Press Release, Orleans County Legislature

ROCHESTER – Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson and Niagara County Legislator David Godfrey presented to the Great Lakes Commission at the group’s annual conference last week at the Strathallan Hotel in Rochester.

The legislators were invited to present on the innovative Regional Dredging Management Plan (RDMP), an initiative began by the Niagara Orleans Regional Alliance.

Provided photo: Niagara County Legislator David Godfrey, Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson and Carolyn Ryan from the NYS REDI Commission present at the conference.

“The RDMP is a comprehensive approach for the on-going maintenance dredging of harbor access channels, utilized primarily for recreational boating, along the south shore of Lake Ontario,” Johnson said.  “Our goal is to have multiple counties working in partnership to help jointly fund dredging projects across our communities through annual appropriations, thereby keeping the cost of any single project manageable for individual counties and ensuring dredging is performed on schedule.”

The presentation covered the formation of the RDMP and the creation of a Lake Ontario Regional Dredging Management Council.  Initial dredging was funded by a grant from the New York State Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI).

Niagara County Legislator Dave Godfrey said the next step is Wendel Engineering updating the RDMP with information from the REDI Commission to revise dredging statistics and projected ongoing costs. From there, participating counties will enter into formal Inter-municipal agreements and an RFP will be issued to hire a dredging contractor to perform the work.

“Recreational boating activities generate nearly $100 million annually for our communities and that number will continue to grow, provided harbor access is maintained,” said Godfrey.  “That means we must keep our harbors dredged and the most efficient and cost-effective way to do so is through collaboration among local governments.”

The eight Great Lakes states created the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) in 1955 via the Great Lakes Basin Compact. In 1968, Congress provided its consent to the Compact and the interstate compact agency it created. The eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces are represented on the nonpartisan GLC by a delegation of government-appointed commissioners.

The GLC recommends policies and practices to balance the use, development, and conservation of the water resources of the Great Lakes and brings the region together to work on issues that no single community, state, province, or nation can tackle alone.

ALBION – Three pedestrians were struck by a vehicle on Route 31 at about 8 p.m. on Monday evening, and were transported by ambulances to Strong Memorial Hospital, the Albion Police Department reported today.

The driver was headed westbound on West Avenue and struck the pedestrians who were in a crosswalk near King Street.

“At this time two of the persons struck have been released from the hospital with minor injuries and the third still remains hospitalized,” according to a press release from the Police Department.

Albion police have spoken with the person who remains hospitalized and he is expected to be released in the next few days, said Lt. Brandon Annable of the Albion PD.

The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and was cooperative with law enforcement, he said, adding that alcohol, drugs or speed were not a factor in the accident.

There are no charges filed yet but a traffic violation could be pending, Annabelle said. The accident remains under investigation.

Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is urged to call the Albion Police Department at (585) 589-5627 or the Orleans County Dispatch Center at (585) 589-5527.

Albion police officers were assisted at the scene by the Albion Fire Department, Monroe Ambulance, Medina Fire Department Ambulance, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Police and the Orleans County Emergency Management Office.

Press Release, Holley and Kendall school districts

HOLLEY/KENDALL – Holley and Kendall high school students had a new sport to choose from this fall: bowling.

The new offering is categorized as a Special Olympics Unified Sport, which brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities to compete together on the same team to promote accepting school environments.

This is the second Unified Sport offered to Holley and Kendall students. They have been combined for the Unified Basketball league since 2017. Holley and Kendall schools both pride themselves on their distinction as Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools and value their partnership to enhance the impact of their Unified programs.

“We have never had a bowling team before and we are thrilled to start bowling as our second Unified sport,” said Dan Courtney, Holley MS/HS athletic director and assistant principal. “Unified Bowling represents our commitment to providing inclusive opportunities for all of our students. This is a new opportunity for students to come together, have fun, and be part of something special.”

“Bringing Unified Bowling to our students is more than just a game – it’s an incredible opportunity for camaraderie, inclusion, and shared victory for all involved,” said Mark Driesel, Kendall JSHS athletic director and assistant principal.

The Holley/Kendall team consists of 32 players, 20 from Holley and 12 from Kendall. They began practices earlier this month at Brockport Bowl to prepare for their first match on Oct. 21. Their five-match season, followed by a tournament, runs through the beginning of November.

Special Olympics New York and New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) launched a partnership in 2013 to bring Unified Champion Schools (UCS) programming to NYSPHSAA member schools. The program focuses on social inclusion and is built upon the notion that having something in common, such as a sport, has the power to put an end to any preconceptions, and promote both friendship and understanding of differences. The schools look forward to the continued expansion of their Unified programs.

“I am excited to see student athletes learn and participate in a sport that can become a lifelong activity for them,” said Jason Cole, Holley MS/HS math teacher and Unified Bowling coach. “I have watched this event in the past and I know we will be able to provide the same amazing atmosphere as we watch our bowling skills on display.”

“Adding Unified Bowling is a powerful reminder that we strive for inclusion and support mutual respect between athletes,” said Macey Harrell, Kendall JSHS PE teacher and Unified Basketball and Bowling coach. “Unified sports provide a great opportunity for those of all abilities to be a part of a team who supports each other’s achievements.”

ALBION – A video from a neighbor’s home shows a fatal collision in Barre last Feb. 8, where Noah Magee was driving a pickup truck and struck Roger Kingdollar who was riding a dirt bike.

Magee has been charged with second-degree murder for the collision. District Attorney Joe Cardone said the video “is very clear he was driving off the road on a dirt path. The video speaks for itself on the victim’s conduct.”

Cardone made the comments last week in Orleans County Court. Magee’s attorney, Paul Vacca Jr., instead said the video is “blurry” and not so clear.

There will be a hearing at 1:30 p.m. Thursday with the video shown in Orleans County Court to determine how clear it is and if it can be presented to a jury in a trial set to begin Nov. 13.

Vacca also asked that Kingdollar’s medical records be provided to Vacca for review. He wants to see if Kingdollar had a prescription for a medication that was in a toxicology report.

Cardone said that is unnecessary because the video from the collision shows Magee on the wrong side of the road, with Kingdollar doing nothing wrong with his ability to operate the dirt bike not impeded.

“No expert would testify that that would contribute to the death of Mr. Kingdollar,” Cardone responded after Vacca’s claims about the medication. “It had no involvement in this incident.”

Judge Sanford Church during the hearing on Oct. 17 will hear from both sides what can be admitted as evidence for the trial.

• In another case in the County Court last week, Joshua Smith of Byron was sentenced to weekends in the county jail for a year and five years of probation.

Smith pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary and second-degree menacing. Smith entered a Clarendon gas station and convenience store on April 30 even though he was told repeatedly to stay out of the building by the owner.

Smith entered with a crowbar and threatened to harm the owner of the business.

KNOWLESVILLE – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!) will be announcing a new arts and cultural facility in Orleans County, “a space that will serve as a creative hub for our community, fostering fiber arts, fine arts, performing arts, culinary arts, and much more!”

Gregory Hallock, executive director of GO Art!, will unveil the location and more details about the project on Oct. 29 at the Trolley Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Hallock said GO Art! welcomes the community to be part of shaping the future of the arts in Orleans County.

GO Art! is asking people to fill out a survey about the project. Hallock said the bottom floor of the proposed facility includes a culinary kitchen, fiber arts gallery, and fiber arts store.

GO Art! wants to hear from the public about the best use for the third floor.

“This space will support a variety of arts and cultural programming, and your feedback will help us design a space that meets the community’s needs and interests,” he said in an email, inviting people to take the survey (Click here).

In the survey people are asked if they would support the following programs on the third floor?

• Fiber Arts Expansion (advanced techniques, weaving, spinning, felting etc.)
• Fine Arts (painting, drawing sculpture)
• Pottery
• Glass Blowing
• Performing Arts – Dance (ballet, modern, cultural dance)
• Performing Arts – Theater (acting, directing, playwriting)
• Performing Arts – Music (instrumental, vocal, songwriting)
• Literary Arts (writing workshops, poetry readings)
• Design Arts (fashion design, interior design)
• Tech Arts (digital design, coding, interactive media)
• Media Arts (photography, videography, film production)
• Folk Arts (basket weaving, quilting, cultural crafts)
• Programming for Adults
• Programming for Teens
• Programming for Children (6-12)
• Programming for Preschoolers (3-5)

Press Release, Orleans Renaissance Group

MEDINA, NY- “Never look at the trombones, it only encourages them.” – Richard Strauss

The Orleans Renaissance Group (ORG) will be bringing the world-renowned Eastman Trombone Choir to Medina for a performance on Oct. 26 in the soaring sanctuary of St. Mary R.C. Church. The ensemble is part of the Eastman School of Music– the music school of the University of Rochester.

“Unlike Richard Strauss, we hope to have a full house both looking and listening to the trombones, and we definitely want to encourage them!” said Chris Busch, ORG.

The Eastman Trombone Choir is under the co-direction of Larry Zalkind, left, and Mark Kellogg.

The Eastman Trombone Choir is under the co-direction of Larry Zalkind and Mark Kellogg, who are among the world’s most accomplished trombonists.

“The Eastman Trombone Choir is looking forward with great anticipation to playing a concert in the beautiful acoustics of St. Mary’s in Medina.” said Mark Kellogg, co-director of the Eastman Trombone Choir. “This group is the oldest, continuously-serving ensemble at the Eastman School and while it has performed across Europe and the United States, the opportunity to connect with audiences right here in Western New York is particularly meaningful.”

Mr. Zalkind, an Associate Professor of Trombone at Eastman, by the age of 17, Larry was studying with Robert Marsteller as a student at the University of Southern California. At USC, Larry double majored in Music Education and Music Performance, earning a master’s degree in Music.

In the fall of 1980 Mr. Zalkind accepted the Trombone Teaching Assistant Position at the University of Michigan and began working with Dennis Smith. In 1981, while pursuing his doctorate in Music Performance, he won the audition to become the Principal Trombonist for the Utah Symphony.

He held this position (simultaneously serving on the faculty at the University of Utah) until 2015, when he accepted the position of Trombone Professor at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. Larry performed as Acting Associate Principal Trombone with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Mr. Kellogg Mark Kellogg has held the position of principal trombonist of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. He is an associate professor of classical and jazz trombone and euphonium at theEastman School of Music.

Mr. Kellogg holds a bachelor’s degree and performer’s certificate from Eastman, where he studied with John Marcellus and Cherry Beauregard.

He was a member of the San Francisco Symphony, Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, and National Repertory Orchestra. He is also a co-founder of the jazz group Rhythm & Brass. Kellogg has performed with Clark Terry, Wynton Marsalis, Eddie Daniels, Mel Tormé, Jeff Tyzik, Gene Bertoncini, Allen Vizzitti, Steve Gadd and others.

The Eastman Trombone Choir was founded in 1941 by Emory Remington, and is highly regarded around the world as one of the best ensembles of its kind.

St. Mary Church has been the site of numerous, world-class concert events presented by ORG over the years, including among others the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, world-renowned quartet Anonymous 4 and internationally acclaimed Irish tenor Ronan Tynan.

The Fredonia Trombone Choir of the SUNY Fredonia School of Music has performed at St. Mary’s Church twice in 2012 and 2014.

Busch, president of ORG, said the concert is generating a lot of exciting interest.

“People are talking about this concert and for good reason,” he said. “This world-renowned and majestic ensemble performing under the soaring vaults of St. Mary Church will be breathtaking. This will be a spectacular and singular concert event.”

The event has been generously underwritten by Medina businessman, Rick Drilling.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Rick for his extremely generous support of not only this concert event, but of our many previous concerts,” Busch said. “His support has made this and many other events possible.”

The concert is set for Saturday, Oct. 26 at St. Mary’s. Doors open at 6 p.m. with concert starting at 7 p.m. Updates can be found on the Orleans Renaissance Group’s Facebook page.

General seating tickets are $20 each and are available for pre-sale now at the English Rose Tea Shoppe, 527 Main Street in Medina (585-798-4410), the Central Business Office at ONE Catholic, 106 South Main Street in Albion (585-589-4243) and at the door the night of the event.

Press release, UConnectCare

This work from Peter Langen of Batavia is representative of the artistic expression that empowers people to be successful in their recovery journey. Richmond Memorial Library will be hosting the Grateful for Recovery art show throughout the month of November.

BATAVIA – Understanding that creative expression serves as a therapeutic means toward healing and self-esteem, the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Genesee County and UConnectCare are partnering to sponsor the Grateful for Recovery art show throughout November.

“The mission of this art show at Richmond Memorial Library is to let the community know that people do recover from substance use disorder, mental health and other issues while giving them the opportunity to share their experiences and break down the stigma surrounding recovery,” said Sue Gagne, Suicide Prevention Coalition coordinator.

This local initiative follows on the footsteps of the national Art of Recovery project started earlier this year by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Gagne said all submissions will be displayed in the Gallery Room at the library from Nov. 1-30. Artists are requested to drop off their work by Oct. 28 at The Recovery Station, 5256 Clinton St. Rd., Batavia. Participants may submit up to three pieces of art for this show.

“We’re accepting work in various genres – original drawings, paintings, photographs, mixed media, poetry and more,” Gagne noted, adding that family members of those in recovery are welcome to submit as well as those under 18 years old, with parental permission.

“Additionally, we’re asking that each artist submit a short bio or a paragraph about his or her journey in recovery,” she said.

Artists are able to sell their work through this show, Gagne added. Each piece does not have to be framed but all pieced need to have a proper hanging system or hardware to be placed in the Gallery Room.

For more information about the show and/or to receive entry and consent forms, contact Gagne at sgagne@uconnectcare.org or at 585-813-6448.

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

ALBANY – Members of the New York State Senate Republican Conference have penned a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul to raise concerns regarding the adoption and impending implementation of the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulations by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

“The ACT regulations are the latest example of a mandate that was implemented without properly considering the impacts on small businesses, in addition to the lack of adequate infrastructure to meet the intended goals,” stated Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “We have heard from many concerned businesses, and are calling on Governor Hochul to delay the implementation and form a Task Force to hear from stakeholders on a more responsible, practical solution that will work for everyone.”

The plan, first adopted in 2021 is set to take effect in 2025, would be yet another burdensome mandate on businesses in New York that would contribute to, and further dismantle, the state’s already poor business climate.

Zero-emission truck technology is still in its infancy, and the majority of these trucks currently cost three to four times the average of a diesel-powered vehicle. These increased costs will be passed on to taxpayers and consumers throughout the state. In addition, the charging infrastructure needed to power this fleet is not currently available at this time.

The letter points to legislation (S.9910, sponsored by Senator Griffo) that would delay the implementation of ACT regulations, and also requests that a Task Force be formed to conduct a cost-benefit analysis and formulate a more responsible plan, in consultation with the industry, that will both reduce emissions and limit dramatic cost increases for businesses.

“Clean air is a vital resource that our conference has long fought for and believes in protecting. However, like with all facets of governance, we must be prudent about how we achieve those goals. While this regulation is admirable in its intentions, the practical matter is that New York is not currently in a position to adopt it in a manner which is feasible and affordable,” the letter reads.

Press Release, UConnectCare

The “scene” is set for UConnectCare’s Prevention Department to “direct” local school and community projects during this month’s Red Ribbon Week, which is draping itself in the theme, “Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free.”

Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s largest and longest-running drug-use prevention campaign, will take place from Oct. 23-31. The observance has touched the lives of millions of people around the world since its inception nearly 40 years ago.

This year’s theme, “Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free,” encourages everyone to contribute to creating safe, healthy, and drug-free communities,” said Sheila Harding, UConnectCare assistant director of Prevention. “It highlights the significant impact that healthcare professionals, educators, parents, and others can have through their dedication and commitment.”

The campaign was started as a response to the 1985 murder of Drug Enforcement Agency Agent Enrique Camarena in Mexico by members of the Guadalajara drug cartel.

Angered by this terrible act, parents and youths in communities across the United States began wearing red ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs.

Today, Red Ribbon Week, which is sponsored by the National Family Partnership, serves to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.

UConnectCare Prevention educators reported that numerous schools in Genesee and Orleans counties have scheduled Red Ribbon Week activities. Furthermore, red ribbons are being placed in the City of Batavia and the cupola at the Old Courthouse will be lit up in red during that week.

“We invite you to celebrate not just this week, but to embrace healthy choices throughout the year and inspire those around you to do the same,” Harding said.

For more information about Red Ribbon Week and the substance use prevention efforts at UConnectCare, contact Harding at sharding@uconnectcare.org.

The presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris gets nearly all the buzz and headlines in the upcoming election, but several other positions are on the ballot.

Early voting starts Oct. 26 and continues for nine days until Nov. 3. Polls will be open throughout the county on Nov. 5.

Kamala Harris and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz are on the Democratic and Working Family lines, while Trump and vice presidential candidate JD Vance are on the Republican and Conservative lines.

Other positions on the ballot include:

Federal

• U.S. Senator (6-year term) – Kirsten Gillibrand (D-WF), Michael Sapraicone (R-C) and Diane Sare (LaRouche)
• Representative to Congress, 24th District (2-year term) – David Wagenhauser (D) and Claudia Tenney (R, C)

State

• Supreme Court Justice, 8th District (4 positions) – Henry Nowak (D, R, C, WF), Catherine Nugent-Panepinto (D, R, C, WF), Deborah Chimes (D, R, C) and Michael Norris (D, R, C)
• NYS Senate, 62nd District (2-year term) – Robert Ortt (R, C)
• NYS Assembly, 139th District (2-year term) – Stephen Hawley (R, C)

Orleans County

• County Clerk (4-year term) – Nadine Hanlon (R)
• District Attorney (4-year term) – Susan Howard (R, C)
• Coroner (4-year term for 3 positions) – Rocco Sidari (R), Scott Schmidt (R) and Julie Woodworth (R)

Carlton

• Town Clerk (1 year to fill vacancy) – Deborah Yockel (R)
• Council Member (1 year to fill vacancy) – John L. Olles (R)

The ballot also includes the state-wide proposition number one, which adds certain protections to the State Bill of Rights, covering ethnicity, national origin,

age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy. Also

covers reproductive healthcare and autonomy.

A “YES” vote puts these protections against discrimination in the New York State

Constitution.

A “NO” vote leaves these protections out of the State Constitution.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Gaines Basin Road bridge is shown on Sunday afternoon. The weather will warm up this weekend.

After some drizzly weather to start the week, the temperatures will be up and the sun out more this weekend.

Today and Wednesday will have highs near 48, followed by a high near 57 on Thursday in Orleans County, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

Then it will be sunny with a high of 65 on Friday, and then sunny again with a high near 69 on Saturday.

On Sunday, it will be mostly sunny with a high near 67 followed by a sunny Monday with a high near 71, according to the Weather Service.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Fire Prevention Week was observed October 6th through the 12th.  The theme this year was “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” which strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.

At Oak Orchard Elementary School in Medina, volunteers from the fire companies in Shelby, East Shelby and Ridgeway, along with the Medina Fire Department were on hand to talk to students and do some fun and educational activities.

Shelby brought a large ladder truck, Ridgeway and Medina brought fire trucks, East Shelby brought an off-road vehicle and Medina brought a rescue boat. The students absolutely loved the spray station that was set up.

“We are so grateful for this educational opportunity for our students,” said Principal Jenn Stearns. “Medina and Shelby Fire Departments provided fire prevention tips in our classrooms for UPK and kindergarten this week as well which was wonderful. We want to thank them for the support in helping to protect and keep our families safe.”

These firefighters assist students in spraying water at a target.