Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the second group of participants in the State’s $2 million Pilot Pharmaceutical Take-Back Program.
Participants include 172 retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities across the state. Two-hundred and forty-six facilities are now enrolled in the program, which began in 2017.
Two sites on the list are from Orleans County, including Medina Memorial Hospital at 200 Ohio St., Medina; and Rosenkrans Pharmacy, 526 Main St., Medina.
The second-round locations enrolled in the Pilot Pharmaceutical Take Back Program will officially begin accepting waste medications in May 2018, when medication collection boxes are delivered to and installed by participating pharmacies.
“Installing medication drop boxes in community pharmacies, hospitals and long-term care facilities, increases opportunities for New Yorkers to properly and easily dispose of unwanted medications,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “The hundreds of pharmacies and facilities participating in New York’s free drug take-back program are protecting their communities and the environment.”
Under the drug take-back program, DEC will purchase medication collection boxes and pay for the disposal of waste pharmaceuticals collected by participating facilities for two years. Implementation of this pilot program will help improve water quality, protect public health by removing medications from home medicine cabinets, and reduce potential adverse impacts to fish and aquatic organisms. The Pharmaceutical Take-Back Program complements Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s ongoing efforts to combat opioid addition by removing unused and expired pharmaceuticals from the waste stream.
In addition, in his veto of Senate Bill Number 6750, which would have required chain pharmacies to provide drug disposal options paid for by customers, Governor Cuomo directed DEC to engage with stakeholders and local governments to prepare a report on the feasibility of creating and implementing a comprehensive, statewide pharmaceutical product stewardship program. DEC will issue the report later this year.
The statewide Pilot Pharmaceutical Take-Back Program is funded with $2 million from the state’s Environmental Protection Fund. These resources will cover the full cost of purchasing U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration-compliant medication drop boxes, as well as the cost of pick up, transport, and destruction of collected waste pharmaceuticals for a two-year period. The Governor’s Proposed Executive Budget for 2018-19 includes an additional $1 million to support this pilot program.
With technological advances in analytical techniques, it is now possible to detect low levels of drugs in surface water and groundwater. Some drugs pass largely unaltered through wastewater treatment plants and enter rivers and other waterways.
Flushed medications have been found in New York lakes, rivers, and streams and can negatively affect the waterways. A national study conducted in 1999 and 2000, by the U.S. Geological Survey found low levels of drugs such as antibiotics, hormones, contraceptives, and steroids in 80 percent of rivers and streams tested. Medications adversely affect fish and other aquatic wildlife and increase the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
In addition, there are concerns about unused pharmaceuticals getting into the wrong hands. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one U.S. citizen dies every 16 minutes from a drug overdose and has declared this public health threat an epidemic.
The pilot program is open and is accepting applications. Retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities are encouraged to enroll online at the Pilot Pharmaceutical Take-Back Program web page on DEC’s website (click here) or by (clicking here).
Provided photo: Many local officials from Elba joined Crosby’s store leaders, as well as State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, during a grand re-opening celebration on Feb. 8.
Crosby’s recently celebrated the grand re-opening of two convenience stores in Batavia and Elba.
Both of these locations were existing structures acquired by Crosby’s in early 2017 that underwent remodels that included major cosmetic upgrades and a variety of customer-friendly amenities including fuel, a sub shop and multiple hot and cold beverage options.
“Updating these two stores allows us to better serve our customers with an expanded offering,” said Doug Galli, vice president and general manager of Reid Stores. “Crosby’s thrives in communities like these because we become an active participant within the community – beyond simply offering products and service.”
The stores offer a newly expanded selection of cold beverages, dairy and frozen foods, fresh fruit, grocery items, tobacco products and other amenities including an ATM, prepaid wireless phone cards, gift cards, propane exchange and a variety of New York State Lottery games. Both locations will accept SNAP benefits.
The Batavia location, at 5267 Clinton Street Road, recently upgraded the fuel facility and now offers Mobil fuel. The Elba location, at 64 S. Main St., offers Mobil gas and diesel fuel.
In addition to the festivities at each location, Crosby’s will donate $500 each to the Byron-Bergen Central School District and the Elba Central School District.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 February 2018 at 9:41 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Brylie Hapeman and Hunter Webster and their Purple Eagles teammates will open Section VI playoff competition at home Tuesday with a Class B1 doubleheader.
The Albion girls and boys basketball teams will both open Section VI playoff competition at home on Tuesday as the Purple Eagles host a Class B1 doubleheader.
The No. 4 seeded Albion girls will host No. 13 Olean at 5:30 p.m. The winner will advance to Thursday’s quarterfinals against the winner of the No. 12 Springville vs. No. 5 Fredonia contest.
The No. 10 Albion boys will then entertain No. 15 I-Prep at 7:15 p.m. The winner will advance to a Wednesday’s contest at No. 7 City Honors.
The No. 10 Medina girls will visit No. 7 MST Prep at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday with the victor advancing to a Thursday contest at No. 2 International Prep.
Seeded No. 3, the Medina boys have earned a double bye and will open B1 competition on Friday by hosting a quarterfinal game. The Mustangs opponent will be either No. 11 Burgard, No. 14 Springville or No. 6 Dunkirk. Burgard will host Springville on Tuesday with the winner to play Dunkirk on Wednesday. The winner of that contest will then visit Medina.
Also in Class B1, the Newfane girls are seeded No. 1 while the Panthers boys squad is No. 4. The girls will host the winner of Tuesday’s No. 9 Alden at No. 8 Tonawanda game on Thursday. The boys have drawn a double bye and will host a quarterfinal contest on Friday. The Panthers will host either No. 13 Fredonia, No. 12 Alden or No. 5 MST. Alden hosts Fredonia on Tuesday with the winner visiting MST on Wednesday. The winner of that contest will then face Newfane.
In Class B2 girls openers on Tuesday, No. 11 Roy-Hart visits No. 6 Buffalo Arts and No. 5 Akron hosts No. 12 Health Sciences. The Akron vs. Health Sciences winner will then visit No. 4 Wilson on Thursday.
In the Class B2 boys openers on Tuesday, No. 9 Roy-Hart will host No. 16 DaVinci at 7 p.m. and No. 15 Akron will visit No. 10 Southwestern. The Roy-Hart vs. DaVinci winner will visit No. 8 Gowanda and the Akron vs. SW victor will face No. 7 Cleve Hill, both on Wednesday. Wilson, which is seeded No. 5, will face the winner of Tuesday’s No. 13 Eden vs. No. 12 Riverside game on Wednesday.
In the girls Class C bracket, No. 11 Barker visits No. 6 Tapestry on Tuesday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 February 2018 at 7:41 am
Photo courtesy of Marsha Rivers: The Erie Canal is pictured at sunset in Brockport on Saturday evening in a photo taken from the Smith Street bridge.
The forecast for the next few days includes sunny with a high near 37 today, followed by occasional showers and a high near 52 on Monday, which is a holiday, Washington’s Birthday.
Tuesday is forecast to reach 67 followed by a high of 60 on Wednesday. On Thursday, the National Weather Service in Buffalo says it will drop to a high of 37 and then a high of 42 on Friday.
MEDINA – The 2018 re-organizational meeting of the Medina Municipal Tree Board began with a moment of silence.
Tree Board members paused to remember their friend and fellow board member, Wilson Southworth, who sadly passed away at age 70 on Dec. 8. Southworth was a long-time member of the Tree Board, its Vice-Chairman and a staunch proponent of reforesting the Village of Medina.
Wilson Southworth
“I spent many a sunny winter afternoon with Wilson, pruning young trees in the village,” said Chris Busch, Tree Board chairman. “Sometimes it was just he and I, sometimes we were joined by other tree board members. We had such a great time pruning trees, conversing and enjoying ourselves. He was such an asset to the board and such a good friend. We all miss him very much.”
Southworth was a strong advocate for planting trees and a very dedicated board member, said Busch.
“I’ll bet not many people knew he was a member of the Tree Board let alone Vice-Chairman.” said Busch. “He really got it when came to the value of street trees in the village. Wilson really understood the impact that tree-lined streets have on neighborhoods and people, and he had an excellent grasp of what was involved in planning, planting and maintaining a village forest. He took the job very seriously and enjoyed it.”
As a fitting tribute to him, the Tree Board voted unanimously to dedicate this years’ Arbor Day celebration to him.
“He’d be so tickled to see this,” said newly elected Tree Board Vice-Chair and Arbor Day Coordinator, Nicole Goyette. “Each year, hundreds of school children attend the Arbor Day celebration in Medina. When he was teaching, his classes were always there with a special song or poem prepared for the occasion. So, it is right and proper that this years’ celebration should be for him.”
Arbor Day in Medina has been billed as “WNY’s biggest and best” Arbor Day celebration.
“As far as we know, it is the biggest and best,” said Goyette. “We’ve had 700-plus school children and dozens of citizens attend for many years. I don’t know of any other Arbor Day in WNY that can top that.”
Goyette said that as part of the tribute to Southworth, some of the Arbor Day activities he created as a teacher will be performed again. A memorial tree will be planted in his memory as well.
“The Tree Board provides a memorial tree program,” said Goyette. “For $250, a tree will be planted somewhere in the village forest and an engraved granite brick placed in the Memorial Tree Garden in front of City Hall. Wilson helped plant that garden.”
Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Village Tree Fund in Wilson Southworth’s memory or wishing to donate a memorial tree and brick in his memory may do so at the Village Clerk’s office.
Credit cards, cash and checks are accepted, and the phone number is 798-0710. Memorial Tree donation forms are available for download by clicking here or at the Clerk’s Office. Completed forms should be turned in to the Village Clerk with the $250 fee.
This years’ celebration will take place at Butts Park on Friday, April 27, at 9 a.m. and will be known as the Wilson Southworth Memorial Arbor Day Celebration.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2018 at 2:19 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Fire Department presented a certificate of appreciation this afternoon to Christopher Adkins Jr., 8, for his assistance on Jan. 29 when he mother was having a medical emergency at home.
Christopher was presented with the certificate and a gift card for $50 at Walmart. Fire Chief Ben Bane, left, hands Christopher with the award. He is joined by his parents, Misty and Chris Adkins, and Christopher’s younger brother, Austin. Other Lyndonville firefighters include Lee Kistner, second from right, and T.J. Heideman.
When his mother passed out from a medical emergency, Christopher quickly located his father in the basement of their home. Christopher brought his mother’s phone to his father and was ready to dial 911.
Christopher was able to give firefighters and EMTs background on how his mother was feeling that day, which helped firefighters to better understand her condition. He also was nurturing to his mother, said Lee Kistner, the second assistant chief.
“He was very caring with his mother, telling her ‘I love you,’ and ‘You’ll be alright,’” Kistner said.
Christopher Adkins, Jr. chats with Lyndonville firefighter Lee Kistner during a visit to the fire hall this afternoon.
With the certificate, Lyndonville firefighters thanked Christopher for his assistance on the emergency call to his home on Jan. 29.
“Your ability to remain calm, level headed, and recount details of the day were essential to getting your mother the help that she needed,” the certificate states.
Christopher’s father said he is impressed by his son’s actions that day.
“A lot of kids his age I don’t even think they know their address,” Mr. Adkins said. “He came and got me and had the phone. He was very brave.”
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the first of several free fishing events in New York will take place this weekend.
During these designated days, residents and visitors are permitted to fish for free without a fishing license on any of the state’s 7,500 lakes and ponds or 70,000 miles of rivers and streams. These are the first of several free fishing events planned for 2018, including June 23 and 24, Sept. 22 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and Nov. 11 (Veterans Day).
“Year-round, whether it’s a Hudson Valley stream in July or a frozen Adirondack lake in February, there is no better fishing than right here in New York,” Governor Cuomo said. “These free fishing days give New Yorkers and visitors alike the opportunity to experience the world-class fishing and scenic natural beauty in every corner of this great state.”
The free fishing days program is part of Governor Cuomo’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative, which under the 2017-18 budget provides $19.5 million for state land access projects and $4 million for fish and wildlife infrastructure. The program began in 1991 to give people who might not fish a chance to try the rewarding sport at no cost, to introduce people to a new hobby, and to encourage people to support the sport by purchasing a New York State fishing license.
The State Department of Environmental Conservation reminds those venturing out onto the ice that four inches or more of solid ice is considered to be safe for accessing bodies of water on foot. Ice anglers should note that ice thickness can vary on different bodies of water and on the same body of water. Anglers should be particularly wary of areas of moving water and around boat docks and houses where bubblers may be installed to reduce ice buildup.
The presence of snowmobile tracks or footprints on the ice should not be considered evidence of safe ice conditions. Individuals are strongly encouraged to check ice conditions and avoid situations that appear to present even a remote risk. Testing the thickness of ice can be done easily with an auger or ice spud at various spots.
While a New York State fishing license is not required to participate, all other statewide fishing regulations remain in effect. Those new to ice fishing are encouraged to download the DEC’s new I FISH NY Beginners’ Guide to Freshwater Fishing Ice Fishing Chapter.
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 17 February 2018 at 7:58 am
Provided photo: Orleans County Historian Matthew Ballard presents to a class of seventh grade students at Albion Middle School this week. Ballard spent two days with Tim Archer’s Service Learning classes. The historian showed old photos of canal construction, early schools, sandstone quarries, and numerous downtown sites. Ballard will be helping the students put together a 3- by 5-foot interpretive panel on how the Erie Canal developed growth and prosperity in the region. The panel is slated to be located along the canal near the fire station.
“Overlooked Orleans” – Vol. 4, No. 7
While reflecting on a topic for this weekend’s column, I started to think about some of the amazing opportunities that I have as an historian in New York. We should be thankful that the State requires the appointment of these valuable collectors and interpreters of history for any village or township with over 400 inhabitants.
The New York State Historian recently conducted a survey of county and borough historians, asking pertinent questions about how his office could better support the work of individuals like me. Responses were across the board, but made me realize that much more could and should be undertaken by the Department of History in supporting the work of our local historians.
I had the pleasure of meeting with a group of local historians this week, spending time discussing significant projects, new ideas, and upcoming celebrations. It was a chance to reflect on the hard work and dedication that each brings to the profession. We have a very dedicated group of historians who spend much of their time working behind the scenes, bringing attention to significant people and events in local history, preserving important resources for future generations, and responding to inquiries from people located throughout the world. On a side note, this past summer I had the chance to assist a gentleman from the Lorraine region of France who was researching the nasal flute, patented by William Carter of Albion.
Shelby and Barre are preparing for the passing of significant milestones as they plan for their bicentennial celebrations in the spring and summer of 2018. It is quite admirable that so much can be accomplished with the help of these dedicated individuals. More importantly, so many others in our communities stand up and join in on these endeavors as leaders and volunteers.
I spent two days at Albion Middle School speaking to around 150 seventh-grade students, sharing local photographs and talking about the impact of the Erie Canal on the development of Albion and other villages in New York. After the class, Tim Archer thanked me for taking the time to stop in and share the images and stories. I thanked him in return; no “you’re welcome” needed. I realized that opportunities to engage the youth in our community in a discussion of how local events and people shaped the world around us continue to disappear; seize those opportunities with gusto! Mr. Archer’s service learning class provides students with an ability to become active in their community from an early age, something that many will carry with them into adulthood.
I realized that it was the influence of local historians that spurred my interest in the community and therefore made the decision to remain in Orleans County after college an easy one. I know that other schools engage their students in similar ways; much more can and should be done to tap into the passionate and knowledgeable pool of historians in Orleans County.
That’s what pushed me to write on this subject this weekend; why public history? Our history teachers work diligently to inspire our children to appreciate the role that people and events have played in the development of the United States and New York. It is the realm of public history that engages us locally; the archivist, the librarian, the historian, the art curator, the museum director, all seek out ways to connect those ideas introduced in school on a more local level.
Before Christmas, I had an engaging conversation with a local resident on the role of historical study. We should consider life to be linear in which three points are required to make a straight line; the past, the present, and the future. Although we may fully understand our current point, one cannot set themselves on a straight path into the future without a thorough and complete understanding of the past. Our local historians work tirelessly to assemble an image of bygone days, sharing that with the community, and challenging the traditional narratives of history. They thoroughly scrutinize their sources, seek to produce a truthful and accurate representation of our history, and work meticulously to correct inaccuracies and false information.
As I near the conclusion of my third year as County Historian, I want to thank our village and town historians for their continued hard work and dedication to the field of history. Your commitment to writing, research, education, preservation, and advocacy is inspiring to me and your community.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 February 2018 at 9:13 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – The United Methodist Church of the Abundant Harvest in Knowlesville served 416 fish fry dinners today, the start of a weekly event during the Lenten season.
The top photo shows Jeff Smith, right, and Glen Busch in the “Fish Hut” where they cooked the fish and French fries.
The church created the Fish Hut behind its fellowship hall on Knowlesville Road. Busch said the fish fry dinners are an important fundraiser for the church, which has church buildings in Knowlesville and Millville.
Danielle Higgins was busy in the kitchen with other church volunteers late this afternoon, when the fellowship hall was crowded with people.
Beverly Paul tended to the desserts.
The dinners drew a big crowd to the church’s fellowship hall. The dinners include batter dipped fish, French fries or baked potato, coleslaw or applesauce, New England Clam Chowder or Italian Wedding Soup or Manhattan Clam Chowder, homemade style dessert and a beverage.
The church will be serving the dinners every Friday through March 30.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 February 2018 at 1:46 pm
Ed and Loretta Pahura were married 72 years, and then died 2 days apart just before Valentine’s Day
Photo courtesy of Nicole Pahura Rappleyea: Edward and Loretta Pahura dance the polka on Aug. 29, 2015. They were at the reception for their granddaughter’s wedding at Ravenwood Golf Course in Victor.
ALBION – An Albion couple who inspired many with their devotion to each other died two days apart after 72 years of marriage.
On Thursday, a day after Valentine’s Day, Edward and Loretta Pahura were laid to rest after a double-casket funeral at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
“We have been privileged to witness a love story, one of great magnitude,” Father Richard Csizmar, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Albion, said at the funeral on Thursday.
The couple spent the first 70 years of their marriage in a blue house at 130 Liberty St. About 18 months ago they moved to The Villages of Orleans, a nursing home in Albion. They stayed together in Room 33.
They were friendly to the other residents, staff and visitors.
“They were like the official greeters,” said long-time friend Mary Ann Tillman.
The Pahuras raised three children in Albion after Mr. Pahura returned from World War II. He was a corporal and marksman with the U.S. Army and was part of the Normandy invasion on D-Day. He was haunted by the invasion, seeing so many friends drown and be shot, said his son, Steve Pahura.
His father wanted to help his fellow soldiers who didn’t know how to swim. But the soldiers were ordered to keep moving – or they would not survive.
“They were the first ones in,” Steve Pahura said about his father and his unit. “It was so hard for him to talk about. He lost a lot of his buddies.”
About a year after D-Day on June 6, 1944, Mr. Pahura married the former Loretta Long.
They met on a blind date at the Albion Hotel and had dinner and then went dancing.
They were both 22 at their wedding on July 15, 1945. They lived the “American Dream,” their son said. They were able to stay in a small town and raise their family, which includes sons Steven and Gary, and daughter Kathleen.
Mr. Pahura worked as a shop mechanic specialist at Lipton until it closed in 1980. He finished his career at Eastman Kodak. His wife worked 24 years at General Electric in Brockport, helping to produce the first electric can openers.
Photo courtesy of Pahura family: Ed and Loretta Pahura were both 22 at their wedding on July 15, 1945.
The couple was active in the local Catholic church. They enjoyed “little things,” their son. They liked to feed the birds, go fishing, spend time with their family and cheer on the New York Yankees. (At the luncheon after the funeral on Thursday, friends and family were given bags of birds seed in honor of Ed and Loretta.)
Steve Pahura said the family took vacations to Old Forge when he was a kid in the 1950s and ’60s. They went fishing and boating. A big highlight was going to the garbage dump to see bears. “That was a big thing,” Steve said.
He admired his parents for their life-long devotion.
“They had a good time together,” he said.
His father had been sicker than his mother in the past few years. But Steve believes his father held on for his wife. She recently had been battling cancer.
They both got the flu about two weeks ago. Mr. Pahura died on Feb. 7 and his wife joined him on Feb. 9. The family believes Ed wanted to go just before his wife, so she wouldn’t be scared of dying and to be there to welcome her to Heaven.
“He was comforting her and leading the way,” said the couple’s niece, Eileen Banker. “He was getting things ready for her.”
She said her aunt and uncle were very family-oriented. Her aunt “was always smiling” while her uncle was “very sweet.”
She recalled a family wedding on Aug. 29, 2015, when the Pahuras did the polka to the delight of the crowd. Ed and Loretta were at the reception for their granddaughter’s wedding at Ravenwood Golf Course in Victor. Steve Pahura asked the DJ to play a polka song. When the music came on, Mr. Pahura set down his cane and grabbed his wife’s hand, insisting on a dance.
Father Csizmar, pastor of the church, said the love story will continue in Heaven.
“We’re celebrating the wonderful Valentine’s life they lived for 72 years,” he said.
Provided photos: Police seized heroin/fentanyl and cocaine packaged for sale, cash, scales, packaging material and other drug paraphernalia.
ROCHESTER – A Rochester man who law enforcement officials say provided a dangerous mix of heroin and fentanyl to Orleans County has been arrested.
Jonathan Agosto, 31, of 228 Curlew St. faces 10 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, which are Class B felonies.He could face an additional 15 counts, pending lab results.
Jonathan Agosto
He was arraigned by Albion Town Justice Joseph Fuller and committed to the Orleans County Jail on $100,000 cash bail or $200,000 bond. Agosto is to return to the Town Court on Feb. 21 at 10 a.m.
Several law enforcement agencies worked together on the arrest and search warrants on Thursday. The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, along with the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (G.R.A.N.E.T.), the Rochester Police Department and the Albion Police Department executed two search warrants in Rochester, one at 228 Curlew St. and another on a vehicle and its driver at 884 Emerson St.
The investigation is a result of numerous undercover buys after receiving information from several sources indicating the above location as a continuous source of supply of heroin/fentanyl mixture to Orleans County, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported today.
“This investigation has identified at least 30 individuals residing in Orleans County that were being supplied the heroin/fentanyl mixture from this source,” said Joe Sacco, supervising investigator for the Task Force. “This heroin/fentanyl mixture is believed to be a reason for the recent spike in overdoses in Orleans County.”
Police seized numerous bundles of heroin/fentanyl packaged for sale, over an ounce of heroin/fentanyl that was in the process of being packaged for sale, a quantity of cocaine packaged for sale, cash, scales, packaging material and other drug paraphernalia.
Agosto may face additional felony charges in Monroe County, pending lab results. More arrests are also pending in the investigation.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 February 2018 at 10:28 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Patricia Crowley, director of the Orleans United Drug Free Communities Coalition, is pleased that the latest survey of students shows a drop in drug, alcohol and tobacco use.
ALBION – Alcohol and tobacco use among students in grades 7 through 12 has seen a big drop in the past 12 years, according to a survey of 1,450 students this fall, although their perceptions about risk are also down, especially with marijuana use.
The Orleans United Drug Free Communities Coalition has done the survey every two years, beginning in 2005. Orleans United’s survey includes students in Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina school districts. Albion does its own survey.
The survey has always been given in October or November. Students are asked if they used alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, non-prescribed medications and e-cigarettes in the past 30 days.
• The survey shows alcohol use among students has dropped from 28.1 percent in 2005 to 17.5 in 2017, a 37.8 percent decrease. It was on a steady downward trend, but went up slightly from 2015 to 2017.
Alcohol use was 28.1 percent in 2005, then 23.6 percent in 2009, 20.3 percent in 2011, 19.1 percent in 2013 and 16.7 percent in 2015. The latest survey shows 17.5 percent. Nationally it’s at 19.9 for students in grades 7 through 12, said Dr. Dan Webb, co-owner of Catalyst Research in Depew, which does the survey for Orleans United.
• Tobacco use with cigarettes is down from 13.6 percent of students in 2005 to 5.4 percent in 2017, a 60.3 percent drop. The 5.4 percent rate is exactly the national average, Webb said.
Dr. Dan Webb goes over the survey results, which he said show progress in many areas. However, there is concern about the growing acceptance of marijuana.
Students since 2015 have also been asked about e-cigarettes. Orleans United added e-cigarettes after vape shops appeared in many communities selling flavors of products like they are selling candy. In 2015, 14.7 percent of students said they used an e-cigarette in the past 30 days. The latest survey shows 14.0 percent of students used an e-cigarette recently.
• Marijuana use is at 10.4 percent in 2017, which is down from 12.1 percent in 2005. The rate hasn’t changed much in Orleans in the 12 years. Webb said the national rate is 14.5 percent, and other communities have seen a big increase in marijuana use among students.
In Orleans, it went from 12.1 percent in 2005, 9.3 percent in 2009 and then 10.2 percent in 2011, 10.3 percent in 2013, and 10.4 percent in 2015 and 2017.
• Orleans United started asking students about non-prescribed medications in 2013 and 2.7 percent said then they had taken non-prescribed prescriptions in the previous 30 days. That percent increased to 3.4 percent in 2015, but dropped to 1.7 percent with the latest survey, a 54 percent decline from 2013.
• The survey also asked youth if they used heroin in the past month and 0.2 percent said yes, compared to 1.0 percent in 2015.
“Overall these are really encouraging statistics,” Webb told members of Orleans United on Thursday, when he presented the results.
This slide from Webb’s presentation shows survey results, indicating a drop in use for most substances, except for marijuana which has remained steady.
Webb had concerns in the section of the survey that measures perception of harm in using different substances, including alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and unprescribed pills.
“Overall the perception of harm is down,” Webb said. “That is trend nationwide.”
The perception of risk in drinking alcohol regularly (every day) has dropped from 69.2 percent in 2005 to 63.2 percent in 2017. Students also reported a big drop in the perception of risk in smoking marijuana, down from 80.6 percent seeing it as harmful to health in 2005 to 49.0 percent in 2017.
“There has been a large shift culturally in the acceptance of marijuana,” Webb said.
Student responses also show a drop in perceived harm in using tobacco, from 86.5 percent in 2005 to 76.0 percent in 2017, and in taking unprescribed pills, from 82.5 percent in 2013 to 76.0 percent in 2017. Students who view using e-cigarettes as harmful is about the same from 44.0 seeing it as bad in 2013 to 44.9 percent in 2017. That shows a majority of students don’t view e-cigarettes as being harmful.
There has been a rise in perception of parental disapproval for using drugs, marijuana, alcohol and pills. It’s well over 90 percent saying their parents would disapprove.
However, the survey shows growing acceptance among peers for trying different substances and drugs.
The perception of disapproval from peers for using marijuana, for example, has dropped from 81.4 percent would disapprove in 2005 to 74.0 percent in 2017.
“This is something we have to work on as a coalition,” Webb said.
Orleans United has the results for the four school districts and will be presenting those answers, as well as the countywide data, to each school district that participated in the survey.
Potholes in Western and Central New York seem unusually bad this winter—a sure sign of all the snow and ice we’ve dealt with! One of the biggest culprits of flat tires in the region is potholes.
A recent AAA survey found that nearly 30 million U.S. drivers experienced pothole damage significant enough to require repair in 2016, with repair bills ranging from under $250 to more than $1,000.
Potholes form when moisture collects in small holes and cracks in the road surface. As temperatures rise and fall, the moisture expands and contracts due to freezing and thawing. This breaks up the pavement and, combined with the weight of passing cars, eventually results in a pothole.
To aid motorists in protecting their vehicles from pothole damage, AAA recommends the following:
• Inspect Tires – Make sure tires are properly inflated and have enough tread. An underinflated or badly worn tire is more likely to suffer damage, or allow the wheel or suspension to be damaged, when hitting a pothole.
• Inspect Suspension – Make certain struts, shock absorbers and other suspension parts are in good condition. Changes in vehicle handling, excessive vibration or uneven tire wear can indicate damaged or worn components.
• Look Ahead – Make a point of checking the road ahead for potholes. Before swerving to avoid a pothole, check surrounding traffic to ensure this won’t cause a collision or endanger nearby pedestrians or cyclists.
• Slow Down – If a pothole cannot be avoided, reduce speed safely being sure to check the rearview mirror before any abrupt braking. Hitting a pothole at higher speeds greatly increases the chance of damage.
• Beware of Puddles – A puddle of water can disguise a deep pothole. Use care when driving through puddles and treat them as though they may be hiding potholes.
• Check Alignment – Hitting a pothole can knock the wheels out of alignment and affect the steering. If a vehicle pulls to the left of right, have the wheel alignment checked by a qualified technician.
• Recognize Noises/Vibrations – A hard pothole impact can dislodge wheel weights, damage a tire or wheel, and bend or even break suspension components. Any new or unusual noises or vibrations should be inspected immediately.
Photos courtesy of Lance Anderson: Jennifer Neroni-Trupo sings “I’m Not Afraid of Anything” during a rehearsal on Tuesday while Jennifer Robison-Koplas plays the piano. Neroni-Trupo is one of the cast members in the latest Lake Plains Players production.
Hilda Myer-Post sings “Maybe This Time” during a rehearsal for the LPP production of “Forget about the Boys: A Celebration of Women in Musical Theatre” – which has shows on Friday and Saturday.
MEDINA/ALBION –The Lake Plains Players latest show – “Forget about the Boys: A Celebration of Women in Musical Theatre” –is a Broadway recital to benefit the Lake Plains Players Scholarship fund.
Danielle Glynn, coordinator of the show, has put together a cast of six local women, including Sarah Hill from Lyndonville, Jennifer Neroni-Trupo from Albion, Theresa Jones from Holley, Gabrielle Montgomery, Hilda Myer-Post, and Megan Zwara from Lockport/Buffalo. They will be accompanied on piano by Jennifer Koplas.
Gylnn felt strongly that now was a perfect time to present this recital because she wanted to celebrate women and their contributions to both local theatre and musical theatre as a whole. The audience can expect to hear familiar songs from Cabaret, Guys & Dolls, My Fair Lady, Funny Girl, Into the Woods, White Christmas and Chicago, along with new favorites from shows like Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Spring Awakening, The Great Comet of 1812, and Bright Star.
Despite the cheeky title, which nods to a quintessential break-up song from “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” the recital isn’t meant to be exclusionary, and anyone in the audience, regardless of their gender, will be sure to enjoy themselves, said LLP President Lance Anderson.
While the point is to celebrate women’s roles and hear empowering songs about women, many times brilliant and supportive men are also included alongside them, just like in real life, Anderson said.
“Forget about the Boys” plays at 7:30 p.m. on February 16 at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Medina, and February 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cabaret at Studio B in Albion. The show is approximately 90 minutes long. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted to go toward the Lake Plains Players Scholarship fund.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 February 2018 at 8:43 pm
Courtesy of Stacey Kirby
ALBION – A 24-foot-long mural of Santa in a sleigh looking over downtown Albion and Courthouse Square will be painted by Albion native Stacey Kirby.
The Albion Rotary Club is leading the project, with assistance from a grant from Rotary District 7090 as well as community donations.
The Albion Historic Preservation Commission approved a “certificate of appropriateness” for the project today. The Village Board also voted to support the project on Wednesday.
The mural honors Albion’s history as home to the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School from 1937 to 1966. Howard also ran Christmas Park in Albion. Mr. Howard passed away in 1966. The Santa School continues in his name in Midland, Michigan.
Photo by Tom Rivers
The mural will be mounted on poles and a metal frame in Waterman Park on North Main Street, about a half block south of the Erie Canal. The large painting will mounted about a foot away from this wall on the north side of the park.
