Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York Office for People with Developmental Disabilities will provide over $1.5 billion in one-time American Rescue Plan Act Funding to support recruitment efforts, retention incentives and vaccination bonuses for direct support professionals who provide support for people with developmental disabilities in an effort to address workforce shortages in this field.
“Direct Support Professionals provided essential support to people with developmental disabilities throughout the pandemic when we needed them most, in spite of the risk to themselves and their own families,” Governor Hochul said. “We owe these workers a debt of gratitude and the American Rescue Plan funding paves the way for bonuses, incentives and one time pay raises to help keep these hardworking, loyal and devoted workers doing what they love most, supporting people with developmental disabilities.”
New York State submitted its initial draft spending plan to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the enhanced federal funding provided by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 on July 8, 2021. The CMS has provided partial approval of the plan as it relates to the workforce.
As approved, OPWDD’s plan targeted most of the funding to workforce initiatives, including payments to provide bonuses to DSPs and family care providers. OPWDD plans to invest the one-time ARPA funding in workforce improvements and incentives including:
A “Heroes Fund” which will provide incentive payments to those DSPs who worked during the unprecedented pandemic with additional payments for those who received the Covid vaccine.
Retention and longevity bonuses will make additional investments in the workforce by rewarding longevity and providing additional bonuses to staff who remain in the DSP workforce.
Long-term recruitment and retention strategies which will be developed and tested with funding for projects that address the long-term stability of the workforce. Funding will be made available to incentivize credentialing and other strategies that build skills and competency of DSP workforce and front-line supervisors.
Erik Geizer, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc New York, said, “Our essential workforce is the foundation of supports and services for New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and these funds represent the first step in what we hope will be a sustained investment in our workforce. We are very pleased to hear the waiver was approved, and grateful to state leadership for ensuring the funds will be directed to address our most critical needs.”
At this time, these disbursements are only available to family care providers and direct support workers who are employed by voluntary service providers, including staff who deliver services under the self-direction program. Discussions are ongoing regarding state employed direct support workers.
Acting Commissioner of the New York Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Kerri E. Neifeld said, “Direct support professionals provide essential services to people with developmental disabilities so they can lead rich and rewarding lives of their choosing. They are the backbone of our system and they bravely showed up to work throughout the pandemic to care for and support some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers. Although the work is emotionally and physically taxing, direct support is a labor of love for the people who choose this career.”
Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office participated in the 21st Annual National Prescription Take-Back Day on Oct. 23.
This event was held at the Orleans County Public Safety Building with personnel from the Criminal Division and the Corrections Division of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
The collection site took in 570.2 pounds of unused prescription medications and 319 pounds of sharps for a total combined weight of 890 pounds.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has participated in the National Prescription Take-Back Day since 2012 and has collected a total weight of 10,695.5 pounds (5.3 tons) of prescription medications and sharps. This event is very successful for Orleans County with an average of 563 pounds of unused medications and sharps collected for each event.
New York State had 116 law enforcement agencies participate and they took in over 28,947 pounds of unused medications during the October event. On a national level, 744,082 pounds (372 tons) were collected. The combined total weight for all events since the start of this program is over 15 million pounds of unused medications collected nationally.
The National Prescription Take-Back Day is a very important community service that allows the residents of Orleans County the means to safely, dispose of unused medication and sharps. This event helps prevent groundwater contamination due to improper disposal and assists with preventing illegal diversion of medications.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all of the community partners that assisted with coordinating the event. The Orleans and Erie County Public Health Departments, Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (GCASA) and Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Control Unit all played important roles in making this program a success in Orleans County.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 November 2021 at 10:56 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Getting set to lead Medina into Saturday’s Far West Region state playoff game are these Mustang seniors. In front are Zach Oliver, Rashawn Bloom, Greg Thompson, Jarin Rhim and Xander Payne. In back are Anthony Rutty, Chase Weese, Jared Odita, Colvin Stalker, Hayden Woodroe and Joe Cecchini. Missing from the photo is Iverson Poole.
Venturing into uncharted waters, Medina will make its state football playoff debut on Saturday as the Mustangs take on East Rochester/Gananda in the Class C Far West Regional contest at noon at Williamsville South High School.
“It’s huge,” said Medina Coach Eric Valley of advancing to the state playoffs. “Just to have a chance to win a state title. I’m just super glad for the kids to have this opportunity.”
Fresh from capturing sectional championships both the Mustangs and Bombers bring 11-0 records into the state playoffs.
Medina romped to a very snowy 48-6 win over Fredonia to claim a second straight Section VI Class C title while East Rochester/Gananda outlasted Bath Haverling 18-12 in double overtime to earn the Section V Class C crown.
Running back Chaunsey Gilbert ran for a touchdown in each overtime period to provide the margin of victory for the Bombers. Quarterback Carter Lathrop scored the Bombers lone TD in regulation time.
In the Bombers semifinal round 28-13 win over Letchworth/Warsaw/Perry, Lathrop passed for two touchdowns and ran for another and Gilbert ran for a TD. Gilbert also had a big four TD, 207 yard rushing effort in the Bombers quarterfinal round 46-8 win over Marcus Whitfield/Bloomfield.
“They’ve got a good running back. They spread it around but their running back is their No. 1 threat,” said Valley. “Defensively they put a lot of pressure on. They are a really athletic group so we have to play well defensively and up front offensively. If we do that good things should happen.”
The Mustangs defensive unit and offensive line both came up huge in the snow against Fredonia.
The defense, which has now allowed only one touchdown in the last two sectional games, yielded just the one score to Fredonia just before the half after Medina had built up a commanding 32-0 lead.
Against Fredonia Joe Cecchini had 6.5 tackles, Noah Skinner 5.5, Rashawn Bloom 5, Hayden Woodroe 4.5, Chris Johnson 4, Ollie Wilson 3.5, Roosevelt Mitchell 3, Robert Arnold 3 and Cayden Lilleby 3.
On the season, Skinner leads the defensive unit with 68 tackles while Woodroe has 54, Cecchini 53, Johnson 49, Iverson Poole 34, Dominic Larabee 32, Josh Wilson 31, Greg Thompson 26, Ollie Wilson 23 and Zach Oliver 22. Cecchini also leads the unit in sacks with 12 while Skinner and Arnold both had 6.
The offensive line of Colvin Stalker, Josh Wilson, Ollie Wilson, Johnson and Mitchell consistently opened big holes against Fredonia allowing the Mustangs backs to rush for a Section VI playoff record 596 yards including four TD runs by Thompson (31, 44, 82 and 45 yards), three by quarterback Xander Payne (5, 28 and 46 yards) and one by Skinner (39 yards).
Skinner now has rushed for a total of 669 yards and 8 touchdowns, Thompson 536 and 5 TD and Payne 394 and 7 TD. Poole, who is listed as “very doubtful” for the game by Valley after being injured against Fredonia, has rushed for 568 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Payne has also passed for a total of 1,386 yards and a school record 21 touchdowns to five different receivers including Jarin Rhim (32 catches for 421 yards and 7 TD), Thompson (17 for 370 and 5 TD), Cecchini (19 for 297 and 4 TD), Poole (10 for 177 and 4 TD) and Lilleby (2 for 25 and 1 TD).
The victor in Saturday’s game will advance to the state Class C semifinals on November 27 at Cicero-North Syracuse High School against the winner of Saturday’s Central Region contest between Skaneateles (Section III) and Chenango Forks (Section IV).
How they got There Section VI playoffs
Quarterfinals – Medina 30, Eden 14
Semifinals – Medina 32, Lackawanna 0
Finals – Medina 58, Fredonia 6
Section V Playoffs
Quarterfinals – East Rochester/Gananda 46, Marcus Whitman/Bloomfield 6
Semifinals – ER/Gananda 28. Letchworth/Warsaw/Perry 13
Finals – ER/Gananda 18, Bath Haverling 12 (2 OT)
State Class C Quarterfinals on Saturday
Medina (Section VI) vs. East Rochester/Gananda (Section V)
Skaneateles (Section III) vs. Chenango Forks (Section IV)
Schuylerville (Section II) vs. Ogdensburg (Section X)
O’Neill (Section IX) vs. Dobbs Ferry (Section I)
Governor Kathy Hochul today, at a breakfast hosted by the Association for a Better New York, announced a State University of New York and City University of New York Scholarship Program called the Nurses For Our Future Scholarship that will cover tuition for 1,000 new healthcare workers to get RNs at SUNY and CUNY. The program comes in an effort to help address the shortage in healthcare and lack of workers in hospitals around the state.
“Just a year ago, we were celebrating our healthcare workers as the heroes they are, and the pandemic has shown us that we cannot afford a labor shortage in the healthcare industry,” Governor Hochul said.
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, hospitals have been facing a labor shortage and a massive influx of patients. This scholarship program is designed to recruit and retrain nursing and health care professionals to serve in NYSRNs which are most in need. There are currently more than 9,300 openings for Registered Nurses in New York State. The Nurses For Our Future Scholarship will mean 1,000 more students can enter a nursing program in either SUNY or CUNY. Students will be able to complete their programs with a flexible schedule, either part-time or full-time.
This effort will incentivize New York State residents active in the health care field to upskill their career path and advance their education through the SUNY or CUNY system.
In addition, the New York State Department of Labor will help market these new opportunities to existing and unemployed workers, including opportunities available through regional SUNY Educational Opportunity Centers for entry-level nurse certifications in high demand including Certified Nursing Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse and Nursing Home Aide.
SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras said, “With more than 70 nursing programs spanning every degree from LPN to BSN and that are found in every corner of New York State as well as online, SUNY stands ready to meet the growing demand for nurses who are the heartbeat of healthcare.”
New York State Nurses Association Executive Director Pat Kane, RN, said, “Nobody has put more on the line than those of us on the front line during this pandemic, and Governor Hochul’s visionary investment in helping us rebuild our nursing ranks is exactly the kind of support we need to keep delivering the care New Yorkers rely on.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 November 2021 at 9:45 am
ALBION – Orleans County’s tentative budget for 2022 would increase spending by $5.4 million and raise taxes by 1.9 percent in a spending plan that tackles infrastructure projects and maintains local services.
Federal and state aid, including funding in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, will offset some of the spending increase.
Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer, submitted the tentative budget on Monday that stays below the state’s property tax cap.
There will be a public hearing on the budget at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 in Orleans County Legislative Chambers, 14016 Route 31 West, Suite 200, Albion. The County Legislature then plans to meet the next day at 4:30 in the Legislative Chambers at 4:30 to vote on the budget, with the fiscal year starting Jan. 1.
“This year’s $78 million budget recommendation is influenced by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the employment challenges of retaining and hiring new employees,” Welch said in budget message to the Legislature. “The challenges we have experienced has altered our historical way of delivering services to the public.”
The budget will increase the tax rate from $9.98 to $10.09 per $1,000 of assessed property. About $2.20 of that rate is support for towns and villages in the county, including prosecution of vehicle and traffic offenses, AIM-related payments, a sales tax distribution of $1,366,671 and $2,050,000 in community college chargebacks.
The budget also keeps the solid waste and recycling fee at $216 for the year, maintains e-waste sites at three locations in the county, and will continue the annual household hazardous waste collection event which includes residential tires.
The county has benefitted from sales tax revenues that are up over $1 million this year, driven by a significant increase in sales tax from sales over the internet.
The county’s contributions to the pension system also will be decreased by about 20 percent due to a stronger Stock Market on March 31, 2021, compared to a year earlier. However, health insurance premiums are projected to increase 37.1 percent, fueled by a hike in pharmaceutical costs, Welch said.
The county is reducing two positions overall from a workforce of 439. But that is due to eliminating some part-time positions and making full-time jobs in an effort to fill vacant positions. The county, like the private sector, has struggled to fill some jobs. There are currently 17 positions open in the county government.
“In the past we have been able to utilize part-time positions to supplement our operations,” Welch said. “However, part-time positions are now harder to fill than full-time positions.”
The county is planning to use $1.6 million of its American Rescue Plan Act for over $800,000 in deferred maintenance to its buildings and properties, as well as fiber-loop project to improve the computer network between our buildings. The county also will invest in the computer services department for mobile technology for employees and also to improve security to protect against ransomware attacks.
The federal ARPA money will also fund five full-time positions, Welch said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 November 2021 at 9:59 pm
ALBION – Two Orleans County employees were recognized as employees of the year for their efforts to serve county residents during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mary Ellen Messmer, a supervising public health nurse, led the Health Department’s contract tracing efforts, often arriving before regular work hours and staying late to call people who were in quarantine due to testing positive for Covid or for being in close contact with someone who tested positive.
Messmer has worked 26 years with the county government. She was praised for her efforts during the pandemic, for helping to prevent the spread of the virus.
“Public Health has been at the center of the Covid response and she has been at the forefront of case investigations and a key component of daily operations,” said Katie Harvey, the county’s director of personnel and self insurance. “She has been extremely organized, professional and detailed in her work throughout the pandemic.”
Messmer assigns the Covid cases to staff members to investigate, and makes many of the calls herself, staying positive and showing compassion to residents in a stressful situation.
“She monitors all of the investigations and pays close attention to detail to be sure that investigations are conducted appropriately.” Harvey said. “She asks nothing of her staff that she would not do herself. The Health Department has been short staffed in her unit for over a year. However she has consistently provided the coverage needed for the continuity of the Health Department’s response needs.”
Justin Niederhofer, the county’s deputy emergency management coordinator, assisted the Health Department in organizing Covid testing clinics at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds and also the mass vaccination clinics at the Ridgeway Fire Hall.
Niederhofer joined the emergency management office in a part-time role in 2017. That position was increased to full time last year near the start of the pandemic.
He started a N-95 respirator fit testing program for the Orleans County Deputy Sheriffs, and employees at the county jail, probation and department of social services. Niederhofer also assisted Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer, and the personnel office with the county’s communicable disease plan that became an appendix to the existing county continuity of operations plan.
Niederhofer also took the lead on ensuring that the county met the state requirement for a six-month stockpile of personal protective equipment including surgical masks, N-95 respirator masks, gloves, face shields, goggles and hand sanitizer for all county employees.
“All of his hard work and dedication during the Covid-19 pandemic has made Orleans County a better and safer place to live and work for our employees and residents,” Harvey said.
The county’s EAP Committee selects employees of the month. The EAP Committee receives nominations from fellow employees and department directors.
The employees of the months for the past year were: October 2020, Elizabeth Milazzo in Social Services; November, Kevin Colonna in Sheriff’s Office; December, Mary Ellen Messmer in Public Health; January 2021, Leanne Donovan in Office for the Aging; February, Devon Pahuta in Sheriff’s Office; March, Carie Doty in Public Health; April, Joseph Grager in Public Works; May, Patrick McGurn in Computer Services; June, Della Fisher in Office for the Aging; July, Justin Niederhofer in Emergency Management Office; and August, Patricia Marciszewski and Julie Vendetti, Sheriff’s Office – Dispatch.
From this pool of candidates, a Department Head must make a recommendation to a separate committee to determine the Employee of the Year, Harvey said.
“The committee looked for additional service that an employee has performed since the individual was recognized as an Employee of the Month,” Harvey said.
MEDINA – Congratulations to the 33 students from the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center who were recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society.
Out of all the high school students in the United States, the National Technical Honor Society students who receive this honor comprise 1.6 percent of that population. For staff at the Orleans/BOCES center, they represent the four pillars of the National Technical Honor Society: scholarship, leadership, service and character.
The students were honored in front of their teachers, families and school district representatives. The students had to maintain an 89.5 grade average in their career and technical education programs and an 84.5 average at their high schools, have superior attendance, exemplary behavior, be a member in good standing with SkillsUSA and have a recommendation from a faculty member.
Congratulations to: Hannah Aiken (Royalton-Hartland) – Allied Health Program, Serenity Baumgart (Medina) – Animal Science, Zoeya Berning (Newfane CSD) – Animal Science, Alyssa Clare (Newfane) – Health Occupations Technician, Emily Clark (Royalton-Hartland), Mackenzie Clogston (Newfane) – Health Occupations Technician, Paige Dennis (Barker) – Security & Law Enforcement, Allison Dent (Royalton-Hartland) – Cosmetology, Brandon DiNieri (Royalton-Hartland) – Electricity/Electronics, Brooklyn Garrow (Medina) – Security & Law Enforcement, Haylee Green (Lockport) – Graphic Communications, Nikolas Gutierrez (Royalton-Hartland) – Allied Health, Claire Halstead (Royalton-Hartland) – Allied Health, Seana Hamilton (Royalton-Hartland) – Health Occupations Technician, Kyle Haner (Newfane) – Building Trades, Catelynn Kidney (Lyndonville) – Cosmetology, Christian Lates (Royalton-Hartland) – Allied Health, Kailyn Livergood (Royalton-Hartland) – Allied Health, Jacob Lundy (Newfane) – Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, Paris McCugh (Albion) – Security & Law Enforcement, Keegan Muessigbrodt (Orleans County Christian School) – Diesel Technology/Heavy Equipment, Michael Pasquale (Newfane) – Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, Reanna Perkins (Royalton-Hartland) – Allied Health, Karina Rotoli (Medina) – Allied Health, Molly Russell (Royalton-Hartland) – Computer Technology, Nathaniel Sauls (Newfane) – Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, Gabriella Smith (Royalton-Hartland) – Building Trades, Dakota Socha (Akron) – Diesel Technology/Heavy Equipment, Ashley Stanczyk (Royalton-Hartland) – Allied Health, Lilian Streich (Lockport) – Security & Law Enforcement, Alyssa Tomaino (Lockport) – Cosmetology, Sophia Trononlone (Newfane) – Health Occupations Technician, Jack Whipple (Lyndonville) – Allied Health.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 November 2021 at 10:24 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Leading scorers on the N-O All-League first team are Roy-Hart’s Kara Choate, left, and Albion’s Abby Scanlan.
Champion Roy-Hart and Albion have both placed four players on the first team of the annual Niagara-Orleans All-League girls soccer squad.
Roy-Hart, which captured the N-O title for the second year in a row, is represented by senior forward Kara Choate, junior midfielder Nadia White, sophomore defender Amelia Konstanty and freshman midfielder Kaitlyn Mettler. Choate and White are both three-time first team honorees.
Choate, who has been named N-O Player of the Year, had 38 goals and 9 assists, Mettler 8 goals and 13 assists and White 6 goals and 7 assists.
Albion has placed the senior quartet of forward Abby Scanlan, midfielder Nicolina Creasey, defender Leah Pritchard and goalie Sydney Mulka.
Scanlan, a three time first team honoree, had 19 goals and 5 assists and Creasey 7 goals and 9 assists. Mulka, a two-time first team selection, made 103 saves and had a goals against average of 1.27.
Wilson is represented by the trio of senior defender Kaelin Faery, sopohmore midfielder Leia Cloy and sophomore defender Rian Faery.
Cloy, a two-time first team honoree, had 16 goals and 11 assists and Rian Faery 6 goals and 6 assists.
Rounding out the first team is Newfane senior defender Angelina DiTullio, a two-time honoree who had 3 goals and 3 assists.
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart first team honorees, from left, Amelia Konstanty, Nadia White and Kaitlyn Mettler.
Roy-Hart has a trio of second team honorees including senior goalie Reanna Perkins, senior defender Brooke Livergood and junior defender Grace Parker.
Albion has placed senior defender Alyson Knaak and freshman forward Cami London.
Wilson is represented by the junior trio of midfielder Maddie Schultz and defenders Kaylee Allcorn and Maddy Miller.
Akron likewise has placed three players including senior midfielders Lauren Wagner and Leah Patterson and sophomore midfielder Katie Leeds.
Newfane is represented by freshman midfielder Anna Chunco.
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s first team honorees, from left, Leah Pritchard, Nicolina Creasey and Sydney Mulka.
The Honorable Mention selections, listed by school, are as follows:
Farms eligible for up to $200K to replace and upgrade housing
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new $25 million package in grants and loans to improve housing conditions for farmworkers and to protect the health and safety of this critical workforce.
The Farmworker Safety Housing Grant Program will fund the rehabilitation and replacement of existing substandard farmworker housing. Grants are available from NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) through Federal Community Development Block Grant CARES Act funding, which provides resources to municipalities to improve housing and community facilities in response to Covid-19.
In addition, the State oversees a $15 million Farmworker Housing Program, a revolving loan program designed to improve farmworker housing, through which farmers can apply for up to $200,000 per farm.
“The New Yorkers who work hard to keep our farms operating deserve housing that is safe, secure, and does not jeopardize their health or wellbeing,” Governor Hochul said. “Many of these individuals often reside in congregate housing already in need of rehabilitation, and with the risks still posed by Covid-19, it’s critical we get this work underway as soon as possible. Thanks to this funding, we can make that a reality and ensure these hardworking New Yorkers have a suitable place to call home.”
For the Farmworker Safety Housing Grant Program, municipalities may apply for grants of up to $1 million to support a farm or group of farms with 5-10 housing units in need of rehabilitation or replacement to address issues such as environmental hazards, outdated air filtration systems, and to provide essential personal protective equipment such as masks and hand sanitizer.
Grants must benefit low- to moderate-income individuals with incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income and work must be completed within 12-18 months of award.
The Farmworker Safety Housing Grant Program complements the New York State Farmworker Housing Program, which was created more than 20 years ago to help farms provide safe and appropriate housing for their employees.
The program is administered by Farm Credit East in partnership with New York State Homes and Community Renewal and provides no-interest loans to finance improvement of existing housing or the construction or purchase of new housing for farmworkers. New York agricultural producers, including fruit, vegetable, greenhouse and nursery, equine, and dairy operations are eligible to apply.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “New York’s farmworkers have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to keep food on our tables. We owe it to them to make sure their living conditions do not put them at additional risk for Covid-19 exposure. I’ll keep fighting to protect farmworkers and keep New York’s agricultural community strong.”
New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, “New York’s farmers value the men and women who perform essential work on our farms. This includes providing safe housing for our employees. The grant and loan programs announced today will assist farmers to construct new housing and modernize their facilities. New York Farm Bureau has been a longtime advocate for the Farmworker Housing Program, and we commend Gov. Hochul for continuing the effort and making grant dollars available to farms that have been on the front lines protecting farmworkers during the pandemic.”
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The Farmworker Safety Housing Grant Program and the New York State Farm Worker Housing Program are critical resources, allowing our farmers to invest in updated or new housing for their employees. As part of our work on the Agriculture Labor Advisory Group, which was formed several years ago, the state emphasized the importance of housing improvements for the safety and welfare of our year-round and seasonal workers who are essential to bringing food to our communities. Thanks to the New York State Department of Homes and Community Renewal, and its partnership with Farm Credit East, our farmers have a unique opportunity to access much-needed funding in this area and I encourage them to consider applying for the programs.”
ORCHARD PARK – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is reminding localities the application period for the FY21 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program has opened for eligible fire departments.
“Firefighters protect our communities. They have an incredibly dangerous job and consistently run toward danger to save lives,” Jacobs said. “I am proud to represent these brave men and women in Congress, and I am excited to say the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program has opened once again for applications. These grants allow fire departments to purchase critical equipment and make necessary upgrades so they can continue protecting our communities and themselves effectively.”
The FY21 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is open for applications until 5 p.m. on Dec. 17. The AFG Program is open to eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations, and State Fire Training Academies. This year a total of $414 million is available for grants through this program, last year (FY20) $3,774,414.00 was awarded to NY-27 fire departments.
Additional AFG Program information can be found by clicking here.
Press Release, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union
As the holiday shopping season gets underway, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union issued the following statement urging holiday shoppers to treat workers with dignity and respect as they return to shopping in stores amid supply-chain issues:
“Our members are eager to welcome customers back to stores this holiday season, but as incidents of harassment, violence and hate continue to rise in stores workers are worried about their physical and mental safety,” said Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.
“The supply chain is still precarious as we emerge from the pandemic. Retail workers bear the brunt of shoppers’ frustration. Tempers quickly rise when customers hear that coveted holiday items are stuck on shipping containers at sea and have been backordered for months; and especially if they’ve gone to multiple stores only to go home empty handed.
“Workers are not to blame, and stores should provide security, safety protocols and training to handle irate shoppers this season. Retail workers experience heightened stress and pressure this time of year, even in normal times. Shoppers need to remember what this season is supposed to be all about – kindness,” Appelbaum said.
Provided photo: Orleans Career and Technical Education Center Team includes Haylee Green (Lockport), Camellia Higgins (Barker), Lilian Streich (Lockport), SkillsUSA Advisor Sarah Ivory, Aleena Silker (Medina) and SkillsUSA Advisor Anne Carnahan.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
ALBANY – SkillsUSA student officers from the Orleans and Niagara Career and Technical Education Centers recently participated in the Fall Leadership Conference in Albany.
Students participated in a three-day training session where they learned and practiced leadership skills that are needed to communicate, collaborate, motivate and lead their peers as they plan community service and fundraising events throughout the school year. The Golisano Children’s Hospital was the focus of this year’s community service project.
At this training, the teams of officers received intensive training on SkillsUSA Framework, a series of 17 essential elements our industry partners and employers are looking for to have better trained and better prepared employees. With the knowledge they gained, they are better prepared to lead their fellow students in how to strengthen their skills for the world of work.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 November 2021 at 8:09 am
ALBION – Orleans County has one of the highest positivity rates for Covid tests in the state, with 11.8 percent of tests coming back positive in the past seven days ending Monday.
Only Washington County, at 12.7 percent, tops Orleans. That county moved past Orleans for the highest 7-day average after having 27.3 percent of its tests – 84 out of 308 – test positive on Monday. (Orleans had 15.3 percent positive on Monday with 27 out 177.) Neighboring Genesee County is at 9.2 percent for its 7-day average.
The state 7-day average is currently 3.40 percent, putting Orleans more than three times the state average. The positivity rate varies around the state. Orleans is in the Finger Lakes Region which has a positive test rate of 8.73 percent, the highest in the state and just ahead of the 8.52 percent for Western New York. New York City has the lowest rate at 1.41 percent.
“It’s not just in Orleans and Genesee,” said Paul Pettit, public health director for those two counties. “We’re seeing increases throughout Finger Lakes and Western New York.”
The increased screening and surveillance testing is picking up more positives, he said.
And seasonal changes are bringing people back inside for gatherings, meetings and parties.
“This environment is more conducive to the spread of respiratory illnesses, including Covid,” Pettit said.
As the pandemic stretches to 20 months and counting, there is also fatigue from the public with less adherence to current CDC recommendations on masking, distancing, and staying home if symptomatic, Pettit said.
The Delta variant also spreads with a high infectivity rate and there is reduced efficacy in vaccines over time in preventing Covid, Pettit said. About 25 to 30 percent of the new Covid infections are “breakthrough cases” of people who had been vaccinated.
He continues to strongly recommend the vaccine to protect the public from Covid. “The vaccine is very effective in preventing severity of disease, including hospitalization and death.” He encourages people to get the vaccine booster shot “to get vaccine efficacy back up for increased protection.”
Pettit offered this advice to slow the spread of Covid: “Wear a mask when in crowded areas, stay home if you have symptoms, get vaccinated which will lessen the severity and get the booster.”
ALBION – Orleans County’s tentative budget for 2022 would increase spending by $5.4 million and raise taxes by 1.9 percent in a spending plan that tackles infrastructure projects and maintains local services.
