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.

Provided photos: Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) met with the Keeler family and leaders of Barre Stone Products.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

BARRE – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) visited Barre Stone Products, Inc. on Thursday in Orleans County.

Barre Stone Products is located in the Town of Barre and is a fourth-generation, family-owned business. Their parent company, Keeler Construction Company, was incorporated in 1942 and has been working in highway construction for more than 60 years. They specialize in crushed stone products, hot mixed asphalt and agricultural lime. Hawley is happy to see local businesses thriving and making an impact in the community.

“I was thrilled and honored to spend almost two hours talking, listening and touring Barre Stone Products and Keeler Construction operations yesterday,” Hawley said. “Their expertise, financial investment in equipment and technology and good stewardship of their many contiguous acres in Orleans County is commendable. I thank Barre Stone Products for allowing me to tour their facilities and for their impact on Western New York’s economy.”

Press Release, Roy-Hart Central School

Provided photo: Crystalina Baumer and Abigail Glyshaw, both string musicians, were part of a music tour in Europe.

MIDDLEPORT – Two Royalton-Hartland string students participated in a European music tour, sponsored by American Music Abroad over the summer of 2023.

Crystalina Baumer (Graduate of Roy-Hart Class of 2023) played the cello in the orchestra and sang in the chorus. Abigail Glyshaw (Roy-Hart Class of 2025) played the viola in the orchestra.

Student musicians for the American Music Abroad Program are carefully selected on the basis of recommendations from their high school music teachers and/or musical achievement demonstrated on audition recordings. Musicians convene at a college for a pre-tour orientation and rehearsal session which include an introduction to European art and architecture, as well as guidelines for touring in Europe.

The focus of the American Music Abroad tour is trifold: musical, cultural and educational, based on the belief that music is truly an “international language.” While performing in Europe, the concerts provide a basis to bridge the gap between languages and culture so that, at least on the musical level, the participants and audience connect and communicate. The numerous cultural and educational experiences built into the tour range from folkloric evening to visits to castles and World War II concentration camps.

“My trip with American Music Abroad this summer was life changing and I came home as a better musician with experiences I’ll never forget,” said Abigail Glyshaw. “I got to learn so much about the local culture and history of the places I visited, including Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria. As a group, we rehearsed for hours on end, which was reflected in how well everyone played and sang during our concerts. I had the amazing opportunity to better myself not only as a musician, but also as a person. I came home more mature, worldly, and with unforgettable memories of the trip that I was so lucky to be able to go on.”

“The universality of music is a concept often spoken about, but that idea gained a whole new meaning for me after traveling with American Music Abroad,” Crystalina Baumer said. “The music we made connected us to the European locals in a way that would not be possible on a typical tour. The locals had a certain joy at our arrival in each location which seemed to grow when we began playing or singing songs. When performing surrounded by peers, who may not have known each other prior, you could see a greater spark in our musicianship due to the contagiousness of our audiences’ enthusiasm. In these moments, traveling became so much more than new places and people. It morphed into the joining of people from near and far with the power of one commonality. The beauty of the places I saw on this trip will live on in my memories, but the hospitality and joy shared will exist in the music I make from now on.”

For more information on American Music Abroad, click here.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Jan Heideman, left, combs out Sandy Dujenski’s hair at Orchard Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. She was recently recognized by staff for 50 years of service.

MEDINA – One thing residents of Orchard Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center look forward to is the weekly visit from hairdresser Jan Heideman of Lyndonville.

Heideman was recently honored by staff for her 50 years of attending to residents of the nursing home.

“The residents really look forward to her visits,” said activities director Jamie Murphy. “They just love her.”

Heideman came to the nursing home when it first opened. She was 19 and just graduated from Continental Beauty School in Rochester. One lady who came in every week for a manicure said she heard Orchard Manor was looking for a hairdresser.

“They had opened in June and this was August,” Heideman said. “I was the only one who applied and they hired me.”

“I’m the oldest employee there now,” she said. “I plan to work as long as I possibly can. I love my job and I love the people.”

Heideman used to visit Clover Hill in Albion and Applegate in Medina, but they are now both closed. She still visits Orchard Manor and the hospital’s North Wing a day and a half each.

“I look forward to her coming every week,” said Sandy Dujenski, a resident of Orchard Manor. “It is a highlight of my week.”

Heideman cuts their hair, colors it and gives perms, she said.

Provided photo: Staff at Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center celebrated recently with hairdresser Jan Heideman on her 50th anniversary of doing the hair of residents. From left are Jenna Cracknell, administrator; Jamie Murphy, activities director; Heideman; Kristina Smith, business office manager; RoseAnn Velesko, social worker; Laurie Seager, activities aide; and Desiree Braham, MDS coordinator.

HOLLEY – The Holley Board of Education has approved the tax warrant which sets varying tax rates for the towns in the school district.

The rates vary from a low of $16.97 in Clarkson to $26.56 in Albion. The rates vary depending on the equalization rate, or how close the property assessments are to full market value.

In the Holley school district, only Clarkson is at full market value with a 100 percent equalization rate.

Holley will collect $7,835,466 in school taxes and $200,815 in library taxes. The school taxes are up by 1.49 percent or by $115,034 the $7,720,432 in 2022-23.

The district includes the towns of Clarendon, Murray, Albion and Barre in Orleans County, and the Clarkson in Monroe County.

Here are the rates per town for the district:

• Albion – $26.56 rate ($26.17 in 2022-23), total assessment in HCS at $59,000, equalization rate – 74 percent.

• Barre – $18.94 rate ($18.78 in 2022-23), total assessment in HCS at $1,733,467, equalization rate – 90 percent

• Clarendon – $18.88 rate ($18.81 in 2022-23), total assessment in HCS at $200,403,434, equalization rate – 90 percent

• Murray – $24.27 rate ($24.11 in 2022-23), total assessment in HCS at $162,871,748, equalization rate – 70 percent

• Clarkson – $16.97 rate ($21.85 in 2022-23), total assessment in HCS at $3,786,845, equalization rate – 100 percent

Total assessed value is $368,846,994. However, when adjusted for the equalization rate, the full value is $461,137,057. The overall tax rate at $21.24, compared to $21.19 in 2022-23.

ALBION – The fire chiefs in Orleans County, as well as the Orleans County Fire Advisory Board, are urging county officials to keep working to replace the emergency management building on West Countyhouse Road.

That building opened in 1962 as a bomb shelter. It is mostly below ground. The site is about 8,000 square feet and lacks handicapped accessibility. County officials are eyeing a new building that would be about twice the space.

“The present facility is woefully outdated and incompatible with the needs of the Office of Emergency Management and the fire service of Orleans County,” wrote Allen Turner in an Aug. 16 letter. He is secretary/treasurer for the Fire Chiefs Association and secretary for the Fire Advisory Board.

“A proper building that is ADA compliant, technologically up-to-date and that allows for large group instruction is both necessary and long overdue,” Turner wrote.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand was in Albion last Friday to present a $2 million check towards the project which is an estimated $12 million. The county is also seeking $2.4 million from the state towards a new building.

“We realize the cost is substantial but it is also necessary,” Turner wrote to county legislators. “The building built during the heart of the Cold War period is simply not amenable to the needs of 2023. Please do all in your power to make a new, modern facility a reality.”

The new building is planned to be about 17,000 feet. That includes about 11,000 square feet for offices and classrooms, and another 5,600 square feet for equipment storage.

The county’s backup dispatcher center would be there, as well as training space for firefighters and other first responders. There are three full-time employees that work out of the building as well as part-time fire investigators and fire coordinators. There is also space for ham operators to operate if the communications systems totally fail.

The $12 million preliminary price for the new project includes taking down two radio towers – one is 485 feet tall and the other is 225 feet – and replacing them with one tower that would be about 300 feet high. The old underground building would also be demolished as part of the project.

County officials are working with LaBella Associates to develop more detailed plans and designs for the facility.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand announces a $2 million federal grant towards a new emergency management facility for Orleans County. She is shown on Aug. 17 speaking outside the current building.

Press Release, Gov, Kathy Hochul’s Office

Gov. Kathy Hochul

Governor Kathy Hochul today called on President Biden to take executive action and direct additional federal resources to the State of New York as it manages the unprecedented influx of asylum seekers arriving in New York.

In a formal request sent to the White House this morning, Governor Hochul outlined specific, outstanding requests, including expedited work authorizations for asylum seekers, financial assistance for New York City and New York State, the use of federal land and facilities for temporary shelter sites, and Title 32 designation to provide federal funding for the nearly 2,000 New York National Guard members currently providing logistical and operational support across the State.

“For over a year, I have called for federal assistance and support for New York as we manage the unprecedented number of asylum seekers arriving in our state,” Governor Hochul said. “New York cannot continue to do this on its own. It is past time for President Biden to take action and provide New York with the aid needed to continue managing this ongoing crisis.”

Governor Hochul also 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.

All asylum seekers with work authorization in New York can now register for assistance here. 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 enabling businesses to inform the State that they would welcome newly-authorized individuals into their workforce.

Today’s actions are Governor Hochul’s latest efforts to address the arrival of asylum seekers and migrants in New York. Earlier this week, Governor Hochul 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.

Congressman Joe Morelle of Rochester said, “I am grateful to Governor Hochul for her leadership in dealing with the large number of asylum seekers in New York State. I believe strongly in work requirements for all who seek asylum in the United States and am proud to partner with the Governor on common sense changes to asylum rules. I will continue to push for federal aid to ensure asylees can support their families and live independently.”

Heather Mulligan, President & CEO of the Business Council of New York State, said, “Businesses across New York are looking for workers, and that’s why The Business Council of New York State supports Governor Hochul’s call for federal aid to address this crisis. We have workers ready to work and employers ready to hire them — as long as the work authorization arrives. We appreciate the Governor’s commitment to boosting jobs and economic growth.”

Robert Duffy, President and CEO of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, said, “Economic growth requires a strong and talented workforce, an area of need for Greater Rochester and communities around the state and nation. We encourage the federal government to grant work authorization to the thousands of asylum seekers who are eager to work, and we stand ready to help these hard-working men and women get placed into jobs once they are eligible. We thank Governor Hochul for her strong leadership on this issue and we join and support her call for federal support that will help catalyze our region’s success.”

There are jobs and opportunities in New York for people who can legally work, and with federal support, we can make this a reality for asylum seekers.”

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has extended a contract with sheriff’s deputies, allowing 2 percent raises annually from 2024 to 2026.

The agreement include 24 members in the Orleans County Deputy Sheriff’s Association. The contract includes changes in the steps.

The deputies had a hiring step which was below a step 1 and went up to step 6, said Jack Welch, the county chief administrative officer.

“We still have a hiring step but now there are four steps,” Welch said. “The current deputies at the highest step will be placed in step 3 for 2023 and step 4 for 2024.”

The sergeants’ grade and the lieutenants’ grade each had seven steps, but now of these grades have four steps, he said.

“The employees in step 7 will go to the new step 4 for 2023 and remain in step 4 for 2024,” Welch said.

County Legislator Don Allport

ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Don Allport, R-Gaines, would like to see the sales tax rate in the county drop by a penny, from 8 to 7 cents.

Allport said residents have felt the squeeze in their pocketbooks from soaring inflation. Reducing the sales tax by a penny would add up in a big way for many residents and businesses, Allport said during Tuesday’s County Legislature meeting.

The state and county each take in 4 cents for every taxable dollar. Those 4 cents added up to $22.5 million for Orleans County in 2022, with about $1.3 million of that distributed to the 10 towns and four villages.

The county used to get 3 cents, but raised it to 4 cents on June 1, 1993. The county needs State Legislature permission every two years to keep the 4-cent tax.

That extra penny translates to about $5.6 million. Without that, the county would face a steep property tax increase or would have to significantly scale back services, other county legislators said.

Allport cast the lone vote against seeking to keep the local sales tax rate at 4 cents.

“If we were allowed to go back to 3 percent that would put $5 million back into the economy,” Allport said. “We should be lowering taxes on the economy.”