By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 January 2022 at 8:53 am
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature meets this afternoon to determine the seven-member group’s leader for the next two years.
Lynne Johnson of Lyndonville has served as Legislature chairwoman for the past four years, twice chosen by her peers to two-year terms.
Bill Eick of Shelby has been the group’s vice chairman the past two years.
The Legislature will make other appointments during today’s meeting at 4:30 p.m., including the Legislature clerk and county attorney.
During the organizational meeting today, legislators will also vote on their salaries. The agenda calls for 2 percent raises with the chairperson to be paid $19,243, the vice chair’s salary at $14,550 and the other five legislators to be paid $12,828.
Legislators also are due to be reimbursed mileage for attending meetings and tending to other duties as a legislator.
Press Release, New York State Association of Counties
In anticipation of the start of the 2022 State Legislative Session that begins this week, the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) has released its 2022 Legislative Program that highlights the top county priorities for the state budget and state legislative session.
NYSAC’s program, which was developed by county delegates from across the state, includes proposed policies and legislation to restore local control over sales tax, invest in public health, and help counties deliver services with improved efficiency and lower cost to local taxpayers.
“For the last 20 months, counties have led the local response to a national emergency and proved that whether it’s protecting public health and safety, rebuilding infrastructure, protecting the environment, or providing social safety net services, its counties that get it done,” said NYSAC President Marte Sauerbrey, the Tioga County Chairwoman. “As we enter yet another year of battling the pandemic while working to rebuild and strengthen our communities, we’re asking our partners at the state level to provide the resources, flexibility and local control that counties need to serve our residents, while protecting local taxpayers.”
The Legislative Program highlights counties’ Top 5 priorities for 2022:
Ending County Sales Tax Diversion for State Aid to Municipalities (AIM)
Ensuring the County Sales Tax Diversion for Distressed Hospital Facilities Sunsets
Making Counties Whole for Federal Enhanced Medicaid Funds
Investing in Local County Health Departments
Reforming the Treatment of Individuals Deemed Incompetent to Stand Trial
The 2022 Legislative Program also details challenges and policy recommendations on a variety of policy areas impacting county government, including: children with special needs, higher education and community colleges, economic development and agriculture, the environment, gaming, general government, human services, the judiciary, local finance and tax relief, Medicaid, public employee relations, public health, mental health, public infrastructure and transportation, public safety, and veterans’ issues.
“While 2022 promises to present continued challenges from coronavirus variants and the economic shockwaves from the pandemic, it also holds immense potential to work with our partners in the state legislature and our Governor to reimagine the relationship between state and local governments,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. “We have a unique opportunity to restore balance and fairness on issues of taxation and healthcare funding, increase the flexibility to achieve more efficiency in mandated services, and secure investments in infrastructure and environmental sustainability.”
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a plan to institute term limits for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and Comptroller as the first proposal of the 2022 State of the State.
Hochul will introduce a constitutional amendment to set limits of two consecutive terms for statewide elected officials or 8 years maximum. Hochul 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.
“On day one as Governor, I pledged to restore trust in government and I have taken steps every day to deliver the open, ethical governing New Yorkers deserve,” Governor Hochul said. “I want people to believe in their government again. With these bold reforms, we will ensure New Yorkers know their leaders work for them and are focused on serving the people of this state.”
From her first day in office, Governor Hochul has taken actions to restore public trust in government:
Ethics Trainings: Governor Hochul signed an Executive Order requiring all State employees to take an ethics training course upon hiring and regularly thereafter.
FOIL Reforms: Governor Hochul implemented reforms to the FOIL process to increase transparency with journalists and members of the public. The Governor also began requiring state agencies to identify and proactively post commonly requested data, to reduce the need for FOILs in the first place
Recusal Agreements: The Governor and other senior members of her administration released the full recusal agreements they abide by.
Transparency Plans: Governor Hochul directed more than 70 executive agencies and public authorities to release public transparency plans, which are publicly posted online.
Combating Harassment And Discrimination: To improve the Executive Chamber’s response to accusations of harassment and discrimination, Governor Hochul retained an independent outside law firm to investigate all claims in a fair, unbiased manner and created a new Human Resources department.
Provided photos: Electricity/Electronics student Oliver Wilson (Medina) and Computer Technology student Xander Hernandez (Lockport) work together on a project.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – Electricity/Electronics teacher Bill Leggett and Computer Technology teacher Paul Herrmann recently had their classes collaborate at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center.
“We thought it would be a great project for the students to work on a CAT 5 network cable tester,” explained Mr. Leggett. “We decided to build them from scratch. They are professionally made equipment that can retail from $40 and up.”
Electricity/Electronics student Mike Chisler (Medina) and Computer Technology student Bryson Costich (Medina) build a network cable tester.
A network cable tester is a device that specifically is made for testing and troubleshooting the capability and reliability of cable connections. It is used by network technicians, network testers and cable verification testers.
“This is a great tool for both classes to have in their tool kit when they leave our programs,” Mr. Leggett said. “We took one apart in class and figured out how to reverse engineer it and Mr. Herrmann thought it would be a great hands-on project for his students to get involved in too. It was great seeing my students partner with his.”
Mr. Herrmann added, “This was a great opportunity for my kids. Mr. Leggett is great for these students and does a wonderful job. It was great for both of our programs.”
Electricity/Electronics student Caden Uderitz (Albion) and Computer Technology student Kayla Guerin (Lockport) team up to build a network cable tester.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 January 2022 at 11:05 am
More than 1,000 doughnuts sold, $1,000 donated in first four hours this morning in fundraiser for Theresa Karlak’s family
Photos by Tom Rivers: These doughnuts with vanilla frosting and colorful sprinkles are being sold today and on Wednesday as a fundraiser for Theresa Karlak’s family. Theresa, 18, worked at the Tim Hortons in Albion the past six months.
ALBION – The Tim Hortons in Albion wanted to help Theresa Karlak’s family after the popular employee was fatally struck by a vehicle while walking on Saturday in Eagle Harbor.
Theresa was hit by the vehicle at 8:46 p.m. Her younger sister, 13, also was hit and suffered minor injuries.
Michael Curran, a baker at Tim Hortons, puts sprinkles on doughnuts being sold as a fundraiser for Theresa Karlak’s family.
Theresa’s co-workers loved her, and wanted to help her family during this tragic time.
The employees and store owners decided to sell a special doughnut in her honor today and on Wednesday. The vanilla dipped doughnut with colorful sprinkles costs $1.25. The entire amount goes to Theresa’s family.
Theresa Karlak
More than 1,000 of the doughnuts sold within four hours this morning, and customers also gave more than $1,000 in cash donations. Many of the customers paid well above the bill and wanted the extra to go to Theresa’s family.
The fundraiser was planned to go until 5 p.m. today but there might be a sellout before 5 p.m. The fundraiser will resume on Wednesday at 5 a.m.
Theresa was well-liked for her hard-working ethic and high energy. She brought that positivity to Tim Hortons, even on the very early morning shift, which started at 3:30 a.m. After Tim Hortons she would then go to work at Tops in Albion.
“She was a morning person, there is no doubt about that,” said Michael Curran, who joined her many days as the first employees in the building. “She had a high energy level, right off the bat.”
Theresa was one of 10 children in her family. She loved to take her siblings on walks and bring them treats, the family wrote in her obituary.
Sheryl Miller, one of the bakers at Tim Hortons, gets the frosting ready for the doughnuts.
Jennifer Karbowski, one of the store owners, praised the community and her staff for their response.
“She was a sweet girl and we all wanted to help the family,” Karbowski said. “My staff has been very enthusiastic. We’re like a family and we lost somebody who we care about.”
Some of the Tim Hortons pause for a photo in the kitchen at the Albion store. In front from left include Jennifer Karbowski, Melissa Kuhn and Jenni Simpson. Back row: Nate Simpson, Jared Karbowski, Michael Curran, Sheryl Miller and Samuel Robinson.
Fund provides direct aid for residents at risk of displacement due to financial hardship caused by pandemic
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that applications are now being accepted for the New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund (NYS HAF), a program that will provide up to $539 million in aid or other direct assistance to help eligible homeowners who are at risk of default, foreclosure, or displacement due to financial hardship caused by the pandemic.
New York was the first state in the nation to receive U.S. Department of the Treasury approval to launch its program.
“For many, buying a home is the greatest source of economic and social stability, and our Homeowner Assistance Fund – the first in the nation to be approved – is a critical tool to help ease the pain of the pandemic felt disproportionately in rural communities, communities of color, and immigrant communities,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration will continue to stand by homeowners, renters and all New Yorkers every step of the way as part of our economic recovery.”
Designed and administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), NYS HAF targets low- to moderate-income homeowners who are behind on mortgage payments, property taxes, and water and sewer bills. The program is also open to owners of cooperative or condo units who are behind on maintenance fees, and manufactured homeowners behind on chattel loans, retail installment contracts or lot rents.
Applicants may receive financial assistance to catch up on missed housing payments, to reduce mortgage debt to make monthly mortgage payments more affordable, and for homeowners who are unemployed, assistance with up to six months of future housing payments.
HCR is also working in partnership with the Office of the New York State Attorney General’s Mortgage Enforcement Unit to advocate with mortgage lenders and mortgage servicers to ensure homeowners are receiving all available relief under federal and state rules. This may include extended mortgage terms, deferment of missed payments or forbearance amounts, and lower interest rates to reduce monthly payments.
The NYS HAF call center – 844-77-NYHAF (844-776-9423) – will operate Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. to assist homeowners and provide critical information about the program and instructions on how to apply.
The NYS HAF website – www.nyhomeownerfund.org – includes Frequently Asked Questions, a step-by-step application guide, and a document checklist so that applicants know what documentation may be needed to submit their application.
Last month, Governor Hochul announced the launch of the NYS HAF program website, an information call center, and a multilingual marketing campaign that is helping educate homeowners about the program and ensure all eligible New Yorkers, especially those in non-English speaking households, are ready and able to apply.
By examining previous assistance state programs, HCR designed a more streamlined application to ensure the process is simple and easy for homeowners to navigate. Efficiencies include:
Utilizing several industry-standard, third-party verification technologies that confirm applicant identification and/or ownership, and may limit the number of documents that a homeowner needs to provide as part of their application.
Allowing the application to be started, paused, and resumed later without losing data and information already entered.
Accepting signed attestations from applicants to minimize the number of documents they will need to submit.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 January 2022 at 8:01 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
RIDGEWAY – The drop well below freezing has resulted in a crop of icicles hanging inside the Canal Culvert in Ridgeway.
The tunnel, the only spot where you can drive under the Erie Canal, is located on Culvert Road, north of Route 31.
There is still some water left in the canal after being mostly drained. Some of that water slowly leaks through the culvert and turns into large stalactites of ice.
The culvert has a sidewalk inside for those who want to get up close and explore.
Traffic passes through the tunnel and many of the drivers beep their horns to let cars on the other side know they are coming – or maybe just to enjoy a popular superstition.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 January 2022 at 7:43 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
RIDGEWAY – Hannah Hill takes the oath of office as Ridgeway town clerk this afternoon. Her husband Jeremy is standing next to her and Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon administers the oath. Town Councilwoman Mary Woodruff is in back.
Hill was elected to the position in November. Karen Kaiser didn’t seek re-election.
Hill about six years ago was the second deputy town clerk under Barbara Klatt, and the water and code enforcement clerks. She then stayed at home to be with her young children.
John Olinger takes the oath as the Ridgeway highway superintendent. Town Supervisor Brian Napoli, left, and Councilman Jeff Toussaint observe in back.
Olinger was elected to a full four-year term in November. He was appointed highway superintendent on March 23, 2019, following the retirement of Mark Goheen. Olinger was first elected to a two-year term in November 2019. He has worked in the Highway Department since 2012, starting as a motor equipment operator.
Cliff Barber, left, and Jeff Toussaint take the oath as members of the Town Board. Barber is starting his first term on the board while Toussaint has been a town councilman for 25 years.
The Town Board also approved the following appointments during today’s organizational meeting:
Official depositories: Bank of Castile, Key Bank
Official newspaper: Daily News in Batavia
Budget officer and fair housing officer: Town Supervisor Brian Napoli
Law officer: Kathy Bogan for general legal work and for water districts 5 through 15; Webster, Schubel & Meier for water districts 3 & 4
Fire and building code officer: Jason Raduns
Dog control officer, registrar of vital statistics, planning/zoning board clerk: Town Clerk Hannah Hill
Zoning enforcement clerk, planning/zoning board clerk, and water billing clerk: Joelle Brown
Zoning Board of Appeals chairman: Larry Meyer; vice chairman: Raymond Wendling
Planning Board chairman: Thomas Fenton; vice chairman: Tim Elliot
Planning Board member: Thomas Kline
Assessor assistant: Julie Cecchini
Deputy of vital statistics, fixed asset officer: Laurie Kilburn
Historian: Catherine Cooper
Janitor/cleaner: White Glove Cleaning Services
Water superintendent and sewer superintendent: John Olinger
County Planning Board member: Thomas Fentor; alternate: Tim Elliot
Constables: Claude Grimes and James Wells
Glenwood Lake Commission: Gary Blackburn, James Watson and Barry Jones
Other appointments include:
Deputy Town Supervisor: Jeff Toussaint
Town Supervisor’s Bookkeeper: Millenium Roads
Deputy Town Clerk: Laurie Kilburn; Deputy Town Clerk (second): Joelle Brown
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 January 2022 at 5:28 pm
5 Covid-related deaths reported since Dec. 30 in Genesee-Orleans
The active Covid cases is up in Orleans and Genesee counties, and the two counties also have five more Covid-related deaths since the last update on Dec. 30 from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
Genesee has four deaths – one under age 65 and three over 65, and now has 162 Covid-related deaths since the pandemic started in March 2020.
Orleans has one more Covid-related death, a person over age 65, and now has had 104 residents pass away from Covid during the pandemic.
The number of active cases in the two counties also has increased from 130 in Orleans a week ago to 298 today. Genesee is up from 218 to 272 in the past seven days.
In Orleans County there are 158 new positive cases (with 51 from home tests) since Thursday. There are also 73 more recoveries or people who completed their 10-day isolation and have been removed from mandatory isolation.
In Genesee County, there are 211 new cases and 207 more recoveries since Thursday. Genesee also passed a milestone with its 10,000 case of Covid during the pandemic. The county has now had 10,198 confirmed cases.
The number of hospitalizations since last Thursday (Dec. 30) have increased from four to six in Orleans, while Genesee has dropped from 28 to 22, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 January 2022 at 3:37 pm
‘Everybody loved her,’ store manager says about Theresa Karlak
ALBION – Tim Hortons in Albion will be raising money Tuesday and Wednesday for the family of an employee who was killed on Saturday night.
Theresa Karlak
Theresa Karlak, 18, was walking on Eagle Harbor Road near the hamlet of Eagle Harbor when she was struck by a vehicle at 8:46 p.m.
She was a very dedicated employee at Tim Hortons the past six months, and recently worked the early morning shift starting at 3:30 a.m. She also worked at Tops in Albion.
“Everybody loved her,” said Tim Hortons manager Jenni Simpson. “There isn’t a single person who didn’t like her. I never heard her talk bad about anyone.”
The Tim Hortons will be selling a vanilla dipped donut with green sprinkles on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the entire $1.25 cost will go to Karlak’s family.
Simpson admired Theresa’s work ethic, especially for an 18-year-old. Simpson watched Theresa transform from being shy when she was first hired to being very talkative and funny with her co-workers and customers.
“She was a very kind person who was very driven,” Simpson said. “She loved to learn and wanted to know all of the jobs here.”
Theresa worked the drive-through, the storefront, and with preparing soups and sandwiches. She pushed to be one of two employees who arrive at 3:30 in the morning to get Tim Hortons ready to open at 4:30 with the drive-through and 5 a.m. for customers inside the store.
“I’m still in shock,” Simpson said about Theresa’s death. “She’s a great person.”
The Tops service desk in Albion also will be accepting donations for Theresa’s family.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 January 2022 at 11:14 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
GAINES – Charles Prentice Jr. takes the oath of office this morning in the Gaines Town Hall. He is joined by his wife, Laural, who is holding the Bible.
Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon administered the oath.
Prentice, 57, is a retired state corrections officer and also has worked as a paramedic for 40 years, currently working part-time with the Le Roy Ambulance Service.
Chuck Prentice signs the oath of office in the main meeting room of the Gaines Town Hall. He won a Republican primary last June and then the general election in November. He replaces Bruce Schmidt, who retired from the position.
Prentice completed a 40-hour training last month through the New York State Magistrates Association.
He will preside over town court three times a month, including for the first time on Jan. 12. He also will do arraignments at all hours of the day.
Other town officials starting new terms on Jan. 1 include Tyler Allport as town supervisor, Susan Heard as town clerk, and James Kirby and Kenneth Rush on the Town Board.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 January 2022 at 9:39 am
Niagara-Orleans League basketball action will get underway in earnest on Tuesday with a slate of five games.
The boys games will have defending champion Medina at Barker and Newfane at Albion.
The girls contests will have Barker at Medina, Albion at Newfane and Roy-Hart at defending champion Wilson.
The N-O swim season will reach the halfway point on Tuesday with Medina at Newfane, Akron at Albion and Roy-Hart at Barker.
Weekly Schedule Today Boys Basketball – Medina at Tapestry, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday Boys Basketball – Medina at Barker, 6 p.m., Newfane at Albion, 6:30 p.m. Girls Basketball – Albion at Newfane, Roy-Hart at Wilson, 6 p.m.; Barker at Medina, 6:30 p.m.; Lyndonville at Byron-Bergen, Holley at Alexander, Kendall at Oakfield-Alabama, 7 p.m. Swimming – Medina at Newfane, Akron at Albion, Roy-Hart at Barker, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday Boys Basketball – Byron-Bergen at Lyndonville, Alexander at Holley, Oakfield-Alabama at Kendall, 7 p.m. Wrestling – Medina at Newfane, Roy-Hart/Barker at Albion, Wilson at Akron, 6 p.m.
Thursday Boys Basketball – Roy-Hart at Newfane, Barker at Wilson, 6 p.m. Girls Basketball – Lyndonville at Holley, Byron-Bergen at Kendall, 7 p.m. Swimming – Akron at Medina, Albion at Barker, Newfane at Roy-Hart, 4:30 p.m. Wrestling – Holley-Kendall at Lyndonville, 6 p.m.
Friday Boys Basketball – Akron at Medina, 6:30 p.m.; Holley at Lyndonville, Kendall at Byron-Bergen, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball – Wilson at Barker, 6 p.m., Medina at Akron, Newfane at Roy-Hart,6:30 p.m.
Saturday Boys Basketball – Albion at Pembroke, 7 p.m. Wrestling – Holley-Kendall at East Rochester Tourney, Albion at St. Mary’s Duals
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 January 2022 at 9:08 am
The average price for a gallon of gas is down a cent in the past in New York State, and down 6 cents from a month ago, AAA Western and Central New York reported this morning.
Compared to a year ago, the $3.49 average price in the state is up $1.16 from the $2.33 average price in New York, AAA said.
“January typically brings the cheapest prices of the year due to low demand, so motorists could see some relief,” AAA said in a news release. “That depends on many factors including oil prices, which have a direct impact on pump prices. This morning, oil prices are up about $20 more per barrel compared to one year ago.”
In Orleans County the average price per gallon is $3.53, which is 4 cents more than the state average of $3.49. Among other GLOW counties, the average price is $3.44 in Genesee, $3.50 in Wyoming, and $3.51 in Livingston. The average prices among other larger nearby counties includes $3.42 in Niagara, $3.46 in Erie and $3.50 in Monroe.
CARLTON – Can you imagine living at a time when you would distinguish between “chopping wood at the door” and “chopping in the woods”?
Diaries written by Hosea and Sarah Ballou from 1851-1853 give an intriguing glimpse into their daily lives. Then in their mid-20s, they lived on a farm on the Oak Orchard River Road in the Town of Carlton.
Diaries are typically started with great resolve at the beginning of the year. With the passage of time, they provide a unique resource for historians as they chronicle the daily lives of ordinary people. In the 1800’s, diaries were small, and the entries brief: a listing of the day’s activities or travels, a record of purchases and sales. Early diarists had neither the time nor space for introspection.
The Ballou diaries were transcribed by Helen E. Allen, the late Town of Carlton Historian, and were published in the Albion Advertiser in 1961. We plan to share them with you over the next few months.
Journal of the Year 1851
January 1: Snow two feet, six inches deep. Snowed in the morning and blows all day. Went to the Day place to do chores and went down home. Came back and found Ralph here and went home with him to eat roast turkey. Staid (sic) all night.
(The Day place was on Kendrick Road. Hosea’s brother lived at Two Bridges. Ralph Brown was Hosea’s brother-in-law, he lived at the Brown homestead.)
January 2: Went from Ralph’s to do my chores at the Day place. Christopher brought Sarah home. Keen air.
(Christopher was another brother of Sarah’s)
January 3: Weather moderated a little. Chopped wood at the door. No one in the woods on account of the snow. Snowing quite steady.
January 4: Wind from the west and the roads drifted very bad. Snow flies all day. No work outside. George Stillwell came here in drifts up to his waist to pay me $4.50 for pork.
January 5: Weather more moderate. It began to snow at 11 a.m. Wind SW. Snow coming from the south at bedtime.
January 6: Milder, snow settles quite fast. Went to The Bridges and got an overcoat made by C.C. Wilder, costing $14.
January 7: Continued warmer and smoky with prospect of rain, depth of snow in the woods 3 feet on the level.
January 8: Warm for the season. Sold Orsenius Reed timber to the amount of twelve dollars and fifty cents.
January 9: Commenced raining and it rained till 10 o’clock. Snow settles fast, rain again at bedtime.
January 10: Colder, snow settles, freezes towards night.
January 11: Grows colder. Went to Garbutt’s sale. Paid 69 cents school tax and 72 cents letter and postage. Bid off nothing.
January 12: Warmer and thaws considerably.
January 13: Thaws fast. Snows some. Went to Waterport and from there to Lawrence’s to inquire about some hay.
January 14: Quite warm, thaws. Chopped in the woods. Mr. Thompson and wife and Mr. Littlefield and wife were here visiting this evening.
January 15: Very warm, smoky, thaws very fast. Went to Lawrence’s about some hay, then went chopping.
January 16: Staid (sic) all night down to Ralph’s.
January 17: Clear but very cold with high winds.
January 18: High winds and very cold. Got my sheep hoe from the Day place.
January 19: Cold and windy, no travel. Very dull.
January 20: Warmer with wind from the south. Chopped in the woods. Ralph brought some mackerel.
January 21: Thaws a little. Went to N.F. Simpsons after tallow but it was not ready. Make a hen coop.
January 22: Drawed (sic) some wood, sled length. Thaws fast.
January 23: Carried Sarah home to Mother’s. Carried hams to be smoked. Got 17 ¾ lbs. tallow at N.F. Simpsons, 1 ½ bushels of apples at G.C. VanRiper. Went down after Sarah, carried her to Hank Collins and got hens that I had left him.
(Tallow was used to make candles)
January 24: Went to Lawrences and got ten hundred hay and paid him five dollars.
January 25: Went to the Bridges and got some camphor. Belinda and Helen here avisiting (sic).
(Camphor was used for respiratory ailments and to ease muscle pain)
January 26: Warm and pleasant
January 27: Some colder. My birthday. Chopped a little wood at the door. Sarah went down on the flat after cattails to make candle rods.
January 28: Very cold, chopped wood at the door.
January 29: Very cold and stormy. Hardly keep warm in the house.
January 30: Very cold, stormy weather. No work out of doors.
January 31: More moderate, chopped wood at the door.
We have observed that diarists in general begin their entries with a reference to weather, which is not surprising as it so effects the tenor of the day. Weather conditions, particularly in January, would have been central to Hosea’s livelihood and indeed survival. Chopping wood was a daily necessity. We infer that he could go to the woods to chop wood when the weather was not severe, while “chopping wood at the door” indicated more inclement conditions.
We can all identify with Hosea’s January 19 entry:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 January 2022 at 11:38 am
GAINES – An 18-year-old female was killed on Saturday after being struck by a car, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke said.
Theresa M. Karlak, 18, of Albion and her sister, age 13, were walking in the northbound lane of Eagle Harbor Road near the north end of the hamlet of Eagle Harbor when they were struck at 8:46 p.m. by a vehicle operated by Zackery Harding, 24, of Albion.
Theresa Karlak was pronounced dead at the scene by County Coroner Rocky Sidari. Her younger sister had minor injuries and was treated and released at the scene by EMS.
The preliminary investigation indicates that a second vehicle had reportedly pulled over on the west shoulder, Bourke said.
As the vehicle operated by Harding went out and around that vehicle the pedestrians were struck. Conditions at the scene were dark and the heavy rain/ice may have contributed to this tragic accident, the sheriff said.
The investigation is continuing. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit, Albion Fire Department, COVA Ambulance, and the County Coroner’s Office.
CARLTON – Can you imagine living at a time when you would distinguish between “chopping wood at the door” and “chopping in the woods”?
