Governor Andrew M. Cuomo encouraged New Yorkers to take advantage of the upcoming first Free Fishing Weekend of 2021, on February 13 and 14, when anglers are permitted to fish for free without a license.
“New York is home to some of the best lakes, ponds, rivers and streams in the world, all offering exceptional fishing opportunities all year round,” Governor Cuomo said. “As the nation continues to grapple with the Covid-19 pandemic, families are seeking outdoor activities that don’t break the bank or require extensive travel, and this Free Fishing weekend is a perfect option for anglers of all experience levels to enjoy the very best that the Empire State has to offer.”
Those new to ice fishing are encouraged to download the Ice Fishing Chapter of DEC’s I FISH NY Beginners’ Guide to Freshwater Fishing for information on how to get started.
Additional information, including a list of waters where ice fishing is permitted, can found on the DEC ice fishing webpage. In Orleans County, Glenwood Lake in Ridgeway and Lake Alice in Carlton are listed as spots for ice fishing.
Recent cold weather has improved ice conditions across the state and DEC reminds those venturing onto the ice that four inches or more of solid ice is considered safe for accessing bodies of water on foot.
Ice anglers should note that ice thickness can vary on different bodies of water and even on the same body of water. Anglers should be particularly wary of areas of moving water and around boat docks and houses where bubblers may be installed to reduce ice buildup. The presence of snowmobile tracks or footprints on the ice should not be considered evidence of safe ice conditions. Individuals are strongly encouraged to check ice conditions and avoid situations that appear to present even a remote risk. It’s easy to test ice thickness with an auger or ice spud at various spots.
“Every year, more and more New Yorkers discover there are just as many fantastic fishing opportunities during the winter months as during the summer,” said NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Ice fishing is a great activity for families to do together, and the annual February Free Fishing weekend is the perfect time for first timers to give it a try on waters with ice thick enough to access safely.”
New York’s Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to give people who might not fish a chance to try the rewarding sport at no cost, to introduce people to a new hobby, and to encourage people to support the management of the State’s freshwater fisheries by purchasing a New York State fishing license. February’s free fishing days are the first of several planned for 2021. Additional days include June 26 and 27, September 25 (National Hunting and Fishing Day) and November 11 (Veterans Day). During free fishing days, residents and visitors can fish for free on any of the state’s 7,500 lakes and ponds or 70,000 miles of rivers and streams.
The Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Foundation has expanded its scholarship program this year beyond the high school student pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Foundation officials announced that four $1,000 scholarships will be awarded, as follows:
One to a Genesee County resident;
One to an Orleans County resident;
One to an adult student pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree;
One to a technical/trade school student pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
The GCASA Foundation Scholarship is open to Genesee and Orleans County students entering college in the fall of 2021. Completed applications must be postmarked by March 5.
The scholarship was established to provide financial support to individuals pursuing their education at an institution of higher learning in the fields of human services or social services for the purpose of contributing to improving community health.
Scholarship criteria and information includes:
Applicant must have their primary residence in Genesee or Orleans County;
Applicant must be accepted at an accredited college or university and enrolled in or matriculated in an eligible program/major;
Eligible programs or majors include: Social Work, Nursing, Health Science, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, or Human Services;
Current GCASA employees, board members and GCASA Foundation board members are not eligible, although relatives of GCASA employees, board members and GCASA Foundation board members ARE eligible;
Applicant must provide academic history such as high school and/or college transcripts, as well as two letters of recommendation from someone who knows the applicant’s work/volunteer/academic history. Letters from relatives will not be accepted;
Applicant must provide a resume or personal biography including work history, volunteer experiences, and extra-curricular activities, and an essay that addresses educational and employment objectives as they relate to the mission of GCASA. Financial need, volunteerism, employment history and civic involvement will be given careful consideration.
The recipients will be announced at GCASA’s annual membership meeting in May 2021 upon verification of acceptance into an accredited college or university. Funds will be awarded upon completion of the fall semester. The award recipient must provide a copy of their transcript demonstrating at least a 2.0 GPA.
Applicants should send their contact information and name of the college or university they plan to attend or are enrolled, along with their course of study or program to Diane Klos, Prevention Secretary, GCASA, 430 East Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.
For more information, contact Klos at 585-815-1883 or at dklos@gcasa.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 February 2021 at 7:52 pm
Congressman Chris Jacobs was one of 11 Republicans to join Democrats in voting to remove GOP lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene from her House committees based on her support of QAnon conspiracy theories and violent political rhetoric she posted in the past on social media and in videos.
Greene was elected in November from a district in Georgia. She was appointed to the House Education and Labor Committee, as well as the House Budget Committee.
Jacobs issued the following statement after voting to remove Greene from her committee assignments.
“I am very troubled by a number of Rep. Greene’s statements and assertions. As someone who has spent over 25 years fighting for children and increased educational opportunity, I was particularly shocked by the video of Rep. Greene harassing a survivor of the Parkland school shooting. I believe her actions, whether out of extreme callousness or ignorance, disqualify her from serving on the House committee overseeing education policy.
“Some will say this action is unfair as other members have made outrageous and offensive statements and have not faced similar consequences. That is very true. It is my hope that starting today, we will hold all members to the same high standard of civility and decency. I believe it will dramatically improve the impact this Congress will have on the betterment of this nation.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 February 2021 at 4:58 pm
Orleans and Genesee counties combined are reporting 51 new cases of Covid-19 today, bringing the total to 6,166 in the two counties since last March, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported this afternoon.
In Orleans County there are 33 new confirmed cases to report today for 2,252 cases since March.
The 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, 70s and 80s.
Of the new cases, 5 were on quarantine prior to testing positive.
The new confirmed cases include 7 residents at Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Medina, 3 residents at the Villages of Orleans Health & Rehab in Albion, and an inmate at the Orleans Correctional Facility, a men’s prison in Albion.
In Orleans County, 17 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.
The county currently has 3 residents hospitalized due to Covid.
• Rapid Test Results: Orleans County conducted a drive-through rapid test clinic on Wednesday at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville. There were 144 people tested and four were positive for Covid.
• Holley Central School is reporting three staff members in the Middle School/High School and one contracted employee who is assigned to the MS/HS have tested positive for Covid-19.
One of the staff members was last at school on Jan. 27, two on Feb. 2, and the fourth on Feb. 3.
The Health Department has indicated to district officials that there is no quarantining required for any students, due to these cases. The staff members who will be quarantined due to being close contacts of these individuals have been informed, Brian Bartalo, district superintendent, posted in a letter on the district website.
• Medina Central School is reporting two new Covid cases, a high school student and a middle school student. The Department of Health has determined that no further quarantines are required from the school district for both students, Mark Kruzynski, district superintendent, posted in a letter on the school website.
In Genesee County there are 18 new positive cases of Covid to report today for a total of 3,914 cases since last March.
The new positive cases reside in the West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke) and Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 50s and 60s.
Genesee is reporting 17 of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.
There are currently 23 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 February 2021 at 4:01 pm
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued winter weather advisories, and lake effect snow warnings for Western New York.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a winter weather advisory for Orleans and Niagara counties from 4 p.m. Friday to 10 p.m. on Saturday.
Lake effect snow is expected with total snow accumulations of 5 to 8 inches in the most persistent lake snows.
Winds gusting as high as 40 miles per hour will result in considerable blowing and drifting snow, the NWS said.
“Most of the snow will occur on Friday evening before the main band of snow moves mainly south of the area,” the Weather Service said.
Other parts of Western New York should see more snow. A lake effect snow warning has been issued for Genesee, Erie and Wyoming counties from 4 p.m. Friday to 10 p.m. on Saturday, with 9 to 16 inches of snow expected.
Photo by Marsha Rivers: The Brown Street Bridge in Albion is pictured at dusk over the Erie Canal at dusk on Wednesday evening.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 February 2021 at 1:49 pm
HOLLEY – The stunning rehabilitation of the former Holley High School, a $17 million project that created 41 apartments and the village offices, has won a statewide preservation award.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the recognition this afternoon for the Holley Gardens, which is the name of the repurposed school.
Home Leasing and Edgemere Development teamed up on the project, which won the award for Excellence in Historic Building Rehabilitation.
The school was originally constructed in 1930 and 1931. It was last used as a school in 1975. A manufacturing used a portion of the building before going bankrupt in the mid-1990s. The building then sat vacant for more than two decades, and was frequently targeted by vandals.
Here is how the building looked in May 2018. Contractors removed the trees coming out of the façade, and put back columns in the front, among the many extensive upgrades.
Cuomo, in announcing the award, praised the developers for the “dramatic rehabilitation of the building” that has created 41 affordable housing units for seniors and new office and meeting space for the village government.
Home Leasing and Edgemere utilized both the state Historic Tax Credit and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit programs to assist with the adaptive reuse.
The Holley school was one of 11 honorees announced today by the governor.
“The 2020 New York State Historic Preservation Awards help bolster efforts to keep New York’s storied history protected and accessible to all,” Governor Cuomo said. “These historic projects demonstrate the diversity of lived New York experiences since our state’s founding. New York is thankful to the dedicated stewards of each site, who provide invaluable support by devoting countless hours to the protection of historic sites for all to learn from and enjoy.”
A worker cleans in the stairwell at the former Holley High School on April 1, 2020. Crews were slowed last spring and summer due to restrictions on the size of work crews in the Covid-19 pandemic. The original railings were saved as part of the construction project.
This group from the community tours the school on Oct. 18, 2019 while it was under construction.
Here is how the hallways looked in April 2020 after most of the work was done. The old lockers were included as a decorative touch and to connect to the building’s original use.
Home Leasing turned former classrooms and offices into 41 apartments. Most of those are about 700 to 800 square feet. Many of the apartments include the old chalkboards, which many of the residents use to jot down notes.
Community members in October 2019 tour the auditorium space, which proved a challenge to convert into a meeting room and the village offices. Besides converting the auditorium into offices and meeting space for the Village of Holley, the Home Leasing needed to abate hazardous materials, refurbish and replace windows, repair and replace the roof, and reconfigure some of the interior walls. Two new elevators also were installed as well as new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and sprinkler systems, new water, sewer, electric and gas services, fire alarms and an intercom system.
The main meeting room is pictured in late August, after the village relocated its offices to the space. Home Leasing was able to refurbish about 70 seats from the old auditorium. There are also about 40 seats up in the balcony that are for display and aren’t available to the public.
Press Release and photo from Assemblyman Mike Norris
LOCKPORT – Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,C-Lockport) collected handmade valentines from local students today for seniors at our community nursing homes, saying his program has special significance this year as nursing home residents have braved extreme isolation from their loved ones and gone without visitors because of the pandemic.
“This is a wonderful program but extra special to me this year as I think about the challenges these New Yorkers have faced without the comfort of visits from their loved ones,” Norris said. “As Valentine’s Day approaches, I encourage everyone to take time to send a card to seniors they know living in nursing homes. Though we cannot visit in person, we can still ‘share the love’ like these wonderful students have with their handmade valentines I am so proud to have been able to deliver on their behalf. Thank you to every student who helped me on this important project.”
Norris partnered with 10 local school districts to make handmade valentines for seven area nursing homes as well as the Lockport Meals on Wheels Program. Participating schools this year include Barker Central School District, Oak Orchard Elementary in Medina, Charles A. Upson Elementary, Royalton-Hartland Elementary, DeSales Catholic School, Roy B. Kelley Elementary, Sheridan Hill Elementary, Newfane Elementary and St. John the Baptist School.
Participating nursing homes include Briarwood Manor in Lockport, Heritage Manor of Lockport, Absolute Care in Gasport, Heritage Manor of Ransomville, Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Medina, Harris Hill Nursing Facility and Brothers of Mercy in Clarence.
LYNDONVILLE – The school district has earned the College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in its AP Computer Science Principles course. Schools honored with this award have expanded access to females in select computer science courses.
Out of the 20,000 institutions that offer AP courses, 1,119 achieved either 50% or higher female representation in one of the two AP Computer Science courses, or a percentage of the female computer science examinees meet or exceeded the school’s female population during the 2019- 2020 academic year.
Last year 818 schools were recognized. The almost 37% increase shows a positive trend in encouraging females to explore the computer science path.
Lyndonville Central School would like to commend high school science teacher, Jeff Qamoos, for actively engaging his students in the AP Computer Science course and school counselor, Jeff Kingsbury, for effectively marketing the course and generating interest. The district would also like to commend Dan Dragula for his high female enrollment in his Physics, AP Physics and ACE Astronomy.
Providing female students with access to computer science courses is critical to ensuring gender parity in the industry’s high-paying jobs and drives innovation, creativity and representation. Lyndonville Central School District is proud of achieving this award and will continue its efforts to encourage female students to explore their academic interests and excel in the courses they take.
“Female students need the power to shape technology, not just cope with it,” says Stefanie Sanford, College Board Chief of Global Policy and External Relations. “Young women deserve an equal opportunity to become the next generation of entrepreneurs, engineers and tech leaders. Closing the gap in computer science education empowers young women to build the future they want.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 February 2021 at 11:11 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: A crew from Russia travelled the Erie Canal on a boat, Pilgrim, last Aug. 7. They are shown headed west under the Ingersoll Street lift bridge in Albion.
The leader of the New York Power Authority, which oversees the state’s canal system, responded to rumors about the upcoming canal season, saying it should be back on a normal schedule after a shortened season last year due to Covid-19.
Gil C. Quiniones, president and CEO of NYPA, issued this statement this morning:
“The New York State Canal system has been, and continues to be, a significant driver of economic development for upstate communities and a valuable resource for recreation. As the 2021 navigation season approaches, the Canal Corporation is actively engaging with a wide range of local stakeholders across New York who rely on the waterway to identify their needs.
“The Canal Corporation is also assessing and addressing portions of the system’s aging infrastructure. These projects include undertaking efforts to optimize operation of the locks and lift bridges based on usage data when the Canal system opens this spring. As in previous years, the Canal system is projected to operate mid-May through mid-October and no changes are expected to the normal hours of operation.
“In addition, New York State’s iconic Erie Canal is not being renamed. The Erie Canal will remain the Erie Canal just as it has been for two centuries.”
Last year the opening of the canal system was pushed back from May to June 26, after 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.
During a conference call on Tuesday evening with Orleans County officials, Josh Veronica of State Sen. Rob Ortt’s office said there was concern in the canal communities that the start of the season might again be delayed.
Many of the businesses along the canal “took a big hit” last year and already have boating trips and other services scheduled for this year, said Veronica, Ortt’s director of community relations.
“The rumors of shortened season are not true at this point,” Veronica said. “We’ll advocate for those canals being open for as long as possible.”
New York’s Canal system spans 524 miles and includes four historic canals: the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca. The New York State Canal Corporation is a subsidiary of the New York Power Authority.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 4 February 2021 at 9:52 am
Community Action, Office for the Aging team up for the service
ALBION – A handyman to perform minor repairs for seniors in Orleans County is something Orleans County Office for the Aging’s director Melissa Blanar has wanted for years.
Annette Finch, director of Emergency Services for Community Action, said it has been a dream of hers for a very long time.
The dream has been realized with the announcement of James Westphal of Albion, hired as county’s first handyman.
His position is funded by a $10,000 grant from the WNY Covid-19 Community Response Fund, which Finch learned about and applied for. It is effective until 2023.
“This gives Melissa and I the opportunity to look for other grants to continue the service,” Finch said.
“We are very excited about this program,” Blanar said. “We get calls all the time from seniors who don’t have family in the area.”
“Now they have a place to turn,” Finch said.
Westphal is highly qualified for the handyman position, Finch said. He also had to pass a background check because the job requires him to go into the homes of senior citizens.
Westphal had been working as an inspector for power plants, when his job was terminated due to cutbacks in the Covid pandemic.
“We gave him this opportunity to go back to work,” Finch said. “He is very friendly and everybody loves him.”
Prior to his job as a power plant inspector, Westphal worked for 15 years as a sales person for Coca Cola and Budweiser.
“I enjoy having a job,” he said.
The handyman position is part time now, but Finch hopes she’ll be able to eventually put him on full time.
Westphal knows Community Action’s maintenance supervisor Greg Gilman, and works together with him very well, Finch said.
The handyman service is available to seniors 60 or older who reside in Orleans County, Blanar said.
Finch would love to be able to offer it in the future to disabled younger adults.
Finch said the service is a collaboration between Community Action and the Office for the Aging. Community Action acquired the grant and hired the handyman, while the Office for the Aging will accept and screen requests for handyman projects.
Requests for minor repair work can be made by calling Samantha at the Office for the Aging at 589-2863, between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The types of projects Westphal will be able to handle include installing handrails, grab bars or handheld shower heads; installing smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors; repairing stairs; minor ramp repairs; limited window repairs; minor electrical repairs; replacing lightbulbs; taking out or installing window air conditioners; fixing faucets; unclogging drains; minor flooring repairs; minor roof patching; weather stripping; adjusting doors; repairing existing storm doors; installing locksets and deadbolts; installing heat tape; and repairing or installing mailboxes.
Some projects may be ineligible for the handyman service, or if there is a job which Westphal can’t do, Community Action or the Office for the Aging will refer it to the appropriate agency, Blanar said. For instance, if a furnace quit, it could be referred to HEAP.
In a case where a repair might be expensive, the senior might be asked to pay for the materials, Finch said.
RESTORE Sexual Assault Services, a program of Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York, is recruiting volunteers for an upcoming training cycle in early March.
There is an urgent need for volunteers in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
Volunteer Advocates are responsible for taking crisis phone calls from their home and providing information and advocacy to sexual assault survivors at a hospital or police station. Volunteers offer support, information and resources to survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones. The time commitment is flexible, and at the volunteer’s discretion. All applicants will be screened and must complete 32 hours of training prior to beginning their volunteer commitment.
The training will take place in a virtual setting, with optional in-person hybrid sessions, depending on Volunteers’ comfort level. All RESTORE services are dynamically responding to the changing Covid-19 protocols and using a variety of communication methods, depending on the needs and comfort level of the survivor.
Those interested in volunteering for RESTORE must be at least 20 years of age, have reliable transportation, and be comfortable working with those in a crisis situation.
For further information about volunteering with RESTORE, email restore@ppcwny.org.
RESTORE leads the community response to sexual violence through advocacy and education, by providing the safety, support and validation that changes the lives of all those affected.
RESTORE 24-hour hotlines: 585-546-2777 (Monroe County) and 1-800-527-1757 (Livingston, Wyoming, Orleans and Genesee Counties).
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) on Wednesday evening issued the following statement regarding the vote on the budget resolution to begin the budget reconciliation process.
“Two weeks ago, President Biden preached unity, cooperation, and bipartisanship. However, his actions have failed to match his promises. In addition to the more than 40 executive orders and actions he has signed, Democrats in the House and Senate are now working with his blessing to advance a massive, partisan Covid-19 package.
“We passed a $900 billion Covid-19 relief package one month ago. While I agree there are still important issues to address, such as funding for local governments and boosting vaccine distribution, this unilateral approach to relief legislation is damaging and unproductive.
“I was encouraged the President met with Republican Senators this week about a deal. While I oppose using the reconciliation process for Covid relief, I am ready to address these challenges and will work with the administration and Congressional Democrats if they meet us at the negotiating table.”
Law enforcement agencies in Orleans County will increase patrols for driving while intoxicated from Friday through Monday as part of a STOP-DWI Super Bowl Crackdown Initiative, Sheriff Chris Bourke said.
Although STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol-related fatalities, there are still too many, Bourke said.
Law enforcement agencies across the state will have increased patrols on impaired driving during Super Bowl weekend. The STOP-DWI campaign will include underage drinking enforcement, increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers.
The enforcement crackdown is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.
If people are drinking, Bourke urges them to plan a safe way to get home. They should call for a ride from a sober friend, family member, taxi or Uber, he said.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is reiterating his demands for legislative hearings into the Cuomo administration’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic in nursing homes following a press conference held by legislative colleagues Wednesday regarding a report from the Attorney General’s Office that revealed the department was undercounting Covid-19 deaths in nursing homes by as much as 50 percent.
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski), Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt (R-Tonawanda), “Fox and Friends” co-host Janice Dean and a Capital Region family who lost their loved one to Covid-19 in a nursing home last April were all in attendance.
Additionally, Hawley is demanding a termination of the governor’s emergency powers, and also requesting that his colleagues in the Majority compel administration officials to attend legislative hearings on the matter by issuing subpoenas against them.
“I am hopeful that seeing the real pain the governor’s wrongdoings brought to an everyday family will be an eye-opener for my colleagues in the Majority and compel them to take getting to the bottom of this matter seriously,” Hawley said. “It has become too obvious to ignore that efforts were made to actively hide the severity of this tragedy, and I am hopeful this week’s shocking developments will spur those in the Majority to do what’s right for those who lost their loved ones.”
LOCKPORT – Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,C-Lockport) collected handmade valentines from local students today for seniors at our community nursing homes, saying his program has special significance this year as nursing home residents have braved extreme isolation from their loved ones and gone without visitors because of the pandemic.
ALBION – A handyman to perform minor repairs for seniors in Orleans County is something Orleans County Office for the Aging’s director Melissa Blanar has wanted for years.
