Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,C-Lockport) has written to Gov. Kathy Hochul encouraging her to sign bipartisan legislation (A.7734) into law. The bill would create a temporary commission to examine why childhood drownings are so prevalent in New York state, and take action to help protect children from drowning – including by increasing access to swimming lessons.
Michael Norris
“It is shocking to learn that drowning is the number one cause of death in young children still today. This is an issue that all of us care about, and that’s why I took the issue to a Democratic colleague from Queens, Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, and we worked together to get legislation sponsored and passed in both houses in just one session,” said Norris. “I am so glad my colleagues came together on this bill, which passed unanimously. It’s now on Gov. Hochul’s desk awaiting her signature – but there are only a few more days left in the year for her to act to make this a law. I am calling on the Governor to signs this legislation so we can know we’ve all done everything we can to prevent childhood drownings.”
All legislation requires the signature of the governor before it can become law. If not signed into law, the bill would need to be repassed by both houses next year before it could be considered again. Norris said he is hopeful that Hochul will sign the bill before the year ends.
Norris originally introduced the legislation (A.6141) and worked cooperative with Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato on a revised bill (A.7734).
“Here in Western New York with the Great Lakes, the Erie Canal and so many opportunities for wonderful fishing and watersports, there are a lot of reasons to want New Yorkers to be educated about water safety and know how to swim,” Norris said. “It’s not just about going to the beach or a swimming pool – anyone can fall into a body of water at any time and need to know how to safely get back to shore. That’s why this legislation is so important, so vital to New Yorkers’ public safety. This Commission’s work will no doubt save many lives of New Yorkers for decades to come.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 December 2021 at 8:50 pm
Provided photos: Nick Callahan receives a pin from a model after being inducted into the The Order of Towman during the 32ndAnnual American Towman Exposition in Baltimore, Md.
HOLLEY — The owner of a towing company in Holley has been inducted into The Order of Towman by American Towman Magazine.
Nicholas Callahan of Callahan Towing was awarded the Cross of The Order with a Maltese Cross with a unique towing icon. Receiving the Cross of the order puts Callahan into an elite organization of towing professionals nationwide. He was presented the honor last month at the 32ndAnnual American Towman Exposition in Baltimore, Md.
Sarah Callahan
He was nominated for the recognition by Harris Reed, fire chief of the Murray Joint Fire District. Reed cited Callahan’s community involvement and his work with accident-related tows when dispatched by law enforcement and fire departments.
Nick and his wife Sarah Callahan moved Callahan Towing from Batavia to 106 Geddes St. in Holley about two years ago. They have the contract for emergency towing in eastern Orleans County in the towns of Kendall, Murray and Clarendon.
The Callahans respond to numerous automobile accidents and stay busy with other towing jobs, including emergency roadside assistance and moving vehicles for an auction company.
Both Nick and Sarah operate the tow trucks, and they respond to calls at all hours of the day.
Nick was 18 when he started working for a towing company. At the time his car broke down and he needed to be towed. He talked with the tow operator on scene and even helped to get the car hooked to the tow truck. Soon he had a job with the towing business.
He enjoys the challenge of the job and helping people who are often in distress.
“You need to be able to think on your feet and do it fast,” he told the Orleans Hub during an interview last year.
He knows it is an inconvenience for other motorists when a road is closed due to an accident or incident with a vehicle off the road. He tries to work quickly, while preserving as much of a damaged vehicle as possible.
Callahan Towing in March organized a “Slow Down Move Over Brigade” with tow operators travelling from Rochester to Buffalo. The group of tow trucks traveled about 25 miles per hour so drivers would pay more attention to tow operators on the road.
File photo by Tom Rivers: Sarah and Nick Callahan are shown in this photo from October 2020 when they were preparing for an open house with the community featuring tow trucks and fire apparatus.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 December 2021 at 4:27 pm
Scott Robinson says many services offered by Orleans Community Health
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Scott Robinson stands next the plaque in Medina Memorial Hospital which pays tribute to his great-great-grandfather, George A. Bowen, who founded the hospital in 1925. Robinson just accepted the position as director of marketing, communications and outreach at Community Partners.
MEDINA – Working at the hospital his great-great-grandfather founded is something Scott Robinson never thought he’d be doing.
Robinson is the great-great-grandson of George A. Bowen, who in 1910 decided there should be a local hospital in the area. His son had been trampled by a horse and spent time in a Buffalo hospital, which prompted Bowen’s idea to have a hospital here.
Then employed by S.A. Cook in Medina, Bowen spent the next 15 years fundraising. He obtained a home at the corner of Prospect and Eagle streets, which was purchased and remodeled into a hospital. It opened in 1925.
Robinson, who with his wife Alix Gilman are two of the four owners of the Shirt Factory, had been working remotely in Washington, D.C. as director of public affairs for a non-profit in the construction industry.
“It was a fun job, but there was nothing personal about it,” Robinson said. “I left in September. I thought there were a couple of jobs in this area that would intrigue me. Then this job just appeared. I went downstairs, checked my computer and received an e-mail about this job.”
His family has a long history with Medina Memorial Hospital, other than his great-great-grandfather. He said he had multiple relatives throughout the last 100 years who had connections to this hospital. His About 30 years after his great-great-grandfather served as president, his grandfather Jack Zimmerman was president of the board. His grandmother was a nurse there for many years.
Robinson is excited about his new position. He takes over for Jessica Capurso, who is moving out of the area. Robinson said she has been extraordinarily helpful during the transition.
Robinson is determined to see that the public knows how much Medina Memorial Hospital has to offer.
“Even I didn’t know all we offered here,” he said. “It falls on me to reach out to those people who drive an hour for medical services rather than come here.”
He explained Orleans Community Health encompasses five locations, the hospital in Medina, dialysis centers in Medina and Batavia, a walk-in clinic in Albion and a lab at Dr. Stahl’s office in Middleport.
“This hospital is a cornerstone of Medina, like the Medina Railroad Museum and our vibrant downtown,” he said.
He explained the hospital employs more than 300 people, 100 of whom live in Medina. Sixty-one percent live in Orleans County and 18 percent come from Eastern Niagara County.
“This is very much a local community hospital,” Robinson said.
Robinson reiterated the state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment Medina Memorial Hospital has available. Their breast screening machine is one of the top in the industry and usually found in a much bigger hospital. They offer the best in CAT scans, cardiology and lab work.
“We are a critical access hospital,” he said. “How lucky to have this hospital in our back yard.”
As part of his new job Robinson is dedicated to showcasing the employees who work at the hospital.
“One thing I will definitely focus on is making sure people feel a part of the hospital,” he said. “Its employees and the community are personal to me. For every person who has one reason why they won’t go to Medina Memorial Hospital, I want to make sure they hear five reasons why they should. In many ways we are one-stop shop.”
He said you can’t view the hospital as a building. It is its people who make it what it is.
He praised CEO Marc Shurtz, who has said he plans to be there until he retires.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 December 2021 at 10:51 am
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory from 9 a.m. Thursday until 1 a.m. on Friday for Orleans, Niagara, Genesee, Erie, Wyoming and Chautauqua counties.
There will be southwesterly winds from 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
“Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects,” the Weather Service said. “Tree limbs could be blown down and a few isolated power outages may result. Trees or tree limbs damaged in the storm on Saturday may be blown down.”
Today is forecast to be cloudy with a high of 50, followed by a high of 66 on Thursday before dropping 30 degrees to a low of 36 overnight Thursday. Friday is forecast to be sunny with a high of 43.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 December 2021 at 9:50 am
KENDALL – The Kendall Faculty Association is bringing back Supper with Santa on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.
The KFA also will have its annual Christmas Sale during the school day and then again from 5 to 7 p.m. Both events raise money for the KFA scholarship fund.
Last year’s Supper with Santa was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions. It’s back this year and organizers will be following Covid protocols to keep families safe, said Heather Tomasino, KFA president.
Supper with Santa is at the elementary school cafeteria and costs $5 per person or $20 max for a family and includes pizza, a cookie and drink as well as a a visit with Santa.
“We will have a little craft for each child as well as a little game that they can play while waiting for their turn to see the big guy,” Tomasino said.
The Christmas Sale will be held in the elementary school auditorium. It has been a long-standing event put on the KFA. Students can shop during the day to purchase gifts for their family members. Items cost between 25 cents and $3 and the KFA donates $1 to each student so nobody is left out.
“This is the first year that we are opening it in the evening so that families can bring their littlest ones in to shop as well,” Tomasino said.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 December 2021 at 9:29 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: These are some of the 100 gifts provided by 18 employees of Orleans Community Health, who adopted 35 area children so they would have a memorable Christmas morning.
MEDINA – Supporting the children of families struggling financially is something employees of Orleans Community Health have been doing for five years.
Through the Action Angel’s program of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, 18 of the hospital employees purchased and donated nearly 100 gifts. The employees adopted 35 area children, and these gifts will ensure they have a memorable Christmas morning.
Between Orleans and Genesee counties, Action Angels provide Christmas gifts for several hundred families each year.
ALBION – In an effort to keep our roadways safer this holiday season, local law enforcement agencies will actively participate in the STOP-DWI Holiday High Visibility Enforcement Campaign from Dec. 17 to January 1, Sheriff Chris Bourke announced.
As the anticipation of attending gatherings to celebrate this holiday season, local law enforcement will be out to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving and to have a “Sober Plan” while traveling to prevent injuries and save lives, said Bourke, who is also the county’s STOP-DWI coordinator.
Although STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol related fatalities, there are still too many lives lost due to DWI crashes, Bourke said.
People who are drinking alcohol should plan for a safe way to get home, and should consider calling for a ride from a sober friend, family member, taxi or Uber driver, Bourke said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 December 2021 at 7:58 am
Provided photos
CARLTON – Multiple fire departments responded to a house fire late last night at 1375 Waterport Rd. in Carlton.
The Carlton Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to the scene at 11:52 p.m. with other nearby departments soon called for mutual aid.
No one was injured from the fire but the house is a total loss. The Orleans County Department of Public Works is assisting with heavy machinery to safely take down the structure.
UPDATE at 10:28 a.m.: The home was owned by Scott Foley. Brad Chasey and Hailey Falls were living in the house but were not home at the time the fire started. They are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
Carlton, Lyndonville, Medina Albion, COVA, Ridgeway Shelby, Kendall, Orleans County Emergency Management, Orleans County DPW, the Orleans County Fire Investigation Unit, and Orleans County Sherriff’s Office all responded to the scene. East Shelby, Murray and Barre were all placed on standby to cover calls across the county.
The fire is still under investigation by the OC Fire Investigation Unit.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 December 2021 at 9:36 pm
ALBION – School district residents passed a $26,690,000 capital improvement project today by a 225-44-vote.
The project includes work at all three schools, the district office, the bus garage, and will put in new synthetic playing surfaces for football, soccer and softball. There will also be security enhancements to all of the school buildings.
“Thank you to everyone who came out and voted,” Superintendent Mickey Edwards said. “This project will greatly benefit all students in the district. We are excited to move forward and bring these needed upgrades to Albion.”
The next step is the design phase, which will begin in January and run through August 2022. Construction is expected to take place 2023-2024.
There will be no new tax impact on property owners. The local share of the project already has been saved in a capital reserve fund.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 14 December 2021 at 4:09 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Heather Smith, left, director of Orleans Community Health Foundation, and Jeanne Crane, president of the Twig Association, hang angel ornaments of the Christmas tree in the lobby of Medina Memorial Hospital. The ornaments are available as a fundraiser to support the hospital.
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health Foundation is again offering the public a chance to remember loved ones by purchasing their 2021 memorial ornament.
The ornament this year is a pair of angel wings in bright blue with silver and white feathers on top.
“It is a beautiful ornament that sparkles with glitter and sequins,” said Heather Smith, director of Orleans Community Health Foundation.
The ornaments will be hung on the holiday tree in the lobby of Medina Memorial Hospital through Jan. 2. They will be ready for pickup or shipping after Jan. 3.
There was a delay in shipping the ornaments this year, however, the remainder of the order was due to arrive today.
Ornaments cost $10 each plus $5 to ship one or $8 to ship two. Click here for the web link to order ornaments. Checks should be made payable to OCH Foundation and mailed to 200 Ohio St., Medina, 14103.
When ordering, remember to include the name of the loved one in whose memory the ornament is being purchased.
To make arrangements for picking up the ornament or for more information, call (585) 798-8426.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 December 2021 at 2:31 pm
Photo courtesy of Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center
MEDINA – The American Legion and VFW in Medina delivered gifts to veterans at Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center to remember them at the holiday season.
The photo shows Dave Kusmierczak from the American Legion and VFW in Medina presenting Ted Fiorito with a Christmas gift. Fiorito served in the US Marine Corps and was very active for many years with the Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Volunteer Fire Company. There are 23 veterans at the nursing center.
Photo and information courtesy of Orleans County Deputy Sheriff’s Association
ALBION – During the month of November deputies from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office participated in “No Shave November,” which allows for the deputies to bend department policy and grow facial hair in lieu of charitable donation.
This year the Orleans County Deputy Sheriff’s Association donated $500 to Orleans County Child and Family Services. The donation will be used to purchase Christmas presents for local children. The Deputy Sheriff’s Association would like to thank Sheriff Christopher Bourke, Undersheriff Jeffrey Gifaldi and Chief Deputy Rob Riemer for allowing the deputies to participate.
7 projects don’t include Orleans; Brockport approved for signage celebrating lift bridges
Press Release, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
WATERFORD – Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, in partnership with the NYS Canal Corporation, is pleased to announce that seven organizations have been selected to receive Erie Canalway IMPACT! Grants totaling $64,323.
Funded projects include vital work to showcase canal heritage and welcome people to explore the canal in their local communities.
“We are thrilled to support these community-driven projects to strengthen the Canalway Corridor as a vibrant place to live, work, visit, and play,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “These exciting projects will foster greater awareness and pride in New York’s canals that will have lasting benefits for residents and visitors.”
The grants range from $2,000 to $12,000 and will leverage an additional $161,107 in private and public project support. Over the past 13 years, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor has made 90 grants to communities and non-profit organizations that have spurred $2.4 million in additional investments in heritage preservation, recreation, and education.
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “It is an honor to join with the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor in supporting education, recreation, and tourism along New York’s canal system. The history of our canals provides the framework for our State’s great legacy, and we look forward to supporting and enhancing awareness of these storied waterways for years to come through these IMPACT! Grant projects.”
The grants include:
Village of Brockport, Brockport – Award: $5,000: Design and install a pair of outdoor interpretive signs that celebrate the history, design, and operation of the Village’s iconic lift bridges.
Corn Hill Navigation, Pittsford – Award: $8,954: Improve educational and program delivery with new technology at a new visitor center being developed at Corn Hill Landing in Rochester.
Erie Canal Museum, Syracuse – Award: $9,015: Develop programming related to the Empire State Trail including a Syracuse-based Trail Ambassador Program and trail amenities that raise user awareness of the museum. Pilot both weekend and Corridor-wide trail rides.
Explore & More: The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum, Buffalo – Award: $11,454: Design and present an Erie Canal themed educational play experience every Wednesday throughout 2022 that will engage children and families.
Friends of Stewart Park, Ithaca – Award: $5,900: Design and install five outdoor interpretive signs that showcase the history of the Erie Canal and Cayuga Lake as they relate to the City of Ithaca.
National Abolition Hall of Fame, Peterboro – Award: $12,000: Design and install two outdoor interpretive signs within the Village of Canastota to raise awareness of the National Abolition Hall. Funds will also support a reenactment of a dramatic event that shaped the abolition movement in the United States.
Schoharie River Center, Esperance – Award: $12,000: Implement a series of educational programs with at-risk urban and rural youth to investigate water quality on the Erie Canal/Mohawk River and adjacent tributaries.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 December 2021 at 9:13 am
ALBION – Eligible district residents 18 and older will vote today on a $26.69 million capital project that includes all three schools, as well as the bus garage, and new synthetic playing surfaces for football, soccer and softball.
Residents can vote from noon to 8:30 p.m. at the District Office Conference Room A which is in the back of the elementary school.
District officials say there won’t be an additional tax impact from the project because the local share of $7,195,000 is already in a capital reserve. State funding at $19,495,000 will cover the rest.
The project was identified following a building conditions survey required every five years by the state. King & King Architects of Syracuse worked with the district on putting together the project. Kirk Narburgh, King & King CEO, is an Albion graduate and led a discussion about the project during a public hearing on Dec. 2 in the middle school auditoirium.
The scope of the project includes:
Elementary School – $6,300,000
Security enhancements to include security films, access controls, exterior/interior door replacements/hardware, communication/notification systems
Refinish main gym floor and replace folding partitions with divider curtains
Reconfigure entry vestibule and finish renovations to the district office
Replace plumbing fixtures and domestic hot/cold water, sanitary and storm piping in 1955 building
Mechanical upgrades, including original building wing unit ventilators
Integrate carbon monoxide monitoring and upgrade building system controls, panel board and switchgear
Sidewalk replacements
East side drop-off loop improvements
Kirk Narburgh, CEO of King & King, goes over the capital project during a public hearing on Dec. 2. Here he is highlighting synthetic fields for football, soccer and softball, which he said will allow teams to be outside on the surfaces sooner in the season. Physical education classes could also use the fields, and they could be opened to the community for some activities as well.
Middle School – $9,945,000
Security enhancements to include security films, access controls, exterior/interior door replacements/hardware, communication/notification systems
Gymnasium renovations, including gym floor refinishing, lift replacement, new wall pads, ceiling and lighting
Renovate pool lockers shower areas, including plumbing and lighting
Replace auditorium air-conditioning
Provide parallel pool pump and replace hot water heaters and storage tank
Mechanical upgrades for electrical room/transformer vault
Integrate carbon monoxide monitoring and upgrade building system controls, panel board and switchgear
Reconfigure parent drop-off loop. (Traffic often currently backs up to Route 31 due to long lines. Albion would reconfigure the loop to allow for more staging of vehicles.)
Renovate playground
New multi-purpose field surface at soccer/softball complex
High School – $9,795,000
Security enhancements to include safety films, access controls, exterior/interior door replacements/hardware, communication/notification systems
Gymnasium renovations, including gym floor replacement, re-surfaced folding partitions, bleacher replacement, ceiling/lighting, ventilation system and new wall-mounted scoreboards
Renovate locker rooms
Replace corridor lockers
Replace hot water heaters, add additional boiler and replace heating line
Integrate carbon monoxide monitoring and upgrade building system controls, panel board and switchgear
Improve sidewalks for accessibility
Tennis court reconstruction
New multi-purpose field surface at football stadium complex
Bus Garage – $650,000
Security enhancements to include security films, access controls, exterior/interior door replacements/hardware
Replace large overhead doors in 1997 maintenance bay addition
Replace roof in 1997 maintenance bay addition
Integrate carbon monoxide monitoring and upgrade panel board
Extend paving at bus parking and dumpster pad
Campus Notification System
In addition to the renovations being proposed in the capital project referendum, Albion Central School District is planning to install a new public address and visual notification system for the elementary, middle and high schools. This work may be separate from the capital project and would be paid for using $1,995,000 in funding available to our district through the Smart Schools Bond Act of 2014.
A timeline for the project includes:
Dec. 14: Project vote, noon to 8:30 p.m., District Office Conference Room A
ALBION – Eligible district residents 18 and older will vote today on a $26.69 million capital project that includes all three schools, as well as the bus garage, and new synthetic playing surfaces for football, soccer and softball.
