Provided photos: Four students from Orleans County performed in the Jr. High Area All-State this past weekend, including, from left: Rosa Scroope of Holley, Elise Olsen of Medina, and Gavyn Draper and Karalyn Klotzbach of Lyndonville.
Posted 3 November 2024 at 8:09 am
Press Release, Orleans County Music Educators Association
YORK – The following Orleans County students participated in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Zone 2 Jr. High Area All-State festival this weekend at York Central School!
From Holley: Rosa Scroope, French Horn – Orchestra
From Medina: Elise Olsen, Flute – Wind Ensemble
These students are joined by the top singers and instrumentalists from all over Zone 2, which encompasses Monroe, and all its surrounding counties, including Orleans. Admission to the Area All-State ensembles requires students to receive a top NYSSMA solo festival score in the spring, a nomination from their music teacher, and eventual selection from a committee of music teachers from Zone 2 based on the first two criteria. It is a rigorous process and a tremendous honor for all students involved!
The Symphony Orchestra was conducted by Mr. David Beck of Bethlehem Central School.
The Treble Choir was conducted by Mrs. Jennifer Mernitz of Grand Island Central School.
The Symphonic Band was conducted by Dr. Carrie Pawelski of Jamestown Central School & SUNY Fredonia.
Dr. Kevin Dibble of Houghton University directed the Mixed Choir.
Good morning! Grab your favorite cup. Fill it up. And let’s start this week right TOGETHER!!!
Today I want to talk about the importance of practicing self-fulness. No, I did not spell that wrong and no I do not know if it is a real word or if I just made it up.
What I do know is that selfishness is being concerned, sometimes excessively or exclusively, for oneself or one’s own advantage, pleasure, or welfare, regardless of others, is bad. Selflessness, on the other hand, is the act of sacrificing one’s own interest for the greater good.
What often gets overlooked though is the fact that you cannot pour from an empty cup. This is where the concept of self-fulness comes in. It is the act of caring for your own welfare so that you are able to care for the welfare of others. It is something I often talk about with my hospice patients’ families.
Another way to look at it is to think about the safety speech given at the beginning of every flight. The flight attendant goes over what to do in a number of given scenarios so that the passengers are prepared for the worst and when they get to the part about oxygen masks dropping down from overhead they always stress that if you are traveling with a child you should put your oxygen mask on first before helping your child put theirs on.
The reason they emphasize this so much is two-fold: firstly, because if you try put the oxygen mask on your child first and you pass out you will be of no more help to them and secondly, because they know that a parent’s initial instinct would be to help their child before themselves. I mean, it just seems like that would be the selfless thing to do, the better thing, and yet it is not the best thing.
Probably one of the hardest lessons that I have had to learn over the past 30 years in ministry is how to say no. I prefer to say yes. I like to help people. I like to be able to meet a need. It is in my nature. Unfortunately, that attitude has also gotten me to the point of being spread so thin at times that I end up getting sick or so overwhelmed and exhausted that I am unable to be of help to anyone.
In Scripture, there is an account in Mark 1:35-39 where Jesus gets up early in the morning and goes off by himself to a solitary place to pray. This was his “me time” if you will. It is like sneaking downstairs before the kids wake up to enjoy that first cup of coffee.
For Jesus it was a time of being poured into by his Father in preparation for the day ahead. And soon enough his kids, aka the disciples, find him and try to convince him to go back to where all the people were eagerly waiting for him to meet their needs. Not only did Jesus get refilled after already pouring himself out to the people but he also got reminded of the bigger picture. This helped him to say no and instead to instruct the disciples to follow him as he traveled to help different people with different needs.
I don’t know about you but if even Jesus needed to practice self-fullness then I think we need to as well. Here are seven suggestions to start with followed by a prayer that I wrote a few years ago.
• Spend time daily in silence and solitude
• Learn to say “Yes” to better things by saying “No” to some things
• Decide what things you can delegate to others
• Start a rhythm of taking a regular Sabbath rest
• Do a “Digital Detox”
• Make space in your life for people and pastimes that refill and recharge you
• Drink that second cup of coffee
To The Father of the Fatherless, The God of all Grace, The Shepherd of My Soul,
The One—
Who empties me of all my sin and self So that I can be filled with His Spirit Who empties me of all my pride So that I can put other’s interests ahead of my own Who empties me of all my anger and hate So that I can learn to love even those who would wish me harm Who empties me of all my greed So that I can be generous on every occasion Who empties me of all my ambitions So that I can put His Agenda ahead of my own Who empties me of all my words So that I can hear His Whisper
Help Me—
To be still long enough to sense when Your Spirit is stirring To be silent long enough to recognize the sound of Your Voice To stay in solitude long enough to realize that I am never really alone To set aside a Sacred Space where I can invite You to commune with my soul To see in The Scriptures what You want to say to me and through me each day To simplify my life by getting rid of the stuff that trips me up and slows me down To see each day as a Sacrament and the world as Your Sanctuary
Thank you—
For creating me, for sending Christ for me, for hearing my cry, for curing my soul, for calling me son. Amen.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 November 2024 at 6:30 pm
Students boogie in protest in ‘Do You Want To Dance?’
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion High School Drama Department performs “Do You Want To Dance?” on Friday evening in the Albion Middle School Auditorium. The cast of about 30 also has two shows today at noon and 7 p.m.
The show is co-directed by Elliott Michki, Kailey Winans and Kathy Winans.
In the musical, Mayor Pete Lightfoot (Sawyer Brigham) reads a decree that there will be a tax on dancing. The town of SnapHappy, Ohio, revels in the joy of singing and dancing.
The mayor’s wife, Mona Lightfoot (Keira Zambito), leads the charge against taxing dancing.
SnapHappy kids keep dancing in protest and end up jailed.
The kids of the town continue to push back on the decree by boogieing. From left in front include Lily Brigham, Bradyn Whittier and Ella Trupo.
Chloe Mosele as Brandi, in front, and the cast sing “Walking on Sunshine “ in this scene. In back from left are Makenzie Cook, Madalyn Ashbery and Olivia Andrews.
The cast performs to “Dancing Machine.” From left Carly Smith and Kamryn Simmons.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 November 2024 at 11:15 am
Businesses with video of downtown area asked to let police see images
MEDINA – The Medina Police Department is investigating a stabbing that occurred in the Canal Basin overnight and is asking business owners with cameras to allow officers to review video in the downtown area.
“We are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information regarding this incident to reach out to the Medina PD,” the department stated on its Facebook page.
Businesses with video and others with information are urged to contact dispatch at (585) 589-5527 and ask to speak to an officer.
“We will provide an update as more information becomes available,” the Medina PD posted.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 November 2024 at 9:26 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The bell tower at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Jamestown is a four-sided landmark in this Chautauqua County city. St. Luke’s was built in 1894 and was inducted in the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame on Oct. 17.
Clocks should be turned back an hour tonight. Daylight saving time technically ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday.
This will result in an hour more of daylight in the morning, but it will also get darker earlier later in the day.
AAA is advising drivers that although they can get an extra hour of sleep tonight with clocks going back an hour, the time change can cause potential distractions to their normal routine.
An earlier sunset and darkness can lead to an increase in the number of pedestrians killed or seriously injured by vehicles, AAA said.
Drivers, pedestrians, joggers, walkers and bicyclists are advised to take added safety measures so they are seen on the roads.
AAA recommends the following:
Drivers
Always watch out for pedestrians when backing up in parking lots or driveways. Use headlights to be visible.
Leave more following room. In the morning, when the sun is in your eyes it can be hard to see what the car ahead is doing. Use sunglasses and your sun visor.
Be mindful of children and others who are outdoors in the afternoon and evening as it gets dark earlier.
Pay attention and eliminate all distractions including cell phones and car clocks that are off by an hour.
Scan the road for wild animals, mainly deer. Preliminary data indicates there were 35,481 animal-related crashes in New York in 2023 – that’s equivalent to one animal-related crash every 15 minutes, often outside of daylight hours.
Be visible. This is especially important in dark places or poor weather. Remember to stay in well-lit areas and to wear light or reflective clothing. Never assume drivers see you just because you see them.
Use sidewalks and pathways. If a sidewalk is not available, stay to the far side of the road and always face traffic.
Headlights
With 50% of crashes occurring at night, drivers should check their headlights for signs of deterioration and invest in new headlights or, at a minimum, try a low-cost headlight cleaning and restoration to boost the safety of driving after dark. Headlights can show signs of deterioration after three years but most commonly by year five.
AAA suggests drivers check their headlights for changes in appearance such as yellowing or clouding. If the bulb is difficult to see, it is time to have the lens replaced or restored as soon as possible. Replacement and restoration services are available at most repair shops.
School Safety
Moving clocks back one hour means it will be darker in the late afternoon. It is important to remember that children will be on their way home from school during this time, so drivers must remain vigilant.
Slow Down. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed than a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.
Camera was installed 2 weeks ago after 20-year absence
Provided photo from Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge: A still from the nest camera showing the female eagle in the nest just before the tree came down.
By Dick Moss, Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge board member
BASOM – The bald eagle nest that Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (FINWR) had trained its new nest camera on blew down this morning in high winds.
The old cottonwood near the Cayuga Pool that the nest was perched in came down at 5:58 a.m. It broke off near the base of the tree and was clearly hollow and rotten inside.
The female had roosted in the nest overnight and was in it when the tree blew over. There was concern about her safety until dawn broke and the camera could see both male and female perched together on a different tree branch.
Photos by Emma DeLeon: (Left) FINWR President Garner Light surveys the damage from the toppled tree. (Right) The base of the cottonwood clearly shows why it came down.
Bald eagles have nested in this same tree line for the past 25 years.
“Hopefully they build a new nest in the same tree line,” said FINWR President Garner Light.
Two weeks ago on Oct. 18, the nest camera was mounted in a different tree, so that equipment is still functional. Light said FINWR, in concert with refuge staff, the DEC and others, would determine whether the camera can be properly repositioned once the eagles build a new nest.
The tree line the cottonwood was part of has other possibilities for the pair to nest in.
“It’s such a shame that this happened right as we were getting going, but it could have been worse and hopefully both we and the eagles will move to plan B for the season!” said FINWR board member Emma DeLeon.
“Unfortunately, this kind of situation is not uncommon for nesting eagles,” DeLeon said. “The birds tend to build in large, old, trees in exposed areas, and the nests themselves can get quite heavy as the birds add sticks year after year. Luckily for our pair, there is still plenty of time to build a new nest, and many similar trees in the area to select from.”
There have been other positive signals.
“We observed a strong pair bond on camera over the past few weeks with the birds roosting together most nights and actively bringing in nest material,” she said. “We are hopeful that they will still have a successful nesting season whether we are able to catch it on camera or not.”
File photo by Tom Rivers: The dome of the Orleans County Courthouse was illumined in green on Nov. 11, 2021 to show support of military personnel transitioning to civilian life. It was part of “Operation Green Light” to recognize the service of military personnel and their shift to being a civilian.
Posted 1 November 2024 at 4:53 pm
Press Release, Orleans County Legislature
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature will once again be taking part in Operation Green Light, a campaign designed to show support for our nation’s veterans, raise awareness of the county role in providing support and resources to veterans, and advocate for legislation that will strengthen counties’ ability to support veterans.
In honor of Operation Green Light, the dome of the courthouse will be lit green from Nov. 4 through Nov. 11.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate in Operation Green Light by placing a green light in a window of their home or business.
“This campaign began with the New York State Association of Counties and now has been adopted by our national organization with the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes, and boroughs all joining together to honor veterans,” said Lynne Johnson, chairman of the Orleans County Legislature. “By shining a green light, county governments and our residents will let veterans know how much they are appreciated and we are here to support them.”
Johnson said the Orleans County Veterans Service Office can help veterans with anything they need including filing important paperwork, fighting for benefits, securing medical appointments and finding counseling. The office can be reached at (585) 589-3219.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 November 2024 at 9:14 am
County grew by 12.9 percent or by $700K to help make up for declines in first half of the year
The most recent sales tax collection update from the state comptroller shows Orleans County has the largest percentage increase among the 62 counties in the state.
Orleans grew 12.9 percent during the third quarter, or by $703,000 from $5.66 million to $6.39 million. Orleans is up while other nearby counties experienced a decrease in sales tax during the third quarter: Genesee, down 3.4%; Livingston, down 5.8%; Monroe, negative 3.0%; and Allegany, a drop of 10.2%.
Statewide, sales tax was up 1.4% during the third quarter, with New York City seeing 1.1% growth and the rest of the state up 2.5%.
The 12.9 percent growth in Orleans County is followed by the counties of Rockland (9.3 percent), Hamilton (7.4 percent) and Schenectady (6.9 percent).
The big increase in Orleans County helps make up for declines in the first two quarters of the year. Orleans in the second quarter was down 4.2 percent or about $250,000, from $5.93 million to $5.68 million. In the first quarter the county was down $300,000, from $5.69 million to $5.39 million.
The county now shows a modest growth of about $150,000 in sales tax collections for the first three quarters of the year.
The county has experienced big increases in sales in recent years, which has taken some pressure off property taxes. Orleans County’s sales tax collection went up more than $600,000 in 2023 from $22.46 million in 2022 to $23.10 million in 2022.
Sales tax is up more than $5 million in the county since 2019.
Here are the recent totals for sales tax in the county:
Renderings by Red Green Design: The three-story building would have the look of a barn, with the silo having an elevator and stairs to access the three floors. GO Art! said the facility would boost arts programs, agricultural education and entrepreneurial initiaitives.
Posted 1 November 2024 at 8:13 am
Press Release, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!)
KNOWLESVILLE – GO Art! is thrilled to announce an exciting new project set to transform the Genesee-Orleans region: GO BARN!
Located at the Orleans County Fairgrounds on Route 31, between Medina and Albion, GO BARN! will be a dynamic cultural community hub designed to bring arts, agricultural education, and entrepreneurial opportunities together under one roof.
GO BARN! will serve as a vibrant space for a wide range of arts and educational programs, with workshops spanning fine arts, culinary arts, horticulture, fiber arts, and more. Developed in partnership with Orleans Cornell Cooperative Extension, the facility will offer specialized programs in sustainable agriculture and fiber arts, alongside dedicated areas for performances, gallery exhibitions, community gardens, and artisan workshops. GO BARN! will be a cornerstone for local artisans, performers, and small business owners, creating opportunities for connection, learning, and economic growth in the region.
Community Backing Needed to Secure Funding
GO Art! has identified significant funding sources for GO BARN!’s construction; however, major funders want to see strong community support before committing to full project funding. To demonstrate the region’s commitment, GO Art! is launching a community campaign to raise $150,000 by Dec. 31. This initial funding will advance key programming and design stages, laying the groundwork for grant applications that will unlock the larger financial resources needed to bring GO BARN! to life.
“GO BARN! is about more than just a building—it’s about creating a shared space where our community can thrive,” said Gregory Hallock, Executive Director of GO Art!. “Every donation, no matter the size, is a show of support for our vision of a place where people of all ages can connect, create, and grow together.”
How You Can Help
Community members across Genesee and Orleans counties are invited to join this transformative effort by:
Making a Donation: Every gift, large or small, will help reach the $150,000 goal and demonstrate community backing to our funders. Donations can be made at www.goart.org.
Spreading the Word: Share the news about GO BARN! with friends, family, and neighbors.
Volunteering and Getting Involved: GO Art! is also seeking representatives from Orleans County to join its board and committees.
About GO Art!
GO Art!’s mission is to inspire a creative, inclusive community through the power of arts, culture, and traditions. GO Art! is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, culturally rich community across Genesee and Orleans counties. Through diverse programming, support for local artists, and an ongoing commitment to community engagement, GO Art! brings the transformative power of the arts to all.
Press Release, Bob Golden of Community Coalition for Justice
ALBION – Candidates across the nation are highlighting inflation as a current problem. Patrick A. Golden, who was most recently principal analyst on Consumer Affairs and Protection for the NYS Assembly and Counsel, doesn’t agree.
Patrick Golden
“Inflation has decreased significantly over the last couple of years from over 9% to around 2.5%,” Golden said during a presentation last week at Hoag Library. “With inflation approaching the Federal Reserve Board’s target rate of 2% per year, the board recently lowered the federal funds rate to 4.75-5%, which is down from 5.25-5.5%, where it had been since early 2024 after a series of rate increases in 2022 and 2023, and is expected to lower it further within the next few months.”
“As a means of stabilizing dramatically changing prices the board historically increases the rate in times of high inflation and decreases the rate when it is low and risks of high inflation have diminished,” he said.
About 30 people gathered at the Hoag Tuesday night to hear Golden, a Kendall graduate. Among them were a local grower and two adult children of major Orleans farm families and a former chairman of Orleans Legislature and other office holders.
Golden and the crowd discussed food prices. It was generally conceded that these are affected more by the high cost of fuel and transport of food (the oil industry increased their profits by 50% while most of the economy during the Covid crisis struggled to survive), food processing monopolized by three major firms, and labor shortages.
Golden brought up immigration: most of the audience and Golden agreed with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and NYS Comptroller that more immigrant workers could help to fill many labor needs, especially farming and food processing, service jobs and even the health industries.
Someone also mentioned that those of working age on refugee status should be allowed to work as soon as possible, especially at most of those previously mentioned jobs, rather than being hung-up with red-tape for months or longer without such permission.
Tariffs: Golden pointed out that “in addition to Nobel winning Joseph A. Stiglitz, joined by 15 other Nobel winning economists warning against the Trump-proposed tariffs as likely inflationary and harmful to our reputation and influence in the world, Forbes Magazine published recently that two-thirds of economists expressed that the proposed tariffs would be harmful.”
Brian Kent pointed out that the proposed tariff on aluminum didn’t make sense since the U.S. doesn’t significantly mine aluminum. Further, raising the cost of aluminum would hurt our efforts toward “energy sustainability.” Golden agreed.
Golden specialized in sustainability and consumer protection issues and authored, co-authored, or contributed to several reports on materials reduction, recovery, and management.
Asked to talk about the environment and the economy, Golden indicated that violent weather not only causes much tragedy, but also is very costly to our economy and exacerbates our housing shortage. In casual conversation afterward, he pointed out that rising water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico, oceans, and other water bodies are estimated to be contributing to increasing intensities of tropical and other storms.
Sister Dolores Ann O’Dowd announced that the next program put on by Green Orleans Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m. will address the negative effect of plastics on the environment and economy. Sister Dolores is chair of Green Orleans and a member of the Community Coalition for Justice.
There were many handouts at the event. Contact Bob Golden at goldenjazz59@gmail.com for copies.
Patrick Golden is a graduate of St. Joseph’s School in Albion, Kendall High School, St. Bonaventure University and University at Albany in Economics. He worked for the NYS Business Council and then the NYS Assembly for 34 years. (Bob Golden is his father.)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 October 2024 at 8:58 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Ben Curfman, pastor of the North Point Chapel in Albion, was out trick-or-treating on East Park Street in Albion with five of his children and their dog, Raney.
It was about 74 degrees when this photo was taken just before 6 p.m.
Today reached a high of 78 in Buffalo, which set a new record, breaking the previous high of 73 degrees set in 1971, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
Press Release, NYS Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association
ALBANY – The New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association, Inc. (NYSCOPBA) is calling on Governor Hochul and the State Legislature to address the escalating violence in state prisons.
Recent data indicate that both inmate-on-staff and inmate-on-inmate assaults have already exceeded 2023 levels with two months still left in the calendar year, underscoring a crisis that shows no signs of improvement.
NYSCOPBA President Chris Summers stated, “Enough is enough—our members cannot and should not be used as punching bags. NYSCOPBA members, working in the most challenging of conditions, are being assaulted at record rates, yet their health and safety continue to be disregarded by those responsible for protecting the state workforce.”
According to state data, as of October 27, assaults on staff have reached 1,736, surpassing the 1,677 reported in 2023. At this pace, assaults are likely to exceed 2,000 for the first time. Inmate-on-inmate assaults currently stand at 2,423, also outpacing last year’s total of 2,121.
Further compounding the violence are the dwindling staffing levels and rising inmate population. Since January 3, 2023, there are 1,893 fewer correction officers in state facilities, while the inmate population has increased by 2,216.
Adding to the problem, is the state’s ongoing struggle to recruit and retain officers.
“The statistics speak volumes: 2024 is set to shatter last year’s assault records,” Summers said. “At the current rate, assaults on staff are projected to increase by 24 percent, marking a 47 percent rise since 2021. Inmate-on-inmate assaults are expected to surge by 37 percent from last year and a staggering 118 percent since 2021. We have made it clear to the Governor, State Legislature, and DOCCS that this system is unsustainable, and the safety inside the facilities are being neglected by state leaders.”
Summers faulted “progressive criminal justice policies and continued appeasement of inmate advocacy groups” for the unprecedented levels of violence within the prisons.
“The state needs to make the job more attractive to prospective candidates and improve conditions for current officers, who are leaving in droves,” Summers said. “Officers are retiring early, resigning, or transferring to other agencies due to the violence and prison closures that have created undue hardships for them and their families. We have repeatedly presented the reality of the unsafe work environment facing our members, exacerbated by a weakened disciplinary system, staffing shortages, and mandatory overtime that have pushed staff to the brink. State policies have directly contributed to this current state and need to be addressed immediately.”
By Randy LeBaron
