Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today released the list of comorbidities and underlying conditions that New York State will use to determine eligibility for the Covid-19 vaccine. New Yorkers who have one of the comorbidities on the list will be eligible for the vaccine beginning February 15.
“New Yorkers with comorbidities and underlying conditions exist throughout the state’s population—they’re our teachers, lawyers and carpenters, in addition to the doctors who keep us safe every day, and they are a highly affected population,” Cuomo said. “We’re committed to vaccinating vulnerable populations that have suffered the most as we distribute a strictly limited supply of vaccines, and people with comorbidities are 94 percent of the state’s Covid deaths. That’s why we’ll open eligibility to people with comorbidities starting February 15 and give hospitals the ability to use extra doses they have to address that population. Local governments have a week to prepare for the new change—they need to get ready now.”
The full list of comorbidities and underlying conditions is available below. The list is subject to change as additional scientific evidence is published and as New York State obtains and analyzes additional state-specific data.
Adults of any age with the following conditions due to increased risk of moderate or severe illness or death from the virus that causes Covid-19:
Cancer (current or in remission, including 9/11-related cancers)
Chronic kidney disease
Pulmonary Disease, including but not limited to, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-severe), pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and 9/11 related pulmonary diseases
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities including Down Syndrome
Heart conditions, including but not limited to heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, or hypertension (high blood pressure)
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) including but not limited to solid organ transplant or from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, use of other immune weakening medicines, or other causes
Severe Obesity (BMI 40 kg/m2), Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
Pregnancy
Sickle cell disease or Thalassemia
Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus
Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)
Neurologic conditions including but not limited to Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia
Provided photo: Paul Saskowski, Director of Business Services, and Vicki Havholm, Nutrition Program Manager, pack up food for the Meals on Wheels program in Orleans County.
Press Release, Arc of Genesee Orleans
ALBION – United Way of Orleans County recently shared great news with the Arc of Genesee Orleans.
“I am pleased to tell you that we have sent $5,000 to your agency to support the Orleans County Meals on Wheels program,” said Dean Bellack, United Way executive director.
The funding came from the Western New York Covid Community Response Fund that Bellack said has been very generous during the pandemic.
“I am very appreciative of the outside funding which has found its way to Orleans County,” Bellack said. “We are thankful we had the means to offer some extra help. The dollars we have received this year only support 50 percent of our requests for funding.”
Arc of Genesee Orleans has operated the Meals on Wheels program in affiliation with the Orleans County Office for the Aging since 2009. In Genesee County, the non-profit has fulfilled the Meals on Wheels contract since 2012.
“Funding our programs and services is always a challenge – even prior to the pandemic,” said Arc GO Director of Development Shelley Falitico. “We are thankful for this unexpected gift and United Way of Orleans County’s continual support of our agency and individuals we serve.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 February 2021 at 10:54 am
Committee members say Sheriff’s Office is responsive to community, embracing more training to de-escalate volatile situations
This screen shot from Thursday evening’s public forum through Zoom shows, from left, County Chief Administrative Officer Jack Welch, County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson and Sheriff Chris Bourke.
ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke on Thursday evening led the first of two public forums on police reform, which is required by all 500 police agencies in the state.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo in June issued an executive order, mandating the law enforcement agencies review policies on use of force and de-escalation, with training of officers on bias in profiling. The governor urged each department to form a committee to review the policies and solicit feedback from residents.
Each department needs to submit a plan to the state by April 1, or they could be cut off from state funding.
Bourke and his committee will hold another public forum at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 8. Click here to see a link to the Zoom instructions for the meeting.
“What we are really boiling this all down to is we want the community, no matter your background, that when they deal with law enforcement they are getting a fair shake,” said District Attorney Joe Cardone.
He is a member of the Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative Committee for both the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and Medina Police Department.
Cardone spoke at the Sheriff’s Office public forum on Thursday. He said the committee wants to hear from the public if they have concerns when they have interactions with law enforcement. There is also a form (click here) for people to submit comments about the Sheriff’s Office that will be directed to the committee.)
Joanne Best, the county’s public defender, also is on the committee. She asked residents to fill out the form or be part of the Feb. 8 public forum.
“We welcome input from community on how things could be done better,” she said.
That feedback can help the Sheriff’s Office and the committee work on policies that may need improvement and possibly more training for officers.
“Even though it can be adversarial it’s important the population feels respected and that law enforcement is dealing with them in a fair manner,” Cardone said.
‘We heard about defunding our police. For all that our Sheriff’s Department does for our county I wish that we could fund them more.’ – Lynne Johnson, County Legislature leader
The Sheriff’s Office website currently lists policies on de-escalation of force, implied bias, community relations, citizen complaints and investigation of hate crimes.
Bourke said deputies have received more training in responding to people in a mental health crisis. They are trained to help de-escalate those and other potentially volatile situations.
The Sheriff’s Office operates with the purpose that “all persons have the right to dignified treatment under the law; protection of this right is a duty which is binding upon all members,” according to the community relations policy.
The policy about bias-based profiling states that all members of the Sheriff’s Office “will not affect a stop, detention, or search of any person which is motivated by race, color, ethnicity, age, gender or sexual orientation.”
Bourke said the Sheriff’s Office has about 100 employees with 45 at the county jail. There are usually 22 to 24 deputy sheriffs, which includes two investigators, three sergeants, a lieutenant and one civil sergeant. The Sheriff’s Office currently has two vacancies for deputies and an investigator.
Jeff Gifaldi, the chief deputy, said the Sheriff’s Office has three patrol cars out 24-7, except on the weekends, when it is increased to four cars.
The Sheriff’s Office also runs a marine patrol from April 1 to Nov. 1 with a full-time deputy and 10 part-timers. The work in 26 miles of water along Lake Ontario, as well as Lake Alice, Glenwood Lake, the Erie Canal and other smaller bodies of water, Bourke said.
The Sheriff’s Office also runs the 911 dispatch center with nine full-time dispatchers and two part-timers. Last year they handled 32,000 calls.
County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said the Sheriff’s Office could use more funding to carry out its mission.
“Last years in the events of civil unrest throughout nation, we heard about defunding our police,” Johnson said. “For all that our Sheriff’s Department does for our county I wish that we could fund them more. Defunding our police is not an option in Orleans County.”
She praised the Sheriff’s Office for its community outreach efforts, and increased training for officers.
“I can’t see how we could have better peacemakers,” she said. “Orleans County supports the law enforcement we have 100 percent.”
Terry Wilbert of Albion asked the lone question from the community during Thursday’s forum. He asked about the diversity of the workforce, including if there are women among the deputies.
Bourke said there two women among the deputies, which includes an investigator and a school resource officer. There are four corrections officers who are Black and one of the seasonal marine deputies is Latino, Bourke said.
Thaddeus Nauden, a community member on the committee, said the Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement have the trust of the community.
“My problem isn’t with the police department in Orleans County,” he said during the forum. “In Orleans County I haven’t seen any problems. The problem is with justice system after the arrest. Too many criminals are put out on the street after their arrest.”
Eddie English, pastor of The Lord’s House in Waterport, also commended the Sheriff’s Office for “doing a great job” and for building many partnerships in the community.
Margie Aldacco, director of a safe house in the county, also is on the committee. She said residents likely aren’t aware of the many programs by the Sheriff’s Office.
James White, a seasonal deputy on the Marine Division, also serves on the committee.
“It’s not just about writing tickets,” he said. “It’s about effecting real change in the community.
We have a good department, with good leadership and they strive to serve the community.”
Trellis Pore, another committee member, said the Sheriff’s Office is embracing training and is focused on serving residents.
“It’s a breath of fresh air to see our Sheriff’s Department wants to have a safe community,” he said.
Bourke said a “few bad apples” among police officers have given law enforcement “a black eye.” He said incidents of police brutality “turn my stomach.”
He said the Sheriff’s Office will continue to have officers trained in de-escalation with mental health and other crises.
“My opinion is the training never stops,” he said. “You have to adjust with the times.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 February 2021 at 9:06 am
Winter weather advisory goes from Friday afternoon until 10 p.m. Saturday
A wind advisory is in effect from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. today in Orleans and Genesee counties. The National Weather Service in Buffalo said there will be southwest winds from 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.
“Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects,” the Weather Service stated. “Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.”
There is also a winter weather advisory in effect from 4 p.m. Friday until 10 p.m. on Saturday for Orleans and Niagara counties.
Lake effect snow is expected with total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will result in considerable blowing and drifting snow, the Weather Service said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 February 2021 at 8:57 am
Cuomo says funding needed for state and local governments, restaurant industry
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Thursday issued a letter asking New York’s Congressional delegation for fair and proportional funding in the next COVID-19 aid package that helps New York State and localities, repeals the SALT cap, provides relief/mortgage relief, and helps restaurant workers.
The letter asks the Congressional delegation to avoid politics by funding state and local governments based on need, directly funding governments rather than bypassing them to fund schools, hospitals and organizations directly, repealing the SALT cap and helping the restaurant industry.
“These are trying times, my friends, and they are also highly consequential,” Cuomo wrote on Feb. 4. “I believe the COVID relief bill that you will pass shortly is paramount to this state and nation’s recovery. The politics and incompetence of the past federal administration has brought the nation to the brink.”
The Biden administration has proposed $350 billion in direct aid to states and local governments. Cuomo said distributing those funds shouldn’t be a “typical pork barrel exercise.”
New York should receive more than a proportional share of the funding because the state was disproportionally hit by Covid.
If Congress distributed the $350 billion funding by the number of lives lost to Covid, New York State would receive $20.7 billion and local governments would receive $13.8 billion, Cuomo said.
If the distribution formula reflected Covid related unemployment, New York State would receive $15.1 billion and local governments would receive $10.1 billion, he said.
“Ironically, even if Congress was wholly political and disregarded all legitimate need factors and distributed only by a state’s population – which would be a repulsive policy – New York State would still receive $12.4 billion and local governments would receive $8.3 billion,” Cuomo wrote in the letter.
He urged the Congressional delegation to pursue federal funding for local schools, but not through Title formulas which he said don’t address all areas of the state fairly.
The governor also continued to rail against the SALT legislation, calling it unconstitutional and double taxation. The tax cut plan approved in the Trump administration imposed a $10,000 limit on the SALT deduction, so regardless of how much is paid in state and local taxes.
“New York State is still in litigation against the federal government to end SALT,” Cuomo said. “Repeal is a priority as every month costs New Yorkers over $1 billion in additional taxes. Every day SALT is not repealed costs New Yorkers almost $34 million. It must be repealed now.”
Without significant aid from the federal government, Cuomo said the state and local governments will be forced to do layoffs, reduce funding to poor schools, reduce funding to safety net hospitals, and increase taxes – “we will see a situation go from bad to worse.”
He also urged the Congressional delegation to find solutions to the “looming eviction crisis” among homeowners and renters.
And he urged the delegation to provide “real financial support to restaurants statewide to ensure they are able to reopen and support the tens of thousands hardworking men and women they employ.”
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.
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.
