YATES – Unlike the NYS Department of Education, the Town of Yates will immediately implement the order of Nassau County Supreme Court Judge Thomas Rademaker declaring the statewide mask mandate unconstitutional.
The Yates Town Supervisor, Jim Simon, was pleased with the judge’s decision but dismayed at the state’s response.
“It is heartening to see that Judge Rademaker had the wisdom and the fortitude to curtail the executive overreach of Governor Hochul. However, it is unsettling to learn that our state education department will not comply,” Simon said. “Every New Yorker – whether politically left, right or center – should be worried about state agencies ignoring our state judiciary.”
Yates Town Board members Harold Suhr and Susan Hrovat, also members of the Lyndonville School Board, called for the school to lift the mask mandate, “Masks should be optional, period,” they said.
Editor’s Note: The Town Board said masks will no longer be mandated at all town facilities for employees and visitors to the Town Hall and Highway Garage.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 January 2022 at 1:17 pm
ALBION – Four people were sentenced to state prison or the Orleans County Jail for crimes in the county.
Judge Sanford Church sentenced the following on Jan. 12:
• Steven Forshey, 44, received the longest sentence of five years in prison, plus five years of post-release supervision for first-degree burglary.
He allegedly went into an elderly man’s house on Shelby Basin Road and threatened him with a knife, and took some of his possessions.
• Kenneth Martin II, 31, of Medina was sentenced to two to four years in state prison for third-degree burglary. He was sentenced as a second-felony offender.
• Judd Farewell, 30, of Medina was sentenced to two to four years in state prison for third-degree burglary and fourth-degree grand larceny. In February 2020, he allegedly entered a building on Maple Ridge Road without permission and stole copper supply lines worth an estimated $1,500.
• Gary Pugh, 60, was sentenced to 364 days in the county jail for driving while intoxicated and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree.
Funding will go towards alcohol compliance checks, prevention education
Press Release, GCASA
Evidence-based prevention services at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse will be receiving a nearly $40,000 boost thanks to an award announced over the weekend by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
GCASA is one of 87 agencies throughout New York’s 10 economic development regions that had their services negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Grants will be administered by the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports.
The local nonprofit organization will use the funds to enhance its environmental strategy efforts, specifically to fund law enforcement compliance checks in Genesee and Orleans counites, and also to purchase programming for school prevention education and to upgrade its ability to use technology in the delivery of its services, Prevention Director Shannon Ford said.
“We are thankful to Gov. Hochul’s office for accepting our grant application,” Ford said, “and are looking forward to working with the City of Batavia Police Department, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and Orleans County Sheriff’s Office to make sure establishments that serve alcohol are checking IDs.”
About two-thirds of the $39,417 in funding will be appropriated for environmental strategies, including social media posts and targeted advertising, Ford added.
In its grant application, GCASA indicated that individuals or businesses found to be out of compliance in the distribution of alcohol will be referred to the agency’s Responsible Server Training program for employees.
“For the media portion of the strategy, we will submit press releases to local media recognizing establishments who are in compliance with the Alcohol Beverage Control laws specific to underage drinking,” Ford said. “We will also use social media to boost prevention messages and create targeted ads for youth and adults regarding the dangers of underage drinking and consequences for serving underage youth. In addition, we will create and print materials targeting adults and youth with prevention messages regarding the dangers of underage drinking.”
In announcing the awards, Hochul spoke off alcohol’s impact on her family.
“Like many New Yorkers, my family has been affected by addiction,” she said. “Expanding support services for those dealing with addiction is as vital as ever as we battle the opioid crisis. We will continue to work with local partners to boost preventative measures and treatment to help set New Yorkers on the path to recovery.”
OASAS Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham said, “Prevention is an important pillar of the OASAS continuum of care, and during the COVID-19 pandemic our prevention providers have faced unprecedented challenges in delivering their services. Providers awarded funding through this initiative have the opportunity to greatly increase their prevention infrastructure and make the changes that they need to continue to provide these lifesaving services in the communities they serve.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 January 2022 at 10:07 am
Municipalities develop ‘comprehensive strategy to transform the waterfront communities’
Photo by Tom Rivers: Ed Flynn, director of planning at LaBella Associates, goes over a Canal Corridor Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan for the villages of Albion and Holley, and the towns of Albion, Murray, Gaines, Ridgeway and Shelby. He is speaking at a recent County Legislature meeting. The Village of Medina has developed its own waterfront plan.
ALBION – A group of local officials that studied how to better utilize the Erie Canal has completed its plan and submitted it to the state for a final review.
A steering committee developed a Canal Corridor Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan for the villages of Albion and Holley, and the towns of Albion, Murray, Gaines, Ridgeway and Shelby. The Village of Medina decided to work on its own waterfront plan and has submitted it to the state for a final OK.
The plan outside of Medina along the canal includes upgrading downtown buildings, developing a new marina in Albion, installing kayak launches and signage.
The county received a state grant for $62,000 to develop the plan and hired LaBella Associates as a consultant on the project. Ed Flynn, director of planning at LaBella, presented the final plan to the County Legislature recently.
He called the plan “a comprehensive strategy to transform the waterfront communities.” It is the first plan in the county that is focused on better utilizing the Erie Canal. The plan, which identifies many priority projects, will be an asset in helping the municipalities pursue state grants for the initiatives and also setting a clear course for the future, Flynn said.
Courtesy of Labella Associates: A committee looking at ways to better utilize the Erie Canal has suggested a privately owned marina that offers gas and other services would draw more boating traffic to the Albion area.
The steering committee set four goals with the plan:
1. Leverage the Canal’s Recreational Resources – capitalize on the canal’s wealth of land and water-based recreational sources.
2. Stimulate Tourism along the Canal – attract local, regional and national visitors to promote the long-term sustainability of the Erie Canal.
3. Accelerate Revitalization of Corridor Communities – investments in villages, downtowns, and anchors along the corridor will improve the economy and quality of life for Orleans County residents and benefit businesses and tourists.
4. Promote the Corridor’s Identity, Sense of Place, and History – protect, promote and leverage the canal corridor’s unique character and culture to advance the revitalization of Orleans County and the corridor communities.
The steering committee identified eight priority projects that provide access to the waterfront, increase recreational opportunities and advance economic development opportunities.
Some of the proposed priority projects include:
Canal Corridor Building Assistance Program: would provide grant funding of up to $600,000 to assist multiple buildings or an anchor building with interior and exterior improvements. Albion and Holley have both received New York Main Street grants for building improvements in the downtown.
Small Business Assistance Program: A countywide program with grant and loan funding to assist new and existing businesses with growth, with restaurants and culinary operations getting the priority.
Activate the Canal Waterfront: Repurpose underutilized spaces, including parking lots, which could be turned into performance space and improved aesthetically with landscaping and lighting. The initiative would include rear facade upgrades and enhanced water recreation opportunities. The committee used the Village of Albion’s parking lot by the canal near Platt Street as an example of space that could be improved. The committee suggested Albion redesign and resurface a parking lot by the canal, adding lighting and landscaping and making the space available to be used for concerts and events.
The committee suggested Albion redesign and resurface a parking lot by the canal, adding lighting and landscaping and making the space available to be used for concerts and events.
Increase Water-Based Recreation Facilities: Add kayak and boat launches, piers and tie-ups in the villages of Albion and Holley. The area needs private entities to offer kayak rentals.
Construct a marina in Albion: A private marina is needed that offers gas services, tie-ups and other services.
Install signage along the Canal: There needs to be signs with distances to the next ports and nearby canal communities. There should also be signs directing people to businesses and services.
Winter Recreation Program: This could include “pop-up” temporary ice skating rinks, cross country skiing and winter festivals.
Siphon for agriculture: Siphoning water from the canal reduces agriculture costs and also can be used to provide water for creeks and fishing.
Some other projects identified by the steering committee include: Arts along the canal with statues and public art relevant to the canal and county; Trail connections to natural areas (Groth Road in Murray and Presbyterian Road in Knowlesville area); Celebrate the Holley canal loop with pavement, lighting and signage; Attract a rental business offering bikes and kayaks; Promote tugboats; Upgrade the towpath trail surface for bikes, increase the number of events and redevelop the Murray quarry ponds for recreation.
The plan has been submitted to the Department of State for a final review.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 January 2022 at 8:16 am
A State Supreme Court justice on Monday ruled that Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Department of Health overstepped their authority in requiring masks be worn in indoor public places.
Hochul announced the mask mandate on Dec. 10, to take effect Dec. 15 to Dec. 31. It has since been extended to Feb. 1.
Judge Thomas Rademaker of the State Supreme Court in Nassau County said Hochul and Department of Health need the State Legislature’s approval to pass such orders. The Legislature last year curbed any governor’s power to issue such decrees during a state of emergency.
Hochul said she will fight the judge’s decision.
“My responsibility as Governor is to protect New Yorkers throughout this public health crisis, and these measures help prevent the spread of Covid-19 and save lives,” she said in a statement. “We strongly disagree with this ruling, and we are pursuing every option to reverse this immediately.”
Mickey Edwards, Albion Central School superintendent, sent a message to the community on Monday, saying the mask mandate remains in effect at the district.
“It is the New York State Education Department’s understanding that the Department of Health will appeal the Nassau County Supreme Court decision, which will result in an automatic ‘stay’ that will unambiguously restore the mask rule until such time as an appellate court issues a further ruling,” Edwards said. “Therefore, schools must continue to follow the mask rule.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 January 2022 at 8:11 pm
Photo from Will Barclay’s Twitter page: Will Barclay, minority leader of the Statte Assembly, speaks today in Albany about a proposal to suspend the state’s share of sales tax on many items for two years.
The Assembly Republican Conference today unveiled a plan to eliminate the state’s 4 percent sales tax on many items for the next two years to help lower costs during a time when inflation is at a 40-year high.
The conference includes Steve Hawley of Batavia and Mike Norris of Lockport, who both have districts that include a portion of Orleans County.
The overall Consumer Price Index is up 7.0 percent between December 2020 and December 2021. The average consumer is experiencing a monthly increase in expenses of $375, while a family of four is paying $513 more due to inflation, according to the GOP conference which is led by Will Barclay of Pulaski.
The conference’s “Inflation Relief & Consumer Assistance Plan” would suspend state sales tax charges on various items such as gasoline, personal care products (shampoo, toothpaste, body wash), housekeeping supplies (laundry, detergents, disinfectants) and ready-to-eat food purchases at grocery stores, restaurants and food trucks. Will Barclay, the minority conference leader, said the sales tax suspension would save consumers $2.6 billion a year.
It would come at a time when gas prices are up 49.6 percent, energy prices up 29.3 percent, food away from home up 6.0 percent, plus a 2.1 percent increase in housekeeping supplies and 3.2 percent increase in paper products, Barclay said.
“Our proposal will give all New Yorkers a measure of financial relief during an extremely difficult time,” Barclay said in a statement today. “New York is in a strong financial position where revenues have exceeded expectations. Let’s pass on some needed savings to people who have fought through a pandemic and are now dealing with a crushing cost-of-living crisis that’s being felt in every community.”
Assemblyman Steve Hawley issued this statement in support of the proposal: “Inflation is an economic force that impacts the working class more than anyone else, erasing the impact of wage increases as people find their paychecks buying less and less every week,” Hawley said. “For those who rely on fuel to heat their homes, these price increases mean less money put aside for college and emergency funds, fewer family nights out, and for some, choosing between heating their homes or filling up their vehicles. Passing this legislation would have a direct and immediate impact on the economic well-being of New Yorkers and restore the power of their hard-earned paychecks.”
Assemblymen Mike Norris issued this statement: “There is so much more our state can be doing to help people deal with the rising cost of inflation, and that’s why I was proud to join Leader Barclay and my colleagues today to call for action on our Inflation Relief and Consumer Assistance Plan,” Norris said. “I announced this plan last fall and hoped Gov. Hochul would include it in her Executive Budget proposal, but it is not too late for this plan to be part of the final state budget where it belongs. The people of our state need real relief from the rising costs of every day essential goods like gasoline, cleaning products and personal care items. There is room in the budget for our plan, which would only cost $2.6 billion annually. But that savings kept in the pockets of New Yorkers would be immeasurable. New York is one of the only states to tax some of these items, and it’s because of the incessant taxation that so many people decide to move out of state once and for all. Let’s stop the exodus, combat inflation and the monthly increase everyone is experiencing, and help enable our economy to move forward by taking action on this plan now.”
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
New York State has provided Orleans County Emergency Management Office with free at-home Covid-19 test kits to distribute to residents.
Starting Tuesday, each library, town hall, village hall, and the Orleans County Office Building will have a limited supply of Covid-19 test kits to distribute to their residents during normal business hours until the kits are gone.
“Residents should use at-home Covid-19 tests after a possible exposure to someone with Covid-19 or when they exhibit symptoms of Covid-19,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans counties. “Testing is one mitigation strategy that can help reduce the community spread of Covid-19.”
Please note all the school districts have received kits for their students and will distribute according to their respective plans. A maximum of one kit per family will be distributed at the following locations:
Community Free Library in Holley: Monday, Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. & 4 to 8 p.m./ Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m./Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hoag Library in Albion:Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m./ Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m./ Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lee-Whedon Library in Medina: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m./ Friday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Yates Community Library in Lyndonville: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m./ Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m./ Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Orleans County Office Building: Monday to Friday from 9 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.
Village of Lyndonville:Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed daily 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Village of Medina:Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Town of Albion: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and noon to 3 p.m.
Town of Barre: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Town of Carlton: Tuesday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m./Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon
Town of Clarendon: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m./Tuesday from noon to 6 p.m./ Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m./ Saturday 10 a.m. to noon
Town of Gaines: Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m./Monday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m.
Town of Kendall: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (closed for lunch from noon to 12:45)
Town of Murray:Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m./Saturday 9 a.m. to noon
Town of Ridgeway: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Town of Shelby:Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Town of Yates:Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Covid testing available at GCC in Albion: For Free PCR and rapid testing you can go to the NYS Covid-19 testing site located at GCC Albion Campus Center at 456 West Avenue, Albion. Walk-ins and registration allowed Monday-Saturday. To register, click here.
To report a positive at-home test: Individuals can visit the GO Health website Covid-19 testing page under Emerging Issues (GOHealthNY.org) 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 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.
Press Release, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt’s Office
ALBANY – The New York State Senate Republican Conference today unveiled the “End the Exodus” economic plan as part of the ongoing “Take Back NY” 2022 Agenda.
Rob Ortt
As inflation spikes – and countless families and businesses leave the state for greater financial freedom and quality of life – the Republican priorities would reverse these destructive trends by increasing affordability and expanding economic opportunity in New York.
“New York leads the nation in outmigration. Our greatest asset – our people – are leaving by the hundreds of thousands thanks to sky-high taxes, burdensome regulations, and an overall economic climate that ranks last in the nation for freedom,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “My colleagues across the aisle have offered nothing but financial hardship for hardworking New Yorkers and small businesses since they took the Majority. Enough. We need to make our state more affordable, expand economic opportunity, and enact Senate Republicans’ economic plan if we want to End the Exodus.”
New York faces extreme short- and long-term economic challenges, including:
Inflation – a 7 percent spike in consumer prices over last year, or a 40-year high – including skyrocketing costs for transportation, food, and other essential goods and services;
Pain at the Pumps – average gas prices in the state have gone up by more than a dollar-per-gallon, or an estimated 43 percent increase from a year ago;
Rising Home Heating Costs – monthly average home heating oil prices have also risen by more than a dollar per gallon from a year ago, or an estimated 48 percent increase from a year ago;
Declining Consumer Sentiment – since 2018, New Yorkers have become less optimistic about overall and future economic conditions, with recent concerns spiking over food and gas prices;
Overall Tax Burden – New York has the highest tax burden in the nation at 12.79 percent – without factoring in a plethora of other burdensome fees; and
Economic Freedom – New York has ranked last in the nation in terms of “economic and overall freedom” for years – according to one think tank.
Senate Republicans’ End the Exodus plan includes:
Cutting New York’s Highest-In-The-Nation Taxes:
Enact a permanent, constitutional cap on runaway state spending;
Repeal unfunded mandates that drive up local property taxes;
Accelerate and expand the historic, Senate Republican-authored Middle-Class Tax Cut;
Require a 2/3 vote of the state legislature for any tax increase; and
Reject the Senate Democrats’ radical plans to dramatically increase gas, home heating, and everyday-living costs – and temporarily suspend the state gas tax.
Reducing the Cost of Living:
Allow localities the option to offer state sales tax holidays on essential goods and services;
Advocate for and protect the rights of property owners;
Make childcare more affordable and available by examining costly regulations, expanding the Empire State Child Tax Credit and the dependent care credit, and increasing support for employer-provided early childhood education and care; and
Mitigate the impact of the global energy crisis by providing nearly $300 million in energy tax relief.
Improving the State Business Climate:
Cut red tape and burdensome regulations;
Reduce taxes on small businesses;
Reform the way economic development – for years plagued by corruption – is done in New York;
Reject Democrats’ radical plans to ban natural gas hookups in construction;
Slash small businesses skyrocketing unemployment insurance tax rates by using federal pandemic relief funds to replenish the depleted unemployment insurance fund; and
Cap unemployment taxes to protect businesses still struggling with pandemic recovery.
The End the Exodus plan builds upon Senate Republicans’ “Take Back New York” 2022 Legislative Agenda unveiled at the start of the year, which includes a plan to restore public safety, as well as calls to end overreaching government mandates.
“The path is clear,” Ortt said. “We need to cut taxes, reduce the cost of living, and improve our business climate if we want to Take Back the mantle of the Empire State. Let’s End the Exodus.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 24 January 2022 at 8:07 am
File photo: Members of Medina’s Releaf Medina Society stand around a diseased ash tree in State Street Park last spring. The Society is doing a second annual fundraising drive to purchase trees to replace the hundreds which have been attacked by the emerald ash borer. From left are Lisa Tombari, Kathy Blackburn, Releaf Medina Society chair Robert Sanderson and Jake Hebdon.
MEDINA – The Releaf Medina Society is preparing to launch its second annual fund drive from Feb. 1 through Arbor Day on April 29.
Funds collected will be used to replace the many trees in Medina which have to be cut down, mostly due to the Emerald Ash Borer.
The Society is delighted with the success of the drive last year, which raised $8,225, said Kathy Blackburn, a member of the Releaf Medina Society.
The Releaf Society was formed to create an organization to which residents could make donations to help restore the estimated 100 trees a year which are dying. Blackburn explained that while Medina also has an official tree board, because it is a village organization, it cannot accept monetary donations. She also stressed they also work closely with the Medina Tree Board.
The Releaf Society operates under the umbrella of the Orleans Renaissance Group, a non-profit organization, which makes donations tax deductible.
Last year, donations enabled the village to plant 12 trees, while 35 were taken down. This year, the village will be able to plant 42 trees, costing between $199 and $300 each. Donations enable the donor to request a tree be planted in honor or in memory of a loved one. Flyers with application forms are available in various locations throughout the village, online or by calling Blackburn at (585) 734-5801.
A general donation of any amount will be used to replace trees between streets and sidewalks. A donation to designate a tree in memory or in honor of someone costs $300. Those trees will be planted in one of the village’s six parks and will be identified with a black granite plaque.
The minimum donation to request a tree be planted on your street or in a specific locations is $250. The donor’s recognition will appear on Medina’s website and at City Hall. There are also other levels of donations, which are identified in the flyer.
Blackburn added that donations are used for the purchase of trees only. Planting, watering and maintenance is done by the Medina Department of Public Works employees.
Donations may be sent in the form of a check payable to Medina Releaf Fund, in care of ORG, P.O. Box 543, Medina, 14103.
Trees are needed on all village streets, in all six parks and in Boxwood Cemetery, Blackburn said.
On April 29, the Releaf Society will sponsor a celebration on the east end and south side of South Avenue, with students from the third grade at Oak Orchard Elementary School. The time will be announced closer to the event, and the public will be invited.
Blackburn said the black granite markers which were ordered last year were delayed due to the lack of etching material, caused by the Covid pandemic. They have finally arrived and owners will be notified when they will be placed and where their tree is planted.
Other exciting news is the addition of a volunteer forestry coordinator, Blackburn said. Chris Busch of Medina has offered to take on the task of researching what species of trees are suitable for different locations and soil conditions and if an existing tree does or doesn’t meet the criteria for removal.
In addition to Blackburn, members of the Releaf Medina Society are Bob Sanderson, chair; Lisa Tombari, Jake Hebdon and Virginia Kropf.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 January 2022 at 3:51 pm
With the Niagara-Orleans boys basketball season reaching the halfway point this coming week five teams are currently bunched together in the title race.
Roy-Hart at 3-1 heads that tightly bunched group with defending champion Medina and Akron both at 2-1 and rivals Newfane and Wilson both at 3-2.
This week Roy-Hart visits Albion (0-3) on Tuesday and Wilson on Friday.
Medina meanwhile will host Wilson on Tuesday and Akron in a make-up contest on Thursday.
The week’s wrestling schedule will be highlighted by the annual Medina Gary Gross Memorial Tournament on Saturday.
The N-O swim season will wrap up with Boys All-League meet on Monday and the girls on Wednesday, both at Newfane.
Weekly Schedule Monday Boys Basketball – Lyndonville at Alexander, Barker at Holley, Perry at Kendall, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball – Medina at Wilson, Holley at Barker, 6 p.m. Swimming – N-O Boys All-League meet at Newfane, 6 p.m.
Tuesday Boys Basketball – Akron at Newfane, 6 p.m.; Wilson at Medina, Roy-Hart at Albion, RAC at Lyndonville, 6:30 p.m.; Pembroke at Holley, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball – Albion at Roy-Hart, Newfane at Akron, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Boys Basketball – Barker at Tonawanda, 6:30 p.m. Girls Basketball – Elba at Lyndonville, Holley at Mt. Morris, 7 p.m. Swimming – N-O Girls All-League meet at Newfane, 6 p.m.
Thursday Boys Basketball – Akron at Medina, 6:30 p.m.; Pembroke at Lyndonville, Holley at Elba, Wheatland-Chili at Kendall, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball – Medina at Barker, 6 p.m.; Newfane at Albion, Wilson at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m. Wrestling – Lyndonville at Byron-Bergen, Alexander at Holley-Kendall, 6 p.m.
Friday Boys Basketball – Roy-Hart at Wilson, 6 p.m.; Barker at Medina, Albion at Newfane, 6:30 p.m. Girls Basketball – Lyndonville at Pembroke, Elba at Holley, Kendall at Wheatland-Chili, 7 p.m.
Saturday Boys Basketball – Roy-Hart vs. Starpoint at NCCC, 12 p.m. Girls Basketball – Roy-Hart at Barker, 10 a.m.; Medina at Akron, 11:30 a.m. Wrestling – Medina Gary Gross Memorial Wrestling Tournament, 9 a.m.
Name a site where you could easily purchase any item under the sun, at a competitive price, allowing you to buy goods without going to a store and then have that item expeditiously sent to your home, availing of the most up-to-date transportation methods?
Yes, you guessed it: Sears, Roebuck and Co.!
A Sears, Roebuck catalog from 1902 was recently donated to the Orleans County History Department. The catalog highlights the similarities between Sears, Roebuck and Amazon.
Sears started in 1886, selling watches by mail-order, then a new purchasing method. In 1994, Amazon began selling books online, also a new concept. In both instances, the combination of energetic leadership, fortuitous timing and a particular combination of socio-economic and demographic factors facilitated their explosive growth and market dominance.
Richard Sears and Alvah Roebuck issued their first catalog, 322 pages in 1891. At that time, 65% of the population lived in rural areas and were required to travel to often distant post boxes to pick up their mail, or to pay carriers for delivery.
The Rural Free Delivery Act was passed in 1894 to provide mail delivery, free of charge, to all. Naturally, the legislation had encountered the opposition of the paid carriers and of the store owners who rightly feared the prospect of mail-order shopping.
The Sears catalog which has been donated to the History Dept. is a hefty tome, 1,208 pages, offering every item imaginable. All the items are listed in the eight-page index, from Abdominal Belts to Zitho Harps.
The catalog included a comprehensive range of dress and work clothing for the entire family
Suddenly, the floodgates of consumerism were open, everyone could buy anything, conveniently and privately. Thanks to Sears’ inspired privacy policy, people could shop “incognito” as the company vowed that every transaction would be strictly confidential, that their name and address would not appear on any article of merchandise. One can well imagine that this would have been appreciated especially by customers in small communities.
The catalog is printed in black and white, but carpet, floor linoleum and oilcloth patterns were shown in color.
This was not a free catalog – the cloth bound edition cost $1, and the paperback edition 50 cents. These prices may seem inexpensive to us, but at the time, one could purchase one pair of men’s very best quality German knit socks for 40 cents and three pairs for $1.20.
Sears’ justification for the charge was very logical: the cost of sending free catalogs to everybody was a waste of paper and money, and a cost which was passed on to the customer. Providing the catalog only to those who intended to buy reduced waste and cost and ultimately benefitted the customer. Unfortunately, paper and money are still being wasted on the mailing of multiple copies of unsolicited magazines.
Spades, shovels and tools for every task.
The Sears catalog provides an insight into the daily life of the era, the items that people wore and worked with, the items that surrounded them in their homes: furniture, kitchen items, guns, musical instruments, horse tackle, door locks, heating stoves, clothing, footwear. Then, there are the more unexpected items: tents, power windmills, ploughs, tombstones.
Every page of this catalog is a fascination – the descriptions, the terminology that would be unacceptable today: “underwear for fat men,” the outrageous items, and the outrageous claims:
“WHITE STAR SECRET LIQUOR CURE:
Makes them stop drinking forever.
Drunkards cured without their knowledge.”
The 60-gauge current Heidelberg Belt “seeks the weak, diseased parts at once…cures vital weakness, nervous debility or impotence”
From a historian’s point of view, the catalog is an invaluable resource to help identify items, since so many are no longer familiar to us. It can also be used to help date photographs by comparing clothing and background items.
This 120-year-old catalog is in remarkably good condition. It was originally owned by Herbert C. Hill of Shelby. A printing press which he operated was previously donated to the Cobblestone Museum. We thank the Hill family for their generosity.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 January 2022 at 9:55 am
Ben’s Backpacks was started in memory of Ben Kirby of Albion
BROCKPORT – A concert on Jan. 29 at the Brockport High School Auditorium will be a fundraiser for Ben’s Backpacks, a program that provides school supplies for children in Mexico.
Ben’s Backpacks is named in memory of Ben Kirby of Albion. He was 21 when he was killed in a car accident on Nov. 6, 2017, on Route 531 in the Town of Gates. Ben was a student at the Rochester Institute of Technology in his senior year majoring in software development.
His mother Wendy Kirby is now retired as a teacher at Brockport. She started the charity as a tribute to her son and also to help children in the rural area of Oaxaca, Mexico go to school by covering the costs of uniforms, books, and other school supplies – which is about $30 a year per child.
“Many families in this area cannot afford to send their children to school without our support,” Mrs. Kirby said. “What better way to help the area out of poverty than to educate the children.”
Mrs. Kirby taught ESL classes with students from the region in Oaxaca, which is in the southern part of the country near the Guatemalan border. It is one of the poorest areas of Mexico where many families cannot afford to send their children to school.
“I had a high school student in Brockport who was living here with her grandparents,” Kirby said. “Her family could not afford her schooling if she lived in Mexico. She was looking for a job so she could pay for tuition, transportation, books, etc. when she returned to her family in Mexico.”
The 7 p.m. concert on Jan. 29 will feature the Brockport Dance and Performing Arts. The Brockport National Honor Society is helping to organize the event. There is no admission fee but donations will be accepted.
“We are so grateful for their support to this great cause,” Kirby said. “Not only does it honor our Ben but all the money we raise supports children in Mexico so they can attend school.”
Tax deductible donations to Ben’s Backpacks also are accepted. Checks (please note Ben’s Backpack in memo) may be made out to Salmon Children’s Foundation P. O. Box 187 Albion, NY 14411 or donate online (click here).
By Kim Pritt, Contributor Posted 22 January 2022 at 3:00 pm
Let’s go on an adventure together….to Santa Barbara, CA!
Santa Barbara was the first stop on a West Coast Adventure I took in March/April of 2017. This was a fabulous trip that lasted about 15 days between a seven day cruise, extra time spent in the San Francisco area, and a train ride to Seattle. Maybe I’ll do an article soon that pulls all the parts of that trip together. For now, I want to talk about Santa Barbara.
Me in the vineyard at LaFond Winery in Santa Barbara, CA. Beautiful landscape and delicious wines.
I had originally booked a walking tour that included food and wine tastings through an eclectic section of Santa Barbara. But, I heard some other passengers talking about a different tour that sounded better, so I swapped them out. I’m really glad I did! The tour I ended up taking included a drive through the wine country surrounding Santa Barbara, visits to two estate wineries, and time for lunch and shopping in nearby Solvang – a quaint Dutch Village. It was a fabulous day!
The ports in Santa Barbara can’t accommodate large ships, so we had to tender in from the ship on smaller boats. The country side around the Santa Barbara area is just stunning! Lots of rolling hills with vineyards and farms as far as the eye can see and mountains off in the distance. It was a gorgeous warm and breezy spring day in California. We were outside a lot of the day and it felt amazing.
We visited two estate wineries – LaFond and Foley Estates. To be considered and “Estate” winery, they have to farm their grapes, process their wine, and bottle it all on their own property – nothing can be outsourced. I enjoy wine tastings – they can be great fun in beautiful settings. Both wineries were beautiful with comfortable and lovely tasting rooms and stunning landscapes. They both offered us samplings of their best wines – both red and white – all of which I really enjoyed, which is not typical for me. I was never really a red wine fan. But, after my trip to California, I grew to appreciate them and absolutely LOVED the Pinot Noir offered by both of these wineries.
The lovely Dutch village of Solvang in Santa Barbara County located in the Santa Ynez Valley stays true to its Dutch heritage.
We spent the afternoon in Solvang. Solvang is a small Dutch city in Santa Barbara County, located in the Santa Ynez Valley. It was founded in 1911 and incorporated in 1985. Solvang is often dubbed “The Danish Capital of America”. To ensure they maintain their identity as a Dutch village, all businesses must have an old world Dutch look. It really makes for a great place to visit. We had lunch “on our own” and lots of time to shop and wander around the unique village.
For lunch I chose a small diner and had a sampling of various Dutch sandwiches on pumpernickel bread and potato salad – so good!!! I couldn’t resist capping off the meal with the specialty dessert – Aebleskiver!!! They are warm, soft donut-type balls with raspberry jam and powdered sugar. There were three on the plate, but they were so huge that I was only able to eat one and a half! They were amazing…..I wished I had left more room so I could finish them!
Taking the horse trolley through the village of Solvang was a joy. Seeing them around the village was pretty cool, too!
After lunch, I visited many of the shops and sat on benches enjoying the wonderful day in such a lovely Dutch setting. It was a short day in Santa Barbara, but very memorable. It gave me a taste of the area, of the wonderful California wines, and an amazing Dutch inspired lunch. You can’t beat that! If given the chance, I would definitely return for another look around this beautiful area of California.
Visit the blog post I wrote about my day in Santa Barbara for more photos (click here).
GAINES – For our third famous painting from the 19th century we have selected what is known as “Pharaoh’s Horses,” or “Pharaoh’s Chariot Horses.” The painting seen here has hung in the Cobblestone Museum’s Ward House for over 30 years.
It was done, no doubt, by an amateur painter around 1890. We might add that it was poorly executed as the lower left area is supposed to represent “a wall of water.” We also note that this painter chose to use a monochromatic color scheme of yellow ocher.
John Frederick Herring, Sr. (1795-1865)
By 1900, this popular image was widely viewed with nearly ubiquitous fake paintings and prints. It is also most usually seen as a “tondo,” meaning in round format.
Many of our readers might be a little more familiar with this image, rather than the images shown in Parts 1 and 2 of this series. However, in today’s world, it is mostly forgotten and its meaning is often not understood.
The original “Pharaoh’s Chariot Horses” was painted in 1848 by John Frederick Herring, Sr. He was born in London, while growing up, he took great interest in drawing horses. In 1814, he moved to Doncaster in the north of England where he was employed as a painter of inn signs and insignias on the sides of coaches.
In his spare time, he painted portraits of horses for inn parlors. His talent was soon recognized by wealthy customers and he began painting hunters and racehorses for the local gentry. In 1845, Herring received a commission from Queen Victoria, who remained a patron for the rest of Herring’s life.
In order to get a better understanding of this painting we need to go to the biblical Book of Exodus to find answers contained in the description of the Ten Plagues of Egypt.
The Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out for help?” Tell the people to move forward. Lift up your walking stick and hold it out over the sea. The water will divide, and the Israelites will be able to walk through the sea on dry ground. (Ex. 14:15-16)
This large painting measuring 32 x 34 inches is an oil on canvas in tones of grey. It would have been done by a Sunday Painter in the 1880s. Unlike most copies it is rectangular in format. Note the waves of water in the lower left corner. The painting hangs in the home of Bill Lattin.
…and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on both sides. The Egyptians pursued them and went after them into the sea with all their horses, chariots, and drivers. (Ex.14: 22-23)
The oil on canvas shown here measuring 24 inches in diameter was done around 1890 by Harriet Wyman Kilner from the Town of Shelby. She was a Sunday Painter who often copied other artists works. Known as “Aunt Hattie,” she was an older sister to Bill Lattin’s Grandmother Wilson. This painting is now currently owned by local art connoisseurs. We note that it was largely done in tones of blue.
The Lord said to Moses, ‘Hold out your hand over the sea, and the water will come back over the Egyptians and their chariots and drivers.’ (Ex. 14:26)
Here we have another oil on canvas by a Sunday Painter dating to the 1880s. It measures 12 inches in diameter and belongs to a local collector. This piece was done largely in tones of brown.
The water returned and covered the chariots, the drivers, and all the Egyptian army that had followed the Israelites into the sea; not one of them was left. But the Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on both sides. (Ex 14:28-29)
We judge this print measuring 20 inches in diameter was published around 1900, and appears to be in its original frame.
In all of the images we see, it is obvious that the horses saw what was coming at them as there is great fright in their eyes. Moses parting the Red Sea and the Children of Israel “passing over” onto dry ground, is still celebrated by Jewish people today, as part of their observance of Passover.
This small print measuring 6½ inches in diameter was published in the 1890s and is mounted in its original frame.
The popularity of this picture was widely accepted, especially by Protestants, who were often reluctant to have other overtly religious pictures in their homes, mainly because of anti-Catholic sentiment.
Therefore, “Pharaoh’s Horses” was much more acceptable and popular in rural 19th century America than any of Raphael’s beautiful paintings of the Madonna and child. Above we see a copy of Raphael’s famous “Madonna of the Chair,” done on porcelain, circa 1890.
This 3½ inch diameter painting in a Florentine frame belongs to a local collector. It was probably originally purchased by an American tourist on a trip to Italy. Raphael did a number of Madonna portraits in the early 16th century. In this one, Mary is seated in a chair holding baby Jesus while John the Baptist looks on. Now in the 21st century, there is more public recognition of this than the once very poplar Pharaoh’s Horses in the 19th century.
We end this story with an illustration which shows a conclusion to Pharaoh’s Horses and the Parting of the Red Sea.
The prophet Miriam, Aaron’s sister, took her tambourine, and all the women followed her, playing tambourines and dancing. Miriam sang for them: “Sing to the Lord, because he has won a glorious victory; he has thrown the horses and their riders into the sea.” (Exodus 15: 20, 21)
In this rare engraving we see in the foreground, Miriam with tambourine leading the women in joyful triumph. In the middle ground we observe Moses with walking stick, and Aaron, both standing on a cliff. In the background note the sea and pyramids in the far distance. This Victorian print measuring 9” in diameter dates to around 1880 and is in a local private collection.
New York State has provided Orleans County Emergency Management Office with free at-home Covid-19 test kits to distribute to residents.
Name a site where you could easily purchase any item under the sun, at a competitive price, allowing you to buy goods without going to a store and then have that item expeditiously sent to your home, availing of the most up-to-date transportation methods?
BROCKPORT – A concert on Jan. 29 at the Brockport High School Auditorium will be a fundraiser for Ben’s Backpacks, a program that provides school supplies for children in Mexico.
