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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 July 2020 at 8:25 am
Jim Simon will remain Yates town supervisor
Photos by Tom Rivers: Jim Simon is retiring the end of July as dean of the Albion and Medina GCC campus centers.
ALBION – Jim Simon, dean of the Genesee Community College campus centers, is retiring from the college the end of July.
Simon joined GCC in 2005 to teach a history class. He had just retired from the Air Force. Two years later, he was made the dean of the Medina campus. In 2014, he also accepted leading the Albion campus center in addition to Medina.
Simon has taken his passion for history to help coordinate Civil War encampments and the Orleans County Heritage Festival at the campus centers. The sites also host lectures on history that are open to the community. He also is a leader of a committee that annually recognizes Heritage Heroes in Orleans County, people who work to save or preserve important local sites or history.
GCC is feeling financial pressure with the state cutting back on its aid to community colleges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Simon, 60, agreed to take an early retirement incentive, hoping his decision would allow other people to stay at GCC.
He intends to work as a principal of a small Catholic high school in Buffalo this year while continuing as Yates town supervisor.
“I’m not ready to fully retire,” Simon said during an interview at the Albion campus center. “I love education.”
The two campus centers combined have about 250 to 300 students. The dean leads the faculty and staff, leads the hiring and evaluating of classrooms, and oversees student support services, the curriculum and the facilities.
Simon said the position allowed him to meet many local residents and community leaders.
“There are a lot of amazing people here,” Simon said. “I love of the people side of this job, working with my colleagues and the students.”
Jim Simon, pictured inside the Albion campus center on Wednesday, said students like the smaller class sizes and more personal atmosphere in the campus centers. The centers host art exhibits. They also hosted Civil War encampments, Heritage Hero awards programs and other community events. The Albion center has an art studio while the Medina center has labs for science classes.
Simon in 2017 was honored with a Chancellor’s Award for his work as GCC dean. He was instrumental in GCC’s accreditation process with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and was a key member of the first-ever GCC Strategic Plan – Strength Through Collaboration Strategic Plan.
During his tenure, GCC offered the Promise Plus incentive for high school students to take summer classes at GCC without paying tuition. That has allowed local students to get a head start earning college credits without any financial strain.
GCC also has partnerships with many local high schools where students can earn college credit in classes taught at their schools by the local teachers. Some high schoolers also take classes at GCC during the school year.
Union soldiers make a charge on the Confederates during a mock battle at the GCC’s Medina campus center on Maple Ridge Road on April 26, 2015. This was during the final Civil War encampment to honor the 150th anniversary of the pivotal war. GCC hosted encampments for four years.
The campus centers are close by for Orleans County residents and they offer a less intimidating environment with more personalized attention from faculty and staff.
Simon said many former students often stop by to say they started their college path at either the Albion or Medina campus centers. Many went on to earn four-year degrees and secure jobs in their desired profession. The campus centers helped them build their confidence in the classroom and get acclimated to college coursework.
The centers were their busiest in 2009 during the recession. Many people were out of work and enrolled at GCC to work on a degree. The centers peaked then with about 600 students. The campus centers were helpful for many students to learn new skills and rebound in the tough economy.
“There were people who were laid off and who had never been to college,” Simon said. “But 2 to 3 years later, they had a degree. This has been a wonderful mission to be a part of.”
GCC will do some in-person classes this fall and also will be offering classes remotely, with students logging in online at set class times for courses.
Simon expects GCC and the campus centers will see an increase in students due to the economic crisis from Covid-19. He said the college can help students learn new skills and earn needed credits.
He keeps a quote from Robert Frost on display at his office in Medina: “College is a refuge from hasty judgement.”
File photo by Tom Rivers: John Bennett is executive director of GCASA.
The Covid-19 pandemic has not only adversely affected business operations and the economy, it also has fueled a surge in the opioid crisis, placing added strain on those in substance use recovery who have been isolated by state-mandated stay-at-home orders.
John Bennett, executive director of Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, drove home that point during Wednesday’s annual meeting for the agency, conducted via Zoom videoconferencing.
“Obviously, Covid-19 has changed how we do business and it has changed the landscape of where we were at a year ago,” Bennett said. “From 2017 to 2018, we saw a reduction in opioid overdoses across the country, and just last year alone there was a 5 percent reduction according to the Centers for Disease Control.”
But this year, things are very different, he said, reporting that the overdose rate went up 18 percent from a year ago in March, 29 percent in April and a 42 percent in May.
“So, overdoses are up 42 percent across the country, and I don’t think regionally that it’s any different. We’ve seen an increase in overdoses and overdose deaths,” he said.
Latest statistics were compiled by the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program, a national surveillance system that provides near real-time suspected overdose data.
Despite the disheartening news, Bennett said that GCASA is steadfast in its mission to offer a wide spectrum of services to those in need.
“GCASA has been a regional leader in building new addiction services that normally aren’t in rural communities, and we continue to be committed to maintain our efforts to expand services so that folks in our regions and in our communities don’t have to travel outside the area,” he said.
Bennett, who took over as executive director in 2012, commended the board – “very committed and dedicated individuals who are kind and caring” – and praised his staff.
“To my staff who are on the call today, I’m super proud of all of you,” he said. “You’re always willing to pitch in and assist our community partners and advocate for people suffering from addiction.”
New Board president elected
Outgoing Board President Brian Paris conducted the election of new board members and presented the new slate of officers.
Elected to their first three-year terms were as follows:
Jennifer Groff. The director of fiscal operations and child support for Genesee County Department of Social Services, she has served on the GCASA Foundation board since 2018.
Stefano Napolitano. The City of Batavia fire chief, he also serves on the Foundation board and his department participates in the Police Assisted Addiction & Recovery Initiative in conjunction with GCASA.
Jackie Gardner. She is vice president of client services for Claims Recovery Financial Services.
Pattie Kepner. She is the associate executive of quality assurance for the Arc of Genesee and Orleans, having worked in human services for more than 30 years.
Tim Batzel. He is the business administrator at Alexander Central School, which contracts with GCASA for Prevention services.
Bennett thanked the outgoing board members for the six years of service. They are Paris, president; Shelley Falitico, Shawn Heubusch, Holli Nenni and Daniel Thurber.
The new slate of officers:
Virginia Taylor – president. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education. She is a recipient of the WNY Network for Women Leaders in Higher Education Bernice Poss Award, a Buffalo Business First 40 Under 40 Recognition Award, and Niagara County Community College Distinguished Alumni Award.
Victoria Elsenheimer – vice president. She is the executive assistant to the Vice President of Advancement, a position she has held for the past 12 years at Brockport State College. She joined the U.S. Army in 1989 and was enlisted in the Army Reserves for 17 years, honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 2006.
Frederick Rarick – secretary-treasurer. He is an attorney in Batavia; practicing law for 35 years in the representation of individuals charged with crimes. He is licensed to practice law in New York, California, and Washington, D.C. He was a past board member of the Genesee County Veterans’ Support Network.
2 awarded scholarships
As previously announced, Jillian Menzie of Bergen and Ashlyn LeBaron of Albion received GCASA Foundation scholarships for 2020. Each award was for $1,000.
Menzie is a 2020 graduate of Byron-Bergen Central School who plans to attend Brockport State College to pursue a nursing degree with a minor in Spanish. In addition, she plans to study abroad as well as join the Army ROTC program. Throughout her high school career, she participated in many sports teams, music programs, and clubs.
LeBaron is a 2020 graduate of Charles C. D’Amico High School in Albion and valedictorian of her class. She plans to attend Roberts Wesleyan College to pursue a career in nursing. She, too, participated in numerous extra-curricular activities, including sports, band and orchestra.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 July 2020 at 4:24 pm
Orleans has 2 confirmed cases last 2 weeks out of 1,365 tested
Orleans and Genesee counties both do not have any new confirmed cases of Covid-19 to report today.
Orleans has had two new cases in the past two week, out of 1,365 tests since July 2, according to data from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. That’s a positive rate of 0.15 percent.
Orleans has had 269 people test positive during the Covid-19 pandemic, while Genesee has had 238 people with a confirmed case of Covid-19.
Orleans currently has four residents hospitalized with Covid-19 while none are hospitalized in Genesee from Covid-19.
More from Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments:
• 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 Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 16 July 2020 at 3:48 pm
It’s back to the drawing board for area high school athletic directors and leagues which now face a major rescheduling task as the result of today’s decision by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) to push the start of the fall sports season back by a full month.
Practice for the fall sports including football, boys and girls soccer, field hockey, volleyball, golf and cross-country, had been scheduled to begin on August 24.
However, today’s decision has pushed that first practice date back almost a full month to September 21.
“We’re going to have to completely reset the schedule,” said Lyndonville Athletic Director Jim Zeliff.
“We have to re-evaluate things, We have to go back to the drawing board,” said Albion Athletic Director Adam Krenning.
Since football is required to have 10 practices before the first game that would put the season opening gridiron contests back until at least October 1. The other sports need only six practices meaning soccer games could begin by September 28.
However, if a spike in the Covid-19 case rate happens and interrupts the fall season then the NYSPHSAA has a plan to play three condensed sports seasons beginning on January 4. Those three 10 week seasons would begin with the winter season sports and be followed by the fall sports and then the spring sports.
“It’s not ideal but hopefully we can get the seasons in even if they are condensed,” said Zeliff.
“It’s one of those things. We’re just going to take it one day at a time and hope we can get the Covid-19 under control so we can get the seasons in,” said Krenning. “The kids and the community really look forward to the fall sports season.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 July 2020 at 3:16 pm
Governor wants to discourage ‘mingling’ during pandemic, fearing virus will spread
Bars and restaurants across the state only will be allowed to serve alcohol to patrons if they also order food, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced today.
The state is trying to reduce “mingling” at bars and restaurants, where Covid-19 seems to have a higher rate of spreading.
If alcohol is limited to people who also order food that would limit exposure to the people at that table, as long as the tables are socially distanced, Cuomo said.
The state is seeing people at bars and restaurants who are not socially distancing, but are mingling among a crowd.
There also will be no walk-up bar service. Bar tops must only serve seated patrons who are socially distanced by six feet.
The governor said the restrictions are being imposed due to numerous reports of noncompliance with social distancing and mask wearing at the establishments.
“There is significant evidence of failure to comply,” the governor said on a conference call with the media. “It’s wrong, it’s dangerous, it’s selfish, it’s unacceptable. It’s also illegal.”
The state also is imposing stricter restrictions on restaurants and bars in New York City. If they have three violations of the state’s Covid-19 guidelines for businesses, the state will shut them down.
The governor encouraged people who see violations to report complaints, including photos, to the State Liquor Authority at www.sla.ny.gov.
“New Yorkers are outraged at these establishments,” Cuomo said. “We’re getting thousands of complains, pictures, videos, et cetera. This is a question of public health and New Yorkers paid a dear price for Covid and they are equally upset with these violations.”
Egregious violations can result in immediate loss of liquor license or closure before a third strike. Additionally, any establishment facing disciplinary charges by the State Liquor Authority will have its name and location posted publicly and updated on a weekly basis.
“We still have an issue with compliance,” Cuomo said. “I once again call on the local officials to make sure there is compliance enforcement. We have to enforce compliance or the virus will spread.”
Cuomo also announced that a decision will be made by 4 p.m. Friday whether New York City will enter phase four of the reopening on Monday. If New York City is approved to enter phase four on Monday, the state will not allow any additional indoor activity, such as malls and cultural institutions, Cuomo said.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 16 July 2020 at 2:10 pm
LATHAM, NY – The Officers of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA), voted this morning to delay the official start date of the Fall 2020 sports season by a month and cancel the Fall 2020 Regional and State Championships.
In addition, the officers voted to prepare to implement a condensed three season schedule which would begin in January 2021 if high school sports remain prohibited throughout the remainder of 2020 due to COVID-19.
This decision comes at the recommendation of the NYSPHSAA COVID-19 Task Force when they convened as a working group for the third time this morning.
“As the state considers reopening, it is unrealistic to believe athletic seasons can start on August 24th as originally scheduled,” said Paul Harrica, NYSPHSAA President. “The priority will continue to be on the educational process and a return to learning in the safest way possible.”
The NYSPHSAA Officers’ decision includes:
• Delay Fall sports start date until Monday, September 21st
• Cancel Fall Regional and State Championship events
• Waive seven-day practice rule
• Maintain current practice requirements
• Encourage geographic scheduling for games and contests
• Schools would have the option, if permitted by state officials, to offer off-season conditioning workouts.
“We recognize this is challenging for everyone, but the decisions made at the State level are based upon data and statewide infection rates all in an effort to stop the spread of COVID and reopen responsibly,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director.
“At this time, Department of Health guidance presented on July 13th prohibits interscholastic athletics across the state. The Association will continue to follow state guidance and will work collectively with State officials to ensure high school athletics will start up responsibly in the future. As an association, we must be willing to be flexible and continue to explore all options with students’ safety as our main focus,” Zayas concluded.
With regional differences, schools and areas will be impacted differently by the COVID-19 crisis.
If the Fall sports seasons are interrupted or impacted by COVID-19 crisis (i.e. state official guidance, school closings, cancelation of high-risk sports, etc.) then a condensed seasons plan will be implemented.
The Condensed Season plan would entail the following, with the stipulated dates being tentative.
Note: Weather will have an impact upon outdoor sports in some parts of the state in March and potentially early April. Girls Tennis moved to Season III.
The NYSPHSAA Officers have the ability to adjust seasons with the authority granted within the NYSPHSAA Constitution which states: “Article IV, 2: A committee of officers in consultation with the staff shall have the authority to act on all matters not provided for in this constitution and bylaws, and on such emergency business as may arise between regular meetings of the Executive Committee.”
This screen shot is from the “You Have My Respect” commercial that encourages people to wear masks. This commercial is narrated by Morgan Freeman.
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic spreading fast in many states across the country, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today launched the national “Mask Up America” education and awareness campaign to urge all Americans to wear a mask while in public to help stop the spread of the virus.
Jane Rosenthal, producer and CEO Tribeca Enterprises, produced the series of spots with Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow. Robert De Niro, Kaitlyn Dever, Jamie Foxx, Morgan Freeman, John Leguizamo, Anthony Mackie, Rosie Perez, Ellen Pompeo and Jeffrey Wright used their voices and talent to promote the message and increase awareness. Creative agency TBWA\Chiat\Day New York assisted with the logo and branding development.
“New Yorkers suffered gravely when this pandemic hit our state and as we see other states battle the surge of COVID-19, we want to be sure all Americans know what we know here – that it is essential to wear a mask in order to protect one another,” Governor Cuomo said. “We can only beat this virus if we are united as one, not divided by ideology or politics. In that spirit we worked with the best and most creative team to deliver this vital message in multiple ways and in different voices – I wear a mask to protect you and you wear a mask to protect me. It is simple as that. Mask Up America.”
The campaign includes a series of eight TV public service announcements, the first two of which are available today. All of the PSAs will be available in partnership with the Ad Council for use by broadcast and digital media outlets. The PSAs will air in donated media time and space throughout the country.
Lisa Sherman, President & CEO of the Ad Council, said, “With cases of the virus continuing to rise across the country, we are proud to partner with Governor Cuomo’s office on this critical message and inspire all Americans to wear face coverings.”
The eight 30-second television spots, which will be rolled out throughout the month of July, include:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 July 2020 at 11:22 am
Severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 9 p.m.
The National Weather Service says Orleans County and Western New York should expect strong to severe thunderstorms late this afternoon and evening, with a chance for a tornado. A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 9 p.m.
“The greatest severe weather threat will come from damaging wind gusts, although there will be the risk for tornadic activity, particularly across the Southern Tier and western Finger Lakes region,” the Weather Service said.
Along with the threat of severe weather, the storms this afternoon and evening will very likely contain torrential downpours.
“Rainfall amounts under these storms could easily exceed an inch in 30 minutes with flooding a possibility in areas where multiple storms train across the same location,” the Weather Service said.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced an emergency rental assistance program that will help keep low-income families throughout New York in their homes.
The program, which is designed to reach those individuals and families with the greatest need, will provide direct aid for tenants who lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund, which is part of the CARES Act. The program is administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal and access to program applications will be available beginning today. (Click here to see an application.)
“Since day one we made it clear that no New Yorkers should be thrown on the streets because of hardships caused by this pandemic,” Governor Cuomo said. “It’s critically important that people are able to stay safely in their homes as we progress through our data-driven, phased reopening, and the COVID Rent Relief Program reinforces that commitment with direct assistance to those in the greatest need.”
Under the new program, eligible households will benefit from a one-time rental subsidy paid directly to landlords and housing providers. Tenants are not required to repay this assistance.
To qualify for the program, applicants must meet all of the eligibility requirements:
Must be a renter with a primary residence in New York State.
Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, household income (including unemployment benefits) must be below 80 percent of the Area Median Income, adjusted for household size. Applicants can find the Area Median Income for their county, based on household size, on HCR’s website (click here.) In Orleans County the eligibility income limits include $42,500 for household of 1, $61,100 for household of 4, and $80,700 for household of 8.
Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, the household must have been “rent burdened,” which is defined as paying more than 30 percent of gross monthly income towards rent.
Applicants must have lost income during any period between April 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020.
The application period will be open for two weeks. Residents can apply any time during the two-week period.
HCR will prioritize households with greatest economic and social need, accounting for income, rent burden, percent of income lost and risk of homelessness. The rental assistance payment will cover the difference between the household’s rent burden on March 1, 2020 and the increase in rent burden during the period the household is applying for assistance.
Households can apply for up to four months in rental assistance for the months of April through July. The program is open to households that rent apartments, single-family homes, manufactured homes and manufactured home lots.
Households with at least one household member with U.S. Citizenship or eligible immigration status are qualified to receive the subsidy. Tenants currently receiving a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher for housing costs or who reside in public housing are not eligible for RRP assistance.
The COVID Rent Relief Program builds upon Governor Cuomo’s efforts to protect New York’s renters during the coronavirus pandemic. This includes a statewide moratorium on COVID-related residential or commercial evictions; banning late payments or fees for missed rent payments during the eviction moratorium; and allowing renters facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 to use their security deposit as payment and repay their security deposit over time.
HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Families and individuals who were already rent burdened, or living paycheck-to-paycheck, were particularly vulnerable to the sudden loss in income that resulted from the coronavirus pandemic. Governor Cuomo’s immediate actions to protect New Yorkers against eviction and foreclosure provided much-needed security during an unimaginable health crisis. The COVID Rent Relief Program builds upon the State’s efforts to alleviate the hardship faced by so many tenants with a one-time rental subsidy. By helping our fellow New Yorkers remain secure in their homes, we can continue on our road to economic recovery.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 July 2020 at 9:03 am
Provided photos: Roman is a seizure alert response dog in a training program by Canines 4 Hope in Palm Beach, Fla. Jade Moore, an incoming junior at Lyndonville, looks forward to meeting Roman next month. Roman will be trained to alert Jade’s family and friends if she is having an epileptic seizure.
LYNDONVILLE – There will be a fundraiser on Aug. 1 to help a Lyndonville family pay for a seizure alert dog.
The Grove Inn United Methodist Church will host Parker’s Pitt Barbecue, which will serve pulled pork or chicken with two side dishes from 1 to 4 p.m. The church is at the former Apple Grove Inn at 11004 W Center St. Ext.
Elizabeth Moore needs about $8,000 more to pay for Roman, a dog being trained by Canines 4 Hope in Palm Beach, Fla. She has $10,000 so far for the dog, with $2,500 raised through donations and $7,500 earned by working overtime at Mizkan, a vinegar plant in Lyndonville.
Her daughter, Jade Moore, epilepsy and needs to be careful around loud noises, and bright and flashing lights – which are often unpredictable. She never knows what will trigger an epileptic seizure.
She can’t watch the Lyndonville fireworks because of the exploding colors and tries to stay clear of the loud booms. Even her brothers need to be careful with the sounds and screens from video games if Jade is closeby.
The seizures aren’t always started by a thunderous noise or flashing light. Sometimes they strike while she is sleeping.
Jade will be a junior this year at Lyndonville. She has had seizures at school, with the ambulance called. It’s worrisome for her and her family, and the school, because her breathing will often slow down during a seizure.
Jade’s mother stays close to Jade at night and may need to spring into action if there is a seizure. The family, including Jade’s siblings, keep emergency pills on them to give to Jade to help bring her out of a seizure.
Each day she takes 10 different pills to help stave off the seizures. Her mother said the medication seems to work for a few weeks, then the seizures start up again and doctors try other medicines.
The family had an new challenge last month when their home burned down on Townline on June 1. They lost all of their belongings. They have since moved to Ridge Road and remain in the Lyndonville school district.
Tickets for the Aug. 1 benefit are $11. Elizabeth Moore said people can text her or call to reserve tickets at (585)735-5501. The event is drive-through only.
The New York Sheriffs’ Association has unveiled 10 proposals to protect law enforcement offciers and also civilians.
There were several news conferences on Wednesday, including one in Lockport led by Acting Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti.
The 10 proposals will be sent to state law makers for their review.
The proposals include:
Increasing Resisting Arrest to a Class E felony
Making Failure to Retreat a Class D felony
Increase the levels of seriousness for assaulting a police officer by one degree, and making them crimes that require bail
Make aggravated harassment of a police or peace officer a Class D felony
Deem crimes against police officers because of their status hate crimes
Make it a Class D felony to falsely accuse a police or peace officer of wrongdoing
Make it a Class D felony to dox (publish private information on the internet with malicious intent) a police or peace officer because of their status
Make it a Class E felony to stalk or surveille a police or peace officer with no legitimate purpose
Provide a $500,000 benefit for police officers who are seriously injured or die in the line of duty
Make May 15 a state holiday to honor police officers who have died in New York State. This also proposes holding an annual ceremony at the Police Memorial Wall in Albany on the Monday closest to May 1.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 July 2020 at 5:06 pm
Orleans has now suffered 55 deaths from coronavirus
Another person has died from Covid-19 in Orleans County, bringing the county’s total confirmed deaths from Covid-19 to 55.
The latest death was a resident of Orchard Rehab & Nursing Center in Medina. That nursing home has now had 24 residents die of Covid-19. (The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center has had 30 residents die from Covid-19. A community resident also has died from Covid-19.)
The death reported today by the Genesee and Orleans Health Departments is the first since the 54thdeath was reported on June 29.
The Health Departments also reported today there are no new Covid-19 cases in Orleans, while Genesee has two new confirmed cases.
The two new cases in Genesee include a resident of Alexander and a person in Pembroke. One is in the 20s and the other is in the 40s.
The positive individuals were not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
Genesee also has one new recovery and has had 173 recoveries from the community.
The Health Departments also said 27 more people from Genesee are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states. Genesee now has 35 on precautionary quarantine due to travel.
Orleans has one more on precautionary quarantine for 21 total.
More from Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments:
• 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.
• Antibody Testing: This is a current snapshot (as of July 14) of the SARS-CoV-2 antibody test results we have received and will be updated periodically, but not daily.
Genesee County: Of the 1,674 antibody test results received there were 52 who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) antibodies.
Orleans County: Of the 721 antibody test results received there were 17 who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) antibodies.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 July 2020 at 2:12 pm
Matt and Richard Butler start Mobile Oil Change Solutions, offering convenience and 11-point maintenance check
HOLLEY – In December, Matt Butler needed to get the oil changed in his truck. He was busy with his job and his family, and didn’t want to go somewhere to have the service done.
He assumed there was a business that would come to him for a simple oil change. He looked online and there wasn’t a business like that in New York. He did see that those businesses are an emerging trend in Florida and Tennessee.
The Butler brothers have a trailer with tools and supplies.
Butler, 38, for nearly seven years owned Vapor World in Brockport, an e-cigarette shop. He was phasing out of that due to the ban on flavored e-cigarettes. (That took effect in NY on July 1.)
Butler spoke with his brother Richard, who was working in sales but had a knack with fixing cars. Richard, 35, agreed there was potential for a business that would travel to change people’s oil.
They started the process of creating their business in March and in June launched Mobile Oil Change Solutions.
“This is a relatively new industry,” Matt Butler said.
They change the oil and do an 11-point maintenance check on wiper fluid, power steering fluid, radiator fluid, brake fluid, clutch fluid, air filter, wiper blade, belts, hoses and lights/signals. They also check the air pressure on tires.
The entire process takes about 30-40 minutes with the two brothers working in tandem.
“Taking care of the preventive maintenance will help your vehicle last longer,” Richard said.
The Butler brothers, who both live in Holley, see Orleans and Monroe counties as their main customer markets, but they are willing to go farther especially if they can book multiple customers near each other.
They said they are “mess-free” in changing the oil. They use an extraction machine to pull out the oil in most cases. If they have to remove the drain plug to let out the old oil, they have splatter free pans.
They take away the old oil and replace it with either Sunoco or Amsoil, a higher-end synthetic oil.
“We’re just trying to make this a little more convenient for people’s lives,” Matt Butler said. “You don’t have to sit around in an auto shop. We can take care of it in your driveway or at work with permission of the owner.”
