BATAVIA – Representatives from Community Action of Orleans and Genesee met at Community Action in Batavia on Monday with Congresswoman Claudia Tenney who is seeking to represent a district that would include Genesee and part of Orleans County. The redrawn 24^th Congressional District includes about a dozen counties.

Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action, stressed her agency does not take political stances, and that the visit was simply an opportunity for Tenney, who supports the H.R. 5129, Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act, as well as the H.R. 4040, Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act, to see the work Community Action is doing.

“The former brings important changes, such as a 10-year reauthorization of our foundational funding source, as well as the adoption of a 200% federal poverty level eligibility, which increases the number we are able to help become self-sufficient,” Hungerford said. “This is especially important as minimum wage increases result in reduced eligibility of services for hard-working, low-income individuals and their families. Telehealth is an important tool that connects people to greatly needed healthcare services, which are not limited to the pandemic. It is an important component of our innovative ‘Axis of Care’ program.”

“It is very much ‘to the point’ that we appreciate her support of these two bills,” Hungerford said. “We are thankful that Congresswoman Tenney is a supporter of these acts.

The Community Service Block Grant is the backbone funding for Community Action agencies, Hungerford explained.

Also attending the meeting with Tenney on Monday morning were David Bradley, CEO and co-founder of the National Community Action Foundation, and the primary architect of Community Service Block Grant; Bruce Schmidt, CAOG board vice chair; Barb Shine, CAOG chair; Esther Leadley, CAOG board member; and David Doge, CAOG case manager.

Tenney released a statement that she appreciated the chance to meet with Community Action staff and leaders in Batavia and also in Lockport while she was joined by David Bradley. Bradley’s organization advocates on behalf of a nationwide network of Community Action agencies.

“It is such an honor for our community to welcome David Bradley to Western New York,” Tenney said. “David is a national leader on these issues, and this visit was an important opportunity for our region to highlight the exceptional work being done on the ground to combat poverty and expand opportunity for New York families.

“Community Action agencies provide vital services to those in need, and they do so in a fiscally responsible manner to ensure every taxpayer dollar is used effectively and efficiently,” she said. “We saw their important work in action. I thank the leadership teams and staff at these facilities for their commitment to improving our region by providing New York families with the tools and support for success.”

Owner Shawn Ramsey strives for fun atmosphere, creative staff

Photos by Tom Rivers: Shawn Ramsey, owner of Canalside Tattoo, stands in the side of the building where Canalside clothing and merchandise are available, as well as other items created by artisans and other vendors in Western New York. He said there are 600 different items for sale. Ramsey tries to create a unique atmosphere, including the display of “Hannah,” a hammerhead shark and “Goose Wayne.”

MEDINA – When the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce announced Canalside Tattoo as the Chamber’s business of the year for 2022, Chamber director Darlene Hartway acknowledged there was some pushback.

Some people wondered how a tattoo shop, on Medina’s bustling Main Street, stood out among so many other businesses.

Hartway said Canalside, owned by Shawn Ramsey, brings an energy to the downtown. The business has steadily been expanding, frequently hosts community benefits and has created a welcoming atmosphere, while winning over naysayers.

“They have grown so much,” Hartway said. “They are active in the community. They are active in fundraisers. When you go in, it feels like a family. Shawn is a wonderful person.”

Ramsey said some people, including a village official, initially were concerned when he moved Canalside to the former Curvin’s News & Smoke Shop at 540 Main St. But that official now sees Canalside as a Main Street attraction, rather than a detriment, viewing Canalside much like a salon with a focus on cleanliness and comfort.

Photo by VarukaBlue Photography: The Canalside Tattoo team includes, from left: Andrew London, Megan Furness, James Christian, Maisie Griffin, Shawn Ramsey, CJ Cruickshank, Tyler VerCruysse, Allison Stanton and Matthew Rolfe. Missing from is Amanda Falker, the studio manager who also took this photo.

Ramsey, 47, opened Canalside in Medina in 2015. Initially he was the lone tattoo artist in a 700-square-foot space on East Center Street. The 1993 Medina graduate came back to Medina after working 18 years as a graphic artist in Pittsburgh.

Ramsey has a degree from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. He started his career with a sign company and then worked in web design and software development. He also was a tattoo artist his last 12 years in Pittsburgh.

“I was having a successful design career in Pittsburgh,” Ramsey said. “But I didn’t get a lot of personal satisfaction. This allows me to be part of our little town and on main Street and work with people on a one-on-one basis.”

“Blue” or the “Medina-saur” is on the wall on the side of the business where the tattoo artists work. The dinosaur was created by Rashad Santiago of Batavia, who makes props for movies. He also made a Triceratops head that is part of the Canalside experience.

Canalside proved popular in Medina. After two years, Ramsey moved the business to the former Curvin’s site on Main Street with 2,500 square feet. Each year he has typically added a tattoo artist. Canalside now has six full-time tattoo artists, two piercers, and two other support staff that manage the office and a gift shop with Canalside clothing and products from artisans in Western New York.

Canalside expanded next to Curvin’s and now has 4,000 square feet. That gives more room for the merchandise, as well a private room for tattoos, a “selfie wall” and more wall space items Ramsey finds to make Canalside a fun environment. He has a hammerhead shark mounted on the wall, as well as two dinosaur heads made by Rashad Santiago of Batavia, who makes props for movies. Ramsey also has Star Wars figurines on the shelves, bowling trophies from the 1960s from the former Ranallo’s Lanes in Medina, and a giant skeleton that greets people at the front door.

Canalside is decorated for Halloween year-round and really embraces the holiday during October.

But Ramsey said it’s about bringing people into a fun atmosphere, that is clean and comfortable.

He sees customers become empowered with a tattoo, leaving with added confidence.

“We’re incredibly open to all walks of life,” he said. “We are very accepting.”

Tattoos are widely accepted, and many of the Canalside customers come back again and again. About two thirds of the customers are women. People want tattoos to celebrate milestones – a wedding, a graduation, a new child, even the success of the Buffalo Bills. They also seek a tattoo in a time of mourning to honor a loved one.

Many of the Canalside customers just want to express their individuality with tattoos, Ramsey said.

“It’s been growing in popularity,” he said about tattoos. “The younger generations are drawn to tattoos as a way to stand out.”

He has seen how the quality of the artwork has improved dramatically with vibrant colors lasting much longer. There are better tattoo machines, and needles and pigments, he said. The Ink Master television show also has helped showcase the talents of tattoo artists, Ramsey said.

Shawn Ramsey is shown with a 12-foot-high skeleton near the entrance of Canalside. The skeleton has blinking eyes. Ramsey named the skeleton “Gray Skelley” after Grace Kelly. Ramsey said Canalside is decorated year-round for Halloween.

Canalside is fortunate to have talented artists who connect with customers, Ramsey said.

“We hire based on personality,” he said. “We look for warm, friendly and motivated.”

Ramsey and his staff brainstorm community service projects, and look for ways to build their camaraderie, including Friday Night Flights, a monthly paper airplane competition where the paper size and type change. The Canalside team also has gone apple picking together and competed in ax throwing.

Ramsey has embraced community fundraising efforts including an annual toy drive, tattoo challenges for different causes, a “Medina Strong” campaign to benefit the local hospital during the early days of Covid, and a fundraiser this spring that raised $10,000 for Cat by Cat Inc. That paid for care for feral cats in the community. The cats were spayed or neutered, and also vaccinated and given flea medications.

The Chamber will present the “Business of the Year” and other awards on Thursday during a celebration at the White Birch in Lyndonville.

MEDINA – The family of Bob Hiller is completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from the community for the Medina resident who is battling cancer.

On Saturday, staff at Medina Central School and friends put on a basket raffle to help Hiller and his wife Lee with medical expenses.

“It was a tremendous success,” said Barb Michaud, who helped organize the fundraiser with Lisa Bitsas and Lisa Prentice. “The community was very generous and we want to thank them.”

The Hiller’s daughter Bailey poster her appreciation on Facebook.

“Thank you to everyone who came out,” Bailey wrote. Thank you to those who may not have been able to make it but continue to send my parents notes of encouragement and prayers. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all the donors, big and small, the meals and the visits. It’s easy to get discouraged by the constant trips to Roswell, the disappointment that this therapy might not work, the infusions, the transfusions. But to see the love and support from all of you guys is amazing. He continues to push forward and we love your continued love and support.”

People line up at the door to attend a basket raffle fundraiser Saturday at Medina High School for Bob Hiller.

Federal government already approved $800 million in assistance with $500 million more to follow

Press Release, U.S. Department of Agriculture

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that distressed borrowers with qualifying USDA farm loans have already received nearly $800 million in assistance, as part of the $3.1 billion in assistance for distressed farm loan borrowers provided through Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

The IRA directed USDA to expedite assistance to distressed borrowers of direct or guaranteed loans administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) whose operations face financial risk.

Today’s announcement kicks off a process to provide assistance to distressed farm loan borrowers using several complementary approaches, with the goal of keeping them farming, removing obstacles that currently prevent many of these borrowers from returning to farming, and improving the way that USDA approaches borrowing and servicing. Through this assistance, USDA is focused on generating long-term stability and success for distressed borrowers.

“Through no fault of their own, our nation’s farmers and ranchers have faced incredibly tough circumstances over the last few years,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The funding included in today’s announcement helps keep our farmers farming and provides a fresh start for producers in challenging positions.”

Work has already started to bring some relief to distressed farmers. As of today, over 13,000 borrowers have already benefited from the resources provided under the Inflation Reduction Act as follows:

• Approximately 11,000 delinquent direct and guaranteed borrowers had their accounts brought current. USDA also paid the next scheduled annual installment for these direct loan borrowers giving them peace of mind in the near term.
• Approximately 2,100 borrowers who had their farms foreclosed on and still had remaining debt have had this debt resolved in order to cease debt collections and garnishment relieving that burden that has made getting a fresh start more difficult.

In addition to the automatic assistance already provided, USDA has also outlined steps to administer up to an additional $500 million in payments to benefit the following distressed borrowers:

• USDA will administer $66 million in separate automatic payments, using COVID-19 pandemic relief funds, to support up to 7,000 direct loan borrowers who used FSA’s disaster-set-aside option during the pandemic to move their scheduled payments to the end of their loans.
• USDA is also initiating two case-by-case processes to provide additional assistance to farm loan borrowers. Under the first new process, FSA will review and assist with delinquencies from 1,600 complex cases, including cases in which borrowers are facing bankruptcy or foreclosure. The second new process will add a new option using existing direct loan servicing criteria to intervene more quickly and help an estimated 14,000 financially distressed borrowers who request assistance to avoid even becoming delinquent.

More details on each of the categories of assistance, including a downloadable fact sheet, are available on the Inflation Reduction Act webpage on farmers.gov.

By Mike Pettinella, GCASA Publicist

BATAVIA – Those on the front lines in the battle against the opioid epidemic are unified in their message: Fentanyl is wreaking havoc across the United States, including right here in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

“We’re seeing the human toll that fentanyl is having on our communities,” said Investigator Ryan DeLong of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, one of four speakers at this morning’s GOW Opioid Task Force meeting. “Probably everyone in this room has been affected (by substance use) by a family member or friend.”

DeLong and Deputy Ken Quackenbush, both trained as Drug Recognition Experts, spoke on what local law enforcement is dealing with as the scourge of fentanyl – a synthetic, prescription opioid that is 50 times stronger that heroin – has found its way, mostly from Rochester, into the rural counties.

They were joined by Emily Penrose, an epidemiologist with the Genesee County Health Department, who reported data on opioid-related deaths in Genesee and Orleans, and Christen Foley, task force coordinator, who described the basics of fentanyl and the telling signs of an overdose.

About 35 people attended the quarterly meeting at The Recovery Station, operated by Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, on Clinton Street Road.

DeLong and Quackenbush said that they are encountering scores of people using fentanyl through their road patrols and other drug crackdown initiatives. DeLong noted that the opioid is usually packaged in a wax envelope, about an inch square, but recently, they are finding it mixed with other substances for smoking purposes.

While police used to deal with heroin and other stimulants, Quackenbush said that he has “never seen heroin or seen heroin come back on a toxicology report” in his six years with the sheriff’s office.

“It’s always fentanyl,” he said.

Fentanyl is being distributed in both powder and pill form, with some pills in bright colors to mimic candy, the officers said. DeLong said fentanyl is much cheaper than heroin – a factor leading to its widespread use.  Last year, more than 100,000 Americans died of opioid overdose.

DeLong explained that law enforcement is staying up to date in several ways on the drugs coming into the United States:

• Through regular emails from the federal government on packaging, quantities, forms and trends;
• Through communication among all local and regional police agencies;
• Through pro-active policing such as traffic stops and field testing of seizures (confirmed by lab results);
• Through narcotics trainings at both the “macro and local levels.”

“Every deputy carries and is trained in the administration of Naloxone (popular brand name, Narcan) and we respond to overdose calls for service along with EMS (Emergency Management Services) and fire (personnel),” DeLong said. “We’re also involved in the Public Safety Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative, where we link individuals to services through GCASA peer recovery advocates (without criminal implications) and conduct Drug Take-Back programs throughout the year.”

Penrose presented charts that showed a spike in opioid deaths in both Genesee and Orleans counties in 2017 and 2018 – both rates per 100,000 people well above the national average. She said the rate has decreased in the past three years but continues to be cause for concern.

“We’ve seen a big raise in fentanyl-related deaths since 2014, where before that, the overdose deaths mostly stemmed from heroin,” she said. “Additionally, we’ve seen fentanyl in stimulants such as cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy and bath salts.”

As far as leading causes of death in the U.S., unintentional injuries – including poisoning from alcohol and drugs – is the leading cause of death in every age group from 1 through 44.

“When you look deeper into unintentional injuries, we see that poisoning is the No. 1 cause for the 25-34, 35-44, 45-54 and 55-64 age groups – and that’s fentanyl,” she stated.

The health department is currently involved in a new initiative, HEALing Genesee, which is working to prevent overdose death through education and awareness, increasing access to Naloxone (which saves the lives of people experiencing an overdose) and safe prescribing practices.

The GOW Opioid Task Force, in conjunction with GCASA, regularly schedules trainings in Naloxone administration, Foley said.

“We encourage as many people as possible to get trained in how to administer Naloxone,” she said, noting that just 2 milligrams of fentanyl are considered a lethal dose in most people. “It’s important to know the signs of an overdose, which including drowsiness or unconsciousness, slow or shallow breathing, choking sounds or skin tone changes.”

For more information about Naloxone training or the task force, contact Foley at 585-815-1863.

Press Release, NYS Department of Transportation

ROCHESTER – New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced that applications are currently being accepted for 74 full-time positions in NYSDOT’s vitally important fleet administration and transportation maintenance disciplines in the Finger Lakes Region.

Additionally, a new billboard campaign will soon launch to encourage employment at the Department of Transportation ahead of snow and ice season.

“Our DOT family of public servants is among the best trained at performing the essential services that make a real difference in the lives of New Yorkers,” Commissioner Dominguez said. “Our employees receive competitive pay and benefits, along with professional experiences that are only obtainable in public service. I encourage everyone who wants to be part of this dynamic team to apply today, so you can help us continue to perform the wide range of services that provide connectivity, safety and prosperity for communities.”

Across the state’s different regions, DOT is hiring fleet technicians and highway maintenance workers. Openings include both permanent and seasonal roles. There are 649 positions currently available across the state.

To apply, a candidate must be at least 18 years old and pass a physical and drug test. Some positions require a valid, clean Class A or B commercial driver license (CDL). Those who do not possess a CDL are also welcome to apply as the Department offers in-house CDL training and road tests to obtain the license.

Those hired will be trained and evaluated on several pieces of essential equipment and are expected to perform productive work while gaining experience. Physical labor is required for most positions. During the winter maintenance workers primarily assist in snow and ice removal, but also are expected to perform general highway and bridge repairs and maintenance.

Shifts for maintenance workers vary depending on location. Employees can be expected to work overtime. Training is provided by highly professional and experienced instructors. Depending on job duties, employees receive an allowance for footwear, a call-out bonus, and Special Assignment to Duty Pay, while mechanics are also eligible for an allowance for tools.

Qualified candidates interested in a rewarding career keeping our communities safe can stop by a local DOT residency, a Regional Fleet shop, or find more information on NYSDOT’s website at ny.gov/dotjobs. Periodic updates are also available on NYSDOT’s Facebook page.

Orleans agency says it runs ‘bare-bones’ operation

ALBION – The Orleans Economic Development Agency, which is working through a cash pinch, will see how its fees compare with other economic development agencies.

The Orleans EDA operates on an annual budget of $600,000. It receives about a third of its funding, $190,000, through Orleans County. The rest of the budget is generated through fees charged to businesses assisted by the EDA.

Those fees tend to be about 2 percent of a total project.

“We will analyze our fee schedules and see if we are under or overcharging,” said Michael Dobell, executive director of the Orleans EDA.

He informed the EDA board of directors of the comparison study. He also wants to see how other EDAs handle legal fees, whether those are passed on to developers or handled by the EDA.

The EDA is paid 2 percent of a project’s total cost when it assists companies with a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes). For example, a $3 million project receiving a PILOT would result in $60,000 for the EDA to help the agency pay for its administrative expenses and also if it incurs any legal costs. Right now, the EDA’s legal expenses are included in the administrative fee. There is also a $1,000 application fee for a PILOT.

The PILOT fee is 2 percent of the total project up to $15 million. For projects over $15 million, the fee is 1.5 percent of the total. There is also an annual fee of $500 due to the EDA for PILOTs with projects up to $15 million and a $1,000 annual fee for projects over $15 million. These fees are for the duration of the PILOT agreements, which tend to be 10, 15 or 20 years.

The EDA also is paid 2 percent of a sales tax exemption. For example, a $500,000 sales tax break would result in a $10,000 fee for the EDA. In this case, the applicant has to pay any legal expenses for the EDA plus a $500 application fee.

The agency also collects a 0.25 percent fee for a mortgage recording tax. If it’s a $1 million mortgage, the EDA would be paid $2,500, plus a $500 application fee and any legal expenses.

EDA needed short-term $500K county loan

The agency is dependent on the fees to pay the bulk of its budget. During the Covid pandemic, many of the economic development projects slowed or were put on hold, which hurt the EDA’s cash flow.

The EDA secured a $500,000 loan from the Orleans County Legislature. The EDA will use the $500,000 to assist with cash flow while the agency works to expand and enhance the Medina Business Park and upgrade infrastructure at the site.

The Legislature agreed to assist the EDA on a short term basis with the $500,000 to be paid back over three years at 3 percent interest each year. The terms call for the EDA to pay the county a third of the principal each year.

The first payment of $166,666.67 plus $22,500 is due March 1, 2024. The second payment of $166,666.67 plus $10,000 in interest is due March 1, 2025. The third payment of $166,666.66 plus $5,000 is due March 1, 2026.

John Misiti, EDA board chairman, said he is grateful for the county support of the EDA through an annual contribution from the county budget, and also the short-term loan.

He said the EDA is a “bare-bones” operation with only three full-time employees. That is far fewer than most economic development agencies, he said.

Dobell, the EDA executive director, said the Orleans EDA operates on a “shoestring budget” and staff members put in numerous hours to help facilitate projects.

“There’s not a lot of fluff in there,” he said about the EDA budget.

Provided photos: A Halloween display in front of the Arnold Gregory Complex advertises their Halloween event last year. Best of Tymes Party Rental and Frosty & Friends Bikers for Charity are sponsoring the Haunted Hallway again this year on Oct. 22 as a fundraiser for their community Christmas event.

Visitors to the Haunted Hallway at Arnold Gregory Complex on Oct. 22 may encounter creatures such as this one from last year’s event.

ALBION – A spectacular Halloween family event Oct. 22 sponsored by Best of Tymes Party Rentals and Frosty & Friends will be a fundraiser this year for a free community Christmas event, according to Christine Nenni from Best of Types Party Rental.

This year Nenni said they have decided to step up their Halloween celebration and have a haunted house in the basement of the Arnold Gregory complex, along with crafts and activities for children.

There will also be 20 vendors there, all handing out candy in the event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A fee of $5 will be charged, which will all go for the annual free community family Christmas event scheduled Dec. 10. Nenni said this event will be bigger and better than last year.

On the night of Oct. 22, Frosty & Friends will also have a ghost walk through the hospital halls, starting at 8 p.m. There will be ghost stories and special equipment throughout the haunted house for $10 admission.

In addition, the dancing witches will be there from 11 a.m. to noon. Those proceeds will go to support Frosty & Friends non-profit organization, which is also helping Best of Tymes with the Christmas event this year.

It’s colder today in Orleans County than it has been in recent days. People woke up this morning to temperatures in the 30s. Many people likely broke out their winter coats.

The high is forecast for 49 today, followed by highs of 47 on Wednesday and 46 on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

Then the temperatures will get out of the 40s with a high of 54 on Friday, 64 on Saturday and 65 on Sunday.

Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services

ALBION – The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) season begins on Nov. 1 with a tentative end date of March 15, 2023.

Applications for furnace repair or replacement are being accepted now. Applications for an emergency other than your heating source will be accepted beginning Jan. 2, 2023  through March 15.

If you are applying for the first time, a phone interview is necessary which can be completed beginning on Nov. 1.  Applications will be available in Albion at the County Office Building, Pathstone, Community Action, or Ministry of Concern; at the Community Center in Holley; or at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.

You can apply online for HEAP by visiting www.myBenefits.ny.gov. If you received a benefit through a HEAP case last season you may apply through myBenefits or submit your completed application along with necessary documentation to the Department of Social Services, 14016 Rt. 31 W. Albion, NY 14411.

If you are currently a public assistance or SNAP recipient you should automatically receive your HEAP benefit through your case. Please be sure your worker has accurate vendor and account information to prevent a delay of your HEAP grant.

For questions or to set up an appointment call 589-3182. Appointments cannot be given before Nov. 1. If you are over age 60, please call the Office for the Aging at 589-3191.

You can find more information about HEAP and other assistance programs by visiting www.myBenefits.ny.gov.

ALBION – The Orleans Economic Development Agency has sold 3.26 acres of land to Brunner, a manufacturer on Maple Ridge Road in Medina.

Brunner is paying $60,000 for the land behind its current building. Brunner already has two small structures on the land and has space if the company expands in the future.

The sale will be split between the EDA and the Orleans Land Restoration Corp. The EDA uses the Land Restoration Corp. for projects and land improvements at some of its business parks. After fees with the sale, the EDA and Land Restoration Corp. will each receive $27,500.

The EDA board of directors approved the sale on Friday.

Albion native previously served as United Way, Ministry of Concern director in Orleans County

MIAMI – The Longevity Science Foundation (LSF), a global nonprofit organization providing research funding to establish a longer and healthier human lifespan, has recently expanded by launching operations in the United States and appointing a new President & CEO, Lisa E. Ireland.

Lisa Ireland, Photo credit NSP Studio

Ireland, an experienced non-profit executive with more than 25 years of experience in administration, fundraising, donor engagement, strategy, and finance, will lead global operations for the Foundation.

Ireland is an Albion native who currently lives in Brockport. She previously led the Orleans County United Way and the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern. She is a past president of the Brockport Board of Education.

She also has worked as Vice President For Institutional Advancement at the Rochester Museum & Science Center, and Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship at Rochester Institute of Technology.

“The longevity field is rapidly scaling, with the potential for life-changing technologies to enter into human practice within the coming years,” Ireland said. “As CEO, I am excited to bring longevity to the mainstream and encourage more individuals to learn about this growing field and the unique work the LSF does to support its progress.”

Previously based out of Switzerland, the LSF has opened a new chapter in Miami as a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status. A group of physicians, investors, and other stakeholders founded the Longevity Science Foundation in 2021 to convene biotech founders, physicians, and research institutions in pursuit of lengthening the healthy human lifespan.

The Foundation uses a blockchain-based voting platform to distribute grant funding to projects advancing longevity science, focusing on therapeutics, artificial intelligence, personalized medicine and predictive diagnostics.

Garri Zmudze, the Executive Coordinator of the Longevity Science Foundation, said, “Miami is a city fostering innovation and community. We are thrilled to launch in the United States and work closely with the country’s incredible physicians, visionaries and other stakeholders to advance longevity research.”

All donors will have a voice in the Foundation’s funding decisions via LSF Points, an internal governance unit unique to the Longevity Science Foundation. Points will be allocated based on contribution amount as well as funding milestone, with higher point multipliers for early donors. LSF Points are classified as an ERC-20 token managed on the Ethereum blockchain, with full management by the LSF team. Both the voting platform and token are now live and available for access.

About the Longevity Science Foundation

The Longevity Science Foundation is a nonprofit organization advancing human longevity by funding research and development of medical technologies to extend the healthy human lifespan. The long-term mission of the Longevity Science Foundation is to help make longevity-focused care accessible to everyone, no matter their background, by bringing cutting-edge science on aging out of the laboratory and into the mainstream. To learn more, visit www.longevity.foundation.

ALBION – The Orleans Economic Development Agency has been approved for a $300,000 state grant to help small businesses.

The EDA will be able to give out the grants, ranging from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $35,000. The grants can be used to buy equipment or be used as working capital.

The EDA is making the funds available only to graduates of the Microenterprise Assistance Program, a 10-week business training program run by the EDA.

Six business owners from the spring MAP class have already applied for the funding. If there is money remaining, the EDA will take applications from the current MAP class, which 10 participants. The fall class that runs from Sept. 6 to Nov. 15.

The EDA previously received a $200,000 state grant from the office of Community Renewal to assist small businesses. In 2021, the EDA distributed that money to nine business owners with the grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000.

Diane Blanchard, the MAP coordinator, said the grants made a big difference for the business owners to grow and be in a better position for success.

The state OCR has a stipulation each business that receives funding needs to create a job with a person who was low to moderate income. That job could include the business owner.

The EDA has a local development corporation with a board that will review the proposals to determine the grants and at what funding levels for the businesses.

Michael Dobell, EDA executive director, said the grants have already made a difference for several local small businesses.

“It’s seed money that allows them to take it to the next level,” he said.