By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2020 at 2:27 pm
Special Marine Warning also issued on Lake Ontario
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a severe thunderstorm watch until 7 p.m. for Orleans and the following counties: Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Niagara, Monroe, Wayne, northern Cayuga, Oswego, Jefferson, Ontario and Chautauqua.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo also has issued a Special Marine Warning for Lake Ontario from Thirty Mile Point in Barker to Irondequoit Bay until 3 p.m.
The strong thunderstorms with higher winds and suddenly higher waves could damage small craft, the Weather Service said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2020 at 10:22 am
New York State has a new low for hospitalizations from Covid-19. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced today that 722 were hospitalized in the state on Saturday for Covid-19, the lowest number since March 18.
The state peaked with 18,825 hospitalizations from Covid-19.
The hospitalizations continue to drop. The 722 is down from 743 the previous day, which was the lowest since March 18.
“We’re continuing to progress forward through the Covid-19 pandemic in the face of a continued explosion of cases throughout the United States, and that’s reflected in today’s hospitalizations—the lowest number since March 18—and rate of positive cases,” Cuomo said. “During these confining and frustrating times, I know it’s tempting to be tired of the many rules and guidelines the state has issued, but I reiterate that this pandemic is far from over, and the incredible compliance and fortitude of New Yorkers are key parts of our ability to fight Covid-19. Socially distance, wear a mask, wash your hands and stay New York Smart.”
Of the 46,204 tests conducted in New York State on Saturday, 502, or 1.08 percent, were positive.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2020 at 9:11 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: This weather vane is pictured last night on top of a barn on Route 98 in Albion.
A heat advisory is effect for Orleans County today from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with the heat index forecast to hit 100.
The heat advisory also includes Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Monroe, Wayne, northern Cayuga, Oswego, Jefferson, Livingston, Ontario and Chautauqua counties.
The hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur, the National Weather Service in Buffalo said.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the Weather Service said. “Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.”
People should take extra precautions if working or spending time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.
The high temperature today is forecast for 93. The rest of the week the highs aren’t forecast to hit 90 but will be in the 80s, according to the Weather Service.
I have always found body art, aka tattoos, very intriguing. Sometimes I even partake. But don’t let my proclamation fool you, because needles leave me feeling queasy.
In order for me to display body art, it is going to have to be the temporary paint or press-on variety. Another pain-free option is the Henna Tattoo. Both can last a couple weeks and involve no puncturing of the skin.
A proper tattoo is created by injecting pigments into your skin to create permanent designs. Tattoos were first discovered on the remains of a body in the glacial ice alps. They predict the time period to be 3250 BCE. Not sure exactly the scope of that timeframe, but it sounds like a very long time ago. The remains had 61 tattoos on them.
Tattoos can be decorative, such as a pretty butterfly or symbolic, such as a wedding band around your finger or even pictorial, such as a photo of a loved one.
There are many reasons tattoos are given. Current times allow for mostly consenting tattoos, meaning the receiver wants one. History tells us tattoos have not always been consenting like in Nazi Germany when tattoos where forcibly given to identify victims of the concentration camps. I read that sometimes tattoos are given to those afflicted with Alzheimer’s for their safety so they can be identified if they wander.
The concept of a makeup tattoo is very appealing. Yep, that is a real thing. Imagine never having to apply lipstick again because the color is tattooed upon your lips. That would be very handy right now with masks and all. I read the lipstick industry is suffering due to fallen sales in the last few months. Totally makes sense. It is difficult to keep lipstick on while wearing a mask.
To me tattoos are like inking what is on your mind or in your heart. If the emotion created is strong enough a tattoo will surely keep it in your path of sight, a reminder of what brings you joy or purpose.
My cousin and I were talking about getting a tattoo and she actually braved up and got one. If I thought I could work up the nerve I would put it on my 2020 Vision Board. However, I fear I may chicken out once the tattoo machine starts buzzing and only sure things go on the Vision Board.
In order to have a tattoo one must possess their full faculties, which means no consuming “liquid courage” prior. Good thing my linen closet has an assortment of fun tattoos, like flags, flowers, bees, butterflies, henna and lots more.
There are all kinds of fun tattoos for purchase. Consider it an accessory and next time you are heading to a fun event, maybe slap one on. It is bound to create some comments and laughter from those who just “Can not believe you got a tattoo!” Don’t tell your secret. For a moment in time put on a brave face and let everyone believe that you are carefree and Inked Your Mind OR brave up and get real ink!
Share your inking ideas. Visit my blog live online at https://www.positiveperksposts.com and catch up on weekly photo perks and past Sunday posts. Like and share your comments.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 July 2020 at 9:59 pm
Photo courtesy of Bruce Landis
Bruce Landis, a professional photographer in Albion, was out last night to try to get a photograph of Comet NEOWISE.
He heard about the comet on the news and was hopeful he could get a photo.
“After searching the sky for about a half hour, and about to call it a night, I located it not far above the horizon due north, under the Big Dipper,” Landis said.
This photo also shows some fire flies in the lower left corner.
The comet was discovered on March 27 by NASA’s Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) mission.
The comet won’t make it back for another 6,800 years, according to NASA.
BARRE – Apex Clean Energy and Heritage Wind are pleased to announce the opening of the Summer 2020 grant cycle for the Heritage Wind Community Grant Program.
The program was launched this past spring to help small businesses and nonprofits in the Town of Barre and Orleans County. During the Spring 2020 grant cycle the program supported a number of programs including:
A $4,000 grant to the Orleans Community Health Foundation for the purchase of PPE sterilization equipment at Medina Memorial Hospital.
A $2,500 grant that was matched by $2,000 in donations from area landowners to the United Way of Orleans County for their “United We Help” program.
A $1,000 grant to the Barre Historical Committee for establishing a permanent home for the town’s historical artifacts.
The goals of the grant program are to support projects and programs that build healthy communities, create economic opportunity, encourage environmental sustainability, and promote education.
Building Healthy Communities – Programs that support public health, good government, open communication, citizen resources, and/or enhance the quality of life in the community. Applicants must demonstrate how the program or event contributes to these social goals.
Economic Development – Apex Clean Energy supports and encourages the entrepreneurial spirit. It is part of our mission to serve as a catalyst for economic opportunity and development within the communities where we operate.
Environmental Sustainability – Programs that possess a strong link to environmental revitalization, sustainability, or education thereof, empower residents to be stewards of the environment, and/or encourage partnerships to address environmental concerns and sustainability. Participating organizations must have a credible record of success in environmental performance.
Promoting Education – Programs that support educational institutions, the advancement of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and training programs for careers in the wind industry. This may include curriculum development, literacy, school readiness, and other initiatives that help students grow into young leaders. Vocational training institutions that help build a skilled workforce are also included and encouraged to apply.
Grants are typically awarded in $250 to $4,000 increments, with priority given to grants that demonstrate meaningful impacts to the greatest number of area residents. We will be accepting applications until August 14, 2020 on our website (click here).
If you have any questions about the grant program, please contact Brian O’Shea at brian.oshea@apexcleanenergy.com or by phone at (952) 393-2986.
By Kim Pritt, Contributor Posted 18 July 2020 at 3:00 pm
Let’s go on an adventure together … to the Mississippi River!
Who hasn’t heard of the Mississippi River? If you’ve ever read Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer stories, you know it well. In grade school, you probably learned how to spell it by saying “M-i-crooked letter-crooked letter-i-crooked letter-crooked letter-i-hump back-hump back-i”. It passes through ten states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana, so if you have visited any of these states, you likely saw it in person. The Mighty Mississippi River is the second longest river in North America and the fourth longest river in the world. It is, indeed, mighty and famous, from stories of the old south and steam boats, and from being a major link for commerce to ship goods across the country.
I’ve seen the Mississippi River up close several times. I was so excited to get to visit the Head Waters on the cross country trip I took with my brother and sister-in-law in their motorhome in 2016. The Mississippi River begins at Lake Itasca, Minn. (The word Itasca means True Head.) The location of the Mississippi Head Waters is the only place anywhere along the Mississippi River where you can actually walk across it – it is the narrowest, shallowest, and slowest flow, allowing easy wading and playing in the waters.
Post marking the spot of the Mississippi River Head Waters at Lake Itasca, Minnesota. The inscription reads: “Here 1475 feet above the ocean, the Mighty Mississippi begins to flow on its winding way 2552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico”
The location of the Head Waters is a beautiful area. There is a wonderful Visitor’s Center with lots of amazing information, and Native American artifacts and several walking trails. There is a spot where they installed steps so you can walk down to the absolute narrowest point of the river and walk across to another set of steps on the other side. Lake Itasca is stunning, and the spot where it flows to feed the start of the Mississippi is a wonderful place to get in and wade and play in the water. And … YES … of course I got in at both the narrowest spot and the actual Head Waters and did walk across the Mississippi. It was so much fun. There were many times on that trip that I declared, “This is the BEST thing, yet!” but this is one that sticks out as one of the coolest things we did. It is an experience I’ll never forget.
The spot where Lake Itasca in Minnesota flows to form the start of the Mississippi River
We drove along and crossed the Mississippi many times on that trip as we traveled through several states – including when we got to see the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Mo. But the next major experience we had on the Mississippi was in New Orleans, La. We were visiting family there – my nephew and his family lived in Houma, La. at the time – and we all took a river boat cruise out of the French Quarter in New Orleans. We took the Natchez – one of only two true steam boats still active on the Mississippi River today. The Natchez cruised from the heart of the French Quarter along the crescent of the Mississippi River, which is the deepest point of the river at 200 feet deep – giving us the honor of being able to say we were at the start and end, as well as the shallowest and the deepest points of the Mighty Mississippi, all in one trip! It was so beautiful and gave us a view of New Orleans that can’t be seen from the streets. On this cruise, we saw everything from sandy beaches with people out for a stroll or fishing, to major industry like a Domino sugar refinery and oil refineries, to shipping operations, to the beautiful New Orleans skyline … what a diverse section of the river – just amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed checking this major bucket list item off my list – Take a River Boat Cruise on the Mississippi!
The Mississippi River in New Orleans, Louisiana. This is the deepest point of the river at 200 feet deep and is the last part of the river before the delta flows into the Gulf of Mexico.
On my trip to Iowa in 2017, I had another memorable experience with the Mississippi River. I stayed in Dubuque and discovered a wonderful River Walk park along the Mississippi. I spent a lot of time strolling along the river looking at the amazing sculptures by local artists and enjoying the beautiful weather. That River Walk happens to have views of the first railroad bridge built across the Mississippi in 1867-68. Andrew Carnegie supplied the iron for the $800,000 railroad bridge spanning 1,535 feet, which provided an alternative to ferry crossings across the river. The bridge is still in use today – I watched a train cross it! There are also the remains of an old shot tower constructed in 1856 to produce lead shot ammunition. Molten lead was poured into the top of the tower and passed through a series of sieves to form the proper shot size. The shots then fell into a tank of cold water at the bottom of the tower. It was so cool to see and learn about these historic points of interest along the Mississippi River.
First Railroad Bridge built across the Mississippi in 1867-68. Dubuque, Iowa
A train passes by the old Shot Tower before crossing the first railroad bridge built across the Mississippi. Dubuque, Iowa
File photo by Tom Rivers: Mark Cye, chief executive officer for Orleans Community Health, is pictured by Medina Memorial Hospital in this photo from April 2018. He has been the CEO of the OCH and Medina memorial Hospital since January 2018.
MEDINA — Mark Cye, CEO/CFO of Orleans Community Health, has resigned effective July 28. Cye joined Orleans Community Health as chief financial officer a little over five years ago and has held the duel title of CEO/CFO for over two years.
Cye, who was trained in finance, was presented with an opportunity to secure the CFO position at Warren General Hospital, which is an $80 million operation in Warren, Pa.
Cye has enjoyed his time and roles at Orleans Community Health and is excited to get back to the finance role. Cye credits the hospital’s movement in the right direction, over the past couple years, to the continuous support of the staff at Orleans Community Health.
In the past two years the hospital has been able to improve financially and has been able to provide new programs and services to the community such as the Wound Care Center, podiatry, and the nursing home achieving a four-star rating with the New York State Department of Health.
Mark Shurtz, the current chief information officer and corporate compliance officer, will be stepping up as the interim CEO. Cye is confident with Shurtz’s ability to fulfill this role as he has been working closely with Cye over the past year.
Shurtz has been with Orleans Community Health as the CIO and corporate compliance officer since 2014. He brings with him 20 years of management experience spanning across military, legal and healthcare backgrounds.
He is looking forward to the continued support of our staff and is excited at the opportunity to work with the community and find ways to keep Orleans Community Health a valuable asset for the community.
Photo by Tom Rivers: These bales of straw are shown recently on Telegraph Road in Ridgeway.
The State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality alert today for Orleans County, as well as Monroe, Wayne, northern Cayuga, Oswego, Jefferson, Erie, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Wyoming, Genesee and Niagara counties.
Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an air quality index value of 100 for ozone. The air quality index was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale. The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern.
When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.
People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician.
Today is forecast for a high of 89 degrees. Sunday will reach 92 with heat index values as high as 100, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 July 2020 at 9:02 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Volunteers are ready to put three boxes of food in either car trunks or on truck beds during a food distribution at Medina High School today.
This was the first time the Foodlink distribution was at Medina High School. Previously, the old Medina High School on Catherine Street hosted the event, with Calvary Tabernacle Church leading the effort.
There were long lines in village side streets during the distribution last month at the former high school.
The boxes were stacked high at the start of the distribution.
Today, people entered the driveway at Oak Orchard Elementary School and followed an on-campus road past the middle to high school. That location kept the cars and trucks from waiting on village streets.
Volunteers were also able to split the line into two at the high school, which kept the process moving quickly.
Volunteers helped today from Calvary Tabernacle, the Orleans County YMCA, Office for the Aging, Medina Lions Club, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Orleans Community Health, Kalos Health in Niagara Falls, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Medina and the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Tom Robinson, a retired Medina school counselor, volunteered with the distribution. Susie Miller, Office for the Aging assistant director, carries one of the 25-pound boxes to a vehicle. Each vehicle received three boxes today – mixed dairy, cooked meat and produce.
The schedule until the end of August for the food distributions includes:
Wednesday, July 22 – at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds on Route 31 in Knowlesville (includes one box of produce), 10 a.m. until gone
Friday, July 24 – in Albion at Community Action Main Street Store, 9:30 a.m. until gone
Friday, July 31 – in Holley, location to be announced, 9:30 a.m. until gone
Friday, August 7 – in Albion at Community Action Main Street Store, 9:30 a.m. until gone
Wednesday, Aug. 12, at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds on Route 31 in Knowlesville (includes one box of produce), 10 a.m. until gone
Friday, Aug. 14 – in Medina at school district, 9:30 a.m. until gone
Friday, Aug. 21 – in Albion at Community Action Main Street Store, 9:30 a.m. until gone
Wednesday, Aug. 26, at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds on Route 31 in Knowlesville (includes one box of produce), 10 a.m. until gone
Friday, Aug. 29 – in Holley, location to be determined, 9:30 a.m. until gone
Kurt Strickland directs traffic to split into two separate lines.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 July 2020 at 4:50 pm
In Orleans, 1 positive case out of 638 tested in past week
Orleans County again is reporting no new Covid-19 cases, while Genesee County has two more confirmed cases.
In Orleans, 269 people have tested positive for Covid-19 during the pandemic. In the past week (since July 10), there was one new confirmed case out of 638 tests for a positive rate of 0.16 percent. That is well below the state average of 0.99 percent, or 776 confirmed cases out of 78,239 tests on Thursday.
As part of the plan to reopen schools this fall, the governor has said one criteria will be a region needs to be under a 5 percent positive rate for Covid-19 tests.
Orleans has been well below that rate recently.
During the pandemic, the county has had 269 people test positive out of 6,789 tests, a positive rate of 3.96 percent.
Since July 1, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are reporting 3 new confirmed cases in Orleans out of 1,510 tests, a 0.20 percent positive rate.
Going back three weeks to June 26, there have been 5 new positive cases out of 2,046 tests, a 0.24 percent positive rate.
Going back four weeks to June 19, there are 9 new confirmed cases out of 2,527 tests in the county, a positive rate of 0.36 percent.
More from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments:
In Genesee County, there are 2 new confirmed cases to report today. One is a Batavia resident and the other is from Le Roy. One person is in the 20s and the other in the 60s. The positive individuals were not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
Genesee also has two more recoveries for 175 total from the community. No one in Genesee is currently hospitalized with Covid-19. In Orleans, three people are hospitalized with Covid-19.
• Alcohol Sales Guidance: Executive Order 202.52 in effect starting July 17 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. For more guidance from the NYS Liquor Authority, click here.
• COVID Rental Assistance Program: A new COVID Rental Assistance Program (click here) will provide aid to low- income families who lost income due to the pandemic; program applications will be available here on Thursday, July 16.
• Travel Advisory: New York is requiring travelers from the following 22 states with high coronavirus rates to self-quarantine for 14 days: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.
• 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.
• 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.)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 July 2020 at 3:45 pm
MEDINA – The school district welcomes applicants for a vacant position of the Boar dof Education following the resignation of Kellie Schrader-Hurrell.
Interested residents need to submit a letter of interest addressed to President Arlene Pawlaczyk, no later than July 31, at her email address: apawlaczyk@medinacsd.org. Or a letter of interest can be mailed to her attention at the District Office, One Mustang Drive, Medina, NY 14103.
Candidates will be interviewed by the Board of Education and could be appointed at the Aug. 10 Board of Education meeting. The individual will fill the vacancy for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.
Candidates for the volunteer position need to be at least 18, a qualified voter in the school district and a legal resident of the district for a continuous and uninterrupted period of at least one year.
For more information on the position and the responsibilities of a Board of Education member, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 July 2020 at 2:41 pm
HOLLEY – The Joint Youth Board of Holley, Clarendon, Murray and Holley Schools has cancelled their summer recreation program for this year. The conditions with the Covid-19 pandemic didn’t justify moving forward with the program, said Paul Hendel, a Murray town councilman.
In lieu of our regular program, Amy Ostrom, the program director, has put together a goodie bag containing educational activities and youth T-shirts.
These will be distributed to Holley area youth who previously registered for the giveaway. This distribution will take place on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon in front of the Holley Elementary School.
The summer recreation program is funded by the towns of Clarendon and Murray, Village of Holley, and Holley school district.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 July 2020 at 12:36 pm
GoFundMe established for David Warren, who felt fine and never smoked or used drugs
Provided photos: David Warren is shown with his kids – Hailey and Charles – during a family vacation last summer.
ALBION – An Albion family is facing mounting medical bills and other healthcare costs after the 35-year-old father of two unexpectedly had heart failure.
David Warren is home after three weeks in the hospital. He had open heart surgery to implant a permanent pump called an LVAD, or left ventricular assist device.
As he builds his endurance and recovers from the surgery, he is hopeful he can return to work as an accountant for Ruby Gordon Furniture in Henrietta.
He was struggling with shortness of breath when he went to the hospital on June 9. He and his wife Evelyn were shocked when the doctors said his heart was failing rapidly.
“There was no warning,” he said on Thursday. “There was no decrease in energy level.”
Warren not long before that has remodeled one of his kid’s bedrooms.
He and Evelyn have a daughter Hailey, who is going into ninth grade, and a son, Charles, who will be a sixth-grader.
Mr. Warren said doctors haven’t determined what caused the heart failure. His arteries weren’t clogged. He has never used drugs or smoked, and isn’t a heavy drinker.
David Warren is pictured with his wife Evelyn the first day she was able to visit him at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.
He is determined to get stronger and return to an active life with his family and career. Warren said the financial burden of being hospitalized with open-heart surgery, plus his ongoing medication, also is stressful for the family.
The Warrens have started a GoFundMe for people to help with the medical bills. (Click here for more information.)
“I am not one who asks for help or assistance but with this situation I need to in order to help my family,” Warren said.
The family lives at Oak Orchard Estates. Warren met his wife, an Attica native, through a mutual friend. Mrs. Warren works as a universal PreK teacher in Albion through Head Start.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 July 2020 at 11:52 am
New York is reporting 765 people are hospitalized due to Covid-19, the lowest number since March 18.
There were 78,239 Covid tests conducted in New York State yesterday, with 776 or 0.99 percent testing positive.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the failing number of hospitalizations from Covid-19 is good news for the state and shows the state’s strategy has been working in fighting the virus.
“Too many leaders throughout the country are still playing politics with this virus,” Governor Cuomo said. “Viruses respond to science and data – not political opinion. We know the prescription: masks, social distancing, and hand washing. That’s how we bent the curve in New York and that’s how we’ve kept our numbers so low as we see frightening spikes in the rest of the country.”
There were 10 confirmed deaths of Covid-19 on Thursday, which is far less than the peak of the pandemic when the state was suffering more than 700 deaths daily from Covid-19.
“We need to keep being smart – and smart means enforcement of the health orders we’ve put in place that will keep us healthy and prevent us from going back to the hell we went through,” Cuomo said.
