‘Rock’ groups are also a chance to stay connected with larger community
Photos courtesy of Susan Wilson: These rocks are painted in a theme of the four houses at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter books.
(Editor’s Note: This is part of an ongoing “Pandemic Perspectives” series, with people sharing how they are coping with life during the coronavirus pandemic. We welcome more submissions. Send them to news@orleanshub.com.)
By Susan Wilson
Susan Wilson
When I saw the opportunity to send in an article for this column, I was originally considering writing in with some perspective on what it’s like right now in Rochester, NY. It’s really making me nostalgic for simpler times and I’m waxing rhapsodic about all the wide open spaces in Orleans County that I grew up with compared to the close quarters of my apartment and the chaotic grocery stores here in the city.
But then I changed my mind and wanted to instead talk about something positive from Orleans that’s helping to stave off cabin fever a little bit.
Susan Wilson painted this rock to look like a dragon’s eye.
A lot of people are using this time at home to catch up on Netflix or go for a napping championship, but I need to keep my hands and brain busy to distract myself, especially considering my work-from-home schedule the rest of the week. Although I’m grateful to have a job that translates well to working remote, I’m not very enthused about just moving around my apartment from screen to screen all day every day.
That’s why I’m so thankful for the Albion NY Rocks rock painting group on Facebook. I go through periods where I’m extremely active, then other times where I am only clicking “like” on random posts that come up through my news feed. But being stuck indoors, it’s been an encouragement to get involved again even though I will have to hold off on hiding rocks.
For those who are unfamiliar with what these rock painting groups are doing, you find rocks to paint with a positive message or image, then you hide them somewhere for someone to find. The rocks usually have a note on the back suggesting the finder should take a photo with the rock and post it to the Facebook group before re-hiding for someone else to find it. (Although finders are also welcome to keep the rocks.)
I’ve been an artist for a long time, but most of my art has been done digitally. Having a physical craft to create with more than mouse and keyboard is a nice change of pace. It’s relaxing to do something hands-on and not be concerned with perfection or how to market my work for sales. Instead, I’m doing it for fun and with the hope of making someone I’ll probably never meet smile.
This rock was turned into art showcasing a sunset.
I’ve painted rocks for holidays and seasons. I painted a set to hide on my honeymoon last year when we drove through the Appalachians. I’ve painted for supporting causes. This weekend, I’ve been painting and making a pile of Harry Potter rocks for Hogwarts House Pride Week that I’m really excited to hide when this is all over. You can paint whatever you want and as long as you’re having fun, you’re achieving the goal of the group.
The best part is that it’s making connections between all of us in the group. We share ideas and celebrate the efforts of others. I’ve never met most of the members, but I am always really happy to see posts or receive comments. It’s nice that this cyberspace meeting space has carried us seamlessly into this current situation. It’s been a perfect way to foster social interaction between all ages and lifestyles where the only thing that’s important in the group is that you’re supportive and making the world a prettier, more positive place while having a good time.
If you have art supplies on hand that have been sitting and collecting dust, this is a great time to do something hands-on that works perfectly while social distancing. And thank you to the awesome people who operate as group administrators. Your little corner of Facebook is one of my favorite places to be and I appreciate it!
(Susan Wilson, 32, is a former resident of Albion. She does graphic design and marketing in Rochester. She likes to make hands-on art in her spare time.)
Press Release, Jason Smith, Lyndonville Central School superintendent
LYNDONVILLE – The school district is seeking to expand access to the internet for online learning during the closure, as we are committed to equal access for all students.
We need feedback if we are going to pursue this opportunity.
Free WiFi access is available on school grounds. The network is GUEST and password is WIRELESS.
Would you/your family be interested in additional hot-spots at either of the following locations?
• Oak Orchard Assembly of God Church – 12111 Ridge Road
• White Birch Golf Course – 1515 North Lyndonville Road
Please let us know by replying to the school district’s tweet, the original Facebook post or by texting us at 585-207-3323 with feedback. You can also call the school district at (585) 765-3101 or e-mail the superintendent at Jasmith@lcsdk12.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2020 at 8:08 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Members of the Preston family in Albion work on a landscaping display in the Lartz Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds last April. The Prestons were one of 44 vendors at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Home and Garden and Outdoor Show.
KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce has canceled the 2020 Home, Garden & Outdoor Show that was scheduled for April 25-26 at the 4-H Fairgrounds.
Darlene Hartway, Chamber director, said health concerns about the spreading coronavirus convinced the Chamber’s board of directors to halt the event.
The Chamber has issued refunds to the vendors and sponsors of the show. The event isn’t being rescheduled for later in the year.
“Hopefully we will be able to sponsor an event to help all our local businesses after restrictions have been lifted and the health of our community is less at risk,” Hartway said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2020 at 7:35 am
ALBION – Volunteers with the Albion Betterment Committee are taking a rare break today from pumping gas for senior citizens in Albion.
The volunteers for the past 16 years have been pumping gas from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesdays at Crosby’s. Today the team of volunteers from the Albion Betterment Committee isn’t available. The group also didn’t want to encourage senior citizens to be out driving with the county and state in a state of emergency due to the coronavirus.
The Betterment Committee urges others to help senior citizens if they pull up for gas. People can always offer to help pump the gas, regardless of the day and time.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to New York small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced.
SBA acted under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, to declare a disaster following a request received from Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on March 17, 2020.
The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in the entire state of New York.
“SBA is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist New York small businesses with federal disaster loans. We will be swift in our efforts to help these small businesses recover from the financial impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19),” said Administrator Carranza.
SBA customer service representatives will be available to answer questions about SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and explain the application process.
“Small businesses, private non-profit organizations of any size, small agricultural cooperatives and small aquaculture enterprises that have been financially impacted as a direct result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) since Jan. 31, 2020, may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred,” said Carranza.
“These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing,” Carranza added.
Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of the Coronavirus (COVID- 19). The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses. The interest rate for private non-profit organizations is 2.75 percent. SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years and are available to entities without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications (click here). Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
Candidate for the 27th Congressional District Nate McMurray called on New York State to reschedule the elections planned for April 28. Earlier this year, the special election was called by Governor Cuomo to fill the seat vacated by Chris Collins, who was sentenced to jail for insider trading.
In a letter last week, McMurray urged Governor Cuomo to continue to protect New Yorkers and move the April 28 elections to the June primary, when other federal, state and local primaries are scheduled to occur.
“This is a critical time, confirmed cases of COVID-19 are expected to peak in a few weeks, which will fall on or around the special election planned for April 28th,” McMurray said. “We can’t risk the health of voters and poll workers; we must stop the spread of this disease. The people of NY-27 and beyond also need to maintain confidence in the integrity of these critical elections. We must hold this special election, but the right thing to do is to reschedule it.”
According to Governor Cuomo, the increase in infections means the state’s peak of coronavirus cases is likely at least 2-3 weeks away, during early voting.
The U.S. Center for Disease Control says the COVID-19 coronavirus could infect up to 214 million Americans and cause up to 1.7 million deaths. The elderly and those with compromised immune systems face the highest risk of severe complications from COVID-19, which could result in hospitalization or death.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 March 2020 at 4:19 pm
(Editor’s Note: This article has been corrected. The original post said one new confirmed case in Orleans County, but it’s two new cases.)
The Orleans County Health Department reported this afternoon there are two new confirmed cases of coronavirus.
The two people in the new confirmed cases both reside in the center part of the county and cases are not connected. One of the individuals is over 65 and the other is younger than 65, Pettit said.
“The contact tracing has been initiated for the new cases,” according to the Health Department. “Known contacts to these two cases have already been placed under mandatory quarantine and will be swabbed if indicated. If a person is identified as a contact, they will be notified by the Health Department.”
In Orleans County, 45 people have been tested for coronavirus and 43 of those test results came back negative. Another positive case from Orleans was a person who actually was on vacation out of state when tested positive with coronavirus.
Four people are under precautionary quarantine, 13 people are under mandatory quarantine, and 3 people are under mandatory isolation – 1 of whom is hospitalized and 2 are recovering at home, the Health Department reported.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 March 2020 at 4:02 pm
ALBION — The Orleans County Tourism Department today unveiled the cover of the new travel guide which should be available in print next month. The 48-page guide can be viewed online by clicking here.
The dominant photo on the cover shows a sailboat during a striking sunset. There are also photos of the chapel at Hillside Cemetery near Holley (showcasing Medina sandstone architecture), two kids with large salmon and the Canal Culvert, the only place where traffic goes under the Erie Canal.
The guide has a theme of “Great Lake Adventure & Canal Town Culture.”
The travel guides will be distributed at travel centers and at trade shows, and also many other locations in the county and region.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 March 2020 at 3:12 pm
Board also approves $2,500 contribution to skate park upgrade
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board on Monday approved a four-year contract with career firefighters that gives them 2 percent annual raises.
The contract includes 20 firefighters. They also need to contribute 25 percent towards their health insurance premiums.
The contract runs from June 1, 2019 to May 31, 2023. The boar don Monday agreed to pay the firefighters their retroactive pay increase. Trustee Owen Toale said that increase is in the current village budget.
Monday’s meeting deviated from a normal meeting. It was closed to the public with two of the five Village Board members and the village clerk participating online through Zoom. (Orleans Hub editor Tom Rivers also participated through Zoom.)
The board intends to utilize Zoom until a state of emergency is lifted. Right now the state has ordered no public gatherings of more than 10 people.
In other action at Monday’s meeting:
• The board agreed to contribute $2,500 to upgrades of the skate park at Butts Park. The Medina Skate Society is leading an effort to raise $250,000 in matching funds for the park’s upgrades.
Medina has been awarded up to $250,000 from the Tony Hawk & Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundations. Medina has about $200,000 raised locally so far. The grant deadline for the local share is March 30. At that point every dollar that has been raised locally will be doubled. Medina could have $500,000 to build a skate park if the $250,000 local match is met.
The park is used by skateboarders, bikers, scooters and in-line skaters.
• The board set 7 p.m. on April 13 for a public hearing on electric charging stations. Burger King wants to put an electric charging station at its parking lot on Maple Ridge Road.
• The board voted to add a $50 charge plus the cost of a tree when people seek to donate a tree to be planted by the village. Mayor Mike Sidari said trees range from $175 to $219, depending on the variety.
Whatever the cost of buying a tree the village will add $50 to cover the village’s cost for digging a hole to plant the tree, the cost for mulch and a water bag.
That means, with the current prices, if someone wants to donate a tree it will cost $225 to $269.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 March 2020 at 2:29 pm
Governor presses federal government to help secure 30,000 ventilators; Cuomo praises nurses and healthcare workers for doing ‘God’s Work’
Gov. Andrew Cuomo today said the coronavirus are rising faster than predicted, and could soon overwhelm the healthcare facilities in the state, especially in New York City.
The state now has more than 25,000 confirmed cases of the virus, more than 10 times any other state. On Monday, the state had 20,875 confirmed cases.
He said the federal government needs to come through and help secure 30,000 ventilators for the state. Those ventilators can then go to other states once New York gets past its wave of cases.
“We need the federal help, and we need the federal help now,” Cuomo said at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, which is being converted into a hospital.
The governor said the Federal Emergency Management Agency has offered 400 ventilators, which the governor said is far short of what is needed.
He urged the federal government to work with businesses to have the ventilators made and available, soon.
The governor said his focus is on saving lives. He said the economy can gradually be ramped back up, first using younger workers.
About 80 percent of the people who contract the virus can self-resolve without medical treatment.
“Twenty percent are going to need hospitals,” the governor said. “It’s not about that. It’s about a very small group of people in this population who are the most vulnerable. They are older, they have compromised immune systems, they are HIV positive, or they have emphysema, or they have an underlying heart condition, or they have bad asthma, or they’re recovering from cancer. Those are the people who are going to be vulnerable to the mortality of this disease, and it is only 1% or 2% of the population. But then why all of this? Because it’s 1% or 2% of the population. It’s lives, it’s grandmothers and grandfathers and sisters and brothers.”
The governor signed an executive order – Matilda’s Law – named for his elderly mother to protect the vulnerable population.
“It’s about my mother,” Cuomo told reporters today. “It’s about your mother. It’s about your loved one. And we will do anything we can to make sure that they are protected.”
The state will work through this crisis without abandoning people, the governor said.
“We’re going to make it because I love New York, and I love New York because New York loves you,” he said. “New York loves all of you. Black and white and brown and Asian and short and tall and gay and straight. New York loves everyone. That’s why I love New York. It always has, it always will. And at the end of the day, my friends, even if it is a long day, and this is a long day, love wins. Always. And it will win again through this virus.”
The governor also praised the healthcare workers on the frontlines of caring for people with the virus.
“Our health care workers, who are doing God’s work. They are doing God’s work,” Cuomo said. “Can you imagine the nurses who leave their homes in the morning, who kiss their children goodbye, go to a hospital, put on gowns, deal with people who have the coronavirus? They’re thinking all day long, oh, my God, I hope I don’t get this. Oh my God, I hope I don’t get this and bring it home to my children. You want to talk about extraordinary individuals – extraordinary.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 24 March 2020 at 12:23 pm
MEDINA – The latest restrictions ordered by Governor Cuomo in efforts to stem the spread of the coronavirus in New York State have not only resulted in local organizations having to make drastic changes in planned events for the year, but could have a negative financial effect, especially on Orleans Community Health.
At Medina Memorial Hospital, Orleans Community Health has announced the postponement of two events – a Meet and Greet with new doctors on March 25 sponsored by Community Partners, and a basket raffle in honor of the late Nancy Albanese April 2 to April 4, sponsored by a group of community members. Proceeds of the event, when it can take place, will go towards renovations and improvements in the Recovery Room, where Albanese worked for most of her 40 years at the hospital.
Heather Smith, director of the Orleans Community Health Foundation, said they are extremely busy implementing protocols to ensure they are doing their utmost to protect every resident, patient and staff member.
“In addition to these protocols, we have been asked to postpone our events and meetings for an unspecified amount of time,” Smith said.
Orleans Community Health’s “For Women Only” event on April 29 also has been postponed. That event typically includes more than 200 people and is a fundraiser for people battling cancer.
As of right now, Smith said the OCHF Annual Golf Tournament is currently scheduled for June 19, however, they are holding off on taking registrations and sponsors until they feel confident it will not be canceled. The good news is, she said, they already have a rain date of July 24.
Unfortunately, some of these protocols have cost the hospital.
“We have yet to determine the actual financial impact this will have on our bottom line,” Smith said. “It is of great concern that while we are trying to protect our community we will also suffer a huge financial burden, due to the added expense of implementing necessary precautions and regulations which are out of our control.”
The hospital is asking anyone who has the means to consider making a donation at this time to help alleviate these unforeseen expenses that could have a dramatic effect over the long run.
Anyone who can make a donation is asked to mail a check payable to Orleans Community Health Foundation, 200 Ohio St., Medina, or donate online at www.supportoch.org.
National Grid has taken another step to reduce the coronavirus’ financial strain and economic uncertainty on upstate New York customers by deferring a bill increase that was scheduled to take effect April 1.
The company has asked New York regulators for permission to postpone the previously approved gas and electricity delivery price increases in recognition of the unprecedented hardships the COVID-19 outbreak continues to bring to families across the region.
“We have made the commitment to help our customers through these challenging times and this is another step on that journey,” said Badar Khan, National Grid’s Interim U.S. President. “We will continue to closely monitor our customers’ needs during the pandemic and find new ways to assist where we can.”
In today’s filing, National Grid requested a three-month delay in implementing the increases that were approved as part of a multi-party agreement to reset electricity and gas delivery prices.
The agreement calls for an approximately 4 percent increase in electricity bills and a 5 percent increase in natural gas bills to support investments in infrastructure safety and integrity, and enhancements to energy efficiency and other customer-focused initiatives.
National Grid has asked for those increases, as well as a required April 1 update to the low-income customer credit that would reduce the currently available discount to qualifying customers, to be delayed until July 1.
National Grid also has asked that the Public Service Commission defer until the summer any rate increases in the pending gas rate cases for downstate New York.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 March 2020 at 10:43 am
Hands 4 Hope also has an abundance of socks
Greg Stanton created this graphic to promote a toilet paper challenge among three sites in Orleans County.
ALBION – Jack Burris’s fun challenge last month has yielded an abundance of something in short supply: toilet paper.
Burris leads the Hands 4 Hope ministry. Each Saturday, he brings a red truck with food to one of four locations in the county. Hands 4 Hope goes to Medina, Holley and two sites in Albion each month.
Hands 4 Hope typically gives about 25 people a week a “share,” a bag of food. They usually receives two rolls of toilet paper in the share. Burris and a team of volunteers also will take prayer requests and pray with people if they want that.
Last month Burris kicked off a “Roll For The Bowl! Toilet Paper Drive” that started during the Super Bowl. Holy Family Parish in Albion, Sourced Market and Eatery in Medina, and the Holley Pharmacy.
The toilet paper drive during the month of February yielded more than 600 rolls. Holy Family edged the Sourced Market, 278 to 277. The Holley Pharmacy collected about 100.
Those rolls are being handed out now and the supply should last a while, Burris said.
Hands 4 Hope received other good news on Monday. Burris received a shipment of 2,000 socks from the Bombas company. That company donates a pair of socks for every one they sell.
Wayne Litchfield, a volunteer with Hands 4 Hope, applied for donation of socks through the company’s website. The shipment of the high-quality socks arrived in several boxes.
Burris said they will be given out throughout the year and likely shared with other ministries.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 March 2020 at 10:43 am
Though no specific date can be set for the start of the spring high school sports season can be made until a date for the reopening of schools is announced, New York State Public School Athletic Association officials this week have announced some key details for the season.
Specifically, the seven consecutive day rule has been waived allowing teams to practice and play games on seven consecutive days during the regular season.
In addition, Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas stated that “if needed the spring sports season can be extended to provide more participation opportunities for students.”
Dr. Zayas complete statement is as follows:
“As the Executive Director of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association I would like our association to focus on providing participation opportunities for the spring sport student-athletes we serve. When schools are able to return, students will need a sense of normalcy and providing them with any semblance of a regular season will be beneficial to them and their school community; senior nights, practice, team dinners and wearing a school uniform should be the focus of interscholastic athletic programs following the COVID-19 crisis.
The date students are able to return to school will play a significant role in the length of the spring sports season and the potential of league, section and state championships. With school districts closed for an extended period of time, Sections and schools are individually determining the Spring sport start dates and practice parameters that best meet the needs of the students they represent.(Editors Note: Section VI and Section V teams began practice March 9 and got in one week of practice before schools were closed.)
If needed, the spring sports season can be extended to provide more participation opportunities for students. The Officers of NYSPHSAA have waived the seven consecutive day rule for the 2020 spring sports season, which will allow teams to practice and compete on seven consecutive days during the regular season.
The Officers and I have established Monday, April 27 as a determination date to officially examine the feasibility of hosting the NYSPHSAA Spring State Championships. Waivers of the NYSPHSAA Representation Rule will also be addressed at the end of April.”
File photo by Tom Rivers: Firefighters put out a brush fire in Murray on July 12, 2016.
Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
A state-wide residential brush burning ban started on March 16 and continues until May 14.
With the arrival of spring, the state Department of Environmental Conservation reminds residents that conditions for wildfires are heightened in springtime when most wildfires occur.
“While many associate wildfires with the western United States, the start of spring weather and the potential for dry conditions increase the risk for wildfires in New York,” said Basil Seggos, Dec commissioner. “To protect our communities and natural resources, New York prohibits residential burning during the high-risk fire season to reduce the potential for wildfires. The burn ban has effectively reduced the number of wildfires over the last decade, and we’re encouraging New Yorkers to put safety first.”
Warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. DEC will post a Fire Danger Map rating forecast daily for the 2020 fire season and the NY Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife App, on DEC’s website. Currently, fire conditions in most of the state are low risk.
Open burning of debris is the largest single cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures are warmer and the past fall’s debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily and be further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation.
Every spring as the snow melts and vegetation dries out, New York’s partnering local responders all too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal spring debris fires. DEC Forest Rangers respond to and assist local agencies with the larger and more remote fires. Complying with the burn ban prevents unnecessary burdens on and dangers to state resources and local responders.
New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year, but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires occur. Since the ban was established, the eight-year annual average number of spring fires decreased by 42.6 percent, from 2,649 in 2009, to 1,521 in 2018.
Campfires using charcoal or untreated wood are allowed, but people should never leave such fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round.
