WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) joined with colleagues to ask the United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to uphold agricultural purchase commitments made by China under the Phase One trade deal.
“American farmers and businesses have been cheated for decades by China’s malign trade practices and efforts to artificially bolster their state-run entities,” Jacobs said. “The Phase One trade deal was critical to supporting American farmers and increasing American exports.”
The Phase One trade deal, signed in January 2020, required China to purchase $200 billion worth of American products, goods, and services. In part, China agreed to purchase $12.5 billion in additional agricultural products above the 2017 trade level in 2020.
Current data shows that the Chinese government failed to meet those 2020 purchasing commitments. If needed, the Phase One trade deal has built-in mechanisms that can be used by the United States government to enforce those commitments.
“Ensuring China adheres to purchasing agreements is critical to supporting American farmers, especially as they continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Jacobs said. “I urge the Secretary to work with the U.S. Trade Representative to review the Phase One trade deal and implement necessary enforcement measures to hold China accountable.”
Press Release, Independent Living of the Genesee Region
Betesha Thompson
BATAVIA – Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), a member of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc. Family of Agencies, welcomes Betesha Thompson to assist people with disabilities in the Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming County (GOW) Region as a Medicaid Application Assistance Program (MAAP) Facilitated Enroller.
Ms. Thompson comes to ILGR after having gained experience as a Heath Care Coordinator at East House in Rochester; a Children’s Behavior Health Service Provider at the Hillside Family of Agencies in Rochester; a Residential Living Specialist at Eagle Star Housing in East Pembroke; a Residential Advisor at Iroquois Job Care Center in Medina; and a Direct Support Professional at The Arc of Monroe in Rochester. She holds a Regents Diploma from Albion High School.
Looking forward to assisting persons in need, Ms. Thompson states, “I intend to use all of my skills to make sure every individual I work with has that person-centered experience.”
In this position, Ms. Thompson will assist individuals who are over 65 years of age, legally blind, or receiving Social Security Disability in applying for Medicaid insurance by determining the type of Medicaid coverage that is best for them, and even assist in completing the application and collecting necessary documentation to submit with the Medicaid application. Additionally, she will conduct outreach activities to educate, engage and enroll qualified individuals who live in the GOW Region.
ILGR is delighted that Betesha Thompson is bringing her vast experience to serve the GOW region in her new capacity.
Independent Living of the Genesee Region is a member of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives. The organization has an office in Batavia that serves residents in the three GOW counties.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2021 at 12:14 pm
Department sending police reform plan to state by April 1
Photo by Tom Rivers: Albion Police Department Sgt. Brandon Annable, left, and Lt. David Mogle are pictured outside the Albion police station on Platt Street.
ALBION – The Albion Police Department is working on a police reform plan and wants to hear from the community how the department can better serve local residents and business owners.
The department has a five-question survey online for people to offer feedback and rate the department’s services. Click here to see the survey.
The Police Department has compiled a police reform and reinvention plan (click here) that needs to be sent to the state by April 1. The plan is expected to be voted on by the Village Board next week.
David Mogle, lieutenant with the Albion PD, said the plan will be a working document that can be modified in the future.
“We expect to build on this,” he said.
Mogle and Sgt. Brandon Annable have been meeting with a committee to discuss Albion PD policies and ways to help the department better connect with the community. One of the survey questions asks if residents would like to see officers at more events in the community.
The committee working with the Police Department already has ideas to help officers connect with the community. The committee has suggested the PD not have tinted windows on the Chevrolet Tahoes driven by officers. Mogle said as those vehicles are rotated out the replacements won’t have tinted windows in the future.
The committee also suggested the Albion PD have more officers spend time in school buildings. The department currently has a dedicated school resource officer, Chris Glogowski. He has worked at the school district since February 2019, with the district contributing $81,250 annually to the village to have the officer dedicated to the schools.
More officers could spend time in the schools with the district’s approval and if it works with the Police Department’s staffing, Mogle said. Those officers could spend part of a shift with the school resource officer, Mogle said.
The Albion PD responds to about 4,000 to 5,000 calls annually. The department at full staffing has 13 full-time officers. It currently is down one officer, and will be at 11 when Police Chief Roland Nenni retires on March 31. The PD runs two 12-hour shifts, the first platoon from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and second platoon, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Nenni has led a department that far exceeds the annual state requirements for training. Albion officers do annual training with firearms, use of force, updates in laws such as bail reform and “Raise the Age,” Emergency Vehicle Operation Course, Stinger Spike Strips (vehicle pursuit termination efforts), administering Narcan, using tourniquets and other First Aid, and defensive tactics, Taser and use of less lethal bean bag shotgun, reality-based training focused on de-escalation, Bloodborne pathogens, and active shooter training.
The department has long banned the use of chokeholds. It has a policy against racial-based profiling. The Albion PD also is looking to add a Racial Justice training, the department states in its reform and reinvention plan.
Even after the plan is submitting to the state, Mogle said the Albion PD intends to meet frequently with the committee to hear if there are community concerns and how they can be best addressed.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2021 at 11:08 am
The schedule is set for food distributions through late April. Those events have been held most weeks since last April due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
At each distribution, held on Fridays, about 300 boxes of food will be given away in the “Families Food Box Program” which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The distributions are scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m.
The schedule includes:
March 19, Community Action Main Street Store, 113 South Main St., Albion
March 26, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Fairgrounds on Route 31 in Knowlesville
April 2, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Fairgrounds on Route 31 in Knowlesville
April 9, Medina High School, Mustang Drive, Medina
April 16, Community Action Main Street Store, 113 South Main St., Albion
April 23, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Fairgrounds on Route 31 in Knowlesville
April 30, Community Action Main Street Store, 113 South Main St., Albion
“We remind people not to block driveways,” said Melissa Blanar, director of the Office for the Aging, which helps organize the events. “We want to thank all the volunteers. Without them there would be no events. Please be patient and kind.”
ALBION – The Orleans County Health Department has been awarded a grant to provide the Hepatitis A vaccine to food service workers at no cost to them or the employer.
In Western New York and across the United States, foodborne outbreaks of Hepatitis A have occurred as a result of infected food service workers. Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for Genesee and Orleans Counties, understands the severity of Hepatitis A and the effect it can have on a business and community.
“Hepatitis A is a serious issue because most food service workers will spread the infection before even knowing they have the disease,” Bedard said. “A food service worker can spread the virus to customers or other staff by contaminating surfaces, utensils and/or food, which can make unvaccinated individuals very sick. By offering the vaccine to food services workers, we can prevent unnecessary illness from spreading in the community.”
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection that is caused by the Hepatitis A Virus. It is typically spread through the feces of infected individuals. Someone can become infected by consuming food or drink that has been contaminated by feces as well as having close personal contact with a person who is infected, or use of injection and non-injection drugs.
The symptoms of Hepatitis A may include sudden onset of fever, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, stomach pain, dark-colored urine and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes). HAV usually does not have signs or symptoms until the second week of infection and is the most infectious during this time.
The good news is that Hepatitis A can be prevented through vaccination! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the vaccine has a 94% – 100% efficacy rate. The Hepatitis A vaccine is a two-dose series that is administered 6 months apart. As the vaccine is not required to attend school or daycare, many people have not received it.
Any food service worker living or working in Orleans County can receive the vaccine. By receiving the vaccine, you are also protecting yourself from getting the virus if you come in contact with dishes and/or utensils that may have been contaminated by a customer or co- worker.
Restaurants who have participated in this opportunity will receive a certificate honoring their commitment to protecting the health and safety of their workers and customers.
Restaurants or food services workers who are interested in receiving the Hepatitis A vaccine should contact the Orleans County Health Department immediately as this opportunity is ending on April 1. The supply is on a first-come, first serve basis.
For more information, please call the Orleans County Health Department at 585-589-3278. The department is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information on the hepatitis A virus, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2021 at 9:38 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The VFW Post in Albion reached its 75th anniversary on Nov. 19, 2020. The Post hasn’t been able to have a celebration for the milestone due to Covid-19 restrictions and concerns. However, the Post’s leaders on Wednesday acknowledged the 75 years during its monthly meeting.
Pictured outside the Post on Platt Street include from left: Orville Preston, chaplain; Mike Donahue, trustee; Mark Roberts, past commander; Matt Passarell, current commander; Joe Gehl, trustee; Kevin Christy, quartermaster; and Gary Befus, trustee.
The VFW Post works with the American Legion on setting flags on about 2,000 veterans’ graves annually. The VFW also provides scholarships and helps organize the annual Memorial Day observance.
Matt Passarell, the current commander, praised the efforts of the VFW members since the post’s founding. He thanked the current members for continuing to serve at the post and serve the community.
“The 75th anniversary is an impressive milestone,” Passarell said during Wednesday’s monthly board meeting. “A lot of this can be attributed to people from long ago who wanted a VFW post in Albion.”
The Veterans of Foreign Wars national office recognized the local VFW with a Diamond Jubilee Award on Nov. 19, which was the 75th anniversary of the post’s founding.
“In special commemoration and grateful recognition of its seventy-five years of exceptional service to the nation and its veterans throughout its seven and one-half decades of dedicated support for the programs and purposes of the Veterans of Foreign Wars,” the citation read.
Harold “Hal” Roesch, II, commander-in-chief of the national VFW, sent a letter of congratulations to the VFW.
“The members of VFW Post 4635 are a pillar of support for Albion, New York,” Roesch wrote in his letter. “Year after year, you have provided superb public service to others. You provide an invaluable network of service to those who have borne the battle, as well as to their families, and you advance the health and well-being of those who bear the burden of defending our nation and our way of life.”
VFW leaders pause for a prayer during Wednesday’s monthly board meeting.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2021 at 8:32 am
ALBION – Veterans organizations in Albion are planning a Memorial Day observance that will be smaller in scale.
Last year’s Memorial Day parade and service was cancelled when the state set a limit on social gatherings to no more than 10 people.
The state’s new limit for the maximum size for outdoor social gatherings will be 200, as of March 22.
Leaders of the VFW and American Legion in Albion are planning for a Memorial Day event that include a short procession and service, but won’t include the marching band, Scouts, firefighters and other community groups.
Mark Roberts, a past VFW commander, said Covid-19 is still in the community and he doesn’t want to put people at risk of catching the virus. He had Covid-19 and said it was an ordeal. He knows many people who died after getting it.
Roberts doesn’t want the sacrifice of veterans to go unnoticed on Memorial Day, which this year will be May 31.
The VFW and Legion are planning a modified route where veterans would march from the VFW on Platt Street, turn left on East Bank Street, and then another left on Main Street to the Courthouse lawn, where they will have a service. The group needs permission from the County Legislature to use the Courthouse lawn for the service.
The parade route usually starts on Main Street at the Park Street intersection, heads south to Route 31, and then heads east to the middle school lawn, where there is a Vietnam War Memorial. Usually many community groups, including the Albion marching band, are part of the parade.
Gary Befus, a member of the American Legion and VFW, is working on the details for the Memorial Day observance. It would start at 10 a.m. at the VFW with the procession, with the service to start about 10:30 a.m.
Local veterans also plan to visit local memorials and cemeteries to pay their respects to veterans on Memorial Day. The veterans typically have the Honor Guard visit eight sites in Albion for a gun salute and the playing of Taps.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 March 2021 at 5:28 pm
Orleans and Genesee counties combined are reporting 18 new Covid-19 cases today, and are nearing 7,000 total for the pandemic. There are currently 6,952 cases in the two counties in the past year, according to the Genesee and Orleans County health Departments.
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the first confirmed case in Genesee and Thursday is the one-year anniversary of the first case in Orleans County.
Orleans County has 6 new positive cases of Covid-19 for a total of 2,487 positive cases in the pandemic.
The new positive cases reside in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby) and Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre). The individuals are in their 60s, 70s and 80s.
The Health Departments reported 1 of the new positives was quarantined prior to testing positive. There aren’t any new recoveries reported today.
There are currently 3 Orleans residents hospitalized due to Covid.
In Genesee County there are 12 new positive cases of Covid-19 reported today for a total of 4,465 positive cases.
The new positive cases reside in the Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) and East Region (Bergen, Byron, LeRoy, Pavilion, Stafford).
The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.
Genesee is reporting 15 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.
There are currently 3 Genesee residents hospitalized with Covid.
More from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments:
• Quarantine for domestic travelers: Beginning April 1st, New York State will no longer require quarantine for domestic travelers. International travelers will still need to quarantine.
All travelers will still be required to complete the Traveler Health Form. For updated Traveler Guidance, click here. Regardless of quarantine status, all individuals exposed to COVID-19 or returning from travel must:
Continue daily symptom monitoring through Day 14;
Continue strict adherence to all recommended non-pharmaceutical interventions, including hand hygiene, and the use of face coverings, through Day 14 (even if fully vaccinated);
Must immediately self-isolate if any symptoms develop and contact their healthcare provider or the local public health authority to report this change in clinical status and determine if they should seek testing.
BROCKPORT – Dr. David Tinkelman, a board-certified pediatrician for 30 years, has chosen to join Oak Orchard Health at its Brockport location. He will begin seeing patients there on April 5.
“Oak Orchard Health was my first and only choice,” Dr. Tinkelman said. “I know I can continue to provide my patients the best of care there. And it’s a convenient location for everyone.”
Dr. Tinkelman joins Medical Director and pediatrician Danielle Renodin-Mead, DO, James Goetz, MD, MPH, Monica Henoch, MD, Kelsey Izzo, MD, and Jan Saxton, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
Dr. Tinkelman has practiced in the Rochester area since 1979 and has been in solo practice since 1991 at Tinkelman Pediatrics. He completed his undergraduate degree in biology at Cornell University and received his medical degree in 1975 from SUNY Upstate Medical Center. His residency was completed at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
“We’re excited that Dr. Tinkelman will be part of our pediatric team at Oak Orchard Health,” said Mary Ann Pettibon, CEO of Oak Orchard Health. “All patients have access to adult medical services, dental, behavioral health, and vision care.”
Oak Orchard Health
Originally founded in 1966, Oak Orchard has grown from a migrant health project into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services for everyone located in the communities we serve. Currently serving over 23,000 patients at eleven locations, Oak Orchard Health is a recognized patient-centered medical home and 501(c) nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) located in the towns of Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Corfu, Lyndonville, Hornell and Warsaw.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 March 2021 at 3:26 pm
File photo by Tom Rivers: These two people and a dog pass underneath the Ingersoll Street lift bridge in Albion on Oct. 14, 2017, when it was a 70-degree fall day.
The State Canal Corp. today announced the schedule for the upcoming boating season with the canal opening on May 21 and continuing until Oct. 13.
That is close to being back to normal after last year’s start was pushed back until June 26. The start in 2020 was supposed to be May 15 but was delayed because canal staff and construction crews were sidelined early in the pandemic. That prevented the State Canal Corp. from doing some of the work needed before the canals could be opened.
In an announcement for the upcoming season today, the Canal Corp. said, “This proposed schedule of operations could be impacted by the Covid pandemic and/or the need to repair critical infrastructure.”
The Canal Corp. also again won’t be charging any tolls or fees for recreational use of the canal system. This is the fifth straight year the tolls have been waived. Those tolls were normally $25 to $100 for a season pass, depending on the size of the vessel.
The upcoming boating season will be the 197th continuous season. Last year the system was in danger of not opening due to Covid, but it opened later than usual.
Standard hours of operation will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The following lift bridges in Orleans County will operate on demand from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. until September 15: Holley, Hulberton, Ingersoll Street in Albion, Main Street in Albion, Eagle Harbor, Knowlesville and Medina.
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION – New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Michael Owczarczak, a Medina resident, a combat veteran, and a member of the 107th Attack Wing who also served in the Army National Guard, has been named Outstanding Senior Non-commissioned Officer of the Year for the 5,800- member New York Air National Guard.
Owczarczak serves as the unit training manager of the 107th Attack Wing’s Security Forces Squadron, based at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.
Owczarczak was selected for the award by a board made up of senior enlisted leaders from across the New York Air National Guard.
The New York National Guard picks four Airmen of the Year annually in the categories of First Sergeant, Airman, Non-Commissioned Officer and Senior Non-Commissioned Officer.
“Sergeant Owczarczak distinguishing himself as a resilient and strategic leader built for success,” said Command Chief Master Sgt. Denny Richardson, the senior enlisted leader for the New York Air National Guard.
Owczarczak enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in 1998 and served as a combat medic assigned to the 105th Military Police Company in Buffalo. He joined the New York Air National Guard and the 107th Security Forces Squadron in 2001.
In September 2019, Owczarczak deployed to Al Asad Air Base in Iraq, where he served as superintendent of plans and programs. He coordinated efforts to protect equipment valued at $3 billion, and led a joint, Norwegian and American response force to help secure airfield perimeter defense, safeguarding 4,500 coalition personnel.
When the base came under Iranian missile attack on January 8, 2020, Owczarczak played a key role in responding to the attack, Richardson said.
He received the Bronze Star in recognition of his efforts.
“His accomplishments of this past year to include the deployment, earning a Bronze star, and multiple award categories is no surprise to anyone he works with,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jerrod Kester, the 107th Security Forces enlisted manager.
Owczarczak is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
He also works with multiple committees and councils to bolster wing development and morale.
“Master Sgt. Owczarczak is a clear example of what a SNCO should be not only in security forces but our Air Force,” Kester said. “I have witnessed the hard work and dedication he has put in on a daily basis.”
Owczarczak’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 March 2021 at 12:25 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Kendall Central School is slated for $1,274,000 in federal funding as part of the newly approved American Rescue Plan.
The newly passed American Rescue Plan will bring $12.5 million to the five districts in Orleans County, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said today.
The breakdown for the five districts in Orleans County includes:
Albion, $4,265,000
Holley, $2,304,000
Kendall, $1,233,000
Lyndonville, $1,274,000
Medina, $3,411,000
The funding is part of $2.5 billion in federal money headed to school districts in Upstate New York, Schumer said.
The Senator said the Covid crisis forced schools to close, with safely reopening them costing districts tens of thousands of dollars. The federal funding allocated for schools in the American Rescue Plan will help bring students back to their desks when New York recovers from the pandemic.
“Everyone wants schools to reopen completely and for our children to be able to return to the classroom, but it needs to be done in a way that is safe for students, families, educators, and learning institutions,” Schumer said. “Covid brought unprecedented challenges that have cost a year of learning and development for students—challenges disproportionately felt by students of color, students from low-income families, students with disabilities, and more. As Majority Leader, I was proud to make funding for our schools a priority, and the American Rescue Plan will deliver this much needed aid to get Upstate students back in school. Help is on the way for Upstate New York’s schools put behind the curve by the pandemic.”
The federal aid will help districts fill budget gaps, address learning loss, meet the needs of students with disabilities, assist students experiencing homelessness, provide summer enrichment and afterschool programs, and other services.
“Without this funding, districts would continue to be forced to redirect resources for many of the unanticipated costs related to the pandemic,” said Sherry Johnson, executive director of Monroe County School Boards Association. “Now, our districts can focus on getting students and staff back safely, make determinations on how best to meet student needs moving forward and begin to focus on helping our communities see the opportunities for education beyond the pandemic.”
Press Release, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
File photo by Tom Rivers – The Old Hippies became The Traveling Towpath Troubadours for a concert series at canal towns in July 2015. The group, led by Bill McDonald, is shown on July 12, 2015 at Medina’s Canal Basin. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is offering grants for activities along the canal this year.
With New York State beginning to open more and an increase in gathering sizes allowed in public spaces, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, in partnership with the NYS Canal Corporation, has opened a call for applications for 2021 canal-related event funding.
Municipalities and nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations may apply for $500 sponsorships for events that promote or celebrate the distinctive historic, cultural, or recreational resources throughout the Canalway Corridor. Events that actively include or serve people with disabilities or people from underserved populations are encouraged to apply.
“We are eager for a return of safe events that showcase New York State’s extraordinary canal heritage and recreational resources. Pre-pandemic research shows that events and tours draw hundreds of thousands of people to the canal each year and deliver $1.3 billion annually in economic benefits to communities,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
“As New York begins to reopen and return to normal, we’re thrilled to be working with canalside communities and partners to uplift local economies and remind New Yorkers of the tremendous historic significance and opportunity offered by the Erie Canal,” said Brian U. Stratton, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation. “Alongside the efforts of Governor Cuomo to reinvigorate upstate cities and towns along the canals through the Reimagine the Canals program, these events will bring New Yorkers together in a safe way and bring a much-needed boost to communities along the length of the Canal.”
Applications are due by April 16 and events must take place from May 1 through October 31, 2021. A minimum one-to-one match is required. Eligible events must comply with New York State Covid-19 guidelines.
