Press Release, Sheriff Chris Bourke

ALBION — In the month of October, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department 911 Dispatch Center processed 2,159 police incidents, including 947 events for the Sheriff’s Road Patrol, 208 for the New York State Police and 1,004 calls for the village police agencies of Albion, Holley, Lyndonville and Medina.

There were also 622 Fire/EMS-related calls dispatched countywide with 475 of those calls emergency in nature and three drug overdoses.

Sheriff’s Department road deputies handled 57 automobile accidents, including four with injury and 40 car-deer collisions. Road patrol also made 116 service attempts and successfully served 53 subpoenas, civil or court papers.

The Sheriff’s Animal Control Division handled 118 incidents with 26 stray or loose animals, two animal bite complaints, nine neighbor-dog problems, and several other miscellaneous animal calls. In addition, nine animals were taken in to the shelter on a voluntary surrender.

ALBION – Community Action of Orleans and Genesee is shifting its annual holiday effort for local families to gift cards instead of presents.

Annette Finch, director of community service for the agency, doesn’t want to put volunteers and staff for Community Action at risk of contracting Covid-19.

“I’m not putting my volunteers, staff or families in jeopardy,” Finch said today. “We’re doing this differently. It’s the sign of the times. I’m not jeopardizing anyone who volunteers with me or who works the agency.”

Community Action expects to serve about 150 families in Albion, Holley, Kendall and Lyndonville for the holiday drive, but Finch said that number could go up given the economic challenges this year during a pandemic.

Nov. 25 is the deadline for families interested in applying for a gift card through Community Action. People should contact Michelle Figueroa, a Community Action case manager, at (585) 589-5605, ext. 105. Figueroa will set up an appointment.

The size of the gift cards will vary depending on the size of a family. The gift cards are all for Walmart. People who receive the gift cards will then pick out the presents for their children.

Community Action will include food baskets with the gift cards. The agency also will be welcoming the Albion FFA for its annual food drive, with produce delivered to the agency on Dec. 12. That food is shared with several local food pantries.

Finch encouraged anyone with a shortage of food to call Community Action anytime during the year.

“No one should have to go hungry,” she said.

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

BATAVIA – The Genesee County Health Department has received a positive Covid-19 test from an individual who was at Bourbon & Burger restaurant in Batavia on:

• Thursday, Nov. 5, between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 6, between 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 7, between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 9, between 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Contact tracing is in progress. However, unidentified individuals may have unknowingly been in contact with the positive case.

We advise all individuals who were at Bourbon & Burger on the stated dates and times to monitor their symptoms for 14 days. If symptoms of Covid-19 develop, contact your primary care provider to seek testing immediately and self-isolate until you receive your test results.

Symptoms of Covid-19 include but are not limited to fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

Provided photo: This is the Memorial Tree in the lobby of Medina Memorial Hospital last year. OCH Foundation has decided to put the tree up this year.

MEDINA – A longtime tradition of honoring loved ones will continue this year at Orleans Community Health.

The hospital Foundation has announced it will be able to put up the annual memorial tree in the lobby of Medina Memorial Hospital, according to Foundation director Heather Smith.

“This is a tradition I look forward to every year, and I am especially excited to do it this year,” Smith said. “It is a special opportunity to hang an ornament in memory and honor of family, friends and other loved ones.”

Smith said the tree has been a tradition for many years, but she isn’t sure how long they’ve been doing it. She does remember the first one had apple ornaments.

This year’s ornament is a copper-colored angel, which is similar in design to one of the ornaments last year, Smith said. The price remains at $10 per ornament.

The Foundation is offering an option this year of having the ornament mailed, so purchasers won’t have to come into the hospital to pick it up after the holidays.

The ornaments may be ordered online or by mailing in an order with the name of who the ornament is in memory of, and a check payable to OCH Foundation, 200 Ohio St., Medina. Ornaments are $10 each, plus $5 for mailing or $8 for mailing two.

Ornaments will be available for mailing or pick up at the hospital after Jan. 8.

Anyone wishing more information may call Smith at (585) 798-8426.

Donations will be shared with MAAC, Community Action for their Christmas efforts with local families

MEDINA – The annual Parade of Lights in downtown Medina has also been a chance for a one-day toy drive, with community members dropping off gifts and donations at Canalside Tattoo on Main Street in Medina.

Those gifts and donations are then shared with Medina Area Association of Churches for its Christmas Box Program and also to Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.

But this year, the parade won’t pass through the downtown and there won’t be several thousand people gathered for a holiday celebration.

Instead, Medina is doing a “reverse parade” at the school campus on Nov. 28, with the floats stationary and people driving by to see them decorated displays.

Andrew Szatkowski, chairman of the annual toy drive, decided to instead do a “Santa Hat Drive” at the parade where people can donate money, in a similar manner that they give to boot drives by firefighters.

“We didn’t want to give up because we have been gaining momentum,” Szatkowski said about the annual toy drive. “We want to give people a chance to chip in.”

The money from the Santa Hat Drive will be used to supplement the toys and clothing given by MAAC to Medina families. Some of the proceeds will also go to Community Action, which this year is shifting from giving presents to gift cards. The agency will continue to give families food baskets with a turkey or ham in a sealed package.

Szatkowski in the first three toy drives offered an incentive where people could win one of 20 packages donated by local businesses. For every $5 spent, people would get a chance to win a package.

But Szatkowski didn’t want to ask local businesses to donate to a package this year, given the difficult economic climate in the Covid-19 pandemic.

There is more information about the “Santa Hat Drive” on a Facebook event page, including an option to use Venmo to send money for the effort.

Canalside Tattoo also is selling some whimsical calendars of their staff as a benefit for the toy fund drive. Erin Townsend took the photos. Click here for more information.

LYNDONVILLE – The village will have its 8^th annual display of Christmas trees at Veterans Park from early December through at least Jan. 1.

There won’t be a festival or big bash when the lights are turned on for the first time for the collection of trees, like there has been in years past.

But there will still be display for people to enjoy during the holidays. Lyndonville has already sold 42 trees and the deadline is Thursday to purchase one. Many residents, businesses and community organizations have bought them in the past and then decorated them.

The village started the tradition in 2013 with 26 trees, and it has grown each year since with 76 last year. The $30 fee covers the cost of the tree, materials for the sign, lead cords, replacement cords and adapters as needed. Participants provide lights and decorations.

For more information, click here.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Part of a tree on East Park Street fell last evening when high winds barreled through the region.

National Grid is reporting 201 of its customers in Orleans County are without power this morning, as of 7:56 a.m.

The company is “assessing condition” as it works to restore electricity with numerous outages around the region.

National Grid is reporting 10,580 customers without electricity in upstate this morning, including 4,602 in Erie County, 2,499 in Chautauqua, 1,336 in Niagara, 1,036 in Cattaraugus, 201 in Orleans and 13 in Genesee.

In Orleans County, the biggest outage is in Albion affecting 95 customers. That outage is east of Route 98 and south of Route 31.

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ALBION – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce honored several businesses, organizations and citizens on Thursday during the 22^nd annual awards celebration for the Chamber.

This time there wasn’t a dinner or a big crowd due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Many of the award winners attended the smaller-scale celebration at Maison Albion on West Countyhouse Road.

Darlene Hartway, Chamber executive director, said all businesses are worthy of recognition this year, due to the challenges of the pandemic.

“You will hear the words — adapt, generous, hard working and tenacity — in many of the descriptions for tonight’s award winners,” Hartway said.

Many businesses have worked through restrictions to keep serving the public in a safe manner, Hartway said.

“Business owners and communities must learn to adapt to rapid changes if they wish to survive,” Hartway said. “Our awards winners not only survived but they thrived. I am in awe at the sacrifices, dedication and commitment many of them showed when faced with challenges. I was taught true character shows in a time of adversity. Our winners tonight have shown their true character.”

Business of the Year: Orleans Community Health

Marc Shurtz, CEO of Orleans Community Health, and Amy Schrader, a nurse at OCH, accept the business of the year award on behalf of Orleans Community health.

Orleans Community Health and Medina Memorial Hospital have been providing healthcare in the community for more than a century. The hospital started in 1908 when a group of citizens, interested in establishing a publicly-owned hospital opened the 9-bed establishment in the Albert Sweet Home.

Today Orleans Community Health is comprised of Medina Memorial Hospital, a designated Critical Access Hospital, Renal Dialysis Centers located in Medina and Batavia, Primary and Walk-In Clinic in Albion, a 30-bed Skilled Nursing Home, Outpatient and Ambulatory Services, a Wound Care Center, and Community Partners Wellness Center.

“Orleans Community Health has an amazingly dedicated and committed staff that focuses on serving residents in Orleans, Eastern Niagara and northern Genesee counties,” Hartway said. “The healthcare industry is always rapidly changing and this year they had the addition of a pandemic. Throughout all of this, they have continued to be impressed with the level of compassion and dedication that our very own local healthcare workers display, each and every day.”

Marc Shurtz, OCH chief executive officer, thanked the community for their support, especially during the pandemic. Many people and businesses have bought meals for the staff and shown their appreciation, he said.

Community members made masks for employees early in the pandemic. They donated PPE.

“It was really the whole community that did it,” Shurtz said. “We’re not only here for you, but we’re here because of you.”

Lifetime Achievement Award: Fred Pilon, owner of Pilon Construction

Spencer Pilon accepts the award on behalf of his father, Fred Pilon.

Fred Pilon

Fred Pilon has worked in construction in Albion for the past 50 years. The family business originated from his father, Charles Pilon. As a second-generation owner, Fred took over in 1972, when he was 25 years old.

He and his wife Carol have six children with three of the sons – Kevin, Jason and Spencer – work with Pilon.

Pilon Construction has grown significantly over the years. In the ’70s, Fred worked with farmers to dig and install irrigation systems. The majority of the last 30 years he specialized in installing municipal waterlines across WNY. Kevin leads all the waterline projects.

The company mines Medina Sandstone in one of the last sandstone quarries in the county. Fred also has preserved many sandstone blocks and materials from torn down structures. Those pieces are valuable for sites that want some of the area’s famous stone. The Bank of Castile in Medina turned to Pilon for Medina Sandstone for its new building.

Spencer Pilon leads the division specializing in breakwall restorations, which has been busy due to the high Lake Ontario water levels in 2017 and 2019.

“He has given his whole life to his business and community,” Spencer said. “It shows hard work pays off.”

New Business of the Year: The Tree House in Albion

Michelle Waters (center), owner of The Tree House in Albion, accepts the award for new business of the year from Courtney Henderson, owner of Milk & Honey in Albion, who won the award in 2019.

Michelle Waters opened the The Tree House on March 12, right before Gov. Cuomo and the state would impose restrictions on businesses, forcing many to temporarily close to in-person services.

Waters was able to pivot the early childhood enrichment business that specializes in preschool and toddler programs.

She developed activity kits to help families who suddenly had children home – nearly all the time. She delivered them throughout Western New York. Those kits were fun and educational. There was a stuffed puppy kit, a project where children could assembly a bird feeder, a kit to do a dinosaur dig and others.

The site on the second floor at 116 North Main St. was able to reopen in July for parties, events and programs.

“While the path has been bumpy, the lessons that they have learned and the relationships that they have built far outweigh the background noise,” said Courtney Henderson, owner of Milk and Honey, which won new business of the year in 2019. “Their mission is still loud and clear: deliver a high caliber early childhood experience.”

Phoenix Award – Holley Gardens (former Holley High School)

The former Holley High School received $17 million in renovations in a project led by Home Leasing of Rochester. The building was last used as a school in 1975. After two years of construction, Home Leasing has the building fully occupied with 41 apartments and the Holley village offices.

One of the most stunning redevelopment projects in Orleans County history was completed this year with the former Holley High School finding a new use with 41 apartments for residents 55 and older, and also the Holley village offices.

The building, constructed in 1931, sat vacant and is increasing disrepair for more than two decades. It was last used by a manufacturing company in the late 1990s and that company went bankrupt, leaving the site in limbo.

Holley village officials and residents refused to give up hope for the structure that dominants the corner of routes 31 and 237. The village worked to get the site listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which made a developer eligible for historic tax credits.

The Landmark Society of Western New York named it to annual “Five to Revive” of important sites in the region that needed preservation.

Home Leasing leaders saw the school on the Five to Revive and decided to give it a look. They were impressed by the response of the community, in pushing for the site to be redeveloped. The construction project took two years and cost about $17 million. Last week the community held a ribbon-cutting celebration for the project.

Businesspersons of the Year: Bryan and Larissa DeGraw

Photo courtesy of Thom Jennings: Bryan DeGraw is shown with winning meads produced by 810 Meadworks in Medina. 810 Meadworks, owner by DeGraw and his wife Larissa, recently won two awards in the Mazer Cup International, a gold medal for Scarlett A and a bronze medal for Sweet Devotion.

The Chamber is recognizing Bryan and Larissa DeGraw as businesspersons of the year for their “tenacity” in keeping 810 Meadworks open to the public during a time of many changing state regulations for businesses that serve alcohol during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The DeGraws don’t have an on-site kitchen so they partnered with another local businesses to have sandwiches available to meet one state regulation.

“They have encountered so many obstacles and changes,” said Hartway, the Chamber director.

The DeGraws opened 810 Meadworks in November 2014 on West Center Street in downtown Medina.

The DeGraws wanted to offer a place for “people to connect and enjoy one another.” They have added 810 Axes, an indoor axe throwing range in 2019, and also the Beegarten, outdoor performing venue.

“There are many things to be proud of this year but the most important thing is the relationship with the people we have met,” the DeGraws said in a letter to the Chamber. “Our customers are amazing. They have been an incredible support and encouragement throughout our six years in business but especially this year. We have received much inspiration from their unending dedication to the family environment our business embraces.”

The DeGraws said 810 Meadworks is eager for next year when they hope to make up for all the missed events in 2020.

“While 2020 has been a challenge we are hopeful for big things next year,” they said. “We look forward to continuing on creating a place that makes people feel good.”

Small Business of the Year: Sam’s Diner in Holley

Photo by the Chamber of Commerce: Sam’s Diner has been a popular place in Holley’s Public Square since 1978.

Sam’s Diner has been a mainstay in Holley since 1978. The diner is popular for its food, friendly and caring staff, and generous support of the community from the owner, George Gitsis.

His father, Sam Gitsis, started the diner which has remained an anchor in the Holley downtown.

Throughout the Covid pandemic, Chamber officials said George Gitsis went out of his way to make sure that his customers were taken care of efficiently and safety. He installed air purification systems and dividers, all at great expense to ensure his customers health and safety.

Gitsis also supports the Holley School’s baseball team’s fundraiser by giving a 10% discount to anyone that has a “Hawk Card”.

“It has become a Holley tradition for high school seniors to go to Sam’s Diner for the first day of school breakfast,” said David Gagne, Chamber board vice president and a frequent Sam’s customer. “This year they were unable to due to Covid restrictions. George generously paid for breakfast pizzas for the entire senior class from the neighboring Crosby’s store. He is the first to donate to many of the Holley community organizations.”

Gitsis has shown in many ways he cares deeply for the community and his employees.

“The caring, friendly atmosphere of the Diner is a direct reflection on George’s personality,” Gagne said. “His entire staff present and past, have great love and admiration for this amazing gentleman who makes them feel like family.”

Community Service Award: Hospice of Orleans

Provided photo: Hospice of Orleans has been providing services in Orleans County since 1994. Its office and the Martin-Linsin Residence are located on Route 31 in Albion.

An organization that started in 1994 was honored for its service to the community, Hospice of Orleans has been serving families for 26 years now, providing care for seriously ill loved ones.

The mission of Hospice of Orleans is to embrace those facing advanced illness with optimal levels of comfort, compassion and expertise.

This care can be home-based, in the Martin-Linsin Residence, or in nursing homes and hospitals. Patients and families who choose Hospice of Orleans are supported by an experienced and compassionate team of professionals who collaboratively with the patient, family, and their attending physician to create an individualized plan of care tailored to the patient’s and family’s needs, the Chamber said.

“Not only are the patient’s medical care needs addressed, their spiritual, emotional and psychosocial needs are also identified and supported,” said Jack Burris, last year’s community service winner.

“Many people do not realize that Hospice of Orleans offers a comprehensive continuum of care through the Transitions program, Supportive Care program, and hospice services,” Burris said, reading the citation for Hospice.

These programs offer support to a patient and family all along their journey starting from the time a person is diagnosed with a serious or life limiting illness, throughout treatment, and if needed, when a person is no longer seeking treatment but looking for comfort care, according to the citation.

Hospice services are made possible not only by the professionals that Hospice employs, but the 150 volunteers that contribute almost 6,000 hours per year, collectively adding to the flexibility, cost effectiveness and comprehensiveness of the services provided, Hospice officials told the Chamber.

Hartway asked the group at the awards presentation how many of them have had loved ones served by Hospice and nearly everyone rose their hand.

“Their reach is so impressive,” Hartway said.

Agribusiness of the Year – Navarra’s Farm Market and Greenhouses

Amanda Mrzywka and her brother Markus Mrzywka have pushed through challenges to have Navarra’s Farm Market and Greenhouses poised for the future.

A brother and sister have been recognized by the Chamber for their work in overcoming obstacles and expanding services at Navarra’s Farm Market and Greenhouses.

Amanda and Markus Mrzywka, who are siblings, are partners at Navarra’s, which has been on Eagle Harbor Road since 1988. Jim and Rita Navarra started the greenhouses and farm market on the corner of Gaines Basin Road and Route 31.

The business has stayed in the family. Markus, Amanda and their sister Jenna grew up helping at the greenhouses, whether it was transplanting the plugs, watering, assisting customers or loading the trucks for market. They were always there to aid in the family business.

They miss their uncle Paul Navarra, who passed away in March 2017. In the middle of his passing, the family lost all 6 greenhouses to a windstorm.

“We had to quickly pull together on a united front to keep the season going,” Amanda Mrzywka said. “We were rebuilding the greenhouses and transplanting the entire season as well as making sure the plants were staying watered and being fertilized.”

Markus and Amanda became partners in the business. They switched their entire market setup for the public, put in a building with gifts, built a new greenhouse where they hold classes and handle orders.

The siblings expanded the farmers market with their own locally grown produce and put in a sign that connects to the new parking lot, established in 2018. They also have taken on seeding for many florists and businesses in our area, the Chamber said.

This year Navarra’s Farm Market and Greenhouse was featured on the cover of the Harris Seeds Ornamental Growers catalog, highlighting one of the few greenhouses left in Western NY to start almost all of the plants from seed. Navarra’s grows the flowers in Albion and Medina’s hanging baskets and pots.

This year with Covid-19, customers responded when Navarra’s opened on April 27 for the season, with Navarra’s helping people get ready for spring.

Hidden Gem Award – Ernst’s Lake Breeze Marina

Gatlen Ernst and his wife Danielle accept the Hidden Gem Award for their marina at Point Breeze, a business which is important for charter boat captains and the fishing industry.

The Chamber last year started a new honor, the Hidden Gem Award, for a business that is important to the local tourism industry.

The Chamber is recognized Ernest’s Lake Breeze Marina with the award in 2020. Gatlen Ernest, the marina owner since 2014, has twice needed to respond to very high Lake Ontario water levels. He raised docks to help boaters get their vessels in the water.

This year there wasn’t flooding like in 2017 and 2019, but Ernst faced Covid-19 and managed to keep the marina open so charter boat captains and the fishing industry could continue to welcome visitors.

Ernst, since buying the marina in 2014, has combined it with a neighboring site, joining the staff and making them flow together, the Chamber said.

“The marina has a great deal to offer the Orleans County and surrounding communities,” said Amy Sidari, owner of the Cabaret at Studio B in Albion, which was last year’s winner. “Charter boats await anyone who would like to take on the fight of reeling in a salmon off the shores of Lake Ontario.”

There also is a quaint café with a deck overlooking Oak Orchard River for people to enjoy breakfast and lunch while taking in the scenery.

Six fully furnished cottages are nestled on the property to accommodate anyone who would like to get away for a night, weekend or even a week. Docks await those with boats for fishing or playing on the water. Mechanics are at the ready to repair and maintain boats and keep people on the water. There is a store full of parts and supplies so people can keep their boats maintained, according to the Chamber citation.

During the flooding in 2017 and 2019, Ernst faced the challenges and stayed positive.

“His customers and employees saw how driven he was and were quick to do whatever he needed in order to ensure the survival of the marina,” the Chamber said. “He kept everyone’s morale up even at a time when his own livelihood was at risk. Once he made sure the docks were taken care of Gatlen went on to start working on the improvements he had promised his customers.”

Ernst has also renovated a new cottage to increase lodging options.

This year the marina was closed temporarily by the state due to Covid restrictions. When Ernst was given the Ok to open for the season in April, he quickly went to work getting customers’ boats in the water. His employees nominated him for the Chamber award.

“He is always quick to jump in and help his employees whether on the job or off,” they wrote to the Chamber. “He buys lunch for us on our birthdays and is always quick to say thank you just because we did our job. His positive attitude influences the way we all do our jobs. He works hard and never asks any of us to do anything he isn’t willing to do himself.”

County Employer of the Year – CRFS

Steve Mowers (left), president of CRFS, and Sean Casher, human resources director for CRFS, accept the award during the recognition program on Thursday night. The Employer of the Year is an award presented by the Orleans County Job Development Agency.

Claims Recovery Financial Services (CRFS) in Albion has undergone a significant transformation as a result of the pandemic. The company works in post-foreclosure mortgage industry. Right there aren’t many foreclosures due to a moratorium in New York and many states.

CRFS has about 150 employees in Albion. In March, employees started to work 100 percent remotely at not at the East Avenue location. The company is planning to return to the main office location soon, if the Covid cases don’t continue to spike.

Steve Mowers, the CRFS president, praised the employees for their flexibility and their work ethic.

“If it wasn’t for our employees we probably wouldn’t be in business,” Mowers said at the Chamber event. “This shouldn’t be the employer of the year award, but the employees of the year award.”

The company was praised for its accomplishments in 2020, which have it better positioned for the future.

Some of those achievements include:

• CRFS underwent a 100% conversion to remote work place back in March of 2020, with deployment of workstations at the employee level, and establishment of IT infrastructure to support remote desktop environment. Before 2020 that would not have been possible, and minimized the potential impact to staffing.

• CRFS refined the process related to the sales side of the business, from closing new business, to training efforts in developing participative e-Learning for our remote workforce, to staffing individuals from both in the local area, and around the country, and ultimately having a plan to return the majority of our workforce back to work in anticipation of future business volumes.

• The company developed a new compensation plan, and daily productivity reporting, to measure and incentivize production performed in remote environment, while coming up with innovative ways to engage the remote staff.

• CRFS utilized federal PPP funds to extend active employment during the initial shut down phase until funds were extinguished, allowing those individuals to grow their skill level anticipated future business volumes.

• The company used the NYS Workshare plan where the workforce underwent a 20% reduction in hours. That allowed CRFS to prevent an additional 20% of individuals from being placed on full furlough.

• Renegotiated leased facilities to resize and repurpose to the new remote-based strategy to remain within Orleans County for the foreseeable future.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – An Albion police officer and a resident pulled a fallen tree and branches off Butts Road, north of the Erie Canal, at about 4 p.m.

The high winds have taken down several trees, large limbs and wires around the county, including Roosevelt Highway in Carlton, Sawyer Road in Carlton, Eagle Street in Medina, West Center Street in Medina and other locations.

A high wind warning remains in effect in Orleans County until 1 a.m. tonight.

District expects many staff to be quarantined

MEDINA – The high school will be going fully remote on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, district superintendent Mark Kruzynski advised the school community this afternoon.

The district was notified there have been two confirmed Covid-19 cases in the high school.

“Because of the nature of the job of one of these positive cases, we are anticipating a significant amount of mandatory quarantines amongst our staff when contact tracing occurs,” Kruzynski said. “These expected quarantines will significantly impact our ability to keep Medina High School clean and disinfected during the day.”

Oak Orchard Elementary and Wise Middle School will both be open as scheduled on Monday.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley’s Charlie Turpyn and Halee Passarell and Kendall’s Zach Barrett and their Hawks and Eagles teammates will compete in the sectional semifinals early this week.

Section V semifinal round soccer playoff competition is up next for both the Holley boys and girls teams and the Kendall boys squad.

The No. 4 seeded Holley girls will visit No. 1 Avon at 6 p.m. Monday in the Class C 1 semis.

Avon brings a 13-0 record into the contest while Holley is 12-1-2.

Avon advanced by defeating No. 8 Marcus Whitman 4-0 in the quarterfinals while Holley bested No. 5 Bishop Kearney 3-2.

Monday’s other semi will match No. 3 Warsaw vs. No. 2 Gananda.

The championship game is scheduled for Wednesday.

The No. 3 seeded Holley boys squad will host No. 7 Pavilion/York in a Class C1 semifinal at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Holley is 10-3-1 on the season and Pavilion/York 8-5-1.

The Hawks blanked No. 6 Addison 2-0 in the quarterfinals while Pavilion/York upended No. 2 Avon 1-0.

The other semi will have No. 5 Sodus vs. No. 1 East Rochester.

The title contest is slated for Thursday.

The No. 4 seeded Kendall boys will visit top seeded Naples in a Class C2 semi at 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Naples is 10-0 on the season and Kendall is 6-8.

Naples defeated Bradford/Dundee 3-1 and Kendall downed Pembroke 7-2 in the quarterfinals.

The other semi will match No. 7 Geneseo against No. 3 Bolivar-Richburg.

The championship game is scheduled for Thursday.

Map from National Weather Service: The NWS in Buffalo says the strongest winds will follow a cold front which will cross the region from 3 to 8 p.m. today

A high wind warning is in effect today from 10 a.m. until 1 a.m. tonight for Orleans, Niagara, Monroe, Genesee, Erie and Wyoming counties.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo says there will be southwest winds at 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected.

“The damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines,” the Weather Service said. “Shallow rooted pines and dead ash trees will be most susceptible. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”

The Weather Service urged people to avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches.

“If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows,” the Weather Service said. “Use caution if you must drive.”

Horsing Around With Nibs

It all started on a trip many years ago to Roosevelt Lodge in Yellowstone Park, MT. My family booked a horseback riding adventure. The ride began very picturesque, feeling like a real cowgirl trotting through the meadow with the vast landscape added to the whole western vibe. Had me all in my “Giddy-Up.”

It took an alarming turn when the guide said… “if you are afraid of heights do not look to your right.” Um, what! A quick glance to the right left me looking straight down a cliff edge. And yes, I was afraid of heights. I freaked out, cried, carried on and almost hyperventilated.

The guide assured me the horse was sure-footed and did not want to go over the cliff, so I was safe. That did not ease the fear at all. Finally, we made it to the bottom of the mountain to our rest area. My husband said when he went to the restroom two guys were discussing the hysterical woman on the mountain. My husband said “that was my wife.”

After that trip I still was in awe of horses and dreamed of riding again. It took a few years to recover and I joined my family at Lone Oak Stables in Kendall for a riding adventure, on flat land. We prepared our horses for our ride and it was lovely.

After that experience I put my mind to going back to Ms. Ellen, the owner and instructor, to learn more. It took 5 years. No one I knew was interested so I went alone. Guess what? I was the only adult in the class. It was children and teenagers. All of the students knew what they were doing, except me.

But I watched and learned because an old girl can learn new tricks. First you brush out your horse, clean their hoofs and get them saddled up. All the while building a connection. Then you get on the horse. It was a bit intimidating up on that big animal who held my life in his hoofs. His name was Nibs. It was immediate love.

He was patient and allowed me to fumble with the reins and wiggle in the saddle. By the way, I wore a little pink helmet. It was not required, but I found it prudent. We made our way around the arena many times and then ventured out for the trail ride. Truth be told it can be a little nerve-racking, but Ms. Ellen taught me how to use the emergency break for horses by pulling on the reins in a certain way. Thankfully Nibs never made me use them.

I put on the pink helmet one more time after that and joined another ride along. It has been almost a year since that last ride, and I have purchased a nice new black helmet. Things have been very busy this past year and free time is often at a premium, however someday I will get back to Nibs. The best part was the hugs we shared after our rides and the apple he took from my hand.

Never be afraid to saddle up and give an adventure a try, you never know what bonds can be made. Even if they are of the equine variety and you are the only Missus in the group.

To see Nibs saddled up, visit My Blog live online at https://www.positiveperksposts.com and catch up on Weekly Photo Perks and past Sunday Posts. Like and share your comments.

Truly,
Debbie Burgoon London

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley’s Cameron Bates connects for Holley’s second goal as the Hawks Zach Dann and Addison’s Luke Pepper and Braden Thompson trail the play. The action took place during the host Hawks sectional win this evening.

Holley and Kendall both scored home field victories this evening in the quarterfinal round of the Section V boys soccer playoffs.

No. 3 seeded Holley blanked No. 6 Addison 2-0 in a Class C1 contest.

KJ Biedlinger scored what proved to be the game winning goal for Holley on a penalty kick with four minutes to go in the first half.

Cameron Bates later added a big insurance goal for the Hawks with 20 minutes to go in the second half.

Broek Ostrom made four saves to earn the shutout in goal.

Holley, which improves to 10-3-1, will next face No. 7 Pavilion/York in the semifinals on Tuesday. Pavilion/York upset No. 2 Avon 1-0.

No. 4 seed Kendall defeated Genesee Region League foe No. 5 Pembroke 7-2 in a Class C2 game.

Kendall held a narrow 1-0 lead at the half on a goal by Michael McCue just 10 minutes into the game.

The Eagles then broke the contest wide open with a huge six goal second half scoring barrage.

McCue, Jake Esposito and Zach Barrett each finished with two goals and Derek Edick one.

McCue and Esposito also both had two assists and Barrett one.

Kendall, which is now 6-8, will next face top seeded Naples in the semis on Tuesday. Naples defeated Bradford/Dundee 3-1 in another quarterfinal contest.

Kendall’s Jake Esposito goes in the air to kick the ball forward as Wyatt Librock and Alex Lamb defend for Pembroke during this evening’s sectional game won by the host Eagles.

Press Release, U.S. Reps. Tom Reed, Elise Stefanik and Chris Jacobs

CORNING – Today, Reps. Tom Reed (NY-23), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), and Chris Jacobs (NY-27) released the following statement regarding Governor Cuomo and Covid-19 vaccines:

“We are appalled by Governor Cuomo’s continued insistence on undermining a Covid-19 vaccine, the integrity of the FDA, and the hundreds of incredible scientists who have dedicated their lives to serving the American people.

“Numerous public health experts have noted the Governor’s efforts are not only wrong and unethical, they are fundamentally dangerous and they put people’s lives in jeopardy.

“We trust the FDA and its 114-year history of protecting and promoting the public health of the nation.

“New Yorkers don’t need Governor Cuomo to decide what life-saving medical resources they should or shouldn’t have access to. Instead, they need their leaders to put aside the politics and prioritize combating this virus together.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure every New Yorker has access to the safe and effective vaccines and treatments they deserve.”