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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 January 2022 at 11:52 am
The Covid positivity rate fell below 10 percent on Thursday state-wide for the first time in about month, but remains much higher locally.
The percentage of positive Covid tests on Thursday was 9.75, with 28,296 of the 290,107 reported results coming back positive.
Gov. Kathy Hochul celebrated the milestone on Friday.
“For the first time since Dec. 20, New York State’s percent positivity is in the single-digits,” she said. “I want to thank New Yorkers for doing the right thing to get where we are in fighting this winter surge. However, this isn’t the time to take our foot off the gas. Let’s keep using the tools – the vaccine, the booster and masking up – to further bring the numbers down and keep our vulnerable loves ones safe from this virus.”
Locally the percentage of positive tests is much higher.
In Orleans, 17.5 percent of the tests were positive on Thursday (71 out of 406).
In Genesee, 21.6 percent were positive (150 out of 695)
In Niagara, 17.9 percent tested positive (305 out of 1,716)
In Wyoming, the percent positive was 17.8 percent (64 out of 360)
In Livingston, 24.8 percent were positive (124 out of 500)
Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
Genesee County has received 2,580 free Covid-19 test kits from New York State to distribute to Genesee County residents.
Starting the week of January 24, test kits will be available at town, village, and city municipal buildings during their regular business hours, while supplies last.
Residents should contact their local municipality for details of when the municipal building is open and the availability of test kits. A maximum of two kits (four tests) per family will be distributed and attendees will be required to show proof of Genesee County residency in order to receive kits. The following locations will have a limited supply of Covid-19 test kits:
Town of Alabama
Town of Alexander
Town of Batavia
Town of Bergen
Town of Bethany
Town of Byron
Town of Darien
Town of Elba
Town of LeRoy
Town of Oakfield
Town of Pavilion
Town of Pembroke
Town of Stafford
Village of Alexander
Village of Bergen
Village of Corfu
Village of Elba
Village of LeRoy
Village of Oakfield
Batavia City Hall, Clerks Office
“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.”
Albion testing site at GCC campus: 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 through 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.
Residents can sign up for an upcoming Covid-19 vaccination clinic to receive their first dose, booster shot, or pediatric dose at the GO Health website.
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to allow voting by absentee ballot due to the Covid-19 pandemic through 2022.
This legislation continues to allow New Yorkers to request an absentee ballot during the pandemic where there is a risk of contracting or spreading disease that may cause illness to the voter or other members of the public. This legislation first became law in July of 2020, and expired December 31, 2021.
“No one should have to choose between exercising their right to vote and protecting their health and safety,” Governor Hochul said. “This legislation will ensure the pandemic does not create inaccessibility for voters during upcoming elections and help protect New Yorkers’ access to the ballot.”
Absentee ballot applications for the February 15th special elections in the 60th and 72nd assembly districts are open through January 31st by mail, until February 14th in-person and can be submitted by mail or in-person until February 15th. More information on absentee voting and how to apply for an absentee ballot is available by clicking here.
In addition, Governor Hochul proposed in her 2022 State of the State a number of proposal to strengthen voting rights protections in New York State, including a state-level voting rights act to protect against voter suppression, improving language access for voters, lowering the voter registration deadline from 25 days to 10 days before Election Day, and requiring polling locations on college campuses.
Senator Alessandra Biaggi (Bronx/Westchester) said, “We cannot allow the ongoing pandemic to undermine our democracy and interfere with New Yorkers’ right to vote, and must similarly adapt to prioritize public health while protecting our democracy. This is why I introduced S7565 to ensure that no New Yorker has to choose between their health and fulfilling their civic responsibility, allowing New Yorkers to continue to vote absentee in 2022. Thank you to Governor Hochul for recognizing the need for this legislation, and for prioritizing the wellbeing of New Yorkers, while committing to protect our democracy.”
Provided photos: Geri Hens, a Master Beekeeper and environmental educator, will kick off the “Master Your Garden” series with a presentation on pollinators, focusing on native insects and other animals vital to the local ecosystem.
Press Release, Orleans County Master Gardeners
KNOWLESVILLE – Master Gardeners in Orleans County have finalized the lineup for their monthly “Master Your Garden” class series.
Like most organizations, Master Gardeners had to adapt and alter their typical event schedule the last two years due to the pandemic. Last year they launched their “Master Your Garden” series for the first time ever – a monthly class on the first Saturday of each month featuring various gardening topics and taught by Master Gardener volunteers or Extension staff.
Natural dyes are the focus of the April 2 class.
The series turned out to be a success as many public participants were looking for in-person learning opportunities to support existing garden hobbies or explore new gardening niches. Master Gardeners decided to return to this style of programming for the 2022 event year and have developed a robust lineup of new topics.
“I really like this new format of offering classes for the public,” said Master Gardener Brenda Radzinski who taught a class on Roses in last year’s MYG lineup and will lead “Natural Easter Egg Dyes” in April this year. “I think the Master Your Gardener series is a more diverse style of educational outreach. It gives us the opportunity to offer a wider range of topics to those interested.”
The first class of the 2022 series will be on “Pollinators” on Feb. 5 at 10 a.m. in the Trolley Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. The class will feature honeybees and their native counterparts, as well as other pollinators that are vital to the life cycle of most flowering plants.
Master Gardener Chairperson Erica Joan Wanecski will open the program with an introductory presentation on “Mutualism – Partnerships in Nature,” discussing how different animals, insects and plants have evolved together in mutually beneficial relationships.
The headline presentation on “Pollinators” will be taught by Geri Hens, a Master Beekeeper, tenured environmental educator, and owner of Hens Honeybee Farm in Niagara County.
Master Gardener Jena Buckwell will lead two presentations in this year’s MYG lineup – Meet Your Mulch, and IPM for Snails and Slugs.
Initially approached to do a presentation specifically on Honeybees, Hens wanted to make sure the native pollinators that often go unnoticed received their share of attention and appreciation. Her presentation will be an in-depth conversation about the roles of insects and their habitats, the threats facing our local ecosystems, and things homeowners can do to mitigate those threats.
Hens brings decades of experience working with pollinators of all kinds, and she is backed not only by her formal credentialed training in beekeeping and environmental education but also her personal reflections from over thirty years of observing the ever-changing environment and its impacts.
The rest of the class series will feature topics such as vermicomposting (composting with worms), selecting the best mulch for your garden, local watershed protection, native plants and more!
For the full class schedule, see the Orleans County CCE website. All classes are donation-based, community members can pay what they are able, with proceeds going to support other educational projects put together by the Master Gardeners like the returning Seed Bank project, a new Vegetable Variety Trial Garden, and tabling materials at local events.
“Our Master Gardener Volunteers are such an experienced bunch of gardeners with really varied areas of interest,” said Katie Oakes, coordinator of the Master Gardener program and Horticulture Educator at Orleans County CCE. “They aren’t afraid to try new things, and when they have successes are so willing to share their knowledge with the public. This MYG class series is the perfect outlet to extend those skills and experiences to our community members.”
For more information on this or any other Master Gardener event, contact Katie Oakes, at 585-798-4265 ext. 125 or by email at klo54@cornell.edu.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 January 2022 at 3:18 pm
RIDGEWAY – A storage shed was destroyed by a fire today on Mill Road, but the blaze did not spread and cause much damage to a barn on the property.
Firefighters were dispatched to 10422 Mill Rd. at about 11:15 a.m. for reports of a barn fire. A shed was on fire likely due to two space heaters inside a small confined space, said fire investigator Steve Cooley.
The shed was pushed away from the barn, which helped keep the fire from spreading.
Responding fire departments included Ridgeway, Medina, Lyndonville and Shelby as well as the State Police and Orleans County Emergency Management.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that General Motors plans to invest nearly $154 million in its Western New York Lockport Components plant.
The investment will be used to renovate the facility and purchase and install new machinery and equipment used in the production of the stator module, a key component in an electric motor. Electric motors will be used in a variety of GM’s future Ultium Platform-based electric trucks and SUVs. Facility renovations will begin immediately.
“With this major investment at its Lockport facility, General Motors is taking the next steps to advance an all-electric future,” said Governor Hochul. “Not only will this investment provide a boost to Western New York’s economy, but it will play a critical role in supporting our efforts to electrify the transportation sector and reduce climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.”
Gerald Johnson, GM Executive Vice President of Global Manufacturing and Sustainability, said, “GM’s investment in Lockport reaffirms our commitment to manufacturing in Western New York and our confidence in this team because they will build a crucial module in our electric motor assembly for our future EV trucks and SUVs. We appreciate the support from the state of New York, and it was an important factor in making this investment possible.”
As Lockport Components, which is a unionized facility located on Upper Mountain Road, prepares for electric motor component production, the facility will continue to build a variety of components that support GM’s current truck and SUV production.
Lockport Components currently produces radiators, condensers, heater cores, evaporators, HVAC modules, oil coolers and other components used in a variety of GM trucks. GM currently estimates Lockport Components will add approximately 230 positions between 2023-2026. Actual staffing plans will be finalized closer to the start of production as the facility transitions to support EV motor component production.
Empire State Development (ESD) will provide up to $5.65 million in Excelsior Jobs Program “green” investment tax credits in return for investment commitments to move the project forward.
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Hope Knight said, “The auto industry is a critical economic driver in Western New York. General Motors’ renovations at its Niagara County facility will help the region continue to lead the way with the next generation of electric vehicles and support New York’s transition to the green economy.”
New York State has also been supporting the location through the allocation of 18 megawatts of low-cost hydropower from the New York Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project in Lewiston.
Lockport Components was founded in 1910 as the Harrison Radiator Company for the purpose of designing, manufacturing, and selling automotive radiators and components. With more than 1,500 employees, the site is focused on continuous improvement through a joint team process between UAW Local 686, Local 55 and plant management.
Senator Robert Ortt said, “I am pleased that General Motors is reaffirming their investment in the people and city of Lockport with today’s announcement. Western New York can and should continue to be a leader in providing good manufacturing jobs, innovation for our future economy, and an exciting place to raise a family.”
Assemblymember Michael Norris said, “General Motors and Harrison Radiator has truly been a critical foundation of our Lockport community and Western New York region through several generations of hardworking and dedicated employees and remarkable innovation within the industry. General Motors, by way of this significant investment in the Lockport Plant, has now renewed its commitment to our region and workforce, making the Lockport Plant a key part of the next generation of innovation in the automobile sector. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to General Motors and its workforce for its steadfast and long term leadership and history in Lockport and Western New York and I look forward to continuing to support its team and economic initiatives that will retain and grow good paying jobs in our region as this next exciting chapter begins.”
Congressman Chris Jacobs issued this statement this afternoon: “I applaud General Motors for recognizing the immense value of our region and for making an investment that will revolutionize their plant here and keep Western New York a leader in advanced manufacturing. Investments like these will ensure good-paying jobs and innovation thrive here, and I look forward to working with General Motors to support this effort and bring our WNY manufacturing industry into the future.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 January 2022 at 8:29 am
ALBION – The Albion Betterment Committee has reached its goal of raising $100,000 for a bronze statue of Santa on Main Street in Waterman Park.
The group has been raising funds for nearly seven years for the statue, a base, bench, interpretive panels and other features celebrating the life of Charles W. Howard, who ran a Santa Claus School in Albion from 1937 until his death in 1966. The school continues today in Howard’s name in Midland, Mich.
The Betterment Committee has hired Brian Porter to create the bronze statue. Porter made the statue of the soldier outside the former Medina Armory, which is now the Orleans County YMCA.
The Albion Betterment Committee had this sign honoring Charles Howard erected in 2015 on Route 98 in Albion.
In November, the Betterment Committee was at $64,000 for the project. It did a community appeal to close the gap, and Maurice and Courtenay Hoag came through with a major donation, said Joe Gehl, one of the ABC’s directors. The Hoags have been a major benefactor for a public library in Albion that bears their name.
“Obviously, we’re very excited in having attained this milestone, which will allow us to enhance the Park and make it more tourist-friendly,” Gehl said.
The Betterment Committee said the statue should be done and dedicated in June 2023 during the Strawberry Festival.
The group wanted to recognize Howard who also operated Christmas Park in Albion and is revered among Santa portrayers even today. About 200 of the “Santa’s” attended a convention in Albion in 2015. That Santa convention “raised awareness of the community-building potential represented by greater acknowledgement of his place in history,” the ABC directors said.
The Betterment Committee has put up new signs in Albion celebrating Howard’s legacy, and also were successful in getting the state to declare part of Route 31 in Albion as the Charles W. Howard Memorial Highway. Those signs went up in December 2020 right before Christmas.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) released the following statement after it was reported the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) reached a deal to resume in-person services at Social Security field offices. Jacobs has been advocating consistently for this outcome.
“For months my office has heard from concerned constituents who have been in desperate need of in person services, and for months I have been calling for the Social Security Commissioner and the head of the AFGE to come to a workable arrangement to restore in-person services at SSA field offices.
“Now, I am glad to finally say those efforts were successful. While we wait for final details on reopening plans, this is welcome and long overdue news. The fact of the matter is this shouldn’t have taken this long, and the administration has no excuse for denying in-person services to thousands of seniors for months, especially those in NY-27 and other rural communities who have very limited access to the internet.
“I am proud to have led the charge to get these services returned to in-person availability, and I will keep fighting to ensure the needs of my constituents are met.”
In October, Jacobs led 50 of his House colleagues in sending a letter to Acting SSA Commissioner Kijakazi urging the SSA to work with the AFGE to reopen in-person services as soon as possible.
In November, Jacobs introduced the Having Employees Return to Duty (HERD) Act to require government workers to return to work at pre-pandemic staffing levels to provide in-person services for constituents.
Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
ROYALTON – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today announced that beginning Tuesday, Feb. 1, target shooting will be prohibited at Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area (WMA), located in DEC’s Regions 8 and 9.
The closure will bring the WMA into compliance with recently adopted regulations for WMAs statewide that prohibit target shooting.
DEC adopted statewide regulations following a public comment period last year and is exploring additional options to provide safe and ecologically sound target shooting at alternative locations throughout the state.
DEC is prohibiting target shooting at the WMA’s dirt mounds along Owen-Bartel Road in the town of Royalton to protect public safety, reduce lead contamination in the environment, provide additional wildlife habitat, protect down-range power lines, and promote an overall cleaner and safer Tonawanda WMA. DEC will undertake lead abatement activities in the Owen-Bartel Road area after the mounds at Tonawanda are closed.
Tonawanda WMA is located in Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Erie counties and consists of 5,600 acres. The WMA offers hunting, particularly waterfowl, as well as trapping, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor- and wildlife-related activities. Tonawanda and nearby Oak Orchard WMAs were designated as a Bird Conservation Area because of important bird habitat. For more information, click here to be directed to the DEC’s website.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 20 January 2022 at 11:56 am
Photo courtesy of Iroquois Job Corps: Dennis Essom, left, Iroquois Job Corps Center director, and Luke Kantor, Center manager, pose with Christi Horanburg, Career Transition Readiness instructor, who was recognized as Employee of the Year for 2021.
MEDINA – The Iroquois Job Corps Center manager Education and Training Resources has announced that Christi Horanburg, Career Transition Readiness instructor, has been chosen as the Center Director’s Employee of the Year for 2021.
According to Center Director Dennis Essom, Horanburg has been a key staff member at Iroquois Job Corps Center for the past 8 1/2 years. Her role in the program is to work with their young adults to ensure they have the career transition readiness skills that will assist them in future pursuits of employment.
“Teaching our students about career success standards, core values of ETR, assisting with resume writing, job searches, relocation efforts for apartment finding, tutoring/assistance for ASVAB military testing and placements and promotion of Job Corps Advanced Trade opportunities are just a few of her many tasks here at the Iroquois Job Corps Center,” Essom said. “Ms. Horanburg’s classroom is in many ways a final step for our graduates to get ready for life after the program. Countless numbers of students have benefited into their early careers due to her dedication, hard work and perseverance.”
The Iroquois Job Corps located south of Medina is a federally funded vocational and academic training program. At Job Corps, young adults between the ages of 16 to 24 work on bettering themselves through career technical training and high school equivalency programs.
“Our residential, college style center allows students to live on campus and take advantage of meals, recreation activities, clubs and organizations, leadership opportunities, drivers’ education programs, work-based learning internships and more at no cost to eligible students,” Essom added.
After shutting down due to the pandemic, Essom said Iroquois Job Corps is now open for business. Having been approved for traditional enrollment, they are starting to bring back students for normal classes.
More information about the Job Corps program can be found by clicking here or by calling the Center at (585) 344-6700.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 January 2022 at 10:19 am
$4 million increase in state aid among 5 school districts
The local school districts would get funding increases in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s state budget proposal.
The five school districts in Orleans County – Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina – would see a combined increase of $2,575,615 in Foundation Aid and $4,083,015 in total state aid.
The breakdown for each district includes:
Albion – Foundation Aid up 3.00 percent or by $669,226, from $22,307,559 to $22,976,785. Total state aid up 1.48 percent or by $429,558, from $28,998,219 to $29,427,777.
Holley – Foundation Aid up 6.02 percent or by $659,179, from $10,941,047 to $11,600,226. Total state aid up 7.57 percent or by $1,314,422, from $17,361,095 to $18,675,517.
Kendall – Foundation Aid up 4.52 percent or by $367,633, from $8,138,171 to $8,505,804. Total state aid up 4.54 percent or by $634,283, from $13,984,659 to $14,618,942.
Lyndonville – Foundation Aid up 4.85 percent or by $323,396, from $6,674,631 to $6,998,027. Total state aid up 5.96 percent or by $627,901, from $10,536,659 to $11,164,560.
Medina – Foundation Aid up 3.00 percent or by $556,181, from $18,539,370 to $19,095,551. Total state aid up 3.84 percent or by $1,076,851, from $18,539,370 to $19,095,551.
Hochul’s executive budget sets $31.3 billion in total school aid, which is up by $2.1 billion or 7.1 percent. That includes a $1.6 billion Foundation Aid increase and a $466 million increase in all other school aid programs.
“It’s definitely helpful for us this year, and will help us to overcome the inflationary pressures we are facing in the budget this year, particularly in heating and fuel costs,” said Mark Kruzynski, Medina district superintendent.
Medina’s increase would be 3 percent in Foundation Aid, and 3.8 percent in overall state aid. That is less than many other districts.
“While the 3 percent Foundation Aid increase isn’t the jaw dropping increase that many wealthier suburban districts are slated to receive, our Foundation Aid was not held back as much as those districts were during the previous 10 years,” Kruzynski said.
The New York State School Boards Association praised Hochul for a budget that provides at least a 3 percent Foundation Aid increase to each of the 700 school districts in the state.
“The proposed 7.1 percent school aid increase would provide $1.6 billion in additional Foundation Aid in 2022-23 and would enable individual school districts to direct the aid where it is needed most, while easing potential impacts on local taxpayers,” said NYSSBA Executive Director Robert S. Schneider. “The minimum 3 percent Foundation Aid increase Gov. Hochul has proposed for districts already at full funding also is welcome as all districts face increasing costs.”
State legislators will weigh in on the governor’s budget proposal in the coming months with a budget deadline on April 1.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 January 2022 at 8:08 am
It’s going to be cold the next two days in Orleans County, with highs of only 11 today and 12 on Friday, the National Weather Service in Buffalo said.
The wind chill values will be as low as -5 today and -10 on Friday. The overnight low will drop to 4 tonight followed -3 on Friday night.
The sharp drop from Wednesday, when temps were in the high 30s, caused snow melt. The subsequent rapid refreeze has led to slick spots on sidewalks and any untreated road surfaces, the Weather Service said.
“If you are out an about be careful as some of this ice may not be visible underneath any recent snowfall,” the Weather Service said. “Exercise caution as you head out this morning.”
Saturday is forecast to be mostly sunny with a high near 22 followed by a mostly cloudy Sunday, with a high near 25.
