By Mari Hamilton, Public Health Educator in Genesee and Orleans counties
Lead in gasoline and paint has been banned in the United States since the 1970s, yet lead exposure and poisoning is still a problem in too many households.
Did you know that today, exposure and poisoning from this toxic metal still affects millions of people? While lead is harmful for everyone, it is even more dangerous to children and can cause lifelong and life-threatening health problems.
In an effort to combat this ongoing problem, the last week in October is recognized as National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
Paul Pettit, Public Health Director of Genesee and Orleans Counties, wants to remind our community that knowledge is power.
“Lead poisoning can be prevented,” he said. “The key is to keep children from coming in contact with lead. Take time this week to learn about ways to reduce your child’s exposure to lead in their environment and prevent its serious health effects.”
Lead poisoning is caused by swallowing or breathing in lead dust. The most common sources of lead can be found in the soil, chipping paint, household dust, contaminated drinking water from old plumbing, lead-glazed pottery, some metal jewelry, and at some jobsites – typically construction, manufacturing and mining.
“Although the use of lead was banned from products such as paint since 1978, many homes in our communities still have remnants of old lead paint in them,” said Sarah Balduf, Environmental Health Director of Genesee and Orleans counties. “Old chipping paint, particularly around window sills, door frames, banisters, and porches, can cause a serious problem, especially in young children who tend to spend most of their time crawling or playing on the floor.”
Local data shows the majority of the homes in our communities were built before 1978, indicating lead may still be present even under fresh layers of paint. According to the 2016 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates there are approximately 25,657 total housing structures in Genesee County; 76.3% were built in 1979 or earlier with 39.6% built in 1939 or earlier. In Orleans County there are approximately 18,509 total housing structures; 76.2% were built in 1979 or earlier with 45.1% built in 1939 or earlier.
The chipping paint that Balduf described can produce a dust that is easily ingested by young children who often put their hands in their mouths. This is just one example of how lead can enter their bodies and harm their health by disrupting their growth and development, increasing behavioral problems, and lowering the child’s IQ. Many organs in the body are affected by lead, including the liver, kidneys, lungs, brain, spleen, muscles and heart.
There are typically no signs or symptoms to help you know if your child has lead poisoning. A person with lead poisoning usually does not look or feel sick. The best way to find out if your child has lead poisoning is by testing. The most common test is a quick blood test. It measures how much lead is in the bloodstream.
According to the New York State Department of Health, it is required that children are tested for lead at age 1 and again at age 2. Children will continue to be monitored for lead at well-child visits until they reach age 6. Pediatricians will explain what the child’s blood level means and if their levels are within a healthy range. Pregnant women should also be tested as they can pass lead to their unborn baby. High levels of lead during pregnancy can cause miscarriage and stillbirth. Other pregnancy problems may include low birth weight, poor growth and premature delivery.
Lead testing rates in Genesee County from 2016 reveal that 56.8% of children were being tested for lead at age one and 54.2% of children were being tested for lead at age 2. Lead testing rates in Orleans County from 2017 reveal that 57.9% of children were being tested for lead at age one and 51.9% of children were being tested for lead at age 2.
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week increases awareness for a year-round problem. Educating yourself about the dangers of lead poisoning and ways to lessen lead exposure will benefit the health and wellbeing of your family. Take action today by reviewing these simple steps to reduce lead exposure in your home.
• Keep a clean and dust free home.
• Use a damp cloth and a damp mop to reduce the spread of dust.
• Teach good handwashing habits.
• Consume a diet with foods that are rich in nutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
• Good nutrition and regular meals can help prevent lead poisoning since there are many good nutrients being absorbed in the body. An empty stomach has the ability to absorb more lead and store it in the bones. Supporting strong bones and a healthy body will help minimize the amount of lead absorbed in the body.
• Be mindful to not bring lead home on clothes from jobsites or working on hobbies.
• Let cold water run for 1 minute before drinking it, especially if it has not been used for a few hours.
• Fix and repair peeling paint safely. Contact your local health department for more information on how to do so.
Take time to talk with your doctor or health department staff to learn more about your risk of lead poisoning or visit the New York State Health Department by clicking here.
For information about Health Department services in Orleans County, call (585) 589-3278 or click here for the website.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 October 2018 at 8:08 pm
File photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans Community Health facility at the corner of Butts Road and Route 31 is the only building in the Albion Business Park. The land east of the medical center is available for development.
ALBION – The Orleans Economic Development Agency is seeking proposals to purchase and develop the 32 remaining vacant acres of the Albion Business Park.
Orleans Community Health has a medical center at the corner of the Business Park at Butts Road and Route 31. There is more land at the park going east and north that is available for development, although wetlands could make a project more challenging.
Mixed-use developments would be suitable for the site, EDA officials said. Projects could include lodging and event space, residential, commercial or light industrial. The site could also accommodate cultural, agricultural or other seasonal uses.
The Orleans EDA encourages teams and partnerships to jointly respond to the Request for Proposals, which is available to download at OnlyinOrleans.com or on the OEDA’s website.
There will be a site tour on Nov. 8, with Nov. 16 the deadline for submitting questions. Proposals are due on Dec. 1, with the anticipated date for picking a developer or team of developers on Jan. 11.
The EDA was looking for prime vacant land with access to water and sewer infrastructure in Albion about 15 years ago. The agency acquired about 20 acres at the corner of Butts Road and Route 31 for $75,000.
Six years ago, Orleans Community Health (Medina Memorial Hospital) built a new health care site on the corner lot with OCH paying the EDA $36,000 for the land.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 30 October 2018 at 1:54 pm
Sherry Tuohey, who has started an annual Hall of Wreaths at the Senior Center in Medina, shows off several of the creative ones she made for this year’s event.
MEDINA – Christmas is already in the air at the Senior Center of Western Orleans, where rows of holiday wreaths are on display for the annual Hall of Wreaths.
The Hall of Wreaths is an idea started last year by Sherry Tuohey, when the Center was trying to come up with a way to participate in Medina’s Olde Tyme Christmas.
The annual Christmas celebration takes place in downtown Medina the Saturday after Thanksgiving and features a parade and arrival of Santa Claus at noon and special events and sales throughout the stores, capped off by fireworks and the spectacular Parade of Lights at 6 p.m.
The Senior Center, which is barely a stone’s throw from Main Street, wanted to get involved.
Tuohey suggested the Hall of Wreaths and it was an immediate success. Dozens of wreaths were donated and sold to the highest bidder on the day of Medina’s Olde Tyme Christmas.
This year, Tuohey scheduled two wreath-making classes at the Senior Center, which resulted in several dozen unique creations, including bulb wreaths, a half-moon Santa and a Micky Mouse wreath.
Anyone may donate a wreath or make a bid to buy one. The Center is open from 9 a.m. to noon on Mondays and Tuesdays, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays.
BARKER – The Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter has unanimously and formally endorsed the proposed Lighthouse Wind project of Apex Clean Energy in Somerset and Yates as being environmentally sound, according to a press release from Apex and the Sierra Club.
“The Apex wind project is exactly what Western New Yorkers need to harness the power of community benefits through strong, local, renewable power,” said Kate Bartholomew, chapter chair of Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter. “Renewable energy projects like Lighthouse Wind are key in ensuring we not only meet New York’s climate goals but also, a just and equitable transition to 100 percent clean, renewable economy. Sierra Club looks forward to working with Apex and local communities to ensure this and other projects across the state are built to meet the strong environmental safeguards, fair labor standards, and prioritize local, community hiring.”
Executive committee members from the Sierra Club’s Niagara Group attended the Oct. 2 presentation by Apex, where company officials and consultants presented results of studies on environmental factors including bird mortality (such as raptors and other large birds), bat mortality, noise levels, flicker effect, soil erosion, and post installation utilization of farm lands.
“For more than a century, the Sierra Club has served as a leading voice to protect and ensure the ongoing quality of our natural environment,” said Dave Phillips, Apex Clean Energy vice president of environmental. “The endorsement of the Lighthouse Wind project by the Atlantic Chapter of the Sierra Club should send a clear signal to local stakeholders as well as those in state government. Lighthouse Wind is an environmentally sound project and a key contributor to the state of New York achieving its ambitious 2030 renewable energy targets.”
Courtesy of Medina Mustang Band, Kathy Dreyfus, Publicity Chairwoman
SYRACUSE – Leaders of the Medina Mustang Band accept the second place award in the Small Schools 1 Division on Sunday during the New York State Field Band Conference Championship at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.
Medina competed in the 45th annual championship. This was Medina’s 42nd appearance. There were 53 schools in the conference coming from New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. No matter what the scores, all of the bands and their students are winners. Congratulations to the schools that offer and support this art form to the students.
The day started off at 8 a.m. with the Dome breakfast put on by the boosters for the students and their families as a form of pep rally.
In SS1 Medina competed against seven other schools and came in second place with a score of 90.25, bested by Malverne of Long Island with a score of 91.65.
First place scores in the other classes were SS3 – Jordan Elbridge with 75.50; SS2 – Mineola with 85.05; LS3 – Rome Free Academy with 83.25; LS2 – Jamestown with 89.90 and National – Arlington with 95.
Before the group headed to the Carrier Dome, Medina director Jim Steele commented that the best feeling is going on the field, loving and caring for all the people around you. One band, one sound, enjoying the journey together as one, Steel said.
Regardless of placement these kids are great ambassadors for our school and our community. A heartfelt thanks goes out to Superintendent Mark Kruzynski and Mike Cavanagh, the high school principal, for attending the show along with the many parents and fans.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 30 October 2018 at 9:38 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Pastor Marilyn Kasparek, right, watches as Kester Baker and Jesse Babcock point to the goal the Knowlesville United Methodist Church needs to reach to buy a new furnace. They raised $1,900 toward their $10,000 goal Saturday at a first-time fundraiser at the church’s Fellowship Hall.
KNOWLESVILLE – The Abundant Harvest of the Knowlesville United Methodist Church made a big first step Saturday in their efforts to raise money for a new furnace for the church.
The congregation sponsored a unique fundraiser which earned $1,900 toward the goal of $10,000 needed for a furnace.
The fundraiser featured a new slant on a basket raffle, which included participation by the Corfu-Pembroke Community Band. Each donor received a list of several dozen songs which the band could play, and for each $5 donated, they could choose a favorite song. In return, they also received a strip of tickets to drop in the basket raffle.
The women of the church, who have long been known for their cooking, served beef on weck and dessert.
It was a perfect afternoon to eat, listen to good music and support the church, the pastor said. She also acknowledged donations from several United Methodist churches in the area, as well as merchandise from dozens of local businesses for the basket raffle.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 30 October 2018 at 9:09 am
12 have been trained as recovery coaches
Peer recovery coach Keith Greer chats with Tammy Ashton, Kim Lockwood and Tiffany Neroni, board members of Orleans Recovery Hope, during a fundraiser Saturday at the VFW in Medina.
MEDINA – There has always been a missing piece in the treatment of recovering drug addicts, said Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower.
Now, Bower thinks the county has found the answer.
Bower attended a fundraiser Saturday afternoon at the VFW in Medina for Orleans Recovery Hope, a peer organization which grew out of a group founded a year ago to work with recovering addicts.
“Often when an addict leaves the jail bed he goes to a rehab bed, but when he gets out of rehab, too many times he’s right back in the jail bed,” Bower said. “There was always a missing piece. Orleans Recovery Hope is that missing piece.”
Orleans Recovery Hope started with Kim Lockwood and several of her friends who had heard too many times about their friends losing loved ones to drug overdoses.
In 2017, they said, “This has to stop.”
Wayne Litchfield, retired dispatcher for the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department; Don Snyder, jail chaplain; and Tami Ashton, who lost her daughter to a drug overdose, had been meeting regularly at Dunkin’ Donuts to discuss what could be done about the opioid crisis in Orleans County. They learned Lockwood and her friends were having the same discussions.
They joined forces, and a year ago, they organized the first meeting of Orleans Hope at the former high school on Catherine Street in Medina. The community and law enforcement turned out in a big way.
Now 12 people have been trained as recovery coaches and the organization renamed Orleans Recovery Hope has become a 501c4.
Saturday’s fundraiser, organized by Lockwood, was to raise money to train more recovery coaches, to create programs to reach and help those fighting drugs, and to end the stigma and get the community talking about what’s going on with the opioid crisis.
“We want to do more community awareness events because people must begin to talk about this,” Lockwood said.
Douglas and Kristine Ames of Medina wear T-shirts with pictures of their daughter Erin, who died at age 32 of a drug overdose. The Ames are raising their two granddaughters, Callie, 4, left, and Keirra, 7. The family poses with a toy box Douglas made and donated for a raffle Saturday at the Medina VFW to benefit Orleans Recovery Hope.
Lockwood had a hard time fighting back tears as she viewed the people in the room wearing pictures on their T-shirts of a loved one lost to drugs, and of the array of baskets donated to support the event.
Two of those parents were Douglas and Kristine Ames of Medina, who lost their daughter Erin, 32, on June 2, 2017. The Ames are raising granddaughters Keirra, 7, and Callie, 4. Douglas made a wooden toy box and donated it for the raffle in memory of Erin.
Bower has been fighting the drug crisis even before he became Sheriff. He praised the efforts of those involved with Orleans Recovery Hope and talked about his program “Sheriff Cares,” which stands for Community Addiction Rehabilitation Education. It is his goal to be able to identify drug users and get them the help they need.
Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower shakes hands with Keith Greer, a peer recovery coach from Rochester.
“As the result of the energy of these guys who picked up the ball and ran with it, you can see how Orleans Recovery Hope is succeeding,” he said.
A special speaker at the afternoon event was Keith Greer, a peer recovery coach in Rochester and half of a team who trains recovery coaches there. He praised the efforts of Orleans Recovery Hope and said organizations like this are the answer to combating drug addiction.
“We can’t wait for government to come and fix the problem,” he said. “It’s not going to happen.”
Peer recovery coaches are relatively new, having only been around in Rochester for three years. It takes someone who has had some form of involvement with drugs – either personally, a friend or loved one – to become a peer coach, Greer said.
“You combine their experience with the passionate skills they already have, and you have created a lane in the middle for people dealing with addiction,” he said.
Greer said their goal is to get recovery coaches into emergency rooms.
“Drug addiction is the only disease where a person can show up with symptoms and be sent home,” he said.
There are multiple paths to recovery and a recovery coach is trained to look for the right path for each person.
Tiffany Neroni acknowledged The Hilltop Restaurant in Lockport for their support of Orleans Recovery Hope.
The Hilltop’s owner Tony Conrad prepared snacks for the event and wants to establish a scholarship for someone in recovery who wants to further their education. He lost a brother-in-law to a drug overdose.
Money raised by Orleans Recovery Hope has also paid for rack cards which Lockwood said they have distributed throughout the county.
“This is how change is going to happen in our community and every community,” Greer concluded.
These individuals who came forward during a fundraiser Saturday at the VFW in Medina for Orleans Recovery Hope are all wearing T-shirts of their loved one lost to a drug overdose. At right is Don Snyder, jail chaplain who is president of the board of Orleans Recovery Hope.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 October 2018 at 5:31 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: The smaller recycling bins will be replaced by much larger totes in 2019.
ALBION – Orleans County will be transitioning to new 96-gallon recycling totes in 2019.
The change will make it easier for Modern Disposal to pick up recycling, and should hold off increases in the costs for picking up garbage and recycling for the next few years, county officials said.
Residents currently use recycling bins that are emptied weekly by Modern. The company has two employees per truck, with a driver and another employee grabbing and emptying the bins. It takes about a minute for each stop in the county.
Modern will be switching to 96-gallon totes that have covers. Those totes can be grabbed by a mechanical arm, lifted into the arm and emptied into the recycling truck.
The change will allow Modern to staff each recycling truck with one employee. The company can also speed up the collection effort, spending an every of 12 seconds per stop.
“It’s a way to keep the costs in line,” said Chuck Nesbitt, the county’s chief administrative officer.
Residents in 2018 paid $212 for annual garbage and recycling collection. The cost will stay about that price for the next few years with the recycling change, Nesbitt said.
“Otherwise, we are looking at a 10 to 15 percent increase,” he said.
Modern also will pick up the recycling every two weeks, instead of weekly once the totes are in place.
The county needs to purchase about 15,000 of them at a cost of about $55 or about $800,000 total. Nesbitt said a state grant from the Department of Environmental Conservation is expected to cover half the costs.
There will be public information meetings next year to help prepare residents for the changes. Nesbitt said the new recycling program has a July 1 target date for kick off.
The County Legislature last week approved a new five-year contract with Modern for garbage and recycling collection. The annual cost is $3,001,495 with the current system, but drops to $2,707,160 when the new system is fully phased in.
BATAVIA – On Thursday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m., and again on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 9 a.m., anyone interested in becoming a police officer is invited to attend a one-hour information session for Genesee Community College’s Rural Police Training Academy.
The Academy is seeking candidates interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. To date, over 700 graduates of the Academy have gone on to have long and prosperous careers with many of the GLOW region’s local police departments as well as state and federal law-enforcement agencies.
The Rural Police Training Academy provides training for already-employed police officers as well as persons seeking law-enforcement employment (“pre-employment” recruits). Training starts in April 2019 and ends with graduation in March 2020. Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, some Wednesday evenings and daytime on Saturdays.
The information session is the first step toward applying to the Academy. Attendees will learn about the application process, financial aid, veterans benefits and will receive an overview of the program, including physical fitness training standards and earning GCC college credits. Attendees will hear testimonials from graduates regarding the significance this program has had on their law-enforcement careers.
The minimum age to enroll in the Academy is 19 to ensure that the candidate will reach the age of 21 in the two-year period that the Pre-Employment certificate is valid. There is no maximum age for admission, as long as the candidate can pass all entrance and exit physical-testing requirements. Candidates should not have any criminal history. A background investigation will be conducted by the RPTA.
If you are interested in attending one of these information sessions or would like more information about the Academy, contact Director Douglas Brooks at rpolice@genesee.edu or call The BEST Center at GCC at (585) 345-6868.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has directed that flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff from today until sunset on Sunday, Nov. 4, in honor of the victims of the shootings at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh and at a supermarket in Jeffersontown, Kentucky and issued a call for peace and civility following a week of horrific shootings and attempted bombings.
A flag is shown today on the grave of a veteran buried at Mount Albion Cemetery.
“The hate in this country has reached a fever pitch and it is bubbling over into violence,” Cuomo said. “This past week, the entire nation was shaken by targeted attempted political bombings, by the racist attack in Kentucky and by the anti-Semitic shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.
“In New York, we mourn for the victims and their loved ones, and we stand together with the African American and Jewish communities and all communities that make up our diverse social fabric. As the Governor of the state with the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, I will do everything in my power to ensure our religious institutions will be free from violence and intolerance. Anyone, no matter their beliefs, deserves to be able to worship in peace.
“The events of the past week do not represent who we are as a nation. Our diversity is our greatest strength and to vilify our differences and provoke division undermines the founding principles of this country. The hateful rhetoric and violence are ripping at the fabric of America, and it must stop. In this hour of darkness, we must unite and not divide — and we must stand together against the corrosive and destructive forces of hate.
“In the wake of these attacks, New Yorkers from all backgrounds condemn these assaults that are contrary to the proud history of our state and our nation. I am directing that flags be flown at half-staff in honor of the victims of the recent horrific shootings, and I join with all New Yorkers to call for peace and civility and to denounce hate in all its forms.”
Homeowners urged to take precautions from vandals, who strike often on Oct. 31
Press Release, AAA of Western and Central New York
Here’s hoping for all treats and no tricks this Halloween! With more than 41 million children between ages 5 and 14 trick or treating on Oct. 31, it’s a busy night on the roads – and the worst night for vandalism. AAA Western and Central New York is reminding everyone to be on the lookout for pedestrians in the coming week, to celebrate responsibly and to make sure your home is protected against any tricks. HD video clips with advice are available here.
There are some scary statistics when it comes to alcohol-related crashes on Halloween. AAA and the NHSTA found that:
• During the Halloween holiday period (6 p.m. October 31 to 5:59 a.m. November 1) during the years 2012-2016, 168 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes.
• On Halloween in 2017, 89 people were fatally injured in a traffic crash, with 13 percent involving alcohol.
• In 2017, more than half of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween occurred with the pedestrian outside of a marked crosswalk.
• Nearly 80 percent of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween occurred after 6 p.m. in 2017.
Sometimes Halloween mischief can be harder to avoid.
“Property vandalism and injuries tend to spike on Halloween night,” said David Hodge, vice president of insurance for AAA Western and Central New York. “It’s important to make sure you’re covered for whatever might occur.”
Prepare for pranksters
Vehicles are nearly twice as likely to be vandalized on Halloween as on an average day, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute. To avoid having your car egged or even stolen, park it in a secure garage or a safe, well-lit area. Double check that car doors are locked and windows are up.
Look out for black cats, blind spots and Batman
Drive slowly and be on the lookout for creatures that can come out of nowhere. Turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances. Don’t hesitate to use your horn if you’re concerned that trick-or-treaters don’t see you.
Light up the night
Generous lighting outside of your home keeps vandals away while providing safe passage to party guests and trick-or-treaters. Keep walkways and stairs clear of debris and make sure they’re well-lit.
Beware the brew
Serve non-alcoholic beverages and food along with your preferred potion. Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party ends.
MEDINA – A second-grader in Stacey Ali’s class at Oak Orchard Elementary School led an effort to collect food for homeless people in Buffalo.
“My teacher and I were talking about the homeless and I felt very sad and wanted to give the homeless some food,” said Caliyah Boston, who is pictured front center with her classmates.
Mrs. Ali said the class was talking about cultures and society.
“We talked about how some kids don’t have the luxury to go to school because they have to work to support their families and help to provide for them,” Mrs. Ali said. “We also talked about how some families are homeless, in not only around the world, but in our country too.”
Caliyah talked to her mom and asked her if they would ever end up homeless and what they could do to help. The day after the conversation in class, Caliyah wrote Mrs. Ali a note and began a personal crusade with her mom to go through their attic and pull out clothes that her family was willing to donate.
She then asked her classmates, with Mrs. Ali’s permission, if they would be willing to donate food for the shelter as well. “Her mother wanted her to experience firsthand helping people,” explained Mrs. Ali.
Caliyah and her mom took all the donations and brought them to We R Buffalo Strong along with cards and notes her classmates wrote to give to the people using the services there. They also helped to feed the homeless.
When asked how she felt doing something nice for the people there she said, “It just made my heart open up more.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 October 2018 at 10:43 am
Provided photos
HOLLEY – About 30 members of the Interact Club at Holley Central School spent part of Saturday cleaning grave markers at Hillside Cemetery.
The group that helped on the project Saturday include: First row – Emily Bibby, Morgan Cary, Rachael Howard, Harleigh Andrews and Breanna Girangaya. Second row – Kamryn Berner, Kayleigh Neale, Sarah Harrington, Jocelyn Cervone, Rotarian Jessica Mandigo and Rotarian Brian McKeon.
Third row – Chuck Turpyn, Janne Grasshoff, Amaya Cancinco, Ally Lyndaker, Rachel Killian and Historian Melissa Ierlan. Fourth row – Hayley Passarell, Jordan Wright, Madison Marsh, Harley Felerski and Allana Knopp.
Fifth row –Kohl Morgan, Jamel Hildreth, KJ Biedlingmaier, Libbie Pecora, Grace McKeon and Hope Falls. Last row – Nathan Nothnagle. Missing from picture – Casey Onisk, Ave Quincey and Elise Quincey.
The Interact Club is sponsored by the Holley Rotary Club. Samantha Zelent and Evinn Neadow are advisors of Interact, and John Heise is the Rotary Club adviser.
Melissa Ierlan, a member of the Holley Board of Education, also helps oversee the cemetery and is the town historian. She was instrumental in the cleaning effort on Saturday. She laos gave the student a tour of the cemetery and the chapel.
Harleigh Andrews, Libbie Pecora, Grace McKeon and Hope Falls work on one of the cemetery gravestones.
Hayley Passarell and Rachael Howard give a century-old stone a cleaning.
Sarah Harrington, Kayleigh Neale, Jamel Hildreth and Chuck Turpyn help in the historic section of the cemetery.
Rachel Killian, Amaya Cancino and Ally Lyndaker volunteered on Saturday.
Kohl Morgan and KJ Biedlingmaier work together to get a high spot of this elaborate gave site.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 October 2018 at 11:28 pm
MEDINA – The Medina Marching Band competed in the state championships today at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, and came in second in the small school 1 class.
The event for the New York State Field Band Conference culminated months of work by the band.
Medina’s score of 90.25 was topped only by the 91.65 for Malverne, a school from Long Island.
Other scores in the small score 1 division include: 89.55 for East Syracuse Minoa (3rd); 87.50 for Central Square, 87.30 for New Hartford, 85.55 for Oswego, 84.50 for Mohonasen and 84.45 for East Irondequoit.
Some of bands join together on the field at the Carrier Dome.
Medina was second at the state championship in 2017 with a score of 92.35. Last year, Malverne was third with 91.70 and East Syracuse Minoa won first with 92.60.
Medina was third in 2016 with a score of 90.00, and second in 2015 with 91.20.
This was the 45th annual championship competition with 53 schools participating today in 6 divisions.
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Medina Mustang Band performs for the home crowd during the Fall Festival of Bands at Vets Park on Sept. 22.
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