By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 December 2018 at 9:32 am
BATAVIA – Next month’s Corn Congress will include advice from three corn growers who have topped 300 bushels per acre in yields.
Matt Kludt of Kendall, Henry Everman of Dansville and Jay Swede of Pavilion will be panelists at the Corn Congress on Jan. 9 in Batavia and Jan. 10 in Waterloo.
Kludt of Kludt Brothers Farm in 2017 was the state champion for the third straight year in an annual corn yield contest. Kludt won the title last year with a yield of 322.4 bushels per acre.
Cornell Cooperative Extension’s NWNY Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team organizes the Corn Congress to help farmers improve corn grain and silage production.
The three farmers will be on a panel – “NY 300 Bushel Corn Club – How Do They Do It?” Reaching 300-bushel corn is not an easy feat to accomplish in the Corn Belt let alone New York, the Extension said.
“It takes a lot of knowledge of your land, good agronomics, some experimentation, good soils and the right weather from Mother Nature,” the Extension said.
These three farmers have all topped the 300-bushel milestone in official corn yield contests.
The guest speaker for the Corn Congress will be Dr. J. Julian Smith, who will discuss, “Fertility Management for High Yield Corn.”
Dr. Smith is currently president and co-founder of CZO Agronomics, a global consulting group devoted to technical advisory and end-to-end project management services in agribusiness and horticulture. His career has been primarily concerned with plant nutrition and specialty products, as well as their positioning within the agricultural market-places of North America and Europe. The latter half of Dr. Smith’s career has focused on micro-nutrient, bio-stimulant, biological and plant growth regulator product application for all crops.
The forum on Jan. 9 and Jan. 10 will also include discussion about corn diseases in 2018; the Pigweed Invasion: Waterhemp and Palmer Amaranth; pesticides and pollinators; Corn caterpillar pests on the rise; and the new farm Bill.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 December 2018 at 6:38 pm
Rate has been under 4 percent past three months
ALBION – Orleans County’s unemployment rate was 3.7 percent in November, the third straight month it has been under 4 percent.
That 3.7 percent was slightly up from the 3.5 percent in October, which was the lowest rate in the county in at least 29 years. The state Department of Labor has employment data available for each month in Orleans County since 1990.
Only a few times since then has the rate fallen below 4 percent, and never did it do so for three consecutive months, according to the data since 1990.
The other under-4 percent months include 3.9 percent in September 2000 and 3.7 percent in October 2000; 3.8 percent in September 1999 and 3.9 percent in October 1999; and 3.9 percent in October 1996.
The labor force last month at 18,300 was the largest of the year in Orleans County, with 18,100 in January the second most. It’s also the most in Orleans since the 18,300 in March 2014.
The data from the state Department of Labor shows there were 17,600 working in Orleans in November, up from 16,900 the same time in 2017. It was also more than the 17,300 in October when the unemployment rate fell to 3.5 percent.
Although the number of people working in the county increased from October to November, the unemployment rate was up because the number of unemployed also increased from 600 to 700, according to the state DOL. That pushed the unemployment rate for November to 3.7 percent.
Nationally and state-wide the unemployment rate was 3.5 percent in November. The rate for counties near Orleans include: Genesee, 3.5 percent; Wyoming, 3.4 percent; Livingston, 3.3 percent; Monroe, 3.5 percent; Erie, 3.5 percent; and Niagara, 4.1 percent.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that over the past week, cases of influenza in New York State rose by 72 percent, and new cases of influenza were reported in 58 out of 62 counties, including one case of influenza type A in Orleans County.
In addition, the number of patients hospitalized with laboratory- confirmed influenza was 363, a 41 percent increase from last week. The governor also urged all New Yorkers six months of age and over who have not yet received a flu shot to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
“With an increase in flu cases in every corner of this state, I want to remind New Yorkers who have not been vaccinated against the flu that it is not too late to take this critical action,” Cuomo said. “Flu season is in full-swing, and as the number of cases and hospitalizations continue to rise, we must do everything we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones.”
This influenza season, New York has had 5,400 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza in 58 counties, including all five boroughs of New York City. During this period, there have been 1,305 influenza-related hospitalizations reported, and one influenza-associated pediatric death. Over the last three seasons, there have been 19 influenza-associated pediatric deaths in New York and an average of 15,101 influenza-related hospitalizations.
Last week, State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker declared that influenza is prevalent in New York State. This announcement put into effect a regulation requiring that healthcare workers who are not vaccinated against influenza wear surgical or procedure masks in areas where patients are typically present.
In addition, the Department of Health launched the New York State Flu Tracker, a new dashboard on the New York State Health Connector that is an easy to understand source of influenza data to keep the public informed of rates of influenza in their county. The dashboard displays the number of laboratory-confirmed influenza cases by county, week and influenza type (A, B or not specified) for the current season and the three previous seasons.
State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, “We strongly encourage anyone who has not yet gotten the flu vaccine to get one immediately to combat this significant threat to public health. Getting vaccinated protects you as well as the people around you, including those who are more vulnerable, like babies and young children, elderly people and people with chronic health conditions.”
In addition to getting a flu shot and staying home when sick, it’s important to practice good hand-hygiene:
• Unlike some viruses, influenza is easily killed by soap and hot water.
• Wash your hands often with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds to protect yourself from germs and avoid spreading them to others.
• Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to use when soap and water are not available. Choose a product with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Do not cough or sneeze into your hands. Instead, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. People with the flu are infectious for up to 7 days after symptoms begin.
LOCKPORT – Today, Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I,Ref-North Tonawanda) presented a package of bills aimed at protecting senior citizens and improving care standards in nursing homes around New York State.
This collection of legislation was constructed with the assistance of local senior citizen advocacy groups and families who have met with the senator over the last few weeks. Several disturbing stories reported by local media outlets also played a role in the crafting of these bills.
“Since I have been in office, the quality of care in the nursing homes across our state has been a persistent issue and it has continually gone unaddressed,” said Sen. Ortt. “While there are a number of facilities that continue to provide great care for our seniors, we have seen far too many cases of unacceptable care. This legislation is aimed at ensuring that those establishments we trust to take care of our aging parents are doing so to the highest standard.”
“I am deeply concerned with the system that is currently tasked with protecting the most vulnerable in our society,” said Kelly Bentley, Family Council Chairwoman, The Villages of Orleans Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Albion. “It is our responsibility to protect our most vulnerable, and in order to do so, we must revamp the system that is in place. Our elderly are not just dollar signs for the investors that are buying nursing facilities at alarming rates. They are human beings who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”
The first bill of this package would increase the Department of Health’s regulatory enforcement capability. It would require the presence of Independent Quality Monitors in failing nursing homes to enforce compliance with corrective plans. The bill also authorizes DOH to enter a nursing facility whenever the Department of Health feels conditions in the facility could pose a danger to residents and increases fines on nursing homes who do not meet state standards.
The second bill announced would make nursing home inspections unpredictable by requiring that 40 percent of nursing home inspections are performed outside of business hours including nights, weekends, and holidays. The bill also bars Department of Health employees from giving any form of advance notice to a nursing home before inspection.
Finally, the third bill of this package would prevent owners of a nursing home from purchasing new nursing homes while any of their currently owned facilities are facing violations or compliance issues. Also included in this bill is a two-year probation period between coming into compliance of a violation and the acquisition of a new facility.
“We must hold our nursing homes to a higher standard,” said Ortt. “By increasing regulatory overview, we are improving lives and work environments for all parties involved. The way a community treats its elderly speaks volumes about its values. Our seniors deserve the best care possible.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 December 2018 at 12:15 pm
Photos courtesy of Joette McHugh: These photos show the three animals currently available for adoption at the Orleans County Animal Shelter, which is located at the intersection of routes 98 and 31A in the Town of Barre. These animals include, from left: Carmello, an 8-month-old cat; Gallie, a year-old boxer; and Maleea, a year-old female mixed breed.
There are a lot of toys and treats left under the tree at the Animal Shelter.
BARRE – For the past 11 Christmases, Joette McHugh and her husband Bill have been going to the Orleans County Animal Shelter to give treats to cats and dogs and make sure they aren’t alone on Christmas.
Mrs. McHugh is president of the Friends of the Orleans County Animal Shelter. She has welcomed the public to stop by the shelter on Christmas. The number of visitors has been on the increase, but Tuesday was a pleasant shock for the McHughs. They were joined by about 150 other people, some making special trips from Buffalo, Rochester and Batavia to stop by the shelter.
“We just ask that people give 10 minutes of their time to the pets to give them some Christmas loving,” McHugh said today.
The shelter was scheduled to be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas. The McHughs stayed until 3:30 to accommodate the visitors, who lined Route 98 near the shelter.
Right now there are only two dogs and one cat available for adoption. McHugh said the Friends of the Orleans County Animal Shelter has developed an effective adoption program where the animals don’t stay for very long before they are adopted out.
Many lost pets are also reunited with their owners through social media or through microchips. Those chips are about the size of a grain of rice and are imbedded near the shoulder blade of a dog or cat. A lost pet is scanned and the microchip reveals a unique number that identifies the pet’s owner.
The county shelter adopted out about 100 animals this past year, McHugh said.
She appreciates the community’s support of the animals, especially on Christmas when they donated toys, treats, food and money.
“They will be eating good for a while,” McHugh said. “The donations were unbelievable.”
That donations give the shelter a nice stockpile of supplies. The money also will go towards veterinary care for animals in 2019.
Maria Slomczewski of Buffalo wears a Santa hat while visiting with Gallie, a dog up for adoption at the Orleans County Animal Shelter.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the minimum wage increase will take effect on December 31, 2018, rising to $15 for large employers in New York City and continuing to rise all across the state.
In Orleans County, the minimum wage is currently $10.40 an hour and will to $11.10 on Dec. 31, 2018; $11.80 on Dec. 31, 2019; and $12.50 on Dec. 31, 2020.
The governor also launched a Wage Theft Hotline (1-888-4-NYSDOL) for workers to report employers not complying with the increase. In coordination with the increase, the New York State Department of Labor will release a multimedia public education campaign to raise awareness about the new minimum wage.
“With the historic increase in the minimum wage, New York continues to set a national example in the fight for economic justice,” Governor Cuomo said. “In New York, we believe in a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work and are proud to be stepping up for hardworking families and making a real difference in the lives of New Yorkers. We won’t stop until every New Yorker is paid the fair wages they deserve.”
The launch of the public education campaign includes TV, digital, radio, and subway ads. The campaign reminds New Yorkers that all minimum wage workers across the state will receive a raise on December 31, and educates them about the steps they should take if they do not receive their raises. PSA video that will air on television is available here, and video for digital platforms is available here.
The New York State Department of Labor has established a hotline (1-888-4-NYSDOL) where minimum wage workers can call to report any employers who do not comply with the phase-in schedule.
General Minimum Wage Rate Schedule
Location
12/31/16
12/31/17
12/31/18
12/31/19
12/31/20
2021*
NYC – Big Employers (of 11 or more)
$11
$13
$15
NYC – Small Employers (10 or less)
$10.50
$12
$13.50
$15
Long Island & Westchester
$10
$11
$12
$13
$14
$15
Remainder of New York State Workers
$9.70
$10.40
$11.10
$11.80
$12.50
*
$15 Minimum Wage Phase-in
The $15 minimum wage legislation was passed as part of the 2016-17 state budget, and marked a major accomplishment in the Governor’s efforts to restore economic justice and fairness to working families in New York State. The phase-in schedule on a regional basis is as follows:
For workers in New York City employed by large businesses (those with at least 11 employees), the minimum wage rose to $11 at the end of 2016, then another $2 each year after, reaching $15 on Dec. 31, 2018.
For workers in New York City employed by small businesses (those with 10 employees or fewer), the minimum wage rose to $10.50 at the end of 2016, then another $1.50 each year after, reaching $13.50 on Dec. 31, 2018, rising to $15 on Dec. 31, 2019.
For workers in Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties, the minimum wage increased to $10 at the end of 2016, then $1 each year after, reaching $12 on Dec. 31, 2018, rising to $15 on Dec. 31, 2021.
For workers in the rest of the state, the minimum wage increased to $9.70 at the end of 2016, then another .70 each year after, rising to $11.10 on Dec. 31, 2018, reaching $12.50 on Dec. 31, 2020, after which the minimum wage will continue to increase to $15 on an indexed schedule to be set by the Director of the Division of Budget in consultation with the Department of Labor.
MEDINA – Students and staff at the Orleans Career and Technical Education recently had their 9th Annual Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive.
This photo shows students in Eric Farrell’s junior Welding Class with some of the jars of PB&J.
The drive helps local food pantries fill their shelves with kid-friendly food like peanut butter, jelly and marshmallow fluff. It has become a tradition for the Orleans/Niagara BOCES center when math teacher Sarah Ivory asked the students at the center if they would like to help out. Since then it has become a fall community project.
A friendly class competition between the classes ended up with the Welding class taught by Eric Farrell victorious by collecting over $400 to buy peanut butter, jelly and fluff to contribute to the local food pantries.
School counselor, Kara Kirk, says, “Every year I am amazed at the generosity of these teenagers here at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center. I am very proud of all of them.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 December 2018 at 8:56 am
File photo by Tom Rivers: An “open” flag is outside the Main Street Liquor and Wine Discount Store in downtown Albion. The local downtown business districts generate lots of sales tax for Orleans County.
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has approved the sales tax apportionment for towns and villages for 2019.
The county receives about $17 million in sales tax annually, and shares $1,366,671 with the four villages and 10 towns. They have been frozen at that level since 2001.
Once a decade that the town and village amounts are set based on local population. However, each year after that the share is modified based on the assessed values of towns with villages. If a town with a village grows its tax base faster than the rate in a village, that town will get more sales tax – by getting more of the village’s.
That is what has been happening almost every year since 2001. Most of the new development is just outside the village borders.
The villages saw their share take a hit by about $27,000 from 2013 to 2019, falling from $404,661 in 2013 to $377,019 for 2019.
In 2018 the four villages – Albion, Holley, Lyndonville and Medina – saw a boost of about $3,000 and collectively received $382,240. That was an unusual year with the villages collectively seeing an increase in sales tax.
That won’t continue in 2019. The villages are taking a hit again. They are down to $377,019, a $5,221 drop. Medina is absorbing most of the decline, with a $4,998 hit. The Village of Medina is in parts of Ridgeway and Shelby. The village’s loss in sales tax is the two towns’ gain. Ridgeway will get $1,404 more, while Shelby’s amount grows by $3,593.
Here is what the four villages will get in sales tax in 2019, compared to 2018 in parenthesis.
Villages – $377,019 ($382,240 in 2018)
Albion – $167,181 ($167,203 in 2018)
Holley – $45,751 ($45,878 in 2018)
Lyndonville – $15,275 ($15,349 in 2018)
Medina – $148,813 ($153,811 in 2018)
Here are the town shares for 2019:
Towns – $989,651 ($984,431 in 2018)
Albion – $122,414 ($122,468 in 2018)
Barre – $64,536 (no change because no village)
Carlton – $95,418 (no change because no village)
Clarendon – $116,261 (no change because no village)
Gaines – $87,933 ($87,858 in 2018)
Kendall – $86,813 (no change because no village)
Murray – $113,215 ($113,089 in 2018)
Ridgeway – $130,272 ($128,868 in 2018)
Shelby – $106,506 ($102,913 in 2018)
Yates – $66,279 ($66,206 in 2018)
The villages received more back in 2001, when the amount was frozen collectively to the 10 towns and four villages. The village share peaked at $211,669 for Albion in 2004 (down $44,488 to $167,181 in 2019). Medina dropped $24,779 from $173,592 in 2002 to $148,813 in 2019.
Holley hit a high of $62,549 in 2002 – 17 years later it’s down by $16,798 to $45,751. Lyndonville was at $18,592 in 2002 and has slid to $15,275 in 2019.
Sales tax has actually been growing at a healthy rate for the county in recent years.
Sales tax revenues jumped by $1 million for Orleans County in 2017, up 6.45 percent from $15,287,529 to $16,273,192. The county budgeted for a $610,000 increase in 2018, and next year is planning on additional growth of $560,000. The sales tax increases have helped the county pay for infrastructure projects and also stay under the state-imposed tax cap, which is usually about 2 percent a year.
Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
New York State white-tailed deer hunters have been reporting more success in 2018 than last year through the end of the regular big game season, the State Department of Environmental Conservation announced today.
“New York’s hunters are having success this year, myself included, and all signs are pointing to sizable and healthy herd. I was fortunate enough to get my first buck this year,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said.
Through Dec. 16, hunters reported taking approximately 14 percent more deer in the Northern Zone and 11 percent more deer in the Southern Zone, compared to the same period in 2017. Reports from the Southern Zone and Northern Zone are up more than 26 percent and 33 percent from 2016 numbers, respectively, indicating an increase in harvest over the past three hunting seasons.
A final tally of the deer and bear harvests will be released early next year.
Through the final weekend of the Southern Zone late bow and muzzleloader season, hunters reported 94,515 deer in 2018, compared to 85,288 and 75,073 through the same period in 2017 and 2016, respectively. Similarly, in the Northern Zone, hunters have reported 14,458 deer in 2018, compared to 12,687 in 2017, and 10,894 in 2016.
Change in bear harvest varies by region this year. Hunters have reported taking 670 bears in the Southern Zone, compared to 884 at this point last year and 863 in 2016. In contrast, harvest reports increased in the Northern Zone, with 396 bears reported in 2018, compared to 302 bears at this point in 2017 and 464 bears in 2016.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 26 December 2018 at 10:39 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman — Dylan Clemons and his Holley-Kendall teammates will host the Hawks’ annual Duals Wrestling Tournament on Thursday. Holley will also host a boys basketball tourney on Friday and Saturday.
Holley will take the spotlight for this holiday week’s local high school sports action as the Hawks will be hosting both wrestling and boys basketball tournaments.
The Holley-Kendall wrestling team will host the annual Hawks Duals Tournament on Thursday beginning at 10 a.m.
The tournament field will include Caledonia-Mumford, Dundee, Canandaigua, Gilead and Campbell-Savona/Bradford.
Holley will also host the Hawks annual boys basketball tournament on Friday and Saturday.
Friday’s opening round games will have Lyndonville vs. Rochester Academy Charter at 5:30 p.m. followed by Kendall vs. Holley at 7 p.m. The contest will be a rematch for undefeated (6-0) Lyndonville which downed RAC 82-69 in the season opener.
The consolation and championship games will be held at 5:30 and 7 p.m. Saturday.
The Roy-Hart boys and girls teams will also both be competing in holiday tournaments on Thursday and Friday.
In Thursday’s openers, the Rams will face Batavia at 8:30 p.m. in the Batavia Tournament while the Lady Rams will take on the host school in the Tonawanda Tournament at 7 p.m.
The Barker girls will be competing in the Pembroke Tournament on Thursday and Friday. The Lady Raiders will face Rochester Academy Charter in the opening round at 5 p.m. Thursday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 December 2018 at 10:35 am
ALBION – The Orleans County Tourism Department is boosting its attendance trade and travel shows in 2019.
County Legislator Ken DeRoller said the increased presence shows the county is determined to bring more visitors to Orleans.
The County Legislature last week approved the Tourism Department attending the following shows:
• AAA Travel 2018 Pittsburgh Travel Showcase, Pittsburgh, PA, Jan. 10-15 to be attended by Tourism Director Dawn Borchert. Total cost to be paid by New York State Tourism Industry Association.
• Great American Outdoor Show, Harrisburg Pennsylvania, Feb. 4-6 to be attended by Dawn Borchert. Total cost to be paid by Lake Ontario Sportfishing Council.
• AAA Great Vacation Travel Expo, Columbus, OH, Feb. 7-12 to be attended by Dawn Borchert. Total cost to be paid by New York State Tourism Industry Association.
• AAA Reading Berks – Travel Show, Reading, PA, Feb. 17 to be attended by Dawn Borchert. Total cost to be paid by New York State Tourism Industry Association.
• The Outdoor Adventure Show, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Feb. 21-25 to be attended by Dawn Borchert. Total cost to be paid by New York State Tourism Industry Association.
• AAA Southern New England, Foxborough, MA, Feb. 28-March 4 to be attended by Dawn Borchert. Total cost to be paid by New York State Tourism Industry Association.
• AAA Vacation Expo, Cleveland, OH, October 27, 2019 to be attended by Dawn Borchert. Total cost to be paid by New York State Tourism Industry Association.
The Legislature last week also approved an agreement to retain Lynne Menz Designs of Kent to provide Tourism Coordinator Services to Orleans County in 2019 at a cost not to exceed $18,720. Menz will be paid in equal monthly installments.
Lynne Menz Designs also was hired to provide design services to Orleans County in 2019 at a cost not to exceed $21,760. This agreement includes costs associated with advertising design, publication design, social media, photography and video production.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 December 2018 at 9:16 am
Photo courtesy of Kathy Blackburn
MEDINA – A Medina business is temporarily closed after it was hit on Christmas Eve by a vehicle, breaking the front door and window, and causing some structural damage.
Meggie Moo’s was hit at about 9:30 p.m. Kathy Blackburn, owner of the business at 114 East Center St., said an inexperienced driver slid off a slick road and hit the building.
Besides the damage to the front window and door, a cast iron pillar was knocked out. That pillar is a big concern, she said.
She said a regular building contractor may not be able to make the repairs. Meggie Moo’s may need a restoration crew that specializes in historic buildings.
She is reaching out to her insurance company. For now, the business will have to be closed until the repairs are made.
Blackburn opened the ice cream parlor and grill with her family in the summer of 2014. Meggie Moo’s includes a game room and has been a popular place for children’s birthday parties and other events.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 December 2018 at 8:31 am
The national organization for Boy Scouts of America is considering filing for bankruptcy. The local BSA council, however, is on sound financial footing.
Leaders of the Iroquois Trail Council, which serves Scouts in five counties including Orleans, sent a letter to families advising them the local council “remains strong and steady.”
Bob Confer, president of the Iroquois Trail Council, and Jim McMullen, Scout Executive, sent a letter to families on Dec. 15.
“The most important fact is this: the Iroquois Trail Council is a corporation separate from BSA and maintains its own 501(c)3 status,” the two said in the letter. “Business decisions made on this or any issue by BSA will not impact the assets of the Iroquois Trail Council – including our camps and donations made to our local program.”
The national organization is exploring options for the best management of its assets. “No decision has been made or is imminent at this point about BSA’s national finances,” Confer and McMullen said.
The Iroquois Trail Council serves 2,500 Scouts and with 1,200 adult volunteers in the five counties. The Council is governed by local volunteers “who provide strong oversight on budget development, fundraising, spending, and investment,” Confer and McMullen said.
In the past decade the Council has routinely balanced its budget, increased its endowment fund and upgraded camps and other Council-owned facilities.
“The Iroquois Trail Council is also debt-free and has no pending litigation,” the Council leaders wrote. “This diligent governance from our volunteers keeps us a well-run and financially viable organization.”
Confer and McMullen said the national organization is poised to return to a position of strength and growth.
“Scouting long has been, and continues to be, the most relevant and robust character and leadership development program for youth and families,” Confer and McMullen said. “Let’s keep it that way!”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 December 2018 at 10:34 am
David Hull, a retired preschool teacher, is featured in about 20 of the popular books
Photos by Tom Rivers: David Hull of Holley is shown with two of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books that he is featured in. Hull, a retired preschool teacher, has stories in about 20 of the books in the Chicken Soup series.
HOLLEY – David Hull of Holley has become a frequent contributor of one of the most popular book series.
Hull, a retired preschool teacher, has stories in about 20 of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. The Chicken Soup for the Soul series started about 25 years ago and now includes more than 250 titles. It has sold more than 100 million copies.
Each of the books includes 101 stories that tend to be three to four pages for each article. Hull, 59, checked the Chicken Soup website about seven years ago, and sent in a story. Although he has now been included in about 20 of the books, Hull said some of his stories didn’t make the final cut.
Chicken Soup editors say they get several thousand submissions for each book. Hull said he tries to write from the heart and mix in humor.
“You got to be very persistent and brave to send your stuff off to publishers,” he said during an interview last week at Sam’s Diner in Holley. “Don’t be stopped by rejection.”
Hull said he wrote for some small magazines before being published in Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Chicken Soup published The Power of Yes! This year and includes two articles by Hull. In “Boldly Going” he shares how a friend urged him to help at a community clothing center at a local church. Hull was moved by the people, including a high schooler who wore size 9 shoes during school and his father then wore the same shoes later in the day for work. The shoes were wore out. There were children without winter coats and a family using mittens to keep warm at night.
The next day, Hull went to a department store and found shoes and clothes on clearance, including a new pair of size 9 shoes for the father and son.
“My friend may have had to persuade me to get involved, but because of that experience, I realized that many people were a lot worse off than me,” Hull wrote. “I also learned that I could help my community through the simple tasks of being aware and donating a little time and money.”
Also in The Power of Yes!, he writes about his reluctance to try a community exercise program in Kendall. But in “C.R.A.F.T.S.” – Calming, Relaxing Activity for Tired Souls – Hull finds acceptance and success. Six months into the program he loses 11 pounds and drops his cholesterol and blood pressure.
Hull is featured in these four recent Chicken Soup books.
Hull studied English in college and earned a degree in education. He worked 28 years as a teacher at the Brockport Child Development Center at Brockport State College. He retired four years ago.
He tries to write each day. Some days that might only be jotting down some notes.
“It’s very therapeutic,” he said. “It helps you to reflect on situations and think more deeply.”
The Best Advice I Ever Heard also was published in 2018, featuring 101 stories of “epiphanies and wise words.” Hull writes about “The Sensitive Plant.” It’s a fern-like herb his mother had in her house. When the plant was stressed it would tuck its leaves close together. Hull writes about a tough first semester of college, when his grades were low. He was tempted to give up. His mother told him to not act like the sensitive plant, putting his guard up and refusing to take risks. Hull returned to college and, with perseverance, would graduate.
Hull said he has submitted stories for future Chicken Soup books. He’s waiting to see if those will be published.
