WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today announced the launch of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. The Congressional Art Competition is open to high school students who reside in New York’s 24th Congressional District, which includes Orleans and about a dozen other counties.
Since 1982, the Congressional Art Competition has been held each spring to celebrate the talents of young artists across the country. Rep. Tenney welcomes students from the 24th Congressional District to take part in this tradition. Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of experts from NY-24, and the winning artwork will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year.
In 2024, Tenney’s office received over 30 submissions from high schoolers across New York’s 24th Congressional District.
Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor
Computer-generated art
Photographs
All submissions must be delivered to one of Tenney’s district offices from April 14 to April 18. All necessary paperwork must be attached to the students’ artwork.
Please set up a time to drop off artwork at one of the following locations:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 January 2025 at 10:09 am
MEDINA – Two trustee positions are up for election in the Village of Medina. The spots are for two-year terms that are currently filled by Jess Marciano and Diana Baker.
Village residents can circulate petitions that need to be signed by at least 100 registered voters in Medina. Those petitions can be picked up at the village clerk’s office and must be turned in the week of Feb. 6-11.
The Village Board on Monday set the election for March 18 with voting from noon to 9 p.m. at the Senior Center on West Avenue.
The winners in the election will start their terms on April 1.
The board on Monday also named the election inspectors for the election. Judy Szulis, Norma Huth, Linda Deyle and Mary Ann Ander will be the election inspectors with Szulis as the chairwoman. Szulis will be paid $18 an hour while the other three inspectors are to be paid $17 an hour.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 January 2025 at 8:37 am
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board approved a 3-year contract with the union representing employees in the Department of Public Works. The 12 members of the union will receive 3 percent annual raises, and longevity bonuses will be boosted by another $100.
The agreement is effective from June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2027.
The longevity bonuses starts after seven years of service, and has been $825. It will now be at $925. The bonus increases each year after seven years.
Village Trustee Jess Marciano was on the negotiating committee, talking with the DPW union.
“It was a give and take,” she said at Monday’s board meeting.
The contract doesn’t include the DPW superintendent, Jason Watts.
The board on Monday also appointed a new mechanic in the DPW. Daniel O’Connor will start on Feb. 3.
The board accepted the resignation of Dustin Wells as a motor equipment operator. The village is accepting applications to fill that vacancy until Jan. 27.
Village board members also voted to give Police Chief Todd Draper permission to call for the Civil Service list so he can fill three vacancies in the Police Department.
Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties and hospitals working together to gather responses
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
The Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming (GOW) County health departments and hospitals are working together with community partners to gather information from residents to help with public health planning for the next six years.
This information will help inform and guide the development of documents called the Community Health Assessment (CHA), Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), and the Community Services Plan (CSP). This process is part of the New York State Prevention Agenda, a plan for state and local action to improve the health and well-being of New Yorkers.
“The health departments are working to identify the health challenges, service gaps, and other factors that may impact the communities’ health status,” stated Paul Pettit, public health director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “The input from our residents will help to identify community health needs, which will play a crucial role in developing the upcoming plan.”
In 2022, the community survey and conversations helped inform some of the initiatives that local health departments, hospitals and partners focused on:
Promote Well-Being and Prevent Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
Prevent opioid overdose deaths
Prevent and address adverse childhood experiences
Prevent Chronic Diseases
Prevent initiation of tobacco use
Increase cancer screening rates
Improve self-management skills for individuals with chronic diseases
To assess the health status of our communities, we are inviting community members to participate in an anonymous survey. The survey can be completed online and will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Paper copies of the survey will also be available at many locations in each county. You can access the survey by visiting the following links:
The health departments are arranging Community Conversations with interested groups to gather insights into the most pressing health concerns or issues in their community. These conversations aim to gather ideas on how to address the identified health concerns.
“Our hope is people in our communities will share their ideas on health and wellness, including obstacles they face,” stated Laura Paolucci, Wyoming County Health Department public health administrator. “The more people who participate, the more inclusive these action plans can be.”
To participate in a community conversation, obtain copies of the survey or if you have any questions, please contact your local health department:
Genesee County Health Department at: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555, visit their website at GOHealthNY.org or visit Facebook, Instagram and X at GOHealthNY.
Orleans County Health Department at: 585-589-3278, visit their website at GOHealthNY.org or visit Facebook, Instagram and X at GOHealthNY.
Wyoming County Health Department at: 585-789-8890, visit their website or Facebook.
Photo courtesy of State Sen. Rob Ortt’s Office: Rob Ortt, leader of the State Senate Republican conference, speaks during a press conference today in Albany.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
ALBANY – Today the New York State Senate Republican Conference unveiled “Liberate New York,” a comprehensive legislative agenda of policy goals for 2025 to combat the Democrat establishment in New York State.
This packet’s priority is the everyday, hardworking New Yorker – the New Yorkers left behind by radical, progressive Democrats in Albany.
Extreme policies enacted as a result of the Democrat establishment have had a direct effect on the quality of life and opportunity across this state. Which is why New York leads the country in outmigration since 2020. The current majority has continually proven its misplaced priorities on the issues, ineptitude to understand the needs of New Yorkers and inability to lead. Senate Republicans are offering a plan based on common sense that will deliver a better New York, one its people want and deserve.
“From endless taxes, migrant spending and out-of-touch energy mandates to name a few Democrat driven policies driving this state into the ground,” said Rob Ortt, State Senate Republican Leader. “Throughout these failures one theme is clear– their willingness to prioritize their political agendas over the everyday hardworking New Yorker. Streets lined with crime, knifings in broad daylight in the middle of Manhattan, illegal migrant gangs terrorizing neighborhoods. Yet the focus is shifted to new taxes on New Yorkers already seeing their dollar stretched thin, like congestion pricing, and unfunded mandates that will further exacerbate the affordability and housing crisis. Farms in our rural communities have been dwindling because of state mandates increasing regulatory costs jeopardizing production.”
“Liberate New York” is a comprehensive legislative agenda for 2025 outlining a plan to fight for New Yorkers against the active destruction of our state from radical democrats in Albany. This agenda prioritizes improving affordability, improving public safety, and building a stronger New York:
Provide Affordability and Economic Opportunity
Create a Safer, Healthier New York
End the Migrant Crisis
Protect Students and Defend Parental Rights
Call For Government Accountability
More details of the New York State Senate Republicans’ “Liberate New York,” 2025 legislative agenda will be unveiled in the coming weeks. To read more, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 January 2025 at 3:53 pm
KENDALL – Kendall and Hamlin are both looking for euchre card players for a tournament pitting the two towns over three Wednesdays – Jan. 22, Jan. 29 and Feb. 5.
Kendall and Hamlin have battled in euchre for about 70 years. The losing team has to buy the winners a fish fry dinner at the Grove 1848 in Kendall.
The first game will start 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 22 at the Kendall Fire Hall. The game then goes to Hamlin on Jan. 29 and back to Kendall for the finale on Feb. 5. It cost $10 to enter and that includes food and refreshments.
Players can just show up, said John Becker of Kendall. There are usually about 60 players each night.
The tournament is open to residents in both towns. If one town has more players than the other, some of those players might play for the rival town to even out the players.
After the three days of card playing, the scores will be tabulated to determine the winner.
The event isn’t a fundraiser, but Becker said donations are made to the fire departments in both Kendall and Hamlin.
Provided photo: Staff from the Orleans County Department of Social Services took part in #WearBlueDay to raise awareness of human trafficking in our community.
Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services
ALBION – This past Saturday was National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, aka #WearBlueDay, and the Orleans County Department of Social Services (DSS) took part as the whole team wore blue on Friday. DSS oversees the Human Trafficking & Safe Harbour programs within Orleans County.
“One of our very best tools in battling human trafficking is to raise awareness of the issue, educate people on red flags and let people know of the help available to them,” said Cyndi Stumer, deputy commissioner of DSS, who serves as the Human Trafficking & Safe Harbour coordinator for Orleans County. “Wear Blue Day is a great way to bring attention to these issues.”
As part of this effort, Dr. Stumer put together the FAQ below on human trafficking.
What is Human Trafficking? According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons, is a crime that involves compelling or coercing a person to provide labor or services, or to engage in commercial sex acts. The coercion can be subtle or overt, physical or psychological. Exploitation of a minor for commercial sex is human trafficking, regardless of whether any form of force, fraud, or coercion was used.
What is the difference between Human Trafficking & Safe Harbour? The Human Trafficking program within Orleans County supports adult survivors of trafficking & exploitation, ages eighteen years of age and older. The Safe Harbour program supports survivors of human trafficking and child sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) under 21 years of age. Both Human Trafficking and Safe Harbour are not limited to sexual acts but also include labor trafficking/exploitation.
Are there acts of Human Trafficking and/or CSEC within Orleans County? Human Trafficking, and CSEC, is everywhere; therefore, it is important to be educated on risk factors. “If you see something, say something.”
What is the largest risk factor in Orleans County? According to New York State Community Action Association in 2023, 14% of Orleans County population lives in poverty. This percentage, along with housing shortages in Orleans County, puts our community at risk for survival sex. Survival sex is sex in exchange for basic needs such as money, food and housing.
What is the largest misconception of Human Trafficking and/or CSEC? The largest misconception is that human trafficking involves kidnapping. Human trafficking is not human smuggling. Human trafficking is the use of force, fraud or coercion (manipulation) to get another person to provide labor or commercial sex. Anyone with access and power can be a trafficker and anyone can fall prey to traffickers; therefore, it is important to be educated on red flags
What is the Lilypad? The Lilypad is Orleans County’s Safe Harbour program that is dedicated to educating & empowering Orleans County youth on healthy relationships. The Lilypad reviews red flags and risk factors and enforces “if you see something, say something.” For details on The Lilypad please email safeharbour@orleanscountyny.gov.
How can I get my youth involved in the Safe Harbour Program? Please contact our Human Trafficking Liaison (Heather) at 585-589-7000 or email safeharbour@orleanscountyny.gov.
How do I learn more about awareness events on this topic? Please contact Heather at safeharbour@orleanscountyny.gov to be added to our email list.
To report activity that you suspect is related to human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center’s 24/7 hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 January 2025 at 10:13 am
Provided photos
ALBION – There were 78 teams competing in three brackets on Saturday during the second annual cornhole tournament for the Medina Rotary Club at Dubby’s Tailgate in Albion. There were $6,000 in prizes, up by $1,000 from last year’s tournament.
From left include the top team in the A bracket and winner of $1,750: Brady Foster and Ken McConnell; B bracket winners ($1,000 prize) – Tyler McClary and Mike Beach; C bracket winners ($500 prize) – father-daughter team of Kristen and Wayne Wright.
Photo by Tom Rivers
Some of the cornhole take warmup tosses before a game on Saturday.
The event raised $3,000 to $4,000 for the Medina Rotary to give to community causes.
The Medina Rotary $6,000 Throwdown drew teams mostly from the Buffalo and Rochester area with some from Pennsylvania and Oswego.
The payouts included: A bracket (top players) – $1,750 for first, $1,000 for second, and $500 for third.
B bracket – $1,000 for first, $500 for second, and $250 for third.
C bracket – $500 for first, $300 for second, and $200 for third.
Medina Rotary President Peter Bartula talks with some of the players at the tournament. Bartula has been a regular in the Wednesday evening cornhole league at Dubby’s. The $6,000 payout in the tournament is one of the biggest for a cornhole tournament in Upstate New York, Bartula said.
Mike Beach, who helped coordinate the tournament, shares the winning 50-50 numbers and also Airmail ticket winners. Next to him from Medina Rotary are Jennifer Hill-Young, left, and Stephanie Mason.
Beach said cornhole has become very popular, especially as an indoor winter activity.
“It’s just a fun game,” Beach said. “You can hang out with your friends and make new friends. It’s like playing horseshoes with less wear and tear on your arms.”
There were about 200 people at Dubby’s Tailgate for the tournament. The two-person teams paid $80 for a chance to win the prize money. Each team played four rounds before going into a double-elimination playoff.
Brian Alexander, owner of Dubby’s, said cornhole is a big part of Dubby’s business. He said Dubby’s has hosted more than 9,000 matches since opening in late 2021. Dubby’s has room for 14 boards to be played at once.
Some of the players donated food that will be distributed from the food pantry at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in Medina.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 January 2025 at 6:05 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MIDDLEPORT – Father Mark Noonan, pastor of the St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in the ONE Catholic family of churches, walks down the center aisle of St. Stephen’s at the beginning of Mass today. The 8:30 a.m. Mass was the final Catholic service at the church.
Joe Gagne greets attendees at St. Stephen’s this morning. Gagne was at the welcoming people for the service at 21 Vernon St.
The church was an emotional finale for many of the attendees.
“It’s sad, but we will move to a new building,” said David Monti, a lector who has attended St. Stephen’s since 1986. “We are one parish and a community.”
Next Sunday on Jan. 19 the 8:30 a.m. Mass will move to St. Mary’s in Medina.
There was a large crowd in the sanctuary of about 200 people. The Sunday service typically has about 75 people. This photo shows people kneeling in prayer during the service.
Bishop Michael Fisher of the Diocese of Buffalo announced in September that St. Stephen’s would close as part of a restructuring of churches in the 8-county Diocese. The Diocese is closing some churches due to a declining number of priests and attendance.
Some candles are lit in the sanctuary of the church during the final Mass at St. Stephen’s this morning.
St. Stephen’s is part of ONE Catholic that includes churches in eastern Niagara and Orleans counties. The bishop also announced St. Mark’s in Kendall would close but a final Mass date hasn’t been announced for St. Mark’s.
St. Joseph’s in Lyndonville also is in ONE Catholic but that church was badly damaged in a fire on Feb. 28, 2023 and later razed. Barker’s church also is in ONE Catholic but that one will be aligned with a family of churches closer to Lockport.
ONE Catholic said the music crew from St. Stephen’s will continue to provide music at St. Mary’s, and others from St. Stephen’s will be lectors, eucharistic ministers, greeters and ushers at St. Mary’s.
The St. Stephen’s building will be sold and the religious sacred items will be deconsecrated, Father Noonan said after the service today.
Father Mark Noonan acknowledged today is an emotional and difficult day for parishioners in the church. He said many in the parish and community no doubt are feeling “a sense of bewilderment and loss,” with the closing of St. Stephen’s.
“We recall the great many blessings that have come into our lives and community from this church,” Father Noonan said.
The church was the site for more than a century for baptisms, weddings, funerals, communions and confessions.
Noonan urged today’s attendees to feel appreciation for the church’s long home for Catholics.
“We give thanks to God for all of the many wonderful blessings,” Father Noonan said. “Gratitude is a good way to live, to move our heart ina world that is imperfect to see the beautiful things that God has given us.”
He shared home his own home church, St. Aloysius Gonzaga in Cheektowaga, also will be closed by the Diocese.
“It is sorrowful when a religious order or a parish comes to an end,” Father Noonan said. “It came into existence for a purpose and maybe it has fulfilled its purpose.”
After the service today Chris Horgan took photos of the stained-glass windows at the altar. Horgan, a Medina resident, grew up in the church at St. Stephen’s and was an altar boy, and as an adult taught confirmation classes. He said he has fond memories serving as altar boy during midnight Mass. He later went to St. Bonaventure University.
“It was an essential part of my life growing up,” Horgan said about St. Stephen’s. “It is a beautiful church inside and out.”
This stained-glass window in honor of Stephen, the first martyr for Christianity. He was stoned to death after angering Jewish authorities in synagogues, according to the Book of Acts. The window depicts Stephen holding rocks.
The cornerstone block acknowledges an earlier building before the Medina Sandstone edifice was constructed in 1908.
This photo is looking from the altar to the back of the church after Mass this morning. The religious artifacts will be inventoried and deconsecrated.
The Catholic church building on Vernon Street has been a landmark in Middleport for more than a century.
This genial looking gentleman, Nehemiah Ingersoll, 1788-1868 is credited with the naming of Orleans County.
ALBION – Imagine that you are a new settler in this area. What would you name the town you live in, or this county?
We take the place names where we live for granted, but two hundred years ago these names were purposefully selected and had resonance for the people who lived here.
We can see why the early settlers were so conscious of their role in history – not only did they purchase the land, stake their claims here with hard labor and make the land productive, but they also had the opportunity to name the land.
On September 14, 1824, a petition was presented to “the Honorable, the Representative of Genesee County” requesting the creation of this county from the north part of Genesee County. The petition refers to the new county as “Adams,” referring to John Quincy Adams, a leading Presidential candidate at the time.
Naturally, the supporters of his opponent, Andrew Jackson, protested and wanted the county to be named “Jackson.” We can well relate to this dilemma.
Nehemiah Ingersoll is credited with championing the name “Orleans” as a compromise, though one source credits Oran Follett, a Genesee County legislator, with this honor. “Orleans” could be construed as an honor to the Duc D’Orleans – or, more likely, a compliment to General Jackson on his victory against the British in New Orleans in 1815.
Incidentally, John Quincy Adams was elected President in 1825, Andrew Jackson won the following Presidential election in 1829.
By the time the name of the county came to be selected, several naming rights decisions had already been made. Eight of the ten towns had been formed and named:
1803 – Town of Murray: named for John Murray, a large landowner in the area.
1812 – Town of Ridgeway: named for Ridge Road
1816 – Town of Gaines: named for General Edmund Gaines who defended the area in the War of 1812
1818 – Town of Barre: named by Judge John Lee (Lee Rd.) for his birthplace, Barre, Massachusetts.
1818 – Town of Shelby: named for Gov. Isaac Shelby, a Revolutionary war soldier.
1821 – Town of Clarendon: originally named Farwell’s Mills for Eldredge Farwell, an early settler, named for Clarendon Vt., hometown of Farwell’s wife.
1822 – Town of Carlton: at first named Oak Orchard, it was changed to Carlton in 1825, for Governor Guy Carlton of Quebec.
1822 – Town of Yates: originally called Northton, the name was changed in 1823 to honor Hon. Joseph C. Yates, Governor of New York State.
The towns formed following the formation of the county were:
1837 – Town of Kendall: named for Amos Kendall, Postmaster General of the United States.
1875 – Town of Albion: set off from the town of Barre and named for Albion, the county seat.
Basically, the names selected were chosen to honor a hometown, a prominent businessman or an elected politician.
Just as a matter of speculation, which name would you prefer: Adams County, Jackson County or Orleans County? Would the selection of either Adams or Jackson have changed the course of history here?
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 January 2025 at 11:42 am
After a bitterly cold week the temperatures will be a little higher this week, but will remain below freezing most of the time, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
Today is forecast for a high of 35 with an overnight low of 28, followed by a high neaqr 34 on Monday with an overnight low of 15.
On Tuesday, the high temperature is forecast for 24 with a low of 16, followed by a high of 24 on Wednesday with a low of 15.
Thursday will be another cold day with a high of 27 and an overnight low of 20, followed by a high of 31 on Friday and a high of 37 on Saturday.
This is the view on the steel bridge on Gaines Basin Road.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 January 2025 at 7:31 pm
ALBION – A new class of the Leadership Orleans program kicked off a year of learning about the county and themselves with a two-day opening retreat on Thursday and Friday.
There are 28 members of the class representing several sectors in the community, including agriculture, education, human services, government, business and volunteerism
The program aims to build the “citizen capital” of the community, helping develop leaders who are educated on the many facets of the community.
The class in the opening retreat at Hoag Library did many ice-breaker activities to get to know each other. They also learned about their individual strengths and weaknesses, their personality types and how that shapes their decision-making and tendencies.
Skip Helfrich, executive director of Leadership Orleans since the program started in 2018, discusses different leadership styles during the opening retreat on Thursday. Some of those styles include dominant controller, cautious analytical, influencing promoter, and steadfast supporter.
The class meets monthly, building leadership skills and gaining knowledge, experiences and meeting people from many different sectors in the community. The class will spend different days focused on agriculture, non-profit organizations, government services, small and larger businesses, law enforcement, tourism, arts and culture, community health and economic development.
The group typically visits about 40 sites around the county and hears from about 50 presenters.
The program receives a stipend from the county, and there are many sponsors of programs throughout the years. The class members also pay tuition to be in Leadership Orleans.
This year’s class members include:
Trisha Allen, project director for UConnectCare Behavioral Health Services in Albion
Jami Allport, executive director of the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern
Tyler Baker, technical resource manager for Lake Ontario Fruit in Albion
Marissa Bell, social scientist for U.S. Department of Energy
Marcy Boyce, office manager for Arc GLOW in Albion
Candace Casey, coordinator of work-based learning at Iroquois Job Corps in Shelby
Aeddon Cayea, deputy director of United Way of Orleans County
Wendy Cruz, manager of ACT, a program of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
Jodi Fisher, program director for GO Art!
Alishia Foss, resource specialist for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
Randy Heslor, production supervisor for The Print Shop in Medina
Tim Ingrassia, operational excellence manager for Baxter Healthcare
Riki Lake, logistics/finance for CHPC in Medina
Ryan Lasal, director of programming for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
Becky Manfreda, assistant superintendent of instruction for Albion Central School
Kristine Mostyn, director of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina
Amanda Nash, transportation director for Western New York Energy
Kevin Neureuter Jr., director of IT for Orleans County
Alana Palone, clinic administrator for Orleans Community Health
Jillian Peracciny, public information assistant for Orleans/Niagara BOCES
Abby Smith, literacy director for Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County
Alyssa Thomas, clinic/SPOA coordinator for Orleans County Mental Health Clinic
Quinton VerCruysee, equipment operations manager for Orchard Dale Fruit Company in Carlton
Michael Weller, library assistant at Hoag Library in Albion
Valerie Wells, volunteer in Lyndonville community
Nick Wetherwax, senior director technical solutions at Info Advantage Inc. in Rochester
Bryce Wilson, farmer with Panek Farms in Albion
Corey Winters, director of Orleans County Department of Planning and Development
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 January 2025 at 9:20 am
MEDINA – GLOW YMCA has embarked on its annual campaign to raise funds for scholarships to help those with financial strains afford a membership.
The Strong Communities Campaign is undertaken by all YMCAs in the United States.
“One thing most people don’t realize is YMCA is a 501c3 charity whose mission is Christian based,” Bellack said. “Each year our goal is to raise nearly $30,000 to help families in need. This year we are hoping to raise $29,500.”
The campaign began Jan. 1 and will run through May 31.
Donations can be made by picking up a flyer at the YMCA with a link on which to click, or by dropping a check off at the front desk.
“Y” director Jesse Cudzillo echoed Bellack’s words about the importance of supporting the YMCA.
Amber Regling of Albion works out on an elliptical machine at the YMCA in Medina, where she was able to become a member with aid from a scholarship.
“This is a charity, and our policy is we will never turn anyone away for their inability to pay,” he said. “I fear many people don’t know about our scholarships.”
Even a small gift can make a significant impact on someone else’s life, he said.
Contributions directly support free or reduced-cost programs, scholarships for memberships and vital community services which make Orleans County a better place for everyone, according to Cudzillo.
One local resident who was able to join the Y in September with help from a scholarship was Amber Regling of Albion, a single mom of three kids, all of whom have high needs.
“A girlfriend who is a member here invited me as a guest one day,” Regling said. “I used to go to the gym a lot in college and I loved it. With three special needs children, I haven’t been able to think about exercising, but now that the children are all in school, I finally had some free time for myself.”
She had recently suffered a breakup in a relationship, so she was looking for a diversion.
“I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to afford a membership,” Regling said. “I knew scholarships were available and I applied for one and got it. Now I find enough time to be an hour and a half every couple of days.”
She said she sets goals for herself, but tries to keep them low enough to be able to achieve them. She likes the elliptical machines, treadmills and the yoga and pilates sessions upstairs.
“The Y has a special place in my heart, as I attended Head Start here as a child,” she said. “I have a lot of anxiety and found of all the things I’ve done, nothing helps like exercise. I’ve come in here 100% not OK and walked out 100% OK.”
Cudzillo said when determining eligibility for scholarships, they use the same guidelines as the school. A family of five making less than $50,000 is eligible for a 50% discount on membership and all programs.
Bellack added their goal is that every dollar raised goes to the community to help members use all the programs the YMCA offers.
GLOW YMCA has 695 member units, representing 1,541 individuals, Cudzillo said.
WHEATFIELD – The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a 911 call at 11:47 p.m. Friday reporting heavy smoke and flames observed from Baisch Drive in the Town of Wheatfield.
Niagara County Sheriff deputies and a North Tonawanda police officer responded and confirmed a working structure fire. The caller reported no response from the elderly female that resides at said address.
Responding officers attempted to make entry but were unable due to heavy smoke and fire. Fire personnel arrived on scene and made entry into the residence. Fire personnel located the 82-year-old female on the first floor of the structure.
Fire personnel extricated the elderly female and attempted life-saving measures. The elderly female succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The name of the deceased female is being held until notification of family can be made.
The fire was subsequently extinguished by members of Adams, St. Johnsburg, Bergholz, Shawnee Volunteer fire companies and The Niagara Falls Air Reserve Fire Department. An estimate of the damage was not available.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Niagara County Fire Investigation Unit.
The Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming (GOW) County health departments and hospitals are working together with community partners to gather information from residents to help with public health planning for the next six years.
