Contributed by Master Gardener Deb Roberts

The trees are turning beautiful colors…and the leaves are falling onto everything!  Before you just blow or rake those leaves into bags or to the street, STOP! There is an alternative that will improve the environment, save you money, beautify your yard, and save pollinators & other important creatures – LEAVE THE LEAVES!

According to US EPA reports we have 40 million acres of lawn in the United States making it the number one crop! The US EPA estimates that leaves and other yard debris make up 13% of our solid waste that goes to landfills. By keeping our leaves, we are reducing the solid waste in landfills and the methane they create.  Think of it as recycling in place.

Now, leaving the leaves doesn’t mean you have to just leave them where they lay, though you could, but they may not be in the best location to provide all these benefits. The optimal action you can take is to rake your leaves into garden beds or other plantings as mulch up to about 6 inches deep.

Over time the leaf mulch breaks down into the perfect fertilizer.  Also you can rake them into deeper circle-piles around established trees as mulch.  The mulch helps to retain moisture and to reduce run-off from sudden rains.

If you have extra leaves from sidewalks or driveways, leaves can be composted in a bin or pile in a corner of your yard.  A light layer of leaves can be left on grass where it will break down into fertilizer as well. All of which saves you money next year on buying mulch and fertilizers, plus it beautifies your yard – two for one!

There are exceptions, however. Black Walnut leaves and Pine Needles can inhibit desired plant growth and alter soil chemistry, so those are best kept out of your garden beds.

You may have mowed the leaves laying on the lawn in the past, which is another alternative, however leaves are a vital wildlife habitat providing food, shelter and nests for many species.  Toads, turtles, birds, butterflies in their various stages, fireflies, and bumblebees are among them. Most butterflies and moths do not migrate like the Monarch, most of them live their entire life cycle in a yard!

By leaving a layer of leaves around trees, it creates a “soft landing” for insects that drop from the tree to the ground  where they overwinter. Swallowtail butterflies and Luna moths use leaves to attach their cocoons.

Wooly bear caterpillars, which will become Isabella Tiger Moths next spring, overwinter best underneath a pile of leaves. Firefly larvae and Bumblebee queens overwinter a couple of inches under the surface of the soil and need the leaves as insulation to survive.

The larvae and insects that overwinter may even become food for baby birds next spring! If you have the space, a brush shelter with some fallen branches and a pile of leaves is a great space for insect eating animals like salamanders, toads, box turtles, and chipmunks to overwinter.

So when it’s time to rake your lawn, be a hero to wildlife and the environment by keeping leaves away from curbside pickup – Leave the Leaves!

For more information about Leaving the Leaves, check out National Wildlife Foundation, Xerces.org, and Cooperative Extension.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are offering their final 2023 free drive-thru rabies vaccination clinics in October. Funding for the rabies clinics are provided by the New York State Department of Health.

• The Genesee County Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held on Thursday, Oct. 12, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia)
• The Orleans County Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion)

Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats and ferrets. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit 4 pets per car.

“We encourage all Genesee and Orleans County residents to take advantage of our last rabies immunization clinics of 2023 and ensure their pets are protected against rabies,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “Rabies continues to be a serious public health concern in both Genesee and Orleans Counties and is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Please leave wildlife alone and do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or cats.”

For more information on GO Health’s programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org. You can also contact your respective health department:

• Orleans County- 585-589-3278 or OCPublicHealth@orleanscountyny.gov.
• Genesee County- 585-344-2580 x5555 or Health@co.genesee.ny.us.

Press Release, Yates Community Library

Melissa Kate Miller, left, and Kristin Brandt will be featured on Monday at Yates Community Library.

LYNDONVILLE – The Erie Canal Traveling Museum will be the first of two featured programs at Yates Community Library in downtown Lyndonville on Columbus Day, Monday. The program begins at 11 a.m.

Gathered over decades, fascinating tools and other artifacts used in everyday life in our area in the early-to-mid-1800s will be on display. Presenter Melissa Kate Miller will shed light on how they were used, and attendees can get a hands-on look at the artifacts.

“Different Perspectives On The Erie Canal,” presented by Kristin Brandt, will be the second feature of the day (also observed as Indigenous Peoples’ Day), starting at 1 p.m.

This program will explore the differences and disputes between the local Native Americans known as the Haudenosaunee, and New York Governor DeWitt Clinton at the time of Canal construction. Respect for nature and the plant life native to the Canal corridor will also be explored.

Both programs are encouraged for ages 8 and up, and are free of charge. This programming has been made possible by the generous support of Humanities New York and Arts for Learning WNY. The library will provide snacks and water for attendees, between the two programs. For more information, please call the library at (585) 765-9041.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) These sound bowls emit different frequencies when rubbed by a special mallet, as demonstrated by holistic healer Cassandra Boring. (Right) Cassandra Boring performs Reiki in her Sandstone Holistic Healing Center, which includes this bed with lighted crystals, used to relieve stress, anxiety and acute pain.

MEDINA – Cassandra Boring, one of the owners of Mystic Dragon’s Lair, a metaphysical New Age store at 339 Main St., has also recently opened a new business, Sandstone Holistic Healing Center.

Boring has wanted to help heal people her entire life, she said. She wanted to go to medical school, but with two kids (now three) and a full-time job, she couldn’t keep a high enough grade point average. She did, however, graduate from Brockport State College, earning degrees in biology and criminal justice with a minor in sociology and forensics, as well as a second dual in biology and sociology with a minor in chemistry.

Cassandra Boring holds a stack of her certifications in different forms of holistic healing. She sits next to a selenite stone from Morocco, used to cleanse negative energy from a space and change it into positive.

“When I started Mystic Dragon’s Lair, I realized there were other ways I could help people,” Boring said.

The store sells jewels, incense, crystals and jewelry.

Mystic Dragon’s Lair and Sandstone Holistic Healing Center are located in the building where her father, Scott Wengewicz, opened Patriot Guns last November. He is also the Shelby town supervisor.

When Boring decided to open a holistic healing center, she began studying various forms of healing and has been certified in a dozen different fields, including traditional and Shamanic Reiki, crystal light therapy, sound therapy and Rife ray therapy.

Boring explained that holistic healing is a supplemental way for people to enhance their healing when traditional medicine does not do enough for them.

“If I can find something natural to help me, I’d rather do that than take another medication,” she said.

Reiki is a Japanese energy healing method which claims to help cleanse and align the seven chakras of the body. Boring said the body has 122 energy points total and when they are all working properly, we feel good.

Crystal light bed uses a light bed that emits frequencies through vogue quartz crystals to aid in reducing stress, anxiety and acute pain. It targets the mind, body and spirit.

Often in sessions, Boring said she may see spirit animals or other spiritual signs that have connections to the client.

She said the crystal light bed helps align the chakras.

“They are like a gear system,” she said. “If one is out of line, they don’t work.”

She said the therapy was first used on veterans for PTSD and pain.

She also performs animal Reiki, which helps animals in times of stress or transition. Boring said animals can benefit from Reiki just as people can.

Lights of all colors are used for crystal light therapy, as shown here by Cassandra Boring.

Boring is particularly excited about the Rife machine. She explained it was founded in the 1930s by Royal Raymond Rife to help his patients with cancer. He did a study on 16 people, of which 14 had immediate results and the other two had positive results later with more treatment. It has been found to work on other illnesses as well.

Boring said everything has its own frequency, and by using a Rife machine, those frequencies can be used to target unhealthy cells, causing them to divide and explode.

She also has singing bowls and tongue drums for sound therapy.

Aromatherapy can be added during sessions to make people feel calm and relaxed, Boring said.

The healing center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Walk-ins are welcome, but Boring advises making an appointment by calling (585) 318-4565.

She stresses that her healing methods aren’t intended to replace traditional treatments, but to offer a supplemental treatment that might help.

Photo by Claire Squicciarini

POINT BREEZE – The Oak Orchard Lighthouse Association paid tribute to a key leader in the organization this evening by lighting up the outside of the lighthouse at Point Breeze.

The group wanted to honor the late Dick Anderson. He passed away just over a year ago on Oct. 3, 2022.

He was president of the Lighthouse Association for several years, and was instrumental in raising funds for the lighthouse and keeping it accessible to the community.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Jack Welch was officially appointed as the county’s chief administrative officer on March 25, 2020. He agreed to a five-year extension last week.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has extended the contract with its chief administrative officer for another five years.

Jack Welch has served in the role as head of the county government since March 25, 2020. He was previously the county’s director of personnel and self-insurance since 2004.

Welch also serves as the county’s budget officer. The county budget for 2023 totals $93 million. There are about 440 county employees in more than 20 departments.

Lynne Johnson, the Legislature chairwoman, praised Welch for seeing the county government through the Covid-19 crisis and helping push through capital projects, in addition to the day-to-day demands of the position.

“The Legislature is thrilled with the job Jack has done,” Johnson said. “At the end of the day county government is about providing services to people while minimizing the burden on taxpayers. On that measurement, I think Orleans County would be at the top of the list of any best-run counties in New York. That’s how strongly we feel about Jack and his leadership.”

The current salary for the CAO is $127,040. The position is within the Management Compensation Plan that calls for 2 percent increases for 2024 and then in 2025.

The county faces many challenges “and things never get easier,” Johnson said. “But we have the right guy in Jack Welch to work with a Legislature to meet these challenges.”

Welch, a Holley resident, was praised by County Legislator Fred Miller for being “super organized and very timely.” Miller is the lone Democrat on the County Legislature.

Welch presents options for legislators to help the group make decisions.

“You can count on him,” Miller said. “He is very punctual with everything that has to be done at a certain time. He has strong organizational skills.”

Welch succeeded Chuck Nesbitt who was in the role for 14 ½ years. Miller said it is challenging to fill many positions in the workforce today, especially a top administrator. The contract extension with Welch maintains stability in a key position, county legislators said.

Welch, county legislators and department heads are in midst of the budget preparation for the 2024 county budget. The annual spending plan is typically adopted in late November or early December.

“I strive to make a positive influence in the municipal operations of Orleans County that balances the needs of our residents and the needs of our taxpayers and the needs of our employees,” Welch said. “All three stakeholders’ interests must be taken into consideration as we make adjustments to our operations. I hope and believe I am making a positive difference as we serve our residents on a day-to-day basis.”

Jack Welch speaks with Carlton residents on Tuesday during a meeting about garbage collection on narrow private lanes. About 125 people attended that meeting at the Rec Hall.

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney  

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) joined Congressman Van Drew (NJ-2) in reintroducing the No IDs for Illegals Act.

This comes after reports that the Biden administration is planning to distribute identification cards to illegal immigrants, further incentivizing illegal immigration into our country.

Additional original cosponsors of the bill include Rep. Pat Fallon (R-TX), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX), Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX), Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL), Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS), Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), and Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX).

This legislation works to prohibit federal funds from being used for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Secure Docket Card Program. It also ensures that no federal funds may be used to establish, implement, or otherwise support the activities of the Secure Docket Card Program or any other similar program of the Department of Homeland Security.

“Voting is one of the most sacred rights and responsibilities we have as Americans and should be reserved for the legal citizens of our country,” Tenney said. “Cities like New York City have already allowed noncitizens to vote, and by granting illegal immigrants Secure Docket Cards, we are one step closer to allowing non-citizens to vote in our federal elections. The No IDs for Illegals Act works to ban federal funding from being used to support these cards that would give illegal immigrants access to the sacred rights of United States citizens.”

LYNDONVILLE – The village has been approved for $576,437 in short-term, interest-free financing for the planning, design and construction of disinfection improvements at the village’s wastewater treatment plant.

Mayor John Belson said the news is “huge” for the village which is in the process of putting in the chlorination system that was mandated by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Belson said the village has tried to get government grants and financing assistance previously but wasn’t approved.

He said the new chlorination system should be in place by the end of the month.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the financing for Lyndonville this afternoon as part of $234.5 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across the state.

“By investing in our state’s water infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for regional growth and prosperity while protecting our natural resources,” Governor Hochul said in a press release. “This financial assistance helps ensure that cost will not be a barrier as communities across the state continue to modernize treatment systems with vital infrastructure upgrades, helping usher in a healthier, more resilient future for New York.”

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the State University of New York, the City University of New York, and 40 private colleges and universities in New York State will have free application opportunities for high school seniors throughout the month of October. This is the first time that SUNY, CUNY, and New York’s private institutions will join together to waive application fees for students applying during New York State College Application Month.

“Education is the backbone of our society, and I am committed to providing opportunities that support every student’s journey to a higher education,” Governor Hochul said. “As we celebrate College Application Month in New York State, I am thrilled that SUNY, CUNY, and several of New York’s private institutions will waive application fees. Removing financial barriers enables students who may not have considered completing an application due to financial constraints to take the first steps of their educational journey. I urge all seniors in the state to apply to at least one college this month and make the most of this unprecedented initiative.”

In support of college application month, SUNY is waiving application fees across all 64 colleges and universities for two weeks beginning October 16 through October 29 and CUNY is waiving application fees across all 25 campus all month for high school seniors in New York City public schools and for all New York State residents who will apply as a freshman between October 16 and 31. CUNY has also guaranteed admissions to all seven community colleges for any student who holds a high school diploma. Fee waivers at private institutions vary by participating institution during the month.

The complete list of participating colleges and universities, information on when fees will be waived, and how to apply to each school can be found by clicking here.

The New York State College Application Month initiative encourages high school seniors to apply for college early with a focus on students from low-income families, first-generation students, and students who may not otherwise apply for college.

After four straight days with highs in the 80s, the temperature will drop on Friday to the 60s. There also is lots of rain in the forecast after very little the past month.

Today is forecast to reach a high of 85. The high, however, will be 69 on Friday with a chance for showers and a thunderstorm. More rain is likely on Friday night, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

Saturday is forecast for a high near 60 with showers likely. Sunday the high will only be 52 with more rain likely during the day and at night.

Monday is Columbus Day and the high is forecast for 53 with a chance of showers.

Press Release, GCC

BATAVIA – Genesee Community College is excited to announce the initiation of a nationwide search for the college’s fifth president.

The GCC Board of Trustees has enlisted the expertise of RH Perry, a distinguished national search firm specializing in higher education, to oversee and manage the presidential search process.

RH Perry will undertake a comprehensive pre-search study on campus Oct. 17-18. This study is instrumental in shaping the presidential profile, which will outline the desired attributes, experiences, and credentials GCC seeks in its next president, while also addressing the potential opportunities and challenges on the horizon. All members of the GCC community and stakeholders are cordially invited to participate in this crucial phase of the search.

To facilitate engagement and input from various stakeholders, GCC will host Community Open Sessions as follows:

• Tuesday, October 17, from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. at Conable Technology Building, Room T119
• Wednesday, October 18, from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at Conable Technology Building, Room T119

In addition to the in-person open sessions, written feedback is welcomed through an online survey, accessible until Friday, Oct. 20. This feedback will be invaluable in crafting the presidential profile.

“Genesee Community College’s search for its next president is an exciting and pivotal moment for our institution,” said Maureen Marshall, GCC Trustee and Search Committee Chair. “We believe that RH Perry’s expertise, combined with the valuable input from our GCC community, will help us find the visionary leader who will guide us into a promising future.”

Recruitment of presidential candidates is scheduled to begin on Oct. 30, marking the next significant phase of the search process.

Editor’s Note: Dr. James Sunser, GCC’s president for the past 13 years, will retire at the end of the 2023-24 academic year.

Photos by Lydia Battaglia: (Left) Friends of Boxwood Cemetery welcomed 280 guests on Saturday evening for music, lighting and insights from docents. (Right) The L’Hommedieu monument was illumined for the evening’s event.

Press Release, Friends of Boxwood Cemetery

MEDINA – The Friends of Boxwood Cemetery in Medina promised a “Bigger and Better” Boxwood at Night and they did not disappoint. The event was held on September 30 with pver 280 people in attendance. That is up 27 percent from last year.

The attendees were enchanted by the sights and sounds of Boxwood at Night. One of the most frequently used words by guests to describe the evening was, “magical,” according to docent Sandra Philbrick.

Guests were treated to a 1-mile meander through the cemetery which had lighting elements throughout. The lighting was designed by the committee members with the assistance of Dan Wiegand from Lockport Stage Works.

Cosmic Oases performed during the event.

The magic was enhanced by the artistic entertainment that was made possible by a grant from GO ART! Stacy Steverson twirled to the music with lighted hula hoops and fabrics.

Cosmic Oases took guests on a musical journey with their enchanting sounds. The Orleans County String Band delighted guests with their three-piece band playing Appalachian old-time string band music.

Medina art teacher Jen Scott wowed the guests with her creative original works of art. Robby Klino, the president of the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery, said, “Her artwork was amazing and it seemed to pop up when you least expected it, providing another element of surprise.”

Medina art teacher Jen Scott created these intriguing art installations.

The magical evening did not end there. Guests were treated to stories presented by 11 docents at seven gravesites and in the S. Mainville Burroughs Memorial Chapel, who helped to enlighten and entertain them.

“The docents all did a fabulous job,” according to co-chairperson Todd Bensley. “Many did their own research and all of them showed up in period costumes.”

Co-chairperson Nicole Bensley was impressed by the volunteers from the Orleans/Niagara BOCES Security and Law Class, Medina High School and local business Velocitii, as well as individuals from the community who stepped up to help.

“They all played an important role in the success of the event,” she said.

Tom Philbrick, Sandra Philbrick and Miranda Star were among the 11 docents sharing information about people buried in the cemetery.

She particularly thanked Dale Short, of Shorty’s Beast, who is in charge of cemetery maintenance, for all his help. She declared, “He was instrumental in the success of the evening.”

Klino also would like to thank the many businesses who donated money or raffle items to help raise funds for the continuing chapel restoration and other projects in the cemetery.

Anyone wishing to get involved with the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery can email the organization at: friendsofboxwoodcemetery@gmail.com.

To stay up-to-date on upcoming events, and to see a complete list of those who helped out, you can check out the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery Facebook Page.

(Left) This photo shows the plot for Edward Davey Sr. and (Right) features the Bent and Underhill family plots.

Stacy Steverson entertained with Hula Hoops that were lighted up.

Press Release, Genesee-Orleans County Youth Bureau

ALBION – October 12th is the 9th annual Family Game Night in Orleans County.  This event is sponsored by the Orleans County Youth Bureau and Legislative Office.

The event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Dubby’s Tailgate located at 165 South Platt St. in Albion. This event will feature dinner, games to play, displays to visit and a new board game for every family.

The booths will provide information on a wide array of services for youth and families that are available in Orleans County. The event this year is free for all families.

We will also have a couple drawings throughout the night. Additional contributors to the evening are Dubby’s Tailgate, Subway, Medina Railroad Museum, Medina Lions Club, Mark’s Pizzeria, Evan’s Ace Hardware & Building Supplies, Albion Ace Hardware, Tops, Save-A-Lot and Wal-Mart.

To register or for more information, contact the Orleans County Legislative Office at 589-7053.