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.

(Editor’s Note: Orleans Hub welcomes insights from people in the community on how they are responding to the impact of the coronavirus. We’d like to hear from you. Send a “Pandemic Perspective” to news@orleanshub.com.)

By Rev. Randy LeBaron

Rev. Randy LeBaron

How upside down does the world that we live in feel right now? Stocks are crashing, people are hoarding, and thanks to the coronavirus we have all had to adopt the new term social distancing as well as adapting to its precepts in our daily lives. Some introverts have likened it to heaven while extroverts tend to see it more as torture.

If your heart is to care for others who are suffering during this crisis though you might simply define social distancing as an obstacle to get around. The good news is that it can be done while both being careful to follow government guidelines as well as showing care and consideration for the others. The only caveat is that you must be willing to get creative.

Think of the four men from Mark 2:-12 who carried their paralyzed friend on a mat in hope that he would be healed by Jesus. Imagine their frustration then as they found the place he was in to be too overcrowded. They didn’t give up though, they got creative. They hoisted their friend onto the roof, dug a hole through it, and then lowered him down in front of Jesus who complemented them on their efforts and sent the man on his way with his sins forgiven and carrying his own mat.

By now you are aware that most churches have closed their doors to the public in compliance with the “New York State on PAUSE” executive order that has been issued. I’m not going to debate the pros and cons or discuss the right or wrongs here, instead I simply want to point out that churches all across our county, state, and country quickly pulled together a few prime people and some tech and VOILA! everyone was live streaming their services via social media, operating their Bible studies out of Google hangouts, and interacting with people over the phone and internet. The fact is that connecting with and caring for others during this crisis IS possible if you focus not on the problems but on solutions. Here are two examples of how I was able minister over the past week in spite of social distancing and because of social media.

The first opportunity came Saturday morning when my buddy Jack Burris called to say that he was still planning on operating his Hands 4 Hope truck outside of The Hoag in Albion that morning but with a limited work force and protective protocols put in place. It would just be him taking people’s information, Kevin Lemcke distributing shares (bags of food), and me praying for, preaching to, and interacting with those who were waiting—all from a distance of at least six feet apart. We set up with just food shares and toiletries, not putting out clothing or other items that could cause cross contamination if people picked through them, and set up orange cones a good distance from the truck as well as from each other.

Photo by David Good: The Rev. Randy LeBaron offered to pray with people on Saturday when the Hands 4 Hope ministry was set up outside Hoag Library in Albion.

When people gathered we asked them to please pick a cone to wait by making sure that there were never more than ten gathered at a time. Not only were people pleasantly surprised that we were out but they were all understanding of the new procedures, respectful in keeping their distance, thankful to pray together and to be prayed for, and more generous than many others have shown during this time. Some of them took items out of their shares (including TP) and gave them back saying that they had enough and wanted to make sure someone more needy could get them. It was an awesome morning that I was thankful to be included in.

The second opportunity came about when a pastor from Kisii County in Kenya came across my site GoScatterMinistries.org and started using my “Refill with Randy” videos to help teach those in his church and other leaders in his community (You never know where the gospel seed will take root and bear fruit when you scatter it generously). He finally reached out to ask me about being a mentor and then we started talking and praying together via the WhatApp.  It has been encouraging to find out that even halfway around the world where people are just as scared and where even stricter precautions are being enforced that there are those still shining light in dark places and finding creative ways to still minister to the sick, the poor, the orphans, and others that get overlooked.

Since the churches are not allowed to come together publicly, much like here, Pastor Isaac is going around to the homes of people in his church and community to make sure everyone is still OK (starving is a real possibility there) and to offer encouragement and guidance. I am creating some personalized videos for him to share as he visits which he will play while interpreting in their native languages of Ekegusii, Swahili, and Maasai.

One minute I’m feeling isolated and ineffective and the next I’m meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs from the back of a big red truck and sharing about how to find peace in the midst of life’s storms to a people I have never met, through languages I have never spoken, in a land I have never been to. And I was able to do it all from at least six feet away.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Jesus (Acts 1:8)

34 negative tests in Orleans and 36 in Genesee

ALBION – There are no new confirmed cases of coronavirus in Orleans or Genesee counties, the public health departments said today.

Since the onset of testing, Genesee County has received 36 negative test results and Orleans has had 34 negative test results for COVID-19

The Health Department reported the following this afternoon.

• Local contact tracing continues within our departments. The cases and stories are being built and documented. Regarding the special circumstances of the Orleans positive. (That person was diagnosed while on vacation out-of-state but is believed to have contracted the virus in Orleans.)

Identified contacts have been notified and quarantined and swabbed as indicated. This patient became symptomatic out of state and is now in mandatory isolation at their residence in Orleans County. The patient was released from isolation from the state they were in, in line with that state’s clearance criteria. NYS clearance criteria is currently more restrictive and requires negative COVID-19 results prior to being released. Swabbing through the Health Departments is warranted as part of our quarantine /isolation protocol for those who become symptomatic. We are not providing community testing at this time.

• Orleans County: 4 people are under precautionary quarantine, 10 people are under mandatory quarantine, and 1 person is under mandatory isolation (this is not a new positive case). As shared last week, the department continues to explore contacts related to the case and places any further contacts on mandatory quarantine as needed

•  Genesee County: 7 people are under precautionary quarantine, 20 people are under mandatory quarantine, and 1 person (positive case) is under mandatory isolation.

• Reminder as discussed last week. We are placing people on quarantine and isolation from the health department but individuals will also be asked by their provider to self-isolate if they have been swabbed until the results come back. This is very important. Number one the person is symptomatic, that’s why they’re being swabbed and secondly, we don’t want the person exposing others to illness (COVID-19 or otherwise). Please remain home if ill.

• Young people may think this won’t affect them…they can get COVID-19, they can spread it to vulnerable populations and although not as likely, they can be hospitalized and possibly die from this disease, just as they can get the flu and have complications.

Young people may also have underlying health issues they may not be aware of or if they smoke / vape, etc. they are putting themselves at higher risk of severe illness. This is why all people participate in social distancing even if they are not immune-compromised some people are going to react to this illness differently…it is not just the older folks, they do have the greater risk of dying or going to the hospital but people of any age can have severe illness. It is still important for all to help flatten the curve.

Swabbing/Partner Information

• Remember that if you are sick to call your primary care provider. If you must go to the Emergency Room or Urgent Care – call ahead so they can prepare for your arrival.

• COVID-19 swabbing/testing at the Health Departments and community is limited. If you feel you may have COVID-19, call your primary care provider or healthcare facility ahead of time. Do n Do not go directly there, call ahead to get guidance. We will be screening and focusing on our at-risk populations – elderly and immune compromised and those with underlying health issues. Primary care providers and some health systems are offering testing in both Monroe and Erie counties. We’re still waiting on more public/private labs to sign-on soon along with swabbing kits.

• Lab testing has been bogged down and sample results are coming back slower. Again this is a source of frustration for the public and us. We continue to push these unacceptable issues back up to the state.

• Due to the current limited swabbing kits, guidelines are in place for primary care providers to order COVID-19 swabbing. We will notify how and who can be tested at testing sites once we have the capability to set them up.

• Flu for the week ending March 14: Orleans had 8 flu cases that week and 257 for the season; Genesee – 22 cases of flu that week and 588 for the season. Compared to COVID-19 the risk of the flu and what many people may be experiencing is higher.

We are receiving back negative COVID-19 test results from the lab, but we are still having flu – more flu and other respiratory illness as we look at the data. Keep this in mind. Everyone should be social distancing and staying home.

MEDINA – Orleans County’s only hospital will expand its capacity from 15 beds to 23, said Mark Cye, CEO of Medina Memorial Hospital.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo today signed an executive order requiring hospitals in the state to increase bed capacity by at least 50 percent. The governor urged hospitals to have a goal of increasing capacity by 100 percent so they can handle an anticipated wave of cases with people suffering respiratory infections from the coronavirus.

Cye said the Medina hospital has also modified its CMR unit, which is no longer in use, but could provide additional beds if necessary.

“If we had a large influx we could accommodate 49 beds total,” Cye said.

Medina Memorial has staffing for 25 beds and will hire more staff if necessary, he said.

“We are being proactive and are in the process of reaching out for more staff in the event we need more,” Cye said. “We have also discontinued all out-patient services and are cross training our current staff to work in other direct care areas as needed.”

Medina Memorial also is working the state and local public health departments, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for guidance to protect the health and safety of patients and staff, Cye said.

“And we are continually taking measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus In our community and to ensure we are prepared to care for those who are sick or injured,” he said.

Governor Cuomo announced today that an additional 5,707 coronavirus cases in New York State, bringing the statewide total to 20,875.

(Editor’s Note: Orleans Hub is trying to get caught up on some of the events we covered before the coronavirus became such a dominant story. This article is from a presentation on March 10.)

MEDINA – If there is one thing Lt. Todd Draper never wants to hear from a local resident it is, “It couldn’t happen here.”

Draper, a former combat medic, a 15-year member of the Medina Police Department and its K9 officer, is on a mission to educate everyone in the area what to do in the event of an active threat situation. This could come in the form of a shooter, a person with a knife, a vehicle attack or explosives.

It could happen anywhere, and it could happen here, Draper said.

“My wife is a teacher and my son goes to Medina schools,” Draper said. “The mentality that it won’t happen here doesn’t fly anymore.”

His family and his community are near and dear to his heart, which is why Draper has made of point of educating himself and his fellow officers how to prepare and what to do in an active threat situation.

On March 10 at the First Presbyterian Church in Medina, Draper gave a one-hour presentation on how to prepare and what to do in an active shooter situation. He has previously done the presentation for the staff at the Medina School District and recently approached the Medina Area Association of Churches, offering to do one for them.

Pat Crowley, former prevention educator at GCASA and member of the First Presbyterian Church, is secretary of MAAC and offered to take the lead in planning the presentation. The Rev. William Wilkinson was all in favor of it and the church agreed to host the event, even serving supper.

More than 80 people turned out to hear Draper, who stressed what people do in and active shooter situation matters – a lot.

“The actions you take in the first few minutes of such a situation may make the difference between life and death,” he said.

He said the facts are disturbing, but they are serious.

The incidences of a shooting have increased from five a week in 2009 to 15 a week in 2020.

“This is the new norm,” Draper said, quoting former President Obama. “We don’t want it to happen here, but we want to prepare if it does.”

He urged making a plan now.

“You can’t wait until it happens,” he said.

He shared results of a study of 160 active shooter situations. Ninety-nine percent were single individuals, 94 percent were male, 90 ended by suicide or leaving the scene and 21 were ended by civilians. An active shooter situation usually lasts six to eight minutes. There were 250 active shooter situations in the United States between 2000 and 2017. Active shootings have happened in educational buildings, commerce, government buildings, open spaces, a temple, an Episcopal church and a synagogue.

Lt. Todd Draper explains actions to take in the case of an active shooter situation. About 80 people attended his presentation on March 10.

In the case of the shooting in a Texas church, the suspect was killed by an armed volunteer security guard.

“It shows how important your actions are before the police arrive,” Draper said.

He also said this occurred in a village of about 14,000 which would almost be the number of people in Medina and the surrounding towns.

Again stressing the importance of making a plan, Draper said the body’s ability to react in a time of stress is reduced from 86 percent to 15 percent.

“You need a pre-established plan,” Draper said. “Know the right action, and don’t follow the flock.”

He said it has been 60 years since a child died in a school fire, and that is because of frequent fire drills – planning ahead.

Steps to remember are:

• Know what to do.

• Practice it.

• Focus.

• Breathe.

• Shift emotion.

Your response plan needs to be clear and everyone in your organization should know what to, but some information might be for staff only. Plans need to be consistent and simple.

Plans should include how to create a physical barrier; people in the building should know which doors are locked and when they are locked.

Information on preparing for an active shooter situation can be found at www.ready.gov/active-shooter.

Draper said he would love for churches to assign an usher to man the door and suggests keeping the door locked. He said a congregation is typically sitting with their back to the door, making it easy for someone to come in during the service unnoticed. He said if someone came late and the usher knew them, he could welcome them it, but if the person presented a threat, the locked door would prevent them from entering.

“The days of honor-based security are gone,” Draper said.

Signs to look for that someone might be considering a threatening action include social withdrawal, isolation, feelings of rejection, uncontrolled anger, drug/alcohol use and making serious, violent threats.

The most important thing is “If you see something, say something,” Draper said.

In the event one is caught in an active shooter situation, Draper said the first thing to do is call 911 and try to evade the assailant.

“Distance is your biggest friend,” he said. “Try to put space between you and the assailant.”

Then find cover that will stop a bullet. A wall will conceal you, but will not stop a bullet, Draper said. If you run, only take your cell phone to call 911 and make sure to silence it so it won’t give your location away.

He said to look for improvised weapons, such as an aerosol can, a stapler, scissors or a fire extinguisher.

If someone is shot, Draper said it’s possible to survive a gunshot wound if someone knows how to stop the bleeding. “Stop the Bleed” is another program the Medina Police Department teaches. He recommends churches have “Stop the Bleed” kits in their sanctuary.

In conclusion, Draper said, “Don’t ever say it won’t happen here.”

Press Release, U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., Western District of New York

BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address disaster@leo.gov.

In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.

“My message to those who seek to exploit the pandemic for their own personal gain by stealing others’ money, or identity, or both, is simple,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “We have a treatment for you and that treatment includes prosecution and federal prison. While others may get sick from the virus, most will recover. Sadly, I am not so sure these predators will ever recover from their affliction—as it seems to have rotted their hearts and souls.”

Some examples of these schemes include:

• Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.

• Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.

• Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.

• Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.

In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. U.S. Attorney Kennedy appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney David Rudroff to serve as Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator for the Western District of New York.

The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.

To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Democratic Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, along with a bipartisan group of senators representing states along the United States-Canada border, called on President Trump to consider the effect of closing the U.S.-Canada border on border communities.

The letter highlights concerns regarding the border closure’s effect on the supply chains of companies that produce or provide essential goods and services. The northern border closure began March 21. The letter also urged the president to consider the impact on families living in border communities.

“With more cases of coronavirus being diagnosed in New York’s border communities each day it’s imperative that the proper supplies, staff, and assistance that New Yorkers desperately need don’t get interrupted,” said United States Senator Chuck Schumer. “Now, more than ever, having access to medical attention and services can mean life or death, and with a growing number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Upstate New York the need for an unrestricted flow of Canadian healthcare workers is intensifying, which is why I am urging the federal government to immediately address the confusion and assure all New Yorkers that the potentially lifesaving supply chain does not get interrupted.”

“Travel across the northern border is critical for supplies and personnel that New York businesses, hospitals, and medical equipment providers depend on,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “To fight the spread of coronavirus, we need to be mindful of travel restrictions – making sure they don’t hinder our ability to respond to this growing public health emergency. I urge the Trump administration to consider border communities in its ongoing response to coronavirus.”

The letter urged the president to evaluate the impact of travel restrictions on families and communities along the northern border, some of which share essential services critical to public safety. The senators implored the president to provide guidance as to how closures and quarantines will affect these communities to ensure all necessary exemptions are made in the interest of public health and safety.

The letter explains that restrictions on travel across the border are necessary to stem the spread of the coronavirus, but targeted exemptions must be considered and clear directives for those exemptions must be immediately provided so businesses and individuals are able to plan and prepare.

The letter is cosigned by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D- NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Steve Daines (R-MT), Susan Collins (D-ME), Jim Risch (R-ID), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Gary Peters (D-MI), Angus King (I-ME) and Rob Portman (R-OH).

Provided photo: Penny Cole, a secretary in the Holley Junior-Senior High School and the varsity cheerleading coach, wore an orange “Evan Strong” t-shirt in honor of Evan Valentine, a Holley junior who is fighting leukemia the second time. “I’m wearing the shirt of my favorite Super Hero, Evan Valentine,” Cole posted on Facebook. “His super power is strength, courage and determination. He continues to fight his arch enemy everyday and always with a smile on his face. As with all super heroes, there is a fight against the enemy, but in the end, the super hero wins. Stay strong Evey, you WILL win!”

Some local school districts are doing virtual spirit weeks to help students stay connected and to promote school pride during a school shutdown due to concerns about the coronavirus.

Holley and Kendall both start their spirit weeks today while Lyndonville’s will be next week. Students and staff are encouraged to dress up on theme days and post photos on social media.

Here are the days for the spirit weeks.

Kendall (March 23-27)

Monday: Blue Monday – Wear Kendall Blue.

Tuesday: PJ Day! – Stay comfy and cozy in pajamas.

Wednesday: Outdoor adventure – Take a photo or video being active outside.

Thursday: Reading Day! – Take a photo or video of reading by yourself or to a family member or pet.

Friday: Dance Party – Bust out your best dance moves!

(Post photos to Twitter: @kendalleagles, @KendallElement1 or @KendallJrSrHigh

Instagram: @kendallelementaryschool)

Holley (March 23-27)

Monday: Superhero Day – Post a photo of yourself dressed like a superhero in honor of all hospital workers, first responders, grocery employees and anyone else considered an essential worker during this time.

Tuesday: Crazy Hair Day – Post a photo with your craziest hairstyle.

Wednesday: Pajama Day – Post a photo of yourself in your favorite pajamas.

Thursday: Jersey Day – Post a photo of yourself in your favorite team jersey in honor of all the athletes whose seasons are on hold right now.

Friday: School Spirit Day – Post a photo of yourself in your favorite Holley gear of wearing the school color of red.

(Post photos to Twitter: @HolleyCSD and @Holley_MS_HS)

Lyndonville (March 30-April 3)

“Let’s have some fun together, while staying home and practicing social distancing!” the district states on its website. School administriators will pick a winner each day who will receive a $10 Amazon gift card.

Monday: Top Instagram – Post the best Instagram photo you take today making it look like you are on vacation in your own home.

Tuesday: Top TikTok – Post your best original TikTok!

Wednesday: Best Prankster – Happy April Fool’s Day! Post a video or picture of your best prank today. Please make sure your prank is safe! Have some fun with your siblings or parent/guardian!

Thursday: Throwback – Post a picture from your baby or elementary days! Or a picture of you in the best old school clothes you can find in your house.

Friday: LCS Spirit – Post a picture wearing orange and black gear.

(Photos should be posted to LCS social media using the hashtag #LCShomespirit – Facebook: LCS Student Council, Insta: StudentC_LCS, and Twitter: @StudentC_LCS)

Provided photos: Andrea Neal of Albion is shown with her daughters, Kasey and Adelynn. Andrea also is the mother of two teen-age sons, Jayden and Zachary.

(Editor’s Note: This is part of an ongoing series on Pandemic Perspectives. Community members are welcome to send in a submission on how they are coping with the impact of the virus. Email to news@orleanshub.com. We’d like to hear from teachers, students, nurses, first responders and others in the community.)

By Andrea Neal

Hello all!  My name is Andrea Neal. I’ve been homeschooling for about 8 years and just wanted to share some tips that might be helpful and possibly encourage you.

Just like many of you, our days have been different lately, too! Normally we are more on the go and really miss seeing and interacting with our friends and family! Here are some ideas you might like to try implementing while you are home during this time.

Start your day off with a Morning Time – gather your children up along with some of their favorite quiet activities. I have four children, one might have Legos to quietly work on, another a coloring page, another may have an Extreme Dot to Dot book and another might make a bracelet or hand sew.

During this time I will choose something to read aloud to them. This could be a chapter from the Bible, a historical fiction, biography, poetry, missionaries book, fun facts of what happened on this date in 1902 (for example), a joke book, a character trait/skill to talk about mystery chapter book they really want to hear or a classic that I really think they would love.

The point is each day we read aloud and the kids can look forward to starting the day with this.  Once we are finished with me reading aloud (usually 20 minutes), the younger kids grab their own books or a book I have assigned to look through and read independently. During this time, I sit and read a book I’ve been wanting to read or just have quiet time to think. Usually the older kids will start reading Chemistry or getting harder subjects done during this time independently.

In the past when my child was not reading yet but could sit with a picture book, I would have a basket full just for that child from the library. They feel so special to be learning along with the older kids. They can grab out books, look through them quietly for 15 to 20 minutes. Once quiet time is over Math begins for the 8 and 10 year old. I have a lesson with them for the day and then they can work on it independently OR if they need help I’m there to answer questions.

Kasey, 10, and Adelynn Neal, 8, do their schoolwork at home.

Games – I know many parents are probably not into board games BUT here are some we use to have time together but also learn. My favorites for Spelling, increasing vocabulary knowledge are Bananagrams, Boggle and Scrabble. Favorites for Math are WAR (with younger kids) and Yahtzee with a little older.

Children’s Interests – Allow your children time to learn something that interest them!!! Maybe they want to learn how to make balloon animals, learn about CAD, horses, an instrument, a language etc. Maybe they want to learn how to do a certain craft project. Allow them the time and freedom to do this. This increases a love of learning and inspires them. They can do the research themselves and will learn so much!!!

If you need a break – Here are a list of some activities to keep them busy. Use learning websites like arthubforkids.com. Allow an older child to read aloud to a younger child. They might complain at first but then a lot of times feel good they did something for someone else. Or allow a younger child to read a book to an older child.

Have the older kids have a scavenger hunt for the younger kids. Both will enjoy! Get audio books or picture books with audio at the library to have your child listen to when you can’t read to them. Have them do a family newsletter. In it, each child could talk about something they learned for the week, draw a picture, or discuss a book you read. Then mail the newsletter to grandparents or friends to stay connected with each other.

Teach skills – If there is something you are gifted at. For example, you like to do yo-yo tricks. Use this time to teach your child! Maybe talk about the history of yo-yos. Use this time to teach home skills in more depth.

Maybe allow a couple kids to plan a meal and do the recipe with you. My husband and I have done our own “Chopped” home shows with the kids.  They chose a dish for us to make (pizza) and then the kids decided whose was the yummiest. Have a child work alongside you while cooking or cleaning. They feel special if they get a turn with you one on one.

If you don’t like to cook or clean than work on something else with them. Maybe you enjoy organizing or one of your children are good at it, work with them. You could teach your child how to change the oil in your vehicle or how to change a tire.

Andrea Neal leads her kids in Twister, a game that gets people up and moving.

Avoid trying to create a public school environment at home –  When I first had my children home I sat them all at the table, they had to ask to use the bathroom, get a drink, raise their hand etc. I was SO frustrated with them and myself. I wanted them to sit at the table for hours and hours because they needed to fill in the time, even if they had finished what the assignment was in 15 minutes I thought I needed to extend it to 45 minutes.

If your child gets it, finishes it let them move on! Then if a child is struggling allow them the time to figure it out and not rush them because its taking a little longer.

Do not beat yourself up if you are frustrated with your children OR feel inadequate to teach them – Remember when your children are talking back or struggling with a character /trait skill this gives you time to talk with them. Do not feel alone or think that everyone else’s child sits at a table and listens perfectly and it’s just you failing as a person. Lie! You know your child better than anyone else.

Have fun with this unique time. If the sunshine is out BE FLEXIBLE!!! Go outside, enjoy bike riding or have your kids bring chalk outside and draw pictures on the sidewalk or driveway, go on a nature hunt. There is more than one style and way to learn, you do you! Academics are important but this quality time with you family is even more important!  Take advantage of it!

Press Release, Dr. Tom Madejski

MEDINA/ALBION – General Physicians PC’s Medina and Albion offices remain open during the current COVID-19 outbreak.

In order to protect our patients and reduce chances of exposure to the corona virus we are changing some of our processes for patient visits and management.

Both Medina and Albion offices will remain open with regular office hours.

We have accelerated our adoption of telemedicine and will convert many visits to virtual visits using telephone, Skype, ZOOM or other interactive technology. Patients who require a procedure or physical examination will still come to and be cared for at the office in the usual fashion.

Dr. Madejski, Marcel Rozario ANP, Pamela Eaton ANP, Emma Leatham PA, and Pamela Eaton ANP will continue to see patients either through a telemedicine interface or in person in the office.

Dr. Madejski anticipates that 60-70% of visits can be done without coming to the office, reducing the chance of exposure of patients to healthcare workers and importantly to other patients who could potentially be carrying the virus and be a source of transmission while still asymptomatic. This is especially important for our elder patients with multiple medical issues.

Patients, as always, have options to reschedule visits but we recommend keeping regular follow-up and wellness visits as scheduled. This should keep your healthcare up to date and reduce the likelihood of problems arising due to deferral of care and testing. This is especially important for our patients with multiple chronic diseases. It will also assist in reducing the pressure to catch up with diagnostic testing and care when we return to normal in the next few weeks to months.

Due to the declaration of a National Emergency telemedicine visits are covered by insurance without any copayment. General Physicians is also able to see new patients via telemedicine without a pre-existing relationship during the crisis. Patients who have symptoms are welcome to call for guidance and help avoid additional burdens to our stressed inpatient healthcare system.

Dr. Madejski and the staff at General Physicians remain committed to helping the citizens of Orleans and Eastern Niagara Counties weather this storm and come out of it stronger.

Please call us with any questions at 585-798-3345 or 585-589-1322.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Pastor Tom Stroup of the Albion Free Methodist Church shares his sermon today to nearly empty sanctuary.

The church and nearly all others in the region did not allow the public inside their buildings today after the state capped crowd sizes to 10 people.

Albion Free Methodist, and many other churches, still held services and broadcast them online. Albion Free Methodist did Facebook live and the service had about 750 views at 9 p.m.

The church normally posts its service on Facebook. Last Sunday’s service, which was open to the public, had 150 views on Facebook.

“You need to reach people where they are at,” Stroup said about Facebook live.

Pastor Stroup is shown giving his message through Facebook. Stroup has been a pastor for 40 years. He changed his planned sermon to focus on the issue at everyone’s attention: the coronavirus pandemic.

Stroup acknowledged the virus is worrisome, and it’s OK to feel anxiety about the situation. He urged people to bring their concerns to God in prayer. He urged them to know the facts behind the virus, how senior citizens and immune-compromised people are especially vulnerable.

Many people will likely get sick by the virus and will be scared, Stroup said.

Others will be housebound and will feel isolated.

The pastor urged them to turn to God during these times. He shared Psalm 23:4:

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

Rhonda and Gary Smith sang worship songs during this morning’s service.

Stroup said the non-stop news coverage of the virus only adds to people’s sense of worry and fear. He urged people to spend less time watching TV and reading the internet, “and more time listening to God.”

The virus is an opportunity for Christians and the church to reach out to the community. It might be phone calls or it might be going to the grocery store for shut-ins and senior citizens. He urged people to call the church if they need assistance at (585) 589-9115.

There may be a silver lining with the virus.

“This experience will force us to depend on each other, it will force us to love each other and it will force us to serve each other,” he said.

The church has a camera and audiovisual system and has been broadcasting its services live on Facebook for several years. Other churches in the community did their first online service today. The West Barre United Methodist Church was among the first to try it today (click here).

Dee Hansel is the children’s pastor at the church. The church’s leadership was determined to have a service today, even though only a few people were allowed inside the building.

“There is a lot of fear right now and anxiety,” Hansel said. “This is when the church really needs to be there for everyone.”

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ALBION – The Orleans County Emergency Management Office has ordered 900 swabbing kits to get samples for people to be tested for the coronavirus and 2,500 face masks for law enforcement, firefighters and healthcare providers.

Dale Banker, the EMO director, said today he is hopeful for a shipment this week of the swabbing kits and the N95 masks.

The county hasn’t received any of the swabbing kits that he ordered, but has received 250-300 of the N95 masks.

The swabbing kits have been sought by the Health Department. The N95 masks will be distributed among law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, healthcare facilities and staff at the Arc of Genesee Orleans.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Firefighters from Albion, Barre, Holley and Shelby did a joint drill today simulating a response with foam in case there is a fire while inmates at the Albion Correctional Facility bottle hand sanitizer.

There are thousands of gallons of sanitizer at the prison, with a high concentration of alcohol. If there is a spill and fire with the material, firefighters can spray foam which is a fire suppressant. Today’s drill used a soapy material instead of foam.

The drill helped firefighters plan for a response in case it is needed at the prison, where inmates will be working with a flammable material.

“They will bring it in premade and it will be a bottling operation,” said Dale Banker, emergency management director for Orleans County. “We’re training in case there’s an incident.”

His office has already orchestrated the delivery of 192 one-gallon bottles of hand sanitizer in many of the government buildings throughout the county, including fire departments, police stations, and EMS.

The inmates at the Albion Correctional Facility will be bottling sanitizer in 7.1 ounce and 1.7 ounce bottles.

Some of the new bottles will be sent to school districts. Even though the districts are currently closed to students, some staff continue to be at the buildings each day.

Mark Farone of the Barre Volunteer Fire Company shows this group of fireifghters some of the features on the truck.

These firefighters spent time working together and learning about each others’ trucks and different tools.

Holley Fire Chief Harris Reed, left, and firefighter Rick Cary discuss how to best deploy foam in case of a fire.

(Editor’s note: Orleans Hub welcomes submissions for a new series – “Pandemic Perspectives” – where local residents share how the virus has impacted their lives. We’d like to hear from business owners, teachers, parents, pastors, nurses, doctors, first responders and others in the community. Send submissions to news@orleanshub.com.)

Photo by Tom Rivers: Vivian Rivers is shown front of Kerr-Pegula Athletic Complex before playing in a game for the Houghton Women’s Soccer team. She played on the team in 2017 and 2018.

By Vivian Rivers

In the past week, I have learned the vulnerability and impermanence of a personal agenda.

As a first semester senior at Houghton College, I filled my days with classes and homework as an international development major with minors in writing and communication. I spent time supporting the students who lived in my designated wing as Resident Assistant of a women’s dorm on campus.

On Saturdays I went to Buffalo to tutor refugee children who need help learning English. Besides being a full-time student, I was busy being a daughter, big sister, friend, girlfriend, and other roles to the many people I love.

Just over a week ago, I told a few of my friends that I doubted our small private school would send us away because of the Coronavirus. Only a couple days later, we received an email telling all students to leave campus for the rest of the semester. In a matter of hours, I had packed (shoved) my belongings together, rushed through a series of elbow-tap goodbyes, and moved back to my hometown of Albion, New York.

I have yet to fully process what is happening or how much I am missing, but I feel the gravity of this new apocalyptic world. I know for sure that I won’t be able to do development research in Sierra Leone like I planned to this summer. It looks like I won’t be able to march in Houghton’s commencement ceremony this May, either. The biggest loss is all the precious moments and memories with my friends from all over the country and globe that I said an abrupt goodbye to last Monday indefinitely.

I have friends who lost their final sports season. I have friends now scrambling to make different wedding plans. I have friends from around the world who feel torn between staying here (but where, exactly?) or forced to buy expensive plane tickets to go home. I have friends who don’t have homes or homes they don’t feel safe in. We’re all losing something in this transition.

Photo by Guthrie Collins: Vivian Rivers, second from right in back, joins other members of Gillette Hall Resident Life staff at the start of the fall semester.

The shift to digital learning will also look different for each of us. Professors are probably struggling as much, if not more than students, by transferring their teaching online. Music and STEM majors are especially baffled by the challenges of continuing their studies via social distancing. To those I’ve spoken with, it feels impossible. One of my closest friends, a physics major, told me about the lab equipment Houghton is loaning out to each physics student. “It’s not going to work,” he told me. But it will have to.

While there’s a lot of uncertainty and fear, I don’t think I have ever felt more united with humanity as a whole. There is unison to be found in the shared grief over cancelled events; anger at the realities currently imposed on us; and collective fears about the future. I think this unity is what can give us as people of Orleans County and the wider world the hope that will get us through this difficult time.

But that starts with caring deeply for our neighbors. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), we can care for each other best by being responsible and staying inside. For me, this looks like reading books I didn’t have time to read in the busyness of the semester, (trying) to learn Spanish, ordering takeout from local restaurants, doing yoga, and so on.

I recognize that I am deeply privileged to use this time in such a way, but I also recognize that going out to fulfill any kind of unnecessary personal agenda would be reckless and could endanger many people. I hope you feel the unison in all of the emotions we are experiencing together, and feel obligated – even honored – to do your part to care for all people.

(Vivian Rivers, 20, of Albion is the daughter of Tom and Marsha Rivers.)