Governor Kathy Hochul today commemorated National Drive Electric Week by directing the State Department of Environmental Conservation to take major regulatory action that will require all new passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs sold in New York State to be zero emissions by 2035.
Gov. Kathy Hochul
This is a crucial regulatory step to achieving significant greenhouse gas emission reductions from the transportation sector and is complemented by new and ongoing investments also announced today, including electric vehicle infrastructure progress, zero-emission vehicle incentives, and ensuring New York’s communities benefit from historic federal climate change investments.
“New York is a national climate leader and an economic powerhouse, and we’re using our strength to help spur innovation and implementation of zero-emission vehicles on a grand scale,” Governor Hochul said. “With sustained state and federal investments, our actions are incentivizing New Yorkers, local governments, and businesses to make the transition to electric vehicles. We’re driving New York’s transition to clean transportation forward, and today’s announcement will benefit our climate and the health of our communities for generations to come.”
Proposing draft State regulations is a crucial step to further electrify the transportation sector and help New York achieve its climate requirement of reducing greenhouse gases 85 percent by 2050, while also reducing air pollution, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
The DEC is expediting this regulatory process to implement legislation Governor Hochul signed last year and turn those goals into progress in fully transitioning to new zero-emission cars and trucks. California’s action finalizing the Advanced Clean Cars II regulation last month unlocked New York’s ability to adopt the same regulation.
The regulation will build upon existing regulations enacted in New York in 2012 by requiring all new sales of passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs to be zero-emission by 2035. It would require an increasing percentage of new light-duty vehicle sales to be zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) starting with 35 percent of sales in model year 2026, 68 percent of sales by 2030, and 100 percent of sales by 2035. New pollutant standards for model year 2026 through model year 2034 passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty vehicles with internal combustion engines would also be required. The regulation provides manufacturers with flexibility in meeting the emission requirements and achieving a successful transition to cleaner vehicles.
DEC will share additional information about stakeholder outreach, public comment period, and public hearing later this year and will post the regulatory proposal on DEC’s website (click here).
Both the Advanced Clean Trucks and Advanced Clean Cars II rules would provide the needed regulatory certainty to support a stable market for long-term vehicle purchasing decisions and the development of ZEV charging infrastructure.
New York is investing more than $1 billion in zero emissions vehicles of all weight classes over the next five years. Active light-duty vehicle initiatives include zero-emission vehicle purchase rebates through NYSERDA’s Drive Clean Rebate Program, zero-emission vehicle and charging infrastructure grants through DEC’s Climate Smart Communities Municipal Grant Program, as well as the “EV Make Ready” initiative, NYPA’s EVolve NY charging infrastructure program, and DOT’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) charging infrastructure program to help expand electric vehicle use.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 September 2022 at 11:30 am
Albion native was University of Rochester’s first Black student
Photograph of Henry Spencer courtesy of the University of Rochester
ALBION – A historical marker is expected to be erected in the next few weeks honoring Henry A. Spencer, an Albion native who was the first African-American student at the University of Rochester.
The marker will go by the childhood home of Spencer on Chamberlain Street. Spencer was a pall bearer for Frederick Douglass’s funeral, a member of Frederick Douglass Memorial Committee, and secretary for the NYS Assembly.
The $1,500 cost for the marker is being paid for by the Pomeroy Foundation. The effort is led by Tim Archer’s seventh-grade service learning class at Albion Middle School. Archer and his students will work with the Albion Department of Public Works on the installation.
“Because of his remarkable legacy, our classes petitioned for, and were granted, a NYS historical marker,” seventh-grader Omer Fugate old the Village Board during Wednesday’s board meeting. “These are hard to get, but with the proper documentation we were able to receive the $1,500 grant.”
Archer said the marker was recommended by former County Historian Matt Ballard. He wrote about Spencer in one of his columns when he was county historian.
Spencer’s father came to Western New York with local Union army officers at the conclusion of the Civil War. The father, Henry Spencer, arrived in Orleans County with Lt. Hiram Sickels of the 17th New York Light Independent Artillery sometime around 1866, and then brought his wife and children to the area, Ballard wrote in a column published on Feb. 22, 2020.
One of Spencer’s sons, Henry Austin, worked as an errand boy as a teen-ager and also attended local schools, but only for about three months out of the year. He would then attend a boarding school in Philadelphia and then the Brockport Normal School where he graduated in 1880 as the Gamma Sigma orator, an honor that earned him a full scholarship to the University of Rochester.
After the U of R, he studied law under the Hon. George H. Smith of Rochester. Spencer would then be appointed to a position in Albany in the speaker’s room thanks to a former University of Rochester classmate, Hon. James M. E. O’Grady, according to Ballard’s research.
When S. Fred Nixon assumed the role as speaker of the State Assembly, Spencer was appointed as Nixon’s confidential clerk, a position which he continued to hold through the tenure of the Hon. James Wadsworth, Jr.
“Upon his retirement in 1929, he had served in government for over 30 years and worked for a period of time under Governor Alfred E. Smith and other prominent state officials,” Ballard wrote. “At the time of his death on September 25, 1935 in Rochester, he was one of the area’s more prominent African-American citizens. He was a past grand master of the New York State Colored Masons, an organization which consisted of over 2,000 members across New York.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 29 September 2022 at 9:59 am
Photos from Medina Lions Club: People had lots of fun last year making screcrows.
MEDINA – The annual Scarecrow Fest sponsored by Medina Lions has grown more popular since its first one more than a decade ago.
“We sold 300 scarecrows last year and we are ready for 400 this year,” said Sherry Wheatley, a Medina Lion who came up with the idea as a fundraiser for the Lions.
The event started in the Canal Basin, then moved to Medina Armory, Roberts Farm Market and Forrestel Farm before moving last year to the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds, where it might have found a permanent home. There is plenty of parking and lots of inside space, so weather will never be a factor.
The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 8.
The procedure for a make-it, take-it scarecrow involves the community, Boy Scouts and high school art students.
All year Wheatley collects clothes and sheets donated by MAAC’s Thrift Depot. Barden Homes in Middleport donates wood for the T posts and cuts them up. Albion farmer Ed Neal donates the straw. The Medina High School art students and Barb Jantzi paint the scarecrow heads, Wheatley said.
Children and families arrive on the day of the event, pay $12 for their post and choose either a sitting or standing version. Then they go to the rows and rows of shirts, pants, dresses, hats and scarves and make their selection. When the scarecrow is stuffed from the huge pile of straw, they head over to “operating” tables, where the Lions Club members have turned into “surgeons for the day,” and will tie the scarecrow together with baler twine.
There is no age limit and it’s a fun family event, Wheatley said.
Boy Scout Troop 28 and Cub Scout Pack 28 will be selling hot dogs, hamburgers, chili, corn chowder and smores.
A horse show will be going on that day at the other end of the fairgrounds, and children are encouraged to go watch with their families.
“What’s funny is no two scarecrows look alike and sometimes they are bigger than the kids,” Wheatley said. “Sometimes when I’m out driving I’ll go by a house with a scarecrow and think, ‘That looks like one of our scarecrows,’ and it makes me smile. It takes a year to prepare for this event and all proceeds go back to help our community. Come and support us, so we can give back to you. There is no age limit and it’s guaranteed lots of fun.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 September 2022 at 8:21 am
Village sets public hearing for Oct. 26; COVA officials say they are running out of money
Photo by Tom Rivers: COVA treasurer Anna Tower, right, and Brandi Fisher, COVA’s chief financial officer and an EMT, speak at Wednesday’s Village Board meeting about the financial challenges facing the agency.
ALBION – The Albion Village Board wants to direct some of its federal ARPA money to keep COVA afloat as a local ambulance provider.
The village has $172,000 left in in its allotment for federal American Rescue Plan Act funds and village department heads have all submitted proposals for spending that money.
But the board is putting off those department heads proposals while COVA is struggling and near closing.
COVA said it has been operating a deficit in recent years – $161,000 in 2019 and $172,000 in 2020. It has used up its reserves and accumulated $70,000 in unpaid bills, while struggling to make payroll.
Trustee Chris Barry suggested the village use $16,000 a month for COVA from the ARPA funds to help the ambulance provider while a longer-term funding arrangement can be worked out. COVA has suggested a taxing district or ambulance service contracts with the towns of Albion, Barre, Gaines and Carlton, COVA’s direct service area.
The village couldn’t just approve the $16,000 on Wednesday, Village Attorney John Gavenda advised. The board needs to give notice of a public hearing about the issue so residents can provide input about the new ambulance contract that would give at least one ambulance priority for village residents. The hearing was set for 6 p.m. on Oct. 26 at the Village Office.
The Village Board has stayed out of the issue because village residents are either in the towns of Albion and Gaines and the Village Board said the village residents would be “double taxed” if the village paid money to COVA and then village residents paid again through the towns.
But an agreement hasn’t been reached with the towns, and COVA said it is nearing closure. It no longer has overnight staffing.
Village Trustee Joyce Riley said she was concerned about the village funding being used without a solid plan to keep COVA going strong long into the future.
“The ARPA money isn’t a permanent solution,” she said. “It’s a temporary fix.”
COVA leaders spoke at the Village Board meeting. They said COVA has seen a rise in patients on Medicaid or Medicare and those reimbursement rates are far below COVA’s costs. The agency has seen its expenses rise with the costs of fuel, medications and equipment.
Brandi Fisher, COVA’s chief financial officer, said COVA has tried for four years to make the local government leaders aware of the fiscal challenges of the agency. COVA has pushed for a contract or taxing district with the central Orleans towns. If those four towns contributed $200,000 a year in a contract that would keep COVA viable, Fisher said.
Laurie Schwab, COVA’s chief operations officer, said COVA hasn’t received any of the federal Covid relief money that went to local governments even though COVA medics and staff were on the front lines of the Covid pandemic, going inside houses and helping people who were sick.
“We were your response,” Schwab said. “We saved lives.”
COVA leaders thanked the Village Board for working towards a contract, but they said they were worried they were running out of time.
BROCKPORT — Oak Orchard Health has named an Albion woman as interim CEO. Karen Kinter previously served as Oak Orchard’s chief financial officer for ten years.
She most recently worked at Rochester Regional Health as Vice President of the Specialty Revenue Program and CEO of RRH Federally Qualified Health Centers. Oak Orchard officials said Kinter brings a well-established background in Federally Qualified Health Centers and is an Executive Leader with over 20 years of Senior Leadership experience.
Locally, she may be best known as the owner of the Cone Zone in Albion with her husband Chris Kinter.
In her primary role over her time with RRH, she has achieved growth and sustainability of federal and state programs across multiple hospitals, Oak Orchard stated in a press release announcing her as interim CEO. She has developed and executed program expansion through optimization of revenue, internal controls and improved efficiencies, Oak Orchard stated.
“We are delighted to welcome Karen Kinter to Oak Orchard Health,” said Karen Watt, chair of the board for Oak Orchard Health. “She brings a wealth of knowledge with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, including 15 years at Federally Qualified Health Centers. She is the perfect fit for us.”
Kinter earned a Master of Business Administration from the SIMON Business School at the University of Rochester and her bachelor’s degree from Medaille College in Buffalo. She volunteers on the board of the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern and Regional Health Reach’s Homeless Program.
About Oak Orchard Health
Originally founded in 1973, Oak Orchard Health has grown from a migrant health project into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services including primary care, pediatric care, vision care, dental care, behavioral health, as well as nutrition and outreach services for everyone located in the communities they serve. Oak Orchard Health is a recognized patient-centered medical home and 501(c) nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center located in the towns of Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Corfu, Hornell, Lyndonville, Medina and Warsaw.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced additional steps New York State is taking to address evidence of circulating poliovirus in New York State, including an official declaration to further support local health departments in driving immunizations.
Earlier today, New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett declared poliovirus an imminent threat to public health in New York State, thereby expanding the availability of funding and resources to support local health departments in establishing immunization clinics, deploying vaccine to health care partners, and conducting outreach to unvaccinated and under-vaccinated New Yorkers to increase immunization rates particularly in the areas affected by the virus and among children.
“From day one, we’ve taken an aggressive public health approach to combat the spread of polio and ensure New Yorkers are protected,” Governor Hochul said. “This declaration will bolster our ongoing efforts to protect New Yorkers against paralytic disease, prevent spread, and support our public health partners.”
The declaration enables localities to continue to work closely with the State Department of Health’s Office of Public Health Practice to claim reimbursement for these public health activities. The Commissioner’s declaration covers poliovirus response activities undertaken from July 21 through Dec. 31.
Working with the State Department of Health, local health departments continue to actively respond to polio in New York State through wastewater monitoring, clinical surveillance, and vaccine administration for unimmunized and under-immunized New Yorkers. These departments are also conducting education and outreach in communities where the virus has been detected to spread greater awareness and encourage vaccination, particularly to parents and guardians of young children.
New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, “Working daily with local county health departments, our partners at CDC, and trusted leaders, the Department is working effectively to increase childhood and community vaccination rates in counties where the virus has been detected. Thanks to long-established school immunization requirements, the vast majority of adults, and most children, are fully vaccinated against polio. Our focus remains on ensuring the on-time administration of polio vaccination among young children and catching kids and adults up who are unimmunized and under-immunized in the affected areas. That work continues at full force.”
Following the identification of a case of paralytic polio in an unvaccinated individual in Rockland County, the State Health Department launched wastewater surveillance, a tool to check for signs of the virus in sewage water in communities. Sequence analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has since found repeated evidence of poliovirus detected in samples collected from Rockland County, Orange County, and Sullivan County as well as detected in samples collected from New York City and Nassau County.
New York State has focused its efforts in areas where the threat is concentrated, which includes where there is repeated detection, and where there is a relatively low percentage of children that have completed their three-dose polio regimen by the age of 2. These areas include Rockland, Orange, and Sullivan Counties.
Polio vaccination has long been part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended immunization schedule and New York State’s requirements to attend school. Most adults and many children in New York State are already vaccinated.
Parents and guardians with children 17 years of age or younger who are unvaccinated or not up to date with their polio immunizations should immediately make sure their children get up to date with all recommended doses.
Polio is a serious, life-threatening disease that affects the nervous system and can cause muscle weakness, paralysis, or death. Polio is very contagious and can be spread by someone even if they aren’t sick or experiencing symptoms, which range from mild flu-like symptoms to paralysis, permanent disability, and death.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 September 2022 at 3:45 pm
ALBION – A Rochester man was sentenced to 3 to 6 years in state prison today for arson in the third degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree.
Devon M. Rose, 27, admitted in a previous court appearance that he set a 2009 Acura on fire on May 22, and also stole a 2003 Chevy Silverado from the Town of Murray on May 22. The Silverado is estimated to have been worth about $6,000.
He took the Acura from Monroe County and drove it to the Murray Town Hall and set the car on fire at 5 a.m. on May 22.
District Attorney Joe Cardone said Rose has “horrible” criminal record with a history of committing multiple arsons.
“Much of what Mr. Cardone has said is mostly true, actually it’s all true,” Rose’s attorney David Wade said in acknowledging Rose’s lengthy criminal record.
Wade said Rose has spent most of his adult life incarcerated. He said a history of drug abuse and physical abuse against Rose when he was a child are factors in the arsons.
County Court Judge Sanford Church didn’t give Rose the maximum sentence. He could have faced 4 to 8 years in state prison.
In other cases today in County Court:
• Bryan Bates, 42, of Albion was sentenced to 1 ½ to 3 years in prison for first-degree criminal contempt. Bates admitted to striking a person in the face on July 6. That person had an order of protection from Bates since July 2018.
• Alonzo Rivera, 23, of Albion was sentenced to weekends in the county jail over four months and five years of probation for attempted making a terrorist threat.
When law enforcement was called due to a domestic situation on Jan. 6, Rivera allegedly called 911 to say he was armed and planned to fire at police officers. Law enforcement went to the scene and saw Rivera walking along Ridge Road without any weapons.
Rivera said he was drunk at the time and doesn’t remember the incident. County Court Judge Sanford Church said Rivera had enough presence of mind to call 911.
Rivera said in court today he made a mistake and is working a full-time job. The judge, instead of giving him a maximum of six months in jail, sentenced Rivera to weekends so he could keep working.
• Adam Locke, 37, of Albion was sentenced to 10 years of probation for attempted sexual abuse in the first degree.
Locke entered an Alford plea, where he didn’t admit a crime. In a court appearance on July 27 he said he was concerned he might be found guilty at a trial and could face state prison.
District Attorney Cardone said Locke was around a girl under age 11 over several days in August 2019. The girl was sitting on Locke’s knee and he allegedly subjected the child to sexual contact while clothed. Locke denied those allegations in court, but still plead guilty to attempted sexual abuse in the first degree.
As part of a plea agreement, he could have faced up to 364 days in the county jail and probation.
The judge decided for “strict probation” that will include searching Locke’s computer and internet use, as well as social media and gaming systems. The judge also issued an order of protection for the alleged victim. He also ordered 250 hours of community service for Locke.
• Jeremiah Thomas, 36, of Albion pleaded guilty to criminal mischief in the third degree and reckless endangerment for a road rage incident where he allegedly rammed a car in the McDonalds in Medina on May 18, causing more than $8,000 in damage and putting the other driver at risk of significant injury, according to the DA’s office.
Thomas could face a maximum of 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison. He will be sentenced on Jan. 4, 2023.
• Jacoun Harden, 35, of Holley and formerly of Medina, pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree for having a loaded firearm. Harden admitted in court today that when he was charged he had a loaded 9 mm handgun and was intending to use it but didn’t fire it at anyone.
He faces a split sentence of jail and probation when he is sentenced on Nov. 30.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 28 September 2022 at 2:08 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Dean Bellack, director of United Way of Orleans County, points to the sign at the corner of Maple Ridge Road and South Main Street in Medina, showing United Way is at 70 percent of its fundraising goal for 2022.
The year may be winding down, but at United Way of Orleans County, things are ramping up.
The organization is planning for its biggest event of the year, a gala fundraiser Oct. 9 at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville, starring Las Vegas entertainer Jimmy Mazz. Click here for more information on tickets. The evening will feature a gourmet meal, raffles and silent auction.
Also, as the year ends, so does United Way’s annual campaign to raise funds which allow the agency to help 16 agencies in Orleans County which serve every segment of the population, from infants to senior citizens, the poor and the handicapped. Currently, United Way is at 70 percent of its fundraising goal, and helping these agencies depends solely on our reaching our goal, said director Dean Bellack of Medina.
Bellack and United Way are determined to turn around statistics which show the per capita revenue for United Way of Buffalo and Erie County is $24.12, while Orleans County’s per capita revenue is $3.62.
“We can’t have the impact we need to have until we have resources comparable to urban United Way operations,” Bellack stated in a letter earlier this year to community leaders.
Every donation has an impact, Bellack said. Every dollar stays in Orleans County and directly benefits United Way’s partner agencies. No gift is too small to help.
Donations can be made online. Click here for more information.
Some of the agencies United Way funds are 2-1-1 WNY, 4-H Youth (Cornell Cooperative Extension), GLOW Arc (Camp Rainbow and Meals on Wheels), Boy Scouts, Care Net Center of Greater Orleans, Christ Church Community Kitchen, GCASA, Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, Hands 4 Hope, Kendall Community Food Cupboard, Orleans County Accredited Literacy Services (OCALS), Orleans County YMCA, P’raising Kids Daycare, Project Stork, Supportive Care of Orleans Grief Support Group and Town of Yates Recreation Program.
United Way is also inviting currently unfunded 501c3 agencies to apply for funding by logging on to https://orleansunitedway.org/grant-application/. Bellack said making out an application does not guarantee funding, but it is the first step to take for assistance, if United Way funds are available.
“We wish to make sure those who need help have the opportunity to get it,” Bellack said. “The United Way of Orleans County is here for our total community benefit. The dollars we receive stay in Orleans County and benefit our community in many ways.”
In addition to sponsoring fundraisers and seeking donations, United Way of Orleans County has made a major impact to the county by initiating efforts to hire a grant writer. In 2021, Nyla Gaylord, who was then working for Ministry of Concern, on her own time wrote a grant, which United Way received for $450,000 to hire a grant writer and part-time development professional for United Way for five years.
“In just over a year, this investment has resulted in nearly $700,000 in direct benefits to Orleans County residents and fostered new collaborations between non-profits, the business community and local government,” Bellack said.
In his short time as grant writer, Matt Holland has also got approval for $600,000 in grants which will be announced within the next week or so. It is pertinent to note that Holland’s services are free to any non-profit in Orleans County.
“It is important to note that the United Way helps partner agencies in two ways, through allocating donated dollars and by helping organizations obtain funding from other sources,” Bellack said.
It should also be clarified that United Way must raise the funds it allocates, as grant money can only be used for the purchase for which it was approved. That is why it is so important for the community to continue to donate.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 September 2022 at 9:41 am
MEDINA – The Medina Fire Department will have its annual open house this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the firehall on Park Avenue.
There will be a bounce house by Air Affair available for play, a K-9 meet and greet with the Medina Police Department, car seat safety checks from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, and fire prevention activities with Medina firefighters.
There will also be food from Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza, Mann vs. Food and Lugia’s Ice Cream. There also will be representatives available from the American Red Cross, Orleans Community Health and the Orleans County Emergency Management Office.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 September 2022 at 9:02 am
ALBION – State officials have passed the baton for future dredging of the Oak Orchard Harbor and other southshore harbors and channels.
The state spent $15 million clearing sediment from 20 harbors and channels. The dredging projects were part of the state’s $300 million Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI), which has been focused on repairing and building resiliency in communities hit by flooding in 2017 and 2019.
The harbors and channels will continue to be dredged but the counties are working on an alliance to do the work in the future. The state will hand over their engineering reports on how to best do the work.
“We need to maintain it,” Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, said about the harbors. “I am so excited that the counties want to work together.”
Johnson said the counties along the southshore should put dredging in their budgets and work together on a contract for digging out sediment to get a better price.
State officials were in Orleans County on Tuesday to announce the completion of 20 harbor and channels along the southshore. Future dredging will be managed by the counties. Pictured from left include Carolyn Ryan, REDI program manager; Niagara County Legislator David Godfrey; Jeanette Moy, commissioner of State Office of General Services; and Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature.
Oak Orchard was dredged last year through REDI, and was previously done in 2014. If the harbors and channels aren’t dredged there will be a buildup of sediment and silt that can make them impassable for larger boats.
County officials have previously said the harbor should be cleared of sentiment every three to five years, but that can vary depending on the weather. Johnson said the alliance will work to have the harbors and channels dredged on a regular basis.
Jeanette Moy, OGS commissioner, said the county officials teamed with the state to get the harbors dredged in a $15 million initiative. Niagara County Legislator David Godfrey is in back.
Jeanette Moy, commissioner of State Office of General Services, was in Albion on Tuesday with other state officials, including leaders of REDI. The state worked with the state Department of Parks, Department of State and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the projects, and is handing over detailed engineering reports about the channels and harbors.
Moy said the reports show how to best access the waterway, contend with wildlife and connect with property owners on the dredging.
“This is public service at its best,” she said.
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday also praised the effort in getting the 20 harbors and channels dredged.
“I am proud to announce the completion of the Regional Dredging Project, a comprehensive measure which included the dredging of 20 vital navigation channels within the region, proving essential to protecting critical aquatic and coastal habitats of the region, while also boosting tourism by ensuring safe recreational access for boaters,” Hochul said in a statement.
Olcott Harbor, Golden Hill State Park (Niagara County)
Oak Orchard Harbor, Johnson Creek (Orleans County)
Sandy Creek, Braddock Bay, Long Pond Outlet, Irondequoit Bay (Monroe County)
Bear Creek Harbor, Pultneyville, East Bay, Port Bay, Blind Sodus (Wayne County)
Clayton French Creek Marina, Henderson “The Cut” (Jefferson County)
Ogdensburg “City Front Channel,” Morristown Navigation Channel (St. Lawrence County)
Little Sodus Bay (Cayuga County)
The harbors included in the Regional Dredging Project along the southern shore of Lake Ontario are estimated to generate $94 million in economic activity, with $3.8 million in state tax revenues and an additional $3.8 million for local communities annually, supporting 1,350 jobs, Hochul’s Office said.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 27 September 2022 at 9:25 pm
File photo by Ginny Kropf: Walkers are off to start the 30th annual Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run in October 2018. The course starts by the East Shelby firehall.
SHELBY – For more than three decades, the community has gathered for a walk/run to support patients living with cancer in Orleans County and their families.
The Knights-Kaderli Fund was formed when two families, whose loved one died from cancer, joined their fundraising efforts. The foundation was named in honor of Richard Knights and Susan Kaderli, both lifelong residents of Orleans County.
After being apart in 2020 due to Covid-19, the walk reconvened last year, although the pandemic forced organizers to pivot and make logistical changes to the event to keep participants safe, said Knights’ daughter, Stacey Knights Pellicano.
“This year we are happy to report we can again gather without restrictions for the 34th annual Knights-Kaderli Walk on Saturday,” Pellicano said. “We are returning to an untimed event, so registrants can participate at a leisurely walk with family and friends, or set their watches for a 5K run.”
The event this year will resemble the more casual family atmosphere of the walk’s earlier years, Pellicano said.
The event on Saturday will begin at 11 a.m. at East Shelby Volunteer Fire Hall. Lunch will be served immediately following the race and guests may eat outside under the pavilion. Participants and the public are urged to be part of a big basket raffle.
“This is one of our major fundraisers for the year,” Pellicano said. “We look forward to being with all of our supporters. Those who have ever participated in our event understand the energy of that day. It gives us hope and unites participants. We know the community will show up to support their neighbors who are living with cancer. Cancer does not stop for a pandemic, and our neighbors need us, especially now as they fight their disease and are sometimes isolated from their own families to protect their health.”
The Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund is a 50l(c)3 tax-exempt organization run by a board of directors, which means there are no administrative costs. This allows 100 percent of money raised to be used to help cancer patients. Money raised is used for the benefit of Orleans County cancer patients. In addition to fundraising, money is raised by contributions made by individuals, organizations and memorials.
Funds thus far have assisted families with nutritional supplements and prescriptions, as well as medical supplies and bills and transportation costs.
For more information or financial assistance, contact Mary Zelazny at (585) 746-8455; Melissa Knights Bertrand at (716) 983-7932; or Stacey Knights Pellicano at (716) 998-0977.
Participants may register online (Click here for more information.) Donations may be made by logging online (click here) or Venmo @knightskaderli.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 September 2022 at 3:42 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
BATAVIA – This student was one of just over 1,000 who attended today’s 4th Annual Glow With Your Hands career exploration festival at the Genesee County Fairground.
There were 65 different businesses doing exhibits or hands-on activities. Students from more than 30 school districts attended GLOW With Your Hands, including all five districts in Orleans – Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina.
Patrick Hargrave of Lyndonville gets to operate a tractor loader backhoe under guidance from Scott Holmes, the Land Pro store manager in Alexander. The equipment is typically used for residential projects.
The turnout today was a record participation from students and businesses. Students were encouraged to consider a career in skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, food and beverage manufacturing, construction and agriculture sectors.
“While the record participation of our students and businesses is welcome, the true success of GLOW With Your Hands is the having a youth arrive at our event and discover a passion for a career that they may have never considered before,” said Jay Lazarony, GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair. “Our exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors and organizers are dedicated to supporting students today, and throughout their path to success.”
Nick Prest of Albion hammers a nail in one of the activities. Ethan Lewis of Byron-Bergen, a BOCES building trades student, assisted in the activity.
Albion had 90 students in grades 9 to 12 attend the career exploration program today.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for kids to experience the trades and the opportunities out there for them,” said Mickey Edwards, Albion school superintendent.
He was impressed to see all the opportunities available for students, especially if they learn a skilled trade.
A representative from Barilla in Avon speaks about the pasta manufacturer. He urged the students to consider a career at Barilla, where he said 110 tons of pasta is produced annually.
Students rotated through experiences that included operating backhoes and excavators, competing in nail driving and construction competitions, and testing their skills on dairy farming and welding simulators.
“It’s incredible to see so many students that are excited about careers right in their own backyard,” said Chris Suozzi, GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair. “Our companies are growing, and today demonstrates that the national workforce challenge can be solved locally. More than 1,000 students all progressed in their readiness for careers, and are now thinking about the classes, clubs, and training they can take to continue to grow their skills.”
These Holley students see a sprayer up close. Holley had 35 students at the event today in grades 9 and 10. Brian Bartalo, the district superintendent, joined them.
The students were thrilled to be given a chance to operate some of the machinery and equipment.
“The students are getting directly involved,” Bartalo said. “This is a very unique event. It’s wonderful.”
Luke Gilbert from Livonia gets in the seat to operate the excavator.
Beckett Swanson of Notre Dame moves a pile of dirt with the excavator.
A member of the National Guard helps a student try on about 20 pounds of tactical gear, including duty helmets, plate carriers and bullet-proof plates.
