Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Dale Cameron carries the cross in front and Jarred Saj is in back during today’s “Cross Walk,” a long-time tradition by the Medina Area Association of Churches. They are walking from the Cooper Funeral Home to the parking lot of the First Baptist Church.

The group made seven stops in the downtown and near the Canal Basin, sharing Scripture and singing hymns.

Pastor Jovannie Canales of the Oasis Church carries the cross in front with Matt Caldwell in back. They are crossing West Center Street.

The group was outside for more than an hour on a chilly day with temperatures in the high 30s.

Jovannie Canales and Matt Caldwell prepare to carry the cross from in front of Medina Historical Society to the Cooper Funeral Home. Neil Samborski is dressed as a centurion. He has worn that costume for several years during the Cross Walk.

The Rev. Randy LeBaron, pastor of the First Baptist Church, carries the front of the cross as the group heads through the arch of the Presbyterian Church.

The Medina churches will have an ecumenical Good Friday service this evening at 6:30 at the Oak Orchard Assembly of God, 12111 Ridge Rd.

The churches also will have a sunrise service at 7 a.m. on Easter at Boxwood Cemetery near Glenwood Lake.

Engineer says water pressure would also drop, dead-end waterlines remain

Photos by Tom Rivers: Paul Chatfield of the MRB Group says bringing in water to Shelby from the Town of Royalton would be costly to put in a new water tank, pump station and 9,200 feet of waterlines. He is speaking at a Shelby Town Board meeting on Thursday evening.

SHELBY – Shelby town officials want to see more details on whether it would be financially justified to put in new infrastructure to allow the town to buy lower-priced water from Royalton.

The town currently buys water from the Village of Medina, with a 24-inch transmission line going down Maple Ridge Road to a 3-million-gallon storage tank on 31A.

But the cost is $5.97 per 1,000 gallons to Shelby. Town Supervisor Scott Wengewicz said that is a high cost for town water users.

Wengewicz said the Royalton price would be $3, perhaps cutting water bills in half.

“I’m trying to lower peoples’ water rates,” he said. “We have some of the highest water around.”

But to get adequate supply from Royalton, the town would need to put in a booster pump station, a 250,000-gallon water storage tank and run 9,200 feet of waterlines on the west end of the town. That project was an estimated $5.4 million in 2020, engineer Paul Chatfield told the Town Board on Thursday evening.

Construction cost are up 50 percent in four years, which would put the project at about $8 million today.

The town likely wouldn’t receive grant funding for the project because it is keeping the same source of the water, with the Niagara County Water District as the supplier, Chatfield said. The change would be with Shelby buying from Royalton instead of Medina.

Town Supervisor Scott Wengewicz, left, wants a more detailed study on the costs. He believes the lower-priced water from Royalton could make the project worthwhile. Town Board member Steve Seitz is at right.

The federal government gives preference in funding projects if the water goes to residents on wells with contaminants or if there is a lack of quantity and poor water quality, said Scott Mattison, an engineer with MRB.

If the town had a consent order from the Department of Health or Department of Environmental Conservation that would help with a grant application to help pay for public water, Mattison said.

Shelby’s push to put in infrastructure for water from Royalton isn’t focused on improved water quality.

“Your just switching who you pay,” he said. “It’s the same source.”

(The Town Board would like to expand waterlines to serve areas on wells – Sanderson Road, Martin Road to Bigford, and a section of Salt Works Road to Hemlock Ridge Road.)

Wengewicz said if the town was able to get water from Royalton, Shelby would continue to use Medina for Maple Ridge Road and properties north of Maple Ridge. He would like a hybrid system, with water from medina and Ridgeway.

The engineers from MRB said the two systems have vastly different water pressure in the lines. Medina’s is about 80 pounds per square inch while Royalton is about 40 PSI. The Royalton system would need a significant pressure booster to match Medina’s. If Medina’s dropped down to 40 PSI the existing customers would notice the weaker water pressure and wouldn’t be happy about it, Chatfield said.

The weaker pressure would also impact the fire flow in the system, he said.

“This it not a simple switch,” Mattison said about changing over some of the system to Royalton water.

The town’s water system currently has several dead-end mains which require flushing. Using all that water to flush out the lines is costly, Wengewicz said.

The town buys about 65 million gallons of water a year from Medina. Flushing accounts for about 2.3 million of those gallons.

A change to Royalton would still result in dead-end lines, with flushing needed, Chatfield said.

Looping lines and closing the dead spots is the best way to keep the water moving, as well as having properly sized water lines. If the lines are too big, the water can sit there, he said.

Chatfield also said there was 27 percent water loss in the system due to leaks when it was studied in 2020. He suggested a water leak detection program to help find the leaks. If those were fixed that would cut down on the water loss. Wengewicz said the Highway Department has found and repaired some leaks to reduce the amount of loss.

Chatfield and Mattison said a more in-depth analysis is needed to help the board make a decision on whether the potential water savings justify the expense of new infrastructure. The board also has discussed the issues with Clark Patterson Lee, another engineering firm. Shelby may draw up a request for proposals and have the firms submit their scope of work and a cost for the services, as well as detailed estimates on the cost of a water storage tank, pressure boosters, and any new waterlines.

For Shelby to receive water from Royalton, 9,200 linear feet of a waterline would have to go from Griswold Road in Royalton to Chestnut Ridge Road. It would connect on West Shelby Road. A new water tank would be needed, and a booster pump to maintain pressure and move the water through the lines.

Agency started as ‘Community Chest’ and has expanded mission beyond fundraising

MEDINA – In the midst of its 2024 fundraising campaign, United Way of Orleans County celebrated a special occasion Thursday night at Bent’s Opera House, the 60th anniversary of its founding.

More than 100 invited guests attended the event, called a “Friendraising,” intended to inform the public of the work United Way of Orleans County is accomplishing and celebrate its founding by a Medina native and entrepreneur with a love of his community.

The free event at Bent’s Opera House featured hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine bar and a chance to meet the family of Van Hungerford, who first had the vision to start a Community Chest in Medina.

Local entrepreneur Roger Hungerford was 12 when his father felt there should be an agency in his home town to which people could donate to help those in need. Soon after forming the Community Chest it evolved into United Way of Western Orleans. Van and a group of his friends were involved in raising money for a number of years, including a golf tournament, which for many years was named in honor of Van.

Roger said his father believed in supporting his community and was active on the hospital board, serving a number of years as its chair. He was chair when the CEO was diagnosed with brain cancer and Van stepped in and ran the hospital for a year.

“He was my inspiration,” Roger said. “He always was a fundraiser and active in the community. I was working for him when he raised the money for the first nine at Shelridge Country Club. Twenty-five years later, he raised money for the back nine. I was always proud of him for that.”

“We all have the ability to give something,” Roger continued. “I’m fortunate to have had workplaces where we had the ability to hold campaigns for United Way. I’ve been blessed with great financial resources and teams of people, and I feel responsible to help our community.”

His brother Bill Hungerford credits his father and mother Betty for forming the Community Chest. He said local businesses were being bombarded with requests for donations from every civic organization in the area, and they felt there was a need for one central place where people could give.

Bill threw his support to United Way by serving 25 years on the board, as a member, and several terms as president.

Betty Hassall of Medina was director of Western Orleans United Way for many, many years, until she retired at the time of the merger.

The exact date United Way of Eastern Orleans was formed is not clearly known, but Jerome Pawlak, a current board member, said it was in the early 1960s. It is presumed to have formed after United Way of Western Orleans. Dorothy Ross was executive director for 30 years, he said.

It also originally started as the Community Chest, under the leadership of Dick Eddy, Ed Archbald, Skip Landauer, Curtis Lyman and a few others, according to Pawlak.

Hannah Castelli, left, and Rachael Betts, program officers at the Greater Rochester Health Foundation, enjoy appetizers and conversation at Thursday’s Friendraising event at Bent’s Opera House. The Foundation sponsored the event with a $5,000 grant.

Pawlak first served on the board in 1985, and since served in many capacities, including president, vice president and campaign chairman. His father Henry also served on the board and the campaign cabinet for several years. He is the only individual to serve as the champaign chair of both Western and Eastern Orleans County United Ways.

Eastern United Way affiliated with Greater Rochester United Way for several years, from the mid 1990s until 2011, while Western Orleans remained independent.

The two United Ways voted to merge into one United Way of Orleans County in 2011, and Eastern broke away from Greater Rochester at that time.

Dean Bellack of Medina became a United Way supporter when he joined the board in 2020, after retiring and selling his company. At his first board meeting, the director gave her resignation to accept another job, and Bellack offered his services until the search for a new director could be completed. He continued in the position for three years, and is credited with changing the entire structure of how United Way gets its funds.

The result was more than $2 million in grants, which funded a respite program, low-cost internet availability for the county, a nutrition program for Community Action/Cornell Cooperative Extension and upgrades to Bullard Park.

Henry Smith Jr. of Albion checks out an array of appetizers at the United Way’s Friendraising event at Bent’s Opera House.

Prior to that, Nyla Gaylord, who at the time was director of Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, was asked to write a grant to secure a grant writer. She did that on her own time, and the results led to the hiring of Matt Holland as a grant writer free to any non-profit in Orleans County. Gaylord subsequently came to United Way as a fundraiser.

Holland left United Way in 2023 to accept a position with Orleans County Economic Development Agency, and Gaylord became executive director.

In late 2023, Aeddon Cayea of Medina, an Americorps student who had worked at Cornell Cooperative Extension all summer, was hired as assistant to Gaylord and grant writer.

The focus on writing grants became a necessity after Covid led to the shut down of of in-person workplaces and curtailed employment. Workplace campaigns, previously the biggest source of income, were deeply affected. Many workplaces have found their employees can work from home, resulting in a continued decline in workplace donations. While donations have declined, requests for help from the community have not.

Currently, United Way of Orleans County is striving to develop a diverse and active board from all corners of the county.

Under the leadership of director Nyla Gaylord, is Aeddon Cayea, grant writer; Dawn Winkler financial coordinator; and consultant Nick Coulter.

Jodi Gaines is board president; Mollie Radzinski, vice president; Jennifer Mateo, secretary; Tim Moriarity, treasurer; Jerome Pawlak; Ayesha Kruetz; Dean Bellack; Don Colquhoun; Jackie Gardner, Virginia Kropf, Karen Blank and Rosemarie Patronski.

Among the guests at the Friendraising, was Pam Shuner, president of the board of OCALS, who credits her agency’s survival to support from United Way.

For a number of years, an allocation from United Way of Western Orleans was the only community support they received.

“When OCALS stepped into family literacy in 2010-11, it was support of United Way that enabled us to help children and families,” Shuner said. “We continue to provide literacy to families today with United Way’s continued support.”

One of Shuner’s favorite memories is of the year they partnered with United Way on Day of Caring.

“Baxter Healthcare sent employees to read to the kids at the ABCD Childcare Center in Holley,” Shuner said. “They brought books for every child to take home, including bi-lingual ones for the bi-lingual children.”

Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health, called United Way of Orleans County, “A great organization.”

“Nyla has done a wonderful job connecting partners, including Oak Orchard Health,” Kinter said. “We look forward to all the opportunities in front of us by working together.”

Dave Cook of Lyndonville was a board member of United Way for almost 20 years, beginning with United Way of Western Orleans. He was on the committee which facilitated the merger between Western and Eastern United Ways.

“I enjoyed watching United Way grow from two separate entities,” Cook said.

United Way’s board president Jodi Gaines praised the organization’s 60-year existence and stressed that all donations stay in Orleans County to help local people.

She presented a plaque to Roger Hungerford, recognizing his support of United Way and his family’s contribution to the organization. She also thanked him for donating the venue for Thursday’s Friendraiser.

“I remember my dad telling stories about United Way,” Roger said.

He added his father Van designed the first pulmonary bypass pump at Sigmamotors, the predecessor of Roger’s company.

“He was a great dad and an interesting entrepreneur,” Roger said. “He inspired me.”

In her speech, director Nyla Gaylord alluded to the “sparks” who have ignited projects in the community.

Examples were the late George Lamont, founder of Oak Orchard Health Center; Van Hungerford and Henry Pawlak.

“They were ‘sparks’ in their community and in their family,” Gaylord said. “They passed on to their children a legacy of giving back to the community. Their children listened and learned.

“Dean was the ‘spark’ that saved the United Way in Orleans County,” Gaylord said of Bellack.

She said foundations reached out to the United Way, the one organization with connections to the whole community.

With the help of a consultant from the group of foundations in Buffalo, “hub calls” were initiated to create a forum to bring the community together to communicate and problem solve, Gaylord said. Those calls are ongoing today.

Unexpected help started coming from places such as foundations in Buffalo and Rochester, asking us what our community needed, Gaylord said. Some of those needs were digital literacy, a grant writer for the county, basketball courts at Bullard Park, a respite program for caregivers and in-home respite care.

“By collaborating, we are creating a respite program unlike any other that will likely serve as a model for other communities,” Gaylord said.  “For each of these major initiatives, the United Way of Orleans County was the lead agency supporting development of new programming in the county.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Nyla Gaylord joins Albion basketball players in celebrating the opening of new courts at Bullard park on Oct. 26. The United Way helped secure some of the grant funding for the project.

Susan Oschman, whose spark started the movement for basketball courts, has also said that she and the Greater Albion Events and Recreation team are planning a campaign to build pickle ball courts in Bullard Park for seniors.

In another effort, Orleans County finally received funding to create a wireless broadband network across the county and connected with United Way to conduct an outreach campaign to reach out to low-to-moderate income households in specific areas to connect to the new broadband service and save money by accessing government funded benefits.

United Way worked with Kevin Reagan from RTO Wireless for more than a year to develop the Connect Orleans website and customize marketing materials to help identify people interested in the wireless broadband service.

In February of last year, United Way hosted a series of housing conversations to address the housing shortage in Orleans County. Out of the housing conversations grew a subgroup of people and organizations concerned about the growing number of people in our community without homes.

They decided to focus on the most urgent, basic need – a warming center in the county to help the Department of Social Services fulfill their state mandated obligation to provide a shelter when the temperatures drop below freezing. Christ Episcopal Church agreed to let their facility be used for a warming center, but DSS can’t run it, stated Holli Nenni, commissioner of Social Services. They needed a partner.

Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health Center, came up with the idea that they can hire, train and supervise staff to implement the warming center at Christ Church. Emergency Management and the Health Department joined churches, volunteers and staff from Community Action, Independent Living and the Ministry of Concern. By November, the Code Blue Warming Center opened at Christ Church – a triumph of community collaboration.

This was but the start of a solution to the community’s housing shortage. This past fall, United Way secured funding from Heritage Wind and the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo to hire a housing consultant. Former legislator Ken DeRoller volunteered to work with him to develop a housing strategy for Orleans County.

“We expect to have a report to share with the community by the end of April,” Gaylord said. “All the people and organizations who have stepped up to create new programs and opportunities for our community are ‘sparks.’”

Gaylord continued to say we have entered a new era of community collaboration in which sparks from many places can come together to revitalize our county.

“The United Way has created a new paradigm for improving our community so that everyone can thrive,” Gaylord told the crowd at Bent’s. “In addition to our fundraising activities and corporate and individual donations, we have diversified our revenue streams by securing grants that bring new services and programs to our community. We now have a vehicle for legacy donations that will ensure the United Way in Orleans County continues in perpetuity.”

Gaylord left the audience with this thought:

“Together we can all contribute something – time, talent or treasure,” she said. “Not everybody can give everything. But everyone can give something.”

The United Way of Orleans County touches basically every segment of the population by providing funding to Camp Rainbow; Meals on Wheels; Boy Scouts of America; Care Net Center of Greater Orleans; Orleans Koinonia Kitchen; Community Action of Orleans and Genesee; GCASA; GO Art!; Hospice of Orleans; Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern; Medina Senior Center; OCALS; Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension; Orleans County YMCA; and P’raising Kids Child Care Center.

There are several ways to donate to United Way of Orleans County and they can be found on United Way’s website.

Thursday’s Friendraiser event was aided by a $5,000 grant from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation, whose program officers Hannah Castelli and Rachael Betts were among the attendees of the Friendraiser.

WATERPORT – Sailing is not only fun, relaxing and a great way to spend a sunny day, but there are other important reasons Oak Orchard Yacht Club at Point Breeze has sponsored a long-standing youth sailing program.

Children ages 9 to 18 are taught the basics of sailing and water safety and create lasting memories in a day camp setting, according to this year’s instructor, Becky Almeter of East Bethany.

Almeter is the daughter of lifelong sailors, Bob and Mary Lu Hodgins of East Bethany. Bob is commodore of the Oak Orchard Yacht Club. Almeter was a member of the very first youth sailing class in 1992.

“I grew up on the docks of Oak Orchard Yacht Club,” Almeter said. “When my parents first got our family sailboat and brought it to Oak Orchard, we were there all the time living aboard during the summer. It was our home base, and from there our family sailed all over Lake Ontario and beyond, including a trip to the Bahamas during which my two brothers and I were homeschooled on the boat.”

Almeter took the youth sailing program several years as a student, and then got her U.S. Sailing Certificate to teach, returning as instructor for several years. After leaving the area for college, she completed her U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s 6-pack commercial license and worked on the water in various capacities. She has sailed on Lake Ontario, in Florida and the Caribbean, cruising and racing,

Almeter and her husband anticipate spending much of their summer on the Oak Orchard with their five children. Oldest son Joe has been in the sailing program for the past three summers, and this year he will be joined by his sister Abby.

“I am excited about directing the program, because it was such an integral part of my childhood and I hope my children can have a part of that same experience,” Almeter said. “My memories of my childhood at OOYC were fun, carefree summers spent swimming, sailing, going to Brown’s Berry Patch for slushies, candy and ice cream, running around playing games on the club lawn and on the playground.

“I didn’t know it then, but while I was having all that fun, I was creating deep bonds with my friends, learning confidence and self-sufficiency, learning how to read weather, how to feel comfortable on open water, general ‘rules of the road’ for navigating creek traffic and countless other smaller things that kids absorb through engaged activity,” Almeter said. “In this busy day and age, when it’s a much more difficult time to be a kid, I feel like this program is able to give kids back a little more time and space – to turn off the screens, and step away from devices. To simply be kids a little bit longer – having fun, learning skills hands-on, being active and engaging in teamwork – all the things that enrich their minds and bodies in a ‘back-to-basics’ way.”

The youth sailing program is a win-win for both parents and kids, according to Almeter. It builds many life skills, including teamwork, weather and wind awareness, knot tying, boat handling and more. Also, it is a healthy activity that gets kids outside, while having tons of fun and making new friends.

“Our youth sailing program provides an introduction to an activity kids can enjoy for a lifetime,” reads a pamphlet provided by OOYC.

Youth sailing camp begins each day at Oak Orchard Yacht Club, 1103 Archbald Rd., Waterport. Dates are July 8-12 and 15-19 for Session 1 and July 22-26 and July 29-Aug. 2 for Session 2. Camp is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Campers bring their own lunch.

Instructors decide where to sail and take lunch break each day, based on the weather and curriculum. Parents can often watch their young sailors from the pier at Point Breeze.

Instructors are U.S. Sailing certified, with a low student-to-instructor ratio. They follow the latest safety guidelines, including a mandatory swim test for all campers.

Cost is $460 for one session of 10 days or $685 for two sessions. Discounts available include a sibling discount, OOYC member discount and early registration discount by May 1. Families should contact the Yacht Club to discuss pricing.

Registration can be done online by logging on to ooyc.org and clicking on Youth Sailing from the top banner. Once registration is completed, an invoice and any necessary paperwork will be sent by OOYC. A current medical form, waiver and safety agreement must be completed for each camper.

“I am truly honored to be leading the sailing program this year, and am looking forward to a safe, fun program for all our sailors,” Almeter said.

More information can also be obtained by contacting Almeter at (585) 813-7259 (call or text) or e-mailing beckya@hodginsengraving.com.

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club will be hosting a pop-up eye clinic for the third straight year on April 13.

The clinic starts at 10 a.m. at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.  There will be volunteers and eye specialists at the site to evaluate about 125 individuals for visual acuity, early signs of glaucoma and glasses fitting, if needed.

Given the high attendance in previous years, people are encouraged to sign in early to reserve a spot. Keep an eye out for upcoming advertisements regarding this event, the Lyndonville Lions Club advised.

The club also recently participated in a community Easter Egg Hunt in Lyndonville, supplying complimentary hot dogs and beverages to those in attendance.

Additionally, in the near future, the club will announce details of the upcoming 50th anniversary July 4th celebration put on by the Lions Club.

An even bigger fireworks display, additional marching bands for the parade, and a day-long music festival are just part of the enhancements for this year’s festivities.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the ratification of a three-year labor agreement with the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association, which includes more than 17,000 members of the Security Services bargaining unit in titles such as correction officer, correction sergeant, and secure hospital treatment assistant.

The agreement, which runs until March 31, 2026, won the approval of 73 percent of NYCOPBA member who cast ballots.

“This labor agreement will help to ensure that the brave members of the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association are fairly compensated for their tremendous contributions to our state,” Governor Hochul said. “I thank NYSCOPBA’s executive assembly for their partnership throughout negotiations and its membership for their hard work and dedication to keeping New Yorkers safe.”

The ratified contract includes raises in each year of the agreement consistent with other recently negotiated agreements. In addition, the contract includes other increases in compensation such as a lump sum bonus and up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave. The contract also includes changes in the health insurance program that will encourage in-network employee utilization and help control health insurance costs.

New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association President Chris Summers said, “Since taking office, on more than one occasion, Governor Hochul has publicly praised our members for their dedication and hard work, day in and day out, despite very difficult and dangerous working conditions. Our members never had the option to work from home as many others did. The Governor’s Office and NYSCOPBA have recognized that working together now, and in the future, will help to resolve issues that our members are facing daily.”

New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Acting Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III said, “I am pleased that an agreement has been reached to ensure the hardworking members of NYSCOPBA have a ratified contract that will deliver the compensation and benefits they deserve. I value our security staff for the extremely difficult job and the role they play in public safety. This contract has the ability to significantly impact our employee recruitment and retention efforts. I commend Governor Hochul and NYSCOPBA for working cooperatively to reach this labor agreement.”

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

Provided photo: from left include Dominick Ciliberto, Javier Hamilton (Lockport), Melinda Whiting with Toby, and Patty Coffee.

MEDINA – Bill Rakonczay’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) Class started their spring break on an uplifting note by doing something nice to help some shelter animals.

Dominick Ciliberto and his brother Mickey own Planter Box Direct and All Metal Works and wanted to do something nice for a local charity.  They reached out to the AME class, at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center (OCTEC), to see if they could create a custom firepit to help fund a charity of the class’s choice.

After some deliberation between Mr. Rakonczay and his students, they decided they wanted to help out PAWS Animal Shelter in Albion.  Student Javier Hamilton from Lockport High School volunteered to create the piece. “I was glad to help out someone who takes care of animals,” he said.

Not only did Dominick and Mickey pay for the firepit that PAWS will use for a fundraiser over the summer, they also made an additional monetary donation to the AME class and to PAWS to help offset veterinarian bills for their shelter’s animals.

“We were so happy to be able to help out this amazing organization,” said Mr. Rakonczay.  “Thank you to Dom and Mickey for their generosity. This project made us all feel great!”

Dominick met PAWS Shelter Supervisor Patty Coffee and shelter volunteer Melinda Whiting on Wednesday at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES classroom where Javier presented the firepit he created.

Patty and Melinda brought along an adorable puppy Toby, who was rescued from a high kill shelter in Texas and will be looking for his forever home soon. If you are interested, contact PAWS at Paws14411@gmail.com.

“We want to thank the OCTEC AME Class, Dominick, Mickey, Planter Box Direct, All Metal Works, Javier, Marcus Hamilton, Megan Campagna and Melinda Whiting for helping us raise money,” said Patty Coffee.  “We are so lucky to have such a great support system from the community.  We could not keep our doors open without you!”

GameTime design: The proposal for Medina from GameTime includes playground equipment would be accessible to children with disabilities and mobility issues.

MEDINA – The Village Board will be forming a committee to work on an inclusive playground at State Street Park.

Medina Mayor Mike Sidari will be retiring from the mayor position on March 31, but he will be on the committee for the playground. It’s a project he said he wants to see to completion. Village Trustee Jess Marciano also will be part of the group.

The two talked with representatives from the Rochester Area Community Foundation on Tuesday about funding for the playground.

The Village Board on Monday approved forming the committee. More members will be added to the committee. People interested in serving on the committee could fill out a volunteer application by stopping at the clerk’s office or checking the village website.

The playground will be accessible to children with disabilities and mobility issues. The village is looking to partner with the Rochester Community Foundation and Ralph C. Wilson Foundation to have the new playground at State Street Park.

GameTime has submitted a proposal for the playground that would cost $492,321. The Village Board is tasking the committee to seek grants and donations for the project so Medina’s only commitment would perhaps be some site work, with no direct financial contributions.

The proposal for an inclusive playground at State Street Park State includes PowerScape playgrounds with large decks and uprights to provide strength and capacity.

Other features include sensory wave seats, RoxAll See Saw, inclusive whirl, Bunny Spring Rider, four-bay swing frame, including two with a belt, two with enclosed tot, two with Zero G, one expression swing and one expression swing with a universal seat.

There would also be a freestanding sensory wave arch climber with sensors, four benches, geotextile rolls and wood fibers.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

 Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that beginning on Monday, April 1, New York State veterans and Gold Star families will have free access to New York State parks, campgrounds, day use areas, historic sites, and recreation areas through the expansion of the Lifetime Liberty Pass Program.

Governor Hochul signed a package of legislation in November 2023 to support veterans and their families, which included this initiative.

“Our veterans have made endless sacrifices and New York is always looking for ways we can say thank you for keeping our country safe,” Governor Hochul said. “Nature heals and with the expansion of our Lifetime Liberty Pass Program, we’re ensuring veterans and their families can easily visit our world-class destinations here in New York.”

Under the legislation signed by Governor Hochul, the Lifetime Liberty Pass Program will now be extended to include all veterans and certain Gold Star Family members who are residents of New York State. A disability rating is no longer required. The benefits include:

• Free vehicle entry to State Parks and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)-operated campgrounds and day use areas, as well as state boat launch sites, historic sites, arboretums, and park preserves.
• Free greens fees at State Park-operated golf courses.
• Free swimming pool entrance at pools operated by State Parks.
• Discounted campsite and cabin rentals at State Parks- and DEC-operated campgrounds. The discount will be applied at the time of campground check-in.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “We are incredibly grateful to our veterans for their dedication and service and are excited to provide veteran communities more opportunities to better connect with state parks, historic sites and recreation areas and facilitate a lifelong love of the outdoors.”

Veterans can access these benefits by presenting a NY State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) photo document (ID) with veteran status designation to employees at all staffed facilities. Veterans who do not have this designation on their ID can visit the NYS DMV website for more information or apply for the free Lifetime Liberty Pass to ensure seamless entry.

New York State Gold Star Parents, Spouses or Children should apply for the free Lifetime Liberty Pass to ensure entry at all park locations. The application process for the Lifetime Liberty Pass will open on April 1, 2024.

Press Release, Rochester Area Community Foundation

In an effort to expand its support for the Greater Rochester-Finger Lakes region and tackle what is called the “Rural Blindspot,” Rochester Area Community Foundation awarded more than $146,000 to 11 nonprofits serving Orleans County.

“The Rural Blindspot” is an insight coined in the Stanford Social Innovation Review indicating that communities where people live farther apart are often overlooked in grantmaking when compared to their more populated neighbors, even when the need for resources is great. According to the data, these rural communities are some of the least likely to both apply for and receive funding to address inequities.

For the Community Foundation, equitable grantmaking means unlocking the potential for those who have had less access to the resources needed to thrive. It means strengthening relationships with community partners who have their finger on the pulse of resident needs. Orleans County has dedicated nonprofits, kind neighbors, and deep roots, but faces a childhood poverty level of 20 percent.

“The Community Foundation service area covers eight counties in our region, not just Monroe,” says Senior Program Officer Sara Bukowiec. “This dedicated funding was part of an intentional shift in our approach to make our grantmaking opportunities more inclusive of rural counties.”

The Foundation historically received few applications from counties like Orleans, but suspected this underrepresented the community’s need for resources and support. In response, the Foundation set aside money and spread the word to nonprofits, community leaders, and chambers of commerce across Genesee, Livingston, and Orleans counties that at least $50,000 in grants would be available for each county. A two-part application process made it easier for nonprofits to apply and for the Foundation to spot opportunities for collaboration and to combine funding from multiple sources.

Twenty-two letters of intent seeking a total of $462,077 were received from nonprofits serving Orleans County, which clearly outlined the need for investment. The uptick in applications and diverse sources of funding identified to satisfy 11 of these requests bolstered the Foundation’s new regional approach.

Community Foundation funding for this grantmaking initiative came from its Community Impact Fund, which pools contributions from more than 100 permanent funds established specifically to support changing community needs, along with dollars from the Greater Rochester Women’s Fund, The Sarah Collins Fund, Fox-Knoeferl Family Fund, VJ Stanley Sr. Fund, Robert C. and Jane K. Stevens Legacy Fund, and Edward R. Lane Fund.

Grants supporting Orleans County include:

• Alianza Agrícola Inc. * : Provides transportation for immigrant farmworker families to various events and activities to increase participation and engagement across a five-county service area. $50,000
• Arc GLOW * : Provides transportation for an estimated 40 children, with and without disabilities, to Camp Rainbow in Lyndonville for a five-week summer camp where kids can grow emotionally and physically through inclusive outdoor experiences. $19,700
• Cancer Support Community Rochester * : The “Mapping My Journey in Rural Communities” outreach program will provide cancer screening and support services to underserved groups in Orleans, Livingston, and Genesee counties. $5,000
• First Presbyterian Church Albion: To provide free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and high school equivalency exam preparation to serve the Spanish-speaking migrant agricultural worker community. $3,500
• Genesee Country Village & Museum *: The Rural School Admission Support program provides subsidized, reduced-rate, and/or fully-funded in-person educational opportunities to schools with financial need. $7,500
• Hands 4 Hope Street Ministry: This Albion-based program helps maintain personal hygiene and dignity by providing laundry products to all clients, many of whom are burdened by the costs associated with public laundromats. $2,560
• Orleans County Adult Learning Services: Supports advertising and outreach materials to increase community awareness of its free adult and childhood literacy tutoring services. $3,000
• P.Raising Kids Child Care Center: To purchase outdoor storage in order to free up space for play and learning inside this center in Medina where kids of any economic situation can grow and flourish. $4,600
• PathStone Foundation: Addresses critical building improvements to the domestic violence shelter, built around 1900, that supports Orleans and other nearby counties. Work will include painting, plumbing, and security measures in order to continue providing a safe and supportive environment for survivors. $20,500
• United Way of Orleans County: To commission a Housing Action Strategy in coordination with key stakeholders, with the goal of increasing the availability of affordable housing over three years and focusing on low-to-moderate income residents. $10,000
• Visually Impaired Advancement * : Supports a part-time outreach staff position to provide 2-1-1 navigational services and outreach in Orleans and Genesee counties. $20,000

* Grants that also support Livingston County and/or Genesee County.

Orleans among 7 counties suing after change from 1 county, 1 vote that defined WROTB’s first 50 years

ALBION – A State Supreme Court judge ruled today that a lawsuit can proceed that challenges a new weighted voting system for the 15 counties and cities of Rochester and Buffalo which make up the ownership of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp.

The first 50 years of WROTB, each entity had the same vote or 1 vote for each municipality, regardless of the population.

But the state budget approved about a year ago included legislation that implemented a new weighted voting system. It gives 99 votes total, with more populous municipalities getting more votes. Erie County gets the most with 24 votes while the four smallest counties: Orleans, Wyoming, Seneca and Schuyler get 1 each.

Here is the breakdown of votes per municipality:

• Erie County: 24
• Monroe County: 20
• City of Buffalo: 10
• City of Rochester and Niagara: 8
• Chautauqua: 5
• Oswego: 4
• Steuben, Wayne, Cattaraugus, Cayuga: 3
• Livingston and Genesee: 2
• Wyoming, Orleans, Seneca, Schuyler: 1

Six of the counties filed a lawsuit against Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, the State Senate and State Assembly.

The counties in the lawsuit are all Republican-led and include Orleans, Genesee, Niagara, Livingston, Wyoming and Seneca. Oswego also was added to the lawsuit today.

The lawsuit was filed in September in Orleans County, and that’s where a motion of dismiss the case was heard today by Judge Frank Caruso.

Joe Terragnoli, representing the Attorney General’s Office, appeared in court today with Dennis Vacco representing the seven counties.

Vacco said the case is a very important challenge, showing smaller rural counties standing up to a “power grab” imposed by the state.

“I’m a little emotional about it because I think they receive these types of shenanigans from Albany all the time,” Vacco, a former state attorney general, told the judge in court this afternoon.

The municipalities in WROTB fronted the money to start WROTB in 1973, which has returned about $245 million in profits to the municipalities. Terragnoli said the initial funding to start WROTB has been paid back – many times – to the counties.

“It’s been a very lucrative deal,” he said. “They gave loans and they were paid in full.”

That contribution never guaranteed an equal vote for perpetuity. The money didn’t purchase voting rights, Terragnoli said.

The state has the right to restructure the board with a weighted vote, he said.

Vacco said the smaller counties never would have put up the money if they had such a small voice at the board table.

He said the change could harm the smaller counties economically, especially if the four members with the most votes – Erie, Monroe, Rochester and Buffalo – get together and make a decision that could hurt the payouts to the other counties. Vacco said the four larger municipalities could go on a hiring spree, approve a capital project the others oppose, or even sell Batavia Downs.

The racetrack in Batavia has 912 video gaming machines that generate about $7 million in profits each month. WROTB also has nine OTB branches and 24 EZ Bet locations.

Vacco also said the legislation approved in May 2023 specifically targeted WROTB and not the other regional OTBs in the state – Capital OTB, Catskill OTB, Nassau OTB and Suffolk OTB.

Terragnoli acknowledged the legislation, pushed by State Sen. Tim Kennedy of South Buffalo, was partly in response to allegations of mismanagement by WROTB. The organization was faulted in an audit by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, who said the organization’s leadership did not properly account for $120,000 worth of sports and event tickets purchased by the company. Kennedy and others have characterized the accounting error as “corruption.”

WROTB has said there are tighter controls now for how those tickets are distributed.

The state comptroller and state attorney general also have challenged WROTB for providing fully paid health insurance coverage to some part-time board members. The organization has put an end to health benefits for new board appointees.

Terragnoli said the WROTB board didn’t do enough to self correct, which prompted the legislation with the weighted voting for the board. That legislation also removed all the board members at the time with the 15 counties and two cities to appoint either the same representatives or new ones. (Orleans County opted to reappoint Ed Morgan to the role.)

Terragnoli said the counties that have sued the state over the changes with the board at WROTB are now claiming they could be hurt financially.

“Where was the concern when the comptroller’s report came out?” he said in court about the misused tickets and perks intended for Batavia Downs customers.

Vacco also said the legislation championed by State Sen. Tim Kennedy twice failed to get through the Legislature on its own merits. It only passed when it was lumped into the state budget vote in an act of “subterfuge.”

The legislation would needed a two-thirds majority vote if it had been a standalone bill, Vacco said. It didn’t get the two-thirds threshold as part of the state budget, which is another reason the weighted-voting change should be negated, he said.

Vacco said the counties will wait for the state to file its response to today’s ruling. There also could be an evidentiary hearing in one of the next steps with the case.