By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 February 2021 at 8:18 am
‘We didn’t vote on a focused, fiscally responsible or targeted Covid-19 relief bill.’ – Congressman Jacobs
Congressman Chris Jacobs, R-Orchard Park, voted against the $1.9 trillion Covid relief package that barely passed in the House early Saturday morning, 219-212.
No Republicans voted in favor of the funding package, and two Democrats also opposed it. The legislation now goes to Senate.
Jacobs issued this statement about the “$1.9 trillion Democrat budget reconciliation package.”
“Today, we didn’t vote on a focused, fiscally responsible or targeted Covid-19 relief bill. The bill before the House today was a partisan package designed to advance an agenda, not the needs of the American people. Sadly, Democrats have rejected over 200 attempts at bipartisan consensus to cut costs and improve this legislation.
“More support is needed to defeat Covid -19, and I would have supported a targeted measure that bolstered vaccine distribution, aided struggling local governments, and reopened schools. Yet only 9% of the total funding of this package goes to public health measures to defeat Covid -19, and only 5% of the $130 billion in school funding will be used this year. In fact, $670 billion of this total package will not even be spent in 2021.
“This bill should have focused on the immediate needs to protect Americans and reopen our country. However, with over $1 trillion still left unspent from previous aid packages and no bipartisan input to craft this legislation – the result can only be described as a disservice to the American people. While there are provisions in this bill I support, it contained numerous provisions that I could not in good faith support or justify.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 February 2021 at 4:16 pm
Orleans and Genesee counties combined are reporting 22 more cases of Covid-19, which brings the total in the two counties to 6,646 since last March.
In Orleans County there are 4 new confirmed cases of Covid for a total of 2,409 positive cases during the pandemic, according to today’s update from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
The new positive cases reside in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby), Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre) and East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s and 80s. Orleans is reporting 3 of the new positive individuals were under mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
The county also has 4 more recoveries from Covid. There is currently one person from the county hospitalized due to Covid.
In Genesee County there are 18 new cases of Covid-19 for a total of 4,237 positive cases during the pandemic.
The new positive cases reside in the West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke), 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, 70s and 80s.
Genesee is reporting 18 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.
There are currently 14 county residents hospitalized due to Covid.
The G-O Health Departments reported one positive resident was retracted after a case at the Batavia VA Medical Center was determined to be a duplicate.
These charts from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments show the recent data is mostly trending downward in the two counties.
BATAVIA – Genesee Community College has proudly named Deborah Penoyer, MS, RN as the new Nursing Program Director at its Antoinette Marchese Clancy School of Nursing. Penoyer, of Rochester, took on the position after her predecessor Laurel Sanger retired in late 2020.
Deborah Penoyer
Having graduated its 50th class of nurses in 2020, the Nursing Program at GCC has been a flagship program for the College since its inception. With constantly evolving demands in the healthcare field, this high-tech and high-demand program accepts an exclusive group of just 96 students every year and boasts a 95% job placement rate upon graduation.
“I truly appreciate the quality of pedagogies I saw at GCC and am excited to be part of them,” said Penoyer. “It’s always been my priority to promote respect for differences and to embrace cultural competence for the value they bring to the learning experience. In the face of uncertainty, it is ever more important to be agile, provide flexible learning opportunities and to remain steadfast in ensuring student success. I have already seen those practices succeeding at GCC and look forward to building upon them.”
The Nursing Program at GCC is designed to benefit students of all ages and all stages of life. With programs to bridge Licensed Practical Nurses into Registered Nurses and a traditional RN track, students can learn, apply skills, and grow into their careers. These elite programs require students to participate in an information session before beginning. Such sessions are held online and those interested in a rewarding career in nursing or healthcare are encouraged to sign up now (click now).
Penoyer dedicated 17 years to child and adolescent care at Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong Memorial Hospital. Following her passion for educating and uniting others, she took on the additional role of Nurse Educator and Training Center Coordinator where she got to develop nursing practice policies, procedures and protocols as well as onboard new nurses and technicians at Strong.
In 2010, Penoyer’s desire to lead and to contribute to the future of the nursing industry led her to SUNY Geneseo where she served as Nurse Manager in College Health for ten years before returning to a large health system, Rochester Regional Health’s Primary Care and Ambulatory Specialty Institute where she was responsible for Operational Excellence and Compliance for Adult and Geriatric Services.
Penoyer earned a Master of Science, Leadership in Health Care Systems, Health Promotion, Education and Technology from the University of Rochester’s School of Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Roberts Wesleyan College and an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Monroe Community College.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 February 2021 at 2:35 pm
New schedule starts week of March 15
ELBA – The school district will be returning to five days of in-person learning beginning the week of March 15, district superintendent Ned Dale said in a letter to the community today.
The district in northern Genesee County includes some parts of Orleans County.
Elba started the year with a hybrid model, with students in school some days and doing remote education the other days. Some students opted to do remote education all of the days.
“Our hybrid model was successful, but we recognized that students needed more in-person learning,” Dale said in his letter. “Based on a generous donation from Traco Manufacturing, barriers were added to every desk and learning station that allowed the number of students to increase within a classroom.”
Elba was able to move to a four-day-a-week model while continuing to support students that chose a distance learning model. The district hasn’t had any in-school transmission of Covid-19, and that convinced some families that were doing remote learning to return their children to in-person education on the hybrid model, Dale said.
Even with the return to in-person education all five days, Elba will continue to work with those students who stay on remote learning.
“I am pleased with our plans and look forward to having our students here every day on campus,” Dale said.
The return to five days of in-person learning comes almost exactly a year after school districts were closed to in-person learning last school year.
Dale, with his announcement today, said he wanted to give families and staff adequate time to plan for the change accordingly.
“In addition, we may need to adjust the district calendar later this year pending the use of snow days,” he said.
Saint-Gobain ADFORS will tout the product, FlexScreen
Press Release, Saint-Gobain ADFORS
Photo courtesy of Saint-Gobain ADFORS: The FlexScreen product is manufactured by Saint-Gobain ADFORS. The company, which is headquartered in Grand Island, does not currently make the product at its Albion location on Route 31.
ALBION – Saint-Gobain ADFORS will be featured on tonight’s episode of Shark Tank, airing on ABC at 8 p.m.
The episode is part of the Shark Tank Update segment on FlexScreen, which originally was featured on the Shark Tank’s Episode 10 in Season 11. Since this initial appearance, Saint-Gobain ADFORS has partnered with FlexScreen to exclusively sell FlexScreen products within the retail and dotcom channels.
FlexScreen, the ‘Shark Tank’ winning industry disruptor, is innovative in design, strength, and ease. Built with high-performance spring steel and damage-resistant frames, FlexScreen offers residential and commercial consumers the most efficient and effective method for installing window screens.
Saint-Gobain ADFORS is headquartered in Grand Island, with a manufacturing facilty located in Albion NY and is the industry leader in retail for insect screen.
Saint-Gobain ADFORS is a division of the Saint-Gobain Group that is focused on the construction and industrial markets. ADFORS offers solutions based on a complete range of textile and coating technologies using fiberglass yarns, synthetic fibers, and natural fibers.
ADFORS is the reliable and innovative global leader in technical textiles, offering the most adapted solutions. The Saint-Gobain Group is established in 66 countries and is the market leader in each of its core businesses.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 February 2021 at 10:00 am
Todd Eick among 11 finalists for NY agricultural educator of the year
Provided photo: Todd Eick, Medina FFA advisor and agriculture teacher, is shown with some of his students while visiting a fruit orchard. Eick has been named the Golden Owl winner for District 9, which includes about a dozen FFA chapters in Orleans, Genesee, Niagara, Wyoming and Erie counties. He is one of 11 finalists for NY agricultural educator of the year, which will be announced in May at the State FFA Convention.
MEDINA – The school’s FFA advisor has received one of the inaugural “Golden Owl” awards given to top agricultural educators in the state.
Todd Eick won the award for District 9 and is one of 11 finalists for the state-wide award that will be announced during the FFA state convention in May.
The New York FFA Association offered the award for the first time this year to recognize ag educators. Community members, students and the district nominate the honoree.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Todd Eick talks with students in this photo from October 2014. They are inside a new barn built for the FFA program.
“Mr. Eick is such an amazing teacher,” Monica Silversmith, a Medina parent, wrote in her nomination for Eick. “He is compassionate and is such a great leader for these young people. He teaches them the importance of Agriculture. Our young people and children need this so much! He is such a great instructor and for being from such a small school, I don’t think he gets the recognition that he deserves!”
Eick has led the Medina FFA program since 2010. He teaches classes on animal sciences, plant and food sciences, Ag engineering and production, youth leadership, and other introduction courses. He also is the varsity lacrosse coach.
Eick said he appreciates the support for the FFA and agriculture programs from the community, the school district and the students. The Golden Owl award is a nice surprise.
“I’m very humbled and honored,” he said this morning. “It means a lot. As teachers we always wonder how we’re doing. It’s the kids you’re affecting and effecting that matter the most. With FFA, it’s not plows and cows anymore. It’s also beakers and speakers.”
During Eick’s tenure, the FFA program has grown. In 2014, the district used a $25,000 grant to add a “living laboratory” for the FFA with a small barn, pasture and a hydroponic system that produces about 80 pounds of a feed a day.
When people drive down Mustang Drive in recent years, they would often see llamas, sheep, a goat and a calf out munching on grass in the fenced-in pasture.
Eick’s students would tend to the animals and do the farm chores, hauling feed and water. He wanted take students out of the classroom for more direct hands-on learning and less PowerPoint presentations.
Todd Eick leads the Medina FFA in the Parade of Lights in this photo from Nov. 28, 2015. The FFA chapter is a frequent participant in medina’s big parade the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
With the Covid restrictions keeping students off campus after mid-March last year, Eick brought the FFA animals to his home so they would be cared for. This year, with a hybrid schedule and many students fully remote, the animals – 6 alpacas, a llama and about a dozen rabbits – have stayed at the Eick home with Eick doing many of the chores. His son Mason has also been a big help, Eick said.
The Medina FFA in recent years also has hosted a big animal appreciation day with more than 1,000 students stopping by the FFA in the high school. That event has been sidelined due to Covid.
The FFA also has been a part of the Medina Parade of Lights and worked on community projects, including restoring a 13-foot-fish used by the Tourism Department to promote the local fishery. The FFA also has built several little libraries that are placed around the community.
Evie Schultz, a Medina FFA member, was among the nominators who wrote to the state FFA in support of Eick for the award.
“Mr. Eick is an inspiration to our chapter and his wisdom spreads throughout our school district,” she wrote. “I speak for many of my peers when I say that we would not be the people we are today without his guidance, patience, and kind heart.”
Topics covered the spectrum – toilet paper, engines, origami, and hot cocoa bombs
This screenshot shows Grace Batt, 9, of Albion, who made her first “real” Public Presentation this year entitled: “My Best Made House in Minecraft.”
Press Release, Orleans County 4-H Program
KNOWLESVILLE – For the first time, 4-H Public Presentations in Orleans County were held virtually Feb. 6, 13 and 20. The decision to go to an online only format this year was made to ensure the and health and safety of both participants and evaluators during the ongoing pandemic, said Kristina Gabalski, CCE Orleans 4-H Program Coordinator.
Nearly 40 youths, ages 5-18, took part and adapted well to the new format.
“They did an amazing job, whether they needed to set up for a demonstration or decided to use slides or PowerPoints, the presentations were excellent,” Gabalski said.
Some presentations were especially well suited to the on-line Zoom format.
“Three youth presented on horse-related topics and were able to be with a live horse in the stable to help show and demonstrate what they were discussing, something which would be difficult in the Ed Center at the 4-H Fairgrounds where the event normally takes place in person,” Gabalski explained. “Another youth, 12-year-old Amelia Barton of Middleport, did a make-up demonstration and Zoom allowed us to follow her up-close as she applied make-up to her face.”
4-H Public Presentations help youth practice the skills needed to present before an audience. “Youth who participated this year were able to learn skills related to virtual presentations which have now become very common for both professionals and students,” Gabalski noted. “Youth can present on any topic of their choice, including an ongoing 4-H project.”
This year’s event covered a wide range of topics. Tresza Vinca, 11, of Holley did a recitation of the nonsense poem, “Jabberwocky,” by Lewis Carrol and was joined later by her 9-year-old brother, Marcus, for a dramatic interpretation of “The Owl and the Pussycat,” by Edward Lear. Their 14-year-old sister, Ariel, did a demonstration on how to make your own sewing pattern. Ariel explained that she is self-taught in the skill, utilizing books as a guide. She said she does have an interest in clothing design.
Luke Gregoire, 13, of Murray, chose a timely topic – “How Toilet Paper is Made,” and 13-year-old Carissa Klossner of Clarendon demonstrated the Japanese Art of Origami – making a bird out of paper. She said sometimes she makes mistakes in the process, but that can lead to very interesting and unexpected creations.
This screenshot shows 18-year-old Will Gregoire of Murray. Will made his final 4-H Public Presentation this year on a topic that he says fascinates him: the internal combustion engine.
Several youth chose cooking-related demonstrations which included apple pie making by 13-year old Allison Merle of Holley and making hot cocoa bombs by 10-year old Jackson McGrath of Medina.
Adele Mathes, 9, of Barre changed her topic from Anne Frank to her grandfather, who passed away early in February. Adele spoke of how much she learned from her grandfather and how much she will miss him. She discussed his many talents including crafting historically correct shoes for Civil War re-enactors and family trips to the Adirondack mountains.
Cloverbuds (ages 5-7) were also part of the event. Their topics included making a personal pizza, Tae Kwon Do, and changing a baby diaper. Five-year-old McKenna Richardson of Barre demonstrated how to change a diaper on a doll, but she is getting some real-life experience with a new baby brother. When asked what might be the best diaper available on the market, McKenna responded, “My brother seems to prefer the expensive kind.”
“These are just a few of the dozens of topics covered,” Gabalski added. “We learned about playing the tuba, termites, woodworking, horse bits and so much more, the presentations were all very impressive.”
Youth work to improve their presentation skills from year to year and receive constructive feedback from teams of volunteer evaluators, Gabalski said. “I can’t thank our evaluators enough, we could not do this without their help, and they bring so much expertise, knowledge and experience to the process.”
Participants will be able to move on to Western District 4-H Public Presentations in Erie County and Region 1 4-H Horse Communications (virtual) both planned for April.
TOWN OF ALABAMA – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced leading alternative energy provider Plug Power’s investment of $290 million to construct a state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel production facility and electric substation in the Western New York Science, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) in the town of Alabama in Genesee County.
Plug Power has committed to creating 68 jobs at the new production facility which will pay an average salary of $70,000 with benefits, and construction is expected to begin this summer. Plug Power’s agreement to build its new hydrogen fuel production facility in New York is the result of a comprehensive state and local incentive package from the New York Power Authority, Empire State Development and Genesee County.
“After working for months with local and state officials on this project, I am proud to announce that shovels will hit dirt at the Science, Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing Park this summer to construct the Northeast’s first hydrogen fuel production facility, and create almost 70 jobs in the process,” Hawley said. “This facility will use state-of-the-art techniques to create clean energy that will be used throughout the country, and I am hopeful it is the first of more job-creating projects to come for the STAMP site.”
Statement from Rob Ortt, Republican Leader in State Senate
Today’s health hearing once again proved that the Governor and his administration have no respect for the Legislature or the people we were elected to represent. The Republican Conference is renewing their request to the Majority: we need more public hearings with Commissioner Zucker and the Department of Health because many questions were left unanswered.
After repeated delays, Health Commissioner Howard Zucker managed to find time in his busy schedule to provide us with some very limited testimony. It’s unfortunate that his testimony was riddled with the same distortions, deflections, and political defenses we’ve heard for months.
In addition, we still need an independent investigation – with subpoena power – into the Cuomo administration’s disastrous handling of Covid in our nursing homes, vaccinations, and employee departures. We need a full accounting so these tragic outcomes never happen again.
Families deserve answers and accountability – they got neither today from the Health Commissioner.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 February 2021 at 4:47 pm
Orleans reports a Covid-related death at nursing home in Medina
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported today there are 26 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the two counties, bringing the total to 6,624 since last March in Genesee and Orleans.
In Orleans County there are 5 new positive cases reported today for a total of 2,405 confirmed cases since last March.
The positive cases reside in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby) and Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 50s and 60s.
Orleans is reporting 5 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list. There aren’t currently any county residents hospitalized due to Covid.
The Health Departments is reporting a Covid-related death, a person who was a resident of Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Medina.
“We do not report any further information to protect the privacy of the individual and their family,” the Health Departments said in a news briefing. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this individual during this very sad time.”
Albion Central School also is reporting a middle school student has tested positive for Covid-19. The student is a hybrid learner and was last in school on Feb. 12. Due to the 48-hour look-back period, the Department of Health determined that there was no need to quarantine any additional individuals, the district state don its website.
Medina Central School also is reporting today that a middle school staff member tested positive for Covid. The Department of Health has investigated and determined that no further school-related quarantines are required.
In Genesee County there are 21 new positive cases of Covid-19 reported today for a total of 4,219 positive cases since last March.
The new positive cases reside in the West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke), Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) and East Region (Bergen, Byron, LeRoy, Pavilion, Stafford). The individuals are in their 20s, 40s, 50s, and 60s.
Genesee is reporting 3 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.
There are currently 14 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.
Company will build new hydrogen fuel production facility and electric substation
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office
TOWN OF ALABAMA – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that leading alternative energy technology provider Plug Power will invest $290 million in the construction of a state-of-the-art green hydrogen fuel production facility and electric substation at the Western New York Science, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park located in the Town of Alabama, Genesee County.
The Plug Power project is the first build at the STAMP site and will require that the company fund the construction of a 450-megawatt electric substation to support its expansion as well as future growth opportunities at the business park. Plug Power has additionally committed to creating 68 jobs at the new production facility, which will produce 45 tons of green hydrogen daily. The firm’s commitment to develop its new green hydrogen fuel production facility in New York is the result of a comprehensive state and local incentive package from the New York Power Authority, Empire State Development and Genesee County. Construction on the new facility is expected to begin this summer.
“New York State is committed to establishing itself as the leader in the national effort toward a more renewable future focused on green energy excellence, and we’re showing that protecting the environment and encouraging economic growth aren’t mutually exclusive,” Governor Cuomo said. “We are incredibly proud to partner with Plug Power once again and applaud the company’s continued investment in the Finger Lakes region and to its commitment to creating top-quality green jobs as we work to foster new investment and job growth during a difficult economic time for many New Yorkers.”
The Plug Power expansion is part of a focused strategy to construct up to seven hydrogen production facilities across North America by 2022. In January, the Governor announced that Plug Power will be establishing a $125 million Innovation Center in Monroe County, creating 377 new jobs. That facility will manufacture hydrogen fuel cell stacks for its ProGen hydrogen fuel cell engines used to power a variety of electric vehicles, including material handling equipment, on-road commercial fleet vehicles, and drones. The company also operates a facility in Rochester’s Eastman Business Park and maintains its headquarters in the Capital Region.
Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh said, “Plug Power’s future rightfully revolves around building the green hydrogen economy. We are grateful our home state of New York supports aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives. And, that Plug Power’s green hydrogen solutions can make such an impact on positive environmental and economic climates in the state. Many thanks to the leaders of New York State for their continued support including Senator Schumer, Governor Cuomo, and many from Empire State Development, Genesee County Economic Development Center, and others.”
NYPA’s incentives for the project, which are subject to approval by the New York Power Authority Board of Trustees next month, will mark the first NYPA customer approved for economic development incentives under the Power Authority’s new green jobs criteria, announced by the Governor in December. The Governor is recommending that the NYPA board approve these incentives:
10 MW allocation of low-cost hydropower from the Niagara Power Project.
$1.5 million from the Western New York Power Proceeds program.
143 MW of High-Load Factor power that NYPA will procure for Plug Power on the energy market.
Empire State Development will provide up to $2 million in Excelsior Tax Credits in exchange for job creation commitments.
Genesee County will provide additional local tax incentives, pending various approvals by the Genesee County Economic Development Center.
Photo by Tom Rivers – This photo from 2015 shows a sign on Route 63 in the Town of Alabama advertising STAMP. The site is just south of Shelby.
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, “Plug Power’s forward-thinking innovation and ongoing commitment to New York State are helping to advance Governor Cuomo’s clean energy vision. This hydrogen fuel manufacturing facility at the STAMP mega-site will strengthen New York’s green economy by creating top quality, high-tech manufacturing jobs.”
Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO, said, “The state’s clean energy economy is growing rapidly under the Governor’s leadership and Plug Power is seizing the plentiful opportunities for green energy companies to expand and flourish in New York. Leveraging NYPA’s carbon-free hydropower from the Niagara Power Project to attract a firm dedicated to the development of green hydrogen for fuel cell applications is an example of how we should address the climate crisis.”
STAMP is a 1,250-acre mega site located at the center of upstate New York’s largest population, research, and workforce training hubs. Connected with New York’s high-tech corridor by New York State Thruway, STAMP has completed all site-level design and engineering, and all-site level environmental and zoning approvals to house projects including semiconductor manufacturing, renewables manufacturing, biopharma manufacturing, and other high-capacity industries.
The mega site is strategically located in NYPA’s low-cost hydropower zone and will be serviced by high-capacity, 100 percent renewable, reliable power sources. STAMP has been validated as a regional priority project by the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council and has been supported by local, regional, and state governments, as well as business, university, and utility partners.
Genesee County Economic Development Center President and CEO Steve Hyde said, “Efforts by New York State to invest in a mega site such as STAMP in collaboration with Genesee County, the town of Alabama, and the New York Power Authority, have resulted in a significant interest among advanced manufacturing companies across the globe at STAMP and Genesee County. The economic benefits of this proposed development at STAMP also underscores how this project contributes to New York State’s leading role in mitigating climate change, as Plug Power is an international leader in manufacturing clean hydrogen which can significantly reduce air emissions and in the process create good paying jobs for our community and region.”
Low-cost Niagara hydropower is available for companies within a 30-mile radius of NYPA’s Niagara Power Project or businesses in Chautauqua County. Niagara hydropower is linked to tens of thousands of existing jobs in the region. The NYPA funding award is made possible through net earnings resulting from the sale of unused hydropower generated at NYPA’s Niagara power plant and stems from power proceeds legislation signed into law by Governor Cuomo in 2012.
Alabama Town Supervisor Robert Crossen said, “I am encouraged by the interest that various advanced manufacturing companies, including Plug Power have in the Town of Alabama and STAMP. We have worked very hard to bring forward a site suitable for a project of this scale, and we look forward to achieving the important steps to develop and advance this project in our community.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 February 2021 at 1:36 pm
Roland Nenni has led Albion PD for nearly 10 years
Photos by Tom Rivers: Albion Police Chief Roland Nenni speaks during a press conference on Dec. 11, 2020 with District Attorney Joe Cardone when they announced arson and reckless endangerment charges against an Albion resident after homemade fireworks badly damaged three houses in the village.
ALBION – Roland Nenni, Albion police chief for nearly 10 years, will retire on March 31 after working in local law enforcement for 29 years.
Nenni started his career in Holley in 1992 and joined the Albion Police Department in 1994. He also has served as the Holley police chief about five years in an intermunicipal between Albion and Holley. Albion will continue to provide leadership for the Holley PD until June 1.
Nenni also has served as the SWAT commander for Orleans County and teaches at the Rural Police Academy at GCC.
“I gave it everything I had and I’m proud of that,” Nenni said today. “I took the job very seriously.”
The Albion Village Board accepted his resignation letter on Wednesday evening. Mayor Eileen Banker praised Nenni for his commitment to the department. “He gave the job 150 percent,” she said.
Nenni pushed for community policing, working with about five different neighborhood watch groups in the village and co-leading the annual National Night Out at Bullard Park. That event drew about 1,000 people for games and activities with local law enforcement officers and agencies.
He pushed for close connections with the community before that was a mandate in police reform from Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
“Certain officials in government have given us a black eye and insisted on us doing things we’ve already been doing,” Nenni said.
Nenni is a Holley resident and former Holley fire chief. He said the experience as fire chief proved to an asset in incident command as police chief.
In his role as Albion police chief he pushed the department of 13 full-time officers (which includes the chief’s position) to be trained and prepared to respond to many different calls, including medical and mental health.
Albion and Holley Police Chief Roland Nenni, left, and Albion Lt. David Mogle helped direct traffic during the Flag Day parade in Holley that passed through the intersection of routes 31 and 237. They are shown on June 14, 2019. Mogle is the second-in-command of the Albion PD.
The Albion and Holley patrol cars all have Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) because Nenni said the officers are often the first on the scene in medical emergencies and the AEDs can save someone in cardiac arrest.
The police chief secured grant funding for the AEDs. He also was successful getting grants for traffic enforcement, child car seats, pedestrian crossing safety and awareness, and other public safety initiatives. He has been recognized for his work by AAA.
The Albion PD on Oct. 1, 2016 also was the first local police department in Orleans County to use body cameras on all officers.
Nenni said he tried to empower the Albion officers, with each being a trainer in a different aspect of police work. All were trained to field training officers.
He has worked closely with the Albion school district to have a school resource officer and to quickly respond to any threats at the district.
Nenni has a reputation for being very detailed and writing lengthy event action plans, whether for local festivals, parades, food distributions and even 5Ks races.
“I’ve never been a wing it guy,” he said. “I like to be prepared for when the ‘what ifs’ happen.”
The police chief, 49, said he is proud of the officers. In Albion, he hired all but two who are currently in the department.
“The sign of an outstanding leader is the performance of the people,” he said. “We’ve had really great officers.”
In retirement, Nenni said he would like to teach more at the Rural Police Academy.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 February 2021 at 10:29 am
The food distributions that started last April during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic will continue in March and through April.
At each distribution, held most Fridays, about 300 boxes of food are 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 for the next five weeks includes:
February 26th – Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 NYS Route 31, Knowlesville. The line of cars needs to form south on Taylor Hill Road. There will be no entrance on Route 31.
March 5 – Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 NYS Route 31, Knowlesville
March 12 – Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 NYS Route 31, Knowlesville
March 19, Community Action Main Street Store, 113 South Main St., Albion
March 26, location to be determined
The distributions will continue through April but those dates and locations haven’t been set.
Organizers ask that people not line up before 8 a.m. due to possible winter weather conditions. “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.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 February 2021 at 9:45 am
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature voted on Wednesday to seek a $200,000 grant to continue a small business education program.
More than 500 people have graduated from the Microenterprise Assistance Program since it started in 1999. The 10-week program is offered in the spring and fall and gives small business owners tips in marketing, handling stress, computers, legal issues, bookkeeping and taxes – all factors that are key to running successful businesses. They also must complete a business plan.
The spring class that starts April 6 is already full. The class sessions are held at the Arnold Gregory Office Complex in Albion.
TOWN OF ALABAMA – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that leading alternative energy technology provider Plug Power will invest $290 million in the construction of a state-of-the-art green hydrogen fuel production facility and electric substation at the Western New York Science, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park located in the Town of Alabama, Genesee County.
