By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 September 2018 at 5:52 pm
Items will be given to sexual assault victims
Photo by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The Medina and Albion Rotary clubs today donated toiletries and new clothing to Medina Memorial Hospital with the items to be given to sexual assault victims. Those victims often have their clothing taken to be used as evidence.
The Rotary clubs are given new shirts, sweatpants and underwear to the hospital, which sees about 50 sexual assault victims each year at the emergency room. Rotary is also giving 100 bags with toiletries for showers.
Pictured from left include Medina Rotary President Carl Tuohey, Albion Rotary President Karen Sawicz, Medina Memorial ER director Kaitlyn Miller, and Medina Rotarian Edee Hoffmeister. They are pictured at Fitzgibbons Public House in Medina, where the Rotary Club held its lunch meeting today.
Miller, the ER director at Medina Memorial, said the donations will help females and males who have been victims of sexual assault. Sometimes the hospital has to give them gowns or surgical scrubs because they aren’t other clothes available.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 September 2018 at 11:14 am
ALBION – The Village Board will have a public hearing today at 6 p.m. on whether to offer a property tax exemption for veterans. If the veterans received a tax break, it would mean other village property owners would see an increase to make up the difference.
The board in January was asked to approve two tax exemptions for veterans. Earl Schmidt, director of the Veterans Service Agency in Orleans County, said then if the exemptions were passed by the Village Board, other village property owners would see their taxes increase by 30 cents per $1,000 of assessed property, or $18 for a house assessed at $60,000.
Schmidt asked that the Village Board to pass a veterans’ exemption that would provide about 15 percent off village taxes. Schmidt said there are 179 veterans in the village that would be eligible for that exemption.
He also asked that the village pass an exemption for Cold War era veterans that provides about 10 percent off taxes. There are 13 veterans in the village that would be eligible for that benefit, he said at the time.
With both exemptions, municipalities have the option of deciding maximum exemption levels so the amount of the exemptions can vary.
The hearing today is at the Village Hall, 35-37 East Bank St.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R-Batavia) is warning parents and guardians to keep their kids away from schools, recreational facilities and community centers this Thursday after 6 p.m. due to the fact that sex offenders could be present to vote in the primary election.
Gov. Cuomo recently pardoned thousands of convicted criminals, including sex offenders, to allow them to vote in the upcoming primary. It is not required to notify the person in charge of the facilities, which could host after school programs, daycares or other activities or programs involving minors, of a sex offender’s presence. The only requirement is that offenders vote between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and they must let their parole officer know of their intentions to vote.
“Putting our children and communities at risk by allowing convicted criminals to vote is completely inexcusable,” said Hawley. “It seems rather convenient that the governor is doing this for a race that he is a candidate in. Sex offenders are banned from these locations for a reason. They should not, under any circumstances, be allowed back into these locations, many of which typically have children present, especially without any supervision or restrictions. It completely baffles me how completely unsafe this whole process is.
“The governor didn’t think of our communities’ safety, he is just thinking of how to get extra votes,” Hawley continued. “This not only puts our children at risk, it puts all of us at risk, and it is unfair to ask us to change our schedules to avoid a dangerous situation. I am completely against this pardon the governor has given and encourage residents, especially those with children, to stay away from community centers, schools and recreational facilities where voting is taking place this Thursday.”
ALBION – The Albion First Baptist held its 2nd Annual Pet Blessing and outdoor worship service at 10 a.m. this past Sunday. Each pet in attendance received an individual blessing. And people attending the worship service were invited to take a goodie bag home to share with the pets in their lives.
A candle was lit in memory of all pets who passed away in the last year, and prayers were lifted up for all of God’s creatures and the people working to protect His creation. A special offering during the service raised $34 for P.A.W.S., a local animal shelter.
“Animals and people live and work side-by-side every day,” said the Rev. Aleka Schmidt, the church pastor. “It just makes sense to honor that special relationship and to thank God for the lives of our treasured companions and family members.”
The church hopes to expand its service next year to include pets and their people from across our community.
Danna DuSett brought two granddaughters and her Black Lab, Xena for a special blessing of the animals at the First Baptist Church on Sunday. Aleka Schmidt, the church pastor, is at left.
Prym and Danielle Schmidt, the pastor’s daughter, rode in the back of a mini van for the short trip from Batt’s W.A.R.M. B. Acres on the Gaines Road to the church at the corner of Park and Liberty Street.
The Schmidt family’s dog, Sheila, enjoyed an extra snuggle with her people while receiving a blessing from Pastor Aleka.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 September 2018 at 7:50 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A large American flag waves on Main Street on Tuesday evening during a memorial service on the 17th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks when nearly 3,000 people were killed.
These Albion eighth-graders pass out American flags. They include from left Ashleigh Mowatt, Emilie Sitzer and Alexis Hess. They were later joined by McKenzie Olmsted in singing the National Anthem.
Gary Befus, a member of the American Legion in Albion, organized the memorial service. He said the terrorism attack was devastating with 2,753 killed in New York City, 184 in Washington DC, and 40 more when a plane crashed in rural Shanksville, Pa.
Gary Befus praised the continued service of local firefighters, law enforcement, paramedics and other first responders. Sue Maslyn of the Kendall Fire Department was among the many local firefighters who attended the service.
There were 343 firefighters and 72 police officers killed during the Sept. 11 terrorism attacks.
Orleans County Legislator Don Allport said the country was strongly united after the attacks 17 years ago. When Americans are together, nothing can defeat the country, he said.
“We must be Americans first,” he said. “We must stand united. America is under attack every day.”
Allport also said Orleans County is fortunate to have some many dedicated firefighters and first responders. “Imagine calling 911 and no one shows up,” he said. “But in Orleans County someone shows up. First responders are the very thin line between an organized society and chaos.”
These firefighters salute during the National Anthem. Fritz Neidert of Albion is at center and Doug Jones of Kendall is at right.
Members of the Honor Guard do a 21-gun salute under direction of Phil Warne, right.
Don Snyder, a chaplain for the Sheriff’s Office, praised the service of the first responders, who sacrifice their time and lives, often a great emotional and physical cost.
“First responders are the very best of humanity,” Snyder said. “Orleans County is blessed with first responders who serve in emergency medicine, fire and law enforcement. Our first responders, without hesitation, respond to any need that presents itself.”
This group waves the American flag during the conclusion of the program.
Albion firefighter Al Cheverie stands on a closed off section of Main Street to get a photo of the flag, which was held high by the ladder trucks from the Albion and Medina fire departments.
Al Cheverie used his phone to get a photo of the large American flag.
Jeremy Graham of the Albion Fire Department helps to fold the giant flag.
These firefighters fold the flag. They include Jeremy Graham, Jan Cheverie and Gregg Marston of Albion, and Brad Mahnke of Medina.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 September 2018 at 5:26 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Melinda Grube speaks at Hoag Library in Albion on Monday evening for a presentation about Elizabeth Cady Stanton, the women’s suffrage leader. Grube was in costume at presentations on Saturday and Sunday about the famed suffragette.
Grube, a Medina resident, is an adjunct lecturer in history at Cayuga Community College in Auburn. She has portrayed Cady Stanton for the past 14 years. She also will portray Abigail Adams on Saturday at 1 p.m. during a timeline festival at Mount Albion Cemetery.
Her presentations are part of the 10-day Orleans County Heritage Festival, which started on Friday and continues through this Sunday.
Grube in her presentation on Monday said women were not treated as equals by most men, especially during the country’s first century. Many men didn’t think they women were smart enough to be considered citizens.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton was among a small group of women who pushed for women’s rights, and helped organize the Women’s Rights Convention at Seneca Falls in 1848. Women wouldn’t get the right to vote nationally until 1920.
Grube said it was a minority of women who pushed for the right to vote.
“People with purpose drive change,” Grube said. “It’s always been a small group of people that push the world forward.”
A Medina woman was arrested today with drug sale and possession charges following an investigation into the local sale and distribution of heroin and the prescription drug suboxone, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force said.
Katherine L. Hahn, 29, of 520 West Center St., Lower Apartment, was charged with one count each of criminal sale and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, which are both Class B felonies.
She also was charged with one count each of criminal sale and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, which are Class D felonies.
Hahn was arraigned in Albion Town Court by Town Justice Joseph Fuller. Hahn was committed to the Orleans County Jail on $20,000 cash bail or $40,000 bond. She is to return back to Albion Town Court on Sept. 14 at 1 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 September 2018 at 11:53 am
GAINES – The Town of Gaines Zoning Board of Appeals approved the site plan and a special use permit for a barn on Route 104 to be used for a seasonal business in Commercial Historic District.
Ray Burke, owner of Fairhaven Treasures, wants to use the neighboring barn on Route 104, across from the Cobblestone Universalist Church, for retail sales, auctions, weddings and other events.
The Gaines ZBA approved the project on Monday. Burke is a member of the ZBA. He abstained from voting.
Burke acquired the barn at 14386-14398 Ridge Rd. Burke in his application said the barn would be available for the events on a seasonal basis because he uses it in the winter to store cars, boats and campers. He thinks using the site for events would fit in with the other nearby businesses.
“Our town is the center of the county at the crossroads of Route 104 and 98 and because of all the businesses on the Ridge we could become a destination for everyone travelling on these corridors,” he wrote in the application.
Burke has parking available behind the barn and east of the structure to accommodate visitors, without cars needing to back into the roadway, the Orleans County Planning Board said on Aug. 23, when that board approved the project.
The ZBA also set a public hearing for 7 p.m. on Oct. 1 for a variance request for a former cobblestone schoolhouse on Ridge Road. Bill and Jacqueline Bixler want to make the former school a one-family residence.
The Gaines ordinance requires one-family homes to be at least 980 square feet. The cobblestone school is only 896 square feet. It is on the west end of the town at 13592 Ridge Rd.
The Bixlers don’t want to change the historic nature of the building by putting on a small addition to increase the size.
Gaines town officials don’t believe the building has ever been used for a residence. The building, which doesn’t have a known construction date, is at least 150 years old.
The public hearing will be at the Albion High School cafeteria.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 September 2018 at 10:12 am
Provided photo
KNOWLESVILLE – State Senator Rob Ortt, left, last week presented a ceremonial check for $25,000 to Robert Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County.
The funding will be used to continue the Agriculture in the Classroom program, which currently goes to Kendall and Lyndonville schools as well as Rainbow Preschool in Albion. The Extension is open to expanding the program to other local school districts, Batt said this morning.
The state funding also will help fund the 4-H program at three local school districts. 4-H staff have been running clubs at Kendall and Lyndonville, and this year will be starting a program in Medina.
“The kids are there and they’re excited to be doing it, and takes out the extra step of transportation,” Batt said about the 4-H programs at schools.
All three are for students in elementary school. The Kendall program meets twice a month before school, while Lyndonville is twice a month after school. Medina will start in October with a monthly meeting after school, Batt said.
“We have seen incredible success with agricultural-based education in rural communities across the state,” Ortt said.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Brockport erected the “Ground Zero” memorial in August 2002, less than a year after the terrorist attacks.
On the 17th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued this statement:
“Seventeen years ago, New York was changed forever by the attacks of September 11, which killed almost 3,000 people. Life could never be the same as before, and it wasn’t.
“But New York recovered, and our recovery spoke volumes about the indomitable human spirit. In the aftermath of the tragedy, neighbors helped each other to get through the difficult first days and we healed together. There were no Republicans or Democrats, and the other distinctions melted away too. If the attackers sought to somehow teach America a lesson in humility, they achieved the opposite result. We were never prouder of being New Yorkers.
“We also knew that it was important to build back strong, and that is exactly what we have done. Four new skyscrapers have been added so far, as well as the 9/11 Memorial and Museum to honor those who perished and a transportation hub to rival Grand Central. On Saturday, we reopened the Cortlandt Street subway station. Taken together, it is a reflection of New York’s determination to rise up even stronger, undiminished by 9/11.
“Most of all, we will never forget the individuals and selfless heroes who did not make it home that day. We owe the brave law enforcement officers, firefighters, medical professionals and other first responders who saved so many lives an eternal debt of gratitude, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with those who participated in the response and recovery and who are currently battling 9/11-related illnesses. We also honor the courageous men and women of the United States Armed Forces, including the New York National Guard, who protected our freedom then and continue to do so now at home and abroad.
“In New York, will always strive to carry on the legacy of these heroes and continue to serve as a beacon of freedom for the entire world.”
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer posted these tweets on Twitter:
“We will always fight to make sure our government fully honors the sacrifices of our brave first responders and the memories of those we have lost. #NeverForget
“New Yorkers and the rest of the country will #NeverForget the bravery so many showed – especially our first responders – on that terrible day.
“17 years ago, my city and our country changed forever. Today, we remember the sacrifice & loss of those on and after #September11th. #NeverForget”
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued the following statement:
“Seventeen years ago, as the world witnessed a heinous act of barbaric terrorism, we also saw the best of our nation as thousands of firefighters, police officers, federal and local law enforcement officers, medical workers, construction workers, and other heroes selflessly rushed to Ground Zero to answer the call of duty. 2,977 souls lost their lives that horrific day while thousands more stayed on the pile day after day and month after month, first to recover remains, and then to rebuild.
According to scientists, many cancers can lie dormant for more than 20 years before turning deadly. The number of cancer certifications by the World Trade Center Health Program reached over 10,000 cases in 2018 – more than double the 4,781 certifications just three years ago in 2015. As we reach the 20 year milestone and these latent diseases continue to manifest, new claims will continue to rise as we reach the expiration of the current Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) in 2020. Already, the VCF has approved over 17,000 claims with a mean dollar value of $223,000 for personal injury claims and $717,000 for deceased individuals.
“On the seventeenth commemoration of the attack on September 11, 2001, we must all recognize the devastating fact that the death toll continues to rise due to 9/11 related illnesses obtained from the toxins at Ground Zero. As predicted, the scourge of cancer is ruining the lives of first responders, some of whom have been fighting this disease for years, and others who are newly diagnosed every year. The moral obligation of Congress to stand by every one of these heroes who stood up for this nation continues.
“Twice, Congress has come together to pass the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Bill, the latest in 2015 to make the healthcare program for 9/11 first responders permanent. As we near the expiration of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund in 2020, our job is not done. It would be unconscionable for Congress to once again put cops, firefighters and other first responders through the agony and uncertainty of waiting until the last minute of a deadline to extend this essential and well-managed program. Along with my colleagues in the New York Congressional delegation, I am hopeful we can work across the aisle to do the right thing and get this done now.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 September 2018 at 8:18 am
GAINES – The Town of Gaines is expecting to soon receive a site plan for a new Dollar General on Ridge Road, a project that is opposed by the Cobblestone Museum which owns a cobblestone school from 1849 that is across the road from the site eyed for the store.
The developer for the project, the Zaremba Group, is working on the site plan, attempting to include suggestions from a state agency that has concerns about a new store in a nationally recognized historic district.
The NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation last month sent a letter to Michael Grabowski, chairman of the Gaines Zoning Board of Appeals. The state would prefer Dollar General find an alternative location for the store.
“It is our opinion that the construction of a generic retail building at this location will significantly alter the District 5 Schoolhouse’s visual environment and setting,” Sloane Bullough, Historic Sites Restoration Coordinator for the NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, wrote on Aug. 9. “The introduction of a modern generic commercial store with its associated 45 space parking and service areas will greatly impact the historic character of the National Landmark school as well as the two other nearby Landmarked cobblestone buildings.”
Zaremba isn’t looking elsewhere in Gaines for the new Dollar General. Instead, the developer will try to redesign the site to reduce the impact. Grabowski, the ZBA chairman, said Dollar General is considering suggestions from the state agency.
In her letter, Bullough said if no alternative site is found, the site across from the schoolhouse should be redesigned to have less of a visual impact. That could include having the parking lot on the side of the building instead of in front with the number of parking spaces pared down to the minimum.
State Parks would also like to see “a strong vegetative buffer be planted to visually screen the parking lot and building from the road.” The buffer could include mixture of deciduous and coniferous indigenous trees and shrubs. The trees should be planted in a staggered pattern and not in rows, she said.
“We understand that the developer and the Town of Gaines have already negotiated a low-lying sign, which is a good beginning for minimizing impact to the historic school and adjacent properties,” Bullough said.
Grabowski said he expects the ZBA will have a public hearing on the site plan in about two months. The ZBA has moved its meetings to the Albion High School cafeteria while the project is under review to accommodate larger crowds. There were about a dozen supporters of the Cobblestone Museum at the meeting on Monday. (The Gaines Town Board was also meeting on Monday and had its session at the Town Hall. The ZBA usually meets the first Monday of the month, but this month’s meeting was moved back a week due to Labor Day.)
Grabowski declined to let the Cobblestone Museum speak about the project at the meeting Monday because the chairman said public comments will only be accepted at the public hearing. It’s the board’s policy to not allow comments on a project until a public hearing, he said.
After the meeting Doug Farley, the museum director, said the museum and its supporters welcome the opportunity to speak against the project.
Several hundred people have already signed a petition against the Dollar General in the historic district, saying the store “will mar the character and ambiance” of the Cobblestone Museum’s historic buildings on Ridge Road and also just south of Route 104 on Route 98.
The ZBA also passed a resolution to amend its by-laws insisting that all communications for projects go through the Town Hall. Grabowski said members have been called at their work places and at their homes, with other messages through their personal email.
If residents want to contact members about projects, they need to go through the Town Hall, the board voted in a majority. One member, Gerard Morrisey, opposed the issue, saying board members and the public shouldn’t be limited to the town offices.
Photo courtesy of Peggy Barringer: The Albion High School Class of 1978 held its 40th Class Reunion on Saturday at the St. Mary’s Archery Club in Waterport. A total of 60 classmates attended.
The reunion committee invited Arlene Sanger, the school’s former home economics teacher, to attend the reunion as an “honorary classmate” with her daughter, class member Paula Sanger Violo. The 92-year old Mrs. Sanger now resides in Plattsburgh. She retired in 1982 after teaching in Albion for 29 years.
Photo courtesy of Tom O’Hearn: Former home economics teacher Arlene Sanger gives class member Tom O’Hearn a few pointers on how to barbecue the chicken. She is also pictured in the class group photo in the middle of the 2nd row (seated).
Provided photo: Army Sergeant First Class Greg Nowicki, left, brought the cookies from Troop 82040 in Lyndonville to the distribution center for military members overseas.
LYNDONVILLE – Girl Scouts in Troop 82040 in Lyndonville sent 300 boxes of cookies to military personnel stationed overseas. The troop has made this an annual project to show their support. Last year they were able to send 56 boxes of cookies and set a goal for this year of 100, which they easily surpassed. Sister Troop 82124 also contributed 24 boxes of cookies and wrote letters to soldiers to contribute to the project as well.
The cookies went to the 444th Human Resources Company, a military company in Pittsburgh, PA, to be deployed with a postal unit and distributed to various United States military locations in Middle East for the servicemen and servicewomen. By distributing the cookies using 444th, this alleviated the shipping cost.
Army Sergeant First Class Greg Nowicki, husband of Troop 82040 co-leader Amanda Nowicki, drove the donation down to Pennsylvania.
MEDINA – The Medina Knights of Columbus today presented $500 to the St. Mary’sCatholic Church in Medina in memory of Robert “Pinky” Wilson, a long-time Knight and past Grand Knight. The K of C held a golf tournament this summer in memory of “Pinky” Wilson. His family chose St. Mary’s Church as the recipient for the funds raised.
Pictured, from left, include David Bellucci, tournament organizer; Father Daniel Fawls, pastor of St. Mary’s Church; Joyce Wilson (Pinky’s wife); and Arthur “Archie” Washak, tournament organizer.
