Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina/Lyndonville/Barker quarterback Izaiah Rhim takes off for the winning touchdown in Friday’s season-opening victory over Depew at Vets Park. The Mustangs won, 14-12. The Albion Purple Eagles also won to start the season. Click here for more on the games in Local Sports.
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – The Medina school district is pleased to announce that it will be providing free breakfast and lunch to all students in 2018-19 through implementation of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the National School Breakfast/Lunch Program.
The CEP program provides the opportunity for schools in high poverty areas to provide two nutritious meals every school day, while eliminating the stigma for those students previously identified as “low income.”
The CEP began in 2011 with three states piloting the program and then became a nationwide program in 2014. To be eligible for CEP at least 40 percent of students must be identified as “directly certified” for free meals without a meal application through programs such as SNAP, TANF and Medicaid. Medina school district has met this eligibility guideline.
Some families will still be asked to complete an Alternate Income Form to account for those students who are not directly certified. However, completing this form will have no impact on receiving free meals. This income information will allow the district to continue to maximize its funding through state and federal programs and grant opportunities.
“We are excited to offer CEP to our families,” said Superintendent Mark Kruzynski. “Research shows that when students eat healthy meals each day, their academic performance improves and they are in a much better place emotionally and socially. When the opportunity came up for us to participate in CEP, we took it as another chance to level the playing field for all of our students to give them all the best chance to succeed.”
If you have any questions regarding this new program, please contact your child’s school or the Business Office at 798-2700.
File photo by Tom Rivers – Honeycrisp apples are pictured in October 2016 at the Roberts Circle R fruit stand and farm market on Route 18 in Carlton. NY Farm Bureau says apples face retaliatory tariffs in trade disputes.
Press Release, NY Farm Bureau
SYRACUSE – New York Farm Bureau held a news conference at the Great New York State Fair on Thursday and called for the quick end of a trade war that is creating economic hardship on family farms across New York.
Farm Bureau leaders were joined by Richard Ball, commissioner of State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner, and Farmers for Free Trade. They highlighted the importance of open markets for the state’s farmers.
A number of New York commodities – including dairy, soybeans, wine, maple and apples – face retaliatory tariffs in several countries including China, Canada, Mexico and in the European Union. In turn, commodity prices have fallen on agricultural products.
Equipment prices are rising due to the steel and aluminum tariffs, and farmers are concerned about losing long established markets as countries turn to other, cheaper sources for their food. These losses, in turn, will impact rural communities that depend on agriculture to support their local economies.
“We understand that trade agreements may need to be updated, but we have to be careful not to damage the relationships that we already have and depend on,” said New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher. “We are encouraging our leaders in Washington, to move quickly at getting the parties back to the negotiating table, much like we have seen this week with Mexico, and to move forward on improving trade relations with our partners.”
While U.S. agriculture has had a trade surplus, the farm economy has not been a bright spot for this country. Net farm income was already down by 50 percent before the trade wars began. When times are tough, this is when this country needs to be looking for new opportunities to expand markets to sell the quality products produced on our farms. The principle agreement announced this week with Mexico is a positive step in the right direction, but ultimately, we will need Canada to complete an effective NAFTA deal. Farmers also encouraged a resolution to disputes elsewhere, including China.
“The tariffs being imposed on our agricultural commodities are compounding an already difficult marketplace and putting New York’s farmers in a precarious situation,” said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. “Once these markets are lost, we could find it extremely difficult to regain that footing. We have an opportunity here to collaborate with our partners and to call for new free trade agreements and thoughtful, long-term solutions.”
“Farmers for Free Trade is proud to join the New York Farm Bureau at the state fair to discuss the importance of trade to New York’s agriculture and manufacturing industries,” said Angela Hofmann, Deputy Director of Farmers for Free Trade. “Today’s joint event will highlight the price that New York agriculture and manufacturing workers are paying from the trade war and call attention to the need for consistent and fair trade policies.”
“Our farmers are reliable, they are resilient, and they are responsible. They are ingenuitive and they are innovative in producing an excellent product for consumers both stateside and abroad amid a myriad of unpredictable challenges including the weather and ever-changing consumer demand. As steadfast patriots, we look to our government to recognize that our growers already operate in an environment of uncertainty and hope that this administration will facilitate opening the doorway to global opportunities in a way that is good for our country and its farmers,” said Colleen Klein, New York Corn and Soybean Growers Association’s Executive Director.
“Since the end of May, following Mexico’s announcement of 25 percent retaliatory tariffs on US cheeses, the price we receive for our milk has dropped by 14 percent. To put that into realistic terms for our dairy farm, that is a loss of over $3,000 a day. Farm families like mine and our dairy farming friends across New York State are asking for a quick end to the trade war affecting our families’ livelihoods and our country’s backbone, the American farmer,” said Johanna Fox-Bossard, Barbland Dairy in Fabius, NY.
“New York maple producers are concerned about trade from two fronts. The tariffs in both Asia and Canada mean a potential loss of markets for American made maple syrup as cheaper Canadian maple syrup moves in to fill the void. In addition, the steel and aluminum tariffs have resulted in price hikes for equipment we need to produce maple syrup. My company alone was forced to increase prices 10 percent, prices that eventually will be passed down to consumers. We need a fix now before there are long lasting repercussions on New York’s maple industry,” said Dwayne Hill, Shaver-Hill Maple Farm.
ALBION – An Albion man continued to proclaim his innocence in Orleans County Court on Thursday, and rejected a plea offer.
Robert Tetrault, 37, faces charges of predatory sexual assault against a child after he allegedly had sexual intercourse and committed another sex act against a child. He has maintained his innocence since he was indicted on May 3.
Tetrault is accused of repeatedly abused a child, age 9, from January to July 2012. He has been in the county jail since he was charged. Bail is set at $50,000 cash and $250,000 bond. The charges carry a maximum of 25 years in prison.
After Tetrault refused a plea on Thursday, County Court Judge Sanford Church set Oct. 29 for the start of a trial in the case.
Tetrault has a lengthy criminal history and has served four state prison terms, most recently when he was convicted on charges of attempted second-degree assault and third-degree attempted criminal possession of a weapon. He was sentenced to 2 to 4 years in state prison in October 2013 after fighting someone with a knife on May 23, 2013. Tetrault caused a severe laceration across another’s person hand who tried to intervene in the fight. He was released from prison in May 2017.
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has named the school resource officers who will be working full-time this school year at two school districts in Orleans County.
Deputy Alex Breuilly will be working in Kendall and Deputy Jason Barnum will be at Lyndonville. Both districts are paying the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office $100,000 annually to have a deputy work full-time in the school districts from Sept. 1 to June 30 each school year. The districts and the county have approved agreements for three years.
Breuilly and Barnum both met with community members during open houses this week at the school districts.
“I’m very excited,” said Sheriff Randy Bower. “It’s awesome news.”
The Sheriff’s Office will fill the two positions that are now vacant on road patrol. During the summers, Breuilly and Barnum will also be available for road patrol for the Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office has wanted an expanded presence in Lyndonville and Kendall, the two schools in the northern part of the county that do not have a full-time police presence in their communities.
The contracts with the school resource officers will include 125 hours of overtime so the officers can attend some after-school activities, athletic events and the prom, Bower said.
The officers will provide security for the schools, and also educate students with anti-bullying programs, anti-drug education and also guide them in using a new STOP DWI Driving Simulator, where students and other users can see the effects of driving while texting, drowsy or if they are impaired or intoxicated.
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Tops store in Albion on West Avenue is pictured in this photo from February, when Tops announced it was filing for bankruptcy.
WILLIAMSVILLE – Tops Markets on Thursday announced it plans to close 10 “underperforming stores.”
The two Tops stores in Orleans County in Albion and Medina are not on the list.
The 10 stores that will close by the end of November include two in Rochester, two in Syracuse, and Fairport, Lyons, Geneva, Fulton, Elmira and Saranac Lake.
“The vast majority of our stores are profitable and we are seeing strong customer support continue to drive growth in these locations,” said Frank Curci, Chief Executive Officer of Tops. “That said, there are a few stores that are not performing to our standards, due to a number of factors including location, store size, lack of visibility, and lease costs.”
Tops Markets operates 169 full-service supermarkets with about 14,000 associates in Upstate New York, Northern Pennsylvania, and Vermont. The company is working its way through bankruptcy.
“We are making significant progress in our financial restructuring process and our operating results have remained strong,” Curci said. “Receiving court approval of the global settlement with the UFCW is a major milestone in our court supervised restructuring process, as it helps pave the way for our reorganization and ultimate emergence from this process. We are using the tools available to us through the court-supervised process to conduct an orderly wind down of these stores. We are pleased to continue serving our communities with existing locations that are all in close proximity to the affected stores and providing the same great service, value, and convenience that our customers expect from us.”
Press Release, GCC
Sara Vacin
BATAVIA – Officials at Genesee Community College secured a SUNY Performance Improvement Fund grant for a new project entitled “Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion.”
This two-year grant will support the development of programs and strategies that advance inclusive excellence at GCC by providing opportunities for adjunct internships; faculty scholarship and mentorship; college-wide professional development; and direct support to diverse student groups.
Additionally, GCC will participate in the State University of New York (SUNY) Cultural Competency Community of Practice. The Community of Practice connects GCC with other SUNY colleges working toward similar objectives. Dr. Kate Schiefen, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, is serving as GCC’s principle investigator on this project.
This past June, GCC took the first step toward implementing the Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion project by naming Sara Vacin of Batavia as the college’s first diversity and inclusion coordinator. As such, Vacin will work with various departments within GCC to accomplish the following three strategic priorities:
• Create a training video for hiring committees to understand and combat implicit bias
• Establish a mentorship program for potential underrepresented adjuncts
• Design a visiting scholar program to allow faculty members to experience diverse campuses and shadow a faculty member in their discipline
GCC’s efforts directly related to the inclusive excellence can now be viewed by clicking here. In addition to promoting events, this webpage houses resources for faculty, students and staff on diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as information on how to foster cultural competency.
In correlation with GCC’s recently released 2018-2023 Strategic Plan, Framing Our Future, Vacin will work to “…cultivate a community that fosters respect and appreciation for individual and group differences, as well as demonstrate our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion throughout all endeavors.”
Vacin earned a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion through Cornell University this year and graduated Suma Cum Laude with a Master of Science in Clinical and Applied Nutrition from New York Chiropractic College in 2010. She also earned certification for Secondary Education in 7-12th Grade Theatre Arts from the Graduate School of Education at Trinity University in 2005, and Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre Arts from Towson University in 1999.
She has served as an adjunct professor at GCC since 2015 and at Niagara County Community College since 2009. She is currently the program developer and director for the Third Prison from the Sun Theatre Group at the Attica Correctional Facility, as well as teaches college classes there. She is excited to bring her theatre skills to the development of the video and to utilize her extensive teaching and presenting background to educate the campus and community on the importance of diversity and inclusion.
File photo: Wallace “Wally” Higgins addresses the Kendall Lions Club in June 2015. He was a member of the Alfred Lions Club for more than 50 years.
ALFRED – A Kendall native who served during World War II with the Tuskegee Airman died on Aug. 22 at age 92.
Wallace “Wally” Higgins was born in Kendall. He joined the U.S. Army on Dec. 10, 1943, before finishing high school. He served until March of 1947. He was assigned to the Army Air Corps and trained with the famed Tuskegee Airmen.
“America has lost one of its true heroes,” said State Sen. Cathy Young of the Southern Tier. “However, his legacy endures and his spirit lives on in our hearts.”
During a presentation to the Kendall Lions Club in June 2015, Higgins talked about encountering racial segregation and discrimination for the first time after entering the service and training in Pre-Flight at the Tuskegee Institute.
As soon as he turned 18, Higgins enlisted in the Air Corps. Having already attended Civil Air Patrol classes in Rochester during his senior year of high school, Higgins was interested in pursuing aviation.
After initially reporting to Fort Dix, New Jersey, Higgins was sent to Biloxi, Mississippi for basic training and aptitude testing. As a result of his skin color and proficiencies, Higgins was selected to be part of the Tuskegee Airmen experiment in Alabama, where he trained in Pre-Flight and Primary Flight training, including solo runs in the P-17 Stearman.
Following 11 months at Tuskegee, a downturn in the war in Europe resulted in less pilot training and Higgins was transferred to the 1909th Engineers Aviation Battalion. Severe illness also prevented him from completing his training and with the conclusion of the war in Europe, he was transferred to the Pacific Theatre.
Wallace Higgins is pictured with State Sen. Cathy Young when he was honored at Albany in May 2015 when he was indicted into the Veterans Hall of Fame.
A sergeant in charge of an all-black, 30-man platoon, Higgins served in Saipan and Okinawa building roads, airfields and ammunition storage buildings.
After being honorably discharged on March 17, 1947, attended the NYS College of Ceramics at Alfred University. While a student there, he met and married Norma Miller. They were married 64 years and raised four children. She passed away on Dec. 24, 2015.
The husband and wife stayed in Alfred. Mr. Higgins went on to become an Associate Professor at the university, retiring in 1985.
He was a member of Alfred Lions Club for 50 years and spent decades in community service. In May 2015 he was inducted into the Veterans Hall of Fame in Albany.
“It was my honor to induct Sergeant Higgins into the Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame in 2015 and an even greater privilege to have the opportunity to get to know this extraordinary man,” said State Sen. Cathy Young. “A loving father, husband and active member of our community, Wally’s life was dedicated to service. Despite his achievements, he lived his life with great humility, kindness, compassion and excellence. Everyone he met was a friend.”
In 2015 he was presented a Congressional Gold Medal for his military service by U.S. Rep. Tom Reed.
“Although he lived during a time when racial discrimination and segregation were still terrible realities in many parts of the United States, his patriotism never wavered and he willingly risked his life for our nation,” Young said.
A memorial service with full military honors for Higgins will be held on Sunday, Sept. 9, at 2 p.m. at the Union University Church in Alfred.
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended beginning on Friday at 6 a.m. and continuing until Tuesday at 6 a.m., in order to accommodate travelers during the busy Labor Day weekend.
Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. The construction suspension supports Governor Cuomo’s Drivers First initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work.
“For many New Yorkers, Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer, and we are committed to helping ensure safe, convenient travel during the busy holiday weekend,” Cuomo said. “I wish all New Yorkers a happy Labor Day and urge travelers to follow the rules of the road, enjoy time with their families, and take a moment to observe the importance of the labor movement, which was born here in the Empire State.”
Additionally, Governor Cuomo is urging motorists to follow the state’s Move Over Law, which requires motorists to slow down, drive with care, and safely move over when approaching law enforcement vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks, and construction or maintenance vehicles that are stopped along state roads. The law was enacted in 2011 to protect New Yorkers working along the roadway and has since been expanded to include a wider range of emergency and hazard vehicles.
New Yorkers are reminded that state and local law enforcement will be participating in the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement through Labor Day, Sept. 3. The enforcement and education campaign is designed to prevent intoxicated and under the influence driving on state and local roads. Motorists can expect to see law enforcement stopping and arresting impaired drivers in order to keep New York’s roads safe this holiday weekend.
ALBION — Two people pleaded guilty to felony crimes today in Orleans County Court and could be sentenced to jail
Ridge A. Forrest, 27, of Harford in Cortland County admitted to trying to bring Suboxone into the Albion Correctional Facility in March 5.
He pleaded guilty to attempted promoting prison contraband in the fifth degree, a charge that carries a maximum of 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison.
However, as part of a plea deal, Forrest will face no more than six months in jail and up to 5 years on probation.
He also has to pay $375 for a court surcharge, crime victims fee and DNA fee.
He will be sentenced on Dec. 6.
A Medina woman admitted to having cocaine in a friend’s dresser on March 1. Rebekah Champlin pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree. That charge carries a maximum of 1 to 2 ½ years in state prison. As part of a plea deal, she will face no more than six months in jail and up to 5 years on probation.
Champlin and Collen Poole are co-defendants in the case. He appeared with her in court today. Champlin told Judge Sanford Church that Poole didn’t know she had put the cocaine in the dresser. It was discovered by law enforcement during a search.
Poole is represented by Public Defender Joanne Best. She told the judge she would file the paperwork to have felony charges dismissed against Poole, who rejected a plea offer to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, with a cap of five years in state prison.
Champlin will be sentenced on Nov. 26.
ALBION – An Albion man with a long criminal history was arraigned in Orleans County Court this morning on several felony charges.
Stephen Miles
Stephen W. Miles, 56, was arraigned for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, aggravated unlicensed operation of motor vehicle, petit larceny and criminal diversion of a prescription.
Miles has already served four state prison terms and been in the county jail several times. He is currently in the jail in Albion on $10,000 bail.
He was arrested last month for burglary after he entered an acquaintance’s house and took prescription drugs. An investigation by Albion police led to additional charges against Miles.
In other arraignments in court today:
• Three people appeared in court for promoting prison contraband in the first degree.
Joshua J. Johnson, 38, of Waterford faces four counts of first-degree promoting prison contraband for allegedly smuggling contraband into Albion Correctional Facility, State Police said. He also faces three counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fourth degree. He and a codefendant are accused of bringing Buprenorphine, an opioid medication, into the prison.
Rebecca L. Bradford, 33, also of Waterford also faces four counts of promoting prison contraband, while Sarah MacDonald, an inmate at the prison, faces one count of promoting prison contraband.
Bradford and Johnson both live in Albany County. Judge Sanford Church decided against bail for Bradford but set bail at $25,000 for Johnson.
• Jason P. Muck, 40, of Lyndonville was arraigned for felony driving while intoxicated. He was charged after being stopped on March 30 by state police on Route 63 in the Town of Yates.
He is free on $750 bail.
Press Release, DEC
Photo by Tom Rivers: Gary Bloom of Albion holds a 24-pound, 3-ounce Chinook salmon he caught during the Orleans County Fishing Derby, which ended on Aug. 19.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that fishing for trout and salmon in Lake Ontario has set records this year, with veteran anglers reporting some of the best fishing in decades.
“The New York waters of Lake Ontario provide a world-famous recreational fishery for trout and salmon, and fishing has been exceptional this summer,” Commissioner Seggos said. “Preliminary results from the Lake Ontario Fishing Boat Survey indicate that fishing for Chinook salmon has been outstanding along the entire New York shoreline.”
Fishing success is measured by “catch rate,” which is the number of fish caught per boat trip. The catch rate for Chinook salmon during April to June 2018 set a record that was 227 percent above the previous five-year average. The catch rate for all trout and salmon species combined also surpassed the previous record high, more than 37 percent above the previous five-year average.
Fishing for brown trout and coho salmon has also been excellent in 2018, with catch rates 38 and 21 percent higher than their respective, previous five-year averages. Atlantic salmon represent a relatively small portion of the Lake Ontario fishery but catch rates for Atlantic salmon were 73 percent above the previous five-year average.
“This is the second year in a row that the take of Chinook has been above average at Oswego, as reported by Council members,” said Chuck Parker, president of the New York State Conservation Council. “There are so many variables that can and do affect the quality of the fishing opportunities we have. We at the NYSCC recognize that the science-based management practices of the DEC’s Bureau of Fisheries are an integral force in sustaining the New York’s world class Lake Ontario fishery.”
Captain Vince Pierleoni of Olcott said, “It’s the best Chinook fishing I’ve seen since 1989.”
Captain Bob Songin of Pt. Breeze said, “The fishing out of Wilson Harbor to the Niagara River has been spectacular, with many Chinook and coho salmon hitting as well as the occasional lake trout mixed in.”
Fishing for Chinook salmon and brown trout has also been great in Eastern Lake Ontario with large numbers of fish caught all along the shoreline. Oswego produced a 28.1-pound Chinook salmon that won the grand prize in the Spring Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Trout and Salmon Derby.
Lake Ontario is consistently ranked among the top fishing destinations in the country by national publications. Lake Ontario and its embayments and tributaries comprise more than 2.7 million acres and support thriving populations of fish, including a variety of trout, salmon, bass, walleye, yellow perch, and panfish.
A recent statewide angler survey estimated that more than 2.6 million angler days were spent on Lake Ontario and major tributaries. The estimated value of these fisheries exceeded $112 million annually to local economies.
DEC encourages anglers to head out on Lake Ontario and experience some of the best trout and salmon fishing in the U.S. Additional information about fishing Lake Ontario can be found on DEC’s website.
Press Release, Dormitory Authority of the State of New York
BROCKPORT – The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) announced today the completion of Eagle Hall, a new $24 million residence hall at The College at Brockport, State University of New York.
The completed project includes steel construction of the new 263-bed residence hall building with modern fire-safety equipment, including full sprinkler and fire alarm systems, as well as state-of-the-art security systems and card access throughout. The living spaces in the building are constructed with the needs of today’s student in mind. The spaces foster collaborative study and student learning through the incorporation of a smart classroom, multi-purpose room, and lounges and kitchens on each floor.
Construction workers build Eagle Hall, which has 263 beds.
DASNY deployed design-build, an alternative project delivery method that DASNY may utilize on SUNY projects. Using design-build, both design and construction services are provided through a single contract to expedite project delivery and provide savings while maintaining a high level of quality.
“We are extremely pleased with how Eagle Hall progressed,” said Dr. Gerrard P. Bushell, President and CEO of DASNY. “With design-build, we were able to execute the project within a compressed time frame, keeping costs down while maintaining a high level of quality. We look forward to executing similar projects like this one across the state.”
This photo shows the Eagle Hall Multipurpose Room.
The project was financed through DASNY’s SUNY Dormitory Facilities Program, which issues low-cost, tax-exempt bonds supported by student residence hall fees.
“I was very impressed with the efficiency of the construction process,” said Heidi Macpherson, President of The College at Brockport. “A little over a year ago we broke ground. Now I see a state-of-the-art residence hall filled with students. Utilizing design-build allowed us to provide our students with a high quality, affordable residence hall and continue to make The College at Brockport a great place for our students to live and learn.”
The building is designed and constructed to LEED-Silver standards under the U.S Green Building Council’s sustainability and energy efficiency guidelines.
“With 40 percent of state buildings under our ownership, SUNY has a significant footprint in New York State, and therefore a sizable opportunity to build on energy sustainability,” said SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson. “We are thankful for DASNY’s partnership to retrofit our facilities to be more energy efficient, while at the same time providing a safe and healthy environment for our students.”
State Sen Robert Ortt, chairman of the Senate’s Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee, is praising the passage of two laws that will assist people with autism and other developmental disabilities.
One of the new laws requires the state to establish new screening guidelines for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children under four years old. Screening is a way to detect a disorder, such as autism, before the onset of symptoms. Previously, there had been no standardized screening approach for the early identification of autism, Ortt said.
Recent studies indicate that early detection and treatment have proven to be highly beneficial for the well-being of children who are on the autism spectrum, and thanks to this legislation, established and consistent screening guidelines will now be in place, he said.
“This will make certain that all parents and children, regardless of where they are tested, receive the most effective and beneficial methods that medical providers have to offer,” Ortt said.
The second new law creates a new optional identification card to help improve communication with people who have developmental disabilities. The new optional identification cards can be given to law enforcement or other first responders in an emergency and convey important details, such as potential difficulties with interpersonal communication or physical contact, or an inability to respond verbally, as well as additional contact information.
“Creation of an official document with consistent language, appearance, and application standards will improve the ability of individuals with developmental disabilities across the state to effectively communicate important information about their diagnoses,” Ortt said.
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Jessica Downey, left, and Cindy Perry with Community Partners at Orleans Community Health display a poster board with information on prediabetes. Community Partners is offering classes in Medina and Albion on identifying those at risk and the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
Orleans Community Health’s Community Partners is offering a free 16-week workshop that has proven to help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes, according to Cindy Perry, director of outreach, education and marketing at Community Partners.
“Just making small changes in diet and exercise can be beneficial,” Perry said. “Exercise, which can just be cleaning house, can make a big difference.”
The Prevent T2 Lifestyle Change workshops will be offered at locations in Albion and Medina.
The Albion location will be at the Orleans County Health Department, with classes from 9 to 10 a.m., beginning Sept. 26.
In Medina, the classes are scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. at Community Partners, 200 Ohio St. (Medina Memorial Hospital).
Trainers (or coaches) will be Perry and Jessica Downey.
“We are offering a night class to accommodate people who have careers during the day,” Downey said.
Individuals will learn skills to make lasting lifestyle changes, including healthy eating, adding physical activity to their lives, managing stress and staying motivated.
A study conducted by the Center for Disease Control showed that nine out of 10 people don’t know they have prediabetes, and those who took part in a structured lifestyle change program cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent (71 percent for people over 60).
The study was so successful, it was discontinued ahead of time, Perry said.
In a previous program sponsored by Community Partners, one participant lowered her A1c from 6.3 to 5.7, which is the very bottom of the pre-diabetes range. She also lost seven percent of her body weight.
“My goal was to prevent diabetes and lower my A1c,” said the woman, who asked to be identified only as Anna. “It is possible to achieve positive results. It does take dedication and isn’t always easy, but it is definitely worth it. The class really helped me to become healthier. I enjoyed the interaction from the other participants, and we helped each other to stay on track and remain motivated.”
The impact of taking this program can last for years to come, Perry said. After 10 years, people who complete the program are one-third less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
To register for the program, call 798-9541 or e-mail NDPP@orleanscountyny.gov.
