ALBION – The Orleans County Department of Social Services is launching the Lilypad, a Safe Harbour program that is designed to be a safe place for teens (12-18 years of age).

The Lilypad is a place for teens to land where they are supported and educated prior to launching into their future. The program will be run by the Department of Social Services staff with guest speakers and presenters.

The goal of the Lilypad is to identify youth who have been trafficked, sexually exploited, or who are at risk of victimization and to meet identified service needs of these youth.

“Orleans County DSS is aware that young people are faced with incredible challenges today,” DSS said in a press release. “As a county we would like to be able to provide information and resources to Orleans County teens about Sex Trafficking, and Sexual Exploitation, which includes online safety, grooming, commercial exploitation, etc.”

In addition to providing education and awareness, the Lilypad will be providing lessons in life skills to promote a strong foundation to help children launch into their future.

The Lilypad will be located within the Hoag Library from 4 to 6 p.m. on the following dates: March 22, March 29, April 5, April 12, April 19 and April 26. Advance registration is required.  A raffle ticket will be earned for each session that a teen completes for an opportunity to win a 14-day trip to Outward Bound.

Please contact Sharon Nenni at DSS for more information, or to register your teen, contact Sharon.Nenni@orleanscountyny.gov or 585-589-3136.

If you suspect that a child or adult is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

561 active cases goes past previous high of 334

Orleans County is reporting 381 new cases of Covid-19 since Monday, and has a new pandemic high for active cases – 561. That is well above the previous high of 334 on Dec. 9.

The new confirmed cases include 105 from home testing kits.

The county also has passed over 7,000 cases since the pandemic started in March 2020.

While the number of cases is way up, the number of people hospitalized due to Covid remains at six, the same as on Monday.

Orleans also is reporting 89 more recoveries of people who completed their 10-day isolation and have been removed from mandatory isolation.

In Genesee County the number of active cases is down from 265 on Monday to 241 today.

The county is reporting 242 new cases and 260 more recoveries. Genesee also has two more deaths from Covid, both under age 65.

Genesee’s new cases include 54 from home testing kits. The county has 22 hospitalized due to Covid, the same as on Monday.

New York State is reporting 84,202 new positive cases, which is the second highest during the pandemic. The record high is 85,476 on Dec. 31.

The state’s positivity rate over the past 7 days is 22.5 percent. In Orleans it’s 16.3 percent and in Genesee it’s at 19.9 percent.

Photos and information courtesy of Holley Central School

HOLLEY – The Holley High School National Honor Society inducted 11 students recently. They were inducted based on their application to the faculty selection committee and maintenance of a 90 percent or higher academic average.

The students must demonstrate the five qualities of NHS membership: character, scholarship, knowledge, leadership and service.

New NHS inductees are: Morgan Blosenhauer, Drew Carlston, Hunter Kaminski, Sarah Kelly, Shannon Kelly, Sara Kingdollar, Casey Onisk, Ava Quincey, Elise Quincey, Lily Sprague and Lydia Sprague.

The ceremony began with new inductees called to the front of the Holley Middle School/High School Auditorium, where they were escorted by current NHS members out of the auditorium to change into their black gowns. When they returned, new inductees joined current NHS members on stage for the ceremony. NHS officers lit the ceremonial candles and described each of the qualities of membership.

When the inductees’ names were announced, they received their membership certificates from Principal Susan Cory and signed their names in the book that maintains a record of every NHS inductee since 1938. Superintendent Brian Bartalo distributed membership pins to students’ family members. New inductees were then pinned by their family members before taking the NHS oath of membership as a group.

The guest speaker at the Induction Ceremony was Crystal Dobri, a Holley alumna and Professor of Nursing at St. John Fisher College. She was a member of NHS when she was a student at Holley. When she pursued her master’s degree at Roberts Wesleyan College, she was also part of the nursing honor society there.

Dobri reflected on her time at Holley, saying that Principal Cory was her guidance counselor and NHS Advisor Russ Albright was a first-year teacher when she was a senior. She talked about lifelong learning and all the nametags she’s had over the years as she progressed through being a student and employee in various settings.

“You’ve overcome many barriers in your time as a student,” she said. “You’ve shown your dedication to learning these last few years, and that’s what brought you here tonight. Keep growing and keep learning.”

Principal Cory congratulated the inductees and reminded them, “It’s what we do with our attitude and character that makes us successful.”

Current NHS members are: President Harleigh Andrews, Vice President Adriana Botello, Secretary Hope Falls, Treasurer Thomas Dobri, and members Kirsstin Althoff, Cora Bennage, Tatum Gagne’, Rachel Kinsey, Hayley Lipke, Grace McKeon, Broek Ostrom, Libbie Pecora and Deanna Schubmehl.

Theresa Karlak

ALBION – Maison Albion will be hosting a benefit on March 8 for Theresa Karlak’s family at the event venue, 13800 West County House Rd.

The “Tribute to Theresa” will be on Theresa Karlak’s 19^th birthday. The gathering from 5 to 8 p.m. will include a ceremonial candle lighting by the pond, light refreshments and appetizers, and a basket raffle.

Theresa was tragically killed after being struck by a vehicle while she was walking on New Year’s Day in Eagle Harbor. A vehicle struck her and also caused minor injuries to her younger sister.

Theresa’s brother Joseph Karlak works at Maison Albion, which welcomes donations from local organizations and businesses for baskets to be raffled during the event.

The gathering is free to attend but guests are encouraged to donate $19 in honor of Theresa’s 19^th birthday. Proceeds raised from the event will be given directly to the Karlak family and 19 percent of those proceeds will be donated to a local animal shelter on behalf of Theresa Karlak who had dreams of being a veterinarian.

For more information click here.

2 new legislators – John Fitzak and Ed Morgan – start their terms

Photos by Tom Rivers: Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon, back to camera, administers the oath of office to the seven Orleans County legislators on Wednesday. Pictured from left include Bill Eick, Ed Morgan, Lynne Johnson, Don Allport, Fred Miller, John Fitzak and Skip Draper.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature will continue to be led by Lynne Johnson of Lyndonville.

The owner of an accounting business was unanimously picked by the other legislators to remain as chairwoman. She has been in the role the past four years and was backed for another two-year term.

Lynne Johnson of Lyndonville was picked by her colleagues on the Legislature to remain their leader. She has been chairwoman the past four years and was backed for another two-year term. She was re-elected by voters in November for a district that includes Yates, Ridgeway and small part of Shelby.

She has been a county legislator for 14 years.

Fred Miller, the only Democrat on the seven-member board, said Johnson serves the county well in the role.

“I’m happy with what she’s doing,” Miller said.

Johnson had the added responsibility of serving as interim chief administrative officer for over three months in between when Chuck Nesbitt left for a different job and Jack Welch started in March 2020.

Johnson also represents the county in weekly phone calls with an 11-county Finger Lakes group working on responding to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Johnson, Welch and Public Health Director Paul Pettit represent Orleans in those discussions.

Legislator Skip Draper said Johnson is an effective advocate for the county, pressing for more resources, whether vaccines, Covid tests or other funding.

“She’s done an outstanding job since she has been chair,” Draper said.

He praised her for pushing through important projects, including needed infrastructure, especially a wireless broadband expansion that has been a decade in the works.

Johnson said the Legislature is a great team. Bill Eick is the vice chairman and he has stepped up even more since he retired as a plant operator at Western New York Energy.

“I’m honored to continue as chairman of the Legislature and intend to lead our efforts on moving our community forward from the pandemic, even as we must continue to deal with new strains of the virus,” Johnson said. “We must rebuild and expand our economy and provide services to those in need. The key is to work together within the Legislature and with our partners outside county government to make the best uses of our resources.”

Johnson assigned legislators to the following committees:

• Public Safety (Sheriff, Emergency Management, District Attorney, Public Defender, Probation and Courts) – Draper, Allport and Johnson
• Health (Mental Health, Public Health) – Allport, Miller and Johnson
• Highway (Department of Public Works) – Eick, Morgan and Johnson
• Home & Community Services (Planning & Development, Tourism, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Soil & Water Conservation District, Historian) – Eick, Morgan and Johnson
• Economic Assistance & Opportunity (Social Services, Office for the Aging, Veterans, Youth Bureau, Elections, and Job Development Agency) – Miller, Fitzak and Johnson
• Administration & Finance (County Clerk, Real Property Tax Services, Computer Services, Employee Assistance Program, Personnel & Self Insurance, Treasurer, County Attorney, and Economic Development Agency) – Draper, Fitzak and Johnson
• Legislative (Chief Administrative Officer, Clerk of the Legislature, Fire Advisory Board, Off-Track Betting Corp., and Safety Committee) – Eick and Johnson

“You have a lot of work in front of you,” Johnson said after announcing the committee assignments.

Bill Eick signs the oath which was administered by County Clerk Nadine Hanlon. He represents a district that includes most of Shelby and towns of Barre and Clarendon. Eick was picked to serve as the Legislature’s vice chairman. He is a retired dairy farmer who then worked 10 years as an operator at Western New York Energy’s ethanol plant.

Ed Morgan signs the oath of office while his wife Dorothy is next to him. Morgan is retired as Murray’s highway superintendent. He serves in an at-large position which is countywide.

Don Allport signs the oath. He is also an at-large legislator, covering the entire county. There are three at-large legislators, one who lives in the east side of the county (Ed Morgan), one from central (Allport), and one from the western side (Skip Draper).

Fred Miller, a retired hardware store owner in Albion, signs the oath. His district includes the towns of Albion and Gaines. Miller is the lone Democrat on the Legislature. He previously served as an Albion village trustee.

Skip Draper signs the oath. He is the Orleans County Republican Party chairman and former Shelby town supervisor.

John Fitzak signs the oath. He is joined by his sons, Alex (left) and Nick. Fitzak will retire in May as a corrections officer at the Orleans Correctional Facility. He also has owned the Albion Redemption Center the past 19 years and is working to put in fuel and marina services at the site to serve boaters along the Erie Canal. Fitzak also served five years on the Carlton Town Board.

MEDINA – Marc Shurtz, CEO of Orleans Community Health, has issued five health conscious goals which he deems achievable for 2022.

Marc Shurtz

“It’s that time of year again,” Shurtz said. “We’re all thinking about the personal goals we want to achieve over the next 12 months, and in many cases trying to become more successful than the year before. Determining how these New Year’s resolutions can be sustainable beyond January is a challenging goal, and making sure they reflect a healthy lifestyle must be a priority. Simply say you plan to lose weight by going on a diet might not be the healthiest path forward.”

The focus on the community’s collective health has never been greater, Shurtz added. The team at Orleans Community Health has put together five health conscious goals for 2022 – which are achievable.

1. Be a blood donor: A suggestion from Anne Kawski, laboratory director, is to become a blood donor. It’s no secret we’re faced with a blood shortage. To make things worse, only around 37% of Americans can donate. So for those who are in that 37%, here’s an opportunity to make a difference. Plain and simple, blood donors save lives.

2. Rethink approach to dieting: Aleigha Decker, RDN, CDN and Anna O’Keefe, RD, CDN in Clinical Dietetics suggest rethinking the annual goal of dieting. By now, we all know a diet that drastically changes one’s habits is likely not sustainable and isn’t healthy. Instead, they suggest increasing activity and trying to plan healthier meals.

3. Go to doctor for annual checkup: Nicole Helsdon, practice manager at the Albion Clinic, offers the suggestion to schedule a doctor’s visit. A yearly visit is important for many reasons, she said, and allows you to spot potential problems before they are too far along.

4. Eat more fruits and veggies: From Fredderica Fuentes, director of Nutritional Services and Clinical Dietetics, comes the suggestion to add more fresh produce to your diets. Western New York is home to a vibrant agricultural community, which includes wonderful produce. Identify local farm markets and stores that allow you to eat healthy and support local growers.

5. Get enough sleep: Leighann VanAuker, RN, MSN, ANP, FNE, director of Emergency Services and Infection Control, stresses the importance of getting some rest. There is a lot of noise around us at all times, whether it’s from the television, social media, worldly affairs, our careers or even activities in which we participate. No matter what the cause of time diminishing, it’s important to focus on getting rest and much needed sleep. Sleep deprivation can have an effect on one’s weight, immune system and cardiovascular system, among other things, VanAuker said.

“As we’re gearing up for positive things to come, it’s always important to focus on our personal well- being,” Shurtz added. “These five health-conscious goals are achievable and will help position you for a positive 2022.”

Praise for proposals to invest in agriculture, healthcare and education

Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered her State of the State address on Wednesday. Here are some of the reactions from local state legislators and leaders of organizations representing agriculture, businesses, healthcare workers and teachers.

NY Farm Bureau President David Fisher issued this statement: “Gov. Hochul announced sweeping investments in agriculture in her first State of the State Address. Her goals match what our farmers are seeking, a strengthening of our local food system, financial support for climate smart practices happening on farms across the state and easing the burden of rising labor costs that are crushing New York agriculture and limiting production. We applaud her for making agriculture a focus of her agenda.

“New York’s farms play an essential role in feeding our state, providing good jobs on and off the farm, and supporting local economies. New York Farm Bureau looks forward to seeing the details in the governor’s budget proposal and working with her and the state legislature on these goals that will allow agriculture to grow for the benefit of our entire state.”

Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia: “In a time of crisis, as we face issues related to our economy, public health and public safety, we cannot keep rehashing the same tired ideas that have proven to be ineffective solutions to serious problems.

“While I appreciate the governor’s rhetoric in support of small businesses during a time when they and our residents are leaving the state in droves, we should be talking about meaningfully cutting taxes and easing regulations to enable their success in the long-term. Of equal importance is our need to focus on restoring order to our increasingly dangerous streets, following the passage of bail reform.

“Having served as assemblyman while Gov. Hochul served as our district’s congresswoman, it would be a pleasure to work together in earnest to make New York work for everyday New Yorkers once again. We must all come together to restore the authority of our local governments and judges.”

Assemblyman Mike Norris, R-Lockport: “It was truly refreshing that a Western New Yorker addressed the Legislature as governor for the first time in over a century. I was pleased to see Gov. Hochul call for term limits for statewide elected officials and changes to the state ethics board.

“We need to address these proposals immediately in order to restore trust in our state government. However, I remain concerned about her progressive agenda being put forth and the lack of any real effort on her part to repeal these dangerous ‘bail reforms’ measures that have made our communities less safe. It’s time we get back to the basics and prioritize what is important to New Yorkers and to turn around our economy.”

New York State United Teachers President Andy Pallotta: “Gov. Hochul has brought a breath of fresh air to Albany. Her agenda sets ambitious goals for addressing the issues our state faces.

“The promise to fully fund Foundation Aid is a momentous first step toward supporting our public schools as the center of every community. Pledges to boost mental health supports and staffing levels mark a clear commitment to meeting the social-emotional needs of students. The governor also is heeding the pre-pandemic calls of educators to address staffing shortages in schools statewide and to diversify the education workforce by finding innovative ways to get more New Yorkers to take a look at teaching as a career. We will continue working with her administration to bring to life our Future Forward agenda for public schools this year.

“It is positive to see Gov. Hochul prioritize higher education and health care and propose ways to address the financial barriers that stand in the way of more New Yorkers obtaining a post-secondary education. We look forward to digging further into the details of her agenda for SUNY and CUNY.

“We await the governor’s budget proposal later this month, and we’ll continue advocating throughout the legislative session on behalf of our members in education, human services and health care who day in and day out selflessly dedicate themselves to the New Yorkers they serve.”

New York State Association of Counties President Marte Sauerbrey: “Governor Kathy Hochul laid out a wide ranging agenda to move New York forward and tackle the immense challenges that our state faces as it confronts a stubborn pandemic and unsettled economy.

“Counties welcome the new spirit of cooperation that the Governor brings to this moment and we look forward to working with her in the legislative session to advance our shared goals of ending the pandemic, strengthening our public health care system, developing our workforce to meet the needs of the modern economy, supporting local businesses and reversing our recent population decline.

“As has been proven over and over throughout this extraordinary period of history: while state leaders make laws and policies, its often up to counites to get it done. In the coming week’s we’ll be working with the Governor and the legislature to ensure that counties have the resources and flexibility we need to build a better New York State.”

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Duffy: “Governor Hochul offered an optimistic and encouraging message for the year ahead, even as Covid-19 continues to wreak havoc on businesses and communities in our region and far beyond. Now is the time to put words into action, and Greater Rochester Chamber supports the Governor’s efforts to do that.

“If we hope to revitalize our regional economy, we need to reduce taxes and mandates, encourage outside investment by incentivizing companies and individuals to come to New York, resolve the workforce shortages being faced by nearly every sector of our economy, eliminate the red tape and bureaucracy that impede business and local government from succeeding, and promote corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices that will keep New York safe and relevant.

“I applaud the proposed income and property tax cuts for the middle class that will help combat the current state of inflation. Expanding access to affordable childcare, investing one billion dollars into small businesses, and offering tax credits to cover Covid-related purchases will help to jumpstart our economy and offer respite to the thousands of businesses who have struggled these last two years.

“By far the most common issue we hear from business leaders is access to qualified talent. Up-skilling and re-skilling existing workers, partnering with school districts and higher education institutions to ensure that their curricula meet the current needs, and offering incentives to recruit and retain existing workers will prove beneficial in combatting our workforce shortages. Greater Rochester Chamber is proud to be the regional lead for talent strategy and workforce development, and we offer our full support to Governor Hochul’s efforts around workforce training.

I have faith in Governor Hochul’s ability to accomplish the goals she set out, and stand ready to help her administration make New York better and stronger than ever.”

George Gresham, President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East: “As we head into the third year of a pandemic that has lasted longer than expected, Governor Hochul’s 2022 State of the State honors the work and sacrifices that 1199SEIU members have endured.

“We are pleased to see the Governor is making a significant commitment to invest in the current healthcare workforce, increasing the number of new workers joining the workforce, and moving them along their career pathway. We are also glad to see industry-wide solutions, including a new portal for potential healthcare workers and others seeking training. While we await more details in the budget proposal, we do have key questions about support for vital safety net institutions that have provided lifesaving care during this pandemic and about how the need for permanent wage increases will be addressed.”

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul on Wednesday delivered her 2022 State of the State Address, outlining her plan for a New Era for New York.

Governor Hochul outlined nine key components of her agenda: rebuilding our healthcare economy, protecting public safety and addressing gun violence, investing in New York’s people, investing in New York’s communities, making New York’s housing system more affordable, equitable, and stable, making New York a national leader in climate action and green jobs, rebuilding New York’s teacher workforce and reimagining higher education, advancing New York’s place as a national equity model, and making critical reforms to restore New Yorkers’ faith in their government.

“As the first woman to present a State of the State address in New York, I want to make it clear I am not just here to make history – I am here to make a difference,” Governor Hochul said. “The time has come for a new American Dream. Today, we start building a better, fairer, more inclusive version that I call the New York Dream. We will create a New Era for New York by embarking on a bold, far-reaching policy agenda that advances our recovery and restores New Yorkers’ trust in government. And through all of this, I will continue to collaborate with others and deliver results for New Yorkers.”

Governor Hochul’s A New Era for New York Agenda is comprised of nine components each geared toward carrying New York State to a brighter future.

Rebuild Our Healthcare Economy to Provide Care for More New Yorkers

• $10 Billion Plan to Rebuild and Grow the Healthcare Workforce by 20 Percent

Over the next five years, Governor Hochul’s plan will rebuild and grow the healthcare workforce by 20 percent. $10 billion will be invested in the state’s healthcare sector, including more than $4 billion to support wages and bonuses for healthcare workers. Additionally, this plan will improve the career pipeline, expand access to healthcare training and education, recruit care workers to underserved areas, and strengthen home care.

Protect Public Safety and Take Strong Action Against Gun Violence

• 3-Part Agenda to Prevent and Reduce Gun Violence and Violent Crime Throughout New York State

This public safety initiative will provide state and local law enforcement with tools necessary to keep New Yorkers safe from gun violence. The Governor’s plan will invest in public safety and fund state and local policing gun safety efforts, create the Interstate Gun Tracing Consortium, and triple investment in community-based gun violence response.

Invest in New York’s People

• Tax Relief Efforts for Thousands of Small Businesses and Millions of Middle-Class New Yorkers

Governor Hochul’s plan will accelerate the phase-in of $1.2 billion in middle class tax cuts for 6 million New Yorkers by two years – to 2023 – and establish a $1 billion property tax rebate program to put money back into the pockets of more than 2 million New Yorkers who have had to endure rising costs as the pandemic has progressed. The Governor will also deliver a tax rebate for 2 million New York families and increase existing tax credits and create new ones to support food production. Governor Hochul’s efforts will also bring about $100 million in tax relief for 195,000 small businesses across New York State.

• Strengthen New York’s Workforce and Help Grow the Economy

Governor Hochul’s seven-pronged initiative will overhaul workforce development to focus on regional needs, expand access to new careers and career services, and recruit the next generation of New York’s labor force. As part of this plan, the Governor will create the Office of Workforce and Economic Development, help New Yorkers move between education and careers, expand access to apprenticeships, recruit the next generation of public servants, expand the state’s technology talent pipeline, make New York a model for the employment of workers with disabilities, and protect and strengthen worker’s rights.

• ‘Jails to Jobs,’ A New Initiative to Improve Re-Entry into the Workforce and Reduce Recidivism

Incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals are often left to their own devices upon reentrance into society. With the ‘Jails to Jobs’ program, these individuals will be connected with education, resources, and opportunities for job placement, which will improve public safety and reduce recidivism.

Invest in New York’s Communities

• Moving Forward with Major New Expansion of Transit Service in Brooklyn and Queens

The Interborough Express: The Interborough Express is a historic project that would use the existing right of way of the Long Island Rail Road owned Bay Ridge Bridge to connect transit deserts in Brooklyn and Queens. This line would connect commuters to as many as 17 subway lines, expanding access to jobs and other destinations. Governor Hochul’s plan is to move forward with the expansion by directing the Metropolitan Transit Authority to begin the environmental review process.

• Billion Dollar Rescue Plan for Small Businesses and to Strengthen New York’s Economic Recovery

After the hardship brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Hochul’s billion dollar rescue plan will invest in the growth and retention of small businesses of the future, small business tax credits for businesses that took on COVID-related expenses, seed funding to establish new businesses, provide flexible grants to early-stage small businesses, expand small business lending, and help small businesses secure contracts. The Governor also plans to propose legislation to permanently allow the sale of to-go drinks in bars and restaurants.

• $1 Billion ‘ConnectALL’ Initiative to Bring Affordable Broadband to More Than 1 Million New Yorkers

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed how inaccessible and unreliable broadband connection was for many New Yorkers, who suddenly were forced to live their lives through the internet. It is essential that all New Yorkers have equitable access to the internet, as marginalized communities are most affected by this lack of broadband access. The $1 billion ConnectALL initiative will deliver affordable broadband to millions of New Yorkers and transform the state’s digital infrastructure through new investments.

Make New York’s Housing System More Affordable, Equitable, and Stable

• Major Statewide Initiative to End the Homelessness Crisis and Address Longstanding Inequities in Housing

Our housing system is riddled with systemic inequalities that need to be addressed. Governor Houchul’s housing plan will tackle these and use public funding to expand opportunity for all. Initiatives to expand housing include utilizing Safe Options Support (SOS) teams of trained mental health practitioners that will assist in transitioning individuals living on the street into stable housing, ending the 421-a tax abatement and establishing a new, more effective program, improving housing access for renters with criminal records or negative credit history, creating an eviction prevention legal assistance program, and creating a permanent disaster recovery and resiliency unit for home rebuilding.

• Address Housing Affordability Crisis in New York State

The Governor will implement a comprehensive 5-year housing plan, a $25 billion effort to create and preserve 100,000 affordable homes, including 10,000 homes with support services for vulnerable populations. To increase access and affordability in New York’s housing market, Governor Hochul will also take major steps to construct new housing and increase density in appropriate urban areas. These steps include permitting accessory dwelling units in single-family neighborhoods, kick-starting transit-oriented development, giving New York City the authority to encourage densification, and easing restrictions on converting hotels and offices to housing.

Make New York a National Leader in Climate Action and Green Jobs

• Achieving 2 Million Climate-Friendly Homes by 2030

Buildings account for more than a third of New York’s climate pollution. Governor Hochul’s plan to achieve a minimum of 1 million electrified homes and up to 1 million electrification-ready homes is anchored by a series of legislative and policy actions. These include requiring zero on-site greenhouse gas emissions for new construction no later than 2027, providing the training programs necessary to ensure that the state has a skilled workforce to deliver these services, establishing a dedicated green electrification fund and electrifying low-income homes through the housing capital plan, among others.

• Nation-Leading $500 Million Investment in Offshore Wind

Governor Hochul announced plans to invest in offshore wind infrastructure, procure enough wind energy to power at least 1.5 million homes, initiate planning for an offshore wind transmission network, and launch the offshore wind Master Plan 2.0 Deep Water. This will ensure that the state has the strongest offshore wind energy market along the Eastern Seaboard. The Governor’s plan for offshore wind will support more than 6,800 jobs, a combined economic impact of $12.1 billion statewide, and more than 4.3 gigawatts of energy, enough to power nearly 3 million homes in New York.

Rebuild New York’s School System and Reimagine Higher Education

• Invest in New York’s Students, Teachers and Schools

To rebuild New York’s teacher workforce, Governor Hochul plans to emphasize recruiting and retaining teachers throughout the state. The Governor will also take action to accelerate the teacher certification process and increase funding for K-12 education. This plan also includes providing incentives to attract teachers and school workers, providing learning and mental health grants, creating a state teacher residency program, and upskilling teacher support workers to earn their certifications.

• Increase Access to Childcare for 100,000 Families and Invest $75 Million in Wages for Childcare Workers

Affordable childcare is essential to give children the best possible chance at success while providing parents the ability to participate in the workforce. While Governor Hochul believes that the federal government must pass Build Back Better to expand childcare coverage for New York families, if they do not she will propose an expansion of access to childcare. This would impact 100,000 families across New York by increasing eligibility from 200 percent of the federal poverty line to 225 percent. The Governor’s plan also includes a $75 million in better pay for childcare workers.

• Revitalizing SUNY and Secure Its Place as a Globally Recognized Higher Education Institution

Governor Hochul’s plan to revitalize the State University of New York System is wide ranging and extensive. The plan includes making the institution a global leader on research and innovation, ensuring SUNY serves students well, and prioritizing equality within the SUNY system. This transformation will set students on a path to economic success and focus on equity so that all may thrive with a SUNY education.

Advance New York’s Place as a National Equity Model

• Equity Agenda to Promote Anti-Hate, Racial Equity, and Justice for All New Yorkers

The Equity Agenda will advance a wide-ranging plan to promote and support gender equity, racial equity, anti-hate, social justice, the LGBTQIA+ community, immigrants and new arrivals, and veterans with the goal of protecting the health, safety, economic opportunities, and fundamental dignity of every New Yorker—in short, to make the New York Dream into a reality.

Make Critical Reforms to Restore New Yorker’s Faith in Their Government

• Propose Constitutional Amendment to Limit All Statewide Elected Officials to Two Terms and Ban Outside Income

By introducing a constitutional amendment, Governor Hochul plans to limit the roles of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and Comptroller to two consecutive terms. The Governor will also propose legislation to impose a ban on earned outside income for the same statewide elected officials, with an exception for academic positions that must receive ethics board approval.

• Replacing JCOPE with a New Independent Ethics Agency

To restore the people’s trust in their government, Governor Hochul plans to introduce legislation to repeal and replace the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) with an ethics entity that is truly independent and transparent. This entity will be subject to Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests and the Open Meeting Laws, increasing and improving transparency. This plan will also ban outside communications so that members of the entity will be prohibited from participating in ex-parte communications regarding any potential or ongoing investigation.

GoFundMe also established for Theresa Karlak’s family

Theresa Karlak is shown in a photo on a GoFundMe established to help her family.

ALBION – Tim Hortons in Albion sold 3,500 doughnuts in the past two days in a benefit for Theresa Karlak’s family.

Theresa, 18, worked at Tim Hortons the past six months. She was killed on Saturday night after being struck by a car while she was walking with her younger sister in Eagle Harbor.

Theresa was a popular employee at Tim Hortons, who started her workday at 3:30 a.m.

“Thank you to the community that supported the Karlak Family through this fundraiser,” Jennifer Karbowski, co-owner of the Tim Hortons, posted on the Orleans Hub’s Facebook page. “We sold over 3,500 donuts over the last 2 days. It has been an overwhelming response. Thank you for your love and support during this time.”

The doughnuts sold for $1.25 each and all proceeds will go to Theresa’s family. Many customers also made cash donations to help her family.

Theresa’s sister Sarah Karlak also started a GoFundMe to help the family with funeral costs and to pay for a headstone.

“There are no words to describe the pain we are feeling at the loss of our sweetest angel who was taken too soon from us,” Sarah writes on GoFundMe.

Theresa loved animals and wanted to be a veterinarian. Tim Hortons was one of her three jobs. She was saving money to go to college.

“To our littlest Tiny T we love you so much,” Sarah writes. “There is nothing in this world we wouldn’t give to see you one more time and tell you how much we love you.”

Press Release, Supportive Care of Orleans

Julie Kumiega

ALBION – Supportive Care of Orleans, formerly Hospice of Orleans, is pleased to welcome Julie Kumiega as its new chief executive officer.

Kumiega’s first day was Jan. 1 and she hit the ground running, meeting with former director Elisa Chambery. Having taken on the position as CEO in June 2021, Chambery has announced her retirement from healthcare; her last day will be Jan. 20.

Working in the health care industry all her adult life, Kumiega was the director of patient services at the Alzheimer’s Association-WNY before serving as an administrator at both Heathwood Assisted Living & Memory Care and Elderwood in Williamsville.

“I always wanted to help people,” Kumiega said. “I started out with my undergrad in psychology and from there my passion grew.”

Kumiega graduated from the University of Phoenix in 2008 with her master’s in health administration and currently plans to have her doctorate in health administration by the end of 2023.

Born and raised in Corfu, Kumiega says this small rural county and hospice hold a special place in her heart.

“It has been a huge passion of mine to make healthcare more accessible for patients, families, and staff,” Kumiega said. “Supportive Care of Orleans is one way I can help.”

Dedicated to supporting the community, the staff, our patients, and their families during a difficult end of life journey, Kumiega said it is her goal to assist in providing supportive care opportunities to all.

Test kits also can be picked up at County Office Building

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

ALBION – New York State has provided Orleans County Emergency Management Office with free at-home Covid test kits to distribute to residents.

Starting Thursday, Jan. 6, each town hall and the Orleans County Office Building will have a limited supply of Covid test kits to distribute to their residents during normal business hours until the kits are gone.

Please note all the school districts have received kits for their students and will distribute according to their respective plans.  A maximum of two kits per family will be distributed at the following locations:

• Orleans County Office Building: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Albion Town Hall: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. and noon to 3 p.m.
• Albion Village Hall: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Barre Town Hall: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Carlton Town Hall: Tuesday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon
• Clarendon Town Hall: 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.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon
• Gaines Town Hall: Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Monday from 5 to 7 p.m.
• Holley Village Hall: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Kendall Town Hall: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (closed from noon to 12:45 p.m.)
• Lyndonville Village Hall: Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed daily from 12:30 to 1 p.m.)
• Medina Village Hall: Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Murray Town Hall: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon
• Ridgeway Town Hall: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Shelby: Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Yates Town Hall: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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. A case investigator will contact the individual to determine any potential contacts, check on the individual’s health and provide guidance on their isolation.

Please answer the phone and be able to provide information regarding potential contacts when called. Also note, depending on our caseload, it may be one to three days before you are called.  It is important to continue with self-isolation from household members as much as you are able. 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.

Genesee Community College announced this afternoon it will be closing all campus sites on Thursday due to the “high likelihood of inclement weather and travel disruption.”

The campus centers will operate remotely. Those sites include Medina, Batavia, Arcade, Dansville, Lima and Warsaw.

Buildings & Grounds and Campus Safety personnel are expected to report to campus as scheduled, GCC said.

A lake effect snow warning is in effect from 7 p.m. today until 1 a.m. on Friday for Erie and Genesee counties with 8 to 15 inches of snow expected with winds gusting as high as 40 to 45 miles per hour. Albion and Orleans County are expected to get 2 to 3 inches of snow.

KENDALL – Town officials who are starting new terms take the oath of office on Tuesday.

Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata is starting his ninth year as town supervisor after being elected to a fifth two-year term.

The town has completed four water districts since Cammarata became supervisor. He is pushing for another district. The boundaries or roads haven’t been determined yet.

The town will work with LaBella Associates to identify possible roads for the district. Cammarata said the roads don’t need to be adjacent or connect to others in the water district.

The engineering firm will be tasked to look at all areas of the town without public water and put together a water district proposal “that gives us the biggest bang for our buck,” Cammarata said today.

The water district will be subject to a public hearing and residents will have opportunities to provide feedback on the project.

Paul Jennings, a new member of the Town Board, takes the oath. He replaces Bruce Newell, who remains a Kendall town official serving as chairman of Planning Board.

The biggest public works project for Kendall will be a new sewer system to serve about 125 residences along the lakeshore.

The state committed to paying 95 percent of a $9,053,000 project as part of the Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative. However, the project now could top $14 million and the state hasn’t been willing to pay 95 percent of the cost beyond the $9 million.

The cost is up due to supply-chain issues and the higher cost of materials, Cammarata said.

He is working with local state legislators and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer’s Office to line up additional grants for the project.

The project would solve the problems for lakeside residences with septic issues west of West Kendall Drive, including along Lomond Shore West, Edrose Shore, Knapp Shore, Thompson Drive, and near Lakeland Beach Road and Bald Eagle Drive in the Town of Kendall, plus residences near Beachwood Park Road in the Town of Hamlin. This project will connect these areas to a sanitary sewer and convey wastewater to a treatment facility.

“This is the single largest project the town has ever put its arms around,” Cammarata said.

Wayne Martin takes the oath for another four-year term on the Town Board.

Town Clerk Amy Richardson is sworn in for another term as town clerk.

ALBION – A Holley man who injured a Medina police officer was sentenced today to 5 years in state prison, plus 5 years of post-release supervision.

William A. Nichols II, 28, was charged after attacking a Medina police officer on March 12. He was charged with second-degree assault, intent to damage property and resisting arrest.

As part of a plea agreement he faced a maximum of 3 to 5 years in prison, plus post-release supervision.

His attorney, Public Defender Joanne Best, asked for 3 years of prison for Nichols, who was sentenced as a second-felony offender. She said he was in a drug treatment program and had reduced his drug use significantly at the time of his arrest.

She said Nichols has been incarcerated several times and has never been on probation or parole, where she said the supervision will help him.

The Medina police officer who was injured by Nichols hasn’t been able to return to work yet.

Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church gave Nichols the maximum sentence. The judge cited Nichols’ previous criminal history and the nature of the latest offense.

In other cases in County Court today:

• A husband and wife from Rochester were both sentenced after they were charged on Aug. 16, 2020 after a traffic stop in Medina and had fentanyl in their vehicle. They were charged with criminal possession of a narcotic drug with intent to sell.

Pedro Gratacos, 46, was sentenced to sixnths in Orleans County Jail plus 5 years of probation. He has a prior criminal record.

His wife, Clementina Gratacos, 40, has no prior record. She was sentenced to a year on probation.

Her attorney cited her community involvement as a business owner who organizes back-to-school events and community Thanksgiving dinners.

“She is not going to be a repeat customer in this court or any other court,” said her attorney, Joseph Damelio.

• Melissa Kuhn, 20, of Holley admitted to violating terms of her probation by not reporting to probation soon after being released from county jail and also by communicating with a co-defendant who she was forbidden to talk with.

Kuhn was on probation after admitting to being the driver for people in a burglary on Fruit Avenue in Ridgeway.

She will be sentenced later this month for third-degree burglary.

• Paul Gulczewski, 28, formerly of Ridgeway but now an Albion resident, was arraigned on criminal possession of weapon in the second degree for a loaded firearm, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree for an illegal ammunition clip, reckless endangering in the first degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and acting in a manner injurious to a child under 17.

He was charged on Sept. 1 after police were called with reports of gunshots from a Ridgeway residence. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and is free on $5,000 cash bail or bond.

• Jacoun Harden, 35, of Holley and formerly of Medina, was charged with criminal possession of weapon in the second degree for having a loaded firearm. He pleaded not guilty.

Judge Church also issued three orders of protection. Harden remains free after posting $1,000 cash bail.

‘Democrat One-Party Rule has been nothing short of a disaster for New York State’ – Rob Ortt

Photo courtesy of Rob Ortt’s office: Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt; Middle L-R: Senators Peter Oberacker, Sue Serino, Daphne Jordan, Jim Tedisco, Pam Helming and Mario Mattera; Back L-R: Senators Mike Martucci, Alexis Weik, Ed Rath, Dan Stec, Tom O’Mara and George Borrello.

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

ALBANY — The New York State Senate Republican Conference today officially released its “Take Back New York” 2022 legislative agenda.

A response to the neglect and decline of our state created by Democrat One-Party Rule, Take Back New York would restore balance and common sense to government while vigorously rejecting the extreme policies of the past three years.

“Democrat One-Party Rule has been nothing short of a disaster for New York State,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “From escalating taxes to blatant pro-criminal policies and extreme government overreach, it’s become harder than ever to live in our communities — something reflected in the growing exodus of our fellow New Yorkers. It’s more vital than ever, for them, that we take back our state from out-of-touch politicians and restore some sanity and common sense to our government. Take Back New York 2022 is the first step in accomplishing that and restoring our reputation as the Empire State.”

Take Back New York 2022 is a comprehensive agenda that helps grow our local and state economies, provides financial breathing room for middle-class families and small business owners and makes public safety an urgent priority. If enacted, Take Back New York 2022 would:

• Offer a better quality of life for all New Yorkers by repealing bail reform and supporting law enforcement and crime victims, as well as expanding and ensuring access to a quality education for all our children;
• Make New York more affordable for every resident by cutting our highest-in-the-nation tax burden and enacting a series of measures that lower childcare and the day-to-day cost of living in our state;
• Develop a strong workforce for a strong economy through substantive training and development programs, and a major commitment to our family farms;
• Improve our business climate and expand economic opportunity by cutting burdensome regulations, investing in physical infrastructure and broadband statewide, and moving toward a cleaner energy future;
• Ensure security for our vulnerable populations by securing funding for our veterans, providing needed resources to our seniors and their caregivers, combating the opioid crisis and better treating mental wellness; and
• Restore accountability to the state government in the aftermath of disgraced ex-Gov. Cuomo’s rampant abuses of power.

For more details on the New York State Senate Republicans’ Take Back New York 2022 agenda, click here.