By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 10 March 2023 at 4:37 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Jim Punch, who oversees the Lions Club Medical Loan Closet with Dave Bellucci, poses amid the room full of medical equipment they have available for loan. They are looked for a donation of a child’s wheelchair, for which they’ve had requests.
MEDINA – The Medina Lions Club Medical Loan Closet exists to help people who need medical equipment, and now the loan closet is in need.
While the closet has been in existence for many years, having started in Lyndonville, the Lions have never had a request for a child’s wheelchair, until recently. In the past few months, they have received three such requests, according to Jim Punch, who oversees the closet with Dave Bellucci.
The Medina Lions Club Medical Loan Closet is located at the Olde Pickle Factory on Park Avenue.
The Medina Lions took over managing the Medical Loan Closet from the Lyndonville Lions in the summer of 2019. A short time later, with the help of Lyndonville Lion Russ Martino, the Medina Lions began to operate the loan closet, with the purpose to accept donations of medical items from the public and lend those items to those who need them.
“Very often, the need of these expensive items is temporary and we provide a way to reuse them and save people the expense of buying them,” Punch said. “Everyone is eligible to borrow items from us, and we serve all of Orleans and eastern Niagara counties.”
The medical equipment, which includes hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, canes, knee scooters, braces, shower chairs, commodes and lift chairs, among other items, is stored in space generously donated by the Old Pickle Factory’s owner, Roger Hungerford, Punch said. Other equipment is stored in overflow space donated by Barden Homes.
“We are completely dependent upon individual members of the community for our medical equipment,” Punch said.
“Recently, we have had requests for pediatric wheelchairs,” he said. “A good quality children’s wheelchair is quite expensive. When they come to us they are often in a difficult financial position. It is sad when we have to turn them away.”
Punch added they are now also in need of lift chairs and hospital beds. A short time ago, they had 24 hospital beds, but 22 of them are currently loaned out. He said they continue to accept donations of most items on the list above, with some limitations due to storage space. For instance, they have about 100 aluminum walkers and have little room for more. They also have an abundance of shower chairs and commodes.
The Medina Lions is grateful to those who have donated space and to the community for helping them provide this service, but they are hoping someone will step up and help them fill the need for a child’s wheelchair.
Anyone having a child’s wheelchair to donate or who would like to donate money to purchase one may contact the Medical Loan Closet at (585) 205-3502 or Punch at (585) 332-6398.
ROCHESTER, NY – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System Associate Director Shawn Defries, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, Monroe County Veterans Service Agency Director Nick Stefanovic, and Veterans Outreach Center Executive Director Laura Stradley visited the Rochester Calkins VA Clinic to highlight the implementation of the recently passed Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022.
Passed in 2022, the PACT Act included Gillibrand’s signature legislation to establish a presumptive service connection to certain illnesses for service members and veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins, eliminating many obstacles they have to go through to receive crucial health care and benefits. It is estimated that roughly 3.5 million military personnel could have been exposed to burn pits and are eligible to receive benefits.
During her visit, Gillibrand and staff members helped veterans exposed to burn pits learn how they can access and apply for these new benefits.
“When the PACT Act was signed into law, it created one of the most significant benefits expansions in VA history,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Today, I’m visiting the Rochester Calkins VA Clinic to ensure our vets across Rochester have the information and assistance needed to take full advantage of these new health care and disability benefits. I fought tooth and nail to secure these benefits and now my office is here to help make the implementation process of the PACT Act as smooth as possible.”
Applying for Benefits FAQ
• How can I submit a claim? – Eligible veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances can submit a claim at VA.gov/PACT.
• What if I was previously denied? – The PACT Act expanded eligibility for VA health care and benefits, so even if you were previously denied coverage, you may now be eligible. Submit a supplemental claim to get the health care and benefits you deserve at VA.gov/PACT.
• Who is covered under the new law? – Veterans who served in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, or the UAE on or after Aug. 2, 1990
Veterans who served in Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, or Uzbekistan on or after Sept. 11, 2001
• What illnesses are covered? – A wide range of cancers and respiratory illnesses are covered, including: asthma diagnosed after service, head cancer of any type, neck cancer of any type, respiratory cancer of any type, gastrointestinal cancer of any type, reproductive cancer of any type, lymphoma cancer of any type, lymphomatic cancer of any type, kidney cancer, brain cancer, melanoma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis, emphysema, granulomatous disease, interstitial lung disease, pleuritis, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, pancreatic cancer, chronic sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, and glioblastoma.
• What benefits can I expect to be covered? – Just like the Vietnam veterans who fell ill from their exposure to Agent Orange, under this law, anyone deployed to one of the 16 identified countries during the Gulf War and Global War on Terror (listed above) who falls ill with one of the listed conditions will be able to go to the VA and get a disability rating. Depending on the rating, the veteran may be eligible for disability compensation. They are also entitled to free VA health care for their illness.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 10 March 2023 at 1:52 pm
Sara Richardson says getting married at 19 one of her life’s highlights
Sara Richardson, a resident of Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, celebrated her 100th birthday today with staff and fellow residents. She will celebrate again Saturday with her family.
MEDINA – Sara Richardson never thought she’d live to be 100, but today at Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, she observed her centennial birthday with a beautifully decorated cake.
“This is a milestone not many of us will see,” said activities director Jamie Murphy.
Richardson was born March 10. 1923 in Eldred, Pa., one of three children. She recalls her parents’ names were Oscar and Lily. She married Morris Richardson when she was 19. He went in the service and she went to work in a steno pool.
After the couple moved to Olean they were part of Richardson’s Grocery, a store owned by Morris’s family for many years.
Sara was also a seamstress, making most of their clothes, including daughter Moreen’s wedding gown.
After moving to East Aurora, she was church secretary at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
Sara said she was always a hard worker and her family always drank milk. Like her father, she said they didn’t drink alcohol.
She still has a good appetite and likes to watch TV. She attends coffee hour at the nursing home and enjoys church services and music. She looks forward to seeing the treat cart come around and to one-on-one visits with her family.
She came to Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in October 2022 to be near her daughters, Joan who lives in Holley, and Moreen in Tonawanda.
She will have another celebration with her family on Saturday.
When asked what she considered the most exciting thing in her 100 years, she replied, “Getting married.”
MEDINA – The Medina Rotary Club is bringing back its comedy night, after not holding one of those events during the Covid pandemic.
“It was a shame that we had to stop having our comedy shows but totally understandable,” said organizer Carl Tuohey of the Medina Rotary Club. “The shows always do well and are so much fun!”
The comedy night is back on March 18, starting at 8 p.m. at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville. (Click here for ticket information.)
Rob Lederman, owner of Rob’s Comedy Playhouse in Buffalo, will again headline the show as he has in the past. Lederman has performed all over the world. Prior to his current club he also owned the Comix Cafe in Tonawanda and was the morning co-host on WGRF-97 Rock and WPHD-The Fox.
His style is somewhat against the norm for most comedians. He avoids racial and sexist humor. “I hate that kind of material,” he said. “It’s a cheap laugh and it’s way too easy.”
Lederman has appeared with Jim Carrey, Dennis Miller, Drew Carey, REO Speedwagon, Barbara Mandrell, Tim Allen, Jeff Foxworthy, Meatloaf, Don Rickles and many others.
Ralph Tetta of Rochester will be the opening act.
Proceeds will go toward projects funded by the Medina Rotary Club. These include purchasing books for 2nd graders, providing meals for those in need at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and providing scholarships for Medina graduates.
Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning begins March 16 and runs through May 14.
Since 2009, DEC has enforced the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires.
“This winter was warmer and drier than most, but regardless of the winter weather, we are always at a greater risk of wildfires in the spring,” Seggos said. “This ban helps protect our communities, natural resources, and the Rangers and other firefighters who extinguish the fires. We’re encouraging all New Yorkers to think about safety first, before starting a potentially dangerous fire.”
Even though some areas of the state remain blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State.
When temperatures warm and the past fall’s debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation. Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres.
In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires. DEC will post the Fire Danger Map for the 2023 fire season on DEC’s website once there is a moderate risk anywhere in New York.
Backyard fire pits and campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small cooking fires. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned.
People should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State. For more information about fire safety and prevention, go to DEC’s FIREWISE New York webpage.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 March 2023 at 8:07 am
There is a winter weather advisory today from 11 a.m. today until 7 a.m. Saturday for Orleans, Niagara, Genesee and northern Erie counties.
The National Weather Service in buffalo says to expect 3 to 6 inches of snow, with winds gusting as high as 35 miles per hour.
“Plan on snow covered and slippery road conditions with poor visibility,” the Weather Service said. “The hazardous conditions will impact the Friday evening commute with road conditions quickly deteriorating around sunset.”
The high today will be 34 degrees followed by highs of 32 on Saturday, 36 on Sunday and 38 on Monday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 March 2023 at 5:11 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Representatives from the Holy Family Parish in Albion today presented $1,267 to the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen at Harvest Christian Fellowship.
Holy Family did a collection on Super Bowl weekend, Feb. 11-12, and parishioners donated $1,267, about double what is normally given for the “Souper Bowl” collection. The parish in Albion does the collection for the kitchen each weekend during the Super Bowl because people tend to indulge in snacks and food during the big game.
Pictured from left include Father Dick Csizmar, Father Jan Trela, Agnes Piskorowski (holding the check), Faith Smith of the OK Kitchen, Carolyn Budynski, and Father Mark Noonan.
Trela and Noonan started on Wednesday as priests in a family of Catholic churches in Orleans County and eastern Niagara. Noonan was a seminarian in Albion in 2006 and served at St. Mark’s in Kendall and St. Mary’s in Holley for 7 ½ years until about five years ago.
Volunteers from the Holy Family Parish in Albion are making beef stew for the OK Kitchen today. In front chopping carrots and onions include Gina Boothby at left and Elaine Kovaleski at right.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is partnering with the American Red Cross to offer free Hands-Only CPR training to anyone in the district looking to learn.
These 30-minute courses are designed to be quick, simple, and easy to learn, and can make the difference between life and death for others. Hawley is glad to help educate the public on the skill.
“CPR training is an invaluable skill that could very well save lives, and we should all be pushing ourselves to learn it,” Hawley said. “I am grateful to the American Red Cross for their partnership in this initiative, and I hope to see many of you out at this free event.”
The time and place of the training will be:
Saturday, March 18, at 9 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. at the Stafford Fire Department, 6153 Main Rd, Stafford, NY 14143
Tuesday, March 21, at 1 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. at the Albion Elks Lodge 1006, 428 W State St, Albion, NY 14411
Anyone interested in signing up can click here to sign up for the Stafford event.
Those interested in participating at Albion, should click here.
Space is limited, so interested parties are encouraged to apply early. For more information, call Assemblyman Hawley’s office at 585-589-5780.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 March 2023 at 1:11 pm
ALBION – Bullard Park would become an even bigger community asset with courts for volleyball, bocce and pickleball, the Village Board was told on Wednesday.
John Grillo, the village’s long-time recreation director, said those courts wouldn’t cost much to put in and maintain.
He has heard from community members asking for those courts at Bullard. Some people also would like to see a horseshoe playing area.
Grillo said the park has been busier since the new splash park and playground equipment were installed about two years ago. Last year’s summer park’s program averaged 70 kids a day, Grillo said.
The village Department of Public Works will be putting in a disc golf course in the spring with baskets and tee-off areas.
Grillo said he would like to see the bocce, pickleball and volleyball spaces ready by summer. The pickleball could perhaps go where there was a former pavilion near the old bathrooms. That spot still has the asphalt on top of a concrete base. The asphalt would likely need to be removed with new asphalt put down, said Village Trustee Tim McMurray.
The ideas are in the discussion stage right now, Grillo said.
He told the board there is also interest and support in the community to bring back the July 3rd fireworks show which was at Bullard Park.
In other action at Wednesday’s meeting:
• The Village Board appointed Chris Kinter as a part-time code enforcement officer at $25 per hour, not to exceed 1,040 hours in a year.
Kinter was a member of the Albion Planning Board and also works at the Town of Albion code officer.
Trustee McMurray abstained from the vote, saying the village should have posted the position and better advertised it.
Mayor Angel Javier Jr., Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley and Trustee Zack Burgess voted for Kinter.
“He is a known quantity and he has served our community well,” Riley said.
• In another codes issue, the village’s other part-time code enforcement officer, Anne Podolak, requested that former code officer Ron Vendetti be retained as a consultant to share how handled court cases in the role, and also how he was able to generate so much in revenue for the office. Podolak said Vendetti generated more money for the village through the code office than his successors.
“I want to know his processes and procedures,” Podolak told the Village Board.
Riley, the deputy mayor, made a motion for Vendetti to be retained as a consultant for up to 20 hours in the next two months but no one else backed that motion.
“We’re not asking Mr. Vendetti to come back,” Riley said. “We’re asking Mr. Vendetti for his expertise.”
• Fire Chief Rob Conner informed the village he will be done as the Fire Department’s leader on May 1.
“He has done a yeoman’s job leading his men and making sure the village is safe,” Riley said.
• The board approved closing East State Street from Main to Platt on April 8 for the second annual Easter Egg Hunt, an event organized by the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries.
• The board also approved use of Mount Albion Cemetery on march 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Wayne A. Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness Run. That 5K starts near the elementary school and goes along Route 31 for a loop in the cemetery and then heads back down Route 31 to the school.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 March 2023 at 12:26 pm
ALBION – A Medina man admitted in Orleans County Court that he was in possession of two vehicles and also broke into a barn.
Brandon Fuller, 28, pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree and third-degree burglary. He could face 2 to 6 years in state prison when he is sentenced on May 10.
Fuller admitted in county court on Wednesday that he had a 2005 Ford 500 passenger vehicle on Nov. 15 and 2005 Chevrolet Silverado on Feb. 1. Both vehicles were stolen and in either fairly good or good condition.
Fuller also admitted that on Sept. 30 he entered a barn on Gaines Basin Road without permission. Fuller had items stacked up by doors of the barn, and was hiding from law enforcement when they were called to the scene, Assistant District Attorney Susan Howard told County Court Judge Sanford Church.
Fuller was most recently charged on Feb. 1 after a high-speed vehicle pursuit from Route 31A in Barre to near Redman Road in Brockport.
Fuller’s plea agreement on Wednesday also will satisfy other misdemeanors charges he faces, as well as violations of probation.
In other cases in court on Wednesday
• Bryton M. Hitzges, 20, of Albion pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary. He admitted to breaking into a West Avenue building in Albion on Dec. 30 to steal items.
He could face a maximum of 2 1/3 to 7 years in state prison when he is sentenced on May 10.
The plea satisfies other charges against Hitzges. He is suspected in several burglaries to dwellings, garages, sheds and larcenies from vehicles.
As part of the plea he needs to pay $85 restitution for a broken window and could be fined up to $5,000.
• Patricia Capen of Lyndonville pleaded guilty to fourth-degree grand larceny and could face up to a year in the county jail when she is sentenced on May 10. Capen admitted in court that on Jan. 25 she took gel blaster guns from the Walmart in Albion which are valued at $1,470.
• Robert Quinonez, a former inmate at the Orleans Correctional facility, pleaded guilty to attempted assault after he kicked a corrections officer. Quinonez, 22, could be sentenced to an additional 1 ½ to 3 years in state prison. He is now at the Five Points Correctional Facility in Romulus, Seneca County.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 March 2023 at 8:55 am
LYNDONVILLE – Less than a week after a fire destroyed the back end of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lyndonville, and damaged much of the interior, church members feel assured they will have input on the future of the church at 36 Lake Ave.
Bishop Michael Fisher of the Diocese of Buffalo met with church members for about a half hour after Mass on Sunday at St. Mary’s in Medina. The bishop then travelled to Lyndonville to see St. Joseph’s with his own eyes.
Photo courtesy of Chris Busch: The burnt crucifix from St. Joseph’s was set at the side altar of St. Mary’s in Medina for Mass last Sunday.
“He is a very receptive bishop,” said Gary Daum, a member of St. Joseph’s for nearly 50 years. “We’re glad that he came here.”
The Diocese continues to assess the damage to the building from the fire, which is “quite extensive,” said Joe Martone, communications director for the Diocese.
Assessors from the Diocese are determining the full scope of the damage, he said.
Daum said St. Joseph’s members were told they would have a say in the next steps for the church.
“As parishioners, will we have a seat at the table about the future of this church site,” Daum said.
Daum appreciated the show of solidarity from the bishop and also the St. Mary’s parishioners in Medina. The bishop stayed after the Mass at St. Mary’s to meet with the parishioners from St. Joseph’s.
“He talked with anybody and anyone,” Daum said. “Everybody had a chance to have their voices heard.”
At St. Joseph’s in Lyndonville, Daum said he felt more encouraged about the future of the church building than he did soon after the fire. The main structure and sanctuary are intact, and the side of the church and an elevator are OK, he said.
“Yes, it is a mess,” he said. “The bishop said he has seen churches burnt worse than ours.”
While the bishop looked inside the church, St. Joseph’s members stayed outside and prayed, saying the rosary.
The church attendance was down in recent years, partly from the effects of Covid pandemic restrictions. Daum said about 20 people were attending Mass on Saturdays and 25 on Sundays. The church still has a dedicated core of believers.
“Right at this moment we don’t exactly know what the future holds,” Daum said. “There is no statement on where we are going. But at least we know we are being listened to.”
This group from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church says the Rosary outside the church in Lyndonville while Bishop Michael Fisher visits the church on Sunday afternoon after a Mass at St. Mary’s in Medina.
BATAVIA – It can be difficult to attract medical providers to community health centers however we are delighted to introduce three qualified clinicians that have recently joined Oak Orchard’s Batavia office.
They include a family medicine physician who is also board certified in Addiction Medicine, a Family Nurse Practitioner who is bilingual, and a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Please welcome:
Azadfard
Dr. Mohammadreza Azadfard is a specialist in family medicine and sub-specialist in addiction medicine allowing him to address many medical issues within a family. He chose to work at Oak Orchard Health (OOH) to provide primary care services to all.
“Community health centers reduce the cost and language barriers. Here we can address both. OOH also offers mental health and dental services. And with my expertise in addiction medicine, I can help patients in the treatment and recovery of addiction,” said Dr. Azadfard.
Hein
Emily Hein is a pediatric nurse practitioner who recently returned to where she grew up. As a mother of two, she takes health care for children to heart.
“I believe that you and your child are at the heart of the care team. I strive to listen to your thoughts and concerns so you can make informed decisions about your child’s health and treatment,” Hein said.
Rojas
Shelby Rojas is a bi-lingual Family Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about caring for patients within the local community and from the Hispanic immigrant population who have difficulty getting high-quality health care.
“I want to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere to my patients so that they feel satisfied with their health. I strive to ensure that the patient is always an active participant in their own health decisions, together with my medical expertise and training, to provide the best outcomes possible for my patients,” said Shelby.
About Oak Orchard Health
Originally founded in 1973, Oak Orchard Health has grown from a migrant health project into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services including primary care, pediatric care, vision care, dental care, behavioral health, as well as nutrition and outreach services for everyone located in the communities they serve.
Oak Orchard Health is a recognized patient-centered medical home and 501(c) nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) located in the towns of Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Corfu, Hornell, Medina and Warsaw. With the addition of the Mobile Medical Unit and Mobile Dental Unit, we will further increase access to care for our patients.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 March 2023 at 3:56 pm
Risen Café offers ‘safe place with no judgement’
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Risen Café opened on Tuesday the former Crooked Door Tavern at 469 East State St. Pictured from left include Sarah Ferguson, Terry Bryant and Jeannie Sullivan.
ALBION – Pastor Terry Bryant of God’s Voice Ministries wants to lead a 21st Century church where he said everyone is welcome, and they don’t feel out of place if they aren’t familiar with hymns, Bible passages and the usual structure of a church service.
Bryant and the church members at God’s Voice have opened the Risen Café at the former Crooked Door Tavern at 469 East State St. They serve coffee and have a breakfast and lunch menu of soups and sandwiches. They are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday.
“Cheers without beers,” Bryant said. “Everybody can feel comfortable here.”
However, their main goal is offering people a place to share prayer concerns and develop a deeper spiritual life.
“This is a place to connect with people,” Bryant said today at the café. “We want to reach people that wouldn’t come into a traditional church. This is a very nonthreatening environment.”
The church has been meeting out of Bryant’s home the past four years. It was meeting at a Best Western hotel in Lockport until Covid restrictions sent them to Bryant’s living room.
Two of the church members moved to Brown Road in Albion. Bryant was visiting them when he saw the former Crooked Door. He saw the building as a way to serve the community, giving the public another dine-in option for coffee and meals.
But he also sensed people who aren’t connected to a church might see the site as a place to get spiritual guidance.
The congregation has been meeting in the back side of the building since November for Sunday church services at 11 a.m. That space, with a capacity for 37 people, also is used for Bible studies and other gatherings for the church.
The former bar side of the building is the café, where Bible quotes are now on the walls.
Scripture is displayed on the walls at the Risen Café. There is also a prayer corner and a spot for people to submit prayer requests.
Sarah Ferguson of Lyndonville is one of the servers at the Risen Café. She also is the church’s associate pastor. She has master’s degrees in pastoral counseling and addiction recovery. She wants to lead a Christian-based Celebrate Recovery program to help people with addictions, and also direct them to other resources in the community.
“This is somewhere where I can talk about Jesus, learn about people and pray for people,” she said. “We are creating a safe place with no judgement.”
Bryant has worked as an IT systems administrator for about 30 years. He works out of the Larkin Building in Buffalo for Kaleida Health. In 2009, he said he lost feeling in his legs from symptoms of multiple sclerosis. But he said God restored his health and he has been striving to serve God since. He earned a ministry degree while working his other job in information technology.
Bryant initially pushed his ministry with his wife Denise. She contracted Covid and passed away on Dec. 20, 2021. Bryant said he misses his wife very much. He believes that difficult loss can help him relate to others enduring heartache.
“This can be a place where we can have uncomfortable conversations,” he said. “We want to love people where they are.”
