By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 August 2020 at 8:30 am
A “Back the Blue” ride and rally is being planned for Orleans County on Sept. 12 to show support for law enforcement.
Some of these rides in other nearby counties have attracted 5,000 to 10,000 participants, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke said. That large gathering size concerns Bourke, who said a lineup of vehicles stretched 15 miles in the Canandaigua area recently.
“My concern is the amount of people,” Bourke said Tuesday evening at the Orleans County Association of Municipalities meeting. “It is very concerning. Not that we don’t support law enforcement, but we’re going to break every one of the governor’s executive orders on social distancing and crowd size.”
The Back the Blue ride is being promoting on Facebook to start at noon on Route 98 in Carlton at the Fire Company Rec Hall. Vehicles are encouraged to begin arriving at 10:30.
“Motorcycles will go first, muscle/classic cars, cars and pick-up trucks, truckers with rigs,” according to the event post on Facebook. “This is a non-political event but feel free to decorate your vehicles to show your support of our law enforcement.”
Bourke and Undersheriff Mike Mele said the Sheriff’s Office is talking with organizers about planning a route that avoids side streets in villages and keeps vehicles on the main state roads. Bourke and Mele want the group to adhere to governor’s executive orders as much as possible.
Organizers, on the Facebook event page, are encouraging everyone to social distance at least 6 feet apart and to wear face masks.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 August 2020 at 7:46 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Orleans County Undersheriff Mike Mele says local law enforcement takes an education emphasis with local businesses when there is a complaint filed about violating social distancing or wearing masks.
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and village police officers have responded to 350 citizen complaints about local businesses or organizations violating the governor’s guidelines about social distancing and wearing masks.
None of the businesses have had their liquor licenses suspended and none have been forced to close due to fines, Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson told local town, village and county officials on Tuesday evening.
She praised the local law enforcement, who are tasked with investigating the complaints, for not taking an overly punitive approach.
“They go and educate,” Johnson said during the meeting of the Orleans County Association of Municipalities. “That’s what this is about, keeping our businesses open during a pandemic.”
Sheriff Chris Bourke and Undersheriff Michael Mele said the Sheriff’s Office will investigate the complaints to see if there were violations. Some of the complaints are about social gatherings in excess of the current limit on 50 people.
The governor has allowed people to file “New York on PAUSE” complaints online or through a phone number (click here for more information). The complaints are then directed to the Sheriff’s Office, local village police departments or the Health Department to investigate.
Law enforcement or Health Department staff will then go to verify complaint. Sheriff Bourke said some complaints come two or three days after incident, too late to be observed by law enforcement.
If complaint is substantiated, the business or organization will be issued a “Covid-19 Complaint Informational Letter.” If a second complaint is verified, the business owner, manager or executive board member will receive warning letter from county attorney and the business needs to submit safety plan to Orleans County Health Department.
If third verified complaint, there will be $250 fine, according to a letter from the Health Department. Any subsequent verified complaints, the fine will increase by $250 to $500, then $750 and then a maximum of $1,000.
“Any gross or willful violations may be subject to maximum fines at discretion of Health Department or county attorney,” according to the Health Department.
John Belson, the Yates town supervisor, told the local officials he doesn’t think people should be allowed to file anonymous complaints. Bourke and Mele said some complaints aren’t anonymous, but the governor has allowed people the option to not include their names.
Bourke said he suspects some complaints are filed to get a business in trouble, when there hasn’t been a PAUSE violation. Local law enforcement won’t substantiate a complaint when no violation has occurred, Bourke said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 August 2020 at 4:34 pm
Orleans and Genesee counties are both reporting one new case of Covid-19 today.
In Orleans, the new case is a person from Shelby in the 60s. The individual was not on quarantine prior to testing positive, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
Orleans has now had 287 people test positive for Covid-19.
The county also is reporting one more person has recovered from Covid-19 and has been released from mandatory isolation. That brings the total recoveries in the community to 132.
The Health Departments also say 14 more individuals are on precautionary quarantine in Orleans due to travel from restricted states.
In Genesee County, the new case is a person from Pavilion in the 30s. The individual was not on quarantine prior to testing positive. Genesee has now had 276 people test positive for Covid-19.
Genesee also is reporting it has one resident is hospitalized with Covid-19, and one more person is on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
Click here to view the online map of confirmed cases in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
• State-wide data: The state is reporting 629 people tested positive for Covid-19 on Monday out of 67,255 test results or 0.94 percent.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 August 2020 at 2:38 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: This mural in Medina’s Canal Basin depicts a man and mule on the Erie Canal. The mural was painted by Ben Northern and installed about 20 years ago.
MEDINA – The Village Board approved a 60-day moratorium on any public art projects in the historic district. This will give the village time to update its ordinance for public art and perhaps create a new Public Arts Commission.
The moratorium was approved on Monday, following a public hearing at the Senior Center, where the Village Board will now be holding its public meetings.
Arthur Barnes created this mural of a mule-drawn packet boat that is displayed in the Canal Basin.
The moratorium doesn’t include three murals that were approved last week by the Village Planning Board. Those large paintings will be buildings on Proctor Place.
The Village Board is looking to form a group with representatives from the Village Board, Planning Board and people with expertise in the public art.
They will make a recommendation that will likely accommodate public art while preserving the integrity of the historic structures and character of the downtown.
If there are any changes to the zoning ordinance, there will need to be a public hearing where the community will have a chance to voice their opinion.
Village officials have been pushed to face the issue after the Form Foundation submitted proposals for four murals, with three in the historic district. One of the murals – the “Canalligator” – is already done.
Another one with a floral pattern would be on the other side of the same cinder block building as the Canalligator on Proctor Place. Another project, “Fake It Til You Make It” – will be on the back of 410 Main Street. The mural would go from the floor to the top of the cinder block wall.
The Planning Board approved certificates of appropriateness for the projects after consutlign with the State Historic Preservation office. The Planning Board on Aug. 18 approved the murals, saying the current code is vague.
SHPO also advised the board that the murals with modern art are compatible in historic district as long as they aren’t painted on main thoroughfares, aren’t painted on historic stone or on prominent architectural features.
The current regulations in the historic district are focused on the front facades of buildings and the historic architectural features – not the backs of buildings and cinder blocks.
“I think it’s time for the village to come into the 21st Century with modern art,” Medina Mayor Mike Sidari said at a meeting earlier this month. “I think there is a place for it and a place not for it.”
ALBION – The Albion Betterment Committee, Holy Family Social Justice and the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church are co-sponsoring a series of “Register to Vote” days, with members of both major parties volunteering to help.
The first event will be held in the parking area between Ace Hardware and the Hoag Library on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. Among those agreeing to participate in these efforts are Diana Dudley, Bob Golden, Gary Kent, Nancy McFee, Mike Neidert, Henry Smith, Jeff Smith, Gary Westlund and Deacon Billie Witherspoon.
Masks and social distancing will be required. Hand sanitizing will be supplied.
Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Maryland and Montana come off the list
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that five states—Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Maryland and Montana—have been removed from New York State’s Covid-19 travel advisory. Guam has been added.
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.
New York State has had a rate of positive tests below 1 percent for 18 straight days. Yesterday, 2 deaths were reported from Covid-19, matching the state’s previous low. No deaths were reported in New York City.
“New Yorkers made enormous sacrifices to get our numbers as low as they are today, and we don’t want to give up an inch of that hard-earned progress,” Cuomo said. “That’s why these travel advisory precautions are so important – we don’t want people who travel to states with high community spread to bring the virus back here.”
The full, updated travel advisory list includes: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Virgin Islands and Wisconsin.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 August 2020 at 9:21 am
MEDINA – The Village Board approved 12 members of a committee that will be tasked with looking at police policies and determine if reform is needed in the Medina Police Department.
Daniel Doctor, Pastor Jovannie Canales, Mayor Michael Sidari, Jacquie Chinn, Lt. Todd Draper, Scott Robinson, Sherry Tuohey, Chief Chad Kenward, David and Cynthia King, District Attorney Joe Cardone and Public Defender Joanne Best all have been named to the Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is requiring all 500 municipalities in the state that have law enforcement agencies to form committees with local elected officials, the police leaders and citizens and study the operations of the departments and determine if reform is needed.
The municipalities must adopt a plan by April 1, 2021 to be eligible for state funding. That plan could show that no changes are needed in the department.
“With more than 500 law enforcement agencies in our large and diverse state, there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution,” Cuomo said last week. “To rebuild the police-community relationship, each local government must convene stakeholders for a fact-based and honest dialogue about the public safety needs of their community. Each community must envision for itself the appropriate role of the police. Policies must be developed to allow the police to do their jobs to protect the public and these policies must meet with the local communities’ acceptance.”
The committee needs to look at the following issues:
Review the needs of the community served by its police agency, and evaluate the department’s current policies and practices;
Establish policies that allow police to effectively and safely perform their duties;
Involve the entire community in the discussion;
Develop policy recommendations resulting from this review;
Offer a plan for public comment;
Present the plan to the local legislative body to ratify or adopt it, and;
Certify adoption of the plan to the State Budget Director on or before April 1, 2021.
Police Chief Chad Kenward and Mayor Mike Sidari said they reached to a cross section of the community for the committee and have Black and Hispanic residents, senior citizens, representatives from the district attorney and public defender, the school, the business community, the Village Board and the police department.
One local resident spoke during Monday’s Village Board meeting and asked to be considered for the committee. Michael O’Keefe is a defense attorney and a village resident with a law office on Main Street.
He said police reform is needed. He has reviewed body camera footage from Medina police officers and from other nearby communities.
“I am seeing a consistent wrong,” O’Keefe said. “They are not performing their jobs.”
Chief Kenward said he and Sidari went with the guidelines in picking a representation from the community for the committee.
“I didn’t feel we needed three attorneys,” Kenward said.
Cardone, the district attorney, and Best, the public defender, are both attorneys.
O’Keefe said he brings a skill set that would be beneficial to the committee.
Village Trustee Owen Toale said if O’Keefe was on the committee someone else would have to be taken off.
“These are 11 people who are extremely well qualified,” Toale said. “They are vested in our community.”
O’Keefe can submit his concerns to the committee and speak out during a public hearing that is required before the plan is sent to the state, Village Board members said.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 25 August 2020 at 8:25 am
MEDINA – The board of MAAC’s Thrift Depot on Orient Street has revised the guidelines implemented for customers and donors when the store reopened in June after the pandemic.
Sue Metzo, coordinator of the Thrift Depot, said they want to ease some of the concerns voiced by customers. She said customers and donations have been down and they hope easing restrictions will encourage more people to visit, and still feel safe.
She said she has contacted both The Salvation Army and Goodwill, and learned they do not have such strict restrictions as the Thrift Depot was practicing.
Metzo said customers will still have to wear a mask and use hand sanitizer. They will no longer limit the number of shoppers in the store, she said. Children wearing masks will be allowed in the store, but they must stay with their parent at all times. This will be strictly enforced, she added.
The “touchless donation system” will continue, with the chutes remaining closed for now. Donations may be brought to the white door on Orient Street between 8:30 a.m. and noon on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. There, the donor, wearing a mask, will be guided to deposit donations in a quarantine area. There will no longer be a limit on clothing or household items one wishes to donate.
Metzo asked that donors make sure all items are clean and in good condition.
“It is costly for us to discard soiled, ripped or broken items,” she said.
These revised guidelines will be posted on the MAAC Thrift Depot Facebook page.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 August 2020 at 4:36 pm
Orleans County is reporting one new confirmed case of Covid-19 today, the first new case in a week. The county has now had 286 people test positive for the virus.
The new positive case is an Albion resident in the 50s. The individual was not on quarantine prior to testing positive, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said.
Two of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation. The county has now had 131 people from the community recover after getting Covid-19.
The Health Departments also reported 22 new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
In Genesee County there aren’t any new cases to report since Friday. The county has thtee more recoveries, bringing that total to 214.
Genesee has one resident hospitalized from Covid-19, and 13 new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
Click here to view the online map of confirmed cases in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
• State-wide data: Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a new record-low Covid-19 test positivity rate of 0.66 percent. There were 408 positive cases out of 62,031 test results. This was the 17th straight day with the positivity rate below 1 percent.
There are 482 hospitalizations in the state due to Covid-19, 120 people in ICU, and there were seven deaths on Sunday, bringing the total confirmed deaths in the state from Covid-19 to 25,295.
These are each of the 10 regions percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days. Orleans County is in the Finger Lakes Region.
More from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments:
• Gyms & Fitness Centers: In order for these centers to prepare for potential reopening today, 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 andunderstand 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.
HOLLEY – Two Crosby’s convenience stores in Orleans County recently completed a series of renovations and remodeling projects.
“Crosby’s is committed to providing the best possible experience for our customers throughout the region, and we’re glad to be able to offer new services and amenities for guests at our Orleans County stores,” said Doug Galli, vice president and general manager of Reid Stores/Crosby’s Convenience Stores. “We know many of our customers turn to their locally owned Crosby’s as a one-stop shop, and the expanded selection and services in our Holley and Clarendon stores allows us to better deliver everything they need.”
In Holley, customers can enjoy the same array of fresh food options, as well as Crosby’s signature breakfast selections, pizzas and calzones. This location also features a Subway sandwich shop for customers, in addition to a new f’real milkshake and smoothie machine. Customers can also fill up their tank with Crosby’s brand regular fuel and “90-rec,” an ethanol-free 90-octane unleaded gasoline blend.
Dignitaries and officials at the Clarendon reopening include, from left: David George, director of operations, Reid Stores, Inc.; Brenda Thompson, district leader, Crosby’s Clarendon; John White, member of The Reid Group Board of Directors; Nicole Dobo, assistant team leader, Crosby’s Clarendon; Lexianne Seewagen, sales associate, Crosby’s Clarendon; Kali Kent, sales associate, Crosby’s Clarendon; Thomasa Sanderson, team leader, Crosby’s Clarendon; Paul Quebral, president, The Reid Group; Richard Moy, town of Clarendon supervisor; Kevin Noon; Sabrina Lipowski, territory sales advisor, Reid Petroleum; Eileen Banker, representative from the office of State Assemblyman Stephen Hawley; Dan Okun, director of sales and merchandising, Reid Stores; and Doug Galli, vice president, Reid Stores.
The remodeled Clarendon store offers a range of fresh food options, including chicken tenders, wings, fries, pizza logs, mozzarella sticks and mac n cheese bites. The store also features made-to-order subs from the Sub Shoppe, pizza and calzone options – including breakfast pizza – and Crosby’s selection of convenient breakfast sandwiches to go. The store has also added a fountain soda machine with a selection of Pepsi products, and a new f’real milkshake and smoothie machine, offering guests a cool treat – an especially great option during these hot summer days. The Clarendon store also offers Marathon brand regular, premium and diesel fuel, as well as kerosene.
Guests at the renovated stores may also use the free Wi-Fi and on-site ATM, exchange propane tanks, use the air machine, purchase Memo money orders and play New York State Lottery games. Each store also features Slush Puppie iced beverages and fresh fruit options, and both locations accept SNAP and EBT benefits.
The Clarendon store is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, and the Holley store is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 August 2020 at 1:17 pm
With two major exceptions Governor Andrew Cuomo gave the go ahead this morning for the fall high school sports season to begin on September 21.
The governor announced that fall sports teams, which include football, boys and girls soccer, cross-country, golf, field hockey and volleyball, can begin practice on September 21.
All of those sports can then begin playing games with one major exception – football.
The governor’s announcement stated that while football teams can begin practicing on September 21 but as of now they cannot play games.
The governor’s announcement also stated that teams cannot practice or play games out of the school’s region or contiguous regions/counties until October 19.
Interestingly, the Niagara-Orleans League schools are split into two separate regions for the Covid-19 testing results. Albion and Medina are in the Finger Lakes Region while Roy-Hart, Barker, Akron, Newfane and Wilson are all in the Western New York Region.
“It’s kind of odd. I don’t know what to make of it,” said Medina Athletic Director and Varsity Football Coach Eric Valley.
“There are so many unknown,” said Albion Athletic Director and Varsity Football Coach Adam Krenning. “There is some good news though for our student-athletes and that is we will be able to start to practice on September 21.”
The situation now shifts to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) which has already scheduled a three day schedule to respond to the governor’s announcement.
Those three steps are as follows:
1 – Within 24 hours of the governor’s announcement Section Executive Directors, NYSPHSAA Officers and NYSPHSAA President Rbert Zayas will meet.
2 – Within 48 hours of the governor’s announcement the NYSPHSAA Covis-19 Task Force will meet.
3 – Within 72 hours of the governor’s announcement the NYSPHSAA Officers will render a decision “IF” necessary.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 August 2020 at 12:15 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Guardian of the Waters, a mural on Main Street in Lockport, was completed in 2015. This photo was taken on Saturday. The mural pays tribute to the engineering marvels that created the Flight of Five locks, which spurred several engineering inventions. The mural is 38 feet tall and 62 feet wide. The mural is on the side wall of Mills’ Jewelers at 51 Main St. The mural was painted by Buffalo artists Augustina Droze and Bruce Adams.
Today will be a hot day in Orleans County, with a high forecast for 88 with a chance for showers and thunderstorms tonight after 3 a.m.
Tuesday is forecast for a high near 81 with a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Wednesday will be partly sunny with a high near 74 and a chance for showers and thunderstorms at night, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
Thursday will have a high near 81 with showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm.
Friday there is another chance for showers with thunderstorms possible after 2 p.m. It will be partly sunny with a high near 78.
Lockport also has these cutouts of people from the canal’s heyday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 August 2020 at 11:41 am
ALBION – The couple turning the former Pillars property on West County House Road into a wedding and events center is offering a series of free classes on marketing and building a business profile online.
Kerri and Cole Glover, owners of Maison Albion, are offering the classes from Sept. 7 through Nov. 2 at 13800 West County House Rd. The class sizes are capped at 25 people and social distancing will be adhered to for the 1 1/2 hour sessions.
Mrs. Glover, a native of Maui in Hawaii, has worked 22 years in the wedding industry and has been a key leader in developing 13 other wedding venues in Hawaii, Colorado, California, Texas and Montana. She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in marketing.
Mr. Glover, a seventh-generation Texan, has a sales background, as well as 15 years in event management. He and his wife met in Denver. They were engaged in Paris and married in Venice. He has a degree in mass communication.
“We would like to offer them because our investment in this community is not just about the purchase and restoration of Maison Albion, but also in the people, businesses and community here,” Mrs. Glover said about the classes.
The class schedule includes:
Sept. 7th – Beginning Website Design – Walk out of this class with a basic website design for your business.
Sept. 22nd – Google My Business Listings and Online Review Management – Ensure your business is searchable in GoogleMaps, up to date, and learn how to respond and solicit online reviews.
Oct. 7th – Social Media Creation and Development – Learn to create your Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest accounts and design social media content.
Oct. 22nd – Public Relations and Event Marketing – Learn how to get free exposure for your business and create events that draw attention to your company.
Nov. 2nd – Google AdWords and Beginning Search Engine Optimization – Leave this class with the knowledge to advertise with paid Google Ads and learn how to make your website searchable on the internet.
The classes begin at 5 p.m. and attendees are urged to bring a laptop or Maison Albion will have some to share. Please RSVP to bonjour@maisonalbion.com.
“When we open this venue, we want to ensure that as much revenue as possible is directed into the community,” Mrs. Glover said. “That means businesses that are searchable and recognizable online for a couple planning their wedding from Rochester and Buffalo as well. If we improve our online presence as a community, we improve the potential to capture as much income as possible locally as well.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 24 August 2020 at 7:51 am
Shoppers may notice something different when they go to pay for their purchases lately.
There is a shortage of change.
Personnel from several local banks admitted there is a shortage, but said any comments would have to come from their corporate offices.
A call to Medina Savings and Loan’s parent company, Generations Bank in Seneca Falls, was returned by Mike Reed, vice president of marketing, who said they have tried to make sure their branches were supplied with enough change. He said customers are urged to reach for their debit card instead of cash, and many people are using electronic payment options.
“Customers are adapting,” Reed said.
Amanda Pollard, assistant branch manager of Tompkins Bank of Castile in Medina, admitted to a shortage of change. She said now that many customers have been staying home, they are wrapping their change and bringing it in, which has helped.
At Tops Friendly Markets, Cheryl Colbert, director of Customer Experience, said their customers have not felt the impact of the national coin shortage.
“We were ahead of it and took precautionary measures to address the situation,” Colbert said. “We are temporarily accepting rolled coins at our customer service desk, which has helped. Additionally, as part of our Neighbors Helping Neighbors philosophy, we are encouraging customers to round up their change to support local charities, and that has worked well to provide funding for necessary programming and services they provide to our communities.”
A clerk, however, from Crosby’s at the corner of Maple Ridge Road and South Main Street in Medina, said they haven’t had any dimes in several months. She said they are scrounging to find enough pennies and nickels, and added they can’t even get change from their bank.
Emilie Peracciny, who just went into business with her mother at Alexandra Peracciny Photography on Main Street, also works at Aldi’s and TJ Maxx, both of whom are experiencing the shortage, she said. She said Aldi’s was asking customers for exact change or suggesting they use a credit card.
At Medina Aldi’s, a recent customer whose bill ended in 76 cents was told unless she had exact change, the clerk could not give her any change. She said they had no pennies at all. Another Aldi’s employee said his store ordered change every week, but hadn’t gotten any since the first of June.
A former Medina family who now lives in Rock Hill, S.C., is experiencing the shortage there as well. Their local McDonald’s is refusing cash transactions and insisting customers use electronic options.
A press release online from the National Reserve said the shortage has been created by the pandemic, which has closed many businesses. As a result, people aren’t shopping as frequently and putting money into circulation.
One local bank employee questioned whether the shortage was real, or just a situation created by the government to create panic among people.
Residents, however, who collect change and save it in a jar at home are being urged to take it to their bank or store.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 23 August 2020 at 8:31 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Medina Lions, from left, Ann McElwee, Jim Punch and Don Colquhoun sit at the welcome area in Medina’s canal basin, as they wait for the first motorcyclists to arrive during a dice run Sunday to benefit food pantries in Niagara County and Medina.
MEDINA – A dice run sponsored by Niagara County Lions clubs on Saturday, and which Medina Lions participated in for the first time, has netted $750 for food pantries in Medina, Lockport, Wheatfield, Lewiston, Wilson and Olcott.
It was four years ago when Duane Snyder of Olcott pitched an idea to his local Lions Clubs, suggesting they have a dice run to support food pantries in the local area.
Motorcyclists Pete and Lois Kaminski of Youngstown were the first to arrive in Medina during a dice run Sunday to benefit local food pantries. This is the first year Medina Lions have taken part in the event, which also included Lions clubs from Olcott, Wilson, Lewiston, Lockport and Wheatfield.
“I thought it was a worthy cause and knew there were needy people,” Snyder said Sunday, after a very successful fourth dice run.
Although Medina Lions didn’t have any motorcyclists who participated, they did set up a table in the canal basin’s gazebo, where they welcomed riders who shook the dice and were offered a free bottle of water. The five Niagara County Lions clubs which participated were Lockport, Olcott, Wilson, Lewiston and Wheatfield.
Medina Lions members who set up the welcome area and greeted cyclists were Don Colquhoun, Jim Punch, Ann McElwee and Russ and Christine Thompson.
The first cyclists to arrive in Medina were Pete and Lois Kaminsky of Youngstown. They said it was a beautiful ride to Medina and they had been here before and loved to come to Medina.
According to Snyder, the ride started at Woodcock Brewing Company in Wilson. Next was the Silo in Lewiston, where they received free ice cream. At Bob Weaver Motorsports in Wheatfield, they were provided with free water. The company also provided gift certificates for prizes. Snyder added that Sue at Bob Weaver Motorsports promoted the ride heavily on social media, which resulted in a number of riders.
In all, he said a record 50 riders participated.
In Lockport, their stop was at Lake Effect Ice Cream on the canal. After leaving Medina, the route took them to their final stop at Olcott, where Snyder said Aaron Day, an Olcott Lion, had also promoted the ride on Facebook.
While not a lot of the riders were Lions members, Snyder said they appreciated the support from other motorcyclists who joined them. All the stops were manned by Lions’ members, he said.
At the end of the day, the ride netted $750, which will be divided up between food pantries in all six towns, Snyder said. Prize money for the riders came from registration fees (each rider and co-rider paid $10 to participate) and donations from the community.
