Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Alex Krebs, president of the Albion Rotary Club for about three years, hands off the gavel to new incoming president Doug Farley during a Rotary Club meeting last week at the Thompson-Kast Visitors Center for the Cobblestone Museum.

Farley is director of the Cobblestone Museum. He said he was drawn to Rotary because of its work locally and also for its support for distance projects, including polio eradication and fresh water projects in other countries.

Locally, Farley noted the club supports an Interact Club at Albion High School and has been a Little League sponsor since 1957. Rotary recently donated $1,000 to the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen at Harvest Christian Fellowship, the proceeds from Rotary’s St. Patrick’s Ham Dinner in March.

Don Bishop, a Rotary Club member, presents Krebs with a pin that signifies she is a member of the Paul Harris Fellowship, Rotary’s highest honor. Krebs has met the standard on seven different occasions.

Krebs was praised by Albion Rotary members for keeping the club going during the challenges of the Covid pandemic, which included many Zoom meetings in 2020. The club used to meet at Tillman’s Village Inn. With the closing of that restaurant, the club is now meeting on Thursdays twice a month at the visitors center at the Cobblestone Museum.

“Change is tough but you were a good leader seeing us through,” said Bonnie Malakie,a  Rotary Club member.

The club is keeping up with many of its community service projects, including sponsoring the Albion Strawberry Festival, putting on the St. Patrick’s Ham Dinner and donating the proceeds to a worthy cause, running a golf tournament (this year on July 20) and donating most of the proceeds to support a transportation program for senior citizens.

A wine-tasting event was added this year and Rotary and Interact are part of a community cleanup effort, picking up lots of trash along the railroad tracks each spring.

Doug Farley presents Alex Krebs with a plaque in appreciation of her service as Rotary Club president.

For the third straight, an air quality health advisory has been issued today for Orleans County due to the Canadian wildfires. The advisory includes all of New York State.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health say the air quality is forecasted to be “Unhealthy” for Western and Central New York and Eastern Lake Ontario regions. At this level, everyone may begin to experience health effects, members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects, the DEC said in a news release.

Air quality is forecasted to reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” today in the remaining regions of the state. At this level, members of sensitive groups may experience health effects.

When pollution levels are elevated, the Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease, the Department of Health said.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced the selection of three new members to the board of directors.

Jacquelyn Bixler, Matthew Kennedy and Mary Williams were named to the board at the June 27 meeting.

“Jacquelyn, Matthew and Mary are all great additions to our already strong board,” said Shannon Blount, who was re-elected as chair of the board of directors. “While each of these individuals bring experience with different backgrounds, they also bring a strong passion for making Orleans Community Health and our community a better and stronger place.”

In addition to Blount and the three new members, the 2022-23 Orleans Community Health board of directors includes Hector Fuentes, vice-chair; Kevin Foley, secretary; April McGaffick, treasurer; Richard Elman, MD, medical staff president; Lynne Johnson; Aaron Knights; Jenifer Maynard; Joseph Misiti, MD; and Dale Sponaugle, MD.

Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health, praised outgoing board members Dawn Meland and Cindy Hewitt, who have given years of dedication to Orleans Community Health.

“Exciting times are continuing at Orleans Community Health,” Shurtz said. “There’s no question that this group of community leaders and health professionals are going to continue to help push us in the right direction.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – These kids play GaGa Ball at Bullard Park today on a busy day for the Village of Albion’s Summer Recreation Program. About 100 kids were there for games and other activities.

With GaGa Ball, players hit a ball rolling on the ground with their hands, trying to get another player out who’s hit with the ball and don’t catch it.

This is the first week of the summer recreation program at Bullard.

It runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday until Aug. 4. There is no charge, but children must be registered, which can be done at the park. Once the immunization records are turned in, each child will receive a free Park Recreation T-shirt. The village already has given out 75 shirts and will be ordering 50 more.

Amari Jones, one of the park supervisors, eludes one of the kids in a game of chase.

New this year are some snacks and water provided by Foodlink in Rochester. John Grillo, the recreation director, said Recreation Committee member Annette Finch made the connection with Foodlink to have the snacks, including bananas, available for kids. The Albion Masonic Lodge holds the food and brings it over each day.

Grillo said parents and guardians are encouraged to pack a lunch for the kids. The snacks and water are just to supplement those lunches.

On Friday, the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries will be providing pizza for the kids at the park.

These kids wait under the big bucket of water at the Splash Pad.

The water comes crashing down on the kids, to their delight.

Park supervisor Faith Bennett, left in yellow, and Nikki Creasey lead these kids in playing Simon Says. A new pavilion is under construction at Bullard.

Hailey Crawford, left, and Parker play a game of Connect Four at the pavilion.

Faith Bennett leads these kids in an egg racing game. They tried to keep the egg on a spoon and see who could go the fastest.

Hailey Crawford and Nick Andrews, park supervisors, join this group of kids on the swings.

Next week the recreation program will be offering a tennis camp at the Albion Central School from 10 a.m. to about 11:30 a.m.

Press Release, Orleans Renaissance Group

MEDINA – Inquiring minds want to know: will Blue Thursdays go on as scheduled tonight?

“Yes, we will be performing as scheduled,” said Ken Daluisio of The Print Shop in Medina, underwriters the music series. “Air quality has improved dramatically since yesterday, and all indications are from local weather meteorologists that it will continue to improve as the day goes on.”

Yesterday, Canadian wildfires caused visibly poor air quality across WNY that actually smelled of wood burning and produced a heavy haze. People were advised to limit outdoor activities.

“Wednesday was discernably bad,” said Chris Busch of medinaalive.com and co-producer of Blue Thursdays. “There’s a little haze today but nothing like what we experienced yesterday. No wood burning smell.  Rochester weather predicts it clearing as the day progresses. That said, if you feel uncomfortable coming, you should do what’s best for you.”

The show with Bill Schmitt & the Bluesmasters begins at 6 p.m. at State Street Park in Medina. Numerous food and beverage vendors will be on hand. The event is free and open to the public.

ALBION – Orleans County legislators have passed a resolution criticizing Gov. Kathy Hochul over negotiating in secret with the Seneca Nation to possibly open a new casino in Rochester.

County legislators said such negotiations should include public comments and an impact analysis on existing casinos and gaming facilities.

Orleans is part of the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. which operates Batavia Downs. A new casino in Rochester would likely have a negative impact on jobs at Batavia Downs and revenues to 15 counties as well as the cities of Rochester and Buffalo – all with membership stakes in Batavia Downs.

“The lack of transparency and closed-door manner in which this matter has been handled is not an acceptable way in which to conduct New York State affairs,” county legislators said in their resolution that was adopted on Tuesday.

The governor and the Seneca Nation are negotiating on renewing a Gaming Compact for the next 20 years. A Rochester casino hasn’t been approved, but many news reports say a Rochester site could be part of the new agreement.

Provided photo: Assemblyman Steve Hawley is shown with local veterans at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is announcing this year’s Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., will take place from Sept. 21-24.

During this time, veterans and their families will get a tour of the nation’s capital and its numerous monuments and landmarks that honor those who served. This year’s trip will feature stops at several notable locations in the D.C. area, including the WWII, Korean, and Vietnam War memorials and Arlington National Cemetery.

“This trip is an excellent opportunity to honor not only our local veterans but also those who served before them,” said Hawley. “I am incredibly excited to host this event for another year. We owe our veterans a deep level of gratitude for all they have sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy in this country, so being able to take them to our nation’s capital to see these historic landmarks is truly an honor.”

This trip is open to all military veterans and their families. The cost will be between $450 to $500 per person and includes travel, accommodations, admissions, meals and even some souvenirs. Those who are interested in participating in this event should contact Hawley’s office at 585-589-5780 or email carneyj@nyassembly.gov for more details.

Editor’s Note: Last year the trip resumed after being cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid concerns. Hawley has led veterans on the trips on 14 different occasions.

Provided photo

MEDINA – The Medina Rotary Club honored outgoing president Ben McPherson, right, and welcomed the club’s new leader, Peter Bartula, during the club’s meeting on Wednesday evening at the Shelridge Country Club.

McPherson led the club for three years, during a time when membership grew from eight to 23 and the club added fundraisers and community service projects.

The club also is marking its 100^th anniversary. It officially formed on June 4, 1923.

McPherson, a financial advisor, said he enjoyed his tenure as president. He joins Gary Lawton as the only presidents to serve three straight years. (Lawton was president from 2006 to 2009.) The club typically rotates its leadership after a year.

“I have truly had a great time leading a club that has done so much for the community over the past 100 years,” McPherson said today. “Being born and raised in Medina it was important for me to find a group that worked towards a better tomorrow and Rotary was that group for me. I feel like the success we had in both growth and new events all stemmed from a great environment and energy that has been in the club even before my time.”

McPherson said the club’s members work towards common goals and have a great spirit of camaraderie.

“We are always open to new ideas and try to foster a group that is inviting to everyone,” McPherson said. “Most people don’t realize how much is poured into these smaller organizations like Rotary, Lions, etc. They are foundational to our communities and anyone interested should find out which club suits them best. I am excited to be a part of the future of the club and know it is going to be in great hands with Peter as President!”

Bartula is retired from a computer sales business. He also runs a travel website, SeeNewYorkWithUs.com.

Medina Rotary meets at noon the second and fourth Wednesdays each month at Shelridge.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The band Triple Play performed on Wednesday evening as part of the Village of Albion Summer Concert Series. The series continues on Wednesday evenings through late August. The first five concerts are in the downtown area or by the canal, and then the last six concerts are at the amphitheater at Bullard Park.

The village is trying to have some of the concerts on Main Street near the closed off area by the bridge. About 80 people attended the concert on Wednesday evening. The crowd attendance was down partly because of an unhealthy air advisory due to wildfire smoke from Canada.

Bill Pileggi, a retired Holley school principal, is the lead singer and guitar player for Triple Play. Jim Booden performs on bass and Tim Hess on drums. The group performs pop, rock, country, blues music spanning four decades from Johnny Cash to Creedence Clearwater Revival.

The band plays on Main Street near Beaver Alley. The Masonic Lodge was serving food while people brought their own lawn chairs for the concert.

The concerts are funded through a grant administered by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

The Dave Knaudt Band will perform next in the series on July 12 with no concert next week.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the existing air quality health advisory for the entire state will remain in effect through Thursday, and State Agencies and Authorities continue to coordinate ongoing air quality monitoring, public awareness and education, mask distribution, and other efforts to prevent or limit exposure to elevated levels of smoke-driven air pollution across New York.

The Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health are closely monitoring air quality for impacts from Canadian wildfires and issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for tomorrow after forecasts of levels of particulate matter pollution that are “Unhealthy” and “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.” In addition, the Governor announced that a third crew of Forest Rangers is deploying to Quebec to assist in the Canadian fire response.

“As we continue to monitor air quality levels and provide communities with the information and tools they need to help prevent exposure to smoke-related air pollution, New Yorkers should remain vigilant and take steps to stay safe,” Governor Hochul said. “I thank the brave New York Forest Rangers joining the Canadian wildfire response and wish them a safe journey as they prepare to assist in the ongoing efforts to control the fires north of our borders.”

 Governor Hochul announced earlier today that the air quality health advisory for Wednesday, June 28 expanded to include the entire state. Tomorrow, Thursday, June 29, smoke will slowly move eastward and stall over Central New York as a high-pressure system meanders over the Mid-Atlantic coast, with the highest concentrations of smoke-induced fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution expected across Western and Northern New York. The smoke plume is expected to move out of New York more slowly than it moved in and heavier smoke is expected to remain upstate through much of Friday.

Air quality is forecasted to reach “Unhealthy” Air Quality Index levels tomorrow for Western and Central New York, Eastern Lake Ontario, and the Adirondacks. At this level, everyone may begin to experience health effects, members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.

Air quality is forecasted to reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” in the rest of the state. At this level, members of sensitive groups such as people with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions like asthma, young children, and older adults, may be more at risk of health effects from smoke. To learn more, see chart here.

Emergency cell phone alerts will be used to warn New Yorkers if air quality index exceeds the 200 threshold for “Very Unhealthy” air and sustained for longer than an hour. The alerts will be transmitted via the Wireless Emergency Alert system, managed by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

Press Release, Hands 4 Hope

ALBION – The Hands 4 Hope Street Ministry now has a second drop-off location in Albion for donations to Hands 4 Hope.

In addition to their drop spot in the Arnold Gregory Complex located at 243 South Main St., Suite 174, donations can now be dropped at Risen Café, 469 E State St.

Through the end of July, any donor leaving donations at Risen Cafe can be entered for a $25 gift certificate at the café.

Risen Cafe is a full service restaurant and coffee house. The staff doesn’t keep tips at Risen. They pay it forward each month to another local ministry. As an example, they raised $1,100 in “tips” which they graciously donated to Hands 4 Hope this past May.

Add to that, their “open tab”. They have a running open tab for anyone in the community who might be truly needing a meal, free of charge. All graciously supported by their customers.

ALBION – Orleans County legislators passed a resolution on Tuesday in support of the “Essential Caregivers Act” which would allow people considered essential caregivers to provide care and support for residents in nursing homes and long-term facilities during a pandemic.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has introduced the “Essential Caregivers Act” in the House of Representatives. Nursing homes and long-term care facilities didn’t allow visitation for long stretches of the Covid pandemic, and because of that separation “far too many lost their will to survive, and many others have suffered untold and irreversible emotional, psychological and physical pain as a result of this separation,” according to the legislators’ resolution.

In Orleans County, the state reports there were 51 confirmed deaths from Covid at nursing homes, and another 16 who died from Covid away from the nursing home in a hospital or another facility. The state Department of Health said there are two additional presumed deaths from Covid among nursing home residents, according to state Department of Health data.

Tenney’s legislation defines an essential caregiver as an individual who provides direct care consisting of activities of daily living, emotional support, or companionship to a resident, and is chosen by the resident or the resident’s legal representative.

The “Essential Caregivers Act” allows that in a future public health emergency, designated essential caregivers will have their access to their loved ones protected in a manner consistent with all applicable health and safety protocols.

ALBION – The concert will go on this evening in downtown Albion. Triple Play will be performing from 6:30 to about 8:30 p.m. as part of the Village of Albion Summer Concert Series.

The band will play on Main Street in between Beaver Alley and Bank Street. People are welcome to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the music. Some of the summer concerts will be in this area to give a different venue while the Main Street lift bridge is closed to traffic.

The Triple Play band includes lead singer Bill Pileggi who is also known as “Wild Bill.” Jim Booden performs on bass, Tim Hess on drums, and Pileggi also plays the guitar. The group performs pop, rock, country, blues music spanning four decades from Johnny Cash to Creedence Clearwater Revival.

The Dave Knaudt Band will perform next in the series on July 12 with no concert next week.

YATES – The Orleans County Legislature on Tuesday accepted a $750,675 bid from Keeler Construction of Barre to build a new bridge over a unnamed creek on Lakeshore Road.

Keeler’s proposal was the lowest bid for the project, legislators said.

The project is 95 percent reimbursable through federal funds, with local money from the Road Fund Capital Project Account covering the remaining 5 percent.