By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 July 2021 at 8:39 am
Party Animals Exotic Animal Petting Zoo – All Day
8 a.m. – Western Dressage Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena
9 a.m. – Senior Council Stand Opens
9 a.m. – Llama and Alpaca Show at Show Arena
10 a.m. – Wildlife I.D. Contest at Log Cabin
Heather Johnston of Albion sings “Lose Yourself” by Eminem during Wednesday’s karaoke at the fair. She was one of 24 singers performing on Wednesday. Each night five qualify for the finals which are tonight. Judges picked five from Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, making it 15 for the finals today.
12 p.m. – Paid admission begins and free public parking opens at Wood and Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots, Buildings open to the public
12 p.m. – Leader’s Pie Stand Opens
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Synchronistic Psychic Services with free Rune Readings at Lartz Building
12 to 6 p.m. – WNY PRISM, invasive species expertsat Lartz Building
2 to 4 p.m. – Family and Consumer Science Knowledge Bowl at Trolley Building
This vendor serves funnel cakes and fried dough at the fair.
3 to 10 p.m. – Midway Rides by Main Event Amusements $20 Unlimited Ride Wristband at Midway
4:30 p.m. – Chainsaw Carving at Log Cabin Lawn
4:30 p.m. – Chicken BBQ Sponsored by Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension at Curtis Pavilion
5 p.m. – Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show at Curtis Pavilion Lawn
5 to 7:30 p.m. – Live Music: The Brick Band at Orleans Hub Stage
5:30 to 7 p.m. – Heritage Windblade STEM Challenge at Lartz STEM Area
6 p.m. – Sheep Show at Show Arena
Brooke Kiefer, 22, of Lyndonville made her karaoke debut on Wednesday and sang “Fast Cars and Freedom” by Rascall Flatts. Kiefer was a long-time 4-H participant at the fair when she was a kid.
6 p.m. – Registration for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull Ends at Fair Office
6 to 7 p.m. – Ag stories with Orleans County Libraries (Community Free Library) at Cattle Barn
6:30 p.m. – Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull at JCH of Buffalo Tent
6:30 p.m. – Chainsaw Carving at Log Cabin Lawn
7 p.m. – Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show at Curtis Pavilion Lawn
8 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Challenge Finals (No Qualifying Round) at Orleans Hub Stage
8 p.m. – Small Animal Grand Master Information Session at Wachob Pavilion
These thrill seekers ride the Avengers in the midway.
8:30 p.m. – Chainsaw Carving at Log Cabin Lawn
8:30 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Challenge at Orleans Hub Stage
9 p.m. Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show at Curtis Pavilion Lawn
10 p.m. – Buildings Close
10 p.m. – Hay Bale Rolling Contest – Teams of 1-2 ages 16 and up. Register at the fair office by 9:50 p.m. – Adjacent to the Carlos Marcello Horse Arena
Olivia Kroening, 13, of Medina sings “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” by Luke Bryan during karaoke on Wednesday night.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2021 at 6:16 pm
‘It’s essential we act to finally close the digital divide that has kept so many of our rural communities from reaching their full potential.’ – Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Leg chairwoman
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature today voted unanimously to accept a $3,608,435 bid to make high-speed internet available for the current 1,351 address points that can’t connect to the service.
RTO Wireless of Wellesley, Mass., was awarded the bid from the County Legislature, which culminates a 10-year effort from the county to close the internet gaps.
“Today marks the end of an ambitious and long sought after quest, and the beginning of a new era for Orleans County – high-speed, reliable and affordable internet for every home and business in the county,” said Lynne Johnson, Legislature leader for the county.
The county on May 25 sought requests for proposals (RFPs) for companies to provide wireless internet service for 1,351 addresses in the county currently without access to the service. Companies were asked to submit proposals where they would co-locate their technology on existing county-owned communication towers.
Those sites include at the Emergency Management Office on West County House Road in Albion, Route 31A in Clarendon, Maple Ridge Road in Medina, Route 31 in Albion next to Public Safety Building, West Avenue in Lyndonville, Route 237 in Kendall, Route 237 in Holley by the water tank.
The total of unserved addresses in the county includes 74 in Albion, 302 in Barre, 35 in Carlton, 57 in Clarendon, 39 in Gaines, 16 in Kendall, 41 in Murray, 287 in Ridgeway, 206 in Shelby, and 294 in Yates for 1,351 total.
The last month the Legislature voted to accept $3,918,951 from U.S. Department of Treasury, the first half of the American Rescue Plan Act funds for Orleans. The county expects to use some of those funds for the project, but also will be seeking other federal grants, including to help some of the homeowners with the hook-up costs for connecting to the technology.
Johnson said the FCC considers Orleans County to be nearly covered with high-speed internet access.
“But residents report the service is slow and unreliable,” she said. “And with only one provider serving much of the county, customers have little leverage to demand better service.”
The high-speed internet is critical for students to do online coursework, for residents to have the option to work at home, and for other quality of life issues that depend on high-speed internet.
“Our ability to diversify our economic base is dependent on modern infrastructure, and that includes broadband,” Johnson said during the Legislature’s meeting. “We can say, ‘Come and work here,’ but if we don’t have modern amenities, modern infrastructure, the sales pitch falls flat.”
David Godfrey, a Niagara County legislator, has worked with Johnson and Orleans officials on the issue through the Niagara-Orleans Regional Alliance. He said the Niagara County Legislature next week is expected to award a bid to provide internet in its unserved areas.
“We’ve put a lot of time and labor and heartache into this,” Godfrey said.
The counties have been shut out in previous attempts to get state and federal funding.
“I can think of no better way to use the Rescue Funds than to bring our communities into the 21st Century,” he said.
Project started in 2017 to mark the 100th anniversary of Cornell Cooperative Extension
Provided photos: Makenzie McGrath is shown with the centennial quilt in the Trolley Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
Press Release, Kristina Gabalski, Orleans County 4-H Program Coordinator
KNOWLESVILLE – The Covid pandemic resulted in many setbacks and delays, including the completion of the Centennial Quilt begun by Orleans County 4-H back in 2017 to mark the 100th anniversary of Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Volunteer Robyn Watts explains that the 4-H Family and Consumer Science Program Development Committee decided a quilt would be a wonderful keepsake from the centennial year and invited CCE Orleans staff, volunteers, 4-Hers, 4-H Clubs, Board members, Master Gardeners and alumni to decorate squares which would be included in the quilt.
Makenzie McGrath created this quilt square.
Robyn’s granddaughter, 13-year old Makenzie McGrath of Medina, began stitching the quilt together in the Trolley Building at the 2017 4-H Fair.
“Makenzie was looking for a way to help out at fair and she started working on the quilt,” Watts said.
But the quilt needed 100 squares to be complete and it took a couple additional years to gather enough decorated squares to fill out the quilt. The plan was to finish the process of tying-off the quilt at the 2020 4-H Fair, but last year’s fair was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Makenzie is completing the tying-off process at this year’s fair and the quilt will then be ready to hang on display in the Trolley Building.
Under her grandmother’s guidance, Makenzie persevered to complete the quilt.
“I learned to sew from my grandma,” she said.
Makenzie is a regular participant in the 4-H Fashion Revue each spring. Her textile projects have been selected for NYS Fair many times and received special recognition there.
Makenzie designed one of the quilt squares. Her square features a butterfly perched on a flower with the words, “Fly with 4-H” and her initials. She said it would be difficult to pick out a favorite square, but, “I like the one with the photograph, I am not sure how they did that.”
Two members of one 4-H family submitted a square with their photograph printed on the fabric.
Both Makenzie and her grandmother are thrilled with how the quilt has turned out and are excited to see it on permanent display. “It’s going to be beautiful,” they said.
This centennial quilt square was decorated in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Batavia Veterans Home among the sites with the new state requirement; Cuomo urges local governments to require employees be vaccinated or tested for Covid
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that patient-facing healthcare workers at state-run hospitals will be required to get vaccinated for Covid-19 by Labor Day.
There will not be an option to be tested in lieu of vaccination for these patient-facing healthcare workers. The Governor also announced that all New York State employees—about 130,000 people—will be required to get vaccinated for Covid-19 by Labor Day. State employees who do not get vaccinated will be required to be tested for Covid-19 on a weekly basis. New York State is working with state unions to implement the requirement quickly and fairly.
“New Yorkers have displayed tremendous dedication and resilience to defeat the Covid-19 pandemic across the state, but vaccination rates aren’t keeping pace with the Delta variant and we need to act now,” Governor Cuomo said. “That’s why we’re requiring everyone who works in a state-run hospital and interacts with patients to get vaccinated. New York is taking its vaccination effort a step further and requiring all state employees to get the shot or be tested weekly, and we look forward to working with our sisters and brothers in the labor movement to implement that quickly and effectively by Labor Day. Our healthcare heroes have led the way all through this terrible crisis, so let’s get vaccinated, save lives and beat this beast for once and for all.”
The Governor also called on the FDA to expedite final approval of the vaccine and end emergency use authorization restrictions. Governor Cuomo also urged local governments to require all employees to be vaccinated or submit to testing by Labor Day. If the numbers continue to increase, school districts in affected areas should also strongly consider taking further action.
State-run hospitals and facilities include:
Batavia Veterans Home
SUNY Stony Brook
SUNY Upstate
SUNY Downstate
Long Island Veterans Home at Stony Brook
Helen Hayes Hospital
SUNY College of Optometry
Montrose Veterans Home
St. Albans Veterans Home
Oxford Veterans Home
New York State continues to promote and expand access to the vaccine, particularly in communities with lower vaccination rates. On July 26, Governor Cuomo announced the allocation of $15 million from the New York State budget to promote vaccination in communities across the state that were hardest-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. The funds will be used to strengthen communication, expand public education and enhance ongoing outreach efforts throughout diverse communities.
UPDATE at 3:19 p.m.: Michael Powers, president of NYSCOPBA (New York State Corrections Officers Benevolent Association), issued this statement: “It’s disheartening that an administration that touts itself being NY Smart, would take such a drastic measure without any input from the individuals this directly impacts. Just a month ago, the State celebrated the lifting of restrictions with fireworks shows and now today’s about-face. It’s time that we stop making decisions in a vacuum and start including stakeholders.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2021 at 11:48 am
ALBION – Thursday’s concert in Albion along the Erie Canal featuring the Who Dats has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a date to be announced in August.
The series will resume next Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. near the gazebo behind the Albion Fire Department on Platt Street.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2021 at 9:02 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Evelyn Paratore, 9, of Corfu watches the judge and keeps her steer under control during the novice showman event during the beef show on Tuesday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
Teanna Church, 14, of Holley competes in the beef showmanship competition on Tuesday. She was one of 24 members of 4-H in the beef showmanship, featuring some of the biggest animals at the fair. Tuesday was a return of the beef show after last year’s fair was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions and concerns.
Carter Kuipers, 13, of Byron won the event and was named the beef master showman. The showman need to keep the animals under control while leading them in the ring and help them square up while standing to best display their attributes.
Isabella Basinait, 9, of Barre was among the participants in the junior showman competition.
Matthew Bloom of Albion shows this smaller steer in the novice showman competition.
Kaylee Nesbitt, 18, of Lyndonville keeps her eyes on the judge while leading a steer around the show ring. She was named the reserve master showman for beef.
Carter Kuipers, 9, of Byron leads a large beef animal around the show ring.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2021 at 8:09 am
Hay Bale Rolling Contest makes debut tonight
Photos by Tom Rivers: Taylor Soule, 16, of Barre shows a steer during Tuesday’s beef show at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
Special Events: Senior Citizen Coffee, Free Coffee for Senior Citizens from 1 to 4 p.m., compliments of the Orleans County 4-H Senior Council
Party Animals Exotic Animal Petting Zoo – ALL DAY
8 a.m. – English Dressage Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena
9 a.m. – Senior Council Stand Opens
9 a.m. – Poultry Showmanship and Knowledge Contest at Wachob Pavilion
10 a.m. – Goat Show all classes at Show Arena
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Nutrifare Senior Luncheon with the sing-along music of David Marchione (Food will be served at 12 p.m. w/ticket) at Curtis Pavilion
Lena Grillo, 9, of Albion competes in the novice showman competition in the beef show on Tuesday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
12 p.m. – Paid admission begins and free public parking opens at Wood and Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots, Buildings open to the public
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Synchronistic Psychic Services with free Rune Readings at Lartz Building
12 p.m. – Leader’s Pie Stand Opens
12 p.m. – Poultry Breed Classes at Wachob Pavilion
1:30 to 3 p.m. – Bread & Butter Making Demo and Tasting at Trolley Building
2:30 p.m. – Llama and Alpaca Meet and Greet at Show Arena
3 to 10 p.m. – Main Event Amusements $20 Unlimited Rides Wristband at Midway
3 p.m. – Fair Official Meetingat Fair Office
Hollee Cook, 9, of Albion holds a rabbit in the pet category while she looks at the judge during Tuesday’s Rabbit and Cavy Show.
3 p.m. – Dog Knowledge Bowl at Orleans Hub Stage
4 p.m. – Dairy Cattle Show at Show Arena
4 p.m. – Chainsaw Carving at Log Cabin Lawn
5 p.m. – Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show at Curtis Pavilion Lawn
6 to 7 p.m. – Ag Stories with Orleans County Libraries (Lee-Whedon Memorial Library) at Cattle Barn
6 p.m. – Registration Ends for the Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull at Fair Office
6 p.m. – Rooster Crowing Contest at Wachob Pavilion
Madeleine Farrell leads “Lucy” during Monday’s miniature horse showmanship competition for Clover Buds.
6 p.m. – Chainsaw Carving at Log Cabin Lawn
6 p.m. – Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull at JCH of Buffalo Tent
7 p.m. – Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show at Curtis Pavilion Lawn
8 p.m. – Chainsaw Carving at Log Cabin Lawn
8 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Challenge at Orleans Hub Stage
9 p.m. – Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show at Curtis Pavilion Lawn
10 p.m. – Buildings Close
10 p.m. – Hay Bale Rolling Contest – Teams of 1-2 ages 16 and up. Adjacent the Carlos Marcello Horse Arena. Register at the fair office by 9:50 p.m.
Judy and Dylan Pratt carve animals out of wood with chainsaws on Monday. The chainsaw artists from Corfu are doing demonstrations this week at the fair.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2021 at 4:34 pm
File photo by Ginny Kropf: Visitors look over a display of Corvair automobiles parked at the Medina Railroad Museum during their visit here several years ago. A grant from the Preservation League of NYS will go towards a plan for rehabilitation and reuse of the 300-foot-long freight house shown in this photo.
MEDINA – The Medina Railroad Museum has been approved for an $8,000 grant to help pay for a “Historic Structure Report” to help the museum plan for rehabilitation and reuse of the 300-foot-long freight house.
The museum plans to hire Clinton Brown Company Architecture for the report on the freight house and to examine potential expansion onto nearby land to increase display space for railroad equipment.
The grant from the Preservation League of NYS is one of 32 for projects in 25 counties that total $297,995 in grant funding.
Each “Preserve New York” grant supports important arts and cultural initiatives, as well as economic development related to our state’s arts and cultural heritage, the Preservation League stated.
“Many of these grants will lead to historic district designation or expansion, telling the stories of communities throughout the state and allowing property owners to take advantage of the New York State and Federal Historic Tax Credits,” the league said. “This is even more valuable now, with the NYS Commercial Historic Tax Credit recently expanded for small projects, granting property owners a 30% credit. The Preservation League of NYS and our program partners at the New York State Council on the Arts and the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation are thrilled to help fund this important work.”
The freight house at the Railroad Museum was built in circa 1905 for the New York Central Railroad. The building is bursting at the seams to accommodate collections storage, 40,000 visitors a year, and museum programs, the league said.
“Navigating the difficulties and hardships of the past year has been a challenge for nonprofits and municipalities across the state,” said Erin Tobin, Vice President for Policy and Preservation and the Preservation League. “The League is grateful to our program partners at NYSCA and the Gardiner Foundation for continuing to support Preserve New York, which will grant much-needed dollars to so many worthwhile preservation projects this year.”
To see a list of all the grant winners, click here.
Assemblyman has taken veterans on tour of monuments, historical sites in DC, Gettysburg
Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is announcing that this year’s annual Patriot Trip, taking place from Sept. 16-19, will be the most affordable ever. Hawley will join veterans and their guests on his annual trip to Washington D.C., visiting various landmarks and historical sites.
Thanks to the generous contributions of many organizations and individuals, the cost to veterans and their selected guest for this year’s trip will be lower than ever in the trip’s 14-year history.
The cost to veterans and their guest will be far below the original $475 per person, and includes all food, accommodation and travel expenses required for the trip. Although costs are not yet finalized, Hawley is hoping a cost of $350 or less per person will be attainable.
“Following an outpouring of financial support from the community at large, individuals, businesses and veteran-advocacy groups, I am elated to announce the cost to veterans and their guests for this year’s Patriot Trip will be lower than ever, and I’m hopeful the final cost will be between $300 and $350,” Hawley said. “With confirmed stops this year at Gettysburg, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, the Veterans Memorials around the National Mall, the National Marine Museum, the Arlington National Cemetery with Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and many other landmarks and museums, it’s going to be a trip to remember for all who attend.”
Any interested veterans or their family members are encouraged to reach out to Hawley’s district office at 585-589-5780 or HawleyS@nyassembly.gov to learn more about the trip and to make reservations.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2021 at 2:06 pm
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a severe thunderstorm watch until 6 p.m. for Orleans County and much of western and central New York.
Some of the storms could produce small hail and gusty winds, the Weather Service said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2021 at 11:24 am
ALBION – State Sen. Robert Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley recently toured downtown Albion, including four of businesses that will be receiving part of a Main Street grant to help upgrade their historic buildings.
Albion was approved for $311,079 and that was divvied up among 10 property owners for building improvement projects. The grants will fund up to 75 percent of the projects, which need to be approved by the State Historic Preservation Office.
The state allowed a maximum award of $50,000 per building owner for non-residential projects with residential projects eligible for up to $100,000.
Assemblyman Hawley takes a photo with his phone while in the Pratt Opera House on the third floor. A state grant will help with some restorative work at the site.
Albion’s Main Street grant is for $388,192 total and that includes $311,079 for building renovations, $47,613 for streetscape improvements, $25,000 for administration and $4,500 for architecture, engineering and environmental costs. The property owners have until December 2022 to complete the projects as part of the grant.
Hawley and Ortt were given tours of projects planned for The Lockstone, the Pratt Opera House, apartments above the Hustl House (former Albion Fitness Center) and Krantz Furniture.
Ortt praised the property owners for their investment and commitment to Albion’s downtown. He and Hawley both said they are pleased to see state funds going to small-town business owners.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, left, and State Sen. Robert Ortt tour The Lockstone, which has been turned into a wedding and events center. A state grant will help the owners make additional improvements to the building.
The grants include:
The Lockstone – owned by John Hernandez and Natasha Wasuck at 160 North Main St., approved for $18,750 towards replacing a soffit, repairing masonry, putting in new front doors, commercial heaters and a mural.
Morrison Realty – owned by James Theodorakos at 132 North Main St., approved for $21,017 towards new flooring on the first floor, waiting the exterior and front trim repairs.
Krantz Furniture – Linda Smith, owner at 129-131 North Main St., approved for $64,776 to scrape and repoint brick, prime and paint the exterior, put in four commercial double doors, replace front stairs to upstairs apartment, replace windows, upgrade drywall and paint apartments, upgrade electric and plumbing.
Day and Day Building – Michael Bonafede and Judith Koehler, owner of 114-116 North Main St., approved for $36,880 for the site that includes the Downtown Browsery, Albion Bible Baptist Church, and the historic Grand Army of the Republic post. The work includes second floor renovation including reattaching the historic plaster medallions in the GAR room, restoring floors, installing a HVAC system. With the building, Bonafede and Koehler want to install steps and improve egress to the third floor door, weatherize east and west windows, construct protective railings around stairway, lighting, re-coat roof, repair and paint the fire escape, complete third floor bathroom, seal and preserve the historic plank west wall.
Michael Bonafede shows State Sen. Rob Ortt the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) Room in the Day and Day Building. Bonafede wants to reattach the historic plaster medallions in the GAR room, restore the floors and install a HVAC system.
Pratt Opera House – Michael Bonafede and Judith Koehler, owner of 118-120 North Main St., approved for $23,830 for the site that includes the Downtown Browsery, Bookery, Kylie’s Salon, Red Check Rustic, pottery studio and a bakery office. The funding will go towards recoating the roof, repairing east parapet east wall, re-installing vintage signage at ticket booth, new rear door, new entrance awning, repairing north brick wall, opera house stage renovations, refurbishing six arch-top decorative windows with stained glass.
Hair Fantasy – Corey and Marilyn Black, owners at 55-57-59 North Main St., approved for $11,250 to repoint and replace brick as needed, and repaint window frames.
Lyman & Lyman – Nathan Lyman, owner at 45-51 North Main St., approved for $38,277 for a site that includes Lyman & Lyman attorney offices, Laura Loxley, Milk & Honey Boutique and one residential unit. The money will go towards two ADA-compliant bathrooms, ADA entrance at back of the building, replacing back windows, new VFR cooling systems, upgrade electric, replace apartment flooring, new LED lights, improve signage, and upgrade residential bathroom.
Dance Reflections by Miss Heather – Jared and Heather Hapeman, owners at 50-52 North Main St., approved for $11,616 to go towards new ceiling in studio, 12 windows rebuilt in current frames, bathroom remodel and office remodel.
Albion Agencies (Seaway Insurance Agencies) – Bill Bixler, owner at 30 North Main St., approved for $16,753 to replace roof and make gutter repairs, rebuild side entrance stairs and upgrade HVAC.
Apartments above The Hustl House – John Brabon, owner at 10-12 North Main St., approved for $67,930 for five apartments, putting in new walls, electric, plumbing, HVAC, bathroom, drywall, trim and flooring, lighting, smoke detectors, and painting the apartments.
Village of Albion – approved for $47,613 for streetscape improvements at 19 North Main St, which includes extending existing retaining wall, adding parking spaces to municipal lot, picnic tables and trash receptacles.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Monday announced construction has begun on a $2 million resiliency project in Orleans County, as part of the Governor’s Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative.
Lakeshore Road in the town of Carlton is a major thoroughfare with numerous residences and is one of the main routes to Point Breeze. Wave and horizontal ice pressure have eroded the bluff adjacent to Lakeshore Road creating a hazardous situation for the roadway, public utilities, and private property.
If the road were lost to erosion, travelers would be forced to detour approximately 10 miles. This project seeks to address the erosion of the bluff, as well as the existing failed shoreline protection, to ensure continued safe passage of residents and visitors.
The lake has eroded the shoreline, putting Lakeshore Road cover to Lake Ontario. The shoreline protection project will add rocks and vegetation to protect the shoreline from further erosion.
“New York continues to assist communities devastated by the flooding on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River in 2019 and this project is just the latest step in that effort,” Governor Cuomo said. “Through the state’s REDI program, we are working with local governments to harden critical infrastructure, to not only rebuild, but build back better, so that shoreline communities are better positioned to withstand flooding and other natural disasters in the future.”
“Shoreline communities along Lake Ontario have faced tremendous challenges in recent years because of climate change, and New York State continues to invest in making them more resilient for the future,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “Our top priority is protecting the people who live in these communities, and the shoreline resiliency project on Lakeshore Road in the Town of Carlton will help mitigate flooding, enhance safety and create a sustainable infrastructure.”
Mitigation measures to be implemented in this project include installation of an onshore riprap revetment system with regraded slope. The area between the revetment and the slope will be vegetated to minimize potential erosion loss and protect the toe of the bluff.
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and REDI Co-Chair Basil Seggos said, “New York’s REDI program is advancing projects to protect shoreline communities historically susceptible to flooding from high water and extreme weather events, here in Orleans County and all along the shores of Lake Ontario. Fortifying the shoreline along Lakeshore Road is a great example of the strategic projects that were identified by community leaders and will protect residents and visitors to the town of Carlton for years to come.”
State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “I commend Governor Cuomo for encouraging state agencies and local communities to work together to prepare for future Lake Ontario flooding. This work by Orleans County and Town of Carlton will make an important transportation link safer and more reliable for residents and visitors.”
Empire State Development Chief Operating Officer and Executive Deputy Commissioner Kevin Younis said, “This important infrastructure project in the Town of Carlton will correct the hazardous effects of roadside erosion, helping to protect the travelers and community residents who rely on this route. Through projects like this one, the multi-agency REDI initiative is working to rebuild flood-damaged communities spanning the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River shorelines and is another important step in safeguarding the future of our lakefront communities.”
Orleans County Legislative Chair Lynne Johnson said, “In partnering with New York State, Orleans County was able to conceptualize and implement the critical Lakeshore Road project. Through Governor Cuomo’s REDI program the region will be better prepared to withstand future flooding events. We are thankful for the assistance that has been given by Governor Cuomo, the REDI Commission, and all supporting state agencies.”
This rendering from the state shows the fortified shoreline on Lakeshore Road.
Town of Carlton Supervisor Gayle Ashbery said, “On behalf of the Town of Carlton I would like to thank Governor Cuomo and the REDI Commission for assisting the region with important flood mitigation projects like the Lakeshore Road project. Additionally, we are thankful to Orleans County for taking the project on and seeing it through from design to shovel in the ground. We are thrilled to see such an importance project for our residents get underway.”
In response to the extended pattern of flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, Governor Cuomo created REDI to increase the resilience of shoreline communities and bolster economic development in the region. Five REDI Regional Planning Committees, comprised of representatives from eight counties—Niagara and Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga and Oswego, and Jefferson and St. Lawrence—were established to identify local priorities, at-risk infrastructure and other assets, and public safety concerns.
The REDI Commission allocated $20 million for homeowner assistance, $30 million to improve the resiliency of businesses, and $15 million toward a regional dredging effort that will benefit each of the eight counties in the REDI regions. The remaining $235 million has been allocated towards local and regional projects that advance and exemplify the REDI mission.
At Governor Cuomo’s direction, the REDI commission toured areas hard hit by flooding on Lake Ontario and worked with local communities to come up with a new vision for the shoreline from both a resiliency and economic development point of view in order to build back better and stronger for the future.
Since the creation of the Governor’s REDI program in the Spring of 2019, 133 REDI funded local and regional projects are underway, including 93 projects in the design phase, 20 projects in the construction phase, and 20 projects completed.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2021 at 8:56 am
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a special weather statement that strong thunderstorms with damaging winds and possibly hail could hit Orleans County and other nearby counties this afternoon.
“Conditions are favorable for strong thunderstorms today, with a risk of damaging winds, large hail, and brief heavy downpours,” the Weather Service said. “Storms will develop early this afternoon.”
The threat of storms will last through early evening. Anyone with outdoor plans should be prepared to take cover if threatening weather approaches, the Weather Service said.
In Orleans County, the showers and thunderstorms are expected between 1 and 3 p.m. with a quarter to half inch of rain in the forecast. The high today is forecast to be 82.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2021 at 8:16 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Olivia Streicher leads “Bleu” in the miniature horse showmanship competition for Clover Buds on Monday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
Party Animals Exotic Animal Petting Zoo – ALL DAY
8 a.m. – English Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena
9 a.m. – Senior Council Stand opens
10 a.m. – Dog Obedience and Rally at Knights Building
10 a.m. – Horticulture I.D. Contest at Center Stage
This group competes in the miniature horse “showmanship at halter” competition. Pictured from left include Grace Goodrich with Sky, Lauren Zwifka with Mocha, Maci Manicki with Velvet and Carissa Klossner with Opal. Carissa won first place in the event.
12 p.m. – Paid admission begins and free public parking opens at Wood and Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots; Buildings open to the public
12 p.m. – Leaders’ Pie Stand opens
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Synchronistic Psychic Services with Free Rune Readings at Lartz Building
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Rabbit and Cavy Showmanship at Wachob Pavilion
1 to 3 p.m. – Rabbit and Cavy Knowledge Contest at Wachob Pavilion
3 to 10 p.m. – Main Event Amusements $20 Unlimited Ride Wristbands at Midway
Local veterans formed an Honor Guard for Monday’s opening ceremonies, which included a flag raising.
4:30 p.m. – Chainsaw Carving Log at Cabin Lawn
5 p.m. – Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show at Curtis Pavilion Lawn
5 p.m. – Beef Cattle Show at Show Arena
6 p.m. – Registration Ends for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull at Fair Office
6 p.m. – Rabbit and Cavy Show Costume, Pet and Cloverbud Classes at Wachob Pavilion
6 to 7 p.m. – Ag Stories with Orleans County Libraries (Lee-Whedon Memorial Library) at Cattle Barn
Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke and a local veteran salute while the flag is raised during the opening ceremony.
6 to 7 p.m. – Hot Country Liners Dance at Orleans Hub Stage
6:30 p.m. – Chainsaw Carvingat Log Cabin Lawn
7 p.m. – Rabbit and Cavy Show, Breed Classes at Wachob Pavilion
7 p.m. – Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show at Curtis Pavilion Lawn
7 to 9 p.m. – Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) Demo
7 to 8 p.m. – Down Home Country Cloggers Dance Group at Orleans Hub Stage
9 p.m. – Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show at Curtis Pavilion Lawn
10 p.m. – Buildings close
James Luckman, right, served as judge of the showmanship competition at the Swine Show. The 4-Hers in the event included Jenna Cecchini, front left; Jack Cecchini, behind her; Carter Kuipers, far back; Ruth Kuipers, back right; and Grant Kuipers, not in photo. Carter Kuipers won the event was was named master showman with his sister Ruth the reserve master showman.
