Turtles will be on the move in May and June to lay eggs

Photo by Tom Rivers: This snapping turtle is shown last June after it managed to cross Route 31 in Fancher. Many snapping turtles were on the move crossing roads to find spots to lay their eggs.

Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded New Yorkers that turtles are on the move in the months of May and June, and asked drivers to “give turtles a brake.”

In New York, thousands of turtles are killed each year when struck by vehicles while migrating to nesting areas. Increasing public awareness of turtles’ nesting behavior can help save this important species.

“A turtle’s shell provides good protection from natural predators, but it cannot protect a turtle from being hit by a vehicle while crossing a road,” Seggos said. “Vehicle strikes are a major cause of turtle mortality and New York’s native turtles are more active this time of year as they seek sandy areas or loose soil to lay their eggs, sometimes even near the side of a road.”

If a motorist sees a turtle on the road, drivers are encouraged to slow down to avoid hitting it with their vehicle. If the vehicle can safely stop, motorists should consider moving the turtle to the shoulder on the side of the road in the direction it was facing.

Motorists are advised not to pick turtles up by their tails to avoid injuring the turtle. Most turtles, other than snapping turtles, can be picked up by the sides of their shell. Snapping turtles have necks that can reach a long distance and have a strong bite, so if motorists try to help a snapping turtle, they should pick it up by the rear of the shell near the tail using both hands or slide a car mat under the turtle to drag it safely across the road.

DEC reminds people to never take turtles home. All native turtles are protected by law and cannot be kept without a DEC permit.

All 11 species of land turtles native to New York are in decline. Turtles are long-lived species and it takes many years for a turtle to reach maturity. Even losing one mature female can have a negative impact on a local population.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo today highlighted a milestone in the state’s vaccination efforts against Covid-19.

The state is at 50 percent of adults who are now vaccinated, people 18 and older who have completed the vaccine series.

In Orleans County, 30.7 percent of adults 18 and older have completed the vaccine series, according to the state’s Vaccine Tracker.

In the state, 60.7 percent of those 18 and older have had at least one dose of the vaccine, which compares to 45.7 percent in the county who are 18 and older with at least one dose.

“Our continued progress on vaccinations is phenomenal and that’s a function of all the good work that our providers and volunteers across New York have done,” Cuomo said. “We are hitting critical milestones, but the rate of people coming in to get vaccinated has declined, and that’s troubling. We are especially focused on the youthful and the doubtful, and we are continuing to work with community leaders and pushing the message that everyone needs to get their shot because this vaccine is our key weapon in defeating this beast.”

GLOW counties

• Genesee – 35.6 percent 18 and older completed vaccine series; 52.9 percent of 18 and older with at least one dose; 42.7 percent of overall population with at least one dose
• Livingston – 37.6 percent 18 and older completed vaccine series; 51.9 percent of 18 and older with at least one dose; 43.3 percent of overall population with at least one dose
• Orleans – 30.7 percent 18 and older completed vaccine series; 45.7 percent of 18 and older with at least one dose; 37.4 percent of overall population with at least one dose
• Wyoming – 32.4 percent 18 and older completed vaccine series; 46.8 percent of 18 and older with at least one dose, 38.3 percent of overall population with at least one dose

Provided photos

HOLLEY – The Holley Police Department recently welcomed three new police officers. They were sworn into their positions by Bob Barton, the acting police chief.

The top photo shows Chief Barton, right, welcoming Thomas Kirk to the Police Department.

Timothy Quatro shakes hands with Chief Barton.

Charles St. John is among the new officers with the Holley PD.

Provided photos: From left includes Kellie Spychalski, CEO of Supportive Care of Orleans; Lynn Burgess, 2020 Business/Civic Award Winner; and Christine Fancher, Social Worker/Volunteer Coordinator.

Press Release, Supportive Care of Orleans

ALBION – Supportive Care of Orleans is proud to announce the following award winners for the year 2020 for both the Business/Civic Award as well as the Mary Janet Sahukar Award.

The 2020 Business/Civic Award was presented to Lynn Burgess of Lynn’s Salon in Albion. Lynn has been instrumental in helping support our Annual Spring Bouquet Sale for many years and never ceases to amaze the organization with her overwhelming support. Lynn has also been a strong supporter over the past several years helping contribute to many of our other fundraising events.

Pictured from left include Kellie Spychalski, CEO; Doug Miller, 2020 Mary Janet Sahukar Award Winner; and Christine Fancher, Social Worker/Volunteer Coordinator.

The 2020 Mary Janet Sahukar Award was presented to Doug Miller. Doug has been a part of many campus projects this past year including the expansion of the organization’s parking lot. He and his wife Sue donate large planters and flowers to the Martin-Linsin campus each year and they bring so much beauty to those who enter the front doors.

Doug has also been extremely instrumental in assisting the agency wherever needed, including his Board of Director duties with the organization. He has a kind, giving heart, and we are so very excited to share this aware with him.

Supportive Care of Orleans would like to again thank both Lynn Burgess and Doug Miller for their contributions and continued efforts to help support the mission of the organization.

ALBION – An Albion man is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly stabbing a 17-year-old male in the chest in a domestic dispute on Tuesday night.

Isaiah Alexander

Isaiah Alexander, 62, of Albion allegedly stabbed a 17-year-old male in the upper chest area. While attempting to prevent further injury to the 17-year-old male, a 20-year-old female suffered a severe laceration to her hand, said David Mogle, Albion police chief.

Alexander has been charged him with one count of attempted murder, two counts of 1^st-degree assault, one count of attempted assault in the first degree, and one count of endangering the welfare of child. Additional charges may be forthcoming, Mogle said.

Alexander was remanded to Orleans County Jail on $50,000 cash bail, $100,000 bond or $200,000 partially secured bond.

The Albion Police Department responded to Oak Orchard Estates Mobile Home Park for reports of a stabbing on Tuesday night. The Albion PD was assisted by the New York State Police and Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

The 17-year-old male is expected to recover but was kept overnight in a hospital for observation, Mogle said. The woman was released last night from the hospital.

Covid shutdown cancelled last year’s induction ceremony

Press Release, Medina Central School

Provided photos: Seniors Evie Schultz, Ianah Drisdom and Corey Saj take the National Honor Society Pledge.

MEDINA – A distinguished group of Medina juniors and seniors were celebrated in two ceremonies at High School as they were inducted into the Arista Chapter of the National Honor Society.

In order to become a member, students must have a cumulative average of 90% or higher. They must also fill out an application and submit an essay to be reviewed by the faculty council made up of high school teachers.

Because of the school shutdown last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Principal Michael Cavanagh and the planning committee felt it was important to honor this year’s and last year’s honorees together.

“It is truly an achievement to make the National Honor Society,” said Mark Kruzynski, district superintendent. “I am especially proud of this group, because of all of the adversity that they have had to overcome because of the pandemic.  These students excelled whether learning remotely or in school, and they adapted to every situation.  Congratulations to all of our National Honor Society inductees.”

Two ceremonies were held on May 5, coordinated by National Honor Society advisors, Alissa Dunham and Samantha Rennie, with guest speaker, Jackie Gardner.  A community member who has been a leader in many organizations like United Way and GCASA, Gardner also has been involved in the American Bankers Association for 33 years.

Gardner has devoted her time to the Orleans County United Way for eight years and served and president and vice president. She also helped to co-chair the United Way Allocations Committee and is currently part of Leadership Orleans. In addressing the students, she talked to them about the four pillars of National Honor Society: scholarship, leadership, service and character and how to incorporate them into their lives now and in their future. She encouraged students to get involved in their community and wherever they go in the future. The school district would like to thank her for impact on their community.

Ianah Drisdom, a senior, is congratulated by her mother.

The ceremonies included excerpts from essays that students submitted with their applications for the National Honor Society.  The topics for these essays were: an adult that made the greatest impact on them, being an A student or the four pillars of the National Honor Society.  The ceremony was concluded with a candle lighting ceremony, the receiving of their gold cords from Assistant Principal Joel Reed and the reciting of the National Honor Society Pledge.

The new inductees include:

Seniors: James Bieliski, Arella Biesinger, Abigail Blount (Vice President), Tessa Boyce, Brooklyn Brown, Sophia Cardone (President), Emma Carson, Alwyn Cayea, Morgan Crossett, Ianah Drisdom, Carter Green, Devin Griffin, Alexis Hare, Makayla Heideman, Corinne Hill, Kylie Hinman (Social Chair), Bailey Jackson, Hannah Kenward (Treasurer), Carina Kingsbury, Emma Leonard, Madison Meyers, Abigail Neuman, Jaden Pencille, August Pietrafesa, Emma Roush, Jack Rutkowski (Secretary), Corey Saj, Evie Schultz, Emma Schwarzott, Sarah Sones, Madison Stewart, Ryan Taylor, Faith Ann Vanderwalker, Jacob Velesko, Sydney Watts and Amanda Woodruff.

Alexis Jones (Social Chair) and Micaela Erway (Vice President), graduates from the Class of 2020, also participated in the ceremony for the seniors.

Juniors: Dakota Alexander, Andrea Benz, David Berry, Suvi Biesinger, Thomas Burgess Jr., Lily Carpenter, Joseph Cecchini, Zachary Fike, Benjamin Griffin, Samuel Kingsbury, Kaylee Lacey, Drayven Oakes, Kristi Oliver, Xander Payne, Jaxon Phillips, Victoria Potter, Karina Rotoli, Charisma Roy, Willy Sanchez Cabrera, Aleena Silker, Willow Smith, Alexandria Strong, Kristen Trillizio, Emma Wagner, Hayden Woodroe and Megan Zakes.

Contributed Photos – Lyndonville’s 2011 baseball team will be among the first inductees into the Tigers new Athletic Hall of Fame. Team members included, in front, Joey Sukackas, Josh Brabon, Tanner Helsdon, Alex Rodriguez, Joe Burgess and Cody Buckland. In the second row are Coach Shane Price, Andy Hydock, Corey Nicholson, Brooks Boyle, Jared Preedom, Ryan Lilley, Travis Hall, Jimmy White, Ken Urbanik and Coach Mark Hughes.

Sunday will be a special day as some of the school’s outstanding sports accomplishments over the past seven decades will be honored as Lyndonville High will induct its first class into the Tigers new Athletic Hall of Fame.

The initial class includes one team, the 2011 baseball squad;three coaches – Arnie Hartsen, Fred Large and John Hayes; seven former student/athletes – Ron Mapes (Class of 1955), Jill Eppolito (Class of 1979), Tim Riemer (Class of 1985), Chris Hayes (Class of 1989, Sam Recco (Class of 2012) and Tony Recco (Class of 2015) along with a Special Contributor Maria Quintern (Class of 1986).

The 2011 Baseball Team

The 2011 Tigers diamond squad made history by becoming the school’s first team to reach the state semifinals.

In route to reaching the Final Four, the Tigers defeated Notre Dame 7-4 for the Section V Class DD title, Webster Christian 10-4 for the Section V Class D berth to the state playoffs and Pine Valley 12-6 in the Far West Regional. The Tigers bid for a spot in the finals was ended via a narrow 7-4 loss to Livingston Manor in the state semifinals.

Five members of the Tigers squad – Josh Brabon, Brooks Boyle, Andy Hydock, Ryan Lilley and Joe Burgess – earned Genesee Region League All-Star honors and Coach Shane Price was honored as both G-R and Section V Coach of the Year.

Coaches Fred Large, left, Arnie Hartsen and John Hayes

Coach Arnie Hartsen

Hartsen served the school district as a Physical Education teacher, Coach and Athletic Director from 1941-43 and 1946-1976) as he served in the Navy from 1943-46.

He guided the Tigers baseball squad to 13 Genesee-Orleans League titles and four Section V championships (1951, 1953, 1955 and 1959) compiling a career record of 326-147-2.

In the sectional finals his Tiger teams shared the crown with Clyde in 1951 after a 2-2 tie, defeated Naples 2-1 in 1953, Cuba 3-0 in 1955 and Belmont 14-1 in 1959.

Coach Fred Large

Large organized the Lyndonville wrestling program in 1963 and guided the Tigers to 14 Genesee Region League titles and five Section V Class championships (1975, 1984, 1987, 1993 and 1994). His 1975 squad had five individual Section V champions.

His Tigers squads at one stretch had a 46 match winning streak and overall he had a career record of over 250 wins.

He was inducted into the Section V Hall of Fame in 2005.

The gymnasium in which the Tigers wrestling teams now hold their matches is named in his honor.

Coach John Hayes

Hayes guided the Tigers baseball teams for 24 years (1979-2001) during which his teams compiled a record of 365-262 and won four Section V championships (1982, 1983, 1994 and 1996) and nine G-R titles (1982, ’83. ’83, ’88. ’89, ’95, ’96, 99 and 2000).

His 1982 team downed Cuba 2-0 to end Lyndonville’s 23 year long sectional title drought. The Tigers other three title wins were 10-0 over Pavilion in 1983, 2-0 over Hammondsport in 1994 and 1-0 over Fillmore in 1996.

The Tigers main gymnasium is named in honor of Hayes who also served as varsity basketball coach and Athletic Director.

Sam and Tony Recco

Sam and Tony Recco

The Recco brothers, Sam and Tony, made history when they both earned state wrestling titles on the same day in 2012.

Tony, then a freshman scored a narrow 1-0 win to capture the state 99 lb. title and then minutes later Sam, a senior, completed the brothers sweep with a 2-0 victory to capture the 120 lb. title.

Both five year varsity wrestlers for the Tigers, Sam compiled a career record of 188-34 and Tony a mark of 196-17.

Sam, who also placed sixth at the state championships in 2011, was a two-time Section V champ in 2011 and 2012.

Tony, who also placed third at the state championships in 2014 and sixth in 2015, was a three time Section V champion in 2012, 2014 and 2015.

They both went on to wrestle at Edinboro University.

Maria Quintern, left, and Jill Eppolito

Jill Eppolito

Eppolito likewise was a multi sport athlete in soccer, basketball and track during the early years of the Lady Tigers sports program.

In soccer she scored a school record 35 goals in 1978 and went on to become a Gold Medalist at the 1978 Empire State Games.

In basketball she was a three-time G-R and two-time Section V All-Star. She holds the school records for most points in a game (45 vs. Notre Dame in 1979), most points in a season (411 during the 1977-78 season) and most career points 1,037). She also had a school record 28.8 career scoring average.

In track she won the Section V Class D title in the 100 Hurdles in 1979.

Maria Quintern

Maria has served as shot clock operator and scorekeeper for over 35 years. She has been a volunteer scorekeeper for soccer, volleyball, basketball and baseball.

Lyndonville Athletic Director Jim Zeliff states that Maria “epitomizes the category of “Supporter” as she has attended almost every athletic event and volunteered her time for 30+ years. Her contributions are invaluable to the district athletic programs.”

Chris Hayes, left, Ron Mapes and Tim Riemer

Ron Mapes

Mapes was a multi sport athlete in football (1953-54), basketball (1952-53, 1953-54, 1954-55) and baseball (1952-1955).

He compiled a 30-3 career record on the mound for the Tigers including a Section V and state record 8 no hitters as well as 19 shutouts and 9 one hitters. He registered 441 strikeouts and offensively had a career batting average of .392.

He hurled the Tigers to three playoff wins in both the  1953 and 1955 Section V title campaigns.

He went on to play professional baseball in the New York Yankees organization.

Tim Riemer

Riemer also was a multi sport athlete in soccer, basketball and baseball.

In soccer he scored a school record 39 goals his senior year and finished with a career total of 46.

In basketball he set a Tigers single game scoring record of 46 against Wyoming during the 1984-85 season. He scored 394 points that season and finished with a career total of 975.

In baseball he hit .462 his senior year with 12 RBIs and no strikeouts and .400 with 10 RBIs his junior year earning G-R All-Star honors both seasons as a catcher. He went on to play professional baseball in the Cleveland Indians organization.

Chris Hayes

Chris Hayes was likewise was a three sport standout in soccer, basketball and baseball.

He was a two-time G-R Al-Star in both soccer and basketball.

On the basketball court he had then school record totals of 478 points in his senior year and 1.012 for his career.

On the baseball diamond he was a four time G-R All-Star who had three no hitters, seven career shutouts and 32 career victories. He went on to play baseball at the University of Connecticut.

Press Release, Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt

ALBANY – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and members of the Senate Republican Conference on Tuesday unveiled a package to protect and honor members of law enforcement all across New York, and safeguard law-abiding New Yorkers against the disastrous results of One-Party Rule’s criminal justice “reforms.”

Rob Ortt

“Since 2019, it’s been clear to most New Yorkers that the scales of justice in our state have tipped heavily in favor of violent criminals – and at the expense of our courageous law enforcement, as well as the men and women they are sworn to protect and serve,” Ortt said. “Bail reform has been a disaster. Our police are under constant attack. Murders and other violent crimes in many of our big cities have gone through the roof. It is time to halt this madness and get back to the basics of public safety, and that begins with protecting those who protect us. I’m proud to stand beside my colleagues in support of the first of our initiatives to restore common-sense and public safety in New York.”

Keynotes of the legislative package to “Protect Those Who Protect Us” in New York include:

• S2561 (Jordan), which would strengthen the penalties for assaulting a police officer.
• S3208 (Ortt), which would strengthen penalties for causing a police officer to come into contact with foreign substances or objects, such as bottles, flammable liquids, etc.
• S3463 (Gallivan), which would make it a crime to dox a police or peace officer simply because of their profession and with the intent to threaten or intimidate that police or peace officer.
• S3465 (Gallivan), which would make it a crime to falsely accuse a police or peace officer of wrongdoing in the performance of their duties. This is necessary because of the repeal of Section 50-A, and would protect law enforcement against unfounded or unsubstantiated claims.

A proposal by Senator Alexis Weik to Defund Municipalities that Defund the Police Act. The Director of the Division of Budget would withhold state funding to a municipality that abolishes, disbands or significantly reduces its police department. The amount of state money withheld would correspond with the percentage reduction in a police department’s budget by the municipality.

In New York City, violent crime has risen at an alarming rate over the past year, with the most recent report by the NYPD showing that overall index crime rose by 30.4 percent compared to April 2020. This rapid increase in crime was driven in part by a 35.6 percent increase in felony assault, a 28.6 percent increase in robbery, and a 166.1 percent increase in shooting incidents.

According to a recent State of Safety in America report by Safewise, New York is the “most worried about safety” state in the nation, with 70 percent of New Yorkers reporting that they are “concerned daily” about their safety. In addition, only 40 percent of New Yorkers feel safe in their everyday lives, while 78 percent think crime is increasing.

These alarming statistics follow the implementation of Democrat bail reform and discovery reform since 2019, as well as the disbanding of the NYPD’s “anti-crime” unit and $1 billion cut to New York City police funding.

The legislative package also includes:

• S1917 (Akshar) – Hate Crime against a Police Officer – Makes a crime committed against a police officer because of their status as a police officer, a hate crime.
• S2034 (Akshar) – Disability and Death Benefit – Provides a $500,000 benefit for police officers who are seriously disabled or die from injuries incurred in the line of duty.
• S2226 (Helming) – Stalking a Police/Peace Officer – Makes it a class E Felony to stalk a police or peace officer, and makes the crime of stalking a police or peace officer eligible for bail.
• S3464 (Gallivan) – Failure to Retreat – Makes it a class D Felony for any person to approach or remain within 25 feet of a police officer engaged in the performance of their duties when they are ordered by an officer and they fail to do so.
• S6231 (Lanza) – Resisting Arrest – Enhances the penalty resisting arrest from a class A misdemeanor to a class E Felony. Adds resisting arrest to the list of E Felonies where a police officer may arrest someone, instead of being required to issue an appearance ticket.
• S6285 (Serino) – Police Memorial Day – Establishes May 15th as Police Memorial Day in New York State. Requires the Governor to appear in person at the fitting ceremony at the Police Memorial Wall and to read, out loud, the names of the police officers who died during the previous year from injuries incurred in the line of duty.
• S6286 (Serino) – Unfounded and unsubstantiated complaints against first responders; This is necessary because of the repeal of Section 50-A, and would prohibit the disclosure of personnel records with regard to unsubstantiated or unfounded complaints made against first responders.

“Too often police officers come under attack simply because they wear a badge and a uniform. Such disregard for law enforcement shows disregard for the rule of law necessary in a civilized society,” said Senator Patrick M. Gallivan of Elma. “We need to do more to support and protect the men and women who have dedicated their lives to keeping our fellow citizens safe. This legislation will help to do that. As a former Trooper and Sheriff of Erie County, I know the vast majority of officers care about the communities they serve and the rights of all law abiding citizens. They deserve our support and our appreciation, today and every day.”

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S.1453-B/A.6225-A) extending a moratorium that prevents utility companies from disconnecting utilities to residential households and small businesses that are struggling with their bills due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The moratorium is extended for a period of 180 days after the Covid-19 state of emergency is lifted or 180 days after December 31, 2021, whichever is earlier. Utility companies must instead offer these customers a deferred payment agreement without fees or penalties on any past-due balance.

This legislation will expand to cable and broadband internet service providers and additionally make the moratorium protections available to small businesses, in keeping with priorities laid out by the Governor in his 2021 State of the State address.

“Utility companies provide essential services, and we need to make sure they continue to provide them in every situation – especially to those individuals who have suffered the most from Covid and are struggling to make ends meet,” Cuomo said. “That’s why New York was the first state in the nation to establish a statewide moratorium on all utility shutoffs during the Covid crisis and why we’re extending that moratorium to make sure every single New Yorker can continue to provide for themselves and their families.”

Submitted photo: An Orleans Hub reader sent in this photo today of the Generations Bank site in the Albion Walmart.

ALBION – A banking site that has been at the Albion Walmart since the store opened in June 2006 has closed.

Generations Bank decided the close the branch, which was originally Medina Savings and Loan. Medina merged with Generations Bank, which is based in Seneca Falls, on Oct. 1, 2018.

“The business of banking is changing rapidly, driven by technological advances,” said Michael Reed, vice president and marketing officer for Generations Bank. “We have found that our customers are enjoying the convenience of banking wherever and whenever they want with services like our mobile banking app and online banking.”

Generations is seeing increasing transactions from customers, but the number is declining an the office locations, with the Albion site no exception, Reed said.

“After much analysis it was determined that we could continue to serve our customers in the Albion area via our electronic platforms, Customer Contact Center and the much larger office location in Medina (just 10 miles away from the Albion location),” Reed said. “While we are not presently seeking additional locations in Orleans County, we do evaluate opportunities as they arise.”

The employees at the Albion branch have all been retained and will be working out of the Medina location.

Orleans passes 3,000 cases during pandemic; No hospitalizations currently from Covid in Orleans

Orleans and Genesee counties combined are reporting 69 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 today in the first update since Friday afternoon by the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

That brings the total in the two counties to 8,200 since March 2020, and includes 5,193 in Genesee and 3,007 in Orleans.

In Orleans County there are 37 new positive cases since last Friday. That pushes the county past 3,000 cases during the pandemic. The 3,007 positive cases represents 7.5 percent of the county’s 40,352 population, based on the 2019 Census estimate.

Of the new cases, the individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s. There are currently no Orleans County residents hospitalized due to Covid, the Health Departments reported.

In Genesee County there are 32 new positive bringing the total to 5,193 cases during the pandemic. The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s.

There are currently 5 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.

New data format: The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said they will be reporting the total number of positive cases, ages, number of active cases/mandatory isolation and on Fridays will include the NYS Fatality Data.

“We will no longer be reporting by region, facility data, negative and recovered numbers,” the Health Departments said in a news release. “Hospitalizations and ages of new positive individuals will be reported in the narrative. The total age breakdown and potential community exposure risks will continue to be posted on our websites. The data reporting chart will also include the Finger Lakes Covid Vaccination Hub updates on vaccination in both total number and percentage.”

Active cases: There are currently 130 actives cases in the two counties, which is down from 156 seven days ago. In Orleans, the active cases is down from 90 to 77, while Genesee decreased from 66 to 53.

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today launched Round XI of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, officially kicking off a new decade of economic development in a post-pandemic recovery.

The 2021 funding round includes more than $750 million in state economic development resources. The Consolidated Funding Application opened on May 10, enabling businesses, municipalities, not-for-profits and the public to begin applying for assistance from dozens of state programs for job-creation and community development projects.

“We’re announcing a new decade of the Regional Economic Development Councils so that regionals all across the state can plan their own economic rebirth and come up with their own smart and daring plans to rebuild, and New York State will fund it,” Cuomo said. “We’ve done this before and it’s worked tremendously well, but it’s more important this year than ever before because the stakes are higher this year than ever before.”

Over the past 10 years, the Regional Economic Development Councils have revitalized the state’s economy from the ground up through a community-based and performance-driven approach to economic development. This year, New York State will again leverage the expertise of the REDCs to invest $750 million in strategic, regional efforts to drive the recovery in every corner of the state.

Round XI includes core capital and tax-credit funding that will be combined with a wide range of existing agency programs totaling approximately $750 million. The core funding includes $225 million in grants and tax credits to fund high value regional priority projects. The budget also makes over $525 million in resources from state agencies available to support community revitalization and business growth consistent with the existing REDC plans through the CFA process.

In order to be responsive to the immediate needs of the development community and as the state is making crucial investments to generate economic activity, the $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development will be made available to projects on a continuous and competitive basis this round.

Round XI Awards

The Regional Councils will identify and recommend priority projects that will be eligible for up to $150 million in capital funds on a rolling basis, meaning projects will be reviewed throughout the round. An emphasis will be placed on project readiness and alignment with each region’s strategic plan. Additionally, projects within each region will also be eligible for a share of $75 million in Excelsior Tax Credits to help attract and grow business in the region. Projects from all 10 regions submitted through the CFA will be eligible for over $525 million in other state agency funds, which are available on a set timeline. Regional Economic Development Councils will review these projects and provide scores that reflect how well a project aligns with a region’s goals and strategies.

The 2021 REDC Guidebook and list of available resources is accessible by clicking here. The CFA – available by clicking here – opened on Monday, May 10, and the deadline for applications is Friday, July 30 at 4 p.m.

The REDC process continues to improve the State’s approach to economic development, creating regional strategies for bottom-up, economic growth and streamlining the State funding application process. To date, through the REDC competition, more than $6.9 billion has been awarded to more than 8,300 job creation and community development projects consistent with each region’s strategic plans, which project to create and retain more than 240,000 jobs statewide.

To date, through the REDC competition:

• Western New York REDC has been awarded $620.4 million for 890 projects;
• Finger Lakes REDC has been awarded $721 million for 950 projects;
• Southern Tier REDC has been awarded $702.3 million for 764 projects;
• Central New York REDC has been awarded $789.8 million for 801 projects;
• Mohawk Valley REDC has been awarded $697.7 million for 721 projects;
• North Country REDC has been awarded $682.2 million for 690 projects;
• Capital Region REDC has been awarded $673 million for 933 projects;
• Mid-Hudson REDC has been awarded $713.6 million for 914 projects;
• New York City REDC has been awarded $615.9 million for 819 projects; and
• Long Island REDC has been awarded $727 million for 885 projects.

Graduates limited to 3 guests unless state changes guidelines

ALBON – The school district announced today there will be an in-person graduation ceremony with the entire class together on June 25. The event is being moved from the usual high school gym to outside at the football stadium.

Last year there wasn’t an in-person graduation for the Class of 2020 due to the Covid-19 restrictions. Instead, the district did in-person graduations for each student one at a time, and then compiled a video for the class. The group wasn’t together for the ceremony, but did drive around campus together the evening of commencement.

The district announced graduates will be limited to 3 guests for commencement. That could change if the state changes the guidelines and allows more people. Right now, the state guidelines allow a maximum of 500 people at outdoor venues and they don’t need to show proof of a vaccine or negative Covid test. Last year the cap for graduations was 150 people. (If the state becomes more restrictive on the crowd size, the district said it will communicate any changes as soon as possible.)

Albion has set 2 p.m. on June 26 and June 27 as potential rain dates. The ceremony also will be live-streamed on the district’s YouTube channel.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the Pfizer vaccine, currently the only one permitted for people ages 16 and 17, could get emergency authorization later this week for 12- to 15-year-olds as well.

The federal Food and Drug Administration on Monday expanded the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine to include people ages 12 to 15.

“This is an encouraging step in the ongoing battle against this global pandemic,” Cuomo said in a statement today. “The Covid-19 vaccine is our best weapon to defeat the virus, and we’re taking all the appropriate precautions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of our vaccine program.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, will meet publicly on Wednesday to review data and discuss whether to recommend the vaccine for this age group to the CDC director.

Following that review, Dr. Howard Zucker, commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, will meet with the state’s Clinical Advisory Task Force and make a final recommendation, “which means we could have full authorization for vaccinations to begin for 12- to 15-year-olds here in New York as early as Thursday,” Cuomo said.

“As we have with the authorization of each Covid-19 vaccine and subsequent changes, we will use science and data to determine the safest path forward for New Yorkers,” Cuomo said.

By Doug Farley, Cobblestone Museum Director   

The Hamlet of Childs is fortunate to have a history that is one of its greatest assets. The recording of that history, as well as its preservation, has been the labor of love for many local historians, including the subject of today’s essay, Delia “Dee” Robinson, shown above center.

Dee’s roots and interest in history got started in her hometown of North East, PA. After finishing high school there, she graduated from Clarion State Teachers College in 1969. She was very fortunate to travel extensively throughout Europe, the United States and Mexico. Dee took her graduate work at Geneseo and is a certified media specialist.  She then worked as a school librarian for Wayne Central School District at Ontario Center NY from 1969-1974.

We will start Dee’s journey as local historian with her family’s arrival in the Hamlet of Childs in 1976 when she and her husband William purchased a cobblestone home in Childs, shown above at right.  It was that purchase that alerted Dee to the larger picture of cobblestone masonry construction in the region, and the organization that was formed in 1960 to preserve and safeguard this architectural resource, The Cobblestone Society and Museum.

Dee immediately became interested in the history of her own home and started checking deeds, census records and old maps for more information.  Dee said, “In order to find out about one piece of property, you have to find out about the one next door.”  This, of course, led to conversations with other residents which led to her interest in much more than just cobblestone homes, but also the storied history of Gaines, itself.

With the Cobblestone Museum in the same neighborhood, Dee found people with common likes and interests and soon became a valuable volunteer and board member.  The Museum received its Provisional Charter from the NYS Education Department in 1961, and Absolute Charter six years later.

One of the purposes listed in the chartering document was “to establish a museum and library as a headquarters for the collection and dissemination of information concerning the cobblestone art and all related aspects of regional art and history.” It was Dee Robinson that moved this goal one step closer to fruition when she approached the organization’s board of trustees to offer her services to help create a library that specialized in books, printed matter and photographs that detail the history of approximately 900 cobblestone structures built between the 1820s and the Civil War. The epicenter of this construction is located at Rochester NY, fanning out with a radius of about 60 miles.

As a result, the Cobblestone Resource Center was established in early 1982 with Dee Robinson appointed Research Director. By this time, the Cobblestone Society had been very fortunate to have already amassed an amazing collection of research materials through the efforts and generosity of three of its founding trustees, Cary Lattin (left), Robert Frasch (right) and William Shelgren (center).

The Cobblestone Board agreed with Dee and gave her permission to set up a library in a small area of the Museum’s Gift Shop located in the lower level of the Cobblestone Universalist Church. Members of the board are shown here in April 1983 assembled for the Annual Meeting at the Village Inn, including: (Left-right, First Row) Marcia Hart, Josephine Howard, Ruth Daggar, Ruth Applegate, Don Ross and Patrick Roundtree; Orleans County Planning and Development.  (Second row) Evelyn Lyman, Edgar Clark, Bill Lattin; Museum Director, Dick Cook, Harold Root, Paul Haines, Delia Robinson, Resource Director.

In 1984, having already outgrown its space, the research materials were moved into the room, seen here, a space most thought would be more than adequate for its purpose. Well, in 1991, another move to gain more space was needed, this time into what would later become known as the Danolds Room, in honor of local pioneers, Charles and Mary Jane Danolds.

The final move came about in 2002 following the Museum’s acquisition of the Brick House from the H&A Superette and Liquor Store, next door.  Moving the Resource Center, then 20 years old, was no small feat. Board member Evelyn Lyman took on the gargantuan job of designing the interior, purchasing storage units and transferring an enormous collection of books and archival materials. At the dedication, the entire ground floor was dedicated as the Robert W. Frasch Room, a space the library still occupies today.

Dee Robinson served with distinction in her role as Research Director for the Museum from 1982 to 2012, a 30-year span of time. During that time she helped acquire several hundred books on local history (a portion of the book collection is seen here in 2010) with an emphasis on cobblestone construction, and created about 900 hanging files that provide information and pictures on all known cobblestone buildings.

In that same time she wrote grants to support her efforts and to expand the collection of research materials. After submitting one grant request to the New York State Council of the Arts in the 1980s, the Museum was pleased to learn that NYSCA had not only approved the grant, but wrote back and asked Dee to request a larger amount of funding because the scope of her work was so important to this region. When Robert Frasch passed away in 1990, he, too, was very favorably impressed with Dee’s efforts. He provided a substantial endowment that he earmarked to be used to help maintain the Research Room for posterity.

Dee’s interest in local history goes far beyond just cobblestones. In 1982, during Bill Lattin’s tenure with the Town Board of Gaines, he recognized Dee’s interest in local history and requested she be appointed as Deputy Town Historian serving with J. Howard Pratt who was Town Historian. Mr. Pratt is shown above right with Stanley Vanderlaan, left.

Dee’s appointment was the first of its kind in Orleans County. Over the years, Howard Pratt, who lacked a town office of his own, had collected a large amount of material that he kept at his own home. Dee served in the Deputy Historian position until 1988 when Howard Pratt died at the age of 99. Dee Robinson became Town Historian shortly thereafter. Then, following in the precedent already established, she appointed Janice Barnum Thaine to become her Deputy Historian, a very wise choice.

In addition to her role as local historian, Dee served as President of the NYS Municipal Historians, a state wide organization of government historians representing nearly all of the cities, towns and villages across the state. She served in that role with distinction for many years.

Concurrent with her other accomplishments, in 1996, Delia accepted a position as Reference Librarian at the Swan Library local history room, a position that later transitioned and continues to today at the Hoag Library at its new headquarters building on Main Street in Albion.

Dee has also written six local history books including “Historical Gaines 1809-1984,” published for the Town of Gaines Sesquicentennial.  Seen here at a book signing are Bill Lattin (left), Dee Robinson (center), and Ronald “Butch” Radzinski, Town of Gaines Supervisor.

Other titles include, “Cobblestone Buildings in Orleans County NY,” a photo-filled book with many outstanding examples of cobblestone masonry in the county; “Details of Cobblestone Masonry,” “Historical Amnesia,” which focused on the forgotten history of Orleans County’s pioneer women, and “To Preserve and Educate (Vol I & II);” written to celebrate 25 and 50 years of Cobblestone Society history.

Copies of each of these publications are available at the Cobblestone Museum Gift Shop or online at CobblestoneMuseum.org. Dee has also coauthored numerous other books and publications.  She continues to offer talks and presentations for the Hoag Library and other community organizations, and has contributed to articles in “Time Life Books.”

On the lecture circuit, Dee presented several hands-on workshops on Cobblestone Masonry in the 1980s, a series for which she received the New York State Preservation League Architectural Heritage Year Award.  Other programs Dee continues to present include: “Women’s Victorian Language,” “Local Women in History,” “Building Preservation,” and “The History of Childs;” which includes the history of the Village Inn and other enterprises.

In an effort to recognize the work of Dee Robinson and other local historians, she was given the Orleans County Heritage Heroes Award in 2016.  Shown here receiving the award at that time are (l-r) Melissa Ierlan, Dee Robinson, Peg Wiley, Al Capurso and Tim Archer.

A wise man once said, “Choose a job you love and you won’t have to work a day in your life.” Delia Robinson has built on this axiom and said, “I still love my work, and that’s why I am still working.”