By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 October 2023 at 7:57 am
Provided photos
KENT – The Old Crow Motorcycle Club in Orleans County donated $2,500 to the Justice for Children Advocacy Center. The money was presented on Wednesday at the Old Crow clubhouse on Petersmith Road in Kent. The funding is the proceeds of the Old Crow’s annual pig roast.
Pictured from left include Sarah Welker and Theresa Roth from Justice for Children, and Terry Rowley from the Old Crow Motorcycle Club.
Pictured from left include Sarah Welker for Justice for Children, Rhonda Starling and Michael Starling of the Old Crow Motorcycle Club, Theresa Roth of Justice for Children, Robert Mosher, Sam Andrews, Jensa Andrews, Emily Mott, Carl Catracchia, Carl Engert, Tom White, Jessica Ornt, Terry Rowley, Lorraine Simmons and Jackie Mosher of the Old Crow Motorcycle Club.
Justice for Children Advocacy Center which has offices in Albion, Batavia and Warsaw. Justice for Children provides services for children who have been sexually or physically abused, or who have been a witness to violence.
The goal of Justice for Children is to improve the response to child abuse by eliminating multiple interviews and examinations of children, providing quick access to mental health, victim advocacy, and support services for children and families and enhancing multidisciplinary communication and coordination.
Press Release, Orleans County Department of Planning and Development
ALBION – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will conduct an open house from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Hoag Library in Albion (Curtis and Kirby community rooms).
FEMA representatives will present and explain preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS) for Orleans County. These new FIRMS will succeed the current antiquated versions created for all towns and villages from 1978 through 1981.
This is the primary opportunity for FEMA to explain the needs for the updates to all visitors. A single presentation is not anticipated to last the entire four hours, but rather to engage Orleans County residents on a rolling basis designed for convenient hours of accessibility for the benefit of the public.
FEMA professional, technical staff and those of its partner, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, will offer the purpose and benefit of the mapping project, its timeline for adoption, and how map changes will affect the requirements for insurance and building.
The importance of flood insurance, when necessary, and how to obtain a policy will also be identified. Additionally, the staff will be available to answer questions on a one-on-one basis from attendees, and which may relate to questions of whether the preliminary maps will include their property.
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health is proud to announce its designation as a “Champion Organization” for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) this month.
NCSAM is a collaborative effort to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and ensure that both businesses and individuals are well-informed and prepared to protect themselves in an increasingly digital world.
In today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity is a paramount concern for organizations and individuals alike. With the proliferation of digital technology, the risk of cyber threats has grown significantly. These threats can have devastating consequences, from data breaches and financial losses to reputational damage and compromised personal information.
Orleans Community Health recognizes the vital role that cybersecurity plays in safeguarding sensitive patient data, maintaining the trust of our community, and ensuring the continuity of healthcare services.
As a Champion Organization for NCSAM, we are committed to promoting awareness and education about cybersecurity best practices, not only within our organization but also within the communities we serve.
“We are honored to be recognized as a Champion Organization for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month,” said Jeannie Wodo, IT Team Lead/IT Clinical Analyst/HIPAA Security Officer at Orleans Community Health. “We all have an extensive ‘digital’ life now whether we like it or not. Cybersecurity is important to ensure our online safety and the security of our digital footprint.”
Throughout October, Orleans Community Health will be sharing information that promotes cybersecurity awareness through internal training, external education, and social media posts.
Orleans Community Health invites all members of the community to join us in observing National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. By working together and staying informed, we can protect our sensitive information and contribute to a safer digital world.
For more information about Orleans Community Health’s National Cybersecurity Awareness Month activities and resources, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 October 2023 at 4:00 pm
Some parts of New York are in peak fall foliage, while in Orleans County the leaves aren’t quite there yet, according to the weekly I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report.
The reports are issued every Wednesday afternoon with the data from volunteer field observers.
“Picturesque peak fall colors continue to emerge across New York State and are expected in parts of the Adirondacks, Catskills, Central New York, Chautauqua-Allegheny and Thousand Islands-Seaway regions this weekend,” according to the report.
Nearby, the volunteer observers report Rochester and Monroe County are at about 45 to 50 percent color change. Letchworth State Park in Wyoming County is at about 70 percent color change, while Genesee County is at about 35 percent color transition in Batavia.
“Look for foliage at midpoint of change in Orleans County, according to spotters reporting from Albion who predict 50% transition with muted to bright red and purple leaves,” the report states.
There are still lots of green leaves at the Holley Waterfalls in this photo from Tuesday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 October 2023 at 12:13 pm
ALBION – A Holley man was sentenced to two years in state prison today after being unsuccessful in a drug diversion program which could have reduced the charge to a misdemeanor and kept him from going to prison.
Shane Dipilato, 26, was sentenced today by County Court Judge Sanford Church for third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and driving while ability impaired.
Dipilato was charged on June 16, 2022, after running into a tree at Hillside Cemetery in Holley.
Dipilato admitted to drinking alcohol while using fentanyl before driving that day. He also said he had fentanyl that he gave to friends, which is considered “selling” in a criminal definition.
Judge Church accepted Dipilato into a diversion program with treatment but Dipilato was unable to meet the rules of the program.
In other cases in County Court this morning:
• Jonathan Dejesus, 42, of Dunkirk is a former corrections officer at the Albion Correctional Facility. He was arraigned on charges of third-degree rape and official misconduct for allegedly having sexual intercourse with a female inmate at the prison in August 2022.
He was released on his own recognizance and doesn’t have to post bail.
• Alexander Blount, 34, of Medina was sentenced to five years of probation for reckless endangerment in the first degree. He started a fire inside an apartment on Telegraph Road in Ridgeway that put people in danger who lived in other apartments in the building.
Blount doesn’t have a prior criminal record. He could have faced 2 1/3 to 7 years in prison as the maximum for the charge.
• Ean Hofmeister, 22, of Ridgeway was assessed as a level 2 sex offender. In November 2019 he was sentenced to state prison for attempted rape in the first degree, plus 15 years of post-release supervision. He had sex with a 12-year-old girl who became pregnant. The victim would have a miscarriage.
Hofmeister is currently an inmate at the Marcy Correctional Facility and could be released Oct. 23.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 October 2023 at 11:16 am
MEDINA – United Way of Orleans County welcomed supporters to their annual campaign kickoff breakfast this morning at Harvest Restaurant at the bent’s Opera House in Medina.
Highlight of the morning was announcement of the 2023-24 fundraising goal of $200,000.
Also featured was breakfast provided by Harvest Restaurant, a short video explaining United Way and what it does for Orleans County and a welcome by fundraising chair Mollie Radzinski.
Radzinski thanked the supporters who attended and shared the many ways people can donate and how those donations last year helped 17 agencies in the county.
Donations can be made through payroll deductions in the workplace; sending a check to United Way of Orleans County, P.O. Box 188, Medina; or logging on to United Way’s website for other options to give through Text to Give, Venmo or scan to pay with Cash App. Donors are reminded all money stays in Orleans County, unless designated elsewhere.
Nyla Gaylord, left, director of United Way of Orleans County, presents a certificate of appreciation to Susan Oschmann of Albion for being the spark which led to development of new basketball courts at Bullard Park in Albion.
Nyla Gaylord, newly named director of United Way, extended her welcome and how United Way has stepped up its game in many areas in Orleans County.
Gaylord wrote the initial grant which funded a grant writer for five years, free of charge to any non-profit in Orleans County. She shared how that has taken United Way in a whole new direction.
Relationships have been developed with local organizations, resulting in programs to benefit many sectors of the community. In addition to the grant writer, other grants secured by United Way have created funds for the Digital Literacy program, Caregivers’ Initiative with the YMCA and a nutrition program with Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension and Community Action.
United Way is also partnering with Orleans County in Connect Orleans to provide internet service at an affordable price.
Participating in a new housing initiative to look at homelessness, Gaylord said a relationship was formed with Oak Orchard Community Health to create a warming center.
In a final presentation, Gaylord recognized Susan Oschmann with a certificate of appreciation for her work in setting the wheels in motion to create new basketball courts in Albion’s Bullard Park.
Oschmann had moved to Albion with Chad Beach, an Albion native, and tried to take her grandchildren to a park near their home, only to find the gates locked. That led to conversations with the village and then contact with a former school mate at Kendal High School, basketball star Roosevelt Bouie.
Bouie used to play in Albion’s courts and Oschmann told him he had to do “something” to improve the options in Albion.
The result was raising $95,000 through grants and donations which resulted in new basketball courts, scheduled to open by the end of the month.
The Bullard Park project resulted in United Way’s relationship with the new group formed, the Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events Committee, on which Gaylord sits.
Anyone with questions or wishing further information about United Way and its work in Orleans County can visit their website at www.OrleansUnitedWay.org, by e-mail at director@OrleansUnitedWay.org or by calling (585) 283-4424. United Way’s office is located in the Dwight “Buzz” Hill Education Center at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 October 2023 at 8:50 am
SHELBY – The Town Board voted to have an outside legal firm investigate allegations of harassment in the town hall.
The board on Tuesday evening responded to allegations of women being harassed in the town hall. John Pratt, a town councilman, wrote a letter to the editor posted in the Orleans Hub on Oct. 7, making the allegations.
“I have also been deeply disturbed by instances of women being verbally harassed, degraded, and disrespected by officials, both in the office and in public settings,” Pratt said. “To make matters worse, the outside consultants, funded by our own tax dollars, have at times remained silent during such offenses, or even worse has assisted in their cover-up.”
Pratt also claimed the town government suffers from a lack of professionalism, and many decisions are made behind closed doors.
The town will seek out a law firm to do the investigation and interview town employees about the work atmosphere. The cost to town will be negotiated when the Town Board talks with law firms about the investigation.
Town attorney Kathy Bennett advised the board not to discuss the matter in detail publicly due to potential litigation.
Town Supervisor Scott Wengewicz said he takes the allegations seriously and any harassment of women won’t be tolerated.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 October 2023 at 10:00 pm
SHELBY – The Town Board, in a 4-1 vote this evening, decided it wants to join an Orleans County lawsuit that seeks to stop construction of a sewer main along Route 63 from the STAMP manufacturing site in Alabama to the Oak Orchard Creek in Shelby.
Orleans County on Sept. 11 filed suit in State Supreme Court to stop a sewer line from coming into the Town of Shelby and depositing up to 6 million gallons of what Orleans says is “contaminated” water into the Oak Orchard Creek.
The county alleges that the Genesee County Economic Development Center formed a “sham corporation” in STAMP Sewer Works to make the 9.5-mile-long sewer main happen.
Orleans officials worry the sewer discharge could impair the water quality of the creek, cause flooding and hurt economic development opportunities at the Medina Business Park.
Scott Wengewicz, Shelby town supervisor, said he agrees with the concerns voiced by the county in opposing STAMP.
Shelby will spell out it reasons for objecting to the project when it files a notice to intervene with State Supreme Court Justice Sanford Church. The judge has set a court date for Oct. 23 at the County Courthouse in Albion for the initial hearing in the Orleans lawsuit. He also has issued the preliminary injunction to not allow any sewer main construction in Orleans County until the arguments are presented in court.
Kathy Bennett, the Shelby attorney, said the town has “a right to have at seat at the table” in court and any other discussions about the project.
“We are clearly an interested party,” she said after this evening’s Town Board meeting.
Ed Zelazny, a town councilman, cast the lone vote against seeking to join the lawsuit. Zelazny said the Town Board previously voted in support of the STAMP Sewer Works. That was in a 5-0 vote on Oct. 13, 2020 when Shelby provided its consent to the forming of STAMP Sewer Works.
Zelazny said the Town Board should have demanded money to ease town taxes as part of the vote and the board members then should have stated their concerns about the impact to the Oak Orchard.
Zelazny said he doesn’t want to see the town commit to spending taxpayer dollars on another lawsuit.
Bennett, the town attorney, said the vote from Town Board about three years ago was only for the formation of STAMP Sewer Works and didn’t give Shelby’s blessing to discharging wastewater from STAMP into the Oak Orchard.
STAMP would send up to 6 million gallons a day at full capacity. The first two tenants at STAMP – Plug Power and Edwards Vacuum – would have a daily discharge of 50,000 gallons of treated wastewater, GCEDC said.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that flags on State buildings will be flown at half-staff indefinitely starting on Wednesday, October 11 in remembrance of the lives lost as a result of the recent terrorist attacks against the State of Israel.
“New York stands in solidarity with Israel and the Jewish community,” Governor Hochul said. “I am proud to serve as Governor of the state that is home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel and I am committed to doing everything in my power to make sure that this community is supported and protected today and every day.”
In the wake of last week’s terrorist attacks in Israel, Governor Hochul directed the New York State Police to increase patrols and outreach and reiterated calls for social media companies to strengthen platform moderation in order to prevent the proliferation of hateful content. On Saturday, Governor Hochul also directed New York State landmarks to be illuminated blue and white in solidarity with the State of Israel.
Governor Hochul has also spoken with a broad range of Jewish community leaders and elected officials to offer support during this critical time and is working with the U.S. Department of State to ensure New Yorkers currently traveling in Israel can return home safely.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 October 2023 at 5:30 pm
Provided photos
SHELBY – The Shelby Volunteer Fire Company hosted a basket raffle on Sept. 17 which attracted more than 600 people and raised about $12,800 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
A local contingent for “Team Fuller 155” also participated in the Out of the Darkness Buffalo walk for Suicide Prevention at Canalside in Buffalo on Sept. 23.
With the basket raffle and the walk the local group raised $17,543 for Suicide Prevention, said Ike Watts, one of the leaders of the local effort.
Ike Watts, left, and her husband Jason Watts are pictured on Sept. 23 during Out of the Darkness Buffalo, a walk to raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Ike Watts lost two people close to her to suicide. Both were first responders and public employees. She said first responders are often the last ones to seek out help, despite being exposed to many traumatic situations, that often leave them in physical and emotional pain.
The Watts and Fuller families have participated in the walk in Buffalo since 2016. This year a basket raffle was added in Shelby to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
A big group attended Out of the Darkness at Canalside in Buffalo.
Ike Watts doesn’t want there to be a stigma with suicide. She wants people to feel comfortable reaching out for help if they are struggling.
Medina FFA students served breakfast at the basket raffle event on Sept. 17. At left is Jack Cecchini and Maddie Farley is at right.
Watts praised a local committee for joining her in organizing the event on Sept. 17: Rebecca Lacy, Tammy Fearby, Christine Crane, Todd Eick and Stacey Knights. Watts said she expects the raffle will be back again next year after this year’s successful debut.
Provided photos: Jennifer Metz, executive director of CASA for Children, speaks during the organization’s fundraiser on Sept. 30 at Terry Hills Golf Course and Banquet Facility in Batavia. Metz, a Medina resident, leads the organization that serves children in Genesee as well as some in Orleans County.
Press Release, CASA for Children
BATAVIA – Close to 80 guests gathered at Terry Hills Banquet Facility on Sept. 30 for the 11th Annual CASAblanca Casino Fundraiser put on by the Genesee County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Children.
“It was wonderful to see so many people come out to support such an important cause,” said Jennifer Metz, Executive Director of Genesee County CASA. “The evening was filled with laughter, basket raffles, a silent auction, and Las Vegas-style casino games provided by Upstate Vegas Events out of Rochester.”
She praised the guest speaker who was very familiar with the work that Genesee County CASA for Children does. Her name is Madi Coniglio and she spoke about her experience with CASA and how CASA helped to change the trajectory of her life.
Madi Coniglio served as guest speaker and thanked CASA for its assistance.
“When I first started with CASA my hope and stability returned,” Madi said. “My voice was heard, and I was listened to for once. In a life full of doubt, I knew I never needed to doubt CASA’s ability to make sure I would be safe and loved.”
Other speakers included Pamela Wentworth, member of the Board of Directors and a volunteer advocate, and the Honorable Thomas Williams, Genesee County Family Court judge.
“The guests had a great time playing games, enjoying the delicious meal catered by the wonderful staff at Terry Hills, and socializing with each other,” Metz said. “I’m sure it was a night to remember for everyone who attended. The event was a huge success, and those funds will go to support the important work of CASA for Children throughout the community. Overall, it was a fantastic evening for a great cause.”
Genesee County CASA is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to train and supervise a diverse group of volunteers to advocate for children who have been abused and/or neglected.
The family court system appoints cases to CASA and we then assign them to our volunteer advocates. The children appointed to us are at risk of being removed from their homes or they have already been placed into the foster care system.
CASA’s goal is to ensure that all of these children have safe and permanent homes as quickly as possible. A child who has a CASA advocate has significantly fewer placements than a child without one. The involvement of a CASA advocate helps to improve the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of the child.
“We are always recruiting new advocates,” Metz said.
If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer or would like more information about the program, please contact Executive Director Jennifer Metz at 585-815-7809 or send an email to director@geneseecountycasa.org.
She also thanked the many sponsors of the event, and those that donated baskets for a raffle, gift certificates and silent auction items.
This photo includes many members of the board of directors and other key members of CASA for Children. Front row, from left: Deb Davis, Carla Franklin and Bev Hoy. Back row: Michelle Dills, Pamela Wentworth, Patricia Wormley, Executive Director Jennifer Metz, Christine Belongia (volunteer coordinator and advocate), Nicole Kresock and Christine Ditzel. Missing from photo: Barbara Hale, Kristie DeFreze, Rachel Hale, Erica Smith, Michael Vickner and Cathy Contant.
The guests play casino-style games at Terry Hills.
By Jeannie Wodo, CDPSE, Orleans Community Health IT Team Lead/IT Clinical Analyst/HIPAA Security Officer
In today’s digital age, technology continues to revolutionize the healthcare industry, making it more patient-centric and efficient. One such advancement is the introduction of patient portals, which have proven to be invaluable tools in fostering patient engagement and improving healthcare outcomes.
It’s time to delve into what patient portals are, their impact on patient participation, and the evidence from studies that underscores their importance in modern healthcare.
What are Patient Portals?
Patient portals are secure online platforms that give individuals direct access to their personal health information, typically provided by their healthcare providers or institutions. These portals offer a range of features, including:
1. Access to Medical Records: Patients can view their medical history, lab results, medications, and treatment plans.
2. Communication: Patients can send secure messages to their healthcare providers, facilitating direct and convenient communication.
3. Appointment Scheduling: Many portals allow patients to schedule appointments, request prescription refills, and receive appointment reminders.
4. Educational Resources: Portals often provide resources, such as educational materials and links to trusted health information, to help patients make informed decisions about their health.
Empowering Patients through Studies
Over the past decade, numerous studies have examined the impact of patient portals on healthcare outcomes. The results consistently show that patients who actively use portals are more likely to take control of their healthcare journey, adhere to their providers’ recommendations, and achieve better health outcomes.
1. Improved Medication Adherence: One key aspect where patient portals excel is medication adherence. Studies have shown that patients who regularly access their medication lists and receive medication reminders through portals are more likely to take their medications as prescribed. This leads to better management of chronic conditions and reduces the risk of complications.
2. Enhanced Communication: Effective communication between patients and healthcare providers is fundamental to quality care. Patient portals facilitate secure messaging, enabling patients to ask questions, seek clarification, and report concerns directly to their providers. Studies confirm that improved communication leads to better understanding of treatment plans and increased patient satisfaction.
3. Engagement in Preventive Care: Patient portals often display preventive care reminders, such as vaccination schedules and recommended screenings. Patients who use these portals are more likely to stay up to date with preventive measures, ultimately reducing the likelihood of preventable illnesses and complications.
4. Timely Access to Test Results: Quick access to test results is crucial for informed decision-making. Patients who use portals can view their lab results as soon as they are available. This timely access empowers patients to discuss results with their providers promptly, enabling faster adjustments to treatment plans when necessary.
Conclusion
Patient portals have transformed healthcare by putting patients at the center of their own care. The evidence from various studies is clear: Patients who actively engage with these portals are more likely to adhere to their treatment plans, communicate effectively with their healthcare providers, and ultimately experience improved health outcomes. As technology continues to advance, patient portals will remain a vital tool in promoting patient empowerment and enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 October 2023 at 11:56 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club last week presented a ceremonial check for $4,300 to support transportation and respite programs for the Office for the Aging.
The golf tournament was held on July 20 at Shelridge Country Club in Medina.
Pictured from left include Bill Downey, a member of the Rotary Club; OFA Director Melissa Blanar; Becky Karls, Albion Rotary Club member and OFA employee; and Cindy Perry, Rotary Club member.
Blanar said the funding will help with a transportation program where volunteers take senior citizens to appointments in Orleans County and surrounding counties. There were 432 requests for transportation from Sept. 20, 2022 to Oct. 1, 2023.
The nine volunteer drivers traveled 7,716 miles, Blanar said. They receive mileage reimbursement for the trips which are often to medical appointments, the pharmacy, the bank, hairdresser or to see a loved one in a nursing home.
For more information about the volunteer program, either as a driver or rider, contact the OFA at (585) 589-3191. Drivers can specify if they only want to do trips within Orleans County.
Blanar said some of the funds from the golf tournament will also help with a new respite program being developed by the OFA. That program provides activities for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia and can provide respite for caregivers.
Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
As the colder weather starts drawing people in their homes, the windows are closed, and the heat is turned on, this creates a perfect setting for viruses that cause respiratory illnesses to spread.
“Respiratory viruses include rhinovirus (the common cold), influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. These viruses are spread from person to person by coming in contact with fluids like saliva (spit), respiratory droplets (from coughing and sneezing), or mucous from someone who is sick,” said Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “These viruses tend to mutate or change making it difficult to destroy, making it possible to get any of these viruses more than once.”
Generally, these viruses can be mild for most people however, for the very young, the very old and those with weak immune systems, or underlying health condition(s), they can cause serious illness.
Daily practicing of good health precautions throughout the year can limit the spread of all respiratory illnesses. Make sure you and your family practice the following:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing/sneezing. This may prevent those around you from getting sick. Use your elbow or shoulder to limit the spray when coughing/sneezing.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. It is especially important to wash your hands after you have coughed or sneezed into your hands or blown your nose. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Frequently disinfect shared items, like doorknobs, phones, pens, remotes, etc.
Talk with your healthcare provider about being vaccinated for flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumonia. For information on vaccinations visit vaccines.gov.
Practice these other health habits for general health all year:
Clean and disinfect touched surfaces at home, work and school.
Get plenty of sleep.
Engage in regular physical activity. As you are able, work up to 20-30 minutes a day most days of the week.
Manage your stress. Read a book, chat with a friend, take a walk, etc.
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health is proud to announce its designation as a “Champion Organization” for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) this month.
As the colder weather starts drawing people in their homes, the windows are closed, and the heat is turned on, this creates a perfect setting for viruses that cause respiratory illnesses to spread.
