By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2023 at 6:55 pm
Hot embers spread to 2 other sites that are quickly put out
Photos by Tom Rivers
SHELBY – Firefighters carry a hose to the back of a barn that burned this afternoon at 5022 Salt Works Rd. in Shelby.
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 4:36 p.m. Fire destroyed most of the old wooden barn, which hadn’t been used in many years.
The Shelby Volunteer Fire Company directs water from up high down on the smoldering site.
Shelby Fire Chief Dave Moden said a brush fire behind the barn spread to the structure, causing the fire. Some hot embers from the barn blew on neighbors property. One landed on a barn nearby and burnt a hole in the roof before it was extinguished by firefighters.
A small corn bin also caught on fire and was put out, Moden said.
Firefighters spray water on the back end of the barn.
Several fire companies assisted Shelby at the scene including Medina, Middleport and Wolcottsville, with East Shelby filling in at Shelby’s fire hall.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2023 at 10:49 am
Republicans have primaries in Barre, Kendall, Murray and Shelby
ALBION – Early voting starts today in Albion at the Board of Elections office. There are Republican primaries in four towns: Barre, Kendall, Murray and Shelby.
In Barre, there are two candidates for town supervisor: incumbent Sean Pogue and Scott Burnside, and two candidates for highway superintendent, incumbent Dale Brooks and Bert Mathes.
In Kendall, Warren Kruger, the incumbent highway superintendent, is challenged by Eric Maxon.
In Murray, there are two candidates for town supervisor: incumbent Joe Sidonio and Town Board member Gerald Rightmyer. There are three candidates for two positions as town councilmen, with Eric Collyer on the ballot with incumbents Lloyd Christ Jr. and Randall Bower.
In Shelby, three candidates are running for the Town Board, including Justin Gray, Linda Limina and incumbent Jeff Schiffer. Two candidates are running for highway superintendent, William Wolter and incumbent Dale Root.
The primary will be on June 27 with polling places at each town with a primary. Before then there are nine days of early voting with the polling location at the Board of Elections office at the County Administration Building at 14016 State Route 31 in Albion.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2023 at 9:40 am
ALBION – The school district will be losing many long-term teachers and staff to retirement. They were recognized last week before the Board of Education meeting.
“Each has contributed to our district in a unique way,” said Wayne Wadhams, the Board of Education president. “Thank you.”
The following are retiring from the school district:
Margy Brown served 15 years on the Board of Education, including eight years as the board president. She ends her term on June 30.
• Margy Brown is ending a 15-year tenure on the Board of Education. She was elected to three 5-year terms. She served eight years as the board president, and led many of the board committees including wellness, fiannce and audit, electronics and board documents, maintenance operations and safety, board process and protocol.
• Toni Plummer – a middle school health teacher who also was a mentor teacher coordinator, and was instrumental in Albion’s service learning efforts, Community Schools Program and also in student teacher placements.
• Duncan Hughes – A high school math teacher who also taught financial literacy. He is now working as a nurse at a veterans’ hospital.
• Katharine Waite – The high school assistant principal for eight years, she joined Albion after 10 years in Perry as a principal. Waite retired on March 31.
• Karen Spierdowis – She worked as an English teacher in all three school buildings in her career, and also was a new teacher mentor.
Mark Vanacore is retiring as Albion’s technology director. He started his career in Albion as a physics and math teacher.
• Mark Vanacore – He started as a physics and math teacher in 1991 before becoming the district’s technology coordinator in 2007. He developed the MST curriculum guide, hekped design he district website and “has put in many countless hours to make sure our programs are running smoothly.”
• Diane Stirk – The district’s tax collector and accounts payable clerk, she brought an attention to detail to the job in the district office, and worked very well with the public and her co-workers.
• Della Morales – The high school library media specialist, she also led the diversity club and connected students to many service projects, especially at the community kitchen.
• Sue McGaffick – She worked as an aid in the high school library and the Correction Room. She was praised for giving students “love and compassion” and sometimes a “knock it off” response. “She maintains a cooperative attitude in all situations,” said High School Principal Jenn Ashbery.
• Margaret Swan – a cleaner for Albion, she was praised for her dedication and attention to detail. “You have been a silent hero working behind the scenes,” said Tim Mercer, Albion’s director of facilities.
• Stephanie Simpson – a special education teacher in the elementary school since 1998, she was commended by elementary school principal Angela Conway for being “a beacon of compassion” and for her “unwavering dedication.”
Laura Marek, the district treasurer, receives gifts and praise from Rick Recckio, the school business administrator.
• Laura Marek – The district treasurer, she has “expertise beyond spread sheets,” said Rick Recckio, the school business administrator. He praised Marek for a positive attitude, an unwavering work ethic and “a genuine passion for serving others.”
• Joyce Monacelli – A fifth grade math teacher who started as a kindergarten teacher in 2002, she was commended for fostering a love of numbers in her students.
• Carmenrose Brittan – An English as a new language teacher since 1999, she was praised for her “passion for learning and for embracing new cultures.”
• Nancy Lowery – A teacher aide in the elementary school since 1998, Lowery brought “unparalleled dedication” to the job, and principal Angela Conway raised her “for turning ordinary bulletin boards into works of art.”
Dawn Squicciarini, right, is congratulated by Board of Education member Linda Weller.
• Dawn Squicciarini – She started as a long-term sub in the elementary school in 1988 and in 2012 moved to the middle the school as a special education teacher. Besides her “relentless advocacy for all students,” Squicciarini volunteered for many years in the concession stand during soccer games.
• Tim Archer – He started as a part-time public information assistant from 1989 to 1996. He worked full-time in that role in 1999 before becoming a full-time service learning teacher in the middle school 20 years ago, overseeing many service learning projects in the community “that brought local history to life,” said Brad Pritchard, the middle school principal.
MEDINA – Following a highly successful inaugural run last summer, Blue Thursdays is back with an expanded lineup of concerts in 2023.
The Print Shop, working in partnership with the Orleans Renaissance Group/medinaalive.com, will grow the series this year with two additional nights of music, for eight altogether.
The free summer blues concert series takes place at the State Street Park Pavilion in Medina, June through August.
The Print Shop of Medina is the primary underwriter of the event and is the driving force behind the series. They have partnered with the Orleans Renaissance Group, Inc./medinaalive.com in booking a stellar lineup of bands. Together, they are bringing top regional blues talent from Buffalo and Rochester for a spectacular summer music series.
The series begins this Thursday, June 22, and runs for eight Thursday evenings through Aug. 10. The event will feature eight bands, with Medina’s own Dave Viterna Group opening the series.
Photos courtesy of M. Fuller: A big crowd gathers comfortably at State Street Park in Medina to enjoy a blues band.
Last year, concert goers enjoyed food by Cusimano’s Pizzeria, Parker’s Pit BBQ and Catherine Street Bakery, with refreshments provided by Leonard Oakes Estate Winery and 810 Meadworks. Those vendors will be back along with WNY Empanadas and food trucks Greenlief’s On The Go and Blue Groove Coffee. North Ridge Distillery will also be joining Leonard Oakes and 810 Meadworks.
In 2017, ORG facilitated the construction of a 24′ x 20′ timber-frame bandstand/pavilion in State Street Park as an outdoor venue for music events.
“The community didn’t really have a good outdoor venue for music events like this,” said Chris Busch, president of ORG. “This pavilion has proven to be a great facility in a perfect setting to enjoy bands on a summer evening.”
ORG facilitated the construction of the bandstand/pavilion with funding obtained through a private benefactor along with some donated materials and labor.
“For some time, The Print Shop and ORG had been planning a great summer blues series until Covid interrupted our efforts,” said Ken Daluisio, owner of the Print Shop in Medina.
“In 2022, it finally happened, and it’s been successful beyond our wildest expectations. The crowds have been amazing, and the feedback has been nothing but positive.”
The Print Shop is a full service, commercial printing, publishing and graphic arts operation in Medina.
“We decided that it was time we put our expertise and financial backing to work here at home to benefit the community,” said Daluisio. “Blue Thursdays brings an average of eight hundred people from across WNY to Medina every Thursday night, some of whom have never been here before. We know for a fact that many of those folks have returned on other days to explore what Medina has to offer. This event has been absolutely great in so many ways.”
ORG, a local arts and culture not-for-profit, has been promoting and executing world-class music events locally since the late 1990s.
“The result has been a great partnership that has produced a first-class music event featuring outstanding bands and professional promotion,” Daluisio said.
The Jeremy Keyes Band strikes a pose in Medina by the canal after their Blue Thursdays gig. Keyes, considered one of the best blues harp players in the country, returns for a concert on July 20.
The bands booked for the event are well-known award-winning blues bands from the Buffalo and Rochester area.
“Once again, we wanted to book top-tier spectacular talent that people here may not have had a chance to see anywhere locally,” Busch said. “We’re excited to bring these bands to Medina.”
The 2023 Blue Thursdays line-up includes:
Opening night on June 22: Dave Viterna Group
June 29: Bill Schmitt and the Bluesmasters
July 6: Steve Grills and the Roadmasters
July 13: Growlers Blues Band
July 20: Jeremy Keyes
July 27: JJ White and Mojo Sauce August 3 – Frank Grizanti Band
Grand finale on Aug. 10: Tommy Z Band
“We want to give a big shout out to Dave Viterna who last year opened the doors to many of these bands for us,” Busch said. “Dave was instrumental in helping us get Blue Thursdays off the ground. He’s a local music legend in Medina, and the series just wouldn’t be right without DVG on stage.”
Additional sponsorship for this event has once again been generously provided by Modern Mercantile and Main Liquor, Medina.
“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Gloria Brent, owner of Modern Mercantile and Main Liquor for sponsoring the bands,” said Busch. “We really appreciate her investment in the community and support of great live music in Medina.”
All the concerts are free and open to the public. Shows run from 6 to 8 p.m. There are no rain dates.
“The public is encouraged to start arriving at 5:30 in time to get a great spot on the lawn and grab a bite to eat or refreshment from the great vendors on site,” Dalusio said. “We want people to enjoy a fantastic summer evening of food, drink and the best blues music in WNY. Weekends start in Medina at Blue Thursdays Summer of Blues.”
“For gig updates, any cancellations and venue information, people should go primarily to the ‘blue thursdays medina’ Facebook page,” said Busch. “Further information and details can also be found on the web at bluethursdays.com and from weekly ads on The Orleans Hub.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 June 2023 at 5:54 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Father Richard Csizmar, a priest at Holy Family Parish in Albion, offers a blessing for Chris Sacco during a baccalaureate service at Holy Family Church on June 4.
Several local clergy members offered to pray with members of the Class of 2023. The service is voluntary for the class members. Albion is one of the few local school districts with a baccalaureate service led by church leaders.
The Albion High School Select Choir sings “Only In Sleep.” A senior, Clara Bolton, played “How Great Thou Art” on her tuba and senior Audrey Pask played “Amazing Grace” on her clarinet.
Maya Knaak lights a candle as part of the baccalaureate service. Susan Boring, pastor of the Eagle Harbor United Methodist Church, is at right.
The soon-to-be grads were told the flames were representative of light.
“God’s light and love will be with you at all times,” said the Rev. Susan Thaine, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Albion. God’s light will shine in all the dark places and you will not be alone.”
The Rev. Marsha Rivers, pastor of the First Baptist Baptist Church, puts a cross necklace on Andrew Udertiz. Each of the students received a cross necklace. About 25 members of the Class of 2023 attended the service.
The Rev. Marsha Rivers delivered the keynote address, “And the Cloud Goes Wild.” Rivers is a 1992 Albion graduate. Before leading the local Baptist church, she worked as a newspaper reporter, a college admissions counselor, editor of a magazine, and led non-profit agencies, among her career arc.
“I’ve done lots of things and traveled to lots of places and met lots of people, and I trust that you will, too,” she told the seniors. “Even if your path is plainer, clearer, or more direct than mine has been, I hope and pray that you will know this — the one thing you truly need to know to pass the test of life: You are loved. Wherever you go, whatever you do, you are loved by the good, kind, compassionate God who created the universe, including you.”
Rivers said the many people we encounter in life make up our “cloud.” She noted some of the graduates’ parents were her classmates and are part of her “cloud,” serving as witnesses of God’s love and compassion.
“When we know, deep-deep-down and for-sure-for-sure, that we are loved, we can navigate life, no matter how circuitous it turns out to be; and we can handle the hardships — which, I am sorry to tell you, are inevitable,” she said. “But above all, when we accept and understand and believe the truth that we are loved, we develop the capacity to love God, love ourselves, and love others in return.”
The Rev. Brenda Bierdeman, center, of the Albion Free Methodist Church prays with an Albion senior. Jason Tarnowski, pastor of the Albion Free Methodist Church, is at left, and David Beach, pastor of the Gaines Carlton Community Church, is at right.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 June 2023 at 3:45 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A high-arcing shot goes up Saturday in one of the 3-on-3 basketball games on Main Street in Albion.
More than 45 kids played in the youth basketball tournament during the Albion Strawberry Festival. The event raised $1,300 towards new basketball courts at Bullard Park on Route 31.
A cornhole tournament organized by Dubby’s Tailgate on Friday night also raised $300 towards the new basketball courts.
Part of Main Street was closed to traffic for the festival. Organizers wanted to take advantage of the Main Street lift bridge undergoing a once-in-a-century overhaul which allowed for the street to be shut down for traffic.
The Bounce for Bullard Committee organized the tournament and has another planned for Aug. 5 as part of the Rock the Park event or the Albion Summer Music Festival.
Construction expected to start soon on two new courts. The Greater Albion Recreation and Events, Inc., a non-profit organization, secured a $40,000 grant from the James and Juli Boeheim Foundation towards two new full-size courts at Bullard.
Keeler Construction will soon put in the subsurface for the courts.
The winning teams in the 3-on-3 tournament include:
High School – first place, Triple Threat from Lockport; second place, Thunder from Alden; and third, Batavia from Batavia.
Middle School – first place, Certified Munchies from Albion; second place, Batavia from Batavia; and third place, 5 Stars from Medina.
Elementary – first place, Rangers from Spencerport; second place, ROC Boys from Rochester; third place, Ranger Rebounders from Spencerport.
Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County Health Department has scheduled an anti-rabies immunization clinic for Wednesday, June 28, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion, NY). Please enter from Wood Road.
This clinic replaces the one that was planned for June 7 but was cancelled due to poor air quality from the wildfires in Canada.
There is no charge for the vaccine, but voluntary donations are accepted. 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 at all times. Limit 4 pets per car.
Future anti-rabies immunization clinics are as follows:
Genesee County Clinics at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia, NY)
Thursday, August 10, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 12, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Orleans County Clinics at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion, NY)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 June 2023 at 10:19 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Lindy dancers had a great time on Thursday evening in the top floor of Bent’s Opera House, dancing to music from the Gordon Webster Jazz Septet.
About 150 people attended the concert as part of Medina Lindy in the Village.
Medina Lindy started last August has steadily grown, drawing dancers from Rochester, Buffalo and communities in between.
The group meets the third Thursdays at Bent’s with beginner’s lessons offered before the regular dance.
There are also options for beginner dance lessons the first three Mondays each month, except for July when the third Thursday dance is the only option.
Phil Berry, leader of Medina Lindy, said he is thrilled to see so many people learning the lindy and having fun in Medina.
Julia Weatherholtz sings with the Gordon Webster band on Thursday at Bent’s.
The Gordon Webster Jazz Septet played big-band style jazz and swing classics that had the crowd dancing.
Gordon Webster is based in Rochester and travels the country and world. The band performed three sets of music on Thursday night.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 June 2023 at 8:05 am
ALBION – The Village of Albion will be running its summer parks program for six weeks, beginning June 26 and ending Aug. 4.
The program will be based at Bullard Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free to children. The kids must be registered with immunization records submitted. Albion follows the state “Safe Parks Program” regulations. Once the immunization records are turned in, each child will receive a free Park Recreation T-shirt.
Bullard has been improved in recent years with a new Splash Pad, pavilion, and bathrooms. A disc golf course just went in, and Recreation Director John Grillo said he expects a pickle ball court will soon be added.
The park supervisors will lead children in many games and activities, including GaGa Ball, arts and crafts, Cam Jam, Capture the Flag, and other sports. There will also be a bowling trip to Oak Orchard Lanes.
There will be a tennis clinic the week of July 3-7. The park program will also host a countywide carnival on July 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The annual senior citizens picnic is scheduled for Aug. 1 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Javon Jones and Amari Jones are back as park supervisors. They joined the others for an orientation with Grillo on Thursday.
The Jones brothers said they enjoy getting the kids to be active. They said the job takes patience and leadership.
Some days last summer there were close to 100 kids at the park. The Jones brothers said they liked when there were large groups of kids.
“Those days were the most fun,” Javon Jones said.
Grillo has been leading the parks program for nearly 50 years as the Village of Albion recreation director.
“I still have a passion to help children grow and to provide a fun and safe summer for them,” Grillo said. “I enjoy using my experience as a recreation director, teacher and coach to help young adults learn from this profession.”
Grillo said he is proud of the recent park improvements that have made Bullard a bigger attraction for the community.
“I am very fond of Albion and want to see Albion become a well-rounded community,” Grillo said. “There is a splash pad, walking trail, GaGa pit, ball fields, picnic areas, a new disc golf course, amphitheater, where we host the Summer Recreation Program.”
KENDALL – The Board of Education has approved Mark Driesel as the next Junior/Senior High School assistant principal and athletic director. He will begin his new position on July 1.
Driesel returns to Kendall school district after serving as an assistant principal at Hilton High School this past school year. Prior to that, he served as a special education teacher and coach at Kendall for nine years.
“I am excited to be rejoining the Kendall family as the assistant principal and athletic director,” said Driesel, a Kendall graduate. “I know the students and staff we have here in Kendall are top tier, and the coming year will bring lots of great things for all. I’m looking forward to the 2023-24 school year!”
Cara Montrois
The Board of Education also approved Cara Montrois as the director of technology. She will begin her new position with the district on July 1.
Montrois comes to Kendall with 22 years of teaching experience and eight years as a Teacher on Special Assignment as the Teacher Center Director at Wheatland-Chili Central School District.
“I am thrilled to begin my journey with the Kendall Central School District,” said Montrois. “I look forward to working with the teachers and administrative team within my position as Director of Technology. There is already a dynamic team in place, and I am eager to join their efforts in supporting all students in achieving at high levels.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 June 2023 at 6:19 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Gary Simboli of Albion and Sarah Hill of Medina are teaming up for concerts Friday at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Medina and Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church of Albion.
ALBION – Gary Simboli remembers hearing Sarah Hill perform at an open mic night more than a decade ago at an Albion coffee shop.
Simboli, who was then Albion’s high school chorus and musical director, was very impressed by Hill.
He has heard her many times since at Lake Plains Players productions and other musical competitions. But he never performed with her, and he wanted that to change.
Simboli, who is now retired from teaching, is teaming up with Hill in a cabaret-style show on Friday and Saturday. Both will be singings solos, and some duets.
“Her vocal ability is second to none,” Simboli said about Hill. “She can sing any style of music, from serious, light and comical.”
She will perform a classical aria, “Vanilla Ice Cream,” a song from Bette Midler, “Miss Otis Regrets,” and other songs in the first half. The second half of the 90-minute show will be a truncated version of the musical “Funny Girl,” made popular by Barbra Streisand in 1968.
Simboli said he hopes the performances Friday and Saturday can be a springboard for Hill.
A Rochester native, she spent most of her childhood in Orlando, Fla. She moved to the local area more than a decade ago. She has performed in more than 20 different productions with the Lake Plains Players.
She is currently working part-time as a water clerk for the Town of Royalton. She has a twin sister, Sam, who is a clay artist in Medina.
Sarah said she appreciates Simboli teaming up with her for the upcoming concerts.
“It’s been so much joy,” she said. “It’s been so easy and it has come together so fast. It’s two friends hanging out and singing great songs together.”
The shows are at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery at 7 p.m. on Friday at 106009 Ridge Rd., Medina and at the First Presbyterian Church at 7 p.m. on Saturday at 229 East State St., Albion. Tickets are $15 at the door or through Venmo.
Photo from Medina Central School: Oak Orchard Primary Principal Jennifer Stearns with Mike Harmer, Jim Freas and John Follman and students from Miss Grayson’s prekindergarten class: Rebecca Delong, Henry Noga, Barrett Root, Leah Hungerford and Margot Thomas.
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – June 14th commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States. Medina Central School’s Oak Orchard Primary and Clifford Wise Intermediate School were honored to welcome Mike Harmer and James Freas from VFW Post 1483 out of Medina and John Follman from American Legion Post 1603 in Lyndonville to their schools to celebrate the occasion.
The three men talked about the significance of flag folding as it was demonstrated to the students. An honor guard meticulously folds the flag exactly 13 times in remembrance of the 13 colonies.
The students were told what each fold represents as they watched the proceedings. The flag was then presented to Oak Orchard Principal Jennifer Stearns, who said it will have a place of honor in the main office. Students at Oak Orchard, under the direction of music teacher and Glee Club Director Andrea Busch, sang “You’re a Grand Old Flag” to end the presentation.
At Clifford Wise, Superintendent Dr. Mark Kruzynski introduced Mr. Harmer, Mr. Freas and Mr. Follman and played Master of Ceremonies for the band, poetry readers and singalong. Kruzynski was presented with the flag on behalf of the Intermediate School.
A special thank you to the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 1483 representative Debbie Barry who organized the event and provided gift bags to Oak Orchard students to help celebrate Flag Day, along with flags for them to proudly wave during the ceremony.
Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
With the warmer weather here, more home renovation projects are starting. If you have a home built before 1978, it is important to make sure renovations are done safely.
Homes built before 1978 are more likely to have lead-based paint that can be disturbed when renovating. Renovations can put lead dust into the air as well as into heating and cooling systems of homes with lead-based paint.
Children (and adults) exposed to this lead dust are at risk of lead poisoning. There is no safe level of lead to have in the body. The effects of lead poisoning are permanent and can affect a child into adulthood.
“Lead poisoning can affect anyone, but is especially dangerous for infants and small children,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Childhood lead poisoning can harm the brain and nervous system leading to learning challenges, lower IQ, difficulty in paying attention/hyperactivity, kidney damage, and at very high levels can be fatal. Lead poisoning can also be dangerous for pregnant women because lead can pass to the baby during pregnancy.”
While thinking about renovation plans for this summer, consider using a lead-safe certified contractor if you live in a home built before 1978. If planning to do the work yourself, here are some simple steps you can take to keep both you and your family safe.
1. Set up safely in a way that should prevent dust from escaping the work area and keep anyone not working on the project from entering. This can include removing all furniture, rugs, curtains, and other household items, tightly wrapping items that cannot be removed with plastic sheeting, covering floors with plastic sheeting, closing and sealing all doors, turning off forced-air heating and air conditioning systems, and covering vents with sheeting. All sheeting should be taped in place to ensure it is secure.
2. Protect yourself. Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when working, wash your hands and face every time you stop working, wash your work clothes separately from the rest of your family’s laundry, and do not eat, drink, or smoke in your work area. Dust and debris can contaminate food or other items and cause you to ingest dangerous lead dust.
3. Minimize Dust. Many renovation tasks (drilling, cutting, opening walls, etc.) create dust that may contain lead. Using proper tools and simple practices can help limit and control the dust.
4. Clean your work area at the end of every day. This helps minimize dust and protects you and your family. Easy ways to keep your work area clean include; putting trash in heavy-duty bags as you work, vacuuming with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) cleaner frequently, cleaning tools daily, disposing of or cleaning PPE, and keeping non-workers out of the work area.
5. Control Waste. Collect all waste and secure it tightly with duct tape or a double bag to prevent lead dust or debris from escaping before disposal.
6. Clean again. When your renovations are complete and before using the room again, use wet-cleaning methods in order to control the dust and prevent the dust from going back into the air. Make sure to mop uncarpeted floors thoroughly, clean walls with a HEPA vacuum or damp cloth, thoroughly vacuum all remaining surfaces and objects with a HEPA vacuum and then wipe down all surfaces with wet cloths until the cloths are clean.
For any questions and more information on GO Health Lead Programs, contact the Genesee County Health Department at (585) 344-2580 ext. 5555 or Health.GOlead@co.genesee.ny.us. You can also visit the GO Health website at www.GOHealthNY.org.
With the warmer weather here, more home renovation projects are starting. If you have a home built before 1978, it is important to make sure renovations are done safely.
