By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 November 2018 at 9:33 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Holley Waterfalls is shown this afternoon. Most of the leaves have fallen and winter weather is creeping closer.
After a mostly sunny Thursday with a high of 44, snow and rain is expected on Friday before 9 a.m., followed by rain in Orleans County with a high of 42, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
There could be another snow shower overnight Friday. Saturday there is also a chance of snow showers before 11 a.m., and then a chance of rain and more snow showers, the Weather Service said.
Veterans Day on Sunday also has a chance of flurries. It will be partly sunny, with a high near 37 on Sunday.
A pedestrian bridge crosses Sandy Creek near the Holley Waterfalls.
A leaf floats on Sandy Creek near the pedestrian bridge.
HAMBURG – Nate McMurray has issued the following statement on yesterday’s too-close-to-call results in his campaign for US Congress in NY-27.
“When we started this race, the insiders and pundits said we didn’t have a chance. But we gave the voters a better choice, and by earning support from Republicans, independents and Democrats alike, we’re beating the odds and we won’t stop until the official results are confirmed. We need to make sure every voice and every vote in this region is heard and counted.
“This isn’t even yet a recount. We haven’t even had an official count yet. In our democracy, every single vote matters. There are over 18,000 votes that have not yet been counted, between absentee, emergency, and affidavit ballots. If this were Election Day, we would still be holding tight. We will continue to count each and every ballot to ensure every voter in this district is heard.
“With only 2,800 votes separating us, this race is too close to call. There are too many voters who have not yet had their say. We are fighting to make sure every vote is counted because every vote counts.
“I believe that the hardworking families of this district are ready to reject the stale and ineffective tactics of partisanship politics, put country before party, and turn the page from Chris Collins’ self-serving chapter in our region’s history. We must finish counting ballots so we can finally get to work to make Washington and fixing a rigged system that both Republicans and Democrats agree is hopelessly broken.
“That starts with me, a Democrat, talking to you, my voters who are Republicans and Democrats and independents, about what we can do to solve the real problems our nation faces. We need to create secure borders, not with grandstanding and rhetoric, but with real immigration reforms that protect our sovereignty, but also makes sure our farmers have the workforce they need to succeed.
“It means protecting Social Security and Medicare, so Americans get the benefits they’ve been paying for their entire lives. It means defending the second amendment while passing common-sense reforms like universal background checks to keep guns away from terrorists and criminals. It means bringing good jobs back to our region, investing in infrastructure and protecting our farmers. It means standing strong against corruption in both parties to give taxpayers honest leadership they can trust.
“This isn’t over yet. We’re still fighting like hell.”
Press Release, U.S. Attorney Grant Jaquith, Northern District of New York
SYRACUSE – A jury voted on Tuesday to convict Nathaniel P. Lorenz, 47, of Holley of wire and mail fraud charges, following a 7-day trial.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Douglas Shoemaker, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Regional Office of the United States Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General (USDOT-OIG); New York State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott; and Robert L. Keihm, Chief Investigator for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Investigations Bureau.
The evidence at trial established that Lorenz, a former police officer and sheriff’s deputy, submitted fake invoices to the New York State Department of Transportation in order to conceal that he was not buying the materials needed to perform bridge maintenance contracts in the Binghamton and Buffalo regions.
United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith stated: “Nathaniel Lorenz ripped off New York State taxpayers by doing shoddy maintenance work on bridges New Yorkers depend on every day and then submitting phony paperwork to cover up his fraud. Together with our state and federal law enforcement partners, we will continue to vigilantly watch over federally funded contractors so that taxpayers get what they pay for.”
Lorenz’s company, ACME Powerwashing Inc. (ACME) of Holley, contracted with NYSDOT in 2015 and 2016 to clean and seal the road portions of bridges, known as concrete bridge decks. The work involved cleaning the bridge decks and then sealing them with a chemical that makes the concrete more resistant to penetration by water, chlorides and waterborne contaminants, which might cause potholes and other deterioration. The Federal Highway Administration, part of the United States Department of Transportation, provided most of the money for these contracts.
Each of these contracts required ACME to purchase a certain amount of sealing chemical, based on how many square feet of concrete bridge deck was sealed. On three contracts in 2015 and 2016, Lorenz submitted fraudulent invoices to NYSDOT in order to conceal that he was not buying the amount of the sealing chemicals required by the contracts. Lorenz falsely claimed that he was buying sealing chemicals from S.E. Brett, Inc., another company that he owned that does not sell anything.
On these 3 contracts alone, NYSDOT paid ACME more than $1.1 million for bridge sealing work, and about $759,000 for bridge cleaning and other work. The evidence at trial established that ACME, which had been a NYSDOT contractor since 2010, was not buying the appropriate amount of sealing chemicals since at least 2012 and had saved at least $500,000 in avoided material costs. The loss to the government will be determined at sentencing.
DOT-OIG Special Agent in Charge Douglas Shoemaker stated: “The conviction of Nathaniel P. Lorenz for fraud related to federally funded New York State Department of Transportation contracts demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the safety and integrity of public infrastructure projects. Working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, we will continue our vigorous efforts to prevent, detect and prosecute individuals who inappropriately use federal taxpayer dollars.”
New York State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott stated: “This greedy contractor spent years blatantly shortchanging taxpayers and lining his own pockets while hastening the deterioration of highway pavement for which he was paid millions of dollars to help protect. The federal jury easily saw right through his criminal scheme and convicted him on all counts. I thank the United States Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General and the New York State Department of Transportation for their partnership investigating this matter, and United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York Grant C. Jaquith and his office for prosecuting this matter.”
Sentencing is scheduled for February 14, 2019 in Syracuse before Senior United States District Judge Norman A. Mordue. Lorenz faces up to 20 years in prison, a maximum $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release. He may also be ordered to pay restitution to one or more governmental agencies. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by USDOT-OIG, NYSDOT’s Investigations Bureau, and the Office of the New York State Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
ALBION – Throughout the month of November, Hospice of Orleans will be joining organizations across the nation hosting activities that will help the community understand how important hospice and palliative care can be.
Hospice on Thursday, Nov. 8, will show a free screening of Frontline’s Being Mortal, hosted by the Medina Theatre. That event begins at 6:30 p.m.
Hospice is not a place but is high-quality care that enables patients and families to focus on living as fully as possible despite a life-limiting illness. Palliative care brings this holistic model of care to people earlier in the course of a serious illness.
November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month and hospice and palliative care programs across the country are reaching out to help people understand all that hospice and palliative care offer.
In recent months, a number of notable Americans have died. They include Senator John McCain, the queen of soul Aretha Franklin, and former first lady Barbara Bush. In many media reports, they were described as having “given up” on curative care late in their lives. Ms. Franklin opted for hospice care; Mrs. Bush received what was described as “comfort care.”
It is essential that people understand that hospice and palliative care is not giving up, it is not the abandonment of care, it is not reserved for the imminently dying,” said Edo Banach, president and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. “Hospice is a successful model of person-centered care that brings hope, dignity and compassion when they are most needed. This is one reason that the national My Hospice Campaign was launched this year.
Every year, nearly 1.5 million Medicare beneficiaries receive care from hospices in this country, reports NHPCO. Hospice and palliative care programs provide pain management, symptom control, psychosocial support, and spiritual care to patients and their family caregivers when a cure is not possible.
As Flo Surdi, a volunteer at Hospice of Orleans noted, “Someone asked why I spend time volunteering for hospice. It’s because hospice was there for my family at the most difficult time in our lives, and because hospice staff provide the best care possible when you need it most. It’s not about dying, it’s about living life! “
More information about hospice, palliative care, and advance care planning is available from Hospice of Orleans (585) 589-0809, www.hospiceoforleans.org or from NHPCO’s CaringInfo.org. Follow Hospice of Orleans on Facebook to learn more and join the organization.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 November 2018 at 10:17 am
Turnout was high in Orleans compared to last gubernatorial race
Andrew Cuomo
Andrew Cuomo cruised to re-election on Tuesday, getting about 60 percent of the vote state-wide against Marc Molinaro and several third-party candidates. Cuomo strongly carried New York City and the larger upstate cities.
However, the governor isn’t very popular in Orleans County. He only received 23.5 percent of the vote in Orleans.
That is among the lowest in the state. The most anti-Cuomo county goes to Wyoming, where the governor only got 19.53 percent of the vote on Tuesday. That edged Lewis County at 19.57 percent.
Other counties that topped the anti-Cuomo vote in Orleans include Allegany at 22.6 percent for Cuomo and Fulton with 23.4 percent for the governor, according to Politico and the Board of Elections in each county.
The last time Cuomo ran for governor four years ago against Rob Astorino, Orleans was actually the second-most anti-Cuomo county, behind only Wyoming.
Turnout was also much higher on Tuesday compared to four years ago. The county had 12,505 people go to the polls on Tuesday, or 54.5 percent of the 22,907 who are registered to vote. (There are also 691 absentee ballots out with 531 returned so far.)
In 2014, 9,332 went to the polls in Orleans County for the gubernatorial race. The turnout this time was up 34 percent or by 3,173 votes.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 November 2018 at 8:23 am
Aaron MacKenzie loads a red barrel in an ambulance Monday for delivery to a local church, where it can be filled with gifts and toys for MAAC’s Christmas Box program.
MEDINA – Monday was a “Red Barrel” day for the Medina area.
It was the day Medina firefighters delivered 30 MAAC Christmas barrels to select locations throughout Medina and Knowlesville.
The MAAC Red Barrels are a familiar site each Christmas season in local churches and the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library.
For dozens of families, the barrels mean they will have a Merry Christmas.
The barrels will remain in the community, where they can be filled with non-perishable food items, hats, mittens, scarves, socks, stuffed animals, toys, books, games and puzzles.
On Dec. 10, firefighters will collect the barrels and return them to the First United Methodist Church (the former Apple Grove location), where volunteers will sort the donations and pack Christmas boxes for the families who have applied for holiday assistance.
Firefighters who helped deliver barrels Monday were Captain Matt Jackson, Tim Miller, Adam Fisher, Jacob Crooks, Joe Simmons and Aaron MacKenzie.
Several of the firefighters, like Crooks who has been with the department since 2009, had helped before, but for MacKenzie, this was his first time.
“This looks like a very good program,” he said.
Families may apply for holiday assistance from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 8 and 15 and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 13 and 20 at Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God, 324 Catherine St.; or from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 13 and 20 and 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 6, 13 and 20 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 1355 West Ave.
Applicants must bring proof of household (birth certificates, Social Security cards or benefit cards); proof of residence (water, electric, phone or gas bills); and proof of income (Social Services award letter, SSD or SSI award letters or WIC card/pay stubs).
Food boxes and gifts will be delivered between 9 a.m. and noon on Dec. 15.
Sue Metzo with Medina Area Association of Churches stands by the dozens of red Christmas barrels which were delivered to local churches on Monday by members of the Medina Fire Department. Barrels will be filled with toys and gifts for children and picked up and returned to the First United Methodist Church of Medina on Dec. 10.
Sue Metzo, who volunteers with MAAC, said they are seeing more and more working people who just aren’t earning enough to live on.
Last year, 112 families (163 children) received holiday assistance, as well as 43 senior citizens.
Not only do children receive age-appropriate gifts and clothing, but families receive food for Christmas dinner.
“Our biggest concern is while we receive many toys for small children, we receive almost nothing appropriate for teens,” Metzo said.
The MAAC Christmas program serves children up to age 18.
Metzo also stressed for people who make cash donations to take note of MAAC’s new address, which is 536 Orient St., Medina, 14103.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 November 2018 at 7:08 am
Nate McMurray
Nate McMurray is calling for a recount of the votes in the 27th Congressional District. Chris Collins is ahead by 1 percent with the votes on Tuesday.
McMurray conceded the race to Collins Tuesday night, but changed that position at 1 a.m.
“After examining the numbers, the margin is 1% and the will of the voters must be heard,” McMurray said in a statement to the media. “We are demanding a recount. Mr. Collins is going to need another set of lawyers.”
The unofficial vote totals from the eight counties show Collins ahead 124,777 to 122,197. That doesn’t include absentee and provisional ballots. In Orleans alone there were 691 absentees out with 531 returned on Tuesday.
McMurray won in three of the eight counties, but both Orleans and Wyoming gave Collins strong support.
The vote in Orleans was 4,505 for McMurray and 7,269 for Collins. In Wyoming, it was 4,608 for McMurray and 8,281 for Collins.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 November 2018 at 11:56 pm
Chris Collins speaks at the Orleans GOP Rally on Oct. 25.
Chris Collins was elected to a fourth term to Congress despite being indicted on insider trading charges about three months ago.
Collins campaigned for the importance of keeping the seat in Republican control to ensure an ally for President Donald Trump. Collins was the first member of Congress to support Trump’s campaign in early 2016. The local congressman has frequently appeared on television news programs as an advocate for the president.
Nate McMurray, a Democrat and the Grand Island town supervisor, had a strong showing in an overwhelmingly Republican district. (Republicans outnumber Democrats by 40,000 in the 27th Congressional District.)
He posted this statement on Twitter: “To the best supporters a guy could ask for, we came up short tonight – but that doesn’t mean our fight is over. I couldn’t be more proud of what we created here, & you should be too. This was special. Now, we keep fighting for what we believe in. We’ll ALWAYS #FightLikeHell.”
The unofficial results from the eight counties in the district show Collins ahead by more than 2,000 votes – 124,777 to 122,197. That doesn’t include absentees or other provisional ballots.
McMurray won three of the eight counties but was unable to overcome Collins’ big totals in the rural areas.
Here is a breakdown from each county for the votes at the polling places on Nov. 6:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 November 2018 at 10:20 pm
Valentine wins in Murray; Black elected in Gaines
Orleans County voters gave strong support to Marc Molinaro for governor and Chris Collins in his re-election bid for Congress.
The county, where registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by a 2-to-1 margin, stayed true to party affiliation.
Here are the unofficial results from the Orleans County Board of Elections:
(Party abbreviations: D = Democratic, WF = Working Families, I = Independence, WE = Women’s Equality, R = Republican, C = Conservative, REF = Reform, G = Green, SAM = Serve America Movement, L = Libertarian)
Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo, D, WF, I, WE – 2,892
Marc Molinaro, R, C, REF – 8,531
Howie Hawkins, G – 114
Stephanie A. Miner, SAM – 98
Larry Sharpe, L – 686
State Comptroller
Thomas P. DiNapoli, D, WF, I, WE, REF – 4,462
Jonathan Trichter, R, C – 7,179
Mark Dunlea, G – 95
Cruger E. Gallaudet, L – 168
Attorney General
Letitia A. James, D, WF, I – 3,201
Keith Wofford, R, C – 8,133
Michael Sussman, G – 101
Nancy B. Sliwa, REF – 79
Christopher B. Garvey, L – 205
U.S. Senator
Kirsten E. Gillibrand, D, WF, I, WE – 4,288
Chele Chiavacci Farley, R, C, REF – 7,661
State Supreme Court, 8th Judicial District (pick two)
Paula L. Feroleto, D, R, C – 11,020
John M. Curran, D, R, C – 10,775
U.S. Representative, 27th District
Nathan D. McMurray, D, WF, WE – 4,505
Chris Collins, R, C, I – 7,269
Larry Piegza, REF – 286
State Senate, 62nd District
Robert Ortt, R, C, I, REF – 9,691
Peter A. Diachun, G – 891
State Assembly, 144th District (which includes the Town of Shelby in Orleans)
Joseph DiPasquale, D, WF, WE – 445
Michael J. Norris, R, C, I, REF – 895
State Assembly, 139th District (which includes 9 towns in Orleans, except Shelby)
Stephen Hawley, R, C, I, REF – 8,851
Mark Glogowski, L – 687
Albion Town Justice (pick two)
Joseph Fuller, R – 1,143
Gary Moore, D, R – 1,451
Gaines Councilperson (1-year term to fill vacancy)
Joyce Riley, D – 367
Corey Black, R – 556
Kendall Town Justice
David Gaudioso, R – 810
Murray Councilperson (1-year term to fill vacancy)
Neil Valentine, R – 808
Joseph Sidonio, C, I – 597
Shelby Councilperson (1-year term to fill a vacancy)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 November 2018 at 5:35 pm
MEDINA – The Western Orleans Comprehensive Plan has eyes on the future for the villages of Medina and Lyndonville, and the towns of Shelby, Ridgeway and Yates.
Municipal leaders from the those five municipalities have been working on updating the comprehensive plan for about 18 months. The final document was approved by the committee and now the five municipalities are having public hearings on the plan, with each municipality needing to vote to accept the changes for the plan to be official as a guide for future zoning and community priorities.
Courtesy of the Orleans EDA: This map shows the 300 acres for the Medina Business Park and the Keppler Site near Maple Ridge Road. A comprehensive plan calls for expanding the business park south and adding 1,067 acres that could be used for businesses.
The Shelby Town Board had a hearing last Wednesday and discussed how the plan would impact the town.
The biggest change would be expanding the Medina Business Park by 1,067 acres south on Route 63 past Sanderson Road. That expansion would be south of the Keppler site, where the current Medina Business Park ends. The Business Park already has about 300 vacant acres.
“These are visions of the future, not guarantees,” Ed Houseknecht, the Shelby town supervisor, said during a public hearing.
The municipalities sent out surveys to 5,500 people and more business and job opportunities was a frequent high priority for respondents.
If the land was to become available for development, it would likely be a gradual process. The municipalities and Orleans Economic Development Agency would need to work to have infrastructure, zoning and other issues resolved to entice a company to that area.
“It doesn’t have to happen all right away,” said Jim Bensley, the county’s director of planning and development.
That county department worked with the three towns and two villages on updating the plan, which would replace one that was last updated in 2002.
“This is a blueprint for where you want to go in the future,” Bensley said.
The plan calls for greater walkability and improved sidewalks in the village, and better walkways along Maple Ridge Road, which has added several new businesses and the Genesee Community College campus center since the plan was last updated 16 years ago.
That road with its increasing traffic may need more turning lanes. Bensley said the local leaders are pushing for turning lane studies from the state Department of Transportation.
The plan also calls for an improved walkway and bikeway at Butts Park, especially near the Oak Orchard Creek.
Andina Barone of the Mindful Media Group said the plan should also address climate change and that anticipated impact on the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge could face increased droughts. A proposal by Frontier Stone for a new quarry near the refuge calls for pumping water to the refuge and helping to manage the water flows.
Barone, whose company works for Frontier, said the quarry would help prevent the marshes from drying up.
She also said the comprehensive plan should give farmers more freedom with their land, especially with using solar energy and pursuing other business opportunities.
The survey showed that high property taxes were a top concern for residents, Barone said at the hearing.
Photo by Tom Rivers: The pond at Mount Albion Cemetery, a spot that is a memorial to firefighters, is shown today while the cemetery on Route 31 is blanketed in leaves.
It has been a windy day. The National Weather Service on Monday issued a wind advisory for 7 a.m. today until 4 p.m. Wednesday.
That advisory has since been changed with the windy weather expected to end at 6 a.m. Wednesday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 November 2018 at 2:57 pm
This rendering shows how the former Holley High School would look after $17 million in renovations.
HOLLEY — The ceremony to celebrate the start of construction of the old Holley High School has been changed to Dec. 11. It was planned for Nov. 20.
The Holley community and graduates of the old school are welcome to attend the “Preservation Celebration” at 2 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the former school, 1 Wright St.
Home Leasing LLC, a Rochester company, is leading the renovation of the former Holley High School.
The Holley High School will be turned into a mixed-use facility that will include 41 apartments for seniors age 55 and up. The existing school auditorium will be renovated to be used by the Village of Holley as meeting space and administrative offices.
The site will be known as Holley Gardens. The former school is in the heart of the Village of Holley and residents will have easy access to local small businesses and amenities.
Home Leasing LLC has been working on the $17 million renovation for several years, lining up financing, including some state assistance. Home Leasing is working along with Edgemere Development, Glasow Simmons Architecture L.L.P. and Marathon Engineering – all Rochester-based firms – on the project.
Provided photos: Medina Lions Club member Ann McElwee, back left, and Lyndonville Lions Club members Lynne Johnson, center, and Bruce Schmidt, right, assisted with the vision screenings.
Press Release, Lyndonville Central School
LYNDONVILLE – Lyndonville students recently had their vision screened by members of the Lions Club with assistance of the school’s LEO Club.
In one day, 103 students were screened. Parents of those needing additional follow up were notified via letter. The students screened received a sticker from the Lions Club and a pencil, much to their liking.
The LEO Club members were a great asset to this process. They were kind to the younger students, cooperative, polite to the guest screeners and hard working. They were neat and clean and looked very professional in their LEO Club shirts. Gratitude was expressed to the group for its help to make the process go smoothly.
If any of the families need assistance with eye exams or necessary eye glasses, the Lion’s Club would be happy to assist and those in need should contact Anne Marie Holland, the Lions Club president and the school district’s director of special programs, at 585-765-3107.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 November 2018 at 1:31 pm
MEDINA – For more than two decades, the community has thrown its support behind a signature fundraiser to benefit Medina Memorial Hospital’s (now Orleans Community Health’s) Foundation.
Saturday was no exception, when the 25th anniversary of Treasure Island was celebrated in style.
After having the event in different venues over the years, the Foundation decided to bring it back to Medina for the 25th anniversary, and held it at Sacred Heart Club.
Kathy Vicknair points out one of the high-profile items donated for Treasure Island’s silent auction Saturday night – an autographed picture of Thurman Thomas in his heyday with the Buffalo Bills. Seated is her husband, Vick Vicknair, who ran the sound system for the event.
“The event was incredibly successful,” said Angela DiRosa, director of the Foundation. “There were many comments that it was one of the best they’ve attended in several years.”
Hundreds of items were donated from jewelry and gift certificates to trips and special services. There were works of art, bottles of wine and lottery tickets, all part of a silent auction.
But a live auction also livened the evening, with such items as a premier parking spot at Medina Memorial Hospital, valued as “priceless.”
Also touted as priceless was a day at the fire station, donated by Medina Fire Department. The winner gets to tour the station, have lunch with the firemen, and on Nov. 24, ride on a fire truck in the 10th annual Parade of Lights.
Another one-of-a-kind prize was an autographed photograph of Thurman Thomas from his heyday with the Bills during the team’s unprecedented streak of four straight Super Bowls in the early 1990s. David Cook of Lyndonville donated the photograph, which he obtained while in the locker room with an on-field pass.
DiRosa said she is always amazed at how giving the community is. She anticipates this year’s event to match the recent Treasure Island fundraisers.
“The event is on track to be as successful as previous years, which typically raise more than $30,000,” she said.
Money from Saturday’s event will supplement grants and aid the hospital with upgrades and improvements, she said.
Winners of the cash raffle during the evening were Eli Howard and Randal Sanderson, each $250; and Halli McPherson, the grand prize of $500.
DiRosa issued a thanks to major sponsors, who included Lawley, Talis Equity, Baxter Healthcare, Ridge Animal Hospital, TakeForm, Roland Howell, Jr. Wilson’s Sportsmen’s Club, Lyndonville Lions Club, MS&L/Generations Bank, Orleans Community Health Medical Staff, Radiology Solutions Associates and Western New York Energy.
Cindy Incho of Medina, rear, and Tish McAdoo of Lyndonville make their bids in the silent auction at the 25th annual Treasure Island Saturday at Sacred Heart Club. The event, which benefits Orleans Community Health, attracted supporters who bid on hundreds of items and took chances to win dozens of other prizes through various raffles.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 November 2018 at 10:12 am
File photo by Tom Rivers: Skip Helfrich, program director for the new Leadership Orleans program, leads the opening retreat for the class on Jan. 18 at Tillman’s Village Inn. The retreat was for two days. The class of 25 has met monthly throughout the year.
A new leadership program that started in January with 25 people is nearing the conclusion for its first year, with a new class of about 25 to start in two months.
Leadership Orleans was years in the making. Orleans had been one of the few counties without a leadership program.
The debut class has 25 members and is led by director Skip Helfrich, a graduate of the program in Niagara County.
The class members come from a cross section of the community, including law enforcement, government department heads, farm owners, agency directors and other business leaders.
“In building a class we wanted to have a nice mix,” Helfrich told the County Legislature recently. “We are hoping the participants will volunteer, and step up and serve on boards or run for office – whatever it takes to make Orleans County better.”
The new Leadership Orleans became a reality in 2018 after the County Legislature set aside $33,000 in 2017 to get the program off the ground. The county contribution was reduced to $22,000 in 2018 and is slated for $16,000 in 2019.
Three county employees are also in the class: James DeFilipps, deputy for Orleans County Sheriff’s Office; Nadine Hanlon, clerk of Orleans County Legislature; and Eddie Moss, director of computer services for Orleans County.
Hanlon, a lifelong resident, said the program has proven to be an eye-opener about the resources and opportunities in the county.
“I think it’s been a wonderful thing,” she told county legislators on Oct. 24. “I grew up in this community and I’ve been involved, but I’m still learning the wonderful things this community has to offer.”
Charlie Nesbitt, a retired state assemblyman, has been instrumental in securing sponsors and support for the program.
He pushed for Leadership Orleans so key people in the community could better understand how local government, businesses and other sectors work. The class draws on a cross section of the community. The program picked residents who have demonstrated leadership abilities, interest in community affairs, and a commitment to Orleans County’s future.
‘We are hoping the participants will volunteer, and step up and serve on boards or run for office – whatever it takes to make Orleans County better.’ – Skip Helfrich, director of Leadership Orleans
The participants also pay $1,950 for tuition. The program requires enrolled individuals to commit to a two-day opening retreat, one full day per month of program participation over a ten-month period, and a two-day closing retreat/graduation ceremony.
Each month the group learned about a different sector of the community, including government, arts and culture, volunteerism and non-profit organizations, community health, tourism and recreation, agribusiness, economic & workforce development, and education.
Helfrich said 130 people have been impacted so far from the program and that includes 79 community presenters, 25 class participants, 11 people on the steering committee, 12 different design teams and 17 other community friends. The group has visited 56 sites in the county.
The participants already have forged a strong bond and network, he said. The graduates of the program will become a Leadership Orleans Alumni Association, who can continue to support each other and be a resource to the future program participants.
The new class will start in January. There was more interest than available spots so there is now a waiting list. Helfrich said that’s a good indication the community is finding value in the program.
Helfrich works part-time as the director out of an office at Community Action of Orleans & Genesee in Albion. Helfrich is the president/owner of Human Energies, a human resources and organizational development consulting firm. He leads many retreats for other leadership programs.
“My focus was to get this first year going and create something that will last,” he told the Legislature.
For more information on Leadership Orleans, click here.
You’re here checking the site, so you know: Orleans Hub is a vital resource for our community. Day in and day out, we share information and insights that matter to those who live and work in the towns, villages and hamlets of our county. Local advertisers help make the Hub possible, and so can you.
Donate today to keep Orleans Hub healthy and accessible to all. Thank you!
