By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 January 2023 at 9:49 am
MEDINA – Village officials have their fingers crossed and are very hopeful the Village of Medina will soon be announced as a winner of either a $4.5 million Forward New York grant or a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has been announcing the awards in other regions of the state. Medina applied for the funding through the nine-county Finger Lakes Region. Medina has been a finalist before but hasn’t been awarded any of the millions.
This time the state expanded the program. It continues to offer the $10 million DRI to ten regions in the state. Those grants are more focused to cities. The Forward NY grants are a new program targeted to villages. Hochul 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 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 will 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.
Hochul, during a stop in Dunkirk on Monday, said the DRI program has proven to be successful and she believes the Forward NY will make a big difference for villages as well, creating more housing and business opportunities, while capitalizing on resources such as the Lake Erie waterfront in Dunkirk.
For too long the state has seen an exodus of young adults to other states, Hochul said.
“We exported – our greatest export was our human capital,” she said in Dunkirk. “We sent our smart young people to other states and other communities and let them build up. But I am so proud to have lived long enough to see a complete reversal where people want to live here. They understand the quality of life we have in especially our smaller cities, our little hamlets, our villages, and you can’t put a price tag on the quality of life of raising a family in these areas.”
The DRI and Forward NY are intended to build off existing strengths, to build on momentum in villages and cities already experiencing success.
Mayor Sidari said Medina officials presented an application showing a community on the upswing with a dynamic downtown, an engaged citizenry, and several businesses that have made big investments and expansions.
“We brought a great application to the committee and our interview went very well,” Sidari said this morning. “Hopefully the fifth time is the charm.”
On Monday, Hochul announced the Western New York region winners: $10 million DRI for the City of Dunkrik, and $4.5 million Forward NY for both Lancaster and Wellsville.
In the North Country, Hochul on Monday announced the $10 million DRI for the Town of Ticonderoga, and Forward NY grants of $4.5 million for the Village of Cape Vincent, and $2.25 million for both the villages of Lyons Falls and Waddington.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 January 2023 at 8:57 am
Albion man was tasked with bringing Howard’s ideas to reality
Photo by Tom Rivers: Mickey Tower, 87, looks over a newspaper section that detailed Christmas Park and the Santa School in Albion. Tower was in his early 20s when Howard hired him as an electrician and carpenter, tasking him with bringing Howard’s ideas into reality.
ALBION – Mickey Tower remains thankful for Charles Howard, the founder and visionary behind a Santa School in Albion and later a Christmas Park.
Tower was 20 when Howard hired him as a carpenter and electrician to be part of a team in building rides and other attractions at Christmas Park at the corner of Phipps Road and Gaines Basin Road in Albion.
Tower, now 87, said Howard was amazingly creative. He cast a vision for how a ride should look, and he told Tower, his brother Arnold Tower and Norman Starkweather to make it happen with no blueprints to go by.
“He had a very big imagination,” Tower recalled. “He wanted to build the world’s biggest apple pie and he did.”
The trio worked there about two months a year for about a decade. Working for Howard helped the three young men gain a reputation locally for challenging construction projects.
Photos courtesy of Orleans County Department of History: Charles Howard in the mid-1950s converted part of his farm into Christmas Park with amusement park rides, a petting zoo and other attractions.
They helped build the track for a train at Christmas Park, a tunnel, wooden snowflakes, wooden icicles hanging down from the roof, the fire place, and many other projects. There was never a slow moment. Howard had short- and long-term projects. Tower recalled the effort in turning a pond on the property into Snowflake Lake.
The fire place is one of the few remaining pieces of Christmas Park. Tower remembers filling Charlie Howard’s car and trailer with stones from Howard’s fields for the fire place.
Tower and his two colleagues would make the pieces for the attractions and exhibits, and set up gears and wires to make many of the parts move and light up.
This photo shows Charles W. Howard with a Santa at Christmas Park in Albion. Howard operated the Park and a school for Santa Claus in Albion until his death on May 1, 1966. He wanted wooden icicles on the school and barn.
He remembered “Santa’s Castle” where Howard told the trio to put a cloth on the ceiling to resemble clouds, and then he wanted flickering lights to look like stars. Howard told them what he wanted, and left them to work out the details.
Tower also remembered Howard buying a “Christmas tree ride” and telling his construction crew he wanted a large metal Christmas tree in the center. The carpenters and electricians were tasked with getting elements of the rides have a magical element – to go up and down with lights. Howard created the park in Albion before Darien Lake and when Disneyland was in its infancy.
Howard opened the Christmas Park at his farm on Sept. 2, 1956. The Santa-themed amusement park welcomed about 80,000 visitors annually.
“People came from all over the world, but the Albion people didn’t patronize like they should have,” Tower said. “It was very entertaining. It was something for your imagination.”
Howard ran the park as executive director until 1964. He died of a heart attack on May 1, 1966.
Tower said the crew was kept busy by Howard. Now, at 87, he regrets he never took photos of the crew in action. This was long before social media when now so much of life, even the mundane, is photographed and shared with others.
“At that time it wasn’t important,” Tower said about taking photos.
Tower recalled when Howard wanted reindeer antlers to be mounted and moving slightly as part of a sleigh for a float in a parade. He left it to Tower and his two buddies to figure out how to make that happen.
“He didn’t like anything fake,” Tower said. “He wanted it to be nice and to look like Santa.”
He remembers going with Howard to Watertown and filling two tractor trailers with amusement rides. Tower and his co-workers needed to get them into shape, and add some of the Christmas features envisioned by Howard.
“He was pleased with what we did,” Tower said. “He told us what he wanted, but didn’t tell us how to do it.”
The crew would transport rides and displays to the State Fair for Howard, and set them up. They did the same for Howard in building exhibits for fruit and muck farms. Howard was respected for telling a story, even about growing onions and apples, in a captivating way.
When Tower, Starkweather and Tower weren’t working for Howard, they built and remodeled houses.
Tower in the mid-1960s got out of the construction business and went to work for 10 years at Wolcott Dairy, and then worked 8 years in maintenance for Bayex in Albion,. He ended his career with Tower Electric.
He said Howard was a one-of-kind visionary whose mind was always racing.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 January 2023 at 9:49 pm
3 to 7 inches of snow possible on Wednesday
Photos by Tom Rivers: The tree branches are covered in snow on the Courthouse lawn on Sunday evening in Albion. The courthouse down has been red on one side and blue on the other in a show of support for the Buffalo Bills and injured safety Damar Hamlin, who suffered cardiac arrest in a game on Jan. 2.
The high temperatures will stay in the 30s throughout the week in Orleans County, the National Weather Service in Buffalo said.
Those high temps include 35 on Tuesday with less than a half inch of snow possible, 33 on Wednesday with 3 to 7 inches of snow possible, 31 on Thursday with less than a tenth of an inch of precipitation, 30 on Friday with a chance of snow showers, and 35 on Saturday with a chance of snow showers.
The courthouse was built in 1858 and is the focal point of the Courthouse Square, which is named to the National Register of Historic Places.
Press Release, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay
ALBANY – Senator Tom O’Mara and Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay, along with Senator Alexis Weik, Assemblyman Robert Smullen, members of law enforcement, victims’ advocates, and members of the Senate and Assembly Republican Conferences today unveiled a legislative package to Create a Safer New York.
In contrast with Albany One Party Rule’s disastrous pro-criminal “reforms,” these comprehensive policy solutions would support our brave members of law enforcement, fix the state’s broken criminal justice system, crack down on illegal gun crime, and protect victims and innocent New Yorkers.
“As crime is on the rise throughout New York State, our Democratic colleagues in the Legislature continue to double-down on more soft-on-crime policies that will put our communities at greater risk,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “Public safety remains a top priority for Senate Republicans, and we will continue to advocate for common-sense proposals to support law enforcement, put victims over criminals, and end the revolving door of our criminal justice system. We cannot have a strong, healthy state without public safety.”
“New Yorkers are not adequately protected under current state law. Qualified judges are prohibited from using basic, common-sense assessments of threat levels posed by the individuals coming before them, and the results have been critically disastrous. We have seen the full measure of what these policies are doing to our communities, and it is abundantly clear we must drastically change course now, before the situation deteriorates any further,” said Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay.
To provide much-needed support to law enforcement, fix the state’s broken criminal justice system, crack down on illegal gun crime, and protect victims and innocent New Yorkers, Republicans proposed:
Support Law Enforcement
Creating the SAFER Communities Grant Program to invest in critical investigatory and prosecutorial resources designed to increase case clearance rates for homicide and gun crimes;
Repealing HALT to protect our corrections officers; and
Allowing the use of familial DNA to give law enforcement more investigatory tools.
Fix the Broken Criminal Justice System
Rolling back disastrous bail and discovery laws, and providing for judicial discretion to stop the revolving door in our criminal justice system;
Opposing soft-on-crime policies being advanced by the Democratic Majorities, including the so-called “Clean Slate” Act, “Elder Parole,” and others; and
Increasing penalties for habitual repeat offenders who commit crimes that harm New Yorkers’ quality of life.
Crack Down on Illegal Gun Crime
Reducing the use of illegal firearms with increased funding for gun interdiction efforts;
Increasing penalties for crimes committed with stolen firearms, and mandatory consecutive sentencing for crimes involving illegal firearms; and
Making any misdemeanor or felony offense involving an illegal firearm bail eligible, and amending Raise the Age to ensure 16- and 17-year-olds charged with certain gun or gang-related crimes are prosecuted as adults.
Protect Victims and Innocent New Yorkers
Restricting the release of identifying information in certain cases, and putting in place policies to protect victims’ rights during parole process;
Increasing the caps on Office of Victim Services reimbursements for crime victims, and investing in victim support programs; and
Authorizing judges to set lifetime orders of protection for certain crimes, such as violent and domestic violence felonies.
The package outlined today is the first in a series of comprehensive proposals that will be put forth by the Republican Conferences this session in order to reduce crime, strengthen public safety, and protect victims and innocent, law-abiding New Yorkers.
Earlier this month, Senate Republicans unveiled the “Rescue New York” 2023 Legislative Agenda, including the creation of a Safer New York. Partly outlined today, the Republican agenda would:
Restore common sense to our criminal justice system to prevent crime and protect New Yorkers;
Increase efforts and investments to end the opioid and mental health epidemics; and
Support and protect our seniors and other vulnerable New Yorkers.
Assemblyman Mike Norris of Lockport issued this statement: “The most basic role of government is to ensure public safety. However, since the passage of the so-called bail reforms in 2019, which I voted against, our state has only become less safe as our judicial system was turned into a revolving door for repeat offenders.
“Instead of deterring criminals, our judges have been handcuffed from serving justice and protecting our communities,” Norris said. “The public is victimized again and again, and daily we see stories in the news of repeat offenders committing atrocities that should have been prevented. Our system is failing, largely because of ‘bail reform.’ This must be corrected, and Albany must act to restore public safety now.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 January 2023 at 11:23 am
ALBION – The Orleans County is making a big change in its meeting schedule, starting tomorrow.
For at least 25 years, the meetings have been on Wednesdays. They used to be the second and fourth Wednesdays, generally starting at 4:30 p.m. They then changed to once a month on the fourth Wednesday.
But the Legislature decided to try to fourth Tuesdays this year, with the first session on the new schedule tomorrow.
The Legislature is changing the meeting times to see if that will boost public participation in the county government.
In 2023, the Legislature will meet on the fourth Tuesday during the months of January, March, April, May, June, August, September and October. The meetings will be on the third Tuesday for February, July and December.
The regular meeting on Tuesday starts at 4:30 p.m., but there will be a public hearing at 4:25 on an application for assistance for Freeze-Dry in Albion.
The meeting is in the legislative chambers at the Orleans County Office Building, 14016 Route 31 W in Albion.
Some of the resolutions on the agenda include:
• Setting a public hearing for 6 p.m. on Feb. 9 to reapportion the four legislative districts for the County Legislature.
• Submitting a Community Development Block Grant application to the state for up to $675,000. That grant would assist Freeze-Dry in a $3 million investment and expansion at 11 West Ave. The company is estimating the project will create 45 new jobs.
• Endorsing an application from the Vintage Aircraft Group, which is seeking state funding to purchase and install a solar farm at Pine Hill Airport in Barre.
• Approving an agreement with LeBella Associates to be paid up to $165,000 for architectural and engineering services for a new fuel farm for the county on West Academy Street by the Orleans County DPW.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 January 2023 at 9:51 am
ALBION – The much-anticipated removal of the trusses on the Main Street lift bridge is now scheduled for Wednesday.
That historic moment was set initially expected last week, and then was shifted to Tuesday (tomorrow). But the state Department of Transportation said the removal is now scheduled for Wednesday.
The trusses will be moved by a giant crane to just north of the canal on land owned by the State Canal Corp. Soon there won’t be a bridge over the canal for the first time since 1914. The historic span will get a major rehabilitation.
The bridge closed to traffic on Nov. 14 and isn’t expected to reopen for 18 months. Crane-Hogan Structural Systems in Spencerport is general contractor for the project.
In rebuilding the Albion bridge, Crane-Hogan will replace bridge decks and portions of the truss system with high-strength, galvanized steel; modernize mechanical and electrical components within the bridge’s lifting system; rehabilitate the bridge tower; install new bridge rails; and repaint the bridge in the current shade of green.
Sections of the walkway and railing are stacked up on a trailer.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 January 2023 at 9:16 am
Entries sought for poster contest to raise awareness of issue
Jasmine Grace
ALBION – The Safe Harbour program which started a year ago by the Orleans County Department of Social Services is welcoming an author today through video conferencing.
Jasmine Grace will speak from 12:30 to 2 p.m. today through Zoom. A link to her presentation is available by registering and emailing SafeHarbour@orleanscounty.gov.
Grace will share about surviving the commercial sex trade. She will discuss facts about sex trafficking and how communities can prevent it from happening.
She has started Jasmine Grace Outreach to help people break free from drug addiction, sexual exploitation, and a hopeless way of life.
The county’s Safe Harbour program also is seeking entries in a poster contest with a theme: “Spot the Signs – Stop the Traffick.” Submissions will be accepted from students in grades 7-12. The entries should be on paper or posters at least 8.5 by 11 inches and should include red flags, vulnerabilities, warning signs and myths about sex trafficking.
Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on Feb. 15. First prize includes an iPad, second prize a VR head set, and third prize a hover board.
The Safe Harbour program is designed to be a safe place for teens (12-18 years of age). In addition to providing education and awareness, Safe Harbour provides lessons in life skills to promote a strong foundation to help children launch into their future.
For more information on Safe Harbour or how you can get your child involved in the program, email SafeHarbour@orleanscounty.gov.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 January 2023 at 8:29 am
Gas prices crept up 4 cents in the past week for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Orleans County, going from $3.49 a week ago to $3.53 today, according to AAA Western and Central New York.
The average price for regular unleaded is up 11 cents nationally in the past week to $3.42 and the price statewide is up 7 cents to $3.51, AAA said.
The New York average price for diesel remains at $5.27, the same price as last Monday and up from $3.83 one year ago.
“The Energy Information Administration says gas inventories gained 7.6 million barrels over the last two weeks but demand also rose by a half a million barrels a day and East Coast gasoline inventories have declined,” AAA said in a news release. “Wholesale gas prices in New York are up 55 cents since early December and the price of oil continues to climb. This morning oil prices range from $82 to $88 per barrel, up more than three dollars since last week.”
The average price today among Western New York counties includes:
Yellowing and brittle, bundles of saved newspapers are discovered in attics, closets, or trunks, having been set aside years past by a now deceased relative or former homeowner.
Once mundane and designed for impermanence, these surviving newspapers have the power to stop us short. Invariably, we pause, carefully unfold the creases, and then fall headlong into the past.
We can infer that these issues were set aside deliberately. Most often, they reported on significant occurrences, dramatic breaking news that resonated deeply. The headlines are short, pithy, two or three words.
Democrat and Chronicle, April 13, 1945. (Dept. of History collection)
These are issues which reported news that captured public emotions at a particular moment in time, when the whole population was united in the act of learning about a new, dramatic, and consequential event. The newspaper issue, over time, becomes a tangible link to the past, to the moment when that news was read and absorbed.
Buffalo Evening News, May 7, 1945. (Private collection)
Buffalo Courier Express, August 15, 1945. (Private collection)
Newspapers were the main source of information about local, national and international events for many years. Gradually, radio and then television took over coverage of all but local news. The internet explosion has decimated the newspaper industry.
Newspapers are part of our visual imagination of the past. Documentaries feature newspaper headlines as part of their narrative. Newspapers have been used in movies to set the tone, indicate character, and to advance plot development. In a few short moments, the opening scene of the newspaper being ironed captured the rigid class structure of Downton Abbey. The breakfast scene with the father stiffly reading the newspaper invariably indicated that he disapproved of whatever was afoot.
We can all visualize scenes of newspapers rolling off the presses or of barefoot paperboys standing at street corners shouting “Extra, Extra, Read All About It” or the classic visual of the whistling paperboy jauntily tossing the morning paper onto a front porch.
Buffalo Courier Express, July 21, 1969. (Courtesy: Lee-Whedon Memorial Library)
Digital news is fast and accessible but reading a newspaper issue gives context to the event described. The accompanying Page 1 headlines of the Democrat & Chronicle, April 13, 1945 which announce the death of President Roosevelt are: “9th Army Races on Last 50-Mile Stretch to Berlin” and “Enemy Planes Attack Fleet off Okinawa”.
These give a sense of the continuing precariousness of the war, now compounded by the death of the President.
Reading through an entire issue of an old newspaper conveys an intimate sense of daily life at that time. Articles on local government reports, accidents, court reports, marriages, advertisements for cars, clothing, food prices combine to form an immersive snapshot of the past.
Hard as in may be for us to imagine, newspapers may very well be phased out completely in our lifetime. What significant issues have you saved for future generations?
The Journal-Register, October 16, 1989. (Courtesy: Lee-Whedon Memorial Library)
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 22 January 2023 at 8:57 am
Provided photo: Bill Wallace serves as executive director of the Worcester Historical Museum in Worcester, Mass.
CHILDS – The Cobblestone Society and Museum will offer a virtual presentation Feb. 7 in celebration of Valentine’s Day.
Just a week before Valentine’s Day, the museum will welcome Bill Wallace, executive director of the Worcester Historical Museum in Worcester, Mass. Wallace will educate and entertain when he presents “Be Ours: Worcester’s role in the American Valentine Industry.”
For nearly a century, from the early 1850s to the late 1940s, Worcester was at the heart of the American valentine-making industry. Esther Howland, who made hand-assembled creations, is considered by some to be the “Mother of the American Valentine.” Her creations, to the mass-produced cards of the 20th century, make Worcester’s story one of innovation, creativity and ever-expanding markets.
The presentation, shown on a large screen TV at the Thompson-Kast Visitors Center, will tell about the three generations of Worcester businesses, all encouraging someone to “Be Mine,” and how to identify Worcester originals in a collection.
Interested persons can also register for a Zoom link, which will arrive in e-mail inboxes on Feb. 6. Sliding scale admission is $5 to $20.
Those who wish to watch the presentation at the Visitors Center must call (585) 589-9013 to register with a credit/debit card. Seating is limited.
Bill Wallace is the long-time executive director of the Worcester Historical Museum. During his tenure, the museum moved to its current location, expanded its programs and exhibits and restored and operates Salisbury Mansion (1771) as Worcester’s only historic house museum. A native of Northern New Hampshire, he is a student of Mount Washington history, a gravestone enthusiast, and – if not at the museum – is frequently found at a Disney property.
A question and answer session will immediately follow the speaker’s remarks to conclude this hour-long program.
This program will benefit the Cobblestone Society and Museum, a 501c3 organization. Any business owner or individual interested in contributing funding for this event or a future virtual program is asked to contact the Cobblestone’s assistant director, Sue Bonafini at volunteers@cobblestonemuseum.org.
By Kim Pritt, Contributor Posted 21 January 2023 at 3:00 pm
View of the port of Ponta Delgada, Portugal from the cruise ship at sunrise.
Let’s go on an adventure together….to the Azores!
In April / May 2019, I took a cruise across the Atlantic Ocean. I left out of Fort Lauderdale, sailed for seven days across the ocean, spent two days in the Azores, two days in Cork, Ireland, a day in Liverpool, England, and two days in Dublin, Ireland (the cruise ended upon arrival in Dublin, I chose to stay over another day). I will focus this article on my time in the Azores.
The Azores are an archipelago – a group of islands made up of inactive volcanoes that are part of Portugal. The island that we docked at is Sao Miguel and Sao Miguel’s capital is Ponta Delgada – the port we spent two days in. I really enjoyed exploring this island — it was beautiful and I learned a lot!
The wildest animal on the island is the rabbit — nothing poisonous and no snakes! Dairy is a huge industry for them – lots of cows and they told us that the cows have adapted to be able to climb the steep hills like goats do. Since the islands consist of inactive volcanoes, there was really nothing growing on the island when it was first discovered and began to be inhabited. All the flora was brought in from other places, there is very little, if any, native plants – mostly just mosses. Winter is the azalea season and summer is hydrangea season — we saw LOTS of gorgeous azaleas in full bloom just ending their season growing wild all over. One of our tour guides said, “The Azores is a place where you remember to breathe.” What a beautiful way to describe her island! It is simply stunning and definitely has a laid back atmosphere.
Traditional Portuguese singers and dancers entertained us after dinner in port.
We spent two days in Ponta Delgada. On the first day, I booked a whale watching tour. We saw mostly dolphins and the weather was a bit rough, but I can now say I’ve been whale watching in Hawaii, Alaska, and Portugal.
After the whale watching tour, I got back on the ship to freshen up and change before an evening excursion. For dinner, I went with a big group to a local hotel for a traditional Portuguese dinner and entertainment. The food was amazing and the views from the room we dined in were incredible. After dinner, a local troop of folk dancers and singers entertained us. It was so much fun. I was exhausted when I got back to my cabin on the ship – the exciting full day wore me out.
On day two, the sun came out and it was perfect for exploring. The shore excursion I chose for day two was a scenic country side tour and it was amazing. We toured the city of Ponta Delgada, strolled through one of several botanical gardens on the island, visited a pineapple plantation, and took in the views from the upper rim of one of the inactive volcanos.
We visited a pineapple plantation – a major agricultural export for the Azores. The climate in Portugal isn’t right for growing pineapples in the ground, so they grow them in greenhouses.
The botanical gardens was gorgeous and so peaceful – I could have spent an entire day there. I was surprised to discover that one of the island’s major exports is pineapple. They were originally brought to the island as a decorative flower, but they soon found they could grow them in greenhouses and export them for income. I learned all about the process and also got to try some pineapple liqueur – very potent, but quite delicious.
At the rim of the inactive volcano, we had perfect views of Sete Cidades – Crater Lakes. This is the second largest crater on the island and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. Inside the crater are twin lakes separated by a narrow strait. When the weather conditions are right, you can see the two lakes take on different colors – one is blue and one is green. It wasn’t a vibrant view, but we could definitely see the two different colors. It was gorgeous! There is a legend explaining this phenomenon involving a bad-tempered king who was also a sorcerer, his princess daughter, and forbidden love. The whole story is included in my blog post, so be sure to check it out (I love stuff like that).
It was an amazing two days on a gorgeous and interesting island rich in history and tradition. Check out my blog for more photos and stories about my time in the Azores, here!
Happy Adventuring!
A visit to one of many botanical gardens on the island resulted in my favorite photo of the entire trip. I wanted a photo of the staircase, but this young girl ran into my shot. I thought it ruined the photo, but it turned out amazing – like something out of Harry Potter!
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 21 January 2023 at 9:59 am
The soaring price of eggs is putting a strain on the budgets of restaurants, bakeries and families everywhere.
A year ago, eggs could sometimes be purchased for little more than a dollar a dozen, compared to recent months when they have hit more than $5 in some stores.
The rising cost is being blamed mostly on an avian flu, known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, which was first detected in North America in 2014
While the Center for Disease Control considers this type of virus a low risk to humans, it is a serious threat to poultry farms and owners of backyard flocks. As of December, more than 57 million egg-laying hens were lost since the outbreak began in February 2022. That surpasses the 50 million lost in the 2015 avian influenza outbreak, USA Today reported.
The loss of so many hens means far fewer eggs. USA Today reported the price of eggs jumped 11% in December from the month before. The average price of a dozen large grade A eggs in December hit $4.25, up from $1.79 a year earlier.
This sign on the egg case at Aldi’s in Medina reflects the cost of eggs which has nearly quadrupled in the past year.
Locally, eggs a year ago at Aldi’s and Dollar General in Medina were $1.29. This week, a sign on Aldi’s egg case showed a price of $4.99 per dozen, while at Dollar General they were $3.95, but had been $4.50, according to an employee.
Local restauranteurs and bakers say when you add inflation to that, it spells disaster for their businesses.
Jenna Pangrazio, fiancée of Rudy’s owner Brody Hoffmeister, said their cost for eggs has gone from $40 to $50 dollars per case to $110. They are spending $500 a week on eggs, she said.
“We have tried to keep our breakfast prices the same, but we are going to have to raise them if this keeps up,” Pangrazio said. “We know our customers are struggling, and we are trying not to raise prices.”
Terry Lake has cooked at Rudy’s for 20 years and other restaurants for 16 years. He’s never seen such price increases for eggs.
“January is always a bad month for restaurants, anyway, with people catching up after Christmas, and this just makes it worse,” he said.
Employees of Aldi’s and Dollar General are forbidden to talk to the media, however, a customer in Aldi’s said her son eats three eggs a day and she’s struggling to buy groceries.
“I’ve been buying egg whites to add to the eggs to stretch them,” she said. “Still it’s costing me $10 to feed him breakfast at home. I also don’t bake much anymore, because it’s so expensive.”
At the Village House in Albion, manager Spiro Mitrousis said a case of eggs wholesale is now $120, a price which a year ago was $20 to $30. A couple of weeks ago, the price soared to $160 a case.
“And that’s just one of the items that has gone up,” Mitrousis said. “We’ve kept good pricing, but last year we’ve had to keep raising prices, because everything is so expensive.”
He said he’s never had to cut back before, but with the increased cost of food and the minimum wage, he’s going to have to cut back hours.
“Before Covid, all the restaurants were open and we were all busy,” Mitrousis said. “Now, there are less restaurants open and we are less busy. It’s inflation that’s causing it.”
Beth Miller owns Wild Flour Bakery and Deli in Albion and she said she’s not making any profit on baked goods now, because of the high cost of eggs.
“I prefer not to raise prices, but I’m getting to the point where I can’t not do it,” she said. “My costs have increased more than 100 percent in six months. I’m paying $110 for 24 dozen eggs, which last me a week to a week and a half.”
Turkey is a main ingredient in some of her signature sandwiches and that has also skyrocketed in price.
“I’m scared to raise prices,” Miller said. “I’m a new business and I don’t want people to not come.”
Hannah Pollard of Medina is a home baker, who is also feeling the pinch. She uses 10 to 12 dozen eggs a week in the cookies, pies and small cakes she makes and sells. She has been bartering them for eggs with friends who have chickens at home.
She said the problem is compounded by the fact chickens don’t like the cold and don’t lay as many eggs when it’s cold and dark.
She said there has been a steady increase in the number of products she uses which have continued to rise in price. Brown sugar which was a dollar is now $1.69; butter which was $1.99 is now $3.99.
Add to that the shortage of oils, such as palm oil, which is used in Crisco. She uses Crisco in her pie crusts and the price of that has doubled.
“Two weeks ago I had to raise my prices,” Pollard said. “From $5 for half a dozen, I had to increase to $6 a half a dozen.”
Sarah Ebbs, co-owner of Pretty Sweet Bakery in Albion, said it is costing much more to create the baked goods at the business on Liberty Street in Albion.
At Pretty Sweet Bakery in Albion, the owners hunt for the best deal on eggs. The price peaked for them at $27.14 in late December for five dozen eggs. On Aug. 25, 2021, they were paying $5.92 for 60 eggs.
The increase has forced them to raise their prices, including selling a cookie from 80 cents each to $1.50.
“I absolutely hate raising our prices, especially in Albion because we’re not the richest community,” said Sarah Ebbs, Pretty Sweet co-owner with her mother Pamela Jenks. “People have been understanding.”
The bakery also is paying much more for butter, Crisco and boxes – “everything has gone up,” Ebbs said.
She is thankful the egg price is starting to come down. They were $19.98 this week for five dozen – still much more than they are used to paying.
Tina Oosterling of Medina, who owns A Kut Above, said she heard people talking about looking for egg substitutes. A search on the Internet revealed a number of products that can be used in place of eggs. While these substitutes can work culinary magic in some recipes, the finished product won’t be the same as when real eggs are used. A list of many substitutes can be found by searching “Egg substitutes.”
The Orleans Hub reached out to Kreher’s Eggs in Indian Falls for comment on the egg situation, and received a press release from the American Egg Board.
Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board, said egg production capacity remains strong and eggs remain a good value.
“Egg farmers are doing everything they can to keep costs down and maintain a steady supply of the nutritious eggs Americans count on,” Metz said. “Prices reflect several factors beyond a farmers’ control, including inflation and supply chain challenges related to cost and availability of feed and grain, diesel fuel and shipping. Intermittent supply disruptions due to bird flu, which has affected egg farmers in several states, as well as commercial broiler and turkey farms, have had temporary impacts on commodity pricing.”
The good news, according to Metz, is that egg farms are recovering quickly. Most of the egg farms that were affected by avian influenza this year have recovered and are back to producing eggs. Nationwide, according to the USDA, there are approximately six percent fewer hens laying eggs right now than normally, so egg farms may be recovering, but they are not all the way back yet, Metz said.
“While no one can predict the future, egg sales have remained strong, even with temporary price increases, Metz added.
“People love eggs, and as one of the highest quality protein sources available, consumers know eggs are still a good value,” she said.
(Orleans Hub editor Tom Rivers contributed to this report.)
Provided photo: Speaking today at Pane’s Restaurant in North Tonawanda include from left: State Sen. George Borrello, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Mike Norris.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
NORTH TONAWANDA – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt today stood with Senator George Borrello and Assemblyman Mike Norris to call on Governor Hochul and the Legislative Majorities to stop radical, costly energy policies that restrict New Yorkers’ freedoms and hurt New Yorkers’ pockets – such as the recent proposal to ban gas stoves.
“Albany’s proposed gas stove ban is another assault on our way of life in Western New York,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “To dictate what types of cooking appliances our residents can or cannot own will hurt homeowners, home builders, and small businesses – especially restaurants that rely on gas cooking. At a time when the economy is unstable and many of our businesses are still struggling to get back on their feet, Albany bureaucrats continue making life even more difficult and expensive for the everyday New Yorker.”
Earlier this month, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced they would be considering a ban on gas stoves, infuriating many. In New York, the Governor in her State of the State address revealed she was pushing for a similar ban on fossil fuel equipment in new construction statewide in New York – including gas stoves – starting in 2025 for small buildings (including single-family homes) and 2028 for larger ones.
Upon learning about the Governor’s proposed gas stove ban, many New Yorkers expressed outrage at the policy, which would harm homeowners, home builders, skilled laborers and businesses throughout the state.
One particular sector that would be devastated is the restaurant and hospitality industry. Countless restaurateurs have explained that using an electric stove top significantly slows down the workflow process for a chef in the kitchen, in contrast with gas stoves.
Another point that has been made is that when power goes out at someone’s home, gas stoves provide a reliable backup for cooking, and local restaurants that use gas are often called upon to feed community members with electric appliances. This was especially the case in Western New York in 2022, with the historic and deadly blizzard that pummeled the Buffalo-Niagara region during Christmas.
“The proposed ban on gas stoves underscores just how heavy-handed and intrusive New York State is prepared to be, in order to impose their reckless climate agenda on everyday New Yorkers,” Borrello said. “A gas stove ban would also devastate the restaurant and hospitality industry, which relies on the rapid precision that gas stoves provide for cooking. Unfortunately, practical realities and individual choice don’t carry any weight in this rush towards ‘green energy.’ This ban is just one of many sacrifices New Yorkers will have to make unless a more reasonable approach and timeline is implemented.”
“These proposals we are seeing out of Albany are not only out of touch but disastrous for Upstate and Western New York,” Norris said. “The reliability of natural gas, especially during our winters, is crucial. Many found relief during the recent blizzard by using gas stoves and fireplaces. To take this reliable, affordable form of energy away is extremely short sighted. I will continue to fight against proposals that are a blatant disregard to our community and residents.”
Last week, Ortt launched a petition to “Say NO to Albany’s gas stove ban.” So far, that petition has received more than 1,100 signatures.
Earlier this month, Leader Ortt and Senate Republicans unveiled the Rescue New York 2023 Legislative Agenda, which includes climate policies that would ensure access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy, among other proposals to create a more affordable New York.
“Just a few weeks ago, tens of thousands of Western New Yorkers spent days without power during a winter storm,” Ortt said. “Under this radical gas stove ban, any future power outages will leave our neighborhoods and businesses unable to cook food, boil water, or stay warm. These reliable and affordable stoves are vital to hundreds of thousands of Western New Yorkers. We cannot allow ill-conceived climate policies to get rammed through without input from everyday citizens.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 20 January 2023 at 3:47 pm
MEDINA – The home at 159 Stork St. would have passersby thinking the family are Bills fans.
That is only partially right.
“We are football fans,” says Denny Dubai, who lives there with his wife Robin.
Mail carrier Quinten Weis, center, stops long enough to admire the Bills clothing hanging on the front porch of Denny and Robin Dubai’s home on Stork Street, Medina.
It is Robin who is the diehard Bills fan, and although Denny roots for the Raiders, he respects his wife’s love of the Bills.
“When our boys were growing up, I always tried to bring them up to respect life and respect all people,” Denny said.
Denny has always been a Raiders fan, while son Mark, who lives in New York City, used to root for the Dallas Cowboys, then switched to the Philadelphia Eagles, then the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, before switching back to the Buffalo Bills.
Son Darren is a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
And although Denny likes the Raiders, he roots for the Bills with his wife and buys her Bills’ memorabilia.
They are happiest when the Bills play the Raiders, because they can both cheer for their team. When the Raiders come to Buffalo every few years, the Dubais attend the game.
“That way, we can both cheer for our favorite team,” Robin said.
When the Bills went to four consecutive Super Bowls in the early 1990s, Robin filled the front of their house with banners.
“I think it’s nice to show support for your team,” she said.
This week she hung a line of Bills shirts and a blanket on the front porch, along with strings of red and blue lights. She once had a Bills tablecloth, which someone stole off her front porch, so now she threads the clothing on a clothes line, in addition to securing the garments with clothes pins.
When their sons were small, they used to build Buffalo Bills snowmen and dress the kids up in Bills attire.
Friday afternoon, the Dubais’ mail carrier Quinten Weis stopped to admire the display of Bills clothing.
“I see lots of signs in people’s yards, but nothing like this,” Weis said.
He admits he has been an avid Bills fan for years.
“I think this is awesome,” he said about the display.
The Bills play at home Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals with the winner advancing to the AFC championship game.
