ALBION – Apex Clean Energy and Heritage Wind are pleased to announce that four organizations have been awarded grants as part of the Heritage Wind Community Grant Program.
The 2022 grant program invited local organizations to apply for funds supporting four types of activities: building healthy communities, promoting education, encouraging economic development, and sustaining the environment.
The grant recipients for this cycle are the Town of Barre, the Cobblestone Society & Museum, Orleans Koinonia Kitchen, and the Orleans County Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
“I’m so proud of the work we’ve done over the years to make Heritage Wind a part of the Orleans County community,” said Carmen O’Keefe, senior development manager for Heritage Wind. “As we get closer to this project and its many benefits becoming a reality, it’s great to find even more ways to support organizations doing critical work for this community.”
The grant awards include:
Town of Barre – $4,000
Orleans Koinonia Kitchen – $2,500
Cobblestone Society and Museum – $2,000
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association – $2,000
“The Town of Barre is grateful for the continued support and generosity of Apex Clean Energy,” said Jason Foote, Town of Barre Park director. “This grant money will be used to help us achieve our goal of updating the existing playground equipment and making the Town of Barre Park more family friendly.”
“The Cobblestone Society & Museum is proud of its 60-year heritage of historic preservation in Orleans County and beyond. However, we are not stopping very long to look back because we have an exciting new plan laid out for the future,” said the museum’s director, Doug Farley. “With the purchase of the historic circa 1830 brick home (formerly known as Fair Haven Treasures) directly across from the Cobblestone Museum, we look forward to expanding our community engagement through the addition of a Cobblestone Welcome Center to our campus of historic buildings. A Media Center within the Welcome Center will provide visitors with video introductions to the museum campus buildings and exhibits, as well as general historic overviews of the immediate area, Orleans County, and the region.”
“We do what we do because there are people in this world who need a little help, and that’s where we come in, but we could never do it without the help and support of the community and donators like Heritage Wind,” said Faith Smith, director of Orleans Koinonia Kitchen.
“We are so grateful for the generous grant from Heritage Wind toward the Orleans County Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Lynn Westcott, senior director of development for the Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “Heritage Wind’s support of the Walk will have a positive impact on the people in Orleans County who live with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia and those who care for them, as this event funds the many free support groups, education programs, and other services provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, such as our 24/7 helpline.” The helpline can be reached at (800) 272-3900.
These grant awardees join a list of other Orleans County organizations that have been approved for grants from Apex, including Orleans Community Health, the Albion Betterment Committee, the Town of Barre Historical Society, COVA, ARC of Genesee and Orleans, and many others.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 October 2022 at 4:29 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
The leaves are changing colors in Orleans County. We’re in the early part of fall foliage. The top photo shows trees last week at Boxwood Cemetery in Medina.
This photo from today shows trees along the Erie Canal in Albion, just east of the Ingersoll Street bridge.
Many of the leaves near the Ingersoll Street bridge have turned from green to yellow.
The statewide “I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report” came out on Thursday and shows peak fall colors in the Adirondacks, with near-peak leaves to be found throughout most of the upper Catskills, plus parts of the Chautauqua-Allegheny, Thousand Islands-Seaway, and Finger Lakes regions.
The report says Genesee County is about 20% change with primarily red leaves. “In Orleans County, spotters in Albion expect foliage to be nearing midpoint of change with bright shades of red and yellow,” according to the report.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 October 2022 at 1:52 pm
Joleen Bessel of Ridgeway sent in this photo of a recent sunset at the Medina/Wildwood Lake KOA on Countyline Road in Ridgeway.
The forecast heading into the Columbus Day weekend includes highs in the 50s, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
Today will reach 51 with an overnight low of 39, according to the Weather Service.
Then the highs are mostly sunny and 55 on Saturday, mostly sunny and a high of 58 on Sunday and partly sunny with a high near 58 on Monday, which is Columbus Day.
Then the highs are 63 on Tuesday, 69 on Wednesday and 63 on Thursday, according to the Weather Service.
Photo by Tom Rivers: The sun sets in Medina last Saturday in this view along East Center Street near State Street Park.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council which will develop a plan to cut child poverty in half over the next decade. Authorized via the Child Poverty Reduction Act, the diverse panel will begin developing this plan during its first meeting in Albany on Thursday, Oct. 13.
“Alleviating poverty for all New Yorkers – especially our youngest – is a key priority for my administration,” Governor Hochul said. “This talented and diverse group of policy experts, service providers, advocates, and community members will examine both proven strategies and new approaches to further this goal and address the broad and systemic inequities that perpetuate cycles of poverty in communities throughout New York State.”
The council is charged with developing evidence-based recommendations for reducing child poverty in New York State by 50 percent over the next ten years. As part of this effort, the council will conduct comprehensive data analyses, create a timeline with annual benchmarks, determine effective metrics for measuring the state’s progress reducing child poverty, and issue reports.
The council is co-chaired by Jihoon Kim, Governor Hochul’s Deputy Secretary for Human Services and Mental Hygiene, and Daniel W. Tietz, Commissioner of the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
Jihoon Kim said, “I am grateful to Governor Hochul for appointing me as co-chair of the Council. This administration is committed to taking concrete steps to alleviate the economic, mental and emotional stress experienced by far too many New Yorkers, especially our children. The Council will focus on building consensus toward broad-based policy solutions that can help disadvantaged communities, including communities of color, escape poverty and achieve economic security.”
Daniel W. Tietz said, “It is an honor to serve as co-chair of the Council and I am excited to begin the critical work of creating a blueprint that we can use to cut child poverty in half over the next decade. The work of the Council is intended to empower some of our most marginalized and vulnerable fellow New Yorkers and improve the quality of life for those most in need.”
The council’s statutory membership includes:
State Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Shelia Poole
State Department of Taxation and Finance Deputy Commissioner of Processing and Taxpayer Services Kristin Dence
State Council on Children and Families Deputy Director and Counsel Elana Marton
Former Children’s Defense Fund Director of Health and Economic Justice Policy Ben Anderson
Robin Hood Foundation CEO Richard Buery
Community Member Candace Cabral
Community Member Pamela Walcott
Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council member Shelly Callahan
Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council member Kathy Connerton
Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy President & CEO Kate Breslin
Westchester Children’s Association Executive Director Allison Lake
The Children’s Agenda Director of Policy Peter Nabozny
The Education Trust Executive Director Dia Bryant
New York City Human Resources Administration Administrator Lisa Fitzpatrick
Erie County Department of Social Services Commissioner Marie Cannon
Hundreds of thousands of children are living in poverty throughout New York State in 2021, according to U.S. Census Bureau data compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. This represents more than 15 percent or nearly one in five children throughout the state.
The New York State Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council will conduct its first meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, at 10 a.m., in Meeting Room 6 at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. The meeting is open to the public and may also be viewed online, along with materials the Council will discuss, which will be available at the following link the day before the meeting: otda.ny.gov/news/meetings/.
Provided photo: Rob Klino has his home decorated for Halloween and the community is welcome to check it out on Saturday.
Press Release, Rob Klino’s “Happy Halloween House”
MEDINA – The “Happy Halloween House” celebration is back after a 2-year Covid hiatus in 2020 and 2021, and host Rob Klino is ready to welcome all persons who are crazy about Halloween through his doors.
The open house and pop-up show features vendors who specialize in Halloween collectibles and farmhouse fabulous décor, and is scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 650 West Center St.
In addition to popular vendors such as the ladies from Red Check (and their awesome signage) and Lisa Mannella (Halloween paper décor items), shoppers will be delighted to see the offerings from his newest vendors – Roger’s Rustics (Halloween wreaths), Dogs Over the Moon (Halloween sculptures) and Sweet Cottage Designs (farmhouse fabulous décor). Halloween enthusiasts can expect to see all sorts of unique items for purchase with a Halloween/ fall theme from pumpkins, to vintage items, candles, wreaths, signs, and transferware.
Klino will also be displaying his longtime, and still growing, collection of Mackenzie-Childs and Halloween décor for everyone’s viewing pleasure. Mackenzie-Childs is a high-end retailer, based in Aurora NY on Cayuga Lake, that specializes in handmade majolica pottery, furniture, and home furnishings.
Shoppers with a desire to own an authentic Mackenzie-Childs pumpkin or two can take advantage of a raffle that Klino has coordinated, with proceeds going to Western New York’s Cat by Cat Inc. This organization is dedicated to assisting community cats and those who care for them, and recently helped Klino find homes for abandoned kittens at his brother’s country property.
He is so excited to see old acquaintances and welcome new faces that share a love for Halloween at his third annual pop-up show.
“My Happy Halloween House gives me great sense of community by bringing together all those that share my love of Halloween,” Klino said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 October 2022 at 9:20 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Chet Fery speaks at Hoag Library on Thursday evening, sharing a message about the importance of kindness. Fery, a retired Gates-Chili school administrator, also shared a loaf of bread with each of the participants, about 20 at the event.
Fery, who is known as “Chet the Bread Man,” has given away more than 100,000 loaves of bread in the past 20 years.
Covid derailed some of his speaking engagements, but he is back making public appearances, giving away bread and sharing a message.
“There is a desperate need for kindness,” said Fery, a Brockport resident. “We see different things when we look through the eyes of kindness.”
Press Release, Orleans Community Health Foundation
Provided photo: Peter Bartula accepts a $10,000 check as the Mega Drawing winner and gave $2,000 back to Gloria Brent, a board member on the OCH Foundation.
MEDINA – When hosting a fundraising event, you want it to be fun for the participants. Of course, most people enter charitable raffles as a way to not only give to an organization, but they always hope to win something back for themselves. It makes giving a win/win.
The organization raises funds for their cause and you get a chance to win a prize. This year at the Orleans Community Health Foundations Mega Drawing, it was just that when their grand prize winner gave back a portion of their winnings!
Peter Bartula of Albion was this year’s grand prize winner of $10,000 and in return he donated back $2,000.
“Receiving such a large check that I never expected to win was a total surprise,” Bartula said. “I bought the raffle ticket as a donation to the hospital with no expectation that I would win. So when I did win, I felt that the right thing to do would be to give a percentage of it back.”
OCH Foundation board member Gloria Brent sold Peter the winning ticket after meeting just this year through the Medina Rotary Club.
“I was able to watch the drawing live on Facebook and was overjoyed to find that Peter had won the grand prize,” Brent said. “He is always finding ways to give back to our community and when I handed him the winning check, he returned a significant amount back to the Foundation.”
The Orleans Community Health Foundation hosted its annual Mega Drawing Cash Raffle on Sept. 13. Besides the $10,000 grand prize there were nine other cash prizes. It was the third year in a row they have held the event virtually.
The low overhead of the event helps them to maximize the proceeds and put them directly back into their annual campaign. This year another winner, Steve Hicks, also donated back a portion of his winnings.
“Each year we host this event, winners give back,” said Heather Smith, interim executive director. “This is the most that has been donated back since our first year running the event in 2013, when the winners donated back a total of $5,000.”
This year, the OCH Foundation’s campaign is focused on raising funds for brand new Intravenous (IV) Infusion Pumps. The goal is to raise $150,000 which will replace all 60 pumps currently in use throughout Orleans Community Health.
Most of the pumps are used at their two dialysis centers (Medina and Batavia) and in various departments at Medina Memorial Hospital.
“With the proceeds from the Mega Drawing, we have reached nearly $83,000 towards the campaign so far,” Smith said. “We have one fundraiser left and a few grants that we are waiting on. However, we will need to the support of the community to help us complete this campaign.”
The foundation’s next fundraising event is the Treasure Island Benefit Auction on Nov. 5. Tickets are available through the Foundation office or online at www.supportoch.org/events. If you are interested in more information on the IV Pump Replacement Campaign and how you can support it, please contact the OCH Foundation office at (585) 798-8426.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 October 2022 at 6:47 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: COVA heads out for an ambulance call in November 2020.
ALBION – COVA has announced it is working on an agreement with Mercy Flight EMS to have that agency provide ambulance services in central Orleans County.
Mercy Flight EMS is based in Batavia provides ambulance services in Genesee County, Niagara County, the Village of Springville and the Town of Concord as well as mutual aid in the surrounding areas.
Mercy Flight EMS responds to about 6,000 calls for service a year. COVA responds to about 2,000 calls annually.
COVA started 43 years ago. In recent years it has been operating at about a $150,000 to $200,000 deficit. The organization has sought local municipal support but has been unable to line up a commitment in funding.
The COVA board of directors and administrative staff issued the following press release and declined to make any other comments:
“At this time, COVA would like to publicly thank all of its supporters and every single person that has made a donation to our agency. It has been an honor to provide ambulance service to this amazing community.
“The outpouring of support that we have received through the petitions demonstrates that the residents want to keep their ambulance service. Unfortunately, despite all of our efforts, it appears this will not be the case.
“The time has come for the COVA Board of Directors along with the administrative staff to pursue a different path. Our goal is to recommend a plan that ensures continued service and employment for our 44 EMTs and Paramedics.
“We would like to publicly announce that COVA has a desire to invite Mercy Flight EMS to step in for us and continue to offer a nonprofit, community-based ambulance service to our constituents.
“This concept is one which we hope our elected officials will consider and embrace so the residents of Central Orleans County will continue receive the service which they have become accustomed to.
“Our proposed arrangement with Mercy Flight would allow a nonprofit, community-based ambulance to remain servicing the central parts of Orleans County.
“If it was not for your continued support and donations, COVA would not have had the privilege to service this community for the past 43 years and for that, we thank you!” – COVA Board of Directors & Administrative Staff
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 October 2022 at 4:27 pm
‘It is deeply disappointing that the judge wants to limit my ability to keep New Yorkers safe and to prevent more senseless gun violence.’ – Gov. Kathy Hochul
A federal judge issued a ruling today, temporarily blocking provisions of New York’s concealed carry law.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the legislation on July 1 and it took effect on Sept. 1.
But U.S. District Judge Glenn Suddaby said the NY laws were “unconstitutional.” The state sought to create gun-free zones and a requirement that applicants submit social media information for review.
The ruling keeps gun restrictions in place at schools, government buildings and places of worship. But the judge said state couldn’t ban guns from other sensitive locations, such as Times Square.
The state has three days to seek emergency relief from a federal appeals court.
Gov. Kathy Hochul issued this statement: “In the wake of the Supreme Court’s reckless decision that reversed decades of established law amid a national gun violence crisis, the State Legislature and I acted decisively to keep New Yorkers safe. The Concealed Carry Improvement Act was carefully crafted to put in place common-sense restrictions around concealed carry permits.
“While this decision leaves aspects of the law in place, it is deeply disappointing that the Judge wants to limit my ability to keep New Yorkers safe and to prevent more senseless gun violence. We are working with the Attorney General’s office to review the decision carefully and discuss next steps in an appeal. I will continue to do everything in my power to combat the gun violence epidemic and protect New Yorkers.”
State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt issued this statement: “Today’s decision is a victory for the Constitutional rights of all New Yorkers.
“Albany’s political ruling class has repeatedly parroted a false narrative that law-abiding firearm owners are the root of increasing crime in our communities. Nothing could be further from the truth.
“It is One Party Rule that’s made New York less safe with their bail ‘reform’ and other criminal-coddling policies.
“Instead of appealing today’s decision, and continuing their unconstitutional political assault on New Yorkers’ freedoms, the Governor and her Legislative allies should close the revolving door of violent, repeat offenders they opened with their pro-criminal agenda.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James issued this statement: “Today’s decision comes in the wake of mass shootings and rampant gun violence hurting communities here in New York and across the country. While the decision preserves portions of the law, we believe the entire law must be preserved as enacted. We will appeal this decision.
“Common-sense gun control regulations help save lives. I will not back down from the fight to protect New Yorkers from repeated and baseless attacks on our state’s gun safety measures. I will continue to defend our responsible gun laws and fight for the safety of everyday New Yorkers.”
Assemblyman Steve Hawley of Batavia applauded U.S. District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby’s suspension of the Concealed Carry Improvement Act. Hawley issued this statement:
“Since the emergency session, I, along with many of my constituents have been fighting to eradicate this unreasonable new law. Gov. Hochul needs to open her eyes to the clear wrongdoings of her policies in Albany. I am extremely grateful to those, such as Judge Suddaby, who understand how unconstitutional this law truly is and are working to protect our Second Amendment rights.”
Jayden Neal creates new tech to help keep cows comfortable
Jayden Neal and his father Jody are featured in a new episode of “This American Dairy Farmer.” Jayden developed technology to automate curtains, lighting, sprinklers, fans and alley scrapers to create a more consistent and comfortable environment for the cows. He also developed an activity tag for the cows. Jayden also utilizes drone mapping for the farm.
Press Release, American Dairy Association North East
ALBION – Offering a glimpse into the lives of hardworking farmers, American Dairy Association North East released a new episode of “This American Dairy Farmer,” a digital series highlighting family, tradition and sustainable food production on local dairy farms.
Every gallon has a story, and “This American Dairy Farmer” offers a behind-the-scenes look at dairy farms and the families who operate them, while helping viewers make personal connections with those who produce their food.
In “Robotics Whiz Invents Farm Technology,” which debuted October 6 on AmericanDairy.com, viewers meet dairy farmer Jody Neal and his son, Jayden, of Orleans Poverty Hill Farm in Albion. Jayden Neal is a sophomore at the Rochester Institute of Technology, majoring in robotics and manufacturing.
“My son Jayden helps on the technology side of things and helps make some of my dreams come true,” Jody Neal explained. Jayden has invented many gadgets that make life easier on the farm.
Jayden Neal has embraced technology to help the Neal dairy farm run smoother and track feed inputs. He is working on a system with QR codes that track equipment’s maintenance.
“I think it’s so cool that I’m able to implement my love of technology here on the farm. And there is so much here that can be automated, I believe I can make a difference,” Jayden Neal said.
Watch “This American Dairy Farmer” to learn more about how Jayden’s innovations ease the workload for employees and family members, streamlining operations at the farm.
“This series is an opportunity for consumers to meet and learn about the people who produce the milk for everything from their morning coffee to their children’s school meals,” said John Chrisman, CEO of American Dairy Association North East. “You see the passion dairy farmers have for taking care of their animals, protecting the environment and leaving a legacy for the next generation.”
“This American Dairy Farmer” visits 12 dairy farms in 2022. New episodes will continue to air through the fall months at AmericanDairy.com, where seasons one and two are also available here. Other GLOW area dairies featured in the first three seasons include Stein Farms in LeRoy, Noblehurst Farms in Pavilion, HaR-Go Farms in Pavilion and Rudgers Registered Jerseys in Attica.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 October 2022 at 11:29 am
3-story site from 1890 home to assemblyman’s office, Orleans EDA, Ministry of Concern
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Village of Albion has owned 121 North Main St. since 2002. The village finished off a renovation project for the building that is called the Albion Visitor’s Center.
ALBION – The Albion Village Board is talking about possibly selling the Albion Visitor’s Center, which is an office building at 121 North Main St.
The building has been appraised for $249,900 by David Snell of Snell Realty in Albion. The building has three tenants that pay about $4,000 combined each month.
Some Albion artifacts, including a fire hose cart and a wooden waterline, are on display in the foyer of the building.
The village pays about $1,000 in utilities a month for the building. Mayor Angel Javier Jr. said the building is break-even or maybe even a loss for the village when the time from the village Department of Public Works staff is factored in.
If the building was sold it would be on the tax rolls, generating tax revenue for the village, town, school district and county, he said.
The village has owned the 8,061-square-foot building since 2002. It took over the building that was in the midst of a big construction project. The former Greater Albion Chamber of Commerce was approved for a $585,000 grant from the federal Housing and Urban Development for the renovation. That grant didn’t cover all the costs and the village stepped in to finish the project.
The building from 1890 was in major disrepair before the Chamber and village took on the project. The Visitor’s Center current tenants include Assemblyman Steve Hawley on the first floor, the Orleans Economic Development Agency on the second floor and the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern on the third floor.
There is space on the first floor available from two previous tenants – Bernie Baldwin with MetLife and Crossroads Abstract.
Snell put the value of the property at just shy of $250,000. He compared that to 10 North Main St. in Albion, a residential, business and office building that sold for $240,000 in May 2021. It was listed at $249,900. That 12,540-square-foot building has fewer parking spaces than the 13 for the Visitor’s Center.
Snell also highlighted an 8,887-square-foot building in Medina at 415 West Ave. That one sold for $225,000 in August 2022. It was listed for $259,900. That property has at least 20 parking spots.
Snell said the Visitor’s Center is in good condition and already has three tenants with the chance for at least two more. The building has a working elevator and a prominent location on Main Street.
“This property has a lot of character,” Snell said during last week’s Village Board meeting. “It’s a nice-looking building.”
If the building was listed for sale, Snell estimated it could take a year to sell it. The two buildings he used as comparables were on the market for an average of 366 days.
Mayor Javier said the board is gathering information right now and no decision has been made to try to sell the site.
The three-story building includes an elevator. There are currently two available offices for rent in the building following the retirement of Bernie Baldwin as a MetLife agent and ending of the lease by Crossroads Abstract.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 October 2022 at 10:53 am
Those with special needs may not respond to commands in the usual way
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Debbie Fuller and her son Collin get approval from Officer Dustin Meredith of the Medina Police Department on placement of a decal on the door to Collin’s apartment indicating a person with special needs lives there. The decals are a new idea the police department is promoting to inform first responders a person in the home might not respond to their presence in the usual way.
MEDINA – A new program being promoted by the Medina Police Department is designed to provide first responders with pertinent information when encountering people with special needs.
Lt. Todd Draper has taken the lead to develop a decal which can be placed on the door or car window to let first responders know they may encounter a person with special needs. Assisting with the program are officers Dustin Meredith and Clayton Smith.
The idea for the decals came out of a Police Advisory Committee meeting, where Debbie Fuller of Medina shared information about a similar program she learned of in Lake Wales, Fla. The sheriff’s department there promotes the decals, which give first responders notice that someone in the house or car may not respond to commands or requests as they normally expect.
The decals are available for homes and cars.
As an example, Debbie said Collin once had a smoke alarm go off.
“He called me in a panic,” she said. “It was then I realized in an emergency situation, he wouldn’t know what to do. You can’t practice something like that.”
Collin was diagnosed at 18 months with pervasive development disorder. Over the years, his diagnosis changed through various autism spectrums, his mother said. He is able to live on his own, with daily supervision from Paula Stanton from the Arc. Stanton spends 25 hours a week assisting Collin with daily living skills, such as preparing meals and paying bills. She thinks the decals are a wonderful idea.
“When I can’t be around, emergency personnel should realize someone like Collin can’t process rapid fire questions, commands or requests,” Debbie said. “I’m hoping this program will bridge that gap.”
Draper thinks if they can get the information out it will help a lot of people.
“I hope this program catches on,” he said. “It will help people with various disabilities, not just autism.”
The idea for the decals was unrolled Aug. 2 during National Night Out, Draper said. Since then, 10 applications have been turned requesting decals. Information on the applications is also supplied to the Orleans County dispatch, so when a call comes in from a home with a decal, the dispatcher can alert the first responders.
The decals are designed to be weather resistant. The officers explained the correct place to put them on a car is on the little window behind the back door on the driver’s side.
“That is always the side where an officer approaches a vehicle,” Draper said.
Applications for a decal are available on the village website or at the Medina Police Department. They can also be picked up at Orleans County Mental Health Department and the Arc.
Draper also stressed families don’t have to display a sticker, if they would rather not, because key personnel would have the information on file.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 October 2022 at 8:05 am
MEDINA – The top photo of a tugboat on the Erie Canal in Medina was taken by Peggy Barringer of Albion and won third place in the 2022 Erie Canalway Photo Contest. The photo is entitled, “Hard at Work” in Medina.
Barringer won a first place award in the contest in 2014. Her photo of the tugboat was the only award winner showing an Orleans County scene in the 2022 contest.
The 17th annual contest included four categories: Canal Communities, On the Water, Classic Canal, and Along the Trail. Barringer was third in the Classic Canal category.
“I’m just thrilled to be selected as a winner for the second time,” Barringer said by text. “I live along the canal so I live and breathe it. It’s part of my life!”
This photo – “Sunrise Stroll on the Erie Canal, Pittsford” – was taken by Alan Schwartz of Rochester and won first place in the Along the Trail category.
Photos courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES – Building Trades students Max Raines (Lyndonville) and Ben Olson (Lockport) are shown with Jim Drzewicki (PRO Operations Manager – Lehigh Construction Group) and Matt Stoklosa (Safety Director – Lehigh Construction Group).
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – Orleans Career and Technical Education Center students in Matt Anastasi’s Building Trades program and Bill Leggett’s Electricity/Electronics program recently got a lesson on the job safety.
Mr. Anastasi reached out to Nick Denofrio, a Compliance Assistance Specialist with OSHA, about coming in to speak to the classes. He brought along Jim Drzewicki, PRO Operations Manager of Lehigh Construction Group and Matt Stoklosa, Safety Director of Lehigh Construction Group, who Mr. Denofrio often collaborates with when talking to career and technical education schools.
Mr. Anastasi asked them to specifically talk about falls on the jobsite. “Since falls account for most accidents, they focused on specific areas that will help our students to better understand the rights workers have as well as the rights their employers have supplying fall protection, training and implementation.”
Mr. Anastasi added, “Having a mix of viewpoints from the OSHA inspector to the Safety Director and the field supervisors the classes really had a great way of receiving examples of fall protection. The speakers explained the various types of safety equipment and let the students try them on to understand the differences.”
The students all enjoyed the talk and seeing the different equipment. It was a valuable lesson to learn the various techniques these pieces of equipment play depending on the type of construction they would be working on.
Electricity/Electronics students Padraigh Crowley (Medina) and Ryan Schnepf (Lyndonville) learn from Jim Drzewicki (PRO Operations Manager – Lehigh Construction Group) and Matt Stoklosa (Safety Director – Lehigh Construction Group).
