Photos by Tom Rivers

GAINES – The driver and passenger in this car were injured in a head-on collision on Ridge Road at about 8:30 p.m. The accident shut down Route 104 from Gaines Basin to Gaines-Waterport Road. The two injured in the car were taken by ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital.

The driver of the van at right had minor injuries. The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and State Police were both at the scene investigating the accident. The Albion Fire Department also has been at the scene.

No additional information is available.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Evie Schultz, a Medina FFA member, holds a bantam chick that was quite popular during today’s Animal Appreciation Day in the high school. The Medina FFA puts on the event each year. It was scheduled for last week, but the temperatures were only in the 30s so it was pushed back until today.

More than 1,000 students, from the youngest elementary kids to seniors in high school, stopped by the FFA to see animals as small as a mouse to as big as a Morgan horse.

Ryenn Oliver, a junior, feeds a llama an apple from her teeth. The llama is owned by the FFA and Ryenn has developed a close bond with it.

Makayla Heideman, a freshman, brought her hedgehog, Sonic, to the Animal Appreciation Day. The hedgehog is about 2 months old. This was the first time a hedgehog was part of the Medina FFA animal showcase.

Cora Payne, a junior, shared her Morgan horse, Zoey, with students today.

Camryn Eick, a seventh grader, introduced students to her family’s tortoise, Frankie Lynn. Camryn’s father, Todd, is the FFA advisor and agriculture teacher.

Marguerite Brakenbury tended to a calf that was on loan from Charlie Hartway’s organic dairy farm in Medina.

A mouse made its debut today for Animal Appreciation Day. Jacob Bensley, a senior, brought in the family’s pet mouse named Alonzo.

“We have a lot of big animals here,” he said. “I wanted to bring in a small animal just to switch it up.”

Oliver Wilson, a seventh grader, brought in a Muscovy duck, another new creature to Animal Appreciation Day. The duck stayed still while being petted by the students.

“They like him a lot,” Oliver said about the duck. “He’s kind of exotic. He’s really calm and not freaking out in the cage.”

Legislators want more focus on federal issues, including lake levels, dredging

ALBION – The county will keep a lobbyist for a fourth year, but this time with a 50 percent raise – from $60,000 to $90,000 for the year.

The County Legislature approved the higher rate on Wednesday in a 6-1 vote. Legislator Fred Miller cast the lone opposing vote, despite prodding from Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson and Legislator Ken DeRoller for a unanimous vote.

Miller said legislators are challenged each year to stay under the tax cap, and have to cut many expenses from the budget. He said he couldn’t justify the $30,000 increase. He said he would have favored keeping it at $60,000.

DeRoller said the lobbyist, Park Strategies, has been instrumental in helping address state funding issues for the county. He noted several canal bridges are now on the state Department of Transportation’s list for upgrades, and the DOT is paving the Lake Ontario Parkway from Hamlin to 2 miles past the Orleans County line into Kendall.

The $30,000 increase for Park Strategies represents the county’s desire to push harder at the federal level to fight higher Lake Ontario water levels that flooded the south shore last year. DeRoller said the county also will press the federal government for dredging the Oak Orchard Harbor and expanding broadband Internet access in Orleans.

Park Strategies has made a difference in helping the county to strategize and “be in the room” with state officials, DeRoller said.

“We’re trying to improve our relationship with federal officials,” DeRoller said.

Al Lofthouse, chairman of the Orleans County Conservative Party, asked about the role of state and federal elected officials, who Lofthouse said take a lot of credit for advocating for the county.

DeRoller said it’s a team effort to bring needed resources to the county. He praised the efforts of Assemblyman Steve Hawley, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Congressman Chris Collins.

The lake level issue, for example, jeopardizes about a third of the tax base in the towns of Carlton, Kendall and Yates, DeRoller said. Landowners there are still waiting for $12 million in reimbursements from the flooding damage last year. The lobbyist is just an added effort to bring attention and funding to the county, DeRoller said.

The new contract runs from June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019, at $7,500 a month.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Neil Newton, a member of the Orleans County Sportsmen Federation and NYS Conservation Council, speaks at an Orleans County Legislature meeting in December 2016. Newton urged legislators to allow rifles for hunting deer and bears, which was passed and went into effect this past hunting season.

An Albion man will be inducted into the New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame on Saturday during a banquet at Theodore’s Restaurant in Canastota. Neil Newton’s plaque will be displayed at the Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame Museum in Vail Mills, NY.

Newton is one of 10 new inductees in the Hall of Fame. The NYSOHOF is an organization dedicated to honoring those individuals who have spent many years preserving outdoor heritage, working for conservation, or enhancing our outdoor sports for future generations.

Newton has been past president and a member of the Finger Lakes Conservation Council for 35 years. He has been active in St. Mary’s Archery Club, Black North Rod & Gun Club, and a member of Region 8 Fish & Wildlife Management Board for 20 years.

Newton also has been active in Orleans County Federation of Sportsmen for 63 years and represented it in the NYS Conservation Council for 35 years. He also took the lead in getting centerfire rifle hunting allowed in Orleans County.

He has been a hunter safety instructor and served on the Hunter Education Committee of the NYS Conservation Council for many years. Newton was a co-founder of the DEC Walleye Cooperator rearing project and made arrangements necessary for the project including the essential permits and was a driving force in getting improvements to the boat ramp at Lake Alice which was required for the project. In addition to being involved with rearing and stocking the walleye fry or fingerlings, he worked with the DEC to secure use and upgrades to the pond for raising the walleye fingerlings.

Melissa Ostrom’s book, published by Macmillan, highlights courage of pioneers who settled in WNY

Photo by Tom Rivers: Melissa Ostrom, author of The Beloved Wild, will give a book talk and sign copies of The Beloved Wild during a 7 p.m. event today at Hoag Library in Albion.

ALBION – They were typically just teen-agers when they set out from New England to brave a hard journey by wagon, through dense forests, to get to Orleans County and Western New York.

There wasn’t a map. The pioneers followed markings on trees as they made their way west.

The pioneer settlers were incredibly resourceful in taming the land, building homes and farms in the frontier. The obstacles were many – sickness, uninvited strangers, alcoholism, abuse.

Melissa Ostrom of Holley writes about those challenges and the indomitable spirit of pioneer settlers in a new book published by Macmillan. She will give a book talk at 7 p.m. today at Hoag Library. She will also sign copies of The Beloved Wild.

“I wanted to give something back to the people who welcomed me in,” said Ostrom, who grew up in Jamestown.

She taught high school English in Kendall for 11 years, before reducing her schedule to part-time at GCC after the birth of her daughter Lily, age 9.

The Beloved Wild is a debut young adult fiction novel. Harriet Winter is the main character in the book. She is expected to stay home in New England and cook and tend to her younger siblings. She refuses. She disguises herself as a boy and joins her brother on the epic trip to the Wild West – the Town of Gaines.

During the book talk this evening at the Hoag Library, Ostrom will discuss how the history of the Orleans County settlers inspired her to write her novel. The event is sponsored by the Cobblestone Society and Museum, Hoag Library, the Orleans Chapter DAR, and the Orleans County Historical Association.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Orleans County officials gathered at 2 p.m. on Wednesday for a ceremonial ground-breaking behind the County Administration Building, where construction will soon start on a 23,000-square-foot addition.

Pictured from left, include: Mark O’Brien, director of the Orleans County Mental Health Department; Chuck Nesbitt, county chief administrative officer; County Legislator Fred Miller; Legislator John DeFilipps; Gerald Summe, vice president at Wendel which is overseeing the construction project; Legislator Bill Eick; Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson; Paul Pettit, director of Public Health; Legislator Ken DeRoller; Jayleen Carney, a staff member for Assemblyman Steve Hawley; Madelyn Genovese, staff member for State Sen. Robert Ortt; and Edwin Moss, the county’s director of computer services.

Construction is expected to take about 15 months until the building is ready for about 50 employees from the Health Department, Board of Elections, information technology department and the Legislative office and staff. The building will be connected to the current Administration Building with the addition on the south side. There are currently about 125 people working out of the building for the Department of Social Services, Job Development, Tourism, Planning and Development, Department of Motor Vehicles, and Personnel.

The new space will include a meeting room for the Legislature with about 60 seats. The current Legislative chambers has about 30 seats and is one of the smallest municipal meeting rooms in the county.

Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said the county has been preparing for the project for several years.

The Board of Elections and Public Health Department currently are leasing space from Comprehensive Healthcare Management Services. Comprehensive purchased the former county-owned nursing home for $7.8 million in January 2014. The county has been leasing space from Comprehensive for Elections and Public Health because those offices are part of the nursing home complex.

Moving those offices from those sites will spare the county from paying those lease payments. The money the county was paying for the lease will go towards paying the debt for the addition.

The new addition will be more modern, secure and centralized for the county, said Chuck Nesbitt, the county chief administrative officer.

Paul Pettit, director of Public Health, said he welcomes the opportunity for his staff to work in a new building.

The County Legislature on March 28 accepted five construction bids totaling $7,006,600 for the addition of the building at 14016 Route 31. Alternates for $495,900 push the total bids accepted to $7,502,500. In addition, the county will pay the Wendel firm $900,000 for construction administration, project coordination, additional design services, commissioning services and grant administration.

The County Legislature has approved a maximum bond of $10,063,881 for an addition the building on Route 31, behind the nursing home. The bond is expected to be about $6.5 million due to grants for the project. The county has already been approved for a $3,682,748 state grant towards the project and State Sen. Robert Ortt also secured a $200,000 state grant.

The larger grant includes funds to create space at the neighboring Mental Health Building for a primary doctor from Oak Orchard Health. Mental Health also has two therapists working out of Oak Orchard Health’s site on Route 31 in Albion.

Work has started on a new parking lot on the west side of the building. There will be a temporary entrance for the public on the west side while the building is under construction. The county will also install a one-way traffic light on the driveway during the peak of the building’s construction.

Alan Heard, 64, was pulled from the wreckage by a passing motorist

Press Release, Orleans County Undersheriff Chris Bourke

GAINES – The Orleans County Sheriff’s office and the Federal Aviation Administration are continuing the investigation into the aviation accident that occurred in the Town of Gaines near the Gaines Valley Airport.

FAA investigators were on scene Tuesday afternoon examining the scene where a small a “Mosquito XE model” helicopter crashed into a field several hundred yards west of the Gaines Valley Airport. The pilot, identified as Alan Heard, 64, of Waterport, survived the crash and was rescued from the wreckage by Mark Bennett of Waterport.

Bennett was driving by and observed the helicopter preparing to take off so he stopped to watch. After lifting off to an altitude of approximately 100 to 200 feet, the pilot reportedly began experiencing mechanical problems. A popping and grinding sound was heard by witnesses as the helicopter travelled in a westerly direction over the Gaines-Waterport Road. At this point the aircraft was on fire and the pilot performed a hard landing on the skids in a field.

Mr. Bennett climbed over an electric fence and ran to the crash site. Mr. Bennett assisted the pilot in getting out of the aircraft and away from the wreckage which was now engulfed in flames. Mr. Heard was also on fire and Mr. Bennett was able to roll the victim and cut his shirt off with a knife to extinguish the flames.

Mr. Heard was transported to Strong Hospital in Rochester by COVA Ambulance where he remains in the I.C.U. in guarded condition. The Albion Fire Department and Carlton Fire Company also assisted at the scene.

FAA investigators secured parts of the aircraft along with a “Go-Pro” camera for analysis as they attempt to determine the cause of the crash.

Photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from Dec.10, 2017 shows a house engulfed in flames on Route 18 near the Carlton-Kendall townline.

Press Release, Congressman Chris Collins

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) announced on Tuesday that the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act was reported favorably from the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Collins and Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) co-authored the House version of this bill that unanimously passed the House on September 12, 2017.

The Firefighter Cancer Registry Act would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop and maintain a registry to collect data regarding the incidence of cancer in firefighters. A 2015 study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that firefighters had a greater number of cancer diagnoses and related deaths than the general population, revealing an enormous gap in research.

“In communities across the United States, firefighters so bravely run toward emergency situations and put their lives in danger to help their neighbors,” said Collins. “I thank my Senate colleagues for their work in advancing this important legislation through committee and for their commitment to the safety of our nation’s firefighters. We need more information to determine how to better improve equipment and protocols to keep these men and women safe, and this was a huge step in the right direction.”

“I am thankful for the efforts of Senators Bob Menendez, Lisa Murkowski, Patty Murray, and Lamar Alexander in advancing companion legislation establishing a national firefighter cancer registry through committee,” said Pascrell. “The passage of this bipartisan, bicameral bill by voice vote speaks volumes to our collective commitment to the brave men and women in the fire services. We are now a step closer to better understanding firefighters’ risks for developing cancer. Our legislation will ensure firefighters who enter smoke-filled rooms and hazardous environments in service to their communities get the support they need. While the House has already passed legislation which would create this registry, I look forward to the Senate legislation moving through its chamber so we can get a bill on the President’s desk this year.”

If signed into law, the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act would authorize federal funds to gather data that would study a number of potential risk factors, including but not limited to the status of the firefighter (volunteer, paid-on-call, or career), number of years on the job, the number of incidents attended, and the type of incidence. The collection of this data would allow for improved equipment, enhanced safety protocols and preventative techniques for our firefighters.

The next step in advancing this legislation is passage in the Senate.

Genesee, Orleans & Wyoming Public Health Column

Parents agree that feeding and sleep schedules are important to help keep their children healthy. The same goes for childhood immunizations. Vaccinating children on time is the best way to protect them against 14 serious and potentially deadly diseases before their second birthday. National Infant Immunization Week, April 21-28, is an opportunity to spread awareness and education on how important it is to vaccinate children against vaccine preventable diseases.

Before a vaccine is approved for use in the U.S., it goes through years of careful testing to make sure it is safe and effective. Highly trained scientists and doctors at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) evaluate the results of these clinical studies. Vaccines are only given to children after they have been approved by scientists, doctors, and healthcare professionals.

Vaccine side effects are almost always mild such as redness or swelling at the site of the shot, but this is minimal compared to the pain, discomfort, and risk of injury and death from the diseases these vaccines prevent. Serious side effects following vaccination, such as severe allergic reaction, are very rare. The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccinated are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children.

It is important to follow the recommended immunization schedule to protect infants and children by providing immunity early in life, before they encounter potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccine preventable diseases still circulate in the United States and around the world, so continued vaccination is necessary to protect everyone from potential outbreaks. Even when diseases are rare in the U.S., they can still be common in many parts of the world and unvaccinated individuals can bring them to the U.S., putting unvaccinated people at risk.

Brenden Bedard, director of Community Health Services for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, states that, “Vaccinating your baby according to the recommended immunization schedule gives your child the best protection against 14 serious childhood illnesses like measles and whooping cough before they are 2 years old. The recommended schedule is designed to protect infants and children early in life, when they are most vulnerable and before they are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.”

Although the number of vaccines a child needs in the first two years may seem like a lot, doctors know a great deal about the human immune system, and they know that a healthy baby’s immune system can handle getting all vaccines when they are recommended. Bedard cautions against parents delaying vaccination.

“There is no known benefit to delaying vaccination,” he said. “In fact, it puts babies at risk of getting sick because they are left vulnerable to catch serious diseases during the time they are not protected by vaccines.”

If you have questions about the childhood immunization schedule, talk with your child’s doctor or nurse. For more information about vaccines, please visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents.

Medina tried last year but was beaten out by Batavia

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today launched the third round of the transformative Downtown Revitalization Initiative, investing $100 million into 10 additional downtown neighborhoods across the state. In its third year, the proven-successful investment will boost local economies and foster vibrant neighborhoods that offer a higher quality of life in every region of New York.

“We have seen firsthand the excitement and transformative nature of these investments–turning downtowns into economic engines for their communities and beyond,” Governor Cuomo said. “This new round of funding will provide these downtowns new opportunities to rebuild for 21st Century needs and foster growth that will be felt across the entire region.”

(Editor’s Note: The Village of Medina applied for a $10 million grant last year, but the City of Batavia was the winner of the money for the Finger Lakes Region. Click here for more information about Medina’s proposal.)

The Governor’s $100 million DRI is a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to transform vulnerable, vacant or forgotten areas of the state into livable, walkable, dynamic neighborhoods.

“The Downtown Revitalization Initiative has given communities across the State the opportunity to spearhead local projects that will grow their downtowns and boost the economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Chair of the Regional Economic Development Councils. “I’ve visited many cities that were awarded funding as part of Rounds 1 and 2 of the DRI, and they’re moving full speed ahead with exciting plans that will transform their areas. As part of the initiative, we’re promoting smart growth strategies and transit-oriented development, which is in increased demand from New Yorkers across the State. The investment in Round 3 of the DRI will give even more communities the resources they need to pursue these collaborative and innovative projects.”

One community in each of the ten Regional Economic Development Council zones will be selected by the REDC to receive a $10 million investment following an application process and thorough evaluation of each downtown’s potential for transformation. Applications for the third round are due June 1, 2018. Regional Councils will weigh eight criteria to select nominees:

• The downtown should be compact, with well-defined boundaries;

• The municipality, or the downtown’s catchment area, should be of sufficient size to support a vibrant, year-round downtown;

• The downtown is able to capitalize on prior or catalyze future private and public investment in the neighborhood and its surrounding areas;

• There should be recent or impending job growth within, or in close proximity to the downtown that can attract workers to the downtown, support redevelopment and make growth sustainable;

• The downtown must be an attractive and livable community for diverse populations of all ages, including existing residents, millennials and skilled workers;

• The municipality should already embrace or have the ability to create and implement policies that increase livability and quality of life, including the use of local land banks, modern zoning codes and parking standards, complete streets plans, energy efficient projects, green jobs, and transit-oriented development;

• The municipality should have conducted an open and robust community engagement process resulting in a vision for downtown revitalization and a preliminary list of projects and initiatives that may be included in a DRI strategic investment plan; and

• The municipality has identified transformative projects that will be ready for implementation with an infusion of DRI funds within the first one to two years.

Once a community is selected by the REDC, a Local Planning Committee, comprised of local leaders, stakeholders, and key government officials is established to oversee the development of a strategic plan for downtown revitalization. The LPCs’ work is supported by experts from the New York State Department of State and New York State Homes and Community Renewal. DRI funds will be used to implement projects recommended by the LPCs, and should reinforce and secure additional public and private investments within and near downtown neighborhoods to build upon growth spurred by the Regional Councils.

New York State Secretary of State Rossana Rosado said, “Governor Cuomo’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative is a showcase of New York’s community spirit. Through collaboration and innovation, local leaders are creating plans that revolutionize how their neighborhoods can thrive and prosper. I am proud to usher this important program into its third year and look forward to the competition to come.”

The following communities have already been awarded $10 million through the prior two DRI rounds:

• Capital Region

City of Glens Falls

City of Hudson

• Central NY

City of Oswego

City of Cortland

• Finger Lakes

City of Geneva

City of Batavia

• Long Island

Village of Westbury

Hicksville (Town of Oyster Bay)

• Mid-Hudson

City of Middletown

City of Kingston

• Mohawk Valley

City of Oneonta

City of Rome

• New York City

Jamaica, Queens

Bronx Civic Center

• North Country

City of Plattsburgh

City of Watertown

• Southern Tier

City of Elmira

Village Watkins Glen

• Western NY

City of Jamestown

City of Olean

For more information about the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, click here.

ALBION – Dr. Don Bishop is retiring next week after 44 years as a dentist. Most of his career has been in Albion.

He started working as a dentist in the Navy for three years, and then followed that with four years in Brockport. For 37 years he has been a mainstay in Albion, first working out of a home office at 223 South Main St. for five years, and then shifting to 245 South Main, where he has had his dental office for more than three decades.

“I’ve tried not to make it painful or unpleasant for the patients,” Bishop said on Tuesday.

Using anesthetics makes the experience better for the patients. Bishop has also tried to make his office “feel like home and not so clinical.”

Bishop has run a general practice dentistry, doing teeth cleanings and fillings. At one time he also offered orthodontist services.

“I have really enjoyed the community of Orleans County,” said Bishop, who is a Brockport resident. “Out here the people are genuine and they make it easy to be a good dentist.”

He said he is grateful for the many friends he has made through his career. Bishop plans to stay active in Albion. He has been a member of the Rotary Club since 1981. He currently is the chairman of the Albion Strawberry Festival, the community’s big celebration the second Friday and Saturday in June.

“Those are two days that really put Albion in the limelight,” Bishop said.

He also plays the tenor sax in the Kendall Community Band and Hilton Gazebo Band, and sings in the choir for the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Brockport.

Bishop will have a retirement open house this Sunday at his dental office from 1 to 5 p.m.

Don Bishop, one of the Strawberry Festival organizers for many years, drives a car in the 2013 parade with a turtle in back. Bishop found a costume for the turtle to promote the Amazing Turtle Race in the canal. He also volunteers to be in a kayak and corral the plastic turtles during their race.

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office will once again participate in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative.

Sheriff Randall Bower is pleased to announce that the Sheriff’s Office will again participate in this nationwide undertaking, which takes place on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

This is a collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of Justice – Drug Enforcement Administration, the Orleans County Health Department and the Genesee / Orleans Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse (GCASA).

This is a great opportunity for the public to surrender unwanted and/or expired medications for safe and proper disposal. Events such as these have dramatically reduced the risk of prescription drug diversion and abuse, as well as increased awareness of this critical public health issue. The National Prescription Take-Back initiative has been very successful and has resulted in 5,600 pounds of unused medications being collected from the residents of Orleans County who have participated in this program.

The following are collection points:

• Orleans County Public Safety Building – 13925 State Route 31 – Albion

• Holley Fire Department – 7 Thomas Street – Holley

• Medina Fire Department – 600 Main Street – Medina

Special thanks to the Holley and Medina Fire Departments for providing space within their facilities for this event.

Photo by Tom Rivers

RIDGEWAY – Automotive Solutions gets ready to haul away a damaged vehicle that struck a utility pole on Route 31 in Ridgeway, just east of Culvert Road, at about 1 p.m. today.

The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported by COVA ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester for evaluation and to help determine why the driver may have lost consciousness and drove off the road, according to a state trooper at the scene.

Ridgeway firefighters also responded to the scene and provided traffic control. National Grid also was at the scene.

‘It’s the grace of God that he’s alive right now.’

Photos by Tom Rivers

GAINES – A man survived a helicopter crash and then a fire this afternoon when an ultralight helicopter went down hard in a field across from the Gaines Valley Aviation airport on Gaines Road.

Mark Bennett of Waterport was driving on the road at about 2 p.m. when he saw the helicopter in air. He pulled over to watch it because he said he likes to watch the smaller aircraft. He saw a part fall from the helicopter, then there was a grinding noise and another part fell.

The helicopter then came down, landing hard in the field, and then burst into flames.

Bennett ran to help. He first checked a wired fence. The electric wasn’t on. He climbed through the fence, ran to the crash site and lifted the frame of the helicopter off the pilot.

The pilot’s shirt was on fire. Bennett helped the man roll over to put out the flames. The pilot had a knife and Bennett used that to cut off the pilot’s shirt.

“It’s the grace of God that he’s alive right now,” Bennett said. “I can’t believe he survived the crash, let alone the fire.”

The pilot was taken from the field by a stretcher to COVA ambulance, which is transporting him to a Rochester hospital. Bennett said the pilot had bad burns on his chest and head.

Dirk Climenhaga took this photo of the crash site.

Dirk Climenhaga lives next to the field and called 911. He was the second person on the scene. Climenhaga said Bennett likely saved the man’s life.

“Mark is a hero,” Climenhaga said.

The Federal Aviation Administration is sending personnel to investigate the crash, said Chris Bourke, undersheriff of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

The helicopter crashed across the road from Gaines Valley Aviation on Gaines Road.

HOLLEY – An agency that has served residents in need for 50 years was praised for providing critical assistance.

The Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern held a celebration on Saturday for the agency’s half century of service.

John LaFalce, a retired congressman, said the agency has been following one of the great commands of Jesus by loving their neighbor, by providing shelter, clothing and food.

John LaFalce, a retired congressman, has been a longtime supporter of the Ministry of Concern.

“You are sharing love for your neighbors in Genesee and Orleans counties when you provide for those in need,” LaFalce said during the celebration on Saturday at Hickory Ridge Golf Course. LaFalce served in Congress for 28 years until 2003.

The Ministry of Concern grew out of what was initially a grassroots effort of local churches that wanted to assist farmworkers and poor residents. The Ministry of Concern now serves about 2,000 people annually in Orleans County, helping with personal care items, prescription co-pays, emergency shelter and some utility bills.

Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson reads a proclamation from the County Legislature in appreciation of the 50 years of service from the Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern. John Deleo, a Genesee County legislator, also presented a proclamation from the Genesee County Legislature. Sister Dolores O’Dowd, left, is board chairwoman for the Ministry of Concern.

Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature, also has served as a bookkeeper for the Ministry of Concern for about 15 years. She said the agency is a “best-kept secret” in the county. She said the Ministry of Concern could have assisted a mother and son from Kendall who died last week from apparent carbon monoxide poisoning after their electricity was shut off. They then used a generator to try to provide power for the house.

“We need to get the word out,” Johnson told about 200 people at the banquet on Saturday. “This is what the organization stands for: It’s meeting the needs that no one else could.”

She urged residents to reach out to the Ministry of Concern if they are in a crisis, and concerned about losing power or facing other emergencies.

“That’s why we’re here gathered tonight so there’s not another death,” Johnson said.

A big crowd turned out to support the Ministry of Concern on its milestone celebration at Hickory Ridge.

The agency also runs a used furniture and appliance program, collecting items and delivering them to people in need.

The Ministry of Concern has a youth mentoring program, Just Friends E-3 Team, that matches youth mentors (coaches) to children in need of positive adult connections.

Nyla Gaylord serves as executive director of the agency. She said many of the agency’s clients are people who work hard, but they don’t make enough money to pay all of their bills, or they can’t afford an big unplanned expense, such as a car breakdown.

The Ministry can provide some financial assistance or advocate for residents for a reasonable payment plan, Gaylord said.

Gaylord and Jacki Mowers-Sciarabba, a full-time client advocate at the Ministry of Concern, are well connected in the community, working with other non-profits and government agencies to assist people in crisis. The job can be stressful and takes a lot of problem-solving, Gaylord said.

“It’s hard to believe the number of so many people who have worked so hard for so many years to provide services to people in need,” Gaylord said.

Doug Egling performs with “A Blues Band” during Saturday’s celebration.