By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 2 April 2024 at 8:28 am
Ahmed has several health challenges, including a club foot
Provided photos: Ahmed, a 9-year-old from Tunisia, faces several health challenges. Volunteers from World Life Institute and the Voice Gavel Club are planning a benefit April 20 at the YMCA in Medina to help with his medical care.
MEDINA – A young boy from Tunisia with multiple health problems is getting a new lease on life, thanks to young volunteers from World Life Institute-Project Life, and the Voice Gavel Club. The Voice Gavel Club is a youth public speaking component affiliated with Toastmasters International.
Ahmed Cherif was brought to the United States by his mother last year to stay with relatives here. He was born with a club foot, is non-verbal, developmentally delayed and has left facial paralysis.
Since arriving in Western New York, Ahmed has been identified as having Oro-Facial Syndrome Type II, Rumination Syndrome, autism and bone growth delay. He also suffers from allergies and asthma.
Ahmed is under the care of the pediatric team at Golisano Children’s Hospital, part of the University of Rochester health system. His most prominent medical problem was persistent vomiting and inability to retain what he ate. He was facing the probability of a feeding tube. Last July he weighed only 35 pounds.
He still has a lot of tests and treatments ahead, including further neurological evaluation, starting with an MRI of his brain. He will also be assessed for spinal scoliosis.
Linda Shakoor, director of Project Life, said, “Project Life is committed to supporting vulnerable youth and fostering a culture of support, especially from Orleans County. Medina Area Association of Churches and many other churches in Medina and Albion have supported more than 130 world orphans hosted here since 1999. The relationships these children form when they receive local kindnesses lasts throughout their lives.”
Since Ahmed arrived in the United States in January 2023, Project Life has had the privilege to support improving his life. According to Noori Bibi, vice president of the YMCA board, when he came here he had never seen a dentist. He has now received extensive dental treatment, including surgery.
He had worn leg braces since the age of 3, but no longer needs the braces, thanks to supportive physical therapy in the last six months. His eyes were tested and he now wears corrective glasses.
Ahmed is staying in Medina while receiving medical care.
Some of his digestive issues have subsided due to tests done at Yale University, where he was diagnosed with Rumination Syndrome. Now, with medication, he has gained weight and the vomiting has subsided. He is up to 45 pounds and is outgrowing his clothes for the first time in three years. He’s an inch taller and is benefiting from ongoing physical, occupational, vision and speech therapy.
Over the summer, Ahmed had the opportunity to play with other children during activities arranged through Project Life. He was able to visit the zoo, go to the beach and visit Niagara Falls. He is still shy due to little interaction with other children, but he is slowly beginning to integrate.
Ahmed had never attended school, but with support of Project Life he was enrolled in Aspire in Buffalo, a school for special needs children. He loved his first day so much he did not want to get out of the van when they returned home. At the school open house, teachers and staff praised Ahmed and commented on how bright and easy going he was. For the first time, he was able to hold crayons and color. He has also begun to recognize letters and numbers in English.
On April 20, the YMCA will host a special event to benefit Ahmed and his medical costs.
“Ahmed has inspired his friends to come together to raise crucial funds to enhance his quality of life,” Bibi said. “Driven by a desire to showcase the power of creativity of youth, these ambitious young people are working hard to organize an engaging family day for the whole community.”
The event will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. and feature a fashion show and captivating performances and presentations. Attendees will be immersed in a world of entertainment and camaraderie, Bibi added. A silent auction, creativity in art workshops, delicious treats at the Bake and Samosa Sale and charity basketball game are some of the events planned.
In addition, there will be an opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions at the speakers’ corner, enjoy intricate designs with face painting and henna and explore a variety of arts and crafts at the sale. For the younger children, there will be a bounce house, games and more.
Safia Delobbe-Scott, 15, is one of the young leaders driving the event’s efforts.
“We are driven by a deep passion to make a meaningful difference in Ahmed’s life, while highlighting the extraordinary potential of youth,” Delobbe-Scott said. “This event will be a celebration of unity and compassion, showcasing the positive impact we can have when we come together.”
The community is invited to meet Ahmed, loving and vivacious despite his many challenges, and support the extensive medical interventions he requires, Shakoor said.
Anyone wishing further information or wanting to inquire about sponsorship opportunities should contact info@worldlife.institute.
For information on the event and Ahmed or to make a donation, click here.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 2 April 2024 at 8:08 am
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced an informative partnership with Lee-Whedon Memorial Library which introduces a comprehensive monthly health and wellness series, according to information from Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach at the hospital.
This initiative aims to empower and educate the community members on various healthcare services available, Robinson said.
The collaborative effort underscores the hospital’s goal of education the community on what’s available close to home. Through this series, Orleans Community Health aims to bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and the community, fostering a deeper understanding of available services and resources.
“Our goal at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library is to connect our community with the resources they want,” said Kristine Mostyn, director of Lee-Whedon. “This partnership with Orleans Community Health will allow us to educate and support our community’s health questions and concerns, as well as highlight the services available at OCH.”
The first session will kick off at 1 p.m. April 17 at Lee-Whedon. Each monthly session will cover a wide array of topics, including preventative care, specialized medical services and more. The series will also offer valuable information on healthcare enrollment and questions the public might have on Medicaid eligibility and procedures.
“This series is made possible by a common goal we share with Lee-Whedon Memorial Library to supply the community with resources that help them make educated decision,” Robinson said. “Whether it’s Medina Memorial Hospital, the Albion Healthcare Center, dialysis centers or the Middleport lab, we want to continue to provide information to the community that helps them make well-informed choices on the care they receive.”
The monthly health and wellness series will be open to all community members, regardless of age or background. Whether an individual is seeking guidance with specific questions or simply looking for generic information, this series promises to deliver valuable insights and resources, Robinson added.
He urges everyone to save the date of April 17 for the inaugural session. Announcements regarding upcoming topics will be forthcoming.
Together, Orleans Community Health and Lee-Whedon are dedicated to building a healthier, more informed community, Robinson said.
Press Release, Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
BASOM – Learn about wildlife and outdoor skills at a variety of free guided tours, trail walks, and classroom presentations provided by the Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors are able to stop by the refuge’s Cayuga Overlook on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to see and learn about bald eagles from Friends volunteers. The Cayuga Overlook is located on Lewiston Road in the Town of Alabama, and offers excellent viewing of resident bald eagles flying near their nest.
Join experienced birders and outdoor guides to learn about the region’s wildlife. Birding By Car is an opportunity to discover the refuge’s overlooks in both Genesee and Orleans counties, and the birds found there. I
roquois National Wildlife Refuge includes 10,283 acres of federally protected lands that includes wetlands, forests, grasslands, and walking trails visited by 75,000 people each year.
As warblers and other songbirds return to the area, join a trail walk on the refuge to learn about their habitats and behaviors. Participants may also see herons, ospreys, hawks, swans, coots, geese, and a variety of ducks in the wetland areas.
The beginner survival skills and bird feeder workshops will teach you the how-to for enjoying the outdoors. These presentations are held at the visitors’ center at 1101 Casey Rd., Basom, NY. To register, call 585-948-5445.
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge April Free Program Schedule:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 April 2024 at 8:07 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Jim Pinckney is crowned Dyngus Day king at the Sacred Heart Club this evening. Last year’s king Richard Glass puts the crown on Pinckney, a long-time active member and volunteer at the club.
Pinckney, a retired corrections officer, enjoys the celebration of Polish heritage at the Sacred Heart Club, but he said members don’t have to be Polish to join. The non-profit organization donates to veterans and other community organizations.
Pinckney was picked king because of all he does for the Sacred Heart Club, said JT Thomas, the club vice president.
Amy Silkowski is applauded after being announced as this year’s Dyngus Day queen. Last year’s king and queen, Richard and Kirsten Glass, are at right.
Silkowski’s husband David is a past king. She joined about five years ago. She assisted her husband in making the lazy pierogis for this year’s Dyngus Day feast.
Amy said the people are the big draw at the Sacred Heart Club.
“We’re like a big family,” she said.
She was praised for starting a euchre night at Sacred Heart every other Friday evening. She and her husband also repainted “the pit,” an area that is popular for celebrations.
JT Thomas served as the deejay and emcee of the Dyngus Day bash. He played music by Bobby Vinton, “The Polish Prince.”
There was lots of Polish food served including Golumpkis – Polish cabbage rolls that are stuffed with a mixture of beef, pork, rice and seasoning.
The Sacred Heart Club welcomed about 100 people for the Dyngus Day party, with many people wearing red in honor of the Polish celebration. The party started at 3 this afternoon.
Pussy willows were also available. In the Dyngus Day tradition, boys sprinkle water on the girls who then tap the boys with pussy willows as a way of flirting.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 April 2024 at 3:34 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
POINT BREEZE – Three trucks from the fish hatchery in Altmar in northern New York delivered nearly 150,000 fish today to be raised in pens for about a month in the Oak Orchard River.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation brought 138,210 Chinook salmon and 10,000 steelhead for the pen-rearing.
That is up from the 126,330 Chinook a year ago, and 90,200 from 2019 for the pen-rearing.
The DEC has increase the stocking levels based on alewife biomass and Chinook salmon growth and condition. The alewife biomass has increased and the weight of age-3 salmon increased to 20.7 pounds in 2022, staying above the lower threshold of 18.4 pounds, the DEC said.
It was a community effort with the charter boat captains and other volunteers today, helping the DEC get the fish into the six pens.
Bob Songin gets the first pen propped open for a pipe from the DEC truck to the Oak Orchard. Songin has been a key leader in the pen-rearing project since it started in 1998. Oak Orchard had the first pen-rearing project on the south shore. Now there are several, including nearby at the Genesee River, Sodus, Olcott and the Niagara River.
Raising them in pens at Ernst’s Lake Breeze Marina increases their survival rate, and also helps them to imprint on the Oak Orchard River. That boosts the chances they will come back when they are mature in about three years.
One of the trucks carrying fish has a display telling people these are the good ol’ days for fishing.
The pens have automated feeders with a pellet mix of food provided by the DEC.
The DEC also will be delivering 25,000 steelhead directly to the Oak Orchard and 6,380 for Johnson Creek on Friday. They are expected to be put into the Oak Orchard from Captain’s Cove.
Fishing is Orleans County’s top tourism industry with a $28 million annual impact, according to a DEC study and survey from 2017.
Out-of-state anglers account for 70 percent of the fishing economic output in Orleans County, $19,620,488 of the $27,989,393. County residents who fish accounted for $1,767,334 in economic activity while other New York state residents outside Orleans represented another $6,601,571, according to that report.
Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
Did you know lead poisoning is 100% preventable?
“Lead is a metal that is toxic to our bodies and can cause serious health issues for children who have been exposed,” stated Gabrielle Lanich, Lead Program Coordinator of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Young children under 6 years old are most at risk for lead poisoning because their bodies are rapidly developing.”
The health effects of lead poisoning are permanent and can affect a child into adulthood. Childhood lead poisoning can harm the brain and nervous system leading to learning difficulties, lower IQ, difficulty paying attention, organ damage, and at very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal. Lead poisoning can also be dangerous for pregnant women because lead can be passed to the baby during pregnancy.
Here are some easy ways to prevent lead poisoning:
• Take everyday steps to stay healthy. Eating a well-balanced diet, especially foods high in calcium, iron, and vitamin C can help reduce the body’s absorption of lead. Washing your hands and children’s hands with soap and water several times a day can help limit lead exposure. You should also wash children’s toys, bottles, and pacifiers regularly to avoid exposure to lead dust, and regularly clean your home with a damp cloth, sponge, or mop to minimize possible lead dust.
• Check your home for lead. If you live in a home built before 1978 you may consider having your home checked for lead. Our Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming (GLOW) Counties Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) may be able to help you with this. You may qualify for a home lead inspection if your home is in the GLOW area, was built before 1978, and a child under 6 lives there or spends more than 6 hours a week there.
• Renovate lead safe. Homes built before 1978 are more likely to have lead-based paint that can be disturbed when renovating. If you are renovating, repairing, or painting a home built before 1978, use a Lead-Safe Certified contractor. If you are planning on doing your own work, use lead-safe work practices to protect both you and your family. For tips on how to be lead-safe when renovating, click here.
Also, our GLOW Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Program may be able to renovate for you. Contact the Genesee County Health Department to see if you qualify.
• Get your child tested. The only way to find out if there is lead in a child’s blood is to take them for a blood lead test. There are no obvious signs or symptoms of lead poisoning, that’s why it’s important to get them tested. Children should be tested at ages 1 and 2. Talk with your pediatrician to determine if your child should be tested further. GLOW CLPPP is able to offer transportation to lead testing at no cost for parents or guardians and children under 6 years old. Contact the Genesee County Health Department to determine if you are eligible for this service.
For more information or to learn more about our programs contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 or Health.GOlead@co.genesee.ny.us. You can also visit GOHealthNY.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 April 2024 at 9:15 am
The price for regular unleaded gas is up nearly a penny in Orleans County since a week ago, going from $3.376 on March 25 to $3.383 today, AAA reported today.
Nationally, the average price is up a penny to $3.54, while the average price statewide is at $3.45, up 2 cents from a week ago. A year ago, the national price was $3.50 and statewide the average was $3.47.
Here are the average prices in counties around WNY today:
Orleans, $3.383
Genesee, $3.361
Wyoming, $3.406
Livingston, $3.407
Monroe, $3.384
Niagara, $3.318
Erie, $3.385
Chautauqua, $3.533
Cattaraugus, $3.455
Allegany, $3.502
AAA issued this statement about gas prices:
“After an early spring surge, the national average for a gallon of gasoline spent last week drifting up and down by a fraction of a cent before settling on $3.54. But this break may be temporary, as gas pump prices will likely resume their typical spring increase.
“ Uncertainty of the impact of Ukraine’s targeting of Russia’s oil infrastructure likely spiked oil prices recently, but those concerns have already abated somewhat for now. Gas prices are settling back into a pattern similar to last year when the usual seasonal increase was slow and steady.
“The upward trend in gas prices is not unusual this time of year. Another critical factor is the arrival of more expensive summer blend gas, which tends to increase pump prices by 10 to 15 cents. That transition is underway in some parts of the country.
“Nationally, gas demand dipped slightly last week as domestic supply increased. Lower demand would typically contribute to pushing pump prices lower or slowing increases, but rising oil prices have kept them elevated instead.
“Diesel prices remain relatively steady. The national average price for diesel is $4.02, down two cents from last Monday. The New York average is $4.40, no change from a week ago.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 1 April 2024 at 8:31 am
SHELBY – Three students at the Iroquois Job Corps center have recently received their high school diplomas. They are Javen Feliciano, Quintin Mitchell and Keyonia Pompey.
“Javen has been at Iroquois Job Corps Center since January 2023,” said Stephanie Kellogg, academic manager at IJCC. “He has completed the carpentry program, been active in student leadership and is a positive impact on center culture. He is preparing to begin work-based learning as he comes to the end of his Job Corps journey. After completing the program, he plans on joining the Air Force.”
“Quintin, 17, is from Rochester and is looking forward to completing the brick-laying trade and getting his driver’s license,” Kellogg said. “He will tell you that he struggled a bit in academics until he got the motivation to help him focus and finish his credits. We are very excited to see Quintin continue to succeed and complete his Job Corps program.”
The third student, Keyonia Pompey, came to Iroquois Job Corps Center from Buffalo in August 2023.
“While at IJCC, Keyonia got her driver’s permit and is nearing completion of the Certified Nursing Assistant program,” Kellogg said. “Upon completion of CNA, she is planning on doing work-based learning in a long-term care facility and then returning to the Buffalo area to work as a CNA.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 March 2024 at 1:54 pm
Primary will be held April 2 at polling sites throughout the county
Photo by Tom Rivers: The polling site for early voting was available for eight days, from March 23 to March 30, at the Board of Elections office at the County Office Building.
ALBION – There were 149 votes cast over eight days of early voting in Orleans County.
There was one polling location for early voting – the Board of Elections office at the County Office Building on Route 31.
The primary was headed by the Republican and Democratic presidential primaries. Former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden are the front-runners for the Republican and Democratic nominations, respectively.
Biden and Trump already have gained enough delegates to secure their parties’ nominations with Biden the Democrats’ choice and Trump the pick of Republicans.
The ballots in the primary in New York State will include Biden and Trump, as well as other names who ended their campaigns after the state’s filing deadlines.
For the Democratic Party, besides Biden the ballot includes Marianne Williamson and Dean Phillips.
For the Republican Party, in addition to Trump, the ballot includes Vivek Ramaswamy, Chris Christie and Nikki Haley.
The Democratic primary also four delegates from the 24th Congressional District for the National Convention: Dia Carabajal, Daniel Farfaglia, Lorie Longhany and John Hurley.
The 24th District in Orleans includes Albion, Barre, Clarendon districts 2 and 3, Ridgeway and Shelby.
In the 25th District, there are seven candidates to be delegates for the National Convention. Voters will elect four from the seven. Those candidates include Shelly Clements, Anthony Plonczynski-Figueroa, Yversha Roman, Jamie Romeo, Adam Bello, Samra Brouk and Stephen Gregory Devay.
The 25th District in Orleans includes Carlton, Clarendon district 1, Gaines, Kendall, Murray and Yates.
The primary will include voting at polling locations at all 10 towns in the county on April 2.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 31 March 2024 at 8:34 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Andrea and Zach Busch pose with Winston, their Labradoodle therapy dog, at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.
MEDINA – The Canal Village Farmers’ Market welcomed a special guest on Saturday – a Labradoodle therapy dog named Winston.
Winston, 3, is owned by Zach and Andrea Busch, who acquired the dog when he was eight weeks old. As soon as he had received all his necessary puppy shots, Andrea took him to Fort Hyde Kennel in Gasport, where trainer Sarah Reed worked with Andrea to train Winston.
Both Zach and Andrea work with children. Zach as band director at Holley Central School, and Andrea as music teacher for kindergarten to second grade at Oak Orchard Elementary School.
“Research has shown that kids who read to a therapy dog feel more confident,” Andrea said.
Andrea became interested in therapy dogs after receiving her master’s degree in special education and teaching at a school for kids with disabilities in Manhattan.
“It made sense to get a therapy dog,” she said. “Wherever he goes, he’s a calming presence.”
This was the first time Winston had visited the market. There is a kids’ corner there and Andrea set out books for children who wanted to read to Winston.
She also brought a supply of bookmarks with a picture of the Labradoodle, on which was printed, “I read with Winston.”
The Canal Village Farmers’ Market will continue to operate in the former NAPA building at 345 Main St. until warmer weather.
Certified therapy dog handler Andrea Busch, left, watches Raelynn Baker greet Winston at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market on Saturday.
Andrea Busch, right, gives market visitor Stacey Laskey a supply of Winston bookmarks to take to her class at Medina Head Start.
Photo from Claudia Tenney for Congress: Claudia Tenney and Donald Trump both give a thumbs up.
Former President Donald J. Trump has endorsed Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and her campaign for NY-24.
Trump has been a steadfast supporter of Tenney. He endorsed her in 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022 and now 2024. Trump is an honorary member of Tenney’s Election Integrity Caucus.
“Congresswoman Claudia Tenney is doing a great job for the fantastic people of New York’s 24th Congressional District!” Trump said. “Claudia is fighting hard to secure our border, support our brave law enforcement and veterans, defend our always under siege Second Amendment, keep men out of women’s sports, cut taxes, and hold Joe Biden and the radical left accountable for their corruption. As Chairwoman of the House Election Integrity Caucus, Claudia is working tirelessly to eliminate fraud in our elections. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney is a strong conservative, and has my complete and total endorsement!”
“I am so honored to earn once again the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump,” Tenney said. “President Trump has been a long-time friend and supporter, and I appreciate his support for my campaign. I fought alongside President Trump to secure the border, cut taxes, support our military and fully fund our police. President Trump is a true champion for the people of New York’s 24th district and I look forward to serving with him to save New York and America.”
Tenney, a longtime Conservative fighter, is already looking ahead to 2024 and beyond:
“We need to do everything in our power to return President Trump to the White House and win the 2024 elections with a huge MAGA wave,” she said. “After we win, we need to get to work making America Great Again, again! Building the wall, ending the madness at our Southern and vulnerable Northern Border, and growing our economy after four years of Joe Biden’s socialist agenda are all top priorities for our first 100 days of 2025.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 March 2024 at 4:56 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Alex Nazaretski, a student of classical guitar and piano at the Eastman School of Music, performs at the Hoag Library today.
Nazaretski will graduate from Eastman in May. He kicked off a new season of concerts at Hoag. The events are free to the public and are on Saturdays at noon.
The lineup of concerts for the rest of 2024 include:
Paul O’Dette, April 20
Kinloch Nelson, May 18
Bob Sneider, June 15
George Collichio, July 20
Rochester Recorder Society, Aug. 17
Alyssa Rodriguez, Sept. 14
Muriel Anderson, Oct. 12
Duo Tufekčić & Conant, Nov. 9
Rochester Ukulele Orchestra, Dec. 7
About 50 people attended today’s concert in the main meeting room of the library.
Hoag last year debuted the concerts. They are organized by Jim Doyle, an adult reference librarian at the library. He also has been running Jim’s Guitar Studio for 24 years in Albion, and is a founding member of the Rochester Guitar Club.
Doyle said he reaches out to musicians who generally haven’t performed in Orleans County before. He met Nazaretski when he performed at the Little Theater Café in Rochester.
Funds for the concerts at the Hoag Library come from the state Council of the Arts, with the funds administered by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 March 2024 at 3:39 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Kids displayed breakneck speed in hunting down Easter eggs at noon today in Albion. There were about 12,000 eggs scattered on the lawn, up from 10,000 last year.
The Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries held its third annual Easter Egg Hunt today. Students from the Iroquois Job Corps Center helped set out the eggs.
About 300 children are lined up ready to go grab the plastic eggs which had candy inside.
Children were divided into three groups – ages 1 to 5, ages 6 to 9, and ages 10 to 14. There will be two golden eggs hidden per age group.
Benjamin Rowcliffe, 8, of Medina found one of the golden eggs.
Jayda Elsenheimer helps hand out some of the 600 Easter baskets. The Albion Rotary Club and Albion Lions Club donated to help buy the baskets.
The Catholic Daughters also bought 200 chocolate Easter bunnies, and the Masonic Lodge served food for free.
Pastor Al Wilson of the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries welcomes the kids to the egg hunt. Wilson said the church is happy to put on the event, and see so many families having fun.
“We just love the people,” Wilson said. “It’s about sharing the love of Jesus.”
These kids take off to pick up some of the Easter eggs. The golden eggs were in hard-to-find spots.
Two barbers gave free haircuts for three hours. Jeffrey Echevarria of Albion, left, gets a haircut from Carlito Lopez of Brockport while Amonte Mortensen of Medina, right, gets a trim from Maciel Gomez of Albion.
East State Street in front of the courthouse was decorated in chalk art.
The Albion Free Methodist Church was one of about 20 stops on an Easter Hop where kids could get candy.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 March 2024 at 10:24 am
Legislature also proclaims April as ‘Donate Life Month’ and April 1-7 as ‘Public Health Week’
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Ed Morgan, second from right, presents certificates of appreciation to Jan Standish, second from left, and Becky Bush when the two were recognized on Tuesday for their long careers with the county.
Both are retiring as custodians. John Papponetti, the DPW commissioner, is at right.
Bush worked 35 years with the county while Standish gave 33 years of service. Both started as food service helpers in the county nursing home and later became custodial workers for the Buildings and Grounds Department.
Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon accepts a proclamation from County Legislator John Fitzak that proclaimed April as “Donate Life Month.” The Legislature urged residents to join the state’s Donate Life Registry.
The proclamation states there are approximately 8,000 people waiting for an organ transplant which represents the third highest need in the nation. An estimated 400 New Yorkers that die every year while waiting for an organ transplant.
“A single individual’s donation of the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and small intestine can save up to eight lives; donation of tissue can save and heal the lives of up to 75 others,” legislators said.
The Orleans County Clerk’s Office, through its Department of Motor Vehicles, will be promoting April as “Donate Life Month” in Orleans County.
Hanlon said 58 percent of adults 18 and older are enrolled in Donate Life, which is up from the 48 percent statewide.
The county will be raising the Donate Life flag outside the County Office Building at 10:08 a.m. on April 10.
Paul Pettit, public health director in both Orleans and Genesee counties, accepts a proclamation from Legislator Don Allport declaring April 1-7 as “Public Health Week.”
Allport said county residents benefit from the work of the public health staff when they are eating at restaurants, drinking tap water, learning about the prevention of deadly diseases, receiving vaccinations and planning for emergencies.
“National Public Health Week provides an opportunity for our county to learn about public health concerns and success stories that are vital to healthy communities, such as immunizing against infectious disease, maintaining good nutritional standards, providing good prenatal care, working toward safe housing through our Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, decreasing the spread of rabies by providing rabies immunization clinics for dogs, cats, and ferrets, and building resiliency by being prepared for various emergencies,” the proclamation states.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 March 2024 at 8:50 am
Photo simulation provided by Borrego Solar System Inc.: This viewpoint from Blair Road shows two 633-foot-high wind turbines proposed off Route 63, south of the Village of Medina.
SHELBY – Town officials declined to create an overlay district that would be needed to allow two wind turbines over 600 feet tall.
Borrego Solar System Inc. has been working to have two turbines along Route 63, south of the village of Medina. The turbines would peak at 633 feet.
Borrego asked the Town Board to create a wind overlay district that would require rezoning. The board discussed the letter from Borrego during its March 12 meeting, and no board members introduced an amendment to the current zoning law.
Town Supervisor Scott Wengewicz said he didn’t support the rezoning, and the four other board members – Linda Limina, Jeff Schiffer, Steve Seitz and Eddie Zelazny – all said they weren’t in favor of making the zoning change to allow the turbines.
Borrego last month had two balloons up in an along Route 63 to show the height of two wind turbines proposed by the company. That height alarmed many members of the community. Many residents signed a petition opposing the project.
During a hearing about environmental impacts with the two turbines in September 2022, residents said the turbines would alter the landscape visually, and also potentially harm residents with shadow flicker, noise, lower property values and other impacts. They also worry the turbines are in a major migratory bird path.
The turbines as proposed would take up a half-acre and have the capacity to generate 8.4 megawatts of power.
Renewable energy projects that are more than 25 megawatts go to the state for review. Projects under 25 MWs go to review by a local government.
Wengewicz, the Shelby town supervisor, believes the project can’t move forward with the denial of the overlay district.
“They need a wind overlay district but no one was willing to do it,” Wengewicz said on Friday. “No one was interested in adopting the resolution so the project died.”
