MEDINA – Orleans Community Health’s first wellness fair in five years on Tuesday was a success, according to information from Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach.

More than 60 members of the community attended the event, which ran from 3 to 7 p.m. at Medina Memorial Hospital.

“As we continue to see growth throughout our organization, this event was our opportunity to invite the community to witness it firsthand,” said Marc Shurtz, chief executive officer for Orleans Community Health. “I was personally able to have conversations with several of the attendees and already can’t wait to do this again.”

A majority of those in attendance received screenings in either the imaging or lab departments. They were able to choose from the abdominal aorta screening, carotid screening, ABI screening, hemoglobin A1c, prostate-specific antigen and/or a thyroid stimulating hormone exam.

Strong support for the health and wellness of the surrounding community was shown by the organizations in attendance. They included the Alzheimer’s Association, Independent Health, SNAP, Supportive Care of Orleans/Hospice, Orleans County Office for the Aging, Orleans County Health Department and M-Power (Medicare assistance).

“Overall turnout exceeded our expectations and from what we’ve heard, everyone had a great time,” Robinson said. “We may not be a big city hospital, but this event gave us an opportunity to show that our services are right on par with the others.”

Village should also push property maintenance as part of community appeal

Gabrielle Barone, vice president of business development for the Orleans Economic Development Agency,  urged Medina village officials to boost the looks of the community’s gateway entrances and also properties that appear neglected.

MEDINA – The Village of Medina has experienced success in recent years with its downtown business district and several companies building in the Medina Business Park. The village could soon be seeing even more companies and investment coming to the community, said Gabrielle Barone, vice  president of business development for the Orleans Economic Development Agency.

Medina is a finalist for two big projects, and another developer is looking at a housing development, Barone told the Village Board on Monday.

She praised the foresight of village officials in the past who built a big sewer plant for Medina. That capacity is now a big factor for Medina being a finalist for companies.

However, Barone said the community falls behind others in some ways. She said the gateways – the main entrances into the village – need to be improved. And many properties appear neglected in the village and need paint or siding as well as other repairs.

“Medina gets on the short list for many projects,” she said. “There is a lot going on but we just need more attention to how things look.”

She also suggested the village modernize its website and list all of its committees, their meeting locations, agendas and past minutes of meetings.

The village also needs to have a modern meeting room that is handicapped accessible and includes up-to-date technology for presentations. That would be a big help for the EDA as it works with village officials to make the sales pitch to prospective companies, Barone said.

The Medina Business Park encompasses over 300 acres. It spans both sides of Route 31A in Medina. Barone said it is now the largest NYS-Certified “Shovel-Ready” business park in Western New York and the Finger Lakes.

The park has seen recent investments, including the opening of a new hotel. Barone said more companies will come to the site, partly because of the village’s ability to provide them with water and sewer.

“You’ve accomplished a lot, but we have more to do,” Barone told the Village Board. “I know I can be very demanding but there is a reason for it. People may not like it, but it works.”

Village Trustee Marguerite Sherman thanked Barone for her work and for applying some pressure on the board.

“We need high expectations,” Sherman said.

Press release and photo courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES

The Orleans/Niagara BOCES recently named its employees of the year for the 2021-2022 school year. Employees are nominated by their peers and a committee selects an awardee in each of these categories: Administrator, Clerical, Continuing Education, Custodial/Maintenance, Staff Specialist, Substitute, Teacher Aide and Teacher.

Amanda Bennett is the Administrator of the Year. She is the former Principal at the Niagara Academy. She worked there for the past seven years. Bennett said her favorite part of her job was the people.  “I loved the kids and being able to help them and watch them succeed. The graduation ceremony was always an emotional time with saying good-bye to them and reflecting on the graduates. I love the staff, especially my office staff. The people at BOCES really have their hearts in the right place. They are all about the kids.”

On learning she was named an employee of the year, she said, “I felt humbled to receive Administrator of the Year. My colleagues in administration are the hardest working people I have ever met in my life. To be selected amongst that group is an incredible honor.”

Bernadette George is the Clerical Person of the Year. She started her position as Senior Clerk in the Labor Relations Department in December 2014.

“I like the people that I work with and that makes any job a lot better,” she said. “I also like creating databases and helping others.”

She is honored being awarded Clerical Person of the Year. “It felt nice. It was a total surprise and the pat on the back was appreciated.”

Jennifer Moreland is the Continuing Education Employee of the Year. She has worked as a case manager at the Lockport Community Education building since 2017. Moreland said her favorite part of her job is her students.

“They are wonderful, hardworking people seeking opportunities,” she said. “In my current position, I serve students with ingenuity and creativity while collaborating with hardworking colleagues who each bring a new perspective and a plethora of experience. There is never a dull moment in our program!”

“I was so grateful to have received this award. I was nice to be nominated and I am appreciative of the people with whom I work.”

Mark Vivian is the Custodian/Maintenance Person of the Year. He has been a maintenance worker at Orleans/Niagara BOCES since 1979.  “My favorite part of my job that every day is different.  It is never the same and I work with great people,” he said.

Vivian said he was very surprised to win the award.  “It was unexpected and very nice to receive it. I am retiring shortly and it was a great going away present.”

Cheryl Herman is the Staff Specialist of the Year. She has been the Director of the Orleans-Niagara Teacher Center since 2007. “I actually started at BOCES in 2001 as a Computer Support Specialist for the career and technical education teachers and the Teacher Center. I left for a couple of years to teach high school Business in Medina from 2003-2005 and returned as a Computer Specialist. So all together I have been at BOCES for almost 18 years!”

When asked her favorite part of her job, she answered, “I love to collaborate and share with fellow colleagues. I love being able to bring awareness about new technologies to teachers and also train them in essential topics like Social Emotional Learning, Culturally Responsive Teaching and Educational Technology. Our NYS Teacher Center Network enables me to make connections across New York that most people do not get to make and these connections provide me the ability to bring vital information and knowledge to all of my consortium teachers.”

She said, “I was very excited and surprised to win Employee of the Year! Our staff specialist group has so many amazing employees and I am honored and humbled to have been chosen to be this year’s recipient. I would not be where I was without the support and friendship of all my colleagues.  A huge thank you and shout out to all of them!”

Mandy Baker was named the Substitute of the Year. She has been a substitute at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center for the past two years and is starting her third year.

Baker said her favorite part is that she is different places every day.  “I love getting to meet all the students!”  She had this to say about winning the Employee of the Year award: “This is very exciting and I feel very blessed. I am glad my hard work pays off for people to notice!”

Jeff LaFountain is the Teacher Aide of the Year. He is currently working at the Orleans Learning Center and has been working with BOCES for 20 years.

“My favorite part of my job working and interacting with the students and my coworkers,” he said. “Winning the award was a pleasant surprise. I thank my coworkers and employers for this honor.”

Richard Tynan was named the Teacher of the Year. He retired this past school year and taught English at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center since 2004. Before that he subbed and taught adult education.

When asked his favorite part of his career, “Undoubtedly the way academics were embedded into the various curricula. Students could see that literacy skills are necessary and helpful to completion of real-world tasks. I also liked working with students as they grappled with more adult workplace situations in which they assumed (sometimes) more adult responsibilities. It was fun to see their enthusiasm and engagement and to see glimmers of the amazing adults many are becoming.”

He had this to say about winning Teacher of the Year, “I am undeserving of the honor, but grateful for the recognition. It has been lots of fun. I’d like to imagine that I did some good. There are many teachers I feel are more deserving than I. The skill and dedication of the O-N BOCES staff has always made me proud to be part of the organization.”

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Jarred Saj, left, accepts an award as the top ticket-seller for the “Toast to Hospice” event on Aug. 27. He is congratulated by Derek Reiner, Supportive Care of Orleans’ director of marketing and development.

Saj sold 70 of the 220 tickets total for the event at $30 each. The event at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery raised $8,000 for Supportive Care.

Saj has consistently been the top ticket-seller for the event, and also a previous duck race that benefitted the organization that was known as Hospice of Orleans County.

“It’s extremely instrumental to have someone like Jarred,” Reiner said. “Without Jarred I don’t think we could move the mission of the organization as long as quickly.”

Saj has been a prolific ticket-seller for Supportive Care and Hospice the past decade. He said he believes in the organization’s work, helping patients with a terminal illness and their families.

“It’s in my heart,” he said.

Saj, 42, also is a top ticket-seller for the annual turtle race in June that benefits the Albion Strawberry Festival. He said 315 of those tickets at $5 each or five for $20.

Saj said he reaches out to friends when he sells the tickets for the turtle race and for Hospice.

“They’re people I know well,” he said. “I explain the purpose of the organization. I know people and I know what they support.”

Most people are agreeable to buying a ticket, but Saj said he tries not to be too persistent.

“I can accept when the answer is no,” he said. “I’m not harassing people and beating down their door.”

Reiner said Supportive Care is grateful that Saj uses his wide network of friends to benefit the organization.

“Jarred knows everybody,” Reiner said. “He is one of our top volunteers. We love him very much.”

Concerts, block parties, Christmas tree festival, business promotions among the ideas

Photos by Tom Rivers: Pastor Albert Wilson of the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries puts a sticker on one of the top five priorities he saw for the downtown area when the bridge is closed. He picked concerts on Main Street with this sticker. Each participant on Monday was given five stickers to prioritize ideas for the downtown area.

ALBION – The closure of the Main Street lift bridge for an estimated 18 months will be difficult for the community, especially the downtown merchants who will see traffic by their stores take a dramatic drop.

But the closure can be an opportunity, too, to bring activities to Main Street that normally wouldn’t happen on such a busy thoroughfare. There could be block parties, concerts, a Christmas tree festival, cornhole tournaments, designated spots for food trucks, ax throwing competitions and many other events.

About 25 community members, mainly the downtown business owners, brainstormed ideas on Monday evening to keep the downtown viable once the bridge closes Oct. 17 for a major rehabilitation that is expected to last 18 months.

“This can devastate a community or we can use it as a building tool,” said Michael Bonafede, a downtown building owner who served as moderator of Monday’s meeting.

Michael Bonafede, owner of three buildings in the downtown, leads a brainstorming discussion on Monday evening with about 25 community members.

Each participant was given five stickers to place by ideas. Those ideas will then be ranked and discussed in an upcoming meeting. The next session is planned for 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 26 at Hoag Library.

The impending bridge closure has already brought the Albion businesses and village officials together, working on ways to help promote the downtown area, Bonafede said.

“We are going to work on a genuine action plan to maximize opportunities presented by the restoration of our historic bridge,” he said. “We can have events that we’ve never had before.”

Karen Sawicz, owner of Lake Country Media which includes the Lake Country Pennysaver and Orleans Hub, encouraged the group to make their concerns known about the project and its impact. She said they should be in regular communication with the village and state Department of Transportation.

Brian Alexander of Dubby’s Tailgate and Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza suggested a small-scale bridge-building competition.

Sawicz wants to see detours posted in the village to help route traffic through the business district. She also would like a stop sign at East State Street and Ingersoll Street, whioch will see a big jump in traffic once the Main Street bridge closes.

“We need to be vocal, but you have to be ‘nice vocal,’” said Sawicz, a former Chamber of Commerce president.

Many events already are planned for the downtown area. The annual Beggar’s Night, where candy is handed out to children, will be Oct. 28. The Hometown Holiday event is Dec. 10, and the Sip N Stroll wine-tasting will be in April.

A bronze statue of Santa Claus in honor of Santa School founder Charles Howard is planned to be unveiled and dedicated in June.

Karen Conn puts one of her stickers by Christmas tree festival during Monday’s brainstorming for the downtown area

One idea was to add a Christmas tree festival. Another person suggested a big increase in flowers in the downtown, making Albion known for flowers. Flowers could also be set near the fencing on the street when the bridge is closed. Those flowers would soften up the scene and not make it send such an unwelcome message.

Merchants suggested more advertising to proclaim that downtown is open. That could be with billboards and ads on the Orleans Hub, the Pennysaver and other publications.

Another idea was for the village to relax sign standards during the bridge closure to allow merchants more ways to promote their businesses.

Albion has hosted a concerts by the canal series for many years. Linda Smith, owner of Krantz Furniture, suggested those concerts be moved to a blocked off section of Main Street. The village is also considering moving those concerts to Bullard Park, but Smith said they should be in the downtown while the bridge is closed.

There could also be classic car shows, even a snowmobile show. A temporary ice skating rink could also be set up on part of Main Street.

The Village Board will have another bridge meeting today at 6 p.m. at the Village Hall at 35-37 East Bank St. for people to share ideas and concerns about the project.

Laura Loxley Vintage Inspired Goods has an open sign at 45 North Main St. Businesses suggested the village ease some of the sign codes to allow merchants to promote their shops during the bridge shutdown.

CHILDS – A $6,800 Conservation Treatment grant from the New York State Council on the Arts and Greater Hudson National Heritage Treatment Network have allowed two 19th century heirloom paintings from the Cobblestone Museum to be fully restored.

The paintings of Charles and Mary Ann Danolds, pillars of the Universalist churches in Childs and Albion, have been returned to the museum after conservations efforts performed by Great Lakes Conservation of Grand Island.

“The paintings are stunning, to say the least, and will be re-introduced to our Museum community at a public reception at 6 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Visitors Center,” said Cobblestone Museum director Doug Farley.

Bill Lattin, former museum director and Orleans County historian, will offer reflections on this storied couple, and will explain how these paintings came to be in the museum’s collection.

The paintings are unsigned and estimated to have been painted between 1850 and 1855, Farley said. They were donated to the museum by a relative, Margaret Cole of California, in 2005.

Mr. Danolds lived in the town of Gaines from 1833 until his death. Charles was a successful entrepreneur who, at various times, operated a hotel, mercantile, flour mill, farm, potash business and owned four canal boats for shipping goods.

During the Civil War he held large contracts to sell horses to the government. But perhaps his most significant accomplishment was becoming one of the leading contractors in New York state. He was involved extensively on the enlargement of the Erie, Champlain and Chenango extension canals. He also built locks, including six on the Welland Canal. For three years, he was general superintendent of the Western Division of the Erie and Genesee Valley Canals.

Of importance is the fact Charles was the person responsible for encouraging his friend, George Pullman, to finance the building of a new, larger Universalist Church in Albion, which eventually replaced the 1834 Childs cobblestone church.

Charles asked Pullman to make a $5,000 donation toward the new Universalist Church. Pullman said if the church could raise $5,000, he would pay for the full cost of the church.

Wine and cheese will be served at the reception and Raymond Santoro will provide light musical entertainment. This will be a free program, but donations will gladly be received.

Reservations are requested by calling (585) 589-9013, as space is limited.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

On Sept. 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its recommendations on booster doses for Covid-19.

The updated Bivalent Covid-19 vaccine booster is designed to give individuals protection against the original strain of Covid-19 and provides better protection against the Omicron variant, which accounts for a majority of the current cases in the United States. The new bivalent booster replaces the existing monovalent vaccine booster doses that have been offered.

Eligibility:

Moderna Covid-19 Bivalent Booster Dose – Individuals 18 years of age and older are eligible for a booster dose if it has been at least two months since they have completed their primary vaccine series or received a monovalent booster dose.

Pfizer Covid-19 Bivalent Booster Dose – Individuals 12 years of age and older are eligible for a booster dose if it has been at least two months since they have completed their primary vaccine series or received a monovalent booster dose.

Pfizer Covid-19 Monovalent Booster Dose – Individuals 5-11 years of age are eligible for a booster dose at least five months after completing their primary series.

“The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments will offer the Bivalent Booster starting this week at our Covid-19 clinics,” stated Paul Pettit, Genesee and Orleans County Health Public Health Director. “We encourage residents to talk with their primary care provider and/or their pharmacist with questions related to the Covid-19 vaccine and the Bivalent Booster.”

Appointments are required and walk-ins will not be accepted. To make an appointment for your next Covid-19 vaccine, click here.

Week of September 11

• Bivalent Boosters only – Thursday, Sept. 15, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Genesee County, 3837 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY
• Bivalent Boosters only – Thursday, Sept. 15, from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m.; Orleans County, 14016 State Route, Suite 101, Albion, NY

Starting the week of September 18

• Wednesdays in Genesee County, all doses, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.; 3837 West Main Street Road, Batavia.
• Thursdays in Orleans County, all doses, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at 14016 State Route, Suite 101, Albion.

Press Release, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets

ALBANY — The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is asking residents in Western New York to be on the lookout for Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), after a population was found in the Buffalo area last week.

SLF is a destructive pest that feeds on more than 70 plant species, including tree-of-heaven, and plants and crops that are critical to New York’s agricultural economy, such as grapevine, apple trees, and hops. The invasive was first observed in New York State on Staten Island in August 2020, and since then the population has been reported in all New York City boroughs, Long Island, Port Jervis, Sloatsburg, Orangeburg, Ithaca, Binghamton, Middletown, Newburgh, Highland, and now in the Buffalo area.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “We are concerned about the significant number of adult Spotted Lanternfly that have been found in Buffalo, especially with its proximity to the Concord grape growing area in Western New York. SLF can have a devastating impact on vineyards, as we’ve seen in neighboring states, so we need everyone’s help to be on the lookout for this invasive and to report it immediately.”

The spotted lantern fly nymphs can be over a half-inch long. When flying or startled, the insect will show bright red hind wings that are 1.5” to 2.5” wide with wings.

The Department’s Division of Plant Industry inspectors responded to reports of SLF in a residential area of Buffalo adjacent to an active rail line. As of September 9, over 100 adults have been found. Agriculture and Markets staff will continue to survey the surrounding areas in the coming days. Although the population is significant, the area was surveyed in April of 2022 and no egg masses were found, and no old egg masses have been found during the current survey.

While surveys in the area are ongoing, the Department is asking for the public’s help in slowing down the spread of SLF in this area by reporting any sightings immediately to agriculture.ny.gov/reportSLF.

In addition to reporting, residents are asked to:

• Take pictures of the insect, egg masses, or infestation you see and, if possible, include something for size, such as a coin or ruler.

• If possible, collect the insect. Place in a bag and freeze, or in a jar with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.

• Note the location (street address and zip code, intersecting roads, landmarks, or GPS coordinates).

• Adult SLF are easy to identify, as seen in the photos below. They are approximately one inch long and half an inch wide at rest, with eye-catching wings. Adults are active from July to December and begin laying eggs in September.

Signs of an SLF infestation may include:

• Sap oozing or weeping from open wounds on tree trunks, which appear wet and give off fermented odors.

• One-inch-long egg masses that are brownish-gray, waxy and mud-like when new. Old egg masses are brown and scaly.

• Massive honeydew build-up under plants, sometimes with black sooty mold developing.

While these insects can jump and fly short distances, they spread primarily through human activity. SLF can lay their eggs on any number of surfaces, such as vehicles, stone, rusty metal, outdoor furniture, and firewood. Adult SLF can hitch rides in vehicles, on any outdoor item, or cling to clothing or hats, and be easily transported into and throughout New York, so residents are being asked to be vigilant.

The public is also encouraged to thoroughly inspect vehicles, luggage and gear, and all outdoor items for egg masses and adult SLF. If SLF adults are found, residents should remove them and scrape off all egg masses.

SLF Impacts to New York Agriculture

SLF feeding can stress plants, making them vulnerable to disease and attacks from other insects. SLF also excretes large amounts of sticky “honeydew,” which attracts sooty molds that interfere with plant photosynthesis, negatively affecting the growth and fruit yield of plants, negatively impacting agriculture and forest health.

The estimated total economic impact of invasive insects in the United States exceeds $70 billion per year, and if not contained, SLF could have an impact to New York State of at least $300 million annually, mainly to the grape and wine industry, which ranks third in the country in production. SLF also has the potential to significantly hinder quality of life and recreational activities due to the honeydew and the swarms of insects it attracts.

About SLF and State’s Efforts to Combat the Invasive

First discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014, SLF has since been found in New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, Virginia, Connecticut, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, and Ohio. Given the proximity to the Pennsylvania and New Jersey infestations, New York State is at high risk for infestation.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, working with many partner agencies such as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Department of Transportation, Thruway Authority, and the United States Department of Agriculture, continue to respond to the presence of SLF in New York State. Actions taken include:

• Conducting surveys of high-risk areas across the state;

• Responding to public reports of SLF;

• Enforcing the New York State quarantine on goods from other states that have established SLF populations;

• Inspecting nursery stock, stone shipments, and commercial shipments from quarantine areas;

• Implementing a comprehensive education and outreach campaign to educate the public and the transportation industries to limit the transport of SLF to uninfested areas; and

• Implementing trapping, treatment and egg scraping efforts around the state.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Lynn Creasey, president of Senior Citizens of Western Orleans, introduces Lisa Wittmeyer at the monthly dinner meeting Monday. Wittmeyer talked about the Friendly Phones/Home Visitation program sponsored by Catholic Charities in Orleans and Genesee counties.

MEDINA – Members of the Senior Center enjoyed a potluck luncheon and welcomed a guest speaker at their September meeting on Monday.

After the regular business meeting, monthly prize drawings and lunch, president Lynn Creasey introduced Lisa Wittmeyer from Catholic Charities in Batavia, who talked about the Friendly Phones/Home Visitation program.

The program has been in existence for at least 20 years and is funded in Genesee County by the Marshall Fund Family of Programs and anonymously in Orleans County.

The program is available to any senior 60 or older who has limited ability to leave their home. Its purpose is to provide socialization, companionship and assistance, Wittmeyer said. No personal care, medical care or transportation services are provided.

Volunteer visitors are screened and matched to the senior they will visit. For instance, they might share like interests, such as past job experiences, or both played the organ.

Before a volunteer is assigned to visit a senior, Wittmeyer visits the home and does a case management, checking for adequate fire exits, working smoke detectors and no evidence of rodents.

The volunteer visits for an hour once a week, during which time they might play cards, cook together or fill out greeting cards. Visits may also include hobbies, crafts, reading, doing puzzles or listening to music.

There is no fee for a volunteer to visit under the program and hours are flexible. Seniors may request a home visitor themselves or be referred by an agency or faith-based community.

Benefits of having a regular home visitor include feeling less isolated and lonely. Catholic Charities has determined seniors look forward to simple acts of kindness and assistance that enable them to live independently. Also, seniors gain peace of mind and enriched living through their connection with a home visitor.

Anyone interested in becoming a home visitor or in receiving a home visit may call Wittmeyer at (585) 343-0614 or NY Connects (Office for the Aging) at (585) 589-3191.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The gas price for regular unleaded was $4.09 a gallon at the Kwik Fill in Albion today.

Gas prices fell an average of 12 cents in New York State the past week, from $4.01 to $3.89 a gallon, according to AAA.

In Orleans County, the price drop was only 3 cents, from $4.17 to $4.14 a gallon for regular unleaded.

Today’s national average price for a gallon is $3.72, down 7 cents from one week ago. One year ago, the price was $3.18 for the national price.

The state average price at $3.889, compared to $4.013 a week ago, $4.370 a month ago and $3.279 a year ago. Diesel is currently at an average of $5.207 a gallon, compared to $5.273 a week ago, $5.545 a month ago and $3.389 a year ago.

Orleans County currently has the highest price in Western New York. Here are the average prices in the other WNY counties:

• Orleans, $4.141
• Genesee, $4.053
• Wyoming, $4.102
• Livingston, $4.047
• Monroe, $3.968
• Niagara, $3.844
• Erie, $4.005
• Chautauqua, $3.955
• Cattaraugus, $3.976
• Allegany, $4.021

AAA issued the following statement about gas prices:

“As crude oil prices continue to drop, pump prices are dropping across the United States. As of September 12, oil prices range from $87 to $93 per barrel. According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand increased slightly last week as total domestic gasoline stocks rose.

“Although gasoline demand has increased slightly, lower oil prices have led to falling pump prices. If gasoline demand begins to subside, as it typically does post-Labor Day, pump prices will likely continue to decrease.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion highway department has closed a bridge over Otter Creek on Phipps Road following a detailed inspection today that showed the steel high-beam supports are rotted, said Highway Superintendent Mike Neidert.

The bridge was closed on Thursday after an initial annual inspection showed concerns about the bridge’s condition. A more thorough inspection was done today and Neidert said the bridge will be closed permanently until funding is in pl ace for a replacement.

The town tried for a $600,000 Bridge NY grant from the state but was denied. Neidert said the town will keep looking for funding to upgrade the bridge.

The span is technically a culvert because it is 19.5 feet long. Anything less than 20 feet is considered a culvert while bridges are considered to be 20 feet or more.

Neidert said Otter Creek has a bend near the bridge. One idea is straightening the creek which would make for a bigger bridge at 20 feet. That could increase the chances for the town to receive federal funds for a replacement, he said.

The bridge is at the west end of Phipps Road near the Eagle Harbor Road intersection.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Danny Fenley, an employee at the Iroquois Job Corps in Medina, helps with a food distribution this morning in Albion at the parking lot at 165 Platt St. She pulled bags of grapes out of boxes and set them on a table, where they were added to an assortment of food for each vehicle..

“It’s nice to get out of the office and help the community,” Fenley said.

The distribution shifted to the parking lot in June after about two years of long lines of cars down Main Street and Albion neighborhoods.

The change has eased much of the congestion on the streets. The vehicles instead are able to be parked at the lot across from the back entrance of Dunkin’ Donuts.

Richard Standish of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee fills a bag with food. There were three staff from Community Action and then many volunteers who distributed food to about 200 people who had the food put in trunks.

The distributions are scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. and go until the food is gone. The upcoming distributions in Albion include Oct. 17, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12.

There will be another pop-up food pantry this Friday beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, 107 North Main St.

Anthony Washington, an employee at the Job Corps, packed corn in bags at the distribution. There were many fresh fruits and vegetables in today’s distribution.

The food is delivered by Foodlink and is available for free to residents.

The distribution team worked together to get the food ready and delivered to the vehicles.

“Many of the people, especially the seniors, are very grateful,” said Katrina Chaffee, director of community services and reporting for Community Action. “Food has become so expensive. This helps them get through the month.”

Provided photo

ALBION – Orleans chapter DAR Regent Sharon Schneider (left) and Historían Jamie Baumgardt (right) present Albion Middle School Service Learning teacher Tim Archer with a check for $500 to be used toward projects the classes are researching on Mt. Albion Cemetery this school year.

The students plan to prepare a 50-page booklet on the cemetery to be distributed to area libraries, historians and schools. Archer said the students also hope to identify and tag 30 to 40 individual varieties of trees along the cemetery’s main walking paths.

They have applied to have Mt. Albion Cemetery accredited as an arboretum due to its wide variety of trees.

The DAR has been a consistent donor to the Service Learning program and its projects over the last decade, Archer said.