Provided photo: From left include Karen Kinter, interim CEO of Oak Orchard Health; George Sokolsky, president of the Kiwanis Club of Brockport; and Robin Govanlu, OOH director of Behavioral Health.
BROCKPORT – The Kiwanis Club of Brockport donated $1,000 to Oak Orchard Health’s Mommy and Me Healthy We Will Be program and $300 to the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.
The Mommy and Me Program supports new moms and babies experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety. The WIC program offers eligible families breastfeeding support, nutrition counseling, health education, health care referrals, referrals to other services, and nutritious foods.
“The Kiwanis Club of Brockport is dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The local club began in 1926 and has always focused on fundraising and service projects to help children. The Mommy and Me and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs fit perfectly with our mission,” said George Sokolsky, president, Kiwanis Club of Brockport.
The initial idea for Mommy and Me came from our Medical Director and Pediatrician,
Dr. Danielle Renodin-Mead. She brought to our attention that the U.S. has some of the poorest health outcomes for children and their birth mothers. Just one large contributing factor to this is our culture’s approach to postpartum mental health, as well as the stigma that often surrounds this. That stigma is a barrier to mothers seeking the necessary care they need.
“Did you know that 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression or anxiety?” said Karen Kinter, interim CEO, Oak Orchard Health. “The goal of Oak Orchard’s new program is to achieve optimal maternal and child health and to make it easier to have conversations about postpartum depression and anxiety. This program integrates behavioral health care managers into the pediatric care team.”
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today released the following statement after her appointment to the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee in the 118th Congress.
Claudia Tenney
This committee has jurisdiction over all non-defense-related federal scientific research and development portfolios.
Congresswoman Tenney was also named to the committee’s Energy Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the Department of Energy’s research and development programs.
“It is an honor to serve on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee for the 118th Congress,” Tenney said. “This committee is vitally important for maintaining our technological edge over adversaries like China. We simply cannot let our enemies out-compete and out-innovate us. Additionally, with the Biden administration’s war on energy, I am especially honored to serve on the Energy Subcommittee.
“New York’s three remaining nuclear power plants are in New York’s 24th Congressional District. Safe and reliable nuclear power continues to hold great promise for our nation. As a member of the Energy Subcommittee, I will continue to oppose the Biden administration’s dangerous Green New Deal policies and support targeted investments in energy technologies like nuclear that are clean, affordable, and reliable.”
The Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Frank Lucas released the following statement following Tenney’s appointment to the committee:
“I’m very pleased to welcome Congresswoman Tenney to the Science Committee,” said Chairman Lucas. “She understands how scientific innovation drives a strong economy, and she’s been a strong voice for an all-of-the-above approach to developing clean, affordable, and reliable American energy. She will be a tremendous asset to our Committee as we tackle the challenges facing us and work to keep America at the cutting edge of scientific, technological, and economic development.”
BATAVIA – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) visited Jackson Primary School on Friday in Batavia for his annual Valentines for Veterans program.
Students created over 100 valentines for the New York State Veterans’ Home at Batavia. Hawley had an opportunity to join Jackson Primary School Principal Maureen Notaro and meet with a class that crafted handmade valentines for this year’s program. He discussed many issues with the students, including what makes a person a veteran and spoke about the importance of respecting our veterans.
“Connecting with young students on a personal level gave me the opportunity to listen to their ideas about veterans and what these valentines meant to them,” Hawley said. “Working with Jackson Primary School was a blessing, the possibilities for the futures of these young students is immeasurable. I am excited to continue connecting with veterans and local primary schools during next year’s Valentines for Veterans event.”
‘Medina is poised to restore and advance its legacy as a key cultural anchor and economic hub along the Erie Canal’
Photo from Governor’s Office: Pictured from left with a ceremonial $4.5 million check presented to Medina today include Medina Area Partnership President Scott Robinson, Mayor Mike Sidari, David Flynn, Gov. Kathy Hochul, Village Trustee Tim Elliott, Kathy Blackburn, Village Trustee Jess Marciano and Diana Baker. Chris Busch and Lauren Backlas also are on the DRI committee that helped prepare Medina’s application.
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Villages of Geneseo and Medina will each receive $4.5 million in funding as the Finger Lakes region winners of the first round of NY Forward.
Building on the momentum of the State’s successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the $100 million NY Forward program adopts the same “Plan-then-Act” strategy as the DRI to support a more equitable downtown recovery for New York’s smaller and rural communities. As part of NY Forward Round One, two to three awards will be made to smaller communities in each of the state’s ten economic development regions to support development and implementation of a revitalization plan for their downtowns.
“NY Forward is a key part of our economic strategy to grow businesses and local economies, and create thriving communities,” Governor Hochul said. “These investments will help Geneseo and Medina reinvigorate their downtowns by creating jobs, boosting economies, and improving quality of life. My administration is committed to making strategic investments to help strengthen downtowns for the next generation of New Yorkers.”
NY Forward is a central component of the State’s economic development efforts, working together with DRI to accelerate and expand the revitalization of New York’s downtowns. NY Forward serves smaller communities with historic character that distinguishes them from the larger, more urban central business districts typically funded through DRI. NY Forward communities are walkable, less dense areas that serve the immediate local community, and are more local in nature – focusing on the immediately surrounding residential or rural agricultural centric development.
Like DRI, each NY Forward community will develop a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize its downtown through a slate of readily implementable projects. The Department of State will provide enhanced technical assistance to better support smaller communities that may have less capacity as part of the NY Forward program and fund projects appropriately scaled to the size of each community. Projects may include building renovation and redevelopment, new construction or creation of new or improved public spaces and other projects that elevate specific cultural, historical qualities that enhance the feeling of small-town charm.
Geneseo
Downtown Geneseo is centered along the village’s Main Street and Avon Road, which is known as the center of commerce, government, social interaction, entertainment and education in the Village and County. Geneseo seeks to build upon its existing architectural and geographic strengths to thrive as a vibrant cultural hub, performing and visual arts scene and tourist attraction in Livingston County. The Village’s revitalization strategy identifies a number of opportunities to transform several prominent vacant buildings into downtown anchors, enhance walkability, and improve public spaces and amenities.
Medina
Downtown Medina is a compact and walkable area along the Erie Canal encompassing many of the Village’s most impactful economic drivers and a significant portion of its local waterfront and water access points. By capitalizing on the synergies between the downtown and the waterfront, the village’s deep-rooted historical significance and architectural assets, recent and ongoing economic developments and its scenic and strategic location – Medina is poised to restore and advance its legacy as a key cultural anchor and economic hub along the Erie Canal.
Medina’s vision includes investments to reactivate upper stories in downtown, enhance recreational park space and water access, expand cultural tourism assets, diversify housing options, and encourage small business creation.
Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, “The NY Forward program works hand in hand with our successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative to re-energize smaller downtowns and create more opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors. The Villages of Geneseo and Medina are the first Finger Lakes communities to receive NY Forward funds, and both have a vision for revitalization that leverages existing cultural and historical assets to transform their downtowns into an economic engine for the entire region. I look forward to seeing both villages’ transformative visions come to life.”
Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The NY Forward initiative is a focused approach to revitalizing smaller, rural communities throughout New York State. With this targeted funding, the Villages of Geneseo and Medina will be able to map and envision bright futures for their downtowns, through plans designed to accelerate their vibrancy and economic growth.”
Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Today’s NY Forward awards will support meaningful downtown revitalization efforts that will benefit residents of Geneseo and Medina for years to come. This $4.5 million investment in each community will be guided by strategic plans formulated with the cooperation of local leaders and stakeholders to maximize the enhancement of both villages. I look forward to seeing these communities’ plans come to fruition in the near future.”
Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Co-Chair Bob Duffy, President and CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce said, “Geneseo and Medina truly represent all that is good about the Finger Lakes region’s smaller communities and everything that they have to offer. Many thanks to Governor Hochul for recognizing the real need to help fuel the revitalization of these beautiful communities, accelerating economic opportunities for generations to come.”
State Senator Rob Ortt said, “Western New York is on the rebound thanks to our residents and strong local leaders, as well as targeted investments like this. Funding programs to revitalize rural communities and historic downtowns like Medina will only pay dividends toward our state’s economic future. I am proud to represent cities, towns and villages along the Erie Canal, and I will work with my partners in government to ensure that these communities remain focal points in New York’s economic development plans.”
State Senator Pamela Helming said, “Congratulations to the Village of Geneseo and all those whose commitment and hard work resulted in today’s announcement. This is a wonderful day for the residents who live here, the students at SUNY Geneseo who study here, the businesses that grow here, and the tourists who travel here. When completed, this transformative investment will be obvious to anyone who comes to this historic village. I thank Governor Hochul and our state agencies for their partnership and investment in these communities.”
Assemblymember Marjorie Byrnes said, “Geneseo leaders have worked hard to create a safe, walkable, welcoming community in the downtown area. I know there are several projects the village is looking to begin and expand upon with this funding. I am confident the projects will enhance the historic downtown district to benefit residents and visitors alike.”
Assemblymember Stephen Hawley said, “The NY Forward Program funding for the revitalization of these historic villages recognizes the importance of our rural identity in New York State. Rural New York makes up over 85 percent of the geography of the state. Developing Geneseo and Medina are key to driving tourism and new business in the Finger Lakes region. These historic areas deserve this critical funding, and I am thankful they are finally getting the recognition they deserve for these beautiful communities.”
Village of Geneseo Mayor Chris Ivers said, “This award will be transformative to the Village of Geneseo. It will support our newly adopted Comprehensive Plan, and it will lead the economic redevelopment of our historic village. In doing so, it will also ignite new interest and energy in increasing the economic viability of our neighboring towns, as it serves to strengthen our region as a whole.”
Village of Medina Mayor Mike Sidari said, “The Village of Medina firmly believes that projects funded through NY Forward will be a vital step in the continuing rise of our village as a regional economic and tourism destination. This is a transformative moment for Medina, with NY Forward projects advancing opportunity for entrepreneurs, job creation, generation of tax revenue and ultimately attracting more young families and tourists.”
The Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council conducted a thorough and competitive review process of proposals submitted from communities throughout the region and considered the criteria below before recommending these communities as nominees:
The downtown should be compact, with well-dened boundaries;
The downtown is able to capitalize on prior or catalyze future private and public investment in the neighborhood and its surrounding areas;
There should be recent or impending job growth within, or in close proximity to the downtown that can attract workers to the downtown, support redevelopment and make growth sustainable;
The downtown must be an attractive and livable community for diverse populations of all ages, income, gender, identity, ability, mobility and cultural background;
The municipality should already embrace or have the ability to create and implement policies that increase livability and quality of life;
The municipality should have conducted an open and robust community engagement process resulting in a vision for downtown revitalization and a preliminary list of projects and initiatives that may be included in a Strategic Investment Plan;
The municipality has identified transformative projects that will be ready for near-term implementation with an infusion of NY Forward funds; and
The municipality has the local capacity to manage the planning process and implementation of projects, including the ability to oversee contracts for awarded municipal projects.
Geneseo and Medina will now begin the process of developing Strategic Investment Plans to revitalize their downtowns. A local planning committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders will lead these efforts, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners.
The Strategic Investment Plan will examine local assets and opportunities to identify projects that align with each community’s vision and that are poised for implementation. Funding will be awarded for selected projects from the Strategic Investment Plan that have the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and generate new opportunities for long-term growth.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 February 2023 at 11:23 am
Photo courtesy of Tim Elliott: Gov. Kathy Hochul announces a $4.5 million Forward NY grant today in Rochester for the Village of Medina.
ROCHESTER – The Village of Medina was awarded a $4.5 million state grant today following years of effort to secure major funding from the state.
The Forward NY grant was announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul today at The Theater at Innovation Square in Rochester. She highlighted investments in her executive budget for the Finger Lakes Region, and then announced a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative for the Village of Perry in Wyoming County, and then two $4.5 million Forward NY grants – for Medina in Orleans County and the Village of Geneseo in Livingston County.
She praised the officials from those communities for pushing a grand vision for their communities, and seeking the state funding to be a catalyst for a series of improvements.
“They have elected officials who believe the future could be better,” Hochul said.
The specific projects weren’t announced today. Medina is expected to form a committee that will finalize projects and cost estimates, which will then go to the state for final approval.
Hochul has frequently visited Medina in the past decade, first as a member of Congress and then as lieutenant governor before she taking office as governor in August 2021.
She mentioned today that Medina is blessed with many sandstone buildings, a Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame, the Bent’s Opera House and Railroad Museum.
She said she has been a customer at Rudy;’s Diner, Della’s Chocolates and the Author’s Note bookstore (formerly The Book Shoppe). She has attended the Parade of Lights in late November, which she joked seems to fall on the coldest day of the year.
More will be coming on the Orleans Hub on the governor’s announcement and the next steps with the grant.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 February 2023 at 10:18 am
Gov. Kathy Hochul has invited Medina village officials to Rochester this morning as part of an announcement of state investments in the Finger Lakes Region.
Medina has applied for a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant and also a Forward New York grant for up to $4.5 million.
Hochul will make an announcement at 10:30 a.m. at The Theater at Innovation Square, 131 Chestnut Street, Rochester, NY 14604. Her presentation can be following live on the governor’s website by clicking here.
Medina has been a finalist several times before for the $10 million DRI but hasn’t been awarded any of the millions. The $10 million DRI grants are more focused to cities
The state this year is offering the Forward NY grants which are geared towards villages. Those amounts so far in other parts of the state have been for either $2.25 million or $4.5 million.
Some of the Forward NY grants announced by Hochul include $4.5 million for both Lancaster and Wellsville in the Western New York region, and $4.5 million for the Village of Cape Vincent, and $2.25 million for both the villages of Lyons Falls and Waddington in the North Country.
Hochul, during an announcement at Dunkirk on Jan. 24, said the big grants from the state are “catalysts” for private investment in the communities. The grants can jump-start projects and help finish off other efforts.
Mayor Mike Sidari of Medina previously said the village has applied and been interviewed by officials in the region and state for both the $10 million DRI and $4.5 million Forward NY. The funding with accelerate economic development, small business development, tourism and housing projects.
The village has identified potential projects. If awarded one of the grants, those projects would need to go through a final approval process with the state with more precise construction estimates.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 February 2023 at 9:38 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Thrive Foods, new owner of Freeze-Dry in Albion, is looking to invest $5 million in the site at 111 West Ave.
ALBION – The Orleans Economic Development Agency has approved a sales tax abatement for Thrive Foods, owner of the Freeze-Dry facility at 111 West Ave. in Albion.
The company will get about a $60,000 exemption on the sales tax for building materials and machinery, equipment, fixtures and furnishings that would cost an estimated $747,724.
The EDA board on Jan. 21 approved a sales tax exemption for up to $100,000.
Thrive Foods, the new owner of Freeze-Dry, is planning to spend $5 million at the site in the next two years in a renovation of the 250,000-square-foot building and equipment upgrade.
The company anticipates 45 new jobs after three years.
“This will generate new employment opportunities and attract highly skilled labor to the area,” company said in its EDA application
There are currently 59 workers at the site at an average annual pay of $47,386, with Thrive Foods expecting 29 new jobs in first year of renovation and expansion and 16 more in second year. The new positions would be at an average of $39,000 a year to start, according to the application to the EDA filed by Sebastian Nilsson, CEO of Thrive Foods.
Thrive Foods is planning to optimize existing dryer capacity and add new dryers to boost capacity. The project will increase efficiency and add new capabilities, improve the working environment and renovate interior/exterior of the building, the company said.
The projects at the facility include:
renovations to the roof, interior offices, commercial plumbing and paving of parking lot
increase refrigeration capacity to increase number of shifts and output
upgrade equipment through improved maintenance plan
add two additional freeze dryers to improve capacity
The EDA calculated the overall benefit to the county with the facility investments and new employee wages at $7,263,305. With the sales tax abatement at $59,818, the cost to benefit ratio is 17 to 1, according to the EDA.
The Orleans County Legislature also is seeking a $675,000 grant to assist with the expansion and upgrades at Freeze-Dry in Albion. The county is seeking that grant funding from the state Office of Community Renewal. The Orleans Land Restoration Corporation, which is under the EDA umbrella, is assisting the county with the application.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 February 2023 at 8:43 am
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas is down 6 cents in the past in Orleans County, from $3.55 to $3.49, according to AAA.
The national average price nationally for a gallon of gasoline is $3.42, down 5 cents since last Monday.
Regular unleaded gas is at $3.518 today state-wide compared to $3.559 a week ago, $3.438 a month ago and $3.675 a year ago. Diesel remains much higher state-wide than a year ago with today’s average price per gallon at $5.191 compared to $5.256 a week ago, $5.294 a month ago and $4.120 a year ago.
Here are the average prices for regular unleaded in Western New York counties:
Orleans, $3.488
Genesee, $3.393
Wyoming, $3.464
Livingston, $3.486
Monroe, $3.453
Niagara, $3.330
Erie, $3.440
Chautauqua, $3.626
Cattaraugus, $3.491
Allegany, $3.572
AAA issued this statement about the gas prices:
“The national average for a gallon of gas is down again this week. Fewer people fueling up, and lower costs for oil, are behind the price dip. This morning oil prices range from $79 to $86 per barrel, up a few dollars from last week, but relatively low compared to the highs we saw last year.
“The drop in gas prices gives drivers a little more in their wallets just in time for Valentine’s Day. If gas demand and oil costs remain low, drivers will likely see pump prices drop through the week.
“According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand is down slightly compared to one year ago, which explains why gas prices are declining. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks increased significantly. If gas demand remains low amid growing total domestic stocks, pump prices will drop further.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 February 2023 at 7:46 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MIDDLEPORT – Runners take off at the start of the 34th Mr. Ed’s Super Bowl Warm-Up today in Middleport. There were 217 people who finished the 5K and about 60 others who walked the course on a sunny day with temperatures in the high 40s. Often the race has been held on freezing cold days with snow and ice.
The top 3 male finishers include Ian Heschke of Gasport, 1st at 17:55; Jay Heideman of Middleport, 2nd at 19:17; and Anthony Cinotti of Akron, 3rd at 19:43.
The top three female finishers include Kimberly Mills of Oakfield, 1st at 20:04; Emma Evans of Lockport, 2nd at 22:04; and Kelli Roger, 3rd at 22:34.
Don Heschke, Mike Dellario and Joe Moll continued a Mr. Ed’s tradition by firing a small cannon to start the race.
The race in its history has raised $95,000 for scholarships and also to assist community members in need.
Valerie Wood (left), Barb Keirn (second from left) and Bonnie Boyd serve chili, hamburgers and tuna fish salad at the post-race party inside the fire hall. The 2021 race was a virtual event and it was back in-person last year but there wasn’t a post-race party due to Covid concerns.
The post-race celebration, considered one of the bigger post-race parties among Western New York races, returned today.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 12 February 2023 at 5:11 pm
MEDINA – Bent’s Opera House will offer an event for the community with the showing of a movie on their large screen on Valentine’s Day.
“Sleepless in Seattle” will be shown at 6 and 8 p.m. Admission is $10 per person and includes coffee and a sweet treat. A cash bar will be available for those who would like to order a drink. Members of the Senior Center of Western Orleans will be admitted for $5.
Reservations may be made by calling (585) 318-2110 or visiting Bent’s webpage.
This is just one of the events planned at the restored opera house to encourage its use by the community. Information on swing dancing, evenings of jazz and more can be found on the Bent’s website.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 February 2023 at 3:53 pm
ALBION – A pop-up food distribution scheduled for Monday morning in Albion has been cancelled.
Katrina Chaffee, director of community services for Community Action, was called today by the food distributor. She expects it will be rescheduled in the future.
During the distributions about 200 people typically receive bags and boxes of food at the village’s municipal parking lot at 165 Platt St.
The events in Albion are run by Community Action with food delivered by Foodlink in Rochester.
The schedule through June for Albion includes March 13, March 27, April 10, May 8 and June 12. The events are scheduled to start at 8:30 although many of the vehicles are in the parking lot well before that.
Good morning! Grab your favorite cup. Fill it up. And let’s start this day right… TOGETHER!
That was the tagline for a series of videos that I began posting on YouTube back in October 2019 titled, “Refill with Randy”. In each episode my goal was to inspire others by sharing personal insights from my life and ministry, as well as highlighting some great things happening in our community, and was often joined by others over a cup of coffee.Now, 80 videos and a blog later, I will be bringing “Refill with Randy” to the Orleans Hub and Pennysaver. Some things will change, “Let’s start this day week right… TOGETHER!!!but my aim to inspire others remains the same.
Pauline Bachorski back, right
As I start this new endeavor I thought I should share a little about myself and my motivation for doing this. Back in the spring of 2004 I was appointed as the Lead Pastor at Albion Free Methodist Church so, along with my wife, our 2-year-old daughter, and our 2-week-old son, I made the move from Niagara Falls to Orleans County and never looked back.
Since that time our family grew, as we welcomed two more girls to the mix, and our love for the people of this area grew as well. After over 15 years of pastoring at AFMC I felt God calling me out of the pulpit but not out of the area so, in the summer of 2019, I stepped out in faith and started Go Scatter Ministries. Since that time God has given me the opportunity to serve others in a variety of ways.
Pastor Randy LeBaron
In addition to speaking at several churches around the County and volunteering as a Care-Net Counselor, an Orleans County Sheriff’s Chaplain, and as a helper on the Hands 4 Hope Ministry Truck, I am also an active member of of P.A.C.T. (Pastors Aligned for Community Transformation), an Adjunct Professor at Robert’s Wesleyan University, and the Spiritual Care & Bereavement Coordinator for Supportive Care Orleans (Hospice). I am also adding Interim Pastor at Medina 1st Baptist Church to that list as of today.
I often joke about how many hats I wear but the reality is that each one represents a door that, when opened, has allowed me to meet and connect with so manypeople. In doing so I have heard and seen many inspiring things and so my hope is to give you a glimpse of some of the good things I have gotten to experience on a regular basis. My hope is that these stories will fill you up—like a cup of coffee for your soul. So, on that note and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I wanted to highlight how some have chosen to help those who may be grieving the holiday rather than celebrating it.
Annie Curfman, Alexa Suleski, Neveya Barnes
On January 31st my colleague at Supportive Care of Orleans (Hospice), Christine Fancher, and I were invited by Pauline Bachorski, the Service Unit Manager and Leader of Albion Girl Scout Troupes 82007 and 82261, to join them for their meeting that evening at North Point Chapel.
Upon arriving we were greeted by a large group of scouts, along with some parents and other leaders, and asked to share a little about Hospice. Afterward the girls went right to work making gifts to give to our patients at The Martin-Linsen Residence (Hospice Home).
Using everything from markers, stamps, glue, a cricut machine, and a whole lot of love, the girls made cards, envelopes, and even some crafty flowers, to serve as a reminder that each resident is being remembered and loved. Thank you girls!!!
Madison & Scarlett Smith
And, as appreciated as the gifts will be to those who may be experiencing their last Valentine’s Day, we at Supportive Care also wanted to do something for the many who are experiencing their first Valentine’s Day without their loved one.
To that end our Grief Support Group, which meets every second & fourth Tuesday of the month at the Albion 1st Baptist Church at 4 p.m., is going to change up the format for our next meeting on Tuesday, February 14th. After polling current members of the group my co-leader, Amanda Byron, and I decided that rather than sticking with with a typical session we would simply make our group a safe space where people could come play some games and enjoy some snacks together with others who are going through a similar experience.
So if you or someone you know is struggling withgrief and loss please know that the game night, as well as the regular group meetings, are open to anyone in the community and are free of charge. You may be experiencing Valentine’s Day very different this year but you don’t have to do it alone.
HOLLEY – On Wednesday, February 13, 1893, the newly built Downs Hotel in Holley was opened to the public for the first time.
Despite the wintry weather, guests came from Rochester, Buffalo and even Elmira. A reception, banquet and ball were held that evening. Supper was served from 8 to 10 p.m. A Rochester orchestra played music for a large crowd of dancers until small hours of the morning.
The new hotel, designed by Rochester architects Warner & Brockett was acknowledged to be the finest in the area. Located at the corner of the Holley Square and Thomas Street, the three-story trapezoidal building had a perimeter of 300 foot and a depth of 100 foot.
The sandstone which covered three exterior walls came from the Downs and Gorman quarry south of the village. The fourth wall was of brick construction and was trimmed in stone.
The main entrance was on the south side, it was protected by a large balcony. The roof line was broken by several dormers. A cylindrical corner on the southeast was designed as a band room.
Hardwoods were used on the lower floor: quartered oak in the hall, reading room and office and ash in the dining room. Steam heat was featured throughout the building. The 35 guest rooms were equipped with electric lights, call bells, lights in closets and baths, and a high pressure water supply. The cost of this project was estimated at $30,000.
Frank Crocker, an experienced hotelier who had managed hotels in Attica and Olcott, and had owned the Mansion House for several years, was the manager of the new hotel.
The Mansion House was Holley’s first hotel.
The Downs Hotel was built on the site of the former Mansion House which had been built by Samuel Cone in the late 1820s when business in Holley increased due to the Erie Canal.
Former owners of the Mansion House included: 1830-44: H.B. Avery; 1844-45: Alva Ogden; 1845-60: H.B. Perry; 1860-61: Mr. Wilcox; 1862-66: Mrs. H.B. Perry; 1866-68: Bennett & Nielsen; 1860-85; Eli D. Olds; 1885-90: Frank Crocker; 1890-92 Mr. Nelligan.
John Downs was the visionary behind the newly built hotel. A successful Holley businessman and entrepreneur, he had amassed his wealth first as a livestock trader and sheep shipper and later as a private banker.
He purchased the Mansion House in 1892 and promptly had the building torn down. He noted that he had traveled extensively in his career and realized the importance of clean lodging and good food for travelers, and he wanted to offer comfortable facilities in Holley.
The Downs family lived in a large Italianate home at 1 South Main Street in Holley. Referred to as the Stoddard-Downs house, it was built by Moses Stoddard in the mid-1860s and purchased by John Downs in 1886. It was destroyed by fire on January 5, 2020.
John Downs died on April 4, 1901, at the age of 55. Sadly, Hattie Lee, his 12-year-old daughter died in October of that same year from appendicitis.
The Downs Hotel was reportedly sold in 1915 by the Downs Estate to E. Roessner, proprietor of the Portland Hotel in Rochester, for $16,000. That transaction must have been problematic as the Downs Estate later concluded a sale of the hotel “which had been unoccupied for some time” to the Holley Hotel Corp. for $9,000, in 1920.
In later years this fine hotel was variously referred to as the Hotel Holley, The Holley Inn and the Holley Hotel.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 February 2023 at 8:02 pm
ALBION – The state comptroller’s office is reporting Orleans County took in $22.5 million in local sales in 2022, which was a 3.0 percent increase or by $700,000 from 2021.
Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said it was a strong year for sales tax state-wide. All 62 counties showed an increase.
The 3.0 percent growth in Orleans is among the smallest across the state. Only six counties were less: Dutchess, 1.6 percent; Wayne, 2.4 percent; Jefferson, 2.4 percent; Chenango, 2.4 percent; Cayuga, 2.5 percent; and Chautauqua, 2.9 percent.
But Orleans is coming a big year in sales tax in 2021, when the county’s sales tax jumped by $2.4 million or 12.7 percent from $19.4 million in 2020 to $21.8 million in 2021. In 2019, the local sales tax totaled $17.7 million.
In three years, the county sales tax is up by $4.8 million or 27 percent.
The local sales tax is mostly used to fund county government. The county shares $1,366,671 with the 10 towns and four villages. They have been frozen at that level since 2001.
Among other GLOW counties, the sales tax included the following for 2022:
Genesee, $49.7 million to $54.9 million, up 10.4 percent
Livingston, $42.2 million to $44.8 million, up 6.2 percent
Orleans, 21.8 million to 22.5 million, up 3.0 percent
Wyoming, $22.7 million to $24.8 million, up 9.2 percent
Statewide the sales tax collections were up 12.7 percent or by $2.5 billion in 2022, totaling $22.1 billion in the calendar year, according to the report from the state comptroller.
New York City’s sales tax growth for 2022 was 20.6 percent, more than three times the growth in counties and cities throughout the rest of the state which was up 6.5 percent.
“The pandemic created significant sales tax volatility over the past few years, first with a major decline, then with a strong rebound,” DiNapoli said. “Sales tax growth has remained strong for a sustained stretch as consumers resumed spending relatively quickly after pandemic shutdowns ended. Additionally, the state implemented policies just prior to the pandemic that ensured more online sales were being fully taxed.”
Good morning! Grab your favorite cup. Fill it up. And let
ALBION – The state comptroller’s office is reporting Orleans County took in $22.5 million in local sales in 2022, which was a 3.0 percent increase or by $700,000 from 2021.
