By Kim Pritt, Contributor Posted 19 February 2022 at 3:00 pm
Let’s go on an adventure together….Along the West Coast!
A beautiful arch in the gardens at the Mission at San Juan Capistrano near Long Beach, CA.
The first time I visited California was many years ago on a work related trip to Los Angeles. I spent three or four days there for a seminar and during my evenings I did all the touristy stuff in Hollywood – Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, the Griffith Observatory (where Rebel Without a Cause was filmed), downtown (Rodeo Drive), etc. I had upgraded my rental to a Mustang convertible and drove a ways up the Pacific Coast Highway – wow that was amazing! I also took a drive up Mulholland Drive – I’d seen it so many times in movies. Then, I tacked on a couple vacation days to take a side trip for a long weekend visiting a friend near Sacramento. We took day trips to Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco and another day to Lake Tahoe – so beautiful. Until 2017, that was my only taste of the West Coast.
In 2017, I took about 15 days and did the West Coast top to bottom. What a trip that was! I originally was just going to take a West Coast cruise. But, I kept adding onto it….you, know….while I was out there and all!
If you’re ever in San Francisco, be sure to include a visit to the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. It is a stunning walk through gardens and architecture.
I flew out to San Francisco on March 25th and got on Princess Cruise Line’s Grand Princess cruise ship. The cruise was one week long and made stops at Santa Barbara, Long Beach, San Diego, and Ensenada, Mexico. It was wonderful! I think it is up there as one of my top three cruises. When we left the port, we sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge, which was pretty cool. I saw so many wonderful things on the excursions at each stop. In Santa Barbara I did wine tastings and time at an authentic Dutch village. In Long Beach, I skipped the LA/Hollywood attractions because I had done them before. Instead, I took a tour that included time at The Mission at San Juan Capistrano and lunch in Laguna Beach – both were incredible! When we got to San Diego, I chose a harbor cruise and saw lots of critters, sky divers over the harbor, and sights along the shore. I didn’t get off the ship in Ensenada – there were only a couple excursions offered and none really interested me and some of the other passengers who had been there before said there wasn’t much to do on your own. I kind of regret that decision – I really should have done “something” other than lounge pool-side for the day, but that’s OK, I’d been to Mexico before, so wasn’t passing up the chance to say I’d been there.
The cruise returned to San Francisco and I spent a few days there. I stayed at a wonderful hotel called the Cow Hollow Inn on the corner of Lombarde and Steiner Streets – GREAT location and very nice rooms! I did a lot of wandering around on my own and taking hop-on-hop-off tours to see the city – including the Golden Gate Bridge, an awesome Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, the Haight-Ashbury district, Fisherman’s Wharf, China Town, all the stunning architecture, and so much more! I took a couple day bus trips – one to Napa Valley and Sonoma and one to Muir Woods and Sausalito. Both tours were amazing – wonderful wineries, gorgeous landscapes, and those magnificent, massive trees!
A must see in Seattle is the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum – simply incredible. It is located near the Space Needle and you can get a combo ticket that includes admission to the Observation Deck on the Space Needle and the Chihuly museum.
Then, I took the Coast Starlight Train from San Francisco to Seattle. It is an overnight train ride through northern California, Oregon, and ends in Seattle, Washington. It was a wonderful experience. The train actually starts in San Diego – someday, I’m going to do the entire trip. I spent two days in Seattle, staying at the Hyatt Seattle Downtown – another perfect location! I was able to walk to the Space Needle, where I took the elevator to the observation deck and had lunch in the revolving restaurant. In that same area, I popped into the Museum of Pop Culture and the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum – that was stunning!!! I spent a day at the Public Market and watched the fish mongers throwing fish at Pike Place Fish Co. I also took an impromptu Duck Tour – an amphibian vehicle that took us around the city and splashed down in the harbor for a cruise.
So…..in about 15 days, I saw the west coast from top to bottom, covered three states and two countries, and did it all using planes, trains, automobiles, ships, and boats!!! Can’t beat that with a stick, huh?
Visit these blog posts for more information and photos from my West Coast Adventure:
BATAVIA – Opioids for pain management are no longer the standard care for chronic pain, according to a board-certified family nurse practitioner at the United Memorial Medical Center Pain Management Center in Batavia.
Rebecca Russo
“We do not avoid prescription medications, but we work to avoid the management of opioids, which can decrease the perception of pain and not the cause of it,” said Rebecca Russo, responding to questions about non-opioid alternatives for the GOW Opioid Task Force.
Russo, an employee at the UMMC pain clinic since August 2020, said as a pain management nurse practitioner, she recommends minimally invasive fluoroscopic procedures for diagnosis and treatment of pain.
“We work with the patient’s primary care physician and other health care professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for these patients,” she said. “We also like to be as conservative as possible (by utilizing) non-invasive measures such as physical therapy, aqua therapy, chiropractic and massage treatments, and acupuncture.”
When it comes to opioids, Russo is well aware of the long-term effects – including addiction – that can result from prolonged use of these drugs.
“There are so many more alternatives a pain management specialist treating chronic pain that can offer the most benefit for these patients,” she said. “A multimodal approach to management is best in treating chronic pain. Opioids are not used for chronic non-malignant pain anymore as studies have shown.”
Russo said she switched to the pain management field when a colleague recommended her for a pain management and neurology position.
“I have to say I wouldn’t have had a better fit in my career. This specialty is fascinating and bountiful in ways to help patients, which I lay my foundation on,” the Michigan native said. “I have been working in pain management since I graduated with my Master of Science in Nursing four years ago.”
Prior to joining the program at UMMC, she was a registered nurse for six years, working on various units, including intermediate care, medical/surgical, observation and progressive care.
She said the local pain clinic treats a wide range of chronic and acute pain conditions, such as neck pain, cancer pain, myofascial pain, joint pain, back pain, phantom limb pain, bursitis, sciatica, post herpetic neuralgia pain, complex regional pain syndrome, peripheral neuropathy and failed back surgery syndrome.
“Some of the micro-invasive procedures that can be performed at the UMMC Pain Clinic include nerve blocks in various areas as well as radiofrequency ablations; lumbar, thoracic and cervical epidural steroid injections; trigger point injections; and spinal cord stimulator implantation,” she said.
The practice is growing coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic, she reported, with more and more in-person visits being scheduled.
“At this time, we strive to keep our visits in-person, but we can accommodate telemedicine visits when a patient is unable to be seen in-person. This may be for various reasons such as being ill, inability to drive or last minute patient schedule changes,” she explained.
Russo sees the pain clinic as a viable alternative for people dealing with chronic pain, adding that the patient is considered “an important team member.”
“Interventional management is beneficial for patients when their pain continues even after attempting conservative treatments or do not have a diagnosis for their pain,” she said. “A proper diagnosis is the first step to successful treatment.
“Another benefit for these patients is that they want to avoid surgery if possible or if they’ve had surgery, but still experiencing pain, we can provide them alternatives to another surgery unless otherwise indicated.”
The UMMC Pain Center is located in Batavia at 229 Summit St., Suite 4. For more information, call 585-815-6710.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 February 2022 at 8:33 am
UPDATE: The wind advisory was extended until 7 p.m.
A wind advisory is in effect until 1 this afternoon in Orleans, Niagara, Monroe, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming and Chautauqua counties.
There will be southwest winds at 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts up to 55 mph expected, the National Weather Service in Buffalo advised.
Today is forecast for a high of 27 but the temperature will fall to 19 by 11 a.m., the Weather Service said. Another 1 to 3 inches of snow is possible during the day with an overnight low of 10 degrees.
Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high of 46, with a high of 44 on Monday which is Presidents’ Day.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 February 2022 at 5:41 pm
Photos courtesy of Jamie Traxler
ALBION – Cooper Traxler, 7, is pictured with seven sheets of pizza from Mark’s Pizzeria that he shared today with the second-grade class at the Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School in Albion. Cooper bought each class a sheet pizza and juice bags.
Cooper Traxler sold cider and doughnuts for three days in October.
He raised the money in October by selling apple cider and doughnuts from his grandmother’s front yard on South Main Street. His second-grade teacher was among his customers.
Cooper wanted to provide the pizza as a way to push back against bullying. He was being teased by some kids at school over his long hair.
Cooper likes to keep his hair long like some of his favorite dirt bike racers.
Some of the kids at school told him he was a girl because of his shoulder-length hair. Cooper tells them he is boy – with long hair.
When Cooper sold cider and doughnuts many of the customers shared stories about how they had been bullied when they were kids.
“There was a lot of community support,” Cooper’s mother Jamie said this afternoon. “He felt very blessed and that he wasn’t alone.”
Cooper has some money left over from the cider and doughnut sales that he wants to use for other acts of kindness, his mother said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 February 2022 at 3:22 pm
2 adults also will be honored for service to children
The Orleans County Youth Board wants to honor local youths for their community service and adults for their work on behalf of children in Orleans County.
The Youth Board for the past 40 years has recognized youth, usually about 20 each year for their outstanding community service or if they have taken on an extraordinary role in their family. The nominees must reside in Orleans County and be at least 14 years old and under 21.
Academic or athletic achievement will not be considered in the selection of award recipients.
In addition to the youth awards, at least two adults will be honored for their service to young people.
The Helen R. Brinsmaid Memorial Youth Worker Award recognizes a youth-serving professional whose work surpasses normal expectations. Last year’s winner was Vickie Scroger, the manager of food service at Holley Central School where she makes sure the students have delicious, balanced meals for breakfast, lunch and after-school snacks.
The Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Recognition Award is given to an adult who provides service as a volunteer to Orleans County youth. Jason Requa of Kendall was the winner last year. He has been a youth coach and mentor.
Click here to be directed to the Orleans County Youth Bureau website where there are nomination forms. The nominations are due by April 1.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 February 2022 at 1:51 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
BARRE – The Town of Barre Highway Department has closed Hill Road, between West Barre and Gillette roads, due to flooding and highwaters today.
It is one of five roads in Orleans County closed due to the flooding from the melting snow and rainfall.
Other roads that are currently closed to traffic include Yates-Carlton Townline Road, between Kendrick Road and Route 18; Angling Road in Yates, between Mill and Marshall roads; Hulberton Road in Murray, between the canal and Philipps Road; and Baker Road in Carlton, between Kent and East Kent roads.
Local fire departments also have been called for 24 basement pumping details since 1 p.m. on Thursday, an Orleans County dispatcher said this afternoon.
Photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from May 2017 shows sandbags stacked by the shoreline in Kendall.
Press Release, International Joint Commission
The International Joint Commission released for public comment the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Adaptive Management Committee’s (GLAM Committee) report “ Expedited Review of Plan 2014, Phase 1: Informing Plan 2014 Deviation Decisions Under Extreme Conditions.”
The IJC directed the GLAM Committee to conduct the Expedited Review of Plan 2014, the plan for regulating Lake Ontario outflows, in response to public concerns over Plan 2014 following the extreme wet conditions that caused record floods in 2017 and in 2019. The purpose of this two-phased review is to investigate possible improvements that could be made to Lake Ontario outflow regulation activities.
The GLAM Committee has concluded Phase 1 of the Expedited Review of Plan 2014 which focused on providing additional information to help inform the critical decisions made by the IJC’s International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board (ILOSLRB) to best manage Lake Ontario outflows under extreme conditions.
Phase 1 also focused on collecting and analyzing data on high-water impacts on interests, including but not limited to shoreline homes, marinas and commercial shippers. This research led to creation of a decision support tool that informs the Board about the real-world impacts of its decisions and provides insight into how different deviations would perform under various future water supply conditions.
Phase 2 of the Expedited Review will look at how Plan 2014 addresses extreme high and low water levels and explore possible adjustments to the regulation plan. Currently underway, Phase 2 is tentatively scheduled to conclude in late 2024.
The GLAM Committee’s report on the Phase 1 of the Expedited Review of Plan 2014 is available for public comment until Monday, April 18, 2022.
The feedback received during the public comment period will be considered by the IJC and will inform its own findings that will be submitted to the governments of Canada and the United States.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2022 at 6:17 pm
In past 2 years sales tax revenue up $4.1 million in Orleans or by 23.2 percent
Photo by Tom Rivers: Gas was selling for $3.77 a gallon for regular unleaded and $4.19 for diesel at the Crosby’s on Route 31 in Albion on Wednesday. Higher gas prices and inflationary increases helped push up sales tax revenues in the county in 2021, according to report from the state comptroller.
ALBION – Sales tax revenue took another big jump in 2021, increasing by $2.4 million or 12.7 percent from $19.4 million in 2020 to $21.8 million last year.
Over two years the sales tax revenue is up 23.2 percent from $17.7 million in 2019 to $21.8 in 2021.
This is the 4 percent local share of the sales tax and doesn’t include the state’s 4 percent share.
The local sales tax is mostly used to fund county government. The county shares $1,366,671 with the 10 towns and four villages. They have been frozen at that level since 2001.
State-wide the sales tax revenue for local governments increased 19.1 percent in 2021, after a year when they dropped by 10 percent due to restrictions in the Covid-19 pandemic, when many businesses were closed.
“The pandemic substantially changed consumer spending for goods and services and from brick and mortar to online,” State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli stated in a sales tax report. “While local sales tax collections were robust in 2021 as the economy rebounded from the pandemic, some of that growth is attributed to inflation, which was the highest it has been in over 30 years. If inflation remains high, consumer spending on many taxable goods could decrease due to the rising cost of basic staples.”
Here is a breakdown of the sales tax revenue changes from 2020 to 2021 among some nearby counties:
Finger Lakes counties
Orleans, up 12.7 percent from $19.4 million to $21.8 million
Genesee, up 19.9 percent from $41.4 million to $49.7 million
Livingston, up 16.2 percent from $36.3 million to $42.2 million
Monroe, up 17.4 percent from $511.2 million to $599.9 million
Ontario, up 21.5 percent from $86.0 million to $104.5 million
Seneca, up 20.2 percent from $25.7 million to $30.8 million
Wayne, up 13.1 percent from $52.4 million to $59.2 million
Wyoming, up 13.3 percent from $20.0 million to $22.7 million
Yates, up 22.8 percent from $14.7 million to $18.0 million
Western New York counties
Allegany, up 15.8 percent from $23.6 million to $27.3 million
Cattaraugus, up 16.9 percent from $41.0 million to $47.9 million
Chautauqua, up 18.4 percent from $72.2 million to $85.5 million
Erie, up 16.4 percent from $814.6 million to $948.1 million
Niagara, up 17.1 percent from $129.1 million to $151.2 million
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2022 at 4:08 pm
‘Orleans County is still considered high for level of community transmission’ – Paul Pettit, public health director
Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
New York State has provided Orleans County Emergency Management Office with free at-home Covid test kits to distribute to residents.
Starting Friday, February 18th, each town hall, village hall, library, and the Orleans County Office Building will have a supply of Covid test kits to distribute to residents during normal business hours until the kits are gone.
“Per the CDC data tracker, Orleans County is still considered high for level of community transmission,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Orleans County Health Department. “We continue to encourage anyone who has had close contact with someone who tested positive with Covid-19 to get tested 5 days after last contact. If you are experiencing any symptoms self-isolate and test for Covid-19.”
The GCC Albion Campus Center at 456 West Ave. in Albion will be open through at least Feb. 23, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for PCR and rapid testing. Walk-ins allowed or for an appointment, click here.
If you need a lab-confirmed test, visit the NYS Covid-19 testing sites for lab testing locations. Home tests can be reported on the GOHealthNY.org website by clicking the red Covid-19 Testing button and clicking your county.
It is expected the state will continue to send out Covid-19 home test kits as they receive them. Moving forward, please check with your Town/Village hall and local library system to determine access to home test kits.
A maximum of 2 kits per person will be distributed at the following locations:
Orleans County Office Building: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Village of Lyndonville: Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed daily from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Village of Medina: Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Village of Albion: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Village of Holley: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Yates Community Library in Lyndonville: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina: Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hoag Library in Albion: Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Community Free Library in Holley: Monday, Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. & 4 to 8 p.m. ; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Residents should use at-home Covid-19 tests after a possible exposure to someone with Covid, after returning from travel, before and after attending large mixed gatherings, or when they exhibit symptoms of Covid-19,” Pettit said. “Testing is one mitigation strategy that can help reduce the community spread of COVID-19.”
To report a positive at-home test: Individuals can visit the GO Health website Covid-19 testing page and choose the appropriate Home Test button for their respective county.
Individuals should complete the at-home tests according to the directions provided. When the test is completed, individuals should take a picture with the individual’s name, the date and the time they took the test legibly written in permanent marker within 15 minutes of reading the test. Towards the end of the online form, the individual will be required to upload the picture on the website and attest to the authenticity and truth of the form. If there are any missing sections that are required, the form is invalid. At this time, individuals do not need to report negative at-home test results.
Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 is to self-isolate immediately. You may not be contacted regarding your contacts, so it is important to notify your close contacts (those who you spent 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period 2 days prior to symptoms or 2 days prior to a positive test result).
It is important to continue with self-isolation from household members as much as you are able. Isolate for 5 days and if you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, your symptoms are getting better, and you can tolerate a tight-fitting mask you can return to work/school but you are still required to wear a tight-fitting mask for 5 more days.
If you must share space, make sure all in contact with you are wearing tight-fitting masks covering their nose and mouth and frequently shared items/surfaces are sanitized often. To access isolation orders and isolation release paperwork visit our website at GOHealthNY.org (COVID-19 Isolation & Quarantine Documents & Information) and complete and print out or print and hand write the forms from the county you reside in and provide to your employer or school.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2022 at 3:21 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A truck splashes through flood waters on Allen Road in Albion, east of the Gaines Basin Road intersection, this afternoon at about 2 p.m.
An Orleans County dispatcher said no roads have been closed due to flooding. Firefighters have assisted some residents in pumping basements.
The area remains under a flood watch until 7 p.m. on Friday.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo also has upgraded a winter weather advisory to a winter storm warning for Orleans and Niagara counties from 5 p.m. this afternoon to 9 a.m. on Friday. The two counties could get 4 to 7 inches of snow and ice accumulations of up to one tenth of an inch.
Businesses eligible for maximum grant awards of $75K
Press Release, Genesee County Legislature and Genesee County Economic Development Center
BATAVIA – Genesee County Legislature Chair Rochelle Stein announced today that Genesee County is launching a $1 million Community Development Block Grant to help businesses impacted by the pandemic.
Through the Genesee CARES Business Recovery Fund, businesses that were negatively impacted by Covid-19 will be eligible to receive a grant of up to $75,000 to aid the recovery of their businesses. Eligible applicants are for-profit businesses within Genesee County with 25 or fewer employees.
“Despite so many of our businesses being dramatically impacted by the pandemic they have demonstrated perseverance and determination to keep their doors open and we are proud of them,” Stein said. “That is why we are so excited that our application for CDBG funding was approved as it will be a big shot in the arm to our business community as we continue our economic turnaround.”
There are four general categories of eligibility, including:
Employment restoration/job hiring incentive: Businesses will be eligible to receive a grant totaling $20,000 toward expected annual wages for up to 3 new hires to a maximum of $60,000.
Outdoor dining development grants of up to $50,000 to enhance outdoor dining (e.g. furniture, fixtures, equipment, and working capital expenses related to expanding, installing, or improving outdoor dining and gathering spaces.) Construction or renovation costs are not eligible.
A maximum of $50,000 of grant funds to be used to assist with working capital expenses for businesses that can demonstrate the impact of Covid has put a strain on their cash flow.
Business resiliency grants of up to $25,000 to support small business efforts to respond to the pandemic for projects such as developing safety and resiliency plans, purchasing PPE, installing touchless point-of-sale systems, and other improvements.
Businesses can apply across multiple grant categories for up to $75,000 per business. Job creation, retention and restoration goals are tied to all categories.
“Throughout the pandemic, Genesee County and local economic development partners, such as the Genesee County Economic Development Center, formed an Economic Recovery Task Force, which met monthly to discuss the impacts of the pandemic and strategize efforts to assist with reopening and business recovery,” said Genesee County Manager Matt Landers. “Based on the extensive feedback from businesses across the county, we determined that pursuing this funding opportunity would provide the type of financial assistance they are seeking.”
“Small businesses are the backbone of our regional economy and the process for reviewing applications is similar to our micro-enterprise small business loan program so it will be a seamless process,” said GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde.
Businesses are encouraged to visit www.GeneseeCARES.com to review eligibility and requirements for the grant. A fillable application is available for download at the website.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
ALBANY – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt today announced he will introduce a resolution to immediately end the “statewide disaster emergency” declared by Governor Kathy Hochul earlier this week.
Rob Ortt
“By unilaterally extending her emergency powers without any input from the Legislature, Governor Hochul is following the playbook of her disgraced predecessor – and not following her own administration’s science and data,” Ortt said. “Albany’s ruling class is clearly more worried about political science and holding onto power than letting New Yorkers decide what is best for themselves. My constituents and millions of our state’s residents are fed up. It’s time to stop governing by arbitrary mandates, restore checks and balances, and end the emergency today.”
On Monday, Governor Hochul declared another “statewide disaster emergency,” basing the Executive Order in part on false data points related to Covid transmission and hospitalization rates. The next day, Governor Hochul herself acknowledged that New York is at “pre-surge levels,” as cases and other data points continue to trend in a positive direction.
Ortt’s concurrent resolution would nullify the Governor’s unscientific Executive Order and immediately put an end to the statewide disaster emergency, if passed in both houses of the State Legislature.
Last year, the Senate Republican Conference led the charge to repeal former Governor Cuomo’s “emergency powers” almost 50 times. Senate Democrats rejected those efforts every single time. Just this week, Senate Democrats also blocked an amendment to unmask children in schools and daycares.
A majority of U.S. states lifted mask mandates for indoor settings, businesses, and/or schools months ago. New York only recently announced the end of the “vax or mask” mandate for businesses and indoor settings, but continues to mandate mask-wearing in schools, among other settings.
“We are trying to do everything we can to stop these mandates for New Yorkers who are tired of state government dictating their everyday lives,” Ortt said. “New York Democrats are out of control and it’s clear the public has had enough – this is our solution.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2022 at 11:17 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The snow-covered towpath is shown in Albion on Tuesday evening just west of the Butts Road canal bridge.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a winter weather advisory from 5 p.m. today to 9 a.m. Friday for Orleans and Niagara counties with 4 to 7 inches of snow in the forecast.
There also will be ice accumulations of one tenth to two tenths of inch, with winds gusting as high as 40 miles per hour, the Weather Service said.
“Travel will be very difficult,” the Weather Service said. “The combination of ice, snow and rapidly falling temperatures will result in icy and snow covered roads. Snow will reduce visibility tonight. The snow will taper off early Friday morning, but roads may remain very slippery through the morning commute.”
A flood watch also remains in effect through 7 p.m. on Friday. With flooding caused by runoff from widespread rain and rapid snowmelt.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 17 February 2022 at 7:46 am
MEDINA – The Medina Area Partnership has chosen its officers for 2022, four of whom are returning to their positions and three who are new to the board.
Keeping their seats are president Scott Robinson, treasurer Laura Gardner, secretary Ann Fisher-Bale and director Tim Elliott. They are joined by vice president Cindy Robinson and new directors Bill Bixler, Cindy Robinson and Gloria Brent.
The Medina Area Partnership was formed several years ago to replace the Medina Business Association, in a move designed to include businesses that were outside the village limits. Several of its members, including president Scott Robinson, were previously involved in the MBA. All have a vested interest in the local area.
Robinson is one of four owners of the Shirt Factory in Medina. He recently assumed the position as director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach for Orleans Community Health. He has served in other roles, including the Committee on Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative, the Medina Sandstone Society board of directors and was marketing chair of the Medina Business Association.
Gardner is owner of a lily & a sparrow on Main Street in Medina, which she has operated since 2010. She is also an integral part of several MAP committees and helped guide them through their first two years.
Fisher-Bale represents her family’s fruit farm, Fisher’s Farm Market, which has been a part of the Medina community for more than a century. In addition, she also represents the Hometown Extra, a local, weekly direct-mailed newspaper which serves the Medina community, as well as five surrounding zip codes. She is also an active member of MAP’s Events Committee, which recently brought back a sold-out Wine About Winter event.
Elliott currently is manager of 810 Meadworks Axe Range and has been a Medina village trustee for the last six years. He is also a member of the Ridgeway planning board, county planning board and MAP’s Events Committee. He is the previous owner of Brushstrokes and Into the Enigma.
Bixler, a resident of Medina for 42 years, owns Seaway Insurance in Gasport, Albion Agencies in Albion and commercial rental property on Main Street in Medina. He was a previous board member and president of the former Medina Chamber and has served for more than 30 years as a member of the Medina Rotary Club.
Robinson is not only vice president of MAP, but owner of the English Rose Tea Shoppe for 10 years and a partner in the newly opened family venture, the Vintage Cigar. She is married to Dr. Jim Robinson of the Medina Veterinary Clinic. She previously served as president of the MBA for 14 years and is a member of the boards of Medina Historical Society and Orleans Renaissance Group.
Brent, an RN, is president/CEO of MDS Consultants, the largest minimum data set consulting firm in the country, known for their expertise in the long-term care industry. She is also owner of Modern Mercantile, which she recently opened on East Center Street in Medina, offering small retail space for local artisans and collectors to sell their goods. She volunteers in the Medina Rotary Club and holds a position on the Orleans Community Health Foundation board. She is also a member of 23 different state healthcare associations across the country.
In addition to Wine About Winter, MAP has a full schedule of events (some returning favorites and several new) planned throughout the year. These include an Easter Bunny and Golden Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt on April 9; a new Murder Mystery to be announced; the Enchanted Faery Festival on June 25; annual sidewalk sales Aug. 4 through Aug. 6; Ale in Autumn on Sept. 24; Beggar’s Night on Oct. 28; Moonlight Madness on Nov. 17; Olde Tyme Christmas and Parade of Lights on Nov. 26; and holiday open houses Dec. 1 through Dec. 4.
New York State has provided Orleans County Emergency Management Office with free at-home Covid test kits to distribute to residents.
BATAVIA – Genesee County Legislature Chair Rochelle Stein announced today that Genesee County is launching a $1 million Community Development Block Grant to help businesses impacted by the pandemic.
MEDINA – The Medina Area Partnership has chosen its officers for 2022, four of whom are returning to their positions and three who are new to the board.
