By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 September 2019 at 9:41 am
ALBION – The Board of Education has mixed views on the school district having an official Facebook page to share news and information about the district.
Board members Elissa Nesbitt and Linda Weller said many other nearby school districts have Facebook pages that are popular in their communities.
“It’s the currency of today,” Nesbitt said at Monday’s Board of Education meeting. “A lot of parents are on Facebook.”
Weller said the district could post info on open houses, and other events.
“I’m all for it,” she said. “Let the community be more informed.”
Michael Bonnewell, the district superintendent, has reservations about Facebook, mainly due to the comments that can be posted. He worries teachers and students could be harshly criticized, and the post might stay up for a while before a district employee sees it. By then it could have been shared and seen many times on the district’s official Facebook page.
“Social media is a world of faceless and sometimes lawless individuals who are sometimes not intent on doing the right thing,” Bonnewell said.
Board member David Sidari said the district has a revamped website that is loaded with information and a calendar of events.
However, Nesbitt said she doesn’t think the website gets much traffic. She said Facebook would be more popular for sharing information.
“I think that’s how people communicate now,” she said. “We can use it to our advantage if we do it right.”
Many of the Albion school programs and sports programs already have their own Facebook pages. Bonnewell said that is different from an official Facebook page for the district. He said the board needs to consider who would be in charge of posting on the page, how frequently, and who would monitor the comments. If a comment is removed the district should have a policy in place for that.
Board member Margy Brown said she has checked other districts’ Facebook pages and they often aren’t updated frequently.
“Someone needs to keep it up to date or else it’s useless,” she said.
If Albion went that route the district should consider hiring a media specialist to run the page. Otherwise it will pull away from the work of current school employees, Brown said.
She said the district has stepped up its efforts to communicate with the public with the improved website and with text alerts.
The board formed a committee with Nesbitt, Weller and Brown to look at the district having an official social media presence. The committee will reach out to other districts to see their policies and how they handle posting, and comments.
Cuomo directors Department of Health to issue emergency regulations for warning signs in all vape and smoke shops in NY
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Monday directed the New York State Department of Health to take a series of measures to address two emerging public health crises: the increasing number of cases of vaping-associated respiratory illnesses and the increasing number of youth that are using vape products and developing lifelong nicotine addictions.
The Governor directed the Department of Health to issue subpoenas to companies marketing and selling “thickening agents” used in black market vaping products and to issue emergency regulations mandating that warning signs must be posted in all vape and smoke shops in New York State. Additionally, the Governor announced that he will advance new legislation to ban flavored e-cigarettes.
“Common sense says if you do not know what you are smoking, don’t smoke it, and right now we don’t know what you are smoking in a lot of these vaping substances,” Governor Cuomo said. “The rise in vaping-associated illnesses is a frightening public health phenomenon and I am directing the Department of Health to take several actions to address this crisis.”
Governor Cuomo ordered the Department of Health to issue subpoenas to three companies that the Department has identified as marketing thickening agents to companies that manufacture vape liquids. These thickeners are being marketed and readily available on the internet as a cheaper, safer alternative that does not negatively impact flavoring or odor of existing products and can be used to cut vape products to any level of THC.
The Department is ordering them to provide additional information to aid its investigation of this public health crisis. The Wadsworth Center has obtained samples of thickeners from these three companies and determined that they are nearly pure vitamin E acetate oil. The companies being served with this subpoena and their product names are: Honey Cut Diluting Agent by Honey Cut Labs LLC in Santa Monica, California; Uber Thick by Floraplex Terpenes in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and Pure Diluent by Mass Terpenes in Amherst, Massachusetts. These three companies are the first to be subpoenaed, but more companies are likely to be ordered to provide samples as the investigation continues.
While the investigation is still ongoing, laboratory results have shown very high levels of vitamin E acetate in nearly all cannabis-containing samples analyzed by the Wadsworth Center. Vitamin E acetate is a commonly available nutritional supplement that is not known to cause harm when ingested as a vitamin supplement or applied to the skin. However, the Department continues to investigate its health effects when inhaled because its oil-like properties could be associated with the observed respiratory symptoms.
In addition, Governor Cuomo directed the Department of Health to issue emergency regulations, subject to approval by the Public Health and Health Planning Council (PHHPC), to require entities in New York State that sell vaping products to post signage on the dangers of vaping. The Department is also launching a public service campaign to further educate the public on the numerous risks involved with vaping.
Finally, the Governor said he will advance legislation to prohibit the possession, manufacture, distribution, sale or offer for sale of flavored electronic liquids to discourage electronic cigarette use in New York State.
According to Department of Health data, nearly 40 percent of 12th grade students and 27 percent of high school students in New York State are now using e-cigarettes, and this increase is largely driven by flavored e-liquids.
High school use in 2018 (27.4%) is 160 percent higher than it was in 2014 (10.5%). While New York’s high school student smoking rate dropped from 27.1% in 2000 to a record low of 4.3% in 2016, aggressive marketing promoting flavored e-cigarettes stands to turn that trend. Flavoring is a key youth marketing strategy of the vaping/aerosol industry just as it is in the cigarette, cigar, and smokeless tobacco markets.
E-cigarette marketing highlights flavors such as mint chocolate, bubblegum and cherry cola, and creates a mistaken belief that they are not harmful to users. Studies show nearly 78% of high school students, and 75% of middle school students report being exposed to pro-tobacco marketing in 2016.
“The current outbreak of vaping-associated illnesses and the increasing number of young people using vape products and developing lifelong addictions are two serious public health crises,” said New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker.
Anyone experiencing symptoms who uses vape products should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Healthcare providers should report possible cases to the local poison control center (1-800-222-1222). If you are concerned at all with your vaping device or products or just want more information, call the NYSDOH’s Vaping Hotline at 1-888-364-3046.
Patients using vape products reported a variety of symptoms, developing over a period of days to weeks, including: pulmonary symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, chest pain); gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea); fatigue; fever; headache; and weight loss.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 September 2019 at 8:08 am
After a late summer cooling with highs in the 60s, the temperatures are forecast to be back in 80s today with a high of 81, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo. It will be partly sunny with a chance of showers today.
Wednesday is forecast to reach 83 with a chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Thursday also has a chance of showers with the high temperature at 70, followed by a high near 77 on Friday, and 76 on Saturday and Sunday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 September 2019 at 4:57 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: New York State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid praised the local officials for identifying projects to be considered for state funding.
KNOWLESVILLE – A commission looking at projects in Orleans and Niagara counties has finalized a list totaling about $60 million in the two counties, with about $30 million for both Orleans and Niagara.
The Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative Commission met today at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County to go over the final recommendations for projects. The list will now go to the full REDI Commission, which will divvy up $300 million in funding for eight counties in the state.
State Assemblyman Michael Norris, R-Lockport, thanked the state officials and members of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s team for making the $300 million available, and for pushing to include Orleans, Niagara and each of the eight counties on the southshore.
“It will make a significant impact on our southern shore in areas that haven’t been looked at in many decades,” Norris said at today’s meeting. “We’re very, very grateful. It will make a big difference for decades to come.”
The Commission worked with municipal and business officials at Lake Ontario communities to identify projects that would protect infrastructure, businesses, cultural assets and other important community sites.
The Oak Orchard Harbor is pictured on Aug. 29. Local officials want to ensure the harbor is regularly dredged of sediment.
The group from Niagara and Orleans picked about $30 million worth in each county. (A 15 percent local match will be required for each project.)
• Ernst’s Lake Breeze Marina in Carlton, $1,853,000
• Bald Eagle Marina in Kendall, $1,560,000
• Point Breeze and Oak Orchard Creek, boat launch in Carlton, $751,000
• Public town road ends, culverts in Kendall, $654,000
• Green Harbor Campground Marina in Carlton, $554,000
• Former Crawdaddy’s Marina in Carlton, $534,000
• Public water lines in Carlton on Lakeshore Park Road West, $235,000; and Lakeshore Park Road East, $385,000
• Thompson Drive in Kendall, $131,000
• Route 237 Right of Way in Kendall, $40,000
Niagara County
• Olcott Harbor and Wastewater Pump Stations Nos. 5 and 6 in Newfane, $15,707,000
• Wastewater Shared Services in Town of Newfane and Village of Wilson, $4,461,000
• Sunset Island – East and West Barriers in Wilson, $3,446,000
• Clark Island and Tuscarora Yacht Club in Wilson, $2,458,000
• Youngstown waterfront in Town of Porter and Village of Youngstown, $2,103,000
• Olcott Beach Berm in Newfane, $1,814,000
• Townline Pier in Village of Wilson, $1,430,000
• Private property/power plant (multiple use site) in Somerset, $1,334,000
• Lewiston Landing Whirlpool Jet Boats in Lewiston, $1,214,688
• Roosevelt Beach Boat Dock in Wilson, $125,000
• YMCA Camp Kenan in Somerset, $87,000
Multiple counties
• Regional dredging management council for several harbors on south shore, including Oak Orchard in Carlton, $5 million
• Promotion of state parks in several counties
The $300 million pot of REDI funding includes $20 million for homeowners affected by this year’s Lake Ontario flooding. They each can apply for up to $50,000 in state assistance to help offset damages to their primary residences. The homeowner application period will begin Oct. 1 and will close Oct. 31.
About 200 people attended a concert at the Yates Town Park by Lake Ontario in July 2014. The park is at the end of Morrison Road. A commission is suggesting $5,372,000 to protect the site from flooding and erosion.
Assemblyman Norris urged the state officials to expand the homeowner eligibility for people who live in the houses on a seasonal basis, and not just allow funding for primary residences.
“These people pay taxes and they need our help,” Norris said.
Orleans County Legislator Ken DeRoller said the group working on the projects tried to spread out the funding to include Orleans County. He was pleased to see the list today, which goes to the state next week for a final approval. The state in October is expected to announce the projects that will be funded.
The list addresses roads that are in danger of erosion and flooding from the higher lake levels. It will better fortify marinas and water-based businesses. The Eagle Creek Marina in Kendall, for example, wants to extend jetties and redirect water away from the marina.
The joint wastewater system for Kendall and Hamlin would be near the Cottages at Troutburg and would include residences near Countyline Road in the two towns that are in danger of losing septic fields due to erosion from the lake.
DeRoller was also pleased to see $5 million put in for dredging harbors for several counties, including Orleans. The REDI group also wants to better promote the Lake Ontario fishery. The group didn’t put a dollar amount on that effort.
Provided photos: The war memorial will be dedicated on Sept. 29 at 2 p.m.
KENDALL – Boy Scout Troop 94 in harmony with the Town of Kendall will be dedicating the Kendall War Memorial, a 4-phase Eagle Project honoring the armed forces of the United States, on Sunday, September 29, at 2 p.m.
The memorial is part of the Kendall Community Park on Kendall Road, across from the Kendall Elementary School.
The war memorial project is a joint effort by four Boy Scouts: Ryan Barrett, Jayden Pieniazek, Noah Rath and Brian Shaw, each working to become an Eagle Scout.
The 39-foot-long brick wall features granite plaques highlighting the American Revolution, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War and the War on Terror. Alternating the granite plaques are concrete medallions representing the five branches of the military.
Three flag poles stand tall behind the brick wall. The center American flag pole is 35 feet high, with two 30-foot flag poles representing the State of New York and Orleans County standing on either side. The memorial is respectfully lit from dusk to dawn.
Black granite engraved bricks border the memorial sidewalk in honor of veterans who are currently serving, who have served, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, or in appreciation of all veterans.
The centerpiece of the memorial is a black granite stone that previously stood in front of the Kendall Town Hall and was dedicated to Kendall residents who have served.
Four Boy Scouts each worked on a phase of the project as part of their work to become an Eagle Scout. Those scouts include, from left: Ryan Barrett, Noah Rath, Brian Shaw and Jayden Pieniaszek.
WILLIAMSVILLE – State Sen. Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, will be hosting a public forum to on Tuesday to explore the public health impacts of industrial wind turbines.
Experts in the fields of acoustics, audiology, and health will present information on the subject, and individuals with first-hand experience of living with these turbines in their communities will share their experiences on living with these industrial structures.
The forum will be from 4 to 6 p.m. at Erie County Community College North Campus, Gleaser Hall, 6205 Main St., Williamsville.
Panelists will include Ortt; Assemblyman Mike Norris, R-Lockport; Dan Stapleton, Niagara County Commissioner of Health; Jerry Punch, Ph.D., Audiologist; Rob Rand, Member of INCE (Institute of Noise Control Engineers), Gary Abraham, an attorney; and the Western New York Health Alliance.
Local officials want to know if kitten is part of litter with rabies
Courtesy of Orleans County Health Department: This map shows an area in Holley where people may have been in contact with a rabid kitten.
Press Release, Orleans County Health Department
This kitten with rabies was picked up in Holley on Sept. 2.
HOLLEY – The Orleans County Health Department is seeking help in finding anyone who came in contact with a 6-8 week old female, white and brown kitten in the Village of Holley in the area of West Albion Street, Woodside Court, West Avenue and Routier Street.
On the morning of Monday, September 2, Holley Animal Control was sent to pick up an injured kitten. The kitten had rabies and has died.
“We are looking to see if anyone may have handled the kitten and/or if it is from a litter of kittens that may have also been exposed to rabies,” stated Paul Pettit, Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. “The purpose in locating where the kitten was will help us know if anyone else or their pets may have been in contact with this animal. Rabies is transmitted from saliva or being bitten by an infected animal.”
It is important to make sure all pets are vaccinated against rabies as it is a deadly virus.
Orleans County will have the next free rabies immunization clinic on Saturday, October 12, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Orleans County Highway Building at 225 West Academy Street, Albion. As a reminder, do not touch wild or stray animals as they may have rabies and you most likely will not be able to tell the animal is sick.
Anyone with information on the kitten is asked to contact the Orleans County Health Department at 585-589-3278.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S.4166A/A.1801B) establishing September 11th Remembrance Day. The new law allows for a brief moment of silence in public schools across the state at the beginning of the school day every September 11th to encourage dialogue and education in the classroom, and to ensure future generations have an understanding of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks and their place in history. The law is effective immediately.
“9/11 was one of the single darkest periods in this state’s and this nation’s history, and we owe it to those we lost and to the countless heroes who ran toward danger that day and the days that followed to do everything we can to keep their memory alive,” Governor Cuomo said. “By establishing this annual day of remembrance and a brief moment of silence in public schools, we will help ensure we never forget — not just the pain of that moment but of the courage, sacrifice and outpouring of love that defined our response.”
Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., said, “I am grateful for Governor Cuomo’s approval of my 9/11 observance bill. I am hopeful that this new law will mean that the significance of the tragic events of September 11th, whether it be the loss of loved ones or the largest rescue operation our nation ever witnessed, will be forever acknowledged by school students too young to have witnessed this life-changing day.”
Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato said, “Students graduating from High School as part of the Class of 2019 were just newborns during the terrorists attacks of September 11, 2001, and soon enough there will be no students in the national public school system born at the time of 9/11. By mandating a brief moment of silent reflection every year, we may ensure that future generations will better understand this day and its significance in our history.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 September 2019 at 10:27 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Kyle Ruggeri speaks Saturday at State Street Park in medina about how his use of painkillers from football injuries led to his drug addiction.
Ruggeri, 31, played football for Webster Thomas and was the Section 5 Defensive MVP in 2005. He then played for two years at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania.
He sustained multiple concussions and had pain in his neck, when he started to abuse painkillers. He became addicted and used cocaine and heroin, and was in state prison for 3 ½ years after a crime spree that included burglaries.
He is now sober and speaks out about opioids and pain management.
“Recovery is so much better than addiction,” Ruggeri said Saturday at State Street Park at a “Recovery Day” organized by Orleans – Recovery Hope Begins Here.
Ruggeri said using drugs “is 30 seconds of pleasure followed by hours of misery.”
He urged people fighting addiction to reach out to many groups in the region that are their to help addicts or those in recovery.
“The programs work so well,” he said. “You can talk to other people who have been through it.”
Ruggeri said addiction is a community problem that needs everyone’s efforts, including parents and teachers.
“It’s up to us,” he said. “We can’t arrest or legislate our way out of it.”
Ruggeri runs the SoberDogs.com website to connect people to resources. He said his dog was a source of unconditional love that helped him in his recovery.
The band Midnight Cruisers performed at the event. Doug Gagne, left, and Neil Gagne are part of the band. Neil is the husband of Sue Gagne, coordinator of a community recovery center in Batavia for the Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.
Tami Ashton, one of the Orleans – Recovery Hope leaders, said the organization wanted the first-time event to help break the stigma of addiction.
“It’s a celebration of recovery because people work hard everyday in their recovery,” Ashton said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 September 2019 at 7:54 pm
Photo courtesy of Greg Reed
MEDINA – Children ham it up on the new sidewalk art in front of the Orleans County YMCA on Pearl Street in Medina.
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.
The funding was announced in July by KaBOOM! and the Built to Play initiative, which are supported by the Wilson Foundation. The Play Everywhere Challenge awarded a total of $1 million for 22 projects across Western New York and Southeast Michigan.
Photos by Tom Rivers
This photo is taking of the artwork looking towards the Y. The Y hired artist Jill Pettigrew to create 3-dimensional-looking designs on the sidewalks.
Some of the designs resemble obstacle courses, balance beam, swings and other scenes popular at playgrounds.
Greg Reed (pictured), YMCA director, said the organization wants to make the sidewalks and steps more inviting for children, especially about 25-30 kids who wait for the bus on school days.
“We want to make the YMCA a community hub and not just a fitness center,” he said.
Brandi Zavitz, a Holley art teacher and Y volunteer, painted the front steps in an aquatic and solar theme.
“The goal of the grant is to take ordinary spaces and bring play and social interaction into life,” Reed said.
The artists started work on the project about three weeks ago and have more to do, including on the crosswalk on Pearl Street. Reed said the Y needs a permit from the village to paint the crosswalk.
The front steps have been repainted in a colorful way to also include the Y logo.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 September 2019 at 5:45 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – This 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner Superbird is owned by George Rockman of Holley. It was one of 104 vehicles at a car show Saturday at Bullard Park to benefit Hospice of Orleans.
The turnout was the most since Becky Karls starting organizing the event in 2013. Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes is the main sponsor for the car show.
Karls said she expected the event will net $3,500 for Hospice.
Ed Doran of Medina is pictured with a 1968 Chevy Pickup that he has painted and decorated as a tribute to the 343 firefighters who were killed during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Doran used to be a firefighter for Medina, Shelby and East Shelby. Mark Weld, an Middleport artist, did the artwork on the truck.
Ed Doran holds a flag made of empty bullet shells. His truck won the award at the car show for “Best Looking Under the Hood.” There were 22 awards given out at the car show with the participants picking the winners.
The Masonic Lodge cooked hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage, French fries and sold beverages. The organization donated the proceeds, $757, to Hospice. This group includes, from left: Glen Busch of the Masons, Josh Mitchell of Christopher Mitchell, Mike Gillette of the Masons, Becky Karls, and Tim McGee of the Masons.
This 1934 hearse owned by Scott Schmidt won the award for best vehicle from the 1920s to 1940s.
Josh Mitchell announces the winners at the car show.
There were two new memorial awards at the car show. Sherri Carter, right, presented the Clayton Carter Memorial in honor of her father to John Magnum, owner of a 1923 Model T.
Louise Mana presented an award in memory of her husband, Mario Mana, to Sam Sanfilippo, owner of a 1931 Hudson Essex.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 8 September 2019 at 9:24 am
Medina/Lyndonville faces a pair of key early season Niagara-Orleans League boys soccer contests this week as the Mustangs visit Newfane on Monday and host Roy-Hart Wednesday.
In N-O girls soccer, Albion faces a key meeting at Wilson on Thursday.
The Kendall girls soccer team faces a busy week with games at Alexander on Monday, at Pembroke on Wednesday and home against Attica on Friday.
Weekly Schedule Monday Boys Soccer: Medina/Lyndonville at Newfane, 4:45 p.m. Girls Soccer: Roy-Hart at Barker, Wilson at Akron, Kendall at Alexander, 4:30 p.m.; Lyndonville/Medina at Holley, 6:30 p.m.; Newfane at Albion, 6:45 p.m. Field Hockey: Roy-Hart at Sacred Heart, 4:45 p.m. Golf: Barker at Medina, Albion at Akron, Wilson at Newfane, 4 p.m. Volleyball: Kendall at Wheatland-Chili, Lyndonville at Oakfield-Alabama, Byron-Bergen at Holley, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday Boys Soccer: Byron-Bergen at Kendall, Holley at Perry, 6:30 p.m. Field Hockey: Barker at Wilson, Kenmore at Akron, 4:45 p.m.; Newfane at Medina, 7 p.m. Golf: Wilson at Albion, 4 p.m. Volleyball: Akron at Albion, Newfane at Medina, Roy-Hart at Wilson, 6 p.m.
Wednesday Boys Soccer: Albion at Newfane, Wilson at Akron, 4:30 p.m.; Roy-Hart at Medina/Lyndonville, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer: Kendall at Pembroke, Lyndonville/Medina at Wheatland-Chili, 6:30 p.m. Field Hockey: Roy-Hart at Buffalo Seminary, 4:45 p.m. Golf: Newfane at Barker, Roy-Hart at Albion, Akron at Medina, 4:30 p.m. Volleyball: Alexander at Kendall, Holley at Attica, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday Boys Soccer: Holley at Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m. Girls Soccer: Albion at Wilson, Barker at Akron, 4:30 p.m.; Newfane at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m. Field Hockey: Akron at Barker, Roy-Hart at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.; Medina at Kenmore, 7 p.m. Volleyball: Albion at Newfane, Roy-Hart at Medina, Wilson at Akron, 6 p.m.
Friday Football: Springville at Albion, Iroquois at Medina/Lyndonville/Barker, Cleve Hill at Roy-Hart, 7 p.m. Boys Soccer: Medina/Lyndonville at Rochester Academy, 5 p.m. Girls Soccer: Holley at Notre Dame, Lyndonville/Medina vs. Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, 4:30 p.m.; Attica at Kendall, 6:30 p.m. Golf: Barker at Akron, Medina at Roy-Hart ,4 p.m. Volleyball: Holley at Rochester Academy, 4:30 p.m.; Lyndonville at Kendall, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday Boys Soccer: Kendall at Albion, 1 p.m.; Perry at Holley, 6:30 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 September 2019 at 8:28 am
‘Let this statue serve as a representative for the boys who fought for the freedom and liberties for us and future generations. And let it be a symbol of peace.’ – Lynne Menz
MEDINA – A bronze statue, made to represent the young men who trained in Medina and then went off to war, was dedicated on Saturday, culminating a 13-year effort to create a monument for local residents who trained to be soldiers at the site.
The Armory opened in 1901. In 1977, it was closed by the National Guard.
Agnes Pescara of Rochester takes a picture of the names of World War II veterans who trained at the Armory, including her father, Garry Pescara. Her brother Gerry Pescara of Albion would later serve in Vietnam.
“I think it’s absolutely amazing,” she said about the monument. “I will always be proud of my father and brother for what they did.”
The names of 550 soldiers are on the monument. They trained at the site and served in the Spanish-American War, the Mexican Border Incursion in 1916, World War I, World War II, and the Cold War from 1947 to 1977.
Local veterans Glenn Whitmore, left, and Dan Anderson raise the American flag. The monument includes three flag poles. The New York State flag and POW/MIA flag also are usually displayed.
Lynne Menz thanks the many supporters of the project. Her late father, Bill Menz, had the vision for the monument and pushed to get it done.
Families look over the monument on Pearl Street in Medina following an hour-long dedication ceremony on Saturday.
The late Bill Menz pushed to create the monument and statue. He trained at the building in 1953, when he joined Company C of the 174th Armored Infantry. He was promoted to corporal before transferring to active duty in 1956 to the US Army National Guard. He would come back to Medina and work about 40 years in construction as a plasterer/mason.
When the Armory closed, Menz was on the committee that helped it find a new use as a YMCA. Menz, who died at age 86 on July 16, 2018, wanted the community to know the building’s historical role in preparing soldiers to fight on behalf of the country.
He teamed with his friend John Fuller to create a sandstone monument in front of the Y that listed 550 soldiers who trained at the Armory and were then deployed in wars. Menz and Fuller cut the stone and built the monument.
But it wasn’t done. Menz wanted a bronze statue of a soldier on top. He pushed for nearly a decade to raise the $65,000 for the statue. He was able to see it in pieces at the foundry before his death.
Lynne Menz pushed the project following her father’s death, working out the details to have the statue moved from the foundry to Medina and then be installed atop the monument. She also had the statue in Medina’s Parade of Lights for its public debut on Nov. 24 last year. The 7-foot-high statue then spent the winter inside the YMCA.
On April 17, it was installed atop the monument. It was officially dedicated on Saturday to help kick off the fourth annual Orleans County Heritage Festival, which continues until Sept. 15.
“Let this statue serve as a representative for the boys who fought for the freedom and liberties for us and future generations,” Lynne Menz said. “And let it be a symbol of peace.”
Charlie Nesbitt, a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War and later a state assemblyman, said the statue and memorial will tell the story to future generations of the Armory’s role in training soldiers.
He praised the late Bill Menz for not wanting the building’s original purpose to be lost to the community, to honor the sacrifice of the young men who served from the local small towns.
“On this day we honor those who came before us and the vision of Bill Menz and the committee,” Nesbitt said.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley said the statue stands strong and resilient like the soldiers who trained at the Armory. He praised the 13-year effort from volunteers to make the monument a reality.
A Patriot Guard Rider holds an American flag during the ceremony.
Cathy Fox, secretary of Company F Memorial Committee, would later become the group’s co-chairwoman. Fox’s father Robert Raymondjack and grandfather, Vincent Raymondjack, are listed on the monument among the names of 550 soldiers.
Cathy Fox said Bill Menz made the project a mission.
“This monument wouldn’t be here without the passion, insight, perseverance, dedication and hard work of one man: the chairperson of the Company F Memorial Committee, Bill Menz.”
Fox said 12 of the men listed on the monument were killed in action.
Since the bronze statue was put in place in April, some of the additional work at the monument included five Medina sandstone benches, including this one with the flowers on top. The benches were made by Jordan Rath, a mason in Medina.
The five benches by the monument will have plaques to recognize the contributors to the project.
There will be bronze plaques on each bench.
One plaque will be for Bill Menz: “In honor of William A. Menz for his dedication to preserving our military history.”
Another plaque will note Carl Petronio, a member of the National Guard, who made a large donation early in the fundraising process that gave the effort strong momentum.
Medina VFW Post 1483 will be recognized for a $10,000 donation to the project.
Bob Waters, original member of the Armory Action Committee and Medina Sandstone Society, also was a key supporter of the project and to finding a new use for the Armory.
“Bob Waters had pride in this community beyond measure,” Lynne Menz said. “His support for assembling a team of leaders to preserve the Medina Armory and make it into a community center for generations to enjoy is a benefit to us all.” Talis Equity donated anonymously in honor of Waters.
Another plaque will be in honor of all the contributors at large from the community.
“This community has an incredibly generous spirit so we are acknowledging all contributors that supported the creation of this monument,” Menz said. “It took a village and you came through.”
Cathy Fox holds a “Contributors’ List” that will be displayed inside the YMCA in the very near future.
Brian Porter of Pendleton created the bronze statue and was recognized with a “uniform,” a white sweatshirt with an image of the monument. Bill Menz wore a sweatshirt with the monument for several years. Porter gets an updated version of the sweatshirt, showing the monument with the statue on top.
The statue weighs 1,400 pounds.
Local dignitaries observe the playing of “Taps.” The group includes Medina Mayor Mike Sidari, Medina Sandstone Society President David Miller, former State Assemblyman Charles Nesbitt, State Assemblyman Steve Hawley and County Legislator Don Allport.
Jim Freas served as master of ceremonies of the dedication and gave the welcome message.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 September 2019 at 5:43 pm
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state Department of Health today urged people to temporarily stop using vaping products after hundreds of people were recently diagnosed with a severe and puzzling lung disease linked to electronic cigarettes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday said the number of vaping-related illnesses is up to at least 450 cases in 33 states.
The CDC recommended that people avoid vaping devices while investigators try to find out what is causing the illnesses.
“There is an investigation ongoing,” Cuomo said today. “Nobody knows exactly what it is. Our health guidance is no one should be using vaping products period until we know what it is.”
Dr. Howard Zucker, commissioner of the state Department of Health, issued this statement about vaping-associated illnesses:
“Heeding the warnings from CDC and at the direction of Governor Cuomo, today I am urging New Yorkers to stop using vape products while the investigation into the definitive cause of reported vaping-associated illnesses nationwide can be better determined. The Wadsworth Center, New York State’s public health laboratory, is diligently testing both cannabis and nicotine-containing vape products received from people experiencing serious lung-related illnesses.
“Rigorous testing also continues on all vape products currently authorized in the state’s highly regulated Medical Marijuana Program. There have been no adverse events related to vaping among certified patients in this program since this investigation began. However, out of an abundance of caution, we are also urging patients in the medical marijuana program to consult with their health care providers on potential alternatives to vaping products while the investigation continues. For additional information, patients can also contact the state’s Medical Marijuana Program at 844-863-9312.”
ALBION – The Board of Education has mixed views on the school district having an official Facebook page to share news and information about the district.
