By Lauren Rogers, PA, Oak Orchard Health in our Albion and Batavia Health Centers.

Hard to believe that the summer is fast coming to a close. The first indication of that is parents thinking about preparing their kids (and themselves) for going back to school. In this article, I want to give you a few tips on making those early weeks more successful and throughout the school year.

Kids do get sick more, especially during the first few months.

It’s true, kids do get sick more in the first few months of school. How do you prevent it? Be sure they wash their hands often, have them get enough sleep, and try not to send them to school if they are sick – unfortunately, that’s how germs get spread.

Often kids have runny noses, sneeze, and get chills. How do you know if it’s allergies or a cold, or something else? The symptoms can be very similar.  Children experience congestion, itchy eyes, and a runny nose with allergies, but he/she generally feels all right. Cold symptoms include fever, chills, and achiness all over. If your child has a fever for more than 24 hours or you have any concerns about them, contact your pediatrician.

And if you think it could be Covid-19, over-the-counter tests are readily available at your local store. Take an at-home test and if positive, then contact your provider. It’s probably a good idea to have some of those tests at home.

The school physical

Often schools require that children get a physical so please make an appointment now if you haven’t. Here’s your opportunity to be sure kids are up to date on immunizations. It’s also a great time to discuss health conditions that can hinder school performance such as vision and hearing screens.

During a physical, we also screen for anxiety, depression, and behavior issues. These are important topics that need to be addressed and we need to develop a course of action.

To be successful at school, nutrition, sleep patterns, exercise, and screen time all play a role. Ending screen time an hour or more before bedtime will help them get better sleep.

Of course, we capture height and weight and discuss nutrition. According to the Centers for Disease Control, children and adolescents aged 2-19 in 2017-2020, obesity affected 14.7 million nationwide.

Nutrition

Another great way to keep kids healthy is to give them healthy foods and snacks. Easier said than done, right? It’s always best to eat something rather than skip a meal. Also, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day for kids. If they don’t eat nutritious foods or skip breakfast, they’re likely to be less attentive in school and that will affect how successful they are. Some good options for kids are eggs (even hard-boiled), cheese sticks, bananas with peanut butter, toast with nut butter, and yogurt, particularly Greek yogurt, are healthier choices. Try to avoid foods that come out of a package. Cereal is always easy but unfortunately, your child will be hungry an hour or two later.

Car Seat Safety

Back to school often means more drop-offs and pick-ups. Car seat safety is extremely important because motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of death for children 4 years and older (according to the American Academy of Pediatrics).

Car seat safety can be a complex topic but it’s so important. Be sure to read your specific car seat manual. Keep in mind that straps need to be as close as possible to the body of the child. Big puffy coats and Halloween costumes can often get in the way. Think about strapping your child in and then adding the coat or keeping a blanket in the car.

Did you know that New York State law requires that:

•all children under the age of 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat.

•all children under the age of 4 ride in child safety seats.

•all children ride in child restraint systems until their 8th birthday.

If you have any questions on these topics, please call your medical provider or pediatrician. Oak Orchard is always here to help.

Village getting new ladder truck, putting addition on fire hall

MEDINA – The Medina Village Board agreed to hire a grantwriter on Monday evening who will be focused on seeking funds for the Medina Fire Department, which is looking to acquire a new ladder truck, replace another fire truck from 1990, and put an addition on the fire hall.

The board agreed to pay $7,990 to G&G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing to write up to five grant applications for the fire department. G&G is owned by Jay Grasso. The company has been successful securing grants for the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, said Jason Watts, a past Shelby fire chief and Medina’s current superintendent of Public Works.

Medina is facing several million dollars in expenses for a fire hall addition and for a new ladder truck.

The board on Aug. 14 authorized seeking a bond for up to $5.6 million to finance the fire hall addition.

The board also voted on June 26 to spend $1.7 million to buy a new ladder truck from Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton, Wisc., with a delivery time expected to take 2 ½ years. The new truck doesn’t fit in the cramped fire hall on Park Avenue.

Another fire truck from 1990 also should be on schedule for a replacement in the near future, said Fire Chief Matt Jackson.

Village Board members approved the grant writer expense, although there is no certainty it will yield any grants.

“You have to spend money to get money,” said Trustee Marguerite Sherman.

Mayor Mike Sidari last week gave a tour of the fire hall to Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. She sits on a committee that reviews applications for federal funding to assist fire departments. Sidari showed her the shortcomings of the building and asked her to consider Medina for assistance.

The village has tried to put together grant applications with its own staff in the past – with mixed results.

Seeking grants from different sources could pay off in a big way for the village, with Medina not needing to borrow as much money for the addition and fire truck.

“We need to show a good faith effort that we’re trying to help ourselves,” Sherman said.

9-year-old leads in points at Ransomville Speedway

Photo courtesy of Tom Stevens: Laina Stewart, 9, is ready to race around the dirt oval at the Ransomville Speedway. She has been competing in go-kart races for four years.

LYNDONVILLE – “The Lyndonville Rocket” is often leading the pack of the go-kart racers at the Ransomville Speedway.

The “rocket” has a ponytail that hangs down from her racing helmet.

Laina Stewart, 9, has been a top driver the past four seasons at Ransomville. She first excelled in the novice division. She won eight of the races two years ago.

She moved up to the Junior 1 Division the past two seasons for 8- to 10-year-olds. This year she is the points leader with three races to go. The season starts in May and ends in early September. Most of the races are on Thursday evenings at the ½-mile dirt oval track in Niagara County.

Laina has her car painted in the Lyndonville school colors of orange and black. She has eight sponsor stickers on the vehicle which tops out at 38 to 40 miles per hour. Laina likes to go fast on the straight-a-ways and lets off the gas, a little, when she rounds the corners.

“I like the competition and the racing,” she said on Monday evening in the family’s racing garage behind their home on Ridge Road. “It’s fun.”

Photos by Tom Rivers: Laina Stewart, 9, is shown with her go-cart that she has driven to lead as the season’s points leader among 17 racers in the Junior 1 Division at Ransomville Speedway.

Laina is a regular at Ransomville, but has competed at several other dirt tracks, including many trips to Weedsport.

She started her racing career at age 5 with battery-powered cars during intermission at Ransomville.

Her stepfather, Ricky Washburn, raced go-karts at Ransomville and later stock cars as an adult. Washburn said racing is great family bonding. Laina’s grandfather, Keith Davis, also helps in the pits, keeping the go-kart in peak shape.

On a typical race day, Laina first drives an 8-lap heat to determine the order of the drivers in the main feature, which is 15 laps around the track. She is one of two girls racing in her division.

Washburn said Laina keeps her focus when she is driving. She has won four races this year, and is consistently among the top 5.

Desirae Davis, Laina’s mother, said she is impressed by all the go-kart racers at Ransomville.

“They are all so talented,” she said. “They put everything they have into it.”

Photo courtesy of Tom Stevens: Laina Stewart leads this group of go-kart racers at the Ransomville Speedway.

One of the rules for the Junior 1 Division is the driver and go-kart can’t weigh more than a combined 250 pounds.

Laina has had a few bumps and bruises from racing, but no serious injuries. She was bumped in one race, and lost her position from near the front. But she battled back in the following laps, and was among the leaders at the end. After that race, a business owner approached the Laina and her family and wanted to sponsor The Lyndonville Rocket.

“She has dedication, heart and determination,” her mother said.

Laina said she wants to keep racing as she gets older. She also plays soccer and wants to give softball a try.

Washburn said Laina likes to have fun and be with her friends. But when it’s time to race, she shifts her energy to driving the kart, often in front of all the others.

“We tell her you can be a kid when you’re off the track, but when you put the helmet on it’s 100 percent focus on racing,” Washburn said.

To see the go-kart schedule at Ransomville, including information on the cost of admission, click here.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Laina Stewart and her family have made the racing a family adventure. Laina holds her sister, Parker, age 2. In back are her mother Desirae Davis and stepfather Ricky  Washburn. Mr. Washburn also raced go-karts as a kid and stock cars as a younger adult.

Press Release, Orleans County Treasurer Kim DeFrank

ALBION – The Orleans County Treasurer will be accepting school tax payments beginning Sept. 1 for Albion, Lyndonville and Medina school districts.

Payments can be made in person with cash or check or through the US mail by check. Office hours beginning Sept. 5 are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 34 East Park St., Albion.

The county treasurer this year is collecting the Albion school taxes for the first time.

Any questions regarding Albion, Lyndonville or Medina school tax bills, please contact the County Treasurer’s office at (585) 589-5353.

By Erica Chutko

Did you know breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States? As a result, the American Cancer Society recommends women over the age of 40 should at least consider getting yearly mammograms. Mammograms can help prevent breast cancer, which can be credited with one of the reasons that the 5 – year survival rate is can be as high as 90% plus. It’s all about early detection. Did you also know that not only is lung cancer the 2nd most common form of cancer in the United States, but it’s also the leading cause of cancer related deaths? Knowing this, is there an imaging test that can help detect lung cancer? Thankfully, the answer is yes – a CT scan.

What is a CT scan?

Commonly referred to as a CAT scan or computed tomography scan, CT scans produce a number of detailed and efficient computerized x-rays of the body. If contrast dye is ordered by the physician, the technologist with use a small needle to place an intravenous line into the arm. For those not familiar with the test, patients lie down and enter through what looks like a tunnel, sometimes even doughnut-shaped. Even though the machine is large and makes humming noises, it will not touch your body during the scan. A radiology technologist will operate the scanner. During the test, a low dose of radiation is used to take images that are then sent to a computer for a more detailed look at different portions of the body.  The computer puts the images together to make a 3 dimensional (3D) image. The dose of radiation is low and safe as possible, but still gives the best quality for the images.

What can a CT scan detect?

The minimally invasive test can diagnose, detect, and evaluate a host of diseases and injuries. A CT scan is often used to investigate head injuries or acute neurological symptoms, evaluate chronic sinus symptoms or hearing loss. It can diagnose appendicitis and evaluate masses.  Your doctor may request a CT scan to obtain specific diagnostic information that is not provided by or is complementary to other imaging technologies. Those include x-ray, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Whether your doctor is looking for muscle disorders, broken bones, internal injury, bleeding, or for the purpose of this discussion the location of tumors, including cancer.

What are some general guidelines to follow when having a CT scan?

1. Notify the radiology department of any illness such as cold, cough, fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. They may need to reschedule your appointment if you are an outpatient.

2. Notify the radiology technologist about all allergies or any previous drug reaction that may keep you from receiving contrast if needed.

3. Notify the radiology technologist if you have severe kidney disease or are on kidney dialysis due to risks from the contrast.

4. Dress in comfortable clothing with no metal snaps, belt buckles, or zippers. In the case of CT scans of the head, metal hair clips and jewelry must be removed.

Prevention is the key.

How well do you know your body? Only you will know when chest pain is different, wheezing or a cough is more than allergies, and other symptoms just won’t subside. These symptoms and others are why it’s so important to have a good relationship with your primary care provider. An annual physical will allow you the opportunity to continue a dialogue and bring up concerns or simply questions you might have. If these symptoms develop throughout the year, even if you’ve already had your annual physical, you should contact your primary care provider immediately. Early detection is crucial, and it’s one of the reasons the 5 – year survival rate for lung cancer is so low, because detection is typically not found until the later stages.

What should you be looking for? You’ve probably guessed it already and can assume many of the early symptoms of concern center around your chest and throat. Chest pain, shortness of breath, a worsening cough, and even a hoarse voice might be signs that you need to call your doctor.

In fact, the US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual lung cancer screening for people those at high risk. These would be individuals who smoked 1 pack per day for 20 years and still smoke or who quit in the last 15 years and are age 50 – 80. The annual surveillance has demonstrated some success in catching lung cancer very early. This early detection can lead to higher survival rate.

Now that you know a CT scan can help detect lung cancer, you should also know how to avoid it in the first place. By now you’ve probably seen an ad that discusses smoking and its dangers. That’s because smoking tobacco products causes 8 to 9 out of 10 cases of lung cancer. While radon, a family history of lung cancer, and asbestos are said to be some of the other causes, so is secondhand smoke. If you want to be serious about avoiding lung cancer, you have to be serious about avoiding tobacco products altogether.

Erica Chutko is the director of radiology and cardiac services at Medina Memorial Hospital. Community Health Resource is a monthly informational feature by healthcare providers at Orleans Community Health – MMH.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A cemetery tour on Sunday evening at Boxwood Cemetery in medina included a stop by the grave of May Howard, a survivor of the Titanic sinking on April 15, 1912.

Howard was 27 when she was on the maiden voyage of the Titanic. Howard, a native of England, was headed to visit her brother in Toronto and then her sister in Albion. She traveled as a third-class passenger and secured a spot on a life boat. May lived locally until she died at age 68 in 1958. About 1,500 passengers died after the Titanic hit an ice berg. Howard was one of about 700 survivors.

The tour highlighted many of the architectural features of the cemetery and the symbols on the grave stones. The George A. Beach Mausoleum includes the symbol of an Egyptian winged globe, which retired Orleans County Historian Bill Lattin said signified “divine protection.”

Mr. Beach was a manufacturer of iron goods.

Village of Medina Historian Todd Bensley led the tour of Boxwood. He is shown here at the chapel at Boxwood, which was built with a $22,000 donation from the late Silas Burroughs, who was influential in the pharmaceutical industry. His father also served in Congress.

A stained-glass window is being repaired in the chapel and is expected to be installed soon.

Bensley has written a 314-page book, “Boxwood Cemetery: Where the Past is Present.”

He also helped the cemetery secure a designation on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.

The  cemetery opened in 1850. About 5,000 people have been buried at the site north of the village on North Gravel Road (Route 63).

The 20-acre site is a distinctive example of several cemetery movements. It was originally established in the Rural Cemetery manner in 1850. The cemetery initially was focused on a hill. The later sections were added in the Lawn Park and Memorial Park styles.

Todd Bensley, far right, tells a group of about 50 people this spot offers his favorite view of Boxwood Cemetery.

Boxwood reflects the changing and developing tastes in cemetery design from the mid 19th Century to the late 20th Century.

Drawing from contemporary English romantic landscape design ideas, rural cemeteries such as Boxwood utilized varied topography, curving drives for carriages and separate pedestrian pathways.

Bensley said the winding pathways proved a challenge to maintain. Boxwood shifted to a simpler design after about the 1890s to make it easier to mow the grass and take care of the gravesites.

“It all looks very nice, and it is very nice,” Bensley told the group about the cemetery section on the hill. “But it’s a nightmare to maintain.”

The Friends of Boxwood Cemetery will be hosting an evening tour of the cemetery on Sept. 30. Proceeds from last year’s event helped pay for the stained-glass repair.

Bensley said the Friends of Boxwood would like to have a memorial with the names of 107 people buried in a potter’s field. Many do not have gravestones with their names on them. Once the stained-glass window is complete, Bensley said the group expects to work on the memorial for the people in the potter’s field.

Bill Lattin, center, describes some of the symbols for the monument for the L’Hommedieu family.

Lattin gave his first tour of a cemetery in 1994 at Mount Albion. There were about 300 people at the that tour. Lattin said the cemeteries are popular with many local people who walk or jog by the gravesites.

He started giving the tours because he thought it was a way of sharing local history, and helping people to know about the symbols and architecture at the sites.

The Boxwood tour capped the local cemetery tours organized by the Orleans County Historical Association. The group typically has cemetery tours on Sunday evenings in August. Other tours this month included Hillside Cemetery in Holley/Clarendon, Mount Albion and the old St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Albion.

George Ambrose Bowen (1867-1945) was featured on the cemetery tour. He was instrumental in development of Medina Memorial Hospital. He was a president of the S.A. Cook & Co. and was chairman of the board of the hospital for nearly 35 years. He was largely responsible for the hospital being built in 1924, Bensley said.

The Swett family monument includes the burial site for Albert Swett. He created Glenwood Lake and Lake Alice to generate power. (He built Glenwood Lake next to Boxwood Cemetery from 1903 to 1905.) He ran Swett Iron Works in Medina. Some sewer grates and manhole covers from a century ago continue to be used. Sweet named Lake Alice in Carlton in honor of his daughter Alice, who died of scarlet fever at age 11.

Mr. Swett lived from 1850 to 1924. His daughter died in 1884.

Swett’s sister, Dr. Emily Sweet, practiced for 30 years and was a member of many medical societies. She returned to Medina in 1918 to help the community during a major flu outbreak.

Photos and information courtesy of Class of 1983 reunion committee

ALBION – The Albion Class of 1983 celebrated their 40th reunion recently with 93 classmates and guests coming together for a fabulous celebration at the Black North Inn. Classmates were welcomed with handmade name tags and their senior picture included.

Memorable detailed mementos and purple/white decor were notably appreciated. Beautiful flowers graced tables generously donated by Homestead Wildflowers, Mary Lou Ames. The entire evening was alive connecting, reminiscing and catching up.

Planning committee members meet with High School Principal Jen Ashbery. Pictured include Barb Ames, John Fitzak, Dawn Ferris, Karen Steier, Jen Ashbery, James Owens, Samantha Jakaub, Victoria Elsenheimer, Wendy O’Hearn and Deanne Shuler. Missing: Eric Knaak and Julie Rheinwald.

Gratefulness was overwhelmingly expressed as classmates are already looking forward to the next gathering. The evening was rounded out with dancing provided by DJ Ken Draper, burning calories from delicious decorated cookies and cakes created/donated by talented classmate Dawn Ferris.

A full weekend included Friday opportunities to recollect at the High School and then gather at Dubby’s, and Saturday morning coffee conversations along the canal.

Classmates traveled from several states including Alaska, California, Arizona and even our exchange student Rocio Amaya, from Mexico, came for the occasion! The overwhelming response has inspired the planning committee to begin plans for a 60th birthday party in the summer of 2025.

KENDALL – The Board of Education has approved the school tax warrant which sets the tax rates among the five towns that are included in the district.

The rates vary from a low of $10.51 in Clarkson to a high of $17.36 in Murray. Other rates include $12.15 in Carlton and Kendall, and $15.69 in Hamlin.

Clarkson, Kendall and Carlton are all at 100 percent full value after doing town-wide reassessments. That has resulted in much lower tax rates this school year.

A year ago, the rates for those towns included Carlton at $15.99, Kendall at $16.39 and Clarkson at $13.48.

Clarkson is in Monroe County, and Monroe County shares some of the local sales tax with school districts. That resulted in $150,000 being directed to the Kendall school district to lower the school property taxes in Hamlin and Clarkson.

Orleans County used to share some of the local sales tax with school districts but that ended about 25 years ago.

Kendall has a $20,413,805 overall school budget for 2023-24. Property taxes through the tax levy remain unchanged at $4,964,656.

The district’s full property value totals $420,902,818. Clarkson represents 0.52 percent at $2,199,479; Murray is 11.58 percent at $48,758,819; Carlton is 12.98 percent at $54,627,942; Hamlin is 21.20 percent at $89,247,870; and Kendall is 53.71 percent at $226,068,708.

Free turkey at Thanksgiving, three months of maternity leave among policies

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Vol. 3, No. 27

This handbook on workplace practices and policies was issued to Lipton employees in 1961.

ALBION – “Our people are our greatest asset.”

So asserted Leonard O. Morneau, then plant manager at the Thomas J. Lipton facility in Albion.

He was speaking at a 1960 Chamber of Commerce dinner held in recognition of the Lipton Company’s million-dollar expansion at the site.

Recently, a Lipton’s personnel manual and several employee benefit documents from the 1960s were donated to the Orleans County Department of History. These papers are in excellent condition and provide an insight into the employment policies of the major local employer at that time.

The manual, entitled “Your Life at Lipton” extends a “Welcome to those who are joining the Lipton Family.” It outlines workplace policies and explains the employee benefits available to “Liptonites.”

An on-site Medical Department provided health services. A company doctor screened prospective employees to ensure that they were fit for the duties required and to establish baseline health. Subsequently, an annual physical examination was conducted. The results of these examinations were kept in the employee’s medical folder which was filed in the Medical Department.

The medical staff could provide emergency treatment as well as diagnose and treat occupational accidents and injuries. The department also offered periodic chest X-Rays and immunizations against polio, influenza and tetanus.

Plant employees worked 40 hours per week while office employees worked 37.5 hours per week. The company “contributed a substantial amount each year” to provide a lunchroom as a staff benefit.

Employees were allowed to smoke in the lounge rooms and the lunchroom. Male and female office employees were permitted to smoke at their desks.

The manual outlined the employee benefits in place:

Comprehensive Health Care Plan: (Liptons paid half of the premium)

•  Family members were each covered up to $10,000 ($102,240 per U.S. Inflation Calculator) for any serious illness.

•  The first $500 ($5,110) of any hospital bills were covered.

•  80% of any charges exceeding that amount.

•  80% of surgery expenses.

•  80% of anesthesia charges up to a maximum of $70 ($715)

• Costs associated with “illness at home”

• Maternity benefits: $320 ($3,300) for a normal delivery, $430 ($4,400) for a Caesarian section, $240 ($2,450) for a miscarriage.

• Dependent children to age 19 were covered and to 23 if still in school.

•  Retirees who had worked for ten years were permitted to continue with the plan, though the maximum amount payable was $2,500 ($25,600).

Sickness and Accident Benefits:

This covered accidents not caused by employment. Employees contributed 30¢ ($3.07) per week. The benefit paid 50% of wages, up to a maximum of $50 ($511) per week, for up to 26 weeks.

Life Insurance:

A contributary Life Insurance (14¢ ($1.43) per week per $1,000 ($10,225) of coverage) was also in place. In addition, employees who had completed one year of work were insured during employment in an additional non-contributory life insurance plan through the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company.

Pension Plan:

The company also contributed “substantial funds” to a Trust Fund to provide lifetime income for employees who retired aged 65. This income when combined with the Social Security benefit would produce a “liberal retirement income.”

Employees who had worked over 20 years earned 1/5th of earnings up to $3,600 ($36,800) per year and 3/10ths of earnings greater than that amount.

Female Employees:

Labor laws dictated that female employees could not begin work before 6 a.m. and could not work after midnight.

Maternity:

Pregnant employees were required to report their condition to the supervisor and to the nurse in the Medical Department during the third month. Failure to do so would result in immediate termination of employment without the benefit of a termination allowance and the employee would not be reconsidered for re-employment.

A pregnant employee could only work up to a maximum of five months of pregnancy. Employment could be terminated in advance of the fifth month if the company physician determined that the employee was exposed to hazards on the job.

A two-week termination allowance was given to employees who cooperated and arranged to leave their jobs (resign) in accordance with the best judgement of the Medical Department.

A maternity leave of absence was three months. Returning employees were required to present a birth certificate.

Also, the company hosted an annual social event for its employees. Employees and retired employees received a turkey at Thanksgiving and a gift package of Lipton products at Christmas.

The closure of the company in 1980 “due to the availability of more modern facilities at other locations” was a major blow to its employees and to the Orleans County economy.

By Randy LeBaron

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

Last month I shared about some of the animal adventures that my family and I had been on over the years—everything from visiting zoos and safaris to holding alligators, riding elephants, and petting tigers.

I mentioned at the end of that article that we would be going on another new animal encounter down in Orlando at the end of the month and some have been asking how it went so today’s article will be a follow up focusing on our time at SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and Discovery Cove.

First, let me give you a little backstory. My wife Sheryl absolutely loves SeaWorld. Beyond visiting the park while growing up she actually taught in Florida a couple of years prior to us getting married and she lived only a mile away from it. Teachers also get free passes so she could visit to her heart’s content and, even though I was still living in WNY at the time, I purchased a season pass since I knew that we would be going there whenever I had the chance to go down.

Eventually, after starting a family, we passed down our love for SeaWorld to our kids. While they were growing up we not only took them there several times but we also bought large stuffed dolphins for the girls, a giant stuffed Shamu for my son, and a CD of the Shamu Rocks Soundtrack which was played over and over again on every road trip.

Eventually we stopped taking as many trips down south and, even when we did, it seemed that Disney or the beach had become the more popular destination with the kids. Last Christmas though we stoked the embers of nostalgia by telling the kids that we were taking them on a family vacation to SeaWorld and that we were finally going to do something we had always talked about but had never done… we were going to swim with dolphins!

Sheryl and I had discovered a fantastic Black Friday deal for 60% off a day at Discovery Cove plus free entrance and parking at SeaWorld and it’s sister parks for 14 days surrounding our visit. So on July 24^th we flew to Orlando and spent the next week riding rollercoasters, visiting family, and enjoying many of the animal shows including the dolphins, sea lions, and orcas.

Finally our day at Discovery Cove had come. We were nervous having it scheduled near the end of our trip since there was more of a chance of having bad weather disrupting our day with no time left to reschedule but, thankfully, it turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day!

Although we enjoyed many other activities, like interacting with flamingos and snorkeling with giant sting rays, the highlight was our time in the water with the dolphin. We watched training videos and talked with staff before walking down to the beach where we waded into the icy cold salt water. After lining up we were introduced to our dolphin “Dot” who was the smallest of the adult dolphins at 300 lbs but also the most intelligent as she could follow many pure verbal commands. In spite of that we did learn how to interact with hand gestures and she was all to eager to show off by waving her fin, splashing, blowing raspberries, and even jumping out of the water.

After all this the time had finally come to interact with her one on one by petting her and then being pulled around the pool by holding onto her fin and flipper. Her body felt like wet leather and, even for a guy my size, she had no problem pulling me around with ease. All in all we definitely felt like our experience had lived up to our expectations and, at the end of our time, we were able to take a family portrait with Dot which we will cherish always along with the memories that we made.

See you in 2 weeks… Pastor Randy

MEDINA – The Orleans County YMCA and the Medina Wild and Free Co-op have announced an inaugural Homeschoolers’ Resource Event in Medina on Sept. 8.

Recognizing the importance of supporting these families, these agencies are engaged in a collaborative effort to provide a comprehensive platform for homeschooling families to come together, learn, connect and engage with local businesses and service providers, including the YMCA, which offers tailored programs for the homeschooling community.

The event Sept. 8 will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the YMCA, 306 Pearl St., and promises an array of activities and opportunities, according to Alexandra Gilman, a board member of the YMCA.

These include:

• Networking – Connect with fellow homeschooling families, local businesses and service providers to establish a strong support network.
• Meet and Greet – Engage with experienced homeschoolers, educators and professionals to gain insights and advice on successful homeschooling practices.
• Co-op Setup – Explore cooperative learning opportunities and discover how to join or establish homeschooling co-operatives in the community.
• Curriculum Resources – Access a wide range of educational resources, curricula and teaching materials to enhance your homeschooling journey.
• Local Community Programs – Learn about local programs initiatives and resources available to homeschooling families in the Orleans County area.
• YMCA Homeschooling Program – Discover the specialized homeschooling programs offered by the YMCA and other local organizations.

Noori Bibi, a dedicated homeschooling mother, educator and YMCA board member., emphasized the significance of this event.

“Homeschooling is a wonderful and challenging journey,” Bibi said. “As a parent and educator, you need support and networks around you to enrich that journey for both parents and children. We’ve organized this event to bring homeschooling families together with local businesses and co-ops, fostering an environment of mutual learning and growth. Together we can ensure that the homeschooling community thrives in Orleans County.”

Whether someone is a seasoned homeschooler or considering it for the first time, this event welcomes all, Gilman said.

“It’s an opportunity to engage directly with the homeschooling community, voice your needs and contribute to the collective growth of homeschooling in the region,” she added.

Local businesses and service providers are also encouraged to participate. For anyone offering homeschooling programs or providing resources to support homeschooling families, this event offers a platform to showcase their offerings. To register as a vendor or participant, contact the Medina Homeschool Event team at medinahomeschoolevent@gmail.com. Registration deadline is Sept. 3.

Childcare services will be available during the event, provided by certified YMCA staff, although availability is limited.

Registration begins at 5 p.m. Vendors are asked to arrive 30 minutes early to be ready for the 5:30 p.m. start time. Cost is $5 per vendor/participant.

Courtesy of Brandi Zavitz, member of the Class of 1983

Members of Medina’s Class of 1983 recently met at the Lockport Locks for a boat and locks cruise and dinner.

Front row left to right: Brandi (Balcerzak) Zavitz, David Bracey, Pamela (Brown) Muscato, Ron Stork, and Israel Rivera.

Row 2: Carrie (Scholes) Wagner, Rebecca (Johnson) Montalvo, Darlene (Wilson) Hartway, Lisa (Helsdon) Botsford, Melinda Whiting, and Brenda (Portasica) Kephart.

Row 3: Dawn (Dillon) Stacey, Jennifer (Flading) Johnson, Suzanne (Petkus) Eaton, Lisa Doberstein Cotriss, Sharon (Comfort) Zacher, and Bonita (Stimson) Love. Row 4: Doug Harnish, Tom Kepner, Beth (Lovell) Goodman, Fred Roth, Charlie Hartway, Steve Bielak, Tom Botsford, Melinda (Portasica) Haigie and Julie Waters.

Mark Hungerford discusses plans at the old high school as David Bracey, Tom and Lisa (Helsdon) Botsford, Mike Brown and Melinda Whiting look out into the auditorium from the stage of the old boy’s gymnasium. Ron Stork explores behind.

The reunion started on Friday night, June 18, at the Walsh Hotel and Tap Room. Classmates came in from as far as Puerto Rico, Florida, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

On Saturday, June 19, the class was able to tour the old high school on Catherine Street thanks to the hospitality of Roger Hungerford and Mark Hungerford. They were gracious enough to inform the classmates about the progress and renovations taking place in the building. It was fun to hear former students recall where their lockers, homerooms, and classes were. Some were also able to find their own or family members’ names carved into the old banister. Many shared memories and stories they made in the halls of MHS. It was a very moving experience.

These class members are shown in the Orleans County YMCA. Left to right front row: Ronald Stork, Pamela Brown Muscato, Brandi Balcerzak Zavitz, Joanne Zimmerman, Lisa Helsdon Botsford, Tom Botsford, Doug Harnish. Back Left: Karl Terryberry, and Mike Brown.

After touring the old high school, the class walked to the local YMCA on Pearl Street in Medina. Thank you to Jessie Cudzio, Jessica Leno and Aly Gursslin for allowing classmates to play pickleball and participate in a dancercise class.

Sunday’s activities at 9 a.m. consisted of a two-mile walk west from the Gravel Road lift bridge to the Marshall Road Bridge and back as well as a round of golf at Shelridge Golf Course. Thank you, Brett Decker, for reserving a tee time.

Surrounding the Robert E. Waters Memorial at Shelridge from left to right are: Doug Harnish, David Bracey, John O’Brien, and Steve Dieter.

Eileen Banker took this photo of the Oak Orchard Lighthouse at sunset on Friday evening from Lakeshore Road in Carlton.

The forecast to close out August includes highs in the 70s for Orleans County, according to the national Weather Service in Buffalo.

Today will be partly sunny with a high near 74, followed by a mostly sunny Sunday with a high near 71.

Monday is forecast to be mostly sunny with a high near 75, followed by a partly sunny Tuesday with a high near 75.

Then the highs include 68 on Wednesday, 71 on Thursday and 78 on Friday.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday extended an Executive Order which provides New York State with greater flexibility to procure the resources necessary for municipalities to support asylum seekers and provide them with humanitarian aid. This Executive Order follows Governor Hochul’s public address to New Yorkers on the asylum seeker crisis.

“New York State continues to deploy significant resources to support the City’s efforts to shelter asylum seekers who have arrived here in search of a better life,” Governor Hochul said. “This Executive Order allows us to continue our robust response to this unprecedented crisis as we work to provide shelter and humanitarian aid to these individuals.”

Executive Order 28.4 continues to allow New York State and localities to quickly respond to the arrival of asylum seekers. It also continues to allow the State to mobilize members of the National Guard, who currently provide logistical and operational support at shelter sites. It will also allow the State and localities to quickly purchase necessary supplies and resources, including food and equipment. The Executive Order is necessary for New York State’s continued response to the unprecedented humanitarian crisis and provides the State with the ability for a more robust response.

Earlier this week, Governor Hochul also announced a $20 million investment to help expedite the casework filing process for more than 30,000 asylum seekers. This investment builds on the $1.5 billion the State already committed to support New York City by providing funding for health care, shelter costs, National Guard personnel, legal services, and voluntary relocation programs.

The State has also loaned New York City sites to use as temporary shelters which currently house more than 2,000 asylum seekers every day. The Governor also delivered a public address directly to New Yorkers outlining the State’s path through this unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

Additionally, Governor Hochul announced a program that will greatly expand the State’s ability to help asylum seekers quickly gain lawful employment. Governor Hochul directed the New York State Department of Labor (DOL) to help connect asylum seekers to employment opportunities so they can begin working immediately after obtaining federal work authorization.

DOL career experts will work with individuals to assess skills, work history, education, career interests and more, and connect them with employers across the State. Additionally, the New York State Department of Labor launched a portal (click here) enabling businesses to inform the State that they would welcome newly-authorized individuals into their workforce.