The Honorable Stephen R. Sirkin, 80, died Wednesday (January 15, 2020) at about 3 p.m. at his home on Pine Ridge Drive in Newark.

Born on October 15, 1939 in Newark, Steve was a 1957 graduate of Newark High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Colgate University. After receiving his law degree from Syracuse University in 1964,  he served as an FBI Special Agent in Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi and New York.

Steve left the F.B.I. in 1968,  returning to Newark to practice law. In 1971, Steve was elected Wayne County District Attorney serving until 1989. He was then elected as a Wayne County Judge and served from 1990 till his retirement in 2009. Stephen was also an appointed Supreme Court Justice and during his career presiding over cases in fourteen counties.

“I worked for and with Steve for almost 40 years. In private practice together and as an Assistant DA in the 80s, and as DA with him as judge for 20 years. I can best describe Steve as a “character” and I mean that in a good way. He was probably the brightest attorney I have ever known, but his style in the courtroom was such that he usually did not endear himself to the attorneys who appeared before him. He resolved cases quickly by pretty much silencing the lawyers. In the end though, he was fair and his decisions were on the mark. He was very good to me over the years and I will miss him,” said friend former DA and current Wayne County Judge Rick Healy.

Current Wayne County District Attorney Mike Calarco remembers Steve well. “ Judge Sirkin was one of the brightest legal minds I have had the honor of working with. I will never forget how he reached out to me during my election and offered his advice and wisdom. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family.”

“The “Judge” was a friend for many years. I will always remember him for the stories he use to tell.  He never lost sight of his purpose, to uphold the law and base his decisions on facts.  I use to call him the “Master Mechanic” of the state court System.  He would get calls from of the Chief Justices in Albany when they would have large backlogs in other counties and he would travel there and clean up cases. He loved to travel, loved his garden and especially his old ford tractor. He was an exceptional FBI Agent, District Attorney, and County Judge. He taught me a lot and I will miss him dearly,” said former Wayne County Sheriff Dick Pisciotti..

Friend and reporter Louise Hoffman Broach knew Steve for 35 years. “I first met him as a very young reporter. He hated reporters, first thing he said to me was “No comment!” and I said, how can you say that, I haven’t even asked you anything!” and we sort of took it from there.

“He did my wedding, one of only like 4 he did when he was a judge.  Incidentally he came to my house in Savannah to do my wedding on a bitterly cold January day. I remember signing the marriage licence on the washing machine in my laundry room.

He and I were both Jewish in a county with about 5 Jewish people, so I think that there was a bond there too. He told me, “Never work on Yom Kippur.” We went to services at the temple in Geneva a few times on the High Holy Days. He went to Israel a few more times than I did, he went during a time of conflict, and I had gone during the first Gulf War and he was the only one who didn’t think I was nuts.

When he retired from the bench, he didn’t want me to interview him, so I wrote about him anyway, for the Wayne Star, and he loved it, sent me a note afterward.

He never wanted to talk about his “Mississippi Burning” days, although he did share a little about it with me … he often told me I was a pain in the ass, but I know that he respected me,” Louise recalled.

Steve was one of the agents investigating the disappearance of three civil rights workers in June of 1964. The investigation was met with hostility by the town’s residents, local police, and the Ku Klux Klan. At the request of President Lyndon Johnson,  the F.B.I. opened a new field office in Jackson, Mississippi and U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy sent in scores of agents to investigate the case. Agents eventually discovered the bodies of the three civil rights activists. The case made national headlines, was turned into a book and eventually the 1988 movie Mississippi Burning.

In a 2010 novel called “Killer Twins” by Michael Benson, the author wrote about Judge Sirkin, in his role as the judge for the Spahalski murder trial, Judge Sirkin “would see to it that evidence was presented in a lightning-quick fashion.” Benson explained that: “Acting supreme court justice Stephen R. Sirkin …had a reputation for being no-nonsense and a stickler for a tight schedule.  Sirkin was a Wayne County judge but had for many years been semi-regularly “borrowed” by the Monroe County Court Administration to clean up a backlog,” according to Benson.

The post Former Wayne County District Attorney, County Judge Stephen Sirkin is remembered appeared first on The Times of Wayne County - Waynetimes.com.

On Wednesday, January 15, at approximately 3:39 P.M., the Macedon Police Department was called to the Tractor Supply store at 280 Route 31, Macedon, for the report of a larceny that had just occurred.

The alleged suspect left in a vehicle traveling westbound on Route 31 toward Monroe County. The vehicle was described as a Nissan Altima with out-of-state plates.

While checking the area of Route 31 in Perinton, a Macedon Police Officer located the vehicle believed to be involved in the larceny. The officer activated his emergency lights in an attempt to stop the vehicle.  The vehicle continued westbound on Route 31 and started to drive in an erratic manner.  The officer discontinued his attempts to stop the vehicle.

A short time later, the Nissan collided with two other vehicles at the intersection of Route 31 and Valley Creek Road/Blackwatch Trail in Perinton.

Two males in the Nissan and one female from one of the vehicles that had been hit were transported to Strong Memorial Hospital, all with non-life-threatening injuries.

The operator of the Nissan, Anthony Loquasto, age 34, of the City of Rochester, was charged with DWI, Aggravated Operation in the Second Degree, Reckless Driving, and other tickets by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

The Macedon Police Department charged Loquasto with Petit Larceny related to the incident at Tractor Supply.

It is alleged he took DeWalt power tools valued at $224. He faces charges of Petit Larceny

Records indicate Loquastro has been involved in six arrests in Wayne County, dating back as far as February of 2016, mostly related to larcenies.

Loquastro will appear in Macedon Court on January 28.

The post Macedon larceny report leads to crash in Perinton appeared first on The Times of Wayne County - Waynetimes.com.

This is how far some stupid politicians will go to cement support of some of their bigoted electorate.

Last week, Senator Pam Helming released a statement for her stand to make ‘Make English New York’s Official Language.’

In her statement Helming wrote:

“Citing the need to promote unity and create a common bond amongst all New York’s citizens, Senator Helming will continue her efforts to pass S.163, which would designate English as New York’s official language. In prior years, the New York State Legislature has taken action to designate an official state bird, flower, fish, insect, and even a state snack.

“We are a proud nation of immigrants. From across the world, people see the Statue of Liberty and New York as a beacon of hope and freedom. Immigrants travel here with a key bond of embracing liberty and enriching our culture and they make our state stronger. These success stories surround us and our state is known as a place where anything is possible and to dream big. One other key element that binds us as New Yorkers is the English language. By designating it as the official language of our state, we celebrate its unifying impact and encourage its adoption, as it helps bring us together as a state and nation,” said Senator Pam Helming.

ProEnglish, the nation’s leading advocate of official English, strongly supports Senator Helming’s sponsorship of legislation to make English the official language of New York. Stephen D. Guschov, Esq., the Executive Director of ProEnglish in Washington, DC, stated: “English has a historic role as America’s common, unifying language. A recent poll by Rasmussen Reports showed that 81% of Americans believe that English should be the official language of the United States. ProEnglish stands with Senator Helming concerning the need to promote unity and to create a common bond among all of New York’s citizens, and passage of S.163, which would designate English as New York’s official language, would accomplish this and would have an immediate, unifying impact in the Empire State.”

English is already the official language for a number of states across the United States and is the most commonly spoken language in the nation. Senator Helming’s legislation is carried in the Assembly by Assemblyman DiPietro.” Okay then, am I to assume Helming is a bit of a racist?

In a Trump land where division and hatred is promulgated, Helming has shown her true colors. Where current attacks on Jews and other minorities have become rampant, Helming wants to add her two cents. With all the division in the nation, why would any sane politician want to add fuel to the fire?

The idea is promoted that we hate immigrants, Jews, and anyone who either is not our shade, current belief, or talks in gibberish that is not pure English. Pretty much anyone who is not us.

We get annoyed when we make a phone call and an automated voice asks us English or Spanish? How about a wake-up call. The reason the question of English or Spanish is asked is because a growing number of the phone calls are from people of a Spanish/Hispanic background.

It is estimated that the  U.S. Hispanic population surged another 1.2 million last year and now is a record 59.9 million, according to newly released U.S. Census Bureau population estimates.

The percentage of Hispanics as part of the overall U.S. population also jumped to 18%.

A Pew Research Center analysis of the new data also found that between 2008 and 2018, “Latinos accounted for about half (52%) of all U.S. population growth over this period.”

Meanwhile, the white population saw negligible growth between 2015 and 2018, perhaps a concern to the uptick in hate crimes against anyone not white.

Gee, I wonder why the Republicans want to seal our borders and have severely limited even legal immigration?

Why, every time there is a killing of a white American by a person with a Hispanic background, brought up and touted as a reason that “They are murderers, rapists, etc…”

Actually, we true Americans kill far more, but that will not push a talking moment.

With the real global warming/climate change, the immigration/migration figures have been dramatic. People are fleeing regions affected by flooding, droughts, fires and the resulting in food shortages and violence that follow. This is happening all over the world, not just on our southern boarders.

So, will making English the official language in New York have any real impact? Absolutely NOT! It will however, soothe the souls of chest beating bigots who hate the changing times in America.

Perhaps the next push by Helming is to make Christianity the official religion, Caucasian the official color of New Yorkers? That will surely BIND us together.

The post The ugly side of Pam Helming appeared first on The Times of Wayne County - Waynetimes.com.

Economic Development/Planning   Jan. 8

Wayne County has been approved for over $30 million in REDI funding for 10 projects for restoration efforts towards barrier breaches and slope stabilization at Crescent Beach, Blind Sodus Bay and Port Bay locations.

Present:  Supervisors Spickerman, Groat, Robusto, Lasher and Miller, County Administrator Rick House, Fiscal Assistant Ken Blake, Tourism Director Christine Worth and Economic Development/Planning Director Brian Pincelli.  Supervisor Johnson was not present for the meeting.  

Tourism Director Christine Worth–Snow tubing at Greystone should be opening mid to late January, the Inaugural Finger Lakes Birding Festival will be held from March 26th-29th, Farm House at the County Fairgrounds is scheduled for May 29th and 30th and a Rotary Winterfest is scheduled in Sodus later this month.

The following transmittals were presented for the Economic Development/Planning Department:

–Authorization for the Chairman of the Board to sign an agreement with the Wayne County Industrial Development Agency for payment of 2020 appropriations totaling $515,952.  Approved 4-0. 

–Authorization for the Chairman of the Board to sign an application to the Federal Environmental Protection Agency for REDI (Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative) Projects.  Wayne County has been approved for over $30 million in REDI funding for 10 projects for restoration efforts towards barrier breaches and slope stabilization at Crescent Beach, Blind Sodus Bay and Port Bay locations.  The Board passed a resolution in December allowing funding of REDI project in coordination with the State.  Approved 4-0. 

The Economic Development/Planning Department’s activities report was presented and reviewed.  The vacant position of Deputy Director has been filled by Katie Bronson, she will begin next week.  The Edge Factor Community Hub for Wayne County is now live.  It can be viewed at edgefactor.com/wayneny   The strategic plan for the Ontario-Midland (OMID) railroad is ongoing; the County is the owner of this railroad line and lease it to OMID who operate and maintain the railroad.  Grant funds have been used in the past for railroad improvements; activity on the line has doubled in the past two years.  With more growth anticipated, it is time for development of a plan and possible marketing campaign.  Mr. Spickerman requested a presentation be made to this Committee and the full Board by OMID.  The review committee has approved the Town of Ontario’s Industrial Site traffic mitigation plan. Discussions continue on the Rosalen PILOT solar project in the Towns of Rose and Galen.

The Genesee Transportation Council (GTC) is working with the Planning Office and a consultant on the Gananda Parkway Project and staff are assisting the Town of Savannah with a Town Action Plan for Revitalization.  The Planning Department will provide $9,000 to the Town of Savannah to help develop a plan.  Mr. Pincelli said funding of up to $200,000 is being made available to eligible applicants who experienced direct physical flood-related damage due to high water levels from Lake Ontario in 2019; other stipulations of funding were reviewed.  

Staff continue to work on streetlight retrofitting with the New York Power Authority. Over two years ago a study was completed to evaluate access to broadband in all areas of Wayne County; the study found significant gaps in coverage especially in eastern parts of the County.  Access to the internet has an impact on education and property values.  The County’s Broadband Committee is looking for solutions to have service to all households in the County.  Mr. Pincelli said Requests For Qualifications may be done for this service.  

Mr. Pincelli informed Supervisors the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is requesting solid waste management plans from each county; Wayne County does not have such a plan and he does not believe he or his staff have the expertise to create one.  As the County does not manage a landfill, they do not have a lot of the information being requested by DEC.  The Economic Development/Planning Department issues garbage hauler permits each year; however, have no way to verify the information they are provided is correct.  Mr. Groat questioned who is responsible to make certain haulers are disposing of their recyclable materials in the proper manner.  A lengthy discussion followed on solid waste. 

Government Operation Committee   Jan. 9

Present:  Supervisors Emmel, Chatfield, Spickerman, Verkey, Groat and Miller, County Administrator Rick House, Fiscal Assistant Ken Blake, County Attorney Dan Connors, Board of Election Commissioner John Zornow, County Clerk Michael Jankowski and Human Resource Officer Chris Kalinski.  Supervisor Eygnor was not present for the meeting. 

The following transmittals were referred to the Government Operation Committee: 

–Authorization to set the hourly wage for 2020 seasonal positions in the Public Works Department.  Approved 4-0. 

–Authorization to set the salary for a full-time Assistant District Attorney position and fill vacancy.  Approved 4-0. 

–Authorization for the Chairman of the Board to sign an affiliation agreement with Monroe Community College for a student intern at the Sheriff’s Office.  Approved 4-0. 

–Authorization to create and fill the position of full-time Public Health Specialist at a salary of $44,328.  Mr. House noted the position of Quality Improvement Coordinator in the Public Health Department was eliminated last year when the position of Deputy Director was created and filled.  The Public Health Director told the Health and Medical Services Committee the lack of consistency due to this staff shortage is making it difficult to perform mandated quality assurance audits, quality improvement projects and program evaluations.  The new position is included in the 2020 budget.  Approved 4-0. 

–Authorization to create and fill a full-time Community School Coordinator position in the Mental Health Department at a salary of $56,441.  The position is totally paid for with grant funds; the position will be eliminated if grant funding is eliminated.  Approved 4-0. 

County Attorney Dan Connors–Mr. Connors presented his monthly activities report.  During December the Office drafted and/or reviewed 42 contracts and 64 insurance certificates.  The Office received 34 Freedom of Information (FOIL) requests.  

The Annual Report for the County Attorney’s Office was received and filed.  Staff received four civil claims in 2019, prepared and/or reviewed 462 contracts, and reviewed 406 insurance certificates.  The Office was involved in one disciplinary grievance and one contractual grievance. There were 39 Juvenile Delinquent and 18 Persons in Need of Supervision prosecutions during the year.  The Office received 362 FOIL and 74 applications for poor persons and/or assigned counsel requests.

Board of Election Commissioner John Zornow–Presented a transmittal requesting authorization for the Chairman of the Board to sign an agreement with NTS Data Services for maintenance and support services for the Board of Elections for a cost of $188,400.  Approved 4-0.

County Administrator Rick House–Mr. House updated Supervisors on his activities during December.  A community stakeholder meeting was held for residents of Sandhill Mobile Park in the Town of Arcadia, as the park will be shut down in the near future due to electrical and sewage issues. Efforts are underway to find homes for those being displaced. The County’s Shared Service Project was sent to the State; the County will utilized services of the Sodus Central School District’s Grant Writer Jay Roscup. It is anticipated the $25,000 paid to Mr. Roscup will more than be paid back to the County in grant revenue. Mr. House continues to work with County Departments that are involved in producing and/or receiving information through the State’s new discovery law to determine if additional staffing will be necessary.  Some Departments do not have the Office space to accommodate additional personnel; the Building Relocation Committee will be asked to address this issue once renovation work is completed at 16 William Street.  The Compliance Committee held its quarterly meeting.  Deputy Director of Mental Health, Ed Hunt, is serving as the County’s Compliance Officer. A Labor Management meeting was held in December; not many issues discussed.

The Census 2020 Committee will hold its first meeting on January 24th, Jay Roscup and Social Services Commissioner Dr. Elect Wayne will co-chair the Committee. 

A lengthy discussion took place on County Law 206 that states the requirements for certain County Offices to remain open the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, unless a local law is in place stating differently. Mr. Jankowski said it has been a past practice of the Board to allow non-essential staff to leave their posts at 3:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Mr. House said that practice is not occurring anymore; as Union issues arose due to that action. It was agreed those County Offices that are mandated to remain open the day after Thanksgiving will be open; this can be done with limited staff. The desire of some County staff to leave or not to come to work on inclement weather days was also discussed.  A 1994 County Policy that states staff may choose not to come to work on days they deem as inclement; however, must utilize vacation or sick time accruals to cover their time off.  

 County Clerk. Mike Jankowski updated Supervisors on the improperly disposed of Department of Motor Vehicle tax forms. An official press release was issued and all 230 individuals affected were sent a letter about the incident; no calls or inquiries were received as a result of the letters being sent.  

New York State’s Greenlight Law is now in effect and allows those without legal immigration status to apply for driver’s licenses. To date, 14 individuals have come into the local DMV to obtain their licenses without the necessary documentation required for citizenship, 11 of the applications have been rejected and three processed.  

Finance Committee   Jan. 14

 New full-time DA position to pay $74,151

Present:  Supervisors Bender, Groat, Verkey, Robusto, Emmel, Eygnor and Miller, County Administrator Rick House, Fiscal Assistant Ken Blake, Treasurer Patrick Schmitt, Information Technology Director Matt Ury, County Auditor Kristen Scott, Purchasing Clerk Kaleigh Flynn, Real Property Tax Director Karen Ambroz, Land Bank Director Mark Humbert and County Attorney Dan Connors. 

–Authorization to fill the vacancy of a full-time Assistant District Attorney and set the salary at $74,151.  The new position will be earning the same salary as the individual who left the position; the District Attorney said the person taking this job has many years of court room experience.  A discussion took place on residency requirements; as the person taking this job does not live in Wayne County.  Mr. Miller questioned if the new employee was asked if they would move into the County.  Mr. Robusto said he believes employees that live in a community are vested in a community.  Mr. Verkey questioned if other full-time Assistant District Attorney’s live in the County.  Mr. Bender said she would like to see the residency issue resolved.  Mr. House said he would discuss this issue with the District Attorney.  Approved 5-0.  

–Authorization for the Chairman of the Board to sign an affiliation agreement with Monroe Community College for a student intern at the Sheriff’s Office.  Approved 5-0. 

–Authorization for the Sheriff to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Wayne County Youth Advocate Program to offer a Disciplinary Reduction Offender Program at the County Jail.  The $10,000 cost of the program will be paid for with inmate commissary funds.  Approved 5-0. 

–Authorization to amend the Emergency Management budget due to receipt of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Administration) funding in the amount of $88,359 as a result of damages during 2017 Lake Ontario flooding.  Approved 5-0. 

–Authorization for the Chairman of the Board to sign an agreement between the Public Works Department and LaBella Associates for design documents for the renovation of the first floor of County Building at 9 Pearl Street for a price not to exceed $187,700.  Approved 5-0. 

–Authorization for the Chairman of the Board to sign an agreement between with the Wayne County Industrial Development Agency for payment of 2020 appropriations totaling $515,952.  Approved 5-0. 

–Authorization for the County to serve as lead agency in a SEQR for the demolition of 48 Broad Street in Lyons under the Land Bank Program. Approved 5-0. 

–Authorization for the Chairman of the Board to sign an application to the Federal Environmental Protection Agency for REDI (Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative) Projects.  Wayne County has been approved for over $30 million in REDI funding for 10 projects for restoration efforts towards barrier breaches and slope stabilization at Crescent Beach, Blind Sodus Bay and Port Bay locations.   Approved 5-0. 

–Authorization for the Chairman of the Board to sign an annual contract between the Department of Aging and Youth and Wayne County NYARC for the provision of home delivered meals to homebound elderly individuals who are nutritionally at risk for a cost not to exceed $243,800.  Approved 5-0. 

Mr. Miller said he was in contact with Assemblyman Manktelow regarding recent Bail Reform Legislation that went into effect January 1st; he is hopeful this law will be amended, but does not believe the Governor will repeal it.  

Mr. Blake gave a brief update to new Committee members on the County’s 2020 budget.  The budget reflects a tax levy of $41.5 million and $5.2 million General Unassigned Fund Balance appropriation placed against it resulting in a tax rate decrease to $7.77/$1,000.  The main reason behind the drop in tax rate was an increase in property values.  The Treasurer’s Office will be closing their books in mid-February, prior to that Mr. Blake will make appropriate transfers to correct budget variances.  Sales tax revenue at this time appears to be about $2 million over budget and community college costs and salaries and related benefit costs are running under budget.  The amount in fund balance was questioned. Later in the meeting Mr. Blake said the audited fund balance at the end of 2018 was $48.2 million, currently the fund balance is $46.5 million.  

Mr. House noted area high schools are offering a lot of college courses; the County is paying a portion of this expense as they do with all community college tuition expenses.  A brief discussion took place on the amount the County has to pay in community college expenses because there is not a community college in the County.  

The monthly activities report for the Treasurer’s Office was distributed with the agenda.  Six banks responded to the request for proposals for banking services; four of the banks were selected to meet personally with the County on what they have to offer. As of December 31st there were 17 County parcels with unpaid taxes; letter were sent to property owners regarding their tax payments.  Mr. Schmitt said he would review the foreclosure process with the Committee in more detail at their March meeting.  He also reported interest income for the County in 2019 was $2.77 million; over budget. 

Mr. Humbert updated the Committee on Land Bank activity. The Land Bank removed 20 properties from the County’s tax foreclosure list in an effort to address the problem with vacant, abandoned, derelict and tax delinquent properties in the County and returning the properties to productive use and back on the tax roll.   He is currently working with the State Department of 

Environmental Conservation on a memorandum of understanding to hold the County and State harmless on properties that are foreclosed upon with environmental concerns.  There are a number of these properties currently under Section 8 in Wayne County that Mr. Humbert would like to see placed back on the tax roll.  Currently the County is listed in the chain of title once they take ownership of foreclosure properties in an effort to sell or renovate them.  Mr. Humbert and Mr. Schmitt viewed all Section 8 properties in the County and will make a recommendation to the Land Bank Board on what should occur with each.  

Mr. Humbert informed new Committee members Community Development Block Grant funds the County had not expended in an Industrial Development revolving loan program were redirected to the Land Bank for their projects.   Two properties are scheduled for demolition in the very near future. 

 County Municipal Meetings on pages A9 and B7 

The post County committee meetings Jan 8-14-2020 appeared first on The Times of Wayne County - Waynetimes.com.

  The meeting was attended by Town Supervisor Michael Kolczynski, Town Clerk Julie Carey, Councilman Jack Sloan, Councilman John Gill, Councilman Julie Vanleeuwen, Councilman Fred Baker, Highway Supervisor Jeff Fiddle, Water Department Head Bruce Waterman, and one citizen of Savannah. Mike Kolczynski called the meeting to order at 6:30pm, and all present stood for the pledge of allegiance. There was a motion to forgo the reading of the minutes from the December 9th and December 30th, 2019 meetings and enter as written. This was passed. 

Next, Mr. Kolczynski read all correspondence.  This began with the Federal Home Loan Bank Securities pledge, the Williamson Law Book Town Clerk renewal contract, and received ORPTS report on the assessor certification. Also received was the Federal Home Loan Bank issued bonds, a notice of a need to audit the Judges Books from the NYS UCS, and a Water Inspection Report from the NYS DOH from 11/27/19 with no violations cited.  He continued with a signed contract received from Wayne County Snow & Ice, an annual packet from the Association of Towns with information regarding the annual meeting from February 16th to 19th, 2020.  Finally, received was the annual contract from AOS for the CDL drug and alcohol testing for 2020, signed an agreement with Lee Walter to do the judges audit for 2019, finalized the transfers and increased applications for the 2019 budget, a notice of the award of a CFA Engineering grant with the EFC received for $30k, and a last Federal Home Loan Bank update. A motion to have the clerk file the correspondence was passed.

Under Privilege of the floor, a citizen inquired about Linda Bell and was disappointed to hear that she had been under the weather recently. He also inquired about the electronic sign out in front of the town hall. It was agreed that the town board would look more into the speeds available for the text to move on the sign. Four resolutions were then presented and passed. First was a resolution to renew the Williamson Law Book Town Clerks Program. A resolution to sign the renewal contract with AOS for 2020. The next resolution presented was to expend funds around $1000.00 to replace the lights around the park and parking lot on North Main Street with LED lighting.  This also brought up a discussion about similar funds needed to replace two major lights out at the highway barn. Finally, the resolution to accept the $30k CFA Engineering Grant with EFC was passed.

A motion to pay the bills was passed, and a motion to adjourn was passed. 

The next Savannah Town Meeting will be held February 10th, 2020 at 6:30pm.

By Holly Wright 

The post Savannah Town Meeting   Jan. 9, 2020 appeared first on The Times of Wayne County - Waynetimes.com.

All Board members were present when the meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.  A Resolution was passed to approve the minutes of the January 2, 2020 Regular Board Meeting, the January 2, 2020 Organizational Meeting and the January 14, 2020 Special Meeting for Work Session.

Monthly reports accepted:  Supervisor (December 2019),  Receiver of Taxes,  Assessor and  Building Department. Annual reports were also accepted from   Town Clerk, Assessor, Parks and Recreation and Building Department.

Councilman Bryson reported that the Library has requested a meeting with the Board. February 6, 2020 is the proposed date.

Resolutions 25-20 through 28-20 were passed authorizing the Town Board to Sign the Agreement to Spend Highway Funds, Financial Transfers, Approval of Abstract 1 and the Transfer from General Fund to Dog Enumeration Reserve Fund for $2125.00. Resolutions 29-20 through 34-20 passed including authorizing the Highway Superintendent to order a 2020 Pickup truck for the Highway Department for an amount not to exceed $35,000 and authorizing the Parks and Recreation Director to procure printing from Penny Lane for an amount not to exceed $9771.00.  Resolution 1-20 was amended to remove Aimee Phillips-Lomb and appoint Joe Leone to the Parks and Recreation Committee with a term that expires on December 31, 2020. The 2020 Walworth Planning Board Calendar and  Walworth Zoning Board Calendars  were submitted to the Board. They are available on the Town website. http://www.townofwalworthny.com/

The next Town of Walworth Board meeting is February 6, 2020 at 6:30 PM. This meeting is a joint meeting with the Walworth Library Board of Trustees.

The Town Supervisor was authorized to purchase hardware for three pairs of upper and lower lobby doors for an amount not to exceed $10,525.09.

Town resident Charlie Caradonna shared his thoughts with the Board regarding the Sun and Record newspaper. He acknowledges that times have changed but did want to state that he will miss the presence of the Sun and Record in the community. Zoning Officer Phil Williamson relayed a compliment he had received from a Town resident applauding the Highway Department and their dedication and responsibility when it came to a resident’s mailbox that was damaged during a recent snow storm. They had gone above and beyond to repair it, and Highway Superintendent Tim Vendel should be proud of his crew.

The Board was also going to audit the Town Departments, including Receiver of Taxes, Sewer Superintendent, the Town Clerk, the Justice Court and the Chief Fiscal Officer. Supervisor Jacobs stated that any resolutions resulting from the audit would be available on the Town website. Meeting adjourned at 7:02 PM.                   

By: Caroline Grasso

The post Walworth Town Meeting   Jan. 16, 2020 appeared first on The Times of Wayne County - Waynetimes.com.

The Palmyra-Macedon Central School District Board of Education held its first regular meeting of the year on Tuesday, January 7 at Pal-Mac High School. District success metrics and an update on future upgrades to Heating, Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) systems at Pal-Mac Primary were the main topics of discussion.  Pal-Mac Principals Andy Wahl (high school), Dr. Darcy Smith (middle school), Chris Barnard (intermediate school) and Brian Brooks (primary school) teamed up to give a presentation on district success metrics. The metrics are aimed to provide a broad picture of achievement across the district without a singular focus on test scores and numerical data. Metrics presented at the meeting included traditional data points such as test scores but also metrics of extra-curricular participation rates and enrollment in International Baccalaureate and dual credit classes. The group noted continued efforts are ongoing to educate the whole child in a manner that prepares them not only take a test, but to become a successful and productive member of society upon graduation.

Deputy Superintendent Ralph Brongo provided an update on Heating, Ventilation and Cooling upgrades planned for Pal-Mac Primary. According to Brongo, the goal of the upgrades will be to improve air flow in the building and update critical systems to make for a more comfortable learning environment. Specific project details and the timeline for work continue to be discussed. The work will be funded as part of a previous voter approved capital project.

Cole Tibbits, Pal-Mac 10th grader enrolled in Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES Pathways in Technology (P-Tech) program, shared information about the innovative learning environment and how it has positively impacted him. P-Tech is a specialized school campus located in Newark and run by W-FL BOCES. The school focuses on college attainment and career readiness providing programs in IT, advanced manufacturing, mechanical engineering and other STEM related fields. Students from throughout the W-FL region can apply to be part of the school and once admitted, attend full-time in place of attending classes at their home district have the opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and a no-cost, two-year post secondary degree in a STEM field. P-Tech Principal Kathy McGuigan and W-FL BOCES Superintendent Vicma Ramos also took time to share information on the programs P-Tech has to offer.

The district announced Danny Dehm as Interim Assistant Superintendent following the departure of Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Student Learning, Dr. Ryan Pacatte. Pacatte assumed the role of Superintendent Avon Central School District earlier this month. Dehm, recently retired, comes to the district with over 30 years of experience in education, including leadership roles in the Victor Central School District. Dehm will work in an interim capacity through the end of the year until a permanent replacement is named. The next Board of Education meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 4 at Pal-Mac High School in the lower cafeteria.

The post Pal-Mac School Meeting   Jan. 13, 2020 appeared first on The Times of Wayne County - Waynetimes.com.

This baseball cheating scandal is hilarious. 

It’s one thing to steal signs organically, over the course of a game, on the field. That’s gamesmanship. 

It’s another, like Spygate, to videotape or to use video surveillance to study the catcher and tip hitters to what’s coming via an orchestrated system. 

The Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox both won World Series titles in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

Now, they’re without managers and general managers who were part of the system that aided their success. 

Baseball warned teams to stop. The Yankees reportedly did. The Astros instead created a method where they even hung a flatscreen in the hallway between the clubhouse and dugout that was put-up and taken-down before and after games. They knew what they were into. And while Carlos Beltran, then a player (now a New York Mets manager) may have helped orchestrate the operation, former GM Jeff Luhnow, manager AJ Hinch, and former bench coach and now former Red Sox manager, Alex Cora, were all whistling Dixie as it went on. 

They’re culpable.

And, so are their owners. 

Yes. Jim Crane rolled-over and canned the very men who got him that ring he’ll wear at cocktail parties and yacht clubs until the day he dies. 

John Henry? Time will tell. 

Worth it? Only they can answer that. 

Heck, even the Wilpons got into it in Queens, “asking” former Mets manager, Carlos Beltran, to step down. 

(If a tree falls…nevermind.)

But if it’s worth anything, know this:

Everyone still had to execute, for a lack of a better non-sports word. 

The LA Dodgers could have won either series. The first had they used common sense over analytics and realized with the slick new World Series balls, their 2017 Game 7 starter, Yu Darvish couldn’t throw a damn slider. Maybe they should have watched tape of themselves. In 2018, they simply got too cute with their bullpen. Analytics, analytics, analytics. 

In other words, stripping the titles is foolish. It serves no purpose. Ask former FORMER (yes, you read that twice) Heisman Trophy winner and national champion, Reggie Bush, what that’s like. Yeah, he still won. It’s acknowledged, it’s fact, and the millions of witnesses will never dispute it. 

Just like you can’t vacate Chris Webber’s infamous timeout. 

The lesson, all the way around: be better. 

The Astros and Red Sox should be ashamed that their winning will be forever mentioned in the same breath as the 1919 Chicago White Sox and the disgraced Pete Rose. The difference, however? There’s no disputing the fact either team was trying their damndest to win rings instead of cash. 

And, they could have won without a system of cheating. 

Cheating the game, cheating the fans, cheating other cities, cheating other players, cheating their fellow union from reaching incentives, just cheating. 

And the Dodgers simply need to be better in the fact they watched the World Series end in Chavez Ravine in consecutive seasons due to their own mismanagement. 

Joe Girardi lost his job as Yankee manager thanks, in part, to the Astros. Perhaps, he’d still be in pinstripes. 

But, hey: hang those banners. Tour with the Commissioner’s Trophy. Wear those rings.

That should be punishment enough. 

They’ll have to live with the fact they had buzzers strapped to their chests instead of winning the right way. 

“Hey guy. Nice ring. Which World Series did you break into to steal that one? Just kidding! We know it was 2017 and you’re an Astro. No, really. Leave it on. It suits you.”

Kinda like that joke about the pastor or priest who calls-in sick for church on Sunday to play golf, only to hit a hole-in-one. 

God and Jesus look at each other with a simultaneous smile and say, “Who’s he gonna tell?”

Right. Who wants to hear an Astro, or a 2018 Red Sox player’s World Series story?

So, leave them with their rings, and trophies and banners. In fact, make them wear them and don them and hang them. 

If nothing else, they’ll serve one purpose at the end of the day–a lesson for those who intend to cheat, and those who need to overcome those who will continue to do so: To be better. 

The post Better Off? appeared first on The Times of Wayne County - Waynetimes.com.

MARION: Answered his final call on January 18, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his father, Richard B. Murphy. Survived by his mother, Muriel  Murphy; siblings, John (Sue) Murphy, Darlene (Gerald) Bailey, William (Robin) Murphy, Christine (Charles) O’Neil; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, the Sauer family, brothers and  sisters of the Marion and Mexico Fire Departments, and many special friends. Dick was devoted to a life of community services. He was a lifetime member of the Marion Fire Department for 50 years where he was a past chief and held all social and line offices. He was a Marion Fire Commissioner, NYS Fire Instructor, lifetime member of the State Chief’s Assoc. and an Honorary Member of the Mexico Fire Department. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 1430 in Marion. He retired from H.M. Cross & Sons after 35 years, then assisted at Stevens Funeral Home for the last 18 years. Dick was very proud of the many recruits and firefighters that he trained and got to know throughout his years as a NYS Fire Instructor.  Friends and family are invited to call Saturday, January 25,10AM-4PM at the Marion Fire Department, 3786 Mill St., Marion, NY 14505 where the funeral service will be held at 4PM immediately following calling hours. As per Dick’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations may be  made to the Marion Fire Department, PO Box 1. Condolences may be expressed at stevensfhmarion.com

The post Murphy, Richard “Dick” appeared first on The Times of Wayne County - Waynetimes.com.

NEWARK: Entered into rest on January 18, 2020 at the age of 89.  She is predeceased by her husband, Elmer.  Survived by her children, Rose (David) Tyrpak, and Ronald (EJ) Johnson; 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, sister, Lucile Decker; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Friends and family are invited to call Friday, January 24, 4PM-6PM at Stevens Funeral Home, 3896 Buffalo St., Marion, NY 14505 where the Funeral Service will be held 6PM immediately following calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Condolences may be expressed at stevensfhmarion.com

The post Johnson, Leona E.  appeared first on The Times of Wayne County - Waynetimes.com.

MACEDON/VICTOR: Entered into rest on January 20, 2020 at the age of 93. Survived by his wife, Joyce; children, Gary (Michelle), Barbara (Kevin) Miller, David (Gay); several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and friends. Cliff was the Highway Superintendent for the Town of Macedon for 25 years.  There will be no prior calling hours, Services will be at the convenience of the Family. Donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice in memory of Clifford. Condolences  may be expressed at stevensfhmarion.com

The post Everdyke, Clifford appeared first on The Times of Wayne County - Waynetimes.com.

SODUS: Age 71, passed away after a brief illness on January 21, 2020 at Newark Wayne Community Hospital. Ted is survived by his wife Sally of 46 years; children, Kevin (Lisa) Brown of Sodus, Tim (Kristine) Brown of Webster; 11 grandchildren; brother, Terry (Lisa) Brown of Wolcott; brother-in-law, Rick (Debbie) Miller of Wolcott; sister-in-law, Dianna (Randy) Kreger of MD; nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Ted worked at Xerox for 32 years and was an avid firefighter for over 40 years at Alton Fire Department. He enjoyed country music, race cars and camping. Friends and family are invited to call 1:00pm-3:00pm Sunday, January 26th, 2020 at the Norton Funeral Home, 45 W. Main St., Sodus, NY 14551. Where his Funeral Service will be held at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to: Alton Fire Department 5755 NY-14, Alton, NY 14413. Condolences may be expressed at www.hsnorton.com

The post Brown, Ted G. appeared first on The Times of Wayne County - Waynetimes.com.

ONTARIO: Carley passed away on January 19, 2020 at age 41. All are welcome to celebrate Carley’s life from 4-8 PM on Monday (January 27) at Living Word Assembly of God, 2344 Ridge Rd., Ontario, NY, where her memorial service will be held on Tuesday (January 28) at 11 AM.  To leave the family an online condolence or to upload a photo of Carley, please visit www.murphyfuneralservices.com.

The post McEwen, Carley S. appeared first on The Times of Wayne County - Waynetimes.com.

WILLIAMSON: Left this physical world on Tuesday January 21, 2020 at the age of 67. She was born November 11, 1952 to the late Harry A. and Leona J. (Keukelaar) Calus in Newark, NY and departed from us in her sleep in her lifelong home in Williamson, NY with her beloved dog Gracie. She was predeceased by parents, siblings Barb, Jim, Dolores, and Shirley, and beloved dog Maddi Mae. She is survived by husband Gary Weber, son Wade Weber (Jennifer), granddaughters Madison and Grace, and siblings Donny (Sharon) Calus, Linda (Kevin) Wilson, Dick (Cathy) Calus, sister in law: Helen Calus and brother in law: Merton Goodale, beloved dog Gracie, and horse Chance. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and numerous friends. In 1970, she graduated from Williamson Central High School. On March 24th, 1973 she married Gary Weber and later in the year had her only son Wade Weber. In 1977 she began her 40 year career as a bus driver in the Transportation Department at Williamson CSD. After retiring as Transportation Director in 2017 she enjoyed the time off for a few months, but began to miss the kids so much so that she started driving bus for Wayne Central School District. Over the years she additionally would train numerous individuals to obtain their CDL’s. In her youth she developed an affinity for horses that would remain into her final days. Growing up on a farm, she was exposed to all sorts of animals; Nancy and her siblings would try to ride the pigs and donkeys until they were finally granted a real horse at the age of 12 which was a Black Morgan Stallion. Her love for horses continued with success in the 4H state level competitions.  She was the 1970 4H champion Western Rider for NYS. Nancy was also an incredibly talented driver and she was a two-time NYS Bus Rodeo Champion.  She represented Williamson and New York State on the national level. Throughout her life she exemplified being a hard worker; taking initiative to do things on her own rather than wait for assistance. Her smile was infectious and you could easily find yourself talking to her for hours. When she wasn’t driving bus you could find her at the races, camping, out to breakfast, mowing the lawn with Gracie, with her horses, or watching a swim meet. But one thing you could always count on was her love of family; if you needed her, she was there. She truly loved being a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and bus-driver. The amount of lives that she touched must truly be immeasurable throughout her career and personal life. Although she leaves behind a great deal of sorrow, she also leaves behind an appreciation for the life that she did live. Family and friends are invited to calling hours on (Tuesday) January 28, 2020 from 4pm – 7pm at Young Funeral Home: 4025 Ridge Road, Williamson, NY.  A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held on (Wednesday) January 29, 2020 at 6pm at the Williamson Bible Baptist Church: 6463 Salmon Creek Road followed by a dessert reception in the fellowship room. A private burial will take place in Lake View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to: Cracker Box Palace or the Humane Society of Wayne County. Online condolences can be expressed at www.youngfuneralhomeny.com

The post Weber, Nancy Arlene (Calus) appeared first on The Times of Wayne County - Waynetimes.com.

WILLIAMSON/SAVANNAH: Age 65, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2020. Per George’s request there will be no services. George is survived by his significant other, Sandra Stauch; 2 sons, Aaron (Elizabeth) Lerch and Eric Lerch (Magan Narey); grandson, Gabriell; granddaughter, Kay-Leigh Ann; 2 brothers, Patrick Lerch and Ronald Farabell; and several nieces and nephews. keysorfuneralhomes.com

The post Lerch, George A. appeared first on The Times of Wayne County - Waynetimes.com.

PALMYRA: Our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother died on January 23, 2020 at the age of 87. Family and friends are invited to call from 3-6pm (prayer service at 5:45) on Monday, January 27 at the Robert L. Yost Funeral Home, Inc., 123 W. Main St., Palmyra. Private graveside services will be held at St. Anne’s Cemetery, Palmyra. Please consider donations in Mary’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 or to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123. In addition to being the best mother ever, Mary’s generous heart meant that many people in the community benefited from her love of cooking. She was often the first person to offer food to uplift others. Mary was an employee of Mobil Chemical Company for over 20 years. Mary was predeceased by her longtime companion Jim Morrisey; her sister Shirley Everett and son-in-law Peter Osterling. She is survived by her daughters Debbie (Terry) Rodman, Jacqueline Monette, Barbara (Jim) Dildine, Diane (Kevin Datthyn) Osterling and Carol (Derek Hamilton) Vitalone; grandchildren Patrick (Sarah) Rodman, Rebecca (Doug) Fogal, Jonathan (Megan) Rodman and Sarah (Ben) Rodman; Adam (Amy) Dildine, Sarah (Andy) Pietropaolo and Megan Dildine; Kaitlyn (Kevin) Berube, Ben (Jenna) Osterling and Emmalyn (Dale) Osterling and Danielle (Jake) Vitalone and Nick Vitalone and their father John Vitalone; 10 great-grandchildren; the father of their daughters, Eugene L. Monette; the Morrisey family; cousin Janet Keebler and many nieces, nephews and special friends. Online condolences @ www.rlyostfuneralhome.com

The post Monette, Mary C. appeared first on The Times of Wayne County - Waynetimes.com.

WILLIAMSON: “Bob”; died on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 62. Bob was born on May 28, 1957 in Lyons, New York the son of Daniel and Mary Bohner Muckey. He was an active member of Grace Ridge Church in Williamson and an avid train enthusiast with a special fondness for “Big Boy.” Bob was predeceased by his parents; survived by his wife Denise; son Adam Muckey; daughter Alison Marriott; sister Mary (Paul) Moon; brothers Jon and David Muckey; nieces Amy Joseph & Amanda Murray; nephews Jason Muckey, Josh Muckey & David Muckey Jr.; several great-nephews and nieces and cousin Barb and uncle Bruce Bohner. Graveside services  at the convenience of the family. Online condolences @ www.rlyostfuneralhome.com

The post Muckey, Robert A. appeared first on The Times of Wayne County - Waynetimes.com.

The Wayne County Board of Supervisors held a meeting on January 21, 2020 at 9 a.m. in the Wayne County Courthouse. With approximately 20 in attendance Chairman Kenneth Miller called the meeting to order.

The first items on the agenda were communications from the following:

• A copy of the Sheriff’s Office Cash Receipts Report dated December 19, 2019 totaling $14,729.89 was received.

• A copy of the County Auditor’s accounts payable report for monthly utilities, miscellaneous payments including the December 2019 warrants for accounts payable, totaling $5,046,588.73 was received and filed.

The Board then voted to carry the resolutions presented by Supervisor Jody Bender of Marion, which were assembled by the Finance Committee, including a resolution to request state municipal home rule legislation for extension of additional 1% sales tax to November 30, 2023. All were in favor except for Supervisor Susie Jacobs of Walworth.

Next, the board heard, and voted on Public Safety resolutions presented by Supervisor Jon Verkey of Arcadia. 

Most of the resolutions were carried, a few with amendments, except for a resolution to set the salary for the full time Assistant District Attorney position and to fill said position.

 Due to questions surrounding the position’s residency requirements, and the unclear rules surrounding those requirements, the resolution failed. In order to pass, 720 yes votes were needed, but only 391 were received.

The Board then heard resolutions from the Public Works committee, presented by Supervisor Lynn Chatfield of Wolcott, the Economic Development and Planning committee, presented by Supervisor David Spickerman, Sr. of Butler, the Government Operations committee, presented by Supervisor Jake Emmel of Lyons, and the Health and Medical Services committee, presented by Supervisor Jacobs.

Before presenting the resolutions for the Human Services committee, Supervisor Anthony Verno, Jr. of Williamson called Jason Eldridge, Director of the Veterans Services Agency, to stand before the Board. Verno then explained that Eldridge is receiving a promotion to the Veterans Administration and will be moving out of state. 

Verno thanked Eldridge for his work, saying “this is a big loss for the county.”

Following the recognition all resolutions brought by Verno were carried and the Board moved onto other business. 

Supervisor Verno then brought a resolution to appoint an Interim Director of Veteran Services, set the salary for that position, and appoint a selection committee. The motion was carried.

Next, Chairman Miller announced that the February Board meeting will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2020 to accommodate Town Supervisors to attend the NYS Association of Towns Annual Meeting and Training School. 

Miller also announced Wayne County Emergency Management will be hosting its annual Public Officials Conference / Tier 3 Training on Thursday, January 30, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Following these announcements, Chairman Miller announced subcommittee appointments and the Board adjourned shortly thereafter at 9:50 a.m.

By Amber Linson

The post County Board Meeting   Jan. 21, 2020 appeared first on The Times of Wayne County - Waynetimes.com.

Yes, it is true. I can be found in the same set of clothes–socks, pants, shirt and even undies for up to four days. My next record is going for an entire week!

Before you think I stink, let me explain. I absolutely hate going out of the house. After all my surgeries and medical melioidoses (Look it up), I have become a homebody, no, more accurately a hermit. I only leave the dwelling if I absolutely have too.

I get up at 4:30-5 a.m., let the dogs out, take a few moments in the hot tub, or the in-bedroom sauna, take a shower and start work.

Anyone – and I mean anyone – who knows me, never expects more that a pair of blue jeans and a button down shirt. (t-shirt in the hot weather).

After I have answered all the calls, written all the news that is fit to print, responded to e-mails, read all the news from several sources, the day is complete. 

I interrupt the work schedule with a short nap, meals, snacks and dog activities. Later in the day I watch and listen to a multitude of news and settle down at night with a favorite wine, wife,  and TV programming.

The only time I usually vary from this format is when Wife Patti drags me to one of her social functions. Of course, I protest leading up to the event, on the way to the event, and while at the event. This is followed by constant complaints on the drive home as well and next morning recaps of why I hate going out.

I am getting off track, back to the clothes thing.

Every evening, when it is time to get in my PJs, along with Wife Patti, I take all the daily clothes, throw them immediately in the washer. Either later that evening, or sometime during one of my sleep-breaking pee breaks, I take the clothes out of the washer and into the dryer. Please understand the laundry room is located in the hallway next to the office, bedroom and bathroom. This also works with towels and other daily use fabrics.

I wake up in the morning, take the clothes from the night before out of the dryer. At this point I look at the same, clean clothes I wore yesterday and instead of folding, or whatever, I put on the same clean clothes I wore yesterday.

This system has no drawbacks for me and besides Wife Patti agrees to the process since she abhors ironing and it takes, or reduces time over the ironing board. To be honest, If I did not adopt this process, shirts would run out before ironing ever occurred.

Since I am a hermit, no one ever notices. The only drawback is when I forget in a nightly trip to the bathroom  to move the daily wear from the washer to the dryer. That is the only reason I have not gone for the Holdraker record of a week, or more, without wearing the same clothes.

The way I look at it, this really saves wear and tear on different sets of clothes. It also eliminates the puzzling time wasted on deciding what to wear.

Of course this only works in cold, cool or warm weather. In the summer months the system is thrown in havoc when I do assorted gardening and outside projects.

Yes,  daughter-in-law Christie, who often works at the house, is sometimes puzzled as she swears I was wearing the same clothes yesterday. Once I described my hermit clothes system I knew she would adapt to the “Lazy Man’s”  style of life.

I should really patent this stuff.

The post Three, yes even 4 days in the same clothes appeared first on The Times of Wayne County - Waynetimes.com.

If the NFL’s 100th season has taught has anything, it’s that, well, we still don’t realize what we don’t know. 

Yes, go ahead. Re-read that aloud. If it sounds as silly to your ears as it does coming-off your lips, it’s supposed to sound that way. 

After a century of football, or really, 53 years of Super Bowls, with only the ones from the 1980s and beyond where football edged and then overpowered baseball as America’s Game, we still keep succumbing to the same silly traps we annually forget. 

This year, last year’s “future of football,” Patrick Mahomes, was temporarily shoved aside for the latest next best thing ever, Lamar Jackson. Oddly, one will likely be on hand at the NFL Honors show on Super Bowl eve to accept his MVP, while his predecessor gets ready to try to win his city’s second Lombardi Trophy in 50 frickin’ years, or 800 games. Look it up. 

Yes, sometimes it’s better to be overlooked. 

Of course, since Jackson and, Tom Brady, were bested by the out-of-nowhere Tennessee Titans, the bandwagon almost broke when the “NFL on CBS” pregame show all picked the former Oilers to beat KC on their home field. 

And, for a quarter, they seemed to be right. But, fads don’t last in the NFL, whose acronym carries a running hack phrase, Not For Long for a reason. 

Lest, they forget. 

They also declared Niners head coach, Kyle Shanahan–once interviewed by the Bills (2015)–the new resident NFL genius, a title held by Sean McVay (2018) and Doug Peterson (2017). 

Lest, we (even this writer) need reminding that Mike’s son went 4-21 without Jimmy Garoppolo.

Or, how about the fact that Aaron Rodgers has been dismal in three NFC Championship games, and has had really one great season since 2014? Yet, Mike McCarthy was the problem in Green Bay, wasn’t he?

Then there’s Dallas. Jerry Jones still hasn’t figured-out–ironically, the year Jimmy Johnson gets into Canton–that he needs a real coach to get him one more ring. But, his ego, like crystal meth to a junkie, gets in the way of what’s important. 

Bills fans (see the other article) are simultaneously optimistic and ungrateful, but you’re not allowed to say so; only they can say so…

If you say so…

Free agency isn’t the path to a winner, and neither is a muppet head coach hired by a GM afraid to lose another power struggle (see Cleveland). In fact, the pyramid of winning goes like this:

1. Quarterback 

2. Offensive Innovation

3. Good coaching 

4. Solid drafts 

5. Good ownership

6. A pass rush

Notice culture on that list? Yeah, that’s one of those words like “chemistry.” It’s used to generalize winning, or describe the indescribable. Funny how Pittsburgh had a great culture, then didn’t, then does when AB and Big Ben aren’t in the locker room and the team is overachieving. 

Right now, the Seattle Seahawks only have the first one. They almost landed in the NFC title game and were an inch short of home field advantage. 

KC? They have at least five. San Francisco? They have five. The hated Pats? They had at least 4-5 year after year. 

The Bills? Just go back through that list and you’ll see why 18 of the last 20 years were forgettable. 

But every year…

We get silly. 

We get stupid. 

We overreact Monday after Monday…

And we forget that the more things change, the more they remain the same. You do realize that annually, at least five different playoff teams will miss the postseason the following year? 

Right. Where were the NFC champion Rams, Colts, Chargers, Cowboys and Bears (oh, my!)? Most were picked to return. Some to repeat. One to be a dynasty. (Thanks, Andrew Luck. By the way, that’s the biggest NFL story to ever be forgotten in a year where the Patriots were nailed again for videotaping sidelines and had an owner get accused of buying hookers.)

You’re wondering: ‘is there a point to this stupid column?’

Go back and re-re-read the first sentence. 

We (you, me, and the “experts” make three) don’t know spit.

See you in Vegas in April, the perfect place to make your armchair bets on your team’s future. Again, we’ll never fully learn from our mistakes, but we can oddly ask:

Let’s try to do better the next 100 years, shall we?

The post Ahead by Century? appeared first on The Times of Wayne County - Waynetimes.com.