By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 March 2020 at 9:19 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Students in the Albion elementary chorus sing on Tuesday evening during a district-wide chorus concert at the Albion High School gym. About 1,000 people attended the concert, which was a celebration of Music in Our Schools Month.
The third, fourth and fifth-graders sang “Springtime,” “Cantamos,” and “We Will.”
Anna Atwater directs the elementary students during the Albion concert.
The middle school chorus also performed during the concert.
District Superintendent Michael Bonnewell welcomes the community to the concert. Carrie Kozody, middle school chorus director, and Kevin Smith, audiovisual equipment technician, are in back as well as the high school mixed chorus.
Some of the performances this month at local districts include:
• March 5 (7 p.m.) – Kendall All District Band and Chorus Concert at Kendal Jr./Sr. High School Auditorium
• March 7 (2 p.m.) – All County Music Festival (Elementary School Band, Junior High Chorus, High School Band) at Kendall Central School
• March 13 (7 p.m.) and March 14 (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) – Holley MS/HS, “High School Musical”
• March 19 (7 p.m.) – Holley district choral concert at HS Aud
• March 20 (7 p.m. ) and March 21 (noon and 7 p.m.) – Albion Middle School Musical, “Matilda”
• March 20 (7 p.m.) and March 21 (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) – Kendall musical “Annie” at Jr./Sr. Aud
• March 27-29 – Lyndonville and Medina’s musical production of “Mama Mia” with shows at Lyndonville Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Match 27, 7 p.m. on March 28 and 2 p.m. on March 29.
• March 31 (2 .m.) Holley Elementary School music assembly at HS Aud
• March 31 (7 p.m.) Holley District Band Concert at HS Aud
• March 31 (7 p.m.) – Lyndonville Music in our Schools Concert
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Carpenter: A gazebo at Green Harbor Campground and Marina floated away from the site along Lake Ontario on May 16, 2017 due to high waters. Some of Green Harbor’s neighbors went out in a row boat to rescue the gazebo.
OSWEGO — Standing alongside local elected officials, homeowners and businessowners from Lake Ontario shoreline communities, U.S. Reps John Katko (NY-24) and Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) on Monday announced the introduction of the IJC Accountability Act.
This bipartisan legislation, introduced by Reps. Katko, Brindisi and Joe Morelle (NY-25), would remove International Joint Commission (IJC) immunity from lawsuits, allowing impacted shoreline communities to take legal action against the IJC for flooding damages.
In 2017 and 2019, communities along Lake Ontario’s southern shore experienced historic high-water levels, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
Reps. Katko, Brindisi, and Morelle have long worked in a bipartisan manner to hold the IJC accountable for failing to protect coastal communities, and, most recently, urged substantive steps to prevent further devastation by increasing outflows to the maximum extent possible and developing a realistic plan for managing Lake Ontario water levels.
However, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers predicting lake levels may reach or exceed previous levels in the upcoming spring, Reps. Katko, Brindisi, and Morelle’s IJC Accountability Act will allow impacted communities to pursue legal action against the IJC for failing to prevent past and future flooding damage.
“High water levels along Lake Ontario have devastated homes, businesses, and infrastructure in our region – and we’re not seeing an adequate response from the IJC,” said Rep. Katko. “Homeowners and business owners alike have been forced to pay thousands of dollars to make repairs to keep their homes safe and their businesses open. The IJC has failed to adequately protect our shoreline communities against costly damage, and this legislation aims to hold this organization accountable and ensure impacted communities have the ability to seek restitution.”
“It is time the IJC is held accountable for their carelessness, futility, and inaction,” said Rep. Brindisi. “I’ve met with families, toured businesses, and seen the devastation flooding has caused in these communities. I stand with this community when I say enough is enough. This bill will bring accountability to the IJC and allow flood victims to have their day in court.”
“Sodus Point and many communities across Lake Ontario’s southern shore are still recovering from, and paying for, the costly flooding we experienced in 2017 and 2019,” said Mayor of Sodus Point Dave McDowell. “Now, as we see reports that upcoming lake levels will reach or exceed previous years, Wayne County residents will again be forced to pay for pricey repairs, through no fault of their own. I am glad to see Congressman Katko leading efforts to hold the IJC accountable for their inaction and proud to stand with him in calling on the IJC to prevent additional flooding.”
“Residents along Lake Ontario’s Southern shore know all too well that the next major flooding event is not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when,’” said Rep. Morelle. “That’s why I have continued to call on the IJC to take preventative measures to mitigate future damage—however, I am disappointed with the lack of meaningful guidance and support for our communities. We must take action to improve the resiliency of our shoreline before further damage is done. I’m grateful to my colleagues, Congressmen Katko and Brindisi, for their partnership as we work to hold the IJC accountable and protect our communities.”
“My concern is for those people that live along the lake,” said Richland Town Supervisor Dan Krupke. “They are some of our highest taxed properties. Most of these people do not have the resources or the recourse to receive any financial relief of this magnitude. This is either because they did not have flood insurance or because it is not their primary residence. Keep in mind, this is mostly a “man-made” disaster. Many of these people have had their homes for generations and now they are expected to move or rebuild. The economic impact on our communities will be far reaching as many businesses depend on this seasonal trade.”
You’re here checking the site, so you know: Orleans Hub is a vital resource for our community. Day in and day out, we share information and insights that matter to those who live and work in the towns, villages and hamlets of our county. Local advertisers help make the Hub possible, and so can you.
Donate today to keep Orleans Hub healthy and accessible to all. Thank you!
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 March 2020 at 4:50 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Bryce Wilson of the Carlton team pitches in a game under the lights on the Albion varsity softball field on June 10, 2017. The district allows the Albion Midget League to play a game under the lights for players in the league who are in their last year in Little League. The district has allowed the game the past three years.
ALBION – The Board of Education is considering whether it should change the district policy for community use of varsity fields.
The district currently only makes exceptions for use of a varsity field for an all-star or championship game.
The district has much more leeway for the JV fields and many youth sports leagues use those for soccer, softball and baseball.
The district the past three years has allowed the Albion Midget League to have a senior game under the lights. This is for players ages 12 or 13 in their last season of Little League. It’s technically not an all-star game, but the Board of Education has made that exception for one game usually in mid-June.
The district has received a request from the Albion Storm Fastpitch Softball to have four games under the lights on the varsity softball field from May 15 to June 12.
The Albion Storm Fastpitch Softball also requested 30 dates for use of the JV softball field from April 28 to June 18.
The Board of Education discussed the request during Monday’s BOE meeting. District Superintendent Mike Bonnewell said the two requests in May shouldn’t be approved. The varsity team plays May 15 and there is a playoff possibility on May 28 that could be moved to May 29.
The superintendent advised against approving the dates requested for June 5 and June 12.
“I would caution the board because you are caretakers of the property the community has entrusted you.”
Not only does the softball field get use during a game, but part of the varsity soccer field has players on it who are in the outfield.
The school’s policy for restricted usage of the fields states:
“The Board of Education reserves the right to limit access to any specific area of the school facility. The varsity football field, due to its composition, is available only during the ‘off-season’ for occasional non-athletic events (e.g. band competitions).
“The other fields (soccer, softball and baseball) are available for special events such as championship and/or all-star games.”
“The Board of Education endorses use of school facilities by District community groups whenever reasonable and at reasonable costs. Activities for youth should, whenever deemed appropriate by the Superintendent, be allowed at no cost. Other activities should be allowed at reasonable costs as set by the Superintendent and approved by the Board.”
The policy also states school groups get first priority for use of facilities.
If the varsity field use requests are approved, Bonnewell said the district needs to either change the policy or give different groups a waiver.
For the softball request, the players are all Albion district children. Board member Wayne Wadhams said he would like to see they have a chance to play at least one game under the lights. The district has the only lighted field in the community.
“That’s a big deal for kids,” he said.
Board member Elissa Nesbitt also wants to find a way to work with community groups that doesn’t violate the school policy for use of fields.
The board decided to have the softball group resubmit its facility request to only ask for the JV fields for regular-season games.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Waves crash into the shoreline in Barker at Lighthouse Christian Camp in this photo from Aug. 5, 2017.
The International Joint Commission recently received $1.5 million in funding from the United States, with an additional $1.5 million in matching funds from Canada, to investigate possible improvements that could be made to Lake Ontario outflow regulation activities.
Extremely wet conditions over the last several years have driven record-high water levels and river flows in the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River system. This 18- to 24-month investigation will focus on gathering information to help inform the critical decisions needed to best manage these extreme conditions, and on providing information that may lead to long-term improvements to the regulation plan.
This effort will be managed by the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Adaptive Management (GLAM) Committee, a sub-committee to the IJC’s International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board, International Niagara Board of Control, and the International Lake Superior Board of Control.
The GLAM Committee provides all of the Great Lakes control Boards, including the International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board, with the scientific data and analysis required to review the performance of regulation plans so that the Boards can evaluate potential changes to those plans. The GLAM Committee has already started executing tasks in support of this expedited review to help the Board with key decisions for this spring.
“The IJC is committed to making this an open and transparent review and is in the process of creating a special advisory group to support the GLAM Committee through this process,” according to Jane Corwin, US Co-Chair of the IJC.
This advisory group will be made up of people representing a wide range of interests throughout the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River system.
“The advisory group will create an invaluable, direct connection between the review and those impacted by water levels and flows throughout the system,” said Pierre Béland, Canadian Co-Chair of the IJC.
No regulation plan will be able to prevent the extremely high water levels and flows experienced during these periods of record-setting water supplies. However, the IJC remains fully committed to finding the best solutions possible for managing levels and flows, especially during these periods of extreme conditions.
Press Release, Public Health Departments in Genesee and Orleans counties
As of this morning, there are currently two people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in New York State. One individual is a New York City resident and had returned from travel in Iran, and the other is a Westchester County resident who did not travel to a COVID-19 region, but had traveled to Florida so is considered a community spread transmission (person-to-person contact not knowing how or where they came in contact with the virus).
In Genesee and Orleans Counties, 9 people have returned home from travel to China, although none were at Wuhan, China. All 9 were placed in voluntary quarantine and 7 of the 9 have been released after their 14-day confinement, none of whom became ill.
Quarantine is for those who have returned healthy from COVID-19 regions where COVID-19 is spreading person-to-person or have had close contact with someone who was there and is ill. They are asked to remain in quarantine for up to 14 days from the day they left the country under restriction.
There is no evidence of the disease reaching Western New York, however, this is a rapidly evolving situation and the likelihood of more cases being identified in the coming days is evident. We will update with local media on a weekly basis.
While there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses, including the flu (influenza) which is currently widespread:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick. If you have a fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea you should stay home at least 24 hours after the last incident without fever-reducing/anti-diarrhea medications.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue cover your mouth with your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 March 2020 at 1:06 pm
ALBION – Seventh-graders will no longer be allowed to play on junior varsity or varsity teams at Albion Central School, the Board of Education decided recently.
The district will give 8th graders an opportunity but only if they have strong grades, are emotionally mature and are exceptional athletes.
The 8th graders will be deemed exceptional with recommendations from coaches and at a skills assessment.
Adam Krenning, the athletic director, went over the Athletic Placement Process (APP) with the board recently. The district approved establishing a protocol for moving 8th graders up the JV or varsity levels.
Not all of the board members were in favor of excluding seventh graders. Wayne Wadhams, a retired teacher who volunteers with the track team, said cross country and track and field are sports where seventh- and eighth-graders can be moved up without displacing athletes in grades 9 through 12.
With the APP, 8th graders identified for consideration will need written permission from parents and guardians to participate before there is any evaluation.
The athletic director also needs to confirm the student is suitable for consideration and there needs to be medical clearance to make sure having an eighth-grader play at JV or varsity doesn’t increase the likelihood of injury.
Other steps in the process include:
• Sport Skill Evaluation: sport coach will rely on past personal observations; consider input from the student’s former coaches; if coach is unfamiliar with the student, the coach may observe the student in a physical education class
• Physical Fitness Testing: must be done by a certified physical education teacher
• Qualification Determination: the results of the three evaluations are sent to the director of physical education/athletics
• Try-Outs: student is allowed to try out for the sport and level requested or student must return to the modified level of competition
The entire APP process should take five days or less, Krenning told the BOE.
Krenning told BOE members APP wouldn’t be used to fill spots on teams, but to give higher-skilled eighth-graders a chance to flourish at their sport.
The district hasn’t had a set guideline for identifying exceptional athletes in middle school for the JV or varsity teams. The district now has a set rubric in picking 8th-graders who have a chance to try out for JV or varsity.
Mike Bonnewell, the district superintendent, voiced concern over moving up middle school students who would compete for playing time with 9th through 12th graders. If the 7th and 8th graders stayed on modified, they would still be playing the sport and not cutting into some time for high school athletes. He said cross country, track and field and swimming are exceptions.
In cross country everyone can run the race, except at Sectionals which is limited to the seven top runners from a school. Swimming and track and field can always add heats or expand an event to accommodate more athletes.
The board opted to allow 8th graders to move up if they meet the standards, and will look at the policy again next school year to discuss whether it makes sense to allow 7th graders to be on JV or varsity teams.
Photo by Mike Groll/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo is joined today by Andrea Stewart-Cousins, majority leader of the State Senate, and Carl Heastie, speaker of State Assembly, in signing a $40 million emergency authorization to respond to the coronavirus. The trio is shown in the Red Room at the State Capitol.
During a novel coronavirus briefing, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed into law a $40 million emergency management authorization for New York State’s novel coronavirus response. This appropriation will allow the State to hire additional staff and procure equipment and any other resources necessary to respond to the evolving situation.
The Governor also announced he will amend his Paid Sick Leave budget proposal to specifically protect from termination people who are required to stay home from work because they are being isolated or quarantined as a result of the novel coronavirus.
The Governor also announced SUNY institutions will have students who are in study abroad programs in countries with high prevalence of novel coronavirus come home and will review all study abroad programs ahead of potential expanded travel restrictions by the federal government. SUNY is expected to release guidance later today.
“As the situation with the novel coronavirus continues to evolve, I want the people of New York State to know that their government is doing everything possible to confront and contain it,” Governor Cuomo said. “Last week I proposed a $40 million emergency management authorization to ensure New York State has the resources necessary to most effectively respond. Last night, the Legislature voted to pass this measure, and I applaud them for their swift action that demonstrates their appreciation of the complexity of this situation and their commitment to responsive measures. While New York’s overall risk level remains low, these actions will provide our doctors, hospitals and first responders with the tools they need to ensure the health and safety of all New Yorkers, and to prepare for any possible scenario.”
This morning, Governor Cuomo also said there is a second confirmed case of the novel coronavirus in New York – a 50-year old man in Westchester who is hospitalized and in serious condition.
Yesterday, Governor Cuomo announced the world-renowned Wadsworth Center — the research-intensive public health laboratory housed within the State Department of Health — is partnering with hospitals to expand surge testing capacity to 1,000 tests per day statewide for the novel coronavirus. The Wadsworth Center will provide these hospitals with instructions on how to replicate the State’s test, as well as help them purchase some of the equipment necessary to develop and validate the test.
The Governor also announced the state will institute a new cleaning protocol at schools and in the public transportation system to help stop any potential spread of the virus.
While there is currently no vaccine for the novel coronavirus, everyday preventative actions can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Individuals who are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to these areas should call ahead to their healthcare provider before presenting for treatment.
New Yorkers can call the State hotline at 1-888-364-3065, where experts can answer questions regarding the novel coronavirus. In addition, the Department has a dedicated website (click here) which was created as a resource with updated information for New Yorkers.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 March 2020 at 8:49 am
Teresa Gaylard accepts the Friend of Education from Kathy Harling, president of the Albion BOE.
ALBION – Teresa Gaylard, the children’s librarian at Hoag Library, was recognized with the Friend of Education award on Monday evening by the Albion Central School district.
Gaylard has been the children’s librarian for about 2 ½ years. She works closely with the library media specialists at the elementary and high schools to promote programs at the school and Hoag Library.
“She goes above and beyond collaborating with us,” said Della Morales, the high school media specialist.
Gaylard works with the library leaders at the elementary and high schools for “Popcorn and Paperbacks,” where students read books in the school and come to the Hoag for popcorn and a book discussion.
Gaylard also attends many events at the school to promote Hoag as a resource for students and their families. She also participates in family literacy nights at the school, and runs an energetic summer reading program that keeps students engaged in reading in July and August.
Gaylard started in September 2017 as the children’s librarian at Hoag. She first began working at the former Swan Library when she was 19. She came back to Albion after 12 years as a librarian at the Dayton Metro Library.
Gaylard has made a mark at Hoag Library, updating the collection, attracting bigger crowds to library programs and connecting with the community.
Gaylard runs four weekly story times at Hoag, and often will dress up as characters. She reads the stories, incorporates a dance and ends the stories by blowing bubbles. The routine has proven popular with young children.
The Board of Education also recognized two elementary students with awards on Monday during the monthly BOE meeting.
• Dana Burns, a fourth-grader, received the Leadership Award for being a hard worker in class and helping some of his classmates when they are stuck on a problem.
• Tyson Brady, a fifth-grader, received the Character Award for bringing a positive attitude to school everyday, who doesn’t get easily frustrated and knows when to walk away from negative situations.
Press Release, Orleans and Genesee County Health Departments
Provided photo: Ron Mannella serves as Weights & Measures director for both Orleans and Genesee counties.
As you try to make the most of your dollar, Weights & Measures is there to make sure you’re getting what you pay for. W&M acts as financial protection for both the buyer and the seller, ensuring fair transactions for all parties involved. We celebrate these relationships during the first week of March, National Weights & Measures Week.
The Genesee and the Orleans County Weights & Measures Departments test devices used in your day-to-day activities, including devices at gas stations, grocery stores, delis, bakeries, produce stands, and laundromats to name a few.
Last year there were 1,111 devices tested (Genesee: 705, Orleans: 406). Of those, 85.42% initially tested correct. When a device is found incorrect and in the store’s favor, the W&M director orders the device repaired. The business cannot use that device until the correction has been retested and inspected by a W&M inspector.
The W&M departments are also responsible for testing the quality of the fuel sold in the counties. This effort is 100% reimbursed by New York State. Last year there were 0 octane/cetane failures between the two counties.
New for 2020
Genesee and Orleans County Departments of Health are on the forefront when it comes to shared services, a joint effort to better serve their communities. Starting in January, the counties agreed to fully combine the two Weights & Measures Departments. This collaboration has created a safer and healthier environment for all residents as well as visitors to the area.
Between the two counties, the agreement has estimated savings of $54,290 in its initial year. “Rarely does a costs saving result in better and more efficient services for the community, but this arrangement does exactly that. We have figured it out,” stated Ronald P. Mannella, Director of Weights & Measures for Genesee-Orleans County Departments of Health (GO Health). “This department will continue to explore ways of stretching our tax payer dollars.”
Paul A. Pettit, Public Health Director stated, “This latest integrated approach to working across county lines and sharing services is another great example of how we can enhance benefits for our residents while reducing county costs.”
Protection at the pump
With support from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Genesee-Orleans and the surrounding counties are cracking down on credit card skimmers and those responsible. W&M inspectors perform random sweeps of fuel stations looking for these fraudulent devices. Arrests have been made and we want it known that New York will not tolerate these criminal acts.
If you have suspicious credit card activity, call your bank immediately.
Tested and approved
When shopping, look for the seal. These seals indicate the device has been tested and passed inspection by a Weights & Measures inspector. If you believe the device is incorrect, simply point your smartphone at the QR Code on the seal and you will be prompted to our department website. Once there you are quickly able to report a complaint. Our office will continue to accept phone calls and emails.
ALBION – A Medina resident is facing multiple drug charges in both Orleans and Genesee counties, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force is reporting today.
Akeem R. Gibson
Akeem R. Gibson of Frank Street in Medina was charged on Saturday after an investigation into the sale and distribution of crack cocaine in the Village of Albion.
The investigation was conducted by the Task Force, with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office arresting Gibson on an Orleans County sealed indictment warrant for drug sale and possession charges.
While being placed into custody by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Gibson allegedly was found to be in possession of approximately 11 grams of crack cocaine, the Task Force said.
He was charged in Orleans County with two counts each of criminal sale and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, which are Class B felonies.
Gibson was arraigned in Orleans County Court by Judge Sanford Church and was released due to the new state bail reform laws. The Task Force reported that Gibson has three previous felony convictions and faces more felony charges in Genesee County.
Gibson is to return to Orleans County Court on March 19 at 10:30 a.m.
After he was arraigned in Orleans County, Gibson was turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and charged with drug possession charges, including one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, as well as vehicle and traffic violations.
Gibson was arraigned in the City of Batavia Court by Judge Durin Rogers and held without bail until he appears in Genesee County Court on Tuesday for further proceedings.
The Genesee County Local Drug Task Force and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the arrest.
The investigation is ongoing and further charges and arrests are pending, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 March 2020 at 4:04 pm
Village facing increased operating costs, capital improvements
ALBION – The Albion Village Board voted last week to raise the water and sewer rates for users inside and outside the village.
Village officials say this is the first increase in six years. For most users, the increase will be 35 cents per 1,000 gallons of water and 30 cents per 1,000 gallons for sewer.
The village needed to raise the rates in response to increased costs for labor, materials and electricity, said Gary Katsanis, the village’s deputy mayor.
The village also is facing capital improvement projects for water and sewer.
“In the sewer plant, the DEC mandated an additional processing step, which will use ultraviolet light as a disinfectant,” Katsanis said. “Installation is expensive and operation involves increased utility costs.”
The water distribution system also is aging and the village will be upgrading some waterlines, including an upcoming project on Clinton and West Academy streets.
“We need to fund that, and we also need to evaluate other portions of the water distribution system to ensure that it is providing the pressure and flow that is needed by the community,” Katsanis said.
The village also will be replacing the main watermain from Lake Ontario to the village, and the major components of the pumping system for the main, which is about 60 years old, Katsanis said..
“The village has state support for a $3.2 million repair and upgrade to that system, but there will be a significant cost to the village for that work,” he said.
Currently the residential and commercial rates are $3.26 per 1,000 gallons for water for inside-village customers and $3.52 for sewer.
Outside-village users are billed $4.19 for water and $4.45 for sewer.
There are also quarterly fees for water – $5 administrative fee and $5 water meter use – and $10 administrative fee for sewer.
The higher rates – add 35 cents to water and 30 cents to sewer per 1,000 gallons – will start on April 1 and be reflected in the water and sewer bills that come out in July.
Katsanis said the board recognizes that paying a water bill can be difficult for some community members.
“With this in mind, the Board reduced the basis under which the minimum amount billed is calculated,” he said. “The current minimum bill is $58.02 and is based on usage of 5,610 gallons per billing cycle. We reduced this minimum to 5,100 gallons, so that the new minimum bill is actually a few cents lower than the existing amount. The new calculation is based more on the principle of water customers paying for the gallons they actually use.”
The board will also phase in the increase for larger water and sewer customers. They will be billed the full new rate for up to 100,000 gallons. After that, the increase will be 17 cents this year and the other 18 cents in 2021.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 March 2020 at 12:32 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Jill Pettigrew, an artist from Batavia, shows off a transformed room this morning at the Orleans County YMCA to Greg Reed, the Y director.
Pettigrew painted the mural that shows animals having a picnic in the forest. The wall used to be white on top with blue on the bottom.
Pettigrew worked on the mural for a few weeks. This past weekend she worked long hours to create a radical new space in the child watch room at the Y. This morning was the big reveal to Y staff and parents.
Here is how the wall looked before Pettigrew’s artwork.
Gavin Gursslin, 3, of Medina tries the new basketball hoop that is mounted by the wall. The room has artwork and many other stations to encourage children to be active.
“To see the transformation is just incredible,” said Allison Gursslin, Gavin’s mother and one of the staff at the child watch room.
That room is open from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It is free to Y members who want supervision for their children while the Y members work out or participate in a class at the Y on Pearl Street.
Ivy Wroblewski, 2, of Medina looks through a magnifying glass. Pettigrew created a nature scene on a cabinet with removable magnetic insects.
Pettigrew was hired last year to paint artwork on the Y’s sidewalks and stairs. Some of the designs resemble obstacle courses, a balance beam, swings and other scenes popular at playgrounds.
The YMCA received a $51,000 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation to transform the sidewalks and steps by the Y with art. There was grant money left over from that project to pay Pettigrew to work on the child watch room.
These children play at the kitchen scene, which includes a slot for the mail. The transformed space includes the furniture for the role playing.
“We’re giving kids more opportunities to play together,” said Greg Reed, the Y director. “Kids learn through play.”
Nora Gursslin, 8 months, explores the watch room this morning at the YMCA.
‘In these tough economic times, we must make sure rural communities get their fair share of federal and state dollars.’ – Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.
Press Release, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today unveiled a new guidebook to help agriculture and rural development organizations access federal and state grant money.
Through Senator Gillibrand’s guidebook, agriculture and rural development organizations can access critical information to help them navigate the grant application process, including what the programs are, who is eligible, the terms, and how the funds may be used. By utilizing federal and state grants, organizations throughout New York can provide additional services to communities.
“In these tough economic times, we must make sure rural communities get their fair share of federal and state dollars,” said Senator Gillibrand. “By giving our agricultural and rural communities the resources they need to access federal and state grants, we’ll strengthen our economic growth efforts, create jobs and provide much-needed infrastructure development. These federal dollars will support critical services for our families and strengthen our rural communities.”
This book is a resource to navigate funding from the USDA, Dept. of Commerce, Dept. of Education, Dept. of Health and Human Services, Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, Dept. of Transportation, Appalachian Regional Commission, and Northern Border Regional Commission. It also helps navigate funding from New York State. It may be used in conjunction with any other grant guides from Senator Gillibrand’s office as well – such as the broadband guidebook.
A broad range of federal and state grants are available to help agricultural and rural communities deliver services to families and communities, including local economic development projects, housing assistance programs, infrastructure services, education development programs and health care services for rural communities.
The guidebook is the latest in a series to provide community organizations, state and local governments, schools and law enforcement agencies with the resources they need to access federal funding, in order to prevent cuts to services, to save and create jobs, and to create opportunities to improve the lives of all New Yorkers.
A copy of Senator Gillibrand’s guidebook for Agriculture and Rural Development can be downloaded by clicking here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 March 2020 at 11:15 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Horses at Bokman Farms are out this morning at the corner of Long Bridge Road and Route 31 in Albion.
After a blast of winter last week, this week the temperatures will be warmer with highs in the 40s most of the week, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
The highs in Orleans County are forecast for 49 today, followed by 42 on Tuesday, 41 on Wednesday, 42 on Thursday, 39 on Friday and 32 on Saturday.
