Kevin Sheehan says mayor didn’t acknowledge letter seeking to fill vacancy

ALBION – Kevin Sheehan says he has a 40-year track record of service to the Albion community, from time on the Village Board including a stint as mayor, to many years with the Knights of Columbus, VFW, youth sports and as the current Planning Board chairman for the Town of Albion.

Kevin Sheehan

Sheehan sent a letter to Mayor Angel Javier Jr., offering to fill a vacancy on the Albion Village Board when Zack Burgess resigned as trustee in October after moving out of the village.

Sheehan said his letter was never acknowledged. Javier chose to fill the vacancy last month with David Buczek, a supervisor for National Grid. The position is up for election on March 19

Sheehan said the village never communicated with him about his letter or the process. He told the board during Wednesday’s meeting there was no communication with him, or with Tom O’Hearn, a retired Albion police lieutenant who also sent in a letter asking to be considered for the vacancy.

Filling the vacancy is a mayoral appointment. Javier told Sheehan he wasn’t considered for the spot.

“None of the letters that came in were considered,” Javier said during Wednesday’s meeting. “You have an election in two months. You have all the opportunity that you want.”

Javier said he didn’t interview Buczek to fill the vacancy. Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley met with him, but she said filling the position was the mayor’s choice.

Trustee Tim McMurray said he was left out of the process to fill the vacancy and said Javier does not share information with him. McMurray said he learned of the appointment in a text message from Riley.

Sheehan said the process is slight to long-time residents with a track record of service to the community. Sheehan said Buczek is largely unknown to village residents. He moved to Albion two years ago.

Sheehan and O’Hearn have been publicly critical of Javier in his first two years as mayor, especially with a dispute over pay with police officers that was settled in favor of the police department. Sheehan also briefly was the village code enforcement officer at the start of Javier’s term.

Sheehan said his letter of interest in serving as trustee should have at least been acknowledged by the mayor.

“If you don’t like me, fine you don’t like me,” Sheehan said. “But why wasn’t there any communication?”

Orleans Community Health says it values employees but can’t jeopardize long-term financial viability

MEDINA – The leaders of Orleans Community Health say the organization cares deeply about its employees and finalizing a contract is a top priority with 189 employees in the 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East..

The organization, which has about 300 employees altogether, is currently proposing approximate average increases of 12 to 15 percent over the next three years, which far surpasses the across the board 2 percent increases in 2021, 2022 and 2023, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications, and Outreach for OCH.

Union members at Orleans Community Health’s Medina Memorial Hospital, Lake Plains Batavia Dialysis Clinic, and Albion Healthcare Center have voted to authorize an informational picket if no labor agreement can be reached soon.

“Services at Orleans Community Health’s Medina Memorial Hospital have expanded and the increase in patients leaves workers without enough staff to provide the quality care patients in the rural community rely upon,” the union stated in a news release. “Downsizing and service line closures in nearby counties have contributed to staffing issues at the hospital and clinics.”

OCH currently holds a 2.6% vacancy rate (down 8 positions out of 304) and is actively recruiting for those positions, Robinson said.

Orleans Community Health is utilizing temporary workers until permanent placements are found. Robinson said OCH’s nursing home staffing levels are among the best according to the latest CMS report.

OCH leaders have met with union reps for 13 sessions since commencing negotiations on December 8, 2023, Robinson said.

“During the entire process the OCH Negotiating Team has negotiated transparently and in good faith with 1199SEIU,” he said. “This includes sharing a significant amount of financial details and information with the Union throughout the course of negotiations. This was done to establish transparency from the start so the bargaining committee could see the full picture and challenges facing OCH as an organization.”

Extensive market research on current wages and benefits was conducted and that information was shared with the entire bargaining committee at the table. Some of the wage proposals are at the top-end of the competition, Robinson said, including:

• A proposed CNA base wage of $18.38 to $21.49 per hour with the average wage for like positions ranging from $15.00/hr. up to $21.00/hr.
• A proposed housekeeping base wage of $16.70 to $19.48/hr. with the average wage for like positions ranging from $15 to $16.95/hr.
• A proposed registered nurse base wage of $35.55 to $43.57/hr. with the average wage for like positions ranging from $33.00 to $49.35/hr.

“These past few years presented challenges for all of us, and we survived,” Robinson said. “We are optimistic about our future! Now more than ever, we must balance making sound financial decisions so that we do not jeopardize the long term financial stability of the hospital while also compensating our employees fairly and competitively.

“OCH employs over 300 individuals and serves tens of thousands of community members, and we take this negotiation process very seriously. Making these important financial decisions can either set us up for future success or failure. It is our obligation to be good stewards of the hospital’s resources and it would be extremely irresponsible for us to commit to all the Union’s proposals knowing that we would not be able to meet our financial obligations.”

State of emergency declared for 15 counties including Orleans

Photo from Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul: The governor speaks during a news conference today highlighting an impending winter storm. Orleans County is in part of the area in red for the most severe storm impacts.

A winter storm this weekend is expected to bring blizzard-like conditions with high winds and snow.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency for much of Western New York and part of northern New York. The counties in the state of emergency include Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego and Wyoming.

A high wind warning goes in to effect for Orleans County from 7 p.m. today until 4 a.m. Sunday. There will be southeast winds from 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts to 50 mph tonight, and then becoming southwest 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph on Saturday and Saturday night, the National Weather Service said.

A winter storm warning is in effect from 10 a.m. Saturday until 3 p.m. Sunday, with 5 to 10 inches of snow expected in Orleans and Niagara counties.

“Blizzard conditions will be possible at times, especially late Saturday night and Sunday morning,” the Weather Service said.

There is a travel Ban for empty and tandem trucks/trailers on the Thruway and some other state road beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday. The state roads include Buffalo Skyway (NY 5), U.S. 219, NY 400, I-190 (north of the North Grand Island Bridge), I-290, I-990, Kensington Expressway (NY 33) and I-86 in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus County.

ALBION – Community Action of Orleans & Genesee has announced the conclusion of one of the most successful Red Kettle campaigns in recent years.

Community Action has run the Red Kettle holiday drive associated with The Salvation Army for many years in Orleans County, according to Katrina Chaffee, director of Community Services and Reporting at Community Action, who coordinated the Red Kettle drive.

While the length of the drive and available locations to set up have decreased, the Red Kettle campaign this year raised a near-record $12,328, which will be shared by Community Action and the Ministry of Concern. A portion of the money funds summer camp for children, while the rest is used by the two agencies for emergency services, Chaffee said.

Chaffee thanks all the volunteers who rang bells and to Tops in Albion and Medina, and Walmart in Albion which allowed the bell ringers to set up at their businesses.

In former years, the Red Kettle campaign began the day before Thanksgiving, but this year it began Dec. 7. This year’s total bests last year’s $9,732 and is the highest since pre-Covid.

Chaffee added she has just received permission from The Salvation Army to use some of the Red Kettle money to purchase food for the new Warming Center recently opened at Christ Church in Albion, while the Ministry of Concern has received approval to use some of their share to purchase hygiene products. Since the Warming Center opened, four individuals have used it for multiple days, according to Nyla Gaylord, director of United Way of Orleans County, who worked on the committee to establish a warming center.

Community Action has also announced a very busy holiday season, with a high number of families assisted with Christmas gifts and dinner.

In 2022, 187 children received gifts from Community Action and 348 individuals were adopted by an outside organization. Holiday meal boxes were provided to 647 individuals. In 2023, those numbers rose to 341 children who received gifts, 368 individuals adopted by outside organizations and 752 individuals who received a holiday meal box.

“We are grateful to have the honor of helping families have brighter holidays,” said Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee. “Each year during the holiday season, Community Action is buzzing with activity. The team pulls together in so many ways, like bell ringing, collecting toys, distributing food baskets and so much more. I am proud of our team and their commitment to the communities that we serve.”

Chaffee also added her thanks to all the agencies who adopted individuals, and to those who donated food and cash.

Press Release, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo

 BUFFALO – The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo scholarship application process for the 2024–2025 academic year is now open. Applications are due by May 1, 2024, and must be submitted online. Scholarship awards typically range from $1,000 to $6,000.

All students, including Say Yes Buffalo applicants and scholars, that meet the eligibility requirements below are encouraged to apply. Preference is given to Pell-eligible students attending school in Western New York.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be a current resident of one of the eight counties of Western New York (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming)
• Have a minimum of a “C” average or a GPA of 2.0 or greater
• Be admitted to a nonprofit 501(c)(3), U.S. Department of Education accredited school for full-time study beginning in the fall 2024 semester.

 More than 180 individuals, families, foundations and organizations have established scholarship funds through the Community Foundation. In 2023, the Community Foundation remained as one of the region’s largest scholarship providers, awarding scholarships totaling $3 million to more than 3,000 Western New York students.

For more information on the Community Foundation’s scholarship program, including application instructions, please visit www.cfgbscholarships.org or text SCHOLARSHIP to (855) 628-3360.

MEDINA – Village residents interested in running for a spot on the Village Board can start the petition process.

Candidates need at least 100 registered voters in the village to sign an independent nominating petition that must be turned in to the village office by Feb. 13.

The mayor’s position and two trustees will be up for election on March 19. Mayor Mike Sidari announced he won’t be seeking re-election after eight years as mayor. The trustee positions up for election are currently filled by Tim Elliot and Marguerite Sherman.

Medina doesn’t have major party caucuses. The candidates all run as independents.

Workers seek higher wages and more staffing

Press Release, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East

MEDINA – More than 200 hospital workers in rural Upstate New York could hit the picket line soon this winter.

Union members at Orleans Community Health’s Medina Memorial Hospital, Lake Plains Batavia Dialysis Clinic, and Albion Healthcare Center voted to authorize an informational picket if no agreement can be reached soon. Rural hospital workers are represented by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the largest healthcare workers union in the country.

Caregivers at three Orleans Community Health sites in Medina, Albion and Batavia have been fighting for living wages and quality comprehensive benefits to help retain and recruit more workers to care for patients.

Services at Orleans Community Health’s Medina Memorial Hospital have expanded and the increase in patients leaves workers without enough staff to provide the quality care patients in the rural community rely upon. Downsizing and service line closures in nearby counties have contributed to staffing issues at the hospital and clinics.

“I have been a Certified Nurse Assistant for 23 years and I’ve worked at Medina Memorial Hospital for 7 years,” said Jessica Skowneski.  “It’s a struggle and with inflation, it’s getting worse. Fighting for a living wage means that I can afford to eat by the end of the week.”

In 2021, during the COVID pandemic, some top leaders at Orleans Community Health earned large salary increases ranging from 15-75 percent.

The three-year union contract covering workers at Orleans Community Health’s three sites expired December 31, 2023.  The union and management have been negotiating since mid-December last year.

A federal mediator from Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services is present during contract talks. Both sides are set to return to the bargaining table on Friday, January 19th.

If the worker led bargaining committee is unable to reach a fair agreement with their employer for everyone, the union can issue 10-day notice to hold an informational picket outside the hospital and/or clinics. Workers are allowed to participate in informational picketing either before/after work or during their lunch or break. An informational picket is a protected job action under the National Labor Relations Board and workers can not be retaliated against for participating.

1199SEIU represents professional, technical and service jobs at all three sites including:  Registered Nurses, Dietetic Technicians, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapy Assistants, Radiology Technologists, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, Respiratory Therapists, MRI Techs, Surgical Techs, Certified Nurse Assistants, Unit Secretaries, Ambulatory Unit Aides, Activities Aides, Pharmacy Technicians, Aide Porters, Cooks, Cafeteria Aides, Maintenance Workers, Environmental Service Workers, Couriers, Patient Care Technicians, Processor Phlebotomist, and Clinical Technicians.

Provided photos

KENDALL – Kendall town officials took the oath and were sworn in on Jan. 4. The top photo shows Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata and Town Board member Barb Flow reciting the oath of office from Town Justice Debra Kluth.

David Bentley is a new Town Board member and he takes his oath of office.

Eric Maxon is sworn in as new highway superintendent. His granddaughter Maddison holds the bible.

Eric Maxon is joined in this photo by, from left: his son Mike, girlfriend Phyllis Winters, granddaughter Maddison, daughter-in-law Deserae, grandson Michael Jr. and Town Justice Debra Kluth.

Press Release, Independent Living of the Genesee Region

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), working in cooperation with the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, has opened a Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Family Resource Library.

Relatives of young people with disabilities from Genesee and Orleans counties can make appointments to investigate adaptive devices and other equipment before investing in them, and perhaps arrange a short-term loan of an item.

The Resource Library is for children and their families to be able to test and identify tools and supports that will help their child/ youth in areas such as development, emotional regulation, support with health conditions or disabilities, sensory processing, communication, learning disabilities, advocacy, and more. This is a great way to try items for free, to see what works or doesn’t work before buying.

Supportive Equipment and Assistive Technology: Equipment is expensive, so this is a great way to try different items to see what works, or what does not, with no out-of-pocket expense. Some equipment available includes: sensory toys, busy books, balance seats, tools that can support occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech goals, communication tools, and much more.

Books: We have a variety of books and workbooks that support parents, children and youth of all ages.

For more information, contact April Fearby, CYSHCN Program Specialist at ILGR, at afearby@wnyil.org, or by calling 585-815-8501, extension 401.

Press Release, Catholic Charities

BUFFALO – Appeal officials today launched Appeal 2024, the 100th annual campaign in support of Catholic Charities of Buffalo and the Fund for the Faith, with a goal of raising $9.5 million by June 30.

Marking the 100th Appeal this year, the first one launched in 1924 with a goal of $262,116. It was met and exceeded with a total of $325,808 raised. In the 99 years of the Appeal, close to half a billion dollars has been raised to provide help and hope to those who need it most.

“While things have certainly changed over the past 100 years, the mission of the Appeal itself is much the same – raising money to help people in need in Western New York,” said Kevin Gannon, Appeal 2024 chair. “The very first Appeal in 1924 served about 12,500 people. Today, Catholic Charities provides hope to more than 145,000 individuals of all ages and of all faiths, illustrating the need for these critical programs and services in our community.”

The annual Appeal helps fund more than 50 programs and services administered by Catholic Charities along with several ministries through the Fund for the Faith.

As the most comprehensive human services provider serving people of all faiths across all eight counties of Western New York, Catholic Charities’ programs and services include basic emergency assistance such as food pantries, education and workforce training, family safety and stabilization services, immigration and refugee assistance, behavioral health services, and youth and family support services. The Fund for the Faith provides needed funding for programs that benefit all parish faith communities, including hospital ministry, and seminarian and diaconate formation programs, among others.

“On the heels of celebrating the centennial of Catholic Charities’ founding in Buffalo last year, the year 2024 marks something equally special – our 100th Appeal,” said Deacon Steve Schumer, president and CEO, Catholic Charities. “The backbone of stability for our organization, the Appeal has allowed us to continue our mission of providing HOPE for so many in our community for the last century. We just wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the continued generosity and support of Western New Yorkers.”

“Bishop Turner began the first Appeal 100 years ago when he recognized the need for consistent, organized funding for the ministries of Catholic Charities,” said Bishop Michael W. Fisher. “It’s an honor and privilege to continue with this legacy of charity and compassion today. The essential services through Catholic Charities are so often the difference between despair and hope. It’s the food in the cupboard, the life-sustaining medicine, the clothes for the growing child, and the peace of mind for a family on the brink. That’s why the support, and the success, of the Appeal has been and continues to be so important.”

This year’s Appeal patron is St. Patrick. To donate to Appeal 2024, visit ccwny.org/donate or call 716-218-1400. In addition, donors can give by texting HOPE4WNY to 44321 or scanning the QR code found on Appeal materials.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, visit ccwny.org or call 716-218-1400 to find help through Catholic Charities.

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney   

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04) today announced that their provision, which would require that American flags purchased by the Department of Defense be made in America by American workers and use American-grown and manufactured materials, was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.

“American Flags flown over our military installations, carried into battle, and draped over the caskets of our servicemembers who have made the ultimate sacrifice should be made in the land they so valiantly defend,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The United States should never contribute to offshoring jobs, especially when it comes to purchasing American flags. I am thrilled our bipartisan amendment was included in the FY24 NDAA to ensure that only American flags made in the USA are purchased by the DOD. I will always fight to support American manufacturers and workers and the domestic production of critical goods, including American flags.”

“The American flag is the greatest symbol of freedom in the world, and it represents the hard-fought battles by American servicemembers who made tremendous sacrifices to protect our nation,” said Congressman Thompson. “Every American flag purchased by the Department of Defense should be made by American workers in the United States with American materials. I am proud to have gotten this requirement signed into law.”

Provided photo: Margie Eason, academics instructor at Iroquois Job Corps, is honored by Operations Director John Thomas of Medina, left, and Center Director Dennis Essom on the announcement of her retirement after 38 years.

MEDINA – Iroquois Job Corps recently held a celebration in honor of Academics Instructor Margie Eason, who has announced her retirement after 38 years.

In a letter to Eason, Center operator ETR’s president and CEO Brian Fox commended Eason on her years of service.

“On behalf of Education and Training Resources (ETR), I want to congratulate you on your retirement and thank you for your 38 years of service to both the Iroquois Job Corps Center and the Job Corps program,” Fox wrote. “It is impossible to quantify the number of students’ lives you have directly impacted over the years of your service and commitment to the Iroquois Center. But, I hope you know you have changed the lives and opportunities for generations to come.

“It is with much honor, respect and admiration that I congratulate you on your retirement and thank you for all you have done to support the students and staff of the Iroquois Job Corps Center.”

Eason said the letter was very heartfelt and she was very grateful and appreciative to receive it.

“The highlight of all my years here was the opportunity to have an impact on the lives and futures of so many students,” Eason said.

In retirement, she plans to continue to work hard for her church, and visit family in Michigan and Alabama.

“My real goal is to get my large, large garden planted on time to get John Thomas his collard greens that he loves so much,” Eason added.

ALBION – The Village of Albion Water Plant expects to start adding fluoride to the public water supply in February after about a 2 ½-year hiatus.

The village hasn’t added fluoride to the water since the summer of 2021. The village kept fluoridation chemicals in the water plant, but plant chief operator Adam Rush said it was a subpar setup.

The village will soon have a new 14-by-14-foot concrete building ready that will be used to store the fluoride. Keeler Construction was general contractor for that project which is nearly done. Rush told the Village Board on Wednesday there are a few “punch list” items to finish.

Keeler Construction submitted the low bid of $388,000 for the project, which included structural, architectural, mechanical (HVAC and plumbing) and electrical components and systems.

The building was funded with a $312,000 grant from the state Department of Health, with the other $76,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Rush wanted the fluoridation chemicals to be in a separate space and not in the water plant. The space in the water plant where the fluoride was kept is now used for the biomass heating system including a pellet boiler.

The American Dental Association backs having fluoride in water because fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by rebuild and strengthening the tooth’s surface or enamel.

The village water plant produces about 1.5 millions gallons of water of day, mostly for the central Orleans towns of Carlton, Gaines, Albion and Barre, as well as the village of Albion.