Photo by Tom Rivers: Jackie Lonnen joined the volunteers for Wreaths Across America on Dec. 17, 2022 in Lyndonville. Volunteers will be placing about 450 wreaths at Lyndonville cemeteries.

Today is the annual Wreaths Across America and close to 1,700 wreaths will be placed at veterans’ graves. For the first time locally the effort will include Holley.

The Holley Rotary Club spearheaded the effort to have 200 wreaths put at veterans’ graves at Hillside Cemetery. The Rotary Club hoped to do at least 100 wreaths, but fundraising allowed the club to do 200, said Laura Bentley, coordinator of the effort.

Rotarians and community members will set the wreaths at vets’ graves at noon.

Medina will place 1,008 wreaths, with most at Boxwood Cemetery, said coordinator Kathy Blackburn. There will be a ceremony at Boxwood at noon before volunteers place the wreaths.

In Lyndonville, about 450 wreaths will be placed at Lynhaven Cemetery on Housel Avenue in Lyndonville with others put at Yates Center Cemetery, Robin Hill Estate, the Greenman Road Cemetery, Lott Cemetery on Angling Road and a cemetery on Marshall Road.

Lyndonville first joined the Wreaths Across America effort in 2019. Medina has been doing it since 2013.

Wreaths Across America is a nationwide program that honors those who have served by placing holiday wreaths on the graves of military personnel.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Lori Nottingham of Albion drops a donation in the red kettle at Tops Friendly Market in Medina. Manning the kettle are Peter Huth, in background, and Frank Berger, both of Medina. Members of the Butts-Clark American Legion Post volunteered to ring the bell for the entire day.

MEDINA – Ringing the bell for The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle drive is something Frank Berger and Peter Huth have done for decades, and this year is no exception.

When the Butts-Clark American Legion Post signed up to provide volunteers at Tops Friendly Market in Medina on Friday, Berger and Huth were among the first to sign up.

While Huth has been volunteering for at least 25 years, Berger, 89, can’t remember how long he’s been doing it.

He remembers when there were bell ringers almost on every corner.

“We used to ring the bell at Rosenkrans and Country Club Restaurant on Main Street, and Ames when it was on Maple Ridge Road,” Berger said. “I volunteered in the morning when the sun was out, because it could get cold later on.”

For years, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee has overseen the Red Kettle Campaign, where Katrina Chaffee, director of community services, is heading the drive.

While places to ring the bells have declined in recent years, every penny collected is much needed. This year, bell ringers are at Walmart and Tops in Albion and Tops in Medina.

It is stressed that every dollar collected in Orleans County stays in Orleans County.

Berger said he volunteers because he knows The Salvation Army does a lot for soldiers.

“I was in the service and I remember them brining us a cup of coffee and a donut,” he said. “My dad was in the trenches in World War I and The Salvation Army provided them with bags filled with personal care items, such as a bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, a brush and comb.”

Volunteers can still sign up to ring the bell by calling Community Action at (585) 589-5605 and asking for Katrina Chaffee.

Provided photos: These Medina teachers include, from left: Greg Husung, Jesse Mankowski, Mark Fitzpatrick, Joe Byrne, Jeff Dole, Zach Harris, Mike Gray, Dr. Dave Voss, PJ Bell, Collin Scheiber, Doug Boje, Christian Held and Justin Morgan.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Medina Junior-Senior High School Social Studies teacher and President of the Medina Teachers’ Association, Joe Byrne, has made a tradition of challenging his male counterparts in the district to grow some facial hair every November.

“Movember” raises attention to the growing number of men’s health concerns such as mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.  Staff is encouraged to make a pledge not to shave their moustaches for a full month.

Joe Byrne presents a check to Nola Goodrich-Kresse, who accepted on behalf of the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition.

“Many of us deal with some strange looks and stares at school and the community along the way as we go from clean shaven to hairy, but it is for a good cause,” laughs Byrne.  “It is always funny what students say and think about us as our moustaches progress.”

The money raised goes to the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition. This year the staff decided to continue bringing attention to a major health crisis that affects men, Byrne said.  “Across the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day,” he said.

“Men account for 75% of all suicides. I’m so appreciative that our teachers, administrators and staff continue to support this worthy cause. Men usually don’t elaborate on their mental health issues because it’s seen as a sign of weakness in our society,” Byrne said. “Now more than ever, we need to be able to talk openly about our social and emotional wellbeing. It’s a tremendous feeling we are able to make a significant donation to Orleans County Mental Health and I know these funds will be earmarked to help assist countless number of men struggling with thoughts of suicide in our community.”

Jeff Dole, a math teacher at the Junior-Senior High School, organized this year’s fundraiser.  Everyone was thrilled with the $1,400 that was raised.  Byrne says a special shout out goes to retiring social studies teacher Doug Boje.

“We were struggling to meet our goal the last few days in November and he sent an email to staff. He thanked those who already donated and gave the staff a challenge – he would match and double the highest donation for the last three days of the fundraiser,” Byrne said. “His gesture fits in with Movember’s slogan on their suicide prevention page, ‘Be a man of more words.’”

Dr. Mark Kruzynski, superintendent of Medina Central School District, said, “Every year, our faculty raises money for Movember and every year they continue to surpass the previous year.  Mental health ‘IS’ health, and I am proud that we were able to donate to this fantastic cause.”

Nola Goodrich-Kresse, chairperson of the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition, said, “We are very grateful to the Medina Central School District staff for this very generous donation. Mental Wellness is something we all strive for, but we understand there are challenges for some in seeking help anytime of the year, but especially during the holidays.  We encourage anyone who is struggling to talk to someone they trust or call 988 to talk with a trained crisis counselor 24/7, the call is free and confidential.”

Press Release, Orleans County Legislature

Lynne Johnson

ALBION – Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson has been appointed to the board of directors of the Healthcare Trustees of New York State (HTNYS).

HTNYS, a division of the Healthcare Association of New York State, aims to help healthcare trustees from hospitals and healthcare systems across the state navigate the shifting healthcare landscape, advocate for their organizations, and fulfill their governance responsibilities.

Johnson has been a trustee of Orleans Community Health for more than a decade. Her term on the HTNYS board begins Jan. 1.

“Serving on the board at Orleans Community Health, I have witnessed the rapid changes in healthcare and the challenges healthcare systems face in delivering quality, cost-effective care to residents, especially in rural communities like ours,” said Johnson, a Lyndonville resident.  “I’m hoping to bring that perspective to the HTNYS board and teaming up with others to advocate for our communities.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A new kiosk with eight panels about attractions and services in Medina was celebrated at a ribbon-cutting on Thursday afternoon. The kiosk lights up in the evening and at night.

It includes QR codes that lead to even more information.

The Village of Medina Tourism Committee worked with Takeform to develop the informational display.

Pictured from left at a ribbon-cutting include Kelly Kiebala and Jan Smith, members of the Tourism Committee; village trustees Diana Baker, Jess Marciano and Marguerite Sherman; DPW Superintendent Jason Watts; Jim Hancock, chairman of the Tourism Committee; Mayor Mike Sidari; Arnie Wolfe, project manager with Takeform; Lynne Menz, graphic designer and marketing manager for the Orleans County Tourism Department; Dawn Borchet, Orleans County Tourism director; Jesse Cudzilo, Orleans County YMCA director; and Kathy Blackburn, a member of the Tourism Committee.

The Tourism Committee includes Jim Hancock as chairman and members Marguerite Sherman, Jan Smith, Lynne Menz, Dawn Borchet, Kelly Kiebala, Kathy Blackburn, Jesse Cudzilo and Greg Reed.

The YMCA secured a $10,000 grant to pay for most of the cost of the kiosk. That money was provided by the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation. The Y, under previous director Greg Reed, sought to increase wayfinding signage in the community. After consulting with the Tourism Committee, the Y was amenable to putting the money towards the new kiosk.

Hancock said the Tourism Committee raised an additional $4,500 in donations and contributions towards the project.

Mayor Mike Sidari said the Y has been a good partner for the village. The organization also pushed for the development and secured funding for a new disc golf course at the Gulf Street Park and leads the “On the Canals” excursions along the New York State Canal system, with kayaking and hydro-bikes.

Jim Hancock, right, head of the Tourism Committee said the new kiosk was about 18 months in the making.

He thanked Takeform in Medina for putting in many hours developing the panels for the project, which highlights Medina and canal history, local cultural and culinary attractions, local services, parks, events and outdoor recreational opportunities.

The Tourism Committee brainstormed the subjects on the panels and obtained photos and text. Hancock said Lynne Menz deserves special mention for putting “an inordinate amount of time and effort into this project.”

Arnie Wolfe (right, project manager with Takeform, shakes hands and gives Mayor Mike Sidari the keys to the new kiosk to allow updates to panels and turn on the lights.

Wolfe said Gasport Welding & Fabrication made the steel structure for the kiosk. The Village of Medina Department of Public Works did the concrete base and was able to lift the structure in place and then bolt it down to the base.

The new kiosk replaces a wooden one that was more of a display board for notices. That kiosk has since been moved to the Medina Dog Park on North Gravel Road.

Dawn Borchet, the county’s tourism director, would like to see similar kiosks in other Orleans villages.

“Better signage is always good,” she said. “It keeps visitors to the community in the area longer.”

Rendering by Wendel: The project approved by voters today includes replacing the district’s track with a new one with synthetic lanes.

LYNDONVILLE – Voters in the school district today approved a $19,505,384 capital project by a vote of 97 yes and 36 no.

“On behalf of the Board of Education and myself, we are grateful for the support of our Lyndonville community and their partnership in good stewardship of our school buildings and grounds,” said Sharon Smith, the district’s superintendent. “Special thanks to our partners at Wendel Architects and Engineers, Buffalo Construction Consultants, and Lyndonville District Clerk Tanya Marek.”

The project includes:

• A new synthetic track with a natural grass regulation soccer field in the middle and better drainage added for the site. This enables the school to host home track meets for the first time in more than a decade, and the track can be used by the community.
• Entrances for both school buildings renovated to improve security and safety.
• Demolition of the wing known as the “metal building” with replacement on the same footprint of four new classrooms. School officials say the metal building has outlived its expiration date, and it is not cost-effective to renovate.
• Replacement of the roof in the areas that were not part of the emergency roof projects.
• Heating and cooling (HVAC) improvements

Lyndonville has about $4.3 million in capital reserve funds for the local share of the project. State aid will cover the rest.

Provided photos

ALBION – Dr. Satya “Kash” Sahukar, left, is shown with his wife Mary Janet on Tuesday evening when he was honored for 50 years of service as a member of the Albion Lions Club.

Sahukar is retired after working 44 years as a pediatrician in the Albion community.

His wife has also been a long-time member of the Lions Club, which celebrated its holiday party on Tuesday at the Tavern on the Ridge, the former Village Inn which isn’t yet open to general public.

Dr. Sahukar is shown with his grandson Ben Lennox, who is also a member of the Lions Club.

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Brown Street canal bridge has been closed in the village of Albion since July 18, 2012 by the state Department of Transportation after an inspection showed serious deterioration of major elements of the steel truss floor system.

ALBION – A canal bridge that has been closed for more the decade hasn’t been forgotten about by village officials.

The Brown Street bridge was closed to vehicular traffic on July 18, 2012 by the state Department of Transportation after an inspection showed serious deterioration of major elements of the steel truss floor system. A pedestrian walkway has remained open.

At a minimum, village officials want the DOT to paint the bridge, put in some lighting and make sure the pedestrian access stays open.

The bridge was constructed in 1912. When it was closed it was among many canal bridges in Orleans County that needed attention.

The state has since paid $10.7 million for major rehabilitations of seven single-lane truss bridges that were constructed between 1909 and 1914. Those bridges were fixed in 2019 and 2020.

They include:

• Bennetts Corners Road in the Town of Murray
• Telegraph Road in the Town of Murray
• Transit Road in the Town of Murray
• Densmore Road in the Town of Albion
• Gaines Basin Road in the Town of Gaines
• Bates Road in the Village of Medina
• Marshall Road in the Town of Ridgeway

The DOT also is working a major rehab of the Main Street lift bridge in Albion, as well as the Main Street lift bridge in Brockport, Monroe County.

Joyce Riley, the Albion deputy mayor, said with all those canal bridge projects either done or being worked on, she thinks it’s a good time to ask the state to look at the Brown Street bridge.

The Village Board voted on Wednesday to have Riley do the paperwork, requesting DOT or the Canal Corp. to pursue Bridge NY grant funding or other money through the state for a major rehab of the Brown Street bridge.

The Village Board also authorized Mayor Angel Javier to send a letter to the DOT to have the bridge at least be painted with lighting added.

The board members don’t want to see the bridge continue to deteriorate. Riley said it’s ugly and a detriment to the east side of the village.

If the state won’t fix it, the bridge should be torn down and removed, Riley said.

Riley said an initial estimate would be $3.7 million to repair the structure to maintain as a safe pedestrian crossing, and another $2 million-plus to reopen for vehicular traffic.

Tearing it down could be a similar overall expense, she said.

“It costs as much to tear it down as it does to fix it, so why not fix it?” she said.

Riley said she was meeting with DOT officials today to see how the village can best present its case for the bridge to be repaired.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Ron Albertson sings “One Way Out” by the Allman Brothers on June 19, 2021 during an open mic at the new amphitheater for Bullard Park. This was the debut event at the amphitheater.

ALBION – A group that has been working for more than a decade to upgrade Bullard Park announced its next goal for the site on Route 31: a new lodge.

The committee that initially formed as “Rebuild Bullard” has helped push the first two phases of improvements at Bullard.

Phase one included swapping out old playground equipment with new. That was complete in 2016.

In 2020 and 2021, the village was able to get phase two done with a new splash pad, amphitheater, pavilion with bathrooms and a walking trail.

This year saw the completion of new basketball courts, a disc golf course as well as a scoreboard for the youth football program.

Ron Albertson, has been one of the leaders of the effort to upgrade Bullard. He said the group is now ready to work on getting a lodge in the park that could be rented out year-round. He said other communities, including Spencerport and the Town of Sweden, have lodges that are popular for events and activities.

The Village Board gave its permission for the Bullard group to reach out to an architectural firm to propose renderings of the lodge and possible locations.

Albertson and John Grillo, the village’s recreation director, said it’s in the beginning stages of collecting information and a design for the site.

The group would like to pursue a state grant to help pay for the project.

Grillo said other communities with lodges at their parks charge to rent them out, and that pays for the facilities to be cleaned and other expenses.

The Bullard group likes having the lodge on the west side of Bullard back where there used to be pavilions. But a professional engineer and architect will be consulted for their opinions.

Village Board members thanked the group for pushing upgrades at Bullard. The board would like to see improvements at some of the pocket parks too, especially on the west side of the village.

Grillo said the village has applied for a grant to put new fencing on Lafayette Park on West State and West Park streets, and would like a half court basketball court there. Albertson said St. Joseph’s Park on Clinton Street is limited with parking, but he could see that site as a potential dog park in addition to the current playground.

Press Release, Gov. Hochul’s Office

Governor Hochul on Wednesday signed legislation to protect New York consumers from medicine price-gouging and ongoing financial consequences related to medical debt. Additionally, the Governor signed bills what will curb predatory subscription services, and confusion over the price of many goods and services.

“As costs and inflation continue to creep up, consumer protection is one of the ways that our state is giving New Yorkers more purchasing power and keeping hard-earned money in their pockets,” Governor Hochul said. “This legislation will help to protect individuals struggling with medical debt, unwanted subscriptions, and confusion over prices at the register. No one should have to jump through hoops to protect their finances and today we’re taking steps to help New Yorkers on their journeys toward financial freedom.”

• Legislation S.608C/A.5653B prohibits the sale of medicine for an unconscionably excessive price during a drug shortage (as declared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration). Generally, an “unconscionably excessive price” may include a gross disparity between the price being charged by the seller during the abnormal disruption of the market, and the price charged immediately prior.

• Legislation S.4907A/A.6275A prohibits hospitals, health care professionals and ambulances from reporting an individual’s medical debt charged to a medical card to credit agencies. A medical card is a credit card offered by providers specifically for the payment of health care services, products or devices.

According to a 2023 study from the Urban Institute, 740,000 New Yorkers have medical debt on their credit reports with people of color twice as likely to have medical debt referred to a credit bureau and low-income people three times more likely. By prohibiting hospitals, health care professionals, and certified ambulances from reporting medical debt to credit agencies, this legislation will make it easier for New Yorkers to get jobs, secure credit, rent an apartment, pay for their children’s education and build long-term wealth.

• Legislation S.5941B/A.3245D requires businesses to notify consumers of an upcoming automatic renewal or a continuous service charge 45 days prior to the charge. It also requires businesses to include instructions for how to cancel automatic renewals or continuous service charges as part of the notice to the consumer.

• Legislation S.1048A/A.2672B requires businesses to clearly post the highest price that a consumer might pay for certain transactions, including any surcharges. The legislation also establishes a civil penalty of up to $500 per violation.

Businesses in New York are permitted to offer two-tiered pricing systems in which the credit card price for certain sales transactions is posted alongside the cash price. By requiring businesses to post the highest price that a consumer might pay, this legislation helps to promote transparency and ensure that consumers are informed about their purchases.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Susan Oschmann accepts a “Community Service Award” from Albion mayor Angel Javier Jr. It was presented during Wednesday’s Village Board meeting.

ALBION – Susan Oschmann made it a mission two years ago to get new basketball courts at Bullard Park.

Oschmann rallied the community, including basketball legend Roosevelt Bouie, in getting two new courts complete. They opened on Oct. 26.

The Albion Village Board on Wednesday presented its first “Community Service Award” to Oschmann in appreciation for her efforts leading the charge for the new courts.

“The Village of Albion presents this award in acknowledgement of your commitment to serving others and your community,” states the award which is signed by Mayor Angel Javier and Tracy VanSkiver, the village clerk/treasurer.

The previous court was back further in the park and the surface wasn’t level with asphalt heaving in sports. The hoops were missing nets and were seldom used.

Oschmann pushed for the project not long after moving to Albion from Kendall. She wanted kids, including her grandchildren, to have a place to shoot basketballs with friends.

She has been friends with Bouie since they were kids. Bouie was a big star at Syracuse University and he helped secure $40,000 in funding from the James and Juli Boeheim Foundation.

The village and Bounce for Bullard so far have raised $98,000 for the project with another $10,000 in in-kind services.

Judge Sanford Church donated money to pay for two of the basketball hoops. The Albion United Methodist Church donated $45,000 towards the project. The Wendel engineering firm did designs and renderings for the basketball courts that helped Albion pursue grant funding. The Orleans County United Way also helped pursue grants and set up a non-profit organization to advance projects at Bullard.

Oschmann said there is still more to do – about $50,000 is needed for more fencing as well as benches for spectators in a shaded area and working outdoor lights.

Two donors have offered to pay for two of the benches, Oschmann told the board on Wednesday. Those donors would like a memorial plaque to be on the stainless steel benches.

Oschmann also was a key organizer for “Santa’s Hometown Parade” this past Saturday in Albion.

Albion boys and girls basketball players play on the new courts at Bullard Park on Oct. 26, when the new paint was dry and the courts were made available for the first time to the community.

Provided photo: Local artist Carol Culhane, left, donated this tree of life to Medina Memorial Hospital, where it now hangs in the Imaging Department. The painting was unveiled at For Women Only, where women signed the names of loved ones lost to cancer. Holding the picture are, from left, Stephanie Aquilina, X-ray technician; Sara Berlin; and Erica Chutko, director of radiology.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health’s For Women Only, held in October at White Birch Golf Course, had a touching and unique feature.

During the event, the community came together for a special cause – a fundraising initiative dedicated to supporting cancer services.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Devon Heveron of Lyndonville, left, signs her grandmother’s name on a tree of life painted by artist Carol Culhane. The tree was featured at Orleans Community Health’s For Women Only in October at White Birch Golf Course.

“The event not only aimed to raise essential funds, but also sought to create a meaningful and personal experience for attendees,” said Scott Robinson, director of marketing at Orleans Community Health.

At the center of this touching event was a unique artistic contribution by local artist Carol Culhane. She created a tree adorned with leaves for attendees to inscribe the names of loved ones they wished to honor. This interactive and soul-stirring artwork allowed participants to contribute to a collective expression of solidarity and support in the fight against cancer, Robinson said.

“As guests were given the opportunity to add a loved one’s name to leaves, the tree transformed into a living tribute, embodying the strength of a community standing together against the challenges of cancer,” Robinson said. “Carol’s thoughtful design not only captured the essence of the event, but also provided a tangible representation of the shared commitment to making a difference in Orleans County. The leaves on the tree stand as a testament to the unity and resilience of a community dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those affected by cancer.”

Last week, Culhane donated the framed artwork to Medina Memorial Hospital, where it now hangs in the hospital’s Imaging Department.

“Our team was thrilled to accept the finished piece of artwork,” Robinson said.

Culhane is a self-taught artist, who has made it her mission to support local heroes, veterans and charitable organizations.

“I enjoy doing artwork for different causes because I can,” Culhane said. “I have been given a gift and I have done my best in my life to give and share it. I am a humble person and I have lived a successful life in terms of refining my skill as an untrained artist. As I realized I have a talent that could provide a mechanism for people to share, enjoy and give to others, I found great joy in doing so.”

Culhane has designed and painted hundreds of Christmas ornaments for Wounded Warriors, Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star mothers. She was chosen to paint portraits of veterans on a Vietnam Memorial in Rochester and she painted the murals at Golisano’s Children’s Hospital, to name a few. Each year, she designs and donates ornaments for a fundraiser for Hospice of Orleans County.

“Interacting with all walks of life, for example, children, elders, military, I have an opportunity to know each and everyone’s life story,” she said. “Whether it was a child full of joy and excitement at our tree farm or those fighting a serious disease; a member of our military who gave so much of his/her body and soul; or an elderly person so wise who shared their story with me, blessings came in many ways. My pen, pencil and paintbrush have been my blessing to share with others.”

MEDINA – The Village of Medina Planning Board last week approved the site plan for an 8,000-square-foot expansion at Vivus Technologies.

The business at 591 Mahar St. plans to put up a new 80-by-100 foot building. The company manufactures washers and other cleaning equipment.

Medina also approved a variance for the project. The village code requires a 50-foot setback for buildings when a commercial lot abuts a residential district. Vivus will have a 25-foot setback. The village approved the variance for the project, which is on a dead-end street.

The existing facility was previously used by Takeform before that company moved to Maple Ridge Road.

The Planning Board last week also approved the site plan for solar panels to be put on the roof of the Olde Pickle Factory on Park Avenue. The project has a capacity to generate 1.296 megawatts of power to be used onsite, with any excess to be sold on the grid, said Dan Gardner, the village’s code enforcement officer.