Press Release, Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Public Health Departments

If you could receive a vaccine to prevent cancer wouldn’t you? During this Cervical Cancer Awareness Month please take the time to learn about Human Papillomavirus Infection (HPV), the number one cause of cervical cancer. Thankfully, there is a vaccine available to protect against most of the types of HPV that cause various cancers and genital warts.

Approximately 80 million people in the U.S. have been infected and 14 million new infections occur every year.

Most people with HPV will not know that they have an infection. Genital warts are a sign of an HPV infection that cannot be cured. However, an infection of the cervix usually has no symptoms. With or without symptoms, an infected person can spread HPV to others.

The HPV vaccine prevents infection but cannot treat infection. Infection from nine HPV types can be prevented by vaccination. Protection is greatest if given before exposure to HPV infections. The best age for HPV vaccination is 11–12 years but the vaccine can also be given as young as age 9 and now to adults up to age 45.

“In October of last year the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted expanded use of Gardasil 9 to include individuals 27 through 45 years old,” stated Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for Genesee and Orleans. “This is exciting for those newly eligible. As this change is fairly new, I recommend that those in this age range check with their doctor’s office to ensure their insurance covers it.”

People who are sexually active may be infected with one or more types of HPV, but they can still get the vaccine. There are still benefits because of the unlikelihood of having been infected with all HPV types that are prevented by the vaccine.

HPV is a group of more than 150 related viruses. Each HPV virus in this large group is given a number which is called its HPV type. HPV is named for the warts (papillomas) some HPV types can cause. Some other HPV types can lead to cancer such as cervical, vaginal, penile, anal, mouth and throat.

HPV viruses are so common that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 80 percent of people will get at least one HPV infection in their lifetime.

Most HPV infections (9 out of 10) go away by themselves within two years and cause no health problems. Unfortunately, the CDC reports that HPV is responsible each year for 33,700 cancers in men and women. The HPV vaccine can prevent most of these cancers (about 31,200) from ever developing.

HPV vaccines work extremely well. The FDA said it based the expansion on results of a study of 3,200 women followed over 3 1/2 years. The study found that Gardasil 9 was 88 percent effective in the prevention of vulvar, vaginal and cervical precancerous lesions, cervical cancer and genital warts caused by the nine HPV strains. The effectiveness of the vaccine in men was “inferred” from the data on women as well as a clinical trial of 150 men ages 27 to 45 who received a three-dose vaccination regimen over a six-month period. The FDA also looked at data from studies of younger men, ages 16 to 26. The overall safety of Gardasil 9, the FDA said, was evaluated in 13,000 men and women. Common adverse reactions included swelling, redness and pain at the injection site, and headache.

For those aged 9–14 years, two shots of vaccine are recommended for greatest protection. The second shot should be given 6–12 months after the first one. For those aged 15–26 years, three shots are recommended. The first two shots should be given 1–2 months apart. The third shot should be given about 6 months after the first shot.

Women can also prevent cervical cancer by getting screened. It is recommended that women should get their first pap test at age 21 and continue screening until age 65. The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated. There is also an HPV test that looks for the virus that causes these cell changes. A resource for adult men and women is the Cancer Service Program (CSP).

The New York State CSP provides breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings at no cost to men and women who:

Do not have health insurance or have health insurance that does not cover the cost of these screenings:

• Cannot pay for these screenings

• Meet income eligibility requirements

• Meet age requirements

• Live in New York State

To learn more about the New York State Cancer Services Program call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262) or click here.  Talk to your primary care doctor about the HPV vaccine and screenings. If you do not have a primary care doctor, contact your local health department.

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a proposal to increase criminal penalties for assaulting the press is included in the 2019 Executive Budget.

In order to provide additional protections for journalists in light of recent acts of violence against members of the media, the governor is advancing legislation would increase the penalties of assault against a journalist while performing their journalistic job duties to a felony level offense.

“Reporters have a tough enough job as it and it is unacceptable and unconscionable that they increasingly have to endure the threat of physical harm for just for doing their jobs,” Governor Cuomo said. “While the current federal administration is fostering an environment that normalizes and even encourages attacks on the press, New York is taking a stand. It is my hope that other states join us in enacting these protections into law once and for all.”

This legislation will increase the penalty for assaulting a journalist from a misdemeanor to a class D felony. Similar elevated protections exist for other professions, including nurses, utility workers, MTA employees, emergency medical service technicians and process servers.

Members of the media should feel safe performing the duties of their jobs. The governor’s legislation will reaffirm that New York State has zero tolerance for any violent attacks against journalists and will hold those who violate the law fully accountable.

The freedom of the press is a constitutionally-guaranteed right and a pillar of our democracy. Unfortunately, the rhetoric and public discourse has dissolved into violence and attempted attacks on journalists, news outlets, and members of the press.

In 2017, a congressional candidate violently assaulted a reporter for asking unwanted questions—an act that was later celebrated by President Trump. Last October, a Florida man was accused of mailing 14 bombs addressed to prominent political figures and news agencies, two of which were addressed care of a national news network at their New York studio. In August 2018, a California man was arrested after calling the Boston Globe approximately a dozen times threatening to shoot reporters.

Provided photo: Shelby Town Supervisor Ed Houseknecht and bookkeeper Miranda Bennett say the decision to declare tobacco-free grounds was to protect the health of all citizens, especially cancer survivors.

Press Release, Tobacco-Free GLOW

SHELBY – Each January, roughly one in three Americans resolve to improve their health in some way. This January, the Town of Shelby made good on a healthy, tobacco-free grounds resolution that will benefit the entire community for 2019 and beyond.

The new law, which was drafted by town bookkeeper, Miranda Bennett, and submitted to the Town Board by recently elected Town Supervisor Ed Houseknecht, prohibits the use of tobacco products on town grounds. Town Board members Kenneth Schaal, Stephen Seitz, William Bacon and Jeff Smith passed the resolution unanimously.

As of Jan. 1, there will be no smoking on the Shelby Town Hall grounds, which also serves at the town court for Shelby and Ridgeway.

The decision to make the grounds smoke-free was simple, according to Houseknecht.

“There are cancer survivors in our community, some awaiting to appear in court and some who are Shelby Town staff, who are required to walk into the doors past smokers,” he said. “Second hand smoke is a risk for these folks. They shouldn’t have to walk through a cloud of smoke to come to work or come in and wait for court.”

For more information on how to make your municipality or business smoke-free, contact Tobacco-Free GLOW at 585-219-4064.

Photo by Tom Rivers: A barn is shown on North Main Street near the Holley Elementary School last Friday in Holley.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a winter storm watch for this weekend for Orleans County, all of Western New York and north central New York.

Heavy snow is possible with light snow to begin as early as Saturday morning. Snow will become heavy Saturday night and continue into Sunday, the Weather Service said.

Snow will transition to lake effect Sunday night and continue through Monday. At this time, greater than 7 inches of snow is possible. Gusty winds and arctic air will also produce blowing and drifting snow and wind chills well below zero.

“Plan on slippery road conditions,” the Weather Service said. “Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.”

The paltry state funding to villages in the form of Aid and Incentives to Municipalities (AIM) would be eroded to zero for most villages under the governor’s proposed budget.

Villages state-wide receive about $7 per capita in AIM funding while most cities get well in excess of $100 per person. Village officials have pressed for more AIM funding because the villages provide many critical services, similar to cities.

The argument for more money for villages hasn’t gained any traction in the State Legislature or from Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

In fact, the governor’s budget would wipe out AIM for 480 of the 531 villages in the state, about $16.4 million in total, according to the New York Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials.

The four villages in Orleans – Albion, Holley, Lyndonville and Medina – would all get nothing in AIM.

The governor decided to eliminate AIM for villages where the funding represents less than 2 percent of total expenditures, NYCOM said in a message to its member villages.

Albion currently receives $38,811 and would go to $0. The AIM represents 0.52 percent of the Albion’s $7,516,265 total budget, which includes the general fund, and water and sewer budgets.

Holley would go from $17,786 to $0. The current AIM represents 0.51 percent of the village’s $3,503,368 budget.

Lyndonville’s $6,251 in AIM accounts for 0.54 percent of the village’s $1,147,969 budget.

Medina has been receiving $45,523 in AIM, which is 0.42 percent of the village’s $10,822,022 budget.

“In the context of a $175 billion state budget and in a year where the Governor is proposing significant increases in state revenues through both the Internet sales tax and the legalization of marijuana, I fail to see why this draconian action is necessary and you can rest assured that we will fight to get this cut restored,” Peter Baynes, NYCOM executive director, said in a message to villages. “I strongly encourage every mayor whose village would be impacted by this proposal to call their Senator and Assembly member as soon as possible to let them know your position on this action and to ask for their public support of AIM restoration for villages.”

The Orleans County villages have passed resolutions in recent years, asking the state for a significant hike in AIM. The governor and State Legislature haven’t increased the amount in several years. Now, most of the villages are facing the prospect of no AIM funding.

The governor’s proposal compounds a tough financial situation for villages, especially in small counties where villages get a small percentage or nothing in the local sales tax. Villages also tend to have few open lots for development to boost the tax base.

“When it comes to local governments and the property tax, the Governor’s budget fails to abide by its theme of ‘justice,’ as it would eliminate state aid for the vast majority of New York’s smallest local governments,” Baynes said. “If the goal this legislative session is to enact progressive tax reform, it will not be achieved by cutting local aid and removing municipalities’ ability to follow through on their goal to reduce the regressive property tax burden. We urge state legislators to join NYCOM in the fight to restore these cuts, preserve the essential municipal services funded by this aid, and protect New Yorkers from state-induced increases in the regressive local property tax.”

Press Release, Apex Clean Energy

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Apex Clean Energy announced that its Heritage Wind project in the Town of Barre has been awarded a contract in the New York State Energy and Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) 2018 Clean Energy Standard Solicitation.

NYSERDA evaluates the economic viability of projects bidding for power offtake contracts, and Heritage Wind’s award demonstrates NYSERDA’s confidence in the project.

“Heritage Wind shows the promise and value of wind energy in New York,” said Mark Goodwin, president and chief executive officer of Apex. “With this award, the state is one step closer to its monumental clean energy goals. Apex is thrilled to play a role in helping New York achieve this milestone.”

The announcement supports both New York’s goal and Governor Cuomo’s mandate for 50 percent of the Empire State’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030.

Photos from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office: Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks on Tuesday while presenting his executive budget and also the “State of the State.”

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo delivered his 2019 State of the State Address on Tuesday and presented a budget that is balanced and holds spending growth below 2 percent for the ninth consecutive year.

“In the face of unprecedented challenges on a national level and a federal government at a complete standstill, New York will deliver on the most productive agenda in our history and build on our record of accomplishments,” Cuomo said. “This is a true Justice Agenda that ensures our neediest schools receive an equitable share of funds, advances historic criminal justice reform, safeguards our health care, protects the rights of women in our state from the federal government, and leads the nation in fight against climate change and contaminants in our environment and our water. While extreme conservatives in Washington govern by division and fuel dysfunction, New York State will raise the beacon of progress and take action to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

The governor has proposed a $175.2 billion budget, which he said continues a phase-in of middle class tax cuts, dropping from 6 to 5.5 percent, as well as an up to 20 percent cut in income tax rates for the middle class.

The governor presented a Justice Agenda that includes:

• Ending an unjust and discriminatory cash bail system

• Advancing reproductive justice and women’s equality by passing RHA and a constitutional amendment to codify Roe v. Wade into state law, passing ERA, increasing protections against sexual harassment in the workplace, modernizing pay equity law, reducing maternal mortality and morbidity and racial disparities, and more

• Strengthening gun laws by passing a Red Flag Law and extending the background check waiting period to 10 days

• Protecting LGBTQ rights by passing the Gender Identity and Expression Non-Discrimination Act and banning conversion therapy once and for all

• Removing corporate money from politics by closing the LLC loophole and banning corporate campaign contributions

• Making voting easier with universal vote by mail, statewide early voting, same-day voter registration, making election day a state holiday, and other reforms

• Passing the DREAM Act and opening the doors of higher education to thousands of New Yorkers

• Investing an additional $150 billion into the state’s infrastructure program

• Launching the Green New Deal — a nation-leading clean energy and jobs agenda that will combat climate change and put the state on a path to carbon neutrality

• Expanding protections for public-sector union members

• Codifying key ACA provisions into law, including coverage for pre-existing conditions

• Investing an additional $2.5 billion in clean water infrastructure to ensure the quality of our drinking water for generations to come

• Legalizing the adult use (21+) of marijuana and reducing the impacts of criminalization that affect communities of color

• Achieving economic justice by continuing the phase-in of middle class tax cuts, extending the millionaire’s tax, and making the highly successful property tax cap permanent

The governor presents his budget and legislative agenda during a speech at The Egg in Albany.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, issued this statement about the governor’s “State of the State” address:

“Gov. Cuomo sold out any remaining hint of pragmatic and moderate governance to the far left in order to secure his re-election. His policy wish-list makes it abundantly clear that he sides more with the radical socialist movement than middle-class New Yorkers.

“An increase in welfare spending, exorbitant taxes and fees and no clear plan on addressing our state’s embarrassing exodus rate were all highlighted in the governor’s policy circus.

“Despite the governor’s agenda, I will continue to beat the drum for our region and seek infrastructure investment, new charitable gaming laws, tax and regulatory relief for small businesses and an end to big government handouts to illegals and those who refuse to work.”

Bob Duffy, Cuomo’s lieutenant governor his first four years as governor, is now president and CEO of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. Duffy issued this statement:

“Rochester Chamber looks forward to working with Governor Cuomo and the state legislature to ensure businesses have the opportunity to grow and prosper by reducing burdensome mandates and regulations and promoting economic investment. Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York has grown to 8.2 million private sector jobs and unemployment has dropped below 4 percent. We appreciate the governor’s commitment to workforce and economic development, particularly by proposing a $4.4 billion investment in upstate infrastructure and promoting high-tech workforce training as well as a new round of Regional Economic Development Council and Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding. These investments have already proven invaluable to our region and to the entire state.”

Organization honors firefighters, supporters at annual banquet

Fire Chief Andy Benz gets emotional as he presents Hunter Sturtevant with his Chief’s Award at Shelby’s Firemen’s Banquet Saturday night. Sturtevant is the first four-generation member of the 70-year-old fire department.

MEDINA – Shelby Volunteer Fire Company celebrated two milestones at its annual installation banquet Saturday night.

The banquet was the fire company’s 50 annual event and also marked the 70th anniversary of the forming of the fire department.

A special feature was the attendance of Congressman Chris Collins, who presented chief Andy Benz with a certificate commemorating the 70th anniversary. Collins said his support of fire companies goes back a long way, having supported building fire towers for training in Erie County. He also co-sponsored the first firefighters’ cancer registry act, which directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to collect data on cancer incidence among firefighters and launch research into the connection between their work and the disease. It provides for tracing the residue of chemicals a firefighter might encounter while fighting a fire.

Assemblyman Mike Norris said this is the third year he has represented the town of Shelby. He praised volunteer firefighters, saying they save taxpayers $3 to $4 million a year by their service.

Guests were welcomed by fire company president Tim Petry and auxiliary president Patricia Fuller, followed by introduction of special guests by Dale Banker, director of Orleans County Emergency Management.

Fire company officers installed by Dale Watts are chief, Andy Benz; deputy chief, David Moden; assistant chief, Scott Petry; firematic captain, Crystal Luckman; firematic lieutenant, Zach Petry; and EMS captain Jeff Lyons.

Trustees for one year include Marcus Watts; two years, Lee Hellert; and three years, Jason Watts. Executive board members are president, Tim Petry; vice president, Gary Lamar; treasurer, Kirk Myhill; secretary, Serena Blair; sergeant-at-arms, Hunter Sturtevant; chaplain, Phil Keppler; assistant chaplain, Karl Haist Jr.; and steward, Gary Watts.

Congressman Chris Collins presents a certificate to Fire Chief Andy Benz in honor of the fire company’s 70th year. At right is master of ceremonies and longtime member Howard Watts of Medina.

Town Justice Dawn Keppler installed officers of the ladies auxiliary. They are president, Patricia Fuller; vice president, Cindy Robinson; secretary, Robin Watts; sergeant-at-arms, Brianna Wheeler; chaplain, Elaine Watts; three-year trustee, Delores Wolters; two-year trustee, Sharon Wright; and one-year trustee, Rosemary Pray.

Junior firefighters installed by Andy Benz are president, Alex Benz; vice president, Mark Riegle; treasurer, Andrea Benz; secretary, Sydney Watts; and sergeant-at-arms, Jacob Miller.

Dawn Keppler swears in members of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s Auxiliary during their annual banquet Saturday.

Fire company president Tim Petry said the fire company is an active and large group, and any one of several members could be eligible for an award.

Tim Petry, president of Shelby Fire Company, chose Marcus Scribner as the Junior Firefighter of the Year.

“Everyone does more than one thing, so I knew after last year’s banquet who I was going to recognize,” Petry said, calling Steve Seitz, Jason Watts, Tim Fearby and Howard Watts, with their wives to the podium. There the men all received plaques and their wives bouquets of roses.

For his Chief’s Award, Andy Benz selected a younger member, who he said is always begging to sign up for training and bugging the chief to allow him to drive the truck.

“He is always challenging older members and is the first four-generation member of Shelby Fire Company,” Benz said, presenting the award to Hunter Sturtevant.

Three members re-certified as EMTs, Joe Kyle, Lori Kyle and Miranda Miller.

EMTs Jeff Lyons, Gary LaMar and Tiffany Petry received medic bags.

Benz reported that Jeff Lyons, Scott Petry and Jason Watts were sent to Ohio for auto extrication training.

Petry chose Marcus Scribner as Junior Firefighter of the Year.

“Since the day he walked into this fire company, he has been an outstanding member,” Petry said.

It is customary for the Junior Firefighters to present a gift to the fire company each year, and this year they chose to donate a search kit for large area searches.

Auxiliary awards were presented by Pat Fuller to Rosemary Pray for 66 years of membership and Shirley Fuller for 62 years.

“We owe them a lot of gratitude,” Pat Fuller said. “They have worked and worked to make us what we are today.”

Fire chief Andy Benz swears in officers of the Shelby Junior Firefighters during their banquet Saturday night.

Fuller also thanked other auxiliary members who work all year long at fundraisers and keeping the kitchen clean. It is customary for the auxiliary to adopt a fireman who lives at the Firemen’s Home on the Hudson, and she encouraged other members to consider adopting a fireman who might not have family and send him cards or little gifts.

The auxiliary each year earns money with various fundraisers, which enables them to give a monetary gift to the fire company in appreciation of all they do for the auxiliary and the community. This year, Fuller presented Petry and Benz with a check for $10,000.

The final award of the evening was Petry’s President’s Award, which he gave to a group he called “Friends of the Fire Company.”

Jeff Lyons, his sister Kim and niece Alexa received the award for Lyons’ help with new fire police equipment.

Shelby Fire Department president Tim Petry chose several active members to receive his President’s Award at the annual installation dinner Saturday night. Honored with plaques were Steve Seitz, Jason Watts, Tim Fearby and Howard Watts, shown here with their wives, who all received bouquets of roses.

Fire Chief Andy Benz, left, presents medic’s bags to EMTs Gary Lamar, Jeff Lyons and Tiffany Petry.

Shelby Ladies Auxiliary president Patricia Fuller presented Shelby Fire Company President Tim Petry, left, and Fire Chief Andy Benz with a check for $10,000 during the annual installation dinner.

Shirley Fuller, left, and Rosemary Pray were recognized at the annual installation dinner for 62 and 66 years of membership, respectively, in Shelby Fire Company Women’s Auxiliary. At left rear is auxiliary president Patricia Fuller.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand announced she is running for U.S. president, and vowed to push back against many Trump Administration policies that she said are counter to American ideals.

Gillibrand was appointed to the Senate, representing New York, in 2009, and has championed legislation for equal pay for women, the STOCK Act that forbids members of Congress from profiting off insider knowledge, and permanent health care and compensation to the 9/11 first responders who are sick with diseases caused by the toxins at Ground Zero in New York City.

Gillibrand has been in Orleans County several times in recent years, promoting vocational training programs at the Iroquois Job Corps in Shelby, advocating for new technology for shop classes at schools in a visit to Albion High School, and serving lunch at the Eastern Orleans Community Center in Holley.

Gillibrand, 52, made her campaign announcement on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. She said “health care should be a right and not a privilege” and vowed to push for better public education and more job training programs.

She said she would fight institutional racism, corruption and greed in Washington, and “the special interests that write legislation in the dead of the night.”

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has been in Orleans County several times in recent years, including on Oct. 27, 2014 when she visited the Iroquois Job Corps Center in Shelby.

“I know that I have the compassion, the courage and the fearless determination to get that done,” she told Colbert.

Gillibrand is the first New York senator in nearly 40 years to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee. She said she uses that position to give New York’s farmers and agricultural producers a voice in Washington, and has advocated for specialty crop insurance, expanded rural broadband access, and improved recovery efforts after natural disasters.

“Our movement is about lifting voices that have been ignored for too long,” she said on Twitter. “That means taking institutional racism and injustice head-on – in our politics, health care, education and economy. Let’s show what we can build with determination and optimism, rather than hatred and fear.”

Gillibrand said she won’t accept campaign money from PACs or federal lobbyists and will run a  campaign with a core mission of restoring power to people.

“I’m not afraid to take on Trump, special interests or any powerful system – never have been,” she tweeted.

Retiring Holley-Kendall Coach John Grillo celebrates a win by one of his Hawk matmen during the Hawks victory over Lyndonville which followed the ceremonies in honor of his 44 years of coaching..

An outstanding 44 year wrestling coaching career was celebrated in a special way this evening as the Holley school district, students, former wrestlers and community members honored retiring Hawks Coach John Grillo.

Grillo, who has earned a state record 780 plus wins, has guided Holley to some 22 Genesee Region League and 12 section championships.

“This is just overwhelming, just overwhelming,” said Grillo of the emotional ceremony which included a video of his career and  tributes from his former wrestlers. “It all wouldn’t  have been possible without the great people I have been surrounded by, my family, friends and coaches.  I really want to thank all of the wrestlers I have coached. Wrestling has always been a huge part of my life and it always will.”

Coach Grillo address the crowd.

Family has certainly been of prime importance throughout his career as Grillo had the opportunity to coach each of his three sons – Adam, Ashley-John and Andrew – during his 30 plus years at the Holley helm.

“The positive impact John has had on his wrestlers of the years has been tremendous,” said Ashley-John Grillo. “He built a state wrestling power in this small community. For him it was all about building a foundation for a good team.”

That positive impact Grillo had on his charges was well summed up by several of his former wrestlers during the video.

“John was a father figure to me,” said Matt Paeth. He’s just done so many positive things.”

“You were an inspiration to me” said Adam Ezell. “I thank you for everything you have done for me.”

The video closed with a special community thank-you to Grillo saying “thank you for your motivation and inspiration”.  And the large crowd responded by giving Grillo a lengthy standing ovation.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Retiring Holley-Kendall wrestling Coach John Grillo meets here with his sons, Andrew, Adam and Ashley-John prior to the start of this evening’s ceremonies.

Coach Grillo receives a standing ovation from the large crowd following the showing of a video tribute to his 44 year coaching career.

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Garland Miller is making progress with ‘The greatest challenge in the history of puzzles’

Garland Miller sorts the puzzle pieces by colors in about a dozen different trays.

ALBION – Garland Miller leans over the table and stretches out his right arm. He has a puzzle piece gripped with tweezers. He thinks he found the spot for the piece, but the shape is just a little bit off.

Miller shrugs.

“It’s one piece at a time,” he said today in the living room at his home on Route 31, just west of Walmart.

Miller, 93, is called a puzzle master by his family. He has done numerous puzzles with 500, 750, 1,000, 2,500 pieces and more.

In 2017, he finished his most ambitious puzzle with 9,000 pieces. That puzzle about astrology was very challenging with a dark sky constellation. It hangs in the stairwell of the Pratt building in downtown Albion. The finished puzzle is covered in a thin translucent coating of glue.

After Miller was done with that puzzle, he worked on some smaller ones and then declared he was ready for a bigger challenge. His family found the world’s largest puzzle, the Guinness World Record for a largest commercially available puzzle in the world.

The 40,320-piece puzzle includes 10 scenes from famous Disney films. The puzzle weighs 43 pounds. When it’s finished, it stretches 22 ½ feet long and 6 ½ feet tall. It is produced by Ravensburger, which calls 40,320-piece, “The greatest challenge in the history of puzzles.”

“Do you have what it takes to assemble one of the world’s largest jigsaw puzzle?” the company states in advertising the puzzle. “Take the Ravensburger challenge and find out! You’ll be committing roughly 600 hours of puzzle fun to this masterpiece. Imagine the pride you’ll feel when it’s finished.”

The puzzle has 10 bags with about 4,000 pieces for each of the 10 Disney scenes. Miller first went to work on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. He started in September and was done before Christmas. It was about a 10-week effort.

Miller found all the right places for the puzzle pieces with the Snow White scene. After 2 1/2 months, he was only 10 percent done with the puzzle.

Miller remembers watching the Snow White movie in 1937 at the former Rialto Theatre on Main Street in Albion. That building, next to the former Swan Library, is now a gym and liquor store owned by Vinny Navarra.

Photo courtesy of Terry Miller: Gina Miller and her father-in-law Garland are shown today with the 9,000-piece astrology puzzle that hangs in the stairwell at the Pratt building in Albion.

“I still think it’s the best movie I’ve ever seen,” Miller said. “It was all hand-drawn, not like they do it today.”

His daughter-in-law Gina Miller often joins him on the puzzle projects. She said it can be mind-numbing and frustrating to get the pieces it the right spots. So many have the same shape and color. But her father-in-law notices the subtleties.

He has a dozen trays with groupings of pieces by color. He then will sort those into smaller groups based on shapes.

“It’s a continual sort, starting with the color families,” Gina Miller said.

Garland has developed his own system for the big puzzles. He hasn’t watched a YouTube video or read books with tips.

Garland said you need a system, and lots of time.

“It’s a challenge,” he said. “It keeps me out of mischief. I’m not hanging out at any bars.”

Miller is a World War II veteran. He was an ambulance driver in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he worked 21 years as a heavy equipment mechanic for the state Department of Transportation in Pittsford and then close to home in Albion. He also drove a tractor-trailer for 28 years and worked part-time for an auctioneer in Middleport.

He has been busy in his retirement, visiting all 50 states. He stays active, and doesn’t take any medication.

He has done puzzles since he was a kid, finding them to be relaxing. He did many with his grandchildren, and other family and friends. He and his late companion Mary Roth also conquered many puzzles together.

After Miller completed the Snow White scene last month, he went to work the next day on a scene from Fantasia with Mickey Mouse. That one has been difficult with so many similar-looking pieces. Miller has Mickey Mouse in that puzzle nearly done – only a few missing pieces. The top is also finished.

Garland Miller eyes a puzzle with Mickey Mouse in the movie, Fantasia. He is making progress, but still has a ways to go.

If each of the 10 scenes in the giant puzzle takes about 2 1/2 months, the entire puzzle will take just over two years.

It will be so big, Miller won’t have room to display it in his house. He and his family would like to see it up in the community when it’s all together.

But he still needs to complete Fantasia, and then there’s 4,000-piece puzzles of Peter Pan, Dumbo, The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, Bambi, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and The Lion King.

Gina and Terry Miller hold the box showing how the finished puzzle will look. The 10 Disney scenes are interconnected.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a winter weather advisory until 10 p.m. today for Orleans, Niagara, Genesee, Erie and Wyoming counties.

Freezing drizzle and a glaze of ice accumulation are expected, which could make for slippery road conditions for the evening commute.

Aric Albright and his dogs were walking on the ice in the canal just east of the Ingersoll Street bridge on Monday afternoon.

Provided photo

KENMORE – Melissa Barnosky did it again on Sunday. She won an American Legion oratorical contest. Barnosky, a senior at Albion, won the state title last year. She is competing again this school year and won the Albion competition and then at Orleans County. On Sunday she competed at the district competition at Kenmore and came in first place. She advances to the zone competition on Feb. 2 in Mount Morris. If she wins there, she will qualify for the state contest in Albany the first weekend in March.

The students all need to give an 8-10 minute prepared speech on the U.S. Constitution and citizen duties and obligations to the government. Barnosky’s topic was “The Key to our Vigilance.”

Shawn Calmes, a freshman from Alexander High School, placed second. His topic was “The Constitution is Like a Tree.” Gavin Swanson, from Jamestown, placed third. His topic was “Interpretation of Duties and Obligations.”

Pictured from left include: Wayne Sorrentino (Oratorical Contest District level vice chairman), Melissa Barnosky, Shawn Calmes, Gavin Swanson, and John Miga, Eighth District Commander for the American Legion.

The New York State Association of Counties is responding to a proposal on Monday from the governor to expand voting access, including more hours at the polls in Upstate New York.

This is a statement from Stephen J. Acquario, Executive Director of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC):

“Outside of New York City, election costs are the mandated responsibility of county governments through local boards of elections. The operational budgets for these local boards have been enacted at the close of 2018. Additional costs associated with staffing and securing early voting locations, printing and counting additional ballots, ensuring elections are safe from cyber security threats, and meeting other legal election requirements have not been fully calculated by the state and counties. Estimates for these new provisions suggest that it could cost between $500,000 to $1 million per county outside of New York City, depending on its size. Under a two percent property tax cap, counties cannot afford additional new costs associated with early voting and other election reforms.

“Combining the state and federal primaries will not provide counties outside New York City with enough savings to offset the cost of early voting.

“NYSAC requests that the State work with local boards of elections to enumerate the full fiscal impact of early voting and ensure proper funding is appropriated to cover the costs before any statutory provisions are put in place. On behalf of the counties outside New York City, we call on Governor Andrew Cuomo and State Legislators to include funding in the 2019-20 State Budget to cover the cost of implementing early voting, otherwise it will be one more unfunded state mandated cost on local property taxpayers.”

State Sen. Robert Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, issued this statement: “Increasing the ability of American citizens to participate in our electoral process is an important task that should be supported by all.

“However, with increased access to voting comes the danger of fraud and abuse within our democracy. Many of the laws passed today have been hastily thrown together in the name of ‘progress’ and ignore the safeguards we vitally need to ensure the integrity of our elections. Expanding access to the polls without addressing safety protocols to protect the integrity of our electoral process is a disservice to the voters of our state.”

State Assemblyman Michael Norris, R-Lockport, is the ranking member of the Assembly’s Election Law Committee. He issued this statement:

“It is crucial that every citizen who wants to be a registered voter has the opportunity to participate in our electoral process. I am proud to have voted today to support that goal by removing barriers that prevented voters from obtaining absentee ballots. Once approved as a constitutional amendment any registered voter would be able to obtain a ‘no excuse needed’ absentee ballot, allowing many more New Yorkers to vote with greater convenience. This is a common-sense measure to reduce costs, increase participation and maintain the sanctity of our elections.”

“I voted to further clean up and reform Albany by closing the LLC loophole, a measure that has allowed outside influences to control our state Capitol for too long. I was also proud to stand up for overtaxed citizens by voting to consolidate primary elections in our state. Having more than one primary date is not only confusing to the public, but also extremely costly to local governments and disruptive to the regular business of New Yorkers who want to vote as well as the locations serving as polling places. This was an unfunded mandate that I am happy to vote to lift and also will streamline and simplify voting.”

Photo by Cheryl Wertman: Nate Dillenbeck, a Lyndonville student who plays on the combined Medina/Lyndonville team, is shown on Oct. 1 during a game at Lyndonville when Dillenbeck scored 4 goals against Global Concepts. Typically, the Medina/Lyndonville team plays its home games at Medina and wears Medina uniforms.

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Board of Education was asked to bring back its own varsity boys soccer team on Monday, instead of being part of a shared team with Medina.

The two schools have played as a joint team for six seasons, starting in the fall of 2013. Both schools at the time would have struggled to field their own team.

But now both schools have enough players to field competitive teams on their own, according to two parents who spoke at Monday’s Board of Education meeting.

Lyndonville and Medina both had strong JV teams this fall, and should be in good shape for players on the varsity level for at least the next two to three seasons, some of the Lyndonville parents said.

Lyndonville is discussing its shared sports with Medina. The board hasn’t made a decision about next school year.

Penny Barry, parent of Lyndonville soccer player, said the “overwhelmingly consensus” of the JV soccer players and their parents is not to continue with the merger next school year.

Lyndonville has at least 19 players who would like to play on a Lyndonville-only team.

“Why would we do this again?” she asked the Board of Education on Monday. “We have the numbers.”

Lyndonville boys are part of teams based in Medina for football and soccer in the fall. The schools also have a combined volleyball team in the fall. The football and soccer players wear the Medina Mustang uniforms, except for two home soccer games at Lyndonville.

Patrick Whipple, another soccer parent, presented data to the board that showed at least 19 Lyndonville boys, currently in grades 9 to 11, played soccer this fall. There are 11 players on the field at a time, and teams need to have several substitutes.

Other parents who spoke to Orleans Hub said a Lyndonville-only team would help build school spirit. Right now there are only a few games for Lyndonville boy athletes to play in front of the home crowd in the fall.

Ted Lewis, the BOE president, said the board expects to make a decision next month on 2-year agreements with Medina for sharing different sports programs, as well as the musical which is based in Lyndonville, and the marching band which is based in Medina.

Lewis said the partnership with Medina has been positive for both districts by maintaining opportunities for students. In some cases, it has created new opportunities. Neither school had a volleyball team until that was added.

The board welcomes feedback from the community about the issue. The district website (click here) has a “Let’s Talk” feature where the community, including current and former Lyndonville athletes, can share an opinion about the merged sports.