Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Monday announced new, expanded guidelines for visitation of residents in nursing home facilities in accordance with CMS and CDC guidelines to begin on February 26.
The Department of Health recommends that visitors take a rapid test before entry into the facility, and DOH will provide rapid tests to nursing homes to facilitate their ability to test visitors on-site and at no cost. Visitation continues to depend on the nursing home facility being free of COVID-19 cases for 14 days and the facility is not currently conducting outbreak testing.
“One of the most devastating aspects of this virus has been how it separated families from their loved ones, making an already difficult situation even harder to bear,” Governor Cuomo said. “Thanks to the dedication of New Yorkers, we’re now at a point where we can begin to expand nursing home visitations under strict guidelines to protect the health and safety of residents.”
For counties with COVID-19 positivity rates between 5-10 percent on a 7-day rolling average, visitor testing is required and visitors must either present with a negative Covid-19 test, either PCR or rapid, within 72 hours or facilities may utilize rapid tests to meet the requirement. For counties with Covid-19 positivity rates below 5 percent on a 7-day rolling average, visitor testing is strongly encouraged and rapid tests may be utilized.
Alternatively, visitors may provide proof of a completed Covid-19 vaccination no less than 14 days from the date of the visit and no more than 90 days prior to the visit. Visitation will not be permitted if the county’s Covid-19 positivity rate is greater than 10 percent. Compassionate care visits are always permitted.
Based on the needs of residents and a facility’s structure, visitation can be conducted in resident rooms, dedicated visitation spaces and outdoors. The number of visitors to the nursing home must not exceed 20 percent of the resident census at any time and the number of visitors and time allocated to visitation should be considerate of this capacity limitation.
Full DOH guidance for nursing home visitation can be found by clicking here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 February 2021 at 9:27 pm
Teen inspired community during fight with leukemia for 2 ½ years
Photos by Tom Rivers: Evan Valentine is hugged by principal Sue Cory when he returned to school on April 22, 2019. About 450 of his classmates surprised him in the school gym and gave him a standing ovation for his first day back at school after enduring five months in the hospital for chemo and recovery. Many of the teachers and students wore orange “Evan Strong” shirts to celebrate Evan’s return.
HOLLEY – Evan Valentine, a member of Holley’s Class of 2021, passed away on Sunday after fighting leukemia for nearly 2 ½ years.
“This is a loss to our school and our community, as many have rallied around Evan for the past couple of years,” Sue Cory, the middle and high school principal, said in a message on the district website. “Death is difficult for us all to deal with,” Cory wrote in her message. “We all handle this in different ways. We want you to know that it is OK to need and ask for support.”
Provided photo: Evan Valentine is shown on Nov. 4, 2018 with some of the get well cards he received. These cards were from Boy Scouts in Holley and the First Presbyterian Church of Holley.
Grief counselors were at the school today and will be available on Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students, even those on remote learning are welcome to come to the school for any support.
Evan, the son of Diane and Neil Valentine, was a very popular student at Holley. He played soccer and golf and performed in the school musicals. He was confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in August and was the altar server of the year in 2018 in the Western New York Diocese.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Valentine family,” Cory said. “They have continually felt the love of this community.”
Evan was diagnosed with leukemia on Oct. 19, 2018, a day before he was to play in a Sectional soccer game for Holley as a center defender.
Evan went to the doctor after battling some digestive issues. After getting his blood drawn, doctors were concerned about the presence of blast cells. Evan was diagnosed with leukemia and was admitted to Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong.
He completed multiple rounds of chemotherapy and had a bone marrow transplant, but the leukemia returned. He handled the chemo, the hair and weight loss, and the pain with grace and in a laid-back manner, with few complaints while keeping his faith.
Since his diagnosis, Evan and his family were inundated with love from his classmates and teachers. There are many cards, signed by hundreds of students and staff, in his hospital room. He and his family have seen the social media posts, showing the school community wearing orange T-shirts, face masks and bracelets in his honor.
Earlier, this month most of the Holley teachers wore orange “Evan Strong” T-shirts to school and posted those photos to an Evan Strong Facebook page.
Mrs. Valentine posted on Feb. 13 in response to the many photos of Holley teachers in the orange shirts: “HCSD we are thankful for your support EVERY SINGLE DAY. It has made such a difference to Evan and to us knowing that we have an army behind us in this battle. Evan Strong!”
Evan Valentine was given an escort by local fire trucks and community members lined the sidewalks on April 19, 2020 when he returned to the hospital for a bone marrow transplant at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester.
There were fire trucks from Holley, Clarendon, Fancher-Hulberton-Murray and Brockport in the escort for Valentine.
The community organized the sendoff for Evan partly due to the Covid restrictions on visitors at the hospital. Many of Evan’s friends weren’t able to visit him while he recovered from chemo and when he prepared for the bone marrow transplant. Evan’s classmates, teachers and the firefighters wanted to give him a show of support and strength as he prepared for the transplant.
“He is an inspiration to not only all the students and staff at Holley High School, but to the entire Holley community,” Brian Bartalo, the Holley school district superintendent, said that day. “He is an incredible young man with an engaging personality and unwavering spirit that encourages all of us.”
A Clarendon fire truck displays an “Evan Strong” sign during his escort on April 19, 2020.
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Gallagher barn in Medina hosts a wedding outside in this photo from July 2, 2016. It was the first wedding at the venue on North Gravel Road. The barn which is used for receptions has room for 250 people.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that as New York’s hospitalization and Covid-19 infection rates continue to decline, New York is issuing guidance to begin re-opening additional sectors of the economy.
Specifically, billiard halls statewide and movie theaters in New York City are now permitted to re-open. Additionally, guidance is also being released for weddings and catered events which are scheduled to resume on March 15.
“As our infection rate continues to fall, and the vaccination rate continues to climb, we will keep reopening different sectors of our state’s economy and focus our efforts on building our state back better than it was before,” Cuomo said.
In addition, movie theaters that have been closed in any remaining parts of the state may also open in accordance with the guidance.
Specific summary guidelines for each industry are as follows:
OPENING MARCH 5
Movie Theaters in New York City
Venues are restricted to 25 percent capacity, with no more than 50 people per screen at a time.
Masks will be required at all times except when seated and eating or drinking.
Assigned seating will be required in all theaters.
Social distancing between parties will be required at all times.
Additional staffing will be required to control occupancy, traffic and seating to ensure compliance.
Enhanced air filtration, ventilation and purification standards must be met by theaters.
This action brings New York City movie theaters in line with movie theaters throughout the rest of the state.
Billiard/Pool Halls
Halls are restricted to 50 percent capacity outside of New York City; 35 percent capacity in New York City
Masks will be required at all times except when seated and eating or drinking.
Mandatory social distancing must be enforced, or physical barriers between parties of patrons/players must be installed.
Each party must be assigned to a table to avoid comingling.
Staff must rigorously clean and disinfect any rented or shared equipment between use.
BEGINNING MARCH 15
Weddings and Catered Events
Venues are restricted to 50 capacity, with no more than 150 people per event.
All patrons must be tested prior to the event.
Sign-in with contact information required to assist with potential contact tracing.
Venues must notify local health departments of large events, above the social gathering limit, in advance.
Masks will be required at all times except when seated and eating or drinking.
Ceremonial and socially-distanced dancing allowed under strict guidelines.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 February 2021 at 6:49 pm
Gaines resident spoke out, ran for public office and led many local preservation efforts
Photos by Tom Rivers: Al Capurso delighted in sharing and preserving local history. In this photo from the June 2018 Strawberry Festival parade, he represented a pioneer with a replica log cabin in a float for the Orleans County Historical Association.
ALBION – Orleans County lost a very dedicated citizen with the death of Al Capurso last week at age 68.
Mr. Capurso, a retired social worker and the former owner of the Bait Barn and Tackle shop, took on many projects in retirement that highlighted and preserved local history. He was a very engaged local citizen, running for the county Legislature, speaking out at public hearings and writing numerous letters to the editor.
He was instrumental in saving an 1832 cobblestone schoolhouse on Gaines Basin Road, the oldest documented cobblestone building in the county.
Capurso led a team that put on a new roof, replaced windows and cleaned out junk and debris from the site. They put in new electric, a new subfloor, restored the trim and repaired the facade. He added a historic marker and flag pole. The building has been given new life as a meeting house and display of schoolhouse artifacts for the Orleans County Historical Association, which Capurso led as president.
Al Capurso is shown on Oct. 17, 2015 after a new historical marker was dedicated for the Gaines Basin Cobblestone Schoolhouse. The one-room schoolhouse was built in 1832 and is one of the oldest cobblestone buildings in the area. It was last used as a school in 1944.
“He spearheaded the preservation of the Gaines Basin Schoolhouse,” said Bill Lattin, retired county historian. “If it hadn’t been for Al that landmark wouldn’t have been saved.”
The Historical Association recently was able to finish another project pushed by Capurso: the relocation of a log cabin built by Boy Scouts in 1930. The cabin was moved from a backyard in Linwood Avenue in Albion to behind the old schoolhouse on Gaines Basin Road.
“There aren’t too many citizens that take the interest that Al did in local history,” Lattin said.
In one monumental effort, Capurso was able to convince the federal government to name a creek that stretches from near Brown Road in Albion and goes 6.5 miles northeast to Marsh Creek in Carlton.
The stream didn’t have a name. Capurso lined up local, state and federal support to have it named “Gilbert Creek” in honor of a woman from more than 200 years ago, the first settler on Ridge Road in Orleans County.
Elizabeth Gilbert and her husband built their cabin in 1807. Mr. Gilbert died soon after they settled, and his wife was left to raise a family and make a life in the wilderness of the Niagara frontier. The federal Bureau of Geographic Names formally approved “Gilbert Creek” on April 10, 2014. A new sign for the creek was unveiled on May 24, 2014. (Capurso made the wooden sign to match the others in historic Childs hamlet.)
Al Capurso and his son Dan perform during a wine-tasting on March 21, 2015 at the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church. Capurso performed at many local events often singing songs he wrote.
The Orleans Hub named Capurso an “Outstanding Citizen” for his efforts to give the creek a name that was recognized by the many government agencies. He became the only two-time “Outstanding Citizen” honoree from the Orleans Hub in 2015 with his efforts to save the old cobblestone school. In 2016, he was named a “Heritage Hero” by GCC and the Orleans Hub for his local preservation efforts.
The Pullman Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Albion honored Capurso in 2018 with the humanitarian of the year award. Darrell Dyke, a member of the board of trustees for the Pullman church, said Capurso stood out for his “gentle kindness.”
The church cited his 30 years with the county working in social services and with at-risk youth. He also owned the Bait Barn for about 25 years, selling fishing supplies for many years.
Capurso took citizen engagement to a very high level in Orleans County.
He was a long-time environmentalist who embraced green energy. He was active with Stop Polluting Orleans County (SPOC), which opposed a new landfill in Albion. He also spoke out against a new quarry in Shelby near the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. Capurso frequently wore a T-shirt that said “EARTH”.
Capurso was active in the Cobblestone Museum, serving on the board of directors, as a guide and portrayed people from the past in the annual ghost walk. Capurso its shown here as John Proctor, a prominent settler in Gaines. He also portrayed Rev. Stephen Smith who gave the dedicatory address at the opening of the Cobblestone Universalist Church in 1834.
Capurso also ran for Orleans County legislator in 2017 as a Democrat. He lost in a heavily Republican county. He wasn’t deterred and didn’t shy away from issues.
He was very vocal in opposing the Legislature’s decision to sell the county-owned nursing home to a private entity. He also railed against a Dollar General store in the historic Childs hamlet, fought the quarry near the refuge and wrote in favor of the SAFE Act, even displaying a “Keep SAFE” sign in his front yard, which was a stark contrast from the many other yard signs opposing the SAFE Act and Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Capurso took on projects, big and small. In his role with the Historical Association, Capurso and the group donated $500 towards two headstones at Mount Albion Cemetery for children who died in the bridge collapse on the Erie Canal on Sept. 28, 1859, one of the worst tragedies in the community’s history.
Capurso for nearly two decades also was the caretaker of a 13-foot-long fish, a monstrous Chinook salmon. It was used in the 1980s to promote the Orleans County Trout and Salmon Derby. Capurso bought it in 1990 and displayed it outside the Bait Barn on Route 279. He donated the fish back to the County Tourism Department in 2014 and the fish has since appeared in several local parades.
He led efforts to repair the bell tower on another cobblestone schoolhouse on Ridge Road. He had a veterans’ marker made for a War of 1812 veteran. Lansing Bailey, who is buried at Mount Albion Cemetery, fought in the War of 1812. He also was among the first to settle in Albion, arriving in 1811 with his younger brother Joel. Capurso wanted Bailey’s service to be noted at his grave at Mount Albion.
A life-long resident of Orleans County, Capurso and his wife, the former Chris Rodden, raised four grown children. They should feel pride for Mr. Capurso.
He will be missed for the zest and love he brought to the community, for taking unpopular public stands and for his ability to rally people together to do good.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 February 2021 at 5:54 pm
Main Street site will be torn down due to danger to public
Photos by Tom Rivers: The roof on the Pennysaver building at the corner of Main and Eagle streets in Lyndonville collapsed at about 7:45 this morning.
LYNDONVILLE – The Pennysaver building, a dominant structure on Main Street for more than a century, could be gone in the next 24 to 48 hours after the roof collapsed on the building this morning.
The Village Board met this afternoon and declared the building an emergency and a threat to the community.
“It’s a bad situation in a bad spot,” said Mayor John Belson.
The village has contacted the building owner. Robert Smith, a Lyndonville native who now lives in California, owns the building and three others on Main Street. He is working with his insurance company to determine if insurance will cover any of the knockdown and removal of the Pennysaver building.
The area near the building is blocked off to pedestrians and traffic.
Belson said the takedown is the responsibility of the owner and the mayor doesn’t want to wait long to have the building at least knocked in so it’s not in danger of toppling into the street. The village has cordoned off the area in front of the building and part of Eagle Street near Main Street.
The heavy snow and ice is the assumed cause of the roof collapse, but the site also had structural issues. Smith had grand plans for building with hotel rooms and retail space. He has been working to transform the block of four structures.
The building was last used by the Pennysaver Market. It closed in April 2013 after 35 years in business by Sharon Gray. She initially offered grocery items and then expanded to hardware, videos, a deli, finger foods and pizza.
Provided photo: This photo from the inside shows the collapsed roof on the second floor. The roof didn’t fall all the way to the first floor.
Lyndonville had its engineering firm, the MRB Group, come out this afternoon to inspect the building. The firm said it was an unsafe structure. Belson wants quick action by Smith and the insurance company.
The mayor said the building won’t be up for very long.
“In the next 24 to 48 hours that property will be in the ground,” he said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 February 2021 at 4:55 pm
There are 73 more confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Orleans and Genesee counties in the first update since Friday afternoon. The two counties combined have now recorded 6,546 cases since last March.
In Orleans County there 14 new positive cases of Covid-19 since Friday afternoon for a total of 2,377 cases since last March.
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, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 80s. Of the new cases, 3 are inmates at the Albion Correctional Facility, a women’s prison.
Orleans is reporting 20 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.
There are currently two residents hospitalized due to Covid.
Albion Central School reported that 2 students, 2 staff members tested positive for Covid-19. The two are remote learners. One is from the High School and the other is from the Middle School. They have been learning remotely all year.
One of the staff members is from the Middle School who was last in the building on Feb. 12. The second staff member works in the Elementary School and was also last in the building on Feb. 12.
Due to the 48-hour look-back period, the Department of Health determined that, in all instances, there was no need to quarantine any additional individuals, the district said.
In Genesee County there are 59 new positive cases since Friday for a total of 4,169 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 the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. Of the new cases, 7 are inmates at the Buffalo Federal Detention Center in Batavia.
Genesee is reporting 31 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.
Genesee also has 10 of its residents currently hospitalized due to Covid.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 February 2021 at 2:16 pm
ALBANY – The Republican conference in the State Legislature held a news conference this afternoon, saying they will try again to end the governor’s emergency powers that were approved nearly a year ago at the start of the Covid-19 public health crisis.
Rob Ortt
Rob Ortt, leader of the Senate Republicans, said the time has long passed for the Legislature to be a co-equal branch in governing the state.
Cuomo has issued numerous executive orders that have shut down businesses, allowed some to operate at reduced capacity while placing other restrictions on churches, schools and public venues as part of his public health directives.
Ortt and Will Barclay, the Assembly Republican leader, intend to force a vote today to rescind Cuomo’s powers and “re-establish the Legislature as a co-equal branch of government.”
Ortt said Cuomo has shown “gross disrespect when he lies and when he withholds information.”
Cuomo faces increasing scrutiny about the nursing home deaths due to Covid and whether the state purposely distorted the number of nursing home deaths. Ortt said the increasing national media attention also has highlighted the governor’s “bullying” approach towards the Legislature.
Barclay, speaking at the news conference in Albany which was shown on Facebook Live, said the Legislature has shown it can meet and get together quickly if there are any emergency issues. That was the reason the Legislature agreed to giving Cuomo the emergency powers, so the state could quickly be responsive in the public health crisis.
But Barclay said some of the decisions haven’t been in the public’s interest and have resulted in a “tragedy” of deaths. He cited 46,000 Covid-related deaths in the state. Only California has more at 49,000, but that state has nearly double New York’s population.
Barclay questioned whether the governor used sound science in imposing restrictions on businesses, churches and graduations. Just last week Cuomo said indoor dining in New York City would be increased from 25 to 35 percent of a restaurant’s capacity. Barclay said Cuomo didn’t offer any compelling science for the 35 percent threshold.
“This is the time, we don’t need to wait any longer to take away the governor’s executive powers,” Barclay said
State Senator Tom O’Mara of the Southern Tier faulted Cuomo for “thwarting legislative oversight” and stonewalling freedom of information requests from good government groups.
“He hasn’t cooperating with the Legislature is any way, shape or form for 11 months now,” O’Mara said.
Assemblyman Andrew Goodell of Chautauqua County said the governor has been running the state for almost a year without any checks and balances from the Legislature.
“We have operated with one person dictating every action of our response to Covid,” Goodell said. “Our Constitution doesn’t envision a monarch or a dictator.”
Press Release and photos from Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – The teachers at Orleans/Niagara BOCES Career and Technical Education Centers are grateful for the strong business and educational partnerships that help them prepare their students for the workplace or to continue their education after high school.
Mike Schultz, who teaches Diesel Technology at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center, says he was very thankful for a recent visit and educational opportunities that Monroe Tractor and SUNY Cobleskill provided to his students.
“Tom Lewis, Branch Manager of Monroe Tractor in Batavia and Edgar Wallace and Tim Gregoite, both Outreach Trainers for SUNY Cobleskill, brought in a brand new Case tractor and provided my students with some hands-on hydraulic training. They were even kind enough to leave the tractor with us to continue with some more training on their product. It has been incredibly beneficial to my classes.”
Schultz says that Monroe Tractor Service Director, Jerry Siconolfi, followed up their visit with one of his own and talked job opportunities with the students.
“Monroe Tractor has 13 locations in New York State and New England and provides equipment, parts and service in the agriculture and construction fields,” Schultz said. “We have always had a good partnership with Monroe and they have always allowed my students to shadow and internship there. I cannot tell you how important those work-based learning opportunities are. It allows the students to learn real world skills in a real world setting. The job exploration component and soft skills they learn are incredibly valuable for this class.”
SUNY Cobleskill is working with Monroe Tractor through a Diesel Technology and Power Machinery Workforce Development grant from the US Department of Labor to develop skilled members of the workforce and enhance opportunities for students. By visiting programs such as Orleans/Niagara BOCES, they can support initiatives to fortify the equipment distributor technician employment pipeline by establishing partnerships linking employers with technical educators and students. The hope is that it will increase job visibility, create new opportunities for dealers to sponsor students and lead to an overall improvement in the quality and quantity of students to pursue equipment distributor technician positions.
“It was a great opportunity for my students to be able to get this training and talk to the representatives about the job field,” Schultz said. “Visits like this enrich our curriculum and instruction. We are grateful to be able to work hand-in-hand with area business and educational leaders to prepare our students for their future.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 February 2021 at 9:47 am
A winter weather advisory is in effect until 1 p.m. today for Orleans County and Western New York with another 2 to 3 inches of snow expected, the National Weather Service in Buffalo said.
“Most of the snow will occur through late this morning,” the Weather Service said. “Winds gusting as high as 30 mph resulting in patchy blowing snow in open areas.
Motorists should plan on slippery road conditions that will continue to impact the morning commute. The temperature should reach a high of 37 this afternoon.
AAA is reporting that today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.64, up 13 cents from last week.
One year ago, the price was $2.47. The New York State average is $2.70 – up 10 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.61, AAA Western and Central New York is reporting today.
In Western New York, Orleans County has the second-highest prices at $2.685 per gallon. Only Chautauqua County at $2.693 is higher.
The average prices in other WNY counties includes: Genesee, $2.632; Niagara, $2.600; Erie, $2.669; Wyoming, $2.653; Cattaraugus, $2.588; Allegany, $2.600; and Monroe, $2.673.
AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages around the state:
Batavia – $2.63 (up 11 cents since last week)
Buffalo – $2.65 (up 13 cents since last week)
Ithaca – $2.68 (up 12 cents since last week)
Rochester – $2.67 (up 12 cents since last week)
Rome – $2.72 (up nine cents since last week)
Syracuse – $2.66 (up 12 cents since last week)
Watertown – $2.72 (up nine cents since last week)
Pump prices continue to increase again this week. New York State average gas prices are on par with last year’s level. In the Western and Central New York region, many prices have increased 10 cents, or more, in just a week, AAA said.
The winter weather continues to impact Gulf Coast refineries’ ability to operate and gas supplies. Until refineries resume normal operations, supply is expected to remain tight in impacted areas, AAA said.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state’s progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The statewide positivity rate, now at 2.99 percent, dropped below 3 percent for the first time since November 23.
The Governor also said the first case of the South African variant has been identified in a resident of New York State. The sequencing, involving a Nassau County resident, was conducted at Opentrons Labworks Inc’s Pandemic Response Lab, a New York City based commercial lab, and verified at the Wadsworth Center in Albany. Last week, a Connecticut resident who had been hospitalized in New York City was found to have the South African variant.
“We continue to see a reduction in positivity and hospitalizations throughout the state, which is good news, and this progress is allowing us to reopen the valve on our economy even further,” Cuomo said. “But with the discovery of a case of the South African variant in the state, it’s more important than ever for New Yorkers to stay vigilant, wear masks, wash hands and stay socially distanced. We are in a race right now — between our ability to vaccinate and these variants which are actively trying to proliferate — and we will only win that race if we stay smart and disciplined.”
Today’s data is summarized briefly below:
Test Results Reported – 221,157
Total Positive – 6,610
Percent Positive – 2.99%
7-Day Average Percent Positive – 3.44%
Patient Hospitalization – 5,764 (-213)
Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week – down by 829
Deaths – 75
Total Deaths – 37,851
This is each region’s 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 February 2021 at 11:28 am
Horse gets out but turkeys, chickens, pheasants and rabbits don’t survive
Photo by Tom Rivers
RIDGEWAY – A barn at 10320 Ridge Rd., just east of the Niagara-Orleans County line, was destroyed this morning by a fire.
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 7:26 a.m. and arrived to see the barn completely engulfed with flames, said Kyle Morgan, the Ridgeway second assistant fire chief.
The fire also damaged the back porch of the house, but firefighters were able to prevent the blaze from spreading beyond the porch and also to a neighboring home.
Kelly Waters, owner of the property, said a passerby banged on the door in the morning to say the barn was on fire. Waters said a horse got out of the barn, but other animals perished in the fire, including 10 turkeys, 30 chickens, 14 pheasants and four rabbits.
Waters, a former firefighter, said he took many precautions to keep the barn safe.
“Right now we’re not sure what happened,” he said about the cause of the fire.
Ridgeway firefighters were joined at the scene by Medina, Lyndonville, Shelby, Middleport and Hartland.
Morgan said a nearby fire hydrant was buried in snow. Firefighters had to shovel out near the hydrant before they could use it for water. Morgan urged people to clear snow from hydrants.
Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Christopher Bourke
MURRAY – On Friday at 8:57 p.m., the Orleans County Sheriff’s 911 Center received multiple calls of a mobile home fire located at 27 Skyline Circle, in the County Line Mobile Home Park in the Town of Murray.
Kenneth J. Julien
The Murray Fire Company was dispatched along with Clarendon, Holley and Kendall Fire Departments for mutual aid. The Orleans County Sheriffs’ Office and the State Police responded as well.
As the fire service was arriving, we received reports of a male with a suit case fleeing the scene of the trailer. Additional Sheriff’s patrol units along with the Sheriff’s K9 Unit responded to the scene. The defendant, Kenneth J. Julien, age 35, of 27 Skyline Circle was located at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Vindale Drive in the trailer park by K9 Deputy Cole and State Police Trooper Towner.
While fleeing from the scene, Julien allegedly told a neighbor he killed his own dog in a field and set his trailer on fire. Another neighbor reportedly told Julien that the police were looking for him and attempted to touch his arm. Julien allegedly raised a hatchet and said, “I’ll slice you up.” The circumstances surrounding the fire are still under investigation.
Julien was charged with Class “B” Felony Arson in the second degree, also menacing in the second degree, and criminal possession of a weapon. Julien was arraigned before “CAP Court” Justice Theodore Spada. Bail was set in the amount of $10,000 cash. Julien is scheduled to appear in County Court on Monday for a Preliminary Hearing.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 February 2021 at 8:39 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The big hill at Bullard Park was a hotspot again on Saturday for sledders and snowboarders. In some recent winters there has barely been enough snow to use the hill.
This winter started off with light snow accumulations but the past month there has been lots of the white stuff.
This girl heads back up the hill while the snow was swirling Saturday afternoon.
These two had fun sledding on Saturday, embracing the cold and snow.
These two girls trudge back to the top of the hill to go down again – and again.
My Sister Brenda, (after 30 years together we are truly sisters rather than sisters-in-law), delivered this sweet token to me late fall. Its a “Lucky Little Cardinal”.
This is very meaningful because she is one of my principal touchstones. She has heard me laugh loudly and cry just as hard at times. Her messages are always ones of compassion and understanding. Considering this cardinal, meant to bring renewal, faith, and good luck, came from her I have no doubt it has special Cardinal Powers.
Cardinal by definition means it holds the greatest powers and is fundamental to its cause. Cardo is Latin for hinge. This is important since many believe cardinals are the hinge between Our world and the Spirit world. The red of the cardinal protects us from harm. Certain cultures view the cardinal as a Truthteller. If you see a cardinal it is thought they are sending truth. This message may be one of encouragement to keep you on the path you are on, affirming you are doing right by yourself. Or the message may be a warning to beware that someone in your circle is not being truthful with you and proceed with caution. This person could be your own self!
How often have we been on a path that we know is not right for us. Take this sighting as an opportunity to examine your path. Some believe that a cardinal is a compass of support. The legend tells that if you see a cardinal speak your message to the East and the cardinal will carry that message on its wings in flight to where it needs to be heard. Modern Western civilization feels that if a cardinal visits you up close, it is a sign that those we love which have passed on are watching over us. These visits assure us that we are not alone, and that our loved ones are in our orbit helping to guide us, watch over us, protect us and keep us going in the right direction on our path.
In our London family that faith is expressed as we exchange symbols and gifts of cardinals frequently. It is often at times of transition, anxiety or joy that visits from cardinals or gifts of cardinals appear. I have looked out to my bird feeder and seen a red cardinal staring right at me, sometimes more than one! Has that happened to you? Makes you feel seen and comforted, doesn’t it? There are no coincidences.
The red of the cardinal is a symbol of renewal. Makes sense since oftentimes the cardinal is seen and stands out so vibrantly against the white of the snowy branches in winter. Reminding us that even in the cold harshness of winter, when everything lies dormant and lifeless, beauty and life do exist. Its sighting reminds us that spring’s renewal is not far off, just another reason for gratitude and hope. To hear the cardinal’s song of renewal please click this link and hear the cardinal’s charming yet graceful melody (click here).
To see one of my visitors, visit my blog live online (click here) and catch up on Weekly Photo Perks and past Sunday Posts. Like and share your comments.
A Red “Hinged” Messenger
