Officials seek support for several issues in Orleans

Press Release, Orleans County Legislature

Provided photo: Pictured from left include County Legislators Skip Draper, Lynne Johnson and John Fitzak outside the U.S. Capitol during a break at the National Association of Counties annual conference.

ALBION – Orleans County legislative leaders returned home today after spending several days in Albany and Washington DC at two major government conferences.

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Legislative conference was held in Albany from Feb. 23-26. The National Association of Counties (NACO) conference was held in Washington DC from Feb. 28 to March 4.

Both annual conferences bring together elected officials from across New York State and the nation. While there, Orleans County Officials met with state and federal officials to lobby for funding for key county projects.

“I have said this before but there really is no better way to advocate for our residents then to sit down at the table with our federal and state representatives personally,” said Johnson, the County Legislature chairwoman. “It’s important that leaders of all levels of government representing Orleans County have our priorities aligned so we speak with one voice when seeking dollars and pursuing legislation.”

Joining Chairman Johnson at the NACO Washington DC conference were Legislators Merle “Skip” Draper and Legislator John Fitzak. Legislator Ed Morgan and County Administrator Jack Welch attended the NYSAC Conference in Albany. Topics of interest at the conferences included homeland security, the Great Lakes, workforce development, economic development and emergency management.

Orleans County officials spent time on Capitol Hill meeting with key staff from Senator Schumer’s and Senator Gillibrand’s offices. In addition, they met with staff from Congresswoman Tenney’s office.

Orleans specific needs and more funding for the Public Safety Building; dredging; relocation and remodeling to the Genesee Community College Satellite building; the Marine Park Docks repair and continued expansion of broadband were major topics of discussion.

“Time was tight, especially in Washington, when we were doing meetings the day of the State of the Union address, but I very much appreciated our federal delegation taking the time to meet with us,” Johnson said. “I want to thank my legislative colleagues for attending these conferences and advocating on behalf Orleans County residents.”

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) represents New York’s 62 counties, including the City of New York, before Federal, State and Local officials. NYSAC staff educate, train and provide research on public policy to Federal, State and Local officials and to the membership on issues important to counties.  The National Association of Counties (NACO) serves nearly 40,000 county officials. Founded in 1935, NACO unites County leaders from across the United States to educate lawmakers and advocate for county priorities.

‘Tariffs that drive up costs without a clear long-term strategy undermine the strength of the manufacturing sector’

Press Release, Buffalo Niagara Manufacturers Alliance and the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier

BUFFALO – The Buffalo Niagara Manufacturers Alliance and the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier today jointly issued a statement expressing deep concern over the economic impact of tariffs on manufacturers in the region.

They warn that continued uncertainty surrounding trade policies threatens investment, job creation, and long-term growth in the manufacturing sector.

“Manufacturers operate in a capital-intensive environment that requires long-term planning and stability,” according to a statement from the organizations. “The ongoing uncertainty created by tariffs is making it harder for companies to make confident decisions about expansion, hiring, and investment in New York State. Manufacturers—small and large—are looking for pro-growth policies that foster stability and encourage investment. Tariffs that drive up costs without a clear long-term strategy undermine the strength of the manufacturing sector.”

Jay Timmons, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), recently emphasized this point, stating, “Uncertainty is the enemy of investment. Manufacturing is a capital-intensive industry. We make decisions months and years in advance. … That’s why we need certainty. We need a clear, actionable, multistep strategy from our government—one that says, ‘We want you to invest here, hire here and succeed here.’”

The NAM has long highlighted the economic risks associated with tariffs, noting that they increase costs for manufacturers, disrupt supply chains, and ultimately impact consumers. According to recent analysis, tariffs on critical raw materials and components raise production costs, making it harder for American businesses to compete globally.

One-third of all U.S. imported manufacturing inputs now come from Canada and Mexico. The value of U.S. imports of manufacturing inputs from North America is now 3X greater than China.

A 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico is adding an estimated $144 billion a year to the cost of manufacturing in the United States.

Source: National Association of Manufacturers

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has also voiced strong opposition to these tariffs. Neil Bradly, Chief Policy Officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce stated, “The Chamber supports the administration’s efforts to advance pro-growth policies like fewer regulations and less taxation that will grow our economy and expand opportunity; and to fix serious problems like our broken border and stopping the flow of fentanyl in this country. We also want to work together to keep costs down, but tariffs will only raise prices and increase the economic paid being felt by everyday Americans across the country. We urge reconsideration of this policy and swift end to these tariffs.”

In 2022, New York businesses exported nearly $106.3 billion worth of goods overseas, supporting approximately 2.8 million jobs.

Canada is one of New York’s largest trading partners, with total trade between New York and Canada reaching $42.6 billion in 2022. Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The BNMA and MAST are urging policymakers to prioritize solutions that reduce trade uncertainty, promote a competitive business environment, and support a strong domestic manufacturing base. They stand with manufacturers and business leaders in calling for a clear and predictable trade strategy that fosters long-term economic growth.

The Buffalo Niagara Manufacturers Alliance and the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier (MAST) advocate for manufacturers across the five counties of Western New York (WNY). Manufacturing remains the backbone of the WNY economy with 1600 firms, and nearly 70,000 employees manufacturing $26.8 billion in annual shipments. The BNMA and MAST are proud to represent the WNY manufacturing base.

‘Adding even more costs and reducing markets for American agricultural goods could create an economic burden some farmers may not be able to bear.’

Photo by Tom Rivers: These apples are in a bin at a local farm from the fall 2023.

The leader of the American Farm Bureau Federation is concerned tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China will hurt agriculture in the United States.

The Trump Administration is imposing 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and 10 percent on China. All three countries will be imposing retaliatory tariffs on American goods, including many farm products.

Zippy Duvall, the Farm Bureau president, on Tuesday issued this statement on the tariffs.

“Farmers support the goals of ensuring security and fair trade with other nations, but additional tariffs, along with expected retaliatory tariffs, will take a toll on rural America.

“Farmers and ranchers are concerned with the decision to impose increased tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China – our top trading partners. Last year, the U.S. exported more than $83 billion in agricultural products to the three countries.

“Approximately 85% of our total potash supply – a key ingredient in fertilizer – is imported from Canada. For the third straight year, farmers are losing money on almost every major crop planted. Adding even more costs and reducing markets for American agricultural goods could create an economic burden some farmers may not be able to bear.

“We ask the president to continue working with our international partners to find ways to resolve disagreements quickly, so farmers can focus on feeding families in America and abroad.”

NY urges farmers to notify state about potential impacts from tariffs with Canada, Mexico and China

Gov. Kathy Hochul convened a roundtable in Albany on Tuesday with agricultural leaders in the state. She said the tariffs are projected to increase costs by as much as $1,200 a year for the average New Yorker, while hurting many businesses that send products to China, Mexico and Canada.

Hochul encourages businesses, including New York’s farms, to report the effects of these tariffs on their work to TariffImpact@esd.ny.gov.

“From the North Country to the Southern Tier, farmers are the backbone of New York State,” Hochul said. “Many of our farmers rely on export sales of their products, and I’ll continue to do everything in my power to fight against this misguided tariff policy and ensure the government is doing what it is supposed to do, which is help, not hurt, New York farmers.”

Hochul said agriculture is a cornerstone of New York’s economy. The state’s investments in agricultural priorities are up 60 percent since 2022, she said.

“We appreciate Governor Hochul’s willingness to invite our members to the table to discuss the issues most important to New York agriculture, including how tariffs will directly affect farmers’ bottom line,” said New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher. “By telling our stories and sharing our real, everyday challenges, we make our voices heard so that we can continue to provide healthy, accessible food for all New Yorkers – and keep farming sustainable and successful.”

Press Release, Genesee Community College

BATAVIA – Genesee Community College is pleased to announce The BEST Center has been awarded a $88,175 award for clean energy training by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

The Clean Energy Training Program funded by NYSERDA will upskill incumbent workers and train new students seeking entry into the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) field.

GCC’s Clean Energy Training Program will train individuals in high efficiency HVAC (including heat pumps) and energy auditing. Program graduates also will be provided an opportunity to obtain their Home Energy Rater (HER) Certification through the industry standard Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) program.

“We are immensely grateful for the generosity of NYSERDA,” said Jennifer Wakefield, executive director of Workforce Development at Genesee Community College. “This training grant will make a significant impact on the lives of incumbent workers, students entering the field of HVAC and the businesses who support the industry.”

The GCC Clean Energy training program is a 10-week training course, with four cohorts over two years. The first classes will begin in Spring 2025 at the college’s Batavia campus.

The NYSERDA Energy Efficiency and Clean Technology Training program awards activities such as technical training and experiential learning that supports New York State’s path to inclusive clean energy economy. GCC’s training program will contribute to expanding the capacity of skilled talent for Western New York’s energy efficiency and clean energy labor market.

Adele Ferranti, director of Workforce Development and Training, NYSERDA, said, “Each day more New Yorkers are turning to sustainable building solutions to make their homes more comfortable and improve overall energy efficiency. To meet the growing demand for clean energy technologies, NYSERDA is pleased to support Genesee Community College’s new program at the BEST Center that will ready the workforce with trained professionals to install and service the latest equipment.”

Businesses and individuals looking to take advantage of GCC’s Clean Energy Training are encouraged to act now and contact The BEST Center at bestcenter@genesee.edu or call (585) 345-6868.

Art Hill’s children, Jerry Hill and Jennifer Hill-Young, hold the Hall of Fame award presented for their father who was active in auto racing for about 60 years.

AMHERST – The late Art Hill, who was active in auto racing for about 60 years, was inducted into a racing hall of fame on Saturday.

The Friends of Auto Racing Seeking Cooperation of Racing Enthusiasts (FOAR SCORE) enshrines people who are outstanding in their profession and who make outstanding contribution to the sport of auto racing throughout the Western New York, Western Pennsylvania and Niagara Ontario Regions of Canada.

FOAR SCORE Club was established in 1948 by race fans for the betterment of auto racing. It is the oldest active auto racing fan club in the U.S.

FOAR SCORE honored Art Hill of Medina on Saturday at Classics V Banquet House in Amherst. Hill, the late owner of Art Hill Excavating, was an owner, sponsor and driver in auto racing.

The Hall of Fame listing for Hill states:

“The late Art Hill was involved in many different capacities in his long association with area motorsports.  After some drag racing in the early 1960s, he teamed with brother Aaron to try some oval track racing at Lancaster.

“Ultimately, he connected with driver Pete Hayes; Art crewed for and eventually took on ownership of the Hayes Modified through the ’70s, travelling all over the northeast. He stepped away from active involvement in the early 1980s to focus on his business and raising a family, but maintained a connection by sponsoring a number of racing teams.

“He jumped back into the ownership/crew chief ranks in the late ’80s, teaming with Hall of Famer John Julicher to form a potent combination. That pairing resulted in Super Stock/Late Model titles at Lancaster in 1994, ’97, ’99 and 2001, and numerous feature victories, including the Race of Champions weekend Late Model event in 1999.

“In 2001, Art climbed back into the driver’s seat in a Late Model at Lancaster for a few seasons, and though he never visited victory lane, he developed into a consistent top five racer.  He later moved his involvement to the asphalt Sportsman division, first as a major sponsor of John Julicher, Jr., then as a car owner for Hall of Famer Bobby Weber before his untimely passing in 2023.  Art’s daughter Jen and son Jerry accepted the honors.”

About 225 attended the awards banquet. Pete Stefanski of North Tonawanda and George Skora III of Eden were honored as “Drivers of the Year” on dirt and asphalt, respectively.

Others inducted in the Hall of Fame include Linda Pratt, Bruce Roll, Dave Schulz and Kenny Troyer.

President Donald Trump gave a nearly two-hour address to Congress on Tuesday night.

Here are the reactions from Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, Congressman Joe Morelle and Gov. Kathy Hochul:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, R-Oswego:

“It has just been 43 days since President Trump was sworn in, and he has already accomplished more for the American people than any modern President. America’s Golden Age is finally here! He has already signed more than 100 Executive Actions, reversing the disastrous policies of the Biden administration and reinstating his America First agenda to make America strong, secure, and competitive once again.

“President Trump delivered a historic and powerful speech, highlighting his efforts to deliver on his promises to the American People. He is cracking down on fraud, waste, and abuse in our government, securing our borders, deporting criminal illegal immigrants, and declaring a national energy emergency to unleash American energy dominance.

“President Trump also laid out his vision to work with Congressional Republicans to preserve and expand the Trump Tax Cuts, which delivered significant economic benefits to families and small businesses across the country. The Trump Tax Cuts allowed families to keep more of their hard-earned money, empowered small businesses, supported family-owned farms, brought jobs back to America, and counteracted high-tax policies forced on New Yorkers by the centralized Marxist government in Albany.

“President Trump’s bold and commonsense address to Congress establishes a blueprint for implementing policies that will deliver results for the American people. I am eager to continue working with President Trump, on behalf of all of NY-24, to enact America First legislative priorities including: securing the border, supercharging the US economy, unleashing America’s energy potential, and strengthening our national security.”

Congressman Joe Morelle, D-Rochester:

“Tonight’s speech was exactly what we’ve come to expect from Donald Trump—more meaningless promises designed to distract from the reckless and destructive policies of his administration.

“The American people aren’t fooled. They know we need real solutions to lower costs, keep our communities safe and build a stronger economy—not more tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires. We should be standing up for middle class families, protecting our freedoms, and defending democracy—the very values that have always defined our nation.

“This address was another missed opportunity. I can only hope that one day, the President makes a good-faith effort to advance what should be shared goals. Until then, I will continue fighting for what is right.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul:

“The cost of living is too damn high in New York and across America. Yet President Trump’s address to Congress failed to offer a single meaningful solution to the affordability crisis.

“In fact, we heard the exact opposite: plan after plan that would raise costs on consumers. The President doubled down on his tariffs, which would cost New York families more than $1,200 each year and devastate our family farms. He called on Congress to repeal the CHIPS and Science Act, which would risk 50,000 jobs and a $100 billion investment in Central New York. And he was shockingly silent on health care — even as his allies in Congress threaten to strip Medicaid coverage away from millions of New Yorkers.

“But that’s not how we do things here in New York. I’m going to continue our laser focus on affordability, fighting to pass a budget that lowers middle-class taxes and triples the child tax credit. No matter what nonsense comes out of Washington, I’ll keep fighting to put money back in your pockets.”

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

WILSON – Has anyone ever told you that you’d make a great school board member?

NOSBA (Niagara Orleans School Boards Association) is offering a free workshop on Saturday, April 5th, for anyone interested in running for a Board of Education position or learning more about the process.

The workshop will be held at the Wilson High/Middle School, 347 Lake Street, Wilson. It will run from 9 to 11 a.m. and guest speakers will include attorney Melissa Kester (Orleans/Niagara BOCES), who will speak on the school board election process and responsibilities of the board, and Wilson Superintendent Timothy Carter, who will address building a productive working relationship between the board and the superintendent.

For anyone interested in attending, please call NOSBA at (716) 731-6800 ext. 2211 or email Diane Stamp at dstamp@onboces.org by Friday, March 28th.

MEDINA – A composer working on a new piece that will debut in a July 2 concert will be in Medina on Saturday.

Clarice Assad, a Grammy-nominated composer, welcomes input from the community. She will be in the Canal Basin at 2 p.m. for a “Sound Capture Journey.”

Assad, a Brazilian-American, is developing an orchestral piece that will be performed by Albany Symphony on July 2 in Medina. Assad’s piece will be the centerpiece of the “Water Music New York: More Voices festival.” She will work around the theme of the voices of nature and the environment along the Erie Canal.

 “The goal on March 8 is to create a digital archive of the sounds of nature and the environment, as heard by the Medina community,” said Lily Whiteman, programs manager of Albany Symphony Orchestra. “Clarice and adventurous listeners will capture sound snippets from around Orleans County to tell personal stories about nature and the environment.”

Anyone can join Assad on Saturday or adventure on their own sound-gathering expedition. People can record their favorite spot in the woods or share the sound of the song the birds sing outside their window.

“How do you listen adventurously to the natural world around you?” Whiteman asked.

Email sound files to MedinaSoundArchive@gmail.com. Files can be in any format and should be under 5 minutes.

Be sure to include where you collected the sound, and your first name and last initial, to be included in the online Medina Sound Archive.

Assad will be in the basin in downtown Medina at 2 p.m. on Saturday to talk about the project and to wander about, collecting sounds of nature that run through the community. To join the expedition or for more information, email Whiteman at lilyw@albanysymphony.com.

Laura Bentley transforms event space at former Village Inn

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Fairhaven Inn & Events team includes, from left: Faye Conley, day of coordinator; Laura Bentley, owner; and Katie Stiegler, marketing manager.

GAINES – Laura Bentley has given an inn going back more than 200 years a new look.

Part of the former Tillman’s Village Inn has been repurposed into Fairhaven Inn & Events. The restaurant and bar continue at the site as the Tavern on the Ridge, run by Chad Pike and Julia Hopkins.

Bentley owns the former Village Inn, acquiring it from Mark Tillman.

“I firmly believe in investing in our community, trying to do better in our county,” Bentley said. “I’m very fortunate my family had a business allowing me so many connections in the community.”

She is also owner and president of Bentley Brothers, a Kubota dealership in Albion and Brockport. That business is celebrating its 100^th anniversary this year, including a big bash on May 31 at Fairhaven Inn & Events.

This past weekend Bentley gave the public its first look at the transformed former Village Inn. Fairhaven Inn hosted a bridal show with 14 vendors.

They saw a space where the carpet was torn out and replaced with new flooring, and a much brighter interior painted in white with black trim. Bentley also put in new bathrooms.

In the spring, a separate staircase will be added leading to the events space.

She sees Fairhaven hosting wedding receptions, annual meetings for local organizations, and many other special events. Fairhaven is conveniently located right in the center of Orleans County, Bentley noted.

The vendors at the bridal show were impressed with the changes at the site.

“It’s beautiful in here,” said Brenda Radzinski, representing the Cobblestone Museum which rents its church out for weddings. “What she’s done with the space is amazing. It’s bright and open.”

The Cobblestone Museum over the years has hosted many weddings with the reception then at the Village Inn. Bentley would like to continue that arrangement. Fairhaven could host the receptions. Pike of the Tavern on the Ridge is the preferred caterer for events, but Bentley said people can hire someone else.

Sara Flansburg, owner of Blissetts Specialty Shop, brought many wedding gowns to the bridal show. She also rents out suits and tuxedos for men. She said Orleans County is fortunate to have several wedding venues.

Flansburg said Bentley was able to incorporate modern and rustic in the look at Fairhaven.

“This is a very good destination venue,” Flansburg said. “It’s always nice to have another place to recommend. It gives people another option. You want people to have multiple things available that are close to home.”

Fairhaven includes a telephone booth with an audio guest book where people can leave recorded messages for the newly married couple.

Bentley also owns the Fairhaven Inn which includes a bridal suite and seven other rooms. Bentley bought the inn in January 2022 and renovated all eight rooms with new flooring, paint and bathrooms. She also renovated two houses at the Bridges in Carlton. The Cottages at Oak Orchard are guest rentals.

The bridal suite is among the eight rooms available at Fairhaven Inn.

Press Release, State Sen. Rob Ortt’s Office

ALBANY – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and members of the Senate Republican Conference today unveiled legislation aimed at providing relief for hardworking New Yorkers who are struggling amidst the state’s affordability crisis and called for the bills to be included in this year’s Enacted Budget.

The bills are designed to ensure New Yorkers are able to keep more of their hard-earned income in their own pockets by eliminating state income taxes on overtime pay and cash tips:

• S.587 Eliminating state income taxes on cash tips which are considered wages or compensation; and
• S.3914 Eliminating state income taxes on overtime pay.

“At a time when so many New Yorkers are struggling with rising costs on everything from groceries to utility bills, it’s imperative we do anything we can to make sure they are able to keep more of their hard-earned money in their own pockets,” Ortt said. “Albany Democrats continue to pass bills that make New York less affordable, not more. In contrast, these two pieces of legislation will provide immediate, significant relief and I commend Senator Jack Martins on his leadership on this issue.”

These bills are a key aspect of the Senate Republicans’ Liberate New York agenda, of which a primary focus is helping make New York more affordable for all. These bills would also complement efforts underway at the federal level to eliminate taxes on tips and overtime to provide even more financial relief to New Yorkers struggling to get by.

“It is time to prioritize relief for hardworking New Yorkers who are struggling to keep up as New York becomes more and more unaffordable,” said Senator Jack Martins. “These bills will help our constituents hold on to more of the money they work so hard to earn in their own pockets, and I urge the Governor and my colleagues in the majorities in the Legislature to include these provisions in this year’s state budget.”

EAST SHELBY – The East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company welcomed members and guests to its annual installation banquet Saturday night at East Shelby Fire Hall, where outstanding members were recognized, those recently lost were remembered and a 50-year member was honored.

The evening began with opening remarks by Dave Green and welcome by Ladies Auxiliary president Shirley Printup and Fire Company president Mike Fuller.

Officers of East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company took the oath of office administered by Dale Watts, a 50-year member of Shelby Fire Company, at the annual banquet Saturday night. In front, beginning with Deb Taylor (in plaid shirt), chief, are Karen Bracey, secretary; Kirk Zinkievich, vice president; and Mike Fuller, president, followed by Dennis MacDonald and Alan Lonnen, trustees; and David Green, steward. Others at left are Alan Turner, treasurer; Steve Wolters, fire police chief; Jeff Taylor, 3rd assistant chief; Matt Grimes, lieutenant; Todd Ralph, safety/training officer; Devin Taylor, 1st assistant chief; and Jared Zinkievich, captain.

Before giving the invocation, chaplain Rose Allen asked for a moment of silence to remember recently lost Auxiliary members Fonda Carr and Margaret Reigle.

Elaine Watts, president of Shelby Volunteer Ladies Auxiliary, installed officers of the Ladies Auxiliary, which are president Shirley Printup, vice president Leona Weese, secretary Sawyer Green, treasurer Sharlene Pratt, trustees Bronwyn Green, Sue Green and Pat Vader and chaplain Rose Allen.

Fire company executive officers installed by Dale Watts, a 50-year member of Shelby Fire Company, are president Mike Fuller, vice president Kirk Zinkievich, secretary Karen Bracey, treasurer Allen Turner, steward Dave Green and trustees Dennis MacDonald, Norm Behrend, Gordon Reigle and Alan Lonnen.

Line officers installed were chief, Deb Taylor, 1st assistant chief Devin Taylor, 2nd assistant chief Andy Beach, 3rd assistant chief Jeff Taylor, captain Jared Zinkievich, lieutenant Matt Grimes, fire police chief Steve Wolter, EMS officers Sue Behrend and Mike Fuller and safety/training officer Todd Ralph.

Watts joked he bet the firemen remembered when banquets were on Friday nights, and they anticipated bingo on Saturday nights.

In an age where fire companies are struggling to get new members, it was announced the auxiliary had welcomed five new members and the fire company seven. New auxiliary members are Cassandra Harden, Emily Oberther, Natalie Printup, Leslie Green and Jessie Allen. New members of the fire company are Mike Green, Dave Haas, Logan Gardner, David Bell, Nathan Fuller, Mike Hamilton and Brennan Zinkievich.

“When their training is complete this year, we will have six new interior firefighters,” Fuller said.

Kirk Zinkievich, holds his certificate for 40 years of membership in the East Shelby Fire Company. With him, from left, are fire chief Deb Taylor, Bill Eick representing Orleans County Legislature, fire company president Mike Fuller and Eileen Banker, representing Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

The awards ceremony began with Mike Fuller presenting his President’s Award.

“I’ve been president four or five years and it’s always hard to choose,” Fuller said. “But this person is well known and a point man or assistant point man on most of our events. He’s our ‘go-to’ man on little things and big things. He’s also our steward, a firefighter and certified first responder. This committed person is my friend, Dave Green.”

In presenting the EMS Award, Fuller said he and Sue Behrend share leadership, teaching basic EMT and first responder duties.

“This person took the bull by the horns when he joined,” Fuller said. “He took the training class and passed it and is now a certified EMT. It is Josh Fuller.”

Deb Taylor handed out certificates recognizing membership of five to 40 years. Recipients were Mike Hinkley, Megan Perkins, Scott Barber and Ben Schiffer, 5 years; Andy Beach, 15; Jackie Keller and Deb Taylor, 20; Rusty Hoffmeister, 25; Todd Ralph, 25; Kirk Zinkievich 40; and James Ralph, 40.

Dave Morien was presented with this mounted axe in honor of 50 years of membership in the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. Holding the axe are fire chief Deb Taylor and company president Mike Fuller.

Dave Morien received special recognition for 50 years of membership, and was presented with a large wooden plaque with a mounted axe.

Morien said he first joined the fire company when Jack Hassall approached him and asked if he had joined yet.

“So I joined,” Morien said. “It is a great way to get to know people in the area.”

He has served as first assistant chief, secretary, treasurer and fire police chief.

Taylor next announced the winner of her Chief’s Award.

“This person has been in the department for many years,” she said. “If we needed help, we just had to call or text him. He plays a big role here. It’s an honor and a privilege to present this award to Mike Fuller.

Taylor chose Josh Fuller as recipient of the Firefighter of the Year award.

“He has shown tremendous dedication to the fire company,” Taylor said. “He completed his EMT training and also helped bring in more members.”

Elaine Watts, president of Shelby Center Ladies Auxiliary, standing at right, installs officers of the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company Saturday night. From left are secretary Sawyer Green, president Shirley Printup, treasurer Sharlene Pratt, vice president Leona Weese, and trustees Sue Green, Pat Vader and Rose Allen.

Shirley Printup took the podium to present awards to ladies in the auxiliary and acknowledge outgoing members – president, Sawyer Green, treasurer Debbie Green and trustee Sue Green.

Certificates for years of membership were presented to Amber Draper and Lynn Woodruff, 5; Megan Wolter, 15; and Sue Zinkievich, 50 years. Zinkievich, who was in Florida and could not attend, also received a special gift and proclamations from local officials. Final recognition was paid to Doris Antinore for 55 years.

Sawyer Green, left, and Shirley Printup, representing the East Shelby Ladies’ Auxiliary, present president Mike Fuller with a check for $10,000 toward new gear.

Printup also stated the hardest part of her job was having to pick one person for her President’s Award. Her choice was Leona Weese, a member who is fairly new, but stepped right in and took over a new function.

The final gift was a check presented to Mike Fuller by Printup and Sawyer Green from the auxiliary.

“It is our custom to give the firemen a gift every year,” Printup said. “This year they said they really needed new gear, so we are giving them a check for $10,000 toward that new gear.”

Dave Green then called Elaine Newton to the front to receive his Steward’s Award. Fighting off tears, he hugged her and explained how active she had been during 50 years of membership, including the last year when, in spite of dealing with a very difficult time and her husband’s death, she continued to be a tremendous help to the fire company.

Several members, including Morien, received proclamations from Shelby town board and representatives of Orleans County Legislature, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, Senator Rob Ortt and FASNY.

The evening also included dinner catered by Donna Eick.

ALBION – Orleans Community Health has announced the reopening of walk-in services at its Albion Healthcare Center, beginning today. The announcement comes after a year of requiring patients to call ahead for appointments.

Walk-ins will again be welcomed during new extended hours, according to Scott Robinson, director of marketing for Orleans Community Health.

Effective immediately, patients can walk in for care from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Saturday hours will be from 9 a.m. to noon.

This change will provide greater flexibility and convenience for individuals seeking medical care, especially those with urgent needs or who may find it challenging to schedule an appointment in advance.

“We understand the importance of accessibility and convenience in healthcare, and we’re thrilled to bring back walk-in services to our community,” Robinson said. “This is a significant step toward improving the patient experience, and we’re confident the extended hours and no-appointment-needed access will make it easier for people in Albion and the surrounding areas to receive the care they need in a timely manner.”

Ciarra Silversmith, clinic manager at Albion Healthcare Center, added, “For the past year, we’ve been committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our patients, which is why we had to modify our services. But now, we’re excited to be able to offer walk-in services again, helping to streamline care for both our regular patients and newcomers. Our team is ready to assist anyone who walks through our doors.”

For more information or questions, call the Albion Healthcare Center at (585) 589-CARE.

TOWN OF ALABAMA – The staff at the Genesee County Economic Development Center and the STAMP technical team have made a recommendation among the three proposals to develop a massive data center at STAMP, a manufacturing park off Route 63.

The GCEDC staff and the STAMP technical team favor the proposal from Stream US Data Centers, LLC from Dallas, Texas for Project Double Reed.

The details of that proposal include:

• 900,000 square-foot data center on 59.2 acres
• Total capital investment: $6,320,000,000
• Incentive amount: $471,560,000
• Generate $218,450,978 in local municipal revenue over 20 years
• Sales tax exemption: $462,560,000
• Mortgage tax exemption: $9,000,000
• Estimated tax incentives: $471,560,000
• Direct jobs: 122 ($88,505 average), plus 46 indirect
• PILOT $127,723,298 over 20 years, $5,000,000 in year 1 to $7,993,252 in year 20
• Other local municipal revenue: $90,727,680 over 20 years, with $52,036,384 in year 1, $2,036,384 from years 2 to 20. Includes $1,920,000 sales tax revenue, $116,384 in fire district for $2,036,384 a year, plus a one time $50 million for substation.

Many speakers during three public hearings on Feb. 3 spoke against a data center at STAMP, saying a data centers would be huge consumers of electricity, about 200 megawatts of lower-cost hydropower.

Speakers during the public hearings said a data center near a wildlife refuge and the Tonawanda Seneca Nation would be very disruptive, due to the noise and sheer size of the data center. The buildings, ranging from 750,000 square feet to 900,000 square feet, would be about five to six times the Albion Walmart Supercenter which is 155,000 square feet.

Mark Masse, GCEDC’s chief executive officer, issued this statement today:

“The first step in this process is for the GCEDC STAMP Committee to review all the supporting materials that accompany the recommendation to the Board, and if they agree with the conclusion, approve moving the recommendation to the full Board at the March 6, 2025 Board meeting. This matter will be discussed at the STAMP Committee meeting on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

“The staff and technical team assessed several factors in our recommendation to the Board, including thorough review of the responses to relevant comments raised at the February 3, 2025 public hearing. We also took into consideration the number of good-paying jobs that would be created, the footprint of the project, including electric and water needs and impacts on the local community.

“Another factor that was considered in our recommendation was which project would have the least impact to the STAMP footprint as GCEDC staff continues to focus on bringing advanced manufacturing and semiconductor supply chain companies to STAMP.

“Staff ultimately concluded, in close consultation with the technical team, that STREAM US Data Centers, LLC project had the fewest impacts, particularly from an environmental standpoint, and provided the best overall fit at the STAMP site.

“GCEDC staff and the technical will be prepared to discuss our recommendation to the GCEDC board at the March 5th STAMP Committee meeting.”