Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
National Influenza Vaccination Week is December 4-8, 2023. This is the time of year to remind everyone that there is still time to get vaccinated against influenza.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year to reduce the risk of getting the flu and lessening the symptoms if you get sick.
The best time to get vaccinated is before flu season has started, but it is never too late to get the flu shot. Flu usually peaks between December and February and can continue into May.
“It is important for those at higher risk, including young children, pregnant women, adults 65 years and older, and individuals with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma or lung disease, to get the flu vaccine,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “It is also important for people who live with and care for people who are at higher risk and those who care for infants under 6 months old.
Below are the number of reported flu cases for Genesee and Orleans Counties since 2019 according to the New York State Department of Health. It is important to note that during 2020-2021 there were significantly less confirmed cases of flu partly due to a heightened awareness of practicing precautions like staying home when sick, limiting social gatherings and frequent handwashing during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In addition to the flu shot, the following practices are recommended to stop the spread of illnesses:
Stay Home When Sick: If you develop flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, or fatigue, stay home to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and use hand sanitizer when soap is not available. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and manage stress to support a strong immune system.
Photos and information courtesy of Susan Starkweather Miller
ALBION – Oliver Smith, left, and his brother Lucas performed “Joy to the World” on Sunday during the the annual Christmas in the Neighborhood holiday concert. This year’s theme was “Merry & Bright.”
The First Presbyterian Church hosted the concert that was attended by more than 200 people.
The concert is coordinated by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation and the First Presbyterian Church. It spotlights talented Albion alumni and community members.
Pastor Sue Thaine welcomed attendees and encouraged them to enjoy the exceptional and unique level of musical talent in the Albion community.
Steve Hicks, Alumni Foundation President, thanked the audience and donors for sponsoring the annual community event.
Bradeen Walders Erakare and her husband Sebastian Erakare sing “Christmas Valentine.” They also performed “Sankta Lucia” with Clarisonus Ensemble that also included Marrit Vaga and Darryl Smith.
The Community Christmas Choir performed “Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah.
Albion High School Clarinet Choir directed by Mike Thaine performed “Wonderful Christmas Time.”
Men’s Christmas Choir sang “Deck the Halls”
(Left) Elliott Michki sang “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” while accompanied by Gary Simboli. (Right) Mike Grammatico and his grandson Nate Grammatico performed a saxophone duet “Angels We Have Heard on High.”
From left include Kailey Winans who sang “White Christmas”; Alec Sherman who sang “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm”; and Erin Moody who sang “Go Tell It On The Mountain.”
From left include Ron Albertson who performed “Wasn’t His Child”; Gwen Ferchen who sang “The Manger”; and Lonnie Froman who sang “Please Come Home for Christmas.”
The Albion Presbyterian Choir sang “Christmas is Coming.”
Some other performers included Gary and Jim Simboli who sang “Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth”; Denise Thomas who performed a piano solo to “Away in a Manger”; the Albion High School Select Choir which sang “Snow”; Gary Simboli who sang “Christmas Vacation Theme Song”; and Sarah Hill who sang “Love is Christmas.”
More than 200 people attended the concert at the First Presbyterian Church.
Every year the Alumni Foundation gives scholarships to graduating seniors during Class Night. In 2023 the Foundation handed out $140,000 in scholarships. In 2024 the Foundation will distribute over $160,000. This is made possible by the generosity of the Albion community.
If you are interested in learning more about the Albion Alumni Foundation or how to create a scholarship, please contact Steve Hicks at steve@albionalumni.org.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Rachel Trillizio, director of Medina High School’s A'Cappella Choir, greets members of the Medina Senior Center at the seniors’ annual Christmas luncheon on Monday. These members of the Select Choir entertained with a number of Christmas songs.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 December 2023 at 8:19 am
MEDINA – The Medina Senior Center welcomed a full house to its annual Christmas luncheon on Monday. As has been customary for more than 20 years, the luncheon was followed by a visit from a portion of Medina High School’s A’Cappella Choir.
Choir director Rachel Trillizio explained the Select Choir is made up of students in 10th to 12th grade, who excel in voice and have to audition to be chosen for the choir.
“I love, love, love how I get to spend my time with these kiddos,” Trillizio said.
She also said it was evident the students also were having a good time.
She reminded the audience of the A’Cappella’s annual Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 17 at St. Mary’s Church, during which they will perform 15 different pieces. They will also present a concert at school on Dec. 22, to which the public is invited.
Monday was also the Senior Center’s monthly meeting, which included raffles of money, gifts and poinsettias.
Center director Kelly Shaw reminded the seniors of the large basket raffle , starting at 9 a.m. Saturday. The public is invited to support this event, which is one of the Center’s vital fundraisers.
Shaw also announced membership has risen to 300. She encourages any senior to join for only $10 a year. Benefits include exercise classes on Wednesday, cards three days a week and free day-old baked goods from Tops almost daily.
The Medina Senior Center had a full house Monday for their Christmas lunch and entertainment by the Select Choir, part of Medina High School’s A’Cappella choir.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 December 2023 at 8:06 am
Best of Tymes will send several costumed characters to entertain
Provided photo: The Grinch and Cindy Lou are two of the characters Best of Tymes Party Rentals is sending to entertain children with special needs at a party on Sunday at Rudy’s in Medina.
MEDINA – Children with special needs are being invited to a first-time Christmas party designed just for them.
Angie Coon of Medina, whose son has autism, knows how challenging being around crowds can be for a child living with disabilities.
“I got this idea to do a Christmas party geared especially for children with special needs,” Coon said.
She reached out to Christina Nenni, an owner of Best of Tymes Party Rentals in Albion, who offered to send costumed characters to entertain for the event.
Brody Hoffmeister, owner of Rudy’s Café in Medina, agreed to open his restaurant for the party, which is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Coon explained there will be activities suitable for children of different ages and disabilities. Activities will be segregated in separate areas of the restaurant so as not to overwhelm children with challenges. She suggests the party is suitable for children from 2 to 12, but older children will also be considered.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, along with Jolly Jingles, Frosty and the Grinch and Cindy Lou. Best of Tymes Party Rentals will also have their Christmas selfie station set up for photos with the characters. Activities will include cookie decorating. Children who may not interact well in a crowd can come to the door and Coon will give them a gift bag and cookie decorating kit to take home.
Coon asks that anyone with a disabled child who would like to attend to text her at (585) 283-9114 with the child’s disability and if they have any special dietary needs.
Breakfast pizza will be served.
Coon said some of her friends have made donations toward the event, but she is footing most of the bill herself.
“This is one good deed I can do this Christmas,” she said.
BASOM — The Tonawanda Seneca Nation last week filed a lawsuit in the Western District Court of New York challenging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to grant a right-of-way permit for an industrial wastewater pipeline through the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.
The pipeline permit approval and subsequent drilling, which violates the National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act, has caused multiple spills of hundreds of gallons of drilling fluids onto federally protected land and wetlands, prompting several pipeline construction stop orders.
“The Tonawanda Seneca Nation opposes the destruction of habitat by STAMP [Science, Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing Park], which directly threatens our land and water, where we hunt, fish, and gather medicine and food,” said Tonawanda Seneca Nation Chief Roger Hill. “For years we have warned of the harms that would come from a mega industrial site next to our Reservation Territory. Our warnings were ignored and now we see the damage caused by multiple spills from the buildout of the industrial sewage pipeline. Likewise, noise, excavation, light, and truck traffic from industrial operations drive away wildlife and impacts our people. We are responsible for protecting our land, community, and future generations from the harms brought on by industrial development. The industrialization of the STAMP site is not just an environmental concern but a matter of human rights for the Nation.”
According to the lawsuit (click here to see the full court document), the Fish & Wildlife Service unlawfully approved a portion of the 9.5-mile-long wastewater pipeline through the Refuge in order to serve the controversial 1,250-acre Science, Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing Park developed by the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC). Orleans County has sued GCEDC to stop the pipeline through Orleans County, and members of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation and other area residents have publicly raised concerns for over a decade about the poorly placed mega industrial site that will harm Nation citizens and the environment. At full buildout, the site could draw 600 trucks a day, likely leading to increased motor vehicle accidents and greenhouse gas emissions to the nearby residents.
“The Fish & Wildlife Service’s complete failure to consult with the Tonawanda Seneca Nation before approving this industrial wastewater pipeline violated federal law and the trust responsibility owed to the Nation,” said Jill Heaps, Senior Attorney at Earthjustice. “The Service’s approval of the right of way was not compatible with the use for which the Refuge was created and pipeline construction has already caused environmental degradation.”
The STAMP site, located adjacent to the Tonawanda Seneca Nation’s reservation, is surrounded by two wildlife management areas with the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge directly to its north. According to the Fish & Wildlife Service’s website, the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1958 primarily as a nesting, resting, feeding, and staging area for migratory waterfowl, with goals of providing high-quality freshwater wetland migration stopover and breeding habitat; maintaining the health and integrity of Oak Orchard Creek and its associated floodplain and wetlands; providing a diverse mix of grassland, shrubland, and forested upland habitats; providing high-quality recreation, education, interpretive, and fishing programs; and to enhance partnerships with local communities and organizations.
Economically, according to a 2017 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation study, visitors coming to fish Oak Orchard Creek, Lake Ontario, and its tributaries in Orleans County bring $27 million to the region every year.
Recently, an Orleans County judge issued a temporary restraining order against the pipeline, halting construction in Orleans County. Meanwhile, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has ordered GCEDC to halt construction of the sewage pipeline following multiple spills of drilling fluids onto federally protected land.
In attempts to attract heavy industry to STAMP, Governor Hochul has awarded $56 million under the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York grant program to further STAMP’s development. The Tonawanda Seneca Nation, a federally recognized Indian Nation, has been raising concerns about the STAMP industrial mega site since its inception as it increases threats to the people and culture of the Nation, as well as to birds, fish, deer, water, and the medicinal plants in the Big Woods that border STAMP.
In approving the pipeline meant to incentivize development for STAMP, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service violated the law by failing to consult with the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, failing to properly evaluate the negative effects of the pipeline on the Nation and the environment, and improperly approving the right-of-way.
About Earthjustice
Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.
Local churches and organizations welcome to receive a share of the food
File photo by Tom Rivers: Albion FFA members unload a tractor trailer in the food drive in December 2017. The FFA has been organizing, collecting and delivering the food to Community Action since 2010.
Press Release, Community Action of Genesee & Orleans
ALBION – Community Action of Orleans and Genesee would like to invite all churches, non-profit organizations and licensed daycares in Orleans County to a large food donation this weekend.
Students and staff from the Albion High School FFA will be delivering more than 25,000 pounds of perishable food to Community Action at 9 a.m. on Saturday. In the past, this has included items such as milk, eggs, potatoes, apples, tomatoes, corn, green beans, cabbage and squash.
Any church, non-profit organization or licensed daycare in Orleans County that could benefit is welcome to send one or two representatives to collect a share of this generous donation. Please note, this event is not open to the public.
To register, or for additional information, please call (585) 589-5605.
Photos by Tom Rivers: A caravan of snow plow trucks head down Route 31 in Albion today just afternoon. There were about 30 plow trucks in the procession, representing most of the municipalities in Orleans County. The local highway and street superintendents, as well as the Department of Public Works joined together for the “Winter Operations Awareness Drive.” It started at the Shelby Highway Department and then headed east on Route 31, going through the villages of Medina, Albion and Holley.
Posted 4 December 2023 at 1:31 pm
Press Release, Orleans County Town Highway Superintendents Association
State/County/Town and Village highway departments joined forces today to raise awareness of the upcoming winter season.
Double and single axle plow/salt trucks met at the Shelby highway garage before traveling along Rt. 31 from Medina through the Village of Albion enroute to the completion point just east of the Village of Holley.
The winter season brings many challenges for the average traveler. The group wants to raise awareness of those challenges for both the men and women behind the wheel of the plow trucks as well as those traveling state, county, town and village roads.
There was participation from all 10 towns, the four villages, county and the state DOT in the procession, shown here passing in front of the Albion school campus on East Avenue.
No one wants to be stuck behind the plow truck but passing can very dangerous. People don’t take in to account the slush coming off the wheels and front plow of these vehicles until it’s too late. You should allow yourself extra travel time depending on the weather.
Many plow trucks have specific routes and will commonly backup frequently at intersections to go back down a road they just came from so allowing extra space between you and the plow truck is helpful.
Many of the towns and villages have limited crews and do not work around the clock so late evening to early morning travel may be difficult, again try to plan your winter travel accordingly.
Mailboxes are always an issue, some municipalities fix them and others do not. This is a courtesy fix and not required. The bottom of mailboxes should be at 41”-45” from the ground and the post should be maintained and free from rot or corrosion depending on the material used. Plastic mailboxes and “all in one” mailbox with post are not recommended for country roadside applications because the plastic does not hold up well in the bitter cold temperatures. For additional info on mailboxes go to www.usps.com/manage/mailboxes.htm.
Snow should never be pushed across the road from clearing your driveway. This is actually highway law. Most villages have restricted parking on village streets so be aware of these winter parking changes. We all know kids love snowbanks but along the roadside is not a safe place to be playing on snowbanks or making tunnels.
The Orleans County Town Highway Superintendents Association hopes this “Winter Operations Awareness Drive” does just that – brings awareness to winters driving challenges and helps you prepare for a safe commute where ever you are traveling to.
Safe travels and let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 December 2023 at 11:53 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – One of the four floor beams on the Main Street lift bridge is put back this morning by employees with BVR Construction Company in Churchville.
Clark Rigging & Rental has a big crane with a 400-ton capacity in Albion today, putting trusses and beams back in place on the bridge.
This screen shot from a live feed of the bridge construction is from just after 10 a.m. this morning, showing the second of the two trusses being lifted back on the bridge.
The 53,000-pound trusses were removed on Jan. 27 by Clark Rigging & Rental.
BVR Construction Company put new steel in most of the 115-foot-long trusses. Only the top beam on the trusses remains from the original 1914 bridge.
Provided photos: The trusses are lifted back over the Erie Canal. The trusses were set on the north side of the canal on Jan. 27 for a major rehab.
The four floor beams await to be put on the bridge after the two trusses were put back.
BVR and Crane-Hogan Structural Systems in Spencerport, the general contractor on the project, will continue working on the bridge in the coming. It is scheduled to reopen in the spring.
It is part of a $28.3 million overhaul of the Main Street lift bridges in both Albion and Brockport.
Photo courtesy of Dawn Metty, Town of Yates Historian: The Park House was a popular destination in Yates along Lake Ontario.
Posted 4 December 2023 at 7:53 am
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
Illuminating Orleans, Vol. 3, No. 38
YATES – As mentioned in a previous column, the Winghart Grill, flourished in a remote Town of Yates location in the 1920s and 1930s. Owned by former bootleggers, Joe and Mayme Winghart, the tavern was located close to their lakeside cottage which had been the hub of their illicit liquor importation operations during Prohibition.
In 1941, the Wingharts bought a hotel at Point Breeze and advertised the sale of their Morrison Road establishment.
The business went through several changes of ownership in the following years.
This ad is from the Lyndonville Enterprise on March 12, 1942.
From 1945 – 1949, it was operated as the Grand-Vue Grill by William E. Rands and Pearl White. In 1950, the liquor license was held by William Rands and George Stone.
George Stone operated it as Stone’s Inn in 1951 and 1952.
Bert Van Auker operated it in 1953, under the name Van Auker’s Grill.
In December 1959, a liquor license was granted to Loretta and Joseph Perry who changed the name to Lakeshore Villa.
Joseph Perry was killed in an early morning automobile accident on October 8, 1960. He had been traveling south on Route 63 in his 1959 Cadillac, when he went through the intersection with Route 104 and landed in the former Gallagher gravel pit.
Following the death of Joseph Perry, Joseph Jurinich, who owned a restaurant in Medina called the Village Green, purchased Lakeshore Villa and renamed it The Park House. It was soon booked for events, such as the Royalton-Hartland Central School Annual Alumni Banquet, which was held there on August 25, 1962.
The Grand Opening of The Park House took place in July 1964.
(Left) This ad is from Medina Daily Journal, August 14, 1964. (Right) Medina Daily Journal and Medina Register posted this ad on August 27, 1965.
It was a popular venue for many years. Live music attracted an audience to this rural venue. Among the many groups that played there were Cy Roberts and the Troubadours, Orion, Finger Love, Trestle, and Legend.
(Left) This ad was in The Journal-Register, December 8, 1978. (Right) This advertisement was published in The Journal-Register, February 23, 1979.
On March 26, 1981, the Park House was destroyed in “a spectacular blaze.” Lyndonville firemen were the first to respond to the 11 p.m. call, reported to be a chimney fire. Lyndonville fire chief, Fred Goldsmith, said the structure was engulfed in flames when his company arrived. Flames were visible from two miles away. Five other companies assisted: Albion, Barker, Carlton, Ridgeway and Shelby but the fire raged out of control for three hours.
The Journal-Register account of the fire noted that the building had been reportedly used as a speakeasy during Prohibition. Jack McCarthy, Orleans County fire coordinator, noted that he had not found any evidence of the rumored underground tunnel which was alleged to have connected the tavern to the lakeside cottage then owned by the Wingharts.
Many people still remember frequenting the Park House. The tavern was not rebuilt following the fire and the quietness of the countryside returned to this plot of land which for a brief period had witnessed the intersection of legislation, location, alcohol and entertainment.
File photo by Tom Rivers: A Village of Albion plow truck heads down East State Street on March 16, 2017 during near whiteout conditions. Albion received nearly 2 feet of snow in a 2-day storm.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 December 2023 at 7:32 am
There will be a caravan of more than 20 snow plow trucks today going along Route 31 in a “Winter Operations Awareness Drive.” The Orleans County Highway Superintendents Association is organizing the drive that starts at noon at the Shelby highway facility and goes along Route 31 through the villages of Medina and Albion to the east end of the Village of Holley.
The Superintendents Association urges people to allow more time to reach their destination while driving in the snow. Many of the towns and villages have limited crews and do not work around the clock so late evening and early morning travel could be more difficult.
The superintendents advise that people shouldn’t get too close to plow trucks because they give off slush.
The Superintendents Association will have more advice for the public later after today’s awareness ride.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 December 2023 at 9:25 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – Santa Claus was escorted by Barre firefighters around town today on 34 stops, visiting 147 kids. This is the 10th year the Barre Volunteer Fire Company has organized the Santa Express.
In the top photo, Santa and the Barre firefighters stop at Amanda and Joe Nash’s home on Pine Hill Road. Landon Flansburg walks up to greet Santa.
Madelyn Bell of Brockport is pleased to meet Santa. She was among the kids during Santa’s stop at the Nash home. Many family and friends were there.
The fire company welcomes people to drop off gift-wrapped presents at the firehall and those gifts are then delivered by firefighters and Santa. People are encouraged to make a donation to the fire company if they get a visit from Santa and the firefighters.
Santa meets many kids during the stop at the Nash’s.
There were about 24 Barre firefighters on the Santa Express. The split into two different groups, taking Santa by fire truck.
The firefighters say the Santa Express gives them a chance to see families for a good reason, rather than an emergency. It also helps children to meet the firefighters, who act as Santa’s elves while delivering the gifts.
“We love it just as much as they do,” said long-time Barre firefighter Jerry Bentley.
He has enjoyed seeing the kids grow up in the 10 years of the Santa Express.
Luke Flansburg gives Santa a hug, while Luke’s cousin Landon watches.
The kids are excited while holding their gifts that were delivered by Santa and Barre firefighters.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Five-year-old Mazie Phillips of Medina got to meet her idol, the Grinch, at a breakfast brunch this morning at Bent’s Opera House. She spent the morning teasing her favorite character, who tossed candy canes at the children. (Right) Viggo Lubahn, 7, of Erie, Pa. loves the Grinch so much his grandparents Terri and John Lubahn and uncle Nik had to bring him to see the character. Here, he hugs a stuffed Grinch, which every child who attended the breakfast had a chance to win.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 December 2023 at 8:42 pm
MEDINA – The Grinch who stole Christmas captured kids’ hearts when they came to visit him Sunday at Bent’s Opera House.
For the first time, Bent’s hosted brunch with the Grinch, complete with the storybook character and green eggs and ham.
Faye Conley, events coordinator for Bent’s Opera House, said the idea to host the Grinch was a combined brainstorm of the staff.
“Everybody does breakfast with Santa, and we wanted to do something different,” Conley said.
The opera house was filled with tables covered in green cloths and colorful holiday decorations. The stage was ornate with two decorated Christmas trees and a red chair for the Grinch, where he sat and threw candy canes at the children.
The breakfast brunch included mini muffins with green frosting, pancakes, fruit, green eggs and ham, apple pudding casserole, bacon and sausage and more.
Viggo Lubahn, 7, from Erie, Pa., loves the Grinch and when his family saw the breakfast advertised, his grandma Terri Lubahn said she, her husband John and Viggo’s uncle Nik had to bring him. She grew up in Lyndonville and has family there, so she was very familiar with the Medina area. They also came last week for the Parade of Lights and said it was spectacular.
“You must be very proud of your town,” she said.
The Grinch slinks across the stage at Bent’s Opera House while entertaining children at a breakfast brunch Sunday morning.
Mazie Phillips, 5, is also crazy about the Grinch. Her grandma Debbie Fuller, wearing a Grinch shirt, said they have an animated Grinch at home, and Mazie gives it a big hug every day.
“When I saw the breakfast advertised, it was all over it to make sure I got tickets,” she said.
Mazie was more interested in teasing the Grinch than in eating. She was delighted when the Grinch came down into the crowd and interacted with the children.
All the children who came to breakfast were entered in a drawing to win a giant stuffed Grinch.
It’s a sure bet they will have the Grinch back again, Conley said.
The next big event for the Opera House will be a New Year’s Eve celebration with a buffet and live band.
Randy LeBaron, left, and Jack Burris volunteer at the Red Kettle outside Walmart.
By Randy LeBaron
The Turkey has been eaten, Christmas Carols are already flooding the radio waves, and everywhere you look there are decorations.
It’s that time of year again that we gather together to celebrate the holidays! For some though, this season will hit different. As anyone who has lost a loved one knows, holidays just aren’t the same—especially if it’s the first time that you will be celebrating since your loved one has passed.
Those times that you once looked forward to with joy may now bring about unwanted feelings of pain or loneliness. If you can relate, I would like to share some tips with you to help you cope during this holiday season.
SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS. Remind yourself that this year will be different. Decide if you can still handle past responsibilities and expectations. Examine the tasks and events of celebrating and ask yourself if you want to continue them. Accept others’ offers to cook, shop, decorate, etc. Consider shopping online this year if you feel a need to avoid crowds or memories.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO LOVE AND SUPPORT YOU. Share your plans with family and friends and let them know of changes in holiday routines. Memories can sometimes be a source of comfort so share them by telling stories and looking at photos.
AVOID “CANCELING” THE HOLIDAY. It is OK to avoid some circumstances that you don’t feel ready to handle but fight the temptation to simply isolate yourself. Make some time for solitude, remembering and grieving, but balance it with planned social activities.
ALLOW YOURSELF TO FEEL JOY, SADNESS, ANGER, ETC. It is important to recognize that every family member has their own unique grief experience. No one way is right or wrong. (i.e. experiencing joy and laughter during a time of grief does not mean you have forgotten your loved one.) Give yourself and others permission to experience whatever emotion is at the forefront.
DRAW COMFORT FROM DOING FOR OTHERS. Consider giving a donation or gift in memory of you loved one. Invite a guest who might otherwise be alone for the holidays. Find ways to serve others. Some possibilities are: donating some of your loved one’s clothes to Hands 4 Hope to be given away to others who can use them, ringing bells for the Salvation Army, serving food to others at the Koinonia Kitchen, sponsoring a meal for a homeless individual at The Risen Café, or purchasing hand painted ornaments in memory of your loved one at Hospice of Orleans. These are only a handful of the opportunities in Orleans County but there are many more as well.
PRACTICE SELF-CARE. Avoid using alcohol or drugs to self-medicate your mood. Exercise as a means of relieving stress and boosting endorphins.Write in a journal as a good outlet for your grief. Give yourself permission to rest when needed.
CREATE A NEW TRADITION OR RITUAL THAT ACCOMMODATES YOUR CURRENT SITUATION. Some people find comfort by honoring traditions, while others find them painful. Discuss with your family the activities you want to include or exclude this year. Some examples of new rituals and traditions include:
• Announce beforehand that someone different will carve the turkey.
• Create a memory box. Fill it with photos of your loved one or memory notes from family members and friends. Ask young children to contribute drawings in the memory box.
• Make a quilt using favorite t-shirts/ pieces of clothing that remind you of the person who died.
• Light a candle in honor of your loved one.
• Put a bouquet of flowers on your holiday table in memory of your loved one.
• Visit the cemetery and decorate the memorial site.
• Place a commemorative ornament on the Christmas tree.
• Write a poem about your loved one and read it during a holiday ritual.
• Play your loved one’s favorite music or watch their favorite movie.
• Plan a meal with your loved ones’ favorite foods.
The most important thing to remember is that there really is no right or wrong way to celebrate the holiday season after the death of a loved one. The best coping mechanism is to plan ahead, get support from others, and take it easy.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 December 2023 at 9:14 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville community decorated 85 Christmas trees at Veterans Park this holiday season. The lights were turned on for the first time this evening, when Santa flipped the switch at the “North Pole” at the park.
The trees are decorated by families as memorials, and also by businesses and organizations in the community.
The trees will stay up until about New Year’s Day.
Santa arrives by a horse-drawn wagon down Main Street at about 5 p.m.
A crowd gathers to see Santa and the lights get turned on the trees.
People walk down the paths to see all the trees in what has been a Lyndonville tradition since 2013.
The tree in front is decorated by the Woodward family.
After flipping the switch to light up the trees, Santa went to the Village Hall to meet with kids. Lily Hamilton, 10, of Lyndonville was among the kids eager to share a wish list with Santa.
Some of the trees are reflected in Johnson Creek.
The Lyndonville school chorus sang several Christmas carols before the trees were lighted up.
