Photo from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office: A new tugboat was named after women’s rights pioneer Elizabeth Cady Stanton during an unveiling in Rochester on Friday, when the Erie Canal opened for its 195th season. The canal played a significant role in the women’s rights movement.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Friday announced a sweeping initiative to examine how the 195-year-old Erie Canal can be reimagined for the 21st century in an effort to boost local economies, inspire new opportunities for tourism and recreation, and strengthen environmental resiliency along the historic waterway.
A key pillar of this initiative is the Governor’s Reimagine the Canal Task Force.
“The Erie Canal corridor is one of New York’s most iconic assets and remains a key economic driver for the region and the state,” Governor Cuomo said. “The Canal helped make New York the Empire State and this initiative will reimagine the canal and adapt it for new uses in upstate communities, furthering upstate New York’s unprecedented growth.”
“The New York Canal System is not only an iconic recreational destination, it is also an essential part of our economic past, present, and future,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who made the announcement. “As we kick-off the 2019 Canal season, we launch the next phase of Reimagine the Canals with a task force to guide bold and innovative new ideas. In addition, we celebrate the Erie Canal’s role in shaping the flow of ideas throughout our history by dedicating a new vessel in honor of New York suffragette Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Her legacy as a leading voice and activist for voting rights inspires us today as we work to secure full equality for all women.”
The Governor’s groundbreaking initiative will:
• Identify potential new uses for the Erie Canal aimed at improving the quality of life for New Yorkers
• Evaluate how the Erie Canal can support and enhance economic development along the canal corridor
• Find new opportunities to enhance recreation and tourism along the Erie Canal
• Assess how the Erie Canal can help mitigate impacts from flooding and ice jams to improve resiliency and restore ecosystems in canal communities
• Identify opportunities for using Erie Canal infrastructure to expand irrigation for Western New York farms
To help meet those goals, Governor Cuomo has created a task force that is an outgrowth of the Reimagine the Canals Competition, held last year by the New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation. The competition rewarded the best ideas to enable New York’s canals to serve as an engine of economic development or spark new forms of recreation. This task force will explore many of the ideas that the competition has already produced. The New York Power Authority operates the Canal Corporation as a subsidiary.
“There are 147 communities along the Erie Canal and we should do everything we can to help them become more resilient,” said Brian U. Stratton, Canal Corporation director. “Just as it transformed New York when it opened nearly 200 years ago, the Erie Canal can be transformed so it remains an essential piece of the fabric that defines upstate New York.”
File photo by Tom Rivers: The task force may look for ways for farmers to utilize canal water. This photo from June 2016 shows a siphon just west of the Keitel Road bridge in Albion. Area farmers struggled in drought conditions that year.
The task force will be chaired by Joanie Mahoney, New York State Thruway Authority chair and former Onondaga County Executive, who will also oversee outreach in Central New York. Former Lieutenant Governor Bob Duffy, will serve as regional co-chair in Western New York, while Joseph Martens, former Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner, will serve as co-chair in the Mohawk Valley. Other members will be announced in the coming weeks.
The panel is also expected to examine how canal infrastructure can be used to increase the reliability of the water supply to farms in Western New York—which now draw water from the Canal—and can enable additional land to be used for agriculture.
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 work to engage stakeholders and canal communities, a process that will include a series of public meetings across the state where residents, business owners and municipal leaders can provide input on the Canal’s future.
The reimagining initiative builds on successful efforts by Governor Cuomo to invest in the canal corridor, including the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and Taste NY, which have stoked new industries, businesses and housing in canal communities.
Harnessing the Canal’s full potential to attract more tourism and recreation is a key focus of the Initiative. There are 1.6 million trips taken annually on the Erie Canal Trailway, the former towpath used by mules and horses to pull barges in the canals’ early days. The Trailway is part of Governor Cuomo’s Empire State Trail, which at 750 miles will be the largest state multi-use trail network when completed in late 2020.
The navigation season on the Canal System, which includes the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Champlain and Oswego canals, runs today through October 16. About half of the system, including parts of the Erie Canal, along with the Champlain and Oswego canals, had their openings postponed due to high water flows stemming from heavy rains and snow melt.
For the third straight year, tolls have been waived for recreational vessels
Empire State Development President Howard Zemsky said, “Reactivating former industrial waterfronts has fueled economic growth throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic and it’s only fitting that the Erie Canal-a game changer for the New York State economy when it opened—will further help to create jobs and opportunity in the communities along its banks.”
Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The Erie Canal is an important water source to a number of farms along its western banks. This task force offers the opportunity to now look at expanding the use of the Canal to minimize the risk of drought on our farms and support the production of high-value crops, specifically fruits and vegetables.”
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 18 May 2019 at 8:27 am
Photo courtesy of Matthew Ballard: The grave of George J. Quinn at Normandy American Cemetery.
“Overlooked Orleans” – Vol. 5, No. 20
Dedicated in 1956, the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer encompasses 172.5 acres and serves as a final resting place for over 9,000 soldiers killed in action in Europe. Although the site was primarily used to bury those killed during Operation Overlord and the Normandy Breakout, many families requested that Normandy serve as the place of eternal rest for their deceased veterans regardless of where they were killed.
Wandering the sprawling fields lined with white crosses reveals ornately decorated stones etched in gold leaf, denoting the graves of men who received the Congressional Medal of Honor. One stone melds into the thousands of plainly lettered marble crosses, the stone of Sgt. George J. Quinn.
Born at Buffalo, NY on September 5, 1924, Quinn spent most of his life growing up in the vicinity of North Ridgeway. After graduating from Barker, he spent a short period of time working for Harrison Radiator in Lockport before he was inducted into service in March of 1943. Basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri and Camp Pickett, Virginia was followed by deployment to England in October of 1943.
On June 6, 1944, Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy in an effort to establish a foothold in France, resulting in the deaths of over 4,000 men. The capture of Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches did not mark the end of the Normandy operation, as troops continued to push through the thick hedgerows of the bocage. On July 22, 1944, Sgt. Quinn and the 112th Infantry landed at Normandy and began the process of breaking out of St. Lo.
The timeline of events during the months of July and August suggest that Quinn was wounded while fighting in the bocage on August 7th, to which he was awarded the Purple Heart. On August 28, 1944, the 112th Infantry along with the remainder of 28th Division arrived in Paris, greeted by crowds of onlookers who welcomed their liberators with cheerfulness and relief. The following day the division marched up Avenue Hoche to the Arc de Triomphe and down the Champs Elysees as they progressed north towards their next objective.
On September 1, 1944, the 112th Infantry travelled by truck to Compiegne where the men were again greeted by the newly liberated French. After enjoying a meal of coffee, biscuits, and other local delicacies, Sgt. Quinn and his unit progressed towards a wooded area north of the town. At 7:30 a.m., segments of the 112th were met by heavy resistance from German soldiers camped around the outskirts of Compiegne. Finally, at 11:15 a.m., the unit was able to progress further north, but not without suffering a number of casualties.
George Quinn, only four days shy of his 20th birthday, was killed in action while pushing through these woods. His body was interred at the Normandy American Cemetery, among the thousands of others who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of France and the European continent.
On May 22nd, the Orleans County Legislature will commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day Landing at 4:10 p.m. in the Legislature Chambers. Descendants of WWII veterans who participated in the initial landing on June 6, 1944 and descendants of veterans who participated in various engagements in the Normandy region from June 7 – August 30, 1944 are also invited to attend. If you would like to contribute information to Department of History, community members are encouraged to contact me either at Matt.Ballard@orleanscountyny.gov or at 585-589-4174.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 May 2019 at 4:02 pm
ROCHESTER – Two musical productions by schools in Orleans County received lots of accolades Thursday night at the Stars of Tomorrow competition in Rochester, which recognizes the top school musicals in the Rochester area.
Albion and Lyndonville-Medina both won several awards. Albion, which competes with many large suburban schools in Division B, performed Into the Woods on March 29-30 and Lyndonville-Medina, in Division D, performed Sister Act from March 22-24.
Albion was recognized with the following awards:
• Outstanding Overall Musical
• Outstanding Production Crew
• Outstanding Orchestra
Laiken Ricker, left, as Milky Way and Nate Grammatico as Jack were both recognized by Stars of Tomorrow.
• Outstanding supporting actor for Nate Grammatico as Jack
• Outstanding supporting actress with Myleigh Miller as Little Red Riding Hood
Myleigh Miller was named an outstanding supporting actress in her role as Little Red Riding Hood, shown here in a scene with the Wolf, played by Zach Kilner.
• Adjudicator’s Tip of the Hat award to Laiken Ricker for her portrayal of Milky White
• Special Recognition to April Henchen (actress), Morgan Brower (costume design) and stage crew/production team members Dan Grabowski, Ashley Ames, Aisha Drisdom and Kyle Sidari.
Enoch Martin performed the role of the Baker for Albion. He is featured in round 2 of Stars of Tomorrow next week.
• In addition, Enoch Martin, who had the lead role as the Baker, advances to round 2 of the Stars at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Rochester Auditorium Theatre. Tickets are free and available at the door. Martin is hoping to earn a spot competing at the NYC Jimmy Awards. He also has the opportunity to be chosen as “Fan Favorite” earning him 4 box seat tickets to the National Tour premiere of the new Donna Summer musical. To vote for him, text SOT12 to 75327. People can vote every 24 hours in that contest. Nate Grammatico also was nominated but decided not to be in that competition.
Layna Viloria, second from right in front, portrays Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act. Deloris is a nightclub singer who is sent to a convent in hiding after she witnesses someone being killed. She takes over the choir and the nuns respond to her high-energy style.
Lyndonville-Medina won the following awards for Sister Act:
• Outstanding student pit orchestra
• Outstanding acting ensemble
• Tip of the hat for Qasim Huzair, Sawyer Wilson, Anna Lewis and Sarah Cochrane
• Rising star awards to Layne Hodgins and Elizabeth Whipple
Sawyer Wilson, who played the role of a dancing custodian, was recognized for his efforts on the stage.
Photo courtesy of Orleans-Niagara BOCES: Carlito Sunday (Albion), Noel Mireles (Albion), Makayla Muth (Wilson), Heather Parsell (teacher aide) and Byron Gow (Newfane) have fun at their prom.
Press Release, Niagara-Orleans BOCES
LEWISTON – They didn’t wear their capes or magic bracelets or fight off villains, but the Orleans/Niagara BOCES Lifeskills students had a great time on Thursday at Bond Lake for their superhero-themed prom.
The students and staff danced the day away in their finery and enjoyed some great food and dessert made by the talented Culinary Arts students from the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center.
It was a great way to celebrate a fantastic school year and send best wishes to the graduates who will be moving on to the next chapter of their lives.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 May 2019 at 12:33 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: A cyclist heads east on the Erie Canal towpath in Medina on Thursday near the Glenwood Avenue canal bridge.
The Erie Canal opened at 7 a.m. today for its 195th season.
The Canal Corporation is waiving tolls again this year for recreational vessels as the state continues to commemorate 200 years of Erie Canal history. The Erie Canal was under construction from 1817 to 1825.
The Canal Corp. also waived the tolls the past two years. Those tolls are normally $25 to $100 for a season pass, depending on the size of the vessel.
The standard hours of operation for the 2018 season are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The lift bridges in Orleans County have extended hours until 10 p.m. from May 17 to Sept. 11.
The canal’s navigation season continues until Oct. 16.
Signs about the Erie Canal trail system are shown in Medina’s Canal Basin.
The same cyclist is on the towpath headed near the Horan Road canal bridge.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 May 2019 at 10:26 am
MEDINA – Cobblestone Suites and many local officials celebrated the impending construction of a new hotel in Medina on Thursday, with the new 58-room hotel expected to open in March 2020.
The hotel will be on Maple Ridge Road, on the east side of Pride Pak, in the Medina Business Park. Many Cobblestone Suites officials and investors of the project were in Medina to kick off construction on Thursday. The 5-acre site is too wet for construction to start right now, but work is expected to get going soon.
Paul Hendel, chairman of the Orleans EDA board of directors, leads a toast in welcoming the new hotel to Medina.
The company held a celebration at the Zambistro restaurant on Main Street. The Medina hotel is the first in New York for Cobblestone Suites, which is now in 26 states with a focus on small towns.
Brian Wogernesem President/CEO Cobblestone Suites, praised the Orleans Economic Development Agency for its tenacity in pursuing the project and helping the company find a location for the hotel. The Orleans EDA also commissioned a study in 2014 to see if the Medina market could sustain a branded hotel.
Interim Hospitality Consultants concluded that a small hotel would be profitable in the community.
The EDA used that report, as well as prime land, to help convince Cobblestone Suites to come to Medina.
“This is tremendous economic development, community development for Orleans County,” said Lynne Johnson, County Legislature chairwoman. “I want to thank all of you who have worked so hard to make this dream a reality.”
State Sen. Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, said the $6.75 million in private investment shows confidence in Medina and Orleans County.
“That’s a sign the local economy is turning the corner and that people believe in Medina and Orleans County,” Ortt said during the celebration.
Small towns with their historic architecture and many small businesses are back in vogue, as people want the Norman Rockwell feel, Ortt said.
Gabrielle Barone, VP of business development at the Orleans EDA, shares how the local agency pursued the project the past five years.
Gabrielle Barone, vice president of business development for the Orleans EDA, worked hard to connect with Cobblestone Suites and keep the project on track. She attended many of the company’s conferences and went to the ribbon-cutting for a similar-size hotel in St. Mary’s, Pa. The investors in that project are leading the effort for the Medina hotel.
“It’s going to be good for tourism and the community,” Barone said about the project. “Right now that revenue is leaking out of the county.”
Visitors right now typically have to stay at hotels in Buffalo, Batavia – outside of Orleans. That limits many tourists to day trips. They will likely stay longer, and spend more money at local businesses once the new hotel is open.
Brian Wogernesem, President/CEO Cobblestone Suites (second from left), addresses the crowd for the hotel celebration. He was joined at the podium by State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Michael Norris. The state legislators presented a citation, welcoming the company to Medina.
Wogernesem, the leader of Cobblestone Suites, said the hotels in the small towns have a corporate base with local businesses, family events (weddings and funerals), and tourists.
The big hotel chains don’t operate in small towns, he said.
Cobblestone Suites has carved a niche with a “mid-scale product” that isn’t an economy hotel or a “mom and pop” operation, he said.
The company now has 141 hotels open or under construction They range in size from 31 to 73 rooms, with 45 the average size, Wogernesem said.
Barone said the local officials and EDA pushed for a hotel that wouldn’t be a “cookie cutter.” Cobblestone Suites is building a three-story hotel will be 10,557 square feet. It will have meeting space for up to 50 people.
It will complement a conference center being developed on Main Street by the Zambito family, and the event space at the Bent’s Opera House, Barone said.
Courtesy of Cobblestone Suites: The 58-room hotel in Medina will look similar to this Cobblestone Suites hotel in Pennsylvania.
Wogernese has been working in the hotel industry since 1990, and started WHG Companies in 1999. WHG will manage the Medina hotel.
BriMark, which is based in the Neenah, Wisc., is the general contractor for the project, and is using local subcontractors. Art Hill Excavation of Medina, for example, is doing the site work.
The hotel will go on land where there was an abandoned house and overgrown yard. The EDA bought the land at a foreclosure auction in 2015, spending $50,000. The house was razed and the land was cleaned up.
Barone said the agency was fortunate the land became available. She shared she buried a small statue of Joseph, asking for a blessing that the right land would become available for the hotel. The frontage that initially was planned for the hotel went to Pride Pak instead. The hotel will be right next door to that vegetable packing house.
“I can’t say what part is tenacity, folklore or just plain luck,” Barone told the crowd. “We weren’t going to give up. We believed this was in the best interests of the community. We were going to do absolutely everything we had to do.”
A group of local and state officials, as well as investors and developers of the project, gather for a celebratory photo.
ALBANY – State Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) poses with 70 students from Kendall on Tuesday at the Million-Dollar Staircase in Albany, where the steps are made from Medina sandstone. The students, members of the Class of 2024, wore shirts representing the school colors.
Hawley said he was happy to welcome the middle schoolers to the State Capitol. Hawley led the students on a tour of the building an gave them a formal introduction on the Assembly floor.
“I was proud to welcome these inquisitive and enthusiastic students from my district to Albany and pleased to give them a behind-the-scenes look at policymaking in our state,” Hawley said. “The Eagles certainly made their presence known, proudly sporting their school’s colors and logo, and it my pleasure to join my colleagues in introducing them during our Assembly proceedings on Tuesday. I enjoy giving young students the opportunity to ask questions and witness the inter-workings of politics firsthand. In doing so, we create more civic-minded young people and a stronger democracy.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 May 2019 at 7:39 am
Photo courtesy of Deb Boyer
ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club on Thursday recognized three Albion students for their poster designs for the upcoming Strawberry Festival, which this year has a theme celebrating the lift bridges in the community.
Evan Allen had the winning design, which will be featured in posters and other promotions for the festival on June 7-8.
Pictured from left include Nicolina Creasey, second place; Evan Allen, first place; Leonel Rosario, third place; Don Bishop, chairman of the Strawberry Festival planning committee; and Richard Remley, Rotary president.
The Strawberry Festival is in its 33rd year and includes music, food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, a big parade on June 8, a 5K and 8K race, and many other events. For more on the festival, click here.
ALBION – Orleans County Undersheriff Chris Bourke, left, is pictured with John Clark (center), PBA delegate for Troop A of the State Police; and Michael Mele, the chief deputy for the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
The PBA for the troopers endorsed Bourke is his campaign for Orleans County sheriff. The PBA represents more than 7,000 members of the New York State Police, active and retired.
“I am honored and proud to receive the endorsement from the Police Benevolent Association of the New York State troopers,” Bourke said. “Over my 35 years in the criminal justice system in Orleans County, I have worked together with the New York State Police on a daily basis. I believe we have brought the level of cooperation, sharing of resources and teamwork to a new high. As I have with all police agencies, I will continue to build on our excellent relationship the Orleans County Sheriff’s has with the New York State Police.”
Three new members of the International Joint Commission were confirmed today by the U.S. Senate.
Jane L. Corwin, a former state assemblywoman from Clarence, is the next U.S. chairwoman of the IJC, and Robert C. Sisson and Lance V. Yohe are commissioners of the organization that regulates water levels of the Great Lakes. The IJC also includes three members from Canada.
“With Lake Ontario’s high water levels continuing to rise and a repeat of 2017’s historic Lake Ontario flooding looking more possible by the day, ensuring that the International Joint Commission—which plays a paramount role in setting Lake Ontario’s water levels—is fully staffed and fully functional couldn’t be more important,” U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said in a statement. “The filling of all three U.S. seats on the IJC is a major step in the right direction and will help prepare New York State for the absolute worst. I was proud to support the confirmation of these nominees to the IJC and look forward to working in lockstep with them to shield Lake Ontario communities from more devastating flooding. I now urge Canada to now do its part to nominate and pass the Canadian IJC members so the Commission can meet a quorum.”
The IJC has been under pressure with high water levels in Lake Ontario already causing flooding, threatening property and businesses.
Schumer is calling on the IJC and International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board of Control to assess and take all actions possible to mitigate flood risks to surrounding communities, including the appropriate maximization of outflows at the Moses-Saunders Dam.
This year is looking like a repeat of 2017, where communities along the southern shore of Lake Ontario suffered significant flooding and related property damage, economic dislocation and significant negative impacts on quality of life.
Congressman Chris Collins, R-Clarence, issued this statement about the IJC confirmations:
“President Trump could not have made a better choice than Jane L. Corwin to be the next U.S. Chair of the IJC,” Collins said. “Thanks to his leadership, we now have a voice for Lake Erie and Lake Ontario shoreline residents. Jane’s experience as an Assemblywoman for the Ontario Lakeshore properties and her understanding of the issues with Plan 2014 will make her an exceptional leader of the Commission. I know Jane, as well as Commissioners Robert Sisson and Lance Yohe, will protect the homeowners and small businesses along our shorelines.”
State Sen. Robert Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, issued this statement:
“The confirmations of the new IJC Commissioners by the U.S. Senate is welcome news as water levels in Lake Ontario continue to rise at an alarming rate. We have seen the damage that can be created by flooding on Lake Ontario’s shores if changes are not made to Plan 2014. It is my hope that the commissioners from both the United States and Canada can come to an agreement that modifies Plan 2014 and stems the disastrous rise in Lake Ontario’s water levels.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 May 2019 at 8:24 pm
Cindy Perry, director of health, education and wellness at Community Partners, welcomes guests to For Women Only Wednesday night at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.
LYNDONVILLE – This was a night to celebrate and be inspired, Cindy Perry said, as she welcomed the crowd to the 23rd annual For Women Only Wednesday at the White Birch Golf Course.
“Some of you attend this event every year. Some have been to multiple events, and some may be attending for the first time, but most of you have been touched by cancer,” Perry said.
In her own life, Perry said she had skin cancer and lost her aunt to lung cancer during the past year.
The evening’s message was, “Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean ‘me first,’ it means ‘me also,’” Perry said.
Jeanne Crane, who worked at Medina Memorial Hospital for 33 years as risk manager and infection control nurse, has been to many of the annual events.
“This is a wonderful event, and it sells out every year,” Crane said. “What I like is it is based on survivors.”
Cindy Baldwin also called For Women Only an “excellent event.”
“I love the baskets, but I come in general to support anyone who has had cancer, including my father,” she said.
Dawn Meland has attended every For Women Only since it started. She has been a member of the hospital’s Twig Association since 1972 and on the Hospital Foundation Board since its inception.
“Anything that’s for women and supports the hospital, I’m all for it,” Meland said. “The event is expanded every year.”
Guest speakers were Mercedes Wilson, a Medina native and resident of Lockport.
“It is so important to advocate for ourselves as women,” said Wilson, who shared her story of being newly divorced with two children, when at age 28 she was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer.
Doctors had found a lump during an examination in her early 20s.
“It was still there at age 27, but I was told it wasn’t a big deal,” Wilson said. “Then a new doctor insisted I get it checked.”
The Lawn Chair Ladies from Kendall entertained at the 23rd annual For Women Only Wednesday night. Kim Corcoran, front left, is the leader of the group.
It was cancer for Wilson and it was being sped up by her birth control.
When doctors asked her for her family’s cancer history, she didn’t know. After a successful operation, 16 rounds of chemo and 45 radiation treatments, she founded For our Daughters, an organization dedicated to educating young women about learning their family’s medical history and being proactive about speaking up when something isn’t quite right with their bodies.
For our Daughters began visiting young girls in middle and high schools all over Western New York, Medina High School being one of the first.
“This year, we will reach 2,700 young women,” Wilson said.
Wilson stressed that a diagnosis of cancer does not mean your life is over.
“So many times I thought my life was over,” she said. “Since then, I’ve had twins, become a writer and have a television show which has reached more than 30 million people.”
The second speaker was Leslie Allen, 63, of Albion, also a cancer survivor. In November 2016, she and her best friend Terry went for the annual mammogram, just like they always did.
Jessica Downey, prevention educator with Community Partners at Orleans Community Health, mingles with the crowd at For Women Only Wednesday night at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.
Only this time, things were not the same.
“I was called back for a diagnostic visit,” Allen said. “The next evening the doctor called and confirmed what I didn’t want to hear. I had a tumor, but it was small.”
A friend in the medical field recommended a doctor in Rochester.
“I called my mom,” Allen said. “She and dad have faith to move mountains, and I grabbed on to that faith with both horns.”
She had to wait six more weeks until her surgery. Her surgeon was all business when they met. Because the tumor was small, they chose a lumpectomy.
“I went Christmas shopping and came home filled with hope for the next year,” Allen said.
She met with an oncologist who decided on radiation treatment.
“I started my treatment on a cold February morning,” Allen said. “They gave me a poncho to put on, and there was a card on it which said it was made by students at Albion High School.”
Allen considered that a good omen, and as soon as she was able, she contacted the teacher of those students and visited their class to tell them how protected she felt wearing that smock.
Allen has now been cancer free for two years, five months and four days, the told the women.
“No matter what live throws at me, I will continue to handle it with grace and hope,” she said.
At the conclusion of the evening, Jessica Downey, who works for the Cancer Services Program in Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming and Niagara counties, asked for a moment of silence for those who have been lost to cancer.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) introduced legislation that would provide a short-term, one time fix, to help the non-seasonal agriculture workforce. The Helping Labor Personnel (HELP) Farms Act provides a solution for farmers across the nation, especially in the dairy industry, while Congress and the Department of Labor continues to modernize the H-2A program and allow visas be granted on an annual basis instead of seasonal.
“Under current law, the H-2A visa program does not help our struggling dairy farms, who live in constant fear of losing their workforce,” said Congressman Collins. “This legislation provides a temporary solution while Congress and the Department of Labor work together to find a bipartisan solution.”
This legislation requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Secretary of State and Secretary of Labor, to collect applications for temporary work authorization for non-seasonal agriculture workers. This non-seasonal agriculture workforce must be sponsored by a United States employer who he/she has worked with for at least two years. Upon approval of the application, the alien worker will be granted work authorization for two years along with his/her spouse and children. Additionally, protections are included for the sponsoring employer to ensure there are no consequences for employing an alien workforce due to an outdated and flawed H-2A visa program.
“There is not a single person representing dairy that does not understand we have a true crisis with the current system we have in place,” added Collins.
An alien worker who currently works in a non-seasonal agriculture occupation may be permitted to apply to this temporary work authorization program so long as they have not been convicted on felony charges of rape, kidnapping violent assault, sexual assault, or suspected of terrorism. Alien workers who are currently being detained may also be given the opportunity to apply for this program.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 May 2019 at 2:53 pm
Michael Flanagan of Lyndonville is director of Lake Plains Players’ production of “Steel Magnolias.”
MEDINA – Lake Plains Players production of “Steel Magnolias” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery, 10609 Ridge Rd., Medina.
The play is a change of pace for the directors and the cast.
Directed by Michael Flanagan of Lyndonville, with co-director Sarah Hill of Medina, the play is a favorite of Lake Plains’ Players’ president, Lance Anderson. He suggested the play and Flanagan liked it, Anderson said.
“The show makes you laugh through your tears,” Anderson said.
Anderson first saw the play by a community theater group after he graduated from college, and loved it, he said. His goal was to direct or somehow be involved in it one day.
Flanagan graduated in 2011 from Lyndonville High School and studied theater at Fredonia for five years. He has wanted to do theater since he was in third grade and was cast in his school play, “The Cheese Stands Alone.”
“I may be an actor, but I love directing,” he said. “It’s so rewarding to be able to draw a bunch of people together, shape them and, in turn, have them shape the show.”
His end goal is to be able to survive just doing theater.
The cast of Lake Plains Players’ production of “Steel Magnolias” rehearses at Royalton-Hartland High School in Middleport. From left are Gabby Montgomery of Lockport as Shelby; Theresa Jones of Brockport, formerly of Medina, as Truvy; Peg Merrill of Lockport as Ouiser; Susie Parker of Lockport as Clairee; Debbie Tompkins of Penfield (seated) as M’Lynn; and Crystal Elliott of Medina as Annelle.
This is the first play Flanagan has directed. He said it is a “real ensemble show.”
“It’s very important all the actors get along and communicate effectively,” he said. “It’s very rewarding when they surprise you.”
The cast includes Theresa Jones of Brockport, formerly of Medina, who plays Truvy; Debbie Tompkins of Penfield as M’Lynn; Peg Merrill of Lockport as Ouiser; Crystal Elliott of Medina as Annelle; Susie Parker of Lockport as Clairee; and Gabby Montgomery of Lockport as Shelby.
Susie Parker’s character is the late mayor’s wife who ends up owning the radio station.
Parker has been in theater for 11 years, but this is her first play. She has performed with Lake Plains Players before, and also with the Palace Theater.
“I started doing theater with my daughters as something to do as a family,” Parker said. “One daughter loved it and the other one didn’t.”
“Being in a play, as opposed to a musical, is so much more intimate,” Parker said. “This is a wonderful group of women. They are so fun and heartwarming.”
Montgomery has been with Lake Plains Players since 2011 and has directed three musicals with them.
“The best thing about our group is we are all friends,” she said.
Sarah Hill tried out for a part in the play, but when she didn’t get it, she offered to help Flanagan direct, she said.
“I’ve already made several suggestions, which he liked,” Hill said.
“Steel Magnolias” was written by Robert Harling in the 1980s and was made into a movie in 1989, based on the author’s mom and sister, Flanagan said.
“What I like about this play is that, although it was written 30 years ago, it is still relevant,” Montgomery said. “It has a lot of humor and emotion people can relate to.”
Flanagan said Leonard Oakes Winery is a perfect venue for this play.
“This is a show that needs to be in your face,” Flanagan said. “The audience needs to feel like they are involved.”
BROCKPORT – Oak Orchard Health has been awarded $921,864 by the Finger Lakes Performing Provider System in response to a proposal submitted to the FLPPS System Transformation Fund.
This grant will fund the development of a collaboration between Oak Orchard Health, the Brockport Central School District, The College at Brockport, and University of Rochester – Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Dr. James Goetz, long-time OOH pediatrician, provided the vision behind this collaboration. For quite some time, he has been concerned about the lack of behavioral health services on the western side of Monroe County.
“For some time those of us caring for children have become alarmed at the increase in mental health and behavioral health problems in children and adolescents,” Goetz said. “Our goal is to establish a first class behavioral health program that addresses prevention, early detection and treatment of mental health and behavioral health conditions in children and adolescents. This grant is a giant step forward in this effort.”
Over the past 14 months Oak Orchard Health, with its newly established Behavioral Health Department, has led a coalition including the Brockport Central School System, the SUNY College at Brockport, and the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Rochester to address this issue.
OOH provides a model of care that integrates patient-centered primary care, behavioral health, dental and vision services – treating the whole patient and focusing on wellness and prevention. OOH believes that offering behavioral health services in the comfort and familiarity of a child’s own doctor’s office will break down the barriers to care and will treat the child holistically.
“The intent is to provide easy access to behavioral health care provided by a team of health care professionals who know the child – who know the family – and can help them on a road to wellness,” said Mary Ann Pettibon, oak Orchard Health CEO.
Staff will begin planning for the program immediately.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 May 2019 at 12:05 pm
ALBION – Two people were sentenced to a year in the Orleans Cunty Jail today by County Court Judge Sanford Church.
Jason Muck, 41, of Medina was sentenced to jail after he pleaded guilty to violating his probation. He could have faced up to 1 to 3 years in state prison.
Muck admitted to using drugs and not attending a treatment program through GCASA while he was on probation for driving while intoxicated.
• William Shelhorse Jr., 53, of Albion also was sentenced to a year in jail for DWI and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree.
Shelhorse was charged on Nov. 7 after being stopped on East Avenue in Albion. He registered a BAC of 0.16 percent, twice the legal limit. He also was driving without a license.
Shelhorse asked for weekend sin jail so he could keep working full-time and could pay off his court fines.
Judge Church declined the weekend option, saying Shelhorse has continued to drink alcohol and use marijuana.
Two other people pleaded guilty and could face incarceration when they are sentenced.
• William Q. Nowak, 41, of Michigan pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree. He admitted in court to having concentrated cannabis in the form of edible chocolate and edible candies.
He was stopped in Orleans County on Nov. 20. Nowak said he planned to sell the products in the county.
He faces up to a year in jail when he is sentenced on July 25. He opted to accept a year in jail over probation.
• Christopher Aldrich, 49, of Albion pleaded guilty to felony DWI and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. He was charged on Jan. 25, when he said he drank about a dozen beers before driving. He registered a BAC of 0.21 percent.
He could face up to three years in state prison when he is sentenced on July 11.
In February 2017, Aldrich was sentenced to a year in the county jail for getting his second DWI since 2012.
• A Bronx man who was to be sentenced had his case adjourned for three weeks. Edwin King, 59, of the Bronx has pleaded guilty to attempted promoting prison contraband, a class D felony. He admitted to sending suboxone to an inmate at the Albion Correctional Facility, a women’s prison.
King, as a first-time felony offender, faces up to 1 to 3 years in prison. He is getting treatment for colon and prostrate cancer, with chemotherapy every three weeks on New York City.
Judge Church wants to see a medical report for King’s treatment before making a decision on the sentence.
