Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that all New Yorkers enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will receive the maximum allowable level of food benefits for November.
All households participating in SNAP—including those already at the maximum level of benefits—will receive a supplemental allotment later this month, bringing in roughly $230 million in federal funding into the state’s economy.
“No New Yorker should have to face the prospect of hunger and food insecurity,” Governor Hochul said. “It is impossible for children to focus on school and adults to be successful if they are worried about where their next meal will come from. This supplemental food assistance will help to ensure that everyone in this state can make ends meet and put enough food on the table to support themselves and their families.”
SNAP households in all counties outside of New York City should see these benefits between now and Nov. 19. Those SNAP households in the five-county New York City region should see their benefits post between today and the end of the month.
The emergency assistance supplement will be provided to households that do not ordinarily receive the maximum allowable benefit per month on SNAP – a federally funded program administered by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Those households already near or at the maximum benefit level will receive a supplemental payment of at least $95.
OTDA Executive Deputy Commissioner Barbara Guinn said, “The supplemental food benefits continue to play an important role in helping New Yorkers avoid food insecurity. As we continue to weather the ongoing public health crisis, these benefits remain an important stop-gap to help struggling households make ends meet.”
As with the prior months, the payments will be delivered directly to recipients’ existing Electronic Benefit Transfer account and can be accessed with their existing EBT card. Like regular SNAP benefits, the supplemental benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retail food stores. Any unused SNAP benefits will be automatically carried over to the following month.
Struggling New Yorkers continue to rely heavily on SNAP as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact everyday life. As of September 2021, there were more than 2.77 million SNAP recipients throughout the state.
Every dollar invested in food benefits can generate up to $1.54 in economic activity, according to a federal study quantifying the impact of SNAP on the U.S. economy. The study also found that an additional $1 billion invested in new SNAP benefits could support roughly 13,560 jobs nationwide.
Find more information on the emergency supplemental SNAP benefits, including answers to frequently asked questions, by clicking here. New Yorkers can check their eligibility for SNAP and apply online by visiting mybenefits.ny.gov.
ORCHARD PARK – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) recently cosponsored the Keeping Our COVID-19 Heroes Employed Act (H.R. 5860) to protect essential and frontline workers from overreaching vaccine mandates so they can stay on the job and continue to drive our economic recovery.
“While I believe the vaccines are safe and effective and encourage everyone to speak to their physician about receiving the vaccine, I strongly oppose mandates and believe the President has vastly overstepped his authority by forcing them on the American people,” Jacobs said.
The Keeping Our COVID–19 Heroes Employed Act would exempt essential workers from COVID-19 vaccine mandates imposed by the federal government, a government contractor, or a private entity receiving federal funds. For the purposes of this bill, an essential worker is defined as those deemed essential by a relevant state, Indian tribe, or territory during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have proven we can work, live, and conduct business safely throughout the pandemic – we can continue doing so without forcing hard-working Americans who support our health care industry, national security, and critical government services off the job,” Jacobs said. “The President’s mandate will only cause issues in our supply chains, manufacturing, small businesses, and cost the livelihoods of thousands of Americans. I’m proud to cosponsor this legislation to rebuke this overreach.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 November 2021 at 2:07 pm
MURRAY – The Orleans Economic Development Agency has approved mortgage and sales tax abatements that will save the owners of Big Guys Campground about $144,000.
The owners are developing a 98.5-acre campground at the former Brockport Country Club at 3739 Monroe Orleans County Line Rd.
The project will cost nearly $3 million and will be built in three phases with about 350 camp sites when it’s done.
The EDA said the project will be a tourism draw for the county, drawing many visitors from outside the area.
The owners of the project – Laura Perri, William Bosley, Marie Loewke and Jim Loewke –said the $2.9 million project includes new construction, site work, utilities and infrastructure, and design and legal fees.
They are estimating 3 full-time permanent jobs in the first year, and 8 full-time jobs by year 3, paying average of $25,000 a year.
The EDA board on Oct. 18 approved the $144,566 in abatements. That includes abated the 8 percent sales tax on $1,517,251 for construction materials, fixtures and equipment or $121,380 and the 1 percent mortgage tax on a $2,318,576 mortgage or $23,186.
Big Guys is planning to construct 350 new camp sites, in a project over three phases that is expected to be complete by May 2025.
Big Guys have a motto “have a XXL-ent time!” The camp sites are at 3,000 square feet, which are bigger and more private than most sites, according to information from the company submitted to the EDA.
The campground will offer full hookups with water, sewer and electric, and Big Guys are looking into providing cable and WiFi. Most of camp sites are pull through to accommodate bigger rigs.
The owners also will be offering clamping tents, unique cabins such as sheds with a bed, and standard trailer/cabin rentals.
The property will include Glow Golf, two activity rooms, coffee bar, tiki bar, bar and restaurant, event room, multiple rentable spaces and natural playground made from trees, tires and recycled materials. Big Guys also will keep most of the mature trees to provide natural barriers from neighbors and sun shade.
Press Release, Orleans Community Health Foundation
MEDINA – After two years, Treasure Island was brought back on November 6th at a new location with a new bidding format.
With the introduction of a mobile bidding app, bidders could participate not only at the event at Shelby Fire Hall, but they could also do so from the comfort of their home. Anyone from anywhere could be bidding on the donated items during the auction.
Heather Smith, OCH Foundation Executive Director and Kimberly Gray, OCH CNO and Director of Surgical Services, enjoyed the fundraising event.
Although some missed the silent auction bidding sheets, it was evident that this new format brought a different element of bidder excitement and in the end it helped them exceed their goal.
This year’s event was a part of the 2021 “Together We Are Stronger” Fundraising Campaign that was built to benefit several different departments all across the Orleans Community Health system.
Treasure Island was specifically dedicated to raising funds for the purchase of a new stress test system in the Cardiac Services Department and the purchase of new patient lifts for our patient care area on the second floor of Medina Memorial Hospital.
There was an assortment of over 170 gift baskets and certificates that were donated by community members, hospital departments, local businesses, and also by several businesses located from the Finger Lakes to Buffalo. Some of the featured items were a trip to Myrtle Beach, overnight stay to local & regional hotels that included dinner, museum memberships, area golf course memberships, sporting goods & events, Coach purses, an assortment of furniture, a high-end bourbon tasting and local winery tasting parties.
Nearly 150 guests were on site to enjoy a wonderful buffet dinner provided by Zambistro’s Catering. In-person guests were also able to exclusively participate in the live auction, the Lucky Cork wine pull, door prizes and a 50/50. The event also boasted a small cash raffle with five different cash prizes.
During the event we heard from OCH Foundation Executive Director Heather Smith and guest auctioneer Wes Pickreign who both kept everyone up to date on how the bidding was going through the night. They were excited to close out the evening by announcing that they had met the goal of $35,000! Additional cash donations came in over the next few days that pushed the event past the goal and helped raise just over $36,000.
A highlight of the evening was hearing from the events honorary chairperson, Kimberly Gray, Orleans Community Health’s Chief Nursing Officer and Director of Surgical Services. During Kim’s speech she addressed the community as a whole, “Whether you are clinical practitioners, executive directors, administrators, health care workers, state/federal employees, social workers, work in academics, or community members supporting our local hospital – Thank you for the work that you do in serving our community. We need leaders and hard workers like you in all sectors working together to improve and maintain our local rural hospital.”
Kimberly was selected by the Treasure Island Steering Committee for her dedication to providing compassionate care to every patient we serve and her love of this community.
The Treasure Island Committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of this year’s sponsors, volunteers, participants and donors. It is because of all of your generosity that this event was a success and we are grateful for your continued dedication to the services we provide here at Orleans Community Health.
A special thank you to Shelby Fire Hall for donating the hall and to our corporate supporters: Baxter Healthcare, Cooper Funeral Home, Generations Bank, Jr. Wilson’s Sportsman Club, Lake Country Pennysaver, OCH Medical Staff, Takeform, Visiting Nurses Association of WNY and WNY Energy.
This group enjoys the Treasure Island event. From left include Ken and Carol Baker, Gloria Brent, Michael Snyder, Brianna Pasnik and Angel Wolf.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 16 November 2021 at 9:48 am
Contributed Photos – Roy-Hart first team honorees, from left, Trent Choate, Peter Martillotta and Elijah Giroux.
Four players from champion Roy-Hart head the first team of the annual Niagara-Orleans All League boys soccer squad.
The Rams are represented by senior forward Trent Choate, junior forward Peter Martillotta, senior midfielder Elijah Giroux and junior defender Aiden Guild.
Choate and Martillotta are both repeat honorees.
Martillotta, who has been named N-O Player of the Year, had 21 goals and 10 assists on the season. Giroux had 10 goals and 9 assists, Choate 8 goals and 6 assists and Guild 2 goals and 6 assists.
Medina/Lyndonville has placed the senior duo of defender Jack Whipple and goalie Zach Fike.
Fike, a repeat honoree, made 154 saves and registered 8 shutouts to finish his career with a school record 27 shutouts. Whipple, a two time first team honoree and a four year starter, scored 4 goals.
Akron is represented by the underclassmen trio of sophomore forward Cole Fleming (16 goals, 5 assists), junior midfielder Collin Rehwalt (3 goals, 13 assists) and junior defender Caleb Suchow (3 goals, 1 assist).
Wilson likewise has a trio of honorees including senior midfielder Owen Cloy (4 goals, 8 assists) who is a repeat selection, freshman midfielder Keegan Herrmann (9 goals, 9 assists) and senior defender Patrick Hemming (11 goals, 2 assists).
Roy-Hart’s Aiden Guild, left, along with Medina/Lyndonville’s Zach Fike and Jack Whipple, right.
Medina/Lyndonville has three second team honorees including junior forward Jackson Moreland, senior midfielder Zaric Boyce and junior defender Josh Hilobuk.
Wilson also has three second team selections including senior forward Joey Moote, senior midfielder Noah Kurial and junior defender Charles Clemente.
Newfane likewise has a trio of second team honorees including senior midfielder Ty Williams, senior defender Connor Gunby and senior goalie Brady Harrington.
Rounding out the second team are Roy-Hart senior defender Christian Lates, Albion junior midfielder Andrew Uderitz and Akron senior forward Sean O’Shaughnessy.
Akron’s first team honorees Cole Flemming, Collin Rehwalt and Caleb Suchow.
The Honorable Mention selections, listed by school, are as follows:
Akron – Sean Brennan (Sr.), Bryce Cayea (Sr.), Justin Syroczynski (Sr.) and Trey Trzenski (Sr.)
Albion – Carson Bader (Sr.), Ulises Ledesma (Jr.), Corleone Plain (Jr.) and Joshua Martin (Sr.)
Medina/Lyndonville – Cole Callard (Fr.), Evan Harris (Sr.), Cole Seefeldt (Sr.) and Sam Kingsbury (Sr.)
Newfane – Adam Huntington (Sr.), Max Czekaj (Sr.) and Jacob Miller (Sr.)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 November 2021 at 8:34 am
Betterment Committee pushing to have statue in time for Strawberry Festival in June 2023
Photos by Tom Rivers: This photo from March 24, 2021 shows the directors of the Albion Betterment Committee with sculptor Brian Porter after they signed a contract to have Porter create a bronze statue of Santa Claus in downtown Albion at Waterman Park. Pictured from left include ABC director Joe Gehl, Brian Porter, and ABC directors Gary Derwick and Gary Kent. The Betterment Committee is making a fundraising push for the project, which includes landscaping, mural(s), interpretive panels and lighting.
ALBION – The Albion Betterment Committee is excited about the progress in bringing a bronze statue of Santa Claus to downtown Albion, a project that will honor the legacy of Charles Howard in leading a Santa School that was in Albion from 1937 until his death in 1966.
Howard also operated Christmas Park in Albion and is revered among Santa portrayers even today. The Santa School is now in Midland, Mich., and continues to bear his name. It graduated a new class of Santas last month.
The Betterment Committee has raised $64,000 towards the statue project. It needs about $100,000 total to include lighting, interpretive panels, mural(s) and landscaping for a park on Main Street, a half block south of the Erie Canal. This is the spot where there is a mural showing Santa in flight with a sleigh and reindeer, high above the Courthouse Square and downtown Albion.
“On the 55th anniversary of his passing we have an opportunity to memorialize a man who became a beautiful reflection on our community and a source of pride,” ABC directors Joe Gehl, Gary Derwick and Gary Kent write in a letter seeking support for the project.
Howard is an icon among those who portray Santa. About 200 of the “Santa’s” attended a convention in Albion in 2015. That Santa convention “raised awareness of the community-building potential represented by greater acknowledgement of his place in history,” the ABC directors said.
They have put up new signs in Albion celebrating Howard’s legacy, and also were successful in getting the state to declare part of Route 31 in Albion as the Charles W. Howard Memorial Highway. Those signs went up last December right before Christmas.
Joe Gehl, one of the directors of the Albion Betterment Committee, is interviewed last Dec. 21 by the media in front of the sign declaring Route 31 in Albion as the Charles W. Howard Memorial Highway. There are signs erected on 31 near Transit Road on the eastern end of town and near Wood Road on the western side.
The Albion Merchants Association last year also commissioned a large mural with a Christmas theme on the north side of the Pennysaver building.
Brian Porter has been commissioned to create the statue. He has made several in Western New York, including the bronze statue of a soldier at the Orleans County YMCA, the former Medina Armory.
The Betterment Committee welcomes tax-deductible donations in any amount. They can be sent to the Albion Betterment Committee – Charles Howard Fund, and sent to Joe Gehl at 14487 Baker Rd., Kent, NY 14477.
The statue is an opportunity to honor “a humble, yet visionary, farmer who added to our identity and shed such a positive light on Albion and Orleans County,” the ABC said.
The group is pushing to have the statue in place by the Strawberry Festival in June 2023.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 November 2021 at 7:00 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Georgia Thomas, a member of Medina Historical Society, is dressed in her reindeer costume as she fills the Historical Society with nearly 300 of her stuffed animals. They will be on display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 27 to celebrate Christmas in Medina.
MEDINA – Georgia Thomas would be the first to admit she’s just a kid at heart.
As proof, she recently dressed up in a reindeer costume to show off most of her collection of nearly 300 stuffed animals which she has set up throughout the Medina Historical Society, for viewing on Nov. 27.
“People often think of museums as ‘stuffy,’ but I want everyone, especially children to know we are not stuffy, we are ‘stuffed.’” Thomas said.
The museum will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the Christmas in Medina celebration on Nov. 27.
It’s the moose’s time to dine at the Medina Historical Society. Each room is filled with Georgia Thomas’ collection of stuffed animals.
Thomas’ collection includes everything kind of stuffed animal, including Teddy bears, Nemo, unicorns, Clifford the Dog, moose, Disney characters and superheroes.
Every spare inch of the museum’s entry way, three exhibit rooms, dining room, kitchen and back entry are outfitted for Christmas.
As visitors walk in the front door, they are greeted by an animated moose, a stairway full of small stuffed animals and a chair draped with a Santa suit, originally worn by Medina’s Santa and made by Elizabeth Babcock of Albion. Babcock is famous for making the Santa suits for the late Charles Howard, founder of the world’s only Santa Claus School.
In the parlor, stuffed animals are nestled among all the artifacts and a porcelain doll with a mink cloak Thomas got in Canada sits on the mantle over the fireplace. Next to it are two dolls made by Medina’s Elizabeth Cooper.
This room at the Medina Historical Society is filled with a variety of stuffed animals, some of nearly 300 belonging to Georgia Thomas.
On a display case in the military room sits a row of action figures and superheroes.
The dining room table is enchanted with a stuffed moose in every chair.
Thomas said she has liked stuffed animals since she was a child and had Teddy bears.
“I started collecting stuffed animals when I was living in Maryland in the 1980s and taught sign language,” she said. “Stuffed animals help children learn sign language faster. Then my friends started giving me stuffed animals, and it just snowballed.”
Three Nemos are positioned throughout the house, and children will be given a piece of paper on which they can write the rooms in which they find all three Nemos. The family of the winner chosen will receive a year’s free membership to the Medina Historical Society and Museum.
This is the second time Thomas has filled the Historical Society with her stuffed animals for Christmas. The first time was in 2019, and last year they didn’t open because of Covid.
Georgia Thomas stands next to a case holding her collection of action figures and superheroes at the Medina Historical Society.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 November 2021 at 8:20 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Jason Smith, Lyndonville Central School superintendent, welcomes the audience to a patriotic concert on Sept. 15, 2017 featuring World War I songs sung by students from Albion, Medina and Lyndonville.
LYNDONVILLE – Jason Smith, Lyndonville school district superintendent the past 10 years, is leaving to take a job in Batavia.
Smith lives in Batavia and is a Batavia High School graduate. He will start on Jan. 3 as the new superintendent for the Batavia City School District.
“This was a challenging decision for me, yet the temptation to serve my home community was strong, especially coupled with an invitation to do so,” Smith said in a message to the Lyndonville community.
Smith has worked 20 of 27 years as a educational professional in Orleans County, with his first 10 years in Albion. He started there as a social studies teacher before becoming an administrator.
“During my time at Lyndonville, it has been my honor and joy to develop positive relationships with many of you for the benefit of our District, including our dedicated booster groups, our wonderful community partners, such as the Lions Club, the Lyndonville Area Foundation, the Yates Community Library, and our committed local legislative and community leaders,” Smith wrote in his message to the Lyndonville community.
He said he is committed to a smooth transition to his successor at Lyndonville.
Batavia announced Smith’s hiring this afternoon.
“The Board of Education is thrilled to welcome Jason Smith as the new superintendent of the Batavia City School District,” said Alice Ann Benedict, Batavia Board of Education president. “We’re confident that his years of previous superintendent and administrative experience will serve our district well, not to mention he’s a BHS grad himself. As a local Batavian with children in our district, Jason understands the unique challenges and opportunities within our community, and we’re certain he will be a strong and dedicated leader for our students, staff, and families.”
A Batavia High School graduate of the class of 1990, Smith followed his 10 years at Albion with seven years in various principal positions in the Elba Central School.
He received his Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration and his Masters of Science in Education from the State University of New York College at Brockport. He is also a graduate of The State University of New York at Geneseo, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in History with a Minor in Sociology.
“First, I would like to thank the Batavia Board of Education for entrusting me with this tremendous opportunity,” Smith said in a statement posted on the Batavia district website. “As a proud BHS grad, I am thrilled to be returning to Batavia in this new leadership role. Batavia is a very special place to me, and I look forward to working alongside the incredible and inspiring students, staff, and community members. I can’t wait to hit the ground running in the new year.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 November 2021 at 6:55 pm
Active cases climb in Genesee to all-time high of 326; Orleans sees slight dip after hitting record on Friday
Orleans County currently has the highest Covid positivity rate in the state with a 7-day average of 11.9 percent. That is well above the state’s 7-day rate of 3.30 percent.
Orleans on Friday had the second-highest Covid positivity rate in the state, behind Cattaraugus. Orleans was at 11.1 percent and Cattaraugus was at 11.5 percent.
The rate in Orleans has continued to climb since then, while Cattaraugus is down to 11.0 percent, the fourth highest 7-day average today. Washington County is at 11.4 percent, with Montgomery at 11.2 percent and Fulton at 10.7 percent.
Genesee is also well above the state average at 9.0 percent for its 7-day average.
The number of active Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties is at 581 today, up by two from Friday when the two counties together set a new pandemic high of 579 cases in the two counties.
Genesee is driving the increase from Friday, going from 298 active cases to 326 today, a new record high for Genesee during the pandemic since March 2020.
Orleans is down from its record high of 281 active cases on Friday to 255 today, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
Orleans has 83 new positive cases since Friday, and 109 more recoveries or previously positive individuals who completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.
There are currently 4 from Orleans hospitalized due to Covid.
Genesee is reporting 166 new positive cases in the past three days, and 127 recoveries.
There are currently 22 Genesee residents who are hospitalized due to Covid.
Genesee has also had six residents die from Covid in the past three weeks, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported. That includes five people over age 65, and one under age 65.
“We do not provide any further information to protect the privacy of the individuals and their families,” the Health Departments said in a news briefing. “Our deepest condolences are extended to the family and friends of these individuals.”
Provided photo: New members and leaders of the Leo’s Club at Lyndonville Central School include, from left, front row: Leo Treasurer, Hanna Marker; Leo President, Elizabeth Whipple; Leo Vice President, Amber Grabowski and Leo Secretary, Maddie Baker. Top right: Gina Marker, Aiden Allen, Safia Delobbe, Zachary Freas, Emma Freas, Owen Mank, Kylie Reisman, Molly Ingersoll. (Alexandria Carvalho not pictured)
Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club on Nov. 10 was proud and honored to host the induction of the latest chapter of its Leos club.
The Leo’s are a youth organization of Lions Club International. Leo Clubs encourage youths to develop leadership qualities by participating in social services and activities while fostering a commitment to community service. The Leo’s are dependent on a Lions club to initiate and sponsor them, however the Leo’s otherwise conduct themselves as an independent organization.
Leadership, experience and opportunity are the qualities that make a Leo and together with their Lions sponsor form a powerful partnership while simultaneously exploring and initiating their own independent power of action. The Lyndonville Leo’s club has already performed several community services within Lyndonville and the Town of Yates.
The current Leo’s are guided by Lyndonville Central School instructor, Gina Marker.
“Mrs. Marker is simply the perfect fit,” said Darren Wilson, the current Lions president. “I’m certain our entire Lions club agrees that no one better could have stepped into this role.”
And for the Leo’s, Wilson added, “They are a truly admirable talented group of young people who sync well together.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 November 2021 at 1:54 pm
YATES — The Town Board on Nov. 11 went on the record opposing Covid vaccine and testing mandates, saying town employees and residents have “the inalienable right to refuse medical treatments and the right to privacy of their medical status with regard to Covid vaccinations and testing.”
The Town Board, in a resolution passed unanimously, said individuals have the right to make personal and private decisions regarding their health care, and also have the right to refuse medical treatment.
“The Covid-19 virus is a serious threat to public health but so too are the shockingly repressive governmental restrictions of individual liberties under the guise of public health,” according to the resolution.
The Town Board said the government shouldn’t mandate Covid vaccinations or testing “if such measures will severely restrict or possibly eliminate an individual’s right to work, to travel, and to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness which comes with participation in U.S. civil society.”
The resolution was sent to Paul Pettit, the public health director in Orleans County; Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature; Assemblyman Steve Hawley; Assemblyman Mike Norris; State Sen. Robert Ortt and Gov. Kathy Hochul.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 November 2021 at 11:09 am
KNOWLESVILLE – Volunteers training to be mentors in the Orleans Digital Literacy Initiative underwent their first of two days of training Wednesday at Cornell Cooperative Extension at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
The initiative, funded by a $364,000 grant from the WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, will provide digital education and one-on-one mentors across Orleans County. The grant is being administered by United Way of Orleans County.
“The Orleans Digital Literacy Initiative was established to address widespread societal gaps created by 20 years of rural digital divide,” said Dean Bellack, director of United Way which led the way in applying for the grant.
Lee McPeter with Can Code leads the first training session at Cooperative Extension for mentors in Orleans County’s Digital Divide initiative.
Robert Batt, director of Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, was instrumental in applying for this grant, with help from Nyla Gaylord, fundraising coordinator at United Way, and Mary Beth Debus, president of Program Savvy in Buffalo, according to Bellack.
The first step in the process was to contract with Can Code, a company which has developed software career training programs for workforces, to lead in the training of mentors. Nine volunteers from various agencies in Orleans County are currently going through the training process, led by Lee McPeter, career services adviser, and Rachel Sheridan, director of finance and administration. Their ultimate goal is to reach 2,000 people, one-on-one, or in small groups by the end of 2023, thereby increasing digital literacy in Orleans County.
Katie Leach from Cooperative Extension was hired as designated coordinator of the Digital Literacy Initiative.
The two-day training of mentors will teach them all aspects of computers, so they can go out and help individuals use their devices in all areas of their life, such as how to buy a computer, how to access information online, setting up accounts, sending e-mails and using social media safely.
Dean Bellack, director of United Way of Orleans County, chats during a lunch break with Katie Leach from Cooperative Extension, who has been designated as coordinator of the mentors for the Digital Divide initiative.
This first group of volunteers come from Community Action, OCALS, Job Development, Office for the Aging and Hoag Library.
Over the next couple of years, Bellack said they have budgeted $30,000 to advertise, by billboards, a direct mail campaign and paid ads to inform the entire county about the services provided by the Digital Divide Initiative grant. He said their goal is to have 2,000 to 3,000 people in the community continuing to train groups.
“The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo believes in digital literacy education,” Bellack said. “A large part of the population in total do not have basic digital literacy skills. More people are shopping online, e-mailing and using social media. Everything has gone from print media to online – all over the United States. These mentors are helping us raise digital literacy. Orleans County is actually the leading county in New York state on educating the public with digital literacy skills. We’re way ahead of the curve, and the credit goes back to Robert Batt.”
Katie Leach, who has a teaching degree in English as an additional language, has been hired to coordinate the program and develop protocol. She will work out of Cooperative Extension, and develop extra curriculum to add to the Can Code training program.
“This will help people, personally and professionally,” Leach said. “I haven’t been so excited in years. I really feel I can give to my community.”
Robert Batt, director of Cornell Cooperative Extension, who wrote the grant to support Orleans County’s Digital Divide initiative, checks his notes during the first mentor training session at Cooperative Extension last week. The second training, headed by Mary Beth Debus, will take place Tuesday.
Bellack said mentors are strictly volunteer, but their organization gets a small compensation.
All mentors get a laptop and Chromebooks like children use, so parents can learn how to help them do their homework.
Debus, a professional consultant, who helped organize the program from the start, will lead the next training session on Tuesday.
“In time, this will result in huge benefits to the community and improve a lot of people’s lives,” Bellack said.
Volunteers interested in more information or being mentors for this program are urged to contact Leach at (585) 798-4265, Ext. 146 or e-mail her at kel99@cornell.edu.
Supportive Care of Orleans is selling memorial keepsakes for a Dec. 4 event, including a wreath for $25, $50 for a porcelain cardinal ornament and $100 for a hand-painted cardinal ornament.
ALBION – Supportive Care of Orleans will be having its annual Light-A-Life fundraiser and ceremony on Dec. 4.
The 4:30 p.m. will be at the memorial garden at Supportive Care, 14080 Route 31 West in Albion.
The Light-A-Life Ceremony is a way to remember someone special during the holiday season, the organization said.
People are welcome to purchase a red ribbon, wreath or ornament and attend the ceremony. A red ribbon with a loved one’s name on the tree is $10, porcelain wreath ornament made by Gwen McLaughalin are $25, a porcelain cardinal ornament is $50 and hand-painted cardinal ornament by Carol Culhane is $100.
Registration for the ceremony will begin at 4:15 pm with refreshments to follow.
