Photos courtesy of Chris Jacobs’ Office

WASHINGTON, DC – Chris Jacobs this morning took the oath of office as the new representative in New York’s 27^thCongressional District.

Nancy Pelosi, the House Speaker, administered the oath. Jacobs was joined by his wife Martina, their daughter Anna and Jacobs’ mother, Pam.

Jacobs fills a seat that has been vacant for nearly 10 months following resignation of Chris Collins.

“Our district has been without representation and leadership for far too long – today that finally ends and the people of NY27 have representation again,” Jacobs said. “I am deeply grateful and honored that the voters have put their trust in me, and I am eager to get to work fighting for them and their needs in Congress.”

Jacobs won a special election on June 23 but had to wait for absentee ballots to be counted. He edged Nate McMurray, 37,910 votes to 36,492.

“Whether it is fighting for our region’s small businesses, or supporting our great family farms, or working to update infrastructure and rural broadband access – I promise to serve this district with honor and integrity,” Jacobs said in a statement. “I care deeply about our Western New York Community, and I look forward to helping our region reach its full potential.”

Pictured from left during the swearing in ceremony include: Jacobs’ brothers Luke and Larry, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Jacobs’ wife Martina, their daughter Anna (1), and Jacobs’ mother Pam.

Orleans and Genesee today are both reporting one new case of Covid-19.

In Orleans, the new case is a Clarendon resident in the 80s. The county has now had 272 people test positive for the coronavirus.

The new positive individual was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.

The Orleans and Genesee County Health Departments also is reporting one new recovery, bringing that total to 117.

The county also has 45 new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states, for 78 total.

Two residents are currently hospitalized with Covid-19.

In Genesee County, the one new case is a Batavia resident in the 70s. Genesee has now had 244 people test positive for the virus.

The positive individual was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive for Covid-19.

Two of the previous community positive cases have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation. Genesee has now had 178 recoveries.

In Genesee, there are 15 new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states, and now has 91 total on precautionary quarantine due to travel.

No individuals are hospitalized in Genesee due to Covid-19.

More from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Department

• Travel Advisory: New York is requiring travelers from the following 31 states with high coronavirus rates to self-quarantine for 14 days: Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

Those violating could be subject to a judicial order and mandatory quarantine and potential fines. These states may change at any time.

• Traveler Health Form: For all out-of-state travelers from NYS restricted states, whether arriving by land or air, must self-identify by completing a traveler health form or be subject to a $2,000 fine. Click here for the traveler health form.

• Essential Workers’ Quarantine: Those who are noted as essential workers who have either been in close contact with someone who tested positive or who has traveled from a restricted state (more than 24 hours in restricted state) and are NYS residents will be placed on either mandatory quarantine (close contact with confirmed positive) or precautionary quarantine (returning traveler).

If they are not experiencing any symptoms, they can report to work if they are deemed essential and critical for the operation or safety of the workplace but they must follow strict guidelines while at the workplace which includes wearing a mask at all times while in the workplace for 14 days after exposure. They must self-monitor health and temperature, maintain social distancing practices, clean and disinfect workspaces and maintain quarantine which means they are only able to go to the workplace and home when not working. To read more about these requirements click here.

• For those who are traveling to NYS for work, click here for guidance.

• For those who are returning to their NYS residence or are traveling to NYS from restricted states and have tested for COVID-19, they will still be quarantined for the 14 days after the last contact within such designated states regardless if they tested negative. The quarantine runs independent of any testing due to the incubation period of the virus which can be anywhere from 2-14 days.

•  Alcohol Sales Guidance: Executive Order 202.52 in effect starting July 17 requires all licensed establishments with on premises privileges (e.g. restaurants, taverns, manufacturers with tasting rooms, etc.) shall not serve alcoholic beverages unless such alcoholic beverage is accompanied by the purchase of a food item by each patron in a seated party.

‘We ask that if you feel strongly about an issue on either side that at the minimum you respect others and avoid conflict by not testing these issues by intentionally going against an order or guideline.’ – Roland Nenni, Albion and Holley Police Chief

Press Release, Albion and Holley Police Chief Roland Nenni

ALBION – Recently there have been many questions asked and posts placed on social media in regards to the wearing of masks/face coverings and other executive orders from the governor issued during the Covid-19 pandemic and how law enforcement is handling them.

Roland Nenni

As you are aware the New York State Governor has issued in excess of 50 executive orders in response to the Covid19 pandemic. Many of these orders are issued with little to no guidance on how they are to be enforced and to whom they are to be enforced by.

While many of the orders are issued with the intent to help save lives and protect citizens, they are contradictory to previous orders and confusing at best. We in law enforcement believe strongly in the protection of rights to all citizens regardless of race, color or ethnicity. We work hard to protect constitutional rights and in the same fashion protect citizen’s lives and property.

Many in our community see the Executive Orders issued during the Covid-19 pandemic as unconstitutional and illegal. We in law enforcement also see many of these orders as lacking the due process necessary to begin any type of enforcement action when we receive complaints of executive orders being violated. This places us in a very difficult position that we must navigate through each time we receive a complaint that a Covid-19 order is being violated.

As I have said, we believe strongly in due process. That process is done when the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government work together to create laws and test the constitutionality of these laws and orders. This test is done using due process over time. Constitutionality of an order issued is not determined in a parking lot during a dispute between citizens days after the order was placed into effect.

‘We as a community need to respect the fact that everyone’s actions have a bearing on the spread of the virus. Covid-19 can range from no symptoms in some people and can result in death in others.’

Every day we receive 911 calls and anonyms NY Pause Complaints from citizens that are reporting other citizens that are not wearing face masks or social distancing. We respond to these complaints with the intent to mitigate, educate and resolve any dispute that is occurring or about to occur. Locally we have seen citizens getting into physical altercations over the wearing or not wearing face coverings. Nationally these disputes have turned deadly and we hope to prevent violence at each of these calls for service.

There has been information released at the state level that if employees of a business or patrons of a business are not wearing a mask, a fine in excess of $1,000 can be levied against the violator. Many take this as a threat from government. This potential action is not coming from the police or our local government. This is being done at the state level and they are pushing the responsibility of this enforcement onto local law enforcement and health officials in the form of Health Law Violations.

I cannot speak for law enforcement agencies that are not under my control, but I can for the Albion and Holley Police Departments which operate under the same Orders. There have recently been posts on social media that have detailed police responses to face covering incidents that are inaccurate. I would like to clear up some misconceptions regarding police response. We do not keep a “list” or “registry” of mask or social distancing violators.

We do collect information from everyone an officer speaks to on every call for service we respond to, regardless of the type of incident. This is done so the officer can complete a detailed report of the response. The purpose of the report is so that police supervisors and myself can review each call for service to make sure everything is complete.

We also record this information so that the Police Command Staff can respond to complaints or inquires days and sometimes years after the call for service. I have reviewed the body camera footage from a recent police call for service regarding a “Face Covering Violation.” The officer conducted himself professionally and respectfully and simply pointed out the Executive Order and that fines can be levied for the violation.

‘We hope that all patrons will wear masks while inside a business to reduce the conflict that will undoubtedly occur because of the lack of a mask. By wearing a mask, you reduce the chance of the business owner from facing potential fines that could cause the business to close.’

The “face covering” issue is one of the biggest areas of resistance and misunderstanding. The executive orders state that a “face covering” must be worn when social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. The Executive Order further states that a business must make all employees wear face coverings at all times and that patrons of the business must wear a mask when they cannot maintain the 6-foot social distance. If a business patron is found to be inside a business without a face covering and is within 6 feet of someone else, no matter what the circumstance, the business is susceptible to thousands of dollars in fines.

We all must realize that social distancing of 6 feet is difficult inside a building that is inhabited by others. We hope that all patrons will wear masks while inside a business to reduce the conflict that will undoubtedly occur because of the lack of a mask. By wearing a mask, you reduce the chance of the business owner from facing potential fines that could cause the business to close.

Please understand that law enforcement did not choose to be placed in these situations and the last thing we want is to be involved in a political and constitutional debate, which we have no control over. There are opinions on both sides of these issues that we in law enforcement cannot resolve. We ask that if you feel strongly about an issue on either side that at the minimum you respect others and avoid conflict by not testing these issues by intentionally going against an order or guideline.

Regardless of political views or the acceptance of scientific data, Covid-19 can and does affect everyone differently. We as a community need to respect the fact that everyone’s actions have a bearing on the spread of the virus. Covid-19 can range from no symptoms in some people and can result in death in others.

New York has added 10 more states to a list where travelers need to self quarantine for 14 days when they come to New York.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the new states on the list: Alaska, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Virginia and Washington.

There are now 31 states on New York’s travel quarantine. These are states have a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents over a 7-day rolling average or they are states with a 10% or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average.

There were 22 states previously on the quarantine. One of those, Minnesota, is now off the list.

The other states, besides the 10 new ones listed, include: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.

The governor also announced the state had two people die from Covid-19 on Monday, that is the fewest deaths during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The state also had 724 people hospitalized with Covid-19 on Monday, the second fewest since March 18.

There were 66,169 tests were performed on Monday with 855 tests coming back positive or 1.29% of the total.

Governor says bars without social distancing pose ‘dangerous situation’

Cuomo, in a conference call with reporters, also addressed the state decision to not allow bars or restaurants to serve alcohol unless people are ordering food.

The governor said the state never allowed bars to reopen during the pandemic. The state doesn’t have separate liquor licenses for bars and restaurants.

Many other states have separate liquor licenses for bars and restaurants, and many of those states haven’t given bars permission to reopen.

Cuomo said the New York intended for bars to reopen later in the state’s reopening plan because bars draw crowds of people who don’t tend to sit at socially distanced tables.

“Bars are congregations of people milling about,” Cuomo said. “That is what we’re trying to avoid.”

He acknowledged the bars are under tremendous economic pressure. But he said they need to ensure patrons are being safe and not spreading the virus.

“Bars are the last type of activity you want to encourage, a large-scale congregant,” he said.

The state suspended the liquor licenses at four establishments yesterday, 3 in Queens and 1 in Long Island, and has now suspended the licenses at 27 bars or restaurants.

Cuomo said he will keep pushing for enforcement because bars without social distancing are a “dangerous situation” where the virus can spread.

Photo by Tom Rivers: About two thirds of respondents in a school survey said they want students back in classrooms, with precautions in place, in September. This photo shows Lyndonville’s L.A. Webber Middle-High School.

LYNDONVILLE – Lyndonville Central School District recently conducted a reopening of schools survey. Over 550 family members, caregivers and staff responded with the majority, 66 percent, indicated they believe in-person school should resume in September with new procedures in place.

Last week Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Education Department released detailed school building reopening guidelines. The state developed a list of mandates and best practice recommendations. In developing Lyndonville’s reopening plan, the district will incorporate the mandates and guidance provided by the state and suggestions made through advisory meetings.

“The reopening survey reflects what we have been hearing from families,” said Superintendent Jason Smith. “Many in the Lyndonville community feel confident the district will comply with the NYS guidelines and will be able to provide a safe and healthy school environment for their children in the fall.”

The top measures the community felt the district should implement for the safety of the students and staff include:

• Hand sanitizer in classrooms/common areas (90%)
• Wearing masks when unable to maintain social distancing (52%)
• No sharing of resources or materials (51%)
• Limited hallway travel (51%).

Many parents/caregivers also indicated they would be willing to help transport their children to help reduce the number of students bused to school daily.

In addition, over 60% indicated they would like student athletics, performing arts and extracurricular activities to resume in a traditional format with reasonable safety precautions in place.

Unfortunately, the NYS Public High School Athletic Association recently voted to delay the start of the Fall 2020 sports season to Sept. 21. NYSPHSAA also canceled the Fall 2020 Regional/State Championships and are preparing to implement a condensed season schedule in January 2021 if high school sports remain prohibited due to Covid-19.

While a final decision has not yet been made by NYS to reopen in-person school this fall, Lyndonville Central School remains hopeful. The governor stated schools can reopen if the region is in Phase IV and if its daily infection rate remains below 5 percent or lower using a 14-day average. Schools will close if the regional infection rate rises above 9 percent, using a 7-day average. NYS will make the formula determination August 1-7.

“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete the reopening survey,” said Board of Education President Theodore Lewis. “We will do the best we can to incorporate your suggestions with the NYS mandates to create a workable plan that allows our students and staff to safely return to school in September.”

The district will continue to develop their reopening plan with a series of advisory meetings this week. Lyndonville’s full reopening plan must be submitted to the state for approval by July 31. The plan will also be posted on the district website on July 31.

Chris Jacobs

Chris Jacobs is scheduled to take the oath of office this morning as the area’s new congressman.

The 27^th Congressional District has been without a representative since Chris Collins resigned on Sept. 30.

Jacobs won a June 23 special election against Nate McMurray.  The two will face off again in November for a full two-year term. The district includes eight counties in Western New York, including Orleans.

Jacobs is giving up a seat as state senator to serve in Congress. He has previously been Erie County clerk and a member of the Buffalo Board of Education.

Jacobs won Orleans County with 4,068 votes to 2,069 for McMurray. That includes in-person voting and absentee ballots.

Photos by Tom Rivers

POINT BREEZE – These ducks are munching on algae last night at Point Breeze. The sun had set and the colorful sky is reflected in the water.

There was a crowd at the harbor, many of them stargazers hoping to see the Comet NEOWISE. I hung around for a while with my youngest daughter but didn’t see the comet.

The mother duck and youngsters delighted the crowd, many with cameras at the ready.

The forecast the next three days includes partly sunny with a high of 81 today, followed by a high of 84 on Wednesday with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Thursday will reach 82 with a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m.

Genesee has 3 new cases including 2 under age 20

Orleans County has two new confirmed cases of Covid-19, the first new cases since a week ago.

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said the two new cases are both in their 30s, with one person from Ridgeway and the other from Murray. The two new positive residents were not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.

Orleans has now had 271 people test positive for Covid-19. The county also has two more recoveries for 116 total.

In addition, three people are currently hospitalized with Covid-19.

In Genesee County, there are three more confirmed cases – residents in Batavia, Bergen and Corfu. Two of the positive individuals are younger than 20 and one is in the 50s. The county has now had 243 people test positive.

The positive individuals were not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive, the Health Departments reported.

One of the previous community positive cases has recovered and has been released from mandatory isolation, bringing Genesee’s total recoveries to 176. No one is hospitalized from Genesee due to Covid-19.

Genesee and Orleans top 20,000 tests for Covid-19

The two counties have also topped 20,000 tests for Covid-19. Of the 20,319 tests, there have been 514 positives in the two counties, for a 2.53 percent positive rate.

In Orleans, the positive rate is more than double than in Genesee. Orleans has had 271 test positive out of 6,996 tests for a 3.84 percent positive rate.

In Genesee, the positive rate is 1.84 percent with 243 testing positive out of 13,223 tests.

In Orleans, about half of the positive cases are nursing home residents. The Village of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center in Albion has had 89 residents test positive while 58 residents at Orchard Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Medina have tested positive.

In Genesee, only one nursing home resident has tested positive, a resident of the Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Batavia.

Click here to view the Genesee and Orleans County online map of confirmed cases

The facility breakdown shows the total positive cases from those facilities  where a confirmed case was reported to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

More from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments:

• Travel Advisory: Travelers from the following states with high coronavirus rates will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.

Those violating could be subject to a judicial order and mandatory quarantine and potential fines. These states may change at any time.

• Traveler Health Form: For all out-of-state travelers from NYS restricted states, whether arriving by land or air, must self-identify by completing a traveler health form or be subject to a $2,000 fine. Click here for the traveler health form.

• Precautionary Quarantine: Everyone (including children) who has traveled to/from any restricted states (for more than 24 hours) are required to self (precautionary) quarantine and self-monitor their health upon entering New York.

This means the individual(s) cannot leave to go shopping, visiting, daycare and are only allowed to go for emergency care for 14 days. Businesses including childcare providers should include a travel question in their regular health screening for their staff and clientele/children. For general inquiries contact or call the Hotline: 1-888-364-3065 or click Ask A Question.

• Alcohol Sales Guidance: Executive Order 202.52 in effect starting July 17 requires all licensed establishments with on premises privileges (e.g. restaurants, taverns, manufacturers with tasting rooms, etc.) shall not serve alcoholic beverages unless such alcoholic beverage is accompanied by the purchase of a food item by each patron in a seated party.

• Covid Rental Assistance Program: A new Covid Rental Assistance Program will provide aid to low-income families who lost income due to the pandemic. Program applications are available here.

• Masks/Face coverings are still required to be properly worn (covering nose & mouth) for all employees who work with the public.  They are to be worn with direct contact (and all food service workers are to properly wear coverings when preparing and serving food – no exceptions) with the public as well as with co-workers when social distancing of 6 feet or more is not able to be kept.

All residents over the age of 2 and able to medically tolerate a face-covering are required to cover their nose and mouth with a mask or cloth face-covering when in public and unable to maintain, or when not maintaining social distance of 6 feet or more.

• Community Testing Sites: Check with the testing site for any specific criteria necessary for testing such as illness, contact with someone who tested positive, essential worker, required for reopening/business, etc. Many need to have a doctor referral/prescription. Always call first.

• Oak Orchard Health: 301 West Ave Albion, NY 14411. Call (585) 589-5613 to be screened and to schedule an appointment – no walk-ins.
• WellNow Urgent Care: 4189 Veterans Memorial Drive Batavia, NY 14020.
• Rochester Regional Health Urgent Care: 16 Bank Street Batavia, NY 14020. (Rochester Regional Health has transitioned Covid-19 evaluations from the tents at 127 North Street to Urgent Care.)

The State Department of Transportation announced that repaving along 10 miles of Route 31A will begin this week.

The $1.9 million project includes Route 31A from Route 98 to Route 63. The project is funded through the state’s PAVE NY Initiative.

The resurfacing work is expecting to last until mid-August. During this time, two-way traffic will be maintained using alternating single-lane closures. Motorists may encounter short delays and are encouraged to seek an alternate route.

All construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change.

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.

Kristine Mostyn says books remain popular, including with teens

Photos by Tom Rivers: Kristine Mostyn is the new director of the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina. She was the assistant director for 10 years under Catherine Cooper, who retired last month after 33 years at Lee-Whedon.

MEDINA – The new director of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library said the site on West Avenue has changed to offer more electronic materials and online programming. But she said books are still very popular, including among teen-agers.

Kristine Mostyn took over as director last month, following the retirement of Catherine Cooper, who worked at the library for 33 years.

Mostyn, 39, was the assistant director the past 10 years. She sat down for an interview on Friday in the “Teen Space” at the library, a spot with chairs and books for teenagers.

Question: Why stay here? It seems you have built up a resume and could go elsewhere?

Answer: I could and over the years there have been some offers from other libraries, asking me to apply there. But I really love the feel of Medina. It is a great community. It is very involved. All the businesses try to help each other. And the library and the people that work here are wonderful.

Question: Over the past 10 years this place has become more snazzy. How would describe these changes, how one big room has been several spots?

Answer: We made little spaces. We tried to do that because when you come in it is a giant room. It is nice to have that small feel, that it feels comfortable like you are at home.

Question: I’m sure people are wondering of the winter concert series, Finally Fridays, will keep happening?

Answer: I hope it will. We have plans to continue it as long as we are able to.

Question: That is an amazing thing that you get 200 people in here for those concerts on a Friday in February.

Is that unusual here at Lee-Whedon in creating the spaces, embracing artwork and having the concerts? It’s not just books and magazines.

Answer: We want to offer games and anything the people in the community want and need a space for. That is what we want to try to offer.

Question: I know you have a smaller meeting room. Is there local history in there?

Answer: There is. Right now it isn’t open. We call it the quiet room.

Question: What is your annual circulation and how has that been affected with e-Books, etc.

Answer: Our circulation is around 86,000. With electronics going up some of our print collections are going down. People are still borrowing materials, it’s just a different format.

Question: What do you see as the library of the future, or even the next five to ten years, if there will be big changes?

Answer: I don’t think there will be because overall electronic use has actually plateaued. The younger generation prefers books. There are times when they want a device when they are traveling for ease of use, but the teen-agers that are coming in are taking books so I don’t know that the print collection will change a whole lot.

Question: Why do you think that is?

Answer: It may have to do with them being on their devices so much that it’s a break from that.

Question: It looks like you still get a lot of new books. Have you had to shift some dollars away from books to electronics?

Answer: Our book budget has stayed fairly consistent. But how we divide it up between electronics and print changes. I know our Hoopla collection, which is online books and audio, with movies and TV shows on there, that used to be paid by the Nioga Library System. But starting in January, because the price has gone up so much, they can no longer do that. So we’re going to be taking on that cost which will be coming out of book budget.

Lee-Whedon has decals on the floor to encourage social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic. This one near the entrance tells people not to proceed if they have flu-like symptoms. The library returned to its regular hours on July 6. 

Question: I should ask you about Covid. I see the Plexiglass dividers at the circulation desk. I wonder what other changes you’ve made to be open to the public.

Answer: So we’ve purchased all of the floor stickers for social distancing. We’ve added additional hand sanitizing stations. We’ve provided face masks and face shields to our staff.

Question: Why face shields?

Answer: Some people don’t like having the mask on all day. Having the piece across their forehead is easier for them to tolerate. Also it is clear for people who are hard of hearing. They can at least see your lips to try to hear what you’re saying better.

We of course have to disinfect all the chairs and tables. We have carts in the foyer. We have to leave everything out there for three days before we can bring it in and check it in and put it back on the shelf.

Question: Is the idea that saves you from cleaning it with cleaning products?

Answer: Yes. They’re saying for the paper and plastic with books if you let them sit for 72 hours, anything that is on there should die.

Question: You reopened how recently?

Answer: Curbside started in May, then in beginning of June we started doing by appointment. You could come in for up to half an hour, and browse and leave. The second half hour we would take to sanitize everything.

On July 6, we started to be open for our regular hours and people could come and go.

Question: When I get up from this chair will someone have to come over and sanitize it?

Answer: Yes.

Question: Have you seen a significant drop in people coming in so far?

Answer: There is a significant drop. We’ve been talking about it. Some people aren’t aware that we are open. We have it up on social media, on our web site, and I’ve put an ad in the Pennysaver. We just added another sign outside that we are open, and please come on in.

We think some people are still afraid. They are just not sure. We have a lot of parents coming in without kids because they don’t want to take a chance with their kids being exposed to anything. So I think people are afraid.

Question: I think the interloan library program has resumed.

Answer: It has not resumed. They’re just not ready to start that yet. We are getting deliveries, but it’s just our books being returned to us, and we have to isolate those for 72 hours as well.

Kristine Mostyn is pictured with Samantha Covis, the new assistant director. Covis was a desk clerk the past three years. She has a master’s degree in library science from the University of Illinois.

Question: Are you happy to be in this line of work?

Answer: I love it. I order books, I order the DVDs for the collection. I see the numbers for what people are borrowing. I get to talk to people about what they like and try to make sure our collection reflects the community.

Question: It seems like all the libraries in our county have stepped it up with their facilities and programs. They aren’t just passive sites.

Answer: Correct. We aren’t just stagnating. When we closed on March 16, we had no intention of having online programming for summer because we’ve never had to. We’ve always done in-house. While we were closed we instituted all new software that all the staff had to learn while they were home.

Now we’re offering on-line summer reading, which is actually turning out really well.

Suzanne (McAllister, the children’s librarian) and I were both doing videos on Facebook. Parents could in and pick up a kit for their kids, and bring it home and do it with us through a video. They log their reading online on our beanstalk site.

Question: What else is there to say?

Answer: We have hired a new assistant director, Samantha Covis.

Governor Andrew Cuomo said today he is increasingly concerned with reports of large crowds at bars and restaurants, with many patrons not socially distancing or wearing masks.

It is particularly a problem in New York City and Long Island, Cuomo said, as well as some establishments in Upstate New York.

Those operators are putting all bars and restaurants at risk of being closed, Cuomo said during a news conference this morning in New York City, before he headed to Savannah, Ga.

“One of the main threats to our progress is the number of congregations that we’re seeing across the state, but especially in downstate, primarily of young people, and we saw it again over the weekend,” Cuomo said. “It is a problem, and I’m telling you in plain New York speak that it’s stupid and it has to stop. This not just morality, these restaurants and bars are breaking the law and they are going to make it bad for everyone else because if this continues we’re going to have to roll back the reopening plan and close all bars and restaurants.”

The state is currently doing well in containing Covid-19, Cuomo said, but the crowds at bars and restaurants, as well as travelers from state’s with high Covid-19 rates, make the state vulnerable to a spike in new cases.

The state on Sunday reported 716 people were hospitalized with Covid-19, gthe lowest number since March 18.

The state also reported 519 new cases of Covid-19, with 1.05 percent testing positive out of 49,342 tests.

Cuomo said he is pleased the state is holding steady at a 1 percent positive rate with the tests.

“We did the impossible in New York,” he said about reducing the hospitalizations and number of daily new cases. “We have to protect the progress we’ve made.”

The state in the throes of the pandemic had nearly 20,000 people hospitalized with Covid-19, and there were more than 10,000 new confirmed cases at the peak.

Cuomo said he appreciates other states reaching out to New York in March and April when hospitals were overwhelmed with Covid-19 patients. About 30,000 healthcare professionals offered to come to New York hospitals when the crisis raged.

“I know New Yorkers. We don’t forget,” Cuomo said. “We’re doing everything we can to pay it back.”

He is going to Savannah today to offer advice on setting up testing sites, a contact tracing program and plan to help hospitals manage the Covid-19 patients.

Cuomo urged the local governments and police departments to enforce the Covid-19 guidelines for bars and restaurants. He said the state is close to being forced to shut down the establishments due to noncompliance.

“The bad restaurant and bar owners are going to make it worse for the good ones,” Cuomo said.

MONTOUR FALLS – Tyler Harrington, a Medina firefighter, is among 21 graduates from the state’s Recruit Firefighter Training program at the Office of Fire Prevention and Control’s Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls.

The graduates hail from 14 fire departments and represent the Academy’s 79th Recruit Firefighter Training class. The typical 11-week residential program provides extensive fire service training in an environment similar to a full-time fire department.

However, given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the training was adapted to accommodate remote learning for the classroom-based portions and to ensure the practical training conducted on-site was done so safely. Upon graduation, all recruits will become full-time firefighters in their respective fire departments when they return home.

“As we continue to move forward in this new world, it’s more important than ever we continue to provide critical training to the first responders out there every day helping communities stay safe and secure,” said Patrick A. Murphy, commissioner of the NYS Homeland Security and Emergency Services. “Achieving firefighter certification is no small task, and to have reached this goal amid a global pandemic is all the more impressive. I congratulate these recruits on a job well done and wish them nothing but the best as they begin their careers in public service.”

During the 11-week program, recruits participate in more than 500 hours of training in both classroom and practical settings. Classes focus on areas such as emergency vehicle and pump operations, flammable gas firefighting, basic rescue technician skills and foundational firefighting training and operations.

Recruits also participate in daily physical fitness training in preparation for the Candidate Physical Ability Test. Upon completion, graduates will have received national certification from the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications in Firefighter I, Firefighter II and Hazardous Materials Operations.

Press Release, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer

A day before he heads back to Washington to lead negotiations on the next coronavirus recovery bill, COVID-4, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer revealed on Sunday that U.S. Post offices could be forced to shut their doors unless they get an immediate infusion of funds and the personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies needed to keep workers and the mail-receiving public safe.

Schumer made a vow to fight for a critically-needed $25 billion for the USPS so they can keep the doors open and the mail moving for all Americans.

“All across Upstate New York, from Western and Central New York, to the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Capital District, Hudson Valley, or beyond, the USPS performs a lifeline service for countless Americans and the people of New York that must continue amid and beyond this pandemic,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer.

Schumer explained the fight to keep post offices across the country open will begin this week. He said the services provided by USPS amount to lifelines for millions of Americans that cannot be replaced or easily replicated, especially in certain parts of the country. Schumer detailed how the coronavirus pandemic has crippled our post offices and their operations as he stressed their relevance and importance to our larger economic recovery.

“The fact is, the coronavirus has severely crippled USPS operations and their funds,” Schumer said. “Despite that, they have kept the doors open, the mail – and really the economy – moving, and now they need the help to sustain their pace.”

According to the Associated Press, mail volume is down by more than 30% from last year because of the coronavirus, and the Postal Service says losses will increase by more than $22 billion over the next 18 months. Schumer said the USPS will need dollars to purchase the PPE it needs, in addition to funding to offset the aforementioned operational shortfalls delivered by the coronavirus.

“We are unable to predict the duration of COVID-19 business closures and the duration of the recession we are currently experiencing: however, this situation will materially damage our financial condition,” said USPS Chief Financial Officer Joseph Corbett. “While we continue to conserve capital and reduce expenses in areas where volumes are declining, our ability to continue to serve the nation will require substantial finding from the federal government or other sources.”

The U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation: 160 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes. The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations, according to the Service.

Site on Countyhouse Road will be known as Maison Albion, with French design

Cole and Kerri Glover – including daughter Evelyn, 1, and son Benjamin, 12 – believe the Albion location will be a draw for couples from Buffalo to Rochester.

ALBION – The Pillars on West Countyhouse Road in Albion has new owners who plan a major redesign of the site.

Cole and Kerri Glover want to develop the property into a wedding and events venue with a French design from the turn of the century.

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. Her brother, Michael Bolster, also is a part owner in the Albion site.

Mr. Glover, a seventh-generation Texan, was scouting the country for a site the couple could develop into a wedding venue. They narrowed it to 10 locations, and saw the most potential with the property in Albion, which they said can draw from the Buffalo and Rochester markets.

“We feel confident this will be successful,” Mr. Glover, 36, said during an interview at the site.

There are about 3,000 counties in the United States. Glover initially looked at top 400 counties for weddings where there are at least 1,000 weddings annually. In Rochester and Buffalo, there are about 13,000 weddings each year.

The location in Albion, between the two metro areas, was a big plus for the couple. Then they saw the property and the Albion community. They were convinced the site would appeal to couples celebrating their big day.

“The property itself is gorgeous,” Mrs. Glover said. “I feel like I’m living in the Gilmore Girls.”

Albion also has a wow effect with the many historic homes in good condition, the Courthouse Square, the downtown business district and the cavernous churches. The Glovers believe the community will impress couples and others looking to celebrate a special event.

Besides a redesign of the property, the Glovers are working to connect with local vendors, florists, restaurants and other small businesses.

The ballroom currently is full of furniture, antiques, restaurant equipment and other décor that will be sold on Aug. 1 at an estate sale.

They need skilled tradespeople to help with the work on the house and the property. Mrs. Glover urged tradespeople, artists, landscapers and vendors to reach out to her if they are willing to be part of the effort. Some of the projects are less daunting like removing wallpaper and fixing furniture. Other work will be a significant effort, such as replacing the four columns in the front of the house. Mrs. Glover can be reached at KerriLynnGlover@gmail.com.

The Glovers have high praise for the previous owners, Scott Root and Tony McMurtie. They turned the site into an events center after major renovations. McMurtie in particular loved to put on an annual Titantic Ball in April.

Tony McMurtie, one of the previous owners of The Pillars, welcomes guests during the Titanic Ball in April 2015. McMurtie started the Titanic Ball on the 100th anniversary of Titanic’s fateful voyage in April 2012. The inaugural gala also launched the opening of the grand ballroom at the Pillars.

“She’s really beautiful,” Mrs. Glover, 41, said about the house. “We’re just putting our polish on.”

The Glovers won’t be running an on-location food business. They will have all the meals catered. They are selling the restaurant equipment and other furniture, antiques and décor in an estate sale on Aug. 1.

They officially closed on the property on July 6. They need to work with the town to get the needed permits for hosting weddings and events.

Mrs. Glover, who has helped plan more than 1,000 weddings, said there will also be significant landscaping at the site and she wants to expand the parking lot.

The site has a capacity for 299 inside, but the Glovers will market it for about 150 to 160 people. There is also plenty of room for tents and food trucks.

The Glovers want to make the property available for free 10 times a year to the community to host events. They would like to welcome the public in December for Albion’s annual Hometown Holiday event. The Albion Merchants Association organizes that celebration, which includes stops at many local businesses. They Glovers would like to host a Victorian themed celebration on Dec. 12.

They also would like to host an annual party with a swing band for the community around July 4^th.

“We have all this space,” Mrs. Glover said. “We want it to feel like home for Albion. We want this venue to belong to the community as much as it does us.”

Cole and Kerri Glover are pictured in the top floor of the house. They plan to give the site a major redesign with a turn of the century French decor.

Mr. Glover 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 also enjoys the challenge of developing a property. He will be repairing 41 doors at the house himself. But he said the couple will be hiring many skilled trades workers for the redevelopment of the property.

He believes the Albion site will be considered a premiere location in the region.

“We want to restore this place to its highest and best use,” he said.

Kerri Glover created these concept boards for the bridesmaid suite and also for the secret garden.