By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 February 2025 at 9:46 am
COs want more staffing in prisons, end to HALT Act
Photos by Tom Rivers: This group is out in the bitter cold across from the Orleans Correctional Facility on Gaines Basin Road for a strike. About 100 correction officers gathered outside the prison to demand more staffing and an end to the Halt Act which limits solitary confinement among incarcerated people. The HALT Act has made the prisons less safe for both inmates and staff, officers said.
ALBION – Corrections officers are on an historic strike at prisons around the state today, including the two in Orleans County: Orleans and Albion correctional facilities.
The staff were supposed to show up to work at 6:45 a.m. for a shift change. But instead about 100 corrections officers gathered outside the facilities for a strike.
Officers are demanding the HALT Act be rescinded. That state law has limited how inmates can be put in solitary confinement. It has taken punishment and deterrents away from officers in trying to keep the facility safe for both staff and other incarcerated people, COs said at the strike today.
“It is absolutely horribly unsafe,” one striking corrections officer said outside Orleans Correctional, a medium security men’s prison.
Corrections officers say the HALT Act keeps many violent inmates in the general population, putting the facility at risk for both staff and incarcerated people.
About 100 staff were outside Orleans Correctional on Gaines Basin Road, standing in bitter cold temperatures. It was about 10 degrees out with blowing snow, and a wind chill below zero.
Another group was outside on strike at Albion Correctional, a women’s prison at the end of Washington Street.
Orleans Correctional is down about 60 COs. It should have 281 but currently only has 220, one corrections officer said. That was required lots of mandatory overtime. One CO said many new hires quit because of the long hours and safety inside the prison walls. COs also said drugs regularly enter the prison, adding to the unsafe conditions. Drugs are often sent in packages and the understaffed facility can’t fully check all of the packages and mail, COs said.
“This is as serious as it’s got in my 40 years,” said retired Sgt. Arnold Jonathan of Orleans Correctional. “I thank God every day I’m retired.”
He drove from Niagara County to be at the strike in a show of solidarity. He said the last strike was in 1979.
The officers are on strike knowing they could lose their jobs as part of the Taylor Law which prevents a strike from public employees. The strike at Albion and Orleans follows a strike on Monday at Elmira and Collins correctional facilities. COs interviewed at Orleans said those strikes prompted a much larger response across the state today. More than 20 prisons out of the 44 total are expected to have striking COs today.
COs also oppose mandatory overtime. One officer drives an hour to work at Orleans, He said he has regularly been working 80 hours a week and seldom gets to spend time with his family.
The union representing the corrections officers, the New York State Correction Officers Police Benevolent Association, is not sanctioning the strikes.
This sign blames Gov. Kathy Hochul and Daniel F. Martuscello III, the commissioner of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, for unsafe conditions in the prisons that prompted the strike.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2025 at 7:38 pm
ALBION – The Orleans County offices will be closed on Tuesday due to the anticipated hazardous travel conditions.
“While we strive not to reduce the availability of county services, we felt it was imperative in this situation for the safety of the public and employees,” said Justin Niederhofer, the county’s emergency management director. “Essential employees still need to report to work at their scheduled times.”
The lake effect snow warning issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect until 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke also has issued a travel advisory until 1 p.m. Wednesday. He recommends against non-essential travel.
“Motorists are urged to use extreme caution, as reduced visibility or zero visibility at times and snow-covered roads pose significant travel risks,” Niederhofer said. “Road and weather conditions will be monitored, and the travel advisory will be updated accordingly.”
The County Legislature meeting for Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. has been pushed back two days to Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
Modern Disposal is planning to do trash pickup on Tuesday. If there is a change, it will be announced, Niederhofer said.
“Emergency services and essential personnel will remain operational during this time,” he said. “Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official county social media pages, county website and local media updates.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2025 at 5:53 pm
• Due to the extreme weather, the Orleans County Offices will be closed on Tuesday.
• The Village of Medina Clerk’s Office is closed on Tuesday.
• The Shelby Town Hall will be closed on Tuesday due to the hazardous weather conditions. Court appearances are rescheduled to the next week on Tuesday.
• The Carlton town offices will be closed on Tuesday.
• The Yates Town Hall will be closed on Tuesday.
• The Town of Ridgeway offices will be closed on Tuesday. The Town Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening will be postponed until Thursday at 7 p.m.
• Community Action of Orleans and Genesee will be closed on Tuesday due to dangerous weather conditions. The closings include the Holley Community Center, Albion and Batavia locations as well as all Head Start classrooms.
• Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina will be closed on Tuesday.
• Orleans Community Health’s Albion Healthcare Center will be closed on Tuesday.
• The Orleans County Legislature meeting scheduled for Tuesday is postponed to Thursday, Feb. 20, at 4:30 p.m.
• Town of Gaines offices will be closed on Tuesday.
• The Town of Gaines Court will be closed on Tuesday. Those with scheduled appearances will be notified by mail of their new return date.
• The Kendall Town Board also moved its meeting back a day from Tuesday to Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Kendall Town Hall.
• The Medina Emergency Food Pantry at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Medina will be closed on Tuesday.
• Tuesday Night Ladies Merchant League at Oak Orchard Bowl is cancelled Feb. 18. Regular league bowling will resume next week on Feb. 25.
• Bloom’s Flower Shop will be closed for walk-ins on Tuesday. You can still place an order online or by phone at (585) 589-5119.
• The Orleans Association of Municipalities scheduled for Tuesday is cancelled. The meeting will not be rescheduled for February.
• Lyndonville Food Pantry is closed on Tuesday.
• Town of Albion Court is cancelled for Tuesday. Those with scheduled appearances will be notified by mail of their new court date.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2025 at 5:26 pm
Sheriff recommends no unnecessary travel until 1 p.m. Wednesday
ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke has issued a travel advisory, recommending no unnecessary travel until 1 p.m. on Wednesday when a lake-effect snow warning expires.
Bourke said he consulted with local highway superintendents, the county Department of Public Works, county officials and the Emergency Management Office to issue the travel advisory.
“Currently, we have snow and blowing snow producing low visibility, white-outs and extremely dangerous conditions in some areas,” Bourke said. “We are also expecting very high winds with dangerously low wind chill factors during this storm.”
As conditions change, the advisory will be reassessed, Bourke said.
The county could get another 10 to 18 inches of snow in a lake-effect storm. The low tonight is 10, followed by a high of 17 on Tuesday and an overnight low of 10. On Wednesday, the high is forecast for 18 degrees with an overnight low of 12.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2025 at 3:28 pm
EDA changes from PILOT to lease-leaseback arrangement with Falls Road Railroad
File photos by Tom Rivers: A Genesee Valley Transportation train travels through Albion in this photo from March. Some Albion students were doing a cleanup day near the railroad tracks.
ALBION – The Falls Road Railroad, which runs from Lockport through Orleans County to Brockport, has been approved for a $1,652,330 state grant from Department of Transportation.
The funding will go towards new turnout lines and replacing some rail lines along the 41-mile railroad, Orleans Economic Development Agency officials said during the board meeting on Friday.
Photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from Sept. 9, 2015 shows the Falls Road Railroad in Albion. The railroad runs through Orleans County near Route 31, and stretches from Lockport to Brockport.
The Orleans EDA board approved ending PILOT agreements and instead having a lease-leaseback arrangement for the railroad in the county. The EDA is conveying the deed of the property to Falls Road, which is owned by the Genesee Valley Transportation company in Batavia.
The EDA helped Falls Road secure a previous grant of $480,000 from the Northern Border Regional Commission in 2019. NBRC has informed GVT and the Orleans EDA that the EDA doesn’t need title ownership for the railroad to receive grant funding. A leasehold agreement is sufficient, the Orleans EDA stated in a resolution adopted by the board on Friday.
The new grant from the DOT for $1,652,330 is an Industrial Access Improvements Grant and can include an agreement directly between the railroad owner and the DOT, the Orleans EDA said.
The EDA will instead have a lease-leaseback transaction to facilitate construction and operation of the railroad improvement project, the EDA board stated in the resolution.
The improvements to the railroad are expected to go through a bidding process.
The railroad is a key resource in the county for economic development, EDA officials said.
They praised GVT for recent upgrades along the railroad, which is seeing increased use. The EDA said additional siding could be added to serve Stockham Lumber in Holley and the former Bernzomatic plant in Medina.
“This is an important artery for our county,” said Craig Tuohey, an EDA board member.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2025 at 1:32 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: This miniature clay model of a reindeer was created by Brian Porter of Pendleton. He would like to make the reindeer as a bronze statue that would be 6 feet high and 6 feet long to add to Albion’s embrace of its heritage as home to a school for Santas.
ALBION – The Albion Village Board wants to hear from the community whether it should devote any village funds towards a sculpture of a reindeer.
The board will have a 6 p.m. public hearing on Feb. 26 in the village office about spending money towards a full-size clay model of a reindeer. Sculptor Brian Porter of Pendleton in Niagara County has created a miniature model of a reindeer. It’s the first step towards creating a full-size bronze statue. Porter envisions a reindeer with big antlers that would be six feet in height and six feet in length.
He also created the bronze statue of Santa on Main Street. That project was led by the Albion betterment Committee and funded with donations.
Village Trustee Joyce Riley said adding reindeer sculptures around Albion would be another way to celebrate the community’s Santa heritage and boost local tourism.
Porter said a full-size clay model of the reindeer would cost $12,500. To make a statue out of bronze would be another $65,000.
Riley would like to give Porter the go-ahead to work on the large clay model so it could be ready in time to be displayed during the Sept. 26-28 Erie Canal Arts & Craft Festival led by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council. The three-day festival is planned for Albion, Holley and Kendall.
Riley suggested the village fund the large clay model, and then pursue grants and donations for the bronze statue.
Once there is a mold for the bronze statue, Riley said duplicates could be made at the lower-cost metal and material so all of Santa’s nine reindeer are displayed around the community.
She would like to see $15,000 total set aside from the village with $12,500 towards the larger clay model and another $2,500 towards and advertising and fundraising campaign.
Mayor Angel Javier said the $15,000 “is a lot of money” and he wants to hear from taxpayers.
Riley said the reindeer ultimately could be part of encouraging more people to live in Albion, set up businesses and visit. She thinks it would have a larger economic impact on the community.
Albion is home to a Santa School from 1937 until the death of the school’s founder, Charles W. Howard in 1966. Howard also led the Christmas Park attraction in Albion.
Besides the bronze statue of Howard, there are two Christmas-themed murals in Albion as well as “Believe” signs. The state Department of Transportation also has dedicated a section of Route 31 in Albion as the Charles W. Howard Memorial Highway.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2025 at 12:50 pm
The price for an average gallon of regular unleaded gas didn’t change much in the past week, remaining at $3.18 state-wide and $3.25 in Orleans County, according to AAA.
Nationally, the price is up slightly by 2 cents to $3.16 a gallon.
“As spring approaches, refineries are beginning their transition to summer blend fuel, which often results in higher prices this time of year,” AAA said in a news release. “This week, gas prices rose by a few cents, bringing the national average to $3.16 per gallon. Routine seasonal maintenance and an offline refinery in Northern California are putting additional strain on supply. These factors are pushing gas prices up, which means consumers may see higher prices at the pump as warmer months approach, though other regions will likely see these changes before New York does.”
Here are the average prices in counties around Western New York:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2025 at 12:32 pm
The National Weather Service has issued a lake-effect snow warning for Orleans and Monroe counties, with 10 to 18 inches of snow expected in the most persistent snow bands through 1 a.m. on Wednesday.
The Weather Service said there will be heavy lake-effect snow and blowing snow.
“Travel will be very difficult to impossible, especially this afternoon and evening,” the Weather Service said. “Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility, with near whiteout conditions at times.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2025 at 11:19 am
‘There is so much good in Albion. How can we get people to see that?’
Provided image: “I Chose Albion” stickers and signs are expected to soon be available to show support for the Albion community.
ALBION – Rebecca Alexander and her family are grateful for the Albion community which has supporting their businesses, Dubby’s Tailgate and Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza.
Alexander and her husband Brian and their children started the wood fired pizza business in the summer of 2019, selling pizzas from a portable trailer and oven they set up by Arnold’s Auto Parts in Albion. The pizzas sold out every Friday, week after week.
When they were looking to establish a restaurant with tailgate and backyard games, they considered Lockport, Brockport and Batavia, but ultimately chose Albion due to the community support. Dubby’s Tailgate opened in a warehouse on Platt Street in December 2021 with the restaurant following in November 2022.
“We have a good community,” Alexander said. “We just need that extra motivation to change that mindset.”
She thinks many in Albion can be overly negative, and quick to be naysayers about efforts to better the community.
Alexander shared those thoughts with Courtney Henderson, owner of a social media agency in Albion – Babe Cave IncYOUbator.
The two wanted to counter the negativity they see about Albion in many social media posts, the knee-jerk tendency by many to share gloom and doom.
Last week, Henderson and Alexander invited about 30 people from Albion who own businesses and lead local organizations to discuss why they chose Albion.
“There is so much good in Albion,” Alexander said. “How can we get people to see that?”
Photo by Tom Rivers: Courtney Henderson, left, and Rebecca Alexander led a discussion and presentation last week about the positives of living and working in Albion. Dubby’s Tailgate hosted the event.
Alexander and Henderson presented an image proclaiming “I Chose Albion” that will be available on stickers and yard signs.
Henderson acknowledged being a business owner in a small town is a tough task that is not unique to Albion.
She led the group of about 30 attendees in a discussion where they split up in small groups. They were asked to discuss the following:
What’s your vision for Albion’s future, and how do you see yourself contributing to it?
If you could tell someone considering Albion why they should choose it, what would you say?
What change or growth have you seen in Albion that excites you the most?
What made Albion the perfect choice for your business?
What first drew you to Albion, and what made you stay?
How has being part of the Albion community impacted your journey?
The attendees were asked to share on note cards why they chose Albion and what motivates them to invest their time and talents to the community.
One said her husband loves Albion and wants to see the community prosper. “His passion is admirable and I have joined forces.”
One chose Albion because of the Erie Canal and Santa history with the Santa School and Christmas Park.
Albion has a deep heritage, one person wrote, and has youth sports opportunities with Little League, football, wrestling and basketball.
“It’s close to home with affordable property, beautiful architecture and family-oriented,” another wrote.
One person said Albion has “magical qualities” and “intangibles” like the town from the Brigadoon musical.
Another person grew up in Albion and sees friends in town she has known since grade school. “It is nice to go places and see people you have known for years.”
One person who has been rec director for about 50 years said he will never give up on Albion. John Grillo said he is grateful to have been in youth sports, and to have coached kids and led the parks program.
One said Albion has been a place for their family to have a growing business and small-town values where neighbors know each other.
“I came here because I could buy a huge house with lots of property affordably,” one person wrote. “It was a great place to raise successful, well-rounded children. They had a great experience here.”
One person said Albion is “not too big, not too small” and offers affordable housing and opportunities to be in school sports and music programs.
Another said Albion is safe with a small town feel, “everything is right around the corner.”
Some of the organizations at the discussion at Dubby’s included representatives from the Village Board, Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events (G-ACRE), Albion Merchants Association, Albion Youth Sports Athletic Program (AYSAP), the Albion Lions Club Albion Ministerium, Albion Rotary Club, Albion Town Board, Albion Betterment Committee and Bring Christmas Back to Albion.
“We want to get the organizations on the same page and be a united front,” Henderson said.
She and Alexander would like to see the groups meet every three months and share their upcoming activities and programs so the organizations can help promote each other and make the events even better.
They encouraged more people to celebrate the good in Albion.
“Every journey begins with a single choice – the choice to believe in Albion,” they said in one of their slides. “It’s the choice to see beyond challenges and recognize opportunity, to invest in not just businesses, but in people, in dreams, and in the future we are building together. It’s the choice to embrace Albion’s rich history while shaping its next chapter. And tonight, as we come together, we celebrate that choice – because every investment, every idea, and every partnership forged here strengthens the foundation of a thriving, connected, and prosperous Albion. The best part? The story is being written, and we all have the power to make it extraordinary.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2025 at 8:51 am
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued another winter weather advisory in Orleans County until 7 a.m. on Wednesday. The Weather Service said another 5 to 10 inches of snow is expected.
The Weather Service said the high for today will be 19 degrees with 1 to 3 inches of snow during the day, and another 1 to 3 inches possible overnight.
Tuesday is forecast for a high of 18 with another 1 to 3 inches of snow during the day, and another 1 to 3 inches overnight.
“Periods of heavy lake effect snow through Tuesday night,” the Weather Service said. “Travel will be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning and evening commutes.”
(Editor’s Note: The union representing Medina firefighters sent in the following to the Orleans Hub, which also is posted in the Letters to the Editor section.)
MEDINA – For far too long, your Medina Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2161 have remained silent over the numerous issues that have plagued the village and subsequently the fire department.
After the recent Village Board meeting on February 10th, we can no longer sit idly by while the Board’s inadequate preparation and poor execution of ill-conceived plans have put the public and firefighters at risk.
The lack of foresight and procrastination in planning for the inevitable costs associated with operating the fire department has culminated in many necessary, crucial
projects to be at the breaking point at the same time. The current situation we are in is a direct result of the poor planning and mismanagement of village resources and finances by the Board.
The lack of foresight and proper financial planning has led to a situation where multiple critical infrastructure and equipment needs are converging at once, pushing our department to a breaking point.
The following concerns must be addressed immediately:
1. Long-term planning ignored:
This poor planning and mismanagement dates back half a decade to Aug. 19, 2020, when a six-year plan was presented to the Board by Chief Jackson. That plan included needed upgrades to the Fire Station and equipment. On Oct. 25, 2021, Chief Jackson presented at a public hearing the needs of the Fire Department in replacing the 1996 Ladder Truck and upgrading the 1930’s-built building.
Despite these efforts, progress has been slow, and key elements of the plan remain unaddressed.
2. Inadequate Firehouse Facilities:
In November 2022, the Board was presented with a plan for a two-bay addition and crucial structural repairs to our current dilapidated firehouse, which was built in the 1930s for the DPW. This plan called for $4.5 million for the fire station and $1.5 million for the Village Office.
On Aug. 14, 2023, the Board voted to seek bonds up to $5.6 million for the firehouse. On Aug. 24, 2023, revised plans were received with an increased estimate of $6.4 million, with $1.1 million allocated for repairs and $5.3 million for the addition. Due to a long delay in the original quote and proposing a bond vote, the price of the project increased and the Board felt it was too costly.
The revised plan (that has not been approved) now includes only one apparatus bay and a bathroom, failing to address critical repairs to the existing facility at a cost of $1.04 million. This is wholly inadequate and does not meet the operational needs of our department.
For nearly a decade, $31,200 has been spent on two different engineering firms for multiple sets of plans, both of which were denied or ignored by the village Board. In addition, $20,000 was spent on purchasing the lot west of the village offices for proposed expansion (that was part of the original expansion plan for the Fire Department). While there may have been cause to change engineering firms and start the process all over again, the question is, why did it take so long?
3. Delayed and Costly Procurement of a New Ladder Truck:
The need for a new ladder truck was identified years ago, with an initial projected cost of $1.3 million in 2021. Due to the Board’s delay, a second request was made on June 26, 2023, at an approximate cost of $1.7 million, up $400,000.
The failure to act sooner has resulted in an increased financial burden on the village, ultimately costing taxpayers more while continuing to put firefighters at risk.
4. Severe Safety Risks Posed by the Current Ladder Truck Presented at the Last Meeting:
The existing 1996 ladder truck presents serious and unpredictable hazards, including:
An electrical fire near the batteries during a response on December 10, 2021, exposing firefighters to toxic smoke,
A brake drum failure on November 25, 2023, while the truck was in motion, posing a life-threatening risk to both firefighters and the public,
Numerous other mechanical and electrical failures that jeopardize the safety of our crews and the public daily.
This vehicle is essential for fire suppression, search and rescue, technical rescue, and firefighter assist and search team operations (utilized for rescuing trapped or injured firefighters). It serves not only our village but also supports neighboring departments in emergencies.
The decisions made by this Board directly impact the safety of our community and those sworn to protect it. We urge the Board to take immediate action. We implore the Board to expedite the necessary funding and repairs for our firehouse to ensure a safe and functional working environment. We invoke the Board to provide a clear, sustainable plan for equipment procurement that prevents unnecessary cost increases and safety risks.
The time for hesitation has passed. We call on the Village Board to prioritize these urgent needs and work collaboratively with the fire department to implement solutions that safeguard our community.
The next Medina Village Board meeting is on Feb. 24 at The Ridgeway Town Hall at 6 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Members of the Medina Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2161
(The union’s leadership includes Stephen Miller, president; Timothy Miller, vice president; Andrew Cheverie, secretary; and Chris Seefeldt, treasurer.)
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 February 2025 at 3:29 pm
BATAVIA – American Legion posts in Genesee and Orleans counties welcomed department officers to the annual testimonial dinner Feb. 11 at Batavia Downs.
Master of ceremonies David Rumsey welcomed guests and assisted Jim Wells, commander of the Butts-Clark American Legion in Medina, in a POW/MIA ceremony.
The deaths were acknowledged of two Genesee County Legion members, Robert Elkins and Dave Henry.
Gaither Espey, a member of Sons of the American Revolution, told of the founding of the organization in 1932. He also shared his joy at visiting the New York State Veterans’ Home in Batavia and having the opportunity to sit down and talk with a 102-year-old veteran. He also urged people to make donations to the SAR’s National Emergency Fund. Membership to SAR reached 397,243 in 2024, he said. Nationally, they saw a 104% increase in members. Currently, Genesee County is at 69.6% of its membership goal, while Orleans County has reached 94.57%.
(Left) Cathleen Fox, president of the Orleans County American Legion Auxiliary, presents a gift to Gaither Espey, Department Detachment commander of SAR. (Right) Eileen Banker, representing Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, and Skip Draper, representing Senator Rob Ortt, present proclamations to Gaither Espey, Department Detachment commander. Also presenting a proclamation was Gregg Torrey on behalf of State Senator George Borrello.
Kimberly Quick of Albany, Auxiliary Department president, was introduced as a member and volunteer who has served in many capacities.
Sharon DeBottis, Genesee County Auxiliary president, is also liaison to the VA in Batavia. Her women’s auxiliary is sponsoring a Creative Arts Festival and looking for donations to the Legion Auxiliary Emergency Fund. They aided 16 veterans last year. She said national membership is at 85 percent and Genesee County is at 82.66 percent.
Following introductions of the rest of the head table, Department Commander Keith Koster shared his message to the membership.
Those at the head table of the State Department Officers’ Testimonial Dinner at Batavia Downs included, from left, Kimberly Quick, Auxiliary Department president; Sharon DeBottis, Genesee County Auxiliary president; Cathleen Fox, Orleans County Auxiliary president; Pattie Galley, 8th District Auxiliary president; Gaither Esprey, Department Detachment commander; Daryl Verstreate, Detachment vice commander 7th and 8th District; Joshua Spinler, 8th District Detachment commander; and Patty Woodworth, Orleans County Auxiliary chaplain.
Koster is a native of Schenectady, residing in Saratoga Springs with his wife of 39 years, Cindy. The couple has two children and two grandchildren. He is a graduate of Shenendehowa High School and went on to earn a bachelor science in applied arts and sciences at Rochester Institute of Technology.
A United States Navy veteran and cancer survivor, Koster has climbed all 46 Adirondack peaks to commemorate the American Legion Centennial in 2019. His election concluded the 106th Annual Department Convention on July 17-19, 2024 at the Niagara Falls Convention Center.
While in the Navy, Koster served as an electronic warfare technician aboard the USS Suribaci during the 1980s. His service included deployment to the Mediterranean.
After his honorable discharge, he joined Xerox Corporation as a technician and became an area service manager, retiring in 2021 after 33 years.
Also at the head table, from left, were Gary Bassett, Botts-Fiorito Post #576 chaplain Gary Bassett; Holly Trueman, Department vice commander 7th and 8th District; Timothy Van Patten Sr., National Executive Committee; Joseph Rich, 8th District commander; Peter Huth, Orleans County commander; Ryan Ditacchio, Genesee County commander; Department commander Keith Koster; and master of ceremonies David Rumsey, 1st vice commander of Genesee County.
A dedicated member of the American Legion, he has been a member of the Adirondack Post 70 in Saratoga Springs for more than 26 years, serving in a variety of positions, including post commander. Koster also served as commander on the county and district levels before serving a term as department vice commander. His Legion involvement extends to the national level, where he has served on four committees.
In 2021, State Senator Daphne Jordan inducted him into the Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.
Besides spending time with his family, he enjoys mountaineering, pickleball and ballroom dancing.
He shared two special projects he is passionate about – the Department of New York Temporary Financial Assistance Program and “Be the One” suicide prevention.
He also noted that all three state American Legion leaders are from Saratoga County, the first time that has occurred.
Koster urged posts to have more women’s events, and praised the Legion’s Boys’ and Girls’ State programs.
Photos courtesy of Dave Lockhart/photographer for the Legion’s State Department: (Left) Rachael Spearance from Sheret American Legion Auxiliary in Albion, presents a monetary gift to Auxiliary Department president Kimberly Quick during the Department Officers testimonial dinner at Batavia Downs. (Right) The American Legion’s State Department Commander Keith Koster of Saratoga Springs shared his goals for the organization during the annual testimonial dinner.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 February 2025 at 2:41 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at Orleans Community Health, and OCH Foundation director Megan Johnson hold an invitation to the Foundation’s third annual gala, scheduled for March 1 at Bent’s Opera House.
MEDINA – The third annual gala to benefit Orleans Community Health Foundation will be a momentous occasion, celebrating the 100th year of the hospital in Medina.
The event March 1 will showcase generations who have worked at Medina Memorial Hospital and Orleans Community Health, said Megan Johnson, director of the OCH Foundation. It will also be the second year of presenting the George Bowen Award, named for the man who in the early 1900s saw a need in his community and started a hospital in a small house in Medina in September 1925.
The Bowen Award this year will honor two hospital supporters posthumously: Van Hungerford, a Medina native, entrepreneur and pillar of the community, and Dr. Ekran John Boulous, a dedicated supporter of the hospital.
Also honored will be Roland Howell of Medina, a longtime member of the hospital board back to the emergency room renovation in the early 1990s, and member of the Foundation Board for a number of years after that.
“He would come in at least once a month to get updates on the hospital,” said Scott Robinson, who is also great-great-grandson of George Bowen.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the gala, from 6 to 10 p.m., will feature signature drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres and music by Ken Ryan and the Professionals.
Theme for the evening is “The Roaring ’20s,” and attendees are encouraged to wear period attire.
“We hope to see many people in 1920s garb,” Johnson said.
Also, in keeping with the theme, a 1928 Marmon owned by a friend of hospital CEO Marc Shurtz will be parked at the door.
The gala was developed by Johnson after becoming foundation director several years ago.
“The idea for a gala with the caliber of ‘black tie’ had been kicked around for several years, but never materialized,” Johnson said. “I picked it up and ran with it, and it has been a tremendous success. We get a large attendance of Medina people and personnel from the surrounding area.”
She said they are trying to have events which appeal to people from all backgrounds and with all kinds of interests. They already sponsor a golf tournament and the Treasure Island raffle fundraiser, and for those who like to walk, they are planning “Walk a month in a nurses’ shoes” event.
“The average nurse walks more than 100 miles in a month,” Johnson said.
“We are trying to involve everyone in the community,” Robinson said. “We are hoping to have a jitterbug demo at the gala.”
He stressed all proceeds benefit the hospital.
Tickets for the gala are $150 and may be purchased online at www.orleanscommunityhealth.org/gala or by stopping in the Foundation office in the hospital lobby.
Courtesy of NYS Thruway Authority: Consumers are receiving text messages that are presented as an attempt to collect tolls.
Governor Kathy Hochul today is warning New York consumers of E-ZPass text message scams. Consumers have reported receiving SMS text messages attempting to collect tolls.
These fake texts are often sent from an international number and request the consumer to reply with “Y” to receive a link and contain an unofficial website. Consumers should be aware that E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail will never send a text or email requesting sensitive personal information such as credit card, birthday, Social Security number or other personally identifiable information.
“Public safety is my top priority, which is why I’m urging New Yorkers to take caution against senseless scammers sending fake E-ZPass text messages in an attempt to collect money for fake, unpaid tolls,” Governor Hochul said. “Consumers should know that E-ZPass, or Tolls by Mail, will never send a text or email requesting personal, sensitive information.”
If you are unsure about a message you received, call E-ZPass directly at 1-800-333-8655 or Tolls by Mail at 1-844-826-8400. You may also directly access the official websites from your browser at: EZPassNY.com and TollsByMailNY.com.
If you receive a fraudulent or suspicious SMS text message of any kind and have questions, you can contact the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Consumer Assistance Helpline at 1-800-697-1220, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm; excluding State Holidays. Consumer fraud complaints may also be filed at any time with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Tips to follow if you or someone you know receives a fraudulent SMS text message:
Don’t reply to text messages from unknown numbers. It could lead to a scam. Be wary of unsolicited messages from unknown senders that request personal information or payments and don’t respond to the message.
Don’t click on any links in the message or attempt to access a website through the text.
Delete and report the message using your phone’s “report junk” option. Forward unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM) and unwanted emails to your email provider. Use the reporting features that are built into devices or email platforms. Reporting suspicious phishing messages is one of the most efficient methods for protecting you as it helps identify new or trending phishing attacks.
Block the sender’s email address or phone number.
Remember, it’s always better to be cautious. If you’re unsure of the legitimacy of a message, avoid engaging with the sender.
Clicking a link from a fraudulent text message puts your personal information and money at risk. Scammers may be able to:
Install ransomware or other programs in your device that can spy on your online activity or hold your device hostage by encrypting your data and demanding payment to unscramble it.
Gain access to your personal or sensitive information — including passwords, credit card numbers, banking PINs, etc. This information can be used to take out loans or credit cards in your name or perform other fraudulent financial transactions.
