Press Release, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

JAMESTOWN – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited Jamestown Community College on Monday to announce her legislation that would prioritize federal investment for rural communities and small towns across New York State.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

The Rebuild Rural America Act would improve the way that the federal government supports development projects in small towns and rural communities in order to better fit their specific needs.

“Rural communities are at the very heart of New York, and their development is key to helping our state, and our nation, succeed. These communities face complex challenges that demand comprehensive solutions and long-term planning, but the current federal grant system is too narrow and inflexible to truly address their specific needs,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We have to reimagine how the federal government partners with and invests in rural communities, which is why I am proud to announce the Rebuild Rural America Act. My bill would encourage rural communities to come together as a region and rebuild their economies with the support and flexibility of a consistent federal funding source. I’m proud to lead the effort to deliver our rural communities the support they actually need, and this bill is a good place to start.”

Federal grant funding is often inaccessible to rural communities and too inflexible to fully meet local development needs. This makes it difficult for rural communities and small towns to plan and implement the comprehensive, long-term development projects required to address the complex challenges they face. The Rebuild Rural America Act would establish a dedicated stream of federal funding for rural communities and provide guaranteed, multi-year, flexible block grants to support regional economic growth. This would help rural communities better plan for and encourage economic growth across regions.

Specifically, the Rebuild Rural America Act would do the following:

• Create a new $50 billion grant program, the Rural Future Partnership Fund, to provide non-competitive, five-year, renewable block grants to certified rural regions to implement locally-developed regional revitalization plans.

• Funding will be allocated proportionately based on the population of each region, with an increased allocation for regions that include areas that have a poverty rate greater than 20 percent.

• Eligible regions include those with a central community of 10,000 to 50,000 people, collections of rural census tracts or counties outside of regions with a central community of 10,000 to 50,000 people, and Indian reservations. States, in coordination with USDA, will certify the regions’ participation in the program.

• Encourage rural regions to develop comprehensive, collaborative, and locally-driven community and economic development plans that revitalize infrastructure, provide support for public services and job training, and foster local entrepreneurship.

• Require interested rural regions to form a Regional Rural Partnership Council that brings together local leaders, elected officials, economic development organizations, cooperatives, higher education institutions, foundations, and other entities important to regional development.

• Empower rural community leaders by creating national capacity and training programs that will help connect the expertise and resources of the USDA and national and regional technical assistance providers with rural regions.

• Establish a State-by-State Rural Innovation and Partnership Administration to oversee this new program and offer hands-on help to local leaders.

• Launch a Rural Future Corps in coordination with AmeriCorps to assist rural communities with implementing Rural Partnership Plans and expanding critical services including childcare, health services, nutrition assistance, education, and job training.

The Rebuild Rural America Act has been endorsed by the Center on Rural Innovation, Fahe, Family Farm Action, Farm Credit Council, Housing Assistance Council (HAC), Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), National Association of Counties, National Association of Development Organizations, National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA, National Farmers Union, Neighboring Food Co-op Association, New England Farmers Union, People’s Action, Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC), The Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP), and United Action for Idaho.

Mustangs in the fall, Rams in the winter and Raiders in the spring

BARKER – Andrew and Zach Hill, twin brothers from Barker, are playing the sports they love. That’s not out of the norm locally.

But the two brothers are unusual in wearing the school uniforms for three different districts. They play varsity football for the Medina Mustangs, and just started the wrestling season as a member of the Roy-Hart Rams. In the spring, they play baseball for the Barker Raiders, their home district.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Andrew and Zach Hill wear their Roy-Hart wrestling sweatshirts while holding the letters they earned for playing for Barker and Medina teams.

The brothers and their parents are very appreciative of the partnership among the local districts in allowing Barker to be part of the Mustang football team, and for Roy-Hart accepting the wrestlers from the next-door district.

Andrew and Zach, age 15, said their teammates and coaches have all made them feel welcome. They said they were nervous in August 2018, when they showed up at Medina for their first football practice.

“I was a little shy but it became easier,” Zach recalled during an interview at his home on Drum Road. “They coach said we are all Mustangs.”

Eric Valley, the Medina football coach and athletic director, said the Mustang team has benefitted from having players from Barker and Lyndonville. He said those players are very committed to the program, and have longer bus rides for practices and games.

“We greatly appreciate the sacrifices they make,” Valley said.

This year’s varsity team had two players from Lyndonville, three from Barker and 23 from Medina.

Valley pushed back the starting time for practices by a half hour to 3:45 to accommodate the players from Lyndonville and Barker who have the longer travel times. The practices are over at 6:15. The Barker players don’t get home until about 7 p.m.

Valley said he welcomes the Barker and Lyndonville players and doesn’t draw attention to which school they are from.

“I don’t single them out,” he said. “We’re all Mustangs.”

Valley would like to have more Barker and Lyndonville players. He isn’t able to be at those schools during the school day to encourage people to play. Bill Bruning, a Barker physical education teacher, helps spread the word about the Mustang football program for Barker players. Bruning is the offensive coordinator for the JV Mustang team.

In Lyndonville, Valley’s wife Laura Valley is a high school physical education teacher. She helps nudge some prospective players for the team.

The athletic directors at Lyndonville and Barker also help make students aware of the opportunity to play for the Mustangs.

Zach Hill, #54, and Andrew Hill, #56, join Mustang teammates Chris Goyette, #14, and Brian Fry, #8, during warmups on Oct. 18 when they played the Albion Purple Eagles.

Andrew and Zach both played for Medina’s JV team in 2018. They were moved up to varsity this year as sophomores. Zach weighs 160 and Andrew is 220.

“They were good JV players and we had needs at linemen,” Valley said. “They both played steady throughout.”

The football season is over and the brothers have moved into the wrestling season. They have turned in the Mustang blue and white for Roy-Hart purple.

The brothers were in a youth football program with Roy-Hart. They said joining the Rams wrestling team in high school didn’t feel very foreign because they had played football with many of the Roy-Hart boys when they were younger.

Sometimes the Hill brothers wrestle some of their Medina football player teammates.

“It’s fun to go against each other,” Andrew said.

The boys’ parents, Mike and Beth Hill, see a much bigger friend circle for their sons because of the merged sports opportunities. During wrestling tournaments, Andrew and Zach sit with Roy-Hart and Medina.

“It’s kind of cool and unique to watch as a parent,” said Mike Hill. “You’re competitors, but in a way you’re teammates and friends.”

The Hills’ house is centrally located among the three districts. They have a Middleport address and are actually closer to the Roy-Hart campus than the Barker school. They are about 8 miles from the Barker campus, 7 miles from Roy-Hart and 12 miles from Medina. Students who live in Somerset go to Barker but they have a much longer drive if they are competing for Roy-Hart or Medina. Barker does provide bussing for the students.

Mr. Hill is a 1983 Roy-Hart graduate. He played on the school’s football team as an offensive and defensive lineman. He wrestled for Roy-Hart and competed in track, throwing the discus.

“Those football memories, I remember that a whole lot more than math class,” Mr. Hill said.

Zach Hill, #54, joins his Mustang teammates for the national anthem on Oct.18 prior to the football game in Albion.

As school enrollments shrunk locally, some districts cut back on programs or merged teams. Hill worried his kids wouldn’t have a chance to play football in high school or wrestle. He was pleased to see Barker work out agreements where Barker kids could be on the teams for other districts.

“As a parent you want to see your kids afforded the same opportunities that you had,” Hill said. “That’s why we’re thankful to have these other programs accept them in.”

The Hill family remembers going to the Vets Park in Medina and seeing the field with artificial turf, the lights for night games, and the locker rooms.

Andrew and Zack had played baseball games there, but they were awestruck on that initial visit as members of the football team.

Beth Hill, the boys’ mother, said the Medina facilities “are just awesome.” And the Medina parents welcomed them, too.

Valley, the Medina coach, preached a unity message – to players and parents – at the start of the season.

“They weren’t made to feel like Barker kids who were playing for Medina,” Hill said. “They were Mustangs.”

Hill said his sons have become more outgoing and open to other people through their experiences at Medina and Roy-Hart. They have impressed their father with their work ethic and determination to contribute to the football and wrestling teams – while wearing other school colors.

“They’ve really worked their tails off,” Hill said.

He also likes that the boys have been exposed to competition beyond the Niagara-Orleans League by playing for Medina’s football team, where they have went up against Lew-Port, Dunkirk, Iroquois, Maryville, Maritime/Health Science in Buffalo, Akron and local rival Albion.

“Their exposure to competition and other kids has been expanded by so much,” Hill said.

Andrew and Zach both said they are now used to wearing the school uniforms for three different districts. It no longer feels unusual. They are looking forward to wearing the Barker maroon and white in the spring for the baseball team, where Zach is a catcher and rightfielder and Andrew is a pitcher, third baseman and designated hitter.

Until then, it will be the purple and white of Roy-Hart. The brothers said they are happy they have so many more friends now through their participation with teams in Medina and Roy-Hart.

“I would definitely know less people,” Zach said if he only played for Barker.

“We’re friends with more people from different districts,” Andrew said.

Photo by Tom Rivers: These soybeans in Albion are pictured in October. The federal government has provided tariff relief payments for farmers who grow soybeans, corn and sweet cherries in Orleans County, as well as dairy farmers.

The federal government has approved a new round of tariff relief payments for American farmers hurt in a trade war.

The U.S. Agriculture Department is distributing another round of tariff relief payments.

In Orleans County, this year the relief payments will add up to $1,895,536 for about 150 farmers who grow corn and soybeans. Milk producers and sweet cherry growers also are receiving some of the payments in Orleans County, said Larry Meyer, director of the Farm Service Agency in Orleans County.

Last year the tariff relief totaled $2,139,065 for farmers in Orleans County, Meyer said.

The payments help make up for a drop in prices for corn, soybeans and the other crops.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on Friday announced the second round of 2019 Market Facilitation Program payments.

The funding will be released beginning the week before Thanksgiving. Meyer, the FSA director in Orleans, said the local farmers have all signed up for the new round of funding.

“This second tranche of 2019 MFP payments, along with already provided disaster assistance, will give farmers, who have had a tough year due to unfair trade retaliation and natural disasters, much needed funds in time for Thanksgiving,” said Secretary Perdue. “President Trump has shown time and again that he is fighting for America’s farmers and ranchers. While we continue to have confidence in the President’s negotiations with China, this money shows President Trump following through on his promise to help and support farmers as he continues to fight for fair market access.”

Press Release, Orleans Community Health (Medina Memorial Hospital)

MEDINA – A top-three ranking in the state is a good thing – unless it’s for the number of adults who smoke. According to recent data from the New York State Department of Health, Orleans County unfortunately ranks third in the state (28.6 percent) for prevalence of adult smoking. Orleans Community Health wants to change that.

In partnership with the New York State Smokers’ Quitline (Quitline) and just in time for the nationwide Great American Smokeout on Nov. 21, Medina Memorial Hospital now offers Opt-to-Quit™ for all tobacco-using patients.

After patients are screened for tobacco dependence, those identified as tobacco-users will be automatically enrolled in free Quitline services unless they choose to opt out. Because of this direct referral approach, Medina Memorial Hospital’s tobacco-using patients can expect to receive a call from one of the Quitline’s Quit Coaches within 24 to 72 hours for coaching support and nicotine replacement therapy, such as nicotine patches, gum and lozenges.

“More than 25,000 New York State residents die from smoking each year, so it’s critical that Orleans Community Health make tobacco cessation a central focus for our patients,” said Cindy Perry, director of community outreach for Orleans Community Health. “By tying in the Quitline’s Opt-to-Quit™ program at our Admissions Department, we can reach every patient who walks through our doors at Medina Memorial Hospital. This is a worthwhile collaborative approach to tobacco dependence treatment, which enhances the care we provide on-site.”

Health Systems for a Tobacco-Free Western New York (HSTFWNY) played a key role in creating the partnership between Medina Memorial Hospital and the Quitline. Just like the Quitline, HSTFWNY receives funding through the New York State Department of Health’s Bureau of Tobacco Control and is based at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo. HSTFWNY works with healthcare organizations throughout eight Western New York counties to implement systems- and evidence-based methods for tobacco dependence treatment.

“When patients are thinking about quitting smoking, contacting the Quitline is an extra step they might not think to take,” said Kimberly Bank, program coordinator for HSTFWNY. “Thanks to Medina Memorial Hospital’s implementation of Opt-to-Quit™, they’ve removed the burden for patients to have to call the Quitline themselves. One extra layer of support can make all the difference toward a successful quit-attempt.”

The Quitline’s Quit Coaches work with hundreds of smokers daily in developing customized quit-plans to overcome triggers and stay on track. The Quitline also encourages smokers to always talk with their healthcare professionals and access their health plan benefits for additional cessation support and stop-smoking medications.

In addition, as announced in October by the New York State Department of Health, the Quitline now offers expanded services available to help e-cigarette users quit vaping. Based on an assessment via phone at 1-866-NY-QUITS, an e-cigarette user 18 years of age or older may be eligible to receive complimentary patches, gum, lozenges or a combination of these products. Coaching support at the Quitline is available for New Yorkers of all ages, including adolescents.

About the New York State Smokers’ Quitline

The New York State Smokers’ Quitline is a service of the New York State Department of Health and based at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo. It is one of the first and busiest state quitlines in the nation and has responded to nearly 3 million calls since it began operating in 2000. The Quitline encourages nicotine users to talk with their healthcare professionals and access available Medicaid or health insurance benefits for stop-smoking medications. All New York State residents can call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) for coaching and resources, free of charge, seven days a week beginning at 9 a.m. Visit www.nysmokefree.com for more information.

MEDINA – Realizing museums can often be stuffy, Georgia Thomas knew they had to come up with something to draw people into the Medina Historical Society, which plans to be open during Medina’s Olde Tyme Christmas celebration on Nov. 30.

Then it hit her!

Stuffy?

How about “stuffed”?

Thomas has a ton of stuffed animals, more than 250, which she carted to the museum and started a display. Then she contacted Alice Zacher at the MAAC Thrift Shop and learned they had about 50 stuffed animals there. Thomas went and got them all. Then she learned MAAC’s animals all come with adoption stickers so people can “adopt” a stuffed animal, while supporting MAAC in its efforts to help the community.

One of three Nemos at the Historical Society is in the bathroom with other stuffed animals. The bathroom has many aquatic creatures.

As an added feature, Thomas hid three Nemo’s throughout the museum and the person who finds them will get a year’s membership to the Medina Historical Society, which is valued at $20 for a family.

Also, everyone who visits the museum during the Olde Time Christmas Celebration can take a candy cane off the tree.

“Everyone loves candy canes,” Thomas said.

Several high school students have volunteered to work at the museum that day, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We are hoping to help kids understand we are preserving Medina’s past for the future,” Thomas said.

The Medina Historical Society is located in a home built in 1841 at 406 West Ave.

Georgia Thomas dressed up seven moose stuffed animals and they are gathered around the dining room table for a “Moose-giving” with a turkey as the centerpiece. Thomas, a retired sign language teacher, used many of the stuffed animals in her lessons with her students. The turkey, for example, is actually a finger puppet.

Mr. and Mrs. Incredible are among the superheroes in the military room, which includes several displays about local soldiers. Thomas’s late husband, Terry, served in the Vietnam War. His uniform is on display in the room.

Many of the stuffed animals are wearing Santa hats, or Christmas sweaters. These two seals are enjoying some libations.

Thomas put in a whale in an old washing tub. The fish in back sings, “Jingle Bells.”

The museum is usually open by appointment. The Nov. 30 event is a day when it will be open for the community for regular hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thomas hopes the stuffed animals will bring children and their families into the museum, and hopefully convince some to become members. The membership fees help heat the building and preserve the collection.

Photos courtesy of Clarissa Steier

GAINES — Kristina Nesbitt and Sarah Collyer sing “Oceans/You Make Me Brave” during today’s 50th anniversary celebration of the Gaines Carlton Community Church. The congregation at 14585 Ridge Rd. was formed as part of a merger of three churches in East Gaines, the Bridges and Kent.

Today’s services included reflections from members from the three former churches. Ingrid LaMont shared a history of the consolidation of the three churches.

A certificate from State Assemblyman Steve Hawley was read about the church’s 50th anniversary. From left include Gary Davy, Martha Batt, Pastor David Beach and Ingrid Lamont. LaMont would talk about the history of the three churches.

Hope Stirk shares memories from the Bridges Church.

Audrey Wheelock recalled memories from the Kent Church.

Janice Mann-Beech shares memories from the East Gaines Church.

From left: Clarissa Steier, Marietta Schuth, Peggy Bropst and Isabel Wager sing “Top of the Tower” which was written by the late Donna Rooden, former mayor of the Albion.

Children choir members includes, in front: Olivia Andrews, Makayla Bentley, Kendyl Collyer, Brody Collyer and Madalyn Ashbery. Back: Mallory Ashbery, Taylor Soule, Leah Platt, Owen Collyer and Nicholas Andrews.

Formor Pastor Kathleen Danley shared a Scripture from 1st Corinthians 12: 4-6, 12-27.

David Beach, current pastor of the church, shared a sermon, “Not So Long Ago.”

The anniversary committee includes, front: Andrew Gaylord. Middle row: MaryJo Bentley, Sue Davy, Janice Mann-Beech and Ann Batt. Back: Ingrid LaMont, Pastor David Beach, Martha Batt and Connie Driesel.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Maureen Bennett on Friday opened The Backroom – Pretty Sweet Bakery & A Lil’ Cottage Chic at 117 North Liberty St. One of her friends, Lisa Stratton (in back at counter), helped on a busy opening day.

ALBION – A new shop opened in downtown Albion on Friday. The Backroom – Pretty Sweet Bakery & A Lil’ Cottage Chic is owned by Maureen Bennett, who was a vendor at the next-door Downtown Browsery for nine years.

Bennett retired about a year ago after working 25 years at Albion High School as a secretary in attendance and the guidance department.

Owning her own shop has been a goal. Her business includes an “eclectic mix of vintage,” handcrafted gifts, baked goods, gourmet dips, candles and seasonal décor.

“This has been my passion to have a little shop like this,” she said Friday, on a busy opening day for the business. “I was able to get my experience at the Browsery.”

Maureen Bennett was a vendor at Downtown Browsery for nine years and decided to venture out with her own storefront.

The Backroom is located at 117 North Liberty St. It is the backroom of the former Landauers department store in Albion, at the spot in the store where people would try on jeans.

The building was recently purchased and upgraded by Michael Bonafede and Judith Koehler. They also own the Pratt and Day buildings next door that include the Downtown Browsery.

The Backroom will have a commercial kitchen for onsite baking and food preparation. Right now, an assortment of baked goods are prepared offsite and sold on location by Pamela Jenks.

Bennett also is selling homemade soaps made by Navarra’s Farm Market, Friday night candle by Lisa Christiaansen, Macramé by Bennett’s daughter Sarah, car-seat covers by Monica Clark, and other locally made products, including bohemian style clothing such as bloomers.

The Backroom is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The Backroom is part of the former Landauer’s store in Albion. This is the part of Landauers known as the “back room” where people would try on jeans. The store is behind the Main Street storefronts, and is next to Five Star Bank.

State seeking $50 million-plus in damages

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Building on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s lawsuit against the International Joint Commission, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Attorney General Letitia James on Friday filed an expanded lawsuit on behalf of New York State against the IJC for failing to implement its flood protocol for the Moses-Saunders Power Dam.

Specifically, the IJC operated under a protocol known as “Plan 2014,” which required that when water levels reach extremely high levels, the dam “shall be operated to provide all possible relief to the riparian owners upstream and downstream.” As a result of the IJC’s actions and failures to act in response to flooding in 2017 and 2019, New York incurred substantial and potentially avoidable damages.

This lawsuit expands on the suit filed by DEC last month by also including damages incurred by all state agencies, including DEC, which collectively number over $50 million.

“The IJC’s mismanagement of Lake Ontario water levels wreaked havoc on vulnerable shoreline communities and the resulting damage carries a stiff price that shouldn’t be shouldered by the State of New York or by the very property owners the Commission was supposed to protect,” Governor Cuomo said. “The IJC has been wholly unresponsive to our complaints and have taken no action to make the situation better, and this expanded lawsuit will allow us to better recoup the costs of the damage and to hold the Commission accountable.”

Attorney General Letitia James said, “The International Joint Commission failed their primary mission of properly managing Lake Ontario’s water levels. We will not stand by while the IJC continues to expose New Yorkers to dangerous flooding. The individuals and families along the shoreline do not deserve the pain of having to deal with the damages to their homes and businesses—damages that could have been avoided in the first place. We are hopeful that this lawsuit will bring safety, security, and justice to those most impacted by IJC’s negligence.”

OAG is bringing this action on behalf of the departments and agencies of the State of New York, including, but not limited to the DEC; the Department of Transportation; the Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services; the Division of Military and Naval Affairs; and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Directed by Governor Cuomo, DEC initiated litigation against the IJC on October 9, 2019. Today’s action incorporates DEC’s prior complaint, as well as adding impacts to other New York State agencies.

The Office of the Attorney General and Governor Cuomo’s Office seek compensatory damages in excess of $50 million dollars for damages that include:

• Damages to state property;

• Damages consisting of monies the State spent and will spend to repair harms to property, municipalities, and residents;

• and Damages to natural resources, including the value of lost recreational activities.

Flooding on the shores of Lake Ontario in 2017 cost the State damages in excess of $4 million, which included damage to State parks, beaches, campgrounds, boat docks, and boat launches. This was disastrous for thousands of businesses and New Yorkers along the Lake Ontario shoreline in Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence counties.

Additionally, in 2019, flooding cost State property damages in excess of $2 million. The public lost the value of the use of some facilities while they were closed for repairs or remained submerged under floodwaters. An emergency was declared for the counties of Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Wayne as a result of the damage caused by continued high Lake Ontario water levels. The State activated the State Emergency Operations Center for 125 days to conduct operations across eight New York counties and hundreds of miles of shoreline.

Several State agencies also incurred substantial expenses in connection with their responses to the flooding. DEC and the New York National Guard fortified public and private shorefront property with water barriers and other equipment. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) deployed sandbags, sandbagging machines, pumps, and water barriers.

DHSES also activated the State Emergency Operations Center for 125 days to conduct operations across eight New York Counties and hundreds of miles of shoreline. The Department of Transportation oversaw sandbag filling operations and activated its incident command system. In total, State agencies’ response costs exceeded $37 million.

Additionally, the State has spent more than $100 million dollars helping homeowners, small businesses, municipalities, and others repair property damage from flooding in 2017 and 2019. These funds have been distributed through New York State Homes and Community Renewal in connection with the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence Seaway Flood Relief and Recovery Grant Program, as well as through Empire State Development and the Lake Ontario Small Business Recovery Fund.

The U.S.-Great Britain Boundary Waters Treaty, Plan 2014, the 2016 Supplementary Order of Approval, and other applicable laws impose a duty on IJC to operate the dam in a manner that safeguards the interests of riparian property owners on the New York shores of Lake Ontario and that meets a standard of reasonable care for those property owners.

This matter is being handled for the Attorney General’s Environmental Protection Bureau by Assistant Attorney General Matthew J. Sinkman, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Lemuel M. Srolovic. The Environmental Protection Bureau is part of the Division of Social Justice, which is under the supervision of Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux and First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Larry Szatkowski sets flags in a barrel on Saturday morning at the Conservation Club on Bates Road in Medina.

Veterans in Medina retired more than 1,000 American flags on Saturday, after collecting them earlier in the morning from local cemeteries. Those flags were placed there by veterans and Boy Scouts in May, prior to Memorial Day.

There were also bags of worn flags that were turned in by residents at drop-off locations at KeyBank, Medina Savings and Loan (Generations Bank), Ace Hardware, the VFW on East Center Street, the American Legion on North Main Street, and Veterans’ Service Agency office on Route 31 in Albion.

There was a ceremony prior to flags being put in the barrels, where one  flag was cut, including the stars and 13 stripes. In this photo Deputy Steven Fox of the Sheriff’s Office, a five-year Marine Corps veteran, holds a red stripe of a flag with Jim Freas.

The veterans first recited the Pledge of Allegiance and then stood in silence until the entire flag was consumed by the flames.

The seven red stripes and six white stripes together they represent the original 13 colonies.

“The red stripes remind us of the lifeblood of the brave men and women who were ready to die for this, their country,” said veteran Dave Kusmierczak. “The white stripes remind us of purity and cleanliness of purpose, through word and deed.”

The stars represent the 50 states of the country. “The blue is for truth and justice, like the eternal blue of star-filled heavens,” Kusmierczak said.

These veterans – Larry Szatkowski, Steve Johnson and Legion commander Glenn Whitmore – bring flags to be retired in the burn barrels. The Medina veterans do flag retirement ceremonies at least twice a year, with another event near Flag Day in June.

Peter Huth, left, and David Kusmierczak bring flags for the retirement. The veterans said it is disrespectful to have worn and tattered flags at veterans’ graves. New flags will be put out in May at veterans’ graves at local cemeteries.

Dave Kusmierczak, a member of the American Legion and VFW, has been part of the flag retirement ceremonies for about a decade.

Jim Freas, past commander of the VFW and American Legion in Medina, puts a flag in the fire. The proper way to dispose of a flag is by burning or burying.

To see a video of flags being retired, click here.

Photos by Tom Rivers

BARRE – Tom Decker and his wife Julie were in charge of making pancakes this morning for the first opening day hunter’s breakfast organized by the Barre Betterment Committee. The Deckers are volunteers with the BBC, which served the breakfasts in the Barre highway department garage.

Martin Bruning stopped in for a plateful of food at the breakfast. Many of the food items, including the biscuits, sausage and sausage gravy, were cooked ahead of time at the West Barre United Methodist Church.

Betsy Miller makes scrambled eggs. There were also biscuits, pancakes, venison sausage, beverages and a 50/50 raffle.

The volunteer group includes, from left: Jennifer Leverenz (BBC secretary), Kelly Dudley (BBC president), Janice Grabowski, Margaret Swan, Susie Gaylord, Cyndy Van Lieshout (vice president), Alice Mathes, Betsy Miller (treasurer), Julie Decker and Tom Decker.

Kelly Dudley, BBC president, thanked the Highway Department workers for cleaning the floor and taking some of the trucks out so there was room for the breakfast.

The BBC’s next event will be the second annual lighted tractor parade on Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m. It starts on East Barre Road. The ending spot will be at the Barre Town Park.

Participants in the parade are encouraged to show up near the start by the Van Lieshout dairy farm. There isn’t a registration.

The BBC also is looking to have a community garden at the Barre Town Park next year.

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Trupo

LETCHWORTH – These Orleans County students from Lyndonville and Albion are performing at Area All State in Letchworth this weekend.

Pictured from left, include Sophia Zambito of Albion in mixed chorus, Loren Beam of Albion in wind ensemble, Emily Mergler of Albion in treble chorus, Olivia Braley of Lyndonville in the wind ensemble, and Brian Cunningham of Lyndonville in mixed chorus.

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“Overlooked Orleans” – Vol. 5, No. 43

ALBION – This photograph, taken some time in the late 1880s or early 1890s, shows Main Street in Albion looking north from Bank Street. Comparing this image to a current view of the village, readers will notice very few changes in the cityscape of downtown Albion.

The only marking on the obverse side of the photo is the photographer, Francis J. Burnett. The approximate date of 1886-1893 is deduced by the appearance of a large wooden sign that reads “Western New York Hedge Company.” Organized in 1886 by Dwight Beckwith, the WNY Hedge Company encouraged local farmers to plant hedgerows between fields rather than using wooden fences. The short-lived company failed soon after around 1893.

Two village directories, one from 1887 and the other from 1894, provide a detailed look into life in Albion nearing the turn of the 20th century. The most notable feature of this image is the wide unpaved street. Sidewalks and curbing are all cut from locally quarried Medina sandstone and paving blocks run across the street at various locations to prevent pedestrians from soiling their shoes. Horses and buggies, the predominant method of transportation, are visible along the street. The attentive observer will notice the presence of hitching posts lining the sidewalks and the abundance of “road apples” scattered throughout the street, both indicative of equine transportation.

Businesses lined the streets of late-19th century Albion, providing residents with ample opportunities to purchase a variety of goods at specialty shops. On the left side of this image, awnings are pulled down over the storefronts of George W. Barrell’s Central Drug Store and James Bailey & Son’s Grocery Store. The mortar and pestle atop a four-sided post near the intersection of Main and Bank streets draws attention to the drug store. A small sign adjacent to Bailey’s Grocery Store reads “Law Office,” directing visitors to attorneys with offices on the upper floors of the Swan Block. The 1887 and 1894 village directories indicate that John Cunneen, Dean Currie, John G. Sawyer, and George Bullard all had offices in the upper floor of that building. Slightly visible lettering on the windows of the second floor advertise Oscar Eddy’s Insurance Agency as well.

Traveling north along the west side of the street, the image shows G. H. Sickels & Co. dry goods store with the awning retracted, followed by Franklin Clarke’s drug store, Landauer & Strouse’s dry goods, the Rochester Cash Store, and Lyman Root’s grocery store. Signs projecting from the upper floors of these blocks advertise the meeting rooms for the Ancient Order of United Workmen (labeled as Select Knights No. 3, Orleans Legion), the Grand Army of the Republic, and a millinery business operated by Lizzie Griswold. The Pratt Block, occupied by Lyman Root on the first floor, was occupied by his wife Emma Root’s millinery shop. The third floor, of course, was occupied by the Opera House. Further up the street is a sign that reads “Bakery” situated outside of Ben Franklin’s confectionary and bakery business followed by Henry Onderdonk’s furniture store and Guy Merrill’s hardware store.

Turning our attention to the east side of the street, several men have gathered around the large pocket watch advertisement in front of the Empire Block. Although difficult to read, the name H. W. Preston appears on the watch face. Hiram Preston’s jewelry store is just out of sight, although the store’s white awning is visible in the image. Another sign calls attention to Charles H. Eddy’s harness shop. Located in the “Grover Block,” Eddy shared space with John Kane, a boot and shoe salesman and Jay Sweet, who operated a drug store. The next stretch of buildings included a liquor store and brandy distillery operated by Palmer & Briggs, and George Waterman’s hardware store, which operated out of Andrew Wall’s Gothic Hall. This particular building stands out due to the presence of its gabled roof facing the street.

Heather Manella attended the Microenterprise Assistance Program to gain assistance in opening a bakery in Albion. She is one of 12 graduates from the latest MAP class.

ALBION – The latest class of graduates from the Microenterprise Assistance Program brings a variety of innovative businesses to the table, said Diane Blanchard, who manages the Microenterprise program for the Orleans Economic Development Agency.

Nine of the 12 graduates attended graduation ceremonies at the Village Inn last week and shared their plans for new businesses.

This class brings the number of graduates to 518 who have gone through the program since it started in 1999.

Several graduates shared their business plans with the class, including Heather Manella. She is the owner of How Sweet it is Bakery. She is a self-taught baker who enjoys learning new things and taking on new challenges. She has a passion for feeding people good homemade food.

Born and raised in Norman, Okla., Manella and her family moved east to be near her husband’s aunt. She fell in love with the quaint village of Albion and the amazing New York summers, she said.

Manella will be operating out of the certified kitchen at Lockstone Events and Weddings on Main Street in Albion, until she is able to open her own kitchen.

Greg Drake is a handyman who plans to open Drake’s Home Improvement. He offers a wide variety of services, including plumbing, electrical, drywall repair, gutter cleaning, furniture assembly, heavy lifting, interior and exterior painting and pressure washing.

“Whatever your needs are, Drake’s Home Improvement can help,” he said. “If the job is too big or out of the scope of our services, I will work with you to find a contractor to fit the job.”

Greg Drake plans to open a handyman business in Orleans County.

His hours of operation will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays as negotiated. His targeted customers are anyone needing handyman services, from home owners to property management companies.

His philosophy is to treat every customer as his most important customer.

Jacqueline Chinn also feels her anticipated business, Credit Clarity, which offers credit counseling, credit repair and credit building, is one which is badly needed in Orleans County.

“Orleans County has a lot of low-income families and individuals on public assistance,” Chinn said. “I’d like to work with them to develop a budget and show them how to stay on a budget. Everyone deserves an opportunity to become independent.”

Lynn Palmer of Middleport plans to open an overstock store on Main Street in Medina.

“Much like Ollies and Big Lots, Upscale Overstock will sell brand name general merchandise at less than retail prices,” Palmer said. “This will allow customers to purchase merchandise they may not otherwise be able to afford.”

Palmer’s goals for her business are to grow the business enough to move into her own building, be able to hire approximately five employees and to sell online. She will initially open Nov. 29 at 339 North Main St., the space formerly occupied by Zambito Realty.

She feels her chances of success are wonderful, since there aren’t any companies like this in Orleans County.

Palmer has five years of college under her belt, as well as 13 years experience as a supervisor in the retail department at Darien Lake, six years of business management experience, two years of retail experience at Dollar Tree and one year at Walmart.

Her daughter Samantha will work in the store on days Palmer has to work at Walmart. Samantha is also a crafter and many of her crafts will be for sale in the store.

Palmer will also utilize her store to promote worthy causes in the county. On opening day, customers who bring in supplies to donate to PAWS can enter to win a Christmas Movie Night raffle basket.

Other graduates were Andrea Dames, who plans to run a chicken and ribs food truck; Karen Boston, Paparazzi jewelry consultant; Brad and Rachel Hafner, B&R Trailer Repair and Fabrication; Dawn Dewey, D&H Welding and Repair; and Josh and Chelsea Smith, Relentless Construction.

ALBION — The school district is holding a public meeting for parents at 7 p.m. on Nov. 19 in the Middle School Auditorium to discuss how parents can help their children feel safe at school.

Last week three middle school students were charged with conspiracy for an alleged plot to kill other students and staff at the school.

The students have been suspended, and their cases are being handled in Family Court and by Probation.

Police, mental health personnel and school officials will be at the meeting on Tuesday evening, Michael Bonnewell, district superintendent, said in a letter posted on the district website and that also went home with students today.

“I know that this situation has been unnerving for everyone in our school community,” Bonnewell writes in the letter today. “We at school recognize the concerns that have been expressed and appreciate your ongoing patience and understanding. As we have noted before, the legal and disciplinary processes, as well as student privacy laws, prohibit us from sharing certain information.”

The school superintendent said safety remains the district’s first priority. At this point, the district can share the following:

• The code of conduct for suspensions requires a disciplinary hearing process dictated by the state and the three hearings are forthcoming.

• The district will continue having a school resource officer on campus from the Albion Police Department, with additional patrols from the Albion PD.

• The school resource officer and middle school principal met with middle school students to discuss their safety.

• The district will continue to pursue the best available safety and security, reviewing safety practices and procedures with staff, local law enforcement, State Police, architects and safety design specialists.

Bonnewell said “misinformation” by rumor, social media and the in the press “makes the situation even more difficult.”

He urged any students or parents to share any possible safety concerns with school building principals or the superintendent’s office.