Press Release, Orleans County Mental Health Department
ALBION – The month of May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month and the Orleans County Department of Mental Health is taking the opportunity to work with their local, regional, and national partners to promote the many mental services available to residents.
“It is important that we are always talking about mental health and the services and supports available, as it is an effort to reduce stigma and reinforce the importance of reaching out for help for anyone who is experiencing a mental health challenge or are in emotional distress,” said Danielle Figura, director of Orleans County Mental Health & Community Services. “Through efforts like Mental Health Awareness Month, I believe we have made tremendous progress on how the public views mental health, although we recognize we still have a lot of work to do.”
Figura said drawing attention to mental health awareness begins with promoting the county’s Care and Crisis Helpline. Those in crisis should call the helpline at (585) 283-5200. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
“The helpline is there when people feel they have nowhere else to turn, whether its depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma or any other need that may be interfering with emotional wellbeing,” said Figura. “We want the people to know they are not alone.”
Figura said locally in Orleans County, there are many mental health supports and resources available to the residents of Orleans County. “These programs and services exist to support individuals and their families so if you feel you or someone you know may need assistance, please take advantage of them.”
New York State Office of Mental Health Licensed Article 31 Outpatient Clinic Treatment Programs offering individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy and psychiatric services (to include psychiatric evaluation, psychiatric monitoring, and pharmacology). Open access hours for new clients are Monday to Friday at 12:30 p.m.
New York State Office of Mental Health Licensed Article 31 Outpatient Clinic Satellite Sites at UConnect Care (formerly GCASA) and Orleans County School Districts offering individual therapy at those host locations.
Health Home Care Management Programs serving both youths and adults. A program under New York State Department of Health, which looks to connect individuals to additional supports and resources to promote overall physical and emotional health wellness.
Crisis Supports & Resources
Spectrum Health CARES Team – Mobile Crisis Team Available Evenings, Weekends, Holidays for over the phone support, and in home assessments. Serving both adults and youth. Requests for the CARES Team can be made by contacting the Care & Crisis Helpline at (585) 283-5200 or contacting the Orleans County Sheriffs Dispatch.
Rochester Psychiatric Center MIT Team (mobile integration team) – Serves Adults only and is available Monday – Friday during business hours. Providing in home, community based assessments, outreach and engagement efforts.Requests for the RPC MIT Team can be made through the Care & Crisis Helpline at (585) 283-5200.
“988” National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or Text 988, Connect via chat at 988Lifeline.org or visit 988Lifeline.org for more resources.
Additional Programs & Resources
Mental Health Association of Genesee & Orleans Counties. Serving adults in Orleans County, through programs to include the Warm Line, Transportation, and Drop-In-Center. Click here for more information.
Oak Orchard Health. Click here for more information.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on Wednesday held a virtual press conference to announce her push to provide a boost in federal funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP) in the FY25 appropriations bill.
The AFGP provides funding for local fire departments to purchase equipment and emergency vehicles and address staffing shortages. As many fire departments across New York State continue to rely on outdated equipment and struggle with staffing shortages, Gillibrand is pushing for additional federal funding for the AFGP to ensure firefighters have what they need to stay safe as they protect their communities.
“Fire departments across our state are operating with outdated fire trucks and protective gear, and replacing it can cost millions of dollars that many of them just don’t have,” Gillibrand said. “This year, I’m calling for increased funding to address nationwide need. Firefighters put their lives on the line for us, and we owe it to them to provide the resources they need to do their jobs.”
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program offers multiple types of grants, including Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG), which help fire departments acquire new emergency vehicles, protective gear, and equipment, and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER), which help fire departments hire and retain trained firefighters to meet industry minimum standards and ensure 24-hour staffing. Last year, Gillibrand helped secure over 200 AFG and SAFER grants totaling nearly $50 million for fire departments across New York State.
Gillibrand sent the following letter to Senate appropriators:
“Dear Chair Murray, Vice Chair Collins, Chair Murphy, and Ranking Member Britt:
“As you begin crafting the fiscal year (FY) 2025 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations bill, we urge that you include increased funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program. We appreciate the committee’s previous strong support of these vital programs, but were concerned to see the cuts levied against these vital programs in Fiscal Year 2024, as they make important investments in public safety in states and local jurisdictions throughout the country.
“The AFG Program has strengthened public safety by providing much needed funding for infrared cameras, personal protective gear, hazmat detection devices, improved breathing apparatuses, interoperable communications systems, and much more. This equipment is critical to ensuring the safety of firefighters as they respond to emergencies and protect our communities. The cost of this equipment, however, continues to increase year after year, and demand for the AFG Program continues to significantly outpace available funding.
“Similarly, the SAFER Grant Program provides much-needed funding for career and volunteer fire departments to hire, recruit, and retain firefighters. This program is critical because more than half of all career and volunteer fire departments in our nation do not have sufficient personnel to protect the public effectively. In order to bring our nation’s fire departments to the staffing levels needed to serve their communities and respond to emergencies, the SAFER Grant Program must be adequately funded.
“The AFG and SAFER Programs are vital to firefighters across the country, and yet, the programs face a statutory sunset date of September 30, 2024. We urge Congress to pass the Fire Grants and Safety Act (S. 870) to reauthorize these essential programs. Should the Fire Grants and Safety Act not be enacted prior to your drafting of the Homeland Security appropriations bill, we request that you include language to extend the sunset of AFG and SAFER for one year, until September 30, 2025.
“We have an obligation to protect those who protect us by providing them with the necessary resources to perform their jobs as safely and effectively as possible. We urge you to help Congress meet that obligation by accounting for the increased needs of firefighters nationwide and providing increased funding for the AFG and SAFER programs in FY 2025. Thank you for your consideration of this request and your ongoing commitment to our nation’s firefighters.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 May 2024 at 7:56 am
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health is joining hospitals throughout the country in celebrating National Hospital Week May 12 to 18.
In observance of the week, everyone throughout their facility will be recognized, including the more than 300-person team within Orleans Community Health and the positive impact they have on the larger community.
“Whether you’re at Medina Memorial Hospital, the Albion Healthcare Center, either of our dialysis centers or the Middleport lab, you matter to us and the entire community,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health.
The week of events includes several internal functions, including several team members for their years of service and a community-wide Vendor Fair and Farmers’ Market on Friday.
The Vendor Fair, hosted by the Employees in Action Committee, will take place in the parking lot between Maintenance and the Business Office, and the public is encouraged to stop and check it out.
Vendors include Mr. Pix popcorn (kettle corn), Human Farms (plants and flowers), Red Check (handmade/refurbished décor), Melissa Clark (roses), Tupperware by Judy Szulis, Niagara Farmhouse Finds (handmade rustic décor), The Bird Nest (bakery), Blue Groove (coffee truck), The Uniform Outlet (scrubs/accessories), John Roberts (garlic and veggies), Crafty Corner (handmade bracelets), Caitlyn Allen (handmade jewelry), North Wing Resident counsel (baked goods) and Sally’s Costume Designs (vinyl designs).
The Vendor Fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday.
“Hospital Week is truly an opportunity to highlight everyone on our team,” said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing for Orleans Community Health. “Whether it’s the first person you see while going through admissions or the nurse who cares for you in subacute rehab, our team works collectively to make sure the care you receive is unmatched.”
MEDINA – Students in Ron Jackson’s and Shannon Rutty’s Welding Program at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center recently worked on an interesting project with the Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Association.
The juniors and seniors both worked on constructing a fish pen for the Eighteen Mile Creek Pen Rearing Project. The association’s pen-rearing program started in 2004 with the help of the Niagara River Anglers Association and New York Department of Environmental Conservation.
The original plan was to allow fish to acclimate to Eighteen Mile Creek in Olcott and “imprint” to the tributary so that at the end of their life cycle they would return and spawn. DEC studies have shown that pen reared fish have a 2-to-1 better survival rate over direct stocked fish. Thus, resulting in increased return to Eighteen Mile Creek and surrounding tributaries creating a year-round Chinook “King” Salmon fishery for both lake and tributary anglers, bolstering the economy of Niagara County and its lakeside villages.
Through the years, the project has grown from two pens and 20,000 fish to nine pens and 153,000 Chinook Salmon and steelhead trout. The original pens have been degrading over time and they needed to be replaced.
The Welding classes’ all-aluminum pen will replace one of the degraded galvanized steel pens allowing this program to continue for many years to come.
“The students in the Welding program did an exceptional professional job assembling and welding the pen,” says Alan Sauerland, the Vice President of LOTSA. “The craftsmanship and attention to detail that Mr. Jackson and Mr. Rutty have taught their students can be seen in every aspect of this pen. “The Orleans/Niagara BOCES has a top-notch Welding Department and should be proud of the students that they are preparing for the trade.”
Mr. Jackson said that he and Mr. Rutty appreciate LOTSA giving their students this opportunity.
“It was a great way for the students to show what they are capable of,” Jackson said. “We are very appreciative when the public bring projects in for the students to design, fabricate and reverse engineer or repair. The experience is unreplaceable.”
Phil Berry of Medina bringing his love for Lindy Hop to big screen
Press Release, JITTERBUG movie (Produced by Phil Berry of Medina)
Photo of Shayla Racquel by Chuck Marcus.
MEDINA – Shayla Racquel, director of a 2021 John Singleton EmbRACE Initiative winning project, has signed on to direct JITTERBUG, the Lindy Hop and Hip-Hop dance independent feature film produced by SoftCloud Films and shooting this summer in Sweden.
Former Boston Celtics legend Danny Ainge, now CEO of Basketball Operations for the Utah Jazz, is an executive producer and investor in the film.
“We’re thrilled to have Shayla direct JITTERBUG,” says producer Phil Berry. “She brings enthusiasm and energy as well as a thoughtful, candid approach to her productions, and her body of work is stellar. She’s exactly what this project needs.”
JITTERBUG is a contemporary coming-of-age story and an homage to Black dance heritage, specifically Lindy Hop swing dancing. It’s the story of Izzy, a Black teen girl who travels to a Lindy Hop swing dance / Hip-Hop dance camp in Sweden and finds new confidence through dance, a deeper connection to her Black heritage through learning Lindy’s history, and a bit of summer romance in the land of the midnight sun.
“JITTERBUG was a no-brainer for me,” Racquel said. “It checked all the boxes. A coming-of-age story. A Black girl protagonist. All the chaotic energy that comes with her teenage angst and her growing relationships with her parents, her friends, and her new love. It’s a story of self-discovery, and Lindy Hop, such a crucial part of Black American history, helps her to not only discover herself but also discover her cultural identity. I read the script and thought, ‘Ab-so-lutely.’”
Writer and producer Phil Berry, an avid swing dancer, first conceived of JITTERBUG after a 2022 visit to the Herräng Dance Camp in Herräng, Sweden, about 70 miles north of Stockholm on the Gulf of Bothnia, where a well-established Swing Teens program has been operating for over 20 years.
“As soon as I saw all those teens dancing with so much skill, and so much joy, I knew this needed to be a movie,” Berry said.
He started writing the script on the plane ride home.
Berry’s vision for the film is a “rich, joyful tapestry of sound and movement,” he explained. “I hope kids will relate to Izzy’s journey of finding herself through dance.”
Racquel agreed.
“I want this to be an immersive experience,” she said. “Swing dance is so powerful, so lively and energetic, and I want the audience to feel how lively and energetic it is, through color palettes, through camera movements. I’m excited to work with the cinematographer to create innovative shots. We want the camera to dance so the audience feels like they’re dancing too. I want the viewer to feel all those teenage feelings of falling in love, and of feeling like you don’t belong. Everyone’s felt that way, and has hopefully felt someone put their arms around them to reassure them. I want JITTERBUG to feel like a warm embrace.”
JITTERBUG also stars Chester Whitmore, a living Lindy Hop legend and beloved figure in the international Lindy Hop and vernacular jazz dance scene who has performed with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Count Basie Orchestra, and Miles Davis. His choreography and dancing have been on display in projects such as videos by Madonna (“Vogue”), Michael Jackson (“Smooth Criminal”), and the Oscar-winning La La Land.
Casting for the production is ongoing and is managed by Pemrick Fronk Casting. New York Times Bestselling author Julie Berry is an executive producer on the project. Danny and Michelle Ainge are executive producers and key investors in the film.
Racquel was a 2023 finalist for Shonda Rhimes’s Shondaland / Seriesfest Women’s Directing Mentorship. Her award-winning film, The Lifted, was acquired by AMC ALLBLK. Her film Riverment was acquired by Comcast Xfinity after winning a Student Emmy from the Capital Emmy chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Shayla was the lead director of two premiere shows for Keke Palmer’s KeyTV Network.
She’s been featured by the Washington Post & VIBE Magazine and was named one of OkayPlayer’s Up-And-Coming Directors That Should Be On Your Radar in 2021. She was a finalist for the National Black Arts Foundation’s Horizon Grant for Emerging Black Artists in 2023. Originally hailing from Columbia, South Carolina, Shayla now makes her home in Atlanta, Georgia. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Florida A&M in Tallahassee and an MFA in film from American University in Washington DC.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
ALBANY – The State Senate and Assembly Republican Conferences today announced the introduction of several pieces of legislation aimed to curb the dramatic increase of antisemitism on college campuses throughout New York State.
At the “Hate Has Consequences” press conference held at the New York State Capitol, legislators outlined new bills to help combat the rise in antisemitism in New York State schools, including proposals that would:
prohibit state funding for any degree-granting institution of higher education if they permit certain pro-terrorist groups on campus, and any group or organization on such campuses that engage in or promote terrorist activities (S.9193, Senator Rhoads);
establish new crimes of deceptive wearing of a mask, and aggravated assault while wearing a mask, a class B misdemeanor and class A misdemeanor, respectively (S.9194, Senator Rhoads); and
prohibit state funding for any college where a member of such college’s instructional staff directly or indirectly promotes, encourages, advocates or engages in any activity on campus in support of a terrorist organization (to be introduced, Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick).
“Amidst a dramatic rise in antisemitism, and the increase of hateful speech and rhetoric on college campuses here in New York and throughout the nation, it is imperative that the Legislature act to protect Jewish New Yorkers. This is the single most pressing issue we are faced with, and I’m disappointed in the lack of action by New York Democrats. I commend my colleagues in the Senate and Assembly Republican conferences for their work and continuing to bring attention to the need for the Legislature to act,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.
The bills introduced are the latest in a series of legislative proposals first unveiled in a report by the Senate Republican Working Group on Antisemitism and members of the Senate Republican Conference to address the dramatic increase in antisemitic incidents in the wake of the horrific Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel on Oct. 7.
Press Release, Genesee County Economic Development Center
Photo by Tom Rivers: Mark Masse speaks during a public hearing last July about the STAMP site in the Town of Alabama.
BATAVIA – The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors has selected Mark Masse, the GCEDC’s Senior Vice President of Operations, as the organization’s next President and CEO.
The appointment was unanimously approved at the GCEDC’s May 2 board meeting. Masse will succeed Steve Hyde, who announced in April that he is retiring after over 21 years and over 500 projects during his tenure as President and CEO, on Aug. 1.
“Mark’s leadership alongside Steve has produced a period of unprecedented investment and growth, and he was the clear choice to lead the GCEDC into the future,” said GCEDC Board Chair Pete Zeliff. “We are impressed in Mark’s capability to both guide a seamless transition as we accomplish the projects currently under development and to pursue a vision for the future growth of Genesee County.”
Since joining the GCEDC in 2010, Masse has provided leadership and direct project management, working with the organization’s civil engineering firm and finance staff, leading the way in the development, infrastructure deployment, financing, and management of the organization’s portfolio of real estate assets.
He has been responsible for the permitting, engineering, and infrastructure deployment at the STAMP mega-site in the Town of Alabama, including projects that are investing $1 billion between the renewables manufacturing and semiconductor industries; and a 600-megawatt 345kV-to-115kV substation.
“Mark is more than ready to take the reins of leadership at the GCEDC,” said Hyde. “As he has demonstrated with developments large and small, Mark has the talent, experience, and readiness to lead our organization during a critical time. Private and public investment are at an all-time high as the GCEDC, Genesee County and New York State build a semiconductor and advanced manufacturing economy.”
Masse is a graduate of Nazareth University of Rochester with a degree in accounting, and is a certified public accountant licensed in New York State with 15 years of experience at Freed, Maxick & Battaglia prior to his tenure at the GCEDC. He is a 2002 graduate of the Leadership Genesee program as well as a 2012 Buffalo Business First Forty Under Forty award winner.
Masse has also served on the Economic Development Committee and the Public Market Committee for the Downtown Business Improvement District in Batavia, as well as serving as a Board Member for the Batavia Development Corporation.
“I want to thank the board for this opportunity, and I look forward to continuing the historic economic development advancements made by Genesee County under Steve with the support of the members of the GCEDC team,” Masse said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 May 2024 at 8:37 am
Tim LaLonde thankful for best outcome in emergency
This screenshot from The Today Show that aired last Friday shows Albion native Tim LaLonde meeting Marine Corps General Eric Smith and his wife Trish.
It’s been a whirlwind the past week for Tim LaLonde, an Albion native who said he much prefers to be in the background and out of the limelight.
But LaLonde has been highlighted in The Washington Post, The Today Show and was a featured guest at a Marine Corps celebration and parade in Washington, D.C. last weekend.
On Oct. 29, LaLonde saved the life of Marine Corps General Eric Smith. The general was out for a 3-mile run around Washington when he collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. LaLonde did CPR for nearly 10 minutes and kept the general alive until EMTs arrived. The general has made a full recovery.
LaLonde last week met the general for the first time since Oct. 29, and received a deep appreciation from the general’s wife, two children and so many in the Marine Corps.
“Everyone I met in his close family was extremely gracious, they were very thankful,” LaLonde said by phone Tuesday evening. “They are nice people.”
The soldiers under the general’s command told LaLonde how grateful they were he was able to come to Smith’s aid.
“It was nonstop that for two whole days,” LaLonde said about all the warm greetings. “Every person I ran into had an amazing story about the guy. I was getting overwhelmed.”
LaLonde, 33, was in Washington on Oct. 29 for the Marine Corps Marathon. He trained for many months for the ultra marathon, a 50-kilometer or 31.1-mile route that took him over five hours on a warm day.
General Smith was at the finishing line that day, congratulating many of the runners, including his wife Trish who also did the ultra.
LaLonde embraces the challenge of a long distance. He has done marathons before. On Oct. 29, he did the race with his sister Joyce LaLonde, who lives in D.C.
After the marathon, they had a late lunch with many family members to celebrate. While walking back to Joyce’s residence, they saw a man collapsed on the sidewalk.
Tim LaLonde is shown by The Today Show at the sidewalk where he found General Eric Smith unconscious and in need of CPR.
Tim LaLonde works as an environmental Health and safety professional for a manufacturing company in Seattle, Wash. He has been certified in CPR since he was 18. He has been a CPR instructor since he was 25 and has taught hundreds of people to do CPR and to use an AED. But he never used CPR in an emergency until Oct. 29.
Joyce first saw the man who was down, with blood coming out of his mouth and told her family the man needed help.
Tim sized up the situation and directed his father Steve to help position the general so Tim could do CPR. Joyce called 911 and her husband Nate Birnbaum took off to a police station get aid for Smith.
Tim for about nine minutes did chest compressions and provided air for Smith.
The EMTs took over, and the LaLonde family went back to Joyce’s residence, unsure of who the man was or how he was doing.
Later that night they were called by the military, seeking information about the incident. But LaLonde said it was only through a press release in the military when they realized the man on the sidewalk was the top general for the Marine Corps.
He followed updates from the Marine Corps and could see Smith made a full recovery and was back at full strength about four months after the incident. For LaLonde, that news brought closure. He never expected to meet the general again.
“I was already content,” LaLonde said when he knew the general had fully recovered and that LaLonde’s training made a difference. “We know what we did mattered and worked. I wasn’t expecting or even hoping for a meeting with the general. But it was awesome to be able to meet him.”
The general and his wife wanted to thank the group that saved his life, and also highlight the importance of civilians knowing CPR.
LaLonde said he did what he was trained to do. He is more impressed his family sprung into action, made decisive decisions and stayed calm.
“The big thing for me is I’m trained to do it,” LaLonde said. “My dad, sister and brother-in-law all handled themselves as best as could be expected. I’m proud of how they handled themselves.”
LaLonde said he has received many messages since the story came out last Friday, with many people saying he inspired them to learn CPR.
Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday announced the formation of the New York State 250th Commemoration Commission to recognize the anniversary of the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
The first meeting of the Commission will convene from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today at the Huxley Theater in the New York State Museum in Albany.
“New York State played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, and we look forward to welcoming people from all over the world to join us in commemorating the 250th anniversary in 2026,” Governor Hochul said. “The commemoration will not only celebrate the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence, but will also emphasize New York’s ongoing effort to achieve our nation’s founding principles of representative democracy with equal participation and rights for all.”
Randy Simons, Commissioner Pro Tempore of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and Dr. Betty A. Rosa, Commissioner of Education, will co-chair the Commission.
In its first year, the Commission will advise on the development of a multifaceted commemoration to support New York’s heritage organizations to plan and support programming and exhibits, coordinate New York State learning standards; encourage and promote heritage tourism; advance scholarship surrounding the history and values of the American Revolution; and ignite public interest in the history of New York State and the United States.
The commemoration will extend beyond the period of American Revolution and the formation of the United States to ongoing efforts to reach the goals expressed by the nation’s founders. New York has been a significant force in those movements, including such iconic, historic stories as serving as the routes for the Underground Railroad, the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, the labor movement, and the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
State Department of Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “This very important chapter of New York’s early history is imperative to share, as New York was at the center of political decisions that influenced the outcome of the Revolutionary War and helped shape the United States. When our students have opportunities to explore and learn about the significant historical events of the past, they are able to gain invaluable insights into the present, fostering critical thinking, empathy, and informed decision-making. We are honored to be able to collaborate with our partner agencies on this Commission and look forward to igniting an excitement for lifelong learning through historical education as we celebrate 250 years of democracy, freedom, and independence.”
BATAVIA – Ashley Bringenberg, owner of Ashley Bringenberg Photography, just wrapped up Pooch Playoffs 2024 with a $5,000 check to WNY Heroes’ Pawsitive for Heroes program.
Pooch Playoffs is a bracket style portrait competition for local pups to raise money for charity and have a barking good time!
Entrants paid $125 to participate and received a custom portrait session, commemorative photo keychain and sWag bag of goodies. Local businesses also jumped in to help with sponsorships in order to allow all $125 of each entry fee to go toward the donation as well as adding $1,000 to the donation check.
“Meeting my $5,000 fundraising goal this year was non-negotiable,” said Bringenberg, a resident of Barre with a studio in Batavia. “Last year we raised $1,584, and that was wonderful, but this year, I really had it on my heart to sponsor a service dog for a local veteran.
“I see how these dogs change the lives of so many local heroes and I wanted us to be a small part of that amazing gift. I felt incredibly motivated to reach that goal, knowing that $5,000 would allow us to cover the cost to train one service dog start to finish. I am so very grateful for all of the participants and sponsors who made it possible”
This year’s competition was held March 19-30 with 32 dogs competing for prizes from local businesses and the title of WNY’s Cutest Canine. Each round, dogs were placed in pairs and faced off in an online vote. Our 2024 winner, Nikki, was voted through each round and was crowned the Ulti-mutt Cutie of WNY.
Contact Ashley Bringenberg if you are interested in participating in and/or sponsoring Pooch Playoffs 2025. Her email address is hello@ashleybringenberg.com.
Ashley Bringenberg, left, owner of Ashley Bringenberg Photography presents a ceremonial check for $5,000 to the WNY Heroes’ Pawsitive for Heroes program.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 May 2024 at 6:00 am
ALBION – A program of World Life Institute to educate the public on nuclear energy will continue with a presentation at 7 p.m. June 5 at Hoag Library focusing on “Fukushima and Biological Effects of Radiation.”
Global Nuclear Awareness is a program of World Life Institute, founded in 1986 by the late Dr. Asaf Durakovic, MD, PhD, DVM, MSc and colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. Durakovic was the author of more than 225 scientific publications in recognized international journals focusing on the biological effects of ionizing radiation.
“As a medical doctor, Dr. Durakovic realized not only the medical effects, but the biological hazards of radiation,” said Samiah Ghani, a volunteer with World Life Institute, who has been involved with the nuclear awareness program since it was started.
In addition to presentations at Hoag Library, World Life Institute has held webinars and in-person training on the subject of radiation, Ghani said.
The awareness program June 5 will feature presentations by Stella Gresham, a member of the steering committee for Global Nuclear Awareness, titled “Fukushima: What’s the Fuss About?” and Tedd Weyman, deputy director of the Uranium Medical Research Center in New York and Toronto, discussing “Surrounded: Military and Industrial Nuclear Technology in Space.”
Redfield-Shakoor worked closely with Durakovic to coordinate the accredited Radiation Emergency Management program for medical professionals and emergency personnel sponsored by Brockport State College and the U.S. Veterans Administration.
Weymann has 35 years’ experience in his field as a consultant in organization behavior, emergency management and planning, integrated municipal emergency services, training and community capacity building and public policy. He is a senior lecturer for Global Nuclear Awareness and conducts presentations, certificate program classes and educational consulting to local and international audiences, including undergraduate students, the public and “nuclear communities” on issues of nuclear war and deterrence, nuclear reactor accidents, radiation risks, contamination and health effects.
The program June 5 is free and light refreshments will be served.
MEDINA – The Medina Police Department, with the assistance of the Medina Police Advisory National Night Out Sub-Committee, are collaborating again for this year’s Orleans County National Night Out.
We are proud to give an update on this year’s event that will take place on Tuesday, August 6, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Medina Clifford H. Wise Intermediate School, 1016 Gwinn St.
National Night Out started in the 1980s as a way to bring law enforcement and citizens together nationwide on the same night each year. We have expanded on that principal and put together an event that focuses on bringing many agencies and organizations together for the annual National Night Out date each year.
Participants in this event will include law enforcement from throughout the county, fire agencies, EMS responders, civic organizations and other groups that will be providing activities and giveaways. Some of the big hits from past events have been the Battle of the Belts, K-9 demonstrations and the bike rodeo.
Our mission is simple: to offer a free event where families can come and have fun in an in an environment that is free of violence, alcohol, tobacco and drugs. We hope citizens can meet members of our local organizations and get to know the services they provide to our community.
We are currently in the process of reaching out to many local organizations to coordinate participation. It is the efforts, participation, and donations of these local organizations and businesses that make National Night Out possible. These sponsoring organizations will be highlighted throughout our event.
Registration and donation information is being distributed through mail, email, and social media. For more information you may contact either Heather Jackson – Committee Chairperson, at NNOOrleans@gmail.com or Medina Police Chief Todd Draper at tdraper@villagemedina.org.
ALBION – The Albion Police Department announced today it arrested a 32-year-old, Ghislaine Pena of the Town of Barre in regards to stolen credit card information.
Ghislaine Pena
Pena was allegedly purchasing credit card information online and then using the stolen credit card information to make purchases over the internet.
The Albion Police Department was advised after several credit card transactions were found to be fraudulent at Mark’s Pizzeria in Albion. Subsequently the Albion Police Department, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force conducted a search warrant at 102 Rice Road in the Town of Barre.
Pena on March 3 was charged with the following:
1 Count of Scheme to Defraud 1st – Class E Felony
20 Counts of Grand Larceny 4th of a Credit Card – Class E Felony
1 Count of Grand Larceny 4th – Class E Felony
20 Counts of Criminal Impersonation – Class A Misdemeanor
Pena was subsequently transported to the Albion Police Department for processing and released on an appearance ticket. The Albion Police Department was assisted by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 May 2024 at 12:06 pm
LYNDONVILLE – The school district is proposing a $17,664,583 budget for the 2024-25 school year that increases spending 4.3 percent.
The budget would raise taxes by 1 percent or by $46,649 to $4,711,576.
District Superintendent Sharon Smith said the budget keeps robust academic and extracurricular programs for students. She noted AP and college classes are available at no charge to students, while music, the arts and athletics remain a priority.
“This budget allows for continuation of important programs,” Smith said in a budget message in the school newsletter.
Eligible voters 18 and older will go to polls from noon to 8 p.m. on May 21 in the school’s Stroyan Foyer.
Smith also noted the budget continues to offer free breakfast and lunch for all students, keeps a school resource officer, and has the district geared up for a capital project that could start in the fall.
State aid covers 71.2 percent of Lyndonville’s budget with the tax levy the second-biggest source of revenue at 26.7 percent.
Lyndonville is Orleans County’s smallest school district with an enrollment of 538 students. The district said enrollment is holding steady and is projected to remain the same next school year.
The district will also present a proposition for funding the local Yates Community Library, with an increase from $124,808 to $135,316.
There are also six candidates for three positions on the Board of Education that are three-year terms. The candidates include George Avery, Megan Bruning, Susan Hrovat, Ted Lewis, Steven Vann and Patrick Whipple.
