Photo by Tom Rivers: The bell tower at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Jamestown is a four-sided landmark in this Chautauqua County city. St. Luke’s was built in 1894 and was inducted in the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame on Oct. 17.

Clocks should be turned back an hour tonight. Daylight saving time technically ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday.

This will result in an hour more of daylight in the morning, but it will also get darker earlier later in the day.

AAA is advising drivers that although they can get an extra hour of sleep tonight with clocks going back an hour, the time change can cause potential distractions to their normal routine.

An earlier sunset and darkness can lead to an increase in the number of pedestrians killed or seriously injured by vehicles, AAA said.

Drivers, pedestrians, joggers, walkers and bicyclists are advised to take added safety measures so they are seen on the roads.

AAA recommends the following:

Drivers

• Always watch out for pedestrians when backing up in parking lots or driveways. Use headlights to be visible.
• Leave more following room. In the morning, when the sun is in your eyes it can be hard to see what the car ahead is doing. Use sunglasses and your sun visor.
• Be mindful of children and others who are outdoors in the afternoon and evening as it gets dark earlier.
• Pay attention and eliminate all distractions including cell phones and car clocks that are off by an hour.
• Scan the road for wild animals, mainly deer. Preliminary data indicates there were 35,481 animal-related crashes in New York in 2023 – that’s equivalent to one animal-related crash every 15 minutes, often outside of daylight hours.
• Be visible. This is especially important in dark places or poor weather. Remember to stay in well-lit areas and to wear light or reflective clothing. Never assume drivers see you just because you see them.
• Use sidewalks and pathways. If a sidewalk is not available, stay to the far side of the road and always face traffic.

Headlights

• With 50% of crashes occurring at night, drivers should check their headlights for signs of deterioration and invest in new headlights or, at a minimum, try a low-cost headlight cleaning and restoration to boost the safety of driving after dark. Headlights can show signs of deterioration after three years but most commonly by year five.
• AAA suggests drivers check their headlights for changes in appearance such as yellowing or clouding. If the bulb is difficult to see, it is time to have the lens replaced or restored as soon as possible. Replacement and restoration services are available at most repair shops.

School Safety

• Moving clocks back one hour means it will be darker in the late afternoon. It is important to remember that children will be on their way home from school during this time, so drivers must remain vigilant.
• Slow Down. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed than a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.

Daylight saving time begins on March 9, 2025

Camera was installed 2 weeks ago after 20-year absence

Provided photo from Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge: A still from the nest camera showing the female eagle in the nest just before the tree came down.

By Dick Moss, Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge board member

BASOM – The bald eagle nest that Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (FINWR) had trained its new nest camera on blew down this morning in high winds.

The old cottonwood near the Cayuga Pool that the nest was perched in came down at 5:58 a.m. It broke off near the base of the tree and was clearly hollow and rotten inside.

The female had roosted in the nest overnight and was in it when the tree blew over. There was concern about her safety until dawn broke and the camera could see both male and female perched together on a different tree branch.

Photos by Emma DeLeon: (Left) FINWR President Garner Light surveys the damage from the toppled tree. (Right) The base of the cottonwood clearly shows why it came down.

Bald eagles have nested in this same tree line for the past 25 years.

“Hopefully they build a new nest in the same tree line,” said FINWR President Garner Light.

Two weeks ago on Oct. 18, the nest camera was mounted in a different tree, so that equipment is still functional. Light said FINWR, in concert with refuge staff, the DEC and others, would determine whether the camera can be properly repositioned once the eagles build a new nest.

The tree line the cottonwood was part of has other possibilities for the pair to nest in.

“It’s such a shame that this happened right as we were getting going, but it could have been worse and hopefully both we and the eagles will move to plan B for the season!” said FINWR board member Emma DeLeon.

“Unfortunately, this kind of situation is not uncommon for nesting eagles,” DeLeon said. “The birds tend to build in large, old, trees in exposed areas, and the nests themselves can get quite heavy as the birds add sticks year after year. Luckily for our pair, there is still plenty of time to build a new nest, and many similar trees in the area to select from.”

There have been other positive signals.

“We observed a strong pair bond on camera over the past few weeks with the birds roosting together most nights and actively bringing in nest material,” she said. “We are hopeful that they will still have a successful nesting season whether we are able to catch it on camera or not.”

Press Release, Orleans County Legislature

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature will once again be taking part in Operation Green Light, a campaign designed to show support for our nation’s veterans, raise awareness of the county role in providing support and resources to veterans, and advocate for legislation that will strengthen counties’ ability to support veterans.

In honor of Operation Green Light, the dome of the courthouse will be lit green from Nov. 4 through Nov. 11.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate in Operation Green Light by placing a green light in a window of their home or business.

“This campaign began with the New York State Association of Counties and now has been adopted by our national organization with the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes, and boroughs all joining together to honor veterans,” said Lynne Johnson, chairman of the Orleans County Legislature. “By shining a green light, county governments and our residents will let veterans know how much they are appreciated and we are here to support them.”

Johnson said the Orleans County Veterans Service Office can help veterans with anything they need including filing important paperwork, fighting for benefits, securing medical appointments and finding counseling.  The office can be reached at (585) 589-3219.

County grew by 12.9 percent or by $700K to help make up for declines in first half of the year

The most recent sales tax collection update from the state comptroller shows Orleans County has the largest percentage increase among the 62 counties in the state.

Orleans grew 12.9 percent during the third quarter, or by $703,000 from $5.66 million to $6.39 million. Orleans is up while other nearby counties experienced a decrease in sales tax during the third quarter: Genesee, down 3.4%; Livingston, down 5.8%; Monroe, negative 3.0%; and Allegany, a drop of 10.2%.

Statewide, sales tax was up 1.4% during the third quarter, with New York City seeing 1.1% growth and the rest of the state up 2.5%.

The 12.9 percent growth in Orleans County is followed by the counties of Rockland (9.3 percent), Hamilton (7.4 percent) and Schenectady (6.9 percent).

The big increase in Orleans County helps make up for declines in the first two quarters of the year. Orleans in the second quarter was down 4.2 percent or about $250,000, from $5.93 million to $5.68 million. In the first quarter the county was down $300,000, from $5.69 million to $5.39 million.

The county now shows a modest growth of about $150,000 in sales tax collections for the first three quarters of the year.

The county has experienced big increases in sales in recent years, which has taken some pressure off property taxes. Orleans County’s sales tax collection went up more than $600,000 in 2023 from $22.46 million in 2022 to $23.10 million in 2022.

Sales tax is up more than $5 million in the county since 2019.

Here are the recent totals for sales tax in the county:

• $23.1 million in 2023
• $22.5 million in 2022
• $21.8 million in 2021
• $19.4 million in 2020
• $17.7 million in 2019

Press Release, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!)

KNOWLESVILLE – GO Art! is thrilled to announce an exciting new project set to transform the Genesee-Orleans region: GO BARN!

Located at the Orleans County Fairgrounds on Route 31, between Medina and Albion, GO BARN! will be a dynamic cultural community hub designed to bring arts, agricultural education, and entrepreneurial opportunities together under one roof.

GO BARN! will serve as a vibrant space for a wide range of arts and educational programs, with workshops spanning fine arts, culinary arts, horticulture, fiber arts, and more. Developed in partnership with Orleans Cornell Cooperative Extension, the facility will offer specialized programs in sustainable agriculture and fiber arts, alongside dedicated areas for performances, gallery exhibitions, community gardens, and artisan workshops. GO BARN! will be a cornerstone for local artisans, performers, and small business owners, creating opportunities for connection, learning, and economic growth in the region.

Community Backing Needed to Secure Funding

GO Art! has identified significant funding sources for GO BARN!’s construction; however, major funders want to see strong community support before committing to full project funding. To demonstrate the region’s commitment, GO Art! is launching a community campaign to raise $150,000 by Dec. 31. This initial funding will advance key programming and design stages, laying the groundwork for grant applications that will unlock the larger financial resources needed to bring GO BARN! to life.

“GO BARN! is about more than just a building—it’s about creating a shared space where our community can thrive,” said Gregory Hallock, Executive Director of GO Art!. “Every donation, no matter the size, is a show of support for our vision of a place where people of all ages can connect, create, and grow together.”

How You Can Help

Community members across Genesee and Orleans counties are invited to join this transformative effort by:

Making a Donation: Every gift, large or small, will help reach the $150,000 goal and demonstrate community backing to our funders. Donations can be made at www.goart.org.

Spreading the Word: Share the news about GO BARN! with friends, family, and neighbors.

Volunteering and Getting Involved: GO Art! is also seeking representatives from Orleans County to join its board and committees.

About GO Art!

GO Art!’s mission is to inspire a creative, inclusive community through the power of arts, culture, and traditions. GO Art! is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, culturally rich community across Genesee and Orleans counties. Through diverse programming, support for local artists, and an ongoing commitment to community engagement, GO Art! brings the transformative power of the arts to all.

Press Release, Bob Golden of Community Coalition for Justice

ALBION – Candidates across the nation are highlighting inflation as a current problem. Patrick A. Golden, who was most recently principal analyst on Consumer Affairs and Protection for the NYS Assembly and Counsel, doesn’t agree.

Patrick Golden

“Inflation has decreased significantly over the last couple of years from over 9% to around 2.5%,” Golden said during a presentation last week at Hoag Library. “With inflation approaching the Federal Reserve Board’s target rate of 2% per year, the board recently lowered the federal funds rate to 4.75-5%, which is down from 5.25-5.5%, where it had been since early 2024 after a series of rate increases in 2022 and 2023, and is expected to lower it further within the next few months.”

“As a means of stabilizing dramatically changing prices the board historically increases the rate in times of high inflation and decreases the rate when it is low and risks of high inflation have diminished,” he said.

About 30 people gathered at the Hoag Tuesday night to hear Golden, a Kendall graduate. Among them were a local grower and two adult children of major Orleans farm families and a former chairman of Orleans Legislature and other office holders.

Golden and the crowd discussed food prices. It was generally conceded that these are affected more by the high cost of fuel and transport of food (the oil industry increased their profits by 50% while most of the economy during the Covid crisis struggled to survive), food processing monopolized by three major firms, and labor shortages.

Golden brought up immigration: most of the audience and Golden agreed with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and NYS Comptroller that more immigrant workers could help to fill many labor needs, especially farming and food processing, service jobs and even the health industries.

Someone also mentioned that those of working age on refugee status should be allowed to work as soon as possible, especially at most of those previously mentioned jobs, rather than being hung-up with red-tape for months or longer without such permission.

Tariffs: Golden pointed out that “in addition to Nobel winning Joseph A. Stiglitz, joined by 15 other Nobel winning economists warning against the Trump-proposed tariffs as likely inflationary and harmful to our reputation and influence in the world, Forbes Magazine published recently that two-thirds of economists expressed that the proposed tariffs would be harmful.”

Brian Kent pointed out that the proposed tariff on aluminum didn’t make sense since the U.S. doesn’t significantly mine aluminum. Further, raising the cost of aluminum would hurt our efforts toward “energy sustainability.”  Golden agreed.

Golden specialized in sustainability and consumer protection issues and authored, co-authored, or contributed to several reports on materials reduction, recovery, and management.

Asked to talk about the environment and the economy, Golden indicated that violent weather not only causes much tragedy, but also is very costly to our economy and exacerbates our housing shortage. In casual conversation afterward, he pointed out that rising water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico, oceans, and other water bodies are estimated to be contributing to increasing intensities of tropical and other storms.

Sister Dolores Ann O’Dowd announced that the next program put on by Green Orleans Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m. will address the negative effect of plastics on the environment and economy. Sister Dolores is chair of Green Orleans and a member of the Community Coalition for Justice.

There were many handouts at the event. Contact Bob Golden at goldenjazz59@gmail.com for copies.

Patrick Golden is a graduate of St. Joseph’s School in Albion, Kendall High School, St. Bonaventure University and University at Albany in Economics. He worked for the NYS Business Council and then the NYS Assembly for 34 years. (Bob Golden is his father.)

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Ben Curfman, pastor of the North Point Chapel in Albion, was out trick-or-treating on East Park Street in Albion with five of his children and their dog, Raney.

It was about 74 degrees when this photo was taken just before 6 p.m.

Today reached a high of 78 in Buffalo, which set a new record, breaking the previous high of 73 degrees set in 1971, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

Press Release, NYS Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association

 ALBANY – The New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association, Inc. (NYSCOPBA) is calling on Governor Hochul and the State Legislature to address the escalating violence in state prisons.

Recent data indicate that both inmate-on-staff and inmate-on-inmate assaults have already exceeded 2023 levels with two months still left in the calendar year, underscoring a crisis that shows no signs of improvement.

NYSCOPBA President Chris Summers stated, “Enough is enough—our members cannot and should not be used as punching bags. NYSCOPBA members, working in the most challenging of conditions, are being assaulted at record rates, yet their health and safety continue to be disregarded by those responsible for protecting the state workforce.”

According to state data, as of October 27, assaults on staff have reached 1,736, surpassing the 1,677 reported in 2023. At this pace, assaults are likely to exceed 2,000 for the first time. Inmate-on-inmate assaults currently stand at 2,423, also outpacing last year’s total of 2,121.

Further compounding the violence are the dwindling staffing levels and rising inmate population. Since January 3, 2023, there are 1,893 fewer correction officers in state facilities, while the inmate population has increased by 2,216.

Adding to the problem, is the state’s ongoing struggle to recruit and retain officers.

“The statistics speak volumes: 2024 is set to shatter last year’s assault records,” Summers said. “At the current rate, assaults on staff are projected to increase by 24 percent, marking a 47 percent rise since 2021. Inmate-on-inmate assaults are expected to surge by 37 percent from last year and a staggering 118 percent since 2021. We have made it clear to the Governor, State Legislature, and DOCCS that this system is unsustainable, and the safety inside the facilities are being neglected by state leaders.”

Summers faulted “progressive criminal justice policies and continued appeasement of inmate advocacy groups” for the unprecedented levels of violence within the prisons.

“The state needs to make the job more attractive to prospective candidates and improve conditions for current officers, who are leaving in droves,” Summers said. “Officers are retiring early, resigning, or transferring to other agencies due to the violence and prison closures that have created undue hardships for them and their families. We have repeatedly presented the reality of the unsafe work environment facing our members, exacerbated by a weakened disciplinary system, staffing shortages, and mandatory overtime that have pushed staff to the brink. State policies have directly contributed to this current state and need to be addressed immediately.”

4 libraries seek $1 per resident or about $40K; county currently provides $10K

Photo by Tom Rivers: Emily Cebula, center, is director of the Yates Community Free Library in Lyndonville. She is joined by Amanda Anderson, left, the director of the Community Free Library in Holley, and Betty Sue Miller, director of Hoag Library in Albion. They spoke at last week’s Orleans County Legislature meeting.

ALBION – The public library directors in Orleans County are asking the County Legislature to boost the funding for the libraries from the current level of about $10,000 to $1 per person or $40,343. (The county’s population was 40,343 in the 2020 Census.)

The county was giving $29,914 to be shared among the four libraries as recently as 2002, but that dropped to $7,480 in 2003. Since then, the amount was raised to $12,587 in 2007, $13,617 in 2010, and then was cut to $10,087 in 2011. It hasn’t changed since then.

“We love our jobs,” Emily Cebula, director of the Yates Community Library in Lyndonville. “We are trusted, anchor institutions in our communities.”

She was among the presenters during last week’s Legislature meeting. Amanda Anderson, the new director at the Community Free Library in Holley, said libraries offer services to people of all ages. And they also “offer a sense of place.”

Anderson, a military spouse, said her family moved 15 times in 20 years. Libraries are a stable presence in the local communities, she said.

Betty Sue Miller, director of the Hoag Library, said the local libraries run on tight budgets, while continuing to look for ways to boost services to people throughout the community, and without seeking fees for books and other materials.

Tom Bindeman, director of the three-county Nioga Library System, also spoke and said the inter-loan program among the member libraries makes the total collection in Niagara, Orleans and Genesee counties available to all library users, allowing the libraries to offer more without spending to maintain a vast collection on their own.

There are 319,000 residents in the three counties, and Bindeman said the circulation in the Nioga system totals about 1.75 million items a year.

The Orleans County legislators are working to finalize the 2025 budget. Jack Welch, the county chief administrative officer, will file the tentative budget by Nov. 15. Then there will be a public hearing before the Legislature adopts the budget in late November or early December.

Provided photos

MEDINA – Employees at Ontario Shores federal Credit Union dressed for Halloween today, creating a jail scene.

Michelle Plummer, the branch manager, is portraying the correction officer.

The staff include Dilon Cowell, Joe Zeliff, Michelle Plummer, Bree Luckman, Traci Nugent, Sundina Johnston, Sue Schrader and Brandi Scharping.

Other businesses and organizations that dressed up today are welcome to send photos to the Orleans Hub at news@orleanshub.com.

Tops Markets in Albion staff dressed up as Darlene Bowman, Tops Customer Service Manager for 30 years. Darlene is known for her love for the Bills every Sunday dressed up head to toe in gear, her love for collecting sweatshirts from different places and dressing up. Darlene is pictured in the middle in green.

Provided photo: Chefs prepare and pour hot chocolate in preparation for a train ride on the Polar Express last Christmas season at the Medina Railroad Museum.

MEDINA – The Medina Railroad Museum is looking for male and female characters to portray chefs on the upcoming Polar Express train rides.

Duties include making and serving hot chocolate during the ride to the “North Pole” set up along the tracks between Middleport and Gasport. The positions can be paid or volunteer.

Anyone interested in participating should arrive at the Railroad Museum between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for auditions.

Polar Express rides are scheduled Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, Dec. 7 and 8, Dec. 14 and 15 and Dec. 21 and 22.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through the Medina Railroad Museum website.