Photos courtesy of Arc GLOW: Staff and residents of Arc GLOW celebrate Sheila Taylor as one of four state-wide Thomas A. Maul Award winners on Thursday. The award recognizes a Direct Support Professional who consistently demonstrates excellence, creativity, and commitment to people who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
Press Release, Arc GLOW
Sheila Taylor, Direct Support Professional, has been selected to receive the Thomas A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award for the NYSARC, Inc, as a representative of Arc GLOW.
Sheila Taylor
Selected from thousands of nominations, only four in the state can win this prestigious award. The Thomas A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award is an annual award which recognizes a Direct Support Professional who consistently demonstrates excellence, creativity and commitment to providing supports to people who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
Taylor has been at the Turtle Rock IRA in Lakeville, Livingston County since it was built 13 years ago. This particular home houses aging individuals, and she is known for is known for going above and beyond in her position supporting aging people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
Residential Director, Deb Tuckerman, commends Sheila for setting the bar for other staff.
“She sets that bar very high because of her commitment and dedication to the people she supports,” Tuckerman said. “Staff and the people in the home often comment on how they look up to Sheila, and many refer to her as a mother figure. Sheila consistently role model’s kindness, a strong work ethic, person centeredness, and empathy. She is the ideal DSP, who reliably puts her heart into her work every day.”
Working with aging individuals, she is a crucial part in home life supporting their personal care, and helping them get through end of life situations. Tuckerman reflects back on a moment in particular earlier in the year.
“When Shelia found out a housemate passed away, she came directly to the IRA to talk with an individual who she knew would be especially sad,” Tuckerman said. “Sheila demonstrates that The Arc is not just a job for her – it’s an important part of her life.”
Arc GLOW, formerly The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming and Arc of Genesee Orleans, are family-founded agencies dedicated to helping people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities meet their full potential and find fulfillment in learning, personal relationships, employment, volunteerism, recreation, the arts, and more.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 October 2021 at 8:21 am
Recoveries outpacing new infections in 2 counties
The number of active Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties dropped by nearly 100 in the seven days from Oct. 14 to Oct. 21, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
There were 432 active cases on Oct. 14 with 237 in Orleans and 195 in Genesee. Those cases were down to 339 seven days later with the active cases at 155 in Orleans and 184 in Genesee.
The counties still are seeing Covid community transmission with 68 new cases reported in Orleans and 95 in Genesee from Monday through Thursday.
However, the recoveries – people who have completed their 10-day isolation and have been removed from mandatory isolation – included 70 in Orleans and 135 in Genesee during the three days.
There are currently two Orleans County residents hospitalized due to Covid and 12 in Genesee.
A person passed away from Orleans County due to Covid in the past week. The county has has 87 residents die from Covid since March 2020. Genesee County is reporting 132 deaths from Covid during the pandemic.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 October 2021 at 9:52 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart’s Rem Albee works to keep the ball away from Alden’s Joshua Yoerg during the Rams double overtime sectional win over the visiting Bulldogs this evening.
It took 105 minutes to decide the outcome as No. 3 seed Roy-Hart outlasted visiting No. 6 Alden 1-0 in double overtime this evening in a Section VI Class B2 quarterfinal boys soccer playoff game.
Landen Guild scored the game winner for the Niagara-Orleans League champion Rams with five minutes to go in the second 15 minute overtime period off an assist from his brother Aiden Guild.
The goal came just three minutes after play resumed following a lightning delay.
Zach Walker made 10 saves to earn the shutout in goal for Roy-Hart which will next face No. 7 Cassadaga Valley/Falconer on Monday in the semifinals. Cassadaga Valley nipped No. 2 Bennett 2-1.
Class B1
No. 2 seed Lew-Port trimmed No. 7 Medina/Lyndonville 2-1 in a Class B1 quarterfinal.
Cole Seefeldt scored the lone goal for the Mustangs on a penalty kick with three minutes remaining after the Lancers had built up a 2-0 lead.
The game was scoreless at the half.
The Lancers scored with 24 and 11 minutes remaining in the second half o goals by Spencer Reisman.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 October 2021 at 1:11 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Hayden Woodroe, left, and Albion’s Javon Jones and their Mustang and Purple Eagle teammates will renew their century plus long football rivalry at 7 p.m. Friday at Vets Park.
Cancelled last fall due to Covid-19 restrictions, the nearly 125 year old Albion vs. Medina high school football rivalry will resume on Friday as the Mustangs host the Purple Eagles at 7 p.m. at Vets Park.
Interestingly, that cancellation ended a string of exactly 100 straight years in which the two schools had met on the gridiron. The last year they did not meet was 1919 which ironically was during the Spanish Flu Pandemic which ran from 1918-1920.
Overall, Albion holds a 68-49-5 lead in the series which dates back to 1898 making it one of the oldest in the state. The teams have split the last 10 meetings but the Purple Eagles have won the last three.
Both teams are enjoying excellent seasons as the Mustangs are 7-0 and the Purple Eagles 5-1.
Quarterback Amari Jones, who has passed for 650 yards and 7 touchdowns and rushed for 180 yards and 2 TDs, leads the Purple Eagles offense.
Javon Jones has hauled in 20 of those passes for 348 yards and 7 touchdowns and Jahmeek Riley 4 for 161 and 2 TDs.
On the ground, Sh’Kwe Riley has rushed for 327 yards and 6 touchdowns and Jacob Hughson 157 yards and 1 TD.
The Mustangs offense is likewise led by quarterback Xander Payne who has passed for 1,031 yards and a school record 19 touchdowns.
Five different receivers have hauled in those TD aerials including Jarin Rhim with 6, Greg Thompson 5, Joe Cecchini 4, Iverson Poole 3 and Cayden Lilleby 1. Rhim has 340 receiving yards, Thompson 262 and Cecchini 222.
The Mustangs ground attack is led by Poole with 452 yards and 5 touchdowns, Noah Skinner 377 yards and 5 TDs, Robert Arnold 235 yards and 4 TD and Lilleby with 117 yards and 1 TD.
On defense, the Purple Eagles leading tacklers include Brendan Lebaron with 26, Hughson and Bryce Froman 24, Jahmeek Riley 22, Javon Jones, Jr. Morales and Jabari Johnson 11. Javon Jones also has 5 pass interceptions and Tyler Gibson 4.
The leading tacklers for the Mustangs defensive unit include Hayden Woodroe with 27, Poole 26, Chris Johnson 25, Skinner 22, Josh Wilson 21 and Dominic Larabee 19. Cecchini leads the way in sacks with 7 as Skinner and Arnold each have 5.
The contest, which is part of Medina’s Homecoming week celebration, will also include the induction of the 1980 Section VI championship team onto the Mustangs John “Pinky” Loughlin Football Wall of Fame.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 21 October 2021 at 11:04 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Mitch Kwandrans and his fiancée Johanna Chelton stand in their new store, Hemp House, which has opened at 409 Main Street in Medina.
MEDINA – When Mitch Krandrans and his fiancée Johanna Chelton pitch the benefits of hemp and CBD to their customers, they can back up what they’re talking about.
Kwandrans and Chelton recently opened the Hemp House at 409 Main St., in Medina, where they sell a variety of products made from hemp.
Kwandrans first tried CBD for pain a few years ago for serious neck and back pain.
“It really worked, once I found a brand that was reputable,” he said.
Then Chelton started taking it for severe foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis and a bone spur.
“I have had eczema for 18 years, and four months into taking CBD, I noticed my eczema was completely gone,” Kwandrans said. “I had previously tried creams, steroids and everything doctors could prescribe.”
Today he has no foot pain whatsoever.
Mitch Kwandrans holds his dog Chance in the new Hemp House he and his fiancée Johanna Chelton recently opened in Medina. They also sell hemp products for dogs and cats.
They started to do research on auto immune diseases and decided to develop a brand themselves, which wouldn’t cut any corners.
“We wanted a pure product that actually matches what it says on the bottle,” Kwandrans said.
They contracted with a farm in La Junta, Colo. to grow their hemp. It is then taken to a nearby facility with extraction equipment, where it is purified and packaged in Kwandrans’ containers for shipment to Medina. He stressed the facility is FDA registered and Current Good Manufacturing Practices-certified. Then their product is shipped to a third-party lab to be full-panel tested for purity, potency, pesticides, heavy metals, contaminants and microbials, such as ecoli or salmonella.
Customers can scan a code on the labels with their cell phone and bring up the product’s entire lab report.
Kwandrans created a company, Kraydo Organics, in 2016 and went online selling kratom from Indonesia. That was going really strong, he said.
He owns his brand, Higher Purpose CBD, which he developed in 2019. They began selling their products all over the country, and then people start asking why he didn’t have a store to sell it locally.
“This store was available, and we contacted Tom Snyder (owner of building) and made a deal,” Kwandrans said. “We wanted to bring access to people who wanted to try it or normally wouldn’t have heard about it. Our stuff is all pharmaceutical grade.”
The Hemp House sells CBD oils and creams, gummies made from elderberry extract, sleep aids and CBD for dogs and cats and dog treats. Their dog Chance, a Yorkshire Terrier, is pictured on the packaging for their pet products. Hemp flowers and hemp flower buds are big sellers, Kwandrans said.
Kwandrans explained CBD products work with the endocannabinoid system to decrease inflammation all over the body. With consistent use, its benefits really build up, and relief will increase over time.
Kwandrans said CBD was first put out in the country in California in 2015. It had been a gray area, he said, until President Trump signed the Farm Bill, making growing hemp legal.
The Hemp House has a large following of customers willing to share their personal success stories from using CBD products.
One is Megg Wakefield, who buys CBD treats and tincture oil for dogs.
“We have tried other brands – some that claim to be premium and at a premium cost – and none of them have helped our extremely high-strung and anxious mixed-breed pup as much as High Purpose. Our dog loves the flavor and prefers them over any other treats. Best of all, Hemp House offers their product at a much more affordable price.”
Leah Steverson said she was so happy Kwandrans and Chelton opened the store in Medina, facilitating a convenient way for her to treat her chronic back pain. She loves that it is non-habit forming.
“It just makes sense,” she said. “I’d like to see my friends continue to thrive and provide access to medicinal treatments that work.”
Another satisfied customer is Lee Sullivan who buys CBD products for his cat Marlon and himself.
“Once I decided to visit, I was pleased to find the shop is very bright and organized, and owners are friendly and helpful,” Sullivan said.
He said he has noticed a big improvement in his cat’s attitude and activity level, even at 14 years.
“I also bought hemp for my own personal use for nerve pain and sleep,” Sullivan said. “I couldn’t be more happy with the quality of their flower. The effects were powerful and exactly what I needed.”
Hemp House is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. They accept phone orders and deliver on Sundays. Orders may be placed online at medinahemphouse.com.
Kwandrans and Chelton strongly advocate for the village to opt in to cannabis dispensaries. This will eliminate the danger of purchased it on the street where it is unregulated.
If the village opts out, Kwandrans said they have the ability to have a petition signed by residents of Medina requesting a permissive referendum to put it on a ballot and let the residents decide. They will have papers at Hemp House for residents to sign their name, address and phone number, so Kwandrans can develop a roster for those who are willing to sign a petition, if needed.
Crime and Carpetbags will be released with a celebration this evening at Author’s Note in Medina.
MEDINA – Medina native Julie Berry will launch her latest middle grade novel, Crime and Carpetbags, at 7 p.m. tonight at Author’s Note, the newly reopened book store at 519 Main St.
Berry, a New York Times Bestselling author, recently relocated with her family from Los Angeles to buy and renovate the former Book Shoppe.
She will read from, discuss and sign copies of her new novel, which is the second installment in her Wishes and Wellingtons series. Books will be available for purchase in-store and online.
Crime and Carpetbags picks up where Wishes and Wellingtons left off, with spitfire Maeve Merritt, her friends Tommy and Alice, and an irascible djinni named Mermeros getting into magical hijinks in and around late-Victorian London.
Now that Maeve has surrendered Mermeros, she expects her life in London will be dull as dirt. But villains from Maeve’s previous escapades are still searching for the djinni, now in the hands of Mr. Poindexter, Tom’s adoptive father. When Mr. Poindexter and Mermeros go missing, the trio soar off to find Tom’s dad and that rascal, Mermeros, before the djinni’s fabled wishes fall into the wrong hands.
Booklist says of the novel, “Berry unfolds a charming and witty Victorial adventure, marked by a mysterious villain, flying carpet bags and a daring rescue, but it’s the tight friendship among Maeve, Alice and Tom that makes the story soar.” Kirkus Reviews says, “Fans of E. Nesbit and Edward Eager will find much to love. This action-packed sequel posses strong voice and setting.”
The event this evening is free and open to the public.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 21 October 2021 at 9:18 am
MEDINA – A push to form positive relations with the small businesses in Orleans County has resulted in a substantial donation to United Way of Orleans County.
One of the first things Nyla Gaylord did after she was hired as public relations/fundraiser for United Way was to start visiting small businesses and ask them to consider supporting United Way by selling tickets to their chicken barbecue.
One of the businesses, Mark’s Pizzeria in Medina, stepped up and designated one week in September in which $2 of every pizza sold would go to United Way.
Dean Bellack, executive director of United Way of Orleans County, stands in front of Mark’s Pizzeria on Main Street in Medina. Mark’s recently held a promotion, where $2 of every pizza sold during one week was donated to United Way.
Recently, United Way’s executive director Dean Bellack accepted a check from Mark’s for $2,800.
“We are thrilled one more business has stepped up to support United Way of Orleans County,” Bellack said.
He has also taken the opportunity to announce a new, convenient way to give to United Way.
“We not offer ‘Text to Give” as an easy way to donate,” Bellack said. “Every donation is valued and needed. All donations stay in Orleans County.”
To connect with Text to Give, just text 4224 to 41444. More information is available on United Way’s website.
Bellack has also announced United Way has created a new convenient way to give.
Called Text to Give, donors can text 4224 to 41444 and donate quickly and easily.
“Every donation is valued and needed,” Bellack said. “All donations stay in Orleans County and benefit our local needs.”
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 20 October 2021 at 9:44 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Zach Barrett, who scored three goals, is shown here on a header attempt toward the goal during the Eagles sectional win over visiting Perry this evening.
Erupting for a season high seven goals, No. 6 seed Kendall bested visiting No. 11 Perry 7-1 this evening in the opening round of the Section V Class C2 boys soccer playoffs.
Kendall bult up a 3-0 lead over the first 30 mminutrs as Michael McCue scored on a penalty kick, Louis Conte scored off a corner kick by McCue and then Josh Esposito tallied on a breakaway.
Perry did cut the deficit to 3-1 with a goal just before halftime but could not find the net again.
Kendall got that one back 15 minutes into the second half as Conti scored off an assist from Zach Barrett.
Barrett then rounded out the Kendall scoring registering a hat-trick by tallying the final three goals. Riley Robinson assisted on the first and McCue on the second on a corner.
Kendall will next visit No. 3 seed HAC in the quarterfinals at 2 p.m. Saturday
East Rochester 2, Holley 1 (2OT)
In a Class C1 opener, No. 7 East Rochester scored with 30 seconds to go in the second overtime period to nip visiting No. 10 Holley 2-1.
Holley took a 1-0 lead in the first half as Jesse Patterson scored off an assist from Lorenzo Zaragoza but ER rallied to tie with a second half goal.
Kendall’s Louis Conti, who had two goals, goes over Perry goalie Landon Washburn while trying for a rebound shot.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 20 October 2021 at 9:31 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Samantha Basinait tries to get off a shot against Depew goalie Kailey Allen during the Purple Eagles sectional win over the visiting Wildcats this afternoon.
Getting goals from six different players, No.7 seed Albion posted a 7-0 victory over visiting No. 10 Depew this afternoon in the opening round of the Section VI Class B1 girls soccer playoffs.
Albion grabbed a 2-0 lead late in the first half as Samantha Basinait scored off an assist from Nikki Creasey with 16 minutes to go and then Abby Scanlan tallied with five minutes remaining from Elise Bropst.
The Purple Eagles then broke the game open with a pair of quick goals in the first seven minutes of the second half.
First Creasey scored off an assist from Cami London three minutes in and then Aly Knaak tallied unassisted four minutes later to make it 4-0.
Keeping the momentum, the Purple Eagles then had London score from Creasey, Creasey from Scanlan and Emily Harling from Ryan Olles to round out the scoring parade.
Improving to 11-4, Albion will next visit No. 2 seed East Aurora in the quarterfinals on Friday.
In a Class B2 contest, Akron defeated Alden 3-1.
Albion’s duo of Kenzi Hapeman and Cami London block Depew’s Laure Silsby from the ball.
Gov. Hochul joins in announcing construction start of largest green hydrogen plant in North America
Photos by Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul: Governor Kathy Hochul makes a green jobs announcement today at the STAMP site off Route 63 in Alabama, NY.
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
ALABAMA – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that leading alternative energy technology provider Plug Power has begun construction on a $290 million electricity substation and state-of-the-art green hydrogen fuel production facility at the Western New York Science, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park located in the Town of Alabama, Genesee County.
Plug Power, the first tenant at the new manufacturing park, is also funding the construction of a 450-megawatt electricity substation that will support its hydrogen projection facility and future growth opportunities at STAMP.
As North America’s largest green hydrogen production facility, the plant will produce 45 metric tons of green liquid hydrogen daily servicing the Northeast region. When fully built, the facility will offer the company’s transportation fuel customers pricing competitive to diesel, leading the way to decarbonizing freight-transportation and logistics supporting New York’s path to achieving carbon-neutrality by 2050. Additionally, the company has committed to creating up to 68 new jobs.
“This groundbreaking is incredibly significant for the economies of the Finger Lakes and Western New York, providing new jobs and establishing the region as a prime destination for large manufacturers moving forward,” Governor Hochul said. “Plug Power’s new facility will be the largest plant in North America producing green hydrogen, advancing our ambitious green energy goals as we work toward a cleaner future.”
The siting of the manufacturing park, and Plug Power’s decision to locate there, was largely driven by access to low-cost hydropower from the New York Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project less than 30 miles away. The Power Authority is supporting the Plug Power project with the following incentives:
A 10-megawatt allocation of low-cost hydropower from the Niagara Power Project.
$1.5 million from the Western New York Power Proceeds program.
143 MW of High-Load Factor power that NYPA will procure for Plug Power on the energy market, drastically lowering electric bills through a reduction in electricity delivery chargers.
Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh said, “Plug Power is proud to be the leaders building the green hydrogen economy, creating jobs right here in our home state of New York. By 2025, our cross-continental green hydrogen network aims to supply 500 tons per day, and 1,000 tons per day globally by 2028. We thank our elected officials and partners for their leadership.”
Empire State Development is also supporting the project with up to $2 million in Excelsior Tax Credits in exchange for job creation commitments. Genesee County is also providing assistance for the transformative project.
Governor Kathy Hochul joins company officials, including Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh, in the ceremonial ground-breaking.
STAMP is a 1,250-acre mega site located at the center of upstate New York’s largest population, research, and workforce training hubs. Connected with New York’s high-tech corridor by New York State Thruway, STAMP has completed all site-level design and engineering, and all-site level environmental and zoning approvals to locate projects, including semiconductor manufacturing, renewables manufacturing, biopharma manufacturing, and other high-capacity industries.
The mega site is strategically located in NYPA’s low-cost hydropower zone and will be serviced by high-capacity, renewable, reliable power sources. STAMP has been validated as a regional priority project by the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council and has been supported by local, regional, and state governments, as well as business, university, and utility partners.
Steve Hyde, Genesee County Economic Development Center President & CEO, said, “Bringing Plug Power to STAMP demonstrates that our 1,250-acre campus can be a destination for advanced large-scale manufacturing companies such as semi-conductor and renewables manufacturing facilities with continued infrastructure investment from New York State. We are confident that Governor Hochul recognizes the importance of this investment approach in her efforts. Her vision for a sustainable green energy economy for Upstate to provide family sustaining jobs are key to revitalizing our communities now and in the future.”
The Plug Power expansion is part of its focused strategy to construct up to seven hydrogen production facilities across North America by 2022. In January, Plug Power announced that it would be establishing a $125 million Innovation Center in Monroe County, creating 377 new jobs. That facility will manufacture hydrogen fuel cell stacks for its ProGen hydrogen fuel cell engines used to power a variety of electric vehicles, including material handling equipment, on-road commercial fleet vehicles, and drones. The company also operates a facility in Rochester’s Eastman Business Park and maintains its headquarters in the Capital Region.
Low-cost Niagara hydropower is available for companies within a 30-mile radius of NYPA’s Niagara Power Project or businesses in Chautauqua County. Niagara hydropower is linked to tens of thousands of existing jobs in the region. The NYPA funding award is made possible through net earnings resulting from the sale of unused hydropower generated at NYPA’s Niagara power plant.
Senator Charles Schumer said, “As the first tenant at the STAMP Campus, Plug Power will be instrumental in establishing Genesee County as the next global hub for the clean energy industry. Plug Power is at the forefront of green hydrogen innovation and their work is vital to the success of both New York’s economy, and to the future of clean energy. I’ve worked hard to support both Plug Power and STAMP every step of the way as they worked towards this monumental day, and I’m proud to celebrate them today as they bring jobs, clean energy, and substantial economic development to the Finger Lakes and Western New York regions.”
Assemblyman Steve Hawley said, “Finally seeing ground break for such an ambitious and innovative project at STAMP, and one that will provide at least 68 jobs to residents, should fill us all with pride and hope for the future of industry in New York. The clean energy production this facility aims to achieve could certainly be leveraged to springboard and inspire even more high-tech startups at STAMP to plant their roots here in Western New York.”
Genesee County Legislature Chairwoman Chair Rochelle M. Stein said, “We will continue to see the benefits from investments made here in Genesee County and STAMP. Companies hire from our own backyard, people are moving to and staying in our area, and our economy has a direct impact from companies such as Plug Power coming into our community. I am excited to see Genesee County thrive for years to come. This would not be possible without Governor Hochul’s leadership, Plug Power’s innovation, STAMP’s qualities, and Genesee County’s people for creating an ideal scenario to advance this project and jobs for our kids. Thank you all for your hard work.”
Alabama Town Supervisor Robert Crossen said, “We have worked very hard to bring forward a site suitable for a project of this scale and we look forward to achieving the important steps to develop and advance this project in our community. This milestone advances the development of the STAMP site, and thanks to Plug Power, Governor Hochul, and Genesee County for making this plan come to fruition. Our town is proud to have worked with our partners to make this project a success and we look forward to more activity at STAMP.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 October 2021 at 8:06 am
Waterport woman to be recognized by state and county
Photo by Tom Rivers: Jeanne Crane shows her patriotic spirit during the Fourth of July parade in Lyndonville in 2015.
WATERPORT – A very active community volunteer will be recognized on Older American’s Day in Albany during a virtual ceremony on Nov. 5.
Jeanne Crane also will be commended for her service by the Orleans County Legislature next week.
Crane, a retired nurse at Medina Memorial Hospital, has been nominated and selected to be the county’s representative for Older American’s Day.
She has been a long-time volunteer for Medina Memorial Hospital, the Orleans County Democratic Party and numerous other organizations and causes in the county.
She was nominated for the award by Cindy Perry and Dorothy Follman for her volunteer work with the hospital. She helps raise funds for the hospital through events such as Treasure Island, Mega Drawing and golf tournaments. These events support renovations to the hospital, purchase updated medical equipment and improve services to patients.
Crane spent hours planning for the events, preparing for them, promoting the events, as well as volunteering at the events. She was instrumental in a recent campaign to improve the Long Term Care Residential Unit (North Wing) at the hospital. When the call came out for nurses to assist with Covid-19 vaccines, she stepped up and helped several days a week, all day to assist and eventually she was hired to help with the continued effort.
The Office for the Aging in Orleans County said Crane volunteers at many organizations:
Orleans Community Health – TWIGS (current president), many hospital projects (Treasure Island, golf tournaments, Mega Drawings, Orleans Community Health Foundation Board member (past president), and vaccinations clinics
AFS – hosted 3 students from Columbia, Costa Rica and Mexico
HANYS Statewide Committee for Healthcare Auxiliaries
Genesee Valley State Parks Commission Board
Current Vice President of Beta Sigma Phi – women’s group with a goal of culture, social and education development
Catholic Daughters – current Regent
25 years of leading Orleans County Democratic Party
Volunteers with Holy Trinity Church
Volunteer at vaccination clinics
first woman in Orleans County to serve on Lewiston Trail-Council of Boys Scouts of America Board Member
Crane has always felt a “calling” to help others, said Melissa Blanar, the Officie for the Aging director in Orleans County.
“This is evident by the career she chose as a nurse and by the multitude of volunteering she has done in the past and continues to do,” Blanar said. “She has touched the lives of hundreds of individuals. She feels a commitment to improve the health and well-being of her community. Volunteering enables her to support her beliefs and to help others by giving back to her community. The reward you get from volunteering is unmeasurable. Volunteering cannot be measured by any pay!”
Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday signed two pieces of legislation boosting transparency in state and local government.
The first piece of legislation requires documents that are going to be discussed at open meetings to be made available on request or posted on the government’s website at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.
The second piece of legislation requires the MTA to publish its data in formats that are easily accessible and can be easily downloaded and used by the public.
“There’s no excuse for keeping New Yorkers in the dark on the actions governments take to help their constituents, and we’ve been committed to greater transparency since Day One,” Governor Hochul said. “These pieces of legislation will require important local government documents and MTA data to be properly available for constituents to read and utilize. New Yorkers should be informed about the work government does for them every day, but we have to make it easier for them to get that information.”
Making Documents Available Prior to Open Meetings (S.1150-A/A.1228-A)
This legislation makes documents to be discussed at open meetings available to the public at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. The Open Meetings Law is intended to empower the public through the accessibility of meetings of public bodies. The law requires them to make available to the public relevant documents, such as any proposed rule, regulation, or resolution. However, the current law only requires documents to be made available prior to meetings “as determined by the agency or department.”
This standard has resulted in some government bodies failing to make materials available in advance of meetings, reducing transparency. This legislation requires any proposed resolution, law, rule, regulation, policy, or amendment to be made available upon request and to be posted to the body’s website at least 24 hours in advance of their discussion at an open meeting, giving the public access to these important documents in advance.
Requiring the MTA to Publish Data in Easily Accessible Formats (S.4625-A/A.1442-B)
This legislation requires the MTA to publish its data in open data formats, which can be easily accessed, downloaded and manipulated by the public. The MTA will have to designate a data coordinator and will have 180 days to publish as much of its data as is feasible and legal within three years. This bill codifies Executive Order No. 95 of 2013, “Using Technology to Promote Transparency, Improve Government Performance and Enhance Citizen Engagement,” into law.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 19 October 2021 at 8:25 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Ella Lewis scores on a header for Lyndonville/Medina during the Lady Tigers loss to Greece Odyssey this evening at Vets Park.
Holley and Kendall both posted shutout victories today to open the Section V girls soccer playoffs.
No. 5 seed Holley blanked visiting No. 12 Alexander 4-0 in a Class C 1 game while No. 9 Kendall shutout No. 8 Bolivar-Richburg by the identical score of 4-0 in a Class C2 contest.
In a Class B1 contest, No. 9 Greece Odyssey defeated No. 8 Lyndonville/Medina 9-2 at Vets Park.
Avenging a 2-1 regular season Genesee Region League loss, Holley bested Alexander as Sam Bates scored two goals and Emma Brady and Jailyn Bishop each netted one.
Brady also dished out two assists while Bates and Emma Downey each had one.
Layne Walker earned the shutout in goal making four saves as Holley improves to 11-4-2.
Kendall took a slender 1-0 lead in the first half on a goal by T’Mia Kitchings.
The Lady Eagles then pulled away in the second half on goals by Megan Gates, Kitchings and Brooke Rodas.
Mary Jones made 8 saves to earn the shutout in goal.
Improving to 8-8-2, Kendall next visits top seeded York at 3 p.m. Friday in a quarterfinal contest.
Greece Odyssey jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first 10 minutes.
Lyndonville/Medina did cut the deficit to 2-1 on a goal by Ella Lewis on a header but the Lady Tigers could not pull even.
Odyssey moved out to a 5-2 lead at the half and then locked up the win with four unanswered goals in the second half.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 19 October 2021 at 7:02 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Zaric Boyce sends a shot towards the goal for Medina/Lyndonville as Shazzad Rashid and Siem Weleay defend for Tapestry during the Mustangs sectional win this afternoon at Vets Park.
Clearing post season hurdle No. 1, No. 7 seed Medina/Lyndonville posted a 4-1 win over No. 10 Tapestry at Vets Park this afternoon in the pre-quarterfinal round of the Section VI Class B1 boys soccer playoffs.
Improving to 11-5-1, the Mustangs will next visit No. 2 Lew-Port on Thursday for a quarterfinal contest.
Jackson Moreland put Medina/Lyndonville on the scoreboard when he tallied with 12:56 to go in the first half off an assist from Roman Heinsler.
The Mustangs lead quickly doubled just over a minute later when Jack Whipple scored at the 11:38 mark as Cole Callard earned the assist.
Tapestry did cut the deficit to 2-1 with a goal just before halftime but could not find the net again.
The Mustangs opened up a little breathing room when Heinsler scored on a header 16 minutes into the second half off an assist from Zaric Boyce.
Cole Seefeldt then put a lock on the win when he scored five minutes later off an assist from Moreland to give the Mustangs a 4-1 lead.
In another B1 opener No. 4 Maryvale defeated No. 13 Albion 7-0.
Class B 2 Roy-Hart 9, Salamanca 0
No. 3 seed Roy-Hart romped to a 9-0 win over visiting No. 14 Salamanca in a Class B2 opening round game.
Landen Guild scored three goals, Peter Martillotta and Elijah Giroux 2 each and Jayden Swygert and Rem Albee one apiece for Roy-Hart.
The Rams will next host No. 6 Alden, a 6-0 winner over No. 11 Newfane, in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
In another B2 opener No. 8 Fredonia downed No. 9 Akron 2-1.
Medina/Lyndonville’s Josh Hilobik battles for control of the ball with Tapestry’s Jeremiah Whittaker.
