(Editor’s Note: An earlier post stated town meetings will be closed to public. That was in error, Town Supervisor Joe Sidonio said. The regularly scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. today will be open to the public.)
From Murray Town Supervisor Joe Sidonio
In light of rapidly escalating reports from the governor and department of health, the Murray Town Hall and the Highway Department offices will be closed to the public. Our staff will be reporting to work but will restrict their exposure in order to provide essential government services.
Please deposit any necessary documents in the drop box during normal business hours located by the front door. Include your name address and phone number so we can contact you if necessary.
We regret this decision. In the best interest of our community it has become necessary to help prevent the spread of the virus. This is a routine precautionary measure and not a cause for panic.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 March 2020 at 10:18 am
The town halls in Albion and Shelby are closed to the public until further notice, to protect the public and town employees. This also means court cases will be delayed.
Officials from the towns made the decision due to the current state of emergency in Orleans County and New York State due to the coronavirus health threat.
Shelby will accept any payments in the court drop box on the south side of the town hall on Salt Works Road. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact the town hall at 585-798-3120.
The Albion Town Hall on Clarendon Road is currently locked and not accessible to non-employee traffic.
“Phone numbers and email addresses are posted on the door and we will service resident needs as quickly as possible,” said Town Supervisor Richard Remley. “Additionally, the court system is closed and all cases have been delayed into May. Judges will continue to perform essential services. These actions were taken at the direction of the head of the court system.”
We all know we are all facing so many unknowns with the current Covid-19 outbreak in our nation. It is our intent to conduct “business as usual” at the Lake Country Pennysaver and OrleansHub.com, unless we are advised otherwise.
Be assured we are taking all precautions within our office (170 North Main St. in Albion) to keep our walk-in customers, as well as our staff, healthy and safe. However, we do ask that if you are feeling ill, to please refrain from coming in until you feel better.
In-person sales calls will continue as normal. We completely understand many of you are the sole proprietor and sometimes the only staff in your store. So, if you are feeling ill, we’d appreciate a heads-up and we can be in contact with you via the phone, text or email. The same will be true should your sales rep become ill.
For all other advertising, you can reach us via phone (585) 589-5641 during office hours, Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Reader ads and display ads can be handled thru email at classifieds@lakecountrymedia.com. Deadline for all ads is Thursday at noon.
In conclusion, it is our sincere hope that as we all go through this difficult and ever-changing experience that we stay safe, but most of all, healthy. Please take care of yourselves and check on your friends, neighbors and especially your elders.
Wash your hands thoroughly and often, cover your sneezes and coughs, and maintain the recommended social distancing.
On behalf of the Lake Country Pennysaver and the OrleansHub.com, I thank you.
Oak Orchard Health, which runs health centers locally in Albion, Lyndonville and Brockport, has issued these guidelines for patients and other considering coming to Oak Orchard for care:
Because of increased spread of the coronavirus, if you or your child have a cough and fever without difficulty breathing please do NOT come into the office. Stay home and care for yourself or your child as you would a cold or mild respiratory illness.
If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19, there is a hotline that you can call, 1-888-364-3065. You may also call our office for guidance. If you or someone in your care has severe illness, or breathing difficulty, consult the emergency room.
ALBION – Hoag Library will remain open to the community during its regularly scheduled hours, although events have been cancelled.
That includes the library’s anniversary celebration planned for this Saturday.
“This was a voluntary event, celebratory rather than necessary,” said Betty Sue Miller, library director. “Many of the library’s most faithful supporters are in a target group for the Covid-19 virus. We will plan an event after that concern has passed.”
The library plans to continue its other regular services.
“We have started the process to expand our internet wireless capabilities,” Miller said. “If schools are going to be closed, many students will be able to distance learn from home. However, many others are in the internet desert that isolates our rural residents.”
The library anticipates some additional demand from local college students, whose campuses have already been closed. The Wi-Fi capability allows internet access both inside the building and 24 hours a day in the parking lot. The facility is large enough for patrons to self-isolate and we can help individuals find safe spaces.
In addition to the daily cleaning routine more stringent cleaning will be added immediately. New signs have been posted suggesting to all staff and patrons ways to minimize risks. Flat surfaces will be cleaned multiple times during the day. Visitors are encouraged to use hand cleaner as they enter and when they leave the building.
Library employees may self-identify in a target group. According to Trustee President Kevin Doherty, “No employee should feel that she or he must jeopardize personal health to fill a library shift. Our intent, however, is to keep library operation as close to normal as possible.”
Although the library’s own programs which bring crowds have been suspended, it will be the individual decisions of groups that use the meeting rooms to determine which of their events will continue. The library meetings rooms do allow participants to spread out and provide the social distancing recommended.
Hoag Library is prepared to adjust to the recommendations of state and local officials, the library said in a news release.
The longer-term plan is to be knowledgeable and responsive. Changes may be required, perhaps even daily, to reduce the infection threat or improve service. The library website is www.hoaglibrary.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 March 2020 at 9:31 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Albion Walmart is pictured this afternoon. The store will be closing an hour earlier at 11 p.m. starting tonight and reopening at 5 a.m.
The Walmart in Albion and Tops stores both announced today they will be closing an hour sooner, at 11 p.m. instead of midnight.
Walmart will reopen an hour sooner at 5 a.m.
“We thank you in advance for your understanding and support during this time,” according to a notice from Walmart posted on the doors and registers.
Tops also announced it is changing its hours to 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. in order to restock and maintain increased sanitation levels.
Both Walmart and Tops said the hours will be in effect until further notice.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 March 2020 at 5:07 pm
Holley and Lyndonville school districts announced meals will continue to available to students even though school is closed for at least this week.
Lyndonville beginning on Tuesday will have grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches available for all Lyndonville students at no cost. Families may pick up meals via the drop-off loop off Housel Avenue on the campus. If families have transportation needs or questions, call 765-3101 or email Llamay@lcsdk12.org.
Holley Central School will provide meals and have them available for pick up at the Holley Elementary School bus loop and four other locations in the community – Clarendon Town Hall, Thomas Estates (bus stop loop), County Line Trailer Park (Gulf Road & County Line Road) and the Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Fire Hall.
The meals are expected to be available beginning on Wednesday. Holley parents and guardians are asked to fill out a short online form or call the school district’s food service director, Vickie Scroger, at (585) 638-6318 x2566.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today called on President Trump to take comprehensive federal action to combat the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, including developing an aggressive national strategy for testing, school closures and hospital surge capacity.
In an open letter to President Trump, the Governor urged Trump to deploy the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to leverage its expertise, equipment and people power to retrofit and equip existing facilities – such as military bases or college dormitories – to serve as temporary medical centers.
The Governor called on the President, through the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to authorize states to certify a wider array of testing labs and methods in an effort to maximize testing capacity to identify and isolate positive cases faster. The Governor also called for a uniform federal standard for when cities and states should shut down commerce and schools, or cancel events.
The Governor directed nonessential state employees in Rockland, Westchester, NYC, Suffolk, Nassau – current hotspot areas – to work from home for two weeks. The Governor also directed DMV to move to appointment only to limit person to person contact and revert to regular hours rather than the extended hours the state implemented in recent weeks to help reduce lines.
Governor Cuomo asked Chief Judge Janet DiFiore to develop a plan to reduce density in the court system, including limiting nonessential proceedings, without disrupting criminal justice system. The Governor also tasked SUNY Empire State College President Jim Malatras with working with counties to develop contingency plans in preparation for school closings, including how to provide meals to food insecure children and ensuring families have adequate access to childcare.
“Our goal is to slow the spread of the virus to a rate that the healthcare system can manage, and we’re doing that through aggressive testing and strong social distancing protocols,” Governor Cuomo said. “But the anticipated wave of new cases threatens to crash our healthcare system, and we need national action from the federal government to address the quickly-evolving situation now.
“In short, the Trump administration needs to localize testing, federalize shutdowns and task the Army Corps of Engineers to expand hospital capacity. While again I want to remind people that the facts do not warrant the level of anxiety that is out there, we will continue working closely with every level of government to mitigate the impact of this virus and protect the public health.”
Finally, the Governor also confirmed 69 additional cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 729 confirmed cases in New York State. Of the 729 total individuals who tested positive for the virus, the geographic breakdown is as follows:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 March 2020 at 3:16 pm
Both sites will offer limited access for patrons to return and borrow materials
The public libraries in Medina and Holley are closed until further notice, although both libraries intend to allow limited access for patrons to return and borrow books and materials.
Catherine Cooper, director of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina, said Lee-Whedon will be closed to the public to be in compliance with the Orleans County Health Department’s declaration of a state of emergency.
“Procedures to facilitate borrowing and returning materials will be announced,” she said in an email.
The Community Free Library in Holley will be closed to the public but will have staff in the building from 10 a.m. to noon each day to answer any questions, gather holds, and “organize your family’s needs,” Sandra Shaw, library director, said in a letter to the community.
She said the staff and Board of Trustees “want everyone to be safe during these trying times.”
Community Free Library has established following protocols so patrons can take out materials and return them.
• Staff will wipe down the books that come in the book drop and delivery (for as long as that continues), fill holds with books that have been wiped down and placed in bags with a family’s name on them. Staff will then call and tell patrons that the items are in the library foyer from 10 a.m. to noon for someone to pick them up. The front door will be relocked at noon.
• Staff will also place in the foyer applications for library cards and instructions on how to access Hoopla (videos and books) overdrive (eBooks and audio books) and Zinio (emagazines).
• No patron will have access to the library past the foyer “as this is for your safety and ours,” Shaw wrote in her letter.
• For copies of magazines, tax forms etc., call the library at (585) 638-6987 and ask staff to then put them in a bag with the patron’s name.
MEDINA – Due to the current State of Emergency in New York State and Orleans County, the Medina Village Office lobby will be closed for the protection of the employees and the public beginning start of business Monday, March 16, until further notice.
The drive-up window will be open for all normal business. This is for drive-up only, no walk up to the window.
Wednesday, March 18, is Election Day in the Village. Anyone wishing to vote who does not want to come into the polling place is able to pick up and return an absentee ballot at the Village Office. The ballot must be turned in by close of business Tuesday, March 17.
‘We are asking all community members to be proactive and take this situation seriously. Stay informed. Wash your hands. Stay home when sick. Call 911 only for true emergencies. Follow the guidance of actual medical professionals.’ – Albion Fire Chief Harry Papponetti
Press Release, Albion Fire Chief Harry Papponetti
ALBION – The Albion Fire Department is modifying response guidelines as a precautionary measure related to COVID-19.
AFD believes this to be a matter of “when,” not “if,” our community will be directly impacted by this virus. Accordingly, we are implementing proactive, reasonable and rational steps to protect the community we serve, as well as our firefighters and emergency medical personnel.
Beginning immediately, we are taking precautions to ensure AFD firefighters and emergency medical personnel remain healthy and able to respond to fire-rescue emergencies. To that end, we are issuing several temporary response orders to AFD personnel.
Rest assured, we will still respond to your emergencies as we always have and always will. We will be limiting the number of personnel entering homes and businesses for what we determine to be “low-risk” calls or emergency medical calls where the risk for disease transmission is higher.
As a person in need of our services, you might find yourself being asked questions by AFD response personnel from outside of the structure. You or your caregiver or relative(s) may be asked to wear a mask while we assess your medical condition. Again, this is being done out of an abundance of caution to maintain a healthy, well-staffed and prepared emergency response team.
In addition, the AFD Fire Station will be closed to all non-emergency response community members until further notice.
We are asking all community members to be proactive and take this situation seriously. Stay informed. Wash your hands. Stay home when sick. Call 911 only for true emergencies. Follow the guidance of actual medical professionals.
Information about COVID-19 can be found on the Orleans County Public Health, NYS Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.
September 7, 2019. Not exactly St. Patrick’s Day, but a lucky day for sure. That is the day I stumbled upon a patch of 4-leaf clovers at, of all places, Hamlin Beach, NY. A few yards from the sand was an expanse of clover. Upon further inspection I discovered it was laden with 4-leaf clovers. Oh lucky day, I found seven!
With St. Patty’s Day upon us, I got wondering why the 4 Leaf is proclaimed to be so lucky? It is said that Ireland has more 4 Leafs than any other country, making the clover a symbol for “The Luck of the Irish.” The various leaves represent Faith, Hope, Love, and Luck and is a Celtic symbol of magic and good luck. The first three leaves are driven by emotion and the fourth is brought on by magic. The ability for something to happen mysteriously without a clear answer as to why. Perhaps divine intervention.
I think there could be something to this myth, because the weekend that I found the 4 Leafs I had two lucky happenstances. #1- It was a slow retail week at the shop and we needed to turn over some stock. I kept my eye to the 4 Leafs having *Faith something was on the horizon, *Hope it was going to happen soon, allowing us to get our hands busy doing what we *Love. The 4th Leaf of *Luck did not disappoint and at the 11th hour a large order came to us keeping us in the green. #2- We won 2 box seats to a Buffalo Bills game.
In addition, I took one of my new found 4-leaf clovers to my cousin’s house and placed it in a little paper cup of water by her back door because her husband was on a job search and guess what? You guessed it, he was offered a job that week. I later learned if you share your clovers with others your luck will double which explains why I was lucky enough to score a big order and two free box seats! Good karma. Proof that when you believe in The Luck of the Irish all things are possible.
The unique thing about the 4 Leaf is that you can tap into the spirit and luck of St. Patty’s Day all year. The 4 Leaf is not just lucky in Ireland. It is lucky in the hands of a believer universally.
Next time you stumble on a patch of clover take the time to get down in it and do some searching. You never know when you might get lucky. Where there is one 4 Leaf there is usually more since a 4 Leaf reproduces its DNA. The world record for most 4 Leafs found was 166 by Katie Borka in 2018. I can only image the Faith, Hope, Love and Luck she was sprinkled with.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone. A day when everyone is Irish! Wear green so no one pinches you, eat corned beef & cabbage, drink green beverages and celebrate with the wild abandonment of a Leprechaun. “May good luck be your friend in all things you do and trouble be a stranger.”
Join My Blog live online at https://www.positiveperksposts.com to catch up on weekly photo perks and past posts. Like and share your comments on what St. Patrick Day traditions you have. Happy Perks to Everyone!
Truly,
Debbie Burgoon London
Your Sassy Small Town Missus from Albion
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 March 2020 at 8:40 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Rev. Richard Csizmar leads Mass at 5 p.m. today at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Albion. The church is continuing to offer Mass, but there will be no distribution of the cup and no reception of the Eucharist on the tongue.
Several local churches have announced they are cancelling services until further notice in response to concerns about the coronavirus.
The following churches have announced they are closed:
• Albion First Presbyterian. “All in-person worship and meetings are suspended until at least March 30 and will be re-evaluated at that time,” said Pastor Sue Thaine.
• Christ Episcopal Church in Albion will be closed for services for the next three weeks. The Community Kitchen at Christ Church will be open on Fridays but serving only to-go’s.
• Holley Presbyterian Church
• Gaines Carlton Community Church
• Kendall United Methodist Church
• Lyndonville Presbyterian have cancelled all services and events until further notice. The April Community Breakfast scheduled for April 4 at Lyndonville Presbyterian also is canceled.
• The Lyndonville United Methodist Church has cancelled its service for March 15.
• The Harvest Neighborhood of Presbyterian churches (Albion, Barre Center, Brockport, Holley, Lyndonville, Medina and Ogden) will be working to collaborate on live-streaming worship starting March 22 through a newly established Harvest Neighborhood Facebook page.
• One Church in Medina and Akron have closed their sanctuaries on March 15 to be “in compliance with the current governmental density reduction order.” The church will offer a online live opportunity for church at 10 a.m. Sunday on its Facebook page. (The governor is limiting public gatherings to 500 people or half the capacity of a public building.)
“Our encouragement is for you to gather in worship with your family, friends or neighbors,” One Church states on its Facebook page. “Sing along, engage with the message digitally and take notes on the YouVersion Bible app!”
To report a church closing send an email to news@orleanshub.com and include a contact number for confirmation.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 March 2020 at 8:01 pm
Tops limiting some cleaning supplies, food items
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The shelves at ALDI in Medina are nearly empty at about 6 p.m. today. The shelves to right normally are filled with loaves of bread.
The store will close on Sunday and is expected to reopen in about two weeks. The other nearby stores in Brockport and Batavia will remain open, employees said.
The toilet paper at the Albion Tops is all gone on Friday.
Tops announced on Friday it is limiting some items to two (2) per customer to allow as much available inventory to assist as many customers as possible. Those items include:
• Disinfectant Wipes – Disinfectant Sprays – Hand Sanitizer – Bath Tissue, 18-roll pack or larger – Cleansing Flushable Wipes – 4 Total Gallons of Water per customer – This includes spring, distilled, purified or 3-pack gallon water – Multipack water are limited to two (2) total per customer. This includes all brands of water.
A statement from Tops on the company website says:
“We appreciate your patience as our supply chain and distribution teams have also been working around the clock to ensure that the food, cleaning supplies, household essentials, and pharmaceuticals that you need are reaching our stores as quickly as possible and are available to purchase in-store, with grocery pick-up, or by delivery.”
Tops also is cleaning its stores and common areas even more to protect customers and employees.
The company has taken the following actions:
• increased communications with our stores and associates and reiterated proper sanitation procedures
• added extra supplies like hand sanitizer, disposable gloves, and disinfectants to help combat the spread of germs
• increased cleaning cycles especially in commonly used areas like cashier stations and self-checkouts
• increased the frequency of sanitizing and cleaning of food contact surfaces, pharmacy counters, restrooms, break rooms and other public areas.
