Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – It’s blossom time in Orleans County. There are lots of white and pink flowers on trees around the county. The top photo shows a tree on Main Street in Albion.

These blossoms are on what I think is a pink dogwood tree on Main Street in Albion near Park Street.

The Pullman Memorial Universalist Church in Albion is next to a row of flowering dogwood trees.

Here are some other photos of blossoms on Main Street in Albion:

The dome of the Orleans County Courthouse is in back.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Sandy and Marcia Stornelli watch as 3-year-old granddaughter Alara throws shovels full of dirt on a tree being planted in front of their house. In the stroller is 8-month old Garrett.

MEDINA – The village of Medina celebrated its annual Arbor Day tree planting on Friday with a ceremony on Frank Street.

This is the 17th year for the Arbor Day celebration with students from Oak Orchard Elementary School and the 16th year since Medina was named a Tree City USA, said Mike Sidari, mayor of the village.

Students in second grade joined the third grade in taking part in the tree planting. The Glee Club also entertained the crowd with several songs, accompanied by their director Andrea Busch.

The second grade Glee Club from Oak Orchard Elementary School waits while Kathy Blackburn, far right, welcomes the crowd who gathered to watch the children help plant trees on Frank Street. Behind Blackburn is Eileen Banker, representing Assemblyman Steve Hawley, and Medina mayor Mike Sidari.

Busch’s father-in-law, Chris Busch, is a member of the Tree Board and the village forestry coordinator. It was Busch who researched what trees would be best to plant and in what kind of soil.

At one time, the village estimated there were 2,000 trees which needed to be replaced in the village and Boxwood Cemetery. That number is now down to about 1,000, Busch said.

Forty-five trees were taken down in the past year and 46 will be planted this year.

Kathy Blackburn, chair of the Tree Board, welcomed the crowd which filled the street and sidewalks in the vicinity of 127 Frank St.

“Trees are awesome,” Blackburn said. “They look great, they keep us cool and they help clean the air we breathe. When you are grown up, you can visit this spot and tell your children you helped plant these trees.”

Students from the second and third grade, along with parents, friends and neighbors filled the sidewalk and Frank Street for the annual tree planting in celebration of Arbor Day on Friday.

Many came to the ceremony to watch the tree planting, but others, like Diane Kujawa came to see the Glee Club. Kujawa’s grandson Eric Fox is a member of the Glee Club and she couldn’t miss that, she said.

Sidari explained Arbor Day was founded on April 10, 1872 by J. Serling Morton in Nebraska. An estimated one million trees were planted that day in Nebraska. Sidari urged residents to plant trees to beautify their village.

Eileen Banker, representing Assemblyman Steve Hawley, read a citation to the students and said Hawley wanted to thank the students for participating in the event.

Blackburn extended thanks to Medina’s DPW head, Jason Watts, for his department’s cooperation with the Tree Board.

After the ceremony, students took turns throwing dirt in the holes which the DPW had dug in advance and placed trees. Tiny shovels were provided for their use.

Among the students who got to help cover the trees were Paris Gordon, Emma Lilleby, K’Lyn Worrall and Oliver Pask.

This was the first time Oliver ever helped plant a tree and it was fun, he said.

Oliver Pask, a third-grader at Oak Orchard Elementary School, throws in the first shovel of dirt during the tree-planting ceremony on Frank Street Friday.

Second-grade teacher Mrs. Van DeGenachte said this was the first time the second grade had participated in the tree planning in many years, and they just loved it. Oak Orchard School principal Jennifer Stearns even bought ponchos for all the students, in case of rain, so they wouldn’t miss it, Van DeGenachte said.

The day was extra special for Sandy and Marcia Stornelli, who live at 131 Frank St. They were babysitting their grandchildren, Alara, 3, and Garrett Wolter, 8 months. Alara loved the little shovels and delighted in throwing dirt on the tree being planted in front of her grandparents’ house.

In addition to a Tree Board, a group of residents formed Releaf Medina Society, which acts as the fundraiser for the Tree Board, which is prevented by law in raising money.

Blackburn is chair of the Tree Board and members are Jake Hebdon, Lisa Tombari, Mary Lewis and Ginny Kropf.

Releaf Medina Society is chaired by Robert Sanderson. Blackburn, Hebdon and Tombari are also members of that group.

The second grade Glee Club performed for the crowd at the tree planting on Frank Street Friday, accompanied by their director Andrea Busch, left rear.

MEDINA – Bill Meland, owner/operator of Arby’s in Batavia, has made a generous donation of $15,000 to Operation Honor, a non-profit organization in Orleans County that supports local veterans. Operation Honor was founded in 2017 to help veterans with everyday needs and bills.

This is the second time Meland has donated to a local organization that helps out veterans. Meland said he makes the donations to support organizations that assist veterans. He does so because he did not have the opportunity to enlist in the military so this is his way of serving.

The check for $15,000 was presented to Operation Honor by the Knights of Columbus on Meland’s behalf.

Organization also will change name back to Hospice of Orleans

Press Release, Supportive Care of Orleans

ALBION – Supportive Care of Orleans, a leading provider of compassionate end-of-life care in Orleans County, is proud to announce new leadership with a deep background in nursing and a passion for hospice care.

Provided photos: Marilyn Almeter-Milbrand has been hired as the Hospice administrator & director of patient services.

As the hospice industry continues to evolve, Supportive Care of Orleans is committed to maintaining its position at the forefront of patient-centered care. With this goal in mind, the organization has selected a new leader who understands the unique needs of hospice patients and the critical role that nurses play in providing exceptional care.

Marilyn Almeter-Milbrand, RN, BSN, MSM brings years of experience as a registered nurse and a proven track record of success in healthcare leadership. Her commitment to patient-centered care and her passion for hospice makes her an ideal fit for the role.

“I am honored to be joining the incredible team at Supportive Care of Orleans,” Almeter-Milbrand said. “I have long admired this organization’s commitment to providing the highest quality of care to its patients, and I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team of nurses and caregivers to continue this important work.”

Under her leadership, Supportive Care of Orleans will continue to prioritize the needs of its patients and their families. The organization’s RN-driven approach will remain central to its mission, as Marilyn works to ensure that every patient receives the compassionate, personalized care they deserve.

Melissa Mitchell is Supportive Care’s nurse manager.

Almeter-Milbrand has selected Melissa Mitchell, RN, BSN, CHPN, OCN, RN-BC as nurse manager to lead the clinical team. Melissa has an extensive knowledge and background in Hospice and Palliative Care as well as Oncology with a strong focus on staff development and education.

 “I am thrilled to have Marilyn on board as our new leader,” Mitchell said. “We go back 15 years when I first started my nursing career and now working together along with our amazing Hospice team has re-energized our staff.  With her nursing experience and commitment to excellence, I am confident that she will help us take our organization to the next level. We are focused on not only providing high quality- compassionate care to our patients and families but also focusing on teamwork and a positive work environment.”

The organization also has plans to change its name back to Hospice of Orleans. “People in the community still know us as Hospice of Orleans. We are passionate about what we do and are excited to go back to our roots,” Almeter-Milbrand said.

Supportive Care of Orleans is actively seeking individuals to add to its growing clinical team.

Career opportunities include:

• Registered Nurse (Full Time, Part Time, Home Care On Call, and Per Diem)
• Home Health Aide (Full Time Nights, Full Time Days, Full Time Home Care)
• Licensed Practical Nurse (Full Time Nights, Full Time Days)

“Our patients come first and our goal is to have a strong clinical team who are passionate about what they do,” said the organization’s new administrator.

Applicants can call the office directly for more information. 585-589-0809.

About Supportive Care of Orleans:

Supportive Care of Orleans is a leading provider of end-of-life care in Orleans County. Our team of experienced nurses and caregivers is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to those facing life-limiting illnesses. For more information, visit supportivecareorleans.org.

Press release and photo from Albion Central School

ALBION – The National Junior Honor Society welcomed 23 new members during a ceremony Thursday night with 18 seventh-graders and five eighth-graders joining the prestigious organization.

2023 inductees include Aubrielle Barry, Sophia Bouchey, Maliyah Carithers, Makenzie Cook, Peyton Dimatteo, Alivia Dumrese, Lillian Fisher, Anna Gillette, Julia Graham, Sadie Money, Dakota Palmer, Adelaide Pettit, Drake Schomske, Keira Sidari, Katelyn Viza, Tra’Monie Walker, Nathan Wehling, Aniela Wilson, Maddison Button, Walker Davey, Shayla Higgins, Cerenity Johnson and Logan Kast.

New members took the NJHS pledge, received a certificate and signed the official registry book. Middle school staff member Tim Archer, who heads the beloved service learning class, was invited as the guest speaker for the evening.

Current NJHS members who facilitated the event were Phoebe Allen, Olivia Andrews, Lily Brigham, Adam Burgio, Shayla Cruz, Brooke Doty, Yaritza Fernandez Perez, Heidi Franco-Lopez, Loralei Gailie, Anna Grillo, Jillian LeBaron, Bradley Pierce, Jackson Snook, Mason Snook and Ava Woolston. Allen, Andrews, Brigham, Doty, Fernandez Perez, Franco-Lopez, Gailie, Grillo, LeBaron, Jackson Snook and Woolston all received their service pin. Mrs. Lisa Castricone is the NJHS advisor.

The NJHS elevates a school’s commitment to the values of scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship. It helps middle-level students develop the knowledge and skills to become well-rounded student leaders in their school, community and beyond.

Albion looking at municipal lots for charging stations

MEDINA – The Medina Village Board expects the fast chargers that were approved for the community in a state grant to go in the Canal Basin.

The Village Board initially was thinking the fast chargers would go in the municipal lot behind Main and East Center streets. But the village plans to upgrade that lot as part of the $4.5 million approved in the NY Forward grant, which will touch on several projects in the community.

With that lot likely to be changed with some extensive work, Medina village officials are instead looking to the Canal basin for the charging stations.

The village was approved for $245,184 for two direct-current fast charger pedestals, while the Village of Albion was awarded $10,500 for two Level 2 charging ports. Each charging port can accommodate two vehicles at once and would need the community to set aside two parking spaces for each station.

In Albion, the Village Board was looking at the municipal lot across from the village office on East Bank Street. That lot is in demand and often fall during the workday.

Village officials said they will look at other municipal lots with DPW Superintendent Jay Pahura and Aric Albright, an electrician who is also the sewer plant superintendent.

Both Albion and Medina expect there will be a credit card payment device on the charging stations for people to pay when they use the chargers.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The village will amend its zoning map so residential dwellings are allowed in the upper floors at The Walsh.

MEDINA – The Village Board has approved a zoning change for The Walsh to allow residential dwellings at 525 West Ave.

The board approved a zoning map change to extend the central business overlay district to include The Walsh. That site is currently in the general business district which doesn’t allow residential dwellings.

The Village Board agreed to allow extend central business overlay district, which ended only one site away. Mayor Mike Sidari said extending the overlay isn’t spot zoning.

Rollin Hellner, the new owner of The Walsh, would like to develop six to eight studio or one-bedroom apartments. The Village Planning Board will review the project on both the second and third floors, and Hellner will need a special use permit on a case by case basis which will allow the village to have oversight and input on those units, said Dan Gardner, the village code enforcement officer.

In other action at Monday’s board meeting:

• The board accepted the resignation of Mark Prawel, who is retiring after 16 years as a Medina police officer. In a letter to the board, he thanked the community for the opportunity to serve as a police officer. He wants to spend more time with his family and with an outo repair business.

His retirement leaves Medina with only eight officers on the force right now out of 13 positions. Some new recruits are in the police academy but won’t be covering shifts for another six months, Chief Chad Kenward said.

• The board followed a recommendation from Fire Chief Matt Jackson to increase the rates to have an ambulance staffed for events. Medina has been charged $300 for a four-hour commitment to have an ambulance with two medics at events, such as football games and other sporting events. The charge has then been another $75 per hour.

The new rates are $350 for four hours, and then another $100 per hour.

Since 2013 GCC has won two national championships, 12 regional titles and 17 conference titles

Press Release, Genesee Community College

BATAVIA – Genesee Community College is thrilled to announce that Kristen Schuth has been awarded the NJCAA 2023 George Killian Award of Excellence.

Kristen Schuth

Schuth, who serves as the Assistant Vice President of Student Engagement and Inclusion and Director of Athletics at GCC, has been recognized for her outstanding commitment to voluntarism, achievement, service, leadership, and excellence.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to receive the NJCAA 2023 George Killian Award of Excellence,” she said. “This award represents the values that I strive to embody every day – voluntarism, achievement, service, leadership, and excellence. I share this recognition with the outstanding coaches, staff, and student-athletes at Genesee Community College who have worked tirelessly to achieve success on and off the field.”

Schuth has been a driving force behind GCC’s athletic programs since she was named Director of Athletics in 2013. Under her leadership, the college has achieved incredible success on the field, capturing two national championships, 12 regional titles, and 17 conference titles. The athletic department has produced numerous All-Americans and academic award winners, a testament to Schuth’s dedication to both athletics and academics.

Beyond her contributions to GCC, she has also become involved at the regional and national levels, serving as the NJCAA Region 3 Women’s Director and NJCAA Region 3 Board of Regents member. She chairs several NJCAA Division III committees and has played a crucial role in hosting several regional and national championship events at GCC.

The George E. Killian Award of Excellence is a prestigious honor within the NJCAA, and Schuth’s selection is a testament to her outstanding contributions to the association and the college community. We congratulate Kristen on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to her continued leadership and success at Genesee Community College.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced an agreement to address key priorities in the Fiscal Year 2024 New York State Budget. This bold and fiscally responsible plan makes historic investments in communities across the state and makes New York more affordable, more livable and safer.

“I promised New Yorkers we’d make our state more affordable, more livable and safer, and this budget delivers on that promise,” Governor Hochul said. “I am pleased to have reached an agreement with Speaker Heastie and Leader Stewart-Cousins on a transformative budget that improves public safety, transforms our mental health care system, protects our climate and invests in our children’s future.”

Highlights of the budget include:

• 

  Gov. Kathy Hochul

  Improving public safety by providing judges greater discretion to set bail for serious crimes; investing $347 million in evidence-based gun violence prevention initiatives; $170 million to support the implementation of discovery reform for prosecutors and defenders, including $50 million in capital for discovery technology improvements in New York City; $92 million in aid for prosecution and defense funding across the state; and more than $66 million to increase the number of State Police academy classes and number of troopers dedicated to addressing serious crime

• Investing $1 billion in mental health – the largest investment in comprehensive mental health care in a generation – and transforming the continuum of care by increasing inpatient psychiatric treatment capacity, dramatically expanding outpatient services, and boosting insurance coverage
• Creating a stronger health care system for the future through an additional $1 billion in health care capital funding and expanded Medicaid coverage for more than 7.8 million low-income New Yorkers
• Protecting reproductive health care by investing $100.7 million to fund abortion providers, expanding access to abortion care for SUNY and CUNY students, providing access to over-the-counter contraception at pharmacies, enacting additional data protections for patients seeking reproductive health care, and increasing the Medicaid reimbursement rate for abortion care
• Record funding for P-12 schools and higher education, including the largest annual School Aid amount of $34.5 billion, full funding of Foundation Aid for the first time in history, reauthorizing 22 charters, including 14 in New York City, and $2.4 billion for new capital projects for SUNY and CUNY
• Implementing new comprehensive programs to ensure high-quality, affordable child care, including $500 million towards a Workforce Retention Grant Program and $25 million to support the Employer Child Care Tax Credit, and an expansion of the Child Tax Credit to include children under four years old
• Increasing the minimum wage for three years, after which the State’s minimum wage would increase at a rate determined by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), giving hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who earn minimum wage a pay increase to keep with rising costs of living
• Supporting tenants, including residents of public and subsidized housing with rental arrears through a major investment in rental assistance for New York City Housing Authority and other public housing residents, as well as Section 8 voucher recipients and other subsidized housing residents through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
• Saving the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) from the “fiscal cliff” and securing long-term stability through adjusting the Payroll Mobility Tax for the largest businesses within New York City to 0.6 percent, generating approx. $1.1 billion; $300 million in one-time State aid; requiring New York City to contribute $165 million for paratransit services funding; $65 million to reduce the proposed fare increase on the MTA; expanding service frequencies on the subway and launching a pilot program providing five free bus routes in New York City to enhance the customer experience
• Combating climate change and investing in energy affordability by implementing first-in-the-nation zero-emission requirements for new building construction, and expanding the New York Power Authority’s ability to support New York’s climate goals
• Making New York a more competitive place to grow jobs and drive economic growth by expanding and enhancing the New York Film Tax Credit – one of the most stable film production incentive programs in the nation – which will provide a boost to New York’s film industry, one of the largest union employers in the state
• Building infrastructure and capital projects across the State, including $1.7 billion for a new Department of Health research laboratory, $2.4 billion for transformation, maintenance and preservation projects at SUNY and CUNY campuses across the state, $446 million for Phase Three of the Hunts Point Interstate Access Improvement Project, $105 million to upgrade the State Emergency Operations Center, $51 million for Hudson Valley Bridge Rehabilitation and Replacements, and much more
• Supporting New Yorkers with disabilities by expanding the Medicaid Buy-In Program for working people with disabilities, funding and reinvigorating the Interagency Coordinating Council for Services to Persons who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing and increasing the number of Civil Service Section 55-B positions to grow the representation of those with disabilities in the State workforce
• Expanding access and boosting demand for New York food and products while supporting farmers by increasing food manufacturing capabilities in the state; $10 million to support the establishment of farm markets, supermarkets and food cooperatives in underserved communities; and $50 million over five years to local school districts to support New York State farm products in meals for K-12 school children
• Expanding the enforcement powers of the Office of Cannabis Management and Department of Taxation and Finance to further grow the legal marketplace for cannabis, including levying fines on illegal retail operations and closing those shops down
• Supporting New York Seniors by funding programs statewide to support aging in place and to fight financial exploitation, elder abuse, and isolation of the aging, and increasing funding for the Master Plan for Aging (MPA), a comprehensive, interagency vision for seniors living in New York State

With a conceptual agreement in place the legislative houses are expected to pass bills that will enact these priorities. The total budget for FY 2024 is currently estimated at $229 billion, based on a preliminary assessment of the negotiated changes to the Executive proposal. The Enacted Budget will hold State Operating Funds spending under 3 percent in FY 2024 and will increase the State’s reserves to a record level of 15 percent, as proposed by the Governor in the first months of her administration.

Press Release, Orleans County chapter of ABATE

MEDINA – The roar of the engines will be heard once again in Orleans County on Sunday, May 7, as the Orleans County Chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) kicks off Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Month.

A rally will be held at the Orleans County Courthouse on East State Street and Main Street (Rt. 98) in Albion followed by a 50-mile police-escorted motorcycle ride within the county. Riders are asked to assemble between 1 to 2 p.m. for a ceremony at 2 p.m. proclaiming May 2023 as Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Month in Orleans County.

Speakers will stress the importance of rider safety and education and remind motorists to look twice for motorcycles. A ride will follow and end at V.F.W. Post 1463 on East Center Street in Medina.

This rally is held every spring to alert the public that motorcycles are back on the highway and to promote safety and rider education among motorcyclists.

“With the warm weather, motorcycles are back on the roads” said Chuck Persons, president of the local chapter. “Drivers in other vehicles need to look twice and use extra caution when making a left turn or pulling out onto the roadway. Collisions are caused by drivers not seeing an oncoming motorcycle, or by misjudging the speed of the motorcycle.”

ABATE of New York, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving the rights, safety, and freedoms of all motorcyclists. ABATE’s position is to support all efforts and initiatives that will lead to accident prevention and rider safety. All motorists are reminded to safely share the road with motorcycles and to drive aware.

The public is invited to attend this free rally. It will be held rain or shine.

HOLLEY – Village officials are asking for the public’s help to target graffiti in the community, whether at village-owned sites or on private property.

‘This is a team effort,” Holley Police Chief Bob Barton said on Tuesday evening during a town hall meeting on vandalism in the village. “We do this together. You are our eyes and ears.”

Holley runs a small police department that can’t be everywhere at once. Many of the crimes often happen when it’s dark in out-of-way places, such as the Firemen’s Field on North Main Street or the canal path and the bathrooms/shower facilities at the canal park.

Mayor Mark Bower said it’s a costly problem for the village. Holley spent about $18,000 replacing fixtures that were ripped out of the bathrooms and showers, and making other repairs to the site. He is committed to opening it for the canal and summer season, but he said he remains concerned for the frequent vandalism at the site.

The bathrooms/shower facility along the canal are frequent targets of vandalism. Mayor Mark Bower said it cost about $18,000 to repair ripped out fixtures and other vandalism. The site will reopen soon. The gazebo in back also has been damaged in the past by vandals.

Holley will have security cameras outside the bathrooms and gazebo area, and some other spots that are often damaged by vandals.

The mayor led the town hall meeting on the issue. He wants to make the public aware of the problem, take their ideas and ask them to help with reducing the problem.

Chief Barton said the department is somewhat hamstrung in combating the problem since the state “raised the age” from 16 to 18 for people to be tried as adults for crimes. Many juveniles go largely unpunished for the crimes, including at 16- and 17-year-olds, Barton said.

The Holley police has arrested several juveniles for vandalism and thefts, and has done search warrants. That has deterred some of the activity, but Barton expects it will increase once it’s summer and school lets out.

Police Chief Bob Barton urged residents to report suspicious activity. He said many frequently hit areas are out of the public eye including along the canal path and the Firemen’s Field off North Main Street.

He and his officers try to patrol all the streets in an 8-hour shift. They try to build relationships with residents.

“The more police presence you have, the less likely juveniles will commit crimes,” Barton said.

He acknowledged the department is short-staffed and there are some open shifts. Lewis Passarell, a former Holley mayor and police chief, said officers aren’t patrolling enough. He thinks they also are called outside the village too often to help with mutual aid.

Village Trustee Jim DeFilipps, a retired Sheriff’s deputy, said the Sheriff’s Office provides more backup and assistance to Holley than the village does for calls outside Holley.

Some of the residents at the meeting suggested either official neighborhood watch organizations or an unofficial network of residents who walk the streets and the canal paths. They could report suspicious activity and also try to form more friendly relationships with youths.

Barton said the village isn’t being overrun with crime. He said a very small percentage causes most of the problems.

Barton worked 20 years full-time with the Town of Greece Police Department before joining the Holley Police Department in August 2008. He said many communities, large and small, deal with vandalism caused by youths.

The big change for law enforcement is the change in “Raise the Age,” he said.

“I can tell you this, the problems we have in Holley are not unique to Holley,” Barton said. “This is universal. But that doesn’t mean we accept it and do nothing about it.”

Mayor Bower said he doesn’t want to use vandalism as an excuse not to push forward with projects. He would like to see artistic murals and a splash park in Holley, but some have voiced concern those projects would be vandalized.

Bower said he is planning another town hall meeting in October focused on property maintenance. During that meeting he will provide an update on vandalism.

Provided photos: (Left) Trees for Medina’s 2023 Arbor Day planting have been delivered to the village DPW yard. (Right) An Acer miyabei “Morton” or “State Street” maple will be among the new trees planted. These trees are small to medium, oval-rounded that typically mature to 25 to 40 feet with striking pale golden-yellow fall color.

Press Release, Village of Medina, Municipal Tree Board

MEDINA – In the Village of Medina, Spring means Arbor Day.

Arbor Day, observed nationally on the last Friday of April, this year falls on April 28. Medina’s observance will be held at the on the east end, south side of Frank Street near West Avenue in the village. This year’s celebration will include 2nd and 3rd graders from Medina Central Schools, along with the Oak Orchard Glee Club.

The Arbor Day 2023 celebration will begin at approximately 10 a.m. on the east end Frank Street near West Avenue, and will include the reading of the Arbor Day Proclamation by Mayor Mike Sidari. The trees will planted by the Medina DPW. Medina Central School’s 2nd and 3rd graders will be on hand to help plant the trees and celebrate the day along with a performance by the Oak Orchard Glee Club.

“Forty-six trees in all will be planted this year,” said Kathy Blackburn, Tree Board Chair. “Planting sites include Frank Street, William Street, West Avenue, Butts Park, State Street Park and Boxwood Cemetery.”

“Each year we gain ground in our efforts to reforest the community,” Blackburn said. “Forty-six trees is an excellent planting. That said, we removed nearly 50 old and dying trees this year, so we’re nowhere near running out of annual planting that needs to be done.”

The Tree Board’s focus has been a three-pronged approach for several years: Main arteries and Central Business District area, parks, and high-need residential areas.

“The need for plantings in all of these areas continues,” Blackburn said. “Many of our main roads are looking great, but we continue to plug holes created by removals. Trees in our parks are vastly improving and we’re beginning to make headway in our residential areas. There’s still so much to be done.”

These map shows the area for Medina’s Arbor Day celebration and spots where many new trees will be planted.

Multiple sources of research on the impact of street trees cite numerous benefits, including increase property values, slower/ safer traffic patterns, lower urban air temperatures, and absorption of harmful pollution. Research from 2017 also indicates street trees in neighborhoods result in lower blood pressure and improvement to overall emotional and psychological health.

Arbor Day 2023 will mark the 16th year Medina’s urban forestry program has been a participant in the Tree City USA program of the National Arbor Day Foundation. The annual Tree City award honors Medina’s commitment to community forestry.

The Tree City USA Program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters, and the USDA Forest Service. Tree City USA is awarded annually to those communities who qualify and is a national designation.

Medina’s Municipal Tree Ordinance and Arbor Day Celebration have been a model for several other communities looking to establish a board and planting program. Medina receives multiple inquiries for assistance and advice every year from municipalities across the state.

The village maintains a policy of diversity in its urban forest plantings. Species to be planted this year include American Hornbeam, Pagoda dogwood, Gingko, Sweetgum, Tupelo, London Plane sycamore, Sargent cherry, Northern pin oak, and varieties of Elm and Maple.

Blackburn emphasizes that while the village makes great progress each year, there remains much to be done. With increasing costs and limited funding, the task is challenging.

“Everywhere, municipal budgets are tight and the cost of plant material has seen double-digit percentage increases in the last seven years,” Blackburn said. “Each year we remove 40-plus trees that are dead, dying and hazardous. The upside is we replace those trees with new, more desirable cultivars.”

Chris Busch, Medina’s Forestry Coordinator, states that the science of street trees and urban forestry has come a long, long way in the last 40 years.

“At the turn of the nineteenth century when most of our village forest was planted, there was little choice for a street tree – elms and oaks were the more expensive option, and Silver maple was the cheaper option,” Busch explained. “Municipalities were interested in large, fast-growing trees that created beautiful tree-lined streets.”

Busch further explained that despite looking very nice, those trees caused big problems.

“One hundred years later, these trees are massive at nearly 70-plus feet and create numerous issues with infrastructure, safety and utilities,” he said. “Today, thanks to extensive research and breeding, there are literally hundreds of cultivars in every shape and size. These are definitely not your great-grandparents street trees! When taking into consideration various limitations on any site, we can select the right tree for the right spot and insure a much healthier and desirable village forest.”

“Thankfully, the community has been extremely generous in donating funds for trees, both as memorials and general plantings.” said Blackburn. “People see the importance of trees in the village and enjoy the aesthetic impact. We’re incredibly grateful for the financial support we receive through our annual Community Releaf Fund Drive.”

According to Blackburn, donations can be made anytime for general tree planting, memorial trees or for “trees on your street.” Additional information can be obtained at the Village Clerk’s Office or by downloading the Releaf brochure online at villagemedina.org.

“Now more than ever, financial support in the form of gifts and donations from the public are critical,” said Blackburn. “Such support is vital for the future.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature presented four proclamations during its meeting on Tuesday. In the top photo, Legislator Bill Eick reads a proclamation declaring May 7-13 as “National Travel & Tourism Week.”

Standing to accept the proclamation include, from left: Lora Partyka of Partyka Farms in Kendall and the Country Barn Quilt Trail, Doug Farley of the Cobblestone Museum, Ginny Kropf of the Medina Railroad Museum, Faye Conley of the Bent’s Opera House and Dawn Borchet, the county’s tourism director.

Eick and legislators said travelers spend $30.9 million annually in Orleans County on lodging, recreation, restaurants, retail shops, agriculture, attractions and second homes, supporting over 510 jobs in Orleans County.

Sportsfishing is the county’s top tourism attraction at a $28 million annual impact.

The county’s occupancy tax continues to increase each year, with a record $111,013 collected in 2022.

Borchet, the tourism’s director, thanked the many local businesses and organizations that invest in their sites to bring in visitors to the county.

County Legislator Fred Miller reads a proclamation declaring May as National Foster Care Month. He is joined by Holli Nenni, the county’s Department of Social Services Commissioner and DSS employees Lianna Scipioni and Judianne Gearing.

“For the nearly 400,000 youth in foster care across our country, the best path to success we can give them is the chance to experience a loving home where they can feel secure and thrive,” legislators stated in the proclamation. “Whereas, strong support structures provide children with the environment needed to learn, grow and reach their greatest potential.”

The Legislature recognizes the efforts of foster families, social workers, faith-based and community organizations, and others that are improving the lives of our young people in foster care across our county.

County Legislator Skip Draper presents a proclamation to Matt Tracey of the Orleans County chapter of ABATE (American Bikers Aiming Towards Education). The proclamation declared May as “Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month in Orleans County.”

There will be a motorcycle safety rally at 2 p.m. on May 7 outside the Orleans County Courthouse. Bikers will then go on an awareness ride throughout the county.

Legislator Fred Miller presents a proclamation to Melissa Blanar, director of the Office of the Aging, that declared May as “Older Americans Month.”

“Orleans County includes a growing number of older Americans who contribute their time, wisdom, and experience to our community,” legislators said. “Whereas, communities’ benefit when people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds have the opportunity to participate and live independently.”

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Provided photo: Assemblyman Steve Hawley speaks at the joint Assembly-Senate press conference.

ALBANY – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) was joined by his Assembly and Senate colleagues on Wednesday at a press conference lambasting the Assembly and Senate Majority Conferences for their failure to deliver a cost-effective, serviceable state budget in a timely manner.

After five emergency spending extenders, New York is without a functional budget 25 days after the budget deadline. Hawley considers the ordeal an ”embarrassment.”

“It’s an embarrassment that power should be held unilaterally by one side yet wielded so inefficiently and carelessly,” Hawley said. “New Yorkers have made their needs painfully clear: this state needs to work on its affordability and public safety crises. Yet the majority has reportedly made no plans to address either in meaningful ways.”

“This trudged-out budget process is just another in a long line of examples of how this majority is unfit for the monopoly on power that it holds. If it can’t serve the people effectively, it doesn’t deserve to serve at all,” Hawley concluded.