By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 September 2021 at 8:46 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Becky Karls (left), one of the organizers of a July 15 golf tournament for the Albion Rotary Club, presents a $4,500 ceremonial check to Melissa Blanar, director of the Orleans County Office for the Aging on Thursday at the OFA office.
The funds will support a volunteer transportation program that was started in 2019 by the OFA. That program is seeing more demand since Community Action ended a transportation program on Sept. 1 for senior citizens citing a deficit with CATS. Communtiy Action would take local seniors to appointments, including to see doctors out of county.
CATS provided 5,388 rides for seniors in 2020, and transported 2,759 seniors this year through July 31, according to data from the Office for the Aging.
Blanar said the local seniors are “facing a transportation crisis.” She has reached out to other providers and they are much more costly than CATS.
She said the volunteer program is seeing more demand, but there aren’t enough drivers. That program helps adults over age 60.
“The demand we are seeing now is more than we can handle,” Blanar said.
Those drivers, who receive a mileage reimbursement, will take people to medical appointments, grocery stores, nursing homes to visit loved ones and other appointments.
The volunteer program peaked with 18 drivers and currently has 12. Blanar said all drivers must be 18. There is a strong need for drivers will to take seniors to appointments in Monroe, Erie and Genesee counties.
Last year, the volunteers did 252 rides for 12 months. This year, in the first six months of 2021, the volunteers were already up to 236 rides, Blanar said.
The agency suggests riders make a $5 donation for trips within the county and $15 outside Orleans, but that isn’t required. The Office for the Aging also is encouraging seniors to try the RTS public transportation but that agency is often locked into a schedule and it can be difficult to link up with other buses for trips out of county.
For more information about the volunteer program, either as a driver or rider, contact the OFA at (585) 589-3191.
The Rotary Club also shared $1,000 for the July 15 tournament with the leadership Orleans program.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution urges Americans to reflect on the United States Constitution during this month’s annual observance in honor this foundational document of national governance.
“There are two documents of paramount importance to American history: the Declaration of Independence, which forged our national identity, and the United States Constitution, which set forth the framework for the federal government that functions to this day,” said DAR President General Denise Doring VanBuren. “While Independence Day is a well-recognized and beloved national holiday, fewer people know about Constitution Week, an annual commemoration of the living document that upholds and protects the freedoms central to our American way of life.”
The DAR initiated the observance in 1955, when the service organization petitioned the U.S. Congress to dedicate September 17–23 of each year to the commemoration of Constitution Week. Congress adopted the resolution, and on August 2, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into Public Law #915. The celebration’s goals are threefold: to encourage the study of the historical events that led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787; to remind the public that the Constitution is the basis of America’s great heritage and the foundation for its way of life; and to emphasize U.S. citizens’ responsibility to protect, defend and preserve the U.S. Constitution.
DAR has been the foremost advocate for the awareness, promotion and celebration of Constitution Week. The annual observance provides innumerable opportunities for educational initiatives and community outreach, two mission areas of crucial importance to the National Society. By fostering knowledge of, and appreciation for, the Constitution and the inalienable rights it affords to all Americans, DAR helps to keep alive the memory of the men and women who secured our nation’s foundational liberties.
“In communities across America, Daughters will erect hundreds of community displays, sponsor municipal proclamations, ring bells and stage programs to raise awareness of the Constitution’s tenets and importance. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this powerful document, which has enabled our democracy within a republic for more than two centuries. We hope that all Americans will learn more about the Constitution and its immense impact on our nation,” VanBuren said.
One of the largest patriotic women’s organizations in the world, DAR has more than 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters across the country and several foreign countries. DAR members promote historic preservation, education and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service and more. For additional information about DAR and its relevant mission, visit www.dar.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 September 2021 at 5:23 pm
The number of active Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties is over 200 for the first time since April 28, according to data from the two counties.
The number of active cases is at 204 today, with 119 in Orleans and 84 in Genesee. That is up from 183 on Monday (97 in Orleans and 86 in Genesee). A week ago there were 144 cases in the two counties with 77 in Orleans and 67 in Genesee.
Orleans County is reporting 44 new active cases since Monday, and the new cases are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
Orleans currently has four residents who are hospitalized due to Covid.
The county is reporting 21 more of the previous positive individuals have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.
Genesee County is reporting 46 new positive cases since Monday, and those cases are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.
Genesee has 14 residents hospitalized due to Covid, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
Genesee has 40 more of the previous positive individuals who have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 September 2021 at 4:22 pm
File photo by Tom Rivers: The flag was lowered in May 2020 at the former Orchard Manor (now known as Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center). The flags were lowered statewide out of respect for people who died from Covid-19.
MEDINA – The Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center on Bates Road in Medina will be holding a memorial service at 7 p.m. on Tuesday in honor of the 30 residents who died due to Covid-19.
The service will be outdoors at the front entrance. The service also will acknowledge the sacrifices and strength shown by many in enduring the pandemic.
Orleans County has had 83 confirmed deaths from Covid during the 18 months of the pandemic.
Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center will be honoring each of the 30 residents who passed away from Covid.
Martin MacKenzie, Orchard’s administrator, will speak during the service. There will also be a bird release, a prayer and moment of silence, Taps and a gun salute. Punch and cookies will be available following the ceremony.
Photos courtesy of Alicia Vanderwalker: Todd Vanderwalker and his father Dan compete in the Adirondack Canoe Classic, a 90-mile event over three days.
The Adirondack Canoe Classic — known as the 90-Miler — is an Adirondack tradition dating back to 1983. The annual event, which takes place over three days in September, takes paddlers from Old Forge to Saranac Lake, the first 90 miles of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.
The first 3 years of the race, Hartland resident Dan Vanderwalker competed winning 1st place all three years with then partner Kurt Knisley for his first and third year and Greg Denzel for his second year. Vanderwalker went on to compete and win several other areas races during that time.
In 2019 Dan’s 38-year-old son, Todd competed in the race with his 16-year-old daughter FaithAnn, proudly carrying on his father’s legacy and taking home 1st place in their class.
In 2020 due to Covid the race was cancelled and this year when it was announced that the race would go on Todd was hopeful to compete again, he even entered and won a 10-mile Round the Mountain Canoe race with his son David in the spring extending his families paddling experience.
It was not looking like Todd would be able to compete in the 90 miler though as his daughter, FaithAnn just left for college and his son had athletic commitments that weekend. It was then that Todd talked to his dad about his desire to still compete and the duo spent the summer training weekly to be ready for the race. Dan lost almost 30 pounds during the 3 months of training and both paddled, walked and ran 2-3 times weekly to build endurance. Todd’s goal was just to be able to complete the race with his dad and create memories, but not Dan. He said if he was doing it, he was in it to win it.
The race was held Sept. 10-12 and started with 238 boats on the water. Competitors race canoes, and kayaks in various classes of size, style and amount of racers ranging from one-man canoe or kayaks to war canoes that held multiple paddlers.
Dan and Todd Vanderwalker hold their first place awards for winning the competition.
In order to compete in the canoe classic event organizers through the Northern Forest Canoe Trail advise that you must: “Be prepared, mentally and physically. The 90-Miler is a backcountry race — when on the course, you are often miles away from immediate medical care or rescue. The weather can be very hot or very cold, and wind is almost always a factor. There are mile-long portages, big open lakes, twisty beaver-dammed streams and shallow rivers with so many twists and turns it is hard to keep track of where you are.”
The course description is as follows:
Day One – Start at Old Forge on Old Forge Pond; paddle and carry through the Fulton Chain of Lakes; and then continue on to Raquette Lake, the Marion River and the Eckford Chain of Lakes ending in Blue Mountain Lake. DISTANCE: 35 miles CARRIES: Four (3.5 miles total).
Day Two – Start at Bissell’s on Long Lake; paddle down Long Lake and into the Raquette River; carry around Raquette Falls; and then continue on the Raquette to a finish at the NYS Raquette River Boat Launch on Routes 3 & 30 (approximately 5 miles east of the village of Tupper Lake). DISTANCE: 30 miles CARRIES: One (1.25 miles total).
Day Three: Start at Fish Creek Campground; paddle down Upper Saranac Lake and carry to Middle Saranac Lake; and then paddle across Middle Saranac Lake and into the Saranac River, carrying around the Upper State Locks. Continue into Lower Saranac Lake and another section of the Saranac River; carry around the Lower State Locks; and then continue across Oseetah Lake and Lake Flower to finish the race at Riverfront Park in Saranac Lake Village. DISTANCE: 25 miles CARRIES: Three (0.5 mile total).
The Vanderwalkers had Todd’s wife, Alicia, pit crewing for them. Alicia’s job was to meet them at portages to provide hydration, supplementation and encouragement. She also shuttled them from one place to the next each day as each night they stayed in a different state campground on the route.
On Saturday Alicia even borrowed a local residents canoe to get out to the duo as they paddled to get them fresh drinks, gel packs and sports bars so they did not have to lose momentum paddling toward shore because there was no portage in the area.
It was a weekend filled with memories, wild and windy weather several boats capsizing and in the end a legacy that continues as Dan and Todd took home first place in the C-2 Mens Masters Class bringing Dan’s paddling legacy full circle.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 September 2021 at 11:48 am
MEDINA – There will be a fundraiser on Oct. 17 from 3 to 6 p.m. at leonard Oakes Estate Winery to support newborn baby Koleson Meakin, and his parents, Brady and Dominique.
Koleson was born Aug. 31 with Lissencephaly, which is a rare, gene-linked brain malformation characterized by the absence of normal folds in the cerebral cortex and an abnormally small head.
Pam Eaton of Hometown Wellness Center is organizing the benefit to assist the family with the cost of caring for Koleson.
“They are great people,” Eaton said about the young couple.
Dominique Meakin works for Eaton as one of the instructors of the wellness center on Pearl Street.
Eaton said there has already been a strong response from the community with donations, gift certificates and baskets.
“It goes to show what a community will do for each other when needed,” Eaton said.
Eaton said people can reach out to her through Facebook or by calling (585) 409-3452 to make donations or to volunteer at the event.
The event at Leonard Oakes will include orchard rides, live music and the basket raffle.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the suspension of the state hiring freeze through the end of the fiscal year, supporting Covid-19 recovery efforts.
The hiring freeze suspension comes after the Governor released the updated State Financial Plan projecting $2.1 billion in revenue above projections as the economic recovery beats expectations. While agencies are now able to hire without first obtaining a waiver from the Division of the Budget, they must prioritize hiring for their core missions and continue to prudently manage their resources.
“As we continue to combat the pandemic, we must keep New York moving forward and that includes building our workforce to ensure we can support New Yorkers at the highest level,” Governor Hochul said. “However, we must continue to act responsibly and prudently with the state’s finances as we work to slow the spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19 and help to ensure all businesses and New Yorkers remain safe.”
Lifting the hiring freeze through the end of the fiscal year will enable state agencies to grow their workforces after the number of workers in Executive Agencies declined from approximately 118,000 full-time employees to approximately 107,500 full-time employees between March 2020 and August 2021, driven by attrition.
ORCHARD PARK – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) has been awarded the Adult Education Champion Award presented by the Coalition on Adult Basic Education.
Jacobs was presented the award by Lisa Lee – Executive Director of CORE Learning Centers and State Advocacy Fellow for the Coalition on Adult Basic Education.
“Congressman Jacobs answered our call and advocated tirelessly on our behalf to get funding released – preventing further shut-downs and staff lay-offs – giving our students with continued educational opportunities and access to needed services,” Lee said. “As a State Advocacy Fellow and member of the Coalition on Adult Education and member of the New York Association of Adult Continuing and Community Education, I am proud to honor Congressman Chris Jacobs’ efforts as a Champion for Adult Education in NYS and across the country.”
The Adult Education Champion Award is awarded to legislative leaders for their work advocating for the needs of adult learners. They are awarded as part of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week.
“Congressman Jacobs has been a long-time supporter of adult literacy efforts in Western New York and across NYS. He has championed our mission and recognizes the importance of all people being able to read, write and speak English in order to be most successful in life,” said Tara Schafer, executive director Literacy Buffalo Niagara. “We would like to congratulate Congressman Jacobs and thank him for advocating on behalf of Literacy Buffalo Niagara and the 147,000 people that struggle with literacy in our region.”
“I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this award from the Coalition on Adult Basic Education,” Jacobs said. “I have spent my professional career tirelessly advocating for quality education for our Western New York students, and I will continue that advocacy for years to come. I want to commend CORE and Literacy Buffalo Niagara for the incredible work they are doing to help adult learners realize new opportunities and reach their full potential. It is important work, and I will continue to be a strong federal partner with them to ensure our students get the resources they need.”
The Arc New York chapters serving the GLOW region invite Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming County residents to “Grow with GLOW” and discover the rewards of a career as a Direct Support Professional.
Soon to be named Arc GLOW under a pending merger, Arc of Genesee Orleans and The Arc Livingston-Wyoming are participating in a statewide job fair on September 23 in Batavia and Mount Morris.
“The coordinated effort highlights the flexible, meaningful and rewarding positions available, supporting people with intellectual/developmental disabilities in their homes and day programs across our four counties,” said Martin Miskell, Arc GLOW executive director.
Direct Support Professionals provide integral support to individuals, such as assisting with communication, providing on-the-job coaching, and helping with daily living needs. DSP team members play a critical role in helping ensure that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in their communities.
“This is work that matters, work that is meaningful and it’s the opportunity to feel proud of the difference DSPs make in the lives of individuals we serve. It’s a true calling to care,” the executive director said.
Arc GLOW Director of Human Resources, Christa Hartigan, says new Direct Support Professional team members can expect flexibility and the opportunity to advance.
“We offer stability and a generous benefit package,” she said. “If you have been wondering what’s next, it’s time to find your future and grow with Arc GLOW as a Direct Support Professional.”
The September 23 job fairs scheduled in Genesee and Livingston counties will be held at the following locations and times:
Arc Community Center, 38 Woodrow Road, Batavia from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Arc Admin. Building, 18 Main Street, Mount Morris from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Remember, this is work that matters and an opportunity to make a positive influence on the lives of others,” Miskell said.
Direct Support Spotlight
Kristen Ace, an Oakfield native, first started working at Arc after college and returned in 2018 as a Relief Direct Support Professional in residential. She now works full time at Arc’s Day Habilitation Center in Elba as a Day Habilitation Specialist, and describes her job as very rewarding.
“I love what I do and I love being here to help, advocate and teach,” she said. “I go home happy, knowing that I’ve made a difference and look forward to going in tomorrow. I smile knowing the ladies I work with had a great day. I’m glad I decided to come back to the Arc and begin my career!”
Jessica Stevens, an Arc staff member from Leicester, is the Assistant Site Supervisor at Arc’s Warren IRA residence in Warsaw. According to Jessica, she enjoys finding all the good about the individuals she serves in the residential program.
“I get to learn about their past, their dreams and goals and what’s helped mold them into the person they are today,” she said. “Assisting people out of rough patches, reminding them of all they are, and making my guys laugh is definitely a favorite part of my job.”
Stevens’ career at Arc began in the Day Habilitation program. During the height of the pandemic, she picked up extra shifts in the residential department, and transferred there when she realized how much the enjoyed it.
BARRE – The Heritage Wind Community Grant Program is now accepting applications for its Fall 2021 grant cycle.
The program provided more than $9,000 during its last cycle to support local organizations working to build healthy communities, increase environmental sustainability, foster economic development, and promote education, including Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Supportive Care of Orleans, The Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, Medina Fire Department, Town of Barre (Powering the Park), Orleans Community Health Foundation, Orleans-Recovery Hope Begins Here, Christ Church Community Kitchen and United Way of Orleans County.
Local organizations working in the Town of Barre or the broader Orleans County community are encouraged to apply. Grants are typically awarded in $250 to $4,000 increments, with priority given to proposals that demonstrate meaningful impacts to the greatest number of area residents.
We will be accepting applications until October 29 on our website (click here).
The four focus areas for the Heritage Wind Community Grant Program are:
Building Healthy Communities – Programs that support public health, good government, open communication, citizen resources, and/or enhance the quality of life in the community.
Economic Development – Apex Clean Energy supports and encourages the entrepreneurial spirit. It is part of our mission to serve as a catalyst for economic opportunity and development within the communities where we operate.
Environmental Sustainability – Programs that possess a strong link to environmental revitalization, sustainability, or education thereof, empower residents to be stewards of the environment, and/or encourage partnerships to address environmental concerns and sustainability.
Promoting Education – Programs that support educational institutions, the advancement of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and training programs for careers in the wind industry. This may include curriculum development, literacy, school readiness, and other initiatives that help students grow into young leaders. Vocational training institutions that help build a skilled workforce are also included and encouraged to apply.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 September 2021 at 8:21 am
CARLTON – The Cobblestone Museum brought back its annual dinner and fundraising auction at Carlton Firemen’s Recreation Hall on Wednesday evening. The crowd was smaller than in recent years, due to concerns over the rising cases of Covid, said Cobblestone director Doug Farley.
“However, we are glad to be back in business again,” Farley said. “This is a great kickoff for our Welcome Center, and it’s good to see people out and enjoying themselves. The money raised tonight will go a long way in helping get the Welcome Center going.”
Dick Remley, finance committee chair and head of the committee to raise money for purchase of the c. 1830 home formerly known as Fair Haven Treasures, said the Visitor’s Center will not only be for the Cobblestone Museum, but for all of Orleans County.
“It couldn’t be more centrally located,” Remley said. “In fact, in the 1800s, Childs was the county seat for a day. This house will give us room to show movies to tourists, ample space for parking and indoor bathrooms, all things we don’t have now.”
He explained their goal is to add a meeting room for up to 100 people, where they can have educational programs all year long and provide office space for Orleans County Tourism.
“This will be a one-stop location for information regarding all of Orleans County, including the Medina Railroad Museum to the fishing industry,” Remley said.
Doug Farley, left, director of the Cobblestone Museum at Childs, scans the audience as former sheriff Randy Bower solicits bids on donated items.
Remley is very encouraged at the support the project has already received. So far $400,000 of the $750,000 goal has been raised for the project. Click here for more information.
“We’ve only been fundraising for four weeks and we are already at more than 50 percent of our goal,” he said. “The Cobblestone Museum is the only National Historic Landmark in Orleans County and we are on the road to making sure it continues for a long, long time.”
The evening continued with dinner catered by Zambistro, followed by a live auction with former sheriff Randy Bower as auctioneer. Bower egged the crowd on to secure the highest bids for each item. There was a variety of donated items, and when there was an occasional item with no opening bid, Bower started the bidding himself.
There were bargains to be had, such as 10 one-day park hopper passes to Disney World, valued at $150 each, which the bidder got for $200, and a pen and ink painting by Roger San Miguel, whose paintings are said to bring $4,000 to $6,000, which went to the highest bidder for $200.
Two unusual puppets from a Dutch store in Jakarta, Indonesia, were more than 100 years old and brought laughs when Remley and Larry Albanese started dancing around with them.
A silent auction followed with three dozen unique items and a basket raffle.
This was the Cobblestone Society’s third annual membership fundraising dinner. Next year’s membership dinner will be May 11 at the Carlton Recreation Hall.
Editor’s Note: Museum Director Doug Farley reported the event on Wednesday raised $10,000 for the museum.
Marty Taber, left, holds a painting by the late Roy Bannister as Larry Albanese points to a bidder during the Cobblestone Museum’s live auction Wednesday night.
Governor also announces masks must be worn at state-certified substance abuse and mental health facilities
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a series of universal mask requirements designed to protect New Yorkers against the highly contagious Delta variant and the recent surge in Covid-19 infections statewide.
The requirement applies to New York State Office of Children and Family Services-licensed and -registered child care centers, home-based group family and family child care programs, after-school child care programs and enrolled legally exempt group programs during operational hours.
Implementing the mask regulation in child care programs will provide consistency between child care program children and school children, many of whom often share the same buildings.
New masking requirements will also apply to congregate programs and facilities licensed, registered, operated, certified or approved by the Office of Mental Health, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, Office of Children and Family Services and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
This includes but is not limited to certified residential and day programs, inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities, substance abuse programs, juvenile detention programs, juvenile residential facilities, congregate foster care programs, runaway and homeless youth, domestic violence and other shelter programs. These requirements apply to anyone medically able to tolerate wearing a mask, regardless of vaccination status.
“With the Delta variant on the rise, requiring masks at state-regulated child care, mental health, and substance abuse facilities is a key part of our broader strategy for slowing the spread of the virus, reopening our economy safely, and protecting vulnerable members of our population,” Governor Hochul said. “For children under 12 who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated, masks are the best line of defense against Covid-19 infection. This new mask requirement ensures that children in our child care facilities receive the same protection as children in our schools.”
The new mask requirement in child care facilities brings New York State into compliance with federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance issued in July that recommends universal indoor masking for anyone age two and older who has not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and is medically able to wear a mask. It also brings child care facilities in alignment with school masking requirements announced on Governor Hochul’s first day in office.
Because the Delta variant is so highly transmissible, there have been large increases in cases across all age groups. Because children under 12 years of age are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine, there have been large increases in cases among children, which translates to higher numbers of severe cases. Additional protective measures will help to keep New York’s children safe at this important time.
OCFS Commissioner Sheila J. Poole said, “We have heard from many parents and residents of congregate settings asking that the state require masking because child care and congregate residential programs will not require that protection without a state requirement. We want to keep all children and staff in child care programs, as well as staff and residents of congregate residential programs, safe from the spread of infection and wearing a mask is the best tool we have. Children want to be like the adults around them and will easily adapt to the mask wearing requirement.”
Fisher-Price: The Corn Popper has been an enduring toy since it was first introduced in 1957.
ROCHESTER – The Fisher-Price Corn Popper is one of 12 finalists for 2021 induction into The Strong’s National Toy Hall of Fame.
The toy is popular with very young children who are beginning to get steady on their feet.
“The bright, flying balls and popping sound also help to stimulate the senses, promoting curiosity and discovery,” the Hall of Fame stated in a writeup about the Corn Popper.
Fisher-Price ran a manufacturing site in Median from 1970 to the late 1990s. It also produced the Little People in Medina, and they were inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame in 2016.
The Corn Popper debuted in 1957. Today it sells for $9.99.
The 12 finalists for induction into the hall announced today include American Girl Dolls, Battleship, billiards, Cabbage Patch Kids, Fisher-Price Corn Popper, Mahjong, Masters of the Universe, piñata, Risk, sand, The Settlers of Catan, and toy fire engine.
From this group three inductees will be announced on Nov. 4.
“These 12 toys represent the wide scope of playthings—from one of the most universal playthings in the world like sand to a game-changing board game like Risk to the popular adult game of billiards,” says Christopher Bensch, vice president for collections. “Whether old or new, for kids or adults, all 12 of these toy finalists greatly influenced the world of play.”
The National Toy Hall of Fame is accepting votes from the public from September 15 to 22 as part of a “Player’s Choice” ballot at toyhalloffame.org. The three toys that receive the most public votes will be submitted and will join the other top-three submissions by members of the National Selection Advisory Committee.
The Strong’s National Toy Hall of Fame recognizes toys that have engaged and delighted multiple generations. Criteria for induction include: Icon-status (the toy is widely recognized, respected, and remembered); Longevity (the toy is more than a passing fad and has enjoyed popularity over multiple generations); Discovery (the toy fosters learning, creativity, or discovery through play); and Innovation (the toy profoundly changed play or toy design).
To date, the following 74 toys have been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame, which was established in 1998.
CARLTON – The New York State Department of Transportation announced that construction has begun on a $261,000 resiliency project awarded to the town of Carlton, Orleans County, through the State’s Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI).
The shoreline along Lakeside Park Road, which runs along a peninsula of land located in between Lake Ontario and Johnson Creek, has experienced degradation due to repeated flooding events. The shoreline erosion has caused the access road to become unusable, resulting in the loss of land protecting homes, and approximately 300 linear feet of public water line at risk of being exposed and compromised.
This project seeks to mitigate future flooding and reduce the erosion of the Lakeside Park Road, while ensuring safe access for residents and emergency responders, and protecting critical infrastructure.
State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Flooding and extreme weather have plagued the town of Carlton and surrounding areas, causing disruption on local roadways and issues for the local communities especially during emergency situations. The Department of Transportation is always proud to partner with our local and state REDI partners to serve these shoreline communities. With this project we are building back stronger to ensure access to local residents and emergency personnel during extreme weather events. Our continued goal is to build a more resilient infrastructure that will stand up to what mother nature sends our way.”
Resiliency measures to be implemented in this project include:
Construction of a new access road
Placement of riprap stone along the shoreline to protect the public water line during future high-water events
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Town of Carlton Highway Department uses a payloader to carry pallets of sandbags across a washed out section of Lakeside Park Road West on June 2, 2019. A chunk of road washed out from Lake Ontario flooding. Residents at three houses needed to walk through the washed out road to reach their houses. The road will protected with riprap in one of the REDI projects.
Senator Robert Ortt said, “By attending to the issues surrounding Lakeside Park Road, New York State and the REDI Commission are taking proactive measures to ensure not only the safety of local residents but are also addressing the issue of erosion that may further impact the ability of first responders to access the road. This forward thinking will also protect critical infrastructure utilities located along the road and will minimize the potential impact of any naturally occurring emergencies in the future. I applaud New York State and the REDI Commission for identifying this situation and implementing the necessary solutions.”
Assemblyman Stephen Hawley said, “Preserving the shoreline means preserving our local economy, and giving the people who live and travel along Lakeside Park Road the peace of mind they deserve in their daily lives. I am very pleased to see this proactive project break ground, and hope all goes well as the project proceeds.”
Town of Carlton Supervisor Gayle Ashbery said, “The flooding that occurred in 2019 caused severe erosion along the shoreline of Lakeside Park Road, leaving critical infrastructure exposed and vulnerable. The town of Carlton is pleased that through our partnership with New York State, the shoreline will be stabilized, and the waterline will be protected.”
Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Central School: Youngsters enjoy the new PreK playground that opened last week.
Press Release, Lyndonville Central School
LYNDONVILLE – The school district on Sept. 9 hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to open a new PreK playground.
The playground equipment and installation were funded through the district’s Universal PreK grant to provide full-day pre-kindergarten for 3- and 4-year-old children residing within the Lyndonville school district. The vibrant playground is designed specifically for children ages 2-5 as a safe place for them to learn, play and grow.
“The new PreK playground is an asset to the district,” said Elementary Principal Elissa Smith. “Play is an essential aspect of learning and helps develop children’s coordination, motor skills, cognitive abilities and social awareness. We look forward to adding additional gross motor play opportunities next spring.”
LCS currently has 65 students enrolled in the district’s PreK program. For more information on Lyndonville’s PreK program, please visit the district’s website.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution urges Americans to reflect on the United States Constitution during this month’s annual observance in honor this foundational document of national governance.
