Jayden Pieniaszek helped build Kendall’s war memorial

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – Jayden Pieniaszek puts on his Eagle Scout neckerchief with help from Ryan Barrett, left, and John Rath, who are both Eagle Scouts. John Patt is in back.

Pieniaszek, 18, had his Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony on Tuesday in Kendall at the town’s gazebo on Kendall Road.

Pieniaszek is a member of Troop 94. He earned 30 merit badges with the troop.

For his Eagle Scout project, Pieniaszek teamed with three others Scouts to build a war memorial for Kendall. That memorial was dedicated on Sept. 29

Jess Markel, senior district executive for the Iroquois Trail Council, presents a framed certificate to Pieniaszek, congratulating him on earning Scouting’s highest rank.

Jayden, 18, starts a job today as an electrician with Micro Instruments in Rochester. He also will be in the Marine Corps Reserve.

Jayden presents a mentor pin to his father, Todd Pieniaszek, in appreciation for taking him on scouting camps and adventures.

The Orleans Hub named Jayden, the three other scouts and their scoutmaster as “Outstanding Citizens” in 2019 for their efforts in building the war memorial for the community. The Orleans Hub planned an awards celebration on March 18 for all of the Outstanding Citizens. But that program was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Those awards for the Kendall Scouts and their Scoutmaster were presented on Tuesday during Jayden’s Court of Honor.

Pictured from left Ryan Barrett, Brian Shaw, Noah Rath, Jayden Pieniaszek and Scoutmaster Ken Spohr.

Four Scouts took a different phase of the memorial as part of their Eagle Scout service projects.

Ryan Barrett led the first phase, which included putting in the foundation for the wall, a stone memorial and three flag poles. Two of the poles are 30 feet high and one for the American flag is 35 feet.

Jayden Pieniaszek led the second phase which includes construction of the brick wall, which is 39 feet long, 3 ½ feet wide and 4 feet tall.

Noah Rath headed up phase three which includes the medallions for each five branches of military. Rath also had the electricity set up so the memorial and sidewalk can be lighted up at night.

Brian Shaw coordinated phase four which includes final grading and planting of cedar trees behind the memorial, which provides a buffer for the neighbors and also enhances the site. Shaw also led the work for the plaques on the memorial for the different wars where Kendall soldiers served.

Ken Spohr offered guidance to the Scouts, but let them lead each phase. Spohr tracked the donations and expenses for the project. He drove the Scouts to community presentations, as well as one in Albany at the State Capital.

He also has many connections with businesses and organizations, and he was able to point the scouts to people who could handle the masonry, and other work with the memorial.

Spohr announced on Tuesday that 260 memorial bricks have been sold that line the sidewalk to the monument.

Hope Resales rearranges store to allow more social distancing

Provided photos: Some of the baby clothes donated to Lyndonville United Methodist Church’s thrift shop are on display in the Fellowship Hall, waiting for the store’s opening on Wednesday. All are priced at 25 or 50 cents.

LYNDONVILLE – Hope Resales, the community thrift shop run by the Lyndonville United Methodist Church, will reopen today, after being closed for nearly three months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ruth Hedges, who was instrumental in starting the thrift shop in March 2019, said they are excited to see their customers and be open for business again, although it will not be “business as usual.”

Ruth Hedges has Hopes Resales ready for today’s reopening.

In keeping with government regulations on reopening in light of the virus, the store has been totally cleaned and disinfected. Hedges has purchased new, longer racks to create more room in the aisles, allowing for social distancing. The store has been painted and merchandise rearranged.

Customers will be limited to eight in the store at a time. As per Health Department recommendations, parents are asked not to bring children, due to sanitary concerns. Everyone will be required to wear a mask and use hand sanitizer at the door. For anyone who doesn’t have a mask, one will be provided.

Hedges asks anyone who doesn’t feel good or has tested positive for the coronavirus to please not visit the store. She also said anyone with a medical condition who is fearful of visiting the store while it is open may call her at (585) 866-9133 to set up a private appointment.

Hedges said they were fortunate to have ample merchandise in stock, although they are in need of good summer clothing, especially children and women’s shorts, as well as small appliances and other household products.

They do have to limit donations, however, as they do not have room to store things.

Another improvement is obtaining a credit card machine. While they haven’t received it yet, Hedges said she thinks it will contribute to increased sales.

They have also added a corner for antiques. Hedges was able to sell some antique blue Currier and Ives china in the Grist Mill pattern online. She said they still have a few pieces left.

She added they have also been blessed with an enormous donation of beautiful baby clothes in sizes 0 to 24 months. All are priced at 25 to 50 cents, and because there are so many, they are on display in the Fellowship Hall.

Household goods are neatly displayed at Hope Resales in the Lyndonville United Methodist Church, which will reopen from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today.

When the thrift shop opened, it was their goal to serve God’s people, at home and abroad, Hedges said. Its name was taken from Scripture in Romans 12:9-13, which talks about hope and helping others.

Due to a very successful first year they contributed half of their net proceeds to the church and the other half to mission projects. These included donations to Care Net, Ministry of Concern and Camp Rainbow. Every month, except during the pandemic-caused closing, they donate $200 to the Lyndonville Food Pantry. They also sponsored a Cuban Methodist minister and her family at $150 a month and supported a young girl from Buffalo in her mission journey.

“We haven’t been able to do any mission work while our income was shut off,” Hedges said. “So we will be happy to get back to our missions.”

Store hours will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today and continuing every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Additional hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays.

Hope Resales in located in basement of the Lyndonville United Methodist Church at 102 North Main St.

Press Release, U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,448,839 in federal funding for agricultural research and development in rural New York.

The funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), and will be used to address food insecurity and support economic development in rural agriculture. Specifically, this research will investigate solutions to increase food security through improved access to food banks, federal assistance, and engineered corn production.

“New York’s farmers and the New York agricultural industry is the lifeblood of the state’s economy and our nation’s food supply,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal funding is an investment into our rural agriculture, helping New York State address food insecurity, especially in a time of crisis. I am proud to secure federal support, and I will not rest until New York farmers have the resources they need to help Americans get food on the table.”

“Rural communities are at the heart of New York and this funding will strengthen rural economies by providing new opportunities for our farmers and producers,” said Senator Gillibrand, member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “This critical research will strengthen the fight against food insecurity in Upstate New York and will make federal assistance widely available to all families. I will always fight for the resources our communities need to thrive.”

Cornell University received $498,839 to study the causes of rural food insecurity and identify solutions to help eligible families enroll in necessary federal assistance programs, such as SNAP.

The Boyce Thompson Institute and the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Association, Inc. have each been awarded $475,000 to engineer corn with greater seed production and better chilling-tolerance to allow New York farmers to plant earlier for the best prices of the season. Sweet corn is worth about $40 million to $60 million annually to New York.

As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Senator Gillibrand has worked to protect farmers and reinforce the nation’s food supply, especially throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Last month, Senator Gillibrand introduced the Food Bank Access to Farm Fresh Produce Act, which would address disruptions in the food supply chain caused by the coronavirus pandemic and directly connect farms to food banks by providing $8 billion in block grants to food banks in the top vegetable and fruit producing states.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a heat advisory today from noon to 7 p.m. in Orleans County and most of Western New York.

The heat index will be in the mid to upper 90s. The temperature is forecast to reach a high of 92. The hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur, the National Weather Service said.

“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the Weather Service said. “Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.”

People are urged to take extra precautions if they work outdoors or need to be spend time outside.

The Weather Service suggests the following precautions:

• When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.
• To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.
• Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
• Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911.

The temperatures will drop after today with highs of 73 on both Thursday and Friday, followed by highs of 63 on Saturday and 68 on Sunday.

Chris Jacobs, left, and Nate McMurray debated Tuesday evening in an event hosted by Channel 4 in Buffalo.

BUFFALO – Chris Jacobs doesn’t have the “backbone” to stand up to Donald Trump.

Nate McMurray would be “Nancy Pelosi’s baby.”

That was the tenor of an hour-long debate tonight between the two major-party candidates in the 27^th Congressional District, an eight-county district that with a big Republican enrollment advantage. The special election is June 23, although there will be an option for early voting from June 13 to June 21 at the Board of Elections office in Albion.

Chris Jacobs

Jacobs, the Republican candidate, is a current state senator from Buffalo. He previously was an Erie County clerk and a member of the Buffalo Board of Education. He comes from a wealthy family. The Jacobs family owns Delaware North. His uncle Jeremy Jacobs owns the Boston Bruins NHL team.

McMurray’s father died of cancer at age 39. McMurray’s mother raised seven children. McMurray, a Democrat, is an Eagle Scout who went to a community college before being a Fulbright scholar and earning a law degree. He worked as an attorney for Delaware North.

Now he vowed to “fight like hell” for the people of the Western New York. He said he is passionate about representing small towns, mentioned Albion, Warsaw and Batavia during a debate on Channel 4 in Buffalo. McMurray said Jacobs has never been to most of the towns in the district.

Jacobs has offered nothing publicly the past week and half during Black Lives Matters demonstrations. And he said nothing with Trump’s tweet today suggesting a 75-year-old protestor injured by Buffalo police officers wanted to be hurt in a setup against the police. Trump said the protestor could be an “ANTIFA provocateur.”

McMurray said Trump’s tweet was an embarassment to the country and to the people of Buffalo. McMurray condemned the president for his comments.

He called on Jacobs to do the same. Jacobs said more study is needed of the incident. The protestor approached the police when being asked to step back, Jacobs said.

“We need to get to the bottom of the situation and what happened there,” Jacobs said.

He was shocked two of the Buffalo officers were charged with felonies.

Nate McMurray

“I believe they were doing their job and didn’t have intent to injure,” Jacobs said.

McMurray called on Jacobs to denounce the Trump tweet.

“You don’t have the guts to stand up to this man,” McMurray said. “What he did embarrassed our city.”

Jacobs declined to address Trump’s tweet, and told McMurray he was having “a temper tantrum.”

McMurray vowed to be a straight shooter with the public, and not dodge questions. He said he stand up to Trump and Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the House, if they were pushing policies that hurt WNY.

He would also stand up to Gov. Andrew Cuomo when warranted. McMurray said the governor has led the state admirably in the fight against Covid-19. But McMurray said he would support an investigation into the outbreak of cases and deaths at nursing homes from Covid-19, and if Cuomo’s directives had a role in the spike of cases.

Jacobs said the high death toll in nursing homes is a tragedy that didn’t need to happen. He cited the deaths at The Villages of Orleans in Albion. Jacobs said that one nursing home accounts for 97 percent of the county’s deaths from Covid-19. (The Villages actually represents 62.5 percent, or 30 of the 48 deaths in the county. Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center has had 17 deaths, and one other community resident has died from Covid-19 in Orleans.)

The governor’s directives failed the nursing home residents, an “error in judgement that was so grievous” an investigation is needed, Jacobs said.

McMurray made it clear he supports the Black Lives Matter movement and ending police brutality, including chokeholds. “Millions are demonstrating for a reason,” McMurray said.

Jacobs said he voted in the State Senate to ban chokeholds by police. But he said he doesn’t fully support BLM, including a push to defund police. He also said a small group of protestors who looted and rioted have hurt the BLM movement. Jacobs favors more dialogue.

McMurray said Jacobs failed to speak out about George Floyd’s death at the hands of the Minneapolis police officer, and has been silent on the Black Lives Matter demonstrations. McMurray immediately condemned the killing, and has joined demonstrators at BLM marches.

The overwhelming percentage of police do a “fantastic job,” and aren’t corrupt or racist, Jacobs said. He favors “law and order” and also said he supports “peaceful protests.”

Jacobs said McMurray wants to defund police, and McMurray interjected that Jacobs was lying.

“He lies in his commercials and now he lies right here,” McMurray said.

Jacobs then said McMurray supports “sanctuary cities.”

“All this guy does is lie,” McMurray again interjected. “He is trying to buy this position.”

The candidates were asked whether they support Trump’s threat to use the Insurrection Act to tamp down demonstrations with the military. Trump also has reportedly told governor to “dominate” the protestors.

McMurray said Trump has hurt the US image to the world with his talk of suppressing the demonstrators.

“People look up to us around the world and President Trump is embarrassing,” McMurray said. “It’s not America anymore when you have your citizens being attacked by the military.”

Jacobs said the peaceful protests were “hijacked by rioters and radicals.”

Jacobs said he would support a conservative agenda, opposing abortion, backing Second Amendment rights and pushing for Trump’s economic policies.

He said McMurray and other Democrats are exploiting Covid-19, the economic downturn and the Black Lives Matters demonstrations to push socialism.

The two candidates said the federal government needs to put money into infrastructure projects, including broadband internet in rural communities. McMurray said Trump talked of infrastructure but has done nothing, even when he had a Republican majority in Congress the first two years of his term.

McMurray wants a federal stimulus package that would provide aid to local governments and school districts. He would support ending the Trump tax cuts to direct more money to everyday people.

Jacobs said he is wary of the federal government giving stimulus funds to the state, which he had has been poorly managed the past 30 years.

The best cure for the local revenue shortfall is reopening the state’s economy. Jacobs said he would like to see phases 3 and 4 combined, so it isn’t a dragged out process that prolongs job losses and economic pain.

“We have to get working again,” Jacobs said. “That’s the main way to get going.”

McMurray said the country has needlessly suffered from Covid-19, with more than 100,000 dead largely due to the president’s mishandling and lack of preparation in the crisis. McMurray worries that Trump isn’t taking Covid-19 seriously enough and the country is vulnerable if a new wave hits in the fall.

Other countries have been far more effective than the United States in containing the spread and minimizing damage to their economy, McMurray said.

“It’s a fiasco what has happened in our country,” he said about the Covid-19 response.

Jacobs said McMurray doesn’t represent the values of the conservative 27^thCongressional district by supporting abortion and a big government approach.

McMurray said he is an Eagle Scout, who has spent lots of time the past the two years in the eight counties. He said Jacobs couldn’t find the communities on a map.

McMurray said Jacobs would be “another Chris,” like the recent WNY Congressional representatives – Chris Collins and Chris Lee – both multimillionaires who resigned in disgrace.

Jacobs said he has a long history of community service, from his work in government to his business dealings.

“I have governed and represented with integrity,” Jacobs said. “I have the skill set to be impactful.”

But McMurray said his opponent is a flip-flopper who distanced himself from Trump but now fully embraces him.

“He didn’t need to be a fake,” McMurray said about Jacobs. “He will change on a dime.”

Three more residents of the Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center have died from Covid-19, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments is reporting today.

Orchard Rehab & Nursing has now had 17 of its residents pass away after contracting the coronavirus. Orleans County has now suffered 48 deaths from Covid-19.

Orleans County doesn’t have any new confirmed cases of Covid-19 to report today. Genesee County has one new case, a person in the 60s from Batavia. Genesee now has had 199 people test positive for Covid-19, while Orleans has had 244.

The new case in Genesee County was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.

The facility breakdown is only showing the total positive cases from those facilities from where the Health Departments have received a positive swab for Covid-19.

More from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

• Phase 3 reopening: At the earliest Phase 3 may be opened this Friday, June 12, however it will be at the Governor’s discretion.

With that in mind, everyone waiting on Phase 3 should be developing and implementing their Business Safety Plan to the best of your ability and geared toward your organization whether it be a business, house of worship, non-for-profit organization, etc.

You are responsible to have your plan in place prior to opening. You will not be submitting your plan. However it must be on the premises in the event of a state, local or safety inspection. Keep checking the New York Forward website for your industry/organization summary guidelines by clicking here.

• Personal care services and indoor seating at restaurants: Guidance for indoor seating at restaurants and food services establishments and for personal care services for tattoo, piercing facilities, appearance enhancement practitioners, massage therapy, spas, cosmetology, nail specialty, UV and non-UV tanning, or waxing are now posted on the NY Forward website under Phase Three Industries. Remember plans (including that the affirmation guidance has been read) and supplies have to be in place before opening.

According to the Finger Lakes Regional Control Room, personal care services such as nail salons and tanning salons are projected to reopen in Phase III. This means personal care services are prohibited to be operating at this time. Businesses that are not in compliance may be subjected to a financial penalty. If you have questions regarding your business operations, please contact the Finger Lakes Regional Control Room: flnyf@esd.ny.gov.

MEDINA – A Medina police officer and firefighters were able to help revive a young girl on Friday evening.

A police officer was at a residence one minute after being dispatched at 6:26 p.m. The girl was moved from a pool by a family member and wasn’t conscious or breathing.

Jake Reeves, a Medina police officer, took over CPR from a family member and a neighbor. Reeves began a series of back blows and chest compressions and then carried the child to the ambulance where a team of on- and off-duty firefighters took over patient care.

The child was in cardiac arrest and advanced life support treatments were initiated. Firefighters on scene achieved return of spontaneous circulation and the patient was transported to Medina Memorial Hospital for further care while awaiting a medevac unit from Mercy Flight for transport to Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo.

“We have been in contact with the family, although the child is still being treated at the hospital, the child is conscious and talking,” according to a joint press release from the Medina Police and Fire Departments. “The family wishes to remain anonymous at this time but they also would like to express their gratitude to all personnel and agencies involved in this incident.”

This incident highlights the training and hard work of many in the chain of survival – early recognition, calling 911, professional dispatching, bystander CPR, quick response of the Police and Fire Departments, the talented hospital staff, specialty air transport by Mercy Flight and the specialized care offered at Oishei Children’s Hospital. All of those things together has led to a successful outcome, each link in the chain is vital.

Both agencies would like to recognize the efforts of all village police officers and firefighters who responded to this incident. Responding from the Police Department were Officers Reeves, Zangerle and Prawel. From the Fire Department, the on-duty crew of Captain Young and Firefighters Simmons, Urtel and T. Miller. Off-duty crew members were Lieutenants Cooley and Crooks along with Firefighters Fisher and Long.

“I’m really proud of these members of the Medina Fire and Police Departments,” said Fire Chief Matt Jackson. “This was a very stressful incident and time was essential. The teamwork and ability to remain calm while performing at the highest level was a testament to the training and experience these guys face day in and day out. I’m also very happy for this family. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that this outcome was the direct result of a collaborative effort by family, the Medina Fire Department, the Medina Police Department, Medina Memorial Hospital, Mercy Flight and Oishei Children’s Hospital. Outstanding job by everyone involved!”

Ballots won’t be counted until June 16

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article said today was the deadline to vote in the school elections and the budget and district referendums. It is the deadline to turn in ballots in person at the district offices.

But residents still have time to mail in ballots. They will be counted as long as they are received by 5 p.m. on June 16.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday pushed back the time frame, allowing ballots to be received by June 16. That is the day the school districts will be counting the ballots.

Many of the districts will have separate election inspectors to open the envelopes and then other inspectors to unfold ballots and count them to maintain voter privacy.

District also approves tenure for teachers, principal

LYNDONVILLE – The district announced its educator of the year during Monday’s Board of Education meeting.

Bliss Thurber, a sixth grade teacher, will receive the honor and will be recognized at a future Board of Education meeting when the restrictions on crowd sizes are increased. Right now, the meetings are limited to no more than 10 people.

“Bliss is truly an exceptional teacher and is known for creativity, innovation, and will be receiving a $1,000 grant from the District for a special project in her classroom,” said Jason Smith, the district superintendent.

Thurber has utilized technology in her classroom, and also is co-leader of the AVID program for grades kindergarten through 6.

• RETIREES – The district also announced four staff members are retiring: Diane Thurber, clerical; Nikki Robison, teacher aid; Kathy Payne, bus driver; and Dave Balcer, director of Buildings and Grounds.

“We thank each of these retirees for their dedicated service to our community and district, and I look forward to recognizing them at a future Board of Education meeting,” Smith said.

• TENURE – The Board of Education approved tenure for the following: Paula Bachman, math teacher; Cassandra Fleck, school counselor; Jenna Goheen, elementary education; Amy Kingsbury, elementary education; Amanda LeClair, art teacher; Shane Phillips, health education; Alisha Schwarzott, English Language Arts teacher; Elissa Smith, elementary principal.

• MEMORIAL TREE – The district also accepted a $500 donation from Roger Miller to plant a flowering cherry tree in memory of Charles Prahler, who passed away on April 15. Prahler, 95, was an active member of the community, including with the Lyndonville Lions Club.

File photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from Medina’s graduation in June 2016 shows the Daisy Chain and graduates inside at the High School Auditorium. This year’s commencement will be split into three services and will be held outside at Vets Park.

MEDINA – The school district will have three graduation ceremonies on June 26, with attendance capped at 150, in order to meet the new guidelines from the state.

Medina High School Principal Michael Cavanagh announced today there will be three commencement services for the Class of 2020 at Vets Park, with the services at 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7 p.m.

Medina has about 110 graduates in the class. They will be grouped alphabetically according to last name.

“We are very pleased that we will be able to keep many of our time-honored traditions such as the Daisy Chain but we are still solidifying many of the details,” Cavanagh said in a notice to the community.

The district will have a rehearsal on June 25 for each of the three ceremonies. Medina will distribute all end-of-year items at the rehearsals, such as graduation attire, scholarships, Top Ten medals and cords.

“Looking forward to a fantastic ending for a truly unprecedented school year,” Cavanagh said.

Board member doesn’t want students to be ‘guinea pigs’ if new Covid-19 vaccine becomes available

LYNDONVILLE — The Board of Education decided to table a policy for 2020-21 that would require all students to have mandated immunizations.

The district this school year adopted a policy, following the state’s lead, that no longer allows religious exemptions for required vaccines. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed that bill last July, repealing religious exemptions for required vaccines.

The Lyndonville Board of Education on Monday was set to vote on the policy again, but board member Vern Fonda said he is concerned the state may require districts to have all students take a Covid-19 vaccine. That vaccine isn’t available yet.

Fonda said he is concerned there could be unknown ill-effects with that new vaccine, if it becomes available.

“I don’t want my children or children of my friends to be guinea pigs for the Covid-19 vaccine,” Fonda said during Monday’s meeting.

Other board members agreed to hold off on adopting the policy, to see if the state provides any direction on the issue.

The only accepted exemption now for students from immunizations is a valid medical reason where a doctor certifies that a vaccine may be detrimental to a child’s health.

For children without a valid medical exemption, they can remain in school for 14 days at the start of the school year, to give them time to provide evidence of the required immunizations. An out-of-county or out-of-state transferee has 30 days to provide the district with evidence of the mandated immunizations, according to the district policy.

‘Our school communities have the power to turn pain and prejudice into healing and understanding. Let this moment in history be defined as a tipping point – a moment to truly come together.’

The school district superintendents at Holley and Kendall have joined Monroe County school leaders in a joint statement, denouncing racism and acknowledging “that discrimination exists in all of our communities.”

Brian Bartalo, Holley Central School superintendent, and Julie Christensen, Kendall Central School superintendent, are among 23 district superintendents pledging to take action to equity and inclusion for all students.

The statement from the 23 superintendents is as follows:

We, the superintendents of Monroe County school districts, stand together against racism.

We acknowledge that discrimination exists in all of our communities. We see it in the bias that exists within our districts. We see it in the trauma that hatred and oppression inflict on our students and families. We see it in the educational inequities that continue to perpetuate glaring disparities in student outcomes.

We know that the fight against racism, oppression and hate cannot fall solely on families of color or within the confines of only some school districts. We all must lead this transformation together. That’s why today, we are publicly committing to leading the change that will create lasting equity in our schools.

We will listen, and learn from those who have experienced these tragedies and who live with the fear and pain of racism every day. We take responsibility for educating ourselves and will be intentional in rebuilding our education system which has not served underrepresented student populations well.

All Monroe County school superintendents pledge to:

• Assess policies and practices in order to ensure equality in hiring practices, provide access to high quality instruction, and decrease disproportionality in student achievement and discipline
• Accelerate professional development in areas including culturally responsive education and restorative practices
• Participate in the Regional Equity Network to promote equity in schools across the county
• Partner with BOCES and the University of Rochester Center for Urban Education Success to develop common units of study to be included in the curriculum across all of our schools that will focus on how race, class and inequities have shaped Monroe County from 1964 to today
• Listen and respond to the voices of our students and families of color, respect and value their experiences and perspective
• Engage our students in student-led change initiatives (i.e., ROC2Change)

We stand united in our support of equity and inclusion and we claim schools as a place of love and acceptance for all. Our school communities have the power to turn pain and prejudice into healing and understanding. Let this moment in history be defined as a tipping point – a moment to truly come together.

Our children deserve better and we will do better.

In solidarity,

The Superintendents of the Monroe County Council of School Superintendents – BOCES I, Daniel White; BOCES 2, Jo Anne Antonacci; Brighton, Kevin McGowan, Ed.D.; Brockport, James Fallon, Interim; Churchville-Chili, Lori Orologio; East High School, Shaun Nelms, Ed.D.; East Irondequoit, Mary Grow; East Rochester, Richard Stutzman, Interim; Fairport, Brett Provenzano; Gates Chili, Christopher Dailey;

Greece, Kathleen Graupman; Hilton, Casey Kosiorek, Ed.D.; Holley, Brian Bartalo; Honeoye Falls-Lima, Gene Mancuso; Kendall, Julie Christensen; Penfield, Thomas Putnam, Ed.D.; Pittsford, Michael Pero; Rochester City, Lesli Myers-Small, Ed.D.; Rush Henrietta, Lawrence Wright; Spencerport, Daniel Milgate; Webster, Carmen Gumina; West Irondequoit, Aaron Johnson, Ed.D.; Wheatland-Chili, Deborah Leh, Ed.D.

‘We should just get together. It doesn’t have to be perfect.’

Albert Alexander delivers the sermon on Sunday, the first time North Point held in-person services since mid-March.

ALBION – North Point Chapel in Albion was open for services for the first time in nearly three months on Sunday.

It was a smaller group than usual. About 20 people attended the service in person. The church usually draws about 50 for Sundays – before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Church buildings have been closed since mid-March. Gov. Cuomo and the state allowed up to 10 people inside buildings on May 21, as well as drive-in and parking lot services.

On Saturday, the governor announced churches, mosques and temples could have services with crowds up to 25 percent of the building’s capacity – as long as several safety precautions were in place.

North Point elders Albert Alexander and Jim Baker sent out a text message to church members, telling them the building on Platt Street would be open on Sunday.

Church leaders had a safety plan ready for holding services during a pandemic. They have sanitizer stations, signs telling people there won’t be any handshakes or hugs, and people who aren’t in the same households are spaced around the sanctuary. People also need to wear masks, except when they are sitting as long as there is six feet of space from the next person. Alexander said the governor’s announcement on Saturday was appreciated, but didn’t leave church leaders much time to be ready on Sunday.

“We should just get together,” Alexander said from the pulpit on Sunday. “It doesn’t have to be perfect.”

Pastor Mike Outten speaks to the church during Sunday’s service. People were spread out for the service.

Mike Outten, the church pastor since North Point started five years ago, has been giving weekly sermons through Facebook live from his home study. His children have provided the music for those services.

Outten said the church worked on a reopening plan to be ready for when the governor started to ease restrictions on the gathering size.

The church seats 275 people. At 25 percent capacity, about 70 people could attend an in-person service.

Jennifer Mateo, the children’s ministry leader for North Point, attended the service on Sunday with her daughter Eva, a kindergartener. They were happy to see people, face to face, again.

Photo courtesy of Marsha Rivers: North Point put out a welcome flag on Sunday for people to attend church inside the building.

She said the church leaders have worked hard to keep the congregation connected during the pandemic, with the Sunday services broadcast through Facebook live and a weekly Bible study on Wednesdays through Zoom.

Alexander said this era of social distancing doesn’t mean people have to stay apart.

“We shouldn’t distance ourselves totally,” he said.

Some of the state guidelines for religious organizations for services include:

• A distance of at least 6 feet must be maintained amongst all individuals at all times, unless safety or the core activity requires a shorter distance (e.g. pallbearing) or the individuals are members of the same household. However, any singing activity must provide for a distance between individuals of 12 feet, subject to additional protective measures.
• Prohibit the use of small spaces (e.g. elevators, vehicles) by more than one individual at time, unless all individuals are wearing face coverings. If occupied by more than one person, keep occupancy under 50% of maximum capacity.
• Prohibit holding or shaking hands of members in different households during services or prayers.
• Provide workers with an acceptable face covering at no cost to the worker and have an adequate supply of coverings in case of replacement.
• Faith leaders, officiants, volunteers, and/or attendees must be prepared to don a face covering if another person unexpectedly comes within 6 feet.
• Limit the sharing of objects (e.g. religious texts, collection plates) as well as the touching of shared surfaces (e.g. pews, instruments, doors, railings); or, require individuals to wear gloves when in contact with shared objects or frequently touched surfaces; or, require individuals to sanitize or wash their hands before and after contact.
• Cleaning and disinfecting of facilities, shared surfaces, and other areas, as well as shared objects, must be performed at least after each service, using Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) products identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as effective against Covid-19.
• Provide and maintain hand hygiene stations on site, including handwashing with soap, water, and paper towels, as well as an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing 60% or more alcohol for areas where handwashing is not feasible. Hand sanitizer must be placed throughout the location for use by all attending or working.
• Post signage throughout the facility to remind individuals to adhere to proper hygiene, social distancing rules, appropriate use of PPE, and cleaning and disinfecting protocols. Conspicuously post completed safety plans on site.
• Implement mandatory health screening assessment (e.g. questionnaire, temperature check) for employees, faith leaders, and volunteers (but not attendees), asking about (1) Covid-19 symptoms in past 14 days, (2) positive Covid-19 test in past 14 days, and/or (3) close contact with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 case in past 14 days. Responses must be reviewed daily and documented.
• If an employee or faith leader tests positive for Covid- 19, immediately notify state and local health departments and cooperate with contact tracing efforts, including notification of potential contacts who had close contact with the worker, while maintaining confidentiality as required by state and federal law and regulations.

For more on the guidelines from the state for religious organizations, click here.

Press Release, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office

HARTLAND – The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office on June 4 responded to a report of a “grandson in jail” scam on Wheeler Road in Gasport.

Deputy John Sheehan spoke to the 84-year-old victim who stated that she was contacted by a person who identified himself as a police officer. He told the victim her grandson was arrested and he needed $8,500 in bail money.

The victim went to her local bank and withdrew the money. She followed the “officer’s” instructions and packaged the money to be sent to an address in Michigan. She then left the money on her doorstep for pre-arranged pickup by a local delivery company. After speaking with concerned family she realized her grandson was not in jail.

On June 5, Investigator Michael Leggett tracked the package to a Niagara Falls Office Max which was holding the package for FedEx Express pickup. Leggett went to the Office Max, who required a subpoena to seize the package.

With fast assistance from the Niagara County District Attorney’s Office, a subpoena was obtained and the money was seized before it was sent to the scammer.

Investigator Leggett and Deputy Sheehan returned the money to the victim and her family.

As June is Elder Abuse Month, this is a prime example of the crimes scammers commit to prey on our vulnerable elder population. If you suspect a family member is a victim of fraud, call your local police agency or NY CONNECTS (1-800-342-9871) to report.

Orleans also has 1 new Covid-19 case, 9 more recoveries

Orleans County had four more residents die from Covid-19, bringing the total to 45 deaths from the coronavirus, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said this afternoon.

The four new deaths in Orleans include two residents at The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Facility in Albion and two residents at Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Medina.

The Villages of Orleans has now had 30 of its residents die from Covid-19 while 14 residents at Orchard have passed away after contracting the virus.

The Health Departments are also one new confirmed case of Covid-19 in Orleans, a person in the 50s from Ridgeway. That brings the total to 244 people in Orleans who have contracted Covid-19. The new positive case was not on mandatory quarantine.

The county also is reporting nine more recoveries from Covid-19, bringing that total to 92.

In Orleans, 17 people are currently hospitalized with Covid-19.

In Genesee County, there is one new positive case of Covid-19, bringing the total to 198 positive cases. The new positive individual resides in Batavia and is in the 30s. This person was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.

Genesee also has three more recoveries from Covid-19, bringing that total to 135. No Genesee residents are currently hospitalized from Covid-19.

The facility breakdown is only showing the total positive cases from those facilities from where the Health Departments have received a positive swab for Covid-19.

More information from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments:

• Phase 3: At the earliest, Phase 3 may be opened this Friday, June 12, however it will be at the Governor’s discretion. With that in mind, everyone waiting on Phase 3 should be developing and implementing their Business Safety Plan to the best of your ability and geared toward your organization whether it be a business, house of worship, non-for-profit organization, etc.

You are responsible to have your plan in place prior to opening. You will not be submitting your plan, however it must be on the premises in the event of a state, local or safety inspection.

• Social Gatherings: Per Governor Cuomo gatherings (groups, assembly, meeting, etc.) of 10 or less are permitted with social distancing and sanitization protocols in place. The executive order is through June 21, unless it is extended.

The Health Departments do not authorize or allow exemptions from the Governor’s orders. If you have questions about the orders you can go to forward.ny.gov or e-mail the Finger Lakes Regional Control Room – flnyf@esd.ny.gov.

• Graduation: To help schools plan graduation ceremonies to celebrate all who are graduating in a safe and responsible manner click the link for the guidance. Socially distanced graduations of up to 150 people will be allowed beginning June 26th.

• Personal Care Services: According to the Finger Lakes Regional Control Room, personal care services such as nail salons and tanning salons are projected to reopen in Phase III. This means personal care services are prohibited to be operating at this time. Businesses that are not in compliance may be subjected to a financial penalty. If you have questions regarding your business operations, please contact the Finger Lakes Regional Control Room at flnyf@esd.ny.gov.