Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today hosted the first meeting of community leaders and the Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative, or REDI, commission where he announced up to $300 million in funding available for communities impacted by Lake Ontario flooding.
Local governments will match 15 percent for every dollar the state spends. The Governor, the commission and more than 250 state and local officials from communities along the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River shorelines gathered in Rochester to develop plans to reduce risk to infrastructure along the lake’s waterfront while strengthening the region’s local economies, which are heavily dependent on summer tourism. These areas have been devastated by flooding due to the lake’s historic high-water levels twice, first in 2017 and again this year. In both cases, this flooding has caused widespread shoreline erosion, damaged coastline structures and jeopardized infrastructure. Additionally, the Governor deployed an additional 100 National Guard for sandbagging missions in the Lake Ontario communities.
“We have a major challenge ahead of us,” Cuomo said. “This situation with Lake Ontario is not a once in a lifetime event, and the question is now not if it happens again, but when it happens again.
“The REDI Commission is going to be taking unprecedented action. It’s going to take total partnership. It’s going to take creativity. It’s going to take everyone working together. It’s going to take us pushing the envelope. It’s going to take significant resources. And I want you to know that in this unprecedented effort, the State of New York is behind the Lake Ontario communities and we’re going to commit up to $300 million to do the kind of resiliency and economic development work that we have to do.”
Since the previous record flooding of spring 2017, the State has committed more than $100 million to rebuild communities along the Lake Ontario shoreline that were devastated by flooding in 2017, only to again experience record high water levels and flooding in those same communities this year. The approach developed by the REDI task force and any subsequent investments resulting from its recommendations will take into account the new reality facing these communities.
“We are launching a bold effort to protect homes, businesses, and people’s livelihoods along the Lake Ontario shoreline by using the power of government and working in partnership with local communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who spoke at today’s announcement. “We have a responsibility to be stewards of the lake and ensure we build back stronger and smarter for the future.”
The commission has been touring and examining areas hard hit by flooding on Lake Ontario, including areas that were impacted by severe flooding in 2017. With input and proposals from local leaders the task force will develop a package of new actions – ranging from legislative changes to aid packages to executive actions – that will not just rebuild the shoreline, but improve resiliency to withstand whatever Mother Nature has in store in the future.
At today’s meeting, local governments began to outline their infrastructure and economic development priorities to state officials who will award funding to projects identified by the REDI commission. Local governments have until Labor Day to submit their projects for consideration.
The Governor also announced the launch of a new website to help local leaders and members of the community experiencing flooding seek immediate help from the state. The website serves as a one-stop shop to connect New Yorkers living along the shores of Lake Ontario with the information they need to withstand rising waters. On the site, residents can obtain information ranging from how to request resources to lake level data to permitting and grant information. As the situation progresses, the site will be updated with additional resources that may be useful.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “The REDI Commission will make strategic recommendations in partnership with local stakeholders, creating economic development opportunities while rebuilding more resilient communities in the face of this new environmental reality.”
Basil Seggos, Commissioner of New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation said, “The increase in intense and frequent storms and the ongoing issues created by a changing climate continue to challenge those of us who love the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence region and want to see it thrive. That is why Governor Cuomo directed DEC and other members of REDI to prioritize the protection of our coastal communities and their infrastructure by developing a comprehensive agenda to improve shoreline resiliency.”
Dr. Gerrard P. Bushell, President & CEO of DASNY said, “DASNY is proud to contribute to Governor Cuomo’s REDI initiative and stands ready to assist the local communities impacted by rising water levels along Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River. By helping these regions build back stronger and smarter, we will make certain they can meet their future emergency needs and ensure long-term economic success.”
Michael Kopy, the Governor’s Director of Emergency Operations said, “Sadly, we need to start looking at this flooding as the new normal and an ongoing problem until those responsible for managing water levels start doing a better job, and Mother Nature decides to cut us a break. With the Governor’s establishment of this REDI Commission, we will now able to look at implementing long term solutions that will only bolster the effectiveness of our short-term emergency management operations the next time this happens.”
(Editor’s Note: David Bellavia is a Lyndonville graduate who currently lives in Waterport. He works as a radio show host for WBEN in Buffalo. He also is the author of House to House: An Epic Memoir of War.)
Press Release, White House
David Bellavia
On Tuesday, June 25, 2019, President Donald J. Trump will award the Medal of Honor to David G. Bellavia for conspicuous gallantry while serving as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army.
Then-Staff Sergeant David G. Bellavia will receive the Medal of Honor for his actions on November 10, 2004, while serving as a squad leader in support of Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq. Then-Staff Sergeant Bellavia was clearing a block of houses when his platoon became pinned down. He quickly exchanged an M16 rifle for an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, entered the house where his squad was trapped, and engaged insurgents, providing cover fire so that he and his fellow soldiers could exit safely.
A Bradley Fighting Vehicle arrived to help suppress the enemy, but it could not fire directly into the house. Then-Staff Sergeant Bellavia re-entered the house, armed with an M16, and assaulted insurgents who were firing rocket-propelled grenades. He proceeded to kill one insurgent and wound another, who then ran to another part of the house.
Then-Staff Sergeant Bellavia was soon engaged by another insurgent rushing down the stairs when the previously wounded insurgent reemerged to engage him as well. Then-Staff Sergeant Bellavia returned fire, killing both attackers. He then took enemy fire from an insurgent who had appeared from a closet across the room. He pursued him up the stairs and killed him. Soon thereafter, he moved to the roof where he engaged and wounded a fifth insurgent, who fell from the roof of the building.
That remarkable day, then-Staff Sergeant Bellavia rescued an entire squad, cleared an insurgent strongpoint, and saved many members of his platoon from imminent threat.
PERSONAL BACKGROUND:
David Bellavia enlisted in the United States Army in 1999. After previously serving in Kosovo, he deployed to Iraq in 2004 with Company A, Task Force 2-2, 1st Infantry Division. He was released from duty on August 16, 2005. David now has his own daily radio talk show for WBEN in Buffalo, New York. He continues to serve the military and veteran communities through a number of philanthropic organizations.
THE MEDAL OF HONOR:
The Medal of Honor is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their own lives above and beyond the call of duty while:
• engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
• engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
• serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
The meritorious conduct must involve great personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his or her comrades and must have involved risk of life. There must be incontestable proof of the performance of the meritorious conduct, and each recommendation for the award must be considered on the standard of extraordinary merit.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Fireworks go off in Holley near the canal and lift bridge last June 3, 2018 when the village capped its annual June Fest celebration.
ALBANY – The members of a task force established to reimagine the Erie Canal were announced on Friday. The panel will make sweeping recommendations to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the Board of Trustees of the New York State Canal Corporation as to how this historic waterway can be used to address resilience challenges and leverage economic development and recreational opportunities along its 363-mile route.
The task force will lead the Reimagine the Canals initiative announced last month by Governor Cuomo, who is seeking new opportunities for the 195-year-old waterway, which helped transform New York from an agrarian state to an industrial powerhouse, to directly benefit the communities it travels through. It is expected the panel will develop a set of strategic recommendations for the canal system to be presented to the Governor.
“This is a unique opportunity to improve upon one of New York’s most valuable assets,” said Joanie Mahoney, chair of the task force. “With the experts we have to serve on the task force, I know the future of the Erie Canal is in very good hands.”
The task force will focus on several areas affecting the Erie Canal, including:
• Potential new uses to improve the quality of life for New Yorkers
• How the Canal can support and enhance economic development
• New opportunities to enhance recreation and tourism
• Ways the Canal can mitigate impacts from flooding and ice jams, improve resiliency and restore ecosystems in canal communities
• Opportunities to use Canal infrastructure to expand irrigation for Western New York farms
In addition to serving as task force chair, Mahoney, New York State Thruway Authority chair and former Onondaga County Executive, will serve as regional lead for the central region. Former Lieutenant Governor Bob Duffy will be regional lead for the Western region, while former Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens will be regional lead for the Mohawk Valley.
The task force is slated to hold its first meeting later this month. Several public meetings, to be held across the state this summer, will be announced soon. The task force is expected to present its recommendations to Governor Cuomo by the end of the year.
John Robinson, a member of the new canal task force, is pictured on June 30, 2015 on his third ride along the Erie Canal, going 363 miles from Buffalo to Albany. He is pictured with his wife Andrea. They are close to the Main Street lift bridge in Albion. Robinson used an adaptive-use bicycle to make the trip on the towpath. He runs a business, Our Ability, which promotes inclusivity in the workplace for people with disabilities in the workplace.
The task force members are drawn from a variety of fields with active stakes in the canal’s future, including maritime recreation, tourism, agriculture, historic preservation, resilience and environmental conservation. They are:
• Michael Arcuri, Arcuri Ward Law, Utica
• Leslie Becraft-Corrigan, General Manager, Winter Harbor Marina, Brewerton
• Andy Beers, Director, Empire State Trail/Hudson River Valley Greenway
• David Buicko, President & CEO, Galesi Group
• John Courain, Operations Director, Genesee Waterways Center
• Marie Cramer, Canal New York
• Maureen Doyle, President, Central NY Waterways
• Robin Dropkin, Executive Director, Parks and Trails New York
• John Garver, Professor, Geology, Union College
• Stuart Gruskin, Chief Conservation and External Affairs Officer, the Nature Conservancy
• Chris Lajewski, National Audubon Society
• Ross Levi, Executive Director of Tourism, Empire State Development (I Love NY)
• Cornelius Murphy, Professor, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
• Bill Nechamen, Executive Director, NYS Floodplain and Stormwater Managers Association
• Derrick Pratt, Program Director, Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum
• Bob Radliff, Executive Director, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
• John Robinson, CEO, Our Ability
• Bruce Van Hise, Executive Director, Corn Hill Waterfront & Navigation Foundation
• Jeff Williams, Public Policy Director, New York Farm Bureau
Ex-Officio Members
• Richard Ball, NYS Agriculture and Markets Commissioner
• Eric Kulleseid, NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner
• Rossana Rosado, NYS Secretary of State
• Basil Seggos, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner
• Brian Stratton, NYS Canal Corporation Director
• Howard Zemsky, Empire State Development President and CEO
Helping guide the task force will be the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government, a part of the State University of New York. It will oversee the series of public meetings across the canal region, where residents, business owners, municipal leaders and other stakeholders can offer their ideas and insights about the Canal’s future.
MIDDLEPORT – The FMC Corporation announced that, as a follow up to an earlier-disclosed agreement in principle, it has entered into a new Order on Consent and Administrative Settlement with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).
This document is the framework for activities related to the remediation of on-site and off-site areas impacted by historical operations at the company’s site in Middleport and to resolve other issues at the site. The Order on Consent was also approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
The settlement is consistent with FMC’s financial commitments previously reported in the Company’s 2018 Form 10-K filing. Under the new Order, NYSDEC will continue to undertake environmental remedial work through the 2020 construction season, with FMC taking over the remediation work after 2020.
“FMC employees have lived and worked in the Middleport area community for decades,” said Roberta Kloda, FMC Middleport plant manager. “All parties involved are working together with the same goal in mind – to continue protecting human health and the environment while maintaining safe operations at the facility.”
Residents who have questions can contact Jessica Heideman, FMC’s Community Liaison, at 716-735-9769 or visit her at the FMC Community Office at 8 S. Vernon Street in Middleport. Walk-in hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Other times are available by appointment. Special evening hours will also be available to area residents over the next few weeks.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 June 2019 at 7:49 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Heather Hapeman of Dance Reflections by Miss Heather joins her students on a float on Saturday during the Albion Strawberry Festival parade.
There were big crowds for the parade and for many of the events at the annual festival.
“The weather on Friday and Saturday was perfect,” said Don Bishop, chairman of the festival committee.
The festival is sponsored by the Albion Rotary Club. Many community volunteers put on the annual event, now in its 33rd year.
Matt Hollenbeck and Kyle Webb work the grill for the Masons on Saturday. The local service organizations pay $100 for a spot at the food court while out-of-county vendors are charged $200. That price is less than many other festivals, Bishop said.
The festival this year had more food vendors. The three food trucks were the most in the festival’s history, and there were several other food vendors, including one who made pizza in a wood-fired oven.
Bishop said the vendors like that the festival is reasonably priced and there are big crowds.
The trout pond returned to the festival this year. It took a break last year after being in Albion for three years. It cost $1 to fish. Many kids also stopped by to look at the brook trout.
On Saturday evening, the 200 trout were taken to the Archer’s Club in Carlton and released into the Oak Orchard Creek.
There were four venues for musicians including the west tent on East Bank Street, where The Who Dats closed out the festival on Saturday evening. The band on Saturday included guest bass guitar player Alona Kuhns, lead singer Lonnie Froman, John Borello on guitar, Ed Hilfiker on guitar, and drummer Aaron Robinson.
Calvin Kemler, 4, rides a scooter down the East Bank Street sidewalk in the food court with his father Kevin Kemler behind him. Calvin was dressed as a police officer.
The food court had more vendors at this year’s festival. There also were 82 craft vendors by the courthouse. June Persia works with the craft vendors. Most of them told her they were busy, especially on Saturday.
“The weather was great,” Persia said. “They were very happy.”
The Albion Betterment Committee had Santa and Mrs. Claus on a sleigh for this float, which included Christmas trees. The Betterment Committee was celebrating Albion’s distinction as home to a Santa Claus School from 1937 to 1966. That school was run by the late Charles Howard.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 June 2019 at 7:12 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Linda Spierdowis puts the Eagle Scout neckerchief and neckerchief slide on her grandson, Colburn “Cole” Spierdowis, during his Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony this afternoon at the Holy Family Parish’s Lyceum.
Cole, 15, earned the highest rank in Scouts. He has been in the program for a decade, joining as a Tiger Scout in 2009.
Cole is joined by other Eagle Scouts at today’s Court of Honor, including Congressman Chris Collins. They are doing the Scout sign.
Cole has earned 31 merit badges as a Boy Scout. He led Scouts in sanding and painting a classroom at the Lyceum for his Eagle Scout project. Cole said he wanted to do a project at the Lyceum because that is where the Scouts hold many of their meetings and the Holy Family Parish sponsors Troop 164.
Sue Flanagan (left), the assistant scout master, said a supportive family is critical for a Scout to succeed. Cole is joined by his mother Karen Spierdowis and grandmother Linda Spierdowis.
Cole is sophomore at Albion High School. He said he has enjoyed the camping trips and working on his merit badges.
He presented mentor pins to Eric Brown and Michael Grabowski, two adult leaders in the troop who have offered Cole lots of encouragement and support.
Congressman Chris Collins attended the ceremony and presented Cole with a flag that has flown on the U.S. Capitol. Collins also gave Cole an official congressional commendation and one of Collins’ challenge coins that include the Cub Scout motto of “Do your best” and the Boy Scout motto of “Be prepared.”
Collins is also an Eagle Scut and a former assistant Scoutmaster. He also served on the Executive Board of the Greater Niagara Frontier Council and was chairman of the GNFC National Jamboree as well as the World Jamboree for 2007.
He said Scouts develops leaders and teaches responsibility. He praised Cole for earning the Eagle and getting it well before he was 18.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley also attended the Court of Honor and presented Cole with a commendation from the Assembly.
Greg Dugan, local leader of the Knights of Columbus, also presented Cole with a citation.
Cole said he plans to stay active in the troop and help other Scouts work on completing merit badges.
“I’ve made a lot of friends and it’s a ton of fun,” Cole said about Scouting.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 June 2019 at 3:56 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – William Oliver, 6, nips “The Strawberry,” who was Dan Heil of Medina. William finished the 5K in 30:23.
Heil, 19, won the 5K at the Albion Strawberry Festival from 2015-17. He now runs cross country and track for Brockport State College. Heil gave everyone a 10-minute head start on Saturday.
For the past decade, organizers of the race have had someone wear a strawberry costume. Runners who beat the strawberry get a special treat. This year it was an ice cream sundae from Lugia’s Ice Cream on Wheels, one of the food vendors at the festival.
This group of runners nears the finish line on East State Street in Albion, right in front of the County Courthouse. There were 229 participants in the race, which is now in its 29th year.
Lindon Morici of Albion was the first female finisher in a time of 20:40, while Stefan Davies won the men’s race in a time of 17:39, a second ahead of last year’s winner, Alden Cayea of Medina.
Amy Konopka won the women’s 8k in a time of 34:59, while Alfredo Longo was the first man to finish with a time of 32:09.
The 5k/8k wasn’t the only race at the festival. On Saturday afternoon, several hundred rubber turtles were dumped into the canal for the annual Amazing Turtle Race. The top photo shows the turtles getting ready to be dropped into the Erie Canal.
Michael Bonnewell, Albion school district superintendent, and Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower dumped one of the totes of turtles. Monica Thomas, the festival princess, also helped send those turtles into the water.
The Turtle (Jessy Cruz in costume) also tipped one of the totes and Jarred Saj, right, did the other. Saj was the top ticket seller with 134.
The turtles head east on the canal. The tickets were $5 each or 5 for $20. The race is a fundraiser for the festival, which is sponsored by the Albion Rotary Club with many other supporters in the community.
Dan Capurso retrieves the winning turtle. Don Bishop, chairman of the festival committee, is in back in the other kayak.
The race includes $1,000 in prizes, including $500 to the grand prize winner, who was Jessica Downey. Other prize winners include Mike Hall, second place, $300; Barb Dawson, third place, $100; Steve Hawley, fourth place, $50; and Dan Thurber, fifth place, $50.
Colin Coyle helps collect some of the turtles.
Colin Coyle and his father, Joe Coyle, keep an eye on the turtles.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 June 2019 at 8:01 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – There were lots of festive characters and happy faces during the 33rdannual Albion Strawberry Festival parade on Saturday.
Sheryl Watts, owner and artistic designer of Air Raising Events, made a strawberry costume out of balloons.
Barbara Monaghan of Albion covers her son Owen’s ears when some noisy fire trucks went by.
The Rochester Scottish Pipes & Drums march down Main Street.
Matthew Bloom walks a Dalmatian in the parade. His father Nathan is a member of the Albion Fire Department. Matthew’s mother Chrissy Beach pushes his twin siblings, who aren’t enjoying the loud noises at the parade.
Jim Hollinger carries the American flag while joining others veterans in the parade.
Teresa Gaylard, children’s library director at Hoag Library, led her co-workers in a dance routine with library book carts. They are promoting the upcoming summer reading program from June 22 to Aug. 15. This year’s theme is “A Universe of Stories.”
Peyton Robinson plays the saxophone in the Albion marching band.
Melissa Barnosky, the Strawberry Festival queen, waves to the crowd. Monica Thomas is the festival princess. Other festival royalty includes Ryan Krenning as king and Hunter Zambito as prince.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley serves as emcee the Strawberry Festival parade on Saturday. Mayor Eileen Banker, Hawley’s chief of staff, helps Hawley follow the order of about 75 different parade groups and organizations. June Persia is at left, and village trustees Pete Sidari and Stan Farone are at right.
A Strawberry Shortcake character waves to the crowd during the parade. The character was among several people in costume from Enchanted Princess Parties of Rochester.
Colton Chappius, owner of Chappius Construction, stops during the parade to give his dog a sip of water.
The Hitman Brass Band in Rochester perform during the 33rd annual Strawberry Festival.
Kolton Barry, 5, gets back in line with his team after throwing candy on the parade route. He is a member of the Hard Hitters youth baseball team.
Members of the band Zero promote the upcoming Albion Summer Festival featuring Rock the Park 6. Severals bands will perform at Bullard Park on Aug. 3. The Zero band includes Mike Whiting (filling in at guitar for the parade at right), Dylan DeSmit (left), Zack Burgess and Alex DeSmit on drums.
Haley O’Dell carries the flag in leading the Mark Time Marchers down Main Street in the parade.
Jessy Cruz checks his phone before getting the full costume on as The Turtle. Albion High School served as a staging area for many of the parade participants.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 8 June 2019 at 6:28 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina players hoist the championship plaque high after downing LeRoy 10-2 for the Far West Regional title this afternoon at Lockport.
Back-to-back big scoring innings powered Medina to a 10-2 victory over LeRoy in the Class B Far West Regional this afternoon at Lockport.
The victory propels the Mustangs into the state semifinals at 2 p.m. next Friday afternoon at Binghamton against Schuylerville which blanked Ogdensburg 4-0 this afternoon to win the Capital Region.
Trevor Luthart delivers a pitch for the Mustangs.
“It’s pretty exciting, Trevor pitched well, we played good defense and everyone hit the ball pretty well,” said AJ Seefledt who banged out 3 hits and drove in 4 runs to help lead the Medina attack which also got 2 hits each from Brian Fry, Chris Goyette and winning pitcher Trevor Luthart.
“All the hard work paid off but we’re not done. We’ve got two to go,” said Luthart who went the distance on the mound scattering 6 hits, striking out 7 and didn’t issue a walk.
“Trevor does what he does. He puts the ball in play and he throws strikes,” said Coach Jon Sherman.
Breaking away from a 1-1 deadlock, Medina moved on top to stay by scoring four times in the bottom of the third inning on two-run singles by Seefeldt and Luthart. Singles by Corey Saj and Fry and a walk to Nate Sherman loaded the bases to set up the opportunity.
Keeping the momentum, the Mustangs quickly boosted their advantage to 10-1 by erupting for five runs in the fourth frame on a two-run single by Goyette, RBI singles by Seefeldt and Fike and a double steal play.
Chris Goyette bangs out a two-run single for Medina.
The Mustangs also got off to a quick start scoring a run in the bottom of the first as Fry led off with a double, advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Nate Sherman and came home on an RBI single by Seefeldt.
However, LeRoy pulled even in the top of the third on a bases loaded single by Reece Tresco.
That set the stage for the defensive play of the game as with the bases still loaded the Mustangs turned a clutch inning ending double play from Goyette at third to Seefeldt at second to Fike at first.”
“That was huge,” said Sherman of the play,” That was a really nice turn.”
Bolstered by that big defensive play, the Mustangs offense then took control by answering right back with the decisive four and five run scoring bursts in the third and fourth innings
“We knew we could do that,” said Sherman.”These kids have been in big games like this since they were nine.”
LeRoy’s only other run came in the sixth inning as Luthart retired the side in order in the fourth and fifth frames and faced only four batters in the seventh as Fry at shortstop got the final out with a nifty diving stop and flip to Seefeldt to get the force out at second.
Medina advanced to the regional by defeating Roy-Hart 15-4 for the Section VI Class B crown while LeRoy trimmed Batavia 5-3 for the Section V title.
The Mustangs will take a school record 21-2 season mark into the state semis.
Medina shortstop Brian Fry flips the ball to second baseman AJ Seefeldt for the final out.
Medina’s Ricky Pitts dives into home as LeRoy catcher Ryan Friend waits to make the tag.
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Carlton Highway Department uses a payloader to cross a washed out road from the high Lake Ontario waters. This photo is from June 1 when the town moved pallets of sandbags to helped three houses that no longer could reach their homes by car.
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today issued a letter to the International Joint Commission demanding immediate action in response to Lake Ontario flooding.
The full text of the letter is available below:
Dear Chairpersons Corwin and Phare:
For the second time in three years, many communities and businesses along the Lake Ontario Shoreline are experiencing flooding because of record-high water levels. As a result, New York State has responded, committing over $100 million in funds to repair shoreline properties in 2017, and spending tens of millions more to respond to flooding this year. The International Joint Commission (IJC) has no excuse for its failure to prepare for adequately managing the high-water levels Lake Ontario has experienced and continues to experience this year. The IJC was put on notice in 2017 when the Lake set high-water level records and should have been aware of the present danger from the massive snowpack and likelihood of continued rains into the spring of this year. Yet, rather than acting, the IJC continued the status quo, resulting in more flooding and more property damage in New York. We demand that the IJC make New York whole for its millions in unreimbursed expenditures, and that the IJC modify its water management and planning to reduce the flooding and damage being done to New York’s shoreline communities.
The current devastation and the ongoing threat to the citizens and businesses of New York caused by Lake Ontario flooding must be remedied. Senator Ortt has raised the possibility of legal action, which he suggested in a letter to the state Attorney General. With water levels in Lake Ontario now exceeding the historic high levels of 2017, immediate action must be taken to deter flooding in the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River system.
In 1909, the United States and Great Britain, acting on behalf of Canada, entered into the Boundary Water Treaty to enable both nations, and their respective citizens and component jurisdictions, to make beneficial use of boundary waters consistent with the rights and interests of all public and private riparian owners. The Treaty expressly provides that domestic and sanitary uses are to be given preference over navigation and power uses. The Treaty also provides that construction of any dam or obstruction requires the protection and indemnity against injury of all interest on either side of the Boundary.
Throughout its history, the IJC has struggled to balance the competing needs of all beneficiaries. In the early 1950s, for example, the IJC’s management of Lake Ontario caused substantial flooding damage to New York residents, who responded with strong protests and litigation. In part as a result, the IJC removed the Gut Dam and lowered maximum water levels by some three feet. The IJC also issued a new Supplementary Order of Approval in 1956, which remained in effect for more than five decades.
In 1999 the IJC undertook a study to assess water levels under the application of the 1956 Order. This study resulted in the adoption of Plan 2014. In adopting the plan, the IJC found that the 1956 Order did not “accurately reflect the full range of experienced conditions or anticipate future changes” and that it was necessary to now “consider environmental issues and recreational boating.” Plan 2014 also provided that discharges of water would be administered “in such a manner as to provide no less protection for navigation and riparian interests downstream than would have occurred under pre-project conditions.” Moreover, as part of the criteria for administering discharges, the IJC found that “the levels of Lake Ontario shall be regulated for the benefit of property owners on the shores of Lake Ontario in the United States and Canada so as to reduce extremes of stage which have occurred under pre-project conditions and supplies of the past as adjusted on Lake Ontario.”
In adopting Plan 2014 the IJC found that the new regulatory scheme would result in “less frequent deviations from a regulation plan” and would “provide long-term benefits, upstream and downstream … with greater security and predictability.” The high-water events of 2017 and 2019 demonstrate that this could not be farther from the truth. The IJC must provide a more protective management system that delivers on the promises that it made in adopting Plan 2014.
Flooding and other high-water impacts continue around the Great Lakes, including Lake Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence River, especially during periods of active weather, such as that observed recently. On June 4, 2019, Lake Ontario remained at 75.90 m (249.02 ft), extending the new historic lake level record first reached on June 2, 2019. It is expected that the water level of Lake Ontario will continue rising gradually over the next several days. Lake Erie water levels and outflows into Lake Ontario remain above record-highs and have risen slightly over the past several days.
While floods and high-water levels damage New Yorkers’ property, water levels in Montreal Harbor are below record-highs for this time of year and continue to drop. To provide relief to New York’s adversely affected riparian owners, the IJC must immediately maximize the outflows to the greatest extent possible, even if that impacts navigation along the river temporarily.
The IJC has acknowledged that its actions, or lack thereof, have served to protect commercial shipping at the expense of riparian land-owners. But, under its own foundational treaty and under Plan 2014, it cannot refrain from such releases to protect commercial shipping interests over the safety and property of New Yorkers. The Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 states that “no use shall be permitted which tends materially to conflict with or restrain any other use”. Moreover Plan 2014 specifically states that “[i]n the event that Lake Ontario water levels reach or exceed extremely high levels, the works in the International Rapids Section shall be operated to provide all possible relief to the riparian owners upstream and downstream.” The burden of high-water flows must be shared equally among all users of the system – including the transportation and shipping sector.
In 2017, New York took action to protect communities from further flooding and delivered critical State and federal funding to help families and businesses rebuild. The State committed over $100 million to rebuild communities along the Lake Ontario shoreline that were devastated by the flooding in 2017, only to once again this year experience record high-water levels and flooding in those same communities. Following the 2017 flooding, the IJC knew or should have known of the significant potential for future flooding events, but failed to exercise the forethought to protect against the devastating impacts of flooding.
New York continues to address the impacts from past flood levels and mitigate potential future flooding. New York is staging equipment and sand bags; working closely with municipal governments along the shorelines; advancing and reimbursing flood protection and remediation projects; and providing support for resiliency planning efforts. New York expects that the cost associated with rebuilding and providing future resiliency will exceed costs from 2017 and be well over $100 million. New York also strongly urges the appropriation of federal funding, which is critical for continuation of those efforts and additional efforts to improve coastal resiliency along the Lake and River. New York should not have to bear the costs solely for the impacts of this international plan and federal funding is critical to addressing the consequences.
The IJC’s power to act derives from the Boundary Waters Treaty, which prioritizes non-power uses of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. It is apparent that the IJC’s management has not adequately addressed the new normal of extreme high-water events that have disproportionately affected the riparian owners in New York. The IJC must ensure that it considers and addresses these extreme wet weather conditions that have led to extensive flooding in two of the last three years in future planning and implementation of flows moving forward. The IJC must adopt a fairer course to ensure that the protection of the public on both sides of the Lake and the River are, at all times, its highest priority.
In light of the devastating flooding occurring, the State of New York demands that the IJC reimburse New York for its costs, and make additional funds available for resiliency projects and other protective measures made necessary by the IJC’s acts and omissions. The IJC must also immediately determine how much water can be safely released, irrespective of shipping, and release that amount. Finally, the IJC must immediately correct its water management protocols to avoid damage to riparian owners. Failure to act upon these demands will result in New York taking any and all actions to compel the IJC to act, including legal action.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 June 2019 at 3:46 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf
MEDINA – This 1956 Chevy belonging to Buster Wetherbee of Holley was among the 91 classic vehicles which attended the first cruise-in of the season in Medina’s Canal Basin on Friday night.
Wetherbee rarely misses a Friday cruise-in and helps organizer David Green with the weekly 50/50 drawing. Green said the Friday cruise-ins average between 80 and 100 cars and Friday’s turnout was very good for the first one. The season continues through late August.
The cruise-in series has been an annual tradition in Medina for more than 20 years. The classic car shows go from 5:30 to 8 p.m. They will be in the basin every Friday until the end of August, except on June 28 when the show shifts to the Orleans County Marine Park in Carlton and on July 26 when the cars are on display at the Orleans County 4-H Fair in Knowlesville.
The season culminates with the Super Cruise on Aug. 28, when a section of Main Street is closed for the cars and there is lots of entertainment.
MEDINA – The 49th annual Medina Mustang Band Banquet and Awards ceremony was held Friday at the Ridgeway Fire Hall. It was an evening of awards and reflection on the many accomplishments in the 2018-2019 school year.
Special guests included Superintendent Mark Kruzynski and Assistant High School Principal Joel Reed. Also present were Srgt. Lavender and PFC Oliver from the US Marines to award the “Semper Fidelis” award for musical excellence to two graduating seniors. The award for excellence in Jazz was given to Ben Zakes and excellence in wind ensemble to Kody Leno.
The Booster organization was credited for their continued dedication and commitment to the band. Outgoing officers were recognized and thanked for their help as well as the incoming officers. Mindy Kenward is still the president and Julie Granchelli the vice president.
Instructional staff were recognized: Jeanette Sheliga – Elementary Band Director; Jeff Pask and T.J. Gray – Percussion Instructors; Terry Steele – Pit Instructor; Joe Organiscak – Music Arranger; Matt Jaeger – Music & Visual Instructor; Diana Baker – Assistant Band Director & Colorguard Instructor; Becky Botsford – Assistant Band Director; Joe Guadagnino and Brian King – Percussion Instructors; Mark Rider – Visual Designer; Leslie Rider – Visual Consultant; Tiffany Organisciak – Front Ensemble instructor; Mike Heaney – Visual Consultant to the Colorguard; Kara Brown – Colorguard Instructor.
The Harry Dinkle award was established to recognize someone who is not a Booster officer but who volunteers a great deal of personal time & effort to the program. This year’s recipients are Joe Granchelli and Adam Uderitz.
Several scholarships were awarded. The NYSFBC scholarship went to Maisie Griffin; the Mustang Band Booster Service scholarship went to Ray Paull; the Band Booster Memorial scholarship to Travis Gotts; the Steele Family Award to Alissa Blount; the Joseph C. McKain award to Jada Draper and Ben Zakes; the Alfred Hartway award to Maisie Griffin, Ray Paull and Alissa Blount.
Recognition was given to the Winterguard program. This year Medina sponsored 3 WG units. The Pony Guard consisted of 15 students in grades 5-8; The Junior Varsity guard consisted of 14 students in grades 4-9 and Varsity guard had 13 students in grades 7-12.
Outstanding Band Member awards were given to Outstanding Rookies – T.J. Burgess, Layne Hodgins, Lillian Wilson and Biance Islam. Most Improved went to Lana Ortiz, Henry Rigerman, Gabe Mark and Aries McMurray. Most Valuable went to Kody Leno, Emma Baldwin, Ben Zakes and Kaela Grosslinger.
Director Awards were given by Mrs. Baker to Ava Chambers, by Mrs. Botsford to Haydin Woodward and by Mr. Steele to James Waters.
Perfect attendance awards were given to students for Fall, Spring and the two seasons combined.
Each of the seniors was given their medallion. Each of the outgoing student staff was given a plaque with their name on it.
The prologue was given by Margaret Klotzbach and the senior epilogue was given by Alissa Blount.
A slide show highlighting the year’s accomplishment was prepared by Joe Granchelli.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the 2019-2020 student staff: Drum Major – Jada Draper; Assistant Drum Majors – Lacey Kenward, Miranda Zelazny and Margaret Klotzbach. Head of Percussion – Margaret Klotzbach; Colorguard Captain – McKenna Callard; Colorguard Managers – Melanie Poynter, Ava Chambers and Destiny Jones; Secretary/Librarian – Emma Roush & Kaylee Lacey; Uniform Managers – Hannah Kenward and Amanda Woodruff; Band Managers – Carter Green, Chris Woodroe, TJ Burgess, Megan Zakes and Faith Vanderwalker; Head Band Manager – Jada Draper; Front Ensemble Section – Sophia Cardone; Tuba Section – Paige Adkins; Trombone/Baritone – Miranda Zelazny; Trumpets – Lacey Kenward; Mellophone – Lily Kiebala; Saxophone – Grace Cook and Bailey Jackson; Clarinets –Trenton Crews; Flutes – Mary Flores.
The 2019 Fall show is entitled “Walk the Path” and practice begins June 13 with Band Camp Aug. 12-16.
A lakeshore flood watch has been issued for Orleans and Niagara counties from 8 p.m. Monday until 5 p.m. Tuesday.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued the flood watch due to the combination of very high lake levels and moderately strong west to northwest winds, which will result in greater wave action. The wave action will produce an increase in shoreline erosion.
There likely will be an increase in lakeshore flooding on the shoreline of Lake Ontario, especially in bays, inlets, and other low-lying areas along the shoreline.
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 8 June 2019 at 6:36 am
“Overlooked Orleans” – Vol. 5, No. 22
ALBION – This photograph, taken March 1, 1925, shows the ruins of the brick home once belonging to Dr. Samuel and Helen Church Cochrane. The farm was located just south of the Village of Albion and consisted of a house and several barns.
On February 28, 1925, a catastrophic fire tore through the stately brick house then occupied by Stanley Zwienski and his family. The 75-year-old structure was a complete loss as the fire, starting in the chimney, caused over $3,500 in damage.
Built around 1850, the property was eventually purchased by Dr. Cochrane after he relocated from the Town of Yates. Although Cochrane became a well-respected physician in Albion, his wife was the only daughter of Judge Sanford E. Church. According to local lore, young men from across the county lined up to court the young belle and at one time she was the “most eligible” bachelorette in Albion. The community was quite surprised when Cochrane emerged as the successful suitor.
Although Dr. and Mrs. Cochrane were already deceased at the time of the fire, Dr. Cochrane was plagued by fires throughout his life. In 1897, his home in Yates caught fire after a lamp exploded, leaving him with a hefty bill under partial insurance coverage. In 1910, after Dr. Cochrane passed, this house caught fire but was extinguished before extensive damage occurred.
Visible in this photograph is a small henhouse situated on the front left corner of the largest barn. In November of 1925, just eight months after the brick house burned, the body of Harvey Doubleday was discovered inside this chicken coop.
Doubleday, a well-known Western New York racehorse trainer, was permitted by the property owner to sleep in the barn during the summer months. Coroner Eccleston believed Doubleday’s death came as a result of heart failure, but local papers reported that “Doubleday’s body lay exposed to attacks of swarms of carnivorous rats for nearly a week,” making an exact cause of death difficult to discern. It also demonstrates the local newspapers’ willingness to publish all details of these particular types of stories.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2019 at 6:27 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Julian Pawlak, 3, of Medina emerges from a giant shark’s mouth. The shark was a large inflatable with a slide at the Albion Strawberry Festival. It was part of a Family Fun Center on Main Street, just north of the First Presbyterian Church.
The 33rdannual Strawberry Festival opened on Friday and continues today.
Emma Ray, 8, of Albion throws a baseball at a target on a dunk tank. She was successful in knocking Chrisjen Winters, 10, into the water.
The dunk tank is being used as a fundraiser for the St. Mary’s youth baseball team. Chrisjen is one of the St. Mary’s players. Several kids on the team took a turn in the tank.
Chrisjen Winters emerges from the water after being knocked into the tank.
Brayden LaMartina, 8, gets loose and ready to throw the baseballs at the dunk tank target.
The Kendall Community Band, led by director Lori Cyr, played in front of the Orleans County Courthouse.
The band, All About Jane, performs under the east tent on East State Street. The band includes Gary Smith, Rhonda Smith, Jan-Mikael Erakare and Tom Smith.
Rhonda Smith and her husband Gary Smith sing “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles.
To see the schedule for the festival today, click here.
