By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 September 2020 at 12:20 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Claire, 4, of Lyndonville pets a sheep as part of a petting zoo that also included goats and a donkey during the community’s Christmas tree celebration last Dec. 7. There were many activities as part of the community celebration, which was highlighted by 76 trees being lighted up for the holidays. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced today that petting zoos won’t be allowed this fall for agri-tourism businesses.
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced new state guidance for agritourism businesses as New York State enters the Fall season.
The businesses, which include corn mazes, pick-your-own fruit and vegetable operations, hayrides and haunted houses, are considered low-risk outdoor arts and entertainment and are permitted to operate under New York’s NY Forward guidance.
New Yorkers can also visit the state’s farmers’ markets and craft beverage trails, which have remained open under state guidance, supporting agriculture and tourism in the state.
“New York State’s amazing outdoor attractions and recreational opportunities are a boon for families and communities during the fall season each year, and we want New Yorkers to be able to enjoy this time with their family responsibly and safely,” Governor Cuomo said. “The new guidance announced today will ensure that these businesses can open to the public, allowing families to enjoy their favorite fall activities while providing a boost for our farming communities and local economies.”
Corn Mazes – permitted consistent with Low Risk Outdoor Arts and Entertainment guidance and the following conditions: Reduced capacity, face coverings required and social distance maintained between individuals/parties.
Hayrides – permitted consistent with Public Transportation guidance and the following conditions: Mandatory face coverings, social distance required between individuals/parties, frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, cleaned and sanitized between rides.
Pick-Your-Own Fruit/Vegetables Operations – permitted consistent with Low Risk Outdoor Arts and Entertainment guidance and the following conditions: Reduced capacity, face coverings required and social distance maintained between individuals/parties.
Haunted Houses – permitted consistent with Low Risk Indoor Arts and Entertainment guidance and the following conditions: Reduced capacity, face coverings required and social distance maintained between individuals/parties.
Petting zoos are not permitted.
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has issued a full slate of guidelines for the agricultural industry, including guidance for farmers’ markets and for its food and beverage producers. All guidance can be found by clicking here.
“As one of the nation’s top agricultural states, New York traditionally comes together in the fall to celebrate the harvest—from apples to grapes to pumpkins,” said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. “This year, while things may not look exactly the same on your favorite farm, I am happy to say we can still celebrate agriculture’s bounty and the many family-friendly activities that go with it. With this new guidance, we hope New Yorkers will be able to enjoy some of the best of New York agriculture in a safe and socially distanced manner.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 September 2020 at 10:27 am
Provided photo: Pictured from last year’s Memory Walk left include Suzie Gifaldi, Violet (pup), Nora Shanklin, Elliott (pup), Andrea Brightly, LuAnn Brightly and Francine Spronz.
HOLLEY – Many local fundraising events have been cancelled or will be virtual this year, with no in-person gatherings.
However, one local agency will continue its Memory Walk with people invited for the event. Hospice of Orleans will have its annual Memory Walk at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 26 at the Holley Waterfalls.
“There will be ample space to spread out and social distance at the venue,” said Derek Reiner, Development & Public Relations manager for Hospice. “Folks who participate in this event usually sit or stand for the ceremony and then they disperse to the walking trails. All participants have been advised to bring a mask and social distance as necessary.”
Hospice will also have staff and volunteers on the course to stress the importance of adhering to the regulations.
Hospice decided the event is an important way to pay tribute to loved ones and also support the agency.
“Covid-19 has created many challenges and roadblocks for fundraising activities and events,” Reiner said. “We are very much looking forward to seeing familiar faces in a beautiful setting such as Holley Falls to reminisce and remember our loved ones. This event is great for uniting our community during such a difficult and grief-stricken time.”
While the Memory Walk is not a fundraiser, the proceeds raised help ensure that we will always have a Hospice program right here in Orleans County to serve families, friends and neighbors during their most critical times in life, Reiner said.
“The Memory Walk is a wonderful opportunity to stand in solidarity with fellow community members that have endured the loss of a loved one and to set aside time to celebrate the lives and experiences shared with them,” said Kellie Spychalski, CEO of Hospice of Orleans.
Everyone in the community, including those not served by Hospice, are welcome to attend the event. The Memory Walk is open to the newly bereaved and those wishing to honor a loved one who has died in the past.
“For me, the walk is a special time to set aside all of the other tasks at hand, enjoy the beautiful setting of Holley Falls, and focus on the memories of the people in my life who I miss every day,” Spychalski said. “Being together with others who are also reminiscing about their loved ones is special and allows all of us to honor and celebrate those we have loved and lost. 2020 has been a tremendous year of loss for so many in our community. We truly hope you will join us on this special day.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 September 2020 at 10:09 am
Two states – Alaska and Montana – which were removed from New York’s travel advisory on Aug. 25 are back on the list, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced today.
The two states meet the metrics to qualify for New York State’s Covid-19 travel advisory. The advisory requires individuals who have traveled to New York from areas with significant community spread to quarantine for 14 days.
The quarantine applies to any person arriving from an area with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents over a 7-day rolling average or an area with a 10 percent or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average.
The governor also announced that the state’s infection rate has been below 1 percent for 25 straight days. There were 754 positives out of 76,997 test results or 0.98 percent.
The number of patients in ICUs remained at 109, the lowest number since March 15.
“As we continue to pursue a phased, data driven reopening, the number of areas that remain on New York’s travel advisory is a stark reminder of the continued extent of the Covid-19 crisis throughout the nation,” Cuomo said. “Our ability to protect our state and fight the virus begins with what we do here at home, and that’s why it’s so important that New Yorkers wear masks, socially distance and wash their hands, and why local governments need to enforce state guidance.”
The full, updated travel advisory list includes: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Virgin Islands and Wisconsin.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and prominent New York labor leaders on Monday called on Congress to provide $59 billion to address catastrophic budget shortfalls that impact the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of workers in the state.
The governor and labor leaders sent a letter to federal representatives enumerating the critical infrastructure projects that would be impacted without federal funding and the hospitals, schools and institutions that would be supported by it. New York State, New York City and other local governments face huge shortfalls due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The governor and labor leaders also called on Congress to repeal the tax change that eliminated the State and Local Tax Deduction (SALT).
New York State requires $30 billion during the current fiscal year and next to avoid massive disruption. New York City requires $9 billion, local governments outside of New York City require $4.5 billion, the MTA requires $12 billion, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey requires $3 billion.
The letter was signed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Mario Cilento, George Gresham, Gary LaBarbera, John Samuelsen, Michael Mulgrew, Andrew Pallotta, Henry Garrido, Wayne Spence and Mary Sullivan.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact, New York State is in an impossible financial situation,” they write in the letter. “There is no combination of state efforts that will address this financial crisis without federal assistance. Even if state and local governments cut expenses, increase taxes, and reduced services, the revenue shortfall would still be in the billions of dollars. Moreover, forcing state and local governments to take such actions would only further the pain and extend the period of time for the nation’s economy to recover.
“Virtually all economists agree that forcing state and local governments to lay off employees and reduce services will negatively impact the national recovery. We saw that with the last fiscal crisis in 2007-2009, and we know that it will play out again.”
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has sent a letter to Gov. Cuomo requesting the state allow casinos, VLT gaming facilities and racetracks to open while following proper social distancing and COVID-protection protocol.
Hawley points out how other ventures have been allowed to open that often draw more risk in enclosed spaces compared to casinos, despite not bringing in the same revenue the state desperately needs to pick itself up.
“With the economy continuing to struggle, I see the unwillingness to allow casinos and other gaming ventures to open and follow appropriate protocol as nothing but hindering the state’s further economic recovery,” Hawley said. “New York is losing millions in tax revenue by making this decision, not to mention keeping a sizeable job market from opening in the rural areas of the state that could use support at this time. We need to open these casinos, gaming sites and racetracks now.”
Hawley also people struggling with a gambling addiction should know they aren’t alone, and don’t have to fight it alone. For help and resources on how to combat gambling addiction, click here.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 31 August 2020 at 9:11 pm
Some local businesses have seen record sales
The recent pandemic has raised havoc with business owners across the country, especially in terms of product availability, but in some cases, businesses are reporting record sales.
At Medina Lumber, owner Tom Snyder said recently that some lumber and hardware is in short supply or not available at all.
“People who want to build things right now may find the lumber they need is not available,” Snyder said. “For instance, 16-foot deck boards went from $14.29 before the pandemic to $25.99, by July and now have skyrocketed to $38 each. And I can’t even get them, or they are taking forever. Also, our hardware vendor is running low on paint, screws and fasteners.”
There are long delays with treated lumber and the price has tripled, Snyder said.
Tom Snyder, owner of Medina Lumber and Hardware, stands in his warehouse next to an empty bin, which should be full of deck boards. Since the pandemic, there is not only a shortage of lumber, but prices on lumber, such as 16-foot deck boards have gone from $14.29 to $38 each.
Grocery stores may have been the first to notice a short supply of some items in the beginning of the pandemic in mid-March. Paper products and sanitizing items, such as Clorox disinfectant spray and baby wipes vanished off the shelves for weeks, getting bought up as soon as they arrived at the stores.
While those items are more available now, shoppers may notice other items in short supply, such as table napkins and toilet bowl cleaner. In many stores right now, there is still a limit of one per customer on certain products.
With produce in full supply right now, it appears more people are canning, as jar lids are out of stock in every local store. A Walmart employee said they haven’t had any lids in weeks, and as soon as a shipment comes in, they’re gone.
“The same concerns fall across all vendors,” said Kathy Sautter, public and media relations manager for Tops Markets. “These partners are also dealing with new Covid practices within their facilities, which has and/or could mean less associates working at any given time, thus leading to less production, coupled with many associates who have not returned to work and/or lines being shifted to other products. This has caused items to be out of stock, allocated or suspended. Toilet bowl cleaner is no different, not to mention that several suppliers are also large suppliers for medical facilities, schools, etc.
Restaurants and bars are among the hardest hit businesses during the pandemic, limited to takeouts and then limited capacity inside the businesses. They are still only allowed to operate at 50 percent seating capacity.
Scott Robinson, president of the Medina Area Partnership, said it is estimated that 85 percent of restaurants across the country will go out of business. Batavia has already seen the closing of Pizza Hut and Bob Evans.
While some businesses are suffering, others are booming.
Take the automotive industry, where George Bidleman has been in the car business for 38 years. He is owner of Orleans Ford in Medina and Bidleman Chevrolet in Albion, part owner of Hartway Motors in Medina and an owner of a Chevrolet dealership in Honeoye Falls. During the month of June they sold more than 280 vehicles at Orleans Ford, the best month he has had in all his years in the business, he said.
Someone suggested people are buying vehicles because they don’t feel safe traveling by plane or bus anymore.
Orleans Hub was also told sales have been brisk at appliance stores, to the point where they are getting out of stock.
Several attempts were made to contact Main Street TV and Appliance in Medina, but owner Chris Fenton could not be reached.
Jaye Sullivan, however, owner of Blissett’s Specialty Shop in Medina, said she could attest to the shortage of appliances, as she went to Main Street TV and Appliance to buy a new stove.
“They told me I’d better take the floor model, because they didn’t know when or if they could get any more,” Sullivan said.
An associate at Home Depot, however, confirmed difficulty in getting certain appliances, especially dishwashers, freezers and refrigerators. They aren’t even able to order some lines, she said. She attributes the problem to the fact that most appliances are made on an assembly line, similar to cars. Now that workforces are down to a quarter of what they were, the people aren’t there to make the products.
Sullivan is also having trouble getting merchandise for her store. While she has had no trouble getting bridal or formal wear, she said she is having difficulty getting kids’ clothing. She thinks for the most part, it is a workforce problem.
“When we had to shut down in March people were laid off, and they didn’t come back to work,” she said.
Sullivan added another problem is getting products which have to come from Canada, with the border now being closed.
Steve Pies, vice president of Max Pies Furniture in Batavia, confirmed while it’s tough to get product right now, the pandemic has affected them very positively.
“I think because people can’t travel right now, they’re putting their money in their homes,” said Pies, who is a fourth generation owner of the business started in 1905. “We did some good things during the pandemic. Even though we were closed, I would come in and unload trucks to make sure we had product when we could open. Typically, tax season is the Super Bowl for furniture stores, but we had to close then. Since we re-opened June 1, it’s been crazy.”
June was also a record month for Bentley Brothers in Albion, where Laura Bentley Olinger said they are now having trouble getting parts and tractors.
“We have Kubota tractors ordered, which are sitting in Georgia waiting for a part from Japan,” Olinger said. “While our Kubotas are made in Georgia, the components still come from Japan, so the tractors sit there, waiting for one piece.”
Olinger said this problem isn’t going to fix itself tomorrow.
“In three or four months, what are we going to sell?” she asked. “That is what is most worrisome to me. However, Kubota assures us we will be back to normal by the first of the year.”
Olinger thinks the reason sales have been so good is because people couldn’t spend their money on vacations, so they are using it to buy things for their homes. She said the stimulus checks are a big part of why people have money to spend.
Several business owners said the extended unemployment checks may have been lifesaving for many families, but they have caused hardship for many employers. A businessman in Albion said his work was backlogged for weeks because his employees didn’t want to come back to work while they were still eligible for the checks.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 August 2020 at 4:57 pm
There are no new Covid-19 cases to report today in Orleans County while Genesee has 3 new cases, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said this afternoon.
Orleans remains at 288 cases, while Genesee now has had 279 people test positive.
The new cases in Genesee are people from Batavia and Bergen. One case is a person in the 30s, another is in the 50s, and the other is a person in the 60s.
The new cases are people who were not on quarantine prior to testing positive.
The Health Departments also are reporting two more recoveries in Genesee County, and those people have been released from mandatory isolation.
Genesee also has 42 more people on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
Orleans also has one more recovery from Covid-19 and that person has been released from mandatory isolation. There are currently two active cases in Orleans.
The Health Departments also report there are 15 new individuals on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
Click here to see an online map of confirmed cases in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
• State-wide Data: Gov. Andrew Cuomo reported today there are new lows in hospitalizations (418), ICU patients (109) and deaths (1) since mid-March.
There were also 656 new positive cases in the state on Sunday out of 66,241 test results, for a positive rate of 0.99 percent.
This is each region’s percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days. Orleans is in the Finger Lakes Region.
More from the Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments:
• Agricultural Seasonal Worker Covid-19 Testing Opportunity: The Departments of Agriculture and Markets, Health, and Labor are partnering with county health departments, Cornell Cooperative Extension, New York Farm Bureau and community health partners in Clinton, Genesee, Orleans, Ulster and Wayne counties to offer free Covid-19 testing to agricultural workers.
These counties were selected for this opportunity as these counties see the highest number of out-of-state workers during harvest season. For registration, click here.
• Gyms & Fitness Centers:
In order for these centers to prepare for potential reopening, it is important for owners and managers to review the guidelines, develop their business safety plan and read and affirm the detailed guidelines located on the NY Forward website.
Prior to reopening and inspection, gym owners and managers will have to adhere to the NYS guidelines which can be found on the NY Forward website and completing the following steps:
Develop a business safety plan,
Have an HVAC inspection by an approved professional,
Complete the affirmation for each facility location that they have reviewed and understand the New York State guidelines and will implement these protocols. Click the link for the affirmation statement and choose gyms and fitness centers.
Once the business safety plan and air handling inspection are complete and an attestation form is submitted, Genesee and Orleans counties will begin the process of scheduling inspections. All facilities must schedule an inspection within two weeks of opening. These steps must be completed prior to scheduling an inspection. For Genesee County call 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 and for Orleans County call 585-589-3278.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 August 2020 at 12:52 pm
Public Health director says social distancing, masks especially important
Photo by Tom Rivers: Paul Pettit, the public health director in Orleans and Genesee counties, said about half of the recent Covid-19 cases in the two counties were asymptomatic. He is speaking at last week’s monthly meeting of the Orleans County Association of Municipalities.
ALBION – About half of recent the Covid-19 cases locally have been people who didn’t show symptoms of the coronavirus.
Paul Pettit, the public health director in Genesee and Orleans counties, said the cases were detected as part of mandatory state testing, typically for direct care, healthcare or nursing home staff.
Since June 30, there have been 52 new cases of Covid-19 in Genesee County and 22 new cases in Orleans County.
“Most were identified in the testing or screening that is required by the state,” Pettit said today.
The Health Department is seeing more younger people test positive. The median age in Monroe County last week was in the mid-30s.
Throughout the Finger Lakes Region, which includes Orleans and 8 other counties, Pettit said about 30 percent of positive cases recently have been people not showing symptoms of Covid-19.
That percentage has been even higher locally, with people who have Covid-19 but don’t show signs of any respiratory distress.
Pettit said the asymptomatic cases may give people a false sense of security, that they don’t have Covid-19 even though they feel healthy.
“If you are not symptomatic, you can still have it and spread it without being aware you are positive,” he said. “It goes back to why social distancing of at least 6 feet and wearing masking is so important.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 August 2020 at 12:32 pm
MURRAY – Organizers have the route planned for a “Back the Blue” ride on Sept. 12.
The event will start at 3823 Monroe-Orleans Line Rd., at a property owned by David Paul. The ride will then go 52 miles in Holley, Albion and Medina, before coming back to Countyline Road.
Participants are urged to arrive between 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. for staging of vehicles with the ride to begin at noon sharp.
The Orleans County ride is intended to be a rally to support law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, hospital workers and U.S. military. Participants are urged to bring American flags, and decorate motorcycles, Jeeps, cars and trucks. Invite your family and friends.
The route includes: Start at 3823 Monroe-Orleans County Line Road and head south to Route 31 (west) going thru Holley, Albion and Medina. Then turn on Route 63 (North), and go to Route 104, heading east back to Monroe-Orleans County Line Road.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 August 2020 at 12:07 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Orleans County Public Defender Joanne Best speaks to local officials during last week’s meeting of the Orleans County Association of Municipalities, which was held at Tillman’s Village Inn.
ALBION – Orleans County Public Defender Joanne Best said the local town justice courts are in the process of reopening but many still need to have partitions in place for judges and attorneys.
The local town courts started to reopen for cases last month. Some of the court rooms are only allowing 10 people inside the courtrooms at a time. With the judge, court clerk, stenographer, district attorney, public defender and defendant, the space is already more than half full.
Best addressed local officials last week during the monthly Orleans County Association of Municipalities meeting. She told them many of the town hall buildings still need to become Covid-19 compliant for court.
That includes Plexiglass dividers in front of judges and between attorneys and their clients at the attorney-client rooms. The attorney-client rooms also need to have enough space to allow for social distancing.
Best said those protections need to be in place “or we can’t send attorneys in,” she said.
She said she has some temporary dividers in her office that the courts can use until they get their own in place.
“Whatever your feelings are about it, we are being directed to have PPE and shields (in the courts),” Best told the local officials.
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the final of 70 steel gantries has been erected ahead of the Thruway’s conversion to cashless tolling system wide by the end of 2020.
The gantry located on I-90 at exit 42 (Geneva) is the final gantry to be installed, marking another significant milestone in the $355 million project. The installation of gantries at 21 over the main highway and 34 on the entrance/exit ramp tolling locations was completed on time and on budget and is part of the first phase of the project to convert the Thruway to cashless tolling.
“This project is transforming New York’s transportation system by improving driving experiences, expediting traffic flow, and improving air quality in areas surrounding toll plazas,” Governor Cuomo said. “With upgrades like this, we are ushering in a new modern era for traveling across this state which will benefit motorists for decades to come.”
Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said, “The Thruway Authority is making incredible progress with the historic conversion to cashless tolling on the ticketed system which will benefit millions of motorists who travel the Thruway every year. As the project continues, we’re on schedule for the system to go live by the end of 2020, ushering in a new era of transportation on the Thruway.”
Crews are now installing cashless tolling equipment on the gantries, which include state-of-the-art sensors and cameras that read E-ZPass tags and take license plate images. There will be more than 2,000 state-of-the-art cameras affixed to the gantries when completed. The equipment is not currently operational as the system will go live all at once by the end of 2020.
The gantries installed over the mainline highway range from 58 feet to 150 feet in length by 23 feet in height, and weighing between 25,000 and 104,000 pounds. Gantries installed over the entrance/exit ramps range from 48 feet to 94 feet in length by 23 feet in height, and weighing between 33,000 and 74,000 pounds. Gantries were fabricated utilizing approximately 3.5 million pounds of 100 percent American-made steel and hundreds of New York workers in accordance to the “New York Buy American” Act at LMC Industrial Contractors Inc. in Livingston County.
Motorists are encouraged to sign up for E-ZPass, which is the most convenient way to pay tolls on the Thruway. E-ZPass tags are sold at retail locations across the state and motorists can also sign up online by clicking here.
When cashless tolling is operational on the Thruway’s ticketed system and all toll booths are removed, motorists will drive seamlessly under gantries so vehicles no longer have to stop to pay tolls. Vehicles with E-ZPass tags are automatically charged and vehicles without E-ZPass tags will have their license plate image captured and a toll bill mailed to the registered owner.
Following the conversion to cashless tolling, the existing toll plazas and barriers will be removed in phases. During the deconstruction phase, drivers will continue to travel through existing toll lanes at reduced speeds without stopping until the booths are removed and road reconfigurations are complete.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 31 August 2020 at 9:33 am
David Vanderwalker is working on his Eagle Scout project
Photos by Ginny Kropf: David Vanderwalker presents his project to build a pavilion at Hartland Bible Church to the congregation. He is building the pavilion for his Eagle Scout badge, something which has been a lifelong dream.
MIDDLEPORT – No one knows better what Scouting can do for a boy than the family of David Vanderwalker of Middleport.
David, 15, is a son of Todd and Alicia Vanderwalker. David is a sophomore at Medina High School and a member of Boy Scout Troop 28 at the United Methodist Church in Medina.
David was born with Asperger’s syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disability which affects the ability to interact and communicate with people.
David was on the autism spectrum and had some extreme behaviors and lack of social skills as a young boy, according to his mother.
“We put David into Scouts in the first grade because we felt it would help him develop social skills and learn appropriate interactions,” Alicia Vanderwalker said. “Our family is very hands on and loves the outdoors, which we felt would be part of Scouting. The first year was a nightmare. David was all over, refused to interact with the boys, and every meeting was a meltdown. That all changed when David went to summer camp, and shortly after, David attended his first Eagle Scout ceremony.”
It then became David’s dream to become an Eagle Scout. David’s behavior plan became the 12 Scout laws, which are bring trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
“We incorporated that into David’s goals, working with him to understand that to become an Eagle Scout, he had to follow the Scout Law,” Alicia said. “We have no doubt David is where he is today because of Scouting.”
She shared the life-changing impact of Scouting on her son recently with members of United Way when the Scouts were interviewed for their upcoming allocation. The Boy Scouts are one of 15 agencies or programs that receive funding from the United Way of Orleans County. David’s story is just one of the cases Orleans Hub is featuring in a series of success stories made possible as a result of funding from United Way.
Jim McMullen, executive director of the Iroquois Trail Council with the Boy Scouts of America, commented on the importance of United Way’s support to the Scouting program, and the dedication of volunteers, such as Todd and Alicia Vanderwalker.
“We’re blessed to have many local volunteer leaders who make the Scouting program possible,” McMullen said. “They help bring this wonderful program to life for other local families. We’re grateful also to have the support of United Way. We use those funds to pay for invitations to new families to join Scouting, for program supplies, to train Scout leaders and to help our Scouts with camp scholarships. Without United Way, there would surely be fewer families who would benefit from Scouting programs.”
Members of David Vanderwalker’s family and Hartland Bible Church tear down a rotted pavilion on church grounds, where David is working to build a new pavilion as his Eagle Scout project.
The Vanderwalkers as a family have spent much of the last 10 years on the Scouting journey with David. Mom and dad became the cubmasters when David was in second grade, and Alicia is still cubmaster for Pack 28 today, as well as the chaplain and a leader for the Boy Scout troop. They wish other families could see the value of volunteering and walking this journey with their son, as it goes by so fast.
David continued in Scouting, earning his Arrow of Light in 2015, the highest rank in Cub Scouts, and then crossed over into the Boy Scout Troop.
“David’s journey has not always been easy, and he has had to overcome a lot of obstacles, as has his troop,” Alicia said.
This is the model of the pavilion David Vanderwalker is working to build at his church as his Eagle Scout project.
David has had help from his family and fellow scouts Aaron Miller and Christian Hahn, both of whom are now Eagle Scouts. Scoutmaster Tim Miller really took David under his wing. He helped teach the Troop awareness of disabilities and helped the boys see life through David’s eyes, making David feel more understood.
“Having a role and responsibility has enabled David to thrive,” his mother said. “He has worked really hard, earning 36 merit badges so far, as well as holding positions of quartermaster, chaplain’s aide, troop guide and now assistant senior patrol leader. Being a Boy Scout has helped David earn life skills that will take him into the workforce and hone the talents he has to serve others.”
David has already accomplished many projects. For his Life Project, he helped redo the children’s wing at his church and built an ark book/toy shelf in the toddler room.
During a summer picnic at church, however, David decided to embark on his biggest project ever. For his Eagle Scout badge, he came up with the idea to build a pavilion/storage building on church grounds.
“We were having a summer picnic at church and David was helping move tables and chairs up the hill, when David realized it would be helpful to have a pavilion and storage up top so the church could have picnics in any weather, the youth group and Vacation Bible school could use it and it would fill so many needs,” Alicia said.
David created a model of the pavilion he would like to build and presented the idea to the church leadership, and then the congregation, who were all fully supportive.
“I have had a dream since first grade of becoming an Eagle Scout, and am now in the final stages of making my dream a reality,” David wrote in a letter asking for support for his project. “I have chosen to build a 24’ by 40’ pavilion at my church, with an enclosed area off the end for storage.”
“David presented his idea to us, and we were thrilled,” said pastor Jon Goodwin. “We have desperately needed storage space for some time. David’s proposed pavilion will meet our needs in multiple levels.”
David Vanderwalker’s family and their pastor cut down trees on the grounds of Hartland Bible Church in Gasport, which they plan to use for posts for a pavilion David is working to build as his Eagle Scout project. From left are David’s father Todd Vanderwalker, David, pastor Jon Goodwin, David’s mom Alicia and sister Faith Ann.
David faces a big hurdle, however, in reaching his goal. He needs help in raising enough money to purchase the materials needed, an estimated $10,000. He is currently about half way, he said at the church, where he and his family and pastor Goodwin were cutting down trees on the church property which they will saw into posts for the pavilion.
David has spent hours making the model of his pavilion and determining the materials needed. He is asking anyone in the community who can help to make donations in any way, either in materials or money. He said it will not only help him achieve his dream, but will create a pavilion which will be used for generations by his church, the community and athletes.
Ten pressure treated posts for the main pavilion have been donated, as have 80 2x4x16’ boards for bracing, 50 2x6x8s for shed walls and 25 80-pound bags of concrete mix. He has a commitment for a donation of two loads of stone.
He still needs eight treated 2x10x20 headers for sides; five treated 4xd6x12 posts for the shed; 10 2x8x16 facia; 13 10- to 12-inch x 18’ laminated I joists; 10 2x10x16 beams for shed; one roll of 6 mil. plastic 100’ x 20’; two boxes of galvanized ribbed 30-degree framing nails; 25 pounds of 3” construction screws; 22 hurricane clips; 25 more bags of concrete mix; 50 10” carriage bolts; 50 ½” washers and nuts; 180 feet of brown soffit; 17 yards of concrete; one garage door eight feet wide; and one 36” exterior door with frame.
He also needs 11 24’ trusses or donations of $350. Metal roofing needed is 28 16’x3’ sheets, nine 18’x3’ sheets and trim, or a donation of $1,400.
Anyone who wishes to help David with donations of material or cash may contact him at (716) 989-7381 or donations may be made through his mother’s PayPal account at poohbear072702@yahoo.com and noted “David Eagle.”
David hopes to go to BOCES to study either building trades or welding. He already has a lot of construction knowledge, having built his own workshop and tree house, among other things. His goal is to own his own construction company.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 August 2020 at 4:58 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Ondrea Pate and her friends and family serve up beef on wick dinners today at the Elks Lodge on West State Street. They are prepared to serve 500 dinners from noon to 6 p.m.
The meals are part of a benefit for the Pate family, which lost their Albion home in a fire on June 20.
Retired Albion music teacher Linda Logan checks out some of the 100 baskets up for raffle. The event was spaced out over six hours to allow for social distancing inside the building.
The band Lonesome Road performs this afternoon. From left include Mike Whiting, Todd Colegrove, Robert Williams and drummer David Leonard.
Angelo and Ondrea Pate and their two daughters, Eowyn and Maia, are currently staying with Ondrea’s father Richard Brackenbury in Waterport. The Pate residence on West Academy Street was declared a total loss after the fire.
Noreen Dixon and her sister Donna Halladay are the leader organizers for today’s benefit. The Pates were great neighbors to their mother, Marguerite, checking in on her frequently, and responding in the middle of the night if she needed help.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 August 2020 at 10:22 am
ALBION – Orleans County will have an engineer look at the original County Office Building and also the county jail.
The Wendel firm will review the layout of the County Office Building on Route 31 and offer options that include social distancing and the health and safety of employees and residents. That building opened in 1980 and includes the DMV, Social Services, Tourism, Planning and Development, Office for the Aging, Personnel and Job Development.
The county added new space that opened last year for the Health Department, County Legislature, computer services and the Board of Elections.
The county has required some employees to work from home because there are spots in the original County Office Building that don’t allow for social distancing. The county wants to create work spaces that are compliant with Covid-19 guidelines so the employees can return to the office building.
The Orleans County Jail was built in two phases in the early 1970s. It has a capacity for 82 inmates.
The county agreed to pay Wendel up to $9,750 to evaluate the work spaces in the original north section of the building, and also to evaluate the main entrance of the new County Office Building south entrance.
Wendel also has been hired to evaluate the county jail and explore options for the site to serve the current inmate population and employees. Wendel will be paid up to $9,750.
County legislators said on Wednesday they would like to work with Genesee County on a joint facility. Both counties have aging jails.
Orleans built its jail in the early 1970s. It has a capacity for 82 inmates. With bail reform, there are far fewer inmates in the jail. Lynne Johnson, the County Legislature chairwoman, said there were only 16 inmates in the jail last week.
The state currently requires all counties to have their own jails. Johnson said Orleans and Genesee would need a change in state legislation to allow for a shared jail.
She said it makes sense for the two counties to share because of the small inmate population. She doesn’t want to see each county be forced to spend $30 million or more for new jails.
Wendel will be asked for ideas to extend the longevity of the current holding center on Platt Street.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 August 2020 at 10:17 am
Chris Busch influential in setting Medina’s standards in historic district, Maple Ridge Corridor
File photo by Tom Rivers – Chris Busch, shown here in 2014 with the Bent’s Opera House in back, served many years as chairman of the Village of Medina’s Planning Board and Medina’s Tree Board. In his role with the Orleans Renaissance Group, the organization pushed to save the bent’s Opera House, a project now led by Roger Hungerford.
MEDINA – The leader of Medina’s Planning Board has resigned after two decades of major investment in the downtown business district and also along the Maple Ridge Corridor.
Chris Busch has been serving as chairman of the Village Planning Board and also the Historic & Architectural Preservation Review Board.
Busch, in an Aug. 5 letter to Mayor Mike Sidari and the Village Board, said “it is time to move on” after more than 20 years on the Planning Board.
Busch led the boards that implemented design standards in the downtown historic district and also on the Maple Ridge Corridor. Those standards for signs, facades and building construction established a blueprint for guiding the growth on Main Street and on Maple Ridge.
“Over that time, with a great deal of cooperation, hard work and vision, much has been accomplished,” Busch wrote in his letter.
Medina has seen major investment in the historic downtown sites, and also significant growth on Maple Ridge with several new commercial buildings.
“The Planning Board is in good hands,” Busch said in the letter. “Seated on the current board are some of the finest, most qualified and dedicate people I have ever known.”
Busch, who also led Medina’s Tree Board for more than a decade and helped plan for planting 1,000 trees, said he would be willing to serve on an ad hoc committee, waterfront committee or in an advisory committee. He remains active with the Orleans Renaissance Group, which oversee the farmers’ market and the Farm-to-Table dinner, as well as other cultural events in Medina.
Sidari and the Village Board accepted Busch’s resignation during their meeting last week.
“I want to add our thanks for his many years of service and our deep regrets for his resignation,” Sidari said.
Jim McMullen, executive director of the Iroquois Trail Council with the Boy Scouts of America, commented on the importance of United Way’s support to the Scouting program, and the dedication of volunteers, such as Todd and Alicia Vanderwalker.
