LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville community will decorate 85 trees at Veterans Park for the annual Christmas in Lyndonville celebration.

The trees are decorated by many families as memorials, or by businesses and organizations to be part of the display which is lighted up through New Year’s Day.

“It’s a lot of people taking pride in representing their loved ones who have passed, or their organizations and their businesses,” said Teri Woodworth, the village clerk and one of the coordinators of the event.

Lyndonville has been decorating the trees since 2013 when there were 26 the first year. The trees cost $40 and are then decorated by families, businesses or organizations for the big unveil at 5 p.m. on Dec. 2.

The trees are part of a day-long celebration at Lyndonville, which continues to grow each year. Thos year’s schedule adds Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza, cookie decorating at Webber’s Kitchen, and a Frosty Toss game led by Christine Heideman Insurance Broker.

The event is sponsored by the Village of Lyndonville, Lyndonville Fire Department, Lyndonville Lions Club and Lyndonville United Methodist Women.

The schedule for the day includes:

• 8 to 11 a.m. – Community Breakfast/Basket Raffle at Lyndonville Presbyterian Church
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Music Boosters Craft Sale at Lyndonville School
• 11 a.m. to sold out – Music Boosters Beef on Weck Dinner at Lyndonville School
• Noon to 2 p.m. – Holiday Cookie Decorating Station at Webber Kitchen
• 2 to 4 p.m. – Petting Zoo at Library Parking Lot
• 2 to 4 p.m. – Hot Chocolate from M&T Bank at Library Parking Lot
• 2 to 4 p.m. – Catherine Street Bakery at Library Parking Lot
• 2 to 4:30 p.m. – Frosty Toss with Christine Heideman Insurance Broker at Library Parking Lot
• 2 to 4:45 p.m. – Horse Drawn Carriage Rides at Village Hall
• 2 to 6 p.m. – Mr. Pix Popcorn at Library Parking Lot
• 2 to 6 p.m. – Blue Groove Coffee/Bubba’s Loganberry at Library Parking Lot
• 2 to 6 p.m. – Dubby’s Wood Fired at Library Parking Lot
• 2 to 6:30 p.m. – NYS Child ID with Orleans County Sheriff’s Dept at Village Hall
• 3 to 4:30 p.m. – Craft & Games at Yates Community Library
• 3 to 6 p.m. – Hotdogs & Sodas from Lyndonville Lions Club at Library
• 3 to 6 p.m. – Cup of Chili from Champs at Library Parking Lot
• 4:30 to 5 p.m. – Caroling at Veterans Park
• 5 p.m. – Santa’s Arrival & Lighting of Trees at Vet’s Park
• 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. – Visit with Santa
• 7 p.m. – Christmas LaLaPalooza at Lyndonville Presbyterian Church
• Letters can also be mailed to Santa at the North Pole Post located at the Yates Community Library.

Michelle Okonieczny

By Michelle Okonieczny, DNP, Oak Orchard Health in Medina

Not everyone looks forward to the holidays with a HoHoHo! In fact, many people find it difficult time of year. It’s my hope that this article gives you some advice on finding some happiness during the holidays and beyond, and knowing when to call your medical provider for help.  If you don’t have a medical provider or behavioral health therapist, you should call the Oak Orchard Health location nearest you. Having a medical provider that you can confide in is important to staying healthy and happy all year round.

Are you depressed or have the holiday blues?

This time of year is when many of my patients come in feeling depressed. Is it really depression or the holiday blues? We have so many expectations for the holidays that it can certainly make us feel blue. There is a definite difference between depression and the holiday blues.

Depression during the fall and winter is often referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. It is thought that shorter days and less daylight may trigger a chemical change in the brain leading to symptoms of depression. Light therapy and antidepressants can help treat SAD. So be sure to get help. If you think you may be depressed, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Medications and/or therapy can help you see improvements but expect your mood to get better slowly.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a functional disability meaning you find it hard to function – examples include getting out of bed each morning, inability to go to work, loss of appetite, and you may not feel like taking care of yourself. This type of functional decline is the difference between it and the holiday blues.

What are the holiday blues?

With the holiday blues you may be functioning, but you feel like you’re on autopilot and you’re very unhappy. The holidays can be a gloomy time of year for many people. My advice is to do something for yourself, something that you enjoy. It may be as simple as getting out of the house or visiting a friend or family member you haven’t seen in a while. Think of what would make you happy and put the date on your calendar to go.  Remember you’re not the only one feeling the holiday blues. Even if others have family and friends around, they may be feeling lonely. Don’t be afraid to reach out during this time of year.

How do I celebrate the holidays without family and friends around?

You’re not the only one in this situation! So many families are spread across the state or country that you may find yourself on your own for the holidays. How do you get through it without being down? Have a plan! Think about what you’d like to do that day. Are you going to cook for yourself? Enjoy a delicious meal. If appropriate, go to a religious service where you’ll see many smiling faces.

Plan on doing what you like that day. Love movies? Make a list of the movies that you can watch that day at home or go to the movie theater. Love football? Watch a game or two on Christmas Day. When will you take your walk? If the weather permits, get bundled up and enjoy the beauty of the winter. When will you call family or friends to wish them a happy holiday? Whatever you decide, have a plan, write it down, and enjoy yourself.

Get started on your New Year’s resolutions early.

While you’re planning for the holidays, think about your nutrition during the holidays and what you may want to do differently in 2024 to improve your health. Though the holidays represent only a few days during the month of December, people often find themselves overeating for more than that. If you’re the cook, have a plan for the leftovers. Give them to your guests or friends. It’s not realistic to think you won’t eat a piece of pie but keeping that pie around will be a very tempting sweet treat.

Knowing that you’ll be eating differently this month should inspire you to increase your exercise. A walk around the block or inside a department store during the cold weather are both great ways to jumpstart a new healthy exercise routine.

If you have any questions, please contact Oak Orchard Health. We are accepting new patients and now is a great time of year to begin a relationship with a medical provider. Call (585) 589-5613 or visit our website at www.OakOrchardHealth.org. We have health centers in  Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Hornell, Medina, Pembroke, and Warsaw.

Referendum on issue could go to voters in November 2024

Photo by Tom Rivers: Murray Town Justice Ted Spada, shown in a May meeting, said a district court “would be a very poor business decision and would defy common sense.”

MURRAY – The town justices and court clerks at the town level have all signed a resolution saying they are opposed to a district court in Orleans County.

“There are currently 10 town justices courts in Orleans County that ensure the public’s access to local judges who know their towns and provide the most direct, informed and timely support to those in need of court services,” according to the resolution signed by the justices and court clerks.

A district court has been pushed by District Attorney Joe Cardone and Public Defender Joanne Best. The issue headed to a referendum for Nov. 7. But the County Legislature and local Board of Elections pulled it from the ballot in early August saying there wasn’t enough time to collect and present all the information to the public.

The town justices and court clerks say no “substantive information” has been made available or study done on the merits of a district court.

The resolution was dated Oct. 14 and signed by Albion town justices Gary Moore and Joe Fuller, Barre Town Justice Frederick Root, Carlton Town Justice Kevin Hurley, Clarendon Town Justice Thomas DiFante, Gaines Town Justice Charles Prentice, Kendall Town Justice Debra Kluth, Murray town justices Ted Spada and Gary Passarell, Ridgeway Town Justice Joseph Kujawa, Shelby Town Justice Edward Grabowski and Yates Town Justice Donald Grabowski.

The following town court clerks also signed the resolution: Denise Cornick and Jamie Allport of Albion, Maureen Beach of Barre, Kim Niehaus of Carlton, Joanne Major of Clarendon, Maureen Kline of Gaines, Jessica Maier and Laurie Koelle of Kendall, Jeanne Spada and Lindsay Fredenall of Murray, Stacy Sliker of Ridgeway and Yates, Vicki Allen and Patricia Feltz of Shelby.

“The Magistrate Association of Orleans County is opposed to any efforts to eliminate the local and convenient access to justice by our citizens and find that the Town Courts of Orleans County provide a meaningful and necessary presence within our community for judicial resolution of conflicts, continued public safety of our citizens, and the protection of constitutional guarantees for all of our citizens,” the resolution states.

County Legislator John Fitzak told the Murray Town Board on Monday evening the issue is expected to be picked up again in 2024, with two public hearings about the issue. He expects a detailed report about the pros and cons of a district court, and the financial implications.

He believes it will be on the ballot for a public referendum in November 2024.

There was a heated public hearing about the district court on July 19 with several town justices locally and from a statewide association opposing such a court in Orleans County, saying it would cost more and a district court judge would be less connected to the people.

Cardone and Best said a district court would be more accessible to the community with full-time business hours during the week, and justice would be dispensed more equally. Right now, they said the town justices often have different penalties for violations and crimes in the county.

Cardone and Best also have cited increasing complexities and frequent changes in state laws with the criminal justice system. Forming a consolidated district court could result in a more effective local court system, they said.

A more detailed study is expected to look at how the workload among the town justices and a district could be divvied up between town courts and district court. The committee also needs to look at a location for the court that would meet all the standards sets by the state Office of Court Administration.

There is a shortage of attorneys in the county for the public defender and district attorney’s office, Best has said. Having cases in one location, rather than 10, would make it much easier for the public defender and DA’s office to have attorneys for the proceedings, she said.

“This is about trying to make better use of the system,” she said in a previously interview. “Fewer attorneys would be needed. We would staff one court instead of 10.”

ALBION – It is a longtime tradition for Hospice of Orleans to take time during the holiday season to honor and celebrate loved ones who are no longer living.

The community is invited to support Hospice and participate in their Light a Life celebration by purchasing an ornament, designed, painted and donated by local artist Carol Culhane.

Local artist Carol Culhane, left, presents Hospice director Marilyn Almeter-Milbrand one of the ornaments she painted and donated for Hospice’s annual Light a Life fundraiser and celebration, scheduled this year on Dec. 8.

The Light a Life Celebration is scheduled at 5 p.m. Dec. 8 in Hospice’s conference center.

Ornaments can be ordered by calling Hospice at (585) 589-0809 or logging on to hospiceoforleans.org/event-links/light-life. Residents can also stop at Hospice administration building at 14080 Route 31 West between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cost is $50 for an ornament or $100 if personalized. All proceeds fund Hospice’s patient care services, said Julia Alt, director of Advancement.

Culhane is a self-taught artist who grew up in Rochester. She said she could always draw and when she was in kindergarten, she came home from school one day with her school picture. She got a sheet of paper and laid down on the floor and painted her face. She won blue ribbons for her artwork in school, one for a dancing elephant in a tutu.

Her first professional job was painting campaign signs for Charles Nesbitt when he first ran for town of Barre supervisor. During her career she has painted boats, cars, ties, shirts and veterans’ memorials in Rochester, as well as the murals at Golisano’s Children’s Hospital in Rochester. She was drawn to Hospice through her job as a nurses’ aide, working with Joan Kent.

“I became familiar with death and dying,” Culhane said. “When Kent and Mary Jane Sahukar later founded Hospice, I knew both of them.”

After marrying Jerry Culhane, they owned a Christmas tree farm on Route 31A and she started painted Christmas ornaments. Since then, she estimates she has painted thousands, most of which she has donated – to wounded veterans at Walter Reed Hospital, Gold Star mothers and Hospice.

“Supporting them is a gift to me,” Culhane said.

When Hospice opened the Martin-Linsin Residence, Culhane donated her time and painted murals on the walls, depicting the four seasons.

Among the dozens of ornaments painted by local artist Carol Culhane is one of the Orleans County Courthouse, which she painted for the Governor’s Office.

“I wanted to do what I could to help Hospice, who dealt with people at the end of life,” she said.

Evana Daniels worked at Hospice at the time, and Culhane talked with her about what she could do. Culhane’s husband Jerry about that time had a friend who wanted an ornament with beer on it. That was in 1991 and it was the catalyst that spurred a decades-long relationship of supporting Hospice by painting and donating the ornaments for their fundraiser.

Her designs for Hospice have included doves, butterflies, cardinals and feathers – all designs that would be comforting to someone who had lost a loved one.

Alt said she got a call from a man in North Carolina who used to live in Orleans County and has collected nearly all of Hospice’s ornaments.

“He said he looks forward to Carol’s ornaments every year,” Alt said.

MURRAY – The Town Board voted unanimously to approve a $52,860 contract with Monroe Ambulance on Monday for the Rochester-based company to provide ambulance services in the community.

Murray is one of seven towns in a $300,000 contract with Monroe Ambulance for 2024. The seven towns are divvying up the cost based on a percentage of call volume.

Murray is paying the second-biggest bill after the Town of Albion at $155,820. The other shares of the $300,000 include Barre at $13,740, Carlton at $22,350, Clarendon at $25,350, Gaines at $12,030 and Kendall at $17,850.

Murray’s bill is up from $30,600 in 2023, the first year the town had to pay for ambulance service.

Murray is at least the third of the seven towns to approve the contract, following Barre and Albion.

Murray Town Board members said the new contract is conditional on all seven towns approving the agreement.

ALBION – Orleans County has specified what counts as income for determining whether senior citizens and disabled property owners qualify for a property tax discount.

The State Legislature during the 2023-24 budget changed the definition of “income” for property tax discounts to give the option to not include money from IRAs and other investment accounts.

But Orleans County is keeping IRAs and the investment accounts as income in determining the eligibility. The county will go by the gross adjusted income for federal tax purposes. It has specified that distributions from individual retirement accounts or retirement annuities will be included.

Dawn Allen, the county’s director of real property tax services, said during a public hearing the intention of program is to help lower-income senior citizens and those with disabilities. To not include that income would significantly increase the number of people getting the partial tax exemption, shifting more of the tax burden to others, Allen said.

The County Legislature a year ago increased the income levels for senior citizens and disabled property owners to receive a break on their property taxes.

The senior exemption was previously last changed in 2014, while the low-income disabled exemptions were last modified in 2017.

The senior exemption previously gave 50 percent off property taxes for those 65 and older with an annual income at $15,500 or less and then dropped in 5 percent increments.

The exemption that took effect in 2023 offers 50 percent off at annual incomes of $19,000 or less. It then drops in 5 percent increments until bottoming out at 20 percent off between $23,800 and $24,699.99.

The county a year ago also expanded the income levels for low-income disabled residents, effective in 2023. The county started offering that exemption in 2007.

The maximum exemption was for incomes at $15,500 or below. Then it changed to $19,000 or less for 50 percent off. That exemption then drops 5 percent before the lowest level of 5 percent off at incomes between $26,500 and 27,399.99.

County also approves buying new armored vehicle for SWAT at $319K, and 5 other new vehicles for Sheriff’s Office

ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office will provide security services at Walmart in Albion from Nov. 23 to Dec. 31, with the store paying the highest rate of overtime along with the cost of fringe benefits.

The County Legislature approved the agreement last week. Sheriff Chris Bourke said the Sheriff’s office has partnered with Walmart with security for several years during the holiday season.

This year’s contract calls for the Sheriff’s Office to provide 57 hours of security to the store, primarily the outside perimeter and parking lot areas, Bourke said.

• The Legislature last week also approved purchasing three new 2023 Chevrolet Tahoes at $73,008.64 from Joe Basil Chevrolet in Depew. That is a government discount rate and includes up fitting.

• The county also will be buying two new 2023 Ford Explorers for $73,610.74 from Bob Johnson Ford in Avon. That is the government discount rate and includes up fitting.

• The County Legislature also approved the following purchases for the SWAT: $319,867 for an emergency response armored vehicle to be paid to Lenco Armored Vehicles in Pittsfield, MA; 12 ballistic helmets, 12 chinstrap extenders, and 12 helmet bags for $10,192 to be paid to Safeware in Lanham, MD.

• The Legislature also approved paying Lyons Collision in Medina $21,676 for a service repair of the Sheriff Office’s 2015 Marine Boston Whaler Boat M-2. Due to insurance recovery monies received, the county cost is $2,000.

MEDINA – A Boy Scout in Troop 28 in Medina has the Village Board’s permission to give the playground equipment at Gulf Street Park a fresh coat of paint.

Matthew Jacobs met with the board last week and said he will lead a group of scouts in sprucing up the equipment. Jacobs said some of the equipment may be sanded to get rid of rusty spots.

The teeter-totter, “The Spider” and some monkey bars at Gulf Street Park will be painted red, green and blue.

Jacobs said the project will help him earn his Life Rank through the Boy Scouts. He expects the work will be done by next June.

“We’re very thankful you’re taking on this job and investing in our community,” Village Trustee Marguerite Sherman said.

Gulf Street Park recently added a nine-hole disc golf course. That has brought more people to the park. Jason Watts, the DPW superintendent, said some of the playground equipment may be relocated away from the disc golf course.

Honorees include Horace Clark Bird (Class of 1956), Colin Huwyler (Class of 2002), Dr. Daniel Terryberry (Class of 1980) and Toby Williams (Class of 1991)

Photo courtesy of Medina Central School: Pictured from left, first row, include Dr. Daniel Terryberry, Bobbie Huwyler (accepting for her son Colin Huwyler) and Jeff Bird (accepting for his dad, Horace Clark Bird). Back row: Medina Athletic Director Eric Valley (accepting for his friend Toby Williams) and Medina Junior/Senior High School Principal Michael Cavanagh.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Medina Junior/Senior High School recognized four distinguished alumni on Friday for their outstanding contributions to their community and/or their chosen career.

The award is given annually to honor alumni, promote school spirit, foster pride in the school and community and to serve as an incentive for the current student body.

This year’s recipients are Mr. Horace Clark Bird (Class of 1956), Mr. Colin Huwyler (Class of 2002), Dr. Daniel Terryberry (Class of 1980) and Mr. Toby Williams (Class of 1991).

“Having worked in Medina for many years, I can definitely say that it is a blessing to be part of a community like ours,” said Michael Cavanagh, the school principal. “The people that we honor today are proof that we are all capable of achieving greatness and truly making a difference in society.”

Horace “Butch” Clark Bird graduated in 1956. After high school he attended Cornell University, playing saxophone in the Big Red Marching Band. After graduating with a B.S. and Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering in 1961, he joined the US Air Force and piloted C-130 cargo aircraft. He flew over 178 combat missions in Southeast Asia and accumulated over 4,000 flying hours out of combat areas. He was awarded seven Air Medals and earned the rank of Captain.

He and his wife Dayle met in Tachikawa, Japan and moved to Rochester, New York where they raised their three children. Butch worked as an engineer at Eastman Kodak Company. He and his colleagues held patents for the first instant camera.

After retiring in 1995, Butch started teaching English while working at Minolta in Osaka, Japan. After earning an English as a Second Language teaching certificate, he taught English and Japanese in Bangkok, Thailand. Sadly, Butch passed away January 4, 2023.

Colin Huwyler is a member of the Class of 2002. After graduating, he went on to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and also earned a certificate in Entrepreneurial Leadership from Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business.

While a freshman in college, Colin experimented with biofuels on his Volkswagen Jetta. These experiments led him to create a biofuel system for passenger vehicles, and over the years, this drew interest from a number of private fleets who wanted to utilize the technology to reduce the emissions of the heavy-duty trucks. This led Colin to be a veteran of the renewable fuels industry and becoming the CEO of Optimus Technologies. He also founded Fossil Free Fuel and was the Director of Research and Technology at Steel City Biofuels. He is the co-inventor on several Optimus Technologies patents.

In 2019, Colin was announced as the winner of NYSERDA’s (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) 76west Clean Energy Competition.  With his prize money, he plans to establish a company in the Binghamton/Ithaca areas.

Colin has consulted and given lectures on biofuels, product development, the low-carbon economy, and a variety of other topics for non-profits, government agencies, corporations and universities.

Dr. Daniel Terryberry was a member of the Class of 1980. During his time at Medina High School, he participated in JV and Varsity Football, as well as Varsity Tennis. He was also selected as the Boys’ State representative his junior and senior years, representing the school for football in All League. He went on to Houghton College and then studied medicine at the University at Buffalo. After receiving a country-wide scholarship to encourage physicians to practice medicine in small, rural towns, he established roots in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. In a nod to his alma mater, the name of his practice is Mustang Medical!

Dr. Terryberry began his medical practice in the fields of gynecology and obstetrics and then later switched his practice to family medicine. He has been voted “Best Doctor” many years and has served as Chief of Staff, Chief Medical Officer, Medical Review Officer and Occupational Health Director throughout his career. He also managed the response to the Covid-19 crisis for the entire Vidant Hospital System.

During his career, he has completed two mission trips with Doctors Without Borders to assist patients in Belize and most recently supported a family from the Ukraine as they were fleeing their native country. Mustang Medical has also had a presence in Kabul and Mazur in Afghanistan and the embassy in Baghdad. His practice continues to support American defense contractors in Qatar, Israel and Burkina Faso.

He and his wife raised four daughters in Elizabeth City and remain a pillar of the community. He serves on several boards and his committed to youth development as he funds multiple sports camps and development programs. He is active in his church and gives back every chance he can. Dr. Terryberry supports local Mustang athletes every year by generously donating to the Boice-Ossont Scholar Athlete Scholarship, which is awarded annually at the Medina Junior/Senior High School Block M Banquet.

Toby Williams is a member of the Class of 1991. During his time at Medina High School, Toby was a member of the National Honor Society and Ski Club. He also participated in Varsity Soccer and Baseball throughout high school. Both of Toby’s parents were members of the faculty at Medina Central School District. He gives credit for his solid education foundation to his parents, along with many supportive teachers he had while at the district. He especially remembers the encouragement and support from Mr. O’Dea, who was his soccer coach.

Toby earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Houghton College, where he majored in Political Science. Afterwards, he went on to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration and a Juris Doctor Degree from Ohio State University. He started his career as securities and mergers and acquisition lawyer in Washington, DC and New York.

Toby later went on to become an investment banker at Citigroup, Inc. He later became the Director of Corporate Development at Paychex, Inc where from 2006-2011 he led all mergers, acquisitions and corporate development efforts. In 2017, he joined Paylocity as Chief Financial Officer and was promoted to President.

In 2022 he was named Co-CEO. Paylocity is a leading provider of cloud-based human resources and payroll software and is recognized as one of the best places to work.  It has been named one of Chicago’s 101 Best and Brightest, along with being one of the best places to work in Illinois. Toby resides in Washington, D.C.

Photo and information courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES

Matt Anastasi’s Building Trades students were given a demonstration of drywall tape products by Saint-Gobain ADFORS representatives Nathan Katz (National Sales Manager; Facades, Roofing & Wall Finishing) and Victoria Jacumski (Associate Product Manager).

Katz and Jacumski had an interactive demonstration of their different drywall tape products.  They were able to show the students how many applications they can use their different lineup of drywall tapes for.

“These tapes include ones specific for moisture resistant drywall, cement boards, repairs, as well as traditional seams,” Anastasi said.  “They even make heavy-duty tapes which will help resist cracking in our modular homes and cabins.”

Students had the opportunity to interact with the representatives and talk to them how their products can help save time and labor on a project. Students got to see firsthand these differences and the reps even brought in several samples for them to try in the cabin they are building.

All the products, as well as Certain Teed roofing products, are made locally in Albion. Katz and Jacumski talked about job opportunities at their facility and encouraged the students to apply for internships that might translate into fulltime employment after graduation.

“It was a great experience for my class,” Anastasi said. “They offered to come back with additional interactive demonstrations with their products and brought company t-shirts for all the students in both of my classes. I really appreciate them taking the time to talk to my class and help them explore careers.”

Press Release, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer

Following his personal meeting in China with President Xi Jinping last month, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer has detailed how the new deal President Biden has struck with China to crack down on the scourge of fentanyl could be a major step forward to curb the opioid crisis in New York. However, Schumer said now more than ever it is imperative to hold China accountable and ensure there is compliance with their commitments.

Charles Schumer

“Too many lives have been lost, and too many others are at stake, especially here in New York,” Schumer said last Thursday. “Today is a pivotal step forwards in a decades-long battle and I will be fighting to hold China’s feet to the fire and keep them accountable for their commitments to cut off the flow of fentanyl to America. I told President Xi that China taking steps to crack down on the sale of precursor chemicals would be a long overdue step to strengthening the relationship between our two nations and hope to see continued results from China in the near future.”

Specifically, Schumer explained China has said it will take new action to enforce its own regulations against the companies which make precursor drugs in a major step to potentially cut off the flow of this deadly drug.

A similar notice to industry in 2019 led to a drastic reduction in seizures of fentanyl shipments to the United States from China. Schumer said the U.S. also has information that that PRC police have taken law enforcement action against Chinese synthetic drug and chemical precursor suppliers.

As a result, certain China-based pharmaceutical companies ceased operations and have had some international payment accounts blocked. This probably represents the first law enforcement action against synthetic drug-related chemical sellers by Chinese authorities since 2017.

In addition, China and the United States will be launching a counter narcotics working group to bolster law enforcement and information sharing to cut off the flow or precursor drugs and illicit fentanyl. The U.S. and China have both said they will also start working and on an ongoing basis at the senior level to directly address this crisis and start working closely together to carry this initiative forward. In conjunction, Schumer said these long overdue steps have real potential to reduce the flow of these drugs into the United States and places like New York, and ultimately save lives.

In New York in 2020, 87.9 percent of all overdose deaths involving any opioid involved synthetic opioids, predominantly illicitly manufactured fentanyl like described above. In 2022, New York City saw overdose deaths reach record numbers at over 3,000, predominantly driven by illicit fentanyl.

The additional enforcement and actions will help tackle the spread of fentanyl directly by ensuring the chemicals used to make the illicit drug never reaches its targets, cutting off the manufacturing of the drug before it can reach streets in communities across America, Schumer said.

Editor’s Note: In Orleans County, there were six fatal overdoses from fentanyl and synthetic opioids in 2021, and 33 outpatient emergency department visits from ovoid overdoses, the state Department of Health reported.

The state Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) also reports there were 228 admissions to substance use disorder treatment programs in Orleans County in 2020, and the 176 in 2021 and 203 in 2022.

GAINES – Lake Ontario Fruit is pushing for another expansion of the apple packing business on Route 104. The company is working on a 28,070-square-foot addition of controlled atmosphere storage, a $5.5 million project that would mirror a similar expansion in 2013.

The new space is needed because many of the new apple trees that were planted in recent years are coming into maturity, with a full crop expected next fall. Lake Ontario Fruit packs just over 1 million bushels of apples a year for more than 30 local farms.

The new addition would allow the company pack about 220,000 more bushels, said Robert Brown, president of Lake Ontario Fruit and co-owner of Orchard Dale Fruit Co. in Waterport.

Lake Ontario Fruit is pushing to have the new CA facility ready by Sept. 1. The company needs to have the site plan reviewed by the Orleans County Planning Board, with a final approval from the Town of Gaines Planning Board.

“We are growing a commodity that is a perishable crop,” Brown told the Planning Board.

He said the addition is an investment in the local fruit industry, which is seeing a new generation of growers taking the lead in their farms and also at the Lake Ontario Fruit facility.

Gaines planners met last week to review the site plan. Chris Watt, the Planning Board chairman, said LOF needs a final agreement from the state Department of Environmental Conservation on a stormwater management plan for the project. Watt doesn’t want to send the site plan to the county for review until there is an agreement from the DEC about the plan.

But Lake Ontario Fruit officials convinced the board to send a referral to the county, with the approval from the DEC expected soon and to be added to the application that will be sent to the county. The company asked the town to submit the application to the county so LOF could be on the county agenda for its December meeting.

Brown said the construction timeline is already about a month behind schedule.

“Every day counts,” he told the Gaines Planning Board last week.

He said supply-chain issues also are posing some challenges.

The Gaines board agreed to send the application to the County Planning Board for its review. Watt said the town will consider if there are any comments from the county in the town’s final review of the site plan. Watt said he is also hopeful the DEC will OK the stormwater management plan so the town can give its approval.

The Gaines Zoning Board of Appeals also is being asked to approve a 1-foot height variance for the building. It is proposed for 36 feet in height, just above the town threshold of 35 feet. A public hearing on that variance is scheduled for 705 p.m. on Dec. 12.

The Lake Ontario Fruit has 71 employees and will add 10 more jobs as part of the controlled atmosphere storage expansion. The project was backed by the Orleans Economic Development Agency with nearly $600,000 in incentives.

The EDA on Oct. 18 approved sale tax abatements of $240,000 on construction and $156,000 on fixtures and equipment.

The EDA also approved a 10-year PILOT that gradually phases in the taxes on the new addition. Lake Ontario Fruit would get a 100 percent exemption or $34,496 off in property taxes the first year, and then 10 percent will be added each year until it’s at 100 percent in year 11. That PILOT will save the company $189,729 in property taxes over the 10 years. Lake Ontario Fruit also will be paying $155,233 more in taxes during than 10 years than is currently paid on the existing building.

ALBION – Law enforcement agencies will increase DWI patrols in Orleans County during the Thanksgiving holiday from Nov. 22-26, Sheriff Chris Bourke announced.

“As Thanksgiving eve is one of the biggest drinking nights of the year, it is vital that law enforcement presence be at its peak on this night to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving, reminding drivers to have a plan while traveling to prevent injuries and save lives,” said Bourke, who is also the county’s STOP-DWI coordinator.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, State Police, and Medina, Albion and Holley police departments will all be part of the increased patrols.

Bourke urges people to have a plan to not drink and drive. For the “Have a Plan” Mobile App, click here.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – This photo shows Butts Road near the Moore Street intersection in Albion.

The Albion Town Board last week agreed to use up to $60,000 of the town’s American Rescue Plans Act funds to install about 800 feet of waterline, with the pipe going on Moore Street from near the village line going east to Butts Road, and then a small section of Butts Road.

The project would go by seven parcels of land, which includes four houses with residents. The new waterline increases the chances for the vacant land to developed in the future, said Town Councilman Terry Wilbert.

The town will tie into the new waterline near the former Braley Street, now Riley Place on Moore Street. Highway Superintendent Mike Neidert said the town highway crew can install the line without a private contractor. He expects the project will be complete next spring or summer.

Neidert said the project will also include valves, hydrants, a meter pit and service connections.

The use of the federal ARPA funds is enough to cover the entire project so there won’t be any annual debt service charges like there are with a typical water district.

Albion has used some of its ARPA funds to put a new roof on the town hall, and have a new fence put on the baseball field behind the town hall, the Albion Midget League Field.

After the waterline project, Neidert and the Town Board said about $15,000 is left in ARPA which could be used to upgrade and repair the concessions building at the baseball field, and also do some work on the dugouts and bleachers at the field.