ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature today said it intends to pass a resolution at Tuesday’s meeting authorizing the county’s Emergency Management Office to utilize $174,000 in grant funding to purchase portable radios for three village law enforcement agencies.
Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature, said that action will completes Phase II of a multi-year project to upgrade aging portable radios, which have reached end of life.
“Like all technology, radios are not exempt from constant technological advances that are needed to improve overall system reliability and the security of our public safety communications infrastructure,” Johnson said. “The Legislature will always make investments in public safety a top priority.”
Justin Niederhofer, director of the Emergency Management Office, said, “In a rural community, such as Orleans County, it is imperative to first responder safety that all responders have secure and reliable communication equipment. After determining that most of the portable radio equipment used throughout the county was reaching the end of its usable life cycle, and several radios were no longer being supported or repairable by the manufacturer, the Emergency Management Office launched a project to upgrade the aging radios.”
According to Niederhofer, Phase I of the project included upgrades to all eleven local fire departments at a cost of $229,528 and was completed in 2022.
Phase II includes replacement of radios for the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office at a cost of $165,164, and the villages of Albion, Holley and Medina at a cost of $174,000. As first responder radios are upgraded, the old radios will be utilized to replace older portable radios that are in use by town highway departments and school districts.
These upgrades will expand communications capabilities with our neighboring counties. Currently all county law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies have direct communication capability with Genesee County agencies.
When this project is complete, the Sheriff’s Office will be able to directly communicate with all bordering counties law enforcement partners. Additionally, the Village of Medina PD will be able to communicate with Niagara County law enforcement agencies and the Village of Holley PD will be able to communicate with Monroe County law enforcement agencies. Monroe and Orleans County fire agencies are working on programming updates that will allow for direct communications with each other when responding to fires and other emergencies.
The project is being funded by the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Statewide Interoperable Communications Formula-Based Grant. The grant money is generated from the public safety communications surcharge that is charged by wireless phone service providers to their customers.
The use of grant funding prevents increases in the county, town and village tax levies while improving mission critical communications and operational efficiency for county first responders.
Provided photo: Karen Watt was recognized on Feb. 14 by The National Association of Community Health Centers.
ALBION – Oak Orchard Health is pleased to announce that The National Association of Community Health Centers has selected Karen Watt for its 2024 Elizabeth K. Cooke Advocacy MVP Award.
Karen Watt has served on the Board of Directors for Oak Orchard Health for more than 20 years including many years as chairwoman of the board.
The NACHC Elizabeth K. Cooke Advocacy MVP Award is named in honor of the late Elizabeth K. (Betsey) Cooke whose constant effort and unflagging persistence as an advocate for America’s health centers and patients set an example for all health center advocates to follow. Recipients are selected based on their leadership and tireless dedication to advocating on behalf of more than 31.5 million health center patients nationwide.
“I am so surprised to be chosen for this award from NACHC,” Watt said. “Supporting and advocating for community health centers has been a labor of love. This community counts on the superior health care services by Oak Orchard Health, and I have been honored to serve on their board for many years.”
Watt is a board member of the National Center for Farmworker Health, and HRSA National Advisory Council on Farmworker Health. She is also the co-owner of Watt Farms Country Market which began in 1980.
Oak Orchard has named its Albion healthcare center in her honor. The Karen D. Watt Center offers primary and pediatric care, and behavioral health, with a Wellness Center next door.
“We so appreciate the dedication and expertise that Karen Watt brings to Oak Orchard Health. Karen is an advocate for the Orleans County community,” said Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health. “She has helped our health centers expand their presence in the community so that we can care for more people. When we need help, Karen is always ready to support us.”
Founded in 1973, Oak Orchard has grown from a migrant health project into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services for everyone located in the communities we serve. Currently serving over 30,000 patients at eleven locations in the towns of Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Corfu, Hornell, Medina, and Warsaw.
Provided photos: Fifth grade teachers Deb Weber and Michelle Gerdes and their students raised money to build a new well for people in the Sudan.
Posted 16 February 2024 at 10:34 am
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – Fifth grade students at Clifford Wise Intermediate School are taking action to bring clean water to the Sudan after reading a book based on Salva Dut’s life. His story, A Long Walk to Water, was told by New York Times bestselling author Linda Sue Park.
Mr. Sut was born in a rural village in southwestern Sudan in the Dinka tribe. When he was 11 years old, the Sudanese Civil War reached his village and separated Salva from his family. He and thousands of other boys were known as the Lost Boys of Sudan.
They sought refuge in Ethiopia and Kenya by walking thousands of miles by foot where he faced many hardships and dangers. After living in a refugee camp for ten years, he moved to Rochester, New York and was sponsored and embraced by a family there who wanted to help him have a better life.
Students made posters to raise awareness for their fundraiser.
He eventually returned to Sudan to reunite with his father, who was ill from waterborne parasites. His father’s illness inspired him to bring clean water to the people in his country by establishing a foundation that installs deep-water wells in remote villages in dire need of clean water.
Teachers Deb Weber (Social Studies) and Michelle Gerdes (Science) talked about the story with their students and the how the lack of clean water impacted their lives.
“It was a big surprise to our students that they couldn’t go to a faucet and turn on the water,” Weber said. “It was eye-opening for them that people would have to walk for miles to get a bucket of water and this is how they had to live.”
“I felt it was a very touching subject,” said Erin, a fifth-grader. “It’s important to remember not everyone has it as good as you.”
Gerdes said the students talked about the book and Salva’s mission for weeks in class.
“We really went into the scarcity of water and how these people’s lives and health were impacted,” she said. “It obviously really touched the students because we would hear them talking about it on their way to lunch and wanting to know what could they do to help.”
A foundation called Water for South Sudan, which is based in Rochester, raises money that supports the population of the country to access clean water and afford communities additional educational and economic opportunities.
The Medina students decided to bring attention to that cause by posting posters around the school and setting up pails and boxes for their schoolmates and community members to donate to.
“The kids came together as a team and assigned different jobs to one another to promote this charity,” says Gerdes. “Some made posters, some wrote and spoke at announcements each morning about the fundraising efforts. They wanted to make a difference.”
The students’ efforts raised over $300 for the foundation. Both Weber and Gerdes said they are proud of the students and the efforts they made for this worthwhile cause that will change the fate of so many in the Sudan.
Provided photos: (Left) Medina Lions Club member Don Colquhoun does a vision screening for kindergarten student Cyrus Bloom. (Right) Kindergarten student Willow Brunette gets her eyes checked by a Lions Club member.
Posted 16 February 2024 at 9:29 am
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – Did you know that 80% of all visual impairment can be prevented or cured? The first step to prevention is awareness. The second is early detection through vision screening.
Recently at Oak Orchard Primary School, the Medina Lions Club partnered with medical professionals and community leaders to screen 62 students to identify those at risk for vision loss.
Oak Orchard Principal Jennifer Stearns said that the students were referred by their teachers and all of the kindergarten students had the opportunity to participate as well.
“Eleven students were found to be in need of further evaluation,” she said. “We are thankful to the Lions Club for not only offering this service, but providing families with financial support with the evaluation and a pair of glasses if needed.”
The Lions Club schedules vision screenings every school year and the service is free to the community. Each screening takes approximately five minutes or less and the results are given immediately. Although not a complete eye screening, it indicates when a full ophthalmological evaluation would be beneficial.
Lions KidSight USA Foundation is a nationwide program to safeguard children’s vision, concentrating on children age six months through six years, but screening through grade 12 where possible is acceptable. According to educational experts 80% of learning is visual. So if a child can’t see well, that will make learning more difficult.
The Lions’ vision programs and vision screenings include programs that have, among other things: “Saved the sight of more than 15 million children by providing eye screenings, glasses and other treatments through Sight for Kids.”
Thank you Medina Lions Club for your kindness and concern for our students’ well-being!
Lions Club members, from left, include Tom Beach, Tom Robinson, Carol Bellack and Don Colquhoun. They are shown with Mrs. Fergen’s kindergarten class.
In 5 years, NY down 364,000 acres of farmland and 2,800 farms
Photo by Tom Rivers: A farmer harvests soybeans on East Barre Road in Barre on Oct. 13, 2019.
Press Release, NY Farm Bureau
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its 2022 Agriculture Census revealing a cause of concern for New York agriculture.
While 98-percent of farms remain family owned in the state, the overall number of farms declined by nearly 2,800. That is about a 9 percent drop from the previous 2017 Agriculture Census and the steepest decline in the past three decades. The state also lost 364,000 acres of farmland over the past five years.
A significant portion of the decline is in dairy farming, the largest commodity value in New York State. New York saw a decrease of nearly 1,900 dairy farms, though the total number of dairy cows slightly increased. This reflects the market consolidation that has been happening in the industry. Others that also saw losses include vegetable, berry and organic farms.
The census did reveal some bright spots, including an increase in the number of orchards as well as oyster producers. Market value also rose significantly, topping $8 billion. This is in large part due to temporary increases in major commodity prices during the pandemic, which have since fallen in the past year.
USDA predicts farm income to be down another 25% in 2024. There is also a significant climb in farms using conservation practices like no-till and cover crops with an increase of about 200,000 acres statewide.
Another significant increase is farm costs. Every production expense saw a rise, from fertilizer and fuel to seed and lease prices. The biggest increase in production expenses is labor, which saw an astounding 41 percent jump in five years. This is not surprising with the surge in wage rates and overtime expenses on farms in New York. Employment increased slightly with about 1,000 new farmworkers in the state totaling 56,678 employees.
“The numbers do not come as a surprise but should be a renewed wakeup call for the state,” said David Fisher, president of New York Farm Bureau. “As we continue to see the decline in the number of farm families, we must do all that we can to reduce regulatory costs and expand market opportunities. New York Fam Bureau has stressed that the costlier it is to do business in this state, the harder it is for farms to stay in business. The loss of farmland and food production has major impacts on the economy and quality of life for all New Yorkers. We must work together to reverse this trend, include passing a strong Farm Bill that supports New York’s diverse agriculture.”
Additional NYS numbers in the 2022 USDA Ag Census:
30,650 farms in New York, down from 33,438 in 2017.
6,502,286 acres in production, down from 6,866,171 in 2017.
Average farm size is 212 acres, up from 205 acres in 2017.
The average net farm income of $76,281 per farm is slightly below the national average.
21,894 female producers and 35,664 male producers
The average producer age is 56.7 years old, up from 55.8.
6,335 farmers under the age of 35, a drop from 6,718 producers in 2017.
Editor’s Note: In Orleans County, sales for farm products totaled $233.6 million in 2022, up 50.4 percent from the $155.3 million in 2017, a growth of $78.3 million. That includes sales of fruit, vegetables, milk, livestock and other farm products.
A snapshot of Orleans County’s ag economy in 2022 includes:
444 farms (498 in 2017)
130,055 land in agriculture (129,573 in 2017)
average size of farm – 293 acres (260 in 2017)
estimated value of land and buildings – $1.416 billion
33 farms at more than 1,000 acres, but 140 are 10 to 49 acres, and 131 are 50 to 179 acres.
132 farms sold less than $2,500, while 126 sold $100,000 or more.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) criticized Gov. Hochul’s proposed cuts to local roads and bridges in her 2024-25 Executive Budget proposal.
Hawley is joined by his Republican colleagues in the Senate and Assembly in his opposition to Hochul’s proposed $60 million cut for the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), the state’s main source of funding for repair and maintenance of local roads, bridges and culverts.
For local communities, taxpayers and motorists, CHIPS is essential to maintaining safe road conditions and using tax dollars as efficiently as possible. The group also criticized Hochul for failing to be fair and partial in her priorities for upstate and downstate infrastructure.
Hawley and his colleagues are calling on the governor to restore the $60 million cut to CHIPS base aid and increase the CHIPS base funding level by $200 million to a total of $798.1 million.
Since 2013, Assemblyman Hawley has worked closely with local transportation advocates on the “Local Roads Are Essential” advocacy campaign. The campaign is sponsored by the New York State County Highway Superintendents Association (NYSCHSA) and the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways, Inc. (NYSAOTSOH) and brings hundreds of advocates to Albany each year to support local infrastructure.
Hawley will also be meeting with local county, town and village highway superintendents on Feb. 23. to discuss these proposed cuts. Hawley hopes this initiative will bring meaningful change and provide much-needed funding for local roads and bridges.
“The proposed cuts to funding for local roads and bridges shows a complete lack of understanding of basic economics,” said Hawley. “While the price to pave, maintain and upkeep infrastructure is rising, localities are not given the funding they need year after year.
“The Majority’s politically driven spending is now burdening upstate communities with less aid for schools and now unreasonable cuts for their roads and bridges all to make an impossible attempt to balance an already bloated budget,” Hawley said. “Prosperity for New Yorkers begins at the local level. If the governor wants to reverse the trend of record-high outmigration, that starts with taking care of local infrastructure instead of turning a blind eye to the needs of upstate communities.”
Provided photos: Orleans County legislators Skip Draper, Lynne Johnson and John Fitzak are shown outside the U.S. Capitol during the National Association of Counties’ Annual Conference.
Posted 15 February 2024 at 3:39 pm
Press Release, Orleans County Legislature
WASHINGTON, DC – Orleans County legislative leaders along with over 2,000 elected county officials nationwide attended the annual five-day conference for the National Association of Counties in Washington DC from February 9-13 and returned home yesterday.
The annual conference was at the Washington Hilton Hotel brings together elected officials from over 3,000 counties to focus on federal policy issues that impact county residents.
“We are fortunate to have effective representation in Congress and in the US Senate for our County,” said Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson. “It is important that we advocate to as many of our federal leaders as we can who sit on powerful committees.”
Also attending were Legislators Merle “Skip” Draper and John Fitzak. The conference focused on Broadband, Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Workforce Development, Health Care and Public Safety policies. The conference also was attended by President Joe Biden, who addressed the attendees Monday morning.
Orleans County legislators, along with Niagara County Legislator David Godfrey, far left, take part in a discussion with staff for Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.
Orleans County officials spent time on Capitol Hill meeting with key staff from Senator Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s offices. In addition, Orleans County officials met with Chiefs of Staff from the county’s two Congressional Representatives, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney NY-24 and Congressman Joe Morelle NY-25. They also met with key Agriculture Committee Members, Congressmen Nick Langworthy NY-23 and Marc Molinaro NY-19.
Discussions centered around Orleans specific needs and more funding for emergency management, first responders, seniors, infrastructure, public safety, harbor dredging and broadband projects. The Agriculture Committee is key to funding many projects in rural America.
“One of the most effective ways to represent our county on the federal level is to meet in person here in Washington,” Johnson said. “Working with staff from our representatives’ offices, we can better articulate our county’s needs. We are always appreciative of the financial support that we receive on behalf of our residents and are grateful to our representatives in Congress.”
The National Association of Counties (NACO) serves nearly 40,000 county officials. Founded in 1935, NACO unites County leaders from across the United States to educate lawmakers and advocate for county priorities.
Photos courtesy of Roy-Hart Central School: The Intermediate All-County Orchestra includes, from left: Blake Houseman, Reyna Sanchez-Cacique, Emilie Tetrault, Samuel Glyshaw, Nevaeh Genet, Tessa Degenardt and Priscilla Baez.
Posted 15 February 2024 at 3:08 pm
Press Release, Roy-Hart Central School
MIDDLEPORT – Seventeen string students from the Royalton-Hartland CSD participated in the Niagara County Music Educators’ Association honors ensembles.
Lily Pabon Rosa, Jackson Lederhouse, Emily Duewiger, Simon Fournier, Morgan Mill, Addyson Knier-Ronson, JoseDaniel Pabon Rosa, Hailey Pasnik, Abigail Glyshaw and Josephine Silsby participated with the JR/SR All-County Orchestra on February 2-3 at Lockport High School.
Blake Houseman, Reyna Sanchez-Cacique, Emilie Tetrault, Samuel Glyshaw, Nevaeh Genet, Tessa Degenardt and Priscilla Baez participated with the Intermediate All-County Orchestra on February 9-10 at Niagara-Wheatfield High School.
All of the students auditioned in December at the NCMEA All-County Auditions at Lockport High School. Based on their audition score, they were selected to participate in their respective Honors Ensemble.
The Jr/Sr All County Orchestra includes, from left: Lily Pabon Rosa, Jackson Lederhouse, Emily Duewiger, Simon Fournier, Morgan Mill, Addyson Knier-Ronson, JoseDaniel Pabon Rosa, Hailey Pasnik, Abigail Glyshaw and Josephine Silsby.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 February 2024 at 11:41 am
MEDINA – The Medina Fire Department is working with a grantwriter on federal grants to help pay for equipment, a ladder truck and an addition to the fire hall.
The Village Board in August hired G&G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing for $7,990 to write up to five grant applications for the fire department.
G & G is working on three right now. That includes a grant for $100,422 towards a compressor/fill station and also 20 SCBA cylinders. The total cost of that equipment is $105,444. The village share would be $5,021 if Medina is successful getting the grant, Fire Chief Matt Jackson advised the Village Board on Monday.
The compressor-fill station would cost $68,486 and would allow firefighters to fill the cylinders right at the station, rather than going to the county Emergency Management Office in Albion.
Medina has 40 of the SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) that are breathing-air cylinders. The Fire Department wants to replace half of those 40 bottles, with the next half to be replaced in five years. The 20 bottles cost approximately $36,958, Jackson said.
The Village Board is expected to approve the grant application at its Feb. 25 meeting. The application is die March 8.
Jackson said the village also is working with G & G to pursue assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a new ladder truck and an fire hall addition.
Medina voted on June 26 to spend $1.7 million to buy a new ladder truck from Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton, Wisc., with a delivery time expected to take 2 ½ years.
The board on Aug. 14 authorized seeking a bond for up to $5.6 million to finance the fire hall addition. The board hasn’t determined the scope of that project yet.
Another fire truck from 1990 also should be on schedule for a replacement in the near future, Jackson said.
He also would like to pursue a grant for a specialized laundry machine to clean turn-out gear and remove any carcinogens.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Timoth J. Collmer, left, Department Commander, shakes hands with Jim Wells of Lyndonville, commander of the Butts-Clark American Legion Post in Medina. (Right) Peter DeAngelis Jr. Department Detachment Commander, and photographer Chip Rayno (seated) wear a hard hat to deliver DeAngelis’ message of “working hard” at the Genesee and Orleans Department Officers’ Testimonial Dinner.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 February 2024 at 9:15 am
BATAVIA – The American Legion Department Officers’ Annual Testimonial Dinner was a joint event between Orleans and Genesee counties Tuesday night at Batavia Downs.
This is the first time the two counties have combined their annual dinner, said Cathy Fox of Medina, Orleans County’s Auxiliary President. She cited the reasons of declining memberships and the convenience for state dignitaries, many of whom live in other parts of the state, who didn’t have to attend two events.
American Legion dignitaries who attended the event included New York State Department Commander, Timothy J. Collmer; Department President, Karen St. Hilaire; and Sons of the Legion Detachment Commander Peter DeAngelis Jr.
(Left) Cathy Fox, Orleans County American Legion Auxiliary President, chats with Diman Smith, right, 8th District Detachment Commander, and Daryl Vestreate, Detachment Cive Commander of the 7th and 8th District. (Right) Kathryn Kindle of Middleport, the American Legion’s Department vice commander of the 7th and 8th District, greets Peter Huth, of Medina adjutant at the Genesee and Orleans Counties Department Officers’ Testimonial Dinner Tuesday at Batavia Downs.
The head table was escorted into the banquet room by Wallace Kornow of Genesee County. David Rumsey, master of ceremonies, introduced the head table and distinguished guests. These included Robert Elkins, Genesee County American Legion Chaplain; Nelson Oldfield, 8th District Commander; Kathryn Kindle, Department Vice-Commander 7th and 8th District; Ryan Ditacchio, Genesee County Commander; Timothy J. Collmer, New York State Department Commander; Karen St. Hilaire, Auxiliary Department President; Pattie Galley, 8th District Auxiliary President; Cathy Fox, Orleans County Auxiliary President; Peter DeAngelis Jr., Sons of the Legion Department Detachment Commander; Daryl Vestreate, Detachment Vice-Commander 7th and 8th District; and Diman Smith, 8th District Detachment Commander.
Rumsey and Jim Wells, commander of Medina’s Butts Clark American Legion Post, presented a reading and remembrance in honor of POW/MIAs.
As each guest at the head table introduced the person next to him/her, they shared their pleasure in touring the New York State Veterans Home earlier in the day, and enjoying lunch there.
Photo courtesy of Chip Rayno, American Legion College: Part of the head table is shown during a patriotic song at Batavia Downs on Tuesday. From right to left are Cathy Fox, Orleans County Auxiliary President; Pattie Galley, 8th District Auxiliary President; Karen St. Hilaire, Auxiliary Department President; David Rumsey, master of ceremonies; Timothy J. Collmer, Department Commander; Ryan Ditacchio, Genesee County Commander; Nelson Oldfield, 8th District Commander; Kathryn Kindle, Department Vice-Commander 7th and 8th District; and Robert Elkins, Genesee County American Legion Chaplain.
DeAngelis, who joined the Sons in 1998, has held various officers in the group, chairs four committees and has been director of his post. His wife is an Auxiliary leader, as well. To stress his theme of “working hard” for the Sons, he donned a hard hat.
He also urged squadrons to share what they do with the Legion’s newsletter and website. His projects include supporting youth. He announced the next National Commander will be Bill Clancey from New York.
Karen St. Hilaire of Onondaga County, Auxiliary Department President, was lauded as a staunch supporter of the American Legion. She has served her community as a firefighter, and a retired critical care nurse. She continues to chair many committees. She explained the reason for the lighthouse pin she passed out to everyone.
“I love lighthouses, and my pin sends the message, ‘Light the way,’” she said.
Timothy J. Collmer, Department Commander, accepts a donation from Phil Warne from the Sheret American Legion Post in Albion.
St. Hilaire promotes the Auxiliary’s “Warrior Assistance Program,” which awards up to $1,200 to active or retired military who are facing financial hardship.
She also stressed the importance of membership, saying it is the most important thing in the entire Legion family. Legion posts in Genesee County are at 75.11% of their quota, while Orleans County posts have 95.97%. She said it is important for Legions, Auxiliaries and Sons to work together to recruit new members.
“We recruit new members, but where we fall short is we fail to retain them,” St. Hilaire said.
She also encouraged all groups to submit their reports to their representative so they can take them to Washington. This is how laws get passed to benefit the Legions’ members, she said. She added that 100% of all donations to the Legion remain with programs in New York state.
Karen St. Hilaire, left, Auxiliary Department President, accepts a gift from Orleans County Auxiliary President Cathy Fox.
Nelson Oldfield, 8th District Commander, added his message regarding membership.
“We need to bring our numbers up,” he said. “We are only as strong as our membership.”
The next speaker was Kathryn Kindle of Middleport, Department Vice-Commander 7th and 8th District, who said she is serving her first year in the Genesee and Orleans districts. She next introduced Timothy J. Collmer, Department Commander, who visits each county across the state to share Legion stories. He served 21 years in the Army, and has been dean of the American Legion College of New York. He is a member of Nunda Fire Department and Dansville Moose Lodge.
“It has been a great day in Batavia today,” Collmer said. “The Vet’s home is a wonderful place.”
He urged everyone to support the Legion by logging on to www.legion.org/action and send a message to Washington every day.
“We have to let people know what the Legion does,” he said.
He added the importance of “buddy checks” on fellow veterans, and spoke of the suicide rate for veterans and the suicide prevention program with the VA.
“This is very important,” he said. “Just to let them know how we care about them.”
He explained the New York Military Assistance Program and encouraged making donations to these programs that benefit veterans.
Genesee County Legislator Gregg Torrey, second from left, representing State Senator George Borrello, presented certificates of appreciation to distinguished American Legion guests, Timothy J. Collmer, Karen St. Hilaire and Peter DeAngelis Jr. Certificates were also presented by Eileen Banker, representing Assemblyman Steve Hawley, and Andrew Dugan, representing State Senator Robert Ortt.
The evening concluded with presentation of gifts by the American Legion, Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion.
The Genesee and Orleans American Legion families consist of – in Batavia – American Legion Commander Ryan Ditacchio, 1st Vice Commander David Rumsey; Finance, Wallace Kornow; and Veterans Service officer, William Joyce; American Legion Auxiliary president, Sharon DeBottis; secretary, Sharon DeBottis; and treasurer Mary Ann Neider.
In Orleans County, officers are Commander, Peter Huth; 1st Vice Commander, Al Pulcino; adjutant, Peter Huth; Finance, Peter Huth; and Veterans’ Service Officer, Nancy Traxler.
Sons of the American Legion Commanders are Squadron 35 in Albion, Peter Hennekey; Squadron 204 in Medina, Chuck Eaton; Squadron 529 in Holley, Salvatore DeLuca; and Squadron 575 in Bergen, John O’Grady.
The evening’s events, which included an Italian buffet, were organized by Cathy Fox and Ryan Ditacchio.
Press Release, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, Western District of New York
BATAVIA – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced that the Western District of New York Human Trafficking Task Force is holding its second in a series of training conferences to educate the public as well as members of law enforcement, the legal community, and non-government organizations that provide services to victims and survivors of human trafficking.
The second training conference is scheduled for today from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Genesee Community College, Conable Technology Building, 1 College Drive, Batavia, NY 14020.
The conference will cover a victim-centered approach to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting trafficking cases and responding to trafficking victims and survivors. Presentations will include sex trafficking, labor trafficking, the intersection of domestic violence trafficking, and minor victims, and services and resources that are available for victims and survivors. Additional conferences will be held in the coming weeks and months throughout the Western District of New York.
More than 27 million people around the world endure the abuse of human trafficking and forced labor, including thousands of people right here in the United States. For more information on sex and labor trafficking, including services and resources, click here.
The Western District of New York Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Erie County Sheriff’s Office, and International Institute of Buffalo, brings together law enforcement and social and legal service agencies to collaborate on human trafficking cases. The Western District of New York includes the 17 counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 February 2024 at 9:17 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Rev. Dr. Don Algeo, pastor of the Gaines Congregational United Church of Christ, offers the benediction and a closing blessing at this evening’s Ash Wednesday service at the First Baptist Church of Albion.
Several churches in the Albion Ministerium planned and led the service.
Algeo has a cross of ashes on his forehead. The ashes are from the burnt palms from the palms from about a year ago on Palm Sunday.
Ash Wednesday starts a 40-day Lenten season for Christians around the world.
Lent is a time for reflection and repentance in preparation for the celebration of Easter, which this year will be celebrated on March 31.
Algeo gave the sermon during this evening’s service.
The Rev. Marsha Rivers, left, and the Rev. Susan Boring sing “Lord, Have Mercy” during the service. Rivers is pastor of the First Baptist Church in Albion and Boring is pastor of the Eagle Harbor Methodist Church.
The Baptist Church at 30 West Park St. will host Lenten luncheons beginning next Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. Those luncheons continue until March 20. They are free and include soup and sandwiches, with singing and devotionals after lunch. Churches take turns preparing the meals and sharing a message.
HOLLEY – William Kelly of Holley, a member of the New York Army National Guard, has been promoted to the rank of first sergeant, announced Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York.
Kelly is assigned to the Company B, 427th Brigade Support Battalion.
Army National Guard promotions are based on a soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 February 2024 at 5:32 pm
A wind advisory has been issued for Orleans County from 4 p.m. Thursday through 7 a.m. on Friday, the National Weather Service in Buffalo said.
The advisory also includes Monroe, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.
There will be west winds 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts up to 50 mph, the Weather Service said.
“Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects,” the Weather Service said. “Tree limbs could be blown down and a few isolated power outages may result.”
