Among 4 bills signed include legislation to extend Shared Work benefits
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed four pieces of legislation to help boost workplace safety and put more money in the pockets of working New Yorkers.
The bills establish a demonstration program to implement speed violation monitoring systems in work zones to keep workers safe and make construction contractors liable for the wages owed to their subcontractors.
They also require the payment of prevailing wage to building service employees at high-end co-ops and condos and extend Shared Work Benefits.
“On Labor Day every year, we’re reminded of the vital contributions of organized labor to building New York, and that’s why I’m signing four pieces of legislation to help workers thrive across our state,” Governor Hochul said. “These bills will make sure workers are paid fair wages, receive good benefits and stay safe on their worksites. Our state is home to a long and proud legacy of supporting working New Yorkers, and we’re working to bolster that for the future.”
Labor Day Legislation to Bolster New York’s Workforce
• Keeping Workers Safe – This legislation (S.4682-B/A.485-B) establishes a demonstration program implementing speed violation monitoring systems in work zones by means of photo devices and relates to notices of liability and the adjudication of certain traffic infractions involving the use of photo monitoring devices.
• Making Contractors Liable for Wages Paid to Their Subcontractors – This legislation (A.3350-A/S.2766-C) makes contractors on construction projects jointly liable for wages owed to employees of their subcontractors.
Construction contractors are not currently liable for wages of their subcontractors’ employees unless there is an employment relationship between the contractor and the employee of the subcontractor. This bill applies prospectively to contracts entered 120 days after the bill becomes law. It also allows contractors to demand payroll information from subcontractors and withhold payment if the information is not provided.
• Paying Prevailing Wage to Building Service Employees in Buildings Receiving the 467-A Tax Abatement – This legislation (S.6350-A/A.7434-A) requires the payment of prevailing wage to building service employees at co-ops and condos that receive tax abatements under section 467a of the tax law.
The law applies to buildings with an average unit assessed value of more than $60,000, with the exception of buildings that have an average unit assessed value of $60,000 to $100,000 and have fewer than 30 units.
The legislation makes affidavits certifying the payment of prevailing wages to building service workers public records that may be produced before a court or administrative tribunal. The New York State Department of Labor has the power to conduct an investigation and hearing and file a final determination to enforce the law and make sure employees are properly paid.
• Extending Shared Work Benefits – This legislation (S.4049/A.5678) changes the cap on Shared Work Benefits from 26 straight weeks to an amount of time equal to 26 weeks’ worth of benefits. The shared work program allows employers to keep employees and avoid layoffs by allowing staff members to receive partial Unemployment Insurance benefits while working reduced hours.
Under current law, claimants can only receive 26 weeks of benefits, regardless of what the claimant’s maximum benefit entitlement is under UI. This bill will allow claimants to collect the reduced UI benefit under a Shared Work Program until they have hit their maximum benefit amount under traditional UI.
“From day one, Governor Hochul promised to work collaboratively with the Legislature and Labor, and she has delivered on that promise by signing into law several bills that will improve the lives of working people,” said New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento. “The bills signed into law today will; enhance roadway work zone safety, create a fairer unemployment benefit for workers whose hours were reduced in lieu of layoff, hold unscrupulous private construction contractors liable for wage theft; and require a prevailing rate for those who work in residential buildings receiving tax breaks.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 September 2021 at 10:34 am
The number of people unemployed in Orleans is about half of what it was last summer, according to State Department of Labor data for July.
In Orleans County, the unemployment rate was 5.8 percent in July, compared to 11.5 percent in July 2020, when many businesses were scaled down due to Covid-19 restrictions. In July 2019, before the pandemic, the unemployment rate was 4.8 percent in Orleans.
There are 900 more working in Orleans compared to year ago. There were 16,400 working in Orleans County in July, compared to 15,500 in July 2020. The number on unemployment also is down from 2,000 to 1,000 during that time.
Other nearby rates for July include: Livingston, 4.6%; Monroe, 5.7%; Erie, 5.8%; Niagara, 6.0.
Statewide the unemployment rate is 7.4 percent compared to 14.8 percent in July 2020. The were 8,668,400 working statewide in July, up 626,200 from July 2020. The number on unemployment is down from 1,400,100 to 693,200.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 September 2021 at 8:37 am
Nyla Gaylord has a strategy going forward in her new job as director of development and fundraising for United Way of Orleans County.
“Neighbors helping neighbors is what the United Way is all about,” Gaylord said.
Her strategy is to work with small business in the community and ask them to help United Way by selling tickets to their Sept. 25 chicken barbecue.
Nyla Gaylord
Although United Way of Orleans County was responsible for bringing more than a million dollars from grants into the county last year, the agency is still actively pursuing other fundraisers, including the chicken barbecue and the first major fundraising event on Nov. 19 featuring Atlantic City entertainer Jimmy Mazz.
Gaylord also thought asking small businesses to sell chicken barbecue tickets was a good way to introduce herself and get to know them.
United Way is especially excited about a promotion Mark’s Pizzeria in Medina and Albion has agreed to do to support United Way. During the week of Sept. 6 to 12, Mark’s will donate $2 for every pizza sold.
While United Way director Dean Bellack thinks this could result in a substantial donation to United Way, what he said is really important is that everyone in the county will see another partner for United Way.
“We are very happy to support the good work of United Way in helping the community,” said owner Brian Christiaansen.
Jeremy Van Ameron from Van’s Pit Stop in Clarendon echoed Christiaansen’s comment.
“United Way helps out people and families in our community, and I’m happy to help them by selling tickets,” he said. “That’s what we do in Orleans County.”
“I see the way United Way helps everybody, and for me that’s awesome,” said Lynn Burgess, owner of Lynn’s Salon in Albion, who is also selling chicken barbecue tickets.
Other small businesses supporting United Way by selling tickets are Della’s Chocolates in Medina and HeBrews in Albion, whose owner Jim Nowaczewski is planning to open a second location at the former Meggie Moos ice cream parlor on East Center Street by Sept. 15.
Gaylord said it’s important to “be American, buy local and support small businesses.”
“That’s a win-win situation,” she said.
United Way’s first gala featuring Jimmy Mazz was made possible by a donor to United Way. “Blast from the Past” will take place Nov. 19 at Maison Albion, with an elegant dinner catered by Zambistro’s. The evening will also feature silent and live auctions and raffles. Information and tickets are available by visiting www.OrleansUnitedWay.org/gala.
“When our community unites to support United Way, we are ensuring that help is there for us and our neighbors in times of need,” Gaylord said. “The funds we raise will help residents of the county when they need assistance that no government agency can provide.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 September 2021 at 8:26 am
MEDINA – The legacy of the late Luke Nelson and his love of skateboarding will live on in the area with the dedication Saturday of the Luke Nelson Skatepark in Medina.
The half a million dollar skatepark is a tribute to Luke, a son of Ken and Terri Nelson of Middleport, who died from an overdose in 2017 at the age of 32.
The skateboard belonging to the late Luke Nelson was placed on display by his girlfriend Megan Schwaibold of Gasport during the dedication of the Luke Nelson Skatepark in Medina on Saturday.
Luke used to come to Medina to skate at the old park in Butts Park, where he often met with Alex Feig, president of the Medina Skate Society, said his aunt Catherine Puff of Newfane.
“He used to meet Alex and they talked about how they wanted a new park really bad,” Puff said. “Luke worked in construction and he often talked about how bad the park needed fixing up. It was his passion. He had the most amazing heart. Luke touched lives. He loved kids and he loved his nieces and nephews, who are here today.”
The family of the late Luke Nelson cuts the ribbon on Saturday dedicating the half a million dollar skatepark in his honor. At left is Alex Feig, president of the Medina Skate Society, who spearheaded the drive for funds for the park.
Puff explained how after Luke’s death his mom’s wish was to raise enough money to buy a bench so parents would have a place to sit when they brought their kids to the park to skate.
When they heard about the Tony Hawk/Ralph C. Wilson Foundation Build to Play grant, Feig formed the Medina Skate Society and an official fundraising campaign began. They applied for the grant, which was a matching grant, and in the course of a year, with community support, they raised $250,570, which qualified them for another $250,000 from the grant.
“We wanted a bench in Luke’s memory and we ended up with a half a million dollar skatepark,” Puff said. “And today we gifted it to the village.”
Alex Feig, president of the Medina Skate Society, heads down the ramp to skate in front of the crowd alongside the late Luke Nelson’s skateboard at left
The Society met with skatepark designer Spohn Ranch Skateparks, according to Feig. They insisted the park had to be all inclusive.
“It was intentionally designed for all ages and all abilities,” Feig said, as he welcomed to the crowd.
Medina mayor Mike Sidari stated how the fundraising started out to buy a bench, and now we have this beautiful skate park. He commended Terri Nelson and Feig, who he said were major players in making it happen.
“On behalf of the village board, I thank you for adding to the quality of life in Medina,” Sidari said.
Village of Medina officials participated in the dedication of the Luke Nelson Skatepark on Saturday. From left are board member Owen Toal, Mayor Mike Sidari and board members Tim Elliott, Jessica Marciano and Marguerite Sherman.
Village trustee Tim Elliott was there with his daughter Madelyn, 12, who just started skateboarding two weeks ago, because she thought it would be fun.
“Now, I can only go in a straight line,” she said. “But I’m learning to do curves. Two nice boys showed me how to get on my board properly.”
Her father said he drove by at 7:45 in the morning and there were already kids there.
“This is good for kids and good for the community,” he said. “I hope the kids respect it.”
Terri and Feig both urged people to be role models, whether they are a beginner or a professional skater. Feig added they will not enforce the helmet rule, and those who use the park skate at their own risk.
Feig added most equipment will be allowed from small bikes to rollerblades and skateboards, but no motorized equipment or remote control cars.
“Everybody just has to have courtesy,” he said. “We are all bestowed with the power to create and destroy. Just look at what we’ve created here.”
Cassie Nelson holds a sign which inspired Luke Nelson’s mother just before his death in 2017. Terri Nelson, center, tearfully shares what the sign meant to her during the dedication of the Luke Nelson Skatepark in Medina Saturday. From left are Cassie, Dawn Powell, Terri, Sarah Powell and Remi Gill.
The Nelson family concluding the dedication by thanking everyone involved in making the skatepark a reality – from the village board and Department of Public Works to the Tony Hawk Foundation (now the Skate Park Project), Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, the designer, Skate Park Society and the community of Medina.
“We appreciate you more than you will ever know,” Terri said. “I’m so proud to be Luke’s mom. He had a dream, a vision. A bench started this skatepark. I’m humbled and I’m blessed by the sacrifices so many people have made. So many people kept us strong and held us up in their prayers. The result is Luke’s vision and Luke’s dream have become a reality.”
She also said the family is starting the Luke Nelson Foundation. They hope to recruit people like Luke – to help skaters, fix their boards and help each other any way they can.
The dedication concluded with a prayer by Luke’s pastor and longtime friend, Craig Campbell.
“It’s an honor to be standing here today celebrating Luke’s legacy – to see a park bench turn into a half a million dollar skatepark,” Campbell said.
Sing, sing a song, make it simple to last your whole life long. Don’t worry if it’s not good enough for anyone else to hear. The Carpenters recorded this song in 1973 and there couldn’t be a more happier song! This song inspires and allows us to write music, unabashedly, about good things that bring us happiness.. In case you live under a rock or in your phone: Click here.
I like to write lyrics from time to time. Not sure what I will do with them. There is no melody for the song lyrics. Words bounce around in this brain constantly, but original melodies do not. Actually, some days I wish they would, because the sound of my own thoughts can be a bit overwhelming at times. Some of the sweeter, little mental mind bursts have found their way onto my laptop in the form of song lyrics.
Lyric Tips: First, what is the story about? Second, what will the chorus be, the common thread throughout? Third, don’t make it too long, keep it simple. Most importantly, don’t think too much about it, just let the words flow through your heart to the keyboard.
I wrote this about Mother Nature, a Mountain and Joy: Darlin’ don’t you wanna make me happy. Don’t you wanna make me smile? Life can get so crazy let’s get out a Country Mile. We can travel through some back roads. Take the wind a mile or more. Grab an oak leaf off the stones. Take a snapshot or two or four. Make our way up to the hilltop. See the heavens from the ground. Find a star next to the moon shine. Make a wish upon it’s sparkle. Let the sun warm your heart, let the clouds protect your soul.
Let’s walk a Country Mile, Let Joy be Your Guide, Harbor only Joy and put Sadness to the Side. Put our feet into the bare grass. Feel the blades between our toes. Dance a bit under the moonlight. Put your ear into the sunshine. Listen to the cicadas as they sing. Watch the hummingbird flap his little wings. Spy a turtle in the river and a blue dragonfly on a branch. Take a snapshot or two or four. See the moss upon the water and the bubbles from the fish.
Let’s walk a Country Mile, Let Joy be Your Guide, Harbor only Joy and put Sadness to the Side. No need to go undercover in Mother Nature, her joy is endless with her gifts. The rain is soft as shedding flower petals as our feet feel the dew she has made. So Darlin’ never allow life to bring you down. Rise up and travel the roads and let the wind be your guide. And take a snapshot or two or four. Let’s walk a Country Mile, Let Joy be Your Guide, Harbor only Joy and put Sadness to the Side.
Maybe this little string of words and thoughts will inspire someone to tickle some ivories or pluck some strings and create a melody for it. I would love to hear how it inspired your heart to sing and sharing it would allow the whole world to sing along…loud and strong. What would your lyrics be inspired by?
For bonus lyrics about The Hatching of A Mountain Dream, visit My Blog live online (click here) and catch up on Weekly Photo Perks and past Sunday Posts. Like and share your comments.
Waikiki Beach in Honolulu on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu.
You may remember that I wrote about Hawaii back in February 2020 – I’ll include the link to that travel article at the end of this one so you can revisit it and for those who may not have seen it. That article focused on a Norwegian cruise that let me explore all the major Hawaiian Islands in January 2020. But…..that actually wasn’t the only time I went to Hawaii. Long before that trip, I flew down for a quick trip in March of 2009. Unlike the later cruise, this trip was limited to Oahu – the Honolulu area of the island.
I had friends – Ron and Lisa – who were vacationing in Hawaii for their 10th anniversary. They told me I should join them for at least part of it. At the time, I couldn’t get away from work and other obligations for very long, but wondered if I would ever have another chance to go and just couldn’t pass it up. So, I decided on a long weekend. Yep – I flew all the way to Hawaii just for a long weekend….I’m smarter than that, now….and, retirement helps with the time issue! Hahaha I flew out on a Wednesday with a layover in Houston and returned on Saturday. I stayed at the Queen Kapiolani hotel at Waikiki Beach. It was a great location – just a block from the beach – with a balcony view from my room of Diamond Head and a partial view of the ocean. I’d definitely stay there, again, if I found myself staying in that area.
Whale sighting on a whale watching cruise off the coast of Oahu. We saw so many active whales – including babies, but this was the only photo we got of a perfectly extended whale fin – the money shot, as they say.
Since I really only had two full days (and two partial days), I had to make some decisions on what I wanted to see. Ron, Lisa, and I talked before they went to decide on what they would wait to do when we could all do it together. Some things they did before I got there was tour the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, took a sight-seeing plane ride around the island, and hiked up Diamond Head, among other things. I wanted to do more typical Hawaiian things and see the island.
On the day I arrived, we met up for dinner and wandered around Waikiki and we stopped at the tour desk in the hotel and booked tickets for a whale watching tour and a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center. By the way, for those inquiring minds, neither Gidget and Moondoggie nor Frankie and Annette were anywhere to be found! Big disappointment! Hehehe (sorry for those reading this that are too young to understand that reference) But, I DID get a sighting of Monica and Rachel’s “Ugly Naked Guy” – fans of the TV series “Friends” will get that reference…..read more about my sighting of him in the link to my blog post (don’t worry – story, only – no photo) – not my favorite part of the trip, but definitely the funniest memory from it.
The Polynesian Cultural Center is a must see if in the Honolulu area. So much to see and do and learn about all the Polynesian Islands. My favorite part was the water parade with dancers from each island – this is the float representing Tahiti.
Thursday was whale watching day. It was the first time I’d ever been on a whale watching cruise and it didn’t disappoint at all. We saw so many whales….March was the perfect season for them, as they travel from Alaska to Hawaii to give birth in the warm waters. They tend to stay in the waters around Hawaii from around December to April to let the babies get strong enough to travel back and stand the cold waters of Alaska. So, we lucked out and saw so many of them – adults and babies – what a thrill! I have since been whale watching in Alaska, off the coast of Portugal, and had the potential to see more on the catamaran cruise in Costa Rica – the only places I’ve actually seen them, though, is Hawaii and Alaska.
On Thursday, we also had lots of time to wander around, shop, and enjoy Waikiki Beach.
The day at the Polynesian Cultural Center was capped off by a fun and entertaining Luau! The entertainment was amazing….food, not so much….but, still a wonderful experience I’m glad I did while in Hawaii for the first time.
On Friday, we spent the whole day at the Polynesian Cultural Center. This is an amazing place, if you want to learn about the history and culture of all the Polynesian Islands. We saw many exhibits, entertainment, lessons, and demonstrations. My favorite part was the float parade down the canal-like water way through the park. It was a parade of flat boats representing each of the Polynesian islands with dancers performing native dances in stunning native costumes. Everything else we saw at the center was awesome, too – educational, entertaining, and fun. The day was capped off by a Luau. That was really fun, too, but it was an extra cost I’m not sure I’d do again – so glad I did it that one time, but it was very crowded and the food was not that good. It was an experience I can say I enjoyed, but “been there, done that”. I did, however, really like the fruit drinks served in a pineapple and the amazing entertainment.
Yeah – a super quick trip – almost not worth the trouble and expense…..but, I was sure I’d never get another chance and I’m so glad I did it. Of course, we all now know that I did get another chance and got to see all the islands and spent much more quality time in Hawaii. One regret was that I told Ron and Lisa to go ahead and do the Pearl Harbor tour without me. I have now been to Hawaii twice and didn’t go to the memorial either time. I wish on one of those trips I would have made sure I had time to do it…..if I ever get the chance, again, I will NOT pass it up.
Check out all I have to offer you about Hawaii at these links:
By Doug Farley, Cobblestone Museum Director – Vol. 2 No. 35
Our efforts to date with the “Historic Childs” article series have focused on 19th and 20th century history, today we take a venture into much, much earlier territory.
I believe the first printed telling of this historic discovery appeared in the “Holley Standard” newspaper on January 6, 1887. The subject of the article concerned an 1814 discovery in the Town of Gaines that scholars over the years have confirmed to date from a pre-Ice Age, Paleo-Indian settlement, dating back over 12,000 years ago.
The scene of the local discovery in 1814 was at the David Tomlinson Farm located on Ridge Road just west of the Village of Gaines. At that time, the region was largely unbroken forest. About 150’ off the Ridge, there was a well-known fresh water spring that the Native Peoples had shown to the settlers in the early 1800s.
In 1824, the spring was cleaned out and stones were built up to form a well. In 1853, the well failed and was subsequently deepened to replenish the water supply. In 1864, the farm experienced a dry well which necessitated a second re-digging to the 18’ level. It was at that level that the prehistoric discovery was made which was described in detail in the Holley newspaper:
“About 18’ below the original surface, the digger came upon a quantity of brush overlying an ancient fireplace, consisting of three round stones, each about one foot in diameter, placed in the form of a triangle. A mess of charcoal and ashes surrounded the stones, which were burned and blackened by fire and smoke. Several sticks were found thrust between the stones, the inner ends burned and charred as left by the expiring flames. A careful inspection of these sticks by a gentleman thoroughly acquainted with the nature and grain of various woods proved them to be hemlock and ash.
“Some were denuded of bark and had the smooth surface usually presented by water washed wood found on any beach. Several sticks were split and surrounding one was a depressed ring or indentation, as through some dull instrument had been employed in an effort to weaken or break the wood. The ashes were indurated to a degree requiring the use of a pick in their removal and rested upon a stratum of sand which was also in a hardened condition, being taken out in large pieces that proved to be fine grained with a smooth surface, slightly creased in places, possibly ripple marks.
“When first discovered the brush was closely packed over the fireplace and had every appearance of having been forced into position by the action of water. The fireplace and all the details of its narrow surroundings, which were carefully noted, clearly indicated that it had been made upon a sand beach and was subjected to an inundation that washed the mass of brush, possibly gathered for fuel, over the stones and ashes, which were afterwards covered many feet deep by successive strata of the same gravelly soil of which the Ridge is composed, and was preserved for ages unknown.
After ascertaining these facts, and after looking over the ground, the observer reached the conclusion that the fireplace must have been made at a period just before the formation of the Ridge. The Ridge at that point in time must has been a (sand) bar like that on the present lake shore behind which lies a little round pond. The waters of the pond or marsh, finally soaked thru the mud bottom and following a vein or seam, rose to the surface in the formation of the spring. When the marsh land was cleaned and drained the spring failed. All this would go to show that man was a habitant of the lake shore before the existence of the Ridge. The late Lewis H. Morgan thought the discovery an important one and advised its publication.
At a late meeting of the Anthropological Society of Washington, G. K. Gilbert of the U.S. Geological Survey, retold the story of the find as verified by himself on the occasion of his visit to this vicinity.”
Grove Karl (G. K.) Gilbert (1843-1918), Rochester NY
The find, at that time, was labeled “Gilbert’s Hearth.” Professor Gilbert’s findings were recorded in the Handbook of Aboriginal American Antiquities, 1919. He stated that the terrace on which the Tomlinson site sits is located about 175’ above the present level of Lake Ontario. The formation occurred between the ice front on the north and the southern rim of the basin. When the basin was finally free from ice, the lake outflowed via the Mohawk Valley and the present terrace was formed.
Gilbert concluded that the hearth was made in the period following the Ice Age outflow at the Mohawk Valley in a period of time that reflected the decline of the glacial climate.
Next week, in Part 2 of this article, we look at how this local discovery became a dramatic influence in the life of one of Orleans County’s early citizens, Dr. Frank. H. Lattin.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 September 2021 at 10:27 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Noah Skinner picks up good yardage during the Mustangs season opening win over Bishop Timon this evening at Vets Park.
A lightning quick touchdown on the opening kickoff ignited Medina to a 54-6 victory over Bishop Timon-St. Jude in a season opening non league football game at Vets Park this evening.
Robert Arnold returned the ensuing kickoff 88 yards for a TD and the Mustangs were off and rolling.
Medina tacked on three more touchdowns before the opening quarter ended on a pair of scoring passes from Xander Payne to Jarin Rhim covering 20 and 40 yards and on an 8 yard run by Rhim.
The Mustangs tacked on two point conversions after each of those scores, two on runs by Iverson Poole and two on passes by Payne to Noah Skinner, to open up a commanding 32-0 lead.
The Mustangs other touchdowns came on an 18 yard run by Arnold in the third quarter and on runs of 22 yards by Poole and 3 yards by Skinner in the fourth quarter. Arnold and Cayden Lilleby added the two-point conversion runs after the fourth quarter TDs.
Medina next visits Newfane in the C North Division opener next Saturday at 2 p.m.
Medina’s Dominic Larabee (7) and Rashawn Bloom (24) break in to block a Bishop Timon punt attempt.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 September 2021 at 10:15 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Sh’Kwe Riley breaks loose for a big gain during the Purple Eagles win over visiting Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville this evening. At right, Amari Jones breaks up a pass attempt for the Purple Eagles.
Exploding out to a 32-0 first quarter lead, Albion went on to defeat visiting Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville 54-2 this evening in the B North Division season opener.
The Purple Eagles infact scored three touchdowns in the first five minutes on a 17 yard pass from Amari Jones to Javon Jones followed by TD runs of 55 and 32 yards by Sh’Kwe Riley.
Amari Jones, Sh’Kwe Riley and Jahmeek Riley each had two-point conversion runs after those scores.
A 40 yard touchdown run by Jacob Hughsonand a two-point conversion run by Amari Jones capped off the huge opening quarter.
The Purple Eagles tacked on two more touchdowns in the second quarter on a pair of 19 yard runs by Jahmeek Riley and Amari Jones, and one in the third quarter on a 23 yard pass from Amari Jones to Javon Jones.
Amari Jones also had two two-point conversions and Javon Jones one after those tallies.
Albion next visits Maryvale for a B North contest at 7 p.m. next Friday.
Drew Sandolfini, at left, picks up yardage for Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville. At right, Thomas Roote makes a catch for the Silverbacks against Purple Eagles defender Jr. Morales.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is saddened to announce that his annual Patriot Trip in which he brings veterans to landmarks and historical sites throughout the Washington, D.C. area will be canceled this year due to concerns regarding the spread of Covid-19, especially as new variant cases in both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals continue to increase.
All participants who have signed up for the trip scheduled for Sept. 16-19 will be fully refunded for anything paid toward it.
“Having to cancel a trip that means so much to veterans, their families, and me was an incredibly difficult decision, but ultimately the well-being of veterans and their families has to be our top priority,” Hawley said. “Amidst the spread of Covid-19, it is also very difficult to know for certain that planned destinations will be reasonably accessible. Ultimately, however, the thought of even a single veteran or one of their loved ones falling seriously ill is what caused me to have to make this difficult decision, because their well-being is more important than any event.”
RESTORE Sexual Assault Services, a program of Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York, is recruiting volunteer advocates for an upcoming training cycle in November 2021. There is an urgent need for volunteer advocates in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
Volunteer advocates are responsible for taking crisis phone calls from their home and providing information and advocacy to sexual assault survivors at a hospital or police station. Volunteers offer support, information and resources to survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones. The time commitment is flexible, and at the volunteer’s discretion. All applicants will be screened and must complete 32 hours of training prior to beginning their volunteer commitment.
The training is planned to take place in person, in Monroe County. However, all RESTORE services are dynamically responding to the changing Covid-19 protocols and using a variety of communication methods, depending on the needs and comfort level of the volunteer advocate (and survivors).
Those interested in volunteering for RESTORE must be at least 20 years old, have reliable transportation, and be comfortable working with those in a crisis situation.
For further information about volunteering with RESTORE, email restore@ppcwny.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 September 2021 at 12:24 pm
New housing construction has slowed in county in past 15 years
Photo by Tom Rivers: The former Holley High School opened last year with 42 apartments, which were quickly filled. A report about housing in Orleans County said more townhouses, smaller single-family homes needed in the county.
ALBION – A report about housing in Orleans County advises local officials to consider some zoning changes to allow for single-family housing on smaller lot sizes, and also encourage more high-density development, such as townhouses and condominiums.
The report, presented to the Orleans County Legislature last week by LaBella, said the county has an aging housing stock and about half of the houses need repairs.
The median household income in the county also makes it difficult for landlords to charge enough rent, making for a low return on investment.
Building permits for housing are about a third of what they were 15 years ago. The redevelopment of the former Holley High School, which added 42 apartment units last year, is an exception. Those units were quickly rented out and show there is demand for high-density living in the county.
The county paid LaBella $5,000 for the study. County Legislator Ken DeRoller of Kendall advocated for the study after seeing local building permits plummet in recent years and the population steadily decline. DeRoller said that may be a reflection that the existing housing and zoning are not in sync with housing development.
He is suggesting local officials look to set aside some land for housing that may currently be farmland. That is a discussion that should be taken up among farmers, the county’s Farmland Protection Board and local officials. If the zoning was changed to allow smaller lots, DeRoller said there would be affordable new housing opportunities with only a small impact to productive farmland.
There are also opportunities for new construction with vacant lots in villages. DeRoller also sees the Erie Canal as an attractive waterfront option with the right zoning in place.
Key findings in the report include:
• Single-family, owner-occupied units dominate the market: About 50 percent of housing stock throughout the county is comprised of single-family homes on large lots. Future projections show a need for smaller homes on smaller lot sizes, which would also drive down the costs for a new house.
• Almost 50 percent of renter households have housing problems and cannot afford market rents: The report states that 49 percent of renters are living in units that are not affordable. Housing Choice vouchers available in the county address some of the affordability issues, but only a small fraction of the need. The report also says 51 percent of renters have housing problems such as incomplete kitchens or bathrooms and more than one person per bedroom.
• More than 50 percent of housing stock is 60 years or older: Housing maintenance is therefore a major priority in the county, Labella stated in the report.
• Renters and homeowners both have housing problems: The number of homeowners with housing problems (3,010, according to the report) exceeds the number of renters (2,010) with housing problems.
• Return on investment is low for owners and rental developers: Rental rates in inflation adjusted dollars have decreased over the last 20 years, and home values, in inflation adjusted dollars, are also down in the 20 years. (This doesn’t include the recent spike in the past year with many homes selling for 20 to 25 percent above assessed value.) The lack of growth in rental rates and home values discourages upgrades and maintenance of homes, as well as new developments.
• Population decreasing: Orleans County’s population is down 5.9 percent from 2010 to 2020 or by 2,540 people, from 42,883 to 40,343. From 2000, the decline is 8.7 percent when the population was 44,171. “Finding ways to attract new residents would increase the demand for housing,” the report states.
• Population getting older: The average age of residents in Orleans County increased from 36.2 in 2000 to 43.0 in 2019.
• Shrinking household sizes: The size of the average household shrunk from 2.65 in 2000 to 2.28 in 2019.
• The report also finds a need for more housing units for extremely low-income households, and there is also demand for higher-priced apartments.
DePaul is close to completing a new 40-unit housing project in Albion on Liberty Street. The property is known as the Boxcar Apartments is located between the railroad tracks and Beaver Street. The complex will have 36 one-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units.
Housing Characteristics
The report finds that the large majority of housing units are currently owner occupied, with 76 percent owner occupied compared to 24 percent that are renter-occupied.
Of the occupied housing units in the county, 75 percent are single-family homes, with 11 percent mobile homes, 9 percent that are multi-unit and 5 percent that are two-family.
New construction of housing units has generally been trending downward. There were 70 building permits for housing in 2004 and that dropped to 24 in 2017 and 23 in 2018 in Orleans County. There was an anomaly in 2019 with 65 permits for housing units, with 42 at the Holley gardens, the former Holley High School that was turned into apartments. Without the school project, there were 23 building permits for housing units in the county in 2019.
Age of housing stock in Orleans County: The reports shows 57 percent of housing units in the county were built before 1960 and only 6 percent were constructed in last two decades. A breakdown shows 44 percent built from 1939 or earlier, 13 percent from 1940 to 1959; 20 percent from 1960 to 1979; 18 percent from 1980 to 1999; and 6 percent were built in 2000 or later. The report says any housing programs in the county “must” include a component to rehab older homes. Some of those older housing units may need to be demolished.
Median housing values: Using inflation adjusted values, median housing values in the county have slightly decreased from $105,874 in 2000, $100,366 in 2010 to $98,400 in 2019.
Median gross rent has also fallen. Using inflation adjusted values, the gross rent for Orleans County rentals has dropped from $774 in 2000 to $732 in 2010 to $728 in 2019.
Affordability: The report says nearly half of renters, 47 percent, are living in housing that is unaffordable and over 18 percent of renters are spending more than 50 percent of their income on housing. Three out of four homeowners are living in housing that is affordable. Some subsidies are needed to help lower-income people have affordable housing.
Housing problems: Overall, 31 percent of households report a housing problem, which could include basic needs like a complete kitchen and bathroom facilities. The report said programs for housing rehab are needed but some of the houses are so unsafe and dilapidated it doesn’t make sense to rehab them and they should be torn down.
Demographic Characteristics
Population loss: Orleans County’s population is down 8.7 percent from 2000 to 2020, according to the report which cited census data. That is a decline of 3,828 people over 20 years. The population in Orleans was 40,343 in 2020, down from 42,883 in 2010 and 44,171 in 2000.
The decline on household sizes could result in less demand for the larger single-family houses in the future, according to the report.
Medina age: The county’s median age has changed significantly from 36.2 in 2000 to 43.0 in 2019, likely due to stagnant population growth, lack of young families and people moving out of county. During that same period, the median age in the state went from 36 to 39 years old, and nationally it went up from 35 to 38.5. Based on current trends and projections, nearly 60 percent of the Orleans County population will be 45 or older by 2040.
Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday signed legislation (S.50001/A.40001) extending virtual access to public meetings under New York State’s Open Meetings Law, which allows New Yorkers to virtually participate in local government meetings during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The legislation, which was initially implemented by Executive Order during last year’s State of Emergency, allows state and local government meetings that are normally held in person to be held remotely instead, as long as the public has the ability to view or listen to the meeting and as long as the meeting is recorded and later transcribed. This statutory change will reduce the need for congregation at public meetings while the Delta variant is prevalent, while ensuring public business can continue.
“Let’s be clear—the Covid-19 pandemic is not over, and I’ve heard from government officials across the state who are concerned about the inability of their constituents to access public meetings virtually,” Governor Hochul said. “This commonsense legislation extends a privilege that not only helps New Yorkers participate safely in the political process, but also increases New Yorkers’ access to their government by allowing for more options to view public meetings. This law will continue to bolster the open and transparent style of government that we’re committed to maintaining in the Empire State.”
Meetings can be held either over a video service such as Zoom or by phone. There is no change to the requirement that Public Bodies must provide notice to constituents that a meeting is taking place, and they are required to inform constituents how to access the public meeting virtually.
On March 12, 2020, Executive Order 202.1 suspended the portion of New York State law requiring meetings to take place in person, and authorized public meetings to be held virtually. On June 25, 2021, the State Disaster Emergency ended, removing the provision suspending the law.
New York State Conference of Mayors Executive Director Peter A. Baynes said, “During the pandemic’s first fifteen months, Executive Order 202.1 allowed public bodies to conduct meetings remotely. This experiment proved to be effective and popular from both a public health and governmental administration perspective. By all accounts, public attendance at local government meetings increased while health risks were minimized. Consequently, giving local governments the authority to once again conduct meetings remotely will allow government business to continue while keeping their constituents healthy and safe. This is especially important in light of the emergence of the Delta variant and the recent increase in Covid cases across the state. Importantly, the Governor’s program bill makes no changes to the law regarding the right to public participation, which allows for a local governing body to establish its own policy.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 September 2021 at 8:35 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Members of Medina Knights of Columbus posed behind a kneeling soldier and cross to present a check for $2,500 to Pete Zeliff at the Warrior House on Salt Works Road. From left are Howie Gardner from the Knights, Zeliff and Dave Bellucci with the Knights.
MEDINA – The Warrior House on Salt Works Road has been designated by the Knights of Columbus as the recipient of a check for $2,500, representing the proceeds of their recent golf tournament.
The Knights have been having a golf tournament for 25 years, said Dave Bellucci, who was on the golf committee with Jim Mirand, Archie Washak and his wife Amy, Howie Gardner, Bob Fox, Karen Carlton, Kevin Bogan, and Mike and Martha Krupa.
Mirand said the committee wishes to thank all the volunteers who helped on the golf course, as well as those in the kitchen assisting with the banquet. He said thanks also go out to all the golfers, members and guests who generously supported the tournament and basket raffle.
The golf tournament was started to benefit a scholarship in memory of the late Larry Schrader, but recently the Knights decided to support the Warrior House and its programs for veterans.
Skip Draper, a member of the Knights, said they used to earn money by having fish fries, but had to discontinue them when Covid hit.
He also said it had been suggested they sponsor a veteran on Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s trip to Washington, D.C., but that would only help one person, where a donation to the Warrior House would benefit multiple veterans.
The Warrior House is also going to benefit from a promotion at Arby’s Roast Beef in Batavia. During the month of October, Arby’s owner Bill Meland has agreed to donate 10 percent of his proceeds to the Warrior House.
Pete Zeliff, who lived on Johnson Road in Middleport, donated the land and house for the Warrior House about 12 years ago to use as a retreat and hunting preserve for veterans. Since then, beds have been built in the home, where up to nine veterans can be accommodated for goose hunts and deer hunts annually.
“This donation will help support our programs going forward,” Zeliff said of the Knights’ check.
The Warrior House and hunting preserve are located on 100 acres of land, which Zeliff has dedicated to providing recreation for veterans. Zeliff’s mother Kathy Zeliff volunteers to cook meals for the veterans when they are at the Warrior House for a weekend hunt.
Zeliff and his wife also recently purchased the former Yellow Goose in Oakfield, which they have turned into the Oakfield Food Pantry. More and more veterans are taking advantage of that, Zeliff said.
