Similar events planned Jan. 23 in Lyndonville, Jan. 30 in Kendall
By Makaila Albanese, Orleans County Chamber of Commerce
The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce recently began a series of meetings titled “Coffee and Conversation.” The goal is to have an open dialogue about the obstacles many businesses face in the area.
The Chamber’s director, Darlene Hartway, and president, David Gagne, decided that these meetings would take place in many of the towns individually, hoping to share coffee and conversation about each area’s point of view on what business owners and community members see their area facing.
“Promote, Advocate, Connect and Educate” are the four pillars of the Chamber of Commerce. Hartway and Gagne discussed how the Chamber can help with each of these as long as they are made aware of the issues that each town/village is dealing with.
Albion was the first community in the series on Nov. 29. Many of the issues that Albion faced involved their concern about safety in the downtown area. They also discussed creating a “village identity” and a “community voice.” This concern about a “community voice” was echoed in the Chamber’s second meeting that took place in Holley on Dec. 8.
When speaking of advocacy and what the Chamber can do to make sure that issues are brought to the people and agencies that can help solve them, many people shared the sentiment that there is “strength in numbers and everyone needs to stick together to face community issues as a group.”
Other issues discussed were the Orleans County fuel tax being higher than in surrounding counties, needing a local bank and grocer to draw people in to live and start businesses in Holley, and connecting with other local businesses to promote and build each other up.
Both Albion and Holley community members shared concerns about vacant buildings in their downtown areas as well as the “transient housing” which has caused issues for many local business owners and deterred some people from investing in the area.
The Chamber will continue this series of meetings in other Orleans County communities with the Lyndonville area meeting scheduled for 8 a.m. on Jan. 23, at the Webber Hotel and the Kendall area meeting scheduled for 8 a.m. on Jan. 30 at the Kendall Town Hall.
The Chamber also will host a Business Networking Event on the third Tuesday of each month from 8 to 9 a.m. to discuss topics involving business ownership. There also are the “Chamber After Hours” events on the third Thursday of every month, which is a social gathering for Chamber members to get to know each other because “you do business with who you know.”
Follow the Chamber on social media for updates as to the location and dates of the upcoming events or check the website at orleanschamber.com.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 January 2023 at 3:57 pm
This photo is from a screen shot of the Main Street lift bridge in Albion at 3:45 p.m. A YouTube page shows a livestream of the bridge. Click here to see it.
ALBION – Next Tuesday will be a historic day for Albion, if everything goes as planned.
The trusses from the Main Street lift bridge will be moved by a giant crane to just north of the canal on land owned by the State Canal Corp.
The trusses were expected to be moved this week, but that has been pushed back to Jan. 24, the state Department of Transportation said today.
The bridge closed to traffic on Nov. 14 and isn’t expected to reopen for 18 months as part of a major rehabilitation.
Crane-Hogan Structural Systems in Spencerport is general contractor for the project on the bridge that was originally constructed in 1914.
It also will be doing a similar effort in Brockport. The state approved a $28.3 million construction bid for the two bridge projects.
In rebuilding the Albion bridge, Crane-Hogan will be:
Replacing bridge decks and portions of the truss system with high-strength, galvanized steel.
Modernizing mechanical and electrical components within the bridge’s lifting system.
Rehabilitating the bridge tower.
Installing new bridge rails.
Repainting the bridge, maintaining its current shade of green.
When the work on the bridge is complete, the span will be moved back into place over the Canal, the state Department of Transportation said.
ROCHESTER – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle hosted a press conference outlining his priorities for the new year and the 118th Congress—including lowering prescription drug costs, protecting women’s healthcare, strengthening our economy, and keeping neighborhoods safe.
“Despite an historic start to this year’s Congress navigating the first Speaker election in centuries to require multiple votes, my focus continues to be delivering results for families in our community—and I’m ready to get back to work,” Congressman Joe Morelle said in a statement. “As always, I remain committed to advancing solutions that lower costs and strengthen quality of life for families, grow our local economy, and protect public safety.”
Editor’s Note: Morelle, a Democrat, represents the 25th Congressional District, which includes Monroe County and about half of Orleans. He outlined his priorities during a news conference today at the Kenneth B. Keating Federal Building in Rochester.
“I am also hopeful that this year brings with it new opportunities to collaborate with my partners on the other side of the aisle in bipartisan ways,” Morelle said. “I have a long history of working across the aisle, which is why I currently sponsor over 300 bipartisan bills. For me, all that matters is creating a brighter future for the families who call Rochester home—and I’ll work with anyone, from any party, to get that done.”
For more details on Congressman Morelle’s policy and legislative priorities, visit www.morelle.house.gov/issues.
This map shows the boundaries of the 25th Congressional District, which includes part of Orleans County.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
January is Radon Action Month, an annual observance that focuses on increasing the public’s awareness of the health risks of radon and how you can take action.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that has no smell, taste or color. When radon forms from the breakdown of uranium found in soil, it can enter a home through cracks in the walls, basement floors, foundations and other openings.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer and claims the lives of approximately 21,000 Americans each year. This January, we are encouraging all homeowners, renters, real estate agents and building managers to conduct radon testing. The New York State Department of Health recommends testing for radon during the buying/selling of a home, after doing a major renovation, and every two to five years depending on previous radon level readings.
The EPA and NYSDOH have identified Genesee County as having a high average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter). The good news is, testing your home with a short term radon test kit is a quick and easy way to determine if there are high levels of radon present in your home. The test kits are easy to use and contain basic instructions on how to receive the most accurate results when testing your home for radon.
“The only way to know if high levels of radon are present in your home is by testing your home for radon,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
Editor’s Note: According to the EPA, Orleans County is listed as Zone 2 (Moderate Potential) and Genesee County is listed as Zone 1 (Highest Potential) for radon zones.
The Genesee County Health Department was awarded a five year grant through the NYSDOH to provide radon prevention education and distribute free radon test kits to Genesee County residents. Currently, there is a limited supply of radon test kits that can be given to residents of Genesee County and this process is free of charge when you request a kit. If you live outside of Genesee County, you can purchase an inexpensive radon test kit from your local hardware store.
If test results come back and the radon levels in your home are greater than 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L), you can contact a certified radon mitigation contractor to install a radon reduction system in your home. This would be at the homeowner’s expense.
For more details about the program or to seek a radon test kit, call the Genesee County Health Department at (585) 344-2580 ext. 5555. For more information on radon or other GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.
BATAVIA – Independent Living of the Genesee Region is pleased that Allea DeVos has joined their team in the role of Housing Specialist. She had worked five years as a Housing Services Representative at PathStone Corporation in Batavia, the local administrator of Federal and State low-income homeownership and rental assistance programs, and gained additional office and leadership experience at ConServe, Premier Credit and Loan Depot in Victor, New York.
In this position, Ms. DeVos will assist individuals with disabilities to apply for, and benefit from, the programs and services offered through Independent Living, including but not limited to coordinating housing evaluations and program options for persons experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
She will support consumers who are eligible for Rapid Rehousing by coordinating budget plans, conducting inspections of potential housing rental units using U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines, and offering home and building architectural barrier consultation, utilizing federal and state guidelines on disabilities.
DeVos will provide peer counseling to persons with disabilities, their family members and advocates for the purpose of identifying life goals, objectives and values; intervene at their request, in crisis situations; and mediate between consumers and landlords to ensure timely payments and prevent evictions.
As a sign of our times, with opportunities provided under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, she will determine eligibility for the Emergency Solutions Grant -Corona Virus (ESG CV) program and complete the required documentation, entering all necessary data into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
ILGR is delighted that DeVos is bringing her experience to serve the Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming region in her new position.
Independent Living of the Genesee Region is a member of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies that offer an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.
MURRAY – Murray firefighters were dispatched today at 3:45 p.m. for a 2-vehicle MVA with injuries at Ridge Road and Carton Road.
First arriving unit was Assistant Chief Jim Fox confirming a 2-vehicle MVA with a vehicle into a pole. Further investigation revealed the second vehicle was a parked vehicle with no occupants. Fox reported minor injuries and requested National Grid to the scene.
District Chief Rick Cary arrived and took Command. Fire Police units shut down traffic in both directions. Monroe Ambulance obtained a patient refusal and was returned to service.
Murray units were on-scene for a couple of hours while National Grid and the tow company removed the vehicle. The cause of the accident is under investigation by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and the State Police.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 January 2023 at 7:20 pm
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas dropped 9 cents in Orleans County in the past week, from $3.58 to $3.49, AAA reported today.
The national average price is at $3.31 today, up 3 cents since last Monday. One year ago, the price also was $3.31, AAA said.
The average price for regular unleaded in New York state is $3.438 today, compared to $3.452 a week ago, $3.527 a month ago and $3.483 a year ago. The average diesel price statewide is at $5.271 a gallon today, compared to $5.319 a week ago, $5.508 a month ago and $3.755 a year ago.
Here are the average prices for regular unleaded in Western New York counties:
Orleans, $3.491
Genesee, $3.332
Livingston, $3.453
Wyoming, $3.450
Monroe, $3.455
Niagara, $3.313
Erie, $3.421
Chautauqua, $3.612
Cattaraugus, $3.522
Allegany, $3.572
AAA issued this statement today about gas prices:
“According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the U.S. is winding down its dependence on the Strategic Petroleum Reserve which it has drawn from over the past year to add market supply and bring down pump prices of gasoline. Gas prices have fallen from a record high of $5 a gallon in mid-June and crude prices are off their high of more than $130 a barrel in early March.”
“This morning oil prices range from $79 to $84 per barrel, up three dollars since last week.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 January 2023 at 4:36 pm
Provided photos
HOLLEY – Julie Berry of Medina, front, met with Holley 10th graders last Wednesday for a presentation on her book, Lovely War. Berry addressed about 65 students during a presentation, where she also played ragtime music on the piano.
The sophomores are reading the book in their English classes.
Berry in her presentation covered the major themes in the book such as segregation, trench warfare, Greek gods and ragtime music.
Berry, owner of Author’s Note in Medina, also signed copies of the book for students. The book is set in World War I & II.
The book averages a 4.25 star rating out of 5 with 46,070 ratings and 8,862 reviews on Goodreads, the world’s largest site for readers and book recommendations. Click here to see the reviews.
Julie Berry played ragtime music and discussed her book with Holley students last week.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 January 2023 at 11:57 am
District seeks upgrades at 3 school buildings, plus bus garage
Conceptual renderings from Medina Central School: This shows a proposed new media center in the Oak Orchard Primary School.
MEDINA – The school district will seek the community’s approval on Feb. 14 for a $34,357,277 project that includes significant work at the three school buildings, plus the bus garage.
There won’t be any new taxes as part of the capital project. District officials said the cost will be covered through $29,895,213 from state building aid (87 percent of the total cost), $2,750,000 from capital reserve and $1,712,064 by retiring debt service payments, resulting in a “tax neutral” financing plan, district superintendent Dr. Mark Kruzynski said in a letter to the community on the district website.
“Major reconstruction and mechanical upgrades for our aging pool were identified among our most critical asset preservation needs,” Kruzynski said in his letter. “In addition, key educational program goals of this project include renovations to our music, technology, and STEAM spaces. The project will also address important safety and security improvements at all school entrance vestibules and main offices. Rehabilitation and reconstruction of our intercampus roadways, parking areas, and bus loops will further improve safety and circulation for parents, students, and staff.”
Doing the projects as part of a capital plan will make the district eligible for state aid, covering the majority of the costs. If the project is voted down, Medina would still need to proceed with some of the “critical safety requirements and building preservation needs,” Kruzynski said. However, not doing the work in a capital project would put the full cost on district taxpayers, he said.
There will be a public information meeting on Monday, Feb. 6, at 6:30 p.m. at the junior-senior high school auditorium. The vote will be from noon to 8 p.m. on Feb. 14 in the district office board room.
Eligible voters must be at least 18 and a resident of the school district for at least 30 days prior to the vote.
Here is a breakdown of the capital project:
Junior/Senior High School – $17,324,760
Reconstruct secure entrance vestibule
Reconstruct Main Office including lock-down security notification
New Choral Room (including new office and practice rooms)
New Band Room addition (including new offices, practice rooms, and storage)
New Music Storage Room with stage access
Replace stage curtains and add stage outlets
New STEAM Classroom
New Technology Computer Lab
New Technology Wood Shop addition (including exterior dust collector system)
New Greenhouse addition
New first-floor connector link to provide access to new classrooms
New first-floor classrooms at former District Office
New 8’ wide corridor including new single ADA-compliant toilet rooms
New first-floor boys’ and girls’ toilet rooms
New second-floor boys’ and girls’ toilet rooms
Reconstruct existing roadways and parking areas
New shared bus arrival/dismissal parking area for Jr/Sr High School and Intermediate School
This shows a proposed new band room in the junior-senior high school.
Clifford H. Wise Intermediate – $9,769,533
Reconstruct secure entrance vestibule
Reconstruct Main Office including lock-down security notification
Reconstruct existing Pool (including pool tank, gutter, deck, mechanical equipment, and lighting)
Reglaze and reseal windows with failed seals
Reconstruct select mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems throughout the building, including generator replacement, panel board replacement, sanitary piping replacement, sump pump replacement and crawlspace drainage improvements
Reconstruct existing roadways and parking areas: reconstruct existing exit onto Gwinn Street and expanded parking and roadway configuration
Oak Orchard Primary School – $6,198,091
Reconstruct secure entrance vestibule
Reconstruct Main Office including lock-down security notification
New District Office in former Media Center
Reconstruct Girls’ Locker Room to provide ADA-compliant toilets adjacent to Cafeteria and Gymnasium
New Media Center
New Computer Lab
Reconstruct select mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems throughout the building, including panel board replacement, sanitary piping replacement and rawlspace drainage improvements
Reconstruct existing roadways and parking areas
New parking lot at relocated District Office
Bus loop paving restoration
Bus Garage – $1,064,893
Roof replacement
New staff parking area
If the project is approved by voters, the school district will work on final designs to be submitted to the State Education Department this fall, with SED approval expected in early 2024. The project would then go out to bid with the bulk of construction expected to start in summer 2024, according to a timeline from the district. Medina school leaders anticipate the entire project would be completed in early 2026.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 January 2023 at 9:46 am
MURRAY – Two resolutions were scheduled for a public vote today for the Murray Joint Fire District. But that special election has been moved back to Feb. 21.
The commissioners for the fire district had set a public vote from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the fire hall at 7 Thomas St. in Holley.
The commissioners are seeking voter approval to spend up to $680,000 to purchase a pumper and up to $220,000 to refurbish a mini-pumper.
The fire district will pursue financing through serial bonds or statutory installment bonds up to 20 years, and may utilize bond anticipation notes for up to five years for the $680,000. For the $220,000, the financing would be for up to 15 years.
Eligible voters must be at least 18 and live in the fire district for at least 30 days prior to the vote on Feb. 21.
Male residents outnumbered females by 3 to 1; 23 deaths reported that year at site
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
Illuminating Orleans, Vol. 3 No. 2
ALBION – “Superintendent of the Poor” and “Overseers of the Poor.” These quaint job titles were still in use in New York state 100 years ago, when care of the poor and indigent was considered a local responsibility.
The Orleans County Almshouse or “Poorhouse” was located on West County House Road in the Town of Albion. The three-story building built in 1878 accommodated 140 inmates (“inmates” was the term used at that time) and included a residence for the Supervisor who lived on-site. An infirmary was added in the early 1900s. People with a variety of needs and misfortunes were accommodated – paupers, the homeless, the abandoned, the old and the infirm who had no one to care for them.
The Orleans County Superintendent of the Poor in 1923 was Journal E. Salisbury, (R), Barre. His salary for this elected position was $1,300. He was responsible for maintaining the County Almshouse and coordinating the care of the poor of the county.
He was required to maintain records on each inmate, and report to both the State Board of Charities as well as the Orleans County Board of Supervisors, the forerunners of the Orleans County Legislature.
His annual report to the Board of Supervisors for 1923 is very detailed and includes personal information that is surprising to us in the age of HIPPA. The names and ages of the inmates from each town are listed, along with the number of nights they were cared for.
Town of Kendall
George G.* – 365 nights
George L.* – 23 nights
Laura P.* – 365 nights
(*Last names withheld)
In 1923, a total of 120 people were cared for, this included 17 people identified as “tramps.” Male residents outnumbered females by 3 to 1.
Twenty-three deaths were recorded:
Aged 90 to 100 – 3
Aged 80 to 90 – 9
Aged 70 to 80 – 4
Aged 60 to 70 – 4
Aged 50 to 60 – 3
The Towns were responsible for paying the expenses of the care for their residents. This example is for the charges incurred by the three inmates from the Town of Barre in 1923:
“121 days board at $1.3289289…………….$160.80
Physical Examination by Physicians………$41.00
Inmates in Outside Institutions…………….$604.36
TOTAL…………………………………….$806.16
Operating costs for the home and hospital in 1923 totaled $50,713.23. These included:
Food supplies………………$3,991.62
Wearing apparel……………$486.45
Caskets and burials………..$815.45
Heat, Light, Power…………$7,024.88
Labor………………………$7631.59
Able-bodied inmates worked on the 155-acre farm which produced food for the facility as well as a surplus which provided income. Three hundred fowl yielded 1,069 dozen eggs and 300 pounds of poultry meat. Twenty-three pigs yielded 7,295 pounds of pork. Potatoes and beans were grown, as well as a variety of vegetables and fruit.
Journal E. Salisbury was Superintendent of the Poor for nine years. He died in 1930 at age 60. He was succeeded by John Derrick.
As the state became more involved in health and welfare, the euphemisms “social services” and “social welfare” replaced the more direct “poor”, “poorhouse” and “pauper”.
(Source: Proceedings of the Board of Supervisors for Orleans County, 1923)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 January 2023 at 8:42 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
SHELBY – The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is always a striking place to visit. The few inches of snow that stuck to trees and branches gives it a feeling of a winter wonderland.
The top photo shows trees at the Ringneck Marsh in Shelby.
These trees are also by the Ringneck Marsh Overlook. This area is just off of Oak Orchard Ridge Road and half a mile east of Route 63. The refuge said the overlook provides a vantage point to see great blue herons, mallards, geese and sometimes even ringneck ducks for which the marsh is named.
A recreational vehicle heads south on Route 63 through the refuge in Shelby on Saturday afternoon.
The refuge says the Ringneck Marsh provides “a picturesque view of its brilliant seasonal colors.”
A bench gives a spot to sit and look out on the Schoolhouse Marsh Overlook. This is just east of the Ringneck Marsh Overlook. The Schoolhouse Marsh is named for the schoolhouse that once existed in this location, it is a great spot to view shorebirds, American wigeon, and discreet marsh birds, according to the refuge’s website.
The Oak Orchard Ridge Road provides a path through the refuge in the Town of Shelby. For more information on the 10,828-acre refuge, click here to be directed to its web site.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 January 2023 at 6:12 pm
Photos courtesy of Murray Joint Fire District
MURRAY – Firefighters were dispatched to a chimney fire at about 10 this morning. The fire at 2925 West Kendall Rd. in Murray spread from the chimney into a partition wall and into the attic, Murray Fire Chief Rick Cary said.
There were three occupants at the house and none of them or any of the responding firefighters were injured, Cary said.
Murray was assisted by the scene by firefighters from Kendall, Albion and Hamlin. The fire was knocked down in about 15 minutes, Cary said.
Orleans County fire investigators also responded to determine the cause.
The residents are currently displaced due to the fire.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 January 2023 at 9:28 am
ALBION – This screen shot was taken at about 9:20 a.m. today, showing a real time view of the Albion Main Street lift bridge.
A camera has been mounted up high on the Pratt and Day building on Main Street, with a live stream available on YouTube (click here).
The “Bridging Albion” group pushed to have the camera installed so people can watch the progress of an extensive rehabilitation of the historic bridge.
The group wanted the camera in place before a large crane arrives and removes the trusses of the bridge next week. That is expected to happen on Tuesday.
The bridge closed to traffic on Nov. 14 and isn’t expected to reopen for 18 months.
January is Radon Action Month, an annual observance that focuses on increasing the public’s awareness of the health risks of radon and how you can take action.
MURRAY – Firefighters were dispatched to a chimney fire at about 10 this morning. The fire at 2925 West Kendall Rd. in Murray spread from the chimney into a partition wall and into the attic, Murray Fire Chief Rick Cary said.
