Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services
ALBION – Registration is now open for the Orleans County Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Lilypad Safe Harbour Program, according to DSS Deputy Commissioner Cyndi Stumer.
The goal of Lilypad is to educate young people on healthy relationships and building self-esteem, while also teaching how to recognize red flags that will protect them from online predators. The program is open to those 12 to 21 years of age.
“Many can remember a time when the internet first gained traction and the online world was limited to your home computer,” Stumer said. “Today’s youth have the constant presence of cellphones and access to the entire world in a few seconds, connecting with strangers through Tik Tok, Facebook, online gaming and host of other platforms. And as we know too well, this connectivity is not without its own set of problems and dangers.”
The Lilypad program is structured to help protect young people form online predators, recognizing the signs of grooming and exploitation. The program consists of three sessions that will each cover a different topic. The sessions are scheduled for Sept. 19, Sept. 26 and Oct. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hoag Library, 134 S. Main Street in Albion.
“We approach each session in a manner that allows young people to feel comfortable discussing these serious topics,” Stumer said. “We will also be providing snacks, holding raffles and handing out prizes throughout the evening to lighten things up.”
Advance registration is preferred for planning purposes, however, walk-in registrations are also welcome. To register your youth for Lilypad, please contact Orleans County Safe Harbour at Safeharbour@orleanscountyny.gov or by telephone at (585) 589-2837.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Police are now accepting applications for the Trooper Entrance Examination, and testing for candidates will start on August 15, 2024.
This recruitment period stems from a $66 million investment by Governor Hochul to fund additional State Police academy classes to increase the number of New York State Troopers dedicated to addressing the State’s most pressing crime issues, including the trafficking of illegal firearms.
“Public safety is my top priority, and we will continue to make record investments in law enforcement so that New York State is best prepared to protect New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing $66 million in additional academy classes, we hope to increase the number of potential New York State Troopers serving our great state. I encourage those interested in a rewarding career to apply now.”
Candidates can learn about the qualifications to become a New York State Trooper and sign up to take the exam at www.joinstatepolice.ny.gov. Once candidates apply, they can sign up to take the computerized exam at a Pearson VUE testing center at a location and time that is convenient for them.
The State Police is continuing efforts to increase the diversity of its ranks, which includes outreach to leaders of communities underrepresented in law enforcement. The State Police is proud to participate in the national 30×30 pledge, making a commitment to increase the representation of women in police recruit classes to 30 percent by 2030.
Since 2021, the State Police has increased the number of female Troopers by 21.8 percent (680 from 558), Black Troopers by 45.8 percent (296 from 203), and Hispanic Troopers by 54.6 percent (450 from 291).
A career with the New York State Police offers significant opportunities for advancement and professional development, with specialized units such as Aviation, Canine, Underwater Recovery Team, Special Operations Response Team and Bureau of Criminal Investigation, just to name a few.
Minimum qualifications needed to sign up for the examination:
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Age: Candidates must be at least 20 years old and a maximum of 34 years old at the time of application.
The maximum age may be extended one year for each year of full-time active military duty – up to a maximum of 7 years.
Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required to apply (60 college credits are required at time of appointment, 30 for those who have qualifying military service or police training).
For complete information, including details of the revised tattoo policy, click here.
Applicants must pay a $20 fee at the time of application, and a $44 fee payable to Pearson VUE when scheduling the exam.
Salary & Benefits:
Starting salary for Academy appointees is $59,612.
After one year of service, the minimum compensation rises to $98,300.
Full health benefits and a retirement plan.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “The New York State Police has a reputation and tradition of excellence. A career as a State Trooper is both challenging and rewarding, providing a unique opportunity to positively impact communities across the State. It is more important than ever that we better represent the communities we serve, build better relationships, and increase our diversity to enhance the service we provide New Yorkers. We encourage anyone who is looking for a fulfilling and exciting career to sign up for the exam.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 August 2024 at 10:30 am
MURRAY – The Christ family in Murray and a group of volunteers welcomed about 1,100 people for the Murray Tractor Pull on July 20.
The event featured powerful tractors and semi trucks that pull a 40,000-pound sled down a dirt track that is 320 feet long.
The event returned to Murray in 2023 after 4-year absence. The 2020 event was cancelled due to Covid restrictions and then the tractor pull was sidelined in 2021 and 2022.
The Christ family intends to hoist the event again in 2025. They donate the proceeds to the Ronald McDonald House.
Tammy Ward took this photo of “Survivor” driven Greg Graham. The truck not only competes in the tractor pulling events, but pays tribute to cancer survivors.
Andrea Orton captured this competitor at the tractor pull. Murray hosted the Empire State Pullers and the Outlaw Pulling Series.
Julie Woodworth took this photo of “It’s Only Money,” a tractor that Lloyd Christ of Murray competes in the in Heavy Super Stock Division.
Photos by Susan Wilson: The tractors and trucks spewed dark smoke and emitted loud noise as they pulled the sled down the track.
Most of the competitors brought their tractors and semi-trucks from around Western New York.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 August 2024 at 9:15 am
‘Rock the Park’ returns Friday and Saturday
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Frank Starowitz, left, the lead singer for Savage Cabbage and bassist Mike “Thunder” Warren give an energetic start to “TNT” by AC/DC.
Savage Cabbage performed on the amphitheater stage at Bullard Park on Wednesday evening. The band has been playing locally since 1979 and includes cabbage farmers – Frank, John and Andrew Starowitz, as well as other musicians.
Frank Starowitz, center, sings “Lick It Up” by Kiss. From left include Mike “Grinder” Moore, John Starowitz, Frank Starowitz and Mike “Thunder” Warren.
Bullard Park will host the Albion Summer Music Festival/Rock the Park 9 on Friday and Saturday.
The lineup on Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. includes Lonesome Road, Triple Play and Highway 31.
Then on Saturday, the longer schedule from 11 a.m., to 11 p.m. includes Chris Moore and Ryan & Company to start the music, followed by bands Distant View, Zackstreet Boys, Shotgun Pauly, driVen, The Who Dats, 7th Heaven and Tryst.
The Rochester band Tryst will close out the festival on Saturday. Organizers of the event picked a new band to conclude the music on Saturday, after two years of having Nerds Gone Wild for the finale.
“We’re trying to mix it up,” said Ron Albertson, one of the committee members for Rock the Park. “We had real good turnout the past two years with Nerds.”
Albertson said about 1,200 people attended the festival last year. Proceeds go towards upgrading Bullard Park.
The event also will include food, and arts and crafts vendors.
Press Release, National Night Out in Orleans County
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, Aug. 6 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Medina Clifford 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 principle 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. We want an event where families can come for a night and be entertained at no cost, eating and having fun 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 would like to thank all of our sponsors, participants, and volunteers who have helped make this event possible!
LOCKPORT – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today was joined by Niagara County Legislators Anthony Nemi, Shawn Foti, and Christopher McKimmie, President of FASNY Edward Tase, Jr., Niagara County Director of Emergency Services and Fire Coordinator Jonathan Schultz, and numerous local volunteer firefighters to call on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to reconsider expanding regulations that threaten the closure of volunteer fire departments across New York.
In February, OSHA unveiled a new safety and health standard to replace the Fire Brigades Standard, suggesting 22 additional rules for all fire departments. These encompass obligatory facility upgrades and enhanced training requirements.
However, the proposal overlooks the substantial financial and operational constraints faced by numerous volunteer fire departments. In May, Tenney sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of Labor Douglas Parker, urging OSHA to reconsider these rules and extend the public comment period.
“Thank you to the outstanding volunteer firefighters from our community for joining me in urging OSHA to reconsider the 22 additional rules that would burden our local fire departments,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “NY-24 depends on volunteer firefighters to keep our community safe, putting their lives on the line to save others. We must ensure they are not hampered by burdensome and costly regulations that could lead to closures or limited access to emergency services in our rural communities. I will continue advocating against these regulations and work to ensure our rural and volunteer fire departments have the resources they need.”
“The new OSHA standards on paper may look like they make sense but what does it look like in the real world for our first responders, whether it’s the biggest department in the country or a rural volunteer fire department like the majority of Niagara County and the United States. Change is good, but this change may cripple some of our agencies right here in Niagara County both man power wise and financially,” said Jonathan Schultz, Niagara County Fire Coordinator and Director of Emergency Services.
File photo by Tom Rivers: Some fishing gear will be available at the derby, which is named in honor of Danny Spierdowis, who loved the outdoors, especially fishing in the former Peck quarries at the Sportsmen’s Association.
Press Release, Albion Sportsmen’s Association
ALBION – Free fishing. Free food and drinks. Lots of prizes.
What better way to spend a Saturday.
The 28th Annual Danny Spierdowis Memorial Kids’ Fishing Derby will be from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 10 at Albion Sportsmen’s Association on Keitel Road.
The derby is open to Orleans County residents ages 16 and under, with prizes given to all entrants and special prizes awarded to the winners in all age groups and categories. Last year, 18 children won fishing poles and all entrants received mini-tackle boxes full of tackle.
The not-for-profit club provides drinks and lunch to all the children and parents.
The derby is named in honor of Danny Spierdowis, who died at age 19 in a car crash on Jan. 20, 1990.
Anyone wishing to participate in the derby must register before Aug. 9 by calling or texting Scott DeSmit at (585) 815-5150. You can also email him at desmitmail@yahoo.com. Please provide the names and ages of the children and the number of adults attending.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 July 2024 at 12:58 pm
ALBION – Two people were sentenced to state prison today by Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church.
David Brege, 37, of Medina, was sentenced to five years in prison, the maximum sentence as part of a plea agreement.
Brege pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, and driving while ability impaired due to drugs.
Brege was charged in October after having cocaine, a rifle and knife concealed in a flashlight. He received 5 years in prison for the drug charge, 2 ½ to 5 years for the weapons charge and 364 days in jail for the DWAI. The sentences will be served concurrently or a maximum of 5 years.
Michael R. Bauer, 38, was sentenced to 2 to 4 years in state prison for third-degree burglary. Bauer admitted in court previously to entering the Plaza Liquor Store at 127A South Main St. on Aug. 20, 2023 without permission and with the intent to commit a crime.
Bauer, formerly of Albion, was charged after breaking into the Plaza Liquor Store, damaging the building and taking some of the merchandise. Albion police said there was approximately $2,000 damage to the building, and $336 in damage to alcohol bottles. About $90 worth of alcohol and cash also were stolen.
Bauer is a second-felony offender with a previous conviction of attempted burglary in the second degree for breaking into a convenience store in Medina in June 2014.
Bauer apologized today for the burglary at the liquor store. He said the crime was fueled by a drug addiction problem.
“I know what I did was wrong,” he told Judge Church. “I was badly into drugs.”
Three other people also pleaded guilty in court today.
• Edward Dunn, 38, of Middleport pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary and could face a maximum of 2 ½ to 5 years in prison when he is sentenced on Oct. 2. As part of a plea deal the maximum sentence was reduced from 3 ½ to 7 years in prison.
Dunn, who has been convicted of a previous felony, acknowledged he went to a laundromat in Lyndonville on March 13, and entered a room that is off limits to the public. Dunn said he broke into the room with the change machine to get that money, knowing it wasn’t open to the public.
• Joshua Smith of Byron pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary and second-degree menacing. Smith entered a Clarendon gas station and convenience store on April 30 even though he was told repeatedly to stay out of the building by the owner.
Smith entered with a crowbar and threatened to harm the owner of the business. Smith faces up to 6 months in the county jail and five years probation when he is sentenced on Oct. 2.
• Ronald Lindsey, 41, of Holley pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted assault and faces up to six months in the county jail and five years probation when he is sentenced on Oct. 2.
Lindsey admitted in court today t0 punching his wife several times in the face on April 19 and causing injuries.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 31 July 2024 at 8:34 am
ALBION – The Class of 1972 at Albion High School was a close group during high school, and the friendships they formed have continued throughout the years.
In addition to reunions to celebrate special anniversaries, such as the 50th held at the White Birch in Lyndonville, members of the class have continued to meet for lunches and chicken barbecues.
Their most recent get-together was a gathering Saturday at Bullard Park of all the class members who will be 70 this year.
The committee planning Saturday’s event included Eileen Williams, who has organized lunches; fellow classmate Howard Ward, who has done chicken barbecues, including cooking the chicken for Saturday’s outing; Marita DeLuca Dumrese and Joanie Neri Millis.
The planning committee for the Class of 1972 get-together Saturday at Bullard Park are, from left, Eileen Williams, Howard Ward, Marita DeLuca Dumrese and Joanie Neri Miller.
After enjoying lunch Colleen Murphy McKenna, Vickie Murphy McKenna, Vickie Condoluci Wheeler, Rex Hults, Margaret Colonna Burgio and Marita DeLuca Dumrese cut a birthday cake in honor of the celebration.
Officers for the class in their senior year were Anne Eddy, president; Ron Billingsley, vice president; Joanie Neri Millis, secretary; and Judy Bielicki, treasurer.
“We all really got along and worked together,” said Joanie Peters of West Barre. “We always had fun together, especially getting ready for proms.”
The class was celebrating their 50th reunion at the White Birch when someone said they should have a 70th birthday party. Twenty-six of the original 181 members and their significant others attended the party on Saturday.
Classmates who traveled the farthest were Vickie Pratt from Texas and Marilee Tokotch Flugel from Arizona.
Class of 1972 members getting ready to cut the cake are Colleen Murphy McKenna, Vickie Condoluci Wheeler, Rex Hults, Margaret Colonna Burgio and Marita DeLuca Dumrese. At far left is Jim Frasier.
Tonawanda Band of Seneca among 8 Indigenous Nations represented
Photo by Don Pollard/Office of Governor: Kathy Hochul convened leaders today from the Indigenous Nations across New York State for a historic summit at the New York State Capitol in Albany.
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul today convened leaders from the Indigenous Nations across New York State for a historic summit at the New York State Capitol in Albany.
Today’s summit was attended by the following Indigenous Nations:
Cayuga Nation
Oneida Nation
Onondaga Nation
Tonawanda Band of Seneca
Tuscarora Nation
Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe
Shinnecock Nation
Unkechaug Nation
This summit follows Governor Hochul’s commitment to supporting and strengthening relationships with Indigenous peoples across the state. As part of this commitment, Governor Hochul has:
• Appointed the First Deputy Secretary for Indigenous Nations. Elizabeth Rule was appointed Deputy Secretary for Indigenous Nations. Elizabeth is an enrolled citizen of the Chickasaw Nation and an Assistant Professor specializing in Native American Studies at American University. Prior to joining American University, Elizabeth directed George Washington University’s Center for Indigenous Politics and Policy. She received her bachelor’s degree from Yale University, and her master’s degree and Ph.D. from Brown University.
• Visited the Onondaga Nation Longhouse. Governor Kathy Hochul made a historic visit to the Onondaga Longhouse – the first visit by a sitting Governor in more than half a century – for a conversation with Onondaga Nation leaders, including Tadodaho Sid Hill, representatives of the Council of Chiefs, and Clan Mothers.
• Returned more than 1,000 Acres of Land to the Onondaga Nation. Governor Kathy Hochul, joined by United States Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Onondaga Nation Tadodaho Sidney Hill, announced a historic agreement as part of the Onondaga Lake Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Program that will return more than 1,000 acres of scenic land to the Nation. As Natural Resource Trustees for the settlement with Honeywell International, Inc., the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service signed a resolution that directs Honeywell to transfer the title to more than 1,000 acres of open space in Central New York’s Tully Valley to the Onondaga Nation – one of the largest returns of land by any state to an Indigenous nation.
• Proposed to Strengthen Stability of Indigenous Families. The 1978 Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is a federal law created to protect the best interests of Native American children involved in child custody proceedings. The law emerged as a response to the disproportionate rates at which both residential boarding schools and state actors removed Native American children from their homes, communities, and Indigenous Nations. This year, New York’s Deputy Secretary for Indigenous Nations and the Office of Children and Family Services, will advance, in consultation with Nation leadership and stakeholders, strategies to strengthen the objectives of the Indian Child Welfare Act, underscoring New York’s commitment to redressing injustices inflicted upon Indigenous communities.
• Ensured Dental Care Access for Indigenous Nations. As part of the FY 2025 Budget, New York State will include $2.5 million in funding for Indigenous Nations dental health care, with the aim of addressing gaps in access. This funding will help ensure Indigenous Nations dental offices and providers can offer treatment without referring patients off-site and away from Nation territories. This builds on Governor Hochul’s commitments to lifting up Indigenous Nations throughout New York, including directing New York’s Deputy Secretary for Indigenous Nations and the Office of Children and Family Services to advance strategies to strengthen the objectives of the Indian Child Welfare Act and commencing a comprehensive review of artistic representation of Indigenous peoples at the New York State Capitol.
• Responded to Offensive Representations. To ensure that all New Yorkers are welcomed in the State Capitol, Governor Hochul will commence a comprehensive review of artistic representation of Indigenous peoples in the Capitol, with invited participation from representatives from each of the nine Indigenous Nations. All New Yorkers should feel welcome and respected when visiting the Capitol, but unfortunately, offensive imagery and distasteful representations of populations in the art which adorns the Capitol can alienate visitors. Assessments of offensive artistic representations of Indigenous peoples are informed by precedent more than eighty years old, and Indigenous peoples, in particular, are often depicted in artworks in a manner that reflects harmful racial stereotypes and glorifies violence against Indigenous peoples. Such depictions do not reflect the values of New York State.
National Health Center Week (August 4-10) is a time when we celebrate, and increase awareness of, America’s 1,400 Community Health Centers (CHCs) that serve 31.5 million patients annually across nearly 15,000 communities. Oak Orchard Health (OOH) is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and has nine health centers in the Genesee, Monroe, Orleans, Steuben, and Wyoming Counties. We continue to grown over the years, in 2019 we served 23,399 patients and have grown to over 31,602 in 2023. We truly value the trust our patients have in our health center.
Impact of Oak Orchard Health in Our Community
Beyond offering essential medical, dental, and behavioral health services to all, regardless of insurance status, OOH significantly contributes to our local economy. In 2022 alone, OOH injected $67,765,000 into the community and fostered the creation of 520 local jobs. Moreover, the center’s employees, by spending their earnings locally, further amplify this positive impact. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement for our community!
What Our Patients Say
We greatly value feedback from our patients, as it helps us better understand their needs and enhance the care we provide. A heartfelt thank you to all our patients who take the time to complete our surveys.
Here are a few heartwarming comments from our incredible patients:
“Doctors are always kind and attentive, truly listening to what you have to say.”
“Oak Orchard Health’s staff is exceptional, going above and beyond to assist their patients. I am immensely grateful for them!”
“The office staff is friendly, and my doctor explains things thoroughly. I’ve been a loyal patient here for a long time.”
“Our local, fully staffed medical facility delivers excellent service with top-quality medical equipment. Without funding, small communities would lack essential services.”
Thank you for being part of our Oak Orchard Health community.
National Health Center Week: Powering Communities Through Caring Connections
At Oak Orchard Health we’ll be celebrating National Health Center Week (NHCW) in a variety of ways from August 4-10.
Tuesday, August 6th is Agricultural Worker Health Day. Our roots run deep in the agricultural community. Oak Orchard started by caring for farmworkers. During NHCW we will reach out to our patients and deliver items that will help keep farmworkers safe while they work to put food on our tables. We’ll be visiting farmworkers this day and giving out helpful items such as first aid kits, sunscreen, etc.
On Thursday, August 8th at 2 p.m., join us for a Ribbon Cutting at the Albion Wellness Center. We’re celebrating the expansion of our Behavioral Health program for children and adolescents. Dr. Goetz, who dedicated over 45 years as a pediatrician at Oak Orchard, will be in attendance, along with Assemblyman Steve Hawley and many community leaders.
Dr. Goetz played a pivotal role as an early advocate for this program. Collaborating with Oak Orchard’s Robin Govanlu (Chief of Behavioral Health), Dr. Danielle Mead (Chief Medical Officer), and the Western Monroe County Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Coalition, they developed this vital initiative. Recognizing the increased need for children’s behavioral health services post-pandemic, we’re committed to swiftly connecting our young patients to essential mental health care.
As part of this commitment, Oak Orchard Health will expand child and adolescent behavioral health services at both the Brockport Health Center and the Albion Wellness Center
Saturday, August 10th at the Brockport Arts Festival we’ll be highlighting Health Center Week’s Children’s Wellness Day. We’ll have the Teddy Bear Clinic, games, and giveaways available for the youngsters who stop by with their parents and guardians. We’ll also have the Mobile Medical Unit there which goes to community organizations and provides medical and mental health services. Stop by to learn more about our services for children.
We take pride in being an integral part of the community health network. This affiliation empowers us to deliver top-quality care and essential services, addressing barriers that may otherwise prevent individuals from accessing medical, dental, and behavioral health services. To schedule an appointment or learn more, please reach out to us at (585) 589-5613.
Join us for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Albion Wellness Center on August 8th at 2 p.m.
By Karen Kinter, CEO, Oak Orchard Health
