Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
File photo by Tom Rivers: Firefighters put out a brush fire in Murray on July 12, 2016.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning will begin March 16 and run through May 14.
Since 2009, DEC has enforced the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires each spring.
“The start of spring in New York comes with an increased risk of wildfires,” Commissioner Seggos said. “Starting March 16 and ending May 14, New York State prohibits residential brush burning to protect our communities and our natural resources. Since 2009, New York’s burn ban has reduced the number of wildfires in our communities and we’re looking forward to continuing that trend in 2022.”
Even though some areas of the state remain blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures warm and the past fall’s debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation.
Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires. DEC will post the Fire Danger Map for the 2022 fire season on DEC’s website once there is a moderate risk anywhere in New York.
New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year, but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires occur.
Backyard fire pits and campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed. Small cooking fires are allowed. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned. People should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round. For more information about fire safety and prevention, go to DEC’s FIREWISE New York webpage.
Forest Rangers, DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs), and local authorities enforce the burn ban. Violators of the State’s open burning regulation are subject to criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. To report environmental law violations, call 1-833-RANGERS, or report online on DEC’s website.
By Kim Pritt, Contributor Posted 8 March 2022 at 3:00 pm
Let’s go on an adventure together….to Bermuda!
All buildings in Bermuda are colorfully painted in beautiful pastel colors and topped with white roofs.
As we continue to have snow flurries and super cold temperatures, I find myself thinking and dreaming of warm places to take the chill out of my old bones and joints. One of my favorite warm places is Bermuda. I took a Royal Caribbean cruise to Bermuda in October 2018 and it was the most perfect trip. We sailed out of Boston, spent two and a half days at sea, then stayed docked at Bermuda for three full days, and spent another day and a half at sea returning to Boston. It was so relaxing to stay docked at one port and to have the freedom to come and go from the ship all hours of the day and night with no deadlines be on-board, except for the final day. A great mix of cruising fun and an extended stay at an amazing port. I have not seen this particular format offered, again, on any of the cruise lines, though. Bermuda cruises I’ve seen since then tend to have at least one additional port of call – resulting in either extending the total duration of the cruise or shortening the time spent in Bermuda. Sad – I really liked the one I took. I’ll keep watching – maybe they will offer it, again.
In my never to be humble opinion, a cruise is the best way to go when traveling to Bermuda. Resorts and other lodging in Bermuda are extremely expensive and then you have to also factor in airfare to get there and your food and entertainment while you are there. When taking a cruise, your lodging, meals, entertainment, etc. are all included in one price and most likely far less expensive in the long run than staying at a resort. There are other options – different cruises and different accommodations – and a travel agent can help you find the most economical way that works best for you. But, if you ask me, a cruise is the way to go!
Bermuda is a fascinating place located off the eastern coast of the US. It is a small island – just 21 miles long and 1.5 miles wide – that is under British rule and sits on a dead volcano. The island was discovered in the 1600s and the original population was mostly slaves who jumped ships to freedom when they sailed past the island because it looked like a safe haven for them. Although they are British rule, they are fairly self-sufficient and even have their own currency that is equal to ours and is used interchangeably with US currency on the island. So, you don’t have to worry about exchange rates or getting Bermuda currency to use while you’re there. But, be careful about bringing back any Bermuda currency, except what you may want as a souvenir – it is worthless outside of Bermuda. The cost of living in Bermuda is one of the highest in the world. They have no industry and very little agriculture, so pretty much everything has to be imported at an extremely high cost. So, expect to pay a lot at restaurants and businesses (a cup of soup, burger, onion rings, and a coke in St. George’s cost me $46 plus tip) – another good reason to go the cruise option and have most, if not all, your meals on ship.
Scene at the waterfront in St. George, Bermuda
You may have heard that all the buildings in Bermuda have white roofs. Well, that is correct! They are colorfully painted in beautiful pastel colors, but are all topped with white roofs. The reason for that is because there is NO fresh water on the island at all. The roofs are made of limestone and the white paint also contains limestone. The roofs are carefully designed to allow rain water to cascade across the limestone to purify it, then it is captured by a lip along the edge that directs the purified water to elaborate gutter systems sending the water into the “water cellar” – every building has one. Everyone on the island is very conservative with their water because they may need it to last through a drought! In recent years, the island now has three plants that process salt water into fresh water, but everyone is still required to generate their own water and only use the water from the conversion plants when absolutely necessary. Also, some of the more affluent homes and businesses now have their own water systems to turn salt water into fresh.
The capital of Bermuda is currently Hamilton, whereas, the original capital was St. George’s – the capital was moved when the population of the island started to grow. Hamilton is a larger city and more centrally located. But, St. George is absolutely incredible and loaded with history – including an awesome old church and cemetery, which is the oldest church in the Western Hemisphere still operating as a church – established in 1612. St George’s is a “must see” to put on your “things to do in Bermuda” list.
I took a bus tour of the island and learned so much about the history and economy of the island – our guide was amazing.
Horseshoe Bay Beach – consistently ranked in the Top 5 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World
I also went on two glass bottom boat tours – they were literally the same tour with different themes, but one was during the day and one was at night. Both were really fun and I’m glad I did both, but I especially liked the one at night – how cool is it to be on a pirate themed boat at night drinking rum in the Bermuda Triangle!!!??? I took a lot of ribbing when I was planning my trip – lots of jokes about never seeing me, again. But, that whole Bermuda Triangle legend is really just a myth. Yes, strange things have happened there and the magnetic and gravitational pulls can be an issue. But, a lot of what has happened can be explained by understanding that ships and planes didn’t use to have as advanced technology as they do now and they didn’t know how to navigate through the extensive barrier reefs, so the magnetic and gravitational anomalies made it difficult for them to pass through the area safely. So, don’t worry — go to Bermuda and enjoy without fear of getting “lost”!
There is so much to see and do on this tiny little island. But, one of the best things is to just go spend some time on Horseshoe Bay Beach – consistently ranked among the Top 5 Most Beautiful Beaches in the WORLD! The pink sand (colored with pink flecks caused by the coral reefs) and crystal blue water is simply stunning and unlike any sand and water you’ll find anywhere else in the world! The water is even more blue and beautiful than the waters in the Caribbean….totally indescribable.
But, with all of the amazing things I did and saw while in Bermuda, the most memorable thing was getting to swim with dolphins. Just off the ship, there is a lagoon that I was able to swim and play with dolphins and even got to kiss one! It was the best time and best money I spent on the entire trip….I LOVED IT!!!
If you like history, snorkeling, rum, boating adventures, dolphins….did I mention rum….or just sitting on any one of several stunning beaches soaking up the sun, you’ll absolutely love Bermuda! And, October is a great time to go – it was still in the 80s every day, but it was just about the end of the season, so there were less tourists to deal with than in higher peak times of the year – we were the only cruise ship in port at the time.
Click the following links to check out my blog posts for tons of great photos and interesting information about the history, culture, economy, and other cool trivia associated with Bermuda:
Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,C-Lockport) joined lawmakers today to rally for an increase in state budgetary funds going to programs that support local infrastructure, including the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Program (CHIPS), Extreme Winter Recovery (EWR), PAVE-NY and others.
Michael Norris
These programs were not given increases in Gov. Hochul’s proposed Executive Budget, and Norris and his colleagues are hoping that the final state budget will change that to better enable local highway departments to keep up with road, bridge, sewer and culvert maintenance, repairs and improvements.
“As the ice and snow melts, Western New Yorkers don’t enter spring—we enter ‘pothole season.’ This is the most expensive and dangerous time for motorists, but also for our local governments who are working around the clock to assess and prioritize recovery of our roads,” said Norris.
While the state has invested billions of dollars into improving airports like LaGuardia and rebuilding Penn Station in New York City, and rebuilding and renaming the Mario Cuomo Bridge in Westchester, equal investments have not been seen in other parts of the state, despite infrastructure that is, quite literally, rusting away in some areas.
Norris has worked hard by reaching across the aisle to deliver historic infrastructure aid for the district following recent flooding along Lake Ontario. He also helped deliver an increase to CHIPS funding—the first in nearly a decade. But with the costs of inflation, difficult winters and decades of stalled repairs, he said more needs to come.
Positively, Norris said, Gov. Hochul proposed a new $100 million Operation Pave Our Potholes (POP) program in her Executive Budget. He said he wholly supports the initiative and hopes it will remain, along with funding increases for the tradition revenue streams, in the final agreement.
“Not only do we need our infrastructure to be safe for passage but we also rely on it for the transportation of consumer goods and our economy,” Norris said. “As our reliance has shifted on a more global economy, improvements are needed and long overdue but our local governments need the funding from Albany. This budget must take all of these factors into account and provide the money needed for infrastructure upstate and in Western New York, just as it does for those big ticket investments we keep hearing about down in New York City.”
Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,C-Lockport) also serves as the Chairman of the Assembly Minority Conference. He represents the 144th Assembly District which includes portions of Erie, Niagara and Orleans counties. He is a member of the Assembly Ways and Means and Transportation committees.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 March 2022 at 11:38 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Kwik Fill in Albion is selling regular unleaded gas for $4.39 a gallon today.
The average price for regular unleaded gas jumped another 11 cents since yesterday and now is at an all-time high of $4.366, according to AAA. That passes the previous high of $4.309 on July 9, 2008.
The diesel price, now at $4.992, is up 14 cents from Monday and is nearing the all-time high of $5.138 on June 18, 2008.
The average price in the state is now up 55 cents from the $3.812 a week ago, 75 cents from the $3.612 a month ago, and $1.53 from the $2.834 a year ago.
The average price for diesel in the state is currently at $4.992. It was at $4.854 on Monday, $4.257 a week ago, $4.029 a month ago and $3.106 a year ago, according to AAA.
Locally the current average price for regular unleaded gas includes:
Orleans, $4.364
Genesee, $4.292
Niagara, $4.260
Monroe, $4.307
Erie, $4.315
Wyoming, $4.353
Livingston, $4.355
Chautauqua, $4.286
Cattaraugus, $4.207
“This morning, oil prices are over $120 per barrel,” AAA said. “As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, crude prices soar, leading to higher pump prices in the U.S. Demand is also up, while stocks are lower – all of which plays a role in pricing.”
The Crosby’s in Albion at routes 98 and 31 had regular unleaded gas for sale at $4.49 and diesel for $5.39 this evening.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 March 2022 at 10:52 am
MEDINA – The Village Board is looking into a community mass alert system where residents would be notified of watermain breaks, road closures and other urgent situations or critical events.
The village could use part of its federal American Rescue Plan Act for the system, which would be about $4,000 a year through Hyper-Reach, a company based in Rochester.
Medina village officials have reached out to town leaders in Shelby and Ridgeway to see if they want to be part of the system. The alerts could be tailored to each community if they are specific to Shelby, Ridgeway or Medina, said Jessica Marciano, a Medina village trustee who is spearheaded the effort.
Residents could select their preferred option to be notified: by text, phone call or email.
“It wouldn’t be for chicken barbecues,” Marciano said. “It could be watermain breaks, road closures, weather-related emergencies. Things where your life is affected.”
She cited a recent watermain break on Park Avenue on a Saturday. Many in the community wondered what was going on and the village office was closed because it was the weekend.
Marciano expects it will be a learning curve with the system as the community decides how frequently it wants a notice. Perhaps public hearings and government meetings could be included.
She is hopeful the village and town governments will decide soon about the alert system. The company has offered to do trainings and distribute information on signing up.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 March 2022 at 7:24 am
ALBION – The Albion Boys Basketball Boosters is organizing a 3-on-3 tournament on Saturday open to boys and girls in grades 5 through 12.
Tip-off in the double-elimination tourney begins at 10 a.m. in the high school gym. There will be 10-minute games. Teams can have a maximum of four players on the roster. The cost is $20 per player.
“Since the high school basketball season just concluded, the 3-on-3 tournament is a fun and exciting way to wrap up the season and keep the players in Albion and surrounding schools to keep playing basketball,” said Jeff Radder, one of the organizers and the JV boys basketball coach at Albion. “Plus, with the excitement of the upcoming NCAA Basketball tournament, we decided to host our own version of ‘March Mania.’”
The Boys Basketball Boosters are planning to use the proceeds to pay for Albion players to be in basketball leagues this spring and summer as well as purchase gear for the teams next season, Radder said.
The registration deadline is Wednesday. Awards will be given to teams in grades 5/6, 7/8, 9/10 and 11/12.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 March 2022 at 6:51 pm
This photo – “Medina Falls Sunrise” – of the Erie Canal includes the waterfalls on the north side of the canal near Horan Road and the aqueduct allowing the Oak Orchard Creek to pass under the Erie Canal. The photo was taken by Neil Ferguson of North Tonawanda and won second place in the “Along the Trail” category of the 2021 Erie Canalway Photo Contest.
Courtesy of the Orleans Renaissance Group: A mockup of the marker that is planned for Medina’s Canal Basin.
MEDINA – A new historical marker will highlight one of the great engineering feats along the Erie Canal: the aqueduct in Medina where the Oak Orchard Creek goes under the Erie Canal with the creek then plunging in a waterfall north of the canal.
The Orleans Renaissance Group will be putting up the marker, with assistance from the Medina Sandstone Society, which provided a $500 grant for the project. The Village Board has agreed to allow the marker in the Canal Basin.
“ORG felt that recognition of this engineering marvel was way overdue,” said Chris Busch, ORG president. “During the widening of the canal to create the Barge Canal, the problem of carrying the canal over the gorge at the Oak Orchard was the most studied engineering issue of the rebuild.
“The concrete wall that holds back the canal is actually a dam and is longer than the Hoover Dam,” Busch said. “At one point, engineers had considered removing the loop and moving the canal to a straighter path across the Oak Orchard, using a steel truss system. That idea was abandoned and the result is what you see today – an engineering marvel.”
There isn’t a timetable for when the new marker will be erected. It needs to be fabricated.
This is the second marker that ORG has pushed for in medina. The first one was dedicated on April 24, 2015 and highlights Frederick Douglass, the famed abolitionist who visited the area several times in the mid-1800s.
Douglass lived in Rochester and was a powerful orator and newspaper editor. The historical marker on Main Street in Medina highlights two speeches he gave in Medina.
These photos show construction of the aqueduct. This portion of the 1905-1918 expansion of the canal was completed in 1914-1915.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 March 2022 at 4:31 pm
The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot in the March 15 village elections in Albion and Medina is 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
Those ballots need to be turned in to the village offices at Albion and Medina by March 14, either by in-person or mail.
Updated on March 8 at 10:39 a.m.: Albion has already received requests for 150 absentee ballots while Medina hasn’t had any requests for absentees.
Albion has seven candidates seeking three positions on the Village Board, including three candidates for mayor. Medina has three candidates who are all unopposed.
People seeking an absentee ballot can stop by the village offices in either Albion at 35 East Bank St. or Medina at 119 Park Ave. Call Albion at (585) 589-9176 or Medina at (585) 798-0710 for more information.
The Albion candidates include three people for mayor: Angel Javier Jr., running on the Republican and independent “Better Together Albion Strong” lines; Vickie Elsenheimer on the Democratic and independent “Move Albion Forward” lines; and Kevin Graham on the independent “Albion Pride, Working Together.”
Four people are seeking two trustee positions on the Village Board. Tim McMurray and Dan Conrad are on the Republican line. Sandra Walter and Joyce Riley are under the Democratic line and the independent “Move Albion Forward.”
In Medina, Mayor Mike Sidari and incumbent trustees Marguerite Sherman and Tim Elliott are running under the independent “The Village Party” for the March 15 election.
Voting the day of the election will be from noon to 9 p.m. at the village office on Bank Street in Albion and the senior center on West Avenue in Medina.
Located at the intersection of Oak Orchard River Road and Route 18, the Carlton Presbyterian Church was torn down in 1960-61.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
Illuminating Orleans – Vol. 2, No. 9
“Thursday, October 27, 1854. Warm and pleasant. The Presbyterian Church was dedicated today.” – Sarah Ballou
“February 16, 1853. Snows and thaws most of the day. Elder Mudge had a donation last night, got over 100 dollars.” – Sarah Ballou
At that time, it was customary for a congregation to hold a donation party for the pastor once a year to raise funds for his living expenses.
Sarah Ballou continued to record diary entries about farm life on the Oak Orchard River Road in Carlton for the years 1853-55. Though brief, they combine to convey a wealth of information.
The annual cycle of farm work continued for Hosea and Sarah. He chopped wood, plowed, threshed oats, harvested wheat and corn, despite being unwell in 1853, afflicted by some unnamed lingering ailment. There are many references to his ill health, but there is no reference to a specific illness, or even any emotion, though it must have been worrisome for them since their livelihood was dependent on his ability to work.
His troubles began in February, 1853. He bought a new sleigh on Jan. 28, but was “most sick” on Feb. 2, a little better on Feb. 3. “Not very well, a pain in his stomach” in April and sick again in July. Both of them were sick in September, and even had assistance with chores.
Sept. 8: Cool. Belinda came and washed for me. Frank doing the work here, plowing. Both of us sick.
Sept. 13: Pleasant. Helen came here this morning. Hosea don’t [sic] get much better.
Sept. 27-30: Hosea has chills.
Oct. 27-30: Hosea is quite sick.
Oct. 24: He is sick tonight. He finally went to see a Dr., but there is no reference to a diagnosis. There are no subsequent references to his ill health.
Hosea “carried some turnips to the Dr.” in December, perhaps as a partial payment for his care.
Their farm operation was small but varied. Sarah used the diary to record sales. They regularly sold butter (14 to 19 cents per pound) and eggs (9 to10 cents per dozen) at the store. Additional sales included:
• 150 bushels of wheat for $2 a bushel
• 88 ½ lbs wool, for 35 cents a lb.
• Sold wheat for $254
• 332 lbs pork for $5.25 a hundred
• Steers for $55
• 15 sheep for 20 / a head. (The / sign indicated a shilling, 12 ½ cents)
Sarah continued her sewing business and used the diary to record the garments she made for her clients. She purchased several items in Albion for her own wardrobe: a blue silk bonnet, gave 3 dollars for it, a cashmere dress, 3 / a yard, a delaine dress, shoes, got 3 yds. silk for a cape & got a pair of mitts, gave 4 /.
An entry in Sept. 1854 mentioned that: “Hosea went to Mr. Gates to pay him all he owed on the land $100.40.”
As soon as he owned the land, Hosea started to make improvements. He had a well installed in Oct. 1854 by a Mr. Hubbard and his team of workers. The cost was $40, Hosea built the platform around it.
He started building a house the following year.
June 4: Cold. Hosea commenced drawing hemlock lumber for a new house, from the lake. Got it of John Pratt. Gave $7 a 1000.
Sarah noted the following costs associated with the construction: Sand from Elias Williams, 7 loads, 2 / a load. Lime from Barre, 32 bushels, 14 cents a bushel. Shingles from Albion, 17 bunches, $23
He also got pine lumber from the lake, the cost was not indicated. George Beardsley, Levi Lawrence and a Mr. Ostrander worked on the house, Hosea helped when he was not doing farm work.
Unfortunately, the last diary entry is from October 30, 1855, they were still working on framing.
There are some intriguing references in the diary entries for this period. Hosea bought a “balm in gilead tree,” a balsam poplar also called black cottonwood.
In April 1854, he got a ton of plaster from Knowlesville and “sowed plaster” the following day. The “plaster” was gypsum, which was used as a fertilizer, being a source of calcium and sulfur.
A good deal of the Ballou’s activities were centered on The Bridges. They attended exhibitions at the schoolhouse. In October 1853, Hosea attended a political meeting at The Bridges, L.M. Burrows the speaker. He went to hear a Dr. Knapp from Lockport speak in October, 1854. According to an article by Jim Boles of the Museum of disABILITY, Dr. Knapp promoted hydropathy, also known as the Water-Cure Treatment, which purported to cure pains, insomnia, mental disorders, addiction and arthritis.
We leave Hosea and Sarah in 1855, having had a five-year glimpse into their world. They had a new house, a well, cows, sheep, horses, chickens and hogs. They produced their own butter, eggs meat. Gooseberry bushes and melons added variety to their garden. Peonies, rose bushes and poplars enhanced the property. They had relatives nearby and a robust social circle.
But the winds of war had begun to roil.
On November 18, 1854, Hosea and Sarah went to hear a fugitive slave lecture.
The following year, on August 18, 1855: “We went to The Bridges in the afternoon to hear Fred Duglass [sic] lecture on slavery.”
Press Release, Genesee County Economic Development Center
BATAVIA – Following a record-setting year of projects, Site Selection Magazine has ranked Batavia and Genesee County as the fifth most active micropolitan in the United States for business growth.
Batavia and Genesee County continue to be recognized for financial investment and job commitments and economic impact at the region’s various shovel-ready sites.
Site Selection Magazine noted that the GCEDC assisted many businesses who made significant financial investments at its shovel ready sites across the county in 2021, including the Gateway II Corporate Park, Apple Tree Acres Business Park, Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park, Buffalo East Tech Park and Western New York Science & Technology Advance Manufacturing Park (STAMP).
Among the projects sited by Site Selection Magazine were Plug Power’s $232 million financial investment at STAMP. Plug Power has commenced construction at the 1,250-acre mega site on North America’s largest green hydrogen project. The project is targeting to create 68 new jobs and will generate the largest contributions toward local municipalities and infrastructure of any commercial-industrial project in Genesee County.
“The Site Selection Governor’s Cup Rankings once again confirm that Genesee County continues to build a strong and diverse economy,” said GCEDC Board Chairman Pete Zeliff. “I am proud of the work of our board and hard-working staff at the GCEDC to be once again recognized by Site Selection Magazine.”
“Genesee County continues to demonstrate that our community is a great place to work, live and recreate through the significant financial investments being made by the private sector,” said Genesee County Chair Shelley Stein.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 March 2022 at 8:51 am
There are still 903 National Grid customers without electricity in Orleans County this morning, the company reported on its website at 8:47 a.m.
The company has 1,984 customers total in upstate without power, and about half of those are in Orleans County.
There were more than 4,000 Grid customers without electricity in Orleans County on Sunday afternoon when powerful winds took down trees, branches and wires. The company is estimating electricity will be restored in the county by 10:15 this morning.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 March 2022 at 8:31 am
The average price of a gallon of gas is now over $4 nationally, with the cost up 46 cents in the past week nationally to $4.07, and 46 cents state-wide, up to $4.26, according to AAA.
In Orleans County, the average price increased from $3.801 a week ago to $4.243 today. Since Jan. 31, the average price is up nearly 70 cents in the county. It was $3.546 a gallon five weeks ago on Jan. 31.
The average price for regular unleaded gas reported today by AAA for Orleans and nearby counties includes:
Orleans, $4.243
Niagara, $4.167
Erie, $4.219
Genesee, $4.225
Wyoming, $4.180
Monroe, $4.231
Livingston, $4.250
New York is nearing the highest recorded average price of $4.309 on July 9, 2008. The highest average diesel price is $5.138 on June 18, 2008. Today it’s $4.854.
“This morning, oil prices are more than $124 per barrel – in August, oil prices were $30 per barrel,” AAA said in a news release. “At one point during the pandemic they were below zero, in negative territory.”
AAA offered fuel-conserving tips including mapping routes, avoiding peak traffic times like rush hour, and combining errands into one trip while using cruise control when possible.
“Drivers should also make sure tire pressure is at the vehicle’s recommended level for the best gas mileage while removing any unnecessary and bulky items from the car since it takes more fuel to accelerate a heavy vehicle,” AAA said.
The Crosby’s in Clarendon was selling a gallon of regular unleaded for $4.19 on Saturday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 March 2022 at 9:55 pm
Grocery store worker finds gold wedding band
Photos courtesy of Kelly Ryan: Don Ryan is happy to have his wedding ring back.
HOLLEY – Don Ryan is happy after getting his wedding ring back today after it had been missing for nearly a month.
Ryan, 88, of Holley had the ring come off when he was shopping at the Aldi’s store in Brockport. But he didn’t realize it until later that day on Feb. 12. He had been to the doctor’s office, too, and wasn’t sure where it might have come off. Ryan had lost weight so the ring must have slipped off.
He recently lost his wife of 66 years, Darl, on Nov. 5. He and his family searched his house, his vehicle and even used a metal detector in the yard to try to find the ring.
His daughter Kelly reached out to Aldi store manager Amy DeFelice of Holley about the ring. The store employees didn’t see it soon after Ryan called, but they kept looking.
On Saturday night at about 10 employee Mike Pearson spotted it on the floor near the an area with flowers. He was cleaning and remembered DeFelice telling the employees to be on the lookout for a ring.
Kelly was thrilled to get a call last night that the ring had been found.
“It’s a blessing,” she said. “It’s a miracle.”
Her father is very appreciative that Aldi’s kept up the search, especially after nearly a month had passed.
“It’s awesome that there are people out there who still care for other people,” Kelly said.
Her parents were married for 66 years. Mrs. Ryan owned a ceramic studio for many years in Holley. Mr. Ryan is a Kodak retiree and long-time volunteer Holley firefighter.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 March 2022 at 8:12 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Dennis MacDonald was named Firefighter of the Year by East Shelby Fire Chief Debbie Taylor at their installation banquet on Saturday night.
EAST SHELBY – Members and officers of the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company were happy to be back to normal after dealing with two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, they announced at their Installation of Officers Banquet Saturday night.
Firefighters and guests packed the fire company recreation hall for dinner, installation of officers, recognition of firefighters and entertainment.
Dave Green was master of ceremonies for the evening, which began with a welcome from Fire Company President Mike Fuller and Ladies Auxiliary President Bronwyn Green. It was noted the fire company is 69 years old this year.
Mike Fuller, right, presents the President’s Award to Devin Taylor at the East Shelby Firemen’s Banquet Saturday night.
The loss of three members during the past year was acknowledged. They are Herb Oberther Sr., Jim Newton and Laverne “Jiggs” Green, who was one of the 13 original members of the fire company.
After introduction of guests, new fire company officers were sworn in by Orleans County Legislator Bill Eick. They are president, Mike Fuller; vice president, Joe Newton; secretary, Karen Bracey; treasurer, Allen Turner; trustees, Ken Printup, Norm Behrend, Gordon Reigle and Alan Lonnen; steward, Dave Green; chief, Debbie Taylor; 1st assistant chief, Devin Taylor; 2nd assistant chief, Andy Beach; 3rd assistant chief, Dennis MacDonald; captain, Jeff Taylor; lieutenant, Mike Hinkley; fire police chief, Laura Fields; EMS officers, Sue Berend and Mike Fuller; and safety/training officer, Todd Ralph.
Officers of the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company are sworn in by Orleans County Legislator Bill Eick Saturday night at East Shelby Firemen’s Recreation Hall.
Officers of the Ladies Auxiliary sworn in by Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon are president, Bronwyn Green; vice president, Debbie Green; secretary, Sawyer Green; treasurer, Sharlene Pratt; co-chaplains, Rose Allen and Carol Lonnen; and trustees, Cassidy Oliver (three years); Shirley Printup (two years); and Sue Green (one year). Jessie Green is Sunshine chair and Wanda Dingman is historian.
Mike Fuller chose Devin Taylor as recipient of his President’s Award. Fuller said Taylor was a person who helps him day to day whenever he needs help.
As a captain of the EMS program, Fuller also shared what a challenge it has been during the Covid pandemic to do the required training while still meeting Department of Health protocol. He said EMS personnel are required to be re-certified every three years. He said this was a challenge because of the number of hours required. When he started in 1986, it took about 80 hours to become and EMT, and now the requirement is 180. Fuller acknowledged the work by instructors Norm and Sue Behrend.
Debbie Taylor, Orleans’s County’s first woman to serve as fire chief, hugs her husband Jeff after presenting him with the Chief’s Award at the East Shelby Firehall Saturday night.
Debbie Taylor and Fuller handed out certificates for years of service to Gretchen Carr, Nathan London and Shawn Perkins, five years; Brian Zinkievich, 10 years; Katie Crooks, 20 years; Walter Dingman, 30 years; Scott Green and Joe Newton, 35 years; and Jeff Green, 40 years.
Debbie Taylor said she didn’t have to do much thinking when making her choice for the Chief’s Award.
“This person supported me in my run for chief and is always there for me, whether it’s cleaning up a truck or doing an errand at home,” she said.
Her award went to her husband Jeff. Debbie also noted he has bragging rights that he is the only man in the county whose wife is a fire chief.
Awards continued with Debbie naming Dennis MacDonald as Firefighter of the Year.
“You can always depend on him and he is dedicated to the fire company,” she said. “He always shows up for a work detail or to help a crew.”
Dave Green hugs Sue Green after presenting her with the Steward’s Award.
The Steward’s Award was presented by Dave Green to Sue Green. Sue is always willing to help the fire company and is known for her baked goods.
Carol Lonnen, center, receives a gift from East Shelby Ladies Auxiliary vice president Debbie Green, left, and president Bronwyn Green for her four years of service as Auxiliary treasurer.
As president of the Ladies Auxiliary, Bronwyn Green acknowledged Carol Lonnen as the Auxiliary’s only outgoing officer. Lonnen has been treasurer for four years, and was very supportive of Bronwyn when she became president.
In return, Lonnen commended Bronwyn for her ingenuity in coming up with creative ways to raise money for the Auxiliary when the pandemic shut down all fundraisers. Brownyn came up with the idea for an online basket raffle, which turned out to be very successful and helped raise cash which the Auxiliary donates every year to the fire company. This year
Bronwyn presented a check for $5,000 to Fuller and Debbie Taylor.
From left, East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company president Mike Fuller and chief Debbie Taylor are presented with a check for $5,000 from Auxiliary president Bronwyn Green at their banquet Saturday night.
The East Shelby Firemen’s Auxiliary officers greet the audience after being sworn in by Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon. From left are Carol Lonnen, chaplain; Bronwyn Green, president; Debbie Green, vice president; Sawyer Green, secretary; Sharlene Pratt, treasurer; Rose Allen, chaplain; and Sue Green and Cassidy Oliver, trustees.
Auxiliary members were also presented with service awards for years of service, as follows:
Mary Lonnen, five years; Sharlene Pratt, 10 years; Mindy Kenward and Carol Lonnen, 15 years; Meaghan Boice-Green, 20 years; Becky Fruehauf, 20 years; Shirley Printup, 25 years; and Sue Squires, 30 years.
Bronwyn chose Shirley Printup as recipient of her President’s Award.
“You are always able to count on her,” Bronwyn said. “She has been a hard worker for the fire company for 25 years. She started the craft fair the year she joined and has chaired the show and gun raffle. She has given up timeless knowledge, respect and friendship.”
The evening concluded with a performance by juggler and entertainer Nels Ross.
