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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 September 2021 at 9:51 am
Local Orleans EDA says board would lose important connections without elected leaders
Photo by Tom Rivers: Michael Dobell (second from right in back) is the CEO/CFO of the Orleans Economic Development Agency. He is shown speaking during last Friday’s board meeting. Four of the seven board members are elected officials, including Chairman Paul Hendel, far right, who is a member of the Murray Town Board. Three county legislators – Ken DeRoller, John DeFilipps and Skip Draper – also are on the board.
ALBION – Members of the Orleans Economic Development Agency have been closely watching a bill in Albany that would ban elected officials from serving on boards of the industrial development agencies.
The legislation passed in the State Senate but failed in the State Assembly earlier this month. Proponents of the legislation say the elected officials can give out tax breaks and assistance to businesses through their roles on the IDA, and then may ask those businesses for campaign donations.
State Sen. James Skoufis of the Hudson Valley sponsored the legislation that he said would eliminate conflcits of interest for IDA board members. He wants to prohibit any elected official serving at the county, town, city, or village level from serving as a member of the board of any IDA.
In Orleans County, four of the seven board members on the Orleans EDA are elected officials. Paul Hendel, the board chairman, is a Murray town councilman. Three others are county legislators – Ken DeRoller of Kendall, John DeFilipps of Clarendon and Skip Draper of Shelby.
The three other board members who aren’t elected officials include John Misiti, Ed Urbanik of Farm Credit and Carol D’Agostino, the Kendall High School principal.
The Orleans EDA members aren’t hitting up businesses that work with the EDA for campaign dollars in their low-budget re-election efforts, EDA board members said.
Hendel said the board members, especially the county legislators, have important connections within the county government and community, as well as with state and federal officials. The County Legislature provides $190,000 of the EDA budget and also contributes other important in-kind services with infrastructure work.
The elected officials also are engaged in local issues, and can give insights on potential stumbling blocks with projects and also ways to keep economic development initiatives moving forward.
Kevin Zanner, the EDA attorney, told the board on Friday he doesn’t expect the state legislation, banning elected officials from IDA boards, will gain any momentum in Albany.
If the legislation was approved and the elected couldn’t serve on the board, the EDA could be hard-pressed to find volunteers to serve in the roles that would bring a depth of experience and insight to match the elected officials.
In the past, when the EDA had a vacancy on the board, it has sometimes reached out to a recently retired elected official. Ken Rush, a former county legislator, served on the board after he ended his time on the Legislature.
Two of the current board members – DeRoller and DeFilipps – are retiring from Legislature after this year. The County Legislature, which appoints some of the EDA members, could ask the outgoing legislators to continue to serve with the EDA in 2022.
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the start of the 2021 fall foliage season in New York State. Fall is one of the most popular travel times in New York, attracting visitors from around the world to explore the state’s unique communities and support local businesses.
To help travelers and foliage enthusiasts plan a fall getaway, I LOVE NY started issuing its weekly fall foliage reports last Wednesday and will now include a new enhanced interactive progression map. Click here to see the map.
“Every autumn, New York State’s spectacular foliage and natural beauty beckons travelers to our world-class state parks, majestic overlooks, historic sites and unparalleled attractions,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers have long known about the stunning displays of color showcased all across the state, from Niagara Falls to Montauk Point. Now is the perfect time for residents and visitors alike to plan a fall escape and experience this incredibly colorful season in our great state.”
The foliage report is compiled each week using the on-location field observations from I LOVE NY’s team of volunteer leaf peepers. More than 85 spotters extending across the state’s 11 vacation regions are tasked with keeping track of the color change in their area as leaves progress each week. Reports detail the predominant leaf colors, approximate percentage of change, and how much color change has progressed relative to peak conditions.
This is a closeup of some of the leaves along Holley’s canal path.
New this year, I LOVE NY is introducing an enhanced, interactive map that tracks weekly foliage change and progression across the state throughout the season. The map, located on the I LOVE NY foliage website, showcases great foliage viewing locations in each of the various regions throughout the state. Visitors can also use the map to see what the foliage is like during peak viewing in a given area, and learn about nearby, must-see attractions.
Thanks in part to its size and location, New York State has one of the longest and most colorful foliage seasons in the country. On any weekend from late September through mid-November, part of the state is likely experiencing peak foliage.
Travelers are also invited to share their photos of New York State’s amazing foliage on social media by using the #NYLovesFall hashtag. Photos submitted to this hashtag have a chance of being featured on the I LOVE NY fall foliage website and official I LOVE NY social media accounts reaching nearly two million followers.
Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “The fall foliage season in New York State is always a magical time of year, and the I LOVE NY weekly foliage report is a great tool for visitors looking to plan a seasonal getaway. Our new interactive fall foliage map highlights a variety of attractions and events, from harvest festivals to Halloween celebrations, craft beverage trails, museums and family fun, helping residents and visitors alike to find what they love while exploring the amazing palette of autumn colors on display across the state.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 September 2021 at 7:51 am
Site at former railroad depot in Medina shut down for a year of the Covid pandemic
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Kelly Shaw, director of the Senior Center of Western Orleans, sells chicken barbecue tickets to Margaret Kelly. The Senior Center does various fundraisers throughout the year, but this is the first time they have done a chicken barbecue, and it will be provided by the Weidner family from Eden, who have been doing barbecues since 1956. The barbecue will be dine in or take out.
MEDINA – Members of the Senior Center of Western Orleans are happy to have the Center up and running as usual, after being closed for a year due to the pandemic.
Director Kelly Shaw already has two events planned – a chicken barbecue on Oct. 14 and a basket raffle on Oct. 16.
This is the first time the Center has had a chicken barbecue and Shaw contacted a new provider to the area to cook the chicken.
Weidner Barbecue from Eden is a family operation started by Bert Weidner and his two brothers in 1956 when they set up a stand at the Erie County Fair to sell chicken barbecue. Three generations later they are still using the same recipe and cater events all over Western New York.
Tickets are $12 and are available from members or at the Center during opening hours, which are 9 a.m. to noon on Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 on Wednesday and Thursday and noon to 3:30 on Friday. The barbecue comes with salt potatoes, cole slaw, roll and butter and a cookie.
The basket raffle has always been a popular event, with as many as 80 baskets donated by seniors and the community. Shaw is accepting donations of baskets through Thursday. Tickets will go on sale Sept. 17.
Some very unique baskets are already on display at the Senior Center, and include such things as wine baskets, lottery tickets, a designer tote, children’s activities, jigsaw puzzles, gift certificates and holiday decorations. The basket raffle is the Senior Center’s biggest fundraiser, Shaw said.
Shaw stressed how important these fundraisers are to operation of the Senior Center. They are able to operate through memberships, funding from United Way of Orleans County and fundraisers.
Shaw also urges seniors who are not members to join. It provides a wonderful opportunity to meet people, socialize and have a good time. Membership is only $10 a year, and even if a senior doesn’t want to come and participate in activities, the dues help keep the Center going.
When Shaw became director 16 years ago, there were 400 members, and now there are 250. Shaw said the decline is due in part to the fact seniors are working longer and many are taking care of grandchildren. Anyone who is 50 or older is eligible to join.
The Center has a dinner meeting the second Monday of every month, the first of which is pot luck. In October, the meal will be meatloaf. Also on Mondays, baked goods are available from Tops. Seniors may choose a loaf of bread and one sweet treat per person.
Lady Dispatchers meet the last Tuesday of the month for lunch and crafts or games. Lunch is only $5.
The Senior Center also runs a drawing every month for members. Items are donated and include everything from holiday decorations to gift cards. Tickets are only two for $1.
Before Covid, the Senior Center had two rummage sales a year. Items from households or estate sales are welcome, but they cannot accept electronics or large furniture. Shaw is planning to have a cash raffle the beginning the next year.
Shaw reminds seniors that euchre is played at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. There is a pinochle game on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and exercise led by Michelle Sargent from the Orleans County Office for the Aging is at 10 a.m. Wednesdays, except for the last Wednesday of the month, which is 11 a.m. The class provides great exercise and a lot of laughs for only $1. There is always a jigsaw puzzle in progress, Shaw added.
The community is also reminded the Senior Center accepts cans and bottles, or they may be taken to Medina Bottles and Cans on East Center Street or JCo Returns on South Main and indicate they are for the Senior Center. The Center also collects canceled stamps and pop can tops.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 September 2021 at 7:02 pm
Make-A-Wish originally had playground built for Elaina Dixie Webb
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – Kyle and Beth Webb are pictured with Lora and Jeff Partyka today at Partyka Farms in Kendall.
A playground built in January 2017 for the Webbs’ daughter, Elaina Dixie Webb, has been relocated to Partyka Farms, 1420 County Line Road (Route 272).
Elaina was 2 ½ when she passed away on Feb. 7, 2017 from cancer – acute myeloid leukemia. The Make-A-Wish Foundation paid for Bears Playgrounds in Lima to construct the playground in January 2017.
The playground was in the family’s backyard on Herrick Street. They no longer live there. The playground had been removed and in storage for nearly two years. Beth Webb said she is very appreciative to Bears Playgrounds for keeping the playground in storage and then reassembling it at Partyka’s, with some changes to meet commercial regulations. Bears also replaced some pieces.
Elaina Dixie Webb, 2 ½, is shown with her father Kyle Webb and older brother Colin after a new playground was opened on Jan. 19, 2017 in the family’s former backyard on Herrick Street in Albion.
The Webb family initially offered the playground to the Village of Albion but that didn’t move forward because the village’s insurance company said the equipment wasn’t up to municipal code. The playground was built to be used in a backyard by a family.
Beth Webb happened to be at Partyka’s in June for ice cream with her 5-year-old twin sons. She thought the playground would fit in well with a play area by the farm market.
Lora and Jeff Partyka had been talking about adding a playground at the site in recent years and even visited Bears Playground. They paid some of the cost to have the playground relocated and modified.
Workers from Bears Playgrounds – Curtis Northrop, left, and Brett Otto – spread mulch at the playground at Partyka Farms in Kendall.
Kyle Webb said the farm market and play area will be a draw for the playground.
“We wanted it to be used,” he said. “We wanted it to be used by as many kids as possible.”
This bench with Elaina’s name is next to a tree by the playground. Her parents said Elaina loved the outdoors.
“She was a nature girl,” Beth said.
The playground has slides, a climbing wall and a bridge.
“It fits perfectly,” Lora Partyka said.
She said the farm will add picnic tables nearby and will stain some of the new wood.
There will also be a plaque noting the playground was given in honor of Elaina Dixie Webb.
Kyle and Beth Webb are pictured with the playground crew from Bears – Lenny Yokes, Curtis Northrop and Brett Otto (with orange head band).
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) participated in the House Agriculture Committee’s markup of their portion of the $3.5 trillion partisan reconciliation package.
At a hearing, Jacobs offered an amendment to redirect funding to combat an invasive species, the spotted lanternfly, that has become a threat to growers in the Northeast and Midwest. It was rejected.
“The House Agriculture Committee met to once again consider a massive, partisan reconciliation bill crafted in secret by Speaker Pelosi,” Jacobs said. “One would have thought that record inflation and struggling small businesses would have been enough to teach Democrats this style of unilateral legislating is unworkable and damaging, but sadly this is not the case. This package will likely include taxes that will devastate farmers and rural communities but possibly won’t even pay for the whole $3.5 trillion cost of this bill.”
The hearing, started Friday and finished today, was to consider the House Agriculture Committee’s piece of the overall budget reconciliation package. This section will total roughly $90 billion in new spending, though $28 billion of that total was not even considered by the committee because it has not been written yet.
“The Democrats in control of this committee did not hold one single hearing with farmers or agribusinesses to learn the exact needs of rural America,” Jacobs said. “If they had, they would’ve learned that their partisan wish list is unneeded and unwanted. They would have instead directed funding to fix very real problems facing our farmers, such as rural broadband, disaster assistance, and invasive species.
“This process once again shows Democrats are more interested in political power than serving their constituents’ needs – a truly unfortunate change of tune for the Agriculture Committee that has in previous years been lauded as the most bipartisan committee in the House.”
ALBION – The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that the bridge carrying Allens Bridge Road over the Erie Canal in the town of Albion near Eagle Harbor will be closed starting Wednesday, September 15, to facilitate bridge repairs on the structure.
Alternate routes to cross over the Erie Canal can be found at Presbyterian Road and Eagle Harbor Road.
Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.
