By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 April 2023 at 6:12 pm
HOLLEY – Doug Heath, an attorney with 37 years of experience based in Holley, has welcomed a new partner for his law practice at 66 Public Square.
Bridget O’Toole joined Heath on April 1, forming Heath & O’Toole PLLC. The law firm specializes in estate planning and estate administration as well as municipal, real estate, land use, environmental and energy law.
Heath is a fourth-generation attorney going back 124 years. The lineage includes his father Robert Heath worked as an attorney for 50 years; grandfather, Mark Heath; and great-grandfather, Edward Heath.
Doug Heath has no plans of retiring anytime soon, and he said his practice has been growing. He met O’Toole in her role as the Barre town attorney. Heath works as the town attorney for Gaines and Carlton.
“My practice has been booming,” he said during an interview on Monday in Holley. “I needed to bring in help and I wanted to bring in young help. She represents a new generation attorney and the future.”
Doug Heath and Bridget O’Toole have joined forces in a law practice. Doug is a fourth-generation lawyer. O’Toole spent part of her childhood in Holley before her parents moved to Hilton.
O’Toole happens to be a Holley native. She spent her early years in Holley before her parents moved to Hilton. Her parents, Mike O’Toole and Denise (McAllister) O’Toole, both are from the Holley/Clarendon area. Doug graduated with Bridget’s dad in Holley’s Class of 1977.
O’Toole frequently visited Holley to see family and friends after moving to Hilton.
She earned her law degree from the Albany Law School and has worked as an attorney for 12 years.
O’Toole knows municipal law and has been busy assisting many towns with land use and environmental review of large-scale renewable energy projects, including solar and wind. She will continue with that focus at heath & O’Toole.
Heath will continue with his long-time expertise with municipal work, land use and zoning, residential and commercial real estate, wills, trusts and probate.
O’Toole said Heath is well regarded in the local community, and offers much wisdom from his nearly four decades of experience.
“Doug is a stand-up guy,” O’Toole said. “There are a lot of things to like about Doug. I respect how kind he is and how he treats people.”
O’Toole said she prefers working in a rural community, assisting residents and municipalities.
Heath, who earned his law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law, is excited for a new phase of the long-time firm.
In addition to O’Toole, the firm is adding another attorney, Bridget Cook, who is starting on May 1. She joins a group that also includes Diane Shampine as paralegal and office manager, Alyce Miller as paralegal, and Jennifer Spencer as paralegal.
“We have a good range of experience,” Heath said. “We are a solid team.”
Heath’s wife Brenda also is recently retired as an attorney. She worked 32 years as the senior court attorney in Orleans County, working for judges Paul Miles, James Punch and Sanford Church.
Heath is excited for the next chapter for the firm based at 66 Public Square.
“The Heath name has a legacy of more than 125 years of legal service to Orleans County,” he said. “We believe that our personalized approach to legal representation will allow us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients and community.”
O’Toole also believes the firm has built a strong team to serve its clients.
“We understand that legal issues can be overwhelming and stressful,” she said. “We pride ourselves on being attorneys with a community focus. Our goal is to provide our clients with the support and advocacy they need to navigate through their legal matters and achieve a positive resolution.”
For more information on Heath & O’Toole, click here.
ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke is pleased to announce that the Sheriff’s Office will again participate in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Justice – Drug Enforcement Administration and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
This is a great opportunity for the public to surrender unwanted and/or expired medications and sharps for safe and proper disposal. Events such as these have dramatically reduced the risk of prescription drug diversion, abuse, as well as increasing awareness of this critical public health issue.
The authorized collection site for this event will be located at the Orleans County Public Safety Building, 13925 State Route 31. We will be collecting unused medications, sharps, pet medications, and e-cigarette / vape devices (The batteries must be removed).
Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
The Orleans County Health Department will be hosting a free drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinic on Saturday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion, NY).
“Rabies continues to be a serious public health issue in Genesee and Orleans counties,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “We urge pet owners to take this opportunity to safeguard their pets and protect them against rabies. Our drive-thru clinics are well-organized, run very smoothly and prevent animals from getting into any altercations with other animals.”
Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats, and ferrets, 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. Limit 4 pets per car maximum.
The next anti-rabies immunization clinics are as follows:
Genesee County Clinic at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia, NY) on Thursday, May 18, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Orleans County Clinic at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 Rt. 31, Albion, NY) on Wednesday, June 7, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Note day and time change to Wednesday evening.
For more information on Health Department services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call 589-3278 for Orleans County or 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 for Genesee County.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 April 2023 at 11:31 am
WEST BARRE – The West Barre Methodist Church is welcoming spring with a festive gala on April 22.
Prior to the pandemic, the church sponsored the spring event as a Mother/Daughter Banquet, but last year decided to try and involve more of the community, said Sharon Miller, who heads a planning committee and also chairs a basket raffle.
Theme for the event is “Earth is God’s Gift,” and featured speakers will present a program related to that theme.
The gala will run from 4 to 7 p.m., with a dinner catered by Vickie Scroger. Those wishing to buy tickets should contact Alice Mathes at (585) 738-2976 or Miller at (585) 813-4826 and indicate their choice of roast beef or chicken French. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children 10 and younger.
Speakers will be Dee Robinson, a historian and librarian, who will talk about the “Language of Flowers,” and Lenore Markle, who will share information about soil, trees and flowers.
The church’s men’s group will serve the meal and clean up, Miller said. Money from their events goes in the general fund.
The church’s Hospitality Committee has a busy schedule planned for the spring and summer. On May 7, special music at their 9:30 a.m. service will feature the Pine Ridge Boys.
Sundays in the Park will feature music, hot dogs and a beverage. They run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on July 16, July 30, Aug. 6 and Aug. 13. The church will accept donations for the Orleans Food Pantry and backpack program, as well as books for CareNet kids.
Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke
ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke would like to recognize and thank the hard-working public safety dispatchers of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
This week – April 9-15 – is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed Presidential Proclamation 6667, declaring the second week of April as
NPSTW. This week is a time to celebrate and thank telecommunications personnel across the nation who serve our communities, citizens, and public safety personnel 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Public safety dispatchers are an indispensable asset in public safety. During emergencies and times of distress, public safety dispatchers quickly obtain all relevant information, assess the situation, and coordinate the appropriate public safety response, ensuring the quickest and most appropriate response.
Public safety dispatchers are tasked with answering emergency calls, and dispatching the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Medina Police Department, Albion Police Department, NYS Police, DEC Police, and all fire and EMS agencies within Orleans County.
Public safety dispatchers are always heard, but rarely seen. They are the first, first responders and heroes behind the scenes.
Please join us in recognizing our 911 dispatchers for their diligence, dedication and service to our community.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 April 2023 at 10:16 am
At least 7.5 million gallons of water used to put out fire
Photo by Tom Rivers: The three-story Medina sandstone structure at 613 Main St. is fenced off after a fire on Friday caused extensive damage to the structure. About 400 feet of fencing has been donated by the Hellner Development Corp.
MEDINA – Firefighters used at least 7.5 million gallons of water to put out the fire on Friday at 613 Main St. That doesn’t count the water drawn in two spots from Oak Orchard Creek.
Medina Mayor Mike Sidari, a Medina firefighter for about 40 years, said the blaze was the biggest he’s seen at Medina. He thanked firefighters, about 150 in all, and other responders for getting the fire under control without spreading.
“Thanks to all of those entities that provided help for us,” Sidari said at Monday’s Village Board meeting. “The operation went smoothly.”
A structural engineer has deemed the building in no danger of immediate collapse after the roof and floors caved in. The building is fenced off and the village has an agreement from building owner Jeff Fuller to stabilize the site.
Medina Fire Chief Matt Jackson said trains will be going slower through the village, down from 25 miles per hour to 10 miles per hour to reduce vibrations to the site, which is next to the railroad tracks.
Jackson thanked the many departments that responded with mutual aid, including four that brought aerial ladder trucks to join medina’s. Those five trucks each put at least 2,000 gallons of water a minute on the fire for at least five hours.
Jackson said there weren’t any injuries from the fire, and one of the residents was safely rescued from a second-floor window.
He thanked the Medina Department of Public Works, code enforcement and the Police Department for their work which was “essential” in managing the situation.
Fire investigators from the county and state also continue to work on determining the cause of the blaze, Jackson said.
The fire at 613 Main St. on Friday spewed dark smoke for several hours.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 April 2023 at 9:15 am
File photo: About 100 third-graders and their teachers attended tree planting ceremony on Frank Street on April 28, 2022 to celebrate Arbor Day. This year second-graders will join third-graders at the celebration.
MEDINA – The village’s annual Arbor Day celebration will be about twice the size in attendance because second-graders will be joining third-graders in the festivities on April 28.
Medina has been joined I recent years by third-graders who help plant trees, share poems and sing the praises of the benefits of trees.
This year’s event will again be on Frank Street. Medina is planning to plant 48 new trees with most on Frank Street, Williams Street and at State Street Park.
Kathy Blackburn, president of the Medina Tree Board, invites the community to come and participate in the ceremony at 10 a.m.
A portion of Frank Street will be blocked off to traffic during the celebration.
For the 16th straight year Medina has been recognized as an official Tree City USA for its commitment to the urban forestry.
People can make donations for new trees through the Medina Releaf Society. Click here for more information.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 April 2023 at 9:03 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Richard and Kirsten Glass dance to the polka after the couple was crowned king and queen of Dyngus Day at the Sacred Heart Club this evening.
The club gives the honor to active volunteers in the club. The couple has been active volunteers at many of the Sacred Heart activities, including the seven week of Friday fish fries leading up to Easter, an ugly sweater contest and many other parties.
“It’s like a family here,” said Mr. Glass, who joined Sacred Heart in 1968.
He and his wife were presented with the royalty by last year’s king Dave Silkowski and queen Diane Humphrey.
“I’m shocked,” Mr. Glass said about the honor. “I had no idea.”
Richard and Kirsten Glass celebrate their king and queen recognition with daughter Tricia Allen and grandchildren Jane and Bryce Allen.
The Sacred Heart Club welcomed about 100 people for the Dyngus Day party, with many people wearing red in honor of the Polish celebration.
Pussy willows were also available. In the Dyngus Day tradition, boys sprinkle water on the girls who then tap the boys with pussy willows as a way of flirting.
Terri Moriarty gives her husband Tim a tap with a pussy willow. They celebrated Dyngus Day at Sacred Heart for the first time. They are now both retired and back in Medina after spending the winter in South Carolina.
They enjoyed the spread of Polish food. Tim enjoyed the sweet and sour cabbage, and the smoked kielbasa. Terry said her favorite is the Golabki – cabbage stuffed with ground beef and rice.
Terri Moriarty holds a pussy willow she used to gently touch her husband Tim in one of the Dyngus Day traditions.
JT Thomas, center, greets his parents, Ron and BJ Thomas, who were enjoyed some of the Polish food. JT helped cook some of the meal and also was the DJ playing polka music.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 10 April 2023 at 6:45 pm
Provided photo: Medina Memorial Hospital in December 2019 opened a Wound Care Center on the first floor of the hospital.
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced that it’s Wound Care Center has been recognized by Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services, as a 2022 Center of Distinction.
To earn this designation, the Center achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including a patient satisfaction rate of 96 percent, according to a news release from Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at Community Partners.
“There have been plenty of challenges over the last three years in healthcare,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health. “Whether you’re in Medina, Lockport, Middleport or Newfane, bringing sustainable services to the community remains our priority.”
The Wound Care Center is located on the first floor of Medina Memorial Hospital and offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds which have not healed in 30 days. Leading edge treatments at the Center include negative pressure wound therapy, bio-engineered tissues, biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies.
The Wound Care Center opened in December 2019, just before the Covid pandemic.
To achieve Center of Distinction recognition is a tremendous accomplishment, especially for such a young center. Dr. Joseph Canzoneri, medical director of the Wound Care Center, noted that “this team has demonstrated their commitment to providing exceptional care to patients. The Center of Distinction award was earned by every member of the team – from the front office to the nurses and providers – and exemplifies a true calling for wound healing.”
The Center’s program director, Lisa Albanese Klein, announced the recognition today.
“This achievement demonstrates the team’s dedication to our patients and to the community,” Klein said. “Our team is committed to providing patient-focused care and clinical excellence for our patients, the community and to our hospital partners. Now, more than ever, it is important to be able to provide wound care treatments that help to keep patients from requiring emergent services.”
An award ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. May 3 at the Wound Care Center on the first floor of the hospital. Anyone wishing more information may call (585) 798-8176.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 April 2023 at 4:47 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MURRAY – Adam Blosenhauer of the Murray Joint Fire District is on the scene of a brush fire on Hindsburg Road in Murray this afternoon.
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 3:13 p.m. This is a vineyard and field with lots of wood next to the Salamaca Estate Winery near Ridge Road.
Adam Blosenhauer puts out the field fire on Hindsburg Road. Firefighters from Murray and Albion doused the fire which devoured much of the vineyard.
Matt Francis of the Albion Fire Department carries this hose through the vineyard.
Murray firefighters – right to left Assistant Chief Jimmy Fox, Assistant Chief David Smith and Lieutenant Adam Blosenhauer – hose down chunks of wood and grass.
The dry conditions and temperatures near 70 have the area vulnerable to brush fires, firefighters said.
An outdoor burn ban is in effect from March 16 through May 14. Fox, the assistant chief, said the owners of the property didn’t start the fire. A fire investigator is at the scene to try to determine the cause.
Fox said firefighters started battling the brush fire closest to the winery and moved towards to the vineyard to make sure the fire didn’t get to the barn on site, which has been used for Salamanca Estate Winery.
Albion firefighters used a deck gun to send water into the field that was smoking and hot from the fire. John Papponetti of the Albion FD is up top on the truck.
Medication available to help reverse effects of opioid overdose
Press Release, Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Opioid Task Force
The Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Opioid Task Force has added another weapon in the battle to prevent opioid overdose deaths: a Text for Naloxone Line.
“We are very excited to offer this free and confidential text line to the community,” said Christen Foley, GOW Opioid Task Force coordinator. “Now, more than ever, it is vital to increase awareness and education about Naloxone and provide more ways to get it to those in need.”
To receive the Naloxone using the Text for Naloxone Line, text KIT to 877-535-2461.
When texting that number, individuals will be connected to the text line and prompted to answer a few brief questions, including the recipient’s name and address. The delivered kit also will include other resources, such as information on local services and video links on how to administer Naloxone and where to seek care following an overdose.
Naloxone (brand name Narcan, among others) is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration that reverses opioid overdose rapidly, It is an opioid antagonist, meaning that it binds to opioid receptors and can reverse and block the effects of other opioids.
Sometimes other drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, are mixed or laced with fentanyl.
Five key facts about Naloxone are as follows:
It temporarily reverses the effects of an overdose from opioids, including heroin, morphine, oxycodone (OxyContin), methadone, fentanyl, hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, hydromorphone and buprenorphine.
Naloxone is administered as a nasal spray, a prefilled device that sprays medication into the nose.
It will not harm someone if you give it to them and they are not overdosing on an opioid. Signs of an overdose may include constricted pupils, falling asleep or loss of consciousness, limp body, slow breathing, choking or gurgling sounds, cold or clammy skin.
It is one important step when helping someone who is overdosing. If you think that someone is overdosing on an opioid or another substance, call 911 immediately, and give Naloxone as quickly as possible – not waiting for emergency personnel to arrive.
It can potentially save a life. For more information about the medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you or someone you know is taking prescribed opioids or using illicit opioids. You may also want to ask about naloxone if you work or volunteer in an environment where you may be able to help someone who is overdosing.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced today her office’s mobile office hours for the month of April, including in medina on April 27.
During these mobile office hours, constituents can receive one-on-one assistance from Tenney’s team of expert caseworkers on issues with federal agencies, including the Veterans Administration, Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, or Passport Agency.
If you are interested in attending any of these mobile office hours, please schedule an appointment by contacting Tenney’s District Office at (315) 236-7088 or walk in at any time to receive assistance. Scheduling an appointment ahead of time will typically allow for a more expedited casework experience.
Congresswoman Tenney maintains three full-time offices in Lockport, Victor, and Oswego, with regular satellite hours in Watertown every Tuesday 9 am to 1 pm. The Lockport (716-514-5130), Victor (585-869-2060), and Oswego (315-236-7088) offices are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional information on casework services and office locations can be found at tenney.house.gov.
Mobile office hours will be available at the following times and locations:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 April 2023 at 9:48 am
ALBION – The Albion Village Board held its annual organizational meeting last week and approved many appointments to committees and also to positions.
Those appointments include:
Fair Housing Officer – Tracy VanSkiver who is village clerk and treasurer
Disaster Coordinator – Police Chief David Mogle
Village Attorney – John Gavenda
Historic Preservation Commission (terms to expire April 2027) – Richard Nenni and Ian Mowatt
Planning Board (term to expire April 2028) – Deb Zicari
Zoning Board (term to expire April 2028) – Bruce Dugan
Grievance Committee (term to expire April 2024) – Anthony Wynn, Kim Remley and Jason Dragon
Recreational Committee (term to expire April 2024) – Annette Finch, Terry Wilbert, Susan Oschmann, Lisa DeCarlo, Geno Allport, Bernie Baldwin and Michael Beach
Library Board (term that expires 2024) – vacant
Historic Preservation Commission (term that expires April 2026) – vacant
Official banks – Key Bank, Five Star, JP Morgan Chase and NYCLASS
Mileage reimbursement rate set at 65.5 cents a mile to village officers and employees of the village who use their personal automobile while performing their official duties
Official newspaper for carrying public notices – The Daily News in Batavia
Mayor Angel Javier Jr. also gave the village trustees their committee assignments.
Trustee Joyce Riley will be on the committees for Albion Police Department, Albion Fire Department, Sewer Department, Cemetery, Water Department, Law and Public Relations.
Trustee Chris Barry is assigned to committees for DPW, Code Enforcement, Historic Preservation Commission, Recreation Department and Trailer Parks.
Trustee Zach Burgess’s committees include the Albion Police Department, Code Enforcement Historic Preservation, Animal Control, the Planning Board, Village Office and Insurance.
Trustee Tim McMurray’s committees include DPW, Albion Fire Department, Cemetery, Water Department, Recreation Department, and Law.
Mayor Javier to serve as ex-officio member of each committee.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 10 April 2023 at 8:30 am
MEDINA – Dancing has been in Stephanie Szklany’s blood since she was a teenager.
In fact, she loved it so much she went to college to study dance, so she could teach it to others, and this spring she will celebrate 40 years of running The Dancenter at 443 Main St.
Szklany’s sister Joanna Pasceri of Lockport calls The Dancenter “a fixture in the historic village of Medina.” She said what makes her sister’s story even more meaningful is surviving the challenging economic times, only worsened by the Covid pandemic.
“Her longevity has brought the studio full circle with many of her former students now enrolling their children or grandchildren in dance lessons,” Pasceri said.
Szklany was born and raised in Lockport, graduating in 1976 from Lockport Senior High School. At 16, she started taking dance lessons from Rolann Crowe in Lockport, and when she had to make a decision about her career, dance was all she knew, she said. By then she was taking dance from Maria Battaglia at the American Academy of Ballet in Buffalo. In high school, she studied ballet, tap and jazz, but when she went to Buffalo, she just focused on ballet.
“I asked Maria if there were any colleges that focused on dance,” Szklany said. “She told me about York University in Toronto. I auditioned and applied and got in.”
Her passion would have been to dance professionally, but to do that she said you have to start a lot younger than she did.
Part of her college curriculum was teaching small groups and she really enjoyed it, she said.
“The only struggle in my years was during Covid,” Szklany said. “That nearly killed us. When we were able to start back up after nearly six months, I had to install two $500 air filters and wash the bars continuously, and we all had to wear masks. It was a real challenge how to keep kids six feet apart.”
She said a lot of parents didn’t want their children that close and most didn’t send their children back. In her heyday, Szklany said her students numbered more than 200. Her numbers are now 140, and dancers are slowly coming back.
Szklany teaches ballet, pointe, jazz, tap and creative movement. She accepts students starting at 2 ½, as long as they are potty-trained. And she runs classes with adults.
(Left) Jo Anne Benthin, left, assistant instructor, and Stephanie Szklany, owner, compare notes at the end of a class. Benthin has been with The Dancenter for more than 20 years. (Right) Dancenter owner Stephanie Szklany goes through a routine with Carmen Sutch during a recent class. Each of the young dancers gets one-on-one instruction.
Opening a studio in Medina just evolved.
“After college, my dad wanted me to open my own studio right away, but I wanted to wait,” she said. “I went to work teaching ballet for Sylvia McDonald for a year at School of the Dance, but I wasn’t making any money. I didn’t want to compete with her, so I found this space in Medina. When I got here, I discovered there was already a dance studio here, but she moved away a year later.”
Two sisters who dance in the 3- to 6-year-old class are Mabel Schiffer, 3, and Hattie, 6, daughters of Ben and Rebecca Schiffer of Medina. Mabel started last year when she was not yet 3, and has no trouble learning the routines.
“The girls like to dance and play the songs at home,” Rebecca said.
Mariana Roman, 5, also loves to dance, and likes jazz and tap, said her stepmother Bekah Roman, who brings her to dance class. She is a daughter of Mark Roman and Brianna Wheeler.
One of Szklany’s students was Brandon Johnson, who now runs his own dance studio. Another student, Lisa Vaughn, also opened her own studio, and other students have gone on to dance in the Nutcracker.
Jo Anne Benthin has been her assistant for more than 20 years. She studied in Medina with Lori Balcerzak when she was young. Neither of the ladies have any plans to give up doing what they love any time soon.
On May 20, Szklany will have a recital for her students at 1 and 7 p.m. at Medina High School, followed by a big celebration of her anniversary the next day at Sacred Heart Club on North Gravel Road.
Current students and anyone with a ticket to the recital will be admitted free of charge to her celebration.
