Provided photo: Caleb Miller works as an environmental services technician at Batavia Downs Gaming.
BATAVIA – Batavia Downs Gaming has been selected one of four statewide recipients of
The Arc New York 2021 Employer of the Year Award, acknowledging the value of employing people with disabilities in their place of business.
Batavia Downs has been a longtime friend of the agency, hosting Arc Night at the Races and Arc’s annual awards banquet, said Arc of Genesee Orleans Director of Development Shelley Falitico.
In addition, through a partnership with Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, an onsite training on “The Benefits of Hiring a Person with a Disability” was held at the Arc Walnut Street location. Several employees from Batavia Downs HR Department were in attendance and were excited to begin collaborating with Arc’s Vocational Services team.
“Our first request of The Downs was to allow us work with Community PreVoc participants at Batavia Downs to assess their skills,” said Melissa Cotter, Arc Director of Vocational Services.
“A true partnership for employment and opportunities for people we serve was definitely developing,” Cotter said. “Unfortunately, Covid hit and Batavia Downs shut down along with some of our day services and the rest of the globe.”
When Batavia Downs reopened, Arc of Genesee Orleans picked up where it left off and had a perfect candidate – Caleb Miller, for an Environmental Services Technician position.
Caleb’s Mom, Debbie Miller, shared in a letter supporting the award nomination, “My son is 20 years old with a diagnosis of Autism. When Covid hit and shut the world down, Caleb could no longer attend college. He was attending Genesee Community College for graphic arts, but on-line classes did not work for him. Although he did try to find a job, Caleb also knew working directly with the public would not be easy for him. Enter Arc of Genesee Orleans and Batavia Downs,” Debbie said.
Naturally, as a mother, Debbie Miller said she had fears of how the job was going to work out, but is thankful that Batavia Downs for took a chance on her son and supported him as he landed his first job.
“Batavia Downs has now hired Caleb directly – he is on their payroll now,” she said. “And he is continuing to do well. His schedule is set. He knows the busy days of the casino and the slower days. He knows some of his ‘regular’ customers and they know who he is. Batavia Downs has given Caleb a sense of pride and self-worth. Caleb is a normal, working 20-year-old adult. He has his own money now. What a difference the Downs has made in Caleb’s life.”
One question in the award nomination asked how does the nominee ensure that employees with disabilities are fully integrated and supported in their company’s workforce.
The Arc’s Melissa Cotter said the people Arc supports at Batavia Downs Gaming are not separated by what they wear, ID badges, expectations or benefits.
“They wear the same uniforms, carry the same credentials and are expected to perform the duties that they were hired for,” she said. “The supervisors and co-workers have been very warm and welcoming to the people we support. From day one, from top managers, to security guards, to every other employee, all employees have been receptive to our presence there and offer the people we support any assistance they can to be a successful employee.”
Arc of Genesee Orleans representatives will be on hand at the Downs on Thursday, July 29, at 6 p.m. for the Zoom award presentation from The Arc New York state offices. The award will be presented to Henry Wojtaszek, President & CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 July 2021 at 8:03 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Ben Paratore was among the volunteers on Wednesday evening at a workbee to get the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds ready for next week’s return of the 4-H Fair.
Paratore is attaching a sun shade in the new goat/sheep barn. He has three kids who will be showing animals at the fair.
This group works together to put in the new sun shade at the goat/sheep barn.
Les Kuipers was among the parents at the workbee. There were about 150 people at the fairgrounds, getting the barns, booths and grounds ready for the fair, which starts on Monday.
The prep has been more challenging this year due to recent heavy rains. That has saturated the grassy fields, making it difficult to move equipment.
Charlie Ricci and Shawn Cook smooth out bank run sand in the new goat/sheep barn. This building is one of the bigger additions to the fair.
Robert Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, said there will be some new vendors and some long-term concessions operators won’t be back due to staffing shortages.
About 300 4-Hers will have exhibits in the fair. Last year’s event was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions. About 25,000 people typically attend the fair during its six-day run.
Merri and Bert Mathes hang bunting in the new goat and sheep barn.
Dawn Marciszewski and her son Scott are ready for the Senior Council Stand’s busy week. Marciszewski leads the stand. The site was scrubbed, mopped and power-washed to get ready for next week. 4-H youth helped clean the stand during three workbee days.
Food deliveries will begin arriving today for the stand that is popular for hot dogs, hamburgers and soda.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 July 2021 at 3:44 pm
CLARENDON – The Town Board heard from residents on Tuesday in support of allowing marijuana dispensaries to set up shop in Clarendon and those opposed to it.
The state is giving municipalities until Dec. 31 to decide whether they will opt out of allowing marijuana dispensaries, where people could purchase adult-use cannabis products. The municipalities also need to decide by the end of the year if they will opt out of allowing onsite consumption at businesses such as a smoking lounge.
Nyla Gaylord urged the Clarendon Town Board to allow the dispensaries. There are already sites in Rochester where people can purchase marijuana legally for medical reasons, she said, and those sites tend to be nondescript or “innocuous” buildings with little impact on the community.
Clarendon Town Supervisor Richard Moy said similar-size towns as Clarendon in other states have collected $10,000 or more per month in revenue.
“We can’t escape the reality that marijuana is here to stay,” Gaylord said during a public hearing. “I would much rather see marijuana sold legally rather illegally by someone with an array of other drugs.”
The towns and villages can’t overstep the state and ban recreational use of marijuana. But the towns and villages can prohibit dispensaries and smoking lounges.
That disappointed residents Dick Conklin and Richard Williams, who don’t want to see marijuana use encouraged through legalization. They said they worry drivers will be “stoned” and put others at risk on the road.
“We’re talking about people who use it to get loaded,” Conklin said.
Richard Moy, the Clarendon town supervisor, said he expects other nearby towns and villages will allow the dispensaries. If it’s not available in Clarendon, Moy said he expects local residents will go to the dispensaries nearby and then use the marijuana in Clarendon.
“They could buy it in Brockport or Albion and bring it back here, but those towns get the revenue,” Moy said.
If the municipal board for a village or town decides to opt out, residents could still push a permissive referendum, with the matter going on the ballot.
Municipalities could also decide to opt out, and later decide to “opt in” and allow the dispensaries and lounges.
Chris Caufield urged Clarendon to hold off on opting in, and see how other towns and villages handle dispensaries, and see the impact in tax revenue.
The state has approved a 13-percent excise tax on marijuana with a breakdown that includes 9 cents for each taxable sale to the state, 3 cents to the municipality that has the dispensary, and 1 cent to the county.
Municipalities that opt out wouldn’t be eligible for the 3-cent share of the 13-percent sales tax.
Gaylord and Moy both said Clarendon would likely receive significant tax revenue if there were marijuana dispensaries in town.
Moy said the Town of Basalt in Oregon receives between $10,000 and $15,000 per month in marijuana tax revenue, while Garibaldi in Oregon receives between $8,000 and $10,000 per month.
The municipalities could also adopt zoning and limit the locations for dispensaries, including establishing certain distances from schools, churches and other houses of worship.
CLARENDON – Two Boy Scouts from Clarendon were celebrated on Monday during their Eagle Scout ceremony at the Disciples First Methodist Church.
Jeremy Crandall and Cody Tanis were joined by their family and friends as well as other scouts and scout leaders. Crandall for his Eagle Scout project led an effort to build a first responders’ monument in Clarendon’s Hillside Cemetery. Tanis led a project to scrape and paint the one-room schoolhouse at the Clarendon Historical Society.
Scoutmaster Jak Kohmann delivered a speech in which he stated the less than 4 percent of people who enter scouting attain the rank of Eagle Scout.
Scout committee member Ron Boyd read the Eagle Scout Challenge that described the following:
The foremost responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor
The second obligation of an Eagle Scout is loyalty
The third obligation of an Eagle Scout is to be courageous
The fourth obligation of an Eagle Scout is to be cheerful
Another critical responsibility of an Eagle Scout is service
Pictured from left include Jak Kohmann, Ron Boyd, John Crandall and Chris Nothnagle. They were recognized with the Camp Dittmer Heron Award. Paul Niggli, not pictured, also was included in the honor.
Ron Boyd also presented plaques to John Crandall, Chris Nothnagle and Paul Niggli in memory of his son Austin James Boyd who was born October 18, 1990 and died suddenly October 28, 2009 in a car accident. Austin was an Eagle Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 59 of Clarendon, Lodge Chief of Ashokwahta Lodge #339 BSA, student at Monroe Community College and a 2009 graduate of Holley Central School District.
The Camp Dittmer Heron Award plaque was awarded to these men for grounds clearing and expanding the Brownsea program area 2010-2019, and their dedication and commitment to the Camp Dittmer year-round camping program and the youth of the council.
Pictured from left include Jak Kohmann, Cody Tanis, Jeremy Crandall, Jennifer Lemcke, Lisa Crandall and John Crandall.
Cody Tanis and Jeremy Crandall presented pins to their parents and also pins to people who they consider mentors. After the ceremony there was pizza and refreshments as well as a cake.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 July 2021 at 9:24 am
Covid-19 restrictions derailed plans for big bash this year
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Some members of the Class of 1971 in Albion met for breakfast on Tuesday at the Village House in Albion.
There are about 180 members of the class and many of them were looking forward to a big celebration this year for the 50th reunion. However, Covid-19 restrictions and concerns prevented the class from setting up a big party.
The group will hold its reunion next year on the 51st anniversary of the graduation.
Pictured from left, kneeling, include: Bernie Baldwin, Tom Fiorilli and Susan Mack.
Back row: Bill Munger, David Kelley, Mary Donahue, Delores (D’Amico) Martusciello, Elizabeth (Thom) Cowan, Cindy Piedimonte, Roxie (Gaylard) Basinait, Barb (Karls) Dawson and Larry Gaylard.
Some of the class in 2016 started getting together monthly for breakfast at the Village House. That ceased in 2020 during Covid, but restarted last month.
“Everybody is welcome to come to these breakfasts,” Barb Dawson said. “Covid really derailed us but our class is determined to stick together.”
She urged the class members to stay connected through the class Facebook page, and start making plans for the big reunion.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 July 2021 at 9:01 am
SHELBY – The town will shut off the water on Thursday for about 30 homes on Furness Parkway and Charles Street.
The water will be shut off from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. so the Niagara County Water District can do maintenance on a water vault to alleviate pressure variations. Dale Root, the town highway superintendent, said there are complaints from residents on the two streets about water pressure going from too high to too low.
Niagara County Water District will work on a pressure regulator, taking it apart, cleaning, readjusting and reinstalling it.
The two streets are off Route 31 between the Tops plaza and Salt Works Road.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 July 2021 at 7:59 am
CLARENDON – Tracy Chalker, the Clarendon town highway superintendent, has already had to spring into action four times recently with highway workers to remove fallen ash trees from Clarendon roadways.
The ash trees in town have been decimated by the emerald ash borer, which have caused widespread destruction to ash trees throughout the country.
“It will be a total disaster in four, five years with ash trees coming down,” Chalker told the Clarendon Tow Board on Tuesday.
Town Councilman Allen Robinson said the state and county should consider a pre-emptive plan to take down trees off the right-of-way that are in danger of falling into roads and taking down wires.
“There’s a lot of dead trees,” Robinson said. “There will be a lot of trees that will be flopping in the roads.”
Town Supervisor Richard Moy said he has been taking an informal inventory of the ash trees, and they are in big numbers around town.
“There are so many of them,” he said.
Chalker and the highway workers were praised by Town Councilman Marc Major for their speedy response in removing the trees. Major is also a volunteer firefighter and he said the highway workers are quickly on scene when a tree comes down in the road.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 July 2021 at 7:14 am
LOCKPORT – Niagara County officials lifted a travel ban at 1 a.m. last night. County officials urge motorists to use caution while driving as some roadways may still be flooded.
A state of emergency continues for storm-related cleanup efforts, according to a statement from County Legislature Chairwoman Rebecca Wydysh, Director of Emergency Management Jonathon Schultz and Sheriff Michael Filicetti.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 July 2021 at 9:15 pm
LOCKPORT – Niagara County has issued a state of emergency and travel ban due to flooding. Niagara County officials are saying emergency travel only.
The state of emergency and travel ban have been declared by chairman of the County Legislature Rebecca Wydysh, Director of Emergency Management Jonathon Schultz and Sheriff Michael Filicetti.
A flash flood warning remains in effect until 10:15 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 July 2021 at 5:32 pm
Congressman says policies discourage people to pursue work during time of labor shortage
Photos by Tom Rivers: Congressman Chris Jacobs speaks during last Friday’s Legislative Luncheon at Tillman’s Village Inn. The event was organized by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce. Just right of Jacobs seated include other speakers: Chris Zeltman, representing U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
ALBION – One way to help fill the labor shortage locally and across the state and country is to end the extra benefit allotment for people claiming unemployment, Congressman Chris Jacobs said.
He is urging New York state officials to not extend the $300 weekly in federal unemployment assistance.
Local state legislators – State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley – said they would support ending the extra unemployment assistance.
They all spoke about the issue during Friday’s Legislative Luncheon organized by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.
Many local businesses have struggled to fill job openings. So far 26 states have decided to opt out of the extra benefit before the official end date of Sept. 6.
Patricia Payne, a board member for the P.Raising Kids Child Care Center in Medina, urged the local, state and federal officials to help solve a childcare crisis locally, where she said there are too few slots for people to work or go to college full time.
Hawley said restaurants, in particular, “are closing left and right” due to staffing shortages. He said the government should stop sending people checks “to sit on their derriere.”
Ortt said he is concerned the Democrat-majority in the State Legislature will continue the extra unemployment benefit at a time “when people can’t find people to work.”
Jacobs on Monday held a press conference with Jim Butera, president of the WNY Chapter of the NYS Restaurant Association and owner of Butera’s Craft Beer and Craft Pizza, to discuss the labor shortage caused in part by enhanced unemployment benefits.
“In February, against numerous warnings, Democrats and President Biden forced through a massive partisan package filled with unnecessary spending,” Jacobs said in a news release. “The result is they have made it more lucrative to stay home than to seek employment,” Jacobs said. “This has become detrimental to our economic recovery, and many businesses are losing money, shortening hours, or closing down entirely because they cannot find employees. Unfortunately, this translates to longer wait times, higher prices, and shortages of numerous products families need.”
Jacobs introduced the Help Wanted Act (H.R. 3148) in May to combat these disincentives and prioritize our economic recovery. The legislation would restore work search requirements, remove the expansion of unemployment to individuals who voluntarily left their job, and clarify that general safety concerns related to Covid-19 are no longer sufficient grounds to claim unemployment benefits.
During Friday’s Legislative Luncheon at Tillman’s Village Inn, Patricia Payne, a board member for the P.Raising Kids Child Care Center in Medina, said a child care shortage locally is a factor preventing many people from going to work or college full time.
She said there needs to be higher reimbursement rates from the Department of Social Service for child care providers, and there also need to be more childcare slots, whether through at-home daycare or at childcare centers.
“We are in a childcare desert area,” Payne said during the luncheon.
Jacobs said more childcare options “need to be part of the economic development model.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 July 2021 at 3:16 pm
Concert at Point Breeze cancelled this evening
A cabbage field on Long Bridge Road near Route 31 in Albion was inundated with water on Saturday evening. Another storm is in the forecast later today.
The concert featuring The Brick Band has been cancelled this evening with the threat of severe thunderstorms. The concert has been rescheduled for Aug. 10. This is the second straight week the weather has wiped out the concert at the Orleans County Marine Park.
“The weather doesn’t look as bad as last Tuesday but it is still scary enough,” said Frank Panczyszyn of the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association. “We didn’t want to take any chances.”
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a severe thunderstorm watch until 11 p.m. for Orleans and much of western and central New York.
An air quality alert also has been issued for Orleans and much of western and central New York until midnight.
“Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an air quality index value of 100 for fine particles,” the Weather Service said. “The air quality index was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale. The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 July 2021 at 11:38 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Vehicles head down Route 31 in Holley’s Public Square on Sept. 14, 2020 during a “Back the Blue” ride in Orleans County. A second ride is planned for Aug. 1.
HOLLEY – A second “Ride for the Blue” in support of law enforcement is being planned for Aug. 1, with the procession to travel more than 50 miles throughout Orleans County.
Last year the first “Back the Blue” event attracted about 500 vehicles, including 300 motorcyclists. It took the procession about 25 minutes, from start to end, to pass through the Public Square in Holley. But on Route 104 in Gaines, where the speed limit was 55, it took 14 minutes for the vehicles to pass by.
David Paul is helping to organize the event which will start at his property at 3823 Countyline Rd. in Murray. He is expecting a bigger turnout this time.
Participants in the ride are welcome to Paul’s property to begin staging at 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 1. There will be speakers from 11:15 a.m. to noon with the ride to start at noon.
“Someone needs to stand up and support the police,” Paul said. “They are the first ones you call when you need help.”
The route is planned to go from Monroe-Orleans Countyline Road to Route 104 west to Route 63 south to Medina (with a detour due to bridge being out on 104 near Culvert Road), then Route 31 eastbound towards Albion and Holley with the ride ending on Monroe-Orleans Countyline Rd. (Paul said he believes the Route 31 bridge in Knowlesville will be open briefly for the fair and the ride. If not, an alternative will be worked out.)
The ride order includes an Orleans County Sheriff’s Office patrol car, the Holley Fire Department, motorcycle, other fire trucks, vintage cars and trucks, “everybody else” and all big trucks and dump trucks.
About 300 motorcyclists participated in last year’s ride.
ALBION – Albion Central School District has hired 24 new employees heading into the 2021-22 academic year, as approved by the Board of Education.
The list includes 14 teachers, three administrators and seven non-instructional staff members due to numerous retirements and in anticipation of schools reopening this fall.
“We are excited about the new year and what it will bring,” said Superintendent Mickey Edwards. “We are confident that all our employees, including new, are ready to provide our students with the best learning experiences and strive towards our mission of ‘Achievement, Character and Success for Life.’”
The following are the new hires and their positions:
Teaching Staff
Emily Lutey – MS/HS Spanish
Amanda Kast – ES 4th Grade
Miranda Allen – HS Special Education
Bethany Bowman – ES Kindergarten
Katreyel Walton – ES 3rd Grade
Tammie Golden – MS CTE
Bayli Schlierf – HS Special Education
Kateri Moskaluk – MS 7th/8th Math AIS
Niccole Nicholson – K-5 Social Worker
Julianne McGrath – MS Counselor
Caton McKenna Conde – HS English
Jennalyn Long – 6-12 Social Worker
Megan Hanrahan – ES Kindergarten
Delaney Dominguez-Salerno – ES 4th Grade AIS
Administrators
Angela Conway – ES Principal
Rebecca Manfreda – Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
Mariah LaSpina – MS Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
Non-Instructional Staff
Christina Burgio – ES Teacher Aide
Emily Hyde – Teacher Aide
Sarah Williams – Cleaner
Mattea Woolston – ES Clerk
Christine Bloom – ES Teacher Aide
Jill Scharping – ES Teacher Aide
Mollie Radzinski – Community Schools Public Relations Coordinator
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 July 2021 at 9:26 am
Provided photos
ALBION — Zeke Given of Angry Bees Apiary in Genesee County was up high in a lift on Monday and removed the nest of honeybees on a statue of Joseph at the Holy Family Parish in Albion.
The bees, including the queen, were successfully extracted without being harmed, Holy Family said in a message to the Orleans Hub.
Zeke Given and his friend Brad Mudrzynski go up in a lift to remove the nest of bees. Jeremy Neal of Poverty Hill Farms in Albion provided the lift for the two to remove the bees from the church on West Park Street.
Since photos of the nest were posted Saturday on the Orleans Hub, the situation created a lot of buzz in the community.
Zeke Given, right, and his friend Brad Mudrzynski were happy to complete the job.
