Photo by Tom Rivers: John Heise gives Holley’s commencement address on June 28, 2014. He was heavily involved with the school district the past 40 years.

HOLLEY — The school district on Monday will dedicate the Holley Jr./Sr. High School Library in memory of John Heise, who dedicated 40 years to serving the district as a school administrator and then as a volunteer on the Board of Education..

The district is planning a 5:30 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 21 to dedicate the John P. Heise Memorial Library. This will be by invitation only.

Heise, 73, passed away on December 23, 2020. He started working at Holley in 1981 as the elementary school principal. He was later the high school principal and then director of special programs, overseeing special education. About a year after he retired, he joined the Board of Education.

In addition to serving on the Holley BOE, Heise was president of the Holley Rotary Club and a former district governor for Rotary. He also was previously a member of the Holley Village Board and a trustee for the Community Free Library.

He attended numerous school and community events, and loved to chaperone foreign exchange students on excursions to Niagara Falls and other sites in the region.

Heise was active on social media, often bragging about Holley students, especially with their community service projects.

“John was a consistent champion for the students of Holley,” Brian Bartalo, district superintendent, said after Heise’s death. “He was a fixture at all school events from concerts and plays to athletic events and award ceremonies. Through John’s work with the Holley Rotary, he helped many students over the years with scholarships and assistance with whatever was needed, many times, right out of his own pocket.

“Mr. Heise always wanted the best for the district. He loved and worked on many committees to improve the school system. He also was also Holley’s representative on the Monroe2-Orleans BOCES Board of Education, where he served for well over a decade. John’s generosity and dedication to the students of Holley left a legacy that will never be forgotten.”

Provided photos: Lions Region and Zone chair Peter Kaiser presented the Robert J. Uplinger Award for dedicated service to Medina Lions’ outgoing president Billy Roman at their annual banquet at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.

MEDINA – The Medina Lions Club held its year-end celebration June 8 at White Birth Golf Course in Lyndonville. The dinner recognized and thanked outgoing officers and board members who led the club through a very successful year, despite the many challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, said Lion Don Colquhoun.

Among those honored were outgoing president Billy Roman who was presented with the prestigious Robert J. Uplinger Award for dedicated service to the community. Roman also received several club recognition awards.

Medina Lion Dean Bellack, right, was honored by the Lions Clubs International Foundation with presentation of the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. Presenting the award is Lions Region and Zone chair Peter Kaiser.

Lion Dean Bellack was honored by the Lions Club International Foundation with the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the highest recognition a Lion can receive. Bellack has more than 15 years of service to his community.

John Oakes and Cindy Winters were inducted as new members into the Medina Lions at their annual June banquet at White Birch Golf Course.

The Lions’ region and zone chair Peter Kaiser inducted two new club members, John Oakes and Cindy Winters. He also inducted the club officers and board members for 2021-22. They included incoming president Tim Moriarty; vice presidents Jim Punch, Tom Robinson and James Gardner; treasurer, Ken Dunham; and secretary, Carol Bellack.

The evening concluded with a discussion of planned club activities for the next year, including the eighth annual Community Garage Sale, the fall Scarecrow Fest and all the other regular club community activities and events.

Ken Dunham, left, receives a plaque for dedicated service by the Medina Lions Club outgoing president Billy Roman.

Jacob Velesko touts Medina Waterfalls as ‘historical gem’

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Medina senior Jacob Velesko is presented with a check for $1,000 from Rob Klino on behalf of the Medina Sandstone Society’s John Ryan Scholarship Fund.

MEDINA – A scholarship from the Medina Sandstone Society will go a long way toward books and slides for college, recipient Jacob Velesko said Wednesday prior to receiving a $1,000 check from the Sandstone Society’s John Ryan Scholarship Fund.

“I’m happy and honored to be chosen,” Jacob said.

In front, Jacob Velesko, center, and his parents Jerry and Rose Ann of Middleport meet with two teachers from the History Department at Medina High School and members of the Sandstone Society prior to Jacob being presented with the John Ryan Scholarship. Second row, from left, are Mary Zangerle, Peggy Schreck, Craig Lacy and Barbara Waters. At rear, from left, are Jim Hancock, history teacher Todd Bensley, Rob Klino, Craig Tuohey, history teacher Margaret Martin and Sue Holland. The group is shown on the steps at City Hall.

Jacob and his parents, Jerry and Rose Ann Velesko of Middleport, were invited to the Sandstone Hall of Fame in Medina’s city hall on Wednesday afternoon to meet with members of the Sandstone Society and two Medina High School history teachers, Todd Bensley and Margaret Martin.

Jacob, who plans to attend the University of Buffalo to study mechanical engineering, won the scholarship by writing an essay on the topic, “Tell us About Your Favorite Medina Historical Gem.”

Jacob’s choice was what he called the “Mighty Medina Falls.”

His mother said Jacob first saw the Medina Falls, located on the north side of the canal off Horan Road, when she took him on an Alzheimer’s walk when he was 7 or 8.

“The path by the falls was part of the walk, and Jacob never forgot it,” Rose Ann said.

He said he chose to write about the falls because it is something which makes Medina unique.

“Look how they promote Niagara Falls,” Jacob said. “We kind of have our own Niagara Falls right here. It’s a pretty unique site for a small town.”

Sandstone Society member Jim Hancock welcomed guests who gathered in the Sandstone Hall of Fame. He explained the Hall of Fame was started in 2013 to showcase all the beautiful sandstone buildings throughout Western New York, the state of New York and even Canada and England.

“Sandstone has been here millions and millions of years, but it was just discovered when they dug the Erie Canal,” Hancock said.

Every year since 2013, a committee traveled to visit historic sandstone buildings and a handful were inducted into the Hall of Fame, every year but last year.

“We will be having an induction ceremony this year,” Hancock said. “Some of these buildings are more than a hundred years old.”

Members of the John Ryan Scholarship committee are Rob Klino, Craig Tuohey and Mary Zangerle.

Margaret Martin, Jacob’s history teacher, said he was an excellent student.

“He is very deserving of this scholarship,” she said.

ALBION – The Village of Albion will officially celebrate the new improvements at Bullard Park on Saturday. There will be a ribbon-cutting at 6 p.m. with an open mic concert to follow at the amphitheater.

That stage and performing venue is part of a major upgrade at the park, which also includes a new splash pad and a utility building with bathrooms.

File photo: The band Zero performs at the Rock the Park music festival at Bullard Park on July 25, 2015. Zack Burgess, center, is the lead singer. Zero will perform during open mic on Saturday at 6 p.m. and will be the house band during the evening. This pavilion has since been torn down.

The spray park opened last week on June 8 and has been a big attraction.

“I’m so happy,” said Ron Albertson, a member of the Rock the Park Committee that helped raise money for Bullard and organizes an annual music festival.

He stood on the stage recently at the amphitheater and was impressed.

“It’s absolutely beautiful,” Albertson said. “It’s better than I imagined.”

The Rock the Park Committee started about 8 years ago, initially with a focus to replace some aging playground equipment. The playgrounds were improved, but the committee had its sights on turning the park into a destination with the splash pad and amphitheater.

The latest project is part of about $800,000 in upgrades to Bullard, Albion’s most popular park on Route 31.

The village in December 2016 was awarded a $499,605 state grant for the Bullard projects. The village also received $97,500 from the county and $45,000 from the town of Albion, money that was through a revolving-loan fund by the Orleans Economic Development Agency.

The Albion DPW committed to $166,370 of in-kind services as part of Albion’s local share for the state grant. The DPW took down a pavilion and storage building in 2019 to make way for the new utility building. The DPW also ran a new sewer line across Route 31 near the Bullard entrance. That sewer line will service the park.

The DPW also ran 600 feet of waterline for the splash pad and utility building, several feet of sewer line, and did the electric service for the amphitheater.

“We worked hard on this for eight years,” Albertson said. “Now look at what we got.”

The amphitheater faces the northside of the park. The new spray park and a utility building with bathrooms are in the background.

The public and musicians are welcome to the open mic evening. The band Zero will perform first and will remain the house band throughout the evening. However, other bands and performers are expected to have a turn. The music is expected to go until 9 p.m., but could go longer if there is a lineup of musicians.

“I’m excited and this has obviously been a long time coming,” said Zack Burgess, a member of the band Zero, a village trustee and Rock the Park member. “It’s exciting to have something like this in our hometown.”

The open mic will be a chance for many musicians to play on the stage in its debut, rather than one band.

“Being a community effort to make this happen we wanted to open it up to the community,” Burgess said.

Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) delivered a floor speech this afternoon in support of his legislation, the Help Wanted Act, and to raise concerns about the problems being caused by labor shortages nationwide.

Remarks as prepared for delivery:

“I rise today in support of my legislation the Help Wanted Act, which would reinstate work search requirements for unemployment benefits and end disincentives for work.

“We have now gotten two jobs reports that fell far short of projections.

“Meanwhile, it was reported there was a record 9.3 million job openings.

“In my home of Western New York, there are reports that restaurants are turning customers away, when they need them most, because they are short staffed.

“In February, the Congressional Budget Office published a report stating our economy would return to pre-pandemic strength without additional government spending.

“Yet, the President and Democrats forced through a highly partisan and unrelated $2 trillion package.

“The result is it has now become more lucrative to stay home than seek employment – to the detriment of our economic recovery.

“Vaccines are rolling out, the CDC has updated their guidance, and positivity rates are dropping.

“It’s time to get back to work.”

Jacobs introduced the Help Wanted Act in May to address growing labor shortages in the United States in part from the enhanced unemployment benefits included in the last Covid-19 relief package.

Recently, the National Federation of Independent Business reported that 48% of small businesses surveyed were unable to fill open positions. Jacobs’ legislation currently has cosponsors from nine other states facing similar problems.

Lyndonville announces plans today to move ceremony inside at auditorium on June 24

Photo by Tom Rivers: Kendall’s Class of 2020 on June 26 last year held their graduation outside at the Kendall firemen’s grounds. The state set a maximum size at 150 people for graduation ceremonies for 2020, unless people were in cars. Kendall decided to have an outdoor ceremony and allow families to drive-in and park. The 51 graduates had seats on chairs that were spaced six feet apart to meet the state’s social distancing guidelines. The district next week will have graduation at the soccer stadium.

Four of the five school districts in Orleans County are planning to have graduation outside.

In the pre-Covid era, Holley was the only district in the county that typically would have graduation outdoors. The district for many years had graduation at the soccer stadium before shifting to Hawk Stadium, the football and track facility that is a close walk from the middle-high school.

Other districts in the county – Albion, Kendall and Medina – will be having their ceremonies outdoors. Lyndonville was planning an outdoor ceremony but today announced it would have commencement inside at the school auditorium like it did in pre-Covid years.

LYNDONVILLE – The district moved the service inside after Gov. Andrew Cuomo eased some restrictions on Tuesday.

“We are thrilled to have a return of our time-honored graduation ceremony to celebrate the Class of 2021!” the district superintendent, Jason Smith, posted today on the school website and social media.

Lyndonville will be making a big change for this graduation. It will be held on a Thursday, instead of the fourth Friday in June. Lyndonville’s ceremony will be 7 p.m. on June 24.

Albion, Kendall and Medina are all planning 7 p.m. ceremonies on Friday, June 25. The graduation celebrations will be outdoors and the services could be pushed back a day if there is inclement weather.

ALBION – The district usually has graduation in the high school gymnasium. This year it will be at the football field.

Last year, when schools were limited to no more than 150 people at commencement, Albion opted to record each student receiving his or her diploma individually and then compiled a video.

This year the students will all be together for graduation. The crowd will sit on the football field, between the 20-yard lines, with the grads in the bleachers.

If it’s raining on June 25, Albion will move the ceremony to 2 p.m. on June 26. If it’s raining then, June 27 at 2 p.m. is the next option.

The graduates will walk from the community entrance at the back high school parking lot, up the driveway and enter the football stadium from the east gate facing the elementary school. Faculty will line up and create a tunnel for students to pass through. After the ceremony, the graduates can gather on the grassy area between the football stadium and high school parking lot. That differs from the past when the graduates and their families would congregate in front of the high school.

KENDALL – The district normally has graduation in the school auditorium. Last year it had a drive-in ceremony on the Kendall fire department grounds with most families watching from their vehicles.

This year the ceremony will be at the recently upgraded soccer field.

MEDINA – Commencement is usually in the auditorium but this year will be at Vets Park with the entire class together. Last year’s graduation was split into three services at Vets Park to try to stay under the 150-person cap. That included three groups of about 37 grads and they were each allowed three tickets for family.

Next Friday, June 25, the entire class will graduate at the same time. (In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to noon on Saturday, June 26.)

HOLLEY – The district last year had graduation in the high school parking lot. That way the school could stay under the 150-person cap because each vehicle counted as one person as long as the people in the vehicle stayed together.

The district won’t have to worry about that this year. Graduation is back at Hawk Stadium and each grad will be given 7 tickets for friends and family to attend the ceremony at 10 a.m. on June 26. (If inclement weather forces Holley to be in the auditorium, only 4 red tickets can be used per graduate.)

“This has been one crazy year, but we made it and we are finishing the year for the Class of 2021 as traditionally as possible,” the district posted on its website.

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – Four school districts in Orleans County recognized the Top 10 graduates at a banquet on Tuesday evening at the White Birch Golf Course. This is the 35^th annual Academic Excellence Awards celebration in the county.

The top photo shows five of Medina’s top graduates, including from left: Carina Kingsbury, Hannah Kenward, Carter Green, Alwyn Cayea and Brooklyn Brown.

Each of the Top 10 students received a medallion and certificate for their academic achievements. These medallions were presented to the Medina students.

Last year’s Top 10 banquet was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The banquet recognized the top students at Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina school districts. Albion does a separate honors convocation where students with a cumulative GPA of 90 percent or higher are recognized.

This year’s banquet for the Top 10 was scaled down with no keynote address or presentations from state legislators and other dignitaries. Organizers were trying to keep attendance below 150 to avoid proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test.

The Top 10 graduates at the four districts include:

• Holley: Karl Biedlingmaier, Amya-Omar Cancino, Kasey DeFrank, Andrew Drechsel, Brandi Heffernan, Erin Kelly, Allyson Skehan, Hayley Skidmore, Annalise Tinkous and Callie Updike.
• Kendall: Grace Allen, Willow Clark, Kylie Davenport, Jacob Esposito, Madison Jacob, MacKenzie Jenks, Ethan Kuhn, Lauren Miller, Joseph Nettles, Karlee Robb and Brianna Wakefield.
• Lyndonville: Alexander Barry, Olivia Braley, Nathan Dillenbeck, Lynlee Hong, Dylan Jisa, Erin Kiefer, Emma Maynard, Zayda Moyle, Cameron Paniccia and Sydney Wilson.
• Medina: Suvi Biesinger, Brooklyn Brown, Alwyn Cayea, Carter Green, Hannah Kenward, Carina Kingsbury, Emma Roush, Evie Schultz, Sydney Watts, Amanda Woodruff and FaithAnn Vanderwalker.

These students from left include: Brianna Wakefield, Karlee Robb, Joseph Nettles, Lauren Miller, Ethan Kuhn, MacKenzie Jenks and Madison Jacob.

Grace Allen is presented her medallion by Julie Christensen, the district superintendent at Kendall.

Lyndonville’s Top 10 are recognized at the banquet at the White Birch Golf Course.

Nate Dillenbeck, Lyndonville’s valedictorian, accepts his medallion and certificate for his academic excellence.

Amya-Omar Cancino of Holley is congratulated by Brian Bartalo, Holley’s district superintendent.

David Vanderwalker, left, and Matthew Miner properly folded an American flag before placing it in a burn barrel.

MEDINA – Scouts from Pack and Troop 28 at the United Methodist Church and Pack and Troop 35 from St. Mary’s Church met with veterans from the Butts-Clark American Legion Post at the Conservation Club on Bates Road to conduct their annual flag burning ceremony.

The Scouts and veterans have been celebrating Flag Day for 27 years by properly disposing of American flags which are no longer serviceable, said Frank Berger, a veteran and former Scout executive.

Scoutmaster Tim Miller explained the ceremonial burning.

“These served as a reminder of our nation and those who served us well,” he said.

In the past, flag burning ceremonies were also conducted at the Scout cabin on School No. 10 road, but the area did not have accessible parking, so it was decided not to have it there this year, said Frank Berger, a veteran and former Boy Scout executive with the Iroquois Trail Council.

Used flags are collected throughout the year at various locations in the Medina area, including the American Legion. Then they are brought to the annual flag burning ceremony, which begins with a reading on the proper disposal of the flag. Burning is the only proper way to dispose of an American flag which is no longer suitable to be flown.

HOLLEY – A man has been charged with attempted murder in the first degree after he allegedly lunged at a Holley police officer, attempting to stab him.

A Holley police officer was dispatched to the Holley waterfalls on Frisbee Terrace at 6:11 p.m. on Tuesday for report of a suspicious male walking around with a knife antagonizing people, said Robert Barton, Holley’s police chief.

Upon arrival, the officer approached David J. Simoni, 32, who was sitting on a park bench who did not respond to any of the officer’s questions. The officer then spoke with other individuals in the park to investigate the incident, Barton said.

When the officer returned to Simoni, who was still sitting on the bench, a physical altercation ensued as Simoni lunged at the officer, Barton said. During the altercation, the man attempted to stab the officer with a knife, Barton said.

With the assistance of nearby citizens, the officer was able to disarm Simoni and then the officer utilized his taser to cause the male to disengage. The male was taken into custody without further incident.

Simoni has been charged with attempted murder 1^st degree, criminal obstruction breathing, attempted aggravated assault, menacing, resisting arrest and criminal possession of a weapon. He was transported to the Orleans County Jail.

Provided photo

MEDINA – The Fillipelli family, which owns Tim Hortons in Medina, is shown with members of the Szatkowski family, who are raising money for ALS research and services. Medina native Jimmer Szatkowski in April was diagnosed with ALS.

Pictured from left include: Jennifer Fillippelli, Joey Fillipelli, Giuseppe Fillipelli, Betty Szatkowski (Jimmer’s Wife), Jimmer Szatkowski, Andrew Szatkowski, Sara, Lukin, and Wyatt Szatkowski

The Szatkowski family sold ‘Team Jimmer’ bracelets at Tim Hortons on May 25. The Fillippelli family agreed to donate $1 for every Team Jimmer bracelet that was sold that day. The Fillippellis donated $716 toward the cause. Altogether, the fundraising effort totaled $8,545.50 on May 25.

“It was an awesome day,” said Andrew Szatkowski. “Medina really showed up, and the Tim Hortons crew really shined! I really cannot thank the Fillipelli family enough, they have been incredibly generous, and we are blessed to call them friends.”

Jimmer Szatkowski is Andrew’s brother. Jimmer, 48, is a Medina native. He now lives in the Syracuse area and owns two Chick-fil-A restaurants, with sites in Cicero and Clay.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.

“We have hope that there will be a cure; however ALS research is underfunded,” the “Team Jimmer” cards stated that were included with the bracelets. “We need funds to make this Cure possible!”

YMCA will run program for 8 weeks this summer, renting kayaks and hydro-bikes for free

Photos by Tom Rivers: Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul rows in a kayak this afternoon in the Erie Canal in Medina. She was helping to promote a program for 8 weeks this summer with free rental of kayaks and hydro-bikes.

MEDINA – There will be free rentals of kayaks and hydro-bikes this summer in Medina, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul said today during a stop at Medina’s Canal Basin.

New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said the state is pushing to make the canal a bigger impact in the canal towns.

She also went kayaking in the canal and was joined by Medina Mayor Mike Sidari, Greg Reed of the Orleans County YMCA, and Brian Stratton, director of the state Canal Corp.

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. The other communities in the program include Macedon, Waterloo, Savannah and Amsterdam.

Hochul said the state is making a big tourism push to get New Yorkers and out-of-staters to vacation and experience sites all over the Empire State. She believes Medina will appeal to many people, especially with a historic downtown filled with local businesses.

“Medina has everything anyone can look for in a mini-vacation,” she said.

She has visited the Parade of Lights several times, which is held in late November, and has come to the community many times, including by boat, just for a getaway with her husband.

“Medina oozes charm,” she said. “It is an untapped jewel.”

In the new program offering kayaks and hydro-bikes, the New York Power Authority (which oversees the canal) will partner with the Orleans County YMCA. The hydro-bikes and kayaks will be available to rent with appointments made online. The YMCA will lead excursions at Glenwood Lake and the Canal.

Greg Reed of the YMCA said the programs will be twice a day Friday through Sunday at Glenwood Lake, and three times a day in the canal on Tuesday through Thursday. The program starts June 25. The website isn’t activated yet for appointments.

“As New York continues to reopen and New Yorkers get outside to enjoy everything our State has to offer, we are pleased to provide free recreational opportunities to explore our State in a way that has never been done before,” Governor Cuomo said in a news release this afternoon. “The ‘On the Canals’ excursion program will breathe new life into the Canal system, inviting both residents and visitors to kayak, bike, and fish along our historic waterways. I encourage all New Yorkers to come out and celebrate the natural beauty of our State’s Canals and support our local canalside communities and economies.”

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks during a news conference at Medina’s Canal Basin. She praised the Medina community for creating a destination. Pictured from left include Greg Reed, Orleans County YMCA director; Dawn Borchet, Orleans County tourism director; Medina Mayor Mike Sidari; New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton; and New York Power Authority Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Joe Kessler.

Building on last year’s successful “NY Canal Staycations” program, which featured kayaking on the Canal system and cycling on the Empire State Trail, this year’s “On the Canals” itineraries will expand the types of activities offered to also include birding tours, hydrobiking, and fishing. The “On the Canals” locations and itineraries include:

• Cruise the Canal by Kayak & Hydro-bike in Medina: Free guided kayak and hydrobike tours on the Erie Canal at the Medina Canal Basin
• Fish & Kayak at Medina Falls: Guided fishing excursions on Glenwood Lake to see Medina Falls and the historic aqueduct
• Off Road, On the Water: Bike & Kayak in Palmyra-Macedon: Paddling on the Erie Canal and pedaling along the Empire State Trail
• Biking & Boating in the Finger Lakes Wine Country: Bike and water taxi loop via the Cayuga-Seneca Trail and Cayuga-Seneca Canal
• Montezuma Wetlands: In Search of the Bald Eagle: Guided birding tour via kayak in the Montezuma Wetlands
• Travel a Lock: A Kayak & Bike Adventure in Amsterdam: A trip between Port Jackson and the historic Yankee Hill Lock

Brian Stratton of the Canal Corp. said the state is committed to seeing the canal be a vibrant part of upstate. The Canal Corp. will celebrate the 200^thanniversary of the canal’s opening in 2025.

“We have a responsibility to protect and honor its historic legacy,” Stratton said.

He wants to see the Canal Corp. and local communities better utilize the canal for fun activities and to give businesses a boost.

The Village of Medina wants local residents and visitors to have more fun experiencing the Erie Canal.

The Canal Corp. last fall kept water in Orleans for an extra month and released it to increase water flow in streams, helping the local fishery, which has a $29 million annual impact in Orleans County, said Dawn Borchet, county tourism director.

She praised the Canal Corp. and the local leaders “for constantly looking for ways to reimagine the canal.”

Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton tries a hydro-bike at the canal at Medina.

The canal is now under management of the New York Power Authority, which is spending $140 million annually on the 524-mile system.

Joe Kessler, New York Power Authority executive vice president and chief operating officer, said many people discovered the canal and the small canal towns last year through “stay-cations.”

The new initiative announced today will bring more people to the canal communities to experience the canal and other nearby attractions, he said.

Through the Reimagine the Canals initiative, Cuomo and NYPA committed $300 million over five years to revitalize the Erie Canal corridor as a tourism and recreation destination while simultaneously boosting economic development and improving the resiliency of canalside communities.

“As an upstate New Yorker who lives near the Erie Canal and is a frequent visitor to canal communities, I know how vital the Erie Canal is to generating economic activity for local businesses and creating jobs,” Hochul said. “With the free ‘On the Canals’ excursion program, many New Yorkers will be able to experience the Erie Canal for the first time, while visiting the many charming communities along the Canal and providing a tourism boost for local businesses. There is no better time to explore what New York State has to offer.”

Unvaccinated individuals should continuing to wear a mask, per CDC guidance

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that Covid-19 restrictions are lifted immediately as 70 percent of New Yorkers aged 18 or older have received the first dose of their Covid-19 vaccination series.

The State’s health guidance and New York Forward industry specific guidelines—including social gathering limits, capacity restrictions, social distancing, cleaning and disinfection, health screening, and contact information for tracing—are now optional for retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and personal care services, among other commercial settings.

Unvaccinated individuals continue to be responsible for wearing masks, in accordance with federal CDC guidance. Consistent with the State’s implementation of the recent CDC guidance, masks are still required for unvaccinated individuals.

Further, the State’s health guidelines continue to be in effect for large-scale indoor event venues, pre-K to grade 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and health care settings per CDC guidelines.

“What New York has done is extraordinary. Not only do we have the lowest Covid positivity rate in the United States of America, we have hit 70 percent vaccination ahead of schedule,” Cuomo said. “We successfully deployed the weapon that will win the war, and New York led the nation.”

As of today, over 70 percent of adult New Yorkers have received at least the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and the rate of new Covid-19 cases has plummeted to the lowest levels in the nation.

Given New York’s progress and the diminished risk of Covid-19 within the community, the State is lifting Covid-19 restrictions effective immediately, except for the mask requirement for unvaccinated individuals and in certain settings (e.g., large-scale indoor event venues, pre-K to grade 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes and health care settings per CDC guidance).

While New York Forward industry reopening guidance is no longer mandatory for most industries, these documents will be archived and made available as a public reference.

With the removal of the State’s minimum standard for reopening, businesses are free to choose to lift all or some restrictions, continue to adhere to the State’s archived guidance, or implement other health precautions for their employees and patrons. Businesses are also authorized to require masks and six feet of social distancing for employees and patrons within their establishments, regardless of vaccination status. Any mask requirements that businesses choose to implement must adhere to applicable federal and state laws and regulations, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The State’s Covid restrictions remain in effect for large-scale indoor event venues—now defined as indoor venues that hold more than 5,000 attendees. Consistent with the State’s implementation of the CDC guidelines, proof of vaccination can be used to eliminate social distancing and remove masks for fully vaccinated individuals.

Unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status individuals who are over the age of four must continue to present proof of a recent negative diagnostic Covid-19 test result and wear masks within the venue. However, social distancing can be reduced or eliminated between tested attendees, allowing venues to reach 100 percent capacity in all sections.

Rob Ortt, Senate Republican Leader, issued this statement this afternoon:

“Like all New Yorkers, I welcome today’s news that most remaining Covid restrictions will be lifted. I want to thank the thousands of frontline workers, healthcare professionals and countless others who helped us through this crisis and led us to this point. I would also like to recognize the many small businesses who fought to make it out of this pandemic and provided paychecks to millions of New York families during this difficult time.

“Instead of taxpayer funded firework shows celebrating his own lack of leadership, the Governor should mark this occasion by ending the state of emergency and reinstating the Legislature as a co-equal branch of government. Only then can we fully repeal unnecessary restrictions like masks mandates for school children.”

LYNDONVILLE – The school district on Monday honored a nurse as staff member of the year and two teachers as educators of the year.

Mary Bateson-Kurz – dedicated school nurse the past 20 years

Mary Bateson-Kurz, the school nurse the past 20 years, was named the first recipient of the staff member of the year. She has always been a dedicated nurse for Lyndonville students, but took on an even bigger role this past school year during the Covid-19 pandemic, said Jason Smith, the district superintendent.

She was praised for being “a calming influence in the storm” and an “essential member” of the district’s team that makes safety decisions for the schools. Bateson-Kurz sorted through ever-changing regulations from the state and made those guidelines understandable to students, parents, faculty and staff, said Sharon Smith, the district’s director of instruction and student services.

Bateson-Kurz responds to numerous emails, voicemails and texts from parents and staff, often on weekends and in the evenings.

The school nurse position has become more demanding with changing mandates and regulations from the state and federal governments, and some students with complex health needs, said Dr. Aaron Slack, middle-high school principal.

Bateson-Kurz assumed a leadership role with the district the past year, handling an increased workload and stress with “a calm, wise and supportive voice amidst the ever-shifting myriad of bureaucratic guidance and directives related to COVID safety and reopening,” Slack wrote in his nomination for her.

Bateson-Kurz , in accepting the award, thanked parents for their cooperation in the past year. They screened their children before sending them to school, and kept them home if they had Covid symptoms. She acknowledged the challenges for families when students needed to stay home if they were determined to be a close contact with someone who had Covid.

She praised the district staff for their increased efforts with keeping the school clean this past year.

“It has been a community effort,” she said about fighting the spread of Covid and keeping the schools open all year for in-person classes.

Bateson-Kurz will receive a $500 grant from the district for receiving the award. She will use that towards the cost of buying an audiometer which can help screen children as young as 3 for hearing acuity. It performs the test in English and Spanish.

Jennifer Trupo – Lyndonville grad connects with students at her alma mater as music teacher

Jennifer Trupo was recognized as one of two educators of the year. A music teacher, she works with elementary and high school students as K-12 vocal and general music teacher. She also directs the high school music in a combined production with Lyndonville and Medina students.

Kristina Best, a Lyndonville music teacher, was among the nominees for Trupo. Best said her colleague is resilient and “the most positive person I know.” Trupo has brought stability to the music program, and allowed students to flourish, Best said.

“One of the things that sets Jen apart is her incredible ability to connect with students at all levels,” Best said. She can be teaching kindergarten one period and high school the next, and she does it flawlessly.”

Several students also nominated Trupo for the educator of the year. Brian Cunningham, a senior, has been in the chorus, musicals and select chorus for many years with Trupo. He said he is grateful he has had the privilege of being her student.

“She has an unbelievable ability to reach out to even the most close-minded student and inspire them to put their best foot forward and help them to be the best version of themselves they can be,” Cunningham said in his nomination letter. “Mrs. Trupo is a daily inspiration to not only me, but to countless other students and teachers.”

Alissa Klinetob, another student, said Trupo “is a smiling face in the halls and a ray of sunshine through school.”

Trupo was awarded $1,000 for winning the award and she said she would use it to purchase ukuleles for her students.

She praised many of her former teachers when she was a student at Lyndonville. They were the role models for her to pursue teaching.

She has built a level of trust with her students where they feel comfortable taking risks and expressing themselves.

“I go out of my way every day to show and tell my students that I care about them as people and that they are loved by me, and in turn they respond to me because they know it to be true,” Trupo said. “I would have zero success in the classroom if this wasn’t the case.”

Dan Dragula – science teacher praised for use of humor, creative class lessons

Dan Dragula teaches physics and astronomy at Lyndonville. He also is a class advisor and happily helps build sets for the school musical, and is a go-to person with sound, electrical, lights and technology.

Dragula received numerous nomination letters from current and former students, who praised his use of humor, creative experiments and passion in helping the students to understand complex concepts.

Dragula has been teaching at Lyndonville since 2013. He said he struggled in the beginning and didn’t feel like students were understanding the material. He continues to modify his teaching style, looking for ways to engage all students.

He was praised by the district for being a highly effective teacher, even with students who have been remote during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He was nominated for the award by Kristina Best, a music teacher, who called him “the epitome of a caring educator.” He is also a great resource to the other teachers.

“He helps anyone and everyone, and he truly wants to see if teacher succeed,” Best said. “He wants to help out simply for the joy of helping others and giving our students the best possible experience during their school careers.”

Parents also nominated Dragula and praised him for using a positive attitude and humor, as well as technology to help the students learn.

Jacob Corser, a senior, said Dragula is much more than a physics and science teacher. He fixes broken Chromebooks, builds sets and works on the light configurations at musicals.

“He gives so much of himself while still being an amazing teacher and person,” Corser said in his nomination letter. “I’m beyond grateful for all he has done for the school, my life and the lives of the students.”

Dragula said his focus for students isn’t just memorizing facts and formulas. Like Trupo, he wants students to feel safe to take risks in class and not be afraid of failure.

“My desire isn’t that I produce mindless robots with extensive scientific knowledge,” Dragula said. “I want smart, thoughtful, ethical students that use their knowledge and learning to better their lives and the lives of those around them.”

Retiring teacher grateful for career at Lyndonville

Jeff Gress is retiring after 29 years as a teacher and coach at Lyndonville.

The school district also recognized Jeff Gress on his impending retirement after 29 years at Lyndonville. He was hired as a technology teacher in 1992, and was a dedicated coach in wrestling, volleyball and track and field. He was also a GCC approved instructor, teaching Lyndonville students engineering and architectural drawing classes.

Gress was always willing to take on new challenges for the district, said Jason Smith, the district superintendent.

Two years ago he led Lyndonville’s new FFA chapter. He has served on other district committees and has brought a servant’s heart to the position while setting high expectations for students and athletes, Smith said.

Gress said he is happy his career was spent at Lyndonville.

“I love our district,” he said. “I love everything about it.”

• Lyndonville also awarded tenure to teachers Alisha Duffina and Maegan Suhr