‘Vaping is the number one issue we are dealing with’ – GCASA prevention educator
Provided photo: Thomas Forrestel (Medina Junior/Senior High School Dean of Students), Diana Fulcomer (Prevention Educator at GCASA) and Julie Webber (Medina CSD Director of Curriculum and Instruction) promote a vaping awareness program on Jan. 18.
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – “A big concern among our educators at the Junior/Senior High School and parents is vaping,” said Julie Webber, Medina’s director of curriculum and instruction.
The use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for everyone because it contains nicotine and it is highly addictive. They can also contain other harmful substances besides nicotine.
“We saw the problem as being a great opportunity to partner with GCASA and educate parents on the signs their children are vaping,” she said.
Diana Fulcomer, prevention educator with Genesee Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse, told Webber she had the perfect interactive program that they could offer to anyone in the community who would like to attend.
“Vaping is the number one issue we are dealing with,” said Fulcomer. “E-cigarettes have been in the US since 2007 and marketed as a safer or better alternative to the traditional cigarette. In 2016, the FDA( Food and Drug Administration) began regulating these products. At that time consumers still thought they were safer than tobacco. That is not the case at all. These companies are targeting our youth, which is easy because we are all enticed by anything that is new and innovative. We still don’t have all the research and the information we have shows that they are dangerous. Not only because of the possible nicotine addiction, but because some students are cannabis vaping as well.”
The community is invited to the Mustang Parent Academy’s Hidden Mischief: Unlock the Vape Mystery from 6 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 18 in the Junior/Senior High School Auditorium, located at 2 Mustang Drive in Medina.
This program is designed to create an awareness of current vaping trends and of ways youth conceal these devices or use everyday items for drug use. The interactive youth bedroom will give each participant an opportunity to search and find vaping paraphernalia, devices and drug references.
Each participant will learn how everyday items can be converted to hide or use drugs such as nicotine or marijuana. In addition, it will create an awareness of the possibilities of how easy these items can be purchased over the internet or at local vendors.
Refreshments will be provided free of charge and childcare will be available for ages 4-12 years of age. Transportation can be provided if needed. Call to reserve a spot at 585-798-2700, option 4.
“Prevention is the key,” Fulcomer said. “The more education parents have on the dangers, the better. We will also show how to start an open conversation with your child about this topic.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 12 January 2023 at 8:06 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Dave Realick, right of Holley, quartermaster of District 7 and past commander of District 7 of the VFW, swears in Abe Zino of Gasport as new District commander at the VFW in Medina on Wednesday noon.
MEDINA – The VFW Lincoln Post in Medina was the setting for the swearing in of District ‘s new commander on Wednesday.
Dave Realick of Holley, quartermaster and past commander of District 7, conducted the ceremony in which Abe Zino of Gasport was sworn in as new commander. He replaces Roger Cordle of Lockport Post 2535, who recently stepped down.
Zino, who was senior vice commander of the district, has been a member of the VFW since 1999. He is also a member of Post 2535 in Lockport.
He joined after serving 28 ½ years in the Navy, retiring as a chief petty officer.
Joining the VFW is a great thing to do, Zino said, noting the fellowship and community service among the veterans.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 January 2023 at 8:53 pm
Mayor Angel Javier Jr. is at left, Trustee Tim McMurray is at right.
ALBION – Three of the trustees on the Albion Village Board voted “no confidence” in Mayor Angel Javier Jr., saying he acted unilaterally in breaching a union contract with Albion police officers.
Trustees Tim McMurray, Zachary Burgess and Chris Barry this evening voted for a “vote of no confidence” and that the mayor be censured. They asked village attorney John Gavenda to see if there are any legal steps that can be taken for the mayor’s removal from office.
Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley didn’t vote with the other three. Mayor Javier, after the meeting, called the vote of no confidence ‘bull s—.”
The three trustees said Javier acted in conduct unbecoming of a mayor by acting on his own accord and breaching the union contract.
Javier reduced officers’ salary by 5 percent after a firm looked over officers’ pay and determined they had received $236,000 in overpayments over five years based on a miscalculation by the village. The officers switched from 40-hour weeks with five 8-hour shifts to 84-hour pay periods every two weeks, with seven 12-hour shifts. That change was intended to help reduce overtime in the police department.
Javier contends the village made a mistake in the officers’ pay rate, dividing the annual salaries by 2,080 hours instead of 2,184 when the new agreement started with the 84-hour pay periods. Using the smaller number of 2,080 hours resulted in higher hourly pay rates.
McMurray doesn’t believe an error was ever made by the village. He faulted Javier for not sitting down with police union leaders and discussing the issue at length before lowering their pay. If the issue had gone to arbitration, McMurray said the village would have lost.
He also faulted Javier for promoting “false narratives” in the media about the issue which created “a hesitant working relationship with the PBA and unwarranted public scrutiny.”
McMurray also said the report from Bonadio Group has been wrongly characterized as an audit when it was “merely a confirmation of information.” But McMurray said the report used the 2,184 hours to determine the hourly rate when the PBA insists it should have been 2,080 hours. A settlement agreement in November between the board and the Police Benevolent Association says the hourly rate will be based on dividing the annual pay by 2,080 hours.
“The mayor has damaged the reputation of the Village Board of Trustees with the public, PBA and other departments within the village resulting in decreased morale and several employees attempting to and or actually leaving their positions as result,” McMurray said in introducing the resolution.
Javier was elected to a four-year term as mayor last March at age 32. He ran under the Republican line and independent “Better Together Albion Strong.” He was the top vote-getter among three candidates.
He said this after the meeting that he was right to raise the issue of overpayments. The Village Board in November settled with the union when it raised other issues that the union said would cost $714,000 for Fair Labor and Standards Act violations.
Javier said he remains committed to the job as mayor and being a good steward of the village tax dollars.
The PBA said the issue cost the village at least $38,000 with $16,000 for the Bonadio Group, $15,000 to make police officers whole and $7,500 to pay for the police officers’ attorneys. McMurray citing those costs as an unnecessary expense.
Ron Vendetti, a former village code enforcement officer, spoke at the meeting and told the board members they should try to get along and work together for the community.
“Everyone needs to settle down a little bit,” Vendetti said. “You look like the federal government with all the infighting.”
LOCKPORT – Two people have been charged with assault after a 2-year-old boy went into cardiac arrest after ingesting fentanyl on April 25, Niagara County Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti said this afternoon.
The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a 911 call reporting an unresponsive 2-year old male. Niagara County Sheriff’s Deputies, along with South Lockport Fire Company and Rapids Volunteer Fire Company responded, according to a news release from the Sheriff’s office.
The child was transported to Eastern Niagara Hospital and the criminal investigation was turned over to the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Bureau.
An investigation into the home, parents, and circumstances of the 2-year-old’s cardiac arrest determined that the child ingested fentanyl. The child is receiving treatment and recovering, Filicetti said.
Jaynalyn Smith, 20, was charged on Dec. 15 with first-degree assault and second-degree assault. She was remanded to the Niagara County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.
Dustin Houghton, 23, on Jan. 9 was charged with second-degree assault and released on $5,000 bail.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 January 2023 at 4:15 pm
ALBION – Three people were sentenced to state prison today by Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church.
Isaiah Casanova, 22, of Medina was sentenced to a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 4 years in state prison for third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and violating his probation.
Casanova admitted in a previous court appearance that he driving a vehicle in August that had a 9 mm gun in the glove compartment. As a prior convicted felon, he isn’t allowed to have a gun. He also was driving a vehicle with a suspended registration.
Casanova apologized in court today. His attorney Ian Penders asked for leniency for Casanova, who was working a full-time job and in treatment.
“He is a good kid who screwed up,” Penders told the court. “He was on a path to getting his life together.”
Quincy Casanova, 25, of Medina was sentenced to 1 ½ to 3 years to prison for attempted assault and violation of parole for an incident on Aug. 11 where he stabbed his brother. A second felony offender, he also will have a year of post-release supervision.
Matthew S. Williams, 35, of Batavia was sentenced to 2 to 4 years in prison for fourth-degree grand larceny. He took about $10,000 worth of truck batteries, radiators and agricultural parts from Torrey Farms.
Nicholas Amos, 43, of Medina was arraigned on five counts of second-degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon. He allegedly got in an altercation with five different people on Oct. 9 in Medina and five people were stabbed.
The judge agreed to keep bail at $1,000 in cash or $10,000 bond, which was originally set at the town court.
The judge issued orders of protection for the five victims in the case.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 January 2023 at 12:30 pm
ALBION – The chief operator of the village’s water treatment plant will be recognized by the local chapter of the American Public Works Association.
Adam Rush is receiving the Charles Walter Nichols Award for environmental excellence. It will be presented Jan. 26 during the annual awards banquet for the Genesee Valley chapter of the American Public Works Association.
Rush started working at the village water plant in 2015. He was named provisional chief operator in 2019, with the appointment becoming permanent in October 2020. The water plant treats an average of 1.5 million gallons a day and has a capacity for 3 million gallons. Besides the village, the water goes to the towns of Carlton, Gaines, Murray, Barre and Albion.
The plant completed a biomass boiler system last year that uses wood pellets. The plant will soon have a new fluoride building to keep fluoride separate from the main plant.
Rush and water plant workers also have undertaken a rigorous paint and preservation plan to help preserve and update the aesthetics of the plant.
“I enjoy working in the water industry as it involves many facets of science and business to maintain a quality product at an affordable cost,” Rush said. “I find myself working with the lab director one day staying vigilant with the many ‘emerging contaminants’ in source water to identify and adequately treat the water. The next day I am working with our IT team and CISA to ensure adequate cybersecurity measures are in place to prevent attacks.”
The plant is preparing for another big project with upgrades and expansion of the filtration system, new pumps and other equipment. That should bring the capacity up to 4 million gallons. That excess capacity would be a big asset for the village in recruiting new businesses to the community.
“These many projects require ample knowledge of engineering to review plans and construction projects to ensure we are receiving an acceptable final product that we have the know-how to operate and maintain,” Rush said. “Most importantly, providing water that is potable and of good aesthetic quality at a reasonable price to our friends and family throughout our distribution system is probably the most satisfaction you can get from any career.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 January 2023 at 9:51 am
KENDALL – The Town Board heard from residents and property owners who are in favor or against proposed regulations for short-term rentals, such as Airbnbs and Vrbo.
The board held a public hearing Tuesday evening, with at least 125 people attending the nearly 2-hour meeting in the junior-senior high school auditorium.
Some of the speakers would like to see the town work with short-term rental owners without passing new regulations. The town can regulate the sites through existing codes for property maintenance, noise and garbage pickup, some of the speakers said.
The town is proposing one law that would not allow any new short-term rentals in the waterfront districts north of the Lake Ontario State Parkway. The existing rentals would be grandfathered and allowed to continue. Kendall officials said there are eight to 10 of those rentals in that area.
Town-wide Kendall is proposing an annual $1,000 annual licensing fee with the town for the rentals, and wants to require those property owners to have $3 million liability insurance.
Town of Kendall officials welcome about 125 people to a public hearing on Tuesday night at the school auditorium. Pictured from left include Planning Board Chairman Bruce Newell, Town Councilwoman Barb Flow, Town Councilwoman Margaret Lynn Szozda, Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata, attorney Henry Zomerfeld, and Councilman Paul Jennings.
Paul Nau, owner of Lake Runner Charters for the past 37 years, keeps his boat at Bald Eagle Marina and has customers come for charters for 77 days. About 90 percent of his customers are from out of state and they stay in STRs. Nearly all of them are middle age or older. They are just looking to relax, enjoy a getaway by the lake. They patronize local restaurants.
If the short-term rentals close due to higher operating costs, Nau said he will have to relocate to Niagara County.
“Kendall is a beautiful area,” he said. “Bald Eagle is one of the best marinas on the lake.”
The manager of Lures Restaurant at the marina also said the STR regulation would hurt Lures with rents out lodging, making that business even more challenging as it comes off Covid restrictions and staffing shortages.
Jason Manchester of Lomond Shores is president of a homeowners association where residents live among 6 short-term rentals. He said the residents there few complaints about the STRs. Occasionally someone rides a golf cart on the road or is speeding, or a dog gets loose. The issues are resolved among the neighbors, without bringing in the town or law enforcement, Manchester said.
“Be neighborly,” he said. “Talk to your people. We have no issues.”
Josh Brusso of Kenmore Road said the $1,000 fee looked like a “money grab” from the town. He said some of the complaints about transients in the STRs are common among year-round residents, too – speeding, setting off fireworks, trespassing.
He is concerned the regulations would drive up costs for STRs.
“Let’s try to keep it affordable so it isn’t just for elites,” he said.
Lydia Richardson, a deputy town clerk, urged the Town Board to hold off on adopting regulations to give more time for documents about complaints and other issues to be filed with the town. Right now there are petitions submitted for and against the regulations. Richardson said some have accused Town Board members of having a personal stake in the issue because they live near short-term rentals. She wants the town to be protected in case there is a legal challenge about a conflict of interest.
Some of the residents spoke in favor of the law, saying having STRs as neighbors drives up their property insurance costs. They said some of the STRs are loud, especially at night when the homeowners want peace and quiet after working in the city.
“I want a quiet street and not be surrounded by STRs,” one resident said. “I’m worried the whole street will become STRs.”
Several residents said they didn’t think the STRs were allowed on the private one-lane roads. The town code doesn’t allow businesses on those roads, where the residents pool resources to have the roads plowed and maintained. Some of the residents on those roads said having STRs there exposes everyone on the road to liability if a transient resident was hurt in an accident. They could sue the residents about the road’s maintenance, one resident said.
About 20 of the rental owners have joined together to hire an attorney to oppose the town’s proposed regulations. The hearing limited speakers to 3 minutes. So about a dozen property owners took turns reading a response prepared by attorney Steven Barshov of Sive, Paget & Riesel in New York City.
Some of the Town Board members live close to STRs. Those board members should state their conflict of interest and recuse themselves from the town discussion and any voting on the issue, Barshov said.
He said there are several “defects” with the regulations, including conflict with the Kendall Comprehensive Plan and the Kendall, Yates & Carlton Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan.
The cottages and second homes in Kendall have been rented out long before “the computer-based marketing platforms of VRBO and Airbnb.” Owners used to use newspapers and more traditional forms of advertising to market the sites, he said.
“Thus, the entire basis of the Proposed Local Laws – that ‘short term rentals’ is something new or novel in Kendall – is utterly false,” Barshov wrote as part of an 8-page letter to the Town Board.
He also said it was “irrational” to single out airbnbs, VRBOs and other short-term rentals and to allow bed and breakfasts because the latter are owner-occupied. Kendall is proposing the short-term rentals have a responsible caretaker on-call if the owner doesn’t live in Kendall. Barshov said that is a reasonable requirement and not objectionable.
Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata presides over a public hearing where speakers were limited to 3 limits. The hearing was delayed about 10 minutes because of a line of people waiting to sign in and get into the school auditorium. About 125 people attended the hearing that lasted about 1 hour, 40 minutes.
The town’s property maintenance codes already address issues with poorly maintained structures and don’t require the regulations for STRs, Barshov said.
The $1,000 annual licensing fee is “absurd,” he said. That fee and the $3 million liability insurance are intended to make people close their STRs or to not consider starting those as businesses, he said.
Barshov questioned other provisions of the regulations, including a limit of two people per sleeping room, sprinkler systems above the second floor of buildings used as STRs, and a ban on parking recreational vehicles, campers, trailers or motor vehicles larger than a 1-ton pickup truck.
“The character of a neighborhood is not destroyed by occupants of short-term rental properties doing exactly what residential property can do,” Barshov wrote. “Again, the requirement is imposed to STRs less attractive to users.”
Barshov also said the Town Board has misstated the issues with STRs, portraying an “STR war zone” that doesn’t exist. There are only a few isolated incidents and none are “malicious,” he said.
“There are no reports of rampant misbehavior or anything like it at STR properties,” he wrote.
The attorney noted that the Orleans County Planning Board was overwhelming in recommending against the regulations last month. He wants more time to get the comments from the board members at that Dec. 22 meeting so they can be included in Kendall’s official record. He urged the town to not rush through the process and hold open the public hearing.
Cammarata, the town supervisor, said comments will be accepted until the close of the business day on Friday. Those comments can be dropped off or submitted to the town clerk.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 January 2023 at 5:00 pm
ALBION – The Main Street lift bridge has slowly been taken apart the past month with the stringers, beams and other pieces moved by crane to the north side of the Canal on land owned by the Canal Corp.
A bigger crane is expected on site later this week or early next week, with the trusses of the bridge to be moved for rehabilitation work. After next week there won’t be a bridge over the canal for the first time in more than a century.
The bridge closed to traffic on Nov. 14 and is getting a major overhaul over 18 months. Crane-Hogan Structural Systems in Spencerport is general contractor for the project on the bridge that was originally constructed in 1914.
The project includes:
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 towers.
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.
Crane-Hogan also will be doing a similar upgrade of the Main Street lift bridge in Brockport, with that one closing in early April. The company was awarded a contract for $28.3 million to rebuild the two bridges.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 January 2023 at 4:23 pm
Gov. Kathy Hochul
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s State of the State speech this afternoon is being lauded for lofty goals, especially with proposals to expand mental health services, add housing throughout the state and combat crime. However, some legislators and organizations are concerned Hochul’s proposals may just be “rhetoric” and could lead to rising costs to live and do business in New York.
Here are some of the reactions:
New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher: “Gov. Hochul’s State of the State recognizes some of the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture, and her proposals to expand markets and tax credits are much appreciated.
“This includes a plan to make the investment tax credit refundable and increase state procurement of New York farm products. We also support efforts to expand urban agriculture in the state and shore up our workforce through job training and increased manufacturing. “However, labor costs continue to rise, putting increased pressure on our farms’ sustainability. New York Farm Bureau is concerned that a plan to boost the minimum wage will exacerbate that problem and further push up inflationary costs.
“Our farms depend on a strong economy, investment in critical agricultural programs, and reasonable regulations. New York Farm Bureau looks forward to working with the governor to build on today’s agenda and improve our agricultural and food system that benefits all New Yorkers.”
New York State Association of Counties President Michael E. Zurlo: “From strengthening public safety and mental health services, to increasing affordable housing and reversing decades of population loss, Governor Hochul’s State of the State address laid out an ambitious agenda to address issues that are of paramount importance to New York’s counties and the residents we serve.
“Counties are on the front lines of government, turning public policy into services that touch New Yorker’s lives. We look forward to working with Governor Hochul and the State Legislature in the coming months to turn the vision laid out today into effective solutions that will help New Yorkers afford to stay and raise their families in our communities, and live safer, healthier lives.”
State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt: “Today’s State of the State speech by Governor Hochul follows the Senate Republicans’ call for a safer, stronger and more affordable New York. While the Governor echoed our themes, she ignored the stark reality that one-party, progressive policies have made New York less safe and less affordable. New Yorkers deserve action that matches the rhetoric.
“On issues like bail reform, mental health, housing and affordability, we hope the Governor will deliver real solutions for New Yorkers and ignore the hysterics from the progressive left.
“Unfortunately, the Governor’s speech included policies that will make life more difficult for struggling families and small businesses. Touting unachievable energy policies, new mandates on small business and state-driven housing policies will only drive up costs for overburdened New Yorkers, chasing out even more taxpayers and more jobs.
“As we continue to examine the full details of her proposals, my Senate Republican colleagues and I are ready to take action on common-sense policies that make New York safer, stronger, more affordable and more free.”
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Duffy: “Governor Hochul just set out a vision that aims to make Rochester, the Finger Lakes, and all of New York State better, stronger, and safer.
“Among her efforts that we will actively support is the much-needed proposal to return authority to judges by eliminating the ‘least restrictive’ standard when it comes to serious crimes, increasing aid for and access to mental health treatment, and her efforts around reducing violence in our communities. Rochester and other communities throughout our state have been ravaged by crime and violence, and today the Governor offered commonsense steps that will result in improved public safety.
“Additionally, we are committed to helping the Governor in her efforts to ensure that our healthcare systems and nursing homes have the support they need to continue providing top quality care for patients like resolving antiquated rates, preventing extortionate wage demands, and alleviating crippling mandates.
“On making it more tenable to do business in New York State, we look forward to continuing our partnership with Governor Hochul and her administration to lessen the labyrinth of red tape and bureaucracy small businesses face. We should be making it less burdensome to start and grow a business, and we are committed to doing everything possible to retain, attract, and expand businesses in Greater Rochester.”
Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R,C-Batavia: “Speaking about issues is certainly different from acting on them. If Gov. Hochul wants change in New York, she will have to offer proposals that don’t just benefit her political base.
“It is my sincere hope she will work with us to fix their disastrous bail ‘reform’, resume the elimination of state sales tax on gasoline, and to pass our inflation relief bill that would slash taxes on home heating fuel and groceries.”
“Public safety and affordability of basic items are issues that affect New Yorkers daily. This year, I look forward to seeing whether Gov. Hochul takes strides to work with us in a bipartisan manner for the betterment of all New Yorkers.”
Assemblyman Mike Norris, R,C-Lockport: “New York’s population loss is a reality and it’s because of high taxes, a high cost of living and diminished quality of life. It’s great that the governor is finally listening to this message – for it’s been going on for far too long, especially in Western New York and rural communities across our state.
“However, more focus on real fiscal responsibility, protecting our community from criminals, and making long term commitments to rebuilding our basic infrastructure must be our focus. It’s time we get back to basics and focus on keeping New Yorkers here with their families.”
One Fair Wage’s President Saru Jayaraman: “We applaud Governor Hochul in her quest to index the $15 minimum wage in the Empire State to continue to rise with inflation, especially to support women and workers of color.
“But hundreds of thousands of tipped service workers in New York who are largely women and people of color have been excluded from the $15 wage and are fed up with low wages and poor working conditions on the restaurant industry. They must also be taken into consideration, particularly as the staffing crisis in New York continues.
“Unless wages go up statewide for tipped workers, thousands of workers will continue to organize and many more will continue to leave in droves. Governor Hochul, a former tipped worker herself, has called for ending the subminimum wage for tipped workers. She has the power to do so right now, and we call on her to take subminimum wage workers’ concerns seriously through a simple executive action. That’s the kind of leadership that New Yorkers need.”
New York State School Boards Association Executive Director Robert Schneider: “School boards are pleased to hear assurances from Gov. Kathy Hochul that public education will be an important part of her vision for a New York that provides a welcoming environment for families, individuals and employers.
“We thank the governor for her continued commitment to fully funding foundation aid, expanding full-day pre-kindergarten, and establishing new early college high school and P-TECH programs. All of these initiatives will greatly benefit our students.
“We look forward to working with the governor and the Legislature to set up a plan for the future of foundation aid. This includes conducting a costing out study to determine the true cost of providing an adequate education for all of the students of New York State, updating the components of the foundation aid formula as needed, and providing minimum required aid increases for districts that would otherwise be left out by the current version of the formula.
“We are encouraged by the governor’s support of reforms to make the property tax cap fair for all stakeholders – a priority for school boards – and we await more details about the governor’s commitment to providing the necessary continuum of mental health care for New Yorkers, including students. Her emphasis on school-based supports for students is a welcome recognition that educators want and need tools to help our students overcome mental health challenges so they can thrive academically and socially.
“In addition, as the session unfolds, we look forward to working with the governor as we advocate for a universal school meals program to ensure that all students are offered a nutritious breakfast and lunch each day. Healthy school meals are an important building block of student success.
“Based on our review of the governor’s initiatives for this legislative session, we anticipate a promising session for our public schools.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 January 2023 at 2:21 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Jason Tarnowski, pastor of the Albion Free Methodist Church, stands by an outdoor cabinet that has food for the community. People are welcome to take and leave food.
ALBION – The Albion Free Methodist Church started a new ministry last month where people are welcome to take or leave food in an outdoor cabinet by the entrance of the church at 25 South Platt St.
Church members Rick and Kim Holz came up with the idea to have the cabinet outside, and Mr. Holz constructed the wooden frame for the display.
Jason Tarnowski, pastor of the church since October 2021, said the food is available to anyone in the community. The church calls the cabinet the “Community of Hope Food Ministry.”
He said people from outside the church have been contributed food to the cabinet, including the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries. That church partnered with Arnold’s Auto Parts to stock an outdoor refrigerator with food at Arnold’s on West Bank Street. That refrigerator has been supplied with food since last March.
Tarnowski asks the attendees at the Free Methodist Church to bring non-perishable food on Sundays for the cabinet, or when they attend meetings mid-week.
The Free Methodist Church was founded in Albion in 1859 and is the oldest church in the denomination. Tarnowski said the congregation is committed to being relevant and serving the community.
Provided photo: Brian Marek, a contractor from Northtowns Remodeling Corp., speaks with students in the building trades program at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – The Orleans Career and Technical Education Center students heard from architect Paul Lang from Carmina Wood Design who have worked on numerous buildings such as factory conversions to newly built structures for a variety of public, private and institutional clients.
His company has worked on some of our region’s most challenging historic preservation endeavors, with over 30 executed National Registry listed sites to their credit. He has studied and taught in Rome and Panama.
“Paul specializes in taking old buildings and creating new multiuse spaces,” Mr. Anastasi said. “He specializes in old factories and making them new green/sustainable products. He talked about the techniques they use to make them perform similar to a brand-new building, but still maintain the building’s character and façade. They use similar equipment and practices that my students use and are learning about as we apply these similarly to our projects in our classroom.”
Residential contractor Brian Marek, from Northtowns Remodeling Corp, talked to not only Mr. Anastasi’s class, but to Electricity/Electronics students in Bill Leggett’s class and Computer Technology students in Paul Herrmann class as well.
Mr. Marek works locally and specializes in kitchens and baths. He has over 30 years in the business of building and remodeling and home improvements. Their specialty is remodeling outdated homes.
Mr. Marek talked to the students about how he started out in a career and technical education class similar to theirs and how he started his business. He talked about being your own boss and different projects he worked on throughout his career. His son Robert Bass, a Silicon Valley software engineer, joined his father and discussed how he uses computer technology and social media to market their company.
“I am so appreciative of Mr. Lang and Mr. Marek taking time out of their busy schedules and talking to our students,” Mr. Anastasi said. “The students get a lot out of interacting with professionals in different fields and for some it inspires them to go down a certain path with their careers.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 January 2023 at 10:12 am
MEDINA – The village election will be March 21 with voting from noon to 9 p.m. at the Senior Center, 615 West Ave.
The Village Board on Monday set the location, date and time for voting.
There will be two trustee positions up for election. Those spots are currently filled by Owen Toale and Jessica Marciano.
Toale said he isn’t seeking re-election after 12 years on the board. Marciano, who is finishing her first two-year term, said she will be running again.
Candidates for the board need to submit petitions signed by at least 100 eligible registered voters in the village. The petitions are due by Feb. 14 in the village office. Jan. 3 was the first day the petitions could be picked up at the village office.
The board on Monday also appointed four election inspectors. Judy Szulis will be chairwoman of the inspectors and be paid $15.50 an hour, while the other inspectors – Norma Huth, Linda Deyle and Mary Ann Ander – will be paid $14.50 an hour.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) invites non-profits to apply for a share of $5 million in grants that are available to organizations that serve veterans and their family members in order to make capital improvements.
This program is meant to improve and expand the services available to the state’s veterans and their families by upgrading facilities or building new ones. Funding for projects will range between $25,000 and $75,000. Funding will go toward design, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or expansion of eligible veterans’ facilities.
The Division of Veterans’ Services will host a webinar for program applicants on Thursday, Jan. 12, to outline the program and application process. Click here to view the webinar.
“Taking care of our veterans, who have protected our country with such courage, should always be a top priority to our state and our nation,” Hawley said. “I want all former military members to understand the services that are available to them. The Capital Program will allow non-profits to better address veterans’ issues throughout the state by having state-of-the-art facilities and resources. We must take care of these veterans because they have always been there to protect us.”
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) issued the following statement after the Rules package for the 118th Congress passed the House by a vote of 220-213.
“This rules package is the first critical step in making good on our Commitment to America. It rolls back the authoritarian policies of Nancy Pelosi and returns power back to the people, where it belongs. The provisions in this rules package will ensure a more transparent, accountable, and effective government.
“All legislation should be read and adequately understood before being considered, which is why House rules now require a mandatory 72-hour review period before a bill is voted on. The rules package ends proxy voting, requiring all members of Congress to show up for work just like the American people do each day.
“Importantly, the rules package also re-establishes a super majority vote for any tax increase. After years of the Democrats’ inflation-fueling tax and spend agenda, this change will return fiscal sanity to Congress. I was honored to support this rules package and am eager to get to work on behalf of the American People.”
Some of the best provisions in the Rules package:
Eliminates proxy voting;
Requires in-person committee hearings and markups;
Creates a more open and accessible amendment process so the voices and views of Members can be heard;
Enacts a CUTGO rule to ensure there will be spending cuts to offset any increase in mandatory spending;
Requires a supermajority vote for any tax increase
Prohibits including instructions to raise the debt limit in a House budget resolution, budget reconciliation instructions, or a Budget Resolution Committee Report; and
Includes a single subject requirement to ensure legislation is narrowly focused on the issue at hand.
