MURRAY – The Old Crow Motorcycle Club from Kent recently present $1,200 to the Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Fire Company. The motorcycle club organizes a fundraiser every year to give back to a local nonprofit.
The Crows organized a pig roast last weekend and donated the proceeds to the FHM Fire Company. Other motorcycle clubs that came out to support the benefit were Peacemakers MC, Redrum MC and the Webster Legion Riders.
“On behalf of the membership of the Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Fire Company, we thank them for their generous donation to our department and their continued support in the community,” said Capt. James Fox.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 August 2021 at 8:51 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
POINT BREEZE – The Brick Band performs on Tuesday evening during a concert at the Orleans County Marine Park.
The band includes, from left: Dale Moor on lead guitar, Don Smith on drums, Ryan Klatt as lead singer and on guitar, and Steve Kennan on bass guitar.
Despite some heavy rains early in the concert around 5:30, about 100 people still attended the event which went until about 8:15 p.m. The Brick Band’s July concert had to be rescheduled due to rain. There was another washout last month and that concert by The Who Dats will be made up on Tuesday, Aug. 17, to close out the summer concert series at the Marine Park.
Ryan Klatt and the Brick Band perform “The Chair” by George Strait. The performed a number of well-known country songs.
The group is happy to be back performing at local festivals and concert series after Covid-19 restrictions wiped out most of last year’s schedule.
Dale Moor, the lead guitarist from Batavia, said the Brick Band was mostly limited to playing at campgrounds in 2020.
“There weren’t any festivals last year,” he said.
Tuesday’s concert crowd, despite smaller than usual, was energetic and danced to many of the songs.
“It’s good when you have a crowd like this,” Moor said.
Frank Panczyszyn of the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association thanks the crowd for coming out for the concert despite the soggy conditions. The concerts typically draw about 400 people on Tuesday evenings.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 August 2021 at 8:01 am
Strong thunderstorms also could impact area this morning
Photos by Tom Rivers: These boats are tied up Tuesday evening at the docks at the Orleans County Marine Park underneath the bridges of the Lake Ontario State Parkway that cross the Oak Orchard River.
There is another heat advisory in effect today for Orleans County and most of upstate until 8 p.m. Heat index values this afternoon could hit the upper 90s to 105, said the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
The Weather Service urges people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside,” the Weather Service said. “When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”
The Weather Service also said an area of strong thunderstorms will impact portions of Orleans County, north central Livingston, east central Niagara, Genesee and Monroe counties through 9 a.m.
Those thunderstorms could have winds in excess of 40 mph, and could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.
This elevated walkway takes people down to the docks at the Orleans County Marine Park on Route 98 in Carlton.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 August 2021 at 9:03 pm
Governor-to-be makes frequent local stops
Photos by Tom Rivers: Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul paddles in a kayak in Medina’s Canal Basin on June 15 to promote a free kayaking program this summer in Medina.
The next governor for New York State is very familiar with Orleans County, and knows many of the local elected officials.
Kathy Hochul will become the state’s 57th governor on Aug. 24 and the first woman to serve as the top’s highest elected official. She will become governor when Andrew Cuomo resigns in 14 days.
Hochul has been a frequent presence in Orleans County, often on official duties for ground-breaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies or to highlight a state initiative.
She also stops by incognito, wearing with a baseball cap, on a getaway with her husband Bill. They have rented a canal boat and stayed in Medina, visiting local restaurants and small businesses.
“She is definitely a friend of Medina and a friend of Orleans County,” said Medina Mayor Mike Sidari. “She will be an advocate for Western New York.”
Kathy Hochul joins in a ground-breaking celebration on July 26 for a new $2 million breakwall along Lakeshore Road in Carlton that is 95 percent funded by the state.
Hochul was in the Town of Carlton on July 26 for the ground-breaking of a $2 million shoreline protection project along Lakeshore Road. The state is paying 95 percent of the cost of building 1,500 feet of breakwall.
It is one of many projects along the south shore funded with $300 million through the state’s Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI).
“As New York’s lieutenant governor, Kathy Hochul has always been in tune with the needs and challenges facing both rural and urban communities,” said Lynne Johnson, Chairperson of the Orleans County Legislature. “Her office is responsive and supports municipalities, large and small, across the region. Lt. Gov Hochul has become valued friend and colleague who has worked tirelessly for Orleans County, supporting REDI projects and other infrastructure, economic development, and tourism initiatives to improve the business environment and residential quality of life in rural communities. I am thrilled she will now be leading this state.”
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul rows in a kayak in Medina on June 15 to promote a free kayaking program in the Erie Canal. She was joined in kayaks by Brian Stratton, state canal director; Greg Reed, director of the Orleans County YMCA; and Mike Sidari, Medina mayor.
Hochul on June 15 was in Medina to promote a free kayaking program in the Erie Canal. Hochul even paddled in a kayak in the Canal Basin. Medina is one of five canal communities offering free “On the Canals” outdoor excursions this summer as part of the state’s Reimagine the Canals initiative.
Sidari said Hochul is widely respected by elected officials at the local levels throughout the state. They respect that she rose through the ranks, first as a member of the Hamburg Town Board, then as Erie County Clerk, and then as a Democrat in Congress representing a heavily Republican district that included Orleans County. She defeated Jane Corwin to be elected on Congress in a special election in May 2011, but then lost to Chris Collins in a redrawn district that was even more Republican-leaning.
She returned to public office after being elected as lieutenant governor in 2014 and was re-elected in 2018.
While Hochul was often in Orleans County, Cuomo seldom stopped in the county. Cuomo, during nearly 11 years as governor, only made one official stop in Orleans County. That was on Aug. 2, 20212, when there was a blow-out on the Erie Canal in Albion and a sinkhole emerged on Albion-Eagle Harbor Road between Gaines Basin Road and West State Street. Cuomo was in Batavia that day and Assemblyman Steve Hawley convinced him to come to Albion and see the damage first hand.
Here are some other photos of Kathy Hochul in Orleans County:
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Medina Mayor Mike Sidari, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, Parade of Lights grand marshal Jackie DeHollander and parade chairman Jim Hancock pose for a quick picture before Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul gave the command to light the giant Christmas tree in Rotary Park on Nov. 30, 2019.
Photos by Tom Rivers: During a celebration of the transformation of former Holley High School, Hochul was among a contingent to mark the conclusion of a $17 million project on Nov. 10, 2020. The building was last used as a school in 1975. After two years of construction, Home Leasing has the building fully occupied with 41 apartments and the Holley village offices. Hochul, front center, cut the ribbon for the project.
Kathy Hochul was in Kendall on May 12, 2017 to thank National Guard members stacking sandbags in Kendall. The Lt. Governor said then the eroding shoreline, which was threatening homes along Lake Ontario, was “cataclysmic.”
One couple from Hamlin told her the lake has been devouring their land, forcing them to cut off their deck after two of their trees toppled into the lake. Hochul said so many other residents are vulnerable from the high waters.
“Our hearts are breaking for them,” she said. “This is their life savings. We cannot solve this problem overnight.”
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul and State Assemblyman Steve Hawley on May 12, 2017 meet with members of the National Guard filling sandbags at the Kendall Highway Department garage. These Guardsmen are from the 107th Air Force in Niagara Falls. The Guardsmen were filling sandbags in the Kendall Highway Department, while another group stacked them near the shoreline to help fight flooding.
Hochul thanked them for their service to the lakeshore residents. The flooding is devastating to homeowners and businesses along the lake.
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul meets with Orleans County Democrats on Oct. 13, 2018 during their fall rally at the Elks Club. About 60 people attended the event. She is shown visiting Jim Renfrew and his wife, Robin Dunnington, who hosted one of the first candidate parties in their Clarendon home for Hochul in 2011. Those grass roots events helped her to get elected, despite a strong Republican advantage in the district.
Kathy Hochul is pictured on the reviewing stand for the Parade of Lights in Medina on Nov. 26, 2016 with Assemblyman Steve Hawley, left, who served as announcer and Medina Mayor Mike Sidari.
Lt. Gov. Hochul on Nov. 26, 2016 also stopped in Medina to promote small businesses. Hochul visited several business owners in Medina, including Bread Basket owner Lissa Stewart-James, during Small Business Saturday. “We want to showcase the small businesses that are the backbone of these communities,” Hochul said in Medina.
She praised Medina for a “vibrant downtown” that creates jobs, a sense of community identity and revenue to maintain historic commercial buildings. The Medina downtown has a “tremendous variety” of retail shops, she said.
“This is out of It’s A Wonderful Life,” Hochul said about downtown Medina.
Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul stopped by the Legislative Luncheon for the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 22, 2016 at Tillman’s Village Inn. She said New York State was making billions of dollars available for upstate infrastructure and economic development, bringing attention to a part of the state that had been largely neglected by state officials for many years.
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul is pictured with Jeanne Crane on April 30, 2015 at dinner in Hochul’s honor at Tillman’s Village Inn. Crane was the county’s Democratic Party chairwoman. This was Hochul’s second time back in Orleans after being elected lieutenant governor. Hochul was a long-shot candidate in 2011 when she ran for Congress in a overwhelmingly Republican district. She pulled off the upset win and said Democrats in rural areas such as Orleans County were essential in that victory.
Hochul is a “personable person” with a work ethic, Crane said.
Hochul said she enjoys being away from the state capital and connecting with people outside of Albany. She said she enjoys meeting with people. When she was campaigning, it was often at diners and community events.
“I know what is in their hearts and minds because they told me,” she said then.
Hochul said then she intends to be an advocate for Orleans and she won’t be a stranger.
“I will always treasure our friendships,” Hochul told the group of Democrats.
Hochul sees a home-grown success story at CRFS on Feb. 18, 2015, her first time back in Orleans after being elected lieutenant governor. She is shown speaking with Sean Snook, CRFS’s chief operating officer. CRFS works to recover past-due interest, unpaid principal, unpaid taxes and unpaid insurance on houses.
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Feb. 18, 2015 met with the County Legislature and other local officials to discuss the governor’s “Opportunity Agenda,” which included state resources to rural communities. She touted the $500 million plan to expand broadband Internet access throughout the state during a stop in Albion at Hoag Library. Hochul also shared details for boosting the economy, fighting poverty, enacting educational reforms, mitigating property tax increases and adopting new ethics reforms in Albany.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 August 2021 at 1:35 pm
‘The Governor’s pervasive harassment and coverups cast a dark cloud over our State Capitol and took us away from the important work facing this state.’ – Rob Ortt
Local state and federal elected officials have released statements, following Andrew Cuomo’s announcement that he will be resigning as governor, effective in 14 days.
Assemblyman Michael Norris, R-Lockport, issued this statement:
“At last, Gov. Cuomo is allowing the people of New York state to move forward by offering his resignation and ending this dark and difficult chapter in our state’s history.
“As a lifelong Western New Yorker, I look forward to working together with our state’s first female governor, Kathy Hochul, to continue to strengthen our region and help our state’s economic recovery.”
Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, issued this statement:
“Now that the governor has done the right thing and resigned, we can focus on bettering the lives of the working people of this state once again. This is the third high-ranking official that has stepped down due to improper conduct during my tenure, and I hope we can come together and work to assure it’s the last and that conduct like that of Andrew Cuomo’s is never left unchecked.
“I do want to congratulate Kathy Hochul, who will be our next Governor in two weeks, and hope we can work together in bipartisan fashion to do more for the people of this state than ever before.”
State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, issued this statement:
“Today marks one small step toward restoring honor, decency, and accountability to New York State government. I hope today also brings some measure of justice to the brave women who had the courage to come forward against a powerful and vindictive political figure.
“Over the past year, Andrew Cuomo’s credibility completely fell apart. Now, following his overdue resignation, it will never be repaired. The Governor’s pervasive harassment and coverups cast a dark cloud over our State Capitol and took us away from the important work facing this state.
“Andrew Cuomo broke the law, lied about it, and shamelessly smeared the women who came forward. His resignation is welcome, but it stops short of the justice his victims and the people of New York deserve. The FBI, the State Attorney General, and other proper authorities must also be allowed to continue their work investigating all of the possible crimes related to our state’s nursing homes crisis and the Governor’s questionable book deal. The Legislature must examine the Cuomo administration’s many failings in public forums as soon as possible so that these abuses of power will never happen under another administration.
“We must also acknowledge the fact that the Democrats in the Legislature failed to hold Andrew Cuomo or his administration accountable, despite our repeated calls to do so.
“Well after the numerous credible allegations were made against Andrew Cuomo, Democrats in both the Senate and Assembly stood by him, normalizing his behavior and enabling him to cling to power. I hope those in the Legislature – and other powerful figures around the state – reflect on their own actions in response to Andrew Cuomo’s disturbing behavior. The vocal support and the deafening silence of many helped keep Andrew Cuomo in power far longer than he deserved.
“In 14 days we will have our first female Governor. I’d like to congratulate Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, a fellow Western New Yorker, on becoming the first woman to assume leadership of this state. My fellow Senators and I look forward to working with Governor Hochul as we continue to tackle the issues of rising crime, our state’s struggling economy, and the resurgence of the Covid-19 virus.”
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Duffy, a former lieutenant governor who served in Cuomo’s first term, issued this statement:
“An expectation of leadership is to take responsibility for one’s actions. Resignation is a personal decision, and I agree with Governor Cuomo’s decision to resign. This decision will hopefully prevent further trauma for the courageous women who came forward and it allows State government to get on with the business of serving New Yorkers.
“I offer my full support to incoming Governor Kathy Hochul. Kathy is a friend, a colleague, and a remarkable representative of the people of the State of New York. She will serve in the same way she has for her entire career in public service: with honor, tenacity, compassion, and dignity.”
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, issued this statement:
“First and foremost, I want to thank the incredibly courageous women who came forward and shared their stories. They are the true public servants here. New York now has a chance to move forward and build a new culture of leadership. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul is an exceptional public servant and will be an excellent governor. I look forward to working together to continue serving the people of our great state.”
Congressman Chris Jacobs issued this statement:
“Andrew Cuomo’s resignation is long overdue, and needed to move our state government past the multiple scandals he and his staff inflicted on the citizens of New York. Despite his resignation, criminal investigations of the Cuomo administration must continue to ensure justice is served.”
Jack Marren, President of the New York State Association of Counties, issued this statement:
“Today’s announcement that Governor Cuomo will step aside brings needed closure to the uncertainty that has paralyzed our state for the last week. The last year and half has shown that counties are essential in the fight against controlling a resurgent Covid-19 pandemic and leading the economic revival of our communities. We need stability in government to ensure essential services continue for the people of New York.
“Lieutenant Governor Hochul understands the present state of the state and will need to engage immediately. We look forward to beginning this new chapter under the leadership of a dedicated public servant and former local government leader who understands the essential role of counties in the lives of New Yorkers.
“Our counties stand ready to support this transition and will continue our ongoing work to make our communities stronger, safer and better places to live, work, and raise a family.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 August 2021 at 12:59 pm
Governor’s Office: Andrew Cuomo addresses New Yorkers today and announces his resignation.
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today he will be resigning as governor, effective in two weeks.
Cuomo has faced increasing calls for his resignation, including from President Joe Biden, due to sexual harassment allegations.
Those allegations were confirmed in a report and investigation released last week by Attorney General Leticia James who cited a pattern of sexual harassment from Cuomo and a “toxic environment” within the Executive Chamber.
Cuomo today “deeply apologized” for offending 11 women who brought forward accusations against the governor.
Cuomo said he didn’t intend to make anyone uncomfortable or to sexually harass anyone. He cited a change in cultural norms that is no longer acceptable.
“I have slipped and called people honey, sweetheart and darling,” he said. “I meant it to be endearing. But women found it dated and offensive.”
Cuomo said there is “bias” in report and he was denied due process. His instinct is to fight it, but he doesn’t want to embroil the state government for months with the issue.
“I take full responsibility for my actions,” Cuomo said. “I have been too familiar with people. My sense of humor can be insensitive and off-putting. I do hug and kiss people casually, women and men. I have done it all my life. It’s who I’ve been since I can remember. In my mind I have never crossed the line with anyone. But I didn’t realize the extent to which the line has been redrawn. There are generational and cultural shifts that I just didn’t fully appreciate and I should have. No excuses.”
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul will take over as governor in two weeks. Hochul is very familiar to Orleans County. She has made frequent stops to the area in her role as lieutenant governor. She also represented the area briefly in Congress.
Cuomo said she is “smart and competent” and can get “up to speed quickly” in leading the state government.
Cuomo said he was proud to lead the state in passing the SAFE Act, raise the minimum wage to $15, legalize same-sex marriage and fight Covid-19.
He said the current environment, of going after people and demanding their ouster without due process, is unsustainable for the democracy.
“This is about politics and our political system today is too often driven by the extremes,” he said. “Rashness has replaced reasonableness. Loudness has replaced soundness.”
Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke
ALBION – Attention all Orleans County parents and caregivers: there will be a child car seat check point event on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Public Safety Building parking lot, 13925 Route 31 in Albion.
According to data, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ranging from the ages of 1 to 13. Preventative measures, such as proper installation of car seats, boosters and seat belts can lower many deaths and injuries.
Informing and instructing parents and caregivers on child safety and proper installation of car seats is critical to saving young lives.
Our Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will inspect your car/booster seats to assure that your child is in the correct seat for their size and age. If you have questions about car seats, contact Certified Technician Kevin Colonna at 585-589-5527 or Kevin.Colonna@orleanscountyny.gov.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Assemblyman Steve Hawley speaks during last month’s Legislative Luncheon at Tillman’s Village Inn. That event was organized by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) will host a series of town hall meetings on Saturday in Orleans County at Gaines Town Hall, Albion Village Hall, and Murray Town Hall, during which he will also be addressing the concerns of locals from the town of Carlton and the village of Holley.
Residents are encouraged to attend to discuss local issues and share any questions or concerns they have with Hawley.
All applicable health and safety protocols will be followed during this event.
The schedule includes:
Town of Gaines/Town of Carlton – 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Gaines Town Hall, 14087 Ridge Rd., Albion
Village of Albion/Town of Albion – 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Albion Village Hall, 35-37 E. Bank St., Albion
Village of Holley/Town of Murray – 12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Murray Town Hall, 3840 Fancher Rd., Holley
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 August 2021 at 10:45 am
Several improvements at monument with clock on ‘Fancher Curve’
FANCHER – The top image shows the program for the rededication of the Fancher memorial this Saturday at 2 p.m. It is mostly a replica of the program from the original dedication exactly 72 years earlier on Aug. 14, 1949.
The Fancher community built the memorial out of local Medina sandstone as a tribute to 10 local soldiers who died in World War II. Those soldiers include John Christopher, Joseph Christopher, Cosmo Coccitti, John Kettle, Jr., Leonard Licursi, Martin Licursi, Richard Merritt, Camille Nenni, Floyd Valentine and Richard Vendetta.
Provided photos: The monument includes a new plaque mounted on the north side of the property.
Representatives from some of those families will be at the rededication on Saturday to lay a commemorative wreath.
The memorial on the “Fancher Curve” on Route 31 is a four-faced clock in a stone monument made of local sandstone. It gradually deteriorated over 72 years and recently was overhauled. The crumbling mortar was chipped out and replaced with new matching green mortar.
New movements for the clocks and new electrical service were installed. The flag pole was painted. New sandstone pavers were added as a walkway on the north side of the property.
And a new bronze plaque was mounted on the north side near the flagpole. The original plaque remains, but it is on the west side facing the guardrails and wasn’t in an easy-to-see location for most people to know the true purpose of the monument.
Town Supervisor Joe Sidonio said it should be clearer now that the site isn’t a municipal clock, but is a war memorial dedicated to local soldiers who died serving the country.
The project was funded with a donation from Fred Fiorito, a former local resident who now lives in the New York City area. He would typically home a few times each year to see family, including his brother Ted Fiorito. Fred noticed the memorial gradually deteriorate.
Sometimes the clocks didn’t work. The mortar was crumbling. The site wasn’t a great showcase or memorial for the 10 who in World War II, he said.
“I knew some of those families,” Fiorito said in a recent interview. “The monument’s condition was distasteful.”
Saturday’s rededication will include comments from State Assemblyman Steve Hawley and Congressman Chris Jacobs.
The Brockport Symphony Orchestra will perform “To Reap The Blessings of Freedom,” the national anthem, “America the Beautiful” and “Brother James’ Air.” Mary Wojciechowski will be a vocalist with the orchestra.
Father Richard Csizmar, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Albion, will give the invocation. Matt Passarell, commander of the VFW Post 4635, will read the names of the soldiers and a bell will be rung with each name. That bell is from the former American Legion Post in Fancher.
An Honor Guard from the local American Legion and VFW will fire three volleys and Taps will be played.
Sidonio encourages people to either park at the Post Office in Fancher on Route 31 or north of the railroad tracks on Fancher Road. Route 31 at the Curve will be open to traffic during the rededication program but fire police will be out urging people to slow down during the service with the crowd of people close by.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 August 2021 at 9:03 am
Class of 2022 needs 7.5 hours, instead of 30
Photo by Tom Rivers: These Albion students pick up trash on March 24 near the railroad tracks close to Platt Street. A group of students and Rotary Club members filled 23 bags with trash that day.
ALBION – The Board of Education has reinstated the community service requirement to graduate, after waiving the need for community service hours for the Class of 2020 and 2021.
The district didn’t require community service to graduate the past two school years due to Covid-19 restrictions that made it more difficult for students to volunteer with local organizations, businesses and churches.
The district has required students to have at least 30 hours of documented community service to graduate. Albion will phase in to get back to the 30 hours over the next four years.
Members of the Class of 2022, who will be seniors this coming year, will need to fulfill 25 percent of the previous requirement or at least 7.5 hours, followed by 15 hours for the Class of 2023. The standard will be at least 22.5 hours for the Class of 2024, and then the full 30 hours for the Class of 2025.
Jennifer Ashbery, the high school principal, requested the return of the community service requirement. The Board of Education on Monday voted in support of her request.
Students that meet the threshold for community service also receive a 0.5 credit. Albion has had the 30-hour community service requirement in place beginning with the Class of 1998.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 August 2021 at 9:45 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
CLARENDON – Village of Holley employees including Matt Campbell (in the excavator) are working late tonight to fix a water main break on Route 31A in the Town of Clarendon.
This is the primary 12-inch waterline from the Monroe County Water Authority that feeds the town’s water districts.
There is currently widespread low water pressure because the water needed to be shut off near the leak at about 7:45 p.m. This spot is between Thomas Estates and Akeley Manor on Route 31A, just west of Hall Road and Countyline Road.
This photo was taken at about 9 p.m. The workers were waiting for National Grid to show up and give the OK for the crew to dig down and find the leak, and “cut it and clamp it” on the watermain. That would be a repair to the waterline.
Campbell is Holley’s superintendent of water and electric. He is shown in the excavator scooping water out of the spot where they will be working. The crew is hopeful the water main will be fixed tonight.
‘After months of prolonged suffering and uncertainty, Canada is finally allowing ‘non-essential’ travel across their land border.’ – Congressman Jacobs
Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs
ORCHARD PARK – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is releasing the following statement as Canada opens to Americans for non-essential travel today.
“After months of prolonged suffering and uncertainty, Canada is finally allowing ‘non-essential’ travel across their land border,” Jacobs said. “While seemingly unreasonable restrictions remain, this change in policy highlights the outright failure of the Biden administration to address this problem affecting thousands of Western New Yorkers and small businesses.
“Even with Canada making changes, the President has remained conspicuously silent on this issue and has completely ignored families, small businesses, and lawmakers for months. I once again urge the President to take definitive and transparent action to reopen the U.S. land border to travel from Canada and work with Prime Minister Trudeau to develop a consistent and reciprocal plan for further opening. The President’s silence and inaction have gone on long enough.”
Jacobs has sent numerous letters to the Biden administration requesting answers and a plan of action. All have been ignored. In addition, Jacobs introduced the Northern Border Reopening Transparency Act to force the Biden administration to provide all information regarding plans, discussions, and efforts to reopen the U.S. – Canada border.
As of today, any American seeking to enter Canada must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of travel. In addition, Americans must download the ArriveCAN app which stores testing and vaccination status and is required at Canadian ports of entry. Erie County is conducting testing for Americans wishing to travel – to schedule an appointment, call (716) 585-2929.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 August 2021 at 5:08 pm
Orleans County is considered to have “substantial level of community transmission,” according to CDC Covid Data Tracker (click here).
The number of active cases in the county has increased in the past week from 3 on Aug. 2 to 26 today. Genesee County is considered to be at “moderate level of transmission” and the active cases are up from 7 a week ago to 21 today.
The change in designation for Orleans isn’t a surprise, said Paul Pettit, public health director in Orleans and Genesee counties. That’s because Niagara, Erie and Monroe counties are all considered to be at the substantial level of transmission.”
The uptick of new Covid cases in both counties includes some cases where the individuals are fully vaccinated.
“This is not unexpected as we are seeing this across the state and nation,” Pettit said. “This is what viruses do. Even for those who are fully vaccinated there is a chance the individual may become infected with Covid-19, especially due to the high transmission rate of the Delta Variant. Although being fully vaccinated may not completely protect someone from getting Covid-19, the vast majority of those who have been fully vaccinated and have become infected had little or no symptoms or serious complications.”
Pettit and the local health department urge people eligible for the vaccine to get it if they haven’t already. The vaccination is free and clinics are held weekly at each of the health departments (click here to see clinics and locations).
Pharmacies and health care providers also provide the Covid-19 vaccine. Check www.vaccines.gov for a location nearby.
Per the CDC recommendations for communities with substantial or high spread of Covid-19, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments encourages everyone to continue, vaccinated and unvaccinated, to continue practicing the following public health prevention precautions:
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
If water is not readily available, use hand sanitizer.
Wash and sanitize frequently shared/touched items.
Stay 6 feet away from others and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
Wear a face mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.
Monitor your health daily and stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms.
Get tested if you are experiencing symptoms and self-isolate until you get your results back. If you test positive for Covid, you are to isolate for 10 days.
“The best way to protect yourself from Covid-19 or health complications from Covid-19 is to get vaccinated,” Pettit said. “Now is the best time to take advantage of getting vaccinated for Covid-19 before the new school term starts and the weather changes and we start moving back indoors.”
The number of people getting first dose in vaccine in past week includes 230 in Orleans for 18,427 total receiving vaccines out of 40,612 residents (45.4 percent), and 265 in Genesee for 29,132 total out of 57,511 residents (50.7 percent).
In Orleans the 230 was up from the number in the previous two weeks.
Week ending Aug. 9: 230 in Orleans, 265 in Genesee
Week ending Aug. 2: 166 in Orleans, 330 in Genesee
Week ending July 26: 92 in Orleans, 142 in Genesee
Provided photos: Stacie Bridge, chief operating officer at Oak Orchard Health, gives a thumbs up after getting her Covid-19 vaccine.
Nationwide, health centers provide preventive and primary care services to almost 30 million people and have continued to do so while facing a global pandemic.
In 2019, Oak Orchard Health served over 23,339 patients and that number continues to grow when we added three new locations in 2020 – Batavia, Pembroke and Alexander.
Community health centers are not just healers, we are innovators who look beyond medical charts to address the factors that may cause poor health such as poverty, homelessness, substance use, mental illness, lack of nutrition, and unemployment.
Over the past year, we’ve cared for our community during the pandemic whether they were our patients or not. Oak Orchard was one of the first to do drive-through Covid-19 testing in our health center parking lots for people with symptoms and without.
“We have done over 6,800 Covid tests and 5,600 vaccinations,” said Dr. Mary Obear, Chief Clinical Officer. “And consultations with patients throughout the pandemic to advise them on how to care for themselves and their loved ones.”
Oak Orchard used telehealth technology to communicate with patients who needed to “see” their providers. And as soon as vaccines were available, Oak Orchard created vaccine events where people could get vaccinated. All while ensuring that farmworkers had the healthcare they needed since they are essential workers.
Dr. Mary Obear
“We are proud to employ 275 people and have contributed significantly to the economies of Monroe, Orleans, Steuben, Wyoming and Genesee counties,” said Mary Ann Pettibon, CEO, Oak Orchard Health.
Oak Orchard Health
Originally founded in 1966, Oak Orchard has grown from a migrant health project into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services for everyone located in the communities we serve. Currently serving over 23,000 patients at eleven locations, Oak Orchard Health is a recognized patient-centered medical home and 501(c) nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) located in the towns of Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Corfu, Lyndonville, Hornell and Warsaw.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 August 2021 at 11:52 am
So far, sales tax collections up $2 million in county in first half of the year
Photos by Tom Rivers: An apple-themed bike rack is shown on Main Street in Medina last week. A report from the State Comptroller’s Office shows a big increase in sales tax revenue locally and state-wide.
Orleans County’s sales tax revenue is up 33.5 percent or by $1.4 million for the second quarter of 2021, compared to the same period in 2020 when many businesses were on “pause” with in-person customers either not allowed or limited due to restrictions from the state in the Covid-19 pandemic.
Many of those restrictions were eased or lifted in the second quarter of 2021 and the sales tax revenue was up significantly.
Statewide the sales tax was up by 49.2% in the second quarter, surpassing the amount during the same period in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said in a report.
Second quarter sales tax revenue in GLOW counties
Genesee: $13.2 million ($9.1 million in 2020), up 44.8 percent
Livingston: $11.3 million (7.8 million in 2020), up 44.9 percent
Orleans: $5.8 million ($4.4 million in 2020), up 33.5 percent
Wyoming: $6.2 million ($4.3 million in 2020), up 44.5 percent
Among the nine counties in the Finger Lakes region, the 33.5 percent increase in Orleans is the second lowest. Only Wayne at 32.1 percent is lower. Seneca has the biggest increase at 58.7 percent, followed by Ontario County at 55.2 percent.
For the first half of the year, the sales tax revenue in Orleans County is up by $2 million or 22.1 percent, from $8.8 million the first six months of 2020 to $10.8 million the first half of 2021.
Among the other GLOW counties, Genesee is up 25.0 percent from $18.9 million to $23.7 million. Livingston increased 25.4 percent, from $16.2 million to $20.2 million, and Wyoming is up 25.4 percent, from $8.8 million to $11.0 million.
“The strength of these collections, along with federal aid, will give local governments statewide the chance to improve their fiscal stability, but it will take time to recover from the strain caused by the Covid-19 pandemic,” DiNapoli said in a statement about the sales tax report. “While this is good news, local leaders are advised to budget carefully. If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s to always plan for unpredictable circumstances.”
The size of the increase largely reflects extremely weak collections in the April to June period of 2020, DiNapoli said.
However, even compared to pre-pandemic collections for the same period in 2019, statewide collections in 2021 were up 8.7% or $396 million. Every region outside of New York City experienced two-year growth over 18 percent. New York City’s collections grew by 44.6 percent in the second quarter of 2021for its first increase after four quarters of year-over-year declines. NYC has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, DiNapoli said.
He said an easing of Covid restrictions, pent-up demand and more internet sales tax collections are all factors in the state-wide sales tax growth.
Downtown Medina is a shopping hotspot in Orleans County.
