By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 April 2022 at 6:43 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s Home, Garden & Outdoor Show is back this weekend after the event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021.
The top photo shows Josh Smith, back right, and his brother Joe Smith speaking with people about Josh’s company, Relentless Construction in Clarendon.
The business works on commercial and residential projects. Besides construction, Relentless does spray foam installation and site work.
Most of its work has been outside the county, but Josh said he wants to do more projects in Orleans.
“I know we can make a difference here,” Josh said.
Darlene Hartway, Chamber executive director, greets people at the show today at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
There are 22 vendors at the show, about half of how many normally attend the event. Hartway said some of the prospective vendors are short on help and couldn’t be available for the show.
The event continues on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza will be selling pizzas on Sunday, and the Easter Bunny will be available with a photo booth. There will also be a scavenger-hunt style Easter Egg Hunt.
Admission is $3 with free parking. A coupon for free admission is available at Chamber website – www.orleanschamber.com, as well as the Chamber social media accounts.
By Kim Pritt, Contributor Posted 9 April 2022 at 3:00 pm
It is always nice to sit back, relax, and leave the driving to someone else.
Let’s go on an adventure together….to Lancaster, PA!
Early morning on Monday, March 28th, I got on a bus with a friend to join the Busy Buddies and Eastern Star groups for a two day trip to Lancaster, PA to attend the production of “David” at the Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster. We returned late Tuesday evening – the 29th. It was a really nice trip. This was my third time attending a performance at Sight and Sound via group bus tours. It would have been my fourth trip, but plans to see “Queen Esther” was canceled due to COVID.
I used to think I wouldn’t enjoy being on a bus so long – especially a full bus, like this trip was. But, I’ve been on several, now – some day trips, a few overnighters, and even an 8-day trip….and, I’m planning a 7-day bus trip a bit later this year. I’ve come to enjoy them and they are a lot more comfortable than you’d think. It’s a great way to go adventuring without the stress of driving or the expense of flying. It most always also means it is a group trip, so comes with group rates. I don’t hesitate traveling by bus – especially when going with friends.
The current location of the Sight and Sound in Lancaster is a 2000 seat family-owned theater that opened in 1998 and brings the bible to life through amazing and emotional productions. While it does seat 2000 people, the way it is set up makes it feel surprisingly small and intimate and there truly are no “bad” seats. The productions are a mix of live performance, animatronics, special effects, and lighting that surrounds the audience. The main part of the production is on the stage to the front of the theater. The actors also enter from the wings and up the aisles from the back of the theater, and there are projected images and some live actors on the side walls, as well. The audience truly feels like they are a part of the performance – part of the crowds – part of the action. AND — they use live animals that appear both on stage and in the aisles — if someone is doing something that requires them to ride in on a horse – they ride in on a horse. Shepherds tend REAL sheep. Flocks of doves fly overhead. It is truly amazing!!! The announcer provided some instructions before the show started – he said that there will be live animals and actors in the aisles, so cautioned the audience to stay seated and said “we don’t want you to be swept away by a flock of sheep”……my thought was “why not – I think I’d enjoy that”!!! hahahaha
Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA brings the bible to life with wonderful productions of popular characters and their stories.
On this trip, the show we saw was “David” and it was incredible. I loved how they took the Psalms that David wrote and put them to original music to give an emotional spin to their messages. I must admit, I didn’t think I knew much about David, so the show reminded me of parts I didn’t realize I knew and taught me so much more. David was a master poet and musician – he wrote the Psalms. He was a fearless warrior – he slayed Goliath and lead armies into battle to take back the holy land. He was anointed King and favored by God. He also had a dark side and did some things that he, himself, was not proud of and struggled to seek forgiveness for his sins. From the brochure: “Today, as you prepare to see giants fall and the Psalms come to life, it is our hope that one message resounds from the stage: throughout our victories and defeats, God is with us, always.”
These group trips include the bus, hotel, the show, meals, and usually extra stops for shopping or sight-seeing, depending on the itinerary. This trip was no different. Check out the blog link below for all the details of what we did on this trip and some highlights from my other two trips. The other shows I’ve seen at Sight and Sound were “Moses” and “Jesus” – both were spectacular and had specific scenes that took my breath away and overwhelmed me with emotion. I can’t wait to see another show there. There is also a Sight and Sound location in Branson, MO – maybe I’ll catch one of their productions out there – Branson is on my bucket list. And…they typically do a different show at both locations, so you could do two shows each year, if you really wanted to….hhhmmm….just thought of that and will keep it in mind! hahaha
I highly recommend taking the time to see one of the shows at Sight and Sound – either by getting in on a group tour or going on your own. It’s not that far, really, and makes for a great overnighter or even a couple night stay to do other things in the area while you’re there. I definitely am looking forward to going again next year.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 April 2022 at 2:22 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Timmy Ficarella, 4, of Warsaw holds one of the nine golden eggs in today’s Easter egg hunt on the courthouse lawn.
The Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries, a church that meets at the Arnold Gregory Office Complex, had 3,000 eggs scattered on the lawn for children.
Kids with one of the nine big golden eggs could win larger prizes including a bicycle or scooter.
The Easter Bunny hugs Joshua Bennett, 4, of Albion while his mother Jamie Bennett gets a photo.
Wallace McHenry, 6, of Holley is happy after finding an egg with a treat inside.
Student volunteers helped distribute 150 Easter baskets after the egg hunt.
Pastor Albert Wilson of the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries welcomes families to the egg hunt. He was pleased to see so many kids. He thanked Arnold’s Auto Parts and the Masonic Lodge in Albion for their support of the event.
“It’s all about family,” Wilson said. “It’s bringing back activities. This is just a start of what God is allowing us to do in Albion, and more is coming.”
Matt Hollenbeck of the Masonic Lodge cooks hot dogs. The Masons gave away 500 hot dogs and 600 orders of French fries.
Before the Egg hunt, about 15 Albion businesses hosted an egg scavenger hunt with businesses handing out to treats to kids. Laura Kemler, owner of Laura Loxley’s, hands out Kit Kat candy bars to these siblings – Julie, Mollie and Andrew Westenfeld of Barre Center. More than 200 kids stopped by the businesses in the “Easter Hop.”
Allie Snitzel, 10, of Albion gets her face painted by Brenda Nanni at the Coffee Joint.
Karen Mogle of the Coffee Joint hands out plastic eggs of candy.
Carter Annecharico, 7, of Medina gets treat at Toyz n Kandy as part of the Easter Hop. He also visited the face-painting artist for some snake artwork.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 April 2022 at 10:49 am
State legislators that represent Orleans County in Albany say a new state budget overspends and underdelivers.
“This budget clearly demonstrates that one-party control of state government isn’t working for New Yorkers,” said Rob Ortt, State Senate Republican leader. “The process was disastrous. The spending is reckless. And many of the actual accomplishments are simply watered down proposals that first originated with my Senate Republican colleagues and I. As inflation and violent crime rage across our state, it’s clear that the Legislative Majorities are failing to meet the moment. New Yorkers deserve better.”
The 2022-2023 state budget totals more than $220 billion – nearly $8 billion more than last year, and a stunning $34 billion more than 2020, Ortt said.
This represents a two-year spending increase of more than 18 percent. Since 2019, Senate Democrats have consistently blown past the 2-percent spending cap Republicans maintained while in the Majority, he said.
Ortt and the Republican conference said some of the most glaring failures in the budget include:
Failure to provide any meaningful new tax relief for middle-class New Yorkers fleeing the state;
Failure to deliver comprehensive tax relief that our small business and manufacturers desperately need;
Failure to fully repeal bail reform, bring all the necessary stakeholders to the table, and restore judicial discretion; and
Failure to include any reforms designed to increase performance in our classrooms, to bolster parental input and involvement, or to strengthen local control of our schools.
Ortt and Republican conference said highlighted “misplaced priorities” including:
Millions for taxpayer funded political campaigns – which is great for career politicians, but really bad for taxpayers;
New pork barrel “discretionary” spending for lawmakers to hand out in an election year;
Taxpayer-funded free college tuition for prison inmates and non-US citizens; and
Millions in health care funding for non-U.S. citizens, while doing nothing for hardworking, law-abiding New Yorkers who are struggling to deal with rising health care costs.
“Albany politicians for too long have ignored the priorities of the people of New York,” Ortt said. “They provide handouts to themselves, handouts to lawbreakers, and handouts to non-U.S. citizens. It’s completely out of touch with the needs of law-abiding, middle-class New Yorkers.”
State Assemblyman Mike Norris of Lockport issued this statement:
“New Yorkers had high hopes for this budget process as outlined by our new governor, Kathy Hochul. However, this process, just like so many others dominated by one-party rule, was crafted in secrecy with no transparency, opportunity for public input or for the people to weigh in. Here lawmakers are yet again passing a downstate-driven agenda in the middle of the night. This budget is not sustainable, is bloated and imposes record spending at the same time people are leaving our state and those who can’t afford to move are barely scrapping by. For these reasons, I am voting no against the entire budget.”
Assemblyman Steve Hawley of Batavia posted on Facebook at 7 a.m.: “While you were asleep, the NYS Legislature plodded through budget bill after budget bill & still isn’t finished as the sun comes up. Hold onto your wallets….it’s a Whopper…..a runaway train w/o any brakes to stop the spending hemorrhaging.”
At 2:15 a.m., Hawley posted: “Well…..here’s an update from Albany @ 2:15 am…..that’s correct. While most of you are sleeping, the NYS Legislature is attempting to pass a $221,000,000,000 budget. Florida has more population than NY & Texas has more population than NY. Our bloated budget is larger than Florida & Texas COMBINED! Out of control spending with our hard earned tax dollars. Unfathomnable!!”
Press Release, Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Opioid Task Force
BATAVIA – “Medicated-Assisted-Treatment in Our Communities” is the topic of the GOW Opioid Task Force quarterly meeting scheduled for 10-11 a.m. April 21 at The Recovery Station, 5256 Clinton St. Rd., Batavia.
The hybrid-style meeting – both in person and via Zoom videoconferencing – is open to the public at no charge.
“We are excited to offer this hybrid option and, more importantly, to provide information on M-A-T to the community,” said Christen Ferraro, GOW Opioid Task Force coordinator.
Discussion will center around what M-A-T is, how it is used in substance use disorder treatment and recovery and its effectiveness, as well as sharing their experiences working with M-A-T services in various settings.
Speakers are:
Ann Bowback, clinical director at Spectrum Health & Human Services in Warsaw. She is the project director of the Medicated-Assisted-Treatment program in collaboration with Evergreen Health.
Melissa Weingarten, Wyoming County Jail nurse. In November 2021, she joined the Wyoming County Health Department in a full-time capacity as the nurse for jail medical services, administering medication to the inmates.
Kathy Hodgins, chief clinical officer at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. She oversees the M-A-T services and Opioid Treatment Program clinic in Genesee and Orleans counties.
For more details and how to register, visit www.gowopioidtaskforce.com or contact Ferraro at cferraro@gcasa.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 April 2022 at 10:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
CARLTON – About 140 baskets are ready in the Cartlon Rec Hall for a benefit today for BJ Aina and his family. Doors open at 1 p.m. and the raffle ends at 6 p.m.
Provided photo: BJ Aina and his wife Amy are shown with their sons, Hank and Hoyt.
The 500 tickets for a pulled pork dinner have already sold out but people are still welcome to try to win a basket or stay for the four bands that will be performing from 6 to 11 p.m. No one under 21 will be allowed inside after 6 p.m.
Aina, 42, suffered a cerebral hemorrhage on Feb. 9 from a medical condition called AVM (arteriovenous malformation). Aina was unaware he had the condition.
He is currently in a rehab facility run by Strong Memorial Hospital that gives speech, occupational and physical therapy.
He and his wife Amy have two sons, Hank and Hoyt. Mrs. Aina showed her husband a video of all the baskets in the raffle, and other items and food. He was stunned.
“All of this for me?” he told her.
Aina is part of a big family and he well connected locally as an enthusiastic hunter and outdoorsman. He works at Flower City Glass.
“He knows so many people,” said his brother, Tyler. “It’s amazing to see how everyone came together.”
BJ looks forward to coming home. He has been hospitalized or in the rehab unit for care for nearly 60 days.
“He is doing a lot better,” his brother said.
BJ’s wife said he is making progress. She said she appreciates the response from the community.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 April 2022 at 7:49 am
MEDINA – Former members of the Mustang Marching Band will celebrate the band’s 55th anniversary this spring with a special appearance by the Alumni Marching Band during the Memorial Day parade on May 30.
The Alumni Band first met to perform five years ago to celebrate the band’s 50th anniversary, said Alana Koneski, vice president of the Alumni Band Committee.
Former members are being asked to participate with the band to march in next month’s Memorial Day parade.
The Alumni Band Committee has been meeting for several weeks under the leadership of Greg Nellist (1975), president; Koneski (1973); Sue Squires (1982), treasurer; and Dave Leonard (1993), secretary. Also on the committee are Janet Smith (1969), Jeff Pask, (1981), Shelly Smith (1984) and Ben Zakes (2019).
“This is a plea to get alumni members to register ASAP and not to procrastinate, because the deadline is May 1 to order tee shirts,” the committee said in an e-mail.
Wendy Hall Scharlau, Class 1991, joined the Medina Alumni Marching Band during the parade that included 168 participants from 47 different classes.
Registration forms are online at www.mmmband.com under “Alumni.” Cost which includes a tee shirt with the member’s year of graduation on the back is $25. Payment can be made by Venmo or sending a check to Sue Squires.
Plans to date include a meet and greet at 7 p.m. May 29 at Sacred Heart Club, and practice at 10 a.m. May 30, followed by a picnic at 2 p.m.
The Alumni Band will line up at 10 a.m. Memorial Day at the Pickle Factory on Park Avenue. Their performance will feature three patriotic songs – “America,” “America the Beautiful” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Nellist stressed it is not necessary to play an instrument to march with the band.
Jim Steele
The Alumni Committee is also urging a great turnout of alumni, not only to participate again, but to recognize and honor band director Jim Steele, who has announced his retirement at the end of the year.
“As a director and educator, Mr. Steele has worked to instill inspiration and dedication in all of his students, and during his tenure recorded an impressive history of decisive victories in the Small School I Division of the New York State Field Band Conference,” the Alumni Committee said.
Joseph McKain, founder of the Mustang Marching Band, has also been asked to participate, because he played such a huge role in the band program, said Koneski.
The 2017 performance of the Alumni Band saw close to 100 alumni participate in the parade, with several others attending the meet-and-greet on Saturday night. It is their hope to exceed that number at this year’s gathering and celebration.
All former band members are asked to help by contacting their classmates, section members, friends and former band members to make them aware of this event and encourage them to join in the festivities.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2022 at 6:47 pm
Lyndonville seeks out potential shared programs with other districts
Contributed Photo – The combined Medina/Lyndonville players and coaches celebrate earning a share of the Section VI Class B1 soccer title after tying host Tonawanda 2-2 in double overtime in the title contest on Nov. 17, 2020. The sectional title was the third in the last nine years for the program that beat Tonawanda 1-0 in the 2011 final and Newfane 2-1 in overtime for the 2013 crown. Head Coach Steve Luksch’s squad includes Alex Barry, Zaric Boyce, Brandon Boyce, Aiden Burczyk, Jacob Corser, Nate Dillenbeck, Zach Fike, Brian Fry, Evan Harris, Miles Hartway, Roman Heinsler, Sam Kingsbury, Dan Mandujano, Jackson Moreland, Mason Moreland, Mason Nicholson, Aidan Owczarczak, Jack Rutkowski, AJ Seefeldt, Cole Seefeldt, Russ Stephens, Jack Whipple, Ricky Wood and Sebastian Zilempe along with Anthony Moule and Casey Winiecki who were not in the picture.
LYNDONVILLE – The school has issued a statement following a decision by the Medina Board of Education last week to end a partnership with the school musical, hosted by Lyndonville, and some shared sports teams, including boys and girls soccer.
Medina school officials said its auditorium has recently been upgraded and district staff want to lead a musical program in Medina. The two districts recently put on the musical Cinderella. The Lyndonville-Medina musicals have consistently been recognized by the Stars of Tomorrow for excellence.
The partnership started about a decade ago when Medina was grappling with deep budget cuts due to a reduction in state funding.
“Our collaboration with Medina for athletics and music has been beneficial, and our combined production of Cinderella was outstanding. I would like to thank Medina for their support throughout the years,” said Lyndonville’s Interim Superintendent Sharon Smith. “Lyndonville has sought out potential collaborations with other districts to maximize student opportunities and will explore our options to ensure student activities and extracurricular events are not impacted.”
Lyndonville will continue to have a musical with its own students. The district also expects to field its own boys soccer team and is discussing with Barker about a shared team, said James Zeliff, Lyndonville’s athletic director.
“We will announce plans as they are finalized and keep all stakeholders in the loop,” he said. “We are grateful for the opportunities we had with Medina, not only to be able to field teams, but also for our combined success, including the 2016 Football Division championship, the 2019 Boys Soccer League championship and the 2020 Boys Soccer Sectional Co-Championship.”
HOLLEY – The New York State Department of Transportation advised motorists today that the bridge carrying State Route 237 over the Erie Canal in the Village of Holley will be closed for repairs beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, April 11. The bridge is expected to reopen by late May.
Motorists should utilize the posted detour outlined below:
State Route 237 Soutbound Traffic: State Route 104 (Ridge Road) to Fancher Road to State Route 31 to State Route 237
State Route 237 Northbound Traffic: State Route 31 (Holley Road) to Fancher Road to State Route 104 (Ridge Road) to State Route 237.
Photo and information from Lyndonville school district
LYNDONVILLE – Mark Hughes gets many high fives this morning when he was recognized for 50 years of service as a Lyndonville baseball coach.
Hughes was hire din 1972 as a teacher and coach. During that time, Hughes has been an integral part of seven sectional titles, 17 league titles and two trips to the state tournament as part of the baseball program.
“His accomplishments on the field are unmatched, but his love for his players and students goes far beyond,” the district said in a statement. “He would tell you his greatest accomplishment is seeing what his students and athletes have done after leaving LCS.”
MIDDLEPORT – There will be more soil removal and cleanup work in 2022 as part of a multi-year comprehensive plan to remove of arsenic and other contamination by FMC.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation said work starts this month and continues through December, weather permitting.
The DEC, in an update to the community, said construction activities may include demolition of structures on certain industrial/commercial parcels (the former Norco Machine & Sheet Metal Corporation site), as well as soil removal, soil tilling, replacement of the Culvert 105 storm sewer, soil sampling and analyses, and restoration activities.
FMC has been meeting with owners of the properties identified for remedial construction activities. They are reviewing and discussing their data, the proposed remedial plans and restoration activities, and to obtain their consent for the work to take place, the DEC said.
In 2022, FMC will be continuing remedial construction activities on remaining Operable Units or OU2 properties and OU5 properties north of the Erie Canal. The company will begin remedial activities on portion of OU3.
DEC and the New York State Department of Health will review and approve the remedial plans prior to implementation by FMC. A DEC field representative will inspect and oversee work being performed by FMC’s contractors and consultants is consistent with state standards and guidelines to protect the community.
OU2 consists of Air Deposition Area 1, south of the Erie Canal and west of the Niagara/Orleans County Line (Click here to see maps and more information), and OU5 consists of Culvert 105 and Flood Zone.
Work at OU5 was planned in 2021 but unable to be completed by the end of the construction season. The DEC said the 2022 remedial construction will include the following:
Soil remediation at three residential properties south of the Erie Canal, on State Street, Freeman Avenue and South Main Street South Vernon Street and on Telegraph Road (Route 31E).
Soil remediation on a large vacant property on State Road in OU2 and the abutting portion of the Erie Canal Corporation property, which is part of OU3.
Potential work on certain industrial/commercial parcels previously affiliated with the Norco operation on Elizabeth Street and Cemetery Street to allow for soil remediation activities.
Soil sampling and soil remediation of a large farm property northeast of the FMC facility, including utility corridors that abut the southeastern portion of the Roy-Hart property.
Removal/replacement of the village storm water system (Culvert 105) on affected parcels north of the Erie Canal, and soil removal from affected residential, commercial, and vacant properties. This work includes replacement of the storm sewer across North Main Street and Sleeper Street. Traffic controls will be in place when working within and adjacent to roads. Associated truck traffic will likely be run on North Main Street/Stone Road, Sleeper Street, and/or North Vernon Street and then will travel northward to Pearson Road or Route 104, but may change in consultation with local officials and stakeholders.
Excavated soils, demolition debris and other materials removed from the properties will be disposed of at a permitted disposal facility or facilities. Truck traffic patterns are designed to minimize traffic on Village of Middleport roads, to the extent practicable, and to maintain public safety along the truck routes and within and near the work areas.
An existing construction staging area located on Telegraph Road (Route 31) will continue to be used.
Areas that are disturbed during cleanup will be restored as close to pre-existing conditions as practicable in consultation with each property owner. All backfill materials will be tested to demonstrate that they meet DEC requirements for protection of public health and the environment prior to use.
All efforts will be made to complete landscaping and restoration activities before winter, weather permitting.
Background
The FMC facility is at southern portion of the Village of Middleport in Niagara County. The plant site was used for the manufacturing of pesticides, including products containing arsenic, between the 1920s and the 1980s. In the mid-1980s, the current site operation shifted from manufacturing to only formulation of pesticide products (i.e., mixing and packaging). Arsenic containing pesticides ceased to be made at the facility in mid 1970s. FMC started implementation of a number of environmental studies and remedial programs in 1970s. FMC is now completing remediation of the OUs associated with the Middleport facility as required by DEC.
Provided photo: Abbie McNett is fighting a rare cancer.
MIDDLEPORT – Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ Roy-Hart Learning Center is a tightknit group and considers themselves family.
One of their own is now in a fight of her life. Student Abbie McNett is battling Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer that forms in soft tissue, specifically skeletal muscle tissue or sometimes hollow organs such as the bladder or uterus.
Her family and friends are holding a fundraiser on May 7 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Rescue Firehall at 1241 Strad Avenue in North Tonawanda. The event is to help her family with her care. Tickets are available presale and at the door. Admission includes beer and wine, food and lots of fun like a photo booth, DJ, 50/50 raffle, Chinese Auction and caricatures by Murray Mann. Presale tickets can be purchased by contacting Jackie Karnuth at 716-507-3342 or Megan Davis at 716-949-1544.
Abbie’s Roy-Hart Learning Center family is supporting Abbie and her family by collecting items and making some of the baskets for the raffle. They have also been instrumental in signing up to volunteer during the fundraiser, buying tickets and solicitation for additional donations.
Her teacher, Samantha Kurdziel, has this to say about Abbie. “Not a day goes by where the staff and students here don’t think of her. She is an amazing, smart, silly and lovely girl. Abbie would make your day with her contagious laugh or one of her school famous dance moves, but it is her continuous jokes that made us fall in love with her. The staff and students at Royalton-Hartland Learning Center miss seeing her and her beautiful smile every day.”
Press Release, Genesee County Economic Development Center
BATAVIA – Genesee County has awarded 22 local businesses $875,000 through the Genesee CARES Business Recovery Fund.
For-profit businesses with 25 or less employees who experienced adverse economic impacts due to the Covid pandemic were eligible to receive funding.
Genesee CARES awards will support investments related to employment restoration, job hiring, outdoor dining development, working capital and business resiliency. The program was funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The program was based on a first come, first serve basis.
“The Covid pandemic took a heavy toll on our small businesses and the Genesee CARES program funding will help many of them start the process of recovering,” said Matt Landers, Genesee County manager. “With most mandates lifted and warmer weather on the way we urge Genesee County residents to get out and support our small business community.”
Businesses in various industries applied and received funding from the CARES Program including restaurants, hospitality, construction, and others. Among some of the businesses to receive support included Craft Cannery, Chap’s Elba Diner, Terry Hills Restaurant, and Fava Brothers Lawn Care to name just a few.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and our micropolitan economy,” said Don Cunningham, chairman of Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation which administered the program. “The Genesee CARES initiative demonstrates the strong collaboration among various public sector entities to support the private sector from business downturns experienced during the pandemic.”
Awards ranged from $15,000 to $75,000 and were made to businesses in the City of Batavia and the Towns of Batavia, Bergen, Byron, Le Roy, Alabama, Elba and Oakfield. The program received 43 applications of which 29 were deemed applicable.
Through the grant, businesses awarded funding are proposing to support low-to-moderate income workers through new hires, retention and/or expanded hours for existing employees.
For more information about the Genesee CARES program visit www.GeneseeCARES.com.
MIDDLEPORT – There will be more soil removal and cleanup work in 2022 as part of a multi-year comprehensive plan to remove of arsenic and other contamination by FMC.
