Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke

GAINES – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office this morning charged Alexander C. Gelo, 31, of Albion following a traffic stop on Ridge Road in the Town of Gaines.

Alexander C. Gelo

At about 10:20 a.m. today, Deputy Cory Martindale initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle known to be operated by Gelo who has an active warrant.

Gelo was taken into custody without incident on the arrest warrant and charged with criminal tampering with a witness in the 3rd degree and aggravated harassment 2nd. The warrant stemmed from an incident that occurred on Feb. 14, when it alleged Gelo made threats to physically harm a witness in a criminal proceeding against Gelo.

The proceeding is related to two incidents that occurred in September 2022. Gelo was arrested and charged with attempted burglary 3rd and menacing 2nd while using a handgun while attempting to break into a greenhouse in the Town of Carlton, and another incident where he was charged with 11 counts criminal possession of stolen property 4th, and one count of criminal possession of stolen property 5th after stealing from vehicles, also in the Town of Carlton.

Law enforcement seized a defaced handgun, marijuana and cash.

Gelo was released on his own recognizance for those charges as bail was not able to be set per the NYS bail reform.

Pursuant to the warrant arrest this morning, deputies located a loaded 9mm handgun in Gelo’s possession. He was additionally charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the 2nd degree, a class C felony; criminal possession of a weapon 3rd degree, possessing a firearm with a defaced serial number a class D felony; and criminal possession of marijuana 4th degree for possessing more than 6oz of marijuana. Gelo is a previously convicted felon.

This incident was investigated by Deputy Cory Martindale, Deputy Jeff Cole, Sgt. Dave Foeller, Inv. Kevin Colonna, Inv. Devin Pahuta, Inv. Brian Marsceill, with the assistance of Officer Nathaniel Staines from the Albion Police Dept.

Gelo is currently being held at the Orleans County Jail pending an appearance in Orleans County County Court.

Sarah Martin (left), SNAP nutritionist, and Marie Gabalski, nutrition program coordinator at Cornell Cooperative Extension, clown around during a break in the first series of Stone Soup.

KNOWLESVILLE – A new program funded by a Highmark grant of $250,000 is teaching families with limited incomes how to eat healthy on a budget.

The grant was an idea developed at Community Action of Orleans & Genesee with assistance from Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Called Stone Soup, the first six-week classes at Cornell Cooperative Extension on the fairgrounds just ended with 21 graduates, said Cooperative Extension nutrition coordinator Marie Gabalski.

Each week, participants in the classes learned something different, such as food groups, fiber, fats and carbs, how to read food labels, fruits and vegetables and how to shop affordably, Gabalski said.

“We try to make it fun,” she said. “Twenty-six people registered for the first series of classes and 21 graduated. Classes for March and May are already full.”

Participants who attended all six classes and graduation received a kitchen kit which included a skillet, utensils, hot plate and an Instapot.

Many positive comments were received on the classes. One lady said, “I enjoyed learning how to pair healthy ingredients into a meal and knowing what and how to choose.”

Another commented, “What was important to me was being talked to and not ‘at.’The information was easy to understand.”

Yet another said she enjoyed learning about nutrition and healthy options. “I didn’t know the difference in types of fat before,” she said.

During July, the nutritionists are planning a similar program with school children. Registration for May classes is being prioritized for those who attend the meal program at Community Action’s center in Holley. Others will be placed on a waiting list for the Stone Soup program in the fall.

While Stone Soup was developed with low-income families in mind, there is no income requirement and anyone who wishes to sign up may contact Gabalski at Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, (585) 798-4265.

Marie Gabalski, nutrition coordinator at Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, hands out certificate of completion to Rosemary Fisher and Beth Williams. 

Members of the first graduating class of Stone Soup at Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension get their free gifts, including an Instapot, hot plate and utensils. Marie Gabalski, Cooperative Extension nutritionist, left, hands out kits to Jane Read, Janine Parker, right, and Alicia Dingman, rear.

Press Release, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

ALBANY – New York State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, members of the Senate Republican Conference, and statewide energy stakeholders on Monday unveiled a package of smart energy policies to pursue a cleaner energy future.

The plan puts affordability and reliability first for New York ratepayers, in sharp contrast to some of the radical proposals coming out of Albany.

“Albany’s radical energy proposals are unrealistic, unaffordable and unforgiving for the everyday hardworking New Yorker,” Ortt said. “At a time when our economy is unstable and many of our businesses are still struggling to get back on their feet, we should be focusing on providing much-needed relief, not extreme climate policies at the taxpayers’ expense. Seeking a cleaner energy future does not have to involve outright prohibitions on reliable, affordable energy. It should involve common sense, transparency, and affordability for all New Yorkers.”

Outlined in the Governor’s Executive Budget proposal, Albany’s radical climate agenda would completely prohibit the installation of natural gas, propane and fuel oil hookups in new and existing buildings no later than 2035. These devastating bans on reliable, affordable energy sources includes deadlines of:

• December 31, 2025 for new one family residential buildings of any height or multi-family residential buildings of three stories or fewer;
• December 31, 2028 for new multi-family residential buildings more than three stories or new commercial buildings;
• January 1, 2030 for existing one family residential buildings of any height or multi-family buildings of three stories or fewer; and
• January 1, 2035 for existing multi-family residential buildings more than three stories or commercial buildings.

In addition, the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) would have authority establish an economy-wide “Cap and Invest” program for greenhouse gas emissions, which will mean new taxes and extra burdens on ratepayers and businesses.

To make matters worse, the Executive Budget’s “Public Renewables ‘Lite’” would give authority to the New York Power Authority to plan, design, develop, finance, construct, own, operate, maintain, improve, alone or jointly with other entities, renewable energy generating projects. This would effectively allow for all-government takeovers of private sector business projects, and chart a dangerous path where state government becomes the only supplier of electricity in New York.

The New York Senate Republican Conference has proposed several affordable solutions in pursuing a cleaner energy future, such as:

• Independent cost studies and full transparency;
• Supporting diverse energy sources;
• Keep needed power supply online to ensure reliability of our grid; and
• Repealing and opposing and anti-market mandates on consumers.

“I’m an engineer, not a politician – so I have a different perspective on New York’s energy plan than most of the people in Albany,” said Richard Ellenbogen, president of Allied Converters. “It’s more about the science and less about the money. But having been an engineer at Bell Laboratories in their power systems lab, and having run my own manufacturing business for over four decades, I have a fundamental understanding that without the money, you can’t do the science. I decarbonized my business and my home two decades ago. I have been living the electric lifestyle for two decades, which is where New York State is trying to go. While the state’s intentions are good, and I would love to see the energy plan succeed, unfortunately I can safely say that New York State’s plan is a disaster waiting to happen, because the math and the physics just don’t work.”

“While New Yorkers are willing to do their fair share regarding climate change, the current proposal to eliminate fossil fuels connections to new homes by 2025, and with reliance solely on renewables alone for home heating by 2035 lacks the reliability and safety New Yorkers deserve,” said Wayne Stritsman, founder of a family business, Best Fire Hearth & Patio. “Winters in New York are cold and unpredictable and power outages happen way too often and last way too long. Fuel choice offers us the opportunity for a backup heat source to protect our families when the unexpected happens. Homeowners want and appreciate back up heat. No one should be left out in the cold.”

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today joined a resolution expressing opposition to Governor Kathy Hochul’s plan to steal enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (eFMAP) funds from local governments.

Hochul’s plan, which was released as part of her budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year, would jeopardize the financing of Medicaid and pass along significant costs to New York’s 62 counties, which fund a large portion of the state’s Medicaid program.

Rep. Tenney joined U.S. Reps. Marc Molinaro (NY-19) and Nick Langworthy (NY-23) in introducing this measure.

Congress delivers federal funds directly to states to cover a share of their Medicaid programs and other healthcare initiatives. Congress intended eFMAP funds to be shared with the New York counties and local governments that sustain the Medicaid program.

However, under Governor Hochul’s 2024 budget plan, the funds would bypass counties altogether, with up to $1 billion in eFMAP funds going directly into state coffers. This will force counties to further raise property taxes on local taxpayers to cover the difference. This resolution clarifies that it was Congress’ intent for eFMAP funds to be shared directly with the county and local governments that cover the associated costs.

“Governor Kathy Hochul’s state budget proposal amounts to an egregious theft of taxpayer dollars,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “She proposes that Albany Democrats steal federal funds that Congress intended to go directly to our counties. This absolutely reckless proposal will lead to a tax hike on working families across New York.

“Our counties shoulder a significant portion of our state’s Medicaid share, and they should therefore receive federal reimbursement. If Kathy Hochul and Albany Democrats think they are entitled to these federal funds, they should shift the burden of funding Medicaid from our counties back to our state’s capital, as every other state in the country does. New York is the only state that demands local governments cover half of the Medicaid share. It is deeply unfair, and it must end.”

LYNDONVILLE – St. Joseph’s Catholic Church suffered extensive damage in a fire last night.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 3:41 a.m. after a motorist on Route 63 saw flames coming from the building at 36 Lake Ave.

The fire likely started in the rear of the building, where the church was heavily damaged. Fire investigators are on the scene this morning trying to determine the cause.

“It’s devastating,” said long-time church member Gary Daum. “There is so much damage. The walls are peeled. The back end is gone.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Firefighters are on the back side of the church this morning. They worked to open roof hatches and put out any smoldering fires in the walls.

Daum said officials from the Western New York Diocese will be on scene today to assess the damage and determine the next steps for the congregation, which is part of the Our Lady of Lake Parish with a church in Barker.

The fire could have been much worse, taking the whole building if it wasn’t from a quick response from local firefighters, said Dave Hydock, a deputy fire coordinator with the county and 45-year member of the Lyndonville Fire Department.

He said there were 15 to 20 Lyndonville firefighters on the scene within 20 minutes of the call, and then crews soon followed from Medina, Shelby and Ridgeway. Albion and Carlton also joined in keeping the fire from totally engulfing the church. Firefighters had the blaze under control in about 35 minutes, Hydock said.

“In another 10 or 15 minutes this would have been like a barn fire,” Hydock said this morning at the scene. “In all my years as a fire coordinator this was a very good stop in a large building.”

Hydock has been a fire coordinator for 19 years. He praised the firefighters for responding so fast after being awakened from sleep to fight the fire.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church was built in 1917 as a mission church under St. Mary’s in Medina.

Provided photo: The fire in the back of the church can be seen in this photo taken that shows the front.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Firefighters were able to keep the blaze from totally destroying the church on Lake Avenue.

A winter weather advisory has been issued until midnight for Orleans, Genesee, Niagara and northern Erie counties.

The forecast calls for 2 to 5 inches of snow with winds gusting as high as 35 miles per hour. There will be periods of snow resulting in snow-covered roads and limited visibilities.

“Plan on slippery road conditions,” the Weather Service said. “The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute.”

Derek Maxfield has book release party on March 17 for ‘Man of Fire: William Tecumseh Sherman in the Civil War’

Press Release, Genesee Community College

BATAVIA – Genesee Community College is thrilled to announce the release of Associate Professor of History Derek Maxfield’s latest work, Man of Fire: William Tecumseh Sherman in the Civil War.

Part of the Emerging Civil War Series, published by Savas Beatie, the book is a biography of one of the Civil War’s more controversial generals.

According to Maxfield, his second book is special for its collaboration with his GCC colleagues. “You know, while I am proud of the biography,” Maxfield said, “I am especially proud of the contributions from my friends at GCC who wrote great essays for the appendix. Their work added to the quality of the book immeasurably.”

Man of Fire features appendices penned by GCC Associate Professor of English Tracy Ford, Associate Professor of English Michael Gosselin and Student Success Coach Jess Maxfield. Books that are part of the Emerging Civil War Series feature appendices following the main text that cover topics from the book in more depth.

“Each of these appendices explores a facet of Sherman’s career that sheds extra light on the main story Derek tells,” said series editor Dr. Chris Mackowski. “The books in the series are all story-driven, so there’s a real emphasis on narrative. Rather than disrupt Derek’s narrative flow, we parsed out some of these topics as appendices so we could really explore them. That makes the appendices added value for the reader.”

Mackowski said the appendices are also important as a way for Emerging Civil War to cultivate “emerging voices” in the field. “The appendices give those new writers the chance to earn publication experience,” he explained. “Being coupled with other ’emerging voices,’ along with the more-established author of the book, allows each writer to benefit from success of the entire group. The rising tide lifts all boats.”

Derek Maxfield

Man of Fire: William Tecumseh Sherman in the Civil War tells the story of a man who found himself in war – and that, in turn, secured him a place in history. Condemned for his barbarousness or hailed for his heroics, the life of this peculiar general is nonetheless compelling-and thoroughly American.

Forging an identity in the fire of war, the unconventional general kindled a friendship with Ulysses S. Grant and proved to everyone at Shiloh, Vicksburg, Chattanooga, Georgia, and in the Carolinas that while he was unorthodox, he was also brilliant and creative. More than that, he was eminently successful and played an important role in the Union’s victory.

Since joining GCC in 2009, Derek Maxfield has built a reputation as an exceptional storyteller, author, playwright, director and award-winning teacher. Twice awarded SUNY’s highest system-level honor, Maxfield was recognized in 2013 with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Scholarship and Creative Activities and in 2019 the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

He has written, directed and performed in a number of plays which have toured the country – including “Now We Stand by Each Other Always” in which he portrayed Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. More recently, Maxfield was commissioned by the Landmark Society of Genesee County to produce a play highlighting the Brisbane family of Batavia.

Maxfield in 2020 had his first book published, “HELLMIRA: The Union’s Most Infamous Civil War Prison Camp – Elmira, NY” which explores this notorious time period in the history of Elmira.

In celebration of the release of his new book, Maxfield is hosting a book launch party on Friday, March 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. at GO Art!, located at 201 East Main St. in Downtown Batavia. The event is free and open to all. Copies of Man of Fire will be available for sale and signing.

Man of Fire: William Tecumseh Sherman in the Civil War is available for purchase from Savas Beatie or Amazon.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Burger King in Albion has been collecting donations this month for Supportive Care of Orleans and was at $3,456 as of 1:30 this afternoon.

Pictured from left include Sam Rogers, Krystle Hughson, Owen Mitchell, general manager Shelby Hollenbeck and assistant general manager Liz Lamay.

Hollenbeck said she is pleased by the response from the customers. Many give their change, or a dollar bill, while others have donated $20s, with several people giving a hundred dollars. Jim and Kerry Panek donated $1,000 to the organization that assist hospice patients and their families.

“People love to give to local organizations,” Hollenbeck said.

The Burger King will be accepting donations until tomorrow, and will then turn over the funds to Supportive Care of Orleans.

There are donations boxes inside the BK and also at the drive-through.

Village needs to first fully update comprehensive plan and zoning texts

Courtesy of Orleans County Department of Planning & Development: This map shows the zoning districts in the Village of Holley.

HOLLEY – The Village of Holley is looking to update its zoning map, including a large parcel of land on Bennetts Corners Road as commercial, an expansion of the light industrial zone going south of the railroad tracks, and more land designated as conservation near the Holley Waterfalls.

The Orleans County Planning Board recommended against the changes right now, saying the village first needs to update the comprehensive plan and zoning texts. Changing the map is the last step in the process, Planning Board members said during their meeting last Thursday.

Holley hasn’t updated the map since 2008. The village is working to update the comprehensive plan.

Jeff Martin, a local attorney and Holley resident, said the village has the steps in the process out of order. He said the village also needs to do a “type 1 action” or the longer environmental impact study because more than 25 acres are being rezoned.

Martin said about 40 percent of the total village acreage would be rezoned as part of the updated zoning map.

He is most concerned with rezoning 60 acres on Bennetts Corners Road near Route 31. A developer from Chicago wants to develop that agricultural land into a banquet facility with 100 parking spaces. Martin and another neighbor, Roger Passarell, would have that facility within view of their backyards. They both attended Thursday’s Planning Board meeting.

Martin said the zoning map change appears to be an effort “to legitimize this for the developer without going through the normal process of comprehensive plan and zoning amendments.”

Mylynda Kuba, Holley’s former code enforcement officer, said the village has already passed local laws for some of the zoning map changes, especially in the downtown business district.

“There are currently a lot of open zoning areas,” she said. “The current map doesn’t work. There’s a lot that needs to be done in the Village of Holley.”

ALBION – The Orleans Koinonia Kitchen, which has been serving about 250 meals on Thursdays, will expand its efforts beginning this week.

Faith Smith, the kitchen’s director, said the OK Kitchen will start offering bags of food and an extra frozen meal.

“Our goal is to provide at least 4 days’ worth of food through one visit to the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen,” Smith said. “During Covid the government provided extra food stamps for many households including our seniors. As of March 1, that will be ending, leaving many households that were already struggling to feed themselves and their families to figure out how to stretch a dollar to feed everyone especially with the ever-increasing food prices.”

Smith said a new freezer purchased by David Mitchell of Mitchell Funeral Homes will be used to store soups, stews, chilis and other premade meals. Those meals will then be given out on Thursdays in addition to the regular weekly meal served at the kitchen from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

The plan beginning this Thursday will be to offer the usual eat-in meal, and now an additional to-go meal, a bag of food for at least another meal to be made at home, and a frozen cup of soup, stew, chili or pre-made meal that will include a biscuit, roll, bread or crackers (depending on the item) and a bagged dessert.

“All this is being done with the support and dedication from our community supporters, volunteers and donors,” Smith said.

The OK Kitchen started on June 2 at Harvest Christian Fellowship and served about 7,000 meals in the first seven months.

Smith said there are many supporters of the kitchen including several of the local churches including full support from the Medina Area Association of Churches (MAAC) and Pastors Aligned for Community Transformation (PACT).

Other contributors include Albion and Medina Lions Club, Albion Rotary Club, Albion Subway, Albion Central School teachers and students, The Knights of Columbus, Heritage Wind, SVD, Emma Reed Webster Foundation, Village of Albion employees, Albion Merchants Association, Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association, Albion Elks Lodge, Orleans VFW, Orleans County United Way, Mitchell Funeral Homes, Morrison Realty, Hu-Lane Farms, Burgio’s Hair Salon, Generations Bank, Cobblestone Federal Credit Union, Oak Orchard Chiropractic, Busy Buddies, GCASA, Take Form, Suburban Electric and many other private donations from community members.

For more information contact Smith at okkitchen2022@gmail.com, or the check the OK Kitchen website or Facebook page.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – The DSP Jazz Trio performs on Friday evening at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina. From left include Skip Taylor on the electronic drum set, Derek Reiss on trumpet and flugelhorn, and Pete Mark on trombone and vocals.

The jazz trio performed songs from the American Song Book and jazz standards. About 75 people attended the concert. That is about half of the usual crowd. Friday’s attendance was hindered by icy conditions outside.

The DSP Jazz Trio performs on Friday at Lee-Whedon. The group also is a frequent entertainer at the Bent’s Opera House in Medina.

There is one more concert in the nine-week Finally Fridays series with Step In Time playing Irish folk songs on March 3. The concert starts at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6.

The Medina library has hosted the series since 2002 with the 2021 concerts cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The series receives funding from the New York State Council on the Arts in a program administered by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

The average price for regular unleaded gas is down 4 cents nationally in the past week to $3.37, and 4 cents state-wide to $3.45, AAA reported today. A year ago the average price nationally was at $3.60 per gallon and $3.80 in New York State.

In Orleans County, the average price is $3.46 today, which is down 3 cents from $3.49 a week ago.

The average diesel price is also down 8 cents in the past week in the state – from $5.13 a week ago to $5.05 today. The price was $5.295 a month ago and $4.246 a year ago.

AAA Western and Central New York issued the following statement about gas prices:

“The national average for a gallon of gas is down once again this week while prices in New York have fallen slightly across the board. Favorable oil prices continue to keep prices at the pump falling. This morning oil prices range from $77 to $83 per barrel, consistent with a week ago and well off the highs we saw last year.

“Diesel prices are also falling. The national average price for a gallon of diesel is $4.41, down 8 cents from a week ago. Here in New York the current average for diesel is $5.05, down 8 cents from last week.”

Here are the average prices for regular unleaded among WNY counties:

• Orleans, $3.459
• Genesee, $3.362
• Wyoming, $3.424
• Livingston, $3.428
• Monroe, $3.429
• Niagara, $3.303
• Erie, $3.396
• Chautauqua, $3.551
• Cattaraugus, $3.320
• Allegany, $3.528

Presbyterian Church will host Wednesday gatherings for 5 weeks

Press Release, Albion Ministerium

ALBION – After a three-year hiatus, Lenten lunches will resume this Wednesday, as hosted by the Albion Ministerium. The gatherings will take place at noon each Wednesday in March at the Albion Presbyterian Church, 29 East State St.

Participating congregations will take turns providing a simple meal of soup, sandwich, and cookies, with beverages also provided. At each event, a pastor from the community will lead a devotional message, and musicians will lead three well-known hymns.

Anyone from the Albion area is welcome to attend. A free will offering will be collected and used to offset expenses for future Ministerium-sponsored events, including the Baccalaureate service for Albion High School graduates in June.

The 2023 schedule of Albion Lenten lunches and leaders is:

• March 1 – Pastor Sue Thaine and the Albion Presbyterian Church, with musician Marie Follett will accompanying the hymns: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” and “Because He Lives.”
• March 8 – Pastor Marsha Rivers, with the Albion Baptist and Gaines Carlton Community churches, with musician Marie Follett will accompanying the hymns: “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” “I Need Thee Every Hour,” and “Wonderful Words of Life.”
• March 15 – Father Dick Csizmar and the Holy Family Parish, with musician Kay Marsh accompanying the hymns: “I Love to Tell the Story,” “Blessed Assurance,” and “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.”
• March 22 – Pastor Jim Heiler and the West Barre United Methodist Church, with musician Kay Marsh accompanying the hymns: “How Great Thou Art,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” and “Bind Us Together, Lord.”
• March 29 – Pastor Randy LeBaron and the Eagle Harbor United Methodist Church, with musicians Jim Heiler and Susan Boring accompanying the hymns: “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” “Sing Hallelujah to the Lord,” and “Standin’ in the Need of Prayer.”

With questions about the Lenten lunches or Albion Ministerium activities, contact Pastor Marsha Rivers at (585) 355-7373.

BUFFALO – Father Joseph Vatter, a retired priest in the Western New York Diocese, has been placed on administrative leave after an allegation he sexually abused a child, the Diocese announced.

Bishop Michael W. Fisher said the diocese is investigation the allegation. Prior to being placed on leave, Father Vatter was occasionally celebrating Masses at various diocesan churches. He previously served at St. Mary’s in Medina.

The diocese said this administrative leave is for the purpose of investigation and does not imply any determination as to the truth or falsity of the complaint.

The diocese said people with information specific to clerical sexual abuse are encouraged to contact Jackie Joy, victim assistance coordinator for the diocese, at 716-895-3010.