ALBION – With the start of a new school year right around the corner, Catholic Charities is hosting a Socks and Undergarment Drive to benefit school age kids and teenagers in grades Pre-K through 12th in need throughout Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
Donations of new, unopened packages of socks and underwear are being accepted now through Sept. 11 at the following locations:
In Genesee County at: Ascension Church, 19 Summer St., Batavia; Immaculate Conception (Mary Immaculate), 5865 Ellicott Street Rd., East Bethany; Maurice’s, 8351 Lewiston Rd., Batavia; Old Navy, 4222 Veterans Memorial Dr., Batavia; and Resurrection Church, 303 E. Main St., Batavia.
In Orleans County at Holy Family Parish, 106 S. Main St., Albion.
In Wyoming County at Community Bank, 2490 N. Main St., Warsaw; the Perry Market Place, 121 N. Center St., Perry; St. Michael Church, 171 N. Main St., Warsaw; St. Joseph (St. Isidore), 8 Park St., Perry; St. Isadore Parish, 39 Church St., Silver Springs; and St. Mary (Mary Immaculate), 11095 St. Mary’s St., Pavilion.
All colors and sizes from children to adult are needed.
“With many families throughout our community struggling to make ends meet, we know that back to school time can be a burden,” said Kelly Grimaldi, Tri-County district director, Catholic Charities. “While some may think of new pencils and notebooks, items such as socks and underwear are also needed, especially for younger children who are still growing. If you can, please consider donating to our Socks and Undergarment Drive to help our youngest neighbors in need.”
After the drive concludes, the donated items will be distributed as needed to community members through Catholic Charities’ offices, including by referral from our collaborating partners and churches.
Catholic Charities programs and services available in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties include basic needs and emergency financial assistance, Our Kids Parent Education and Awareness program for divorced/separating parents, In-School Social Work, the court-ordered Domestic Violence Program for Men, and Home Visitation Program/Friendly Phones.
Additional information about Catholic Charities’ services can be found at ccwny.org/services.
Photo by Tom Rivers: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer was at Baxter International in Medina on Thursday, touting federal legislation to boost microchip manufacturing in the United States. He is holding part of a Baxter infusion pump which requires 70 microchips.
Governor Hochul on Thursday signed first-in-the-nation legislation aimed at bolstering New York’s semiconductor industry.
The legislation builds on the federal CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which was signed into law by President Biden earlier this week and includes a $52 billion investment in American-made semiconductor industry.
Coupled together, the state and federal actions will position New York State to conform to the requirements of the federal program, enhancing the state’s ability to attract new employers.
“The last several years have exposed how vulnerable our economy is to supply chain shocks and proven why we must do everything we can to bring these manufacturing jobs back to our local communities,” said Marte Sauerbrey, President of the New York State Association of Counties. “The legislation signed by Governor Hochul will help cement New York State’s position as the national leader in this 21st century industry and revitalize communities across upstate New York.”
New York’s Green CHIPS law ensures:
At least 500 new jobs and at least $3 billion in qualified investment over a 10-year term. • Projects in good standing can then enter a second 10-year term with at least 500 more new jobs and $3 billion more in qualified investment above and beyond the first phase.
An approved clean energy plan that mitigates the project’s GHG emissions and other environmental impacts.
Significant investment in workforce and community development, including training and education benefits and programs to expand employment opportunity for economically disadvantaged individuals.
Prevailing wage rates for project construction.
Job creation and investment milestones must be met before claiming any tax credits, in line with the Excelsior Tax Credit Program’s pay-for-performance model.
“This is a major investment in upstate New York,” said Stephen Acquario, Executive Director of the New York State Association of Counties. “It provides a critical lifeline of economic opportunity for upstate New York immediately and for future generations. New York is already well established as a leader in the nanotech industry and this legislation will put communities across the state in an even stronger position to benefit from new federal investments in this job-creating industry.”
Shelley Stein, Genesee County Legislative Chairwoman, said, “Genesee County and our Economic Development Center are very excited to celebrate the CHIPS and Science Act announcement today (Thursday) in LeRoy, NY. The STAMP campus, the state’s largest shovel ready advanced manufacturing campus, is ready to welcome chip makers in Genesee County. Our location, close to water and low-cost electricity, coupled with a high quality of life, makes Genesee County highly attractive. We appreciate the determination of Senator Schumer to make this onshoring of chips manufacturing a reality.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 12 August 2022 at 11:32 am
ALBION – The Main Street Thrift Store run by Community Action of Orleans County is much more than a thrift store.
It is a place to buy affordable and stylish clothing. It is a site to furnish a home, do gift shopping, get help for a struggling student, enroll in a credit recovery class and receive coaching in how to apply for job. With new donations and a new manager, the Main Street Store is poised to offer even more.
Cassie Eagle, who formerly taught the credit recovery classes, has assumed the role of manager after the retirement of Michelle George in late spring. While Eagle is currently on maternity leave, she has a list of plans for when she returns, said her mother, Renee Hungerford, director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee.
Hungerford set the ball rolling when she decided to donate her daughter Cheyenna Eagle’s piano to the Main Street Store. It has created quite a stir among customers in the store, especially those with musical ability.
“All kinds of people are sitting down and playing it,” Hungerford said. “Some of them are quite good.”
Hungerford bought the piano when Cheyenna was 4. She has since gone on to become a music therapist and just accepted a job in the Oncology Department of Massachusetts General Hospital.
“I had been holding on to the piano thinking some day Cheyenna would want it,” Hungerford said. “But now she has moved away and can’t take it.”
After Hungerford decided to donate it to the Main Street Store, she started getting cold feet.
“The morning they were going to pick it up, I had a hard time letting it go,” she said. “But two days later I was looking online for information about the Farmers’ Market and there were videos of people playing the piano.”
The piano is not for sale, and a sign on it says, “Play me. (Adults).”
Members of the Leadership Orleans class toured the Main Street Store at 131 South Main St. in Albion on Thursday.
The piano has prompted thoughts of giving music lessons at the Main Street Store, if a music teacher can be found. Another visitor who teaches guitar, mandolin and banjo indicated he might also be interested in giving lessons there.
Cassie Eagle would also like to start craft classes at the store.
The store is always looking for volunteers. The Leadership Orleans class stopped by the store on Thursday when their day was focused on volunteerism. A member of the class is Katrina Chaffee, director of community services (which includes volunteerism) and reporting for Community Action, and arranged for the class to tour the store. Anyone who is interested in volunteering at the store can contact Chaffee at (585) 589-5605.
The store is also experimenting with expanded hours. They are currently open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday and until 7 p.m. on selected Fridays.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 August 2022 at 8:33 am
MURRAY – A “Ride for the Blue” ride is planned for Sunday in Orleans County with a caravan of vehicles going on a 52-mile trek to show their support for law enforcement.
Participants will begin gathering at 11 a.m. on private property owned by David Paul at 3823 County Line Rd. in Murray.
The ride begins at noon. When people return at about 1 p.m., there will be speakers including Andrew Giuliani, a political commentator who was a Republican candidate for governor; and two Republican Congressional candidates – Mario Fratto in the 24th District and La’Ron Singletary in 25th. Both of those districts include parts of Orleans County.
The ride route includes turning right out of the driveway on County Line Road and heading southbound to Route 31; then turn right and head through Holley and Albion until Route 63 in Medina; then head north to Route 104 in Ridgeway; then turn east on Route 104 through Gaines and Murray to County Line Road; then turn right and head back to 3823 County Line Rd.
The ride order includes the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Holley Fire Department, all motorcycles, remaining fire trucks, vintage cars and trucks, “everybody else,” and all big trucks and dump trucks.
There will be food vendors on site from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 August 2022 at 5:17 pm
Global supply chain crisis disrupting many industries
Photos by Tom Rivers: U.S. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer holds a medical infusion pump produced by Baxter International in Medina at left and a component of the pump requiring 70 microchips.
MEDINA – A company with nearly 300 workers in Medina has put employees on paid furloughs three times due to a supply chain shortage, where Baxter International didn’t have all 20 components for their medical infusion pumps.
Baxter International produces about 100,000 pumps a year and each one needs 70 microchips. The company was forced to put some of its Medina workforce on paid furloughs due to a shortage of microchips.
Baxter continues to struggle to locate enough microchips. The company currently will run out in three to four weeks in Medina. If more don’t come in, company CEO José (Joe) E. Almeida said workers will again have to go on furlough until all the needed parts come in.
“I’m very proud of our employees,” Almeida said today after a news conference at Baxter with U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “They’ve worked heroically.”
Almeida said the company manufactures infusion pumps used at hospitals and healthcare sites.
“It’s about saving lives,” he said.
Schumer said there will be a long-term answer to the microchip crisis with the signing this week of the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Bill. That will provide $50 billion in incentives to increase microchip manufacturing in the United States and ease the supply chain problems.
He said the nearby STAMP site in the Town of Alabama, Genesee County, is being pitched to businesses to manufacture microchips and other advanced manufacturing. He said the site could employ thousands of workers, with many living in Orleans County.
He also is working his contacts for a short-term solution for Baxter. He will be asking Texas Instruments to supply microchips to Baxter, and has teamed with the federal Health and Human Services Department to prioritize the need for Baxter, which he said is a healthcare manufacturer that saves lives with the infusion pumps.
Schumer said he has personally advocated to companies before, including Qualcomm, to help with a microchip shortage.
“There is a desperate shortage of chips,” Schumer said. “We don’t want to have a shortage again. We want to build the chips here in America.”
Schumer praised the Baxter facility for producing the medical technology, such as infusion pumps, that are used in the treatment of Covid-19 and other illnesses.
“Orleans County’s Baxter International facility worked nonstop through the pandemic to get medical equipment out to the hospitals and frontline works that needed it most,” Schumer said. “My just passed CHIPS and Science Bill is just what the doctor ordered to help cure America’s long-term supply chain woes, by bringing microchip manufacturing back from overseas to places in Upstate New York like the Western New York STAMP campus. We should be making semiconductors in Batavia, NY, not Beijing.”
Baxter International CEO and President José (Joe) E. Almeida stands next to Sen. Schumer near the production floor of Baxter’s Medina plant in the Olde Pickle Factory. Almeida said the company has a three- to four-week supply of microchips and is reaching out to many suppliers. Schumer said he would strongly urge Texas Instruments to help fill the need at Baxter.
Schumer said that the microchip shortage is impacting everything from wait times for people to buy cars and computers, to healthcare providers.
Before coming to Baxter, Schumer was in LeRoy at the Bob Johnson Chevrolet, where the auto dealer said a shortage of microchips has slowed inventory. That problem has pushed up the cost and wait times for new vehicles. It also has made the cost of used cars skyrocket, Schumer said.
Gabrielle Barone, vice president of business development for the Orleans Economic Developer Agency, told Schumer that Medina has 300 acres of certified shovel-ready land that would be a good fit for a company looking to produce microchips. She is joined by, from left: Michael Dobell, Orleans EDA executive director; County Legislator John Fitzak; Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature; and Medina Mayor Mike Sidari.
Schumer highlighted the CHIPS & Science Bill
$39 billion for the CHIPS for America Fund to provide federal incentives to build, expand, or modernize domestic facilities and equipment for semiconductor fabrication, assembly, testing, advanced packaging, or research and development to help attract major chip manufacturers to shovel ready sites like STAMP in Genesee County.
$11 billion for Department of Commerce research and development including creating a National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) a public-private partnership to conduct advanced semiconductor manufacturing, with Albany Nanotech primed to be a top contender to serve as a major hub for the NSTC, and other specialized R&D programs that universities across the state are in a strong position to compete for.
$2 billion for the DoD CHIPS for America Defense Fund.
$200 million for the CHIPS for America Workforce and Education Fund to kick start development of the domestic semiconductor workforce, which faces near-term labor shortages, by leveraging activities of the National Science Foundation.
A new Investment Tax Credit for semiconductor manufacturing facilities and equipment.
U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer walks into the production floor at Baxter International with company CEO and President José (Joe) E. Almeida. Schumer said he and the federal Health and Human Services have pushed to make Baxter designated as a “critical need” for micro chips to manufacture infusion pumps.
Schumer’s Office shared this copy of the letter he sent to Rich Templeton, CEO of Texas Instruments:
Dear Mr. Templeton,
I write to request Texas Instruments’ (TI) assistance to continue to provide the required computer chip components to Baxter International to ensure it can continue to manufacture lifesaving medical devices that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has determined are in “critical need” including Baxter’s Spectrum IQ Infusion Pump which is manufactured in Medina, New York, as well as the PrisMax and PrismaFlex renal replacement therapy (CRRT) devices. These pumps and devices are critical in the clinical treatment of COVID-19 patients, providing lifesaving care in our nation’s efforts to combat the pandemic.
As such, I understand TI recently received a copy of a letter from HHS’ Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response that indicated HHS has now “identified a critical need” for these lifesaving products and urged Baxter to prioritize the manufacturing of these medical devices. Furthermore HHS wrote, “it is critical that Baxter’s supply chain is not impacted so we also request that any work, services, and materials requested by Baxter be prioritized in any possible way.”
As you know, TI is Baxter’s supplier for several critical components required for the manufacturing of these devices. Recent inconsistent delivery of these TI components is now threatening the continued manufacturing of these critical medical devices. Ensuring the availability of these component parts is not only vital to Baxter’s Medina, NY workforce, but to hospital patients and medical personnel throughout the country who depend on these lifesaving devices.
Therefore, I ask that TI honor this HHS request and work with Baxter to deliver necessary TI components for their medical devices as quickly as possible. I appreciate your quick attention to this matter and your assistance in making these components available.
Provided photo: Pictured from left include Marc Shurtz, Orleans Community Health CEO; Russ Martino of the Lyndonville Area Foundation; Heather Smith, Orleans Community Health Foundation director; Rita Wolfe, president of the Lyndonville Area Foundation; and Jeanne Crane, Orleans Community Health Foundation president.
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health Foundation is proud to announce a donation of $25,000 from the Lyndonville Area Foundation toward the ongoing campaign to replace and upgrade IV infusion pumps throughout Orleans Community Health.
“The Lyndonville Area Foundation has supported the hospital throughout the years. We feel it is an important asset to the community,” said Rita Wolfe, President of the Lyndonville Area Foundation.
Each IV Infusion pump costs around $2,945, which includes the battery packs and service agreements. The campaign goal is to replace 60 pumps currently in use throughout Orleans Community Health. The patients at both MMH and our dialysis centers will benefit the most from these new pumps and we look forward to working with the upgraded technology that they will provide.
The current pumps were generously donated by Sigma back in 2011. At any given time, up to 50 pumps could be in use with the remainder being serviced or sterilized. These pumps are used in both dialysis locations, the emergency department, operating and recovery rooms, for infusion treatments, in radiology, throughout the long-term care center (North wing) and on the patient care floor.
At times a patient may use only one, but sometimes they could be using multiple pumps at a once. They are always in need and provide vital medical care to our patients who either need them for hydration, lifesaving medications, antibiotics, or infusions. Having new pumps means having new technology that will provide easier and simpler programming, which always leads to improved quality of care.
“The Lyndonville Area Foundation has a long history of supporting Medina Memorial Hospital and Orleans Community Health,” said Jeanne Crane, president of the Orleans Community Health Foundation. “There’s no question they are a strong ally to our community.”
“The Orleans Community Health Foundation will continue efforts to apply for grants and have two more events to host this year,” said Heather Smith, executive director of the Orleans Community Health Foundation. “We’re confident that we’re going to meet our goals, and we won’t stop until we do.”
To learn more about this campaign and the Orleans Community Health Foundation, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 August 2022 at 3:47 pm
State law would prohibit firearm possession in ‘sensitive locations,’ including all sporting events
Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is imploring his colleagues in the Assembly and Senate to take action to save high school trap shooting competitions before a law (A.41001) takes effect Sept. 1 that would prohibit firearm possession in “sensitive locations,” which include all sporting events.
This would also imperil the ability of sportsmen’s clubs and other sporting organizations to hold competitions for shooting sports, many of which are often held to support charitable causes.
In order to modify the law to address this effective ban on shooting sports events, the Legislature would need to convene for a special session before it takes effect in September. Assemblyman Hawley is encouraging residents to sign a petition, click here, that is calling on Gov. Hochul and her colleagues in the Legislative Majority to take action to prevent the banning of high school trap shooting competitions.
“Trap shooting is one of the safest sporting activities our young people take part in, which also promotes an understanding and respect for firearms and their safe handling,” Hawley said. “Moreover, this bill as written threatens the existence of competitive shooting sports categorically, a celebrated tradition enjoyed throughout New York state by spectators and sportsmen alike for centuries. I don’t believe anyone in our Legislature sees clay-pigeon shooting contests as a threat to public safety, so I sincerely hope we can come together and agree to fix what is a clear error in this legislation as it was passed.”
Photo courtesy of Kathy Winans, Albion High School teacher and Senior Class advisor: The Jonathan Doherty Legacy Award recipients include, from left: Ethan Ferchen, Ann Faery and Samantha Johnson.
Press Release, Albion Alumni Foundation
ALBION – Each year during the Albion High School Class Night ceremony, the Alumni Foundation presents scholarships to graduating seniors who meet specific scholarship criteria. These awards provide financial assistance to help seniors continue to pursue their educational goals.
This year the Foundation awarded approximately $130,000 in scholarships to Albion High School Class of 2022 graduates.
The Foundations’ scholarship committee had the task of choosing recipients of 48 academic, vocational, service, leadership, arts and athletics scholarships. They poured over numerous applications and chose students that best fit the scholarship qualifications. It wasn’t an easy decision as there were many candidates with strong applications.
Several newly created scholarships were presented this year. The Jonathan Doherty Legacy Award was presented to three students. Each received a $100 scholarship and a plaque that was inscribed: “In memory of Jonathan Doherty, a true Purple Eagle, this scholarship celebrates Jonathan’s spirit of caring, skills at making the most of opportunities available to him, and using his strengths to help build a better Albion Community.” This scholarship was created by the Foundation in memory of Jonathan who passed away in May, 2022. He was an active member and supporter of the Alumni Foundation and was often seen volunteering at various Alumni events including homecoming, the annual Christmas Concert and Class Night. These three award recipients embody Jonathan’s enduring community spirit and care for others.
Photo courtesy of Mollie Radzinski, Albion Central School District: Alumni Foundation President Steve Hicks congratulates Sawyer Braley as he receives the inaugural Hoag Skilled Trades Scholarship. Jovany Trejo also received the scholarship.
The new Hoag Skilled Trades Scholarship, as well as the Gil and Christine Pritchard Vocational Scholarship, are two important recent award additions that assist students as they continue to advance their education in vocational and skilled trades fields.
The main focus of the Alumni Foundation is a Scholarship Program that continues to grow and benefit more students each and every year. Scholarship funding is made possible through memberships and gifts from AHS Alumni and community members, as well as individuals and organizations that contact the Foundation to establish a scholarship. The Foundation manages the funds and awards the scholarships annually during the Class Night event.
The Foundation is grateful to the generous donors that work with us to create and sustain these scholarships. Our donors are making a difference for a lifetime for Albion graduates by affording them opportunities to continue their education and pursue their dreams.
To learn more about how you can create a scholarship, contact Steve Hicks at steve@albionalumni.org. If you are interested in donating to any of the Foundation’s scholarships you can go to www.albionalumni.org or write: Albion High School Alumni Foundation, P.O. Box 345, Albion, N.Y. 14411.
Congratulations to all 2022 scholarship recipients!
ALBION HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS – Reuben Rivers & Carson Bader
PAUL R. HAINES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Emily Harling
Photos by Tom Rivers: Erin and Rhiannon Moody, parents of the late Brennan Moody, present a memorial scholarship in his name to Rowan Ford and Jeffrey Brown. High School Assistant Principal Katharine Waite is at left.
EDWARD B. ARCHBALD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – James Beach
DR DAVID & ANITA LONG AGRICULTURAL SCHOLARSHIP – Leah Pritchard
D’ANDREA FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP – Carson Bader
BRANDON BRUSKI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Nicolina Creasey
THE RALPH AND PEARL POELMA GOOD NEIGHBOR/COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP – Carson Bader and Kate Beach
THE JAKE AND ANNA VREEBURG SCHOLARSHIPS – Kate Beach, Sawyer Braley
THE INGE HUME ELEMENTARY EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP – Kate Beach
THE ROBERT P. VAN DEUSEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Jeff Brown
THE MOORE FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP FUND – Elisa Bropst
THE SHERMAN AWARDS – Leah Kania, Leah Pritchard
THE BENJAMIN DENNIS KIRBY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Jeff Brown, James Beach & Rowan Ford
THE SCOTT WHITTIER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS – Kenzi Hapeman, Jahmeek Riley
BABBITT FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP – Charley London
THE MATTHEW K. GARDNER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Kenzi Hapeman
SCOTT H WARD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Leah Kania
CRAIG ANDERSON SCHOLARSHIP – Sydney Mulka
THE BRENNAN MICHAEL CARLYLE MOODY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Jeffrey Brown and Rowan Ford
THE JARED M. FEARBY SCHOLARSHIP – Sawyer Braley
EDWARD FANCHER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – James Beach
GIL AND CHRISTINE PRITCHARD VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP – Lilian Mathes
LAMONT FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP – Alicia Allen
KELLY SIDARI RICKER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Emily Harling
GWENYTH HUGHSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Carson Bader
NICHOLAS KOVALESKI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Leah Pritchard
WILLIAM J COXETER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Sydney Mulka
HOAG SKILLED TRADES SCHOLARSHIP – Sawyer Braley and Jovany Trejo
JONATHAN DOHERTY LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP – Ann Faery, Ethan Ferchen, Samantha Johnson
Karen Sodoma, wife of the late Ronald Sodoma, presents a scholarship to Aurora Serafin. Mr. Sodoma was a long-time superintendent, principal and teacher at Albion. His daughter Rebecca is in back at left.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 August 2022 at 9:48 am
BARRE – A developer looking to build a 4.5 megawatt solar project at 4360 Oak Orchard Rd. was given an extension by the Town Board with the project’s construction.
AES DE Devco NC asked for two 6-month extensions for the site plan, special use permit and building permit. The board approved the first 6-month extension on Wednesday and will give allow the town code enforcement officer to use discretion whether a second extension is needed.
AES representatives told town officials on Wednesday supply-chain delays have held up construction.
The company initially secured the special use permit and site plan approval in October 2021 from the town, with a building permit issued in March 2022.
The 4.5 megawatt project would be Route 98 near Lime Kiln Road. It would go on land owned by Joshua Baird, and Jacob and Melissa Monacelli.
The solar arrays will be located at 4360 Oak Orchard Rd., where the developer can tap directly into a 13.2-kilovolt distribution line. The project doesn’t include battery storage.
There will be 14,118 solar panels and they will be surrounded with a 7-foot-high perimeter chain link fence. There will be 40,543 linear feet of low-voltage and 1,258 feet of high-voltage underground wiring. The project also includes a decommissioning plan.
The plan calls for planting 191 deciduous and evergreen trees along with 92 shrubs and pollinators.
With the first 6-month extension approved by the Town Board on Wednesday, the special use permit and site approval are good until April 13, 2023, with the building permit valid until Sept. 22, 2023.
In other action on Wednesday, the Town Board:
• Approved paying C&H PC in Medina $1,473 to upgrade the sound system in the town hall with new microphones, cables, speakers and monitor. Town Supervisor Sean Pogue said many people can’t hear what is said in the town meetings, especially if they are following on the YouTube channel.
The town will pay for the expense from its allotment of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.
• Accepted Barry Flansburg’s letter of resignation “with regret.” He is retiring as town assessor at 5 p.m. on Sept. 30. He has served in the role for 30 years.
Pogue said two people have expressed interest in the job, and the town also could see if the county would be open to a contractual agreement to provide assessing services for Barre.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 August 2022 at 9:12 am
National Grid will put in electric for $15K
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Barre Town Park on Route 98 will soon have electric running back to the playground area, a pavilion and a new storage building. The Town Board also voted on Wednesday evening to remove the shrubbery in front of the sign and do new plantings in the spring.
BARRE – The Town Board on Wednesday approved paying National Grid $15,331 to put in electrical service for the Town Park on Route 98.
The town will use some of its allotment from the federal American Rescue Plan Act to cover the expense. Barre has been approved for $210,000 in ARPA funding.
The decision to put in the electrical service was tabled last month when three of the board members – Kerri Richardson, George McKenna and Dave Waters – wanted to see a breakdown of the costs for the service and a plan for the park.
The town highway department has already put in conduit and a pull box for the service, using about $14,000 raised from the Barre Betterment Committee to “Power the Park.”
Town Supervisor Sean Pogue said he would have the Betterment Committee and Town Park’s Committee discuss their goals for the park in the short and long term. But, for now, he said he wanted to get the electric line back into the park.
Councilman Waters agreed that is an important first step.
“I think it’s a positive thing for the park,” Waters said during Wednesday’s board meeting. “We’re going to need it sooner or later. Even if we do the minimum, we need power back there.”
Councilwoman Richardson said there should be a plan for how to better utilize the park, and bring more residents to the site. She said the current approach feels “piece meal.” She agreed the electrical service is needed at the site.
The Barre Betterment Committee has been raising funds for electricity, with a $60,000 goal to “Power the Park.” Councilman McKenna said he wants to hear from the committee about how it determined the $60,000 goal.
With the electrical service coming in at about $15,000 from National Grid, plus the in-kind work from the town highway department, the cost seems to be closer to $30,000.
Pogue said he was at a recent BBC meeting and the group is shifting to raising funds to upgrade playground equipment at the park.
The town and the BBC can discuss longer range plans and goals for the town park with the community, Pogue said.
That could include having lighted fields, but Pogue said “that’s down the road” and would need input from nearby residents.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 August 2022 at 6:39 pm
There hasn’t been a summer surge in Covid cases locally. Data from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments show there hasn’t been a spike in cases this summer.
The data from the past week, Aug. 3-9, shows 34 cases in Orleans, compared to 38 the week before. In Genesee, the cases are up about 20 percent from 52 to 62.
Looking at the past six weeks, there hasn’t been a big jump or decline in either county. Both counties are considered low for community spread by the federal CDC.
The confirmed cases in Orleans the past six weeks include 26 from June 29 to July 5, 28 from July 6-12, 36 from July 13-19, 32 to July 20-26, 38 from July 27 to Aug. 2, and 34 from Aug. 3-9
Genesee’s confirmed cases the past six weeks included 21 from June 29 to July 5, 53 from July 6-12, 50 from July 13-19, 67 to July 20-26, 52 from July 27 to Aug. 2, and 62 from Aug. 3-9.
The local health department today reported there was another Covid-related death in Genesee County in the past week. Genesee has now had 198 Covid-related deaths since the pandemic started in March 2020, while Orleans has had 120 deaths due to Covid.
Statewide the positivity rate for the past 7 days is at 7.98 percent. Orleans is in the Finger Lakes Region where the 7-day positivity is at 7.57 percent. Western New York is at the highest in the state at 10.83 percent while New York City is the lowest at 7.29 percent.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
Paul Pettit, the director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, has been newly elected to the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ Board of Directors for a three-year term as a Director for Region 2, representing local health departments in NJ, NY, PR, and the USVI.
Paul Pettit
NACCHO is the voice of the country’s nearly 3,000 local health departments. Pettit’s term began on July 1, 2022.
“Being elected to serve on the NACCHO board is a very humbling and exciting opportunity,” Pettit said. “I’ve had the privilege to serve as a local public health director for over 14 years in the communities where I live.
Pettit has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester in Environmental Health, a Master of Science degree in Strategic Leadership from Roberts Wesleyan College and a certificate in Public Health from the University at Albany.
He has worked in public health for over 23 years, starting as an environmental health technician and advancing to the public health director role for Orleans County in January 2008. In 2012, he also became the public health director for Genesee County through a collaborative cross-jurisdictional sharing arrangement between the two counties. This unique CJS partnership was supported and developed with assistance from the Center for Sharing Public Health Services.
“Local public health is where we see the true impact of our work and have the direct interaction with our residents,” Pettit said. “Serving on the board will allow me to represent my colleagues in Region 2 and work collaboratively with my fellow board members and the staff of NACCHO to continue the advocacy work for funding and services that will directly impact and improve the lives of those in our communities.”
In addition to serving on many local, regional and state Board of Directors, Pettit is a past president of the New York State Association of County Health Officials. He was recently appointed to the New York State Rural Health Council, and he is very active in statewide public health and policy advocacy. He is also an adjunct professor, teaching various public health classes at both SUNY Brockport and the University at Buffalo.
“I am very pleased that Paul Pettit’s colleagues around the country have voted to have him join our board,” said NACCHO Chief Executive Officer Lori Tremmel Freeman. “He is a past president of the New York State Association of County Health Officials and is especially active in public health policy and advocacy. We greatly appreciate the experience and insight he will bring to our organization’s leadership.”
NACCHO is governed by a 20-member board consisting of local and tribal health officials who are elected by their peers, as well as one ex-officio member representing partner organizations.
As the governing body, NACCHO’s Board of Directors establishes the association’s strategic direction and initiatives, sets the annual legislative agenda, approves official policy statements, ensures that annual goals are met, and provides financial oversight.
The Board is NACCHO’s public face and represents members in matters of policy, public health practice, and collaboration with health partners in the public and private sectors.
For more information about NACCHO, please visit www.naccho.org.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is encouraging constituents from Monroe County to attend town hall meetings that he will be hosting this Saturday at Hamlin Town Hall, Clarkson Town Hall and Sweden Town Hall.
There, Assemblyman Hawley will be present to host open meetings where constituents will have the opportunity to express to him their concerns related to state issues.
Constituents with any questions about this event are encouraged to reach out to Assemblyman Hawley’s district office at (585) 589-5780 for more information.
Town Hall information:
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. – Hamlin Town Hall, 1658 Lake Rd., Hamlin
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. – Clarkson Town Hall, 3710 Lake Rd., Clarkson
Saturday, 12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. – Sweden Town Hall, 18 State St., Brockport
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 August 2022 at 2:05 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Traffic passes over a culvert on Taylor Hill Road in Ridgeway by the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
ALBION – Orleans County legislators were urged by the county’s Department of Public Works commissioner to set aside local funds for bridge and culvert projects.
John Papponetti, the DPW commissioner, said there isn’t enough funding from the state and federal governments for the county to keep up with aging and deteriorating infrastructure.
He cited a culvert on Taylor Hill Road in Ridgeway as an example. The country twice tried for state funding through the Bridge NY program but didn’t get it.
The culvert’s condition has only worsened in that time, Papponetti said. He urged legislators to plan on doing one culvert a year with local dollars and not wait for state or federal aid.
He would like the Taylor Hill Road culvert to be replaced next year, so it either opens right before the fair in late July or with construction starting after the fair.
“We can’t always get federal and state revenue,” he said.
The culvert by the fairgrounds is deteriorating and is scheduled to be replaced next year.
The county owns 68 bridges, about 80 large-diameter culverts and about 200 lane miles of roads, Papponetti said.
The county DPW can do smaller pipe culverts in house, he said. But larger culverts, about 12 to 20 feet, should be bid out for a contractor and those projects can be about $750,000.
He advocated for legislators to set aside local funds for the culverts and bridges, money that can be accessed without all the red tape needed for state and federal funds.
The local funds would help the county DPW keep up with the needed maintenance and repairs of the infrastructure. Papponetti said he doesn’t want to see culverts or bridges closed due to deficiencies and unsafe conditions.
“We need to continue to invest and move forward,” he told county legislators during a meeting on July 27. “I know you have a fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers to make sure we’re spending our money wisely.”
Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said the Legislature wants to make funding available for the infrastructure work. That is the main reason why the county opted not to suspend the local share of sales tax on gas. Some counties decided to do that after the price hit $2 or $3. The state has suspended its 4 percent sales tax share on gas for the remainder of 2022.
“That is why we talked at length about capping sales tax on gas,” Johnson said. “We thought it much better to use for infrastructure.”
The Legislature on July 27 approved the engineering and design for the Taylor Hill Road culvert, with $76,000 from the infrastructure reserve to be paid to Ravi Engineering & Land Surveying P.C. in Rochester.
