By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 25 January 2021 at 8:54 pm
Mike Hodgins leaves Buffalo hospital after difficult ordeal to rehab at Medina Memorial
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Looking frail and thin after spending two months at Buffalo Mercy Hospital battling Covid, Mike Hodgins is surrounded by son Greg Hodgins, wife Kathy and daughter Alisha Duffina.
SHELBY – Miracles do happen.
Ask Kathy Hodgins of Shelby, whose husband Mike just spent two months in Buffalo Mercy Hospital, recovering from Covid-19.
Mike, 59, contracted Covid from his wife Kathy, who isn’t sure where she got it.
The last time she saw Mike was when she dropped him off at the door of Medina Memorial Hospital on Nov. 28. Because of Covid restrictions, she couldn’t even go in with him.
Later that night he was transferred to Buffalo Mercy Hospital, the only place they could find who had an ICU bed available.
The situation was dire, because Mike had a heart transplant 30 years ago, and doctors said he would need a miracle to survive Covid, which has killed more than 400,000 Americans in the past year.
Their miracle was realized this afternoon when Kathy and their children Greg Hodgins and Alisha Duffina brought Mike from Buffalo Mercy to Medina Memorial Hospital, where he will spend seven to 10 days in rehab to regain his strength.
Kathy Hodgins waves as she catches the first glimpse of her husband Mike being wheeled down the ramp at Buffalo Mercy Hospital. It was the first time she had seen him in two months.
While at Buffalo Mercy, Mike spent three weeks on a ventilator, while doctors kept him sedated. During that time, his blood pressure would plummet. Doctors also feared kidney failure.
During his ordeal, Mike developed abdominal bleeding and his epiglottis became paralyzed, meaning he can’t swallow anything by mouth. When he tries to, it goes down his windpipe instead of into his stomach. This resulted in a feeding tube in his stomach, which he still has.
Doctors are hopeful his epiglottis will return to normal so the feeding tube can be removed.
When Kathy learned Mike was going to be discharged and transported to Medina, she insisted on picking him up herself, so she could at least spend some precious time with him.
Alisha drove home, so Mike and Kathy sit in the back seat, where they hugged and held hands all the way home.
Mike Hodgins is wheeled down the ramp at Buffalo Mercy Hospital Monday by an aide named Thi, as his family waits to transfer him to Medina Memorial Hospital for rehab.
Kathy is convinced it is their faith which brought Mike through this ordeal. She said, even in his sedated state, he could hear her voice and she called the hospital every day. She would ask the nurse to put the phone to Mike’s ear and she would repeat that she loved him.
“Every day while he was on a respirator, I called and told him I loved him,” Kathy said. “Then I prayed with him every single day.”
She said it is the most powerless feeling not to be able to see your loved one who is so sick. She said the only exceptions to allowing visitors was in end-of-life situations, and she is thankful they didn’t get to that.
“It’s been quite the journey,” she said.
After getting Mike to Medina Memorial Hospital, the family, along with his brother and sister, stood under his window and waved to him. They are counting the days until they can bring him home.
Kathy Hodgins of Shelby hugs her husband Mike as she sees him for the first since Nov. 28, when he was taken to Buffalo Mercy Hospital with Covid. She brought him to Medina Memorial Hospital Monday, where he will undergo rehab.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 January 2021 at 7:56 pm
A Winter Weather Advisory from the National Weather Service covers Upstate New York.
A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for Tuesday for Orleans County, WNY and Upstate New York.
The advisory is in effect from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. with 3 to 5 inches of snow expected for Orleans, Genesee, Niagara, Monroe, Wayne, northern Erie and Ontario counties.
The National Weather Service urges motorists to plan on slippery road conditions, which could impact the morning or evening commute.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 January 2021 at 7:39 pm
Harriet Tubman, whose home is in Auburn in Central New York, is to be the new face of the $20 bill.
Five years ago Tubman was announced as the new face of the $20 bill. But her face has yet to be on the U.S. currency. It may not happen until 2028.
The Biden Administration said today it wants to “speed up” the effort to have Tubman, a famed abolitionist, on the $20 bill. Her home is in nearby Auburn, and that site is a National Historical Park.
“Harriet Tubman is a hero who led enslaved African Americans to freedom,” U.S. Majority Leader Charles Schumer tweeted this evening. “We fought to make her Auburn, NY home a national park. Now, the Biden Treasury Dept is speeding plans to add her to the $20 bill. I’ve championed this. No one’s more deserving. It should’ve happened long ago!”
President Barack Obama first pushed to have Tubman on the $20 bill. She risked her life and guided dozens people from Maryland to freedom through the Underground Railroad in the 1800s.
In the Civil War, Tubman served as a US Army spy, scout, nurse and cook. Later in life, she was involved in the women’s suffrage movement.
“I’m glad the Biden administration is reversing the Trump administration’s foot dragging,” Schumer said today on the Senate floor. “This is the kind of things they did. No excuse, no reason, just didn’t do it.”
In May 2016, former Treasury Secretary Jack Lew announced Tubman would be featured on the front of the $20, replacing President Andrew Jackson, who was to be featured on the back of the bill along with an image of the White House.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 January 2021 at 6:44 pm
ALBION – There will be Republican and Democratic caucuses on Tuesday to pick a candidate for trustee in a March 16 special election.
The two political parties will meet to pick a candidate for trustee to fill three years of vacated term by Kevin Sheehan, who resigned to take the job as Albion’s code enforcement officer.
The Democrats will meet at 7 p.m. at the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church, 10 East Park St.
The Republicans will meet at 7 p.m. at the Albion Visitors Center, 121 North Main St.
The parties will take nominations from the floor during the caucuses.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 January 2021 at 5:04 pm
Number of active cases drops from 495 on Jan. 12 to 301 today
Orleans and Genesee counties today are reporting 100 new Covid-19 cases in the first update from the G-O Health Departments since Friday. That brings the combined total to 5,726 in the two counties since March with 3,687 in Genesee and 2,039 in Orleans.
In Orleans County there are 33 new positive cases of Covid-19. 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, 6 were on quarantine prior to testing positive.
Orleans also is reporting 66 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.
The number of active cases in the county has dropped 243 on Jan. 12 to 134 today. Six days ago on Jan. 19 there were 158 active cases in the county.
Orleans has 9 residents hospitalized due to Covid. There were 18 hospitalized on Jan. 19.
Albion Central School is reporting a middle school student and staff member have both tested positive for Covid-19.
“As the student learns fully remotely and hasn’t been in school since Nov. 30 and the staff member was last in school on Dec. 15, the Department of Health has determined there is no need to quarantine any additional students or staff due to the 48-hour look-back period,” the district posted on its website.
In Genesee County, there are 67 new positive cases since Friday. 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, 80s and 90s.
Of the new cases, 4 are residents of the Batavia VA Medical Center.
Correction from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments: The following case was double counted and has been retracted from today’s data; Case in his/her 20s from Bergen.
Genesee is reporting 130 of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.
The number of active cases in the county is at 167 today, which is down from 199 on Jan. 19 and 252 on Jan. 12.
Genesee is reporting 24 residents are hospitalized due to Covid, which is more than double the 11 on Jan. 19.
• Vaccine Information: At this time all appointments are full, however the G-O Health Departments encourage those eligible to keep monitoring in case people have canceled. People are encouraged to cancel their appointment if they are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, the flu or a cold; if they have been placed on mandatory quarantine because they are identified as a close contact to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19; or they can’t make the appointment for any other reason.
Canceling the appointment as soon as you are aware you can’t make it will open up a new appointment for someone else. Please make sure you cancel using the information on your confirmation sheet or by calling the provider. The health departments cannot cancel appointments for other providers.
To check for vaccination clinics in Genesee and Orleans counties, click here.
Statewide: Cuomo says state’s rate of transmission has dropped below 1
Data and chart from Gov. Cuomo’s Office: This is each region’s 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days.
Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced that New York State’s rate of transmission, or Rt, has dropped below 1. An Rt of 1 or more means Covid-19 will spread quickly, Cuomo said.
Cuomo also announced that elective surgeries can resume in Erie County following a sustained decline in Western New York’s positivity rate. The county’s positivity has steadily declined for nearly three weeks, going from 8.6 percent on January 7 to 5.2 percent. Hospitalizations have declined from 427 on Dec. 31 to 323. The county’s hospital capacity is at 48 percent.
“We predicted that increased social activity would lead to a spike in Covid cases, and that the spike would eventually dissipate, and the ongoing fulfilment of that prediction is good news,” he said. “The rate of transmission—one of the most important numbers—has now declined below 1, meaning the virus is no longer spreading quickly. And when those numbers decrease, you can increase economic activity.”
Besides recipes, cookbooks provide a local history resource
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian – Volume 1, Number 5
The spiral-bound cookbooks published as fundraisers for churches and community groups are a familiar sight in our kitchens. A collection of local cookbooks was just recently donated to the Orleans County Dept. of History. With their brightly illustrated covers and domestic content, they contrast with the largely black and white documents that comprise the majority of the Department’s collection.
At first glance, they might seem an unlikely resource, but in fact, these locally specific cookbooks are treasure troves of local history. They are of interest now and their value to social historians will only increase as time goes by.
The cookbooks in this donation represent Albion, Barre, Clarendon, Gaines, Knowlesville, Lyndonville, Medina, Shelby and Waterport. Most were published in the ’70s and ’80s, though the most recent is from 2010.
Many cookbook projects were church sponsored, but there are also cookbooks from schools, hospitals, a prison, the Lake Plains YMCA and groups such as the Senior Citizens of Western Orleans and the Orleans County Historical Association. Morris Press was the primary publisher. Cookbook projects were undertaken to mark anniversaries or for specific fundraising projects.
In some cases, the cookbooks are a testament to churches or groups that now no longer exist. The now-defunct list from this donated collection includes: The Journal-Register, Medina Association of Women, Sacred Heart Church, and Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital. Also, the local advertisements provide a record of business and services. Some still continue, many are no longer, reflecting business and economic trends.
These advertisements are a treasure trove for local historians.
Advertisement page from “What’s Cooking”: Twig Association, Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital, Albion, NY, 1975
Community cookbooks were almost always compiled by women. For many contributors, this may have been the first time their name was in print. This was a source of pride, an affirmation of identity, of belonging to a recognized group.
Part of the pleasure – and historical value – of looking through the cookbooks is that of seeing familiar names among the contributors, family members or neighbors, many now departed. When viewing the cookbooks with a friend, the conversation invariably turns reminiscent, as stories and connections are recalled. In years to come, these cookbooks will be treasured as heirlooms by contributors’ descendants.
Advertisements from Knowlesville United Methodist Church cookbook, 1983
The saying “An army marches on its stomach” has been attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte. Women well know that families also march on their stomachs. History is as much about families as it is about armies.
The humble spiral-bound community cookbook is a succinct tactical manual to fall back on when faced with that dreaded question “What’s for supper?” Internet recipe searches can be overwhelming. The new cookbooks on the market now are either very specialized in terms of ingredients or techniques, or feature celebrities discovering the joy of cooking. Sometimes you just want a quick recipe for banana bread. The stained or dog-eared page of the trusty spiral-bound cookbook will lead the way.
The recipes are short, practical, straightforward, and thrifty. There are no “diet”, “lite” or ingredient intolerant options. If a recipe calls for milk, it is implied that the source will be a cow, not an almond. Some of the recipe titles are intriguing: The $100 Cake, Easy-Peasy Pudding, Glenda’s Pie, Elephant Stew, Crab Louis, Lovelight Icing. All of the recipes are “keepers”, having been tested and honed over time by those most merciless of critics: family members.
Some of the recipes have not aged well. We might look askance at the Fruit Salad recipe which was a fairly common submission:
1 can mandarin oranges, 6 cups miniature marshmallows,
1 can crushed pineapple, 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup coconut.
Drain cans, mix ingredients well, chill
No doubt, this recipe will remind many of their grandmothers. We should keep in mind that this recipe evolved at a time when grocery stores were not stocked all year long with the luxury of out of season fruit that we are accustomed to.
The cookbooks reflect the culinary traditions and food practices of a certain time, when households were transitioning from stay-at-home mothers to moms who worked outside the home. Family dinners were still the norm, so cooking practices adapted to simpler recipes. Convenience ingredients such as cans of mushroom soup or cans of cream of chicken soup were widely used.
We can observe major changes in food preferences and health considerations in the short time since these cookbooks flourished. Jell-O and Velveeta cheese are no longer in fashion. We have the luxury of access to a wide range of fresh food, varied sources of protein and ethnic foods. Our cooking technology has changed – rice cookers, air-fryers, Insta-Pots. Pizza and take-out proliferate and there are more options for those who have food intolerances. We take these trends for granted, but they are all part of ever changing culinary history
Cooks love to share recipes. This collection attests to the generosity of spirit of our Orleans County cooks.
Press Release, Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse
BATAVIA – Next month’s Stand Up For Recovery Day is a virtual event this year but the question it poses reflects the reality that everyone can contribute to helping those suffering with substance use disorders.
Staff at The Recovery Station, a program of Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, are asking those who wish to support the effort to post a video or picture that answers the following:
“What do you stand up for when it comes to recovery?”
Sue Gagne, coordinator of The Recovery Station, is inviting all community members to voice their support or showcase their artistic talents for the cause.
“Whether you are an individual in recovery, family member, friend, or ally, you are an important part of our recovery community,” Gagne said. “We hope you join us in showing support for the recovery movement in Genesee and Orleans counties. You are not alone!”
Stand Up For Recovery Day is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, and features a full agenda of activities promoted by Friends of Recovery – New York (www.for-ny.org/surd-registration), including:
Networking and sponsor presentations;
Opening plenary session including entertainment by Katharine Pettit Creative (KPC) and George Feaster Band;
Inspirational message, remarks by For-NY Board President Chacku Mathai and Executive Director Dr. Angelia Smith-Wilson;
Presentation of the group’s policy statement by statewide recovery advocates;
Remarks by partners from the New York state government and legislature;
Presentations on advocacy by Richard Buckman and Ashley Livingston;
Video Rally.
Optional events including a legislature chat session and virtual visits with area legislators.
Friends of Recovery –New York (FOR-NY) is a statewide Recovery Community Organization working on behalf of millions of individuals and families in New York to educate decision makers and the general public about recovery from addiction.
Leaders anticipate nearly 1,000 recovery warriors from various Recovery Community Organizations throughout the state to gather virtually in order to both celebrate recovery from addictions, but more so, to educate decision-makers and the general public about the recovery movement.
FOR-NY has identified its four priorities when it comes to help those in recovery as housing, personalized treatment and treatment on demand, recovery oriented systems of care, and transportation. It also supports racial justice as well as a public health response to Covid-19 which is inclusive of the recovery community.
For more information about the Stand Up For Recovery Day or The Recovery Station, contact Gagne at 585-815-5248. To support recovery efforts in Orleans County, call 585-210-8750.
Instead of 2,500 doses, G-O Health Departments getting 300
Press Release, Geneee and Orleans County Health Departments
Genesee and Orleans counties continue to work diligently to distribute the limited supply of vaccine received in their continued response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We were hoping to receive 2,500 doses of the vaccine between Genesee and Orleans counties but were made aware that is not going to occur because of the statewide shortage,” said Paul Pettit, Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. “We realize that those who hoped to schedule appointments this week are going to be very upset as well and we are disappointed to have to give them this news.”
The state allocations were the same as the week before at 250,000, but the county health departments are only receiving 300 doses total between the two this week which will be utilized for 1B essential workers per the state’s directive.
Those over 65 should continue to seek vaccine from their providers, pharmacies and the state sites. Appointments for vaccine are currently online ONLY. Last week the county-run clinics were able administer approximately 1,050 doses.
“At GCC on Friday alone, we were able to administer approximately 550 doses of the vaccine in a seamless fashion. On average, people got their shots and were able to leave the testing sites within 20 minutes,” Matt Landers, Genesee County Manager said. “As a result of our experience in operating the Covid-19 testing sites, our workforce and community volunteers have been able to replicate this into a smooth operation at the vaccination sites when vaccine supplies are readily available.”
We ask those who are 65 and older, part of Priority Group 1B, to continue to check the clinic schedules and as requested by the state, to use the pharmacy links. Pharmacies and other sites that are part of the “retail network” are working to provide vaccine to the 65 and older population as they receive vaccine.
How the pharmacies set up their appointments are determined by the pharmacies and the state. The local Health Departments or OFAs do not have insight on how pharmacy clinics are run. Keep checking the site links as many of the pharmacies may not have received vaccine.
If you do not have a computer/internet access, please contact your Office for the Aging for assistance. For Genesee County call 585-813-2457 between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and for Orleans County call 585-589-3191 between 9:30-4:30 Monday through Friday and they will assist you as best as they can.
Please check the following links: For clinic schedules when vaccine is available and information about vaccination clinics, click here. Please note the registration links are subject to change and will be updated.
For the NYS-run Vaccine Clinics, click here. Clinics are only open when there is vaccine available. You currently can only register for an appointment online. Each provider is responsible for their own registration and setup. The Health Departments are only responsible for the clinics they sponsor. Please do not call the host sites for the County Vaccination Clinics…they are only providing the space and cannot assist with registration or questions.
You must return to the provider where you initially got your first shot, for your second shot. You must also get the same vaccine brand as your first shot. The appointment is to be made for you while you are there for your first shot.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 January 2021 at 10:34 am
Courtesy of Village of Medina, DRI application: The Village of Medina wants to improve public access to the Medina Waterfalls by constructing an elevated platform from the towpath. That project was part of Medina’s application in 2019 for $10 million in DRI funding.
MEDINA – A $10 million grant to catapult economic and housing opportunities in the downtown district is again available to each of the 10 regions in the state, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced during his State of State addresses.
Medina was a finalist in 2019, missing out to Seneca Falls in the Finger Lakes Region.
“You’re not going to get it if you don’t go for it,” Medina Mayor Mike Sidari sad this morning.
The Village Board will discuss applying again for the grant during this evening’s board meeting. Medina could have a consultant “tweak” the previous application or Medina could start over with the application. Medina worked with Bergmann Associates previously to help prepare the application.
Medina was one of five finalists in 2019. That makes Sidari think the community already has a strong case for the funding.
Medina has a committee that identified residential, commercial and tourism projects that would build on recent successes and investments in the downtown and canal area.
The new application will likely be due in June with the winners announced in October or November.
Previous $10 million grant winners in the Finger Lakes region include the City of Geneva in 2016, the City of Batavia in 2017, the Village of Penn Yan in 2018 and Seneca Falls in 2019.
Medina’s application from 2019 lists the following projects to be considered for DRI funding:
• Streetscape Improvements at an estimated $1 million in DRI funding
Medina wants to improve the downtown pedestrian experience through street furniture, landscaping, and crosswalk enhancements on Main Street and Pearl Street.
The village wants to enhance crosswalks; add more benches, bike racks, trash receptacles and pedestrian lighting; and plant more street trees and shrubs.
• Rail with Trail, a multi-use trail along the Medina Railroad from the museum to Main Street, at an estimated DRI funding request of $200,000
The village wants to improve a gap within the pedestrian network and improve the connectivity from the Railroad Museum to the downtown. A “rail-with-trail” would create a multi-use path alongside the rail line.
• The Canal Village Farmer’s Market would become a year-round market with a community kitchen, distillery and event space as part of a $3 million project, with $2.8 million in DRI funding
The market is in its fifth year at the northeast corner of West Center Street and West Avenue. The market, which is run by Orleans Renaissance Group, currently operates on select weekends throughout the year out of a small building and temporary stands in the parking lot.
The ORG is seeking to construct a large, enclosed structure to allow for continuous, year-round operation of the market. The structure will be anchored by three tenants: the farmer’s market with a community kitchen and exhibit space; a distillery or microbrewery on the second floor; and a rooftop event space.
• Canal Basin Park – Improved waterfront access and amenities at the Canal Basin Park for $2 million, to be funded with the DRI.
The village in its application says the spot is hampered by an “overabundance of paved parking space and limited recreational access to the Erie Canal.” Medina wants to increase public access to the waterfront area and encourage recreational and passive use at this prime waterfront location.
Recommended improvements include:
• Installation of a pedestrian boardwalk along the rear facades of Main Street buildings;
• Conversion of the existing parking space into public greenspace with access to the Erie Canal;
• Construction of a promenade along the Erie Canal;
• Installation of boating docks on the Erie Canal;
• Comfort amenities, such as restrooms and showers;
• Crosswalk enhancements to improve pedestrian connection across East Center Street.
The village anticipates the changes would prompt building owners to “activate the rear facades of the buildings on Main Street, creating commercial opportunities on both sides of these structures and allowing for the development of new businesses.”
• State Street Park – enhanced programming to make the park a year-round recreational destination, with an ice skating rink, enhanced lighting, boat tie-ups, benches and bicycle racks, and a construction of a nature trail at a $600,000 cost, with the DRI funding $500,000.
The installation of motor boat tie-ups will allow boaters on the canal to join in on the enjoyment of local musicians’ performances at the bandstand during the summer months while the ice skating rink will allow for winter activities and encourage continued use of the park even during the off-season, the village stated in its application.
• Lions Park Boater Access – The village seeks $250,000 for the DRI to install boat tie-ups and docking facilities at the Lions Park near the Route 63 lift bridge.
The village, in its application, says boater amenities and docking infrastructure are limited within Medina. Throughout the community engagement process, the public consistently expressed a need for additional boater amenities along the waterfront.
This project also includes the creation of a fitness trail through Lions Park, with various pieces of fitness equipment located along the trail.
• Medina Falls Overlook – The village wants to better utilize the Medina waterfalls by adding a viewing platform and overlook off the Erie Canalway Trail, near the Horan Road Bridge. The project would cost an estimated $1.9 million with the DRI funding $1.5 million.
“Medina Falls is one of the Village’s stunning natural wonders,” according to the village’s application. “Its 40-foot drop dazzles onlookers and makes a great challenge for any kayakers willing to brave it. The scenic Falls, however, lacks an easily accessible viewing point and is obscured by brush, foliage, and a significant grade change that can be dangerous for interested onlookers to traverse.”
• Wayfinding Signage – Install a cohesive and well-branded system of wayfinding and directional signs at a cost of $200,000 with the DRI funding $150,000.
The signs would direct visitors to the Erie Canal, Waterfalls, public parking and other resources. Medina wants to add gateway signs, directional signs, kiosks and interpretive signs, light pole banners and identification signs for destinations and parking areas.
• Small Grant Fund – This fund will support economic-development related activities through the distribution of small grants to local businesses and investors. Medina would like a $900,000 fund with the DRI paying $600,000.
The fund is intended to support projects that retain jobs, generate increased economic activity, and improve the economic viability and livability of Downtown Medina. Eligible projects could include historic rehabilitation and repair, facade improvements, land acquisition, new construction, and event programming.
• Mustang City: Adaptive Reuse of the old Medina High School – A $9 million project with the DRI request at $3 million.
A developer, Talis Equity, seeks to transform 90,000 square feet into 40 loft apartments. Mustang City will fulfill Medina’s need for additional housing options and will allow for a new kind of “maintenance-free” living, with amenities and services including grocery delivery, cleaning, and laundry pickup. Just steps from the Erie Canal and downtown’s restaurants, shops and nightlife, Mustang City will provide attractive living options for anyone from young entrepreneurs to retirees, according to the village’s DRI application.
• Snappy’s Mixed-Use Development: This project at $1.8 million includes a $1 million DRI request. It would redevelop the Snappy facility on Commercial Street by the Erie Canal into a mixed-use commercial and residential space. The property could be redeveloped with the first floor for commercial uses and the second floor for residential.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 January 2021 at 8:08 am
ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Board on Thursday will review the Town of Barre’s revisions to its local law for wind turbines, including setback distances from property lines and houses, and other factors including the maximum height of the structures.
Apex Clean Energy has proposed Heritage Wind, a project with 33 wind turbines that would be nearly 700 feet high at tip height. Those turbines would have the capacity for 5.6 megawatts, making the project 184.8 megawatts.
The County Planning Board offers an advisory opinion on the referrals from local towns and villages. The 7 p.m. meeting will be online through Zoom. Instructions for joining the meeting should be available later this week on the Planning Board’s website page. Click here for more information.
The Planning Board agenda also includes:
• A request in Barre for site plan approval and special use permit for a diesel/gas powered vehicle repair shop at 4227 Oak Orchard Rd. in the Business District.
• A request in Shelby for an amendment to the zoning text to clarify certain requirements for solar energy systems.
• A request in Gaines for a moratorium to prohibit all battery and energy storage systems for six months.
• A request in Lyndonville to review the site plan for a small ground-mounted 340.8 KW solar energy system at 15 Lynwood Dr. in the Agricultural Residential District.
• In Yates a request to adopt a new zoning ordinance for solar energy.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 January 2021 at 1:52 pm
Currently 3rd lowest of 10 regions in the state for positive percentage
The Finger Lakes Region, which had the highest positivity rate for Covid-19 tests in the state earlier this month, now is the third lowest of the 10 regions.
As recently as Jan. 7, the Finger Lakes had a seven-day average for positive tests over 10 percent (10.22 percent). Orleans and eight other counties are considered to be in the Finger Lakes by the state.
It dropped below 6 percent on Friday (5.78 percent) for the seven-day average. On Saturday the seven-day average dipped to 5.52 percent. Only the Southern Tier at 3.23 percent and Central New York at 5.34 percent were lower. (Western New York was at 5.89 percent and Long Island had the state’s highest percent at 6.99 percent.)
State-wide the governor said New York is making progress but the numbers are still too high.
Hospitalizations state-wide due to Covid declined by 189 on Saturday to 8,613. The Finger Lakes had 692 people hospitalized with Covid on Saturday. The Region hit a high for Covid hospitalization on Dec. 28 with 964.
“The Covid war still needs to be fought, and while many feel Covid fatigue, that is a luxury we cannot afford,” Gov. Cuomo said in a statement today. “If we tire before the enemy, the enemy wins – it’s that simple. I am confident that we can defeat this and rebuild stronger than ever before. Until that day comes, I encourage all New Yorkers to keep fighting the good fight together – wear a mask, social distance and avoid gatherings.”
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 January 2021 at 9:26 am
Following Friday’s announcement by the New York State Department of Health that High Risk winter sports (basketball, wrestling and ice hockey) will be allowed to begin practice on February 1 pending approval by the local county health department Section V Athletics on Saturday released the following statement concerning the decision.
“The Section V COVID-19 task force and Winter/Fall II sport coordinators have already been communicating to finalize plans with membership. Section V Athletics has twelve different health departments to coordinate with and will communicate with them throughout this process.
“It is important to note that all high school interscholastic athletic teams are coached by New York State certified and professionally trained school board approved coaches. In addition, our state’s governing body for interscholastic athletics, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA), has released a comprehensive resource document detailing all NYSDOH COVID-19 guidance (i.e., face coverings, spectator attendance, screening protocols, etc.).
“The Spring season start date is still set for Monday, April 19, 2021. We will continue to be sensitive to Spring sports that have already missed a complete season and sectional/state championship last year due to the pandemic.
“As always, we will provide more information as soon as details are finalized and following all guidance provided by NYSDOH, NYSPHSAA, and our local health departments.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 January 2021 at 8:09 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Logan Kast, 12, of Albion gets sprayed with snow as he heads down the sledding hill at Bullard Park on Saturday. There hasn’t been much snow this year, but several inches fell on Friday and Saturday and many people dusted off their sleds, inner tubes and saucers.
Frankie DiCureia, 11, of Medina had a ball zooming down the hill.
Sophia Albanese, left, and her friend Mickey Stowell, 14, of Albion descend down the hill. There were kids of all ages having fun sledding on Saturday. The temperature was in the 20s, but there wasn’t much wind.
Traivon Eibl of Albion tried snowboarding and had a wipeout.
Lincoln Eibl, 4, is all smiles heading down the hill after a gentle push from his father, Traivon.
Finley Draper, 7, of Lyndonville grabs a string from his dad Tim Draper to climb the last slippery spot on the hill.
This photo is from the very top of the hill, where there is a staircase. Sledding can down the hill from a few different directions.
Rose Collins, 9, of Medina and Lucy DiCureia, 10, of Medina get sprayed with snow as the take off down the hill on the west side.
I love this sign. It is an awful thing to say isn’t it? But yet for those of us who are vain, it is nonetheless true. Before you slip my Blog into the Cancel Culture recycle bin of life, allow me to explain myself.
Beauty does truly come from within. The beauty we hold within each of us is radiated daily by our actions. We need no spritzes or sparkles for that. It comes from a place deep inside us from what we have learned from life.
Hopefully life has shown you beauty in many ways. Some people are so beautiful within that they need no help on the outside. The kind of help you buy at the makeup counter. Truthfully a little help from Maybelline might just camouflage their true inside beauty.
Unfortunately, I do not have that dilemma. My brother’s running joke is that he can tell when he is at a gathering of my Cusimano/Clark side because there is lipstick on all the glasses. What can I say, it is an Italian thing we love our lipstick. I come by it honestly. Still I told my Aunt Linda that we should not be ashamed of our vanity, because us Clark ladies do harbor the curse of vanity. I explained my theory that there is no shame in taking pride in how we present ourselves to others. Even in appearance.
When forced to close up my shop for 1 month in the spring, I did like many and kicked it daily in my cozies and did not do hair or makeup. Why bother if no one is going to see you but your husband? He has to be accepting because we both share the deed to the house and hopefully he will just accept the “Beauty that lies within.” Hmm. April 20, 2020 my first day back to work after being off a month, I decided to embrace my new normal. I couldn’t kick it in my cozies, but I did not have to do hair or makeup. Or so I thought. I gave it a good try but the reality was that sometimes taking care of yourself means feeling good about how we see ourselves when we look in the mirror. Yep I said it, in the mirror.
My aunt says she just doesn’t look in the mirror anymore. That is an option, but if she did she would see how beautiful she is not just on the inside! After a couple weeks back to work it seemed I just did not have the pep my step required. I tried a bit of blush, mascara and dusted off my flat iron. Most importantly I put my lipstick on.
People have questioned if I am not feeling well when I do not put on my lipstick. I was not blessed with nice plump colorful lips like my Aunt Ann on the Burgoon side, Dang! I need a boost from my Buxom lip color. It’s OK to be a little late sometimes if you need to sparkle yourself up. If it makes you happy to look dolled up a bit, then do it unabashedly. Because if you are happy, it is easier to pass that happiness on and color the world with a special hue and shade of joy. But know this, inner beauty can never be eclipsed by what we paint on the outside.
To see another fun Plaque, visit My Blog live online (click here) and catch up on Weekly Photo Perks and past Sunday Posts. Like and share your comments.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 January 2021 at 10:05 pm
Provided photos
The “Believe” sign at the corner of Hamilton Street and Route 31 in Albion has been transformed into a “Billieve” sign to cheer on the Buffalo Bills, who play the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in the AFC Championship game. The winner goes to the Super Bowl and will play either the Green Bay Packer or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Peggy Mager gave the sign a dramatically decorated Bills flair. She was given permission by the Albion Betterment Committee for the sign’s new look, which includes lights.
The Bills finished the regular season at 13-3 and then won their first playoff games in nearly 25 years. The Bills are the No. 2 seed in the AFC, while the Chiefs are the top seed and defending Super Bowl champs.
Melissa Favo of Clarendon made this snowman on Route 31A in Clarendon to cheer on the Bills.
After she made the snowman, she gave him some more color to stand out in the snow.
Harriet Tubman, whose home is in Auburn in Central New York, is to be the new face of the $20 bill.
The spiral-bound cookbooks published as fundraisers for churches and community groups are a familiar sight in our kitchens. A collection of local cookbooks was just recently donated to the Orleans County Dept. of History. With their brightly illustrated covers and domestic content, they contrast with the largely black and white documents that comprise the majority of the Department’s collection.
I love this sign. It is an awful thing to say isn’t it? But yet for those of us who are vain, it is nonetheless true. Before you slip my Blog into the Cancel Culture recycle bin of life, allow me to explain myself.
