Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A group of Christmas carolers sang from the Orleans County Courthouse lawn in Albion on Monday evening. Karen Conn, an Albion music teacher and owner of a real estate business, has been leading the carolers.

They first met on Dec. 6 in Meadowbrook Drive and went down South Main Street. Last Tuesday on Dec. 12, they sang at Hazard Parkway, South Clinton Street and other busy corners in the village.

They will have one more caroling outing before Christmas. They welcome singers on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Hospice of Orleans in Albion.

The caroling is part of an effort to “Bring Christmas Back to Albion.” Many local residents and businesses have decorated about 40 street poles on Main Street and in the downtown. There also are a dozen Christmas trees lighted up on the Courthouse lawn by the group.

Lori Laine, one of the group’s leaders, said they are planning more activities next year.

Provided photo: These cookie bakers are shown from left: Caitlyn Elliott, Tabitha Howes and Debbie Thies.

The “Bring Christmas Back to Albion” group also had a holiday bakeoff on Saturday at the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen. The event was organized by Karen Conn and Faith Smith.

There were six contestants in the contest. Tabitha Howes won first place and $100 for her red velvet chocolate chip cookies.

Each baker had one hour to make, bake and plate their creations. The judges included Sarah Brigham and her husband Tim from SnL Sweet Escapes, Brian and Dawn Ettinger from Country Punkin’ Bakery and Lori Laine, organizer of Bring Christmas Back to Albion.

The following people participated: Debbie Thies with a peppermint sugar cookie, Madelyn Elliot with a honeybun cookie, Caitlyn Elliott with a chocolate peanut butter snickerdoodle cookie, Kim Martillotta Muscarella with Meltaway drops, Josey Conn with a chocolate toffee chunk cookie, and Tabitha Howes with a red velvet chocolate chip cookie.

The bakers were judged on taste and presentation. The contestants donated $80 with entry fees to the OK Kitchen. Conn said the group wants to make the bakeoff a yearly tradition.

‘We have a moral obligation to reckon with all parts of our shared history as New Yorkers, and this commission marks a critical step forward in these efforts.’ – Gov. Kathy Hochul

Photo from Governor’s Office: Kathy Hochul was in New York City today to sign legislation creating a commission to study reparations and racial justice.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

NEW YORK CITY – Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to continue New York’s leadership on racial equity by creating a new commission to study reparations and racial justice.

This commission acknowledges the horrific injustice of slavery and will be tasked with examining the legacy of slavery, subsequent discrimination against people of African descent, and the impact these forces continue to have in the present day.

“Today, we are continuing our efforts to right the wrongs of the past by acknowledging the painful legacy of slavery in New York,” Governor Hochul said. “We have a moral obligation to reckon with all parts of our shared history as New Yorkers, and this commission marks a critical step forward in these efforts.”

Legislation S.1163-A/A.7691 acknowledges the significant role the institution of slavery played in the establishment and history of New York. The legislation establishes the community commission on reparations remedies, which will be composed of nine members who are especially qualified to serve by virtue of their expertise, education, training, or lived experience in the fields of African or American studies, the criminal legal system, human rights, civil rights, reparations organizations, and other relevant fields.

Prior to the American Revolution, there were more enslaved Africans in New York City than in any other city except Charleston, South Carolina, and the population of enslaved Africans accounted for 20 percent of New York’s population, while 40 percent of colonial New York household owned enslaved Africans. This was an integral part of the development of the State of New York, and the consequences of the institution of slavery – and subsequently, discrimination and systemic racism borne of that institution – can still be observed today.

State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “I would like to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for signing this transformative legislation into law and for lending her support in helping New York begin our process of reckoning with the past. I am grateful to Senator James Sanders for championing this cause, standing as a stalwart for positive change. As Senate Majority Leader, I am also proud to have worked diligently to help guide this historic legislation to passage in the State Senate. Together, New York can shape a future marked by justice and equity.”

Speaker of the Assembly Carl E. Heastie said, “Today marks a momentous occasion in New York history. African Americans have been subjected to racial, economic, and institutional injustices that have plagued our communities for decades – a reality we must still acknowledge. Although we have come a long way from the institution of slavery, its remnants can still be felt and require more insightful thought and change.”

The commission is tasked with examining the legacy of slavery and its lingering negative effects on people currently living in the State of New York, with the goal of issuing issue a report comprised of recommendations for appropriate action to address these longstanding inequities. This written report of findings and recommendations must be submitted to the temporary president of the senate, the speaker of the assembly, the minority leaders of the senate and the assembly, and the Governor of the State of New York no later than one year after the date of the first meeting of the commission.

President of the NAACP New York State Conference Dr. Hazel N. Dukes said, “With the establishment of this commission, it will give us the chance to review, and look at the history of African Americans in New York State. And when the report is done, it will give us the necessary tools – where we should go for economic growth, for quality health, equity in education, job training, job creation, housing – and many more things. This is a great day for New York State moving in the right direction of inclusion for all people. Thanks to the Governor and our legislature’s leaders, for taking this tremendous step.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: The towpath and snow-covered Erie Canal are shown around noon today in Albion near the Brown Street bridge. After a wintry blast overnight, the temperatures are headed up.

It snowed last night in Orleans County but don’t expect a white Christmas.

The highs in the following days include 41 on Wednesday, 33 on Thursday, 34 on Friday, 40 on Saturday, 43 on Sunday and 47 on Monday, which is Christmas.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo posted this message on social media this afternoon: “Our short bout of wintry weather will wind down this afternoon. Plan on mainly dry weather to follow right into the Holiday Weekend. A warming trend is expected for the Holiday Weekend and into Christmas. High temperatures could be near 50 on Christmas Day!”

Senator was in Albion on Aug. 1 to highlight an effort to stop the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. from China and Mexico

Photo by Tom Rivers: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer speaks in the Orleans County legislative chambers on Aug. 1, discussing federal efforts to sanction China and Mexico for spreading fentanyl in U.S. Orleans County District Attorney Joe Cardone, at right, said fentanyl “is the worst crisis we have in the country today.”

Charles Schumer isn’t letting his increased demands as U.S. Senate majority leader keep him from seeing all 62 counties in the state.

Schumer for the 25^th straight year met with officials in all 62 counties. He said he goes to the fur largest upstate cities – Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany – at least monthly.

Schumer was in Orleans County on Aug. 1 when he held a news conference with Orleans County District Attorney Joe Cardone to highlight the dangerous flow of fentanyl into the United States. Cardone said fentanyl “is the worst crisis we have in the country today.”

Schumer discussed federal efforts to sanction China and Mexico for spreading fentanyl in U.S.

In Orleans County, as of Aug. 1, there have been 23 fatal drug overdoses since 2019 and Genesee County has 53 fatal opioid overdoses during that time. Of those overdoses, 64 of the 76 or 84 percent involve fentanyl, said Paul Pettit, director of the public health departments in Orleans and Genesee counties.

Schumer, in a news conference with reporters today, said he has made more than 4,500 visits to upstate communities and Long Island in his career. He pledged to see all 62 counties again next year.

“25 years ago, I made the promise to visit every county, but little did I know that this tradition would bring me across our great state over 4,500 times,” Schumer said. “From Buffalo to Brooklyn, meeting with New Yorkers from every walk of life on my tour is what inspires me, it is how I learn, and it is what motivates me every day in Washington.”

Schumer reached the 62-county goal on Monday after going to Columbia County.

“This was a landmark year, and one of my most meaningful tours, as we got to see firsthand many of the historic investments we made from my CHIPS & Science Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, the Inflation Reduction Act and more really start to bloom,” he said. “We have delivered billions for long overdue infrastructure projects from roads to broadband, new cutting-edge industry and thousands of good paying jobs coming back from overseas to Upstate NY. All of that would not be possible without the knowledge and motivation I gain from the people I meet on the 62 county tour.”

Among the economic development highlights in his report, Schumer cited a commitment by Edwards Vacuum to invest $300 million to build a 600-job U.S. dry pump manufacturing facility at the STAMP site in Genesee County to supply the semiconductor industry.

Schumer was at Baxter International in August 2022 to highlight the company’s micro-chip shortage. Schumer said there was success with that problem this year when Baxter’s infusion pumps were classified as in “critical need” by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Schumer said he also began working with Texas Instruments, one of Baxter’s primary chip suppliers, to help prioritize components for the Baxter medical devices. After months of work, Baxter confirmed that Schumer’s support was successful and the company has the necessary chips to produce their infusion pump technology and preserve the company’s 300-person workforce.

“God gave me a lot of energy,” Schumer said. “Many people said that when I became majority leader, I wouldn’t have time for the 62 county tour, but even though I carry a bigger title in Washington and I now have to lead international trips on diplomacy, my favorite two titles will always be New York’s senator and a New Yorker. After 25 incredible years of traveling the state, I have no plans of slowing down anytime soon, and I look forward to continuing this tradition again next year.”

In recent years some of Schumer’s stop in Orleans County included:

• Aug. 11, 2022, Schumer met with company leaders at Baxter International in Medina, where the company was concerned about a microchip shortage. Schumer touted federal legislation to boost microchip manufacturing in the United States. During a news conference, he held up a Baxter infusion pump which requires 70 microchips.
• Aug. 16, 2021, Schumer held a news conference in Holley’s Public Square with local elected officials to highlight $8 million in American Rescue Plan funds going to Orleans and Niagara counties to close high-speed internet gaps.
• On Nov. 19, 2020, Schumer held a press conference at Medina Memorial Hospital to highlight his push for federal funds to be released for more Covid testing sites, especially in rural communities like Orleans.
• On Nov. 27, 2019, Schumer visited Miller’s Organic Hemp Farm on Route 98 in Carlton to discuss the emerging hemp industry and the need for federal government to improve regulations for sampling and testing hemp. Terry and Gina Miller hosted Schumer’s visit to their farm.
• Schumer was at the Village of Holley Police Department on Aug. 24, 2018 when he was in Orleans County. He launched a push to pass the “Providing Officers with Electronic Resources (POWER) Act” as part of a package of bills to address the opioids crisis across Upstate New York and the United States.
• The senator stopped in Kendall on Oct. 9, 2017 at the Eagle Creek Marina to highlight a push for federal funds for infrastructure updates that will improve Great Lakes fisheries and restore habitats through the Great Lakes Aquatic Connectivity and Infrastructure Program Act.
• On Nov. 11, 2016, Schumer joined Nelson Leenhouts, chairman and CEO of Home Leasing, to discuss the importance of keeping federal tax incentives for redeveloping historic sites, including the former Holley High School. Those tax credits were an importance piece in allowing Home Leasing to complete the $17 million renovation. Schumer also observed Veterans Day at the Holley VFW earlier that day.
• Anthony Piedimonte Farms in Hulberton hosted Schumer on June 29, 2015 to discuss a June 9 computer crash of the federal system that processes temporary farm-working visas. Schumer joined local farmers and urged the U.S. Department of State to fix the computer glitch. That computer crash created a backlog of stalled applications and prevented farms across the state from accessing legal temporary workers to harvest their crops.
• Aug. 14, 2014, Schumer was in Holley at the former Diaz Chemical, where he pressed the federal EPA to continue a Superfund cleanup.

Press Release, Albion Central School

ALBION – Students in Mrs. Mrzywka’s first grade class sorted, packed and delivered over 1,000 items to donate to Community Action in time for the holidays.

This is the third year that some of our youngest Purple Eagles have been involved with the Giving Tree Drive, the second year for our first graders, and the first year the class is leading the drive themselves.

There were 1,007 donated items collected, including personal care items, canned foods, winter clothes, and Kleenex.

All in all, the crew gathered 165 tubes of toothpaste, 279 toothbrushes, 8 cans of food, 102 bars of soap, 160 razors, 25 bottles of dish soap, 11 can openers, 10 cans of shaving cream, 59 articles of winter clothing, 75 “miscellaneous” items and 30 boxes of Kleenex. A group of students made the trip over to Community Action to donate the items on Friday.

“We contacted Community Action and knew that they were specifically running low on personal care items this year,” Mrzywka said. “The smaller items are easier for my students to bring in, which is what helped us collect so many.”

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee’s mission is to provide services, with dignity and respect, that help people become self-sufficient.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions had a busy December with multiple events. The Lions Club served hot dogs and sodas to the attendees of the Village of Lyndonville’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration.

The celebration saw 85 Christmas trees come to life and illumination on Dec. 2. Horse-drawn wagon rides, hot chocolate and open fire pits kept people entertained until the Lyndonville Fire District escorted Santa to the celebration to help with the tree lighting and to hear children’s wishes for Christmas Day.

The Lions held their annual Christmas Holiday Dinner at the White Birch Golf Club on Wednesday, Dec. 6. Members and guests enjoyed a festive holiday dinner and dancing with the piano and organ music provided by Mr., Kevin Clark of Lockport.  The evening culminated with a candle light backdrop and the singing of Christmas Carols.

(Left) The Lions Club had its Christmas Party. From left include Ron Large, John Belson and Tyler Godfrey. (Right) Lions Club served hot dogs at the Village of Lyndonville’s Christmas Tree Lighting celebration.

On December 15th and 16th, the Lions carried out their annual Poinsettia give away. The club has delivered poinsettias to the shut-in residents of the Town of Yates for several years. This year over 50 plants were given to local residents. The Lions donated over three dozen poinsettias to Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Medina.  It is hoped that those plants will bring added Christmas joy to those who reside in the nursing facility in Medina.

The Lions, along with the Lyndonville High School Leo’s Club donated their time to ring the bell for the Salvation Army at the Tops Supermarket in Medina on Friday afternoon.  The Leo’s members passed out hot chocolate and candy to all shoppers as Christmas music filled the air.  The club would like to thank all those who donated to the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.

The Lions will end the month of December with their annual Christmas decorations awards.  The Lions have been recognizing Town of Yates residents for their efforts in lighting and decorating their homes during the Yule Tide Season for over 20 years. The judging will take place this week. Property owners will be recognized with plaques acknowledging their efforts to help make the Christmas season extra special for all.

In closing, the Lyndonville Lions would like to thank all those who supported them in 2023. Planning will commence in earnest in January for the Lions Club 50th anniversary July 4th celebration with expected announcements on musical acts and added venues to the 50th anniversary celebration.  May God bless all during this Christmas Season.  We wish all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Gas prices dropped 8 cents nationally and 7 cents state-wide from Dec. 11 to Dec. 18, according to AAA.

The average price for regular unleaded nationally was at $3.07 on Monday, and $3.41 in New York State.

“Lower oil prices continue to drive the decline as the average price for a barrel of oil has fallen from the $80s into the low to mid-$70s where it stands today,” AAA said on Monday.

In Orleans County, the average price for regular unleaded is at $3.607 today, which compares to $3.740 on Nov. 6 and $3.871 on Oct. 9.

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

• Orleans, $3.607
• Genesee, $3.477
• Wyoming, $3.625
• Livingston, $3.623
• Niagara, $3.464
• Monroe, $3.421
• Erie, $3.572
• Chautauqua, $3.505
• Cattaraugus, $3.447
• Allegany, $3.655

Diesel prices are also declining, AAA reported. The national average price for diesel is $4.00, down 10 cents from last Monday, and down from $4.78 a year ago. The New York average for diesel is $4.51, down four cents from a week ago, and lower than $5.48 one year ago.

“AAA is forecasting nearly 104 million Americans will drive 50 miles or more from home during the 10-day holiday period from December 23 through January 1 so demand will likely increase through the end of the year,” AAA said. “If oil prices remain low, drivers can expect gas prices to follow suit during the holidays.”

Photos by Ginny Kropf: State Sen. Rob Ortt reads a tribute to Herb Loesch of Barker, who the senator just chose as this year’s inductee into the New York State Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame. He presented the tribute this morning at Medina Memorial Hospital, where Loesch is undergoing physical therapy.

MEDINA – State Sen. Rob Ortt has chosen a Barker veteran to be included in the New York State Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame for 2023.

Herbert Loesch this morning was honored for his service to the military and the community in a ceremony at Medina Memorial Hospital.

Loesch, who will be 95 on Jan. 12, is in Medina Memorial Hospital undergoing physical therapy due to a fall.

In previous years, the induction ceremonies have been in Albany, but this year Ortt delivered the honor to Medina Memorial. Ortt explained it is customary every year for each state senator to choose a veteran from his or her district to be added to the Veterans Hall of Fame, which is in Albany.

“By having it here, all his family and friends could attend,” Ortt said. “We make sure each veteran we choose is worthy of the honor, and Herb certainly is. He still wears his uniform proudly and is a member of the American Legion and VFW. I know he is very proud of his service.”

Two of Loesch’s comrades who served in Korea are still alive, and he keeps in contact with them.

“I’m amazed how Herb is a strong advocate for veterans,” said Ortt, who shared he was also in the military.

Loesch said he was honored Ortt chose him for this award.

“It’s wonderful the senator took time out to do this,” Loesch said.

Loesch served in the United States Army in Korea, as a medic with the 24th Division, obtaining the rank of sergeant 12T.

“He exemplifies what it means to be a patriotic American and proud military veteran,” Ortt read from Loesch’s profile. “A dedicated Army veteran, Mr. Loesch’s military career began when he enlisted in 1952, following his education at Alfred University, where he majored in biology and minored in chemistry, receiving a bachelor of arts.

One of the 1,000 toy Jeeps in Herb Loesch’s collection sits on the table at Medina Memorial Hospital’s board room, along with a plaque Loesch received and the poster describing his service in Korea.

“After basic training at Camp Pickett in Virginia, Mr. Loesch received advanced medical training at Fort Devens in Massachusetts. After training, he was deployed to Korea. For his service to our nation, he earned numerous recognitions and accolades, including the Korean Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation (ROKDA), United Nations Service Medal and the National DEF Service Medal.

“In 1954, Mr. Loesch was honorably discharged from the Army. He became actively involved in the Barker Chapter of the American Legion Post No. 435, as well as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

“Mr. Loesch collects, maintains and proudly displays military memorabilia at his home, including a collection of more than 1,000 toy Jeeps. He keeps a prominent military display of World War II and Korean War items at Barker High School, utilizing these collections to discuss our nation’s military history and encourage young people to pursue careers in the armed forces.

“During local parades, Mr. Loesch can be found in the lineup with his restored World War II Willys Jeep, wearing his full military uniform. He remains an active member in his community and serves as treasurer in his church and the Western New York John Deere Club. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 639 and volunteers to place flags at military gravesites.

“Mr. Loesch currently lives in Barker with his longtime partner, Grace. His two children also reside in New York state.”

Ortt told Loesch, “It is an honor for me to recognize veterans like you.”

Ortt added how impressed he was that Loesch maintained a military display at his former high school.

“That is such an important thing,” Ortt said. “Young people today get out of high school and don’t consider the military as a career. Herb is one of those veterans who not only served, but came home and advocated for veterans and served his community. Korean War veterans sometimes get lost in the shuffle. Pretty soon there won’t be any Korean War veterans.”

Loesch was suggested for the honor by Peter Morris, a fellow member of the Western New York Two Cylinder (John Deere) Club, where Loesch has served as treasurer for 30 years.

Among those who attended the ceremony in the hospital’s board room were his partner Grace Bodine; Loesch’s two children, son Terry Loesch of Canandaigua and daughter Tracy Stevenson and her husband Mark of Appleton; his pastor the Rev. Tom Gardner; Al Hain, president of the WNY Two Cylinder Club; Bob Gilsanin from the Sheret American Legion Post in Albion; and several other family and friends.

Photos courtesy of Arc GLOW: Public Relations Director Lisa Bors congratulates self-advocate Robert on Saturday during a graduation ceremony.

Press Release, Arc GLOW

ALBION — On Saturday, eight members of the Self-Advocacy All Stars graduated from SANYS U, the school of grassroots advocacy.

SANYS (Self-Advocacy Association of New York State) provide presentations and trainings to self-advocates, family members, support staff, and the community at large.

In 2011, it started SANYS U, a leadership course that teaches self-advocates and their supports about the history of self-advocacy, rights and responsibilities, and promotes ways of strengthening the grassroots and developing strong local and statewide leaders.

These self-advocates proudly showcase their diplomas.

This is the first year the Self-Advocacy All Stars, a self-advocacy group situated in Orleans County since 1986, has gone through SANYS U. For six weeks, Katherine, Deborah, Doreen, Cindy, Robert, Duane, Tyler and Michael learned about what being a self-advocate meant, the history of disability rights and self-advocacy, their individual rights and responsibilities, tips for a strong self-advocacy group, self-advocacy leadership skills, and current self-advocacy issues.

As part of SANYS U, self-advocates presented on topics including transportation difficulties in rural areas, and what agency departments and programs have to offer. Guest speakers included group founder Russell Johnson, Arc GLOW Board President Cheryl Englert, CEO Martin Miskell, Vice President of Self Direction and Community Services Jill Pegelow and Public Relations Director Lisa Bors.

Deborah sits with her daughter during the ceremony at the Trolley Building of the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Advocacy Group Advisor Terry Kingdollar said the program was amazing.

“I’m so proud of everything they’ve learned. Knowledge is power,” the advisor said. Other self-advocates look forward to participating when SANYS U is offered in the future.

Self Advocacy All Stars is 16 members strong.  They are one of three self-advocacy groups under the GLOW Trotters umbrella that includes Friends for the Future and Advocates Coming Together.

In the spring, Self Advocacy All Stars are looking forward to their talent show fundraiser in April and the third annual Jonathan Doherty and Gladys Hopper Self Advocacy Day in May.

Orleans County Tourism Department

KNOWLESVILLE – With an influx of visitors expected for the total eclipse on April 8, the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds will be hosting several events from April 5-8 and making at least 50 camping sites available with RV hook-ups.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension is teaming with the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce, the Albion Merchants Association and Orleans County Tourism Department for the events. The path of totality will pass through Western New York and Orleans County with the duration of the totality about four minutes beginning at approximately 3:18 p.m. on April 8, a Monday. The partial eclipse starts at 2:04 p.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m.

“People are coming from all over to Orleans County to see it,” said Robert Batt, the Extension executive director.

The events at the fairgrounds include:

• April 5 (Friday) – Camp sites available. Visitors will receive Orleans County gift bag with discounts to local businesses.
• April 6 (Saturday) – Chamber Home, Garden & Outdoor Show with food vendors and kids’ activities, and a chicken barbecue by Elks. The day is capped off with fireworks at Fairgrounds at 8 p.m.
• April 7 (Sunday) – Chamber Home, Garden & Outdoor Show with food vendors and kids’ activities. There will also be an Orleans County scavenger hunt with prizes for top three teams and one unique hidden prize. There will be a campfire sing-along with s’mores by the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen from 7 to 9 p.m. The Albion Free Methodist Church will lead a Glow Party at 8:30 p.m. at the pavilion with a DJ.
• April 8 (Monday) – There will be food vendors and kids’ activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be kids’ activity from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring the Orleans County 4-H nutritional program leading a session on astronaut food, including hands-on cooking.

For more information about the camp sites and events at the fairgrounds, click here.

Map from I Love NY: The path of totality for the eclipse passes on an arc through Western New York on April 8.