‘We are making sure that state and federal guidance is aligned so that students and educators can enter the classroom with confidence and have a safe, healthy school year.’ – Gov. Hochul

Photo from Governor’s Office/Darren McGee – Gov. Kathy Hochul holds a Covid-19 briefing today and says NY will follow the updated CDC guidance as students, teachers and staff prepare to return to school.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced updated Covid-19 guidance that aligns with new CDC recommendations as children, teachers and faculty across the state prepare to head back to school in the coming weeks.

With increased access to Covid-19 information, vaccination, testing, and treatment, New York State is updating its response to ensure all students, teachers and faculty can make a safe return to the classroom next month. Click here to see the updated guidance and frequently asked questions.

“Since the early, uncertain days of the pandemic, New York schools, teachers and parents stepped up to ensure continued learning and a safe return to the classroom,” Governor Hochul said. “Today, we are making sure that state and federal guidance is aligned so that students and educators can enter the classroom with confidence and have a safe, healthy school year. We’re getting this information out to parents, into schools, and making sure that our children are where they need to be this fall. We know there’s no replacement for in-classroom learning, and we’re going to make sure that this year is a very different year.”

New York has made significant progress in the fight against Covid-19. It is through these ongoing efforts that schools can provide safe instructional environments, increase access to Covid-19 testing and ensure that staff, students and their families have access to the resources they need to safely remain in school.

“Thanks to the heroic work of our educators, children across New York have been able to make a safe return to the classroom,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. “This new guidance will give schools and districts more flexibility to continue providing in-person instruction as we head into the new school year.”

Covid Mitigation Strategies for the 2022-2023 School Year:

Quarantine – The CDC no longer recommends quarantine except in high-risk congregate settings.

The CDC recommends that all people with a known or suspected Covid-19 exposure regardless of vaccination status or history of prior Covid-19 infection follow current CDC exposure recommendations which include wearing a well-fitting mask or respirator for a full 10-day period and getting tested at least 5 days after close contact or sooner if symptoms develop.

Staying Home When Sick or Symptomatic – The CDC continues to recommend that people stay home when sick. Any student or staff member who has symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, such as cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea, should stay home.

Testing is recommended for people with symptoms of Covid-19 as soon as possible after symptoms begin. Those who are at risk for getting very sick with Covid-19 who test positive should consult with a healthcare provider right away for possible treatment, even if their symptoms are mild.

People who are symptomatic and awaiting Covid-19 test results or have tested positive for Covid-19 should follow CDC’s Isolation Guidance.

Isolation – People who have tested positive or are awaiting Covid-19 test results should remain home and follow the CDC’s Isolation Guidance. Isolation may end based on how serious someone’s COVID-19 symptoms were.

• If someone had no symptoms, isolation may end after day five.
• If someone had symptoms, isolation may end after day five if they are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and symptoms are improving.
• People should wear a mask through day 10 after ending isolation when they are feeling better (no fever without use of fever-reducing medication and symptoms improving).
• Antigen testing is not required to end isolation; however, some schools may allow use of the “test-based strategy” to potentially shorten the length of time for post-isolation mask use.

This builds upon New York’s rigorous, multi-faceted approach in managing and mitigating Covid-19. Last week, Governor Hochul announced the re-launch of the #Vaxtoschool Covid-19 Vaccine Effort, including more than three dozen pop-up vaccination sites throughout the state in the coming weeks, with more being added in the near future.

In March, the Governor lifted the state mask requirement in schools. This decision was based on key Covid-19 data trends showing New York’s significant progress in vaccinations and declining cases.

As New Yorkers move into the fall season, the State and Department of Health will continue to provide parents and guardians vital resources, along with continued robust testing and vaccination.

Keeping up to date on Covid-19 vaccinations continues to be a leading public health strategy to prevent severe illness. Everyone 6 months of age and older is now eligible for Covid-19 vaccination.

All school children who are 5 years of age or older are eligible for a booster. This includes individuals who have been fully vaccinated and have not received an additional vaccination this calendar year. Schools are encouraged to continue promoting Covid-19 vaccination in their community.

Provided photo: Shown from left include Daniel Doctor (Co-Principal Clifford Wise Intermediate School), Chris Hughes (Co-Principal Clifford Wise Intermediate School) and Jenn Stearns (Principal Oak Orchard Primary School).

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Oak Orchard Primary School Principal Jenn Stearns and Clifford Wise Intermediate Co-Principals Daniel Doctor and Chris Hughes will be kicking off the school year with a meet and greet with students and their families.

On Wednesday, Aug. 24^th, from 3 to 6 p.m. between the two schools near the playground there will be a welcome back picnic. Tents will be set up for paperwork collection.

So please make sure that the paperwork you have been sent is completed in full, along with any other additional documentation/medication that your child will need to provide to their school.  Families can also bring their child’s school supplies in a paper bag. Please make sure it is labeled with their name. Their supplies will be delivered to their classroom by Medina Central School District staff.

The principals ask that each family bring a blanket if they would like an area to sit and enjoy their complimentary hot dog. Many community organizations will also be present to share resources for all their Medina families.

“It is a nice opportunity to visit the campus before the start of the school year, catch up with friends and find out who their teachers will be,” Mrs. Stearns said.

YATES – A concert this evening outside by the Yates Community Library featuring Mr. Mustard won’t happen today due to the threat of rain.

The concert featuring the Rochester band that plays Beatles music will be rescheduled, Library Director Emily Cebula said.

The Celtic Spirit Pipe Band’s rescheduled concert will take place this Friday at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s back yard. The concert is free with the support of GO Art!

ALBION – The Orleans County Job Development Agency on Friday celebrated the completion of a summer youth program where 41 people, ages 14 to 20, worked in the community for 25 hours a week over five weeks. They were paid $14 an hour, 80 cents above the minimum.

The program was up from 32 youths in the program last summer and 21 in 2020. The youths earn money, gain work experience and learn financial literacy.

The Summer Youth Employment Program is funded through the state Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. The youths work retail with customer service, as well as clerical and office jobs, and outside work, including landscaping. They helped run summer recreational camps and programs.

The youths worked at the following job sites: Albion Parks, Community Action, Community Free Library in Holley, Creekside Floral in Medina, Daniel’s Men’s Apparel in Medina, Fringe in Medina, Hoag Library in Albion, Holley Community Center in Holley, Hust’l Athletics in Medina, Medina Central School District in the IT Department, Orleans County Fairgrounds/Cooperative Extension, Orleans County Job Development/Dept of Social Services, Orleans County YMCA in Medina, PAWS in Albion, P.Raising Kids in Medina, and Stanley G. Falk School in Buffalo.

Jabari Johnson, 18, of Albion has been in the program the past three summers. He said it has taught him the value of earning his own money, and the importance of being on time and keeping a good attitude. He has worked in the Village of Albion’s summer parks program.

He recently took a job at Orchard Manor in Medina in the kitchen. He wants to learn to become an auto mechanic.

“This program has taught me all about savings, about discipline and about being on time,” he said.

Johnson also said the participants learn you can’t just sit back and wait for something to happen. You need to put yourself in a position to succeed.

ALBION – Today’s recycling collection will be delayed for the fire lanes in Carlton and Yates due to the Modern Disposal Services truck being down for repairs.

Full completion of recycling for these fire lanes will take place on Tuesday, sad Jack Welch, the Orleans County chief administrative officer.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this creates for our residents along the fire lanes,” Welch said. “If these residents leave out their uncollected recycling, Modern Disposal will have your recycling collected tomorrow.”

ALBION – A basket raffle with 50 different items as well as gift cards raised about $1,300 for the activities department at The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center on Route 31 in Albion.

“Weather turned out in our favor so everyone who took part enjoyed a day of fun, food and music,” said Kristin Bloom, the activities director. “A huge shout out to our community, friends and families of The Villages for all their support. Residents even took part in purchasing tickets and enjoying lunch from the food trucks.”

The funds will go towards bingo prizes, cookouts for the residents, craft supplies and even some bigger ticket items that can be utilized by all residents and to keep hygiene products on hand for those who may have run out, Bloom said.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul announced New York State has been awarded $501.5 million in federal funds through the State Small Business Credit Initiative, which was reauthorized and expanded as part of the American Rescue Plan Act.

Managed by the U.S. Department of Treasury, SSBCI provides funds to support programs for small businesses, with emphasis on those still struggling from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and helping traditionally disadvantaged small businesses succeed in the post pandemic economy.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and far too many small business owners are still feeling the economic toll of the pandemic,” Governor Hochul said. “This historic funding will be a game changer – serving as a crucial lifeline for small businesses, fueling innovative growth, and helping uplift the most vulnerable communities across New York State. I thank President Biden, Secretary Yellen, Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and Democrats in the New York Congressional delegation for their leadership on the American Rescue Plan and look forward to continuing to work together as we move the Empire State’s economy forward.”

Through Empire State Development, New York State is establishing a suite of programs that will match federal support to the critical needs of the state’s small businesses. This programming includes a mix of new initiatives and the expansion of existing programs, focusing on capital access, loan guarantees, loan participation programs, collateral support, venture capital for fund managers and start-ups, and technical assistance. Proposed programs include:

Capital Access Program:

• $29.4 Million Capital Access Program (Expansion of Existing Program) – These programs provide portfolio insurance to lenders that make loans to small businesses to incentivize the expansion of loaning to these entities.

Affordable Debt Programs:

• $106.1 Million Capital Loan Fund (New Program) – Provides long-term capital investments via debt instruments and credit structures. The eligible uses for these capital loans is highly flexible, with a focus on providing capital support to socially and economically disadvantaged businesses.
• $55.5 Million Small Business Revolving Loan Fund (Expansion of Existing Program) – This fund will address inequitable capital access, to address gaps facing new companies, underbanked communities, small businesses which are more likely to be minority-owned.
• $47 Million New York Forward Loan Fund (Expansion of Existing Program) – A loan program funded with investors pooled capital, to make flexible, low interest loans to small businesses and nonprofit organizations, through participating Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) lenders.
• $22 Million Bonding Guarantee Program (Expansion of Existing Program) – Provides surety bonding to reduce risks associated with bonding for small businesses.
• $22 Million Contractor Financing Revolving Loan Fund (New Program) – Provides needed funding to contractors in need of matching dollars to secure federal, state, and local contracts.

Equitable Venture investments:

• $102 Million Emerging and Regional Partner Program Fund (New Program) – This program will support the growth and establishment of diverse, emerging, and regional private sector fund managers.
• $52 Million Community and Regional Partner Program Fund (New Program) – ESD will provide selected accelerators with funds that will be leveraged with private dollars to invest in New York State start-up companies.
• $30 Million Pre-seed and Seed Matching Fund Program (New Program) – ESD will work with angel groups and pre-seed investors across New York State to continue to support high growth start-up companies at the earliest stages of their growth and development.
• $35 Million New York State Innovation Venture Capital Fund (Expansion of Existing Program) – Since 2015, ESD has managed the New York Ventures fund, an investment program with more than 40 portfolio companies—65% of whom are founded or led by women and/or minorities. SSBCI funds would further capitalize this direct investment fund program.

Over the next 90 days, Empire State Development will be establishing additional program criteria and guidelines, with formal program-specific application processes announced in the Fall.  For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov/ssbci.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The gas price for regular unleaded at Van’s in Clarendon was $4.27 on Friday, below the average price for regular unleaded in Orleans County.

The price for regular unleaded gas dropped 11.5 cents in the past week in Orleans County, which followed an 18-cent plunge the previous week.

The price today is at $4.377, according to AAA. The price is now down 61 cents from the $4.99 on July 5.

AAA is reporting the national price is at $3.90 today, down 6 cents from a week ago. A year ago, the price was $3.16.

In New York, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is at $4.248 today. It was $4.340 a week ago, $4.620 a month and $3.220 a year ago, AAA said. Regular unleaded hit a high of $5.041 on June 14.

The average diesel price per gallon is at $5.401 a gallon today. It was $5.505 a week ago, $5.846 a month ago and $3.361 a year ago. Diesel hit a high of $6.542 on May 19.

The highest price in New York today is in Lewis County at $4.570 while Nassau is at the lowest, $3.981.

The average prices in Western New York counties include:

• Orleans, $4.377
• Genesee, $4.337
• Wyoming, $4.380
• Livingston, $4.346
• Niagara, $4.217
• Erie, $4.323
• Monroe, $4.34
• Chautauqua, $4.257
• Cattaraugus, $4.283
• Allegany, $4.364

AAA issued this statement about gas prices:

“The summer travel season has ended in many parts of the country where school is back in session. That, coupled with lower oil prices, is bringing some relief at the pump as gas prices drop. This morning oil prices range from $89 to $95 per barrel – down significantly from the spring spikes.

“In Western and Central New York, summer travel is expected to remain strong through Labor Day. If oil prices drop even further, gas prices should follow.”

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

MEDINA – Orleans County has some unique associations with pharmaceutical innovations. The corporate names Eli-Lilley and Burroughs-Wellcome both have their origins here.

Silas M. Burroughs Jr. was born in Medina in 1846. He died in Monte Carlo in 1895. He and Henry Wellcome pioneered the use of Empirin Compound for headaches. They also developed a technique to make powdered medicine more palatable by making pills.

Burroughs is the subject of a new biography recently published by the Lutterworth Press, of Cambridge, England. The author, Julia Sheppard, has long had an interest in the life and career of Burroughs.

She visited Medina on two occasions previously to conduct research on the Burroughs family. She consulted with local historians Richard Nellist, Todd Bensley and the late Ed Grinnell and used the resources at Medina’s Lee-Whedon Memorial Library.

Sheppard will return to Lee-Whedon on Friday, September 9, at 7 p.m. to launch her newly published book, Silas Burroughs: the Man who Made Wellcome.

Burroughs was an energetic businessman and a progressive thinker who supported profit-sharing for employees as well as the 8-hour working day. Sheppard will discuss his life in the context of contemporary social and pharmaceutical developments.

Burroughs was instrumental in the foundation of the Wellcome Trust, a global charitable foundation which specializes in biomedical research. His generous bequests to his hometown benefitted the Presbyterian Church, John Proctor, a boyhood friend as well as Boxwood Cemetery. The iconic sandstone chapel at Boxwood was built in his memory.

Copies of this new biography will be available for purchase at the program, courtesy of the Author’s Note bookstore. This program is presented by the Medina Historical Society.

HOLLEY – The first visit of the mobile health unit at the Eastern Orleans Community Center will be from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 24.

Individuals may walk in for registration or may register in advance by calling or texting (585) 866-5494.

The medical van will offer primary care, general wellness checks, lab services, behavioral health, A1C monitoring, cholesterol checks, vaccinations and referrals.

There will also be assistance available to assist in signing up for Medicaid or health insurance.

A grant for $84,000 from the Finger Lakes Performing Provider System has enabled Community Action to offer health care from the Community Center in Holley.

The health clinic is staffed by Oak Orchard Health’s mobile health unit. It will provide lab services and have a nurse practitioner. Tele-health will be available.

WILSON – A Canadian woman was killed in a personal watercraft accident on Satruday, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office is reporting.

The Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a boating accident in Lake Ontario at the rear of 4581 East Lake Road in the Town of Wilson. Niagara County Sheriff’s Deputies responded along with members of the Wilson and South Wilson Volunteer Fire Companies and provided resuscitation aid to woman injured in the incident.

The woman was later identified as Ria E. Vannoort, 32, of Canfield, Ontario. She was transported by ambulance to Eastern Niagara Lockport Hospital where she was pronounced deceased a short time later, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Initial investigation by deputies at the scene revealed that Vannoort, who was attending a party at the residence, was operating a personal watercraft just offshore.

Attendees of the party noticed that Vannoort had become dismounted from the watercraft and was floating in the lake, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Vannoort was then loaded onto a second vessel and brought back to shore by the other attendees.

An investigation into incident by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Bureau and Marine Unit is ongoing.

Final cruise-in at Canal Basin was Friday

Dan and Debbie Wroblewski of Ridgeway got this 1978 Corvette Silver Anniversary edition on their 20th wedding anniversary. They have had it for 27 years.

MEDINA – A varied lineup of classic vehicles attended the last Friday night cruise-in in Medina’s canal basin, including vintage automobiles, motorcycles, vans and pickup trucks.

The next and final cruise-in of the season will be Super Cruise on Wednesday night on Main Street, said organizer David Green.

Main Street will be shut down from East and West Center streets to Prospect Street in anticipation of the 250 to 300 cars which usually attend the event.

This year’s entertainment will be the Crash Cadillac Band, which Green says is really good. They play ’50s, ’60s and ’70s music.

Merchants and restaurants on Main Street will be open for business and the Boy Scouts will have their hot dog and hamburger stand open.

Friday night cruise-ins have typically drawn 75 to 100 cars weekly, Green said.

The cruise-ins have featured weekly music by DJ Hank Nevins and food by the Boy Scouts. A weekly 50/50 drawing benefits United Way of Orleans County, which sponsors the event throughout the summer.

This week, one of the cruisers was Dan Wroblewski and his wife Debbie from Ridgeway. He was driving their 1978 Corvette Silver Anniversary car, which they acquired on their 20th wedding anniversary. They have had it for 27 years, he said. They love coming to Medina’s cruise-in and rarely miss a night. He has owned a Corvette since he was 18, he said.

Anthony Albone rode his vintage 1982 Honda CB900 F Supersport motorcycle to the cruise-in. He parks next to his father Paul Albone’s 1995 yellow Corvette, he said.

Robert and Joanne Tuttle of Wrights Corners said they wouldn’t miss a Friday night.

“We love Medina,” Joanne said. “We come every week.”

This is the rear of Robert and Joanne Tuttle’s 1956 Crown Victoria, which they’ve owned for 32 years. It features 1950’s custom taillights and cruiser skirts off a Mercury.

She commended the Boy Scouts on their food booth.

“They have a wonderful hamburger,” she said.

The Tuttles own three classic cars, which Robert said they purchased pretty much all restored. They’ve owned a 1934 Chevy Town Sedan street rod for 42 years, a 1965 Plymouth Fury sports hardtop, which they’ve owned for 21 years, and a 1956 Ford Crown Victoria which they brought Friday night and which they’ve owned for 32 years. The couple loves to just sit and relax while listening to the music and chatting with fellow cruisers.

Green commended the many local businesses who support the cruise-in. They are Radiators Plus, Hartway Motors, Orleans Ford, Bogan-Tuttle Funeral Home, Cooper Funeral Home, Orleans Ready-Mix, Notes of Class Instrument Repair, Lakes Wine-Spirits, Thomas Tire, the Print Shop, Case-Nic Cookies and Medina Lumber and Hardware.

Businesses who sponsor Super Cruise night are Bogan-Tuttle, Notes of Class Instrument Repair, Lakes Wine-Spirits, Watts Brothers Electric and Michael Zelazny, CPA.

“We couldn’t do this without them,” Green said.

Super Cruise runs from 6 to 8 p.m. The public is encouraged to come early, bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music.

ALBION – There will be a basket raffle today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehab Center on Route 31 in Albion.

The raffle will be outside the nursing home or will be moved inside to the lobby area if it rains.

There will be about 50 gift baskets and gift cards to raffle off. Tickets will be one sheet for $10 or three  sheets for $25.

“We are hoping for a wonderful turn out,” said Kristin Bloom, the activities director. “The kind of things that that can be funded from money raised are bingo prizes, cookouts for the residents, craft supplies and even some bigger ticket items that can be utilized by all residents and to keep hygiene products on hand for those who may have run out.”

In addition to the basket raffle. Bloom said the event will have E&K smoothies truck along with Lone Star BBQ truck. DJ Tyler Thomas will be playing oldies and entertaining the residents.