Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
ALBANY – Members of the New York State Senate Republican Conference have penned a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul to raise concerns regarding the adoption and impending implementation of the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulations by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
“The ACT regulations are the latest example of a mandate that was implemented without properly considering the impacts on small businesses, in addition to the lack of adequate infrastructure to meet the intended goals,” stated Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “We have heard from many concerned businesses, and are calling on Governor Hochul to delay the implementation and form a Task Force to hear from stakeholders on a more responsible, practical solution that will work for everyone.”
The plan, first adopted in 2021 is set to take effect in 2025, would be yet another burdensome mandate on businesses in New York that would contribute to, and further dismantle, the state’s already poor business climate.
Zero-emission truck technology is still in its infancy, and the majority of these trucks currently cost three to four times the average of a diesel-powered vehicle. These increased costs will be passed on to taxpayers and consumers throughout the state. In addition, the charging infrastructure needed to power this fleet is not currently available at this time.
The letter points to legislation (S.9910, sponsored by Senator Griffo) that would delay the implementation of ACT regulations, and also requests that a Task Force be formed to conduct a cost-benefit analysis and formulate a more responsible plan, in consultation with the industry, that will both reduce emissions and limit dramatic cost increases for businesses.
“Clean air is a vital resource that our conference has long fought for and believes in protecting. However, like with all facets of governance, we must be prudent about how we achieve those goals. While this regulation is admirable in its intentions, the practical matter is that New York is not currently in a position to adopt it in a manner which is feasible and affordable,” the letter reads.
The “scene” is set for UConnectCare’s Prevention Department to “direct” local school and community projects during this month’s Red Ribbon Week, which is draping itself in the theme, “Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free.”
Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s largest and longest-running drug-use prevention campaign, will take place from Oct. 23-31. The observance has touched the lives of millions of people around the world since its inception nearly 40 years ago.
This year’s theme, “Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free,” encourages everyone to contribute to creating safe, healthy, and drug-free communities,” said Sheila Harding, UConnectCare assistant director of Prevention. “It highlights the significant impact that healthcare professionals, educators, parents, and others can have through their dedication and commitment.”
The campaign was started as a response to the 1985 murder of Drug Enforcement Agency Agent Enrique Camarena in Mexico by members of the Guadalajara drug cartel.
Angered by this terrible act, parents and youths in communities across the United States began wearing red ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs.
Today, Red Ribbon Week, which is sponsored by the National Family Partnership, serves to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.
UConnectCare Prevention educators reported that numerous schools in Genesee and Orleans counties have scheduled Red Ribbon Week activities. Furthermore, red ribbons are being placed in the City of Batavia and the cupola at the Old Courthouse will be lit up in red during that week.
“We invite you to celebrate not just this week, but to embrace healthy choices throughout the year and inspire those around you to do the same,” Harding said.
For more information about Red Ribbon Week and the substance use prevention efforts at UConnectCare, contact Harding at sharding@uconnectcare.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 October 2024 at 7:50 pm
The presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris gets nearly all the buzz and headlines in the upcoming election, but several other positions are on the ballot.
Early voting starts Oct. 26 and continues for nine days until Nov. 3. Polls will be open throughout the county on Nov. 5.
Kamala Harris and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz are on the Democratic and Working Family lines, while Trump and vice presidential candidate JD Vance are on the Republican and Conservative lines.
Other positions on the ballot include:
Federal
U.S. Senator (6-year term) – Kirsten Gillibrand (D-WF), Michael Sapraicone (R-C) and Diane Sare (LaRouche)
Representative to Congress, 24th District (2-year term) – David Wagenhauser (D) and Claudia Tenney (R, C)
State
Supreme Court Justice, 8th District (4 positions) – Henry Nowak (D, R, C, WF), Catherine Nugent-Panepinto (D, R, C, WF), Deborah Chimes (D, R, C) and Michael Norris (D, R, C)
NYS Senate, 62nd District (2-year term) – Robert Ortt (R, C)
NYS Assembly, 139th District (2-year term) – Stephen Hawley (R, C)
Orleans County
County Clerk (4-year term) – Nadine Hanlon (R)
District Attorney (4-year term) – Susan Howard (R, C)
Coroner (4-year term for 3 positions) – Rocco Sidari (R), Scott Schmidt (R) and Julie Woodworth (R)
Carlton
Town Clerk (1 year to fill vacancy) – Deborah Yockel (R)
Council Member (1 year to fill vacancy) – John L. Olles (R)
The ballot also includes the state-wide proposition number one, which adds certain protections to the State Bill of Rights, covering ethnicity, national origin,
age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy. Also
covers reproductive healthcare and autonomy.
A “YES” vote puts these protections against discrimination in the New York State
Constitution.
A “NO” vote leaves these protections out of the State Constitution.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 October 2024 at 1:54 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Gaines Basin Road bridge is shown on Sunday afternoon. The weather will warm up this weekend.
After some drizzly weather to start the week, the temperatures will be up and the sun out more this weekend.
Today and Wednesday will have highs near 48, followed by a high near 57 on Thursday in Orleans County, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
Then it will be sunny with a high of 65 on Friday, and then sunny again with a high near 69 on Saturday.
On Sunday, it will be mostly sunny with a high near 67 followed by a sunny Monday with a high near 71, according to the Weather Service.
MEDINA – Fire Prevention Week was observed October 6th through the 12th. The theme this year was “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” which strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.
At Oak Orchard Elementary School in Medina, volunteers from the fire companies in Shelby, East Shelby and Ridgeway, along with the Medina Fire Department were on hand to talk to students and do some fun and educational activities.
Shelby brought a large ladder truck, Ridgeway and Medina brought fire trucks, East Shelby brought an off-road vehicle and Medina brought a rescue boat. The students absolutely loved the spray station that was set up.
“We are so grateful for this educational opportunity for our students,” said Principal Jenn Stearns. “Medina and Shelby Fire Departments provided fire prevention tips in our classrooms for UPK and kindergarten this week as well which was wonderful. We want to thank them for the support in helping to protect and keep our families safe.”
These firefighters assist students in spraying water at a target.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 October 2024 at 8:54 am
M.A.D. Rescue first recipient of award which includes a donation
Provided photo
ALBION – The Albion Exempts are starting a new initiative to honor a local non-profit or service organization with a community service award.
The Exempts last week presented the first award to M.A.D. Rescue, which is led by Jennifer Stillwell. The organization rescues abandoned street dogs in Puerto Rico.
Pictured from left include Pete Stritzinger, president of the Exempts; Jennifer Stillwell of M.A.D. Rescue; and Dan Conrad, director of community relations for the Exempts.
The Exempts also made a $75 donation to M.A.D. The Exempts plan to pick a different organization each month with the award. The honoree also will receive a membership to the exempts.
“We are selecting a member of the community that does wonderful service in the community,” Conrad said.
The Exempts welcome new members at a $20membership. The non-profit organization has a bar and kitchen at 143 South Clinton St., where there are also pool and dart leagues.
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions held their first Oktoberfest event on Thursday night at the White Birch Golf Resort. It was a well-attended event for the Lions who raised funds for their “Pop Up Eye Clinic” coming this spring.
Organizers felt the Oktoberfest event was new and unique to their fundraising efforts and would like to see it become an annual event. The Lyndonville Lions Club would like to thank all those who supported the event and hope that everyone had an enjoyable evening.
Guests were treated to soft pretzels, schnitzel and German-style beer as they celebrated Oktoberfest. The musical entertainment was provided by the acclaimed “Frankfurters” German band from Buffalo.
The “Frankfurters” German band from Buffalo performed during the celebration.
The band did not disappoint the crowd as they played all their traditional and favorite German folk songs. Guests were treated to special presentations including a traditional Austrian Bell arrangement and several songs played on the Alpine Horn. Bells in Bavarian culture was often used to announce significant events and celebrations. They have become a tradition in German musical performances.
The Alpine Horn dates back to the 1500s and was initially used as a form of communication in Alpine valleys. It consists of a single piece of wood, hand carved, and usually several meters long. In more modern times the Alpine Horn has become a traditional musical instrument used by musical groups who perform German and Bavarian folk music. The crowd was treated to a medley of Alpine Horn music as part of the evening performance. This was a very special part of the performance and enjoyed by all.
The Lions would like to thank their corporate sponsors for supporting this event. The Genesee Brewing Company supplied the complimentary Oktoberfest beverages along with Batavia Downs and Gaming who donated several overnight stay packages and raffle items that included an autographed Thurman Thomas football.
Members of the Frankfurters perform using the Alpine Horns.
Wayne Miller supplied several handmade bird houses for the raffle and live auction, which the Lions would like to thank him for that kind gesture. A special thank you goes out to the White Birch Golf Resort staff and management. They did a spectacular job on the German-style buffet dinner and allowed the Lions to hold their event in their atrium.
The Lyndonville Lions want to thank those who came to the event to enjoy themselves and support the Lions efforts. The work carried out by Lions International and local Lions clubs around the world cannot be done without the cooperation and support of local individuals. So, thank you to all those who attended.
In closing, the Lions will be supporting upcoming events in the Yates community. November and December will see the Lions active at the Village of Lyndonville Tree Lighting Festival along with appearances at the Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringing Campaign. The Lions Club would like to wish all a safe autumn season and may God continue to bless us and this great nation we live in.
Guests are shown enjoying the first Lyndonville Lions Club Oktoberfest event.
ALBION – Muriel Anderson performed on Saturday at Hoag Library during the Hoag Library Music Series.
About 60 people attended the noon concert. The series is funded partly by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!).
Anderson plays the 20-string harp-guitar. She is the first woman to win the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship.
Anderson has released more than a dozen solo albums, instructional CDs and DVDs. Her album Heartstrings accompanied astronauts on the space shuttle Discovery.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 October 2024 at 3:30 pm
ALBION – The staff and residents of the Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center on Route 31 are welcoming the public to the nursing home Oct. 26-27 from 6 to 8 p.m. to see the “Haunted Hallway.”
A hallway will be decorated and the public can see the display with donations accepted, said Meghan Clark, activities director for The Villages.
“It is a haunted hallway, like how people go through haunted houses,” she said. “It is a decorated hallway, but we have animatronics, decorations, and even some of the residents popping out of places to scare the attendees. We, the residents and staff, just want to celebrate the holiday with a fun and possibly scary hallway.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 October 2024 at 9:26 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
GAINES – Nancy Sanger of SanGer-La Alpacas in Brockport uses spinning wheels to turn alpaca wool into yarn on Oct. 5 during an open house at the Cobblestone Museum that featured many artisans.
Sanger uses the wool to make hats and shawls.
Harold Clark of Rochester was outside the Cobblestone Universalist Church doing a chair-caning demonstration. Clark said it can take 24 hours to cane a chair using the bark of a vine from southeast Asia. The cane is very sturdy and lightweight, he said.
Larry Albanese backs up a 1922 Model T Touring that was on display in between the blacksmith shop and Vagg House.
Matt Holland, president of the Cobblestone Museum, also served as the blacksmith during the open house.
David Avery, left, of Greece and David Damico of Le Roy operated a 1929 letter press in the Print Shop.
The open house included butter making, old-fashioned games, and other live demonstrations including a saddle maker. The museum also served beef-on-weck meals.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 October 2024 at 8:36 am
ALBION – The Village of Albion is looking to spend up to $250,000 to acquire 35 acres next to Mount Albion Cemetery.
The Village Board wants to spend $7,000 per acre to Patricia Ann Nelson, which would be $245,000 total. The village also needs to pay $2,375 to Terra Pointe Land Surveying for that company’s services. The expense up to $250,000 would allow for other possible closing costs and expenses.
The village would pay for the land acquisition from its cemetery funds and wouldn’t affect the general budget. Albion has set a 6 p.m. public hearing on Oct. 23 in the Village Hall for the people to comment on using cemetery funds to expand Mount Albion by acquiring the farmland.
The cemetery opened in 1843 and has about 20,000 gravesites on about 80 acres. The cemetery does about 75 burials a year and sells about 50 to 60 gravesites annually.
The village was looking to buy 30 acres in the spring, when there was a vote by the board to pursue the land. The acquisition now will be 35 acres.
Mount Albion is on pace to run out of room in about 10-15 years for new burials, said Jason Zicari, Mount Albion’s superintendent the past 28 years.
He expects the 35 acres would be developed in phases, and may not be needed for at least a decade.
When Mount Albion was nearing capacity in 2001, it opened the new Deerfield section with about 1,200 gravesites. There are about 300 to 400 left there. Zicari also said there are undeveloped areas in the Mapleview section in the southwest corner and near the pump house in the front of the cemetery on the west side.
There are also many unclaimed graves sprinkled throughout the cemetery including in the older sections on the east side. Zicari said some families from many decades ago would buy many plots but didn’t always need all of them. Some people have preferred a plot in the older section where the spot may be high on a terrace or near a tree.
The land to be purchased is next to the southwest corner of the cemetery. Zicari said it should be fairly easy to expand, running paved paths by clearing out some of the hedges.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 October 2024 at 9:16 pm
New class of honorees to be inducted on Thursday
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame has expanded to a second wall in the council chambers of City Hall.
Some of the Hall of Fame Committee members worked on moving some of the plaques and historic photos of quarry workers to the second wall on Thursday.
Reinhard Rogowski, right, on chair and Dave Miller are both committee members working on the display on the second wall with some assistance from Barb Hancock, wife of committee member Jim Hancock.
Jim Hancock shifts some of the plaques on the main wall of the Hall of Fame to make room for the Class of 2024, which will be announced on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. during a ceremony at City Hall. 600 Main St. Takeform in Medina makes the plaques and donates them to the Hall of Fame and also to the inductees to display.
There have been 39 inductees into the Hall of Fame since the first class in 2013.
The Hall of Fame also recently added a touch-screen kiosk, featuring videos, slideshows, maps, and a comprehensive building database with photos. Much of the information on the kiosk is available of the Medina Sandstone Society website. Click here for more information.
The committee members work on rearranging the plaques on the main wall for the new class to be inducted on Thursday. Four new members will be added to the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame.
Dave Miller, Jim and Barb Hancock do the meticulous work of relocating the plaques of inductees from previous years.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 October 2024 at 1:10 pm
Mitchell has worked as local funeral director for 40 years
ALBION – As a kid, David Mitchell often joined his father Rho at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes in Holley and Albion.
David would mow the lawn, washed cars and helped around the funeral homes. He grew up thinking he would pursue a career as a police officer. Mitchell thought that job was a great way to serve the community and help people.
But he realized following his father as a funeral director also met that goal of service. Mitchell was 21 and was doing a residency in Rochester to become a funeral director. Mitchell said he has always preferred to be a person in the background, making sure everything is in order and tended to, while also making sure a family’s needs are being met.
He was at a service when a family went out of their way to thank you for his attention to all the details.
“That was a moment when the light bulb went off, and confirmed that I do want to do this,” Mitchell during an interview last week in Albion.
He joined his father in 1984 at Christopher Mitchell, and has upgraded both the Albion and Holley sites. David’s son Josh joined the business in 2012, making it three generations of Mitchells in the funeral service.
David Mitchell was honored in November 2018 by the Cobblestone Museum with “The Pullman Award” in appreciation of Mitchell donating a couch made by George Pullman in the 1850s. Mitchell acquired the couch when he purchased the Merrill-Grinnell Funeral Home in Albion. Mitchell wanted the couch to stay in the community and be displayed for the public to enjoy. George Pullman was a furniture manufacturer in Albion before he moved to Chicago and developed the Pullman’s Palace Cars for the railroad industry.
Christopher Mitchell in recent years has expanded and acquired funeral homes in Middleport (Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home) and Gasport (Sherrie Bream & Kenneth H. Sherrie Funeral Home). Last year Mitchell announced a partnership with Cooper Funeral Homes in Medina, with Cooper owner Jake Hebdon becoming a part owner with Christopher Mitchell.
Hebdon joins Josh Mitchell in ensuring local ownership and leadership of the funeral homes for many years to come. The business has been rebranded as Mitchell Family Cremations & Funerals.
David isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon. He remains the full-time leader of Christopher Mitchell. The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce will honor him with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” on Oct. 17 during the annual Chamber awards banquet.
Mitchell said he appreciates the award, and is grateful for a long career in his home community, working with so many families.
“Ninety-nine percent of this job is dealing with the living,” Mitchell said. “You treat them with the utmost respect and care. You treat each family the best you can as if they are your own.”
When he started in 1984, Christopher Mitchell was doing about 90 funerals a year. That is now about 400 a year at the five funeral homes.
Christopher Mitchell has eight full-time employees who Mitchell said are instrumental in the business’s success. He noted Paula Fuller has worked as funeral director with Christopher Mitchell for 30 years, and Scott Schmidt has been there for 26 years. Mitchell also said the late Lee Minier was a big contributor to Christopher Mitchell, helping it grow during his tenure from 1992 to 2007.
David’s father Rho passed away in 2015, and he was active in many community organizations. David has followed his father’s example serving with the Albion Lions Club, Holley Rotary Club and on the boards for several organizations. Christopher Mitchell also donates and sponsors numerous events and causes in the community.
‘The community has been good to us and I’d like to believe we’re good to the community,” Mitchell said.
Christopher Mitchell recently was recognized for the ninth year in a row with the National Funeral Directors Association Pursuit of Excellence Award, which is given to funeral homes that deliver extraordinary service while adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards. Mitchell said the recognition goes to the top 1 percent funeral homes out of more than 11,000.
Christopher Mitchell values traditional funeral services, and also embrace modern technology to serve families, including video tributes, live-streaming services, and jewelry or other mementos with fingerprints of loved ones.
“We’re always out trying to learn new ideas and techniques,” David Mitchell said. “It’s all about connecting with the families.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 October 2024 at 11:59 am
Photo and information form Medina Mustang Boosters
VICTOR – The Medina Mustang Marching Band competed on Saturday for the fifth time this season in Victor, where 13 bands performed in 6 classifications.
In SS1, East Irondequoit earned 1st place with a score of 86.35 and Medina in 2nd place at 81.60. Medina’s next competition is Oct.19 at Orchard Park and the championships are Oct. 27.
