Forum teaches energy efficiency

Local News

Discussion

October 26, 2009

Future consumption discussed at public hearing

By Rikki Cason<br><a href="mailto:rikki.cason@journal-register.com">E-mail Rikki</a> The Journal-Register Mon Oct 26, 2009, 01:52 PM EDT

Over the next 20 years, the elderly population of Orleans County will increase 42 percent, said Office for the Aging Director Pam Canham.

Trying to look ahead to the future, the second Office for the Aging public hearing and energy forum was held Friday to speak to older members of the community.

In 2008, the Office for the Aging served 2,022 residents over the age of 60. Those who attended the public hearing were asked their thoughts on how the Office for the Aging can provide better help and improve in the future.

Participants said they could use support with transportation to get to medical appointments. They said they needed help with household chores, such as yard work or maintenance that they can’t do.

Television and cell phone reception was also a topic of discussion. Many said they do not get good cell phone service around the lake area of this county, and some are still having trouble with their television after the switch from analog to digital.

In addition to describing what the Office for the Aging can do, the energy

forum invited various state and local officials and organizations to speak to the group to offer advice, answer questions and help with their concerns about energy, heating and ways to save.

Mark Johnson of National Grid spoke about scams that happen to the elderly population when a company will call and say they can lock a person into an energy rate. He said the catch is that it is for a long period of time and if the energy rates drop overall, then that person is stuck paying more for years.

Mat Mosher of the Medina Fire Department spoke about the importance of having a smoke detector in at least every floor of a person’s house, including attics and basements. He also said that a detector should be replaced every 10 years.

Senator George Maziarz, R-Newfane, and Chairman of the Orleans County Legislature Henry Smith also spoke at the forum.

Maziarz spoke about tax breaks for seniors, identity theft and the do not call registry. He said that all three are very important for seniors to know about. He also said that the organization’s participating and the Office for the Aging do a great job keeping residents knowledgeable about what is available.

“I represent a pretty wide area between Niagara Falls right into the city of Rochester, but I don’t think there is a community that does a better job of keeping people informed,” Maziarz said.

After the forum, those attending got to learn about programs and assistance available from EmPower New York, Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern, Office for the Aging, National Grid, the Medina Fire Department, Orleans County New York Connects, Work Force Development and Orleans County Department of Social Services. Hahn Hardware was also there showing easy, inexpensive ways that the elderly can save money with energy themselves.

Contact reporter Rikki Cason at 798-1400, ext. 8227.

Text Only

Local News

Test story
May 24, 2012
Market on Main will offer fresh produce, baked goods

Medina’s Main Street has more than its fair share of spots to pick up prepared food, but starting this summer there will be a place to buy artisanal bread and locally-grown produce.

Dave and Bonnie Reigle have operated a produce stand on their Ridge Road farm for 17 years. They plan to open Reigle’s Market on Main in the former Whole Nine Yards and be open year-round as a bakery and produce store.

April 18, 2012
Lyndonville BoE approves budget propositions

The Lyndonville Board of Education approved the four propositions district residents will vote on May 15, including the school’s $12,964,687 budget.

The 2012-13 budget decreases spending by 1.28 percent, but the property tax levy will rise by 1.95 percent to $4,620,374. The estimated property tax rate is $18.40, an increase of 1.38 percent and a bump of a quarter for every $1,000 of assessed property value.

April 18, 2012
Medina BoE OK's budgets for May 15 vote
Medina Central School District residents will have the option this May to vote for a budget that does not raise the property tax levy next year, but does increase the district’s budget by 1.74 percent.

April 18, 2012
Ridgeway sets public hearings
The Ridgeway Town Board will hold two public hearings at its next meeting on May 21.

April 18, 2012
Hoag will host STEM summer camp
The Hoag Library in Albion isn’t set to open until the weekend after Independence Day, but preparations are well underway for a two-week summer camp for a select group of Albion students.

April 16, 2012
Growing like a weed
The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s Home and Garden Show had a new home this year, and a record crowd came out to Knowlesville for helpful advice, information about local businesses and organizations, and a wide range of activities, promotions and giveaways.

April 16, 2012
Village budget talks continue

Medina’s 2012-13 budget is coming together at a series of meetings between department heads and village board members that largely focus on projected spending plans and areas where cuts can be made and additional revenue can be found.

The board met Monday with Police Chief Jose Avila, who said his department budget will be less than the current year despite increasing salaries and associated benefits.

April 16, 2012
Hoag Library era nears in Albion
The transition of Albion's long-time library to a modern South Main Street facility is quickly approaching, which had the Swan Library Board of Trustees discussing the closing of the current library in early June, a month of movement and plans to resume service at the new Hoag Library on the day after the facility's July 7 grand opening at their Wednesday meeting.

April 13, 2012
Pillars hosting Titanic evening

The extravagant experience that the high-class passengers enjoyed on the first and final voyage of the RMS Titanic will be replicated in a dinner at The Pillars Estate’s new ballroom this weekend.

The Pillars echoes the luxury liner’s grand staircase and chandelier, with historic touches throughout the restored County House Road mansion’s ballroom.

April 13, 2012
More Local News Headlines

Local News

Search Results

Discussion

Forum teaches energy efficiency

Future consumption discussed at public hearing

Site Map

Contact Us