By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 30 September 2021 at 10:15 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley goalie Broek Ostrom makes one of his several spectacular saves on Kendall’s Zach Barrett during this evening’s home game against the rival Eagles.
One hundred minutes of soccer failed to decide the issue as rivals Holley and Kendall played to a 0-0 double overtime tie in a Genesee Region League boys game this evening.
Kendall had a big 13-1 edge in shots in the first half but couldn’t dent the net as Holley goalie Broek Ostrom came up with no less than five big saves.
Ostrom also had six more saves in the second half which saw Kendall have an 8-3 edge in shots.
Kendall goalie Jorden Ostrander made one big save in the closing seconds of the first half off a Holley corner kick opportunity and added two more saves in the second half.
Ostrander also made the one big save in the first 10 minute overtime period.
Ostrom then completed his big night in the net with two more clutch saves in the second overtime period.
Kendall is now 6-0-1 in the league and 6-3-1 overall while Holley is 0-6-1, 2-7-1.
Kendall’s Josh Esposito slides to take the ball away from Holley’s Kalen Brady.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 30 September 2021 at 5:33 pm
Returning to action after having a week off due to a Covid quarantine issue at Akron, Medina will visit Cleveland Hill at 2 p.m. Saturday for a C North Division football game.
Medina is 1-0 in the division and 3-0 overall while Cleve Hill is 1-1 and 2-2 overall.
The weekend’s other C North Division games will have Wilson (2-0, 3-1) at Akron (1-0, 3-0) at 7 p.m. Friday and Tonawanda (0-2, 0-4) at Newfane (0-2, 1-3) at 2 p.m. Saturday.
The Akron at Medina game is expected to be made up on Monday October 18. That will also involve moving the Mustangs home game against Tonawanda from Friday Oct. 15 to Thursday Oct. 14.
Albion is also scheduled to return to action early next week after missing two games due to a Covid quarantine issue. The Purple Eagles are scheduled to make up their B North Division game against Burgard next Tuesday at Burgard.
That has also resulted in the move of the Purple Eagles home game against Cheektowaga from Friday Oct. 8 to Saturday Oct. 9. No date has been set yet for the Purple Eagles make up game against Lew-Port.
Albion is 2-0 in the division and 3-0 overall while Burgard is 0-2 and 1-2 overall.
Burgard will also host Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville (0-3, 0-3) tomorrow evening in another B North contest.
Maritime (2-0, 2-2), which shares the B North lead with Albion, will visit Cheektowaga (1-0, 1-2) on Friday evening.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 September 2021 at 11:03 pm
In Orleans County, 89 percent of hospital workers have been vaccinated against Covid, and that tops the state-wide rate of 87 percent, according to data from the state.
Some of other rates in nearby counties include: Genesee, 89%; Monroe, 91%; Niagara, 86%; Erie, 87%; Chautauqua, 93%; Allegany, 82%; Cattaraugus, 75%; Livingston, 79% and Wyoming, 90%.
The state-wide vaccination mandate for hospital and healthcare workers went into effect on Monday. Governor Kathy Hochul today said no health care facilities in the state closed because of the mandate and many workers got vaccinated just before the deadline of the mandate.
“Our greatest responsibility is to protect our most vulnerable, and ensuring that the health care workers who care for our loved ones are vaccinated is critical to keeping New Yorkers safe,” Governor Hochul said. “I am grateful to the facilities, unions, and health care workers who took important steps to prepare and protect New Yorkers, and we are working with facilities to ensure they remain operational. We will continue to monitor developments and work with stakeholders to troubleshoot any issues, and I stand ready to take additional action as needed.”
Since Hochul became governor on Aug. 24, vaccination rates among health care workers increased.
Hochul’s office released the following data:
The percentage of nursing home staff receiving at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose increased to 92% as of Monday evening, up from 71% on Aug. 24 and 82% on Sept. 20.
The percentage of adult care facilities staff receiving at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose increased to 89% as of Monday evening, up from 77% on Aug. 24 and 85% on Sept. 20.
The percentage of hospital staff receiving at least one dose is 92% as of Monday evening based on preliminary self-reported data. The percentage of fully vaccinated is 85% as of Monday evening, up from 84% on Sept. 22 and 77% on Aug. 24.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that certain populations receive a booster shot of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at least six months after the completion of their Pfizer vaccine primary series (two doses).
In addition, the CDC recommends that individuals that are in high-risk occupational and institutional settings should also receive a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine.
Based on these recommendations, the following groups should receive a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months after completing their Pfizer vaccine primary series:
People 65 years and older
Residents in long-term care settings
People aged 50 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditions
The following groups may consider receiving a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months after completing their Pfizer vaccine primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks:
People aged 18 to 49 who are at high risk for severe Covid-19 due to certain underlying medical conditions
People aged 18 to 64 who are at increased risk for Covid-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting
Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are promoting booster shots to those that are eligible beginning the week of October 4th.
“We are prepared to provide booster shots to eligible residents who received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine six months ago, stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective and this will help provide these individuals with the extra protection needed against Covid-19.”
Appointments are required for booster shots. Individuals will self-attest that they fall under one of the above categories to receive a booster shot. At this time, boosters are only recommended for those who have received the Pfizer vaccine for their primary series. The CDC is continuing to evaluate the data to make recommendations for those that received Moderna and Johnson & Johnson for their primary vaccine series.
GENESEE – Wednesday, Oct. 6, from 12:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Genesee County Health Dept., 3837 W Main Street Rd. Batavia, NY 14020
“We also encourage anyone who has still not received their primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine, to do so and to talk with their primary care provider with questions related to the vaccine,” stated Pettit. “Everyone should also continue to practice the public health prevention precautions detailed below.”
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
If water is not readily available, use hand sanitizer, containing at least 60% alcohol.
Wash and sanitize frequently shared/touched items.
Stay 6 feet away from others and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
Wear a face mask indoors in public and crowded outdoor settings.
Monitor your health daily and stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms.
Get tested if you are experiencing symptoms and self-isolate until you get your results back. If you test positive for Covid, you are to isolate for 10 days.
For more information on the Covid-19 vaccine, booster shots or to make an appointment, click here.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 September 2021 at 10:15 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley’s Samantha Bates advances the ball up field as Alezya Brown defends for Kendall during the visiting Lady Hawks win over the Lady Eagles this evening.
Completing a home and home season series sweep, Holley rallied to edge rival Kendall 2-1 in a Genesee Region League girls soccer game this evening at Kendall.
Trailing 1-0 at the half, Holley pulled even just four minutes into the second half on a goal by Alivia Wolf off an assist from Samantha Bates.
Kendall’s T’Mia Kitchings and Holley’s Jailyn Bishop battle for control of the ball.
The Lady Hawks then netted what proved to be the game winning goal as Bates scored with 21 minutes to go off an assist from Wolf.
Kendall had grabbed the 1-0 lead when T’Mia Kitchings scored with 6 minutes to go in the first half off an assist from Ava Quintern.
Holley which won the earlier meeting with Kendall by the identical score of 2-1, improves to 6-1-1 in the league and 8-2-2 overall.
Kendall is now 5-3-1 in the league and 5-4-1 overall.
Lyndonville/ Medina 6, Pembroke 2
Lyndonville/Medina likewise completed a home and home season series sweep of Pembroke by downing the host Lady Dragons 6-2 this evening in another G-R contest.
Maddy Satkowski and Ella Lewis each scored two goals in the first half to vault the Lady Tigers out to a 4-0 half-time advantage.
Lewis added two more goals in the second half to put a lock on the win.
Holley’s Tatum Gagne advances the ball as Angelina Aguirre defends for Kendall.
Dr. Mary Obear serves as chief clinical officer for OOH.
BROCKPORT – We are pleased to announce that Oak Orchard Health has been recertified through the New York State Patient-Centered Medical Home (NYS PCMH) program.
What does that mean? Once again, OOH has met the criteria of this program and the benefits to its patients are priceless – better health, lower costs, and better patient experiences.
The Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) is a model of care that puts patients as the primary focus of care. PCMHs build better relationships between people and their clinical care teams. Research shows that they improve quality, patient experience, and staff satisfaction while reducing health care costs.
“Our patients not only have a primary care provider, but also a team of caregivers such as our patient engagement team that addresses housing, food, language barriers and so much more. You can’t get a patient healthy if they have transportation issues and struggle to get their prescriptions. We help solve those problems too,” said Chief Clinical Officer, Mary Obear, MD, PhD.
During the pandemic, we’ve adapted our practices to be sure our patients received the care they needed. One example is telehealth technology which allows us to communicate with patients who want to “see” their providers. This has been particularly helpful with behavioral health and improved our communication with patients who were facing stressful situations.
“Oak Orchard Health has been a certified Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) since 2012. Our certification as a PCMH by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) means our patients can count on high-quality health care delivered with an emphasis on care coordination and communication,” said Mary Ann Pettibon, CEO, Oak Orchard Health.
OOH currently serves over 26,000 patients at eleven locations. The organization is a recognized patient-centered medical home and 501(c) nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center located in the towns of Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Corfu, Lyndonville, Hornell and Warsaw.
KNOWLESVILLE – October 7th is the 7th annual Family Game Night in Orleans County. This event is sponsored by the Orleans County Youth Bureau and Legislative Office.
The event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Trolley Building at Cornell Cooperative Extension. This event will feature dinner, games to play, displays to visit and a new board game for every family.
The booths will provide information on a wide array of services for youth and families that are available in Orleans County. Cost, including dinner, is $5 for a family of four or $3 for individuals.
To register or for more information you can contact the Legislative Office at 589-7053.
There will also be a couple drawings throughout the night. Additional contributors to the evening are Cornell Cooperative Extension, Avanti Pizza, Medina Lions Club, Village House Restaurant, LynOaken Farms, Evan’s ACE Hardware & Building Supplies, Albion ACE Hardware, TOPS, Wal-Mart, Cusimano’s Pizzeria, Rudy’s Soda Bar & Café, and Tillman’s Historic Village Inn.
ALBION – The Albion Police Department was recently awarded two separate grants from the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to participate in the “Police Traffic Services Program” and the “Child Passenger Safety Program.” The statewide initiatives run from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022.
The first grant awarded to the Albion Police Department totals $2,288.00 and will allow the department to participate in the statewide “Police Traffic Services Program.” This grant enables the department to conduct traffic details, check points and saturated patrols in areas where speeding and aggressive driving have been observed.
This grant also allows for the Albion Police Department to participate in the Buckle Up New York initiative in May-June of 2022. The goal of the Buckle Up New York campaign is to increase the usage of seatbelts and to educate the public on the importance of wearing your seatbelt.
The second grant awarded to the Albion Police Department totals $1,900 and allows the department to participate in the statewide “Child Passenger Safety Program.” This grant will not only allow the Albion Police Department to educate citizens on the proper use and installation of child safety seats in New York State, but it will also allow the department to provide limited child safety seats to families in need that could not afford to purchase a proper child safety seat otherwise.
Through these two grants, the Albion Police Department seeks to educate the public on safe driving techniques and proper safety procedures while operating a motor vehicle. With the cooperation and assistance of the community, the Albion Police Department hopes to further reduce traffic crashes and injuries related to those crashes.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 September 2021 at 7:05 am
Due to a personal situation back home in Chautauqua County, I will be taking a short break full-time from the Orleans Hub. We will be posting more sports stories up front, and probably more press releases until I am able to return. I may be able to post a few things, but won’t be as available. I may not get back to email and phone calls.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 28 September 2021 at 10:03 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina/Lyndonville goalie Zach Fike goes high to make a save to preserve the Mustangs shutout win over host Albion this evening.
Regaining the .500 mark in league action, Medina/Lyndonville blanked host rival Albion 3-0 this evening in a Niagara-Orleans League boys soccer game.
Wyatt Zelanzy scored what proved to be the game winning goal for the Mustangs just 12 minutes into the first half on a breakaway off an assist from Jackson Moreland.
Mason Moreland upped the Mustangs lead to 2-0 when he scored with just four minutes to go in the opening half off an assist from Sam Kingsbury.
Medina/Lyndonville’s Cole Seefeldt, right, battles with Albion’s Orion Groth for control of the ball.
Mason Moreland later netted the clincher when he tallied with 19 minutes to go in the second half as Roman Heinsler earned the assist.
Zach Fike made 7 saves to earn the shutout in goal for the Mustangs.
Medina/Lyndonville is now 2-2 in N-O action and Albion 0-5.
Roy-Hart 2, Wilson 1
N-O front-runner Roy-Hart edged visiting Wilson 2-1 to improve to 4-0 in league action.
Peter Martillotta scored the game winner in the second half for Roy-Hart off an assist from Landen Guild to snap a 1-1 tie.
Elijah Giroux scored in the first half for the Rams off an assist from Trent Choate.
Zach Walker made several key saves in goal for the Rams.
The loss drops Wilson to 3-2 in the league.
Medina/Lyndonville’s Wyatt Zelazny has his shot stopped by Albion goalie Jeffrey Brown as Kyle Kuehne supports for the Purple Eagles.
Photo courtesy of Rob Ortt’s office: State Senate Republican Leader speaks at Torrey Farms in Elba today.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
ELBA – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt today visited Torrey Farms, a member of the Grow NY Farms Coalition, and toured their 13,000-acre property ahead of the state Farm Labor Wage Board’s review of the 60-hour overtime threshold.
“New York’s agriculture industry has struggled with increased costs of doing business because of overreaching state mandates, and was further damaged due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” Ortt said. “Further decreasing the overtime threshold for employees on these generations-old farms will limit the opportunities available and force countless farmhands to look for more work in neighboring states.”
Later this year, the New York State Farm Labor Wage Board will revisit the 2019 Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act’s 60-hour overtime threshold for farmworkers and determine if a decrease to 40 hours will be necessary. Farmers are at risk of closing and not being able to pay any workers at all with the potential for an even more onerous overtime threshold.
During the tour, Leader Ortt and several state lawmakers had the opportunity to see the real implications of a lowered threshold through the eyes of farmers and farmworkers alike. After the tour, Leader Ortt reiterated his support for New York’s farms, farmers, and workers against Albany’s overreaching mandates.
“I want to thank the farmers and workers who offered their perspective today, and I urge the wage board to listen to those who will be directly affected – not the activists in Albany – before making their determination on the state’s overtime threshold,” Ortt said.
BATAVIA – The five school districts in Orleans County were among 30 districts across the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming County region today that attended the GLOW With Your Hands event.
Students interacted with dozens of businesses and other entities as they learned about workplace opportunities in various fields, including utilities, trades, advanced manufacturing and agribusiness among others.
GLOW With Your Hands organizers include the GLOW Workforce Development Board, economic development, workforce development, education, manufacturing, agricultural, & construction employers, and community leaders.
The Genesee County Economic Development Center and the job development agencies in the GLOW counties organized the 3rd Annual Glow With Your Hands Expo at the Genesee County Fairgrounds.
Today’s event included reduced attendance per school and all students were provided masks to ensure the safety of all participants. BMP America in Medina donated masks produced by the company.
Kendall students are at “Camp Hard Hat,” discussing why it’s ok be outside your comfort zone to find a career path.
The Expo included over 40 local companies providing hands-on experiences for potential career opportunities in the skilled trades and advanced manufacturing.
The participating businesses are recognizing the future demands of their respective workforces need to be addressed now, especially as the current generation of workers are retiring or planning retirement in the next few years.
“Whether our technicians are working on a residential mower for a homeowner, a skid steer for a builder or a combine or baler for one of our farmers the career path they’ve chosen allows them to feel fulfillment at the end of every day,” said Molly Haungs, LandPro Equipment Marketing Manager. “That is the message that we, as the GLOW With Your Hands Career fair committee we are working to get to our youth and their families. A career in trades offers opportunity for our youth to work hard, learn, continue education and provide a lasting and lucrative career that can combine passion with success.”
LOCKPORT – The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with Niagara County Emergency Services, hosted a first responder step challenge on Sept. 11, 2021 – the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
First responders from Niagara County and beyond gathered at Whirlpool State Park in Niagara Falls, descending into the gorge and walking a total of 1,980 steps which is equivalent to climbing 110 stories. These numbers signify the climb for many first responders into the World Trade Center on that horrific day.
With over 250 participants, proceeds raised from T-shirt sales and registration totaled $3,383 and will be donated to “tunnel to towers,” a 9/11 specific charity.
“Terrorists took much from us on that day, but there’s one thing they could not take from us; our resolve, our strength and our commitment to duty,” said Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti. “The first responder step challenge on 9/11 was a fitting tribute and I can’t tell you how proud I am to be the sheriff of Niagara County, and how proud I am of all of the first responders who came out to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. thank you to all those who participated and supported this great cause. we will never forget.”
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Participants in the 2019 Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run head for the starting line last October. This year’s event will take on a different look, due to the Covid pandemic. For the 32nd annual 5K Walk/Run, participants are being asked to walk in their own neighborhoods and make a donation to the Knights-Kaderli Fund.
MEDINA – For 32 years, the community has gathered for a walk/run to support the patients living with cancer in Orleans County.
Last year, participants walked in their own neighborhoods for the 32nd annual 5k Virtual Walk/Run. The Covid-19 pandemic forced us to cancel in-person events. Registrants were asked to make a donation to the fund and were offered a Knights-Kaderli cloth mask in lieu of the usual race t-shirt
This year, we can gather again for the 5k on Saturday, Oct. 2 at 11 a.m. at the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Hall. With only a few changes, the event will feel like we are getting closer to what supporters have experienced in previous years.
Registration (click here) will be online only to minimize congestion at registration. To keep people moving, we will have several check-in tables where registrants can pick up their T-shirt and race bibs. Participants are encouraged to participate in our basket raffle. This year we will have a special raffle of a donated item from the talented students in the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering class at Orleans-Niagara BOCES.
Lunch will be served immediately following the race and guests may eat outside under the pavilion. When outside, participants are encouraged to use their discretion regarding mask-wearing. Whenever participants are inside the building, we ask that they wear a mask to protect young children, patients and other participants. The safety of our supporters is our top priority. Please remember to photograph your event and tag us on Facebook and Instagram for some fun prizes. #KnightsKaderli5K
The Richard Knights-Sue Kaderli Memorial Fund is a tax-exempt organization, under the Internal Revenue code section 501(c)(3), which is run by a board of directors. Money raised is used for the benefit of Orleans County cancer patients.
This foundation was founded in memory of our loved ones, Richard Knights and Susan Kaderli, two lifelong residents of Orleans County. We raise funds through annual events and various contributions made by individuals, organizations and memorials. Funds thus far have assisted families with nutritional supplements and prescriptions, as well as medical supplies and bills. Run by a board of directors, there are no administrative costs. Thereby allowing almost 100% of money raised to be used to assist Orleans County cancer patients and their families.
For more information or financial assistance, please contact: Mary Zelazny at 585-746-8455, Melissa Knights Bertrand at 716-983-7932 or Stacey Knights Pellicano at 716-998-0977.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 September 2021 at 10:17 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Mitchell Kwandrans, owner of the Hemp House in Medina, presented posters full of information to the Medina Village Board on Monday evening, urging the village to opt in and allow marijuana dispensaries.
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board heard from many community members on Monday evening during a public hearing about whether Medina should opt in or opt out of allowing legal marijuana dispensaries.
Gregory McCarthy, a local resident, was the first speaker during a public hearing and said the dispensaries would allow regulated products to be sold without unknown dangerous products, such as fentanyl.
A local dispensary would also allow close access for people currently going out of town for medical marijuana sites, he said.
Mitchell Kwandrans, owner of the Hemp House in Medina, said his store is popular for CBD oil and other products. He said marijuana could be a big tax revenue generator for the village with Medina getting a 3-percent tax on the dollar.
He estimated that could be $300,000 annually for the village, based on 20 percent of the county’s 40,000 residents spending about $2,500 per year annually on marijuana. That comes out to over $600,000 a year in tax revenue in Kwandran’s projections. He expects Medina would get half with another community the other half.
The state has approved a 13-percent excise tax on marijuana with a breakdown that includes 9 cents for each taxable sale to the state, 3 cents to the municipality that has the dispensary, and 1 cent to the county.
Village Trustee Owen Toale said the figures from Kwandrans were projections that couldn’t be counted on. It is also unknown if there would be increased demand on the Medina Police Department if the dispensaries were allowed, Toale said.
Village Board members said they want more time to study the issue, and see if the state comes through with any regulations for the dispensaries. The state has empowered municipalities to opt in or out, but hasn’t provided details about the dispensaries.
That bothers Village Trustee Marguerite Sherman.
“They are forcing our hand and I’m disappointed in that,” she said about the state.
The state has given municipalities until Dec. 31 to opt in. But if they opt out, they could always opt back in. But if they opt in before Dec. 31, they can’t then opt out.
Mayor Mike Sidari said he is still reading information about the issue, and isn’t ready to make his own decision. He expects the board will decide possibly next month. By then, there might be regulations from the state.
“I want to opt out until I see what the rules are,” he said. “If it’s something we can live with, I’ll opt in.”
Gregory McCarthy tells Village Board members there are many benefits to the dispensaries, including a regulated product with tax revenue for the village. He said many residents would benefit from having the product legally available for anxiety, pain management and other medicinal purposes.
Residents still urged the board to move forward with opting in, saying the state regulations will be similar to the many other states that have already allowed dispensaries.
Tim Zeiner said Medina could use the revenue to help push down a very high tax burden on local property owners.
Bryan DeGraw said marijuana has long not been regulated. The state regulations will be forthcoming. He said the village needs the revenue, even if that total can’t be predicted for certain.
Several others spoke in favor of the dispensaries, saying it would be a safer product and would help people with pain management and other issues.
Kwandrans, owner of the Hemp House, said there are 24 locations in Medina where alcohol can be legally purchased. He said alcohol is far more dangerous than marijuana, with a large role in criminal activity, violence and car accidents.
Kathy Bogan, an attorney with an office on Main Street, said she is concerned about the impact a dispensary could have on the downtown, which boasts numerous small, family-owned businesses. But the lack of fine print from the state is a major concern, she said.
“There are many why I’m against this, but the biggest reason is there are no state regulations for this,” she said during the hearing.
If Medina decides to opt out, village residents could petition the village to put the issue to a vote in a public referendum. They would need to turn in a petition by at least 10 percent of qualified voters within 45 days of the Village Board’s decision to force a public vote.
