MEDINA – The district’s $39,323,374 school budget for 2021-22 passed easily in a vote today, with 360 yes votes and 36 no’s.

The tax levy, what the district collects in taxes, remains at $8,641,861. Medina now has not increases taxes in the last 10 years and 13 of the last 14 years.

Board of Education – There are three seats up for election with two 3-year terms and the other for just over a year.

Only two people – Corrine Ryan and Alissa Bruce – had their names on the ballot. Three others mounted write-in campaigns.

Bruce had the most votes at 297 and Jennifer Buondonno had the second most in a write-in campaign with 239 votes. They were elected to three-year terms.

Debbie Tompkins, another write-in candidate, was elected to the one-year term with 222 votes. That term starts May 19 and continues through June 30, 2022.

Ryan received 152 votes and Ann Webster-Bunch had 44 as a write-in.

Trellis Pore, Kurt Schmitt elected to BOE in Albion

The school budgets passed in an overwhelming margin today in Albion and Lyndonville. Albion also had four people running for two positions on the Board of Education. Trellis Pore and Kurt Schmitt were elected.

ALBION

• Budget for $37,801,291, passed 582 yes votes and 73 no.
• Bus Purchase, passed with 591 yes and 64 no.
• Hoag Library funds, passed with 525 yes and 126 no.
• Board of Education (2 elected) – Trellis Pore, 493 votes; Kurt Schmitt, 329 votes; Ben Narburgh, 270 votes; and Marlene Seielstad, 204 votes.

LYNDONVILLE

• Budget for $15,266,797, passed with 97 yes and 21 no.
• Yates Community Library funds, passed with 88 yes and 30 no.
• Bus Purchase, passed with 96 yes and 22 no.
• Board of Education (3 elected to three-year terms) – Steven Vann, 88 votes; Ted Lewis, 78 votes; and Susan Hrovat, 76 votes.

There are 56 new cases of Covid-19 in Genesee and Orleans counties, in the first update since Friday afternoon. That brings the total to 8,298 since March 2020, with 3,043 in Orleans and 5,255 in Genesee, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Department.

In Orleans County there are 20 new positive cases of Covid-19. The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.

There are 38 more recoveries – previous positive individuals who have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.

There is currently one Orleans resident hospitalized due to Covid.

In Genesee County there are 36 new positive cases. The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.

There are 26 more recoveries –previous positive individuals who have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.

There are currently 9 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.

Message from Genesee and Orleans County Health Department:

Masking: As of May 19, New York State will be following the CDC guidance which has determined it is safe for the majority of those who are fully vaccinated (2 weeks after final vaccination) to not have to wear masks in most cases indoors and outside.

Those who are not fully vaccinated, choose not to be vaccinated and/or are immunocompromised, work or attend Pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes and healthcare settings will continue to follow the State’s existing Covid-19 health guidelines regarding masking until more New Yorkers are fully vaccinated.

The Department of Health strongly recommends masks in indoor settings where vaccination status of individuals is unknown. Mask requirements by businesses must adhere to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

This recommendation will apply across commercial settings, including retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and other personal care services, among other settings.

Hoag Library hosts ‘pop-up’ clinic today

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Chris Rice of Albion receives the Covid-19 vaccine today from Doris Delano, a registered nurse with the Orleans County Health Department.

He was one of 30 who received a vaccine shot in the first hour of a clinic held at Hoag Library in Albion.

Rice preferred the one-shot Johnson & Johnson dose, over the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, which are two shots.

“This is about as convenient as it can get,” Rice said inside the library. “Now that it’s local it will be easier for more people to do it. It will be nice to be done with it and get back to normal. Hopefully this helps.”

The Health Department has been holding mass vaccination clinics at the Ridgeway fire hall sometimes for several hundred people. Next Tuesday will be the last one at Ridgeway fire hall as the Health Department looks to do smaller “pop-up” clinics around the county.

Hoag hosted one of the pop-up clinics today for the first time. The Health Department on Friday morning will be at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds on Route 31 in Knowlesville from 8:30 to 11 a.m. That is timed to coincide with the start of a food distribution at the fairgrounds.

“The whole idea is making close and accessible and using familiar locations,” said Dr. David Bell, emergency preparedness coordinator for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

The pop-up clinics don’t require nearly as much manpower from the Health Department as the bigger clinics at the Ridgeway fire hall and GCC in Batavia. It takes 40 to 50 staff and volunteers for the Ridgeway clinic while the Health Department had a team of 8 at Hoag Library today.

Hoag Library in Albion hosted a pop-up vaccination clinic for the first time today.

The Department next week on May 27 is planning pop-up clinics in Holley with a mobile unit at the American Legion and in Kendall at the fire department. More information will be available about those clinics in the next few days.

“It’s where we can get the partnerships to host the clinics,” Bell said.

The department plans to continue the vaccination clinics for “as long as there is demand,” Bell said.

When there is little need for the clinics, Bell said people will be directed to local pharmacies, health care offices and the Health Department to get a vaccine.

700 dinners are sold out, drive-through only

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Bailey Nesbitt, Albion FFA president (left) and Samantha Basinait put the secret sauce on 700 chicken barbecue dinners. Kerry Panek mixed the secret sauce from Cornell for the chicken dinners.

The dinners will be served drive-through only from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the high school parking lot in back.

The chicken barbecue meal is back for this school election after being cancelled last year when the election was through mail-in ballots only due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

FFA members Thomas Bentley, left, and Chris Sacco flip some of the chickens that will be served later today for the FFA annual chicken barbecue dinner. The meals also include salt potatoes, brownies, cole slaw and rolls.

The price was increased from $10 to $12 due to rising costs of charcoal and the chickens, Bailey Nesbitt said.

The dinner is the FFA’s biggest fundraiser of the year and helps covers costs for summer camp, jackets for some students, a scholarship for a graduating senior, dues for FFA members, and meeting supplies.

Bryce Wilson checks on the chickens in the hot pits behind the football stadium and track.

Projects will need to meet standards for historic district

ALBION – Building owners in the downtown area have until May 24 to submit an application for Albion’s Main Street grant.

The state will cover up 75 percent of some of the projects with a maximum award of $50,000 per building owner for non-residential projects. Residential projects could be eligible for up to $100,000 through the grant.

The Main Street grant is for $388,192 total and that includes $311,079 for building renovations, $47,613 for streetscape improvements, $25,000 for administration and $4,500 for architecture, engineering and environmental costs.

The village has contracted with J. O’Connell and Associates in Clarence to administer the grant. Two representatives from that firm met with building owners last week.

They shared the building work will need to be done by contractors on an approved list. That list is easy to be on, and the companies need to carry $1 million in liability insurance, said Betty Sutherland, project administrator.

The projects also need an environmental review to show if any asbestos, radon or lead paint is present. Those materials don’t necessarily need to be removed in the projects if they are undisturbed with the work.

The projects, including replacing or repairing windows, also need review from the State Historic Preservation Office. Sutherland said SHPO won’t approve vinyl windows in the downtown, which is included on the National Register of Historic Places.

That prompted one building to get up and leave the meeting which was held at the Lockstone. He wanted to replace windows in the Gurney’s Old Coach building with vinyl, instead of wood because of the lower cost.

“I don’t know who can afford it,” the building owner said. “I can see the wrecking ball coming.”

Bill Bixler, owner of Albion Agencies on Main Street, completed projects in Medina through the Main Street program. He tried to assure the other buildings owners the required steps are manageable. He replaced a roof and windows in Medina, and did masonry repairs. He was able to keep windows with wooden frames.

“It wasn’t bad,” Bixler said about the process. “It turned out nice.”

Sutherland said the building owners could piggyback on the environmental reviews, having one contractor come to Albion and do many in one day. That should bring the cost down.

Some of the historically acceptable projects will cost more than using vinyl or other modern materials, but Sutherland noted the state is covering 75 percent of the costs.

She said the state favors projects that have a visual impact on Main Street, and also are important in helping to revitalize the district for commerce and also for residential living.

The target area for the grant includes both sides of North Main Street between Orchard Street and West State Street, and West Bank Street from North Main Street to North Liberty Street.

The building owners were encouraged to submit bids for work by the May 24 deadline. Bixler said those bids may end up being “guesstimates” that don’t reflect the final price tag due to rising costs with construction materials.

There were about 25 people at the meeting last week to hear an overview of the program and what is expected of the applicants. Some of the building owners were concerned some people would be left out or wouldn’t get close to what they were seeking for their projects.

A committee of local residents will review the applications and decide how to divvy up the money.

That group includes Karen Conn, Code Enforcement Officer Kevin Sheehan, Tony Wynn, Planning Board Chairman Matt Hand, Mary Sullivan from the Village Clerk’s Office, Richard Nenni and Jeannette Riley.

Conn said she would like to see everyone who applies receive some money towards improving their building.

After the applications are in, the committee is expected to meet and decide the grant amounts two to three weeks after May 24. (Many of the building owners have already identified projects and submitted them when Albion applied for the grant. They were encouraged to update those submissions now that the projects go before the local Main Street grant committee.)

The projects all need to be done within two years from the when the grant was awarded. That gives the building owners and village until March 31, 2023.

The village is looking to use the streetscape funds to expand a municipal lot of Main Street, making it also more attractive to host a farmers’ market. The village in the initial application also proposed putting 8 trees, 4 tables with seating, 15 picnic tables and 8 bike racks in the downtown area. The streetscape plan will need to go before the local committee and also SHPO for approval.

Provided photo: Christa Lutz, Middleport Village Historian, shows one of the 95 street banners that will be installed throughout the village as part of the Middleport Hometown Heroes Project honoring current and past Middleport residents who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This banner honors past Middleport Mayor and Postmaster William J. Holahan, who served in the Pacific Theater in World War II.

MIDDLEPORT – The village is displaying 95 banners through Veterans Day (Nov. 11) to honor living and deceased Armed Forces veterans through its Middleport Hometown Heroes Project.

The banners include a portrait of the soldier, military branch and years of service. Out of the 95 banners, 49 are new this year and there are already orders for four new banners in 2022, said Christa Lutz, Village Historian.

FMC Corporation’s Agricultural Sciences Plant in Middleport approved a Community Mini-Grant to the Middleport Village Historian to support the effort.

Middleport also prints a yearly booklet with biographical information on each Middleport Hometown Hero – ranging from World War I veterans to those who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

“The Middleport Hometown Heroes Project has been so worthwhile and rewarding, and could never be possible without the help of organizations like FMC,” Lutz said. “This mini-grant is definitely a step toward continuing this project.”

The “FMC & You: Community Mini-Grants Program” awards individual grants of up to $250 per request from organizations, groups and projects in the towns of Royalton and Hartland that support one or more of  FMC’s four primary philanthropic areas of Health and Human Services, Education and Science, Environment and Conservation, and Arts and Culture.

Grant applications are available at www.FMC-Middleport.com or by mailing, emailing or calling Jessica Heideman at the FMC Community Office at 8 S. Vernon St., Middleport, NY 14105, Jessica.Heideman@fmc.com and 716-735-9769. Deadline for monthly submissions is the last day of the month.

Stacey Jurs took this photo of her 5-year-old daughter, Gracelynn, waiting for her brother to come home on the Kendall school bus on Sept. 8, 2020. Gracelynn is dressed as Lego Batgirl. Her brother Connor Jurs, 8, had his first day of third grade that day at Kendall.

Voters in the five public school districts in Orleans County go to the polls today to vote for or against the school budgets, transportation positions, funding for libraries and also who will serve on the Board of Education.

The election is back on the typical schedule of the third Tuesday and votes will be cast in-person. Last year’s election was pushed into June and was done through mail-in ballots due to the Covid-19 pandemic concerns.

(Eligible voters need to be at least 18, a citizen of the U.S., and a district resident for at least 30 days prior to the vote.)

ALBION –  The district is presenting a $37,801,291 budget for 2021-22 that doesn’t increase taxes for the 13th time in the past 15 years.

The budget keeps the tax levy at $8,449,094 in property taxes, the same for at least the past three years.

The budget increases spending up 2.61 percent from $36,841,032 to $37,801,299. The district is able to stave off a tax increase mainly due to more state aid. The state funding is budgeted to increase by $669,603 from $27,543,861 to $28,213,464. The state aid accounts for 74.6 percent of the district’s budget.

Eligible voters can cast ballots from noon to 8 p.m. in the elementary school gymnasium. That is a change from where the election is usually held in the district office conference room. Having the vote in the gym will spread people out, said Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent.

The proposed budget maintains all existing programs and also allows for a $100,000 elevator rehab project in the middle school.

• Bus Purchase – The district wants to take $550,000 from a bus reserve fund to purchase buses.

• Hoag Library – This proposition authorizes the district to collect $724,260 for Hoag Library, which is up 1.6 percent from $713,000 in 2020-21.

• Board of Education – There will also be two members elected to the Board of Education to five-year terms. Those seats are currently filled by Kurt Schmitt and Marlene Seielstad. Schmitt and Seielstad are running for the positions, and so is Trellis Pore and Ben Narburgh.

HOLLEY – School officials are proposing a $26,150,000 budget, which increases spending by 1.44 percent or $370,000 from $25,780,000, the amount the past two school years. The budget would increase taxes by 1.95 percent to $7,572,763, which is under the tax cap.

Holley district residents will vote on the budget, candidates for the board, and two other propositions from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at middle/high school foyer.

The budget for 2021-22 includes a $100,000 capital project that would be 91 percent funded by state aid. The project at the middle-high school would replace several interior and exterior doors, add card reader access controls to main office entrance door, replace auditorium orchestra pit lighting and replace the auditorium projection screen.

• Proposition No. 2 – Authorize up to $318,000 to purchase two 72-seat passenger school buses and one 22-seat bus.

• Proposition No. 3 – $189,287 for Community Free Library in Holley, which is up from the $183,773 in 2020-21.

• Board of Education – Seven candidates are running for four positions on the Board of Education. They include Brian McKeon, Jennifer L. Verhagen, Nancy M. MacPhee, Tracy Van Ameron, Michelle Hodge, Anne Smith and Salvatore DeLuca Jr.

There are four open positions on the board including the seats of current board members Melissa Ierlan, Mark Porter and Anne Smith. (Smith is the only one seeking re-election.) Those spots are for three-year terms. Holley will also be filling the final year of a vacant seat from the late John Heise.

KENDALL – The Kendall school district is proposing a $19,980,729 budget for 2021-22 that would increase taxes by 1 percent.

The budget represents a 13.5 percent increase in spending or by $2,377,133, up from $17,603,596 in 2020-21. Of that increase, $1,550,762 is due to the debt service for a capital project and that payment is covered with state building aid, Julie Christensen, the district superintendent, stated in Kendall’s school newsletter.

The other $751,371 is an increase in operational funding for a district with 200 employees.

Voting is today from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Kendall Elementary School Gym.

Kendall’s budget would raise taxes by $49,155, from $4,915,501 to $4,964,656.

“We anticipate all programs and services, extracurricular activities, funds for 1:1 devices and staffing ratios will remain consistent with pre-COVID-19 patterns,” Christensen wrote in the district newsletter. “We are very pleased to provide the opportunity for five days of instruction and no budgetary reductions during such uncertain times.”

Kendall’s budget is 74 percent funded through state aid. The district is receiving a $237,034 boost from the state in operating aid or Foundation Aid, which Christensen said is the first increase in that category in several years.

• Proposition No. 2 – Transportation Bus Reserve Fund. Kendall is asking for permission to purchase transportation vehicles at a sum not to exceed $250,000. The district said there will be no additional taxes with this proposal.

• Board of Education – Residents will elect one member to a five-year term. There are three candidates, including incumbent Charles Patt, David Warren and Bob McGregor.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Lyndonville’s L.A. Webber Middle-High School was able to have students for five days a week of in-person learning this school year.

LYNDONVILLE – The district is proposing a $15,266,797 budget, which is 3.9 percent or $568,579 from the $14,698,217 in 2020-21.

The tax levy, what the district collects in taxes, would increase 2.0 percent, from $4,439,388 to $4,528,176.

The budget maintains all current programs, including extracurriculars, athletics, advanced placement and GCC classes, music and arts, counseling services, academic support and a school resource officer.

Voting today is from noon to 8 p.m. in the Stroyan Auditorium Foyer on Housel Avenue.

• Yates Community Library – This proposition authorizes the district to collect $116,718 for the local public library, which is up $7,845 or 7.2 percent from $108,873 in 2020-21.

• Bus proposition – authorizes Lyndonville to spend up to $135,000 for a new 64-passenger bus.

• Board of Education – There are three 3-year seats up for election and the incumbents – Ted Lewis, Susan Hrovat and Steven Vann – are all seeking re-election with no opposition.

MEDINA – The district is presenting a $39,323,374 school budget for 2021-22 that doesn’t increase taxes for the 10th straight year.

The budget is down more than $1 million from the $40,491,733 in 2020-21. The proposed spending plan eliminates one clerical and three teaching positions through attrition. The budget maintains all existing programs and will help students catch up in learning during the Covid-19 pandemic, district officials said.

The tax levy, what the district collects in taxes, remains at $8,641,861. Medina now has not increases taxes in 13 of the last 14 years.

The budget vote will be May 18 from noon to 8 p.m. in the District Office Board Room, which is next to the high school.

Medina’s overall state aid is up $1,265,391 or by 4.6 percent from $27,494,499 to $28,759,890. The district’s Foundation Aid is up $539,981 or by 3.0 percent from $17,999,389 to $18,539,370.

The budget includes the purchase of two large buses. It eliminates one contract bus run and returns it to the district, resulting in $74,800 savings.

The budget also includes a new Bobcat vehicle for the Buildings and Grounds department. The district superintendent also said a 2010 capital bond has been paid off.

• Board of Education – There are also three seats up for election in Medina this year. There are two 3-year terms and 1-year term that will assume duties on May 19.

Two people – Corrine Ryan and Alissa Bruce – submitted petitions and will be on the ballot. This means at least one of the three vacant seats will be filled by write-in candidates. At least three people are mounting write-in campaigns — incumbent Ann Webster-Bunch, Debbie Tompkins and Jennifer Buondonno.

Photo courtesy of Susan Persia: These two 4-H’ers, Ariella and Alaya Bisig, hold some cherry tomatoes that they had picked at the community garden.

HOLLEY – The Holley Community Garden has opened for a new season. The garden was formed in 2017 after the village received a grant for the project.

It has raised 28 beds, 4 by 8 feet, that anyone can rent for one year. There are currently three beds left for this year, at a cost of $20 for 2021, said Susan Persia, who helps manage the garden. For more information, call Persia at (585) 638-5750.

The beds were constructed by the Clarendon Lions Club, community members, and the Holley Garden Club, with five new beds were created this spring. There is a 550-gallon water tank and two 55-gallon tanks at the garden the fire department supplies us with water. A transfer pump and a contractor hose were installed this year.

“There is a teaching bed each year,” Persia said. “This year we are learning about garlic. Other topics have been growing potatoes, making tents out of plastic for plants to ward off insects,  making a trellis, and learning how to use organic sprays.”

Teaching children about gardening is another fun part of the garden, she said. The 4-H Club of Clarendon, the Mini Rascals, have planted vegetables and flowers, and this year they are doing a special project about dahlias.

Dahlias have been sent to the club from all over the United States. The 4-Hers are each planting  a dahlia tuber. They are going to have a competition, and the Rochester Dahlia Society is coming  to  the garden to judge the competition.

No masks needed for vaccinated people; social distancing should be followed for those without shot

Photos by Tom Rivers: Lyric Wallenda, a seventh-generation circus performer with the Wallenda family, twirls upside down as part of a show from Circus Incredible, which performed at the Orleans County 4-H Fair for the first time in July 2019.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced additional guidance for county fairs and local festivals throughout New York, but the local fair officials are waiting to review the details to see how it will affect the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

Last year’s fair was cancelled due to the Covid-19 restrictions. This year’s fair will go on – but how it will look is up in the air.

“The governor’s announcement today means we can begin to dig into properly preparing for the fair from July 26-31,” said Robert Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, which runs the annual fair. “We’ll be working in the next few days to better understand the full guidance and what it will look like in practice when made available.”

Local governments will permit county fairs and local festivals and consider Covid-19 health guidelines this year, Cuomo said in a news release.

State Department of Health approval will be required for events with over 5,000 expected attendees, consistent with existing review process. The Orleans County 4-H Fair typically draws 25,000 to 30,000 people over six days.

County fairs and local festivals must ensure that the total number of attendees is limited so that 6 feet of distance can be maintained between individuals who are not members of the same party, unless all attendees present proof of full vaccination status, Cuomo said.

Fairs and festivals may require masks for all attendees, and per CDC guidance masks are required for unvaccinated attendees in certain settings, and indoors where vaccination status is unknown.

“Fairs and festivals are huge economic generators for communities across the state, and last year they were all put on hold due to the Covid pandemic,” Cuomo said. “This new guidance will allow our county fairs and local festivals to open at the greatest capacity possible so they can remain economically viable, while still ensuring public health and safety.”

These 4-H’ers in the grand master showmen competition lead llamas in the show ring on July 26, 2019.

The state’s industry-specific guidance must be followed for the applicable activities and attractions present at any fair or festival, such as amusement and family entertainment, food and beverage service, performing arts and entertainment, Cuomo said.

In addition to capacity limits, social distancing and any mask requirements, the Governor’s Office said county fairs and local festivals should consider the following as they plan for this year’s festivities:

• Attendee Contact Information: Fairs and festivals should encourage at least one attendee from each party to sign in during ticketing, or before or immediately upon entering the event space, providing their name, address and phone number for use in potential contact tracing efforts.
• Health Screening: Fairs and festivals must implement health screening for all individuals including questions on any Covid-19 symptoms, close contacts, recent positive Covid-19 test result, and compliance with state’s travel advisory. Screening may be performed via signage, at ticket purchase, by e-mail/website, by telephone, or by electronic survey before individuals enter the event space.
• Hand Hygiene: Fairs and festivals must provide hand washing stations or hand sanitizing supplies for common areas and areas where hand washing facilities may not be available or practical.
• Cleaning and Disinfection: Fairs and festivals must regularly clean and disinfect, focusing on high-traffic areas, such as restrooms, and frequently touched surfaces, such as service counters and seats.
• Communication: Fairs and festivals must post signage informing attendees of health precautions (e.g., social distancing, masks, hand hygiene) and distance markers indicating six-foot spaces in areas where lines form or people congregate, unless all attendees are fully vaccinated.
• Applicable Guidance: Fairs and festivals should consult the state’s guidance for their specific activities and attractions, such as performing arts and entertainment, amusement and family entertainment, food and beverage service, retail and market service, agricultural activities and sports and recreation.

Starting Wednesday, vaccinated people won’t be required to wear masks in most settings

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that beginning May 19, New York State will adopt the CDC’s “Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People” for most business and public settings.

Consistent with the CDC guidance, Pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and healthcare settings will continue to follow State’s existing Covid-19 health guidelines until more New Yorkers are fully vaccinated.

“New Yorkers have worked hard over the last year to prevent the spread of Covid and keep each other safe,” Cuomo said. “That work has paid off and we are ecstatic to take this next step in the reopening of our beautiful state. The people of New York and visitors alike should take solace in the lifting of mask requirements, but be respectful of those who may still feel safest wearing their mask in public and business owners who may still ask patrons to don their mask.”

To implement the CDC’s guidance, New York State will be revising the following reopening guidelines to take effect on May 19:

Business Mask Rules

Given that the CDC has advised that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks and over 52 percent of New Yorkers over the age of 18 are fully vaccinated, the State will authorize businesses to continue to require masks for all in their establishments, consistent with the CDC guidance. In most settings, vaccinated individuals will not be required to wear a mask. Unvaccinated individuals, under both CDC and state guidance must wear masks in all public settings.

The Department of Health strongly recommends masks in indoor settings where vaccination status of individuals is unknown. Mask requirements by businesses must adhere to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

This recommendation will apply across commercial settings, including retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and other personal care services, among other settings.

Business Capacity Rules

As previously announced, most business capacities — which are currently based upon percentage of maximum occupancy — will be removed on May 19. Businesses will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required social distance of 6 feet.

However, given that the CDC has advised that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to maintain social distance, businesses may eliminate the 6 feet of required social distancing, and therefore increase capacity, only if all patrons within the establishment — or a separate designated part of the establishment — present proof of full vaccination status. Proof of full vaccination status can be provided by patrons through paper form, digital application, or the State’s Excelsior Pass.

For areas where vaccination status of individuals is unknown and for patrons who do not present proof of full vaccination status, the required social distance of 6 feet still applies until more New Yorkers are fully vaccinated. This change will apply across all commercial settings, except the exempt settings outlined by the CDC.

Small- and Large-Scale Event Rules

Small-scale events will be able to apply the revised business mask and capacity rules. Specifically, for events below the State’s social gathering limit of 250 indoors or 500 outdoors, event venues will be able to require masks for all patrons — and DOH strongly recommends masks in indoor settings where vaccination status is unknown — and social distancing of 6 feet will be required between parties of attendees, unless all attendees present proof of full vaccination status. Unvaccinated people should still wear masks.

For large-scale events that exceed the State’s social gathering limits, event venues will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required distance, as follows:

• Unvaccinated attendees and attendees who have an unknown vaccination status must be spaced 6 feet apart in assigned sections. Masks will be required in indoor event settings, except while seated and eating or drinking.
• Fully vaccinated attendees may be spaced directly next to one another at 100 percent capacity instead of 6 feet apart in assigned sections that are designated solely for fully vaccinated individuals. Masks are optional. Venues must verify vaccination status to take advantage of reduced social distancing requirements.
• Children under the age of 12 who are not yet vaccine eligible, and under the age of 16 who have not yet been able to be vaccinated, may accompany and be seated with a vaccinated adult in a fully vaccinated section.
• Proof of full vaccination status can be provided by attendees through paper form, digital application, or the State’s Excelsior Pass.

For large-scale events, proof of recent negative Covid-19 test result for attendees who are over the age of four remains required for unvaccinated attendees in indoor event settings above the State’s social gathering limit but will become optional in outdoor event settings.

Press Release, Albion Central School

ALBION – This year, Albion Central School district will be joining the rest of New York in observing Juneteenth, commemorating the end to slavery and celebrating African American freedom.

“Here at Albion CSD we ‘value everyone, everyday, everywhere’ – it is a fundamental part of who we are as individuals as well as a district,” Albion Superintendent Mickey Edwards said. “That is why, in observance of the holiday, there will be no school on Friday, June 18.”

Last year, Gov. Andrew Cuomo designated June 19 an official public holiday in New York State. The holiday encourages “continuous self-development and respect for all cultures,” commemorating June 19, 1865, when the news of the liberation of African Americans came to Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect.

Press Release, Orleans County Youth Bureau

The Orleans County Youth Board typically holds a Youth Recognition Banquet annually to recognize those youth who continuously go above and beyond for our community.

The Youth Recognition Awards are presented to youth who are positive role models, have performed outstanding service for their community, and/or have assumed extraordinary roles within their families.

Even though we are unable to hold the banquet due to the pandemic, the Youth Board wanted to share and celebrate these individuals.  We would like to recognize the 14 youths who would have had a night to celebrate their contributions with their nominators, family and friends by sharing a brief bio about each of them and why they were selected by the board to receive the awards in 2021.

They are all in receipt of their awards at this time, which include commendations from the Orleans County Legislature, U.S. Congressman Chris Jacobs, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, and Senator Robert Ortt.  They also received a yard sign in their honor, a t-shirt, a gift card, and a certificate from the Youth Board.

This year’s recipients of the Youth Recognition Awards are as follows:

James Michael Beach

James Michael Beach, 16, of Albion High School is an extraordinary young man who exemplifies the characteristics of this award. He is passionate about giving of himself and sharing his talents with others. James completed his service learning requirements for school and then just kept seeking ways to give back to the community. To date, James has logged over 90 hours of community service in a variety of ways. He has been involved in grounds and maintenance projects, serving and cleanup for the Barre Center Presbyterian Church’s Chicken BBQs, and providing special music for church services.

Following a youth group Christmas caroling activity at Clover Hill, James took it upon himself to go back on numerous Saturday mornings to play piano and call BINGO for the residents. James also volunteered at the Hoag Library organizing and helping with children’s crafts. He has also helped and prepared dinners at the Community Kitchen. James is very involved in many activities at school and holds down a part-time job, but does not let his busy schedule keep him from giving back to the community. James is an excellent role model for the younger members of his church and is always willing to assist his elders in any way he can.

Nominator: Nancy Good, Church Member (Barre Center Presbyterian Church)

Parents/Guardians: Mike & Jaime Beach

Aedan Bunch

Aedan Bunch, 18, of Norman Howard School has exhibited a strong commitment to community service through his church. During the bitter cold and heavy snow that February brought, Aedan volunteered to clear the sidewalks and steps of the church, which provided safe access to the building. Although the church was not holding services at the time, the church’s neighbor, The Medicine Shoppe, was using the building to administer Covid-19 vaccines. Because the sidewalks and entrance ways were cleared by Aedan, along with improved weather conditions, hundreds of local residents were able to receive the vaccine with safe and easy footing.

Aedan is also an active member of a Demolay chapter separate from his church, where he actively participates in several fundraisers and service projects, including food and clothing drives. He has decorated and cleaned graves on Veterans Day and Memorial Day and also volunteered at the Iroquois National Wildlife Reserve. Aedan takes pride in giving back to his community and he understands the need to lend a hand when help is needed.

Nominator: Cynthia Kiebala, Church Member (St. John’s Episcopal Church)

Parents/Guardians: Ann & Steve Bunch

Andrew Drechsel

Andrew Drechsel, 18, of Holley Central School is a shining example of a student who truly believes in giving back to others and helping to make his community a better place. Andrew is a member of the Holley Interact Club and is always willing to participate in any opportunity that comes his way. He has done it all: Day of Shopping, Day of Caring, working at Open Door Mission, and helping out Sample Soap.

Andrew has also been a member of 4-H and is in the final stages of receiving his Eagle Scout award.  He worked an unpaid position at the Holley Summer Recreation Program and is also a member of his church’s youth group. Andrew worked at almost all of the food distribution sites during the pandemic, loading boxes of food into the vehicles. He also volunteered for the Sports Boosters to help prepare the soccer field for the upcoming season. He worked tirelessly alongside Penny cleaning and digging out the garden that welcomes fans to the field. Andrew’s community is so grateful for all that he does. He is truly an amazing young man!

Nominator: Penny Cole, Counseling Secretary

Parents/Guardians: Trina Lorentz Lang & Scott Lang

Ianah Drisdom

Ianah Drisdom, 17, of Medina High School is an outstanding asset to the school and community. She has participated in numerous volunteer activities throughout her time in high school. She shows superior time management skills while balancing responsibilities as a National Honor Society member, working a part-time job, and maintaining good grades.

Ianah started volunteering in 9th grade where she worked feeding and helping the homeless, which was a humbling experience for her. It provided her an opportunity of self-reflection and appreciation for things in life. She has also volunteered at a family business and during football games where she worked the concession stand and helped clean up afterward. This was a tremendous help to the high school. Ianah has had a positive impact on the Medina community.

Nominator: Nicholas Michalak, School Counselor

Parent/Guardian: Karen Boston

Tatum Gagne

Tatum Gagne, 16, of Holley High School has made it her purpose to try and spread cheer and happiness throughout the school. For the second year in a row, Tatum created and addressed holiday cards to every single student and faculty member and delivered them. What seemed like a small gesture meant a lot to others, especially to some students who felt isolated or lonely.

Tatum also took initiative when she saw a 7th grader sitting alone at lunch and became a big sister to this young lady. She eats with her weekly and checks in on her inside and outside of school. Tatum has truly gone above and beyond and has made a huge difference for this young lady. As a member of the Holley Rotary Interact Club, Tatum has worked hard doing behind the scenes tasks, which are especially necessary in this pandemic year. Tatum is the classic example of making the school, community, and world a better place, one small act at a time.

Nominator: Samantha Zelent, School Social Worker

Parents/Guardians: David & Becky Gagne

Amanda Garza

Amanda Garza, 16, of Lyndonville High School plays an extraordinary role inside and outside of the school community. Amanda demonstrates an amazing work ethic that is an inspiration for her peers. Amanda serves as president of the school’s Diversity Club, where she provides a strong sense of leadership and her work around the building has helped to raise awareness of cultural diversity. She has never been heard to speak negatively about another person and is never drawn into conflict. Instead, she displays a level of kindness and maturity that is a model for other students.

As president of the Spanish Club, Amanda took charge of calling and running meetings, fundraising, encouraging members, and participating in all club activities. She enjoys sharing her Hispanic culture and is proud of both her Puerto Rican and Mexican heritage. Amanda proposed, organized and carried out a cultural cooking lesson with her mother so her class was able to learn about Mexican cooking traditions and culture. Amanda is described as dedicated, helpful, smart, kind, and mature. The faculty at Lyndonville is proud to recognize Amanda for her many contributions to the school.

Nominator: Aaron Slack, Principal

Parents/Guardians: Luis & Marlene Garza

Megan Harrington

Megan Harrington, 18, of Holley High School has been a key member of the Holley Interact Club since her freshman year. Megan has always gone above and beyond in planning and organizing community activities. She was integral in making the first Annual Day of Caring a successful event that helped out a local nursing home, PAWS Animal Shelter, the Holley Community Center, and many community members who received gift cards on their cars.

Megan has volunteered at the Day of Shopping for several years, Open Door Mission, and Sample Soap. She is one of the first students to sign up and help with anything needed. Megan will be missed by the Interact Club following graduation. Megan is kind, organized, and empathetic towards others.

Nominator: Samantha Zelent, School Social Worker

Parents/Guardians: Scott and Dione Harrington

Collin Longer

Collin Longer, 18, of Albion High School is an active member of various extracurricular activities. Collin has been a member of FFA, Recycling Club, and Student Government. As a member of these clubs, Collin has been a natural leader for his peers and is willing to take on responsibility for projects within these clubs.

Collin has shown leadership skills by volunteering to complete the school’s morning announcements. More importantly, Collin’s independence and desire to better himself is admirable. Collin has overcome many obstacles placed before him. He is not afraid to ask questions and he knows how to advocate for himself when needed. Collin is doing his best to balance his academics, trying to cope with living in a pandemic, and the passing of his father earlier this year. Collin is a courageous young man who has certainly taken on an extraordinary role in his family.

Nominator: Valerie Pettit, School Counselor

Parents/Guardians: Wendy Preston

Kohl Morgan

Kohl Morgan, 17, of Holley High School is a natural born leader. He is kind, empathetic, and a hard worker. He has made a huge difference in both his school and his community. As a valued member of the Holley Interact Club, Kohl is always willing to help with any activity. He has helped with the Annual Day of Shopping for several years and was an integral part of the first Annual Day of Caring.

Kohl has also helped make lunches at the Open Door Mission and has collected and distributed hygiene supplies for Sample Soap. He has participated in Clean Sweeps and other activities in the elementary school. Kohl is the first one to dive in and get work done. He also engages other students to help and the students truly look up to him. Wherever Kohl goes, others follow. Kohl is the first student thought of when in need of a loving and caring hand to help another student. He is always ready to help even when others are not. He is an amazing young man and the Holley community is truly blessed to have him.

Nominator: Samantha Zelent, School Social Worker & Penny Cole, Counseling Secretary

Parents/Guardians: Jennifer & Steven Morgan

Waylon Peet

Waylon Peet, 18, of Kendall Central School is committed to making the Kendall community a better place. Waylon is very involved with the Kendall Fire Department where he is an active firefighter. Prior to being accepted into the Fire Department, he was a “junior” firefighter.

Waylon has volunteered to work the Annual Carnival for several years. Many members took notice of his hard work and dedication to helping the organization. Since joining, he has attended training sessions, meetings and state classes. He is also an important member of his family. Due to extenuating circumstances, Waylon is required to take on extra responsibilities at home. He helps to keep order in the house and is a mentor to his younger siblings.

Nominator: Carol D’Agostino, Principal

Parents/Guardians: Melinda Roberts & Stephen Peet

Colburn Spierdowis

Colburn Spierdowis, 17, of Albion High School has completed an outstanding amount of community service at several area organizations. Colburn has given many hours to the Boy Scouts of America where he helped with various projects and activities.

He has demonstrated a gift for working with youth. He has volunteered as an assistant with the Cub Scouts and has volunteered at the Sportsmen’s Club Kid’s Fishing Derby as a supervisor. Colburn has also served as an assistant at local soccer camps, helping to teach skills and fundamentals. Colburn is praised as helpful and respectful. He is always dependable and a great role model for youth to look up to.

Nominator: Eric Christiansen, Counseling Department Chairperson

Parent/Guardian: Karen Spierdowis

Allison Trowbridge

Allison Trowbridge, 17, of Holley Central School is one of the first ones to step up and volunteer to do anything that is needed. Allison volunteers through her involvement with Interact Club and her Cheer Squad. She has been a part of Interact Club since 7th grade where she has assisted with cleaning up at animal shelters, making care packages for the homeless, and working on numerous other activities.

As part of her Cheer Squad, Allison participates in volunteer projects such as visiting nursing homes during the holidays and helping athletes at the Special Olympics. The number of hours Allison commits to these above-mentioned projects is too numerous to count.  Outside of school, Allison holds down a part-time job while also helping to take care of her Nana who suffers from Alzheimer’s. She also assists her Papa with household chores. Allison is the type of young lady who steps up whenever she is needed by anyone!

Nominator: Sarah Trowbridge, Mother

Parents/Guardians: Ken & Sarah Trowbridge

Charles Turpyn

Charles Turpyn (“Chuck”), 17, of Holley High School is an amazing and caring young man. He has faced many challenges this past year and he rose to the occasion for all. He has been a member of the Interact Club for 3 years and has participated in all activities, including the Day of Caring and the Fall into Reading event.

Chuck can always be counted on to participate in activities and does a lot of the hard behind-the-scenes work. This year, he went above and beyond taking care of family members experiencing medical issues. Chuck is extremely modest about his contributions, but he can always be counted on to do what is best for his school, community and family.

Nominator: Samantha Zelent, School Social Worker

Parents/Guardians: Katie Niederhofer and Charles Turpyn

Evan Thomas Valentine

Evan Thomas Valentine, 18, of Holley High School was such a wonderful young man who was caring and loving to everyone and everything.  Evan was full of faith, kindness, and generosity. Evan battled Leukemia for 2 and half years before passing away on February 21st of this year. He still continued to help others while being sick and receiving treatments. In January 2020, there was a horrific house fire in the community and, despite being worn down from treatment, Evan was at the Social Center of St. Mary’s in Holley, sorting through clothes and household items.

Evan served as Alter Server as well as Sacristan at St. Mary’s where he won Alter Server of the Year in 2018. Throughout his battles, he always had a smile, never complained about his circumstances and always had a positive, infectious energy about him. Evan was a life-time member of the Boy Scouts of America, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. His project was completed at the Veteran’s Memorial at the American Legion Post in Holley, in honor of him, by friends and family. Once you met Evan, you were never the same. He left his handprint on everyone that he touched.

Nominator: Penny Cole, Counseling Secretary

Parents/Guardians: Neil & Diane Valentine

Vickie Scroger, Jason Requa make extra effort for local youth

Photos and information courtesy of Orleans County Youth Board

The Orleans County Youth Board is recognizing two adults in the community for their dedication to young people.

The Youth Board typically recognizes an adult worker and an adult volunteer during the annual Youth Recognition Banquet. This year the awards program won’t be held in person due to Covid-19 restrictions and concerns.

The Helen R. Brinsmaid Memorial Youth Worker Award is named for Brinsmaid, who have 33 years of community service in Orleans County. The award is presented to a paid professional who emulates dedication and service to youth and families above and beyond their paid position.

Vickie Scroger

Vickie Scroger is this year’s winner. She is the manager of food service at Holley Central School where she always makes sure the students have delicious, balanced meals for breakfast, lunch and after-school snacks.

While this is her job and what is expected of her, she always does more than she needs to, according to penny Cole, a co-worker who nominated Scroger.

In her role as food service manager, Scroger decorates the dining hall and serving areas for each holiday and/or event. During Homecoming, she has all of the different sports teams recognized with their own soccer ball, football, track shoe, or megaphone with each student’s name.

This takes countless hours, yet she does it each year. During the week of the musical, Vickie has musical themed menus for each day and, again, decorates to match the show. She does sports banquets at cost, so that all athletes and their families can attend when otherwise they wouldn’t be able to.

She has always gone out of her way to make things nice for the kids. Last year when the pandemic hit, she worked tirelessly to come up with different fun meals for the students. Vickie went above and beyond to make sure the students had filling, hot meals.

The parents would come each day to pick up breakfast and lunch, which meant preparing 180 meals most days, for both meals. She would also bake homemade cookies for them once in a while as a treat.

At Easter, she purchased Easter eggs and filled them with little candies so students would have a treat. Vickie had a team of helpers to assist her but the success of this was all Vickie’s planning and preparation. She genuinely loves the students and this past year has shown just how much. She always says, “It’s about the kids or it’s for the kids.” The Holley School District is extremely lucky to have such a remarkable, kind and caring lady.

In memory and spirit of Eileen Heye, the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Recognition Award honors an individual who is a role model for the youth of today and gives of themselves to better the lives of children.

Jason Requa

Jason Requa is the type of person that stands off to the side, just out of reach of most cameras, and lifts others towards the spotlight. He has led many young people in developing life skills and has never asked for anything in return. He truly wants to see the youth of his community grow into great adults. Jason works for the Local 3 Brick and Tile Setters Union in Rochester. His job requires frequent travel, but Jason still manages to help coach soccer, serve as a member of the Kendall Board of Education, and assist with Eagle Scout projects – all while supporting his own family.

Jason’s commitment to volunteerism within the community is admirable, said Kendall Scoutmaster Ken Spohr, who nominated Requa for the award.

Jason is always dedicated to becoming a better coach and leader. He has the ability to reach the hearts, minds and skill sets of the youth, which shows through his coaching. Jason’s passion for teaching life-long confidence and skill sets does not end at coaching, as he is a huge influence with the Kendall Boy Scouts. He used his knowledge of masonry work to teach the scouts, which led them to be able to complete the physical labor to finish their project at the Kendall War Memorial.

He has also spent countless hours educating youth about opportunities after high school in the skilled trades fields. Jason’s long-term influence on youth has already molded them into confident and successful college students, detailed skilled tradesmen, and dedicated people serving our country.

Through his employment with the union, he reaches young veterans through a program called Helmets to Hard Hats, to help them get jobs in trades after leaving the service. The strength of Jason’s influence is directly related to his dedication to youth, but he also leads by example as an adult who gives back to his community.

Sophia Cardone and Qasim Huzair advanced to second round of regional competition, also picked as ‘fan favorites’

Provided photo: Qasim Huzair, a Lyndonville senior, portrayed Professor Bhaer and Sophia Cardone, a Medina senior, starred as Jo in the musical Little Women, which was performed by Lyndonville and Medina students online in March.

Two stars from the Lyndonville-Medina musical program are among 32 picked as “fan favorites” in the Stars of Tomorrow, a regional competition that recognizes high school students in the Greater Rochester area by the Rochester Broadway Theatre League.

Qasim Huzair, a Lyndonville senior, and Sophia Cardone, a Medina senior, both are in the on-line voting competition. Click here to see the fan favorites.

They each have videos posted on the Stars of Tomorrow website. Click here to see Huzair and click here to see Cardone.

Huzair and Cardone also were picked among 57 performers by Stars of Tomorrow and they advanced into the second round of 30 semifinalists for their vocal and acting skills.

The Stars of Tomorrow in a normal year would send adjudicators to a performance of a musical to assess acting, singing, dancing, ensemble, tech and other parts of the show. But that isn’t happening this year with most of the musicals limited to performance shown online with no in-person crowd.

Last year’s spring musicals were cancelled when schools shut down for in-person learning in mid-March.

Huzair and Cardone have both been recognized for their theatrical skills in prior years by Stars. They have been part of the combined Lyndonville-Medina musical program for several years.

The Stars this year judged videos of the two performing and put them in the initial group of 57. They then advanced to the second round. They didn’t make it to the final 10. They are however among the 32 “fan favorites” and online voting continues until 10 a.m. on May 18. Click here to see the group of 32. The winning male and female in that competition advances to the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in New York City this summer.

Jennifer Trupo, the Lyndonville-Medina musical director, said Huzair and Cardone are both powerhouse performers.

“They are just so wonderful, both of them,” Trupo said. “They are just both so talented and to see them both grow as singers and actors. They have blown me away. I am really, super-super proud of them.”

Photos by Tom Rivers: Sophia Cardone played Sister Mary Lazarus, a spunky nun in Sister Act, which was performed in March 2019.

Both have performed in comedic roles and more serious parts. This past March, Cardone was Jo in Little Women, and Huzair played opposite her as Professor Bhaer. Three years ago he played Uncle Fester in The Addams Family, singing about his love for the Moon. He won a “best supporting actor” award from the Stars for that role.

Cardone played a very zany nun in Sister Act two years ago. But she has shown she can do much more than the characters that get laughs, Trupo said.

“There is so much depth to her,” Trupo said. “She can do anything.

Trupo still regrets that last year’s show, Mama Mia, was cancelled due to Covid. Cardone had a lead role with the character of Donna, the mother of Sophie and owner of the hotel Villa Donna. Trupo said Cardone would have wowed the audience.

Qasim Huzair starred as Uncle Fester in the Medina-Lyndonville’s production of The Addams Family in March 2018. He sings about his love for the Moon. Huzair won a “best supporting actor” award from the Stars of Tomorrow.

Huzair has been transformed through the music program, starting with performances of Bruno Mars songs with karaoke at the Orleans County 4-H Fair, to chorus at Lyndonville and the musicals.

“He used to be so timid and shy,” Trupo said. “He has just blossomed. He has a high-tenor range and his voice is so beautiful. He is a super humble, kind, genuine kid.”