WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) voted to pass the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) last night (H.R. 4350). Additionally, two of Jacobs’ proposals were included and passed.
“President Biden unjustifiably proposed cuts to our nation’s military, especially at a time when our nation faces threats from numerous enemies abroad. The President’s reckless withdrawal from Afghanistan has created a new terrorist haven and has weakened our international credibility,” Jacobs said. “Similarly, China is ever focused on disrupting the international order. We must be laser-focused on combating threats of Chinese aggression and cyber-warfare. This legislation reverses President Biden’s proposed defense cuts, supplies critical resources for counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan, gives our troops a much-needed pay raise, and provides for the procurement of critical equipment and vehicles for our nation’s military.”
The National Defense Authorization Act passed last night with bipartisan support in the House of Representatives. Included in the final text of the bill were two legislative proposals introduced by Congressman Jacobs:
The Reservists Opportunity Act – this legislation allows for soldiers in our National Guard and Army Reserves to more easily access active-duty opportunities. Currently, soldiers need to be connected to a Department of Defense (DoD) network to access the Tour of Duty system, an internal Army job board for active-duty opportunities. This legislation allows for access from personal devices – improving retention and overall military readiness.
An amendment that increases “open topic” small business contracting opportunities for small businesses, which the Air Force has used to successfully develop innovative technologies from companies that do not traditionally work with the DoD.
“As our world grows more tumultuous and our enemies seek to test our resolve, improving our military readiness and capabilities is essential to our national security,” Jacobs said. “I introduced these pieces of legislation to ensure we can counter any threat that may arise and that our nation is not only prepared to counter the threats we face now, but any threat we may encounter in the future.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 September 2021 at 8:02 am
MEDINA – The Village Board wants to hear from the community whether Medina should allow legal marijuana dispensaries
There will be a public hearing Monday at 7 p.m. at the Senior Citizen Center at 615 West Ave. about whether the village will opt in or out of allowing dispensaries, where people could purchase adult-use cannabis products. If preferred, people can send an email with their comments to publichearing@villagemedina.org with marijuana in the subject line.
The state has given municipalities until Dec. 31 to make a decision. If the municipal boards don’t vote on the issue, they are considered by the state to be opting in and allowing the dispensaries.
Towns and villages can opt out by Dec. 31 and then vote again in the future to opt in.
Municipalities also need to decide by the end of the year if they will opt out of allowing onsite consumption at businesses such as a smoking lounge.
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. Municipalities that opt out wouldn’t be eligible for the 3-cent share of the 13-percent sales tax.
Towns and villages can’t overstep the state and ban recreational use of marijuana. But the towns and villages can prohibit dispensaries and smoking lounges.
If the municipal board for a village or town decides to opt out, residents could still push a permissive referendum, with the matter going on the ballot. 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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 September 2021 at 9:53 pm
2 counties near 300 active cases; Genesee reports another Covid death
Genesee and Orleans counties have 159 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 since Monday, with 84 in Orleans and 75 in Genesee.
The two counties now have 295 active cases of Covid with 160 in Genesee and 135 in Orleans. That is up from 257 on Monday when there were 144 active cases in Genesee and 113 in Orleans.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments updates the cases twice a week on Monday and Thursday afternoons. The number of active cases recently includes 295 today, 257 on Monday, 204 on Sept. 16 (119 in Orleans and 85 in Genesee), 183 on Sept. 13 (97 in Orleans and 86 in Genesee) and 144 on Sept. 9 (77 in Orleans and 67 in Genesee).
In Orleans County, the 84 new cases since Monday include people in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
There are currently six Orleans residents hospitalized due to Covid.
The county is reporting 31 more of the previous positive individuals have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.
In Genesee County the 75 new positive cases are people in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.
There are currently 13 Genesee residents who are hospitalized due to Covid.
The county has 61 more of the previous positive individuals who have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.
Genesee also had had one more person pass away due to Covid, a person under age 65 who didn’t live in a nursing home.
“We do not provide any further information to protect the privacy of the individuals and their families,” according to a statement from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. “Our deepest condolences are extended to the families and friends during this difficult time.”
Genesee has now had 131 Covid-related deaths during the pandemic and Orleans has had 84.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 September 2021 at 4:30 pm
County will highlight Red Ribbon Week from Oct. 23-31
File photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – This photo from late June 2020 shows the Courthouse dome illumined partially in red. That was one of six colors shining on the dome for a week in honor of the Class of 2020 at Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina. The dome that week had filters made by Takeform in Medina to display six colors: red, blue, white, orange, purple and yellow.
The County Legislature on Wednesday approved a request from GCASA to light the dome in red from Oct. 23-31 for Red Ribbon Week.
Red Ribbon Week is a national drug prevention education campaign, with a focus on spreading awareness about the dangers of drug addiction and urging people to live drug-free lives.
CLARENCE – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is hosting a virtual informational night for NY-27 students who are interested in attending a service academy.
“Each year, I have the distinct honor of nominating exceptional NY-27 students to attend four of our nation’s service academies,” Jacobs said. “These students go on to become leaders in our nation’s military and eventually their communities following their service. This night is the first step for families making a decision about which service academy is the best fit and gives students and parents a chance to ask questions directly to representatives of the academies.”
Jacobs’ virtual service academy informational night will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 28, at 6 p.m. Students and parents can register for the event and learn more about the nomination process by clicking here.
Jacobs can nominate students to four out of the five service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA) – West Point NY, the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) – Annapolis MD, the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) – Colorado Springs CO, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) – Kings Point NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) – New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination.
All applications must be received by Jacobs’ Clarence District Office by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5.
MEDINA – The Orleans/Niagara BOCES recently named its employees of the year for the 2020-2021 school year. Employees are nominated by their peers and a committee selects an awardee in each of these categories: Administrator, Clerical, Continuing Education, Custodial/Maintenance, Staff Specialist, Substitute, Teacher Aide and Teacher.
Rob Robinson is the Administrator of the Year. He is the Assistant Principal who has worked at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center for the past five years. Robinson said his favorite part of his job is helping people see that they have the ability to make a difference in the lives of others.
On learning he was named an employee of the year, he said, “I work with hardworking and amazing administrators, so I’m surprised and honored to receive the administrator of the year award.”
Sabrina Stabler is the Clerical Person of the Year. She started her position as secretary to the Principal at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center in July of 2020.
“I love being able to help out the students, teachers and other staff members and being a small part of making the school run,” she said. “I never realized how many moving pieces that need to run smoothly for a school to operate so it is really humbling and exciting to be part of that every day. Although I do not work in the classrooms, I enjoy getting to know students who visit the office and the opportunity to support them, their teachers and my fellow coworkers through my job role. Hearing the student success stories makes me remember that all the work we do, however big or small, is all worth it!”
Stabler said she is honored and excited to have been awarded Clerical Person of the Year.
“I have really enjoyed my time at BOCES so far and have been able to learn from my coworkers and develop new skills that I know will help me in my life, both at work and out of work,” she said.
Linda Redfield Shakoor is the Continuing Education Employee of the Year. She has worked as an English as a Second Language (ESL)/Civics teacher since 1994. She also coordinates the day/evening ESL/Citizenship program with four other teachers at the World Life Institute Education Center in Waterport under the supervision of Susan Diemert.
Redfield Shakoor said her favorite part of her job is getting to know the primarily agriculture adult students, their lives, their work and their challenges. She said winning an Employee of the Year award was a huge surprise.
“When our District Superintendent, Dr. Godshall, presented it to me directly in front of my colleagues it was an incredible surprise,” she said. “Especially, as a part-time teacher I never dreamed I would have such an award with so many deserving teachers in our program.”
Bobby Heschke is the Custodian/Maintenance Person of the Year. He has been a courier at Orleans/Niagara BOCES for 33 years.
“My favorite part of my job is being able to drive around and meet all the good people in the school districts we serve and of course our BOCES employees,” he said.
Heschke said he was very surprised to win the award. “I work with a lot of good people presently and a lot of great people who have since retired. I am very honored to receive this and I really enjoy working here.”
Paul Nawotka is the Staff Specialist of the Year. He has worked at BOCES for 19 years as a Safety Risk Analyst. When asked his favorite part of his job, he answered, “There are too many to list, but the interaction that I have with the people that I work with and the districts that I serve are my favorite.”
He said the award was unexpected. “I am so very thankful, but it is really a team effort and I’d like to thank the other members of the Safety Risk Department, both current and former members.”
Carol Hausrath was named the Substitute of the Year. She has been a teacher for over 50 years and has been subbing with Orleans/Niagara BOCES for almost 20 years.
“I started in the Home Hospital Teaching program and subbed at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center and the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center,” she said. “I have been at the Royalton-Hartland Learning Center for the last few years, which I absolutely love.”
Hausrath said her favorite part of what she does is working with children. “They just melt my heart.”
When she received news about her award she was stunned. “I opened my letter and thought it was just a letter from BOCES with information and then I said to my husband, I won Substitute of the Year. It is the best thing that has happened to me in my educational career!”
April Matson is the Teacher Aide of the Year. She is currently working at the Royalton-Hartland Learning Center and has been working with BOCES for 30 years.
“My favorite part of my job is working one-on-one with the students,” she said. “I really enjoy watching the students grow year-to-year.”
Matson said she was honored to win the award. “I work with a great group of people.”
Matt Anastasi was named the Teacher of the Year. He teaches Building Trades at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center. He has taught that program for 20 years. When asked his favorite part of his career, “There is no better feeling than seeing the light inside a student get turned on and seeing how much they get inspired to continue learning and working in the field.”
Anastasi said he was absolutely shocked to win Teacher of the Year. “I have been motivated by past recipients and have even been mentored by some of them early on in my career. This was a great way to remember my 20th year teaching, but also a motivator for the rest of my teaching career.”
Irene Gibson also wrote book on early historic sites in Orleans County
“Illuminating Orleans” – Vol. 1, No. 22
Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
CLARENDON – At the recent Orleans County Historical Association Tour of Hillside Cemetery, Melissa Ierlan, Town of Clarendon Historian, referenced a remarkable lady who is buried there.
Irene Gibson
Irene Gibson (1898-1994) graduated from Holley High School in 1914. She received a Regent’s scholarship and a Cornell University competitive scholarship. She majored in foreign languages. She taught French and Spanish at Lynchburg College in Virginia from 1920-23 and then studied for a master’s degree at Denison University, Ohio. She joined the editorial staff of the Silver-Burdett Company, a textbook publisher, where she was modern languages editor and social studies editor from 1925-1941.
She enlisted in the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps in 1942. She instructed French cadets in navigation, instructing them in French on how to read flight charts, and draw wind-drift diagrams. She attended Officer Candidate School in 1945 and became a Second Lieutenant in July of that year. After the war, she worked for the United Nations, and by 1956 was head of the U.N. Division of Foreign Affairs which prepared printed documents for the Economic and Social Council.
She returned to Holley in 1958 to care for her mother and sister. She taught French and Spanish at Holley High School from 1960-1965. She was particularly interested in history and soon was involved with the Orleans Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and served as chairman of the Orleans County Historical Association (OCHA).
In 1979, the OCHA and the DAR published her book “Historic Sites in Orleans County, New York”, a listing and description of sites “that have historic connections with the Revolution or with the first twenty-five years of existence of Orleans County, the period before 1850.” Remarkably, there are fifty such sites. Arranged by town, they are as follows:
CLARENDON: Farwell’s Mills marker, Universalist Church, Lemuel Cook grave, Robinson Burying Ground, Clarendon stone store, Colonel Shubael Lewis residence
MURRAY: Smith-Pierce Cemetery, Murray marker, Baptist Church, Holley, Stone House, Holley, Budd-Phillips House, Hulberton, Balcom’s Mills marker, Transit Line marker
GAINES: Gaines Cemetery, First Church building in Orleans County marker, Gaines Academy marker, Cobblestone Church, Childs, School House, Childs, Bullard-Lattin House, Eagle Harbor Methodist Church
BARRE: Barre Center Presbyterian Church, Elisha Wright House, Old Lime Kiln, Cobblestone School House, Pine Hill
SHELBY: Millville Academy, Quaker Meeting House, Fort Shelby, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Cone-Dewey Cobblestone House
RIDGEWAY: Oldest barn in Orleans County, Servoss House, Culvert Underpass, Masten-Cardone Stone House, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Hunt-Sentiff House
YATES: Mudgett-Weld Homestead, Cobblestone House, Main St., Tarbox Six-sided House.
As one would expect, given her military experience and publishing background, the book is thorough and meticulous. The details, connections and stories she includes help bring the early years in Orleans County to life, as she populates it with people rather than just names and dates.
One such example is her account of the Clarendon Stone Store, a familiar but overlooked building at the corner of Routes 237, 31A and the Upper Holley Road in Clarendon. Built in 1836 by David Sturges, “a self-made man, who, had he lived would have been one of the millionaires of the country,” the lower floor housed a dry goods and grocery store and was a place for settlers to warm themselves by the fire and exchange news. An open room on the second floor was used for early church assemblies and lively political meetings. Ownership of the building passed by marriage to the Copeland family. A son, David Sturges Copeland, completed the “History of Clarendon” in 1889, having thoroughly explored its “groves and swamps…. meadows and dales.”
This book would be an ideal guide for a leisurely exploration of these sites, on a fall afternoon drive during Heritage Season perhaps? It is available from the OCHA, or the Historian’s Office for the modest sum of $10.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 September 2021 at 11:26 am
Bourke said department has ‘top-notch employees from top to bottom’
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION — Orleans County Legislator Don Allport, left, reads a proclamation on behalf of the Legislature proclaiming Sept. 19-25 as “Sheriff’s Week” in Orleans County. Several members of the Sheriff’s Office attended the Legislature meeting on Wednesday afternoon to receive the proclamation.
“It is fitting to celebrate the historical contributions of the Office of Sheriff and the significant role it plays in our modern criminal justice system, and commend Sheriff Christopher Bourke and ALL the men and women of this Department for an outstanding job of “Keeping the Peace,” Allport said in reading the proclamation.
Bourke said the Sheriff’s Office has “top-notch employees from top to bottom.” He praised the employees in the criminal division, those who work in the jail, the Marine Patrol and as dispatchers for their service.
He also thanked the county legislators and Chief Administrative Officer Jack Welch for their support, including with the funding provided for the Sheriff’s Office.
Bourke said it is a challenging time to be wearing the uniform.
“It’s a disgrace to see law enforcement demonized the last 20 months,” Bourke said.
County legislators on Wednesday also commended Deputy Ashleigh Stornelli who on Tuesday was recognized as the “Women of Distinction” in the 62nd State Senate District by Sen. Rob Ortt. Stornelli has worked as a deputy the past six years, including three years as a school resource officer in Kendall. She recently rejoined the road patrol and is looking to join the county’s SWAT team.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 September 2021 at 10:54 am
The Albion and Medina football teams will both have the weekend off due to Covid 19 Pause issues.
Undefeated Albion (2-0, 3-0) was to visit Burgard (0-2, 1-2) at 7 p.m. Friday at All High Stadium in a B North Division game. The game has been postponed due to a quarantine issue at Albion.
Medina (1-0, 3-0) was scheduled to host Akron (1-0, 3-0) in a key C North Division contest. The game has been postponed due to a Covid 19 Pause at Akron.
Another B North contest will have Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville (0-2, 0-2) hosting Maritime (1-0, 1-2) at 7 p.m. Friday at Middleport.
The weekend’s C North Division competition begins this evening as Wilson (1-0, 2-1) hosts Tonawanda (0-1, 0-3) at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, Holley (0-2) will hostnew foe Lyons/Sodus (0-1) in an 8 Man Division game at 1 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 September 2021 at 10:27 am
MEDINA – The 45 birdhouses on the new Medina Memorial Bluebird Trail proved popular spots for birds to nest this spring and summer.
There were 168 birds fledged from the boxes – 124 house wrens, 29 bluebirds and 15 tree swallows.
Daniel Rosentreter is the leader of the effort. He secured the Medina Village Board permission to install the bird houses near the perimeter of Boxwood Cemetery, Butts Park, Gulf Park, Lions Park, Pine Street Park and State Street Park.
He secured some donations with the boxes as memorials for community members. He worked with volunteers – Scott Grimm, Delbert Young and Bridget DiCureia – to install the bird houses on ¾-inch galvanized electrical pipe.
Daniel Rosentreter is pleased with the success of the Medina Memorial Bluebird Trail. There are 45 bird houses at five parks in Medina as well as Boxwood Cemetery.
Rosentreter checked the boxes weekly to see if there was any activity, and he took photos of what he saw with his phone and posted the pictures on the Facebook page for the Medina Memorial Bluebird Trail.
Sometimes he opened the box to see a bird on the nest, getting ready to lay an egg. He has pictures of the eggs, freshly hatched babies and feathered birds ready to fledge and leave the nest.
“We’re helping them to repopulate,” said Rosentreter, a wildlife photographer and customer service representative for a local insurance company. “They will go wherever they can find a house.”
Birds have lost some of their nesting areas with many dead or decaying trees taken down in the community. Those trees have cavities for birds to make nests and lay eggs.
This bird house is installed at State Street Park near the Erie Canal.
He is grateful the Medina village officials welcomed the bluebird trail and that the birds responded to the houses.
Rosentreter, 29, has been a wildlife photographer for about eight years. He got into birding about four years ago.
“It’s peaceful and quiet,” he said about bird watching. “You see how birds interact in their own environment.”
The birdhouses on the trail are in open areas which are popular for bluebirds and in wooded spots that are more appealing to house wrens.
Rosentreter said some of the birdhouses may be relocated to where there are less people. There is one at State Street Park near the pavilion where bands play. That is a little too loud for the birds, Rosentreter said.
He would like to create a not-for-profit organization to keep the trail going for years to come, and possibly expand.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 23 September 2021 at 8:19 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Jim Nowaczewski has opened his second coffee shop – this one at 114 East Center St., Medina.
MEDINA – Jim Nowaczewski wasn’t a bit hesitant about opening a coffee shop in the middle of a pandemic.
HeBrews at 59 North Main St. in Albion has become so popular he decided to open another in Medina.
As the name suggests, his business is a coffee shop in a Christian environment, although he says he doesn’t push religion on his customers.
Nowaczewski originally came from Buffalo, then went to work as supervisor for a company in Southern California dealing with rooftop safety. The company is owned by Lyndonville native Michael Mumau, who Nowaczewski says had a big impact on his life.
“He followed the Bible and it touched my heart,” he said.
With family still in Akron and Buffalo, Nowaczewski decided to return to Western New York and bought a home in Albion three years ago. He likes coffee a lot, he said. So opening a coffee house was a natural choice.
HeBrews 5:9 is not only the address of his North Main Street coffee shop, it is a great verse from the Bible, he said, as is HeBrews 1:14, the East Center Street address of his new Medina shop.
Nowaczewski said his move to Medina was jump started by Kathy Blackburn, owner of 114 East Center St., where she formerly had an ice cream parlor.
“She came to Albion and said she’d love for me to do the same thing in Medina,” he said.
He and his helpers started working on the building in July and August.
He said he always thought it would be nice to have a community center, and that is how he hopes his coffee shop will be viewed. There are small rooms with tables and chairs, couches and stuffed chairs. The back room has a pool table and dart board and is capable of accommodating up to 20 people. He hopes groups looking for a place to meet or have a Bible study will consider his space.
Jim Nowaczewski stands in the back room of the coffee shop he opened a week ago at 114 East Center St., the former site of Meggie Moo’s Ice Cream. He has added lounging areas and a meeting room with pool table and dart board.
There is a covered back patio which can seat up to 12 in good weather.
“This is a safe place where people can be people,” he said. “We are a place of hope. Hope lives here.”
He said his menu is simple. Hot coffee, iced coffee, Bubble tea, Papa Thom’s Rockin’ Bagles and fresh muffins from local bakeries. Sometimes he has scones and gluten free baked goods.
He is looking to expand the kitchen and in October, Nowaczewski hopes to begin offering hot breakfasts and soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch.
His coffee beans are roasted by family friends in Buffalo.
Nowaczewski said he is looking forward to Ale in Autumn, as HeBrews is the designated driver headquarters.
He is also excited to have been recently notified his Albion business has been chosen by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce as its “New Business of the Year.”
For now, his hours in Medina are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, but he hopes to expand them soon and offer home delivery.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 22 September 2021 at 9:13 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: From left, Terry Novak, her parents Don and Rose Ruck and tutor Barb Dunham chat before OCALS annual meeting Tuesday night. Novak and her husband Kevin and her sister and husband Donna and Shane Seyler have been annual financial supporters of OCALS. They were presented with Key Contributor awards.
MILLVILLE – Orleans County Adult Learning Services met at the Millville United Methodist Church Tuesday night to conduct their annual meeting and recognize those who supported them during the past year.
“It was a tough year,” said Don Colquhoun, vice president and treasurer of OCALS. “When the pandemic hit in March 2020, we had 41 tutors serving 130 to 140 students in schools and adults one-on-one. When everything shut down, we were instructed by the Health Department to close shop. We provided no services after March 1. We shut down and waited for things to change. They did in October. Schools were still closed, but libraries and restaurants opened with restrictions. However, the vast majority of our tutors wouldn’t risk infecting themselves and others. We got a few to come back, and now we’re back to 16 active tutors.”
Colquhoun said they are still not allowed in schools, but they have an agreement with all Orleans County schools they can be back in October.
“We are capable and ready to serve individuals now,” Colquhoun said.
Appreciation went to tutors, supporters and those who funded OCALS during the past year. This included the Lyndonville Area Foundation, which granted OCALS $4,000, and United Way, which has funded OCALS for 10 years.
“We struggle with funding,” Colquhoun said. “Very few grantors will fund operations. They only fund programs which are usually time limited.”
Colquhoun pointed out that OCALS provided more than 1,200 units of service to more than 135 people in 2019.
In the coming year, OCALS is poised to participate in the Digital Divide Initiative, for which United Way recently secured a $346,000 grant. As part of this program, OCALS has three tutors who will be trained as mentors to teach Orleans County residents how to purchase electronics, set them up and use them.
Colquhoun also explained the program will provide Internet at a 50% reduction in cost, and internet hot spots throughout the county for those who cannot afford the reduced cost.
President Nicole Goodrich acknowledged Don and Rose Ruck of Byron, who were instrumental in founding OCALS in 2006.
“This year has been like no other,” Goodrich said. “It makes our ability to reach our students very difficult.”
She also thanked the volunteers, tutors and board of directors for their support as the organization continues to grow. She said they plan to continue their partnerships with Medina, Newfane and Holley schools. She thanked United Way of Orleans County for the $5,000 in funding they provided and said she hoped another $5,000 would be forthcoming when they are fully up and running again.
From left, charter member of OCALS Mary Lee Knights, secretary and program coordinator Pam Schuner and president Nicole Goodrich talk before the start of OCALS annual meeting.
Colquhoun said OCALS was one of the first agencies to approach United Way and request help from the new grant writer, who was recently hired through a grant United Way secured. He added referrals were beginning to pick up again as Covid restrictions are lifted.
A vote was held to elect the 2021-22 slate of officers as follows: president, Nicole Goodrich; vice president and treasurer, Don Colquhoun; secretary, Pam Schuner; and three-year board members, Nicole Goodrich, Georgia Thomas and Carolyn Wagner.
The program which followed consisted of a presentation by Barb Dunham on Family Literacy: Community-based; Family Literacy: School-based; remarks by literacy specialist, Mary Lee Knights; Workplace Literacy by Don Colquhoun; and Personnel by Carolyn Wagner.
Schuner unveiled the agency’s new website, which she developed.
Tutors who have participated in the OCALS program from Sept. 1, 2020 through Aug. 31 are Neveen Boulous, Ann Czajkowski, Adrienne Daniels, Mary Lee Knights, Ann McElwee, Barbara LaBell, Barbara Hancock, Carl Husung, Barbara Dunham, Ellen Goheen, Mark Goheen, Michele Raines, Paul Raines Jr., Healther Rowley, Dick Hellert, Penny Nice, Vicki Streiff and Amber Kipler.
Those who were recognized for their dedicated participation during the pandemic are Adrienne Daniels, Carl Husung, Barbara LaBelle and Ann McElwee.
Other certificates of appreciation were presented to United Way of Orleans County, the Lyndonville Foundation and Millville United Methodist Church.
Kevin and Terry Novak and Shane and Donna Seyler were presented Key Contributor awards.
Funding for people on HEAP who do not qualify for the utility assistance offered by state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that funding is now available to help low-income households that have fallen behind on their utility bills during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the regular arrears supplement is available to households who are eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and behind on their heating utility bills, but that do not qualify for the utility assistance offered by New York’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
“The global health crisis has brought into focus the struggles of so many New Yorkers, including tens of thousands of households that fell drastically behind on utility bills,” Governor Hochul said. “This critical assistance will help these households pay down utility bills that accumulated at the height of the pandemic and help them avoid potential disconnection in the coming months.”
There is $150 million available for one-time payments to HEAP-eligible households through the regular arrears supplement from now until September 2022, or until funding is exhausted. Secured through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the federal funding will cover all accumulated heating utility arrears up to $10,000 and comes as the end of the moratorium on utility disconnections approaches in late December.
About 83,000 HEAP recipients had fallen behind on their utility bills as of March 2021, with these households owing an average arrears of about $1,370, or roughly $113 million statewide. While the Emergency Rental Assistance Program is providing utility arrears assistance for eligible renters, homeowners and those who do not owe rent arrears do not qualify for this assistance, including customers of municipally owned utilities.
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements to receive a regular HEAP benefit, which vary by income and household size, and be in active collections or otherwise facing disconnection or termination of service. Applicants must also be the utility customer of record or pay a utility directly.
Applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services in person or by telephone, with funding provided on a first-come, first-served basis. A list of local offices by county can be found by clicking here.
File photo by Tom Rivers: The Oak Orchard River is one of several tributaries that will have its water levels boosted to improve the local fall fishery.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the New York State Canal Corporation is again increasing regulated water releases from the Erie Canal into Lake Ontario tributaries in Western New York this fall to extend fishing opportunities and enhance world-class fishing destinations.
Now in its second year, the pilot program through the New York Power Authority’s Reimagine the Canals initiative is improving spawning conditions and enhancing angling opportunities in Monroe, Orleans, and Niagara counties – an effort that helps to increase tourism and bolster local businesses.
“Western New York already offers some of the best fishing in the nation, and the Reimagine the Canals initiative is helping to enhance this reputation,” Governor Hochul said. “The fall fishing program is a fantastic and strategic use the Erie Canal to make tributaries even better for anglers – from the most-experienced to someone casting a line for the first time. With these unique fishing opportunities, upstate New York is attracting an even wider breadth of visitor from both near and far, giving a significant boost to local and state economies.”
Now through mid-December, the New York State Canal Corporation is increasing regulated water releases from the Erie Canal into Monroe, Orleans, and Niagara County’s premier streams – Oak Orchard Creek, Sandy Creek and newly added in 2021, Eighteenmile Creek. In early November and again in early December, all Lake Ontario tributaries – including Oak Orchard, Sandy, Eighteenmile, Johnson, and Salmon Creeks – will see higher flows.
These elevated flows will entice more brown trout, steelhead, and Atlantic and Pacific salmon to run up these streams, by improving conditions for the fish and providing expanded opportunities for anglers.
As part of a continued enhancement of Western New York’s fishing opportunities, the Canal Corporation has also launched a website that provides anglers with information about when and where the increased water releases will take place. The landing page (click here) includes a calendar of water releases, provides links to public fishing locations, and additional resources and background for casual and serious anglers alike.
NYPA President and CEO Gil C. Quiniones said, “The success of our fall fishing program last year proved that the Erie Canal continues to be a lifeline of economic stimulation across Upstate and Western New York. NYPA is proud to usher in the second year of this program, and we look forward to continuing to build on the innovative ways in which the Canal system contributes to the economic success of New York’s economy.”
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “As the close of the Canal navigation season nears, it is a pleasure to ring in the fall fishing season in a way that benefits both anglers and tourists, as well as Western New York’s canalside businesses and communities. By increasing the flow of water into key tributaries, anglers will once again be able to enjoy a longer fishing season and an even better fishing opportunity.”
File photo: Lyndonville classes will decorate floats for a parade on Oct. 1. This photo from October 2019, shows the junior class which decorated a float to “Toy Story.”
Press Release, Lyndonville Central School
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville school district will have a week filled with homecoming fun from Sept. 27 through Oct. 2. Various activities are scheduled, including spirit week with student events each morning and themed dress-up days, the traditional Homecoming Parade and athletic games with food trucks on campus.
The district invites the community to join in the school spirit and support the students!
The Homecoming Parade will be Oct. 1 at 1:40 p.m. Students in the high school will parade from the campus down Main Street to showcase floats designed by each class (9-12). Each year brings much competition and even more creativity. This year’s theme is “Rewind,” and you will see floats decorated throughout the decades!
Sports Games & Food Trucks: Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cheer on athletes and enjoy a tasty treat. Various food trucks (Dubby’s Woodfired Pizza, Blue Groove Coffee, Catherine St. Bakery and Mr. Pix Popcorn) will be parked in the bus loop.
10 a.m. athletic events include Girls Varsity Soccer, Girls Modified Soccer, Boys JV Soccer and Girls Modified Volleyball.
12 p.m. (noon) include Boys Varsity Soccer, Boys Modified Soccer and Girls JV Volleyball.
1:30 p.m. includes Girls Varsity Volleyball.
We hope to see you on campus wearing your orange and black and showing your TIGER PRIDE!
In 1979, the OCHA and the DAR published her book “Historic Sites in Orleans County, New York”, a listing and description of sites “that have historic connections with the Revolution or with the first twenty-five years of existence of Orleans County, the period before 1850.” Remarkably, there are fifty such sites. Arranged by town, they are as follows:
