posted May 16, 2011 3:00 PM by Lynne Menz
[
updated May 16, 2011 3:07 PM
]
Contributed by JoAnne Camann:
In spite of the RAIN, 32 intrepid people participated in the Road Rally yesterday (5/15/11)! Thanks to all who showed up, supported this activity and made it so much fun.
Congratulations to "Team PT Breeze" - Ed, Kim and Jack Bellnier - who had the winning score. All the teams did well - it was very competitive!!!!
We would like to thank the Haines for once again opening their home to us for the post rally party. What would we do without their generosity and hospitality?!
Thanks to the Brown's Berry Patch for donating ice cream cone coupons for all participants, and to Eileen at Brown's for her willingness to give out "OON's" and to Jessica for arranging it for us.
Thanks also to Steve Gramiak for providing chicken and beef and all the trimmings at a very reasonable cost to OONA.
We had a great time too and hope it becomes an annual tradition for OONA.
Bill and JoAnne & Bill Camann
2011 Road Rally planners
PS There are still quite a number of "OON" stones available at the Yates Town Park!
|
posted Apr 23, 2011 5:10 AM by Lynne Menz
Tracy and Frank Panczyszyn attended a meeting of Oak Orchard Watershed Protection Alliance on April 13th, 2011, at the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension. In attendance were representatives of Cornell Cooperative Extension, Orleans County Pure Waters, NYS DEC, SUNY Brockport, US Gypsum, and Center for Environmental Protection (CEI). Most of this meeting was a presentation by CEI and NYS DEC on a study being prepared by CEI regarding the sources of excessive nutrients, especially phosphorus, in the Upper Oak Orchard Watershed, leading to impaired water quality, including algae bloom, weeds, and slime. The Upper Oak Orchard Watershed is south of Medina, north of I90, and west of Clarendon. It includes wetlands, farmland (crops and cattle), and most of the mucklands. The communities included in this area are Alabama, Oakfield, Elba, Barre, and Shelby. The largest single industry within this area with a significant discharge is US Gypsum.
The National Clean Water Act requires each state to identify waters within its boundaries not meeting water quality standards. Seven Water Sheds have been identified from the Niagara River to the St Lawrence, with Upper Oak Orchard as one of those watersheds. The Lower Oak Orchard Watershed, which includes Oak Orchard Creek north to Lake Ontario and tributaries east of the creek to Albion and Kendall, IS NOT one of the seven watersheds on the list to be studied. The most recent studies completed by CEI were the Upper and Lower Black Creek Watersheds. The purpose of the study is to quantify the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) of pollutants causing violation of applicable state and national water standards, identify sources of the pollutants, and recommend water quality improvement strategies for the watersheds.
It had been determined that phosphorus was a major pollutant in the Upper Oak Orchard Watershed. Data to quantify levels of phosphorus is difficult to come by, but studies made over the last few years indicate average levels of phosphorus measured at Shelby Center, representing 95% of the watershed outflow, is nearly 5 times greater than what is considered an acceptable standard. The estimate of phosphorus levels in the Black Creek Watersheds are already at, or only slightly higher than, the acceptable standard.
Based on computer modeling developed by CEI, the estimated sources of phosphorus into the Upper Oak Orchard Watershed are: 54% farm animals (animal waste from dairy farms), 21% point source (waste treatment facilities, US Gypsum), 10% cropland (crop fertilizer and phosphorus generated naturally by mucklands), 6% ground water (?), 4% tile drainage (?), 3% hay and pasture lands (fertilizer), 2% septic systems. CEI has made assumptions on how potential improvement strategies might impact the output of phosphorus from these sources, with an estimated result still 2 ½ times greater than the acceptable standard. An "unofficial" statement made by one of the presenters was that the total amount of phosphorus discharging into Lake Ontario is greater from Oak Orchard Creek than that from the Genesee River. Also, that the total amount of phosphorus found in the Lower Oak Orchard Watershed (OONA’s back yard) is extremely high, but since water flows are relatively high, the concentration of phosphorus (which is the Clean Water Act’s measurable standard) is lower than that standard. It is assumed that the large percentage of phosphorus in the Lower Watershed is generated in the Upper Watershed.
The report on this study is now in the draft stage, pending review by DEC, and will be available for public review and comment around September, 2011. The purpose of this presentation to the Alliance was to brief on the purpose and progress of the study and to solicit input from knowledgeable and interested parties. Some of the inputs made by those in attendance may lead to "tweaking" the computer model to lesson the impact of US Gypsum, increase the impact of naturally generated phosphorus from the mucklands, and add caution to the study on the significant impact of dairy farms. |
posted Mar 9, 2011 8:36 AM by Lynne Menz
[
updated Mar 9, 2011 8:40 AM
]
One area of the Vision Plan I’m working on is the bicycle trail. Last November Orleans County Tourism sponsored a workshop lead by Harvey Botzman of Rochester and author of several bicycle touring books; see www.cyclotour.com. There will be up to 3 trails in the Point Breeze area, designated on a county bicycling map, following public roads (no signage at this time). We’re digitizing the trails in our Geographic Information System now and this spring Harvey and I will tour each trail looking for any safety issues, rating condition, etc. Our contracted ad designer will prepare the county map and I anticipate that for each trail a separate ‘cue sheet’ will be developed. These are black & white trail maps indicating attractions and services on each.
Regarding dredging, I attended a Corps of Engineers teleconference among Great Lakes harbors Feb. 10 and small harbor dredging in the future again is bleak. Congress has not passed an appropriations bill for FY11 and will likely operate under Continuing Resolutions the rest of the year, with funding no greater than in FY10. Funding for recreational harbor dredging is extremely doubtful. Neither the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) Reform bills (S.3213, H.R.4844) or the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) passed. These bills had specific provisions for dredging Lake Ontario small harbors. And even though the Corps of Engineers lists Oak Orchard in need of dredging in 2011,there are no dredging projects funded for New York (even commercial harbors) in the president’s FY12 budget.
We’ll continue to work through the Great Lakes Small Harbors Coalition and support letters to our senators and representatives requesting they collectively support 1)a specific lump sum add for their harbors in the 2012 Appropriation, and 2)a 2011 WRDA that firewalls the HMTF and ensures the taxes collected each year are used 100% to maintain our federal harbors.
The group of counties along Lake Ontario is beginning work on a Regional Dredging Plan for small harbors (federal and non-federal). The Plan is funded by a $35,000 NYS Dept. of State grant. Our department has taken the lead and we kicked-off the project March 8 with a conference call among the partners and NYSDOS. A Project Advisory Committee will be formed, and shortly an RFP will be issued to retain a consultant to: review existing channel data and conditions; evaluate dredging technology, costs and material disposal; analyze economic impact of the harbors; and identify potential funding mechanisms. A public participation element will gather local input throughout the planning process. The Plan will be presented to our state and federal representatives as our regional priorities for funding.
Wayne Hale, Jr., Director
Orleans County Planning Dept.
585.589.3187
|
posted Dec 14, 2010 3:41 PM by Lynne Menz
The officers for 2011 have been elected and have taken office. They are:
-
President: Bill Karcher
-
Vice President: Dave Tufts
-
Recording Secretary: Deanne Borrie
-
Corresponding Secretary: TBD
-
Treasurer: Gene Haines
- Public Relations/Promotions: Lynne Menz
Committee Chairs & Participants (subject to change)
|
posted May 17, 2010 7:30 AM by Lynne Menz
Contrary to an article published in the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle 5/17/10, the Oak Orchard State Marine Park is NOT closing.
On April 28th, 2010, the Orleans County Legislature signed a permit from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation allowing the county to operate the Oak Orchard State Boat Launch on the west side of Oak Orchard River. The launch and parking lot will be open in time for the LOC Spring Fishing Derby under county operation. The county will be responsible for maintaining the grounds and restrooms.
At this time, there will be no charge for launching/parking. However, shortly, they will be installing an autocashier machine accepting credit cards (no cash). There will be no lift gate. Launching/parking fee will likely be $5.00. This will be on the honor system, enforced by our County Sheriff Department and Marine Patrol, and backed up with a fine for non-payment. The parking area closes at 11pm each night so there is no overnight parking. |
posted Apr 13, 2010 7:46 AM by Lynne Menz
[
updated Apr 16, 2010 1:58 PM
]
The Oak Orchard pen-rearing project began in 1998 to help enhance fishing success from this long-standing prestigious port on Lake Ontario. Once started, the program was soon assessed by the DEC for success. Through their survey process it was determined that survival of pen reared fish as compared to the direct stocking process was improved by 4-1. Also this process improves the homing instinct of these fish to return to the Oak Orchard River.
This year's project has already begun with the construction of the net pens at Lake Breeze Marina on Saturday, April 3rd. Some time next week (week of April 18th) we will be receiving 105,000 Chinook salmon fingerlings and 14,000 Steelhead yearlings delivered to Lake Breeze Marina to be placed in these pens for our care. The process will take between 3-4 weeks to complete in which time we will be feeding the fish 4-5 times a day and cleaning the pens 2 times a week, helping the fish to grow and imprint on the Oak Orchard River. What we do this year and next will help secure the success of the Oak Orchard area for the near future and beyond.
If you are interested in helping with this project, the most important task is fish feeding. Please contact Lake Breeze Marina after April 19th at 682-3995 to sign up to help.
~Robert Songin, Pen Rearing Chairman
Update (4/16/10): We will be receiving 105,000 Salmon fingerling and 14,000 Steelhead yearlings this coming Monday the 19th of April at 12:30PM at Lake Breeze Marina. If you have never seen this before come by and give us a hand. Also at that time anyone interested in feeding fish over the next few weeks can signup at the Lake Breeze office to take a time. It is easy to do and only takes 5 min.
|
posted Apr 1, 2010 5:58 AM by Lynne Menz
[
updated Apr 2, 2010 5:30 AM
]
 Feathers were flying as 75 runners and waddlers flocked to Point Breeze on the first day of spring to celebrate the 1st annual Migration Celebration & Running of the Birds 5K Fun Run and Waddle. Several feathered friends were in attendance including Mother Goose, a very large chicken, a flock of "Freebirds", a Cardinal, a Bluebird and a few hot Chicks. The official "pace nest" featured parrot Robyn Tufts and chickadee Brandon Brown. Runners were greeted on the first wing of the race by bagpiper Roger "Buzz" Cox.
The celebration was the first event of the season organized by the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association. They teamed up with Healthy Communities Capacity Building Project of Orleans County and Albion High School Physical Education Teacher and Track Coach Mark Hryvniak to organize the Fun Run. $626.73 in proceeds was raised for Paws of Orleans County to help control the feral cat population. Event Coordinator, Lynne Menz, (left) presented the check to Paws representative, Yvonne Waterhouse (right).
The first place runners awarded in the Women's division were: 1) Trisha Byler: 17:40 2) Kimberly Mills: 17:59 3) Grace Rich: 20:09 4) Anna Rich: 20:14 5) Rebecca Atwell: 21:07
The first place runners awarded in the Men's division were: 1) David Rapplayea: 15:29 2) Bryan Deibel: 15:30 3) Theiron Sheik: 16:10 4) Joshua Platt: 16:57 5) Zach Nielans: 17:55 Click here to view the race results in PDF format. (Also listed on our Documentation page.) The "Best Bird in Show" was awarded to "chickadee" Brandon Brown, 10, of Alexander, NY. The celebration continued at the Black North with an outstanding performance by local musicians, The Blind Leading the Blind. Besides the event organizers, the contributors included Road ID, Lynne Menz Designs, Black North Inn, Lighthouse Restaurant, Captains Cove Resort, 4 C’s Marina, LARD Associates, DA Tufts Construction, Stasko Insurance, Genesee Feeds, MMHCS Community Partners, Sports Graphics, Fleet Feet Rochester, Brown’s Berry Patch, Xpress Fitness, Little Ceasar’s Pizza, Orleans Transit Service, OC Cornell Cooperative Extension, Point Breeze Yacht Club and the Orleans County Bluebird Society. Face painting was offered by Lynne Gambel and performance by "the Blind Leading the Blind". THANK YOU, CONTRIBUTORS & VOLUNTEERS!
Enjoy the following photos by contributors Ben Jones, Dave Yong, Michelle Stanton Jones, Robyn Tufts & Lynne Menz.
Stay tuned for the Fall of 2010 Celebration and the Salmon Run! |
posted Mar 5, 2010 5:40 AM by Lynne Menz
[
updated Mar 5, 2010 5:45 AM
]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2010
It was standing room only Monday evening at the Lighthouse Restaurant in Point Breeze (Kent), NY as neighbors and members of the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association met with Orleans County Legislator Chairman Dave Callard, District #4 Legislator, Ken Rush and Deputy Jim Halstead. The recent announcement regarding the closing of the Oak Orchard State Park & Boat Launch on Archbald Road and Mr. Callard’s "State of the County" message from February 24th prompted the invitation by the newly formed neighborhood association, also known as OONA.
Callard shared with attendees that Orleans County Tourism Director, Wayne Hale and Ken Rush are scheduled to meet with state officials this week to determine the feasibility of Orleans County acquiring the state park & boat launch. OONA members displayed their support by presenting a letter from OONA Preservation & Environmental committee chairman, Dave Tufts. "Loss of this park and boat launch would be a blow to our local businesses and serve to under utilize this important resource that we have in the Oak Orchard Harbor."
Callard & Rush also commented on the County’s position in 2010 to enhance the Oak Orchard region and tourism in Orleans County. Steve Gramiak, OONA President and proprietor of the Black North Inn and Bill Karcher, Vice President and proprietor of the Lighthouse Restaurant raised the issue of poor and dilapidated signage and reflectors along the Lake Ontario State Parkway (Seaway Trail) and local roads. Lynne Menz, OONA communications director and year round resident expressed the need to repair the Parkway pavement from the Hamlin Beach State Park on west and wondered if it would qualify for federal stimulus funds since the Great Lakes Seaway Trail is designated as one of America’s Byways. As the proprietor and host of the Lighthouse Restaurant, Nancy Karcher has fielded several complaints from visitors who have just exited the Parkway. "One visitor trailored his antique boat to our region this past year and was irate from the potential damage the Parkway’s condition could have caused to his boat." Further discussions ensued ranging from Homeland Security issues, installing cameras at the Harbor and moving the INS phone closer to the harbor entrance for our international boaters. Callard encouraged OONA members to create a "wish list" for improvements to present to the County Legislators within the month.
Deputy Jim Halstead addressed the attendees regarding the recent burglaries in Point Breeze resulting in the successful apprehension of the suspects. This incident emphasized the urgency for the OONA Neighborhood Watch program. With the support of Orleans County Scott Hess and Deputy Halstead, John Brown, sub-committee chairman, requested a call for volunteers to make this program a success.
The OONA Events Committee announced the first event of the season to be held March 20th, the first day of spring at the Black North Inn: The Spring Migration Celebration and Running of the Birds 5K Fun Run & Waddle whereby participants are encourage to dress as a bird. The 5K run & waddle (walkers) will be followed with a celebration featuring entertainment by The Blind Leading the Blind at noon, lunch specials and prizes. Applications can be obtained at the Black North and Lighthouse Restaurant, downloaded at www.oakorchard.org or by calling 585-682-0090. In collaboration with Orleans County Healthy Communities Building Capacity project, the event will benefit PAWS of Orleans County to help control the feral cat population.
Bill Karcher presented the Summer Concert Series to be held every Tuesday evening from July 6th to August 17th at the Orleans County Marine Park, Point Breeze Road. The concert series will include genres such as Country, Blues, Jazz, Beach Party, A Dave Matthews Tribute Band and Island Music. OONA business members will be serving food & beverages during the concert series. The season will wrap up August 21st in celebration of International Lighthouse Weekend and the new Oak Orchard Lighthouse. Events such as fishing derbies and swap meets/flea markets are also being considered to be added to the schedule.
OONA will be introducing a pocket calendar listing the events available for sale at the March 20th event. The weekly "Seasonal" calendar will be dated starting Spring 2010 through Winter 2011 and also be used as a fundraising raffle for OONA. The cost of the calendar is $20 with the potential of buyers winning a daily raffle ranging from $25 to $100.
Though the neighborhood association is in its infancy stages, it is growing rapidly with membership reaching over 50 in it’s first month of organizing. Sub-committees include Events, Preservation & Environmental, Fundraising, Neighborhood Watch, OONA Fit Club and Pet Watch. Their comprehensive web site, www.oakorchard.org features an up-to-date calendar, announcements, link to the Lighthouse Cam, merchandise page, photo gallery and membership application. The Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association certainly recognizes the value of the Oak Orchard Region’s resources. |
posted Feb 19, 2010 1:32 PM by Lynne Menz
[
updated Mar 2, 2010 5:46 AM
]
Get ready for OONA's 1st Annual Spring Migration Celebration on Saturday March 20, 2010. The event will begin at 11 AM with the " Running of the Birds 5K Fun Run & Waddle". Registration will begin at 10 AM at the Black North Inn on Ontario St. This is a fun run/walk whereby participants are encouraged to dress as a bird. Awards will be given for costume creativity as well as fastest runners. Whether you're a snowbird, freebird, lovebird or Canada Geese running in a V-formation, come and celebrate the spring migration.
The festivities will continue at the Black North with live entertainment featuring "The Blind Leading the Blind", door prizes and specials throughout the day. Bird watchers welcomed!
Pre-registrater by March 13th: $10 (to guarantee your Tshirt size)
Registration after March 13th: $15.
Download application/flyer from our Documentation page. Proceeds to benefit Orleans County PAWS in support of controlling the feral cat population.
This event is presented by the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association and the Healthy Communities Capacity Building Project of Orleans County. For more information or to become a sponsor, call Lynne at 585-682-0090.
|
posted Jan 23, 2010 6:13 AM by Lynne Menz
[
updated Jan 23, 2010 6:21 AM
]
Wayne Hale, Director of Orleans County Tourism and Marine Park issued this statement, 1/21/10:
"Nathaniel Development expects to break ground in mid- to late-February on the Oak Orchard Lighthouse, with a final completion date anticipated June 1, 2010. The construction period may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstance. We’ll keep you posted on any changes.
During the construction period, the Marine Park property at Point Breeze north of the comfort station will remain open for fishing, boat launching, parking and day use. The comfort station will also be open. However, the area of the Park behind the comfort station will be closed to the public during construction and will be fenced off to ensure the safety of our patrons. Heavy equipment will be entering and exiting the Park periodically so please exercise caution while enjoying the Park.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please consider using the Marine Park site at the Lake Ontario Parkway which offers picnic pavilions, boat docking, fishing, and a playground." |
|
