The Orleans Digital Literacy initiative has partnered with all the local libraries in Orleans County as meeting space for members of the community to meet tech mentors and receive tech help, according to Kathryn Leach from Cornell Cooperative Extension, who is coordinating the Digital Literacy program.

Members of the public can stop by with any tech questions, meet mentors and schedule tech mentoring. There will also be information guides which people can take home. An example includes tips on what to do if a cell phone or computer isn’t working well, and tips on how families can monitor their children’s technology use and keep their kids safe.

Participating are our tech mentors from Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Orleans County Career Center, Orleans County Adult Learning Services, Orleans County Office of the Aging and Hoag Library.

The tech mentoring educational program is administered by the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension and Leach will be at all the events. The program is funded by a grant obtained by United Way of Orleans County and executive director Dean Bellack will also attend.

The schedule of tech help events is as follows for January:

• Saturday, Jan. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Yates Community Library in Lyndonville.
• Monday, Jan. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Yates Community Library in Lyndonville.
• Thursday, Jan. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hoag Library in Albion.
• Saturday, Jan. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon at Hoag Library in Albion.
• Tuesday, Jan. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.
• Saturday, Jan. 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.
• Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Community Free Library in Holley.
• Saturday, Jan. 29 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Community Free Library in Holley.

In February, dates are:

• Saturday, Feb. 5 from 5 to 11 a.m. at Yates Community Library.
• Monday Feb. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Yates Community Library.
• Tuesday, Feb. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lee Whedon-Memorial Library in Medina.
• Saturday, Feb. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.
• Thursday, Feb. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hoag Library in Albion.
• Saturday, Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon at Hoag Library in Albion.
• Wednesday, Feb. 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Community Free Library in Holley.
• Saturday, Feb. 26 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Community Free Library in Holley.

These events at local libraries will be a chance to meet people and spread the word about the tech mentoring services being provided through Cornell Cooperative Extension and United Way of Orleans County.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – This decorated car was part of the debut “Santa’s Coming Home” light parade in Albion today.

The procession included about 30 vehicles. They started from the parking lot at COVA and the Arnold Gregory Office Complex on South Main Street and went north before turning onto East Bank Street. Then children were welcome to visit with Santa in the Albion firehall.

Rose Friedl, right, and Chelsea Arnold worked together to help organize the parade, along with others. They are shown with Friedl’s display.

They were pleased with the turnout for the debut event, which was organized in the past three weeks.

“I’m so happy and so excited,” Friedl said.

She wants to see Albion celebrate its role as home of a Santa Claus School run by the late Charles Howard from 1937 to 1966.

Chelsea Arnold decorated her car with a National Lampoon’s Vacation theme, including a cutout of Clark Griswold in the front passenger seat.

About 30 vehicles decorated for the parade with lights and characters. This photo shows one of the vehicles turning onto East Bank Street.

Last Saturday’s Barre Lighted Tractor Parade was cancelled due to the powerful winds. Two of the tractors usually in that parade made the trip to Albion.

The tractors turn from Main onto East Bank.

This group has fun on a float from LoMay Mo Llamas in Oakfield.

COVA Ambulance was among the participants in the parade.

This vehicle had Darth Vader spreading holiday cheer.

Santa rides in style on his way to the Albion fire hall where he met with youngsters and gave them presents.

Addie Rotoli, 5, of Pavilion shares her Christmas wish with Santa.

Twin brothers Lexington and Roman Prigden, 3, of Albion get ready to meet Santa in the fire hall.

Provided photos

MEDINA – Linda Moore of 405 Park Ave. (above) has been declared Grand Champion of Medina’s Village of Lights contest.

More than a dozen homeowners and several businesses entered this year’s competition.

Pat Payne, who coordinated the contest, has announced the winners in Residential and Business categories.

In the Residential Category, Sara Paige of 500 South Academy St. won Christmas Spirit – Traditional; Julie and Joe Granchelli of 121 Zacher Drive won Christmas Spirit – Innovative; Cindy Watson of 935 Gwinn St. was named Most Whimsical; Amanda and Dan Costich of 421 West Oak Orchard St. won for Best Use of Lights; Michelle Wiseman and Christine Nenni of 169 State St. won Probably Visible from Space; Kellie Watson of 528 Bates Rd. won Contemporary; and the Grand Champion prize went to Linda Moore of 405 Park Ave.

Runners-up were Gary Lamar of 900 West Ave.; Travis Farewell of 104 Roseland Ave.; Diane Arndt of 1150 Gwinn St.; Kody and Paige Clark of 518 West Center St.; Alisha Schwarzott of 425 Park Ave.; and Terri Moriarty of 607 West Center St.

In the Business Category, ATB Staffing at 534 Main St. won Christmas Spirit; and Modern Mercantile at 135 East Center St. won Community Spirit.

Pictures of all the winners can be found on 2021 Village of Lights website.

Julie and Joe Granchelli won Christmas Spirit – Innovative in the Village of Lights contest for their home at 121 Zacher Dr.

This home of Michelle Wiseman and Christine Nenni at 169 State St. was named Most Visible from Space in the Medina’s Village of Lights contest.

The home of Sara Paige of 500 South Academy St. won in the Christmas Spirit – Traditional category.

Modern Mercantile at 135 East Center St. won Community Spirit.

Cindy Watson of 935 Gwinn St. won Most Whimsical.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Kaylee Lacey, a senior from Medina High School, is among 25 in New York State to be nominated for the US Presidential Scholars Program.

Kaylee Lacey

State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa made the announcement on Thursday.

The recognition is one of our nation’s most prestigious honors for high school students.

“We were extremely excited to find out that one of our 12th grade AVID students, Kaylee Lacey, was selected from our district,” said Medina High School Principal Michael Cavanagh. “We know Kaylee has worked extremely hard and definitely deserves this incredible honor. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Director of School Counseling Audralee Doll for nominating her to the state.”

“Kaylee is one of our most outstanding students at Medina High School,” Mrs. Doll said. “Going above and beyond in every way possible, Kaylee is not only salutatorian among her cohort, but she will also graduate with a New York State Honors Regents Diploma with an Advanced Designation in Science – a title so rare that only few have reached this distinction in previous years.”

Kaylee will also be presented with two District awards, the James Perry Craft, Jr. School of Mathematics and Science and the John Ryan School of Historical Excellence.  Her school activities include Drum Major of the Marching Band, Impact Club, Conservation Club, Swim Team and Softball Team.

After graduation, Kaylee plans to attend school to become a pharmacist.

Photos and information courtesy of Albion Central School

ALBION – Community Action of Genesee & Orleans staff this morning received many donated items collected from students at the Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School.

Students in Mrs. Joan Mrzywka’s third grade class and students in Mrs. Toni Plummer’s health class led the initiative. After contacting Community Action to see what items were most needed, the elementary school gathered donations of personal care items, winter wearables and pet food and supplies.

In all, the school collected 218 toothbrushes, 130 tubes of toothpaste, 50 deodorants, 100 pet items and countless hats, mittens, scarves and socks, as well as some toys. A group of students made the trip over to Community Action to donate the items this morning.

Pictured with students include from left: Michelle Figueroa, Community Action case manager; Cameron Richardson, head custodian in back; third grade teacher Joan Mrzywka; and Katrina Chaffee, Community Action director of community services and reporting.

Mrs. Plummer’s classes discuss empathy, gratitude and becoming a change in the world, lessons that play a big role in the holiday season. The giving tree was a great way for all elementary students to have a chance to help community members.

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee’s mission is to provide services, with dignity and respect, that help people become self-sufficient. The organization has helped low-income and disadvantaged individuals and families for more than 40 years.

ALBION – A caravan of vehicles decorated in lights and Christmas displays will be part of a debut “Santa’s Coming Home” parade in Albion today.

The community is welcome to decorate cars and other vehicles and show up at the Arnold Gregory Office Complex on South Main Street at 5:30 p.m.

At 6 p.m. the vehicles will head down Main Street and then turn on Bank Street.

Rose Friedl has taken the lead in organizing the event with help from Angie Wolfe, Cassie Dash, Tim McMurray, Angel Javier Jr. and Kevin Sheehan.

The community is welcome to line up on the parade route to see the display. Afterwards, Santa will be at the Albion fire hall on Platt Street giving out presents.

Many of the Albion businesses also will be staying open until 9 p.m. today.

Photo and information from Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – Did someone say Christmas cookies? It appears Santa Claus caught wind that James Atzrott’s Culinary Arts students were making some holiday treats and popped in for a visit.

Santa (Board of Education President Ed Grabowski) stopped into the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center to wish everyone happy holidays.

RIDGEWAY – The Town of Ridgeway will continue to hold in-person town meetings with masks required, and will also offer the option to call in via telecommunications.

Until further notice the public may call 585-798-0730 and dial 401 (PIN number 1234#) to connect to the meeting at the Town Hall. There will be no video, but anyone may listen and comment when appropriate.

Senator was in Holley on Aug. 16, touting $8 million in broadband funding for Orleans, Niagara counties

Photo by Tom Rivers: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer speaks during a news conference on Aug. 16 in Holley’s Public Square. He is joined by Assemblyman Steve Hawley, left, and other officials from Orleans County, the Village of Holley, Town of Murray and Community Free Library.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer has again visited all 62 counties in the state this year – for the 23^rdtime since he has been senator.

He did it in 2021 despite his increased demands as Senate majority leader and the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Schumer said he is the first state-wide elected official to visit every single county in New York each year he has been in office.

Schumer was in Orleans County on Aug. 16 when he met with local elected officials to highlight $8 million in American Rescue Plan funds going to Orleans and Niagara counties to close high-speed internet gaps.

“Twenty-three years ago when I made the promise to visit every county every year, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine doing it as Majority Leader, let alone in the midst of a global health and economic pandemic,” Schumer said. “Although I’ve gained a new title as Majority Leader this year, my favorite two remain: New York senator, and more importantly, New Yorker.

Over the course of the year, Schumer made 93 county visits to Upstate New York and Long Island. He visited counties in the Capital Region 14 times; Western New York 7 times; Central New York 10 times; the Rochester-Finger Lakes 14 times; the Southern Tier 10 times; the Hudson Valley 14 times; the North Country 9 times; and Long Island 15 times. In addition, due to Covid travel restrictions, which greatly reduced the number and frequency of visits this year, Senator Schumer also conducted countless virtual meetings with groups and residents across New York.

“As New York continues to feel the impacts of a global health pandemic, visiting all 62 counties pushed me to fight even harder to help New Yorkers recover and build back stronger,” Schumer said in a news release. “Over this year, much has changed – the American Rescue Plan I led to passage provided New York the robust Covid relief needed to help jump start our recovery. To name but two elements, we passed a historic Childhood Tax Credit that cut child poverty in half, and we passed billions for Save Our Stages, which provided a vital lifeline to all our cultural organizations and performance spaces that were the first to close and last to open. We passed the largest investment in infrastructure in our nation’s history, which will repair and upgrade New York’s road, bridges, highways, transportation, broadband, and water systems like never before.”

In addition to the broadband funding for Orleans, locally Schumer highlighted his assistance in helping to convince Plug Power to build a $290 million electricity substation and state-of-the-art green hydrogen fuel production facility at the STAMP park in the Town of Alabama, Genesee County.

He also noted to secured VA approval for a $10 million expansion of the WNY National Veteran Cemetery in Pembroke.

In recent years some of Schumer’s stop in Orleans County included:

• On Nov. 19, 2020, Schumer held a press conference at Medina Memorial Hospital to highlight his push for federal funds to be released for more Covid testing sites, especially in rural communities like Orleans.
• On Nov. 27, 2019, Schumer visited Miller’s Organic Hemp Farm on Route 98 in Carlton to discuss the emerging hemp industry and the need for federal government to improve regulations for sampling and testing hemp. Terry and Gina Miller hosted Schumer’s visit to their farm.
• Schumer was at the Village of Holley Police Department on Aug. 24, 2018 when he was in Orleans County. He launched a push to pass the “Providing Officers with Electronic Resources (POWER) Act” as part of a package of bills to address the opioids crisis across Upstate New York and the United States.
• The senator stopped in Kendall on Oct. 9, 2017 at the Eagle Creek Marina to highlight a push for federal funds for infrastructure updates that will improve Great Lakes fisheries and restore habitats through the Great Lakes Aquatic Connectivity and Infrastructure Program Act.
• On Nov. 11, 2016, Schumer joined Nelson Leenhouts, chairman and CEO of Home Leasing, to discuss the importance of keeping federal tax incentives for redeveloping historic sites, including the former Holley High School. Those tax credits were an importance piece in allowing Home Leasing to complete the $17 million renovation. Schumer also observed Veterans Day at the Holley VFW earlier that day.
• Anthony Piedimonte Farms in Hulberton hosted Schumer on June 29, 2015 to discuss a June 9 computer crash of the federal system that processes temporary farm-working visas. Schumer joined local farmers and urged the U.S. Department of State to fix the computer glitch. That computer crash created a backlog of stalled applications and prevented farms across the state from accessing legal temporary workers to harvest their crops.
• Aug. 14, 2014, Schumer was in Holley at the former Diaz Chemical, where he pressed the federal EPA to continue a Superfund cleanup.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Bill Robinson of the Albion Lions Club took a two-hour shift this afternoon at Tops in Albion, ringing the bell for the annual Red Kettle campaign. Lions Club members have been there throughout the day.

Last year there weren’t bell ringers due to Covid concerns. Instead, residents were encouraged to give to the campaign through counter-top kettles that were placed in many local stores.

This year the bell ringers are back.

The proceeds from the Red Kettle campaign go to serve people in crisis in Orleans County. The campaign usually raises about $25,000 which is administered by Community Action.

Positivity rate for Covid tests also dips below 10 percent in Orleans

The number of active Covid cases is down below 500 in Genesee and Orleans counties to 458 today, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported this afternoon.

That is down from 534 on Monday and 620 a week ago on Dec. 9.

Orleans County also reached a milestone today with its percent of positive Covid tests falling below 10 percent to 9.8 percent. Genesee is at 11.2 percent, which remains near the top in the state, exceeded only by Allegany at 11.4 percent, Oswego at 11.6 percent, and Lewis at 12.8 percent. The state-wide rate is 5.1 percent in the past seven days.

Since Monday Orleans has 95 new positive cases, and 116 more recoveries or people who completed their 10-day isolation and have been removed from mandatory isolation.

Orleans currently has 12 people hospitalized due to Covid. The Health Department said there is another death of a community member from Covid, a person over 65. That is the 100^thCovid death from Covid in the county since the pandemic started in March 2020. Last year there were 62 deaths and this year there are 38 so far.

Genesee is reporting 159 new positive cases and 197 more recoveries. The county also has 33 people hospitalized due to Covid and has had two more residents die from Covid, one under 65 and one older than 65. Genesee has now had 151 die during the pandemic.

Julie Christensen has led district past 15 years

Photos by Tom Rivers: Julie Christensen hugs Linda Rak, a retired reading teacher at Kendall. Rak was among current and former teachers and staff who celebrated Christensen during a retirement reception on Wednesday evening at the school.

KENDALL – Julie Christensen said she has attended 500 Board of Education meetings in the past 20 years, which includes 15 years as Kendall’s school district superintendent and five years as an assistant superintendent at gates-Chili.

Wednesday was her final meeting as school superintendent at Kendall. She is retiring on Dec. 31. She was honored during a retirement reception prior to Wednesday’s board meeting.

“She has done a phenomenal job for us,” said Lisa Levett, the Board of Education president.

She praised Christensen for leading the district through major capital projects, curriculum and technology changes, and the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic the past two years. Kendall was able to offer in-person education all five days for all students during the 2020-21 school year when many other districts were on a hybrid or remote schedule.

Kaitlyn Catone, a seventh- and eighth-grade teacher at Kendall, chats with Julie Christensen at the retirement reception.

Catone is a Kendall graduate and returned to teach in her hometown.

“I have nothing but good things to say about her,” Catone said. “She is always warm and welcoming. She made it easy to come back home.”

Christensen is holding a book with 200 suggestions on how to spend retirement. The book includes ideas from students, teachers and staff.

Christensen also was given a wooden artwork display made by teacher Jeff Decker and student Evan Levett. It was made using wood from the old school bleachers.

Julie Christensen laughs with teachers and staff at the reception.

Heather Tomasino, the Kendall faculty Association president, praised Christensen for steady leadership and pushing student achievement.

Tomasino said Christensen led the district for deep state aid cuts in 2010, and was able to maintain programs for students. Christensen was able to reduce taxes for the community while spearheading technology upgrades and overhaul of the school campus.

“She has kept the tax rate low for community members and still provided opportunities for our students,” said Tomasino, a middle school special education teacher. “All of our students are on 1 to 1 devices and many rural schools have that.”

Christensen led the district through $40 million of capital construction projects in the past decade, as well as lofty academic standing. Kendall is routinely recognized by the U.S. News and World Report for its academic performance and the district typically has a 100 percent graduation rate.

Teachers and staff stand and applaud Julie Christensen for her service to the Kendall community.

Nick Picardo will take over superintendent on Jan. 1. He started at Kendall 16 years ago as a social studies teacher and boys soccer coach. Christensen encouraged him as he became a school administrator, first as the coordinator of Student Services and chairman of the Committee on Special Education at Kendall. He is currently the executive director for Student Services and Athletic Director.

“She has provided me with an opportunity and had faith in me,” Picardo said.

He praised her for mentoring other administrators, including former Kendall Elementary Principal Sharon Smith who is becoming Lyndonville’s interim school superintendent and Elba Superintendent Gretchen Rosales, who was Kendall’s instructional support specialist and middle school department chair.

Picardo said Christensen leaves the Kendall district in great shape with strong support from the community.

“I want to just continue with what’s been built here,” he said. “We have great staff and kids.”

Lisa Levett, the BOE president, thanked Christensen for a “phenomenal job” at Kendall.

Christensen, in her remarks at the reception, said she has hired the majority of Kendall’s current staff. They have proven to be student-focused.

She thanked the community, teachers and staff for a joint effort in creating a caring and successful school district.

She said she won’t miss the frequent red tape and often changing guidelines from the State Education Department, Health Department and government agencies.

“The people and the kids, that’s what matters at the end of the day,” she said.

Albion Correctional provides gifts for children of young mother killed in October

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Cameron Richardson, custodian at Community Action in Albion, stands in a hallway full of boxes he taped together and helped fill for families at Christmas.

ALBION – The holiday time is incredibly busy at Community Action of Orleans and Genesee.

As Christmas day rolls closer, staff at Community Action have been taken applications for holiday assistance, packing boxes of food for families and filling bags with presents for children.

The halls in the office at 411 East State St. are lined with food boxes and offices are piled high with bags full of gifts.

On Tuesday afternoon, Community Action was involved in a very special donation.

For four years, the Albion Correctional Facility has adopted a family and provided enough toys and gifts which Santa would admit would fill his sleigh.

Yeshua Nunez-Rexach, 16, and his brother Yelian will receive gifts and toys for Christmas donated by Albion Correctional Facility.

This year, the correctional facility chose to help the family of Cristal Nunez-Rexach, the 33-year-old mother who was killed Oct. 15 on Route 104 in an accident with a tractor trailer.

Nunez-Rexach left behind two children, Yeshua, 16, and Yelian, 13.

Her story is heartbreaking for Michelle Figueroa, emergency services case worker at Community Action.

“We had become good friends,” Figueroa said. “I helped her get clothes and an apartment when she first came to the area.”

Figueroa explained Nunez-Rexach moved locally after Hurricane Maria devasted her home in Puerto Rico.

Stephanie Peruzzini, offender rehabilitation coordinator at Albion Correctional Facility, said they were blessed to have been able to provide this family with a Christmas they truly deserve.

“We love sharing our experience working with you guys, which has over the years has resulted in others in our families and our friends helping contribute with us,” Peruzzini said. “This is honestly something we look forward to each year, knowing we can help others in need, especially with all that is going on in the world.”

Annette Finch, soon-to-be-retired emergency services coordinator at Community Action for 30 years, said Albion Correctional Facility is a great friend to Community Action. She said last year they adopted a family with young children who didn’t have beds and were sleeping on the floor.

“The Correctional Facility went all out last year,” Finch said. “With help from the Emma Reed Foundation, we got beds for all three girls and the Correctional Facility bought clothes and toys for all of them.”

This year, in addition to clothes and toys for the Nunez-Rexach children, the Correctional Facility purchased the family a large television.

Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs

BUFFALO – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) and his wife Martina welcomed a new daughter, Jane Pamela Jacobs, at 6:43 p.m. on Dec. 14, 2021 at Sisters Hospital in Buffalo.

“Martina and I are excited to announce the birth of our daughter, Jane Pamela Jacobs,” the congressman said. “Both mom and baby and are healthy and doing great, additionally, our eldest daughter Anna is very excited to become a big sister.

“We are incredibly grateful for the love, well wishes, and support we have received from our family, friends, and community as we welcome this newest addition to our family. We are also grateful for the excellent care received at Sisters Hospital from all the doctors, nurses, and staff.

“This time of year is already one filled with loved ones and special memories, today we get to add another. From our family to yours, I wish everyone a happy and joy-filled holiday season.”