Press Release, UConnectCare

Photo by Mike Pettinella: Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf, right, and former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Ham appear at a Legends & Stars event in February 2023 at Batavia Downs Gaming. Now a motivational speaker, Leaf is scheduled to speak at Genesee Community College on May 8.

BATAVIA –  “Twelve years ago today I woke up on the floor of a jail cell…with no hope or possible idea what could be! There was no possibility of this life, no love of my life, no career, no future, no family, no recovery,” Leaf wrote on X. “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending! There is Hope!” – Ryan Leaf, April 1, 2024.

In 1998, the San Diego Chargers selected Ryan Leaf, standout quarterback from Washington State University, as the No. 2 overall pick in the National Football League Draft behind Peyton Manning. A finalist for the Heisman Trophy following his junior year, the future looked bright for the Great Falls, Mont., native.

However, dreams of a storied NFL career turned into a nightmare for the strong-armed 6-foot, 5-inch, 235-pound signal caller as issues involving bad behavior, injuries, work ethic and focus – beyond poor play – limited his time as a pro to four nonproductive years.

Leaf went into a downward spiral, eventually ending up in prison for burglary and drug-related offenses – a period of time he referred to in his statement above.

Although he wasn’t able to survive in the world of professional football, Leaf has turned his life around – carving out a respected space throughout the United States as a motivational speaker and ambassador for sobriety.

He said he has been in recovery from substance use disorder for the past 11 years, and has devoted his life to helping others overcome the stigma of mental health and addiction as a program ambassador for Transcend Recovery Community and CEO/President of RAM Consultant, Inc.

Leaf, 47, is coming to Batavia in May to share his experiences, both triumph and challenges, and offer invaluable lessons in resilience and the power of determination.

“Asking for help is the strongest thing you’ll ever do,” Leaf says, referring to those struggling with substance use.

Leaf also works as a college football analyst for the ESPN network.

UConnectCare (formerly Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse) invites the public to attend his presentation, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. May 8 at Genesee Community College, Room T102.

To reserve your seat, call 585-815-1883 or send an email to prevention@uconnectcare.org by May 1.

Photo and information form Orleans County DSS

ALBION – This past Friday, April 5, the staff at Orleans County Department of Social Services (DSS) wore blue on in honor of Go Blue Day, which begins Child Abuse Prevention Month. Go Blue Day is always celebrated on the first Friday in April.

“April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and serves as a reminder for our community to come together to support, strengthen and celebrate families,” said Cyndi Stumer, deputy commissioner of DSS.

If you have suspicions of child abuse or neglect to report or you are concerned about the health or safety of a child, please immediately call the NYS Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-342-3720.

Orleans County DSS receives about 600 referrals for investigation annually through state Child Protective Services.

Provided photo: The large Santa figurine outside the Downtown Browsery on Main Street is outfitted with giant eclipse glasses thanks to the efforts of Dar Krull.

Clouds are moving into Orleans County and Western New York later this morning, just before the highly anticipated total eclipse.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo said there may be breaks and thinning of the clouds by mid-afternoon to allow a clear glimpse of the eclipse.

This is the first total eclipse in Upstate New York since 1925. This occurs when the moon will completely block out the sun, causing darkness during the day from approximately 3:19 to 3:23 p.m. The partial eclipse starts just after 2 p.m. and ends around 4:30.

Gas prices are on the rise, AAA reports today, with the national price up an average of 6 cents to $3.60 per gallon for regular unleaded. That’s the exact price from a year, AAA said.

In New York State, the average price is $3.47 today, which is up 2 cents from a week ago, but from $3.53 a year ago.

In Orleans County, AAA reports the average price is $3.42 today, up 4 cents from $3.38 a week ago.

Here are the average prices today in Western New York counties:

• Orleans, $3.421
• Genesee, $3.355
• Wyoming, $3.419
• Livingston, $3.441
• Monroe, $3.408
• Niagara, $3.343
• Erie, $3.396
• Chautauqua, $3.618
• Cattaraugus, $3.484
• Allegany, $3.511

AAA issued this statement about gas prices: “Oil prices have spiked recently due to renewed Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s oil infrastructure and increasing tension in the Middle East. Since the cost of oil accounts for roughly 60% of what motorists pay at the pump, there will likely be some upward pressure on prices at the pump nationally.

“According to recent data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), demand for gasoline rose last week, while supply decreased slightly. Higher demand and rising oil prices will likely nudge pump prices higher soon. However, the upward trend in gas prices is not unusual for this time of year, as many regions of the U.S. begin to transition to the more expensive summer blend of gasoline, which tends to increase pump prices by 10 to 15 cents.

“Diesel prices remain relatively steady. The national average price for diesel is $4.04, up two cents from last Monday. The New York average is $4.38, down two cents from a week ago.”

Send us your photos and your reactions to the total eclipse in Orleans County this afternoon. We welcome photos of the eclipse – partial and total – that are zoomed in or showing the local landscape. And we’d gladly accept photos of people viewing the eclipse.

Please note the location of these images and share your reaction to seeing this spectacle. The photos can be emailed to news@orleanshub.com or text to (585) 590-2870.

MEDINA – A man was taken into custody by Medina Police Department after allegedly threatening an ambulance crew from Medina Fire Department this afternoon.

The ambulance was dispatched to what was expected to be a low-priority basic life support call for service.

“After arriving on scene, the crew was quickly met by a person with a gun, making threats to the crew and a neighbor,” said Medina Lt. Steve Cooley, the Medina FD public information officer. “The crew retreated and requested police assistance.”

The man with gun went back inside and came out without the weapon. The crew was able to restrain the male, prior to the police arriving on the scene. Medina police officers arrived on scene shortly thereafter and placed the male into custody, Cooley said.

“We would like to thank the Medina Police Department, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department deputies, the Orleans County dispatchers and the neighbor for the quick assistance they provided to our crew,” Cooley said in news release. “Our crew is safe and both members remain on duty. We will have no further comment on this issue at the present time.”

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health Foundation held its second annual gala Saturday night at Bent’s Opera House.

Dr. Joseph Misiti

The evening featured special drinks to commemorate the eclipse, elaborate hors d’oeuvres, and the inaugural presentation of the Bowen Award to longtime surgeon Dr. Joseph Misiti.

Hospital CEO/CIO Mark Shurtz and Foundation director Megan Johnson welcomed guests, who had an opportunity to bid on a silent auction for a handful of high-end gifts and enjoy the music of the Something Else Rock City Band from Rochester.

Shurtz told the guests how lucky they were – to be in the path of totality during Monday’s eclipse and not have to travel to experience that stellar event; but also lucky that they need not have to travel for stellar healthcare services.

“We are here tonight to celebrate our achievements, acknowledge our challenges and to forge a path toward a brighter, healthier future,” Shurtz said.

“The story of Orleans Community Health is steeped in rich history that dates back to 1908, when a visionary group of citizens established Medina Memorial Hospital,” Shurtz said.

That visionary group was led by George Bowen, for whom the night’s award is named.

“Fast forward 15 years and Medina Memorial Hospital found its enduring home at its current location, where it has seen its fair share of ups and down,” Shurtz said. “Yet Medina Memorial Hospital has stayed steadfast and strong for more than 100 years, as hospital after hospital closed around us.”

Guests mingle and enjoy hors d’oeuvres at Saturday’s Orleans Community Health Foundation gala.

Shurtz said it was also essential to acknowledge their struggles and difficult choices they’ve had to make along the way.

“Reducing services and positions is never an easy decision, but these challenges have not deterred us,” he said. “They have instead fueled our determination to adapt, innovate and find new ways to serve our community. Our ability to adapt to meet evolving needs of our community has resulted in some exciting news I’d like to share.”

He reported over the last two years net revenue to the hospital has soared to the highest level in a decade. The same is true of patient visits for the fourth quarter of 2023 and patient satisfaction surveys, which showed approval at 4.9 out of 5. This achievement by hospital staff represents an unprecedented milestone in patient satisfaction, Shurtz said.

He added that while services and patient visits are on the rise, so too are their expenses.

“We must spread the word that Orleans Community Health offers unparalleled care,” Shurtz said. “It’s a simple truth, if we don’t use this valuable service, we stand to lose it.”

Support for the hospital will not only help sustain its growth, but also enable them to expand services, reach more people and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the community, he said.

Bartender Elizabeth Lipiec shows Orleans Community Health CEO/CIO Mark Shurtz a special Eclipse Punch which was served at Saturday’s gala at Bent’s Opera House to benefit Orleans Community Health. It was made with Captain Morgan’s rum and garnished with dried fruit resembling a sun and moon.

The evening also celebrated a new tradition – paying homage to deserving individuals who are dedicated and compassionate professionals, by awarding of the Bowen Award.

Shurtz introduced Kim Gray, director of Nursing and Surgical Services, who described the awards first recipient – longtime surgeon Dr. Joseph Misiti.

“In my role I’ve worked with Dr. Misiti for more than 20 years and witnessed his dedication and compassion,” Gray said. “No one is more dedicated in caring for our community Dr. Joseph Misiti. He is the heartbeat of our hospital. He has a profound understanding of the compassionate side of medicine, and I thank his family for sharing him with us.”

Gray then introduced Misiti’s wife Pam and daughter Teresa who accepted the award on his behalf.

Through the years Dr. Misiti has expressed his shyness in the limelight, preferring to remain in the background. For that reason, he did not attend, but extended his pleasure and heartfelt appreciation for those who thought enough to give him this prestigious award.

By Randy LeBaron

Good morning! Grab your favorite cup. Fill it up. And let’s start this week right… TOGETHER!!!

A couple of weeks ago I started running again. The first time I ever really ran was back in 2011 when some friends started a program at my church called Run 4 God. It was basically a C25K (Couch to 5K) plan that would help someone go from not running at all to being able to run 3.1 miles without stopping.

Along the way Sid Bolton, a member of my church at the time and an avid runner, used to always joke that the only difference between a jogger and a runner was an entry form—in other words I would need to sign up for a race, and so I did. In fact, I signed up for a number of races including: the Unity 5K in St. Louis, MO, the Strawberry Fest 5K in Albion, the Firecracker 5 Mile in Fairport, the Cattaraugus Camp 5K, the Hospice Dash Half Marathon (13.1 miles) in Niagara Falls/Lewiston, and the Pumpkins in the Park 5K at Mendon Ponds (Does anyone recognize The Joker?)

I shared about this some in an earlier article, focusing on how my friends helped me finish the half marathon and then the following year, how my friend Jack Burris had to run it in my place. Well today I would like to pick up from there as I have recently come to the realization that learning to run again is a lot like learning to walk with grief after losing a loved one.

After attempting to run in the Strawberry Fest 5K in 2012, right after my mother’s passing, I ended up being hospitalized for 4 days after collapsing 2 miles in from exhaustion and stress. At that point I put my running shoes away only to pick them back up the next year as I started over in the Run 4 God program.

I did end up finishing the Strawberry Fest race that year but ultimately ended up getting hurt and having to sit on the sidelines for another season. Each year after I would try to get running again as I was motivated both internally, as I tried to get back in shape with the Healthy Orleans Program, as well as externally, like running in memory of my friend Wayne Burlison who died from cancer 10 years ago.

Unfortunately, every time I started over, I would seem to get laid up with everything from shin splints to spinal stenosis to shingles. Ultimately, I blamed getting older as the culprit and pretty much quit trying a few years back.

The reality though was that my propensity for getting injured was due to one primary factor—false expectations. Each time that I started to train I would be reminded of the fact that in 2011 I had run for 2 ½ hrs. non-stop over a distance of 13.1 miles and so I would push myself too hard, too fast, and try to go too long, too soon.

Even now I have a hard time slowing down to a walk when my App tells me to, but I am determined to do so because what I failed to realize with every other attempt was that I was no longer the same person that I was at the end of 2011. I was no in the same shape, I was no longer the same age, I was no longer as prepared, the list goes on. The fact is that if I am going have a chance at successfully starting, and finishing, this year’s Strawberry Fest race I need to train as if I am doing it for the first time as a 50 year old rather than trying to live in the past.

So, what does this have to do with grieving? Well, what I have discovered through personal experience, as well as coming beside others through my work for Hospice, is that people often begin the grieving process with false expectations. They either think they know exactly what to expect because they have experienced some form of grief in the past or they want to go back to who they were before their loved one died so much so that they try to speed up the grieving process. As you probably guessed, there are problems with both of these approaches.

In the first scenario it should be noted that not only does everyone grieve differently but also that every grief experience is different. Losing a parent is not the same as losing a spouse or a child and if someone has multiple losses in a short period of time, they may find themselves not grieving fully until after the final one.

As with running races, where you need to train uniquely for each one—not relying on your previous training, you need to expect to grieve each loss in a unique way. With the second scenario, you need to understand that you are not the same person that you were before the death of your loved one and pretending that you are or hurrying up the grief process to get back to “normal” is futile,  it will only cause you get injured and have to start all over again.

Another lesson I learned from running that can applied to grieving is to do it in community. I have always run better when training in with others. I find encouragement and inspiration from those who are on the same journey. Similarly, there is a lot to be said about walking through grief in community. Not only can you find encouragement from others, but you can learn to pace yourself alongside them as well.

If anyone is interested in coming out to the Grief Support Group that I lead through Hospice of Orleans, we will be meeting this month on Tuesday, April 9th at 4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Albion (30 W. Park St.) and on Tuesday, April 23rd at 4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Medina (203 W. Center St.) All are welcome.

See you in two weeks!

Pastor Randy

Confection Connection opened in August, with bigger plans for future

Photos by Tom Rivers: Becky Harris, owner of Confection Connection at 223 South Main St., holds a plate of eclipse-themed cookies.

ALBION – Becky Harris embraces a challenge when she is in the kitchen, and she likes to put her talents to the test in celebrating a big event, whether it’s her wedding day or the upcoming eclipse.

Harris opened Confection Connection, a bakery with coffee in August at the corner of Meadowbrook Drive and South Main Street. She and her husband Adrian Harris moved from Lancaster to Albion so she could run the bakery out of their new home. The property also has space for him to grow vegetables as an organic farmer.

The Albion site is zoned commercial and was previously Paradise Healing Arts, and was once used by a dentist.

“Everybody has stories about this house,” Harris said.

Becky and Adrian married in 2016. One of Becky’s goals for the big day was to make her own wedding cake. She made several practice cakes leading up to her wedding, and shared them with friends and family.

“I kept practicing, and was getting better and better,” she said.

She developed devoted fans by sharing those “practice cakes.” They were so good, her friends urged her to consider opening a bakery.

Harris took their advice, and soon the bakery was taking up more and more of her Lancaster home. The Albion location has room for the bakery, a commercial kitchen and their home.

Harris said she has been baking since she was a kid under her grandmother’s tutelage. She continues to add new creations, whether an éclair or the new eclipse cookies. She wanted to help the community celebrate the total eclipse on April 8.

Vanilla buttercream frosting is in between eclipse cookies made with vanilla and chocolate dough.

She makes the eclipse cookies in a range of phases of the moon obstructing the sun. She cuts out portions of circles in vanilla and chocolate dough, and then pieces them together to create the cookies. She make them into a cookie sandwich by putting vanilla buttercream frosting in between.

“I wanted to do something and be a part of all the events going on this weekend,” she said.

Harris still has loyal customers from the Lancaster area. She wants to make the Albion business bigger. She welcomes in-store traffic to 223 South Main St., where she also sells coffee and cold brew drinks. She bought the coffee-making equipment from the Coffee Joint after it closed in downtown Albion.

She also sells her bread at Navarra’s, pies at the Downtown Browsery and makes rolls for the sandwiches at the Wild Flour Deli and Bakery.

Harris is looking to upgrade her food certificate with the Health Department from a food handler to food manager. She would like to offer a sit-down area and serve sandwiches, soups and salads – as well as the array of baked goods. Some of the items would include vegetables and produce grown by her husband in a “farm to oven” concept.

That expanded menu might be at a different location in Albion. Harris is looking for a shop to accommodate all of her goals.

For now, she encourages people to stop by the bakery at 223 South Main, which is open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“I want to welcome anyone to come in,” Harris said.

She also welcomes ideas from customers on new flavors or creations.

“I never say no, which is a blessing and a curse,” Harris said. “But I’m up for a challenge.”

Fireworks tonight around 8 caps today’s activities

Photos by Tom Rivers: Natalie Ricci (left), senior administrative assistant at the Cornell Cooperative Extensive, and Katie Oakes, horticulture educator, show the eclipse-themed T-shirts and a tote bag that will be available at the Fairgrounds the next three days.

KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds expects to be a busy place today through Monday with many eclipse-themed activities to help people get ready for Monday’s total eclipse in the afternoon.

The fairgrounds also is hosting the Chamber of Commerce’s Home Garden & Outdoor Show. That event include vendors today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and then on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will also be food vendors for that show, highlighted by a chicken barbecue today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza on Sunday.

The eclipse events today include kids’ activities from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., a S’More Party at 6 p.m. presented by Orleans Koinonia Kitchen, a cowboy sing-along hour and then fireworks at around 8 p.m.

On Sunday, there will be kids’ activities during the day, a campfire sing-a-long and S’Mores from 7 to 9 p.m., and then a glow stick party with a DJ at 8:30 p.m.

On Monday, there will be daytime kids’ activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including samples of astronaut food. Food vendors will be there from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The partial eclipse starts at 2:04 p.m. and goes until 4:30 p.m. with totality from 3:18 to 3:22.

The Extension has eclipse glasses available “until they run out,” said Robert Batt, the Extension director.

Erica “Joan” Wanecski, left, and Eileen Sorochty get the master gardeners display ready on Friday. The master gardeners are among the vendors during this weekend’s Home Garden & Outdoor Show.