it to these veterans, our supporters and the communities we serve to help maintain that pride in our company,” Green said. “We could not do it without the help of our faithful supporters.”
Green added they would welcome any donations of baskets or services from community members, should anyone wish to contribute.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 28 April 2021 at 7:09 am
Provided photos: Gerry Zinkievich, left, of East Shelby and Doris Antinore of Albion were recognized at the April meeting of the East Shelby Ladies Auxiliary for 50 years of membership. Debbie Green was elected vice president of the East Shelby Ladies Auxiliary.
EAST SHELBY – The East Shelby Ladies Auxiliary recognized its slate of officers and dedicated members at its April meeting.
President Bronwyn Green said because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the fire company did not have its annual banquet in March this year, so members were honored at the regular meeting.
The slate of officers recognized were Bronwyn Green, president; Debbie Green, vice president; Sawyer Green, secretary; Carol Lonnen, treasurer and chaplain; sunshine, Jessie Green; historian, Wanda Dingman; three-year trustee, Shirley Printup; two-year trustee, Elaine Newton; and one-year trustee, Sue Green.
Gerry Zinkievich and Doris Antinore each received certificates for 50 years of membership. Other service certificates were awarded to Sue Green, 35 years; Debbie Green, 40 years; and Marcia Walter, 45 years.
Other special recognitions included the Steward’s award, which was presented to Sawyer Green for her service to the fire company during the 2020 year; and the Ladies Auxiliary President’s Award, given to Carol Lonnen.
During the past year and restrictions due to Covid-19, the Auxiliary has been conducting most of its business through its phone tree, Bronwyn Green said.
Sawyer Green, left, has been elected secretary of the East Shelby Ladies Auxiliary. Carol Lonnen, treasurer and chaplain of the East Shelby Ladies Auxiliary, was presented with the President’s Award at their April meeting. The award would have been presented at the annual banquet, which was canceled this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 April 2021 at 11:56 am
SHELBY – The Orleans County Planning Board gave its support for a new agricultural processing facility at 4765 South Gravel Rd.
Phil and Dawn Keppler are applying to build the new 9,640 square feet beef slaughter plant would be part of the SK Herefords Premium Beef farm, which is owned by the Kepplers and David Schubel. The new processing facility will only serve the beef animals raised by SK Herefords.
“Slaughtering facilities are few and far between, and they are expensive,” said Jim Bensley, the county’s planning director.
SK Herefords currently sell the beef to many farm markets in Western New York. The new processing facility will include space for a retail outlet for the meat. The processing facility also will have an inspector from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Planning Board recommended the Town of Shelby approve the site plan, issue a permit and also approve a variance because the project is 7 feet short of the 500 feet required in the Shelby code for distance from a neighboring property line. The facility would be 493 feet from the northern property line.
The project also includes 10 parking spaces on the west side of the facility, and a loading/unloading area on the south side. The building would be set back 80 feet from the road.
The project needs a final OK from the Town of Shelby Planning Board.
In other action:
• The Orleans County Planning Board also recommended Shelby approve the site plan for an antique retail sales business at 4237 South Gravel Rd. in General Business District.
Filomena’s Favorites, which has about 25 vendors currently on East Center Street in downtown Medina, is looking to relocate to the former Old Mill Run restaurant.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 April 2021 at 10:04 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Students studying to be clinical medical assistants learn to draw blood at the Iroquois Job Corps Center.
MEDINA – Like so many companies and schools, the Covid pandemic took a toll on students and learning at the Iroquois Job Corps.
Luke Kantor
The Job Corps was shut down in March 2020 when orders were issued to send all Job Corps students home and put a temporary hold on admitting new students. They didn’t start bringing back students until November, when they were allowed back in small groups.
In December 2020, it was announced the Job Corps’ new year would begin under the leadership of Education and Training Resources headquartered in Bowling Green, Ky. ETR formerly managed the Iroquois Job Corps for a number of years and won the contract back in December, according to Center Director Dennis Essom in the December newsletter.
Luke Kantor, manager of Outreach and Admissions/Career Readiness/Career Transition, said during the pandemic students were on distance learning and now some would prefer not to come back in person. Students at home were issued Chromebooks and wireless hotspots, and instructors created virtual classrooms to work with students, so they could continue their education.
A student lays bricks in the masonry class at Iroquois Job Corps. Bricklaying is one of half a dozen careers students can train for at the Job Corps.
As of March, 40 students were on site and 110 were waiting to get in. Each group brought back to the Center must quarantine for two weeks. The Iroquois Job Corps Center has the capacity for 225 students.
Training is offered as a certified nursing assistant, clinical medical assistant and in electrical, carpentry, bricklaying and painting fields, as well as high school equivalency.
Kantor said a student who graduates from the bricklaying program can start working with a union at $42 an hour. He also said a student can’t learn bricklaying on a computer. They need to be on site.
The bricklaying program has recently acquired a new piece of equipment called a brick mule. It is a mix of robotics and masonry, Kantor said. It can pick up blocks as heavy as 200 pounds and put them in place.
The goal of ETR and Job Corps is to promote more connections to the community. There is a focus on bringing in more local students, rather than those from the big cities, Kantor said. A Community Relations Council, which meets four times a year, and Work Force Council, which meets twice a year, are made up of members from the community.
Also, the Job Corps is encouraging females to train the fields of skilled trades, such as carpentry, stone/brick masonry, commercial painting and electrical.
Kantor also noted the Job Corps not only works with at-risk students, but those who’ve done well and graduated from high school and BOCES.
“If they are looking for extra training, we can provide it,” he said.
Kantor said staff is working on a virtual job fair and with a virtual military recruiting meeting.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2021 at 10:39 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: David Green, second from left, is presented a “Special Recognition Award” from Orleans County Legislator Bill Eick and an award from the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York by Dale Banker, the county’s emergency management coordinator. Debbie Taylor, the East Shelby fire chief, joined Green at the County Legislature’s chambers for the awards for his 60 years of service with the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
ALBION — David Green, a retired Orleans County sheriff and fire coordinator, was recognized during Wednesday’s County Legislature meeting with a “Special Recognition Award” for his 60 years of service to the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
“Through you selflessness and extreme commitment as a firefighter in your community your efforts have provided a positive impact on the health and safety of the residents of the fire district,” the citation stated from the Legislature.
Dale Banker, the county’s emergency management coordinator, also presented Green with a proclamation from the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York for the 60 years of volunteer service.
The County Legislature also recognized Charles Ralph for his 50 years as a member of the East Shelby Fire Department. Mr. Ralph wasn’t at Wednesday’s Legislature meeting.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 4 March 2021 at 1:16 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Charlie Ralph, right, and his son Todd hold a wooden clock presented to him by Mike Fuller, left, in honor of Charlie’s 50 years of membership in the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
EAST SHELBY – The East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company took the opportunity to honor dedicated members during their March meeting Tuesday night.
The honors would have been awarded during the fire company’s annual banquet the first Saturday in March, however, the pandemic prevented that, so they decided to award the honors at their meeting.
“These people were certainly deserving to be recognized,” said David Green, a 60-year member of the fire company.
Officers of the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company were sworn in by Orleans Emergency Management Coordinator Dale Banker during the monthly fire department meeting Tuesday night.
Dale Banker, director of Orleans County Emergency Management, installed the following line officers for 2021:
Chief – Deb Taylor; 1st asst. chief – Devin Taylor; 2nd asst. chief – Andy Beach; 3rd asst. chief – Dennis MacDonald; captain – Jeff Taylor; lieutenant – Sharon Grimes; fire police captain – Laura Fields; and safe/training officer – Todd Ralph.
Administrative officers installed were:
President – Mike Fuller; vice president – Joe Newton; secretary – Karen Bracey; treasurer – Allen Turner; trustees – Gordon Reigle, Ken Printup, Norm Beherend and Alan Lonnen; and steward – Dave Green.
Certificates for years of membership were presented to Josh Green, five years; Sharon Grimes and Devin Taylor, 10 years; Matt Grimes and Joe Newton, 15 years; Laura Fields and Amy Herman, 20 years; Ken McPherson and Allen Turner, 35 years; Mike Zelazny, 45 years; Charles Ralph, 50 years; and David Green, 60 years.
Ralph also received a large wooden American flag with a clock for his years of service to the fire company.
Mike Fuller presented the President’s Award to Deb Taylor, the first woman chief of East Shelby Volunteer Fire Department, at their March meeting Tuesday night.
Mike Fuller presented his President’s Award to Debbie Taylor, who last year became the fire company’s first woman chief.
“She spent a lot of time here during the Covid pandemic, making sure everything was safe,” Fuller said. “Her leadership is what made it all happen.”
An EMS award was presented for only the second year by Fuller, who chose Dennis MacDonald for the honor.
“He has been heavily involved all year, and goes to all the calls,” Fuller said.
Steve Wolter, left, received the Chief’s Award from Andy Beach Tuesday night at the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s March meeting.
Andy Beach said the Firefighter of the Year was somebody behind the scenes at any fire or whatever else is going on, shutting down the roads and making it safe.
“He puts in a lot of time as a fire police,” Beach said, naming Steve Wolter as recipient of the award.
Beach also presented his Chief’s Award, saying he thought about it long and hard.
“This year the award goes to the entire East Shelby Fire Company, who have been great during my last four years,” Beach said.
The award was accepted by Mike Fuller.
The final award was presented by Deb Taylor to Andy Beach, who she said has contributed to the betterment of the fire company.
Dennis MacDonald, left, received the EMS Award from East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s president Mike Fuller at their March meeting.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 25 January 2021 at 8:54 pm
Mike Hodgins leaves Buffalo hospital after difficult ordeal to rehab at Medina Memorial
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Looking frail and thin after spending two months at Buffalo Mercy Hospital battling Covid, Mike Hodgins is surrounded by son Greg Hodgins, wife Kathy and daughter Alisha Duffina.
SHELBY – Miracles do happen.
Ask Kathy Hodgins of Shelby, whose husband Mike just spent two months in Buffalo Mercy Hospital, recovering from Covid-19.
Mike, 59, contracted Covid from his wife Kathy, who isn’t sure where she got it.
The last time she saw Mike was when she dropped him off at the door of Medina Memorial Hospital on Nov. 28. Because of Covid restrictions, she couldn’t even go in with him.
Later that night he was transferred to Buffalo Mercy Hospital, the only place they could find who had an ICU bed available.
The situation was dire, because Mike had a heart transplant 30 years ago, and doctors said he would need a miracle to survive Covid, which has killed more than 400,000 Americans in the past year.
Their miracle was realized this afternoon when Kathy and their children Greg Hodgins and Alisha Duffina brought Mike from Buffalo Mercy to Medina Memorial Hospital, where he will spend seven to 10 days in rehab to regain his strength.
Kathy Hodgins waves as she catches the first glimpse of her husband Mike being wheeled down the ramp at Buffalo Mercy Hospital. It was the first time she had seen him in two months.
While at Buffalo Mercy, Mike spent three weeks on a ventilator, while doctors kept him sedated. During that time, his blood pressure would plummet. Doctors also feared kidney failure.
During his ordeal, Mike developed abdominal bleeding and his epiglottis became paralyzed, meaning he can’t swallow anything by mouth. When he tries to, it goes down his windpipe instead of into his stomach. This resulted in a feeding tube in his stomach, which he still has.
Doctors are hopeful his epiglottis will return to normal so the feeding tube can be removed.
When Kathy learned Mike was going to be discharged and transported to Medina, she insisted on picking him up herself, so she could at least spend some precious time with him.
Alisha drove home, so Mike and Kathy sit in the back seat, where they hugged and held hands all the way home.
Mike Hodgins is wheeled down the ramp at Buffalo Mercy Hospital Monday by an aide named Thi, as his family waits to transfer him to Medina Memorial Hospital for rehab.
Kathy is convinced it is their faith which brought Mike through this ordeal. She said, even in his sedated state, he could hear her voice and she called the hospital every day. She would ask the nurse to put the phone to Mike’s ear and she would repeat that she loved him.
“Every day while he was on a respirator, I called and told him I loved him,” Kathy said. “Then I prayed with him every single day.”
She said it is the most powerless feeling not to be able to see your loved one who is so sick. She said the only exceptions to allowing visitors was in end-of-life situations, and she is thankful they didn’t get to that.
“It’s been quite the journey,” she said.
After getting Mike to Medina Memorial Hospital, the family, along with his brother and sister, stood under his window and waved to him. They are counting the days until they can bring him home.
Kathy Hodgins of Shelby hugs her husband Mike as she sees him for the first since Nov. 28, when he was taken to Buffalo Mercy Hospital with Covid. She brought him to Medina Memorial Hospital Monday, where he will undergo rehab.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 December 2020 at 10:21 pm
Community Energy says construction of 200-megawatt Orleans Solar could start in 2022, be complete in 2023
This is the proposed layout for Orleans Solar in Barre and Shelby.
BARRE – A company wants to build Orleans Solar, a 200-megawatt solar energy project in the towns of Barre and Shelby.
Community Energy went over the project in an online forum this evening. The project would cover 1,300 acres, with about 75 percent in Barre and 25 percent in Shelby.
Community Energy expects it will complete the permitting process by the second quarter in 2022, with construction to commence in the third quarter of 2022. Interconnection to the grid would be complete in the third quarter 2023, with construction done the fourth quarter that year.
That was the timeframe presented by Joe Green, director of development for the company based near Philadelphia, Pa.
The layout of the project would be from east of East Shelby Road in Shelby, past Burns Road in Barre. The solar project is in a sparsely populated part of the two towns near the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. A main transmission line from National Grid runs through the project. Community Energy won’t need any battery storage facilities for the project, with the power going right into the grid, Green said.
Most of the land is currently used for corn and soybean farming. Community Energy is working with 10 landowners on the project.
Community Energy did the first and only large-scale solar project so far to make it through the Article 10 siting process for renewable energy in New York. Mohawk Solar in Montgomery County is a 95-megawatt project, less than half of what is proposed with Orleans Solar.
With Mohawk Solar, Community Energy is paying the taxing jurisdictions $300,000 annually, with 2 percent increases. That is $3,333 per megawatt the first year.
If Community Energy reaches a PILOT for payments to taxing jurisdictions at the same $3,333 level, the total revenue paid to the taxing jurisdictions would be about $667,000.
Green said the company wants to work on the PILOT agreement with the local government leaders in 2021. “We haven’t had those discussions yet,” he said about the PILOT.
The project should have 5-6 full-time equivalent employees. Construction is expected to be between $200 million to $250 million, Green said, with 170 construction workers on site for about six months.
The state is moving to a new siting process for large-scale renewable energy, from Article 10 to 94-C. James Muscato, an attorney assisting the company with the siting process, said 94-C should allow projects around the state to be sited “in a more uniform fashion.”
Community Energy needs to work with several state agencies and the host municipalities as part of the review.
“The project must be designed to avoid or minimize, to the maximum extent practicable, potentially significant adverse environmental impacts,” Muscato said.
The company needs to provide $200,000 in intervenor funds – $1,000 per megawatt – for the municipalities and community organizations to hire experts to review the application.
Community Energy is working to delineate wetlands and streams. The company will establish boundaries of all wetlands and streams on lands with the project, and will need to minimize impacts or avoid those areas.
It is also doing its avian studies in consultation with US Fish and Wildlife Service, NY Natural Heritage Program and the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The company has done multiple habitat evaluations and has identified northern harriers, short-eared owls and upland sandpipers.
The company will also be providing visual impact studies as part of the project with simulations throughout the 2-mile visual study area.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Debbie Taylor of East Shelby poses with the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s newest piece of equipment, a pumper/tanker, which she will be driving a lot more, now that she’s been named fire chief of the department. She is the first woman to serve in that position in Orleans County.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 12 November 2020 at 1:03 pm
‘She’ll be a role model for any lady who wants to become a firefighter or EMS member.’ – Dale Banker, county EMO director
EAST SHELBY – When Debbie Taylor first joined East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company at age 21, she had no thought of becoming a longtime member, let alone, be named fire chief, the first woman from Orleans County in that role.
Taylor received the honor at the fire company’s Nov. 3 meeting.
David Green, who will celebrate 60 years as a member on Dec. 13, has served in many positions, including chief. He had nothing but praise for Taylor, who he called loyal, hard working and dedicated.
“She’s been a member for quite a few years, and she works hard,” Green said. “She is quick to learn things, she’s well organized and she’s got the personality to do a really great job.”
Taylor changed positions with former chief Andy Beach, who has a new baby at home and is very busy on his farm. He was anxious to step down, Taylor said.
After joining East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company at age 21, Taylor moved away and then came back and rejoined. She’s been a member now for 16 years. She said joining the fire company was a natural thing.
“I grew up watching the TV show ‘Emergency,” and when I married Jeff, both he and his father were members of East Shelby fire company.”
When she first joined, she said the thought of becoming chief wasn’t even on her radar.
“I just wanted to do something for my community,” she said.
Debbie Taylor, who was just elected chief of the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company on Nov. 3, is dwarfed next to their new pumper/tanker, Truck No. 36.
Serving the fire company is a family activity of the Taylors. Husband Jeff is fire captain and son Devin is first assistant chief. Debbie has worked her way up from lieutenant, to captain and 2nd assistant chief. She hopes to some day pass the chief’s hat to her son.
“There is no competition among us,” Debbie said. “We have a great fire company and we all work very well together. The fire company is my second family.”
Jeff was first assistant chief, and he stepped back so Devin and Debbie could advance.
Debbie drives school bus for the Medina School District, so she would usually be free to answer a fire call.
“I’m still going to be learning things, with all the modern technology,” Debbie said. “It’s always changing.”
‘We have a great fire company and we all work very well together. The fire company is my second family.’ – Debbie Taylor, East Shelby fire chief
She is not intimidated by driving even the biggest fire truck. She has had her CDL license since she was 19 and got it to drive milk truck.
The biggest challenge, Debbie said, is the fact of the unknown when responding to a call.
“You don’t know what you’re going to encounter,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of help from Dale Banker, director of Orleans County Emergency Management, and Jerry Bentley (deputy coordinator).”
Banker said having the first woman chief is a great thing for the county.
“She’ll be a role model for any lady who wants to become a firefighter or EMS member,” he said. “As long as they are properly trained, a woman can do well in a firefighting role.”
He said the county is fortunate to have several women coming up the ranks, any one of whom he wouldn’t be surprised to see become chief of their fire company. These include Kristin McAdoo, who is assistant chief of Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company; Crystal Luckman and her sister Tiffany Petry in Shelby; Sue Maslyn, EMS captain in Kendall; Patty Knapp, EMS captain in Holley; and Robin Hughson, captain in Carlton.
“I look forward to working with Debbie, or any of the ladies,” Banker said. “With the shortage of firefighters and EMS personnel, these women fill an important role.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 November 2020 at 9:35 am
Boy with sensory processing disorder welcomed at firehall
Photos by Tom Rivers: Alex Baker, 7, received a certificate from the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, designating him as an honorary member. He received the recognition on Monday during a meeting of the fire company. He is pictured with his family: parents William Baker and Candice Vought, and brothers Ryan and Adam.
SHELBY – Alex Baker looks forward to stopping by the Shelby fire hall every Tuesday evening. He and his mother, Candice Vought, will bring firefighters cookies and brownies.
The firefighters will give him a short ride in a fire truck.
The gestures and acceptance are much appreciated by Alex’s family. Alex, who turns 8 next month, has a sensory processing disorder. That makes it difficult for him to be around a lot of people or in buildings with unpredictable noises.
Alex made his first visit to the fire hall about a month ago. He was very reluctant to go inside.
But the firefighters proved friendly and welcoming.
“It’s still new to him, but he is happy and walks right into the building,” said his mother.
Alex Baker is congratulated on being a new honorary member of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. Tim Petry, Shelby president, shakes Alex’s hand. Fire Chief Jason Watts also welcomed Alex as an honorary member. Alex is joined up front by his mother, Candice Vought.
The firefighters have noticed he feels more comfortable and doesn’t shy away.
“He is really coming out of his shell,” said Tim Petry, president of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
Petry and Fire Chief Jason Watts made Alex an honorary member of the fire company on Monday. They presented him with a certificate during the fire company’s monthly meeting.
Alex’s brothers – Ryan, 13, and Adam, 10 – have joined a youth group through the fire company that meets Tuesday evenings. Alex looks forward to joining too when he is 10.
Alex enjoys watching the cartoon, Fireman Sam, and admires firefighters. Besides riding in the fire trucks, he has watched firefighters do an extrication drill, tearing apart a car.
She and Alex’s father also wanted firefighters and police officers to get to know Alex and understand his disability in case they ever encounter him in an emergency.
“We wanted to get him involved in the community,” said his mother.
William Baker said the firefighters have been kind to his son.
“I was surprised that they have been very open to him,” he said. “That makes Alex want to see them again.”
Alex Baker and his mother Candice Vought are pictured with Shelby Fire Chief Jason Watts, left, and President Tim Petry.
