New ‘Underwater Park’ at eastern end of lake protects over 1,700 square miles of Great Lakes maritime history
Courtesy of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: This map of eastern Lake Ontario shows Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary’s boundaries, which encompasses 1,722 square miles.
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
OSWEGO – Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) historic designation of the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. The Lake Ontario Sanctuary will become only the 16th site in the National Marine Sanctuary System and the first to be designated off New York State’s coast.
“This Sanctuary places our upstate communities on a national stage, recognizing the region’s unique and significant maritime resources, its indelible mark in Indigenous and American history, and its world-class recreational opportunities,” Governor Hochul said. “This landmark achievement underscores our commitment to preserving Lake Ontario’s rich maritime heritage while fostering opportunities for research, recreation, and sustainable use. As we protect over 1,700 square miles and numerous historical sites, we also ensure that our Great Lakes communities continue to thrive and connect with their vibrant past, present, and future.”
NOAA Administrator Richard Spinrad, Ph.D said, “Lake Ontario is an important gateway between the Great Lakes and the ocean. From commerce to biodiversity to recreation, the maritime landscape of this area represents past, present and future connections and will have incredible benefits for the communities that passionately sought its creation.”
Often referred to as underwater parks, the National Marine Sanctuary System includes areas with natural or cultural resources that are important to the nation’s history and the marine environment. The new Lake Ontario Sanctuary will enhance the existing state and federal protections for cultural and historic sites without limiting uses like fishing, boating and shipping. The Sanctuary designation also brings new opportunities for research, recreation, educational programming and community engagement.
Marine sanctuaries are important to the public in many ways, including:
Protecting natural and cultural features: Sanctuaries protect the scenic beauty, biodiversity and historical connections of the ocean and Great Lakes. They provide a safe habitat for species that are close to extinction and protect shipwrecks and artifacts.
Supporting sustainable use: Sanctuaries allow people to enjoy the ocean and Great Lakes in a sustainable way. They are popular recreational spots for diving and sport fishing, and support commercial industries like tourism, kelp harvesting and fishing. They also support coastal communities by helping drive local economies and providing jobs.
Providing educational opportunities: Sanctuaries are natural classrooms and laboratories for researchers, teachers and students. They can help people understand and care for the ocean and Great Lakes.
Conserving maritime heritage: Sanctuary staff use education, archaeology, marine science and regulations to preserve maritime heritage.
The Lake Ontario Sanctuary will cover over 1,700 square miles of state waters in eastern Lake Ontario and protect approximately 43 known shipwrecks and one submerged aircraft, spanning centuries of history. This new Sanctuary is another indication of the ongoing transformation of New York’s Great Lakes communities.
The robust public process to designate Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary began on January 17, 2017, when leaders of four New York counties (Oswego, Jefferson, Cayuga, and Wayne) and the city of Oswego, with support from the governor of New York, submitted a nomination to NOAA through the sanctuary nomination process. NOAA published a notice of intent to initiate the designation process on April 19, 2019 and established a Sanctuary Advisory Council in 2020 to help inform the designation process and focus stakeholder participation, where DOS and Parks represented NYS as ex officio members.
NOAA published a draft environmental impact statement and draft management plan on July 7, 2021, and a notice of proposed rulemaking on January 19, 2023. The final environmental impact statement was published on April 19, 2024. Today on September 6, 2024, New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley and Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tem Randy Simons signed a Memorandum of Agreement with NOAA to serve as co-managers of the newly designated Sanctuary to protect, study and celebrate these important heritage resources.
New York State Secretary of State Walter Mosley said, “This designation marks an historic achievement for New York State as we recognize eastern Lake Ontario as a world-class center of our nation’s maritime history, heritage and culture. This Sanctuary is something to be proud of – it has personality and is as unique as the special place it is designed to protect. The Department of State looks forward to co-managing the Sanctuary with NOAA, and in partnership with First Nations and our dedicated community leaders and coastal communities.”
As co-manager, New York State is poised to leverage the Department of State’s coastal planning and economic development programs, including the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, Coastal Lakeshore Economy and Resiliency (CLEAR) Initiative, Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward, to strengthen Lake Ontario waterfront communities and further protect and promote the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is seen as another opportunity to spur investment focusing on the region’s strong coastal and maritime cultural heritage.
ALBION – Village of Albion officials were informed on Thursday that a double-shift crew will be in operations on the Main Street lift bridge next week. Nighttime work is scheduled to begin on Monday and go from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
The anticipated completion date of the night-time work is next Friday, but it may be done sooner.
Light plants will be used to illuminate the work area on the north side of the bridge. This double-shift operation is for the setting of the lifting post. A crane will also be employed in these operations.
OSWEGO – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) on Thursday released her comprehensive Border Security and Law Enforcement plans, reinforcing her commitment to securing the borders, upholding the rule of law, and supporting law enforcement officers.
Tenney’s Border Security Plan was shaped by her recent visits to both the Southern and Northern borders, where she met with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents to discuss effective measures to secure our borders and protect our communities. In response to the increasing violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants, Tenney cosponsored the Laken Riley Act, which ensures that illegal aliens charged with crimes remain in custody until their cases are adjudicated.
Her Law Enforcement Plan underscores her steadfast support for police officers, focusing on providing them with the resources and tools they need to safely and effectively carry out their duties. Recently, Tenney cosponsored H.Res. 285, a resolution to establish a Law Enforcement Bill of Rights. This resolution asserts that police officers have the right to defend themselves, to due process, and to protection under the Fifth Amendment.
“Since the start of the Biden-Harris administration, over 10 million illegal immigrants have entered our country, abusing our taxpayer-funded resources and wreaking havoc in our communities,” Tenney said. “Our law enforcement officers are also facing unprecedented challenges as violent crime surges and the Left seeks to undermine their ability to do their jobs safely and effectively. My plans offer a commonsense approach to securing our borders, stopping the influx of illegal immigrants, and supporting the brave men and women in law enforcement. I am committed to holding criminals accountable and ensuring our nation’s laws are upheld.”
To see Tenney’s full Border Security Plan, click here.
To see Tenney’s full Law Enforcement Plan, click here.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 September 2024 at 8:44 am
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health/Medina Memorial Hospital has announced that its subacute rehab program is now officially listed within the MVP Healthcare network.
Subacute rehab/TCU offers a special caring environment for patients who no longer require all the resources of an acute care hospital, but who are still in need of special care before going home.
This agreement with MVP represents a significant advancement in efforts to provide comprehensive and accessible healthcare services in the community, hospital officials said.
“The MVP Healthcare news is great for the community, as it opens the door for more individuals looking for subacute rehab care to receive it close to home,” said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach at OCH.
“Our Transitional Care Unit (TCU) offers specialized subacute rehabilitation services designed for patients who need different therapies and medical oversight following a hospital stay,” said Amanda Luckman, Admissions/Marketing Assistant for OCH. “It is geared towards individuals requiring additional support to regain their quality of life after a major illness or surgery.”
The inclusion of TCU in the MVP Healthcare network marks the culmination of a dedicated effort by OCH. This acceptance is particularly significant as MVP Healthcare is a major carrier serving many in the Medina area. This inclusion is another step being taken by the hospital to best serve the community.
“We are thrilled to expand our services within the MVP Healthcare network,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO of Orleans Community Health. “This development ensures that more of our community members will have access to the care and recovery services they need, right here at home.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 September 2024 at 8:18 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Elks Lodge on Thursday evening gave the Albion Fire Department an old sign from back when the AFD held a carnival.
Pictured from left include former fire chief Harry Papponetti; AFD President Nathan Bloom; Carl Phillips, chairman of the trustees for the Elks; Lynda Standish, secretary for the Elks; Jim Peruzzini, assistant chief for AFD; Mike Jenks, exalted ruler for the Elks; Jen Stephenson, riders chaplain for the Elks; Richard Robb Sr., leading knight for the Elks; Al Cheverie, past AFD president and current chairman for the Albion-Gaines Joint Fire District; and Scott Papponetti, vice president of the AFD.
The fire department used to own the Elks Lodge at 428 West State St. It was sold to the Elks about 20 years ago.
The Elks were cleaning out a building it refers to as the “doghouse” in July behind the bathrooms when it found the old sign highlighting the refreshment stand for the Albion Emergency Squad. Hot dogs and hamburgers were 50 cents, and pop was 25 cents.
One mystery with the sign, who made it? The AFD and Elks wonder who “CN’s” represents.
The doghouse building had been storage for the Elks, but the lodge is going to use it as a garage to keep lawn mowers, weedwackers and other maintenance equipment.
Mike Jenks, the exalted ruler for the Elks, said the sign was facing backwards and for many years the Elks didn’t realize it was from when the AFD operated the carnival. The fire department ran that event until about 1990. The carnival used to be near the fire hall on Platt Street and moved to the West State Street in the early 1960s.
Harry Papponetti, a member of the AFD for 54 years, said the department not only sold hamburgers, hot dogs and pop, but also served French fries and Italian sausage. Many of the local fire departments used to have carnivals, but only Kendall still does it, although this year it was a field days because a company couldn’t be secured for the amusement rides.
The Albion Fire Department hung up the sign inside the fire hall after the Elks presented it on Thursday evening. The sign is near other memorabilia in the department, including photos of older fire trucks and parade banners from the former Dye Hose, Active and Hart companies.
The Active Hose Company No. 2, Hart Protective Hose Company No. 3 and Dye Hose Company No. 5 consolidated in 1976 into the Albion Fire Department.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 September 2024 at 8:30 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Chuck Persons, center, presented a $500 check to the Albion Fire Department this evening on behalf of the Orleans County chapter of ABATE (Americans Bikers Aimed Toward Education).
Accepting on behalf of the AFD includes Al Cheverie, left, the chairman of the newly formed Albion Joint Fire District and a past president of the AFD, and Nathan Bloom, current president of the Albion Fire Department.
ABATE also donated $500 to the Barre Volunteer Fire Company and the Carlton Volunteer Fire Company. Albion, Barre and Carlton represent the central battalion. Last year ABATE donated to the departments in the west battalion and next year plans to give to the east battalion.
“If God forbid something happens to one of us on our bikes, they’re the first ones there for us,” Persons said about the local firefighters.
The donations are the result of a fundraising ride and a basket raffle last month.
Photos courtesy of Becky Persons
Chuck Persons, left, presents a $500 check on Aug. 27 for the Carlton Volunteer Fire Company to long-time Carlton firefighter Andrew Niederhofer.
Chuck Persons presented the $500 to Barre firefighters on Aug. 20.
SANBORN – Today, New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt hosted a press conference at SUNY Niagara to discuss the benefits of New York State Senate Bill S8596-A – an act to amend the education law, in relation to expanding eligibility under the veterans tuition awards program.
Currently, New York is home to more than 800,000 military veterans and their families. The Veterans Tuition Assistance Program is set up so that only veterans who served in combat roles may receive this benefit, leaving countless veterans ineligible.
“Attending higher education following military service is one of the many ways our veterans can more easily re-integrate into society,” said Senator Ortt. “The Veterans Tuition Assistance Program has provided many veterans with cost savings on their education to enhance their post-military career opportunities in New York State. Every veteran has served a crucial role in our military and it’s time we open this program to all veterans who reside in New York, and I call on our Governor to sign this bill into law.”
The bill passed both legislative chambers with unanimous, bi-partisan support and now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature.
“At SUNY Niagara, we value the contributions of veterans and active military members in the classroom,” said Lloyd A. Holmes, Ph.D., president of SUNY Niagara. “The current veteran’s tuition awards program is limited to veterans who served in active combat roles, leaving many service members unable to benefit from this important program. This legislation will address this eligibility gap and provide greater access for New York’s veterans to pursue their educational aspirations. SUNY Niagara is committed to supporting veterans and active military members by providing access to high-quality courses and programs and we welcome them to our campus.”
ALBION – The Orleans Economic Development Agency has announced a series of free webinars this month to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs take their ventures to the next level.
The 90-minute online sessions are open to the public and designed to provide valuable insights and practical tools for business success.
The September webinar lineup includes:
How to Write a One-Page Business Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide – Thursday, Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Create Marketing Graphics Like a Pro – Thursday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m.
The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Business Owner – Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 1 p.m.
Email Marketing Guide for Your Business – Thursday, Sept. 26 at 1 p.m.
Produced by SCORE and the U.S. Small Business Administration, the webinars will equip participants with essential skills, from writing a concise and effective business plan to mastering professional-quality marketing graphics, learning the key steps of business ownership, and leveraging email marketing for business growth.
The OEDA is committed to supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs by offering resources that encourage business development in Orleans County. Registration for each webinar is free and available on the OEDA’s Facebook page or the SCORE website.
“We hope these interactive sessions unlock new opportunities for entrepreneurs across Orleans County, empowering them to explore fresh ideas and strategies that will help their businesses succeed and strengthen our local economy,” said Michael Dobell, CEO of the Orleans EDA.
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Strand in Brockport will host a free showing on Sunday of an inspirational film about a small church in Texas where members adopted 77 children in the local foster system.
The Orleans County Department of Social Services’ Safe Harbour program announced it is sponsoring a free showing of the movie Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, this Sunday, Sept. 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the Brockport Strand Theater, located at 93 Main St. in Brockport.
Tickets are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot is the true story of Donna and Reverend Martin and their tiny church in East Texas. The Martins adopted two hard-to-place children from the foster system and encouraged others to do the same. The result was that 22 families adopted 77 children from the local foster system, igniting a movement for vulnerable children everywhere. The movie was released earlier this summer.
Cynthia Stumer, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, said the theater is reserved for the Orleans County Safe Harbour program for this showing. While the tickets are free, individuals are responsible for their own transportation and any concession stand purchases. The movie is rated PG-13. All youth must have a chaperone to attend.
“We are very pleased to provide this free showing of a truly inspirational film and hope people will take full advantage of this opportunity and join us,” said Stumer.
While tickets are first come, first served basis, preference will be given to Orleans County residents.
Those wishing to attend should please email safeharbour@orleanscounty.gov with the number of tickets that you are requesting for your immediate family, including how many youth & how many adults.
For the purposes of Safe Harbour, a youth is an individual under 21 years of age. Therefore, if you have a 20-year-old that is attending, please count them as a youth.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 September 2024 at 7:52 am
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health Foundation has announced the appointment of three new members to its board of directors.
They are Matt Backlas, Barbara Outten and Jennifer Buondonno. Backlas is a web developer with Websystems. Outten is owner of Maple Ridge Storage and Buondonno is assistant branch manager of Tompkins Community Bank.
All bring a set of skills that will help to future the foundation’s efforts to strengthen health services to the community, said Scott Robinson, director of marketing, communication and outreach at Orleans Community Health.
“I am very happy to welcome our new board members,” said Jeanne Crane, board president. “New members bring new ideas and new energy.”
Executive director Megan Johnson added they are thrilled to welcome the three to the Orleans Community Health Foundation board.
“Their diverse expertise, community involvement and passion for our mission will be invaluable in fundraising to advance the care and services provided by Orleans Community Health,” Johnson said.
The Orleans Community Health Foundation looks forward to the contributions of its new board members and their role in supporting the Foundation’s mission to enhance community health and well-being.
The new members join Crane, Foundation vice president Gloria Brent, treasurer Clark Godshall, secretary Pam Canham, governing board chair Shannon Blount, OCH president/CEO Marc Shurtz, Matthew Kennedy, Nicole Goyette and Scott Robinson.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 September 2024 at 4:24 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Orleans County Treasurer’s Office opened Tuesday at the former Bank of America branch at 156 South Main St., next to Subway.
Pictured from left this afternoon at the front window include Roxie Basinait, senior account clerk; Kristen Snell, senior account clerk; Alisha Richardson, principal clerk; and County Treasurer Kim DeFrank. Missing from the photo include deputy treasurer Melynda Brown and Susan Proietty, a part-time account clerk.
The Treasurer’s Office is at the former Bank of America site, which has a drive-through and is handicapped accessible with no stairs to climb for the general public.
County Treasurer Kim DeFrank praised the county Department of Public Works for moving the office from a historic building at 34 East Park St. just in time for school tax collection season. The Treasurer’s Office collects the taxes for Albion, Lyndonville and Medina school districts.
Treasurer Kim DeFrank sits in her new office today. She said the public has been positive so far about the drive-through and not having to go up any stairs to get inside.
The office was on East Park Street for 44 years. The Orleans County Legislature last September voted to pay $250,000 to buy the former bank site, which had been vacant since the bank closed the branch in Albion on Aug. 15, 2017.
There is still some finishing touches to do on the building, including signage and some interior touch-ups.
The county is tentatively planning a ribbon-cutting after the 4:30 p.m. Legislature meeting on Sept. 24.
The staff members are shown inside the Treasurer’s Office with the drive-through window in back. From left include Roxie Basinait, Kristen Snell, Alisha Richardson and Kim DeFrank.
The interior has been repainted with new carpet added. The cubicles and other office furniture were moved over beginning early last week.
The Treasurer’s Office still operated on East Park Street up to 5 p.m. on Friday, with 2 staff members using folding tables and a printer.
On Tuesday at 9 a.m., the office opened at the former bank site, a day after the Labor Day holiday.
DeFrank said she didn’t want the office to close to the public while it was being moved to 156 South Main.
“We didn’t miss a beat,” she said.
The building also includes a basement where many old records are stored, with tax rolls going back to 1994.
The Treasurer’s Office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The drive-through should be entered through the adjoining plaza’s parking lot.
For tax payments, the office accepts cash, check and VISA, Mastercard and Discover cards, with an additional fee for credit cards.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 September 2024 at 2:43 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
RIDGEWAY – Orleans County Historian Catherine Cooper leads a tour last month at the West Ridgeway Cemetery on Route 104 at the Marshall Road intersection.
The cemetery opened in 1810 when the area was still under jurisdiction of Genesee County. (Orleans County became independent of Genesee in 1825. Next year is the bicentennial of Orleans.)
Catherine Cooper highlights some of the early settlers who are buried at the cemetery.
The first burial was in 1810 after a 12-year-old girl died from rabies after getting bitten by a dog. She is in an unmarked grave.
The first marked grave was in 1814.
The site was known as the Barrett Cemetery until 1870, when it became the West Ridgeway Cemetery.
Cooper said the early pioneers needed to tame a wilderness. Seymour Murdock is one of the pioneers in the cemetery. He camped for six weeks in a wagon while building a house. It also took him 2-3 days each way to get to Batavia and the Holland Land Office to buy land for $2 to $2.50 an acre, Cooper said.
Those early settlers were drawn by the prospect of cheap land. Others were refugees from the War of 1812 who had their homes burned out by the British and then moved east into Ridgeway and Orleans County, Cooper said.
Catherine Cooper talks with Gordon Grimes, president of the cemetery association that oversees the active cemetery. Grimes said there is typically about 11 burials a year at the cemetery, but that is down to three this year with two cremations.
The tour on Aug. 4 started at a chapel in with windows in a Gothic architectural style on the back side and Romanesque in front. The building was constructed in 1899. From left include Catherine Cooper, retired county historian Bill Lattin, and Todd Bensley, Medina historian.
Catherine Cooper shared about some recent community leaders in the cemetery.
Charles R. Owen, a staff sergeant in the Army during World War II soldier, was a recipient of Purple Heart and a prisoner of war. He shared his POW experience during community talks, including with local schools. He died at age 90 on Nov. 21, 2012
Richard Knights, who died of cancer in 1984 at age 39, continues to be honored by his family as part of the Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund that supports families battling cancer in Orleans County.
Richard’s father William C. Knights (1917 to 1973) also is buried at the cemetery. He was elected to the State Assembly and died from injuries in a car accident on Feb. 5, 1973, just a few weeks into his term.
Warren P. Towne, a principal at Medina, was a leader of a school after centralization in the 1950s. Medina named one of its school buildings in his honor.
Milford Phinney, who led the Phinney Tool & Die company in Medina, also is at West Ridgeway. He was a prominent community leader with the Boy Scouts, Lions Club and Shelridge Country Club.
The Mason monument is one of the most striking at the cemetery. Cooper shared how Oliver and Martha Mason endured the loss of three young daughters to sickness. Their son Theodore died at Great Bend, Nebraska on Nov. 28, 1874 at age 24. Martha travelled by train to Kansas to bring his body home. She went about 3,000 miles in seven days.
The tour on Aug. 4 was one of four of local cemeteries last month organized by the Orleans County Historical Association.
