Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
The Genesee County Health Department will be hosting a free drive-through anti-rabies immunization clinic on Thursday, May 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. 4 at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia).
“We encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to make sure that their animals are immunized against rabies and that the vaccinations are kept up to date,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Rabies is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Please leave wildlife alone and do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals (including baby wild animals), stray dogs or cats.”
Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats and ferrets, but voluntary donations are accepted. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit four pets per car maximum.
To save you time, please click here to fill out your registration form in advance. Be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you to the clinic.
The next anti-rabies immunization clinics are as follows:
Genesee County Clinics at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia, NY)
Thursday, August 11th, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, September 15th, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, October 13th, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Orleans County Clinics at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 Rt. 31, Albion, NY)
Saturday, June 4th, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, August 13th, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, October 15th, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
For more information on Health Department services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call 589-3278 for Orleans County or 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 for Genesee County.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 12 May 2022 at 2:51 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Dick Remley, right, shares an update on fundraising for the Orleans County Visitors’ Center with guests at the Cobblestone Society’s annual membership meeting Wednesday at Carlton Recreation Hall. Looking on at left are Gail Johnson, chairwoman of the dinner, and Cobblestone Society director Doug Farley.
CARLTON – The Cobblestone Society’s fourth annual membership dinner took place Wednesday night at the Carlton Firemen’s Recreation Hall.
Cobblestone Museum director welcomed guests and introduced Dick Remley, fundraising chair of the drive to raise funds to build an Orleans County Visitors’ Center.
Larry Albanese, left, and retired Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower examine U.S. Post Office boxes from the 1940s which were donated to the Cobblestone Society for a live auction.
Remley announced that $735,000 of the $750,000 goal for the Visitors’ Center has been pledged, and $354,000 has been collected – enough to complete the purchase of the building across the street which will become the Visitors’ Center. He said pledges were received from 115 different people and 12 names had been accepted for naming rights. A naming opportunity still exists. Museum director Doug Farley said they will announce the naming rights for the Visitors’ Center in the near future.
The architectural firm of Clinton Brown in Buffalo has been hired to create a master plan to rehab the building and add a meeting room. They hope to have a conceptual drawing in June.
“This will add a new dimension to the Cobblestone Society Museum and be a terrific asset for the entire county,” Remley said.
The grounds of the future Visitors’ Center will be the site of a Summer Solstice event June 22.
One of the couples attending the dinner was Amy Machamer of Hurd Orchards. She has attended other dinner meetings to support the Cobblestone Museum, and was amazed to see a grill in the live auction, similar to one on which she was the successful bidder at a previous dinner. The grill donated by Lowe’s in Brockport was one of nearly two dozen items in the live auction Wednesday night.
“Our house overlooks a beautiful peach orchard which slopes on the way to Sandy Creek,” Machamer said. “Our grill sits there in the back yard, where we love to sit.”
Prizes were awarded to five individuals in an early bird drawing for purchasing tickets by March 31.
A money tree raffled off was donated by Shirley Bright-Neeper, Camilla VanderLinden and Doreen Wilson.
The evening also featured a split club drawing, a silent auction featuring 40 donated items and a basket raffle. Former Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower lent his expertise as an auctioneer for the evening and Larry Albanese was announcer.
Albanese called Bower the “auctioneer extraordinaire.”
“We’ve got this down,” Albanese said. “We’ve four years into doing this together.”
The meal, prepared by Zambistro’s in Medina, was entirely underwritten by Roy Bubb, John Nipher and Erin Anheier, all of Holley; and Gail Johnson of Albion.
Special thanks were extended to Scott B. Schickling, CPA, CFA of Medina for underwriting the cost of the Carlton Recreation Hall; Jackie and Bill Bixler, Leroy and Shirley Bright-Neeper and David Mitchell of Mitchell Family Funeral Homes for monetary donations; Diane Ecker Wadsworth of Bend, Ore., Grace Denniston and Tops Markets of Albion for the evening’s appetizers; Brenda Radzinski of Albion for the sheet cake; and Doreen Wilson of Albion for the cost of table coverings.
Events at the Cobblestone Museum include the spring exhibit of Victorian Mourning Art, Music of the 1920s on an Edison Victrola and upright player piano in May/June, the Summer Solstice Soiree June 22, Flea Market August 13, Fall Open House Sept. 10, Ghost Walk at a date to be announced in October and the Holiday Shoppe on dates to be announced.
HOLLEY – To celebrate its Diamond Jubilee (aka 75th anniversary of service to the community), the Community Free Library is planning a variety of events to be timed to coincide with the Holley June Fest on June 4.
Ahead of the activities planned during June Fest is a raffle – a floral arrangement sprouting gift cards totaling more than $300. These gift cards are not only for Holley businesses such as Dustin’s and Sam’s, but include Lowes, TJ Max, Sara’s Garden, Red Lobster, Chili’s, the Outback, Wild Flour and more – something for every taste.
Need to fix something around the home? Want to go out to eat? Need flowers for your garden? All of these are possible for the lucky winner. Tickets are currently on sale in the library, and are $2 each or three for $5. The drawing will be held at the end of the day on June 4. Don’t miss your chance to win!
Starting June 27 and running concurrent with June Fest will be an art show presenting the works of three local artists – Tony Barry, Debra Mignano and Ken Claus in the library board room. Many of these art works are also available for sale. An exhibit of children’s art from the classes of Ken Claus – art works that reflect the joy children feel when working in different media – will be on view in the Library Children’s Room.
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during June Fest, there will be an “Outrageous Book Sale” where participants can bring a bag from home and fill it to the top with books, DVDs and other items on sale – all for only $1. For those who want to add more to their home library, they can bring a box and fill it to overflowing for $3.
New Yorkers urged to donate excess formula to local food pantries
Press Release, Attorney General Letitia James
NEW YORK – With increased shortages of baby formula due to recalls and supply chain disruptions, New York Attorney General Letitia James warned retailers that price gouging is illegal.
The Office of the Attorney General is aware of reports of baby formula being sold online for prices far exceeding its retail value. Attorney General James urges New Yorkers to be on alert for potential price gouging of baby formula and to report any dramatic price increases to her office.
In addition, Attorney General James encourages parents having difficulty finding formula to speak with their child’s doctor before attempting to water down formula or make their own, both of which can be potentially dangerous to a child. Attorney General James asks that anyone with extra unopened, unexpired formula consider donating it to their local food pantry.
“The national baby formula shortage is terrifying for parents concerned about how to feed their children,” said Attorney General James. “The last thing any family needs is to be price gouged on critical nutrition for their little ones, which is why I am putting profiteers seeking to take advantage of this crisis on notice. If New Yorkers see exorbitant price increases for baby formula, I encourage them to report it to my office immediately.”
New York law prohibits merchants from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services that are vital to their health, safety, or welfare for an unconscionably excessive price.
Due to the nationwide shortage, the Office of the Attorney General advises consumers to buy only as much formula as they need and not to unnecessarily stock up as such panic buying may intensify the shortage and could encourage sellers to engage in illegal price gouging. The OAG also reminds consumers that it is not price gouging for retailers to limit the amount of formula they sell to individual consumers.
When reporting price gouging to OAG, consumers should:
Report the specific increased prices, the dates, and places that they saw the increased prices, and the types of formula being sold; and,
Provide copies of their sales receipts and photos of the advertised prices, if available.
New Yorkers should report potential concerns about price gouging to OAG by filing a complaint online or call 800-771-7755.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 May 2022 at 9:36 am
ALBION – The Board of Education has been asked to maintain all of the district’s Advanced Placement courses, which are rigorous, college-level classes.
However, Albion only has a few kids in many of the classes. Albion would like to have at least 12 in the AP courses.
The district instead is shifting from some in-person AP classes to the Apex Learning platform, which offers AP classes online.
Several parents of students who want to take AP classes sent in letters to the board, asking Albion to reconsider and offer AP in-person.
(Editor’s Note: Marsha Rivers, wife of editor Tom Rivers, sent in one of the letters.)
Matt and Crystal Hand and their daughter Samantha all sent in separate letters, asking Albion to keep the AP program with in-person instruction.
Mr. Hand said the AP classes are an “important marker for college” and “help students reach their full potential.”
If a class-size minimum is needed, Hand suggested Albion better promote the program within the district and partner with other schools to offer the classes.
Mrs. Hand said many of the current sophomores and juniors in high school planned their schedules out in recent years so they could take AP classes next year, which now aren’t available.
“They shouldn’t be penalized because there aren’t enough students,” she wrote. “They rose to the challenge and are thriving.”
Jody O’Connor, mother of a student who wants to take AP next year, said Albion’s “dedicated and talented staff” have shown they can teach the classes and have their students excel.
Heidi Pask, mother of a student who wants to take AP next year, said the district should offer high-level classes for hard-working students who are going to college.
Not offering the AP classes puts Albion students at a disadvantage with students form other schools who have the AP background, she said.
Samantha Hand, a junior, wants to take AP calculus, AP physics and AP statistics next year. Those college-level will save her on tuition and prepare her for college, she wrote in her letter.
Kathy Harling, the Board of Education president, said the issue will be on the board’s agenda for its June 6 meeting and will be discussed in more detail.
ALBION – National Police Week is set aside to honor America’s law enforcement community for their hard work and dedication in protecting and serving their local communities. The men and women of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office are dedicated to the mission of providing prompt, exemplary service while protecting the community.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is committed to protect the lives, property and rights of all people, maintain order and enforce the law.
Emphasis is placed on improving and maintaining quality of life to ensure our county is a safe place to live, work and visit. The members of this office are dedicated to this mission, to the county they serve, and achieving excellence within their profession.
During National Police Officer Week in 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day as a special recognition day for law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
Please join us in recognizing Orleans County’s Deputy Sheriffs and Police Officers for their hard work, dedication and service to our community.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 May 2022 at 8:37 am
Orleans County continues to see an increase in Covid cases, with 220 from May 4-10, which is up from the 197 the previous week.
The county also had two more Covid-related deaths and now has had 116 residents pass away from Covid during the pandemic that started in March 2020.
There were 54 confirmed Covid cases in the county from March 30 to April 6. In the following weeks the cases increased to 83 (April 6-12), 113 (April 13-19), 166 (April 20-26) and then 197 (April 27-May 3), according to data from the Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments.
Genesee County also experienced an increase in cases each week for about two months – until this past week, when the cases dropped from 286 from April 27 to May 3, to 283 from May 4 to May 10.
Genesee also reported another Covid-related death in the past week and now is at 187 during the pandemic.
Statewide the 7-day positivity rate is 7.18 percent. It’s much higher in the Finger Lakes region. Those nine counties, including Orleans, are at 13.34 percent over 7 days. The positivity rate is only higher in Western New York at 18.33 percent. The rate is lowest in New York City at 4.80 percent.
“Getting fully vaccinated and staying up to date on booster doses is a key way to prevent serious illness and hospitalization from Covid-19,” Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement on Wednesday. “I want to thank the more than 75 percent of New Yorkers who have gotten fully vaccinated and are keeping their communities safe and healthy.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 May 2022 at 5:20 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Collin Capurso, a member of the Student Council at Albion High School, serves desserts to Albion senior citizens today after lunch in the school gym.
The Student Council brought back Senior Citizen Day today after the event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions and concerns.
About 50 senior citizens and guests attended the event today, which included performances by the jazz band and high school chorus. There also was student art on display on the monitors.
Senior citizens also ate breakfast at the school, played Bingo, painted rocks and enjoyed other activities.
Student Council members Meganne Moore, back left, and Lucy Rivers serve brownies to the senior citizens, including Jane Sidari in back. The seniors were very sociable with the students. The Office for the Aging also assisted with the event today.
“We called and they were so excited to be back,” said Sawyer Green, the Student Council advisor. “It’s a great way for our kids to connect with the community.”
Leo Bolton, left, and Nick Andrews play the trombone with the Jazz Band.
Doris Kelley enjoys dessert and the music during lunch. Donna Laubacher is at right. She served on the Board of Education for many years.
MEDINA – Congratulations go to several Orleans/Niagara BOCES Graphic Communications students who were honored for their entrees into the Allentown Art Festival poster design contest.
The festival opens their yearly poster design contest in a student category and students in Karen Krull’s Orleans Career and Technical Education Center class and Susan Staddon’s Niagara Career and Technical Education Center submitted their designs for consideration.
Leah Neal from Lockport took second place and won $300 for her submission. Emma Foote from Albion ($50), Drayven Oakes from Medina ($100), Camryn Fischer from Lyndonville ($50), Shaeleigh Miller from Lyndonville ($50) and Parisose Jones from Niagara Falls ($100) received an Honorable Mention.
Orleans Career and Technical Education Center student Drayven Oakes of Medina, left, holds her entry and Niagara Career and Technical Education Center student Parisrose Jones of Niagara Falls holds her poster.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 May 2022 at 2:12 pm
ALBION – A New Jersey man who came to Orleans County on July 4, 2021 and put a knife to the throat of a Medina man was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in state prison today.
Mark Anson, 39, of Morristown previously pleaded guilty to third-degree attempted burglary, for illegal entry with intent to commit a crime.
He could have faced a maximum of 1 1/3 to 4 years as part of a plea deal. His attorney, David Wade, asked for probation and no jail time. He said Anson is a family man with skills in his profession.
When Judge Sanford Church announced the sentence included incarceration, Anson became angry and shouted the f-word several times at the judge and District Attorney Joe Cardone, claiming “this court is rigged.”
He was led out of the courtroom and to the county jail.
Judge Church considered added more time to sentence for contempt of court, but opted to stay with the 1 to 3 year sentence.
“That is the worst disrespect I’ve ever seen shown in court,” Church said.
Wade, Anson’s attorney, apologized on behalf of Anson after he was removed from the courtroom.
In other cases in county court:
• William Holmes, 35, was sentenced to weekends in jail over four months plus five years of probation for attempted assault with intent to cause serious physical injury to someone. Holmes was in an argument with another patron at Poler’s Pub in Medina Jan. 8, 2022. Holmes allegedly pulled a knife and cut the other person in the hand.
• Michael Borrero, 23, of Medina pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. As part of a plea agreement, he faces a maximum of 1 1/2 to 3 years in prison when he is sentenced on July 20.
Borrero, a second felony offender, isn’t allowed to have a firearm. He admitted he had a shotgun on Jan. 8 and fired twice in the ground towards another person, who Borrero said came to his home and was threatening him.
• Christopher Doxey, 37, of Medina was arraigned for third-degree criminal mischief and second-degree menacing with a weapon. He allegedly was in an argument at someone’s house on Feb. 16 and hit a car with a baseball bat. He was released on his own recognizance with no bail.
• Stephen Lopez, 38, of Medina was arraigned on charges of fourth-degree criminal possession of a narcotics drug, driving a motor vehicle with a BAC over .08 percent, felony DWI due to another conviction within the past 10 years, and aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree.
Lopez was stopped by police for allegedly driving while drunk on Feb. 2. He allegedly had cocaine in the vehicle. He was released today on his own recognizance with no bail.
MEDINA – Oak Orchard Elementary School gym teachers Greg Husung and Travis Phillips celebrated their students who recently took part in the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge.
The Medina students raised $2,000 in their fifth year of participation!
“The year before we raised almost $3,000,” said Mr. Phillips. “We were thrilled to find out we received two grants which we used to purchase a climbing wall for the gym.”
Second grade student Rayna Balaban said she loves the new addition to the gym.
“It’s a lot of fun and I really like to climb it.”
The Kids Heart Challenge helps kids with special hearts to raise money for the health of all hearts. Oak Orchard students participated in fun physical activities and learned about how to keep their hearts and brains healthy. Thanks to the generosity of family and friends the funds they raised will go to help others.
“The kids were so instrumental in helping us achieve this and we had three major contributors who really helped us,” said Mr. Phillips. “We are really proud of everyone who participated.”
Provided photo: Incoming kindergarten student, Carter Colonna, participates in the signing event at Oak Orchard Primary School.
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – Medina school district’s Oak Orchard Primary School has had a busy week hosting a UPK (Universal Pre-Kindergarten)/Kindergarten event.
Students who will be entering into universal pre-kindergarten and kindergarten are participating in a signing, screening and registration celebration at the school.
The event is being held from May 9 to May 20. The school’s Principal Jennifer Stearns said students need to be residents of the school district and need to be 4 years of age by Dec. 1, 2021 for UPK and 5 years of age by Dec. 1, 2022 for kindergarten.
“It has been very exciting to welcome all our future Mustangs to this fun event,” she said. “Students and families have been enjoying taking part and having their photograph taken to honor the occasion.”
The UPK and K programs will begin in the 2022-23 school year, Monday through Friday, from 7:35 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. As part of the sign up, students are meeting with the UPK and K teachers who complete a screening, which allows them to see the skills students have while entering school.
Parents/guardians are also meeting with teachers and the school counselor to share information about their child. There is an opportunity to complete registration while at screening as well.
The programs are free of cost to Medina school district families and transportation to and from school is provided by the district, following their regular transportation policies.
Breakfast and lunch will also be provided to students as well, at no cost. Spaces will be limited and a random lottery will be held if needed. The application can be found at the Medina district website at www.medinacsd.org and then visiting the Oak Orchard Primary School page.
Mrs. Stearns would like to remind residents that it is not too late to sign up for either program and to participate in the screening. Medina residents are encouraged to complete the sign up found on the website or they can call 585-798-2700, options 3 and then 0, for more information.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 May 2022 at 9:53 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Dawn Keppler, Shelby town justice, speaks to county legislators recently, saying a district court would be costly to local taxpayers with less accountability.
ALBION – Town justices in Orleans County say they run courts at a much lower cost with more accountability to the public than a district court.
However, a district court could provide more equitable justice over multiple municipalities. That is what District Attorney Joe Cardone and Public Defender Joanne Best see as a leading factor in taking a serious look at a district court in Orleans County. That court would serve at least two towns. It could be set up on the western end of the county, central and eastern. Or maybe the east side and west side of county.
“We’re just trying to find the best way,” Cardone said during a meeting on April 27 with county legislators and many of the local town justices. “We want to ensure justice is fair for everyone in the county. It would be remiss to not look at it. That’s why we’re entering this debate and discussion.”
Murray Town Justice Ted Spada sees much bigger court costs with salaries for the judges, clerks and security as well as upgraded court facilities.
Town justices however see a much higher expense for operating the court if it’s a district court instead of town court.
Ted Spada, a Murray town justice, presented financial numbers from the current town courts and projections for a district court. A district court judge’s salary would eb about $200,000, plus $90,000 in benefits. Court clerks are about $80,000 a year, plus $36,000 in benefits. The clerks in the town courts work about 200 hours a week so Spada said district courts throughout the county would need at least six court clerks.
Stenographers are $200 a day, with security at $270 a day, court interpreters at $1,000 a month, and rent for court facilities at an estimated $30,000 annually. The cost of computers, scanners, telephones, label makers, digital recorders, credit card machines and other equipment have not been included in the cost projections from Spada and the Orleans County Magistrate’s Association.
Spada said a district court would cost $973,726 for one serving the four central towns of Barre, Albion, Gaines and Carlton. That’s four times the current expense of $245,235 for running the courts in the four towns, Spada said. This does not include the costs of infrastructure to bring the buildings up to regulations for a district court.
Two district courts at the west end (Ridgeway, Shelby and Yates) and the central towns (Barre, Albion, Gaines and Carlton) would cost $1,947,452 versus the $451,435 in the actual town budgets for 2022, Spada told county legislators.
If there were three districts courts – west, central and east – The cost would be $2,921,177 compared to $562,127 to operate 10 town courts, and that doesn’t include the building upgrades that would be needed, Spada said.
If there were three district courts Spada said it would increase the county tax rate by $1.58 per $1,000 of assessed property or about 15 percent. The current tax rate is $10.09. The rate has gone up 60 cents in the past 10 years.
“Putting a district court in here would stifle the citizens of our county, plus all the inflation we are dealing with,” Spada said.
Cardone and Best said there would be state funding to bear much of the costs with district courts. Spada said that funding could always be pulled, leaving local taxpayers on the hook.
Best thinks one district court could serve the county. She said the discussion about district courts shouldn’t be considered adversarial with the town justices.
She and Cardone also said they don’t think the cost numbers from the Magistrates Association are accurate and should be scrutinized.
Best urged the group – legislators, justices and others involved in the court system – to keep talking and keep an open mind.
“I think it makes sense for us as a group, as leaders of the criminal justice system, to see what makes the most sense,” Best said.
Lynne Johnson, County Legislature chairwoman, welcomed the discussion on April 27. She said the local governments have made progress in sharing services and costs with the town courts. The number of local judges has decreased from 25 when Cardone started as district attorney 30 years ago to 12 now.
Shelby and Ridgeway share a courts facility at the Shelby Town Hall (with Ridgeway paying $800 a month in rent). Medina and Albion both abolished their court systems about 15 years ago with that caseload shifted to the town courts.
“I appreciate you all coming,” Johnson said during the April 27 meeting. “We need to have more discussions.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 May 2022 at 8:43 am
Provided photo
KENDALL – Kendall Lions Club member Gary Crawford presents a check for $6,000 to Kendall Central School. He is giving the check to Nick Picardo, the district superintendent.
The money is from the proceeds of a chicken barbecue. The funds will assist students to more fully participate in special events and activities at both school buildings, covering costs for students in financial stress. The money could be used for field trips and any other area deemed appropriate by the district.
Picardo and Chris Nasella, the district’s business administrator, attended the Lions Club meeting to go over Kendall’s proposed budget which will be voted on by residents on May 17.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 10 May 2022 at 9:05 pm
Provided photo: Kim Gray, chief nursing officer at Orleans Community Health, is one of 14 finalists for the 2022 Community Recognized Distinguished Nurse Award.
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has learned one its nurses, Chief Nursing Officer Kim Gray, is one of 14 finalists for the 2022 Community Recognized Distinguished Nurse Award.
The announcement appeared over the weekend in The Buffalo News, which ran the competition.
The award recognizes a nurse who has long provided care for individuals with serious illness and their families in a manner that has clearly gone well beyond the usual and expected requirements.
A nurse chosen for this award is one whose clinical practice is exemplary and who is generous in mentoring other clinicians. The form on which Gray and other nurses were nominated states the award, in these unprecedented times, “celebrates the courageous Western New York nurses who put the needs of their patients and community first.”
Gray has been employed at Orleans Community Health for 19 years. While she doesn’t know who nominated her, she thanks whoever it was around her who submitted her name.
“I’m blessed to be able to work in my community hospital, to take care of the patients in my community and to work every day with those who want to see this hospital flourish,” Gray said. “I love this team, this hospital, the community and everyone around me. Being a finalist for this award is an amazing honor. More so that someone felt I was worthy of the nomination. I really love what I do. It’s my purpose.”
Scott Robinson, director of marketing, communication and outreach for OCH, shared a bit of information about Gray.
“We’ve all heard the name Nancy Albanese, one of the true giants in the history of Medina Memorial Hospital,” Robinson said. “Albanese would eventually become a resident of the North Wing, and when patients were taken to the surgery department on the third floor, Gray would get a wheelchair and take Albanese up there. She would hand Nancy a clipboard and let her be in her element. If Nancy Albanese had a last hurrah at Medina Memorial Hospital, it was probably thanks to the memories Kim Gray gave her during those days.”
Albanese, a recovery room nurse for 40 years, died about two years ago, and the Recovery Room has since been remodeled and named in her honor.
Winner of the award was Kymmarrie Knose-Weibel from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
