By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 January 2018 at 8:37 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature, speaks during the Legislative Luncheon on Friday. About 85 people attended the event at Tillman’s Village Inn. The luncheon was organized by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.
ALBION – The county is moving forward with several initiatives, including a $10 million expansion of the County Administration Building on Route 31.
Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature, cited that project, as well as $5 million infrastructure work with roads, bridges and culverts as big efforts for the county government this year.
She spoke on Friday during a Legislative Luncheon organized by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.
Johnson said the county has stepped up services, including adding a full-time tourism director, adding another full-time animal control officer, and working on a land bank with Niagara County, and also waterfront development plans along Lake Ontario and the Erie Canal. The county also took the lead with an upcoming study on the public water resources in the county, looking at village and town water infrastructure to see if there can be efficiencies in delivering the service.
The County Legislature last week also announced its plans to declare the opioid epidemic and its effect on the county “a public nuisance.” The Legislature also wants to establish a cost recovery procedure for the county’s expenditures incurred for services due to the epidemic. The county in September voted to join a growing number of municipalities in a lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies for allegedly fueling an opioid crisis.
“We’ve taken the offensive,” Johnson said about opioid lawsuit.
The county will also continue to press for lower Lake Ontario water levels. Johnson has been a vocal critic of Plan 2014 approved in December 2016. She worries that the shoreline faces more flooding this year because the lake is 9 inches higher than a year ago, she said.
She also wants to see progress on high-speed Internet. Orleans and Niagara County have formed the Niagara-Orleans Regional Alliance with one of the main goals to expand broadband Internet in the two counties.
“Rural broadband is the number one priority for NORA,” she said. “We have not given up on that.”
Johnson said the county will take the case to Washington.
The county representatives were asked at the luncheon about the 22,000-square-foot addition planned for the County Administration Building and whether any sites were considered in the village.
Chuck Nesbitt, the county chief administrative officer, said only the Arnold Gregory Office Complex on South Main Street would have been a possibility and that site is already nearly full. The county wouldn’t want to see that building come off the tax rolls, Nesbitt said.
The addition will accommodate the Public Health Department and Board of Elections, which are currently outside the village in space owned by Comprehensive Healthcare Management Services LLC. Comprehensive acquired the nursing home and the neighboring public health building as part of the $7.8 million acquisition on Jan.1, 2015.
The county also has already been approved for a $3,682,748 state grant towards the addition and a $200,000 grant through State Sen. Robert Ortt’s office to help with the project.
“If we didn’t get those grants we probably wouldn’t have moved forward with the project,” Nesbitt said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 January 2018 at 8:47 pm
4 people interested in challenging Congressman Collins attended forum in Albion
ALBION – Democrats in Orleans County may be outnumbered 2-to-1 by registered Republicans, but a dedicated small group can still make a difference in local elections, and at state-wide and national contests.
That was the message from Patrick Jordan, president of the New York State Young Democrats. The Queens residents visited local Democrats in an event on Wednesday at Hoag Library.
Jordan has made it a mission to establish chapters for Young Democrats throughout the state, including in many rural Republican strongholds.
Republicans have such in an advantage in numbers and dollars locally that many do not face election challenges from Democrats. Jordan urged young Democrats, between the ages of 16 and 36, to become active politically. A dedicated group, even if only a few people, could make a difference in an election by going door to door and helping to elect candidates.
Jordan said door-to-door remains the most effective way to campaign.
“Yeah, it’s uncomfortable at first,” Jordan said. “And it’s hard work going door to door.”
Orleans County could start a Young Democrats chapter with as few as 10 members. Kenny Capurso, who worked on a county legislator campaign for his father Al Capurso, said he would push to start a Young Democrats chapter in the county.
“There is certainly a bigger spark than ever before,” he said about interest among younger adults in politics. “If young people see something they don’t like then they want to change it.”
When Capurso helped his father get signatures on petitions, Kenny said half of the people who signed were younger Democrats.
The panelists included from left: Kenny Capurso of Gaines, Andrea Newman of Holley, Mark Steffenilla of Le Roy and Patrick Jordan, president of the New York State Young Democrats.
Mark Steffenilla, 23, of Le Roy founded a chapter for Democrats at The College at Brockport and also helped start the Young Democrats chapter in Genesee County, a neighboring rural county to Orleans. Steffenilla became active in politics when he worked on his grandfather’s campaign for town justice.
He didn’t have to push too hard to find young Democrats willing to commit to the chapter.
“It’s just finding 10 people who are interested in bettering their communities,” he said.
There are 13 inaugural members in the Young Democrats chapter in Genesee County. Steffenilla wants to see chapters in all four GLOW counties. Energized chapters can make a difference for Democratic Party candidates who face an uphill battle in the counties with such big Republican advantages in enrollments, Jordan said at the forum.
Andrea Newman, a Democrat from Holley, was elected to the Holley Board of Education last year. Those elections are nonpartisan. Newman became active politically initially as part of the movement in support of Bernie Sanders’s campaign for president. She favored his position on universal health care.
She urged Democrats to discuss the core values of the party.
“If we meet face to face we can knock down the stereotypes (about Democrats),” she said.
The Young Democrats are open to people as young as 16. They aren’t able to vote until 18, but Jordan encouraged welcoming high schoolers and staying connected to young adults. If young adults are active with the Young Democrats, they are more likely to stay in the community and not move away, Jordan said.
Many young people are looking for outlets for community service and to have “a voice” in government, he said.
Joan Seamans
If 10 people knocked on 10 doors a week or 40 a month, they would reach 4,800 voters a year, Roberts said.
“It doesn’t take a lot of people to make a huge difference,” he said.
For more on the Young Democrats of NYS, click here. For more on the Orleans County Democratic Party, click here.
Four candidate hopefuls to challenge Chris Collins for the 27th Congressional seat attended the forum last week. They were invited to make brief remarks.
Joan Seamans is the owner of a photography studio in Williamsville. She said she has the determination to take on Collins, but will need the Democratic Party to rally behind her.
“I’m ready to do it,” she said. “But we know we need a team. We need an army behind us.”
Nicholas Stankevich is a Mumford businessman, who works as vice president of Marketing and Operations at Genesee Country Inn Bed and Breakfast. He also works as an advisor for businesses.
He wants to see more opportunities in the rural areas so younger adults have reasons to stay in the community. The rural communities are “hemorrhaging” population, he said.
He also supports universal healthcare. He believes it would lower costs for businesses. He wants to see government have a “people-first approach.”
Sean Bunny is a former Erie County Assistant District Attorney. He also is an Army veterans who served in Iraq.
He said the focus of a congressman should be enacting policies that make peoples’ lives better. He said Collins is focused instead on the wealthiest residents.
“We need better jobs and healthcare,” Bunny said.
Thomas P. Casey of Erie County is an environmental engineer. He said he is inspired by the surge of interest in young Americans in their government. Casey wants to see strong actions to fight global warming and protect the environment. He also supports universal healthcare.
“What do we Americans really want to be?” he said.
(Grand Island Town Supervisor Nate McMurray is also seeking Democrat support to challenge Collins. McMurray didn’t attend the forum in Albion.)
Provided photos: The cadet Winter Guard unit for Medina competes at Orchard Park on Saturday.
MEDINA – The Winter Guard season actually began in November with auditions followed by practices. This year Medina is sponsoring three guard units. The Pony Cadets, a novice class, consists of 10 new 6th graders performing “Then & Now.”
This is their first season as a member of the North East Color Guard Circuit. Their show is based on the music of two icons in the world of pop music, Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars. This group will not perform at every competition.
The Mustang Cadet WG consists of 13 students in grades 7 and 8 and this is their third year in the NECGC. Their show is “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.”
Medina’s varsity Winter Guard also competed on Saturday in Orchard Park.
The Varsity Guard consists of 16 girls in grades 9-12 who are seasoned performers. Their show, “24 Hours,” is based on what you would do if you only had 24 hours to live. The music is “Time After Time” by Cindy Lauper and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
On Saturday the Cadet and Varsity guards performed for the first time in Orchard Park. The Cadets took third place out of five competitors. Numerical scores are not given for this class. The Varsity guard is in the Scholastic A class and took first place with a score of 54.66. The next competition, where all three guard units will perform, is Feb. 10 in Batavia.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 28 January 2018 at 9:41 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Sarah Gregori and her Purple Eagle teammates will host undefeated Newfane on Tuesday in a key Niagara-Orleans League game.
Looking to stay in the thick of the title race, Albion will host front-running Newfane at 7 p.m. Tuesday in a key Niagara-Orleans League girls basketball game.
Newfane brings a perfect 8-0 N-O record into the contest while runner-up Albion is two games off the pace at 5-2. Defending champion Wilson and Akron are deadlocked for third place at 4-3. The Purple Eagles will then visit Akron on Thursday in another key game.
The Purple Eagles, which dropped a 64-43 decision earlier in the season at Newfane, have won four of five N-O contests since then including big 63-33 victory over Akron at Albion just a week ago.
The defending champion Medina boys basketball team, which is coming off a huge two road game victory week to move into a share of the N-O lead, faces a busy three game week. The Mustangs face non league road games at CSAT on Monday and against Franklinvllle on Saturday at Williamsville South on Saturday and host Roy-Hart Friday in an N-O contest.
Last week Medina posted clutch wins of 73-65 at Newfane and 71-38 at Albion to move into a tie for the N-O lead at 6-1 with Newfane.
Seeking a third straight N-O title, the Mustangs in fact are riding a four N-O game win streak, a run which has included Coach Tom Forrestel’s milestone 200th career victory.
The rematch with Roy-Hart should be an interesting one as earlier in the season the Mustangs used a huge 30-7 bird period scoring surge to turn a 32-31 halftime deficit into a 80-53 victory over the Rams at Roy-Hart.
Weekly Schedule Monday Boys Basketball: Medina at CSAT, 6 p.m. Girls Basketball: Rochester Prep at Kendall, 5:30 p.m.; Holley at Rochester Academy Charter, 6 p.m.
Tuesday Boys Basketball: Roy-Hart at Wilson, 6 p.m.; Albion at Newfane, Barker at Akron, 6:30 p.m.; Holley at Pembroke, Kendall at Notre Dame, Lyndonville at Wheatland-Chili, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball: Akron at Barker, Wilson at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.; Newfane at Albion, Medina at Grand Island, 7 p.m.
Wednesday Boys Basketball: Barker at Wilson, 6 p.m. Girls Basketball: Notre Dame at Kendall, Wheatland-Chili at Lyndonville, 7 p.m.
Thursday Boys Basketball: Elba at Lyndonville, Byron-Bergen at Holley, Wheatland-Chili at Kendall, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball: Medina at Roy-Hart, Albion at Akron, Barker at Wilson, 6:30 p.m.
Friday Boys Basketball: Roy-Hart at Medina, 6:30 p.m.; Akron at Albion, Wilson at Barker, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball: Holley at Byron-Bergen, Kendall at Wheatland-Chili, Lyndonville at Elba, 7 p.m.
Swimming: Girls N-O vs. G-R meet at Gates-Chili, 6 p.m.
Saturday Boys Basketball: Medina vs. Franklinville at Williamsvlle South, 12 p.m. Girls Basketball: Roy-Hart at Medina, 1:30 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 January 2018 at 6:11 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
CARLTON – Albion High School chorus members perform during a benefit today for Matt Grammatico and his family. Matt’s son Nate, far right, is in the chorus.
Matt, 45, is awaiting a heart and liver transplant.
Matt Grammatico greets some of the many friends and community members who attended the benefit today at the Carlton Rec Hall. The event continues until 7 p.m.
Grammatico, a former truck driver for 17 years for Nabisco in Batavia, opened his own automotive repair business in June in Hamlin.
Richard Flanagan, left, and Jacob Ettinger join other students in the music program in serving up spaghetti dinners today.
Brian Krieger, left, and Patrick Holman both volunteered to cook spaghetti. There was enough food for 1,000 dinners.
Nate Grammatico and his grandfather Mike Grammatico, a retired Albion music teacher, play their saxophones during the benefit.
There were also more than 100 gift baskets to be raffled off.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 January 2018 at 11:36 am
State Sen. Rob Ortt, left, speaks during a legislative luncheon on Friday at Tillman’s Village Inn. State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, right, was among the elected officials who spoke during the event organized by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.
GAINES – State Sen. Robert Ortt said a controversial tree-cutting plan along the Erie Canal should have included more public input.
“The officials found out after the fact,” Ortt said during a legislative luncheon on Friday.
About 85 people attended the luncheon at Tillman’s Village Inn. Ortt was among the elected officials who spoke at the meeting. One of the questions raised was the tree-cutting plan by the Canal Corp. A contractor started removing trees on canal-owned land by the towpath in October.
As the trees were cut down, opposition grew as the contractor headed east. The Canal Corp. recently announced it wouldn’t cut down more live trees in Monroe County. Residents and elected officials in Brighton, Perinton and Pittsford opposed the tree-clearing, which started in October in Medina and headed east.
Ortt faulted the Canal Corp., which operates under the New Yrk Power Authority, for not making the communities aware of the extent of the project.
The Canal Corp. had public meetings about the project, including one in Medina in September. The Canal Corp. promoted the tree-clearing as a “vegetation management plan.” Canal Corp. leaders said the tree removal is long overdue. Cutting down the trees will make the banks easier to maintain and check for leaks.
“The idea that they could d this without a sense of any kind of public pushback shows how out of touch they are,” Ortt said during Friday’s luncheon.
The Canal Corp. didn’t communicate with elected officials about the full extent of the plan, Ortt said.
“This wasn’t a legislative decision,” Ortt said. “We basically found out after the fact. It was an agency decision.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 January 2018 at 9:41 am
YATES – The Orleans County Planning Board voted in favor of revisions to the wind energy facilities law in Yates that would ban wind turbines from within 3 miles of the Lake Ontario shoreline and also require bigger property setbacks of at least a half mile. The proposed revisions also would insist turbines be quieter than the current regulations.
Taylor Quarles, project manager for Lighthouse Wind, said the changes represent “a wind energy ban” in Yates. Apex Clean Energy wants to put as many as 70 turbines in Yates and Somerset that would be about 600 feet high.
Town Supervisor Jim Simon said the proposal would keep the turbines away 3 miles from the lake and would protect homeowners from having the turbines too close.
Terry Brown, a County Planning Board member from Carlton, asked if there were any lots in Yates that would be big enough to accommodate a turbine under the proposed ordinance.
Taylor Quarles, project manager for the proposed Lighthouse Wind, said the Yates proposal represents “a wind energy ban.”
Even with the bigger setbacks, Simon said there is still land were the turbines could be located in Yates.
“There would still be locations in town (for turbines),” Simon told the County Planning Board. “We can’t ban them.”
He said the bigger setbacks will protect “non-participating land owners” and help to preserve the rural nature and character of the town.
Simon said 3-mile buffer from the shoreline follows a recommendation from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which sees the 3-mile section along the shoreline as an important flyway for birds.
But Quarles said Simon is misstating the Fish and Wildlife Service stance. That 3-mile buffer was for a project in Michigan, Quarles said.
(Somerset also is proposing a 3-mile buffer from the shoreline.)
The changes in the Yates ordinance also include:
• Reducing the allowable noise decibels to “residential receivers” from 45 during the day (7 a.m. to 8 p.m.) to 42, and from 40 at nighttime to 39 decibels. Simon said that follows recommendations from the Vermont Public Service Board for lower decibels. Simon said the turbine noise and “infrasound” can disturb sleep, causing negative health effects for people. The infrasound is a lower frequency of noise that can disrupt a person’s equilibrium, Simon said.
• The current setbacks from non-participating property lines is a minimum of 3 times the turbine height for land with houses or buildings, and 4.5 times the turbine height for vacant land. The proposed change increases the minimum setback to a half-mile (2,640 feet) or 6 times the turbine height, whichever is greater.
• The setback from roads and public right-of-ways is a minimum of 1,800 feet or 3 times the height of a turbine. Yates is proposing to increase that to a half-mile or 6 times the turbine height.
• The setback from the boundary of the Village of Lyndonville is currently 1,800 feet or 4.5 times a turbine height. Yates wants to increase that setback to a minimum of 1 mile.
• The setback from the boundaries from other towns is currently 1,800 feet or 3 times a turbine’s height. Yates is proposing a half-mile setback or 6 times a turbine’s height, whichever is greater.
• The setback from residences is currently 1,800 feet or 4.5 times a turbine height. Yates is proposing to increase that to a half-mile or 6 times a turbine’s height.
• In addition, Yates is now proposing setbacks of 1 mile from schools, churches, and cemeteries. The town law currently doesn’t include setbacks for those sites.
Paul Hendel, a County Planning Board member from Murray, said he expects Apex will legally challenge the Yates proposals. Hendel said he didn’t want to see the County Planning Board or county get pulled into a lawsuit.
“I respect every town’s right to enact local laws,” Hendel said. “But I want to protect the county and this board.”
Jim Bensley, the county’s director of Planning and Development, said the county should be immune from a lawsuit because it only issues advisory opinions.
The Planning and Development staff said research cited by Yates to back on the bigger setbacks is “credible and reliable.”
The state has created a Siting Board to review larger turbine projects. Apex hasn’t submitted a final application for Lighthouse Wind. Quarles said the company is hoping to submit a final application later this year for the project in Yates-Somerset, and also for one proposed in Barre.
The Siting Board could override the local wind energy ordinances.
“It remains to be seen whether the Article 10 siting board will respect the zoning of the communities that restrict wind developments of the scale that is being proposed,” County Planning and Development staff wrote in its review of the Yates ordinance.
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 27 January 2018 at 8:39 am
Frederick Douglass and abolitionists gave speeches in Orleans County.
“Overlooked Orleans” – Volume 4, Issue 4
As we near Black History Month in February, I was researching local African American families in Orleans County and attempting to assemble an understanding of this particular topic in local history.
Without a doubt, it is an area that requires deeper research and is indicative of larger gaps in our understanding of how history was traditionally recorded; ideas of power and disparity. I am assembling a small display of local historical photographs pertaining to African American communities in Orleans County from the 1820s through the 1920s, which will be on display at the Hoag Library in February, but I thought it pertinent to recall some early pieces of abolitionist history in our area.
In 2015, the Orleans Renaissance Group erected a historic marker in Medina to commemorate the site of an address delivered by Frederick Douglass entitled “We Are Not Yet Quite Free,” on August 3, 1869. As the marker notes, a large crowd traveled from across New York to hear the renowned abolitionist speak; the engagement was focused on celebrating the 30th anniversary of emancipation in the British West Indies.
This particular event was not the first time that Douglass spoke in Orleans County. Four years earlier on October 2, 1865, Douglass spoke at Bent’s Hall on the subject of Lincoln’s assassination and its lessons. As Douglass so eloquently spoke, “Some of our friends seem to think our emancipation complete and our claims upon them at an end. A greater mistake could hardly be made. The colored people of the United States are still the victims of special and peculiar hardships, abuses and oppressions, and we still need time, labor and favorable events to work out our perfect deliverance.”
Combing through issues of The North Star, published by Douglass in Rochester, we find that men and women traveled throughout the area lecturing on the antislavery cause. John S. Jacobs, the brother of abolitionist lecturer, reformer, and escaped slave Harriet Jacobs, visited Orleans County in March and April of 1849. Upon the completion of his lecture circuit, he addressed a lengthy letter to Frederick Douglass which appeared in The North Star on April 20, 1849. The words expressed by Jacobs reflect poorly on our area’s willingness to lend an ear to the abolitionist cause.
On March 19, 1849, Jacobs arrived at Clarendon and spoke to a small audience at the Universalist Church, followed by a visit the next day at “Southbarr,” or South Barre as we would know it. While attending a religious meeting held in the local school house, Jacobs asked the Rev. Albert H. Gaston of the Presbyterian Church if he could speak to the congregation at Barre Center. Gaston noted that a revival was taking place and that the “introduction of the subject of Slavery, Peace, Temperance, or anything calculated to draw off their minds from the importance of getting religion,” was unacceptable. Jacobs notes that a man referred to as Mr. O. T. Burns agreed with Gaston, stating that he “knew that we (abolitionists) said some hard things of slaveholders that they did not deserve; he said they were kind and hospitable.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: This historical marker in honor ofFrederick Douglass was dedicated in Medina on April 24, 2015.
Trips to Pine Hill, Oakfield, and Barre followed before a visit to Albion on March 24th. Jacobs notes that no effort was made to arrange a meeting and that the Court House was “the only public building that is not barred against the cause of the oppressed,” a building which was “newly painted.” A deacon in the Presbyterian Church attempted to arrange for use of the building for a lecture, but the Rev. William McHarg objected. The deacon in turn referred Jacobs to Eagle Harbor where he “would find friends and an antislavery church.” He spoke to a small group that had assembled for morning worship – muddy streets made it impossible to travel by foot.
This trip was followed by a stop at West Gaines and then Johnson’s Creek, where Jacobs was required to pay fifty cents to the local church for the privilege of opening the building for a lecture. Other lectures followed at Ridgeway Corners, Lyndonville, and Medina, the latter having a large gathering of pro-Zachary Taylor Whigs, much to the chagrin of the visitor. After attempts to gather a crowd at Gaines and Albion, he returned to the Methodist Church at Eagle Harbor on April 7th where he spoke to a large, disorderly crowd made up of canal boatmen “whose highest idea of manliness seemed to be disturbance.” His final stop at Holley on the 8th of April was met by a Presbyterian minister who kindly waived an evening meeting so that Jacobs would have the benefit of a full house.
He concluded the letter by writing, “At no time during my laboring in the cause as a lecturer, have I found so few friends, as on the present occasion. In some of these towns, it has been more than a year since the slaves of this land have had anyone to tell of their wrongs.”
Over the coming years, multiple visits by William J. Watkins, Charles Lenox Remond, and Frederick Douglass to communities throughout Orleans County gave rise to changing mentalities on the disease of slavery.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 January 2018 at 5:49 pm
Bernie Baldwin has been selling MetLife for 25 years
ALBION – A local insurance agent for MetLife is closing his office in Albion next week and retiring – sort of.
Bernie Baldwin has 30 years in the insurance business, including 25 years with MetLife. He started with MetLife 25 years ago out of an office on Latta Road in Rochester. The Albion resident convinced the company to open an office in Albion in 2005. Baldwin has been running that one-man office since then out of 121 North Main St.
He is retiring as an agent and closing the office next week. However, Baldwin will continue as a customer service representative for MetLife, working out of his Albion home.
Baldwin wanted to stay on and help many of his clients while the they transition to a new agent.
“The clients have been great – that’s what I’ll miss the most,” Baldwin said today.
But he said the job is demanding – “everybody needs something.”
At his Albion office, he has done it all without any coworkers. He thinks the clients liked talking directly to him, whenever they reached out to the office.
Baldwin started his career selling auto and home insurance, but expanded into life insurance, and coverage for boats and small businesses.
He used to go door to door, meeting clients in their homes and filling out applications by hand on paper. Now, much of the work is online. Some clients he’s never actually met in person. But most he knows quite well and considers friends.
Baldwin said 121 North Main has been a great spot for the business. The building is owned by the Village of Albion. He shares space with the Orleans Economic Development Agency, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern and Crossroads Abstract.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 January 2018 at 4:42 pm
MEDINA – The Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse is always looking for partners to promote prevention and education about addictions.
The agency has found a vocal advocate for education and ending the stigma of addiction in a Medina High School senior.
Cody Crane has worked with GCASA to plan a forum this Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the high school.
Cody, 18, wants the community to talk about the opioid crisis which is affecting many local families. He especially wants high schoolers to be aware of the dangers of using painkillers and other opioids, and the destructive path of addiction that can result.
Tuesday’s program is titled, “Youth unite, battle the stigma.” GCASA staff will give an overview about the epidemic from 6 to 6:30 p.m., with some information about warning signs and understanding that addiction does not discriminate.
Then there will be a panel discussion for an hour. Cody and his mother Christine are on the panel. They have seen loved ones fight addiction. GCASA staff also will be on the panel, including Kathy Hodgins, director of treatment services for GCASA; and Tracey Zakes, a prevention educator for GCASA who works out of the Medina school district. Some people in recovery may also be on the panel.
The final half hour will include training on Narcan, an antidote to someone having an overdose. Narcan can reverse the effects of an overdose and often can save lives.
Cody reached out tot GCASA for the forum. All graduating Medina seniors need to complete at least 10 hours of service with an organization as part of a community service requirement. Cody wanted a forum that would welcome teen-agers. He wants them to be aware of the dangers of the opioid crisis, which has resulted in the deaths of many young people locally and numerous overdoses.
“This is something that needs to be talked about,” he said.
Sherri Bensley, assistant director of prevention for GCASA, said she worries about opioid addictions spreading. The county has “a huge underage drinking problem” and many of those people will gravitate to opioids, she said.
More conversation in the community about the problem should encourage people to seek help, and – she hopes – not get started with using drugs and opioids.
Those struggling with addictions – and their families who often are reeling from the chaos – need support and compassion, Bensley said.
“They’re human,” she said about people fighting addictions. “Somebody loves them. These are people who need love and support.”
Collins says ‘King Cuomo’ wants to steal federal tax cuts for NY residents
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have launched a coalition to sue the federal government to challenge the new GOP tax bill that eliminates full state and local tax deductibility.
This provision effectively preempts the states’ ability to govern by reducing the ability to provide for their own citizens and unfairly targets New York and similarly situated states in violation of the Constitution, Cuomo said in a news release.
“New Yorkers will not stand idly by as the federal government fires an economic missile at the fiscal health of our state,” Governor Cuomo said. “The elimination of full state and local deductibility is a blatantly partisan and unlawful attack on New York that uses our hardworking families and tax dollars as a piggy bank to pay for tax cuts for corporations and other states. This coalition will take the federal government to court to protect our residents from this assault.”
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said the tax bill “is a clear and politically motivated punishment of blue states—like New Jersey and our neighbors—who already pay far more to the federal government than we receive.”
The new federal law disproportionally impacts the State of New York, which already sends $48 billion more each year to Washington than it receives in federal dollars—a far more extreme “balance of payments” shortfall than any other state. According to a recent report released by the State Department of Tax and Finance, the elimination of full SALT deductibility alone will cost New York an additional $14.3 billion, Cuomo said.
The elimination of full SALT deductibility also rolls back a basic foundation of federal tax law that has always allowed states to raise revenues that are not double taxed, Cuomo said.
Congressman Chris Collins, R-Clarence, sent an email to supporters after Cuomo’s announcement today. Collins criticized “King Cuomo” and welcomed campaign donations to fight the “liberal tyranny.”
“Today King Cuomo announced his plan to sue the federal government over the GOP Tax Plan,” Collins said in the email. “Instead of accepting reality, King Cuomo has decided to waste even more of our state tax dollars to steal your federal tax cuts.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 January 2018 at 10:29 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: David Snell, owner of Snell Realtors in Albion, urges the Orleans County Planning Board to support setback variances for the former Barre Grange. Without the variances, Snell said the building is unlikely to find a new use.
ALBION – The former Barre Grange doesn’t have much space for vehicles to park. That makes it difficult for the building to find a new use, even if it’s just for storage, Orleans County Panning Board members were told on Thursday.
The building at the corner of Route 98 and Maple Street in Barre is owned by the Barre Presbyterian Church. The church wants to sell the former grange, but it will be a tough sell without the variances.
The Barre ordinance requires 15 feet for side setbacks but the former grange only has 1 foot for a setback. The ordinance also requires a minimum lot width of 200 feet, but the old grange only has 53 feet.
The Orleans County Planning Board voted against the variances on Thursday in an advisory recommendation to the Town of Barre. The County Planning Board said allowing such substantial variances would undermine Barre’s zoning regulations.
Peter Snell, owner of Snell Realtors in Albion, said the board should consider the future of the building without variances.
“What’s the alternative?” Snell asked the board. “If you can’t use it, who will level it? The congregation? It would be nice instead if it was collecting taxes.”
Snell said there was a potential buyer interested in the building for storage.
The lack of a setback from the building to the property line leaves no potential for a septic system, severely limiting future options at the site. But Snell said a storage business would be ideal, not requiring septic. Snell said he thinks there is room on the site for holding tanks.
Brian Napoli, the County Planning Board chairman, said the board makes recommendations based on the town ordinances. He suggested Barre revise its ordinance for the hamlet if it wants to facilitate reuse of the former grange.
Gary Daum, another board member, said the grange is one of the few buildings left in Barre’s hamlet that hasn’t been changed over the years. He thinks it’s an important building historically for the community.
Sarah Gatti, a planner for the county, said the variances could be denied but that doesn’t seal the building’s fate. Uses for the site could still be considered on a case by case basis and the town could approve them.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 January 2018 at 9:09 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Medina Board of Education last August approved selling Towne Primary School for $900,000 to Rainbow CCX International, a company that provides educational services. The sale is expected to close soon.
MEDINA – The school district is pushing to empty the former Towne Primary School. Right now a small part of the site is used by the PTSA to store food and as a packing location for a weekend backpack program.
The PTSA fills backpacks with food for about 70 children in the school. The students receive the backpacks on Fridays to take home over the weekend.
The district might not have another location to serve as the base for the program.
“Everything seems to be maxed out,” said Mark Kruzynski, the district superintendent.
He addressed the issue during Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting.
The Board approved selling the school on Aug. 15 for $900,000 to Rainbow CCX International, a company that provides educational services. The sale is close to being final. The district’s insurance company wants the district to vacate the building so the new owner can take over the site soon.
Board members want the backpack program to continue, and want to find a spot for it.
“Let’s try because the program is very beneficial to our students,” said board member Renee Paser-Paull.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 January 2018 at 7:45 am
‘The fact that people are so generous and thoughtful has just blown me away. It is very humbling – all of the donations, prayers, phone calls and letters.’
HAMLIN – Matt Grammatico was living his dream in June when he opened his own automotive repair business in Hamlin.
Grammatico, 45, discovered a love for working on cars when he was a teen-ager. Not long after he bought his first car at age 16, he needed to replace the engine. Grammatico didn’t have the money to pay a mechanic. So he tackled the job with some help from a friend.
Grammatico is the son of retired Albion music teacher Mike Grammatico. Matt played the piano and trumpet, and sang in the choir while a student at Barker. He enjoyed music, but his deeper passion was taking apart cars and fixing them.
“I wanted to work with my hands,” he said.
Grammatico earned an associate’s degree at Alfred State College in automotive repair and worked about four years as a mechanic right out of college.
Matt Grammatico checks the engine of one of the vehicles at MPG Automotive.
Grammatico left the profession to be a truck driver for 17 years for Nabisco in Batavia. He often drove 350 miles a day and felt he was gone from home too often, typically 12 to 15 hours.
“I got tired of seeing pavement all day,” he said at his Hamlin shop on Wednesday.
Grammatico wanted to return to working on cars. Last year he was planning on building a new repair shop in Clarendon. But he saw an ad about a Hamlin business, where the owner was looking to retire. That proved a better deal for Grammatico, rather than building new and acquiring all the tools and equipment needed to run the business.
He opened MPG Automotive in June. The previous owner’s long-time mechanic stayed on and business was going well enough that Grammatico added a second employee.
“The Lord has provided in ways I cannot imagine,” Grammatico said about his automotive business.
Matt’s wife Rhonda, a long-time cafeteria aide at Albion Central School, also gave the shop a welcoming feel, from creating a snack and coffee waiting area to designing fun decorations. For example, she took old discarded tires and painted them white to look like a snowman. Many people from town have stopped by wanting their own.
By September, Grammatico felt zapped of energy. It was hard work just to breathe. He also was bloated. He went to the doctor and was diagnosed with an infection and 2 liters of infected fluid was drained from his abdomen.
He spent nine days in the hospital. At the Cleveland Clinic, doctors said if he hadn’t been treated for the infection he likely would have only lived another two to three weeks.
The doctors gave him shocking news: His liver was destroyed and his heart was weak. Grammatico was told he would need a double transplant.
“It was a complete surprise,” he said. “We never thought it would come this fast.”
Matt knew he had a heart condition, but he thought there were many years before he would have to take action.
He was born with a serious heart condition called Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome. He underwent his first operation at 6 weeks old, followed by an open-heart reconstructive surgery when he was 11. Matt also needed multiple procedures and surgeries throughout the next 30 years of his life.
Matt Grammatico is pleased with the start of his new automotive business in Hamlin. In addition to fixing cars, he has a dealer’s license and expects to start selling vehicles this year.
During one of the surgeries as a child, Matt was unknowingly given a Hepatitis C tainted blood transfusion. The virus attacked his liver, undiscovered, for more than 20 years, further complicating his health. He has been diagnosed with end-stage liver disease. Only one of the pumping chambers works with his heart, instead of the usual two chambers. Grammatico said the added work for the one chamber means his heart has the wear and tear of a much older man’s heart.
At the Cleveland Clinic doctors have approved him for the transplants. He needs a final approval from Ohio State health officials, and expects to be on the transplant list soon.
He is taking lots of medicine to help make up for his damaged liver. He still is able to run his business, although he said he has had to lean heavily on his workers. He is thankful for his two dedicated employees who keep the repair shop going if he can’t be there due to medical appointments.
Grammatico’s son Nate is active in Albion’s music and theater programs. Nate was at a campfire with his friends last fall, and shared about his dad’s health concerns. Those friends and their parents decided to put together a benefit for the Grammatico family. This Saturday there will be a spaghetti dinner with a basket raffle and auction at the Carlton Rec Hall on Route 98. The benefit will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Many of Nate’s friends will be performing throughout the event.
Grammatico said his family has been blessed by the outpouring of support.
“The fact that people are so generous and thoughtful has just blown me away,” he said. “It is very humbling – all of the donations, prayers, phone calls and letters.”
Matt and his family attend the Grace Baptist Church in Batavia, where church members have been very supportive, he said.
Matt would prefer to stay out of the spotlight. However, he is grateful for the chance to proclaim his faith during a difficult time.
“I rely on the Lord every day,” he said. “Without him I’d be a puddle on the floor. That’s not to say I don’t have bad days. We’ve seen dark days but that doesn’t mean He has left us.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: A homeowner in Kendall stacked sandbags to try to protect property from being washed away from high waters last year along Lake Ontario.
The governor and State Legislature are working to increase the funding for Lake Ontario property owners who suffered property damage from last year’s flooding.
The state last year approved $15 million to help homeowners with damaged breakwalls and houses from the rising waters and pounding waves.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced this afternoon he wants that amount increased to $50 million total.
“The months-long flooding that occurred along the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River shoreline did tremendous damage to local communities, and the impacts of this severe weather continue to be felt across the region,” Cuomo said. “To ensure all New Yorkers have the resources they need to recover and get back on their feet, I am doubling the available funding to homeowners and increasing the State’s commitment from $15 million to $30 million. Additionally, I previously advanced $5 million in funding that was finally approved by the legislature this week—bringing our total commitment to $50 million. I will continue to work with the legislature to secure additional funding for this important program and help the families along the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River shoreline build back stronger and smarter than ever before.”
The Senate majority also released a press release this afternoon, touting the $5 million it is pledging in additional state funds for the affected homeowners.
“These efforts are only the latest demonstration of the priority Senate Republicans place on providing critical relief to Lake Ontario’s flood victims,” said State Sen. Robert Ortt, R-North Tonawanda. “I am proud to be part of a conference that is committed to helping those families in need along the lake’s shoreline and mitigating the disastrous effects of plan 2014. It is imperative that we learn from this past year’s experience and implement flexible policy should Lake Ontario overflow again this year.”
