Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

BROCKPORT – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) will host a series of town hall meetings in the Village of Brockport & Town of Sweden, Clarkson and Hamlin on Saturday, Aug. 22.

The meetings provide residents with an opportunity to hear updates on state and local issues, ask questions and share concerns directly with their state representative. All members of the community are welcome to attend.

• Village of Brockport and Town of Sweden from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Sweden Town Hall, 18 State St., Brockport, NY 14420
• Town of Clarkson from 11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. at Clarkson Town Hall, 3710 Lake Rd. N., Clarkson, NY 14430
• Town of Hamlin from noon to 12:45 p.m. at Hamlin Town Hall, 1658 Lake Rd. N., Hamlin, NY 14464

Press Release, Holley Central School

HOLLEY – The Holley school district will host Homecoming Weekend on Oct. 2-3, and registration is now open until Sept. 8 for the annual Alumni Soccer and Alumni Football games.

The games are open to all Holley alumni who graduated from the district on or before 2023. Participants do not need to have played the sport while attending Holley to take part.

The Alumni Soccer Game will be held on Friday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. at Sander Soccer Field at The Woodlands. To register to play in the game, complete the registration form: Holley Alumni Soccer Game Registration.

Alumni cheerleaders are also invited to participate during the soccer game. To register to cheer for the game, complete the registration form: Holley Alumni Soccer Game – Cheerleading Registration.

The Alumni Flag Football Game will take place on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 4:30 p.m. at Hawk Stadium. To register to play in the game, complete the registration form: Holley Alumni Football Game Registration.

The Alumni Soccer Game will benefit the Interact Club and the Eighth Grade Washington, D.C., Trip Scholarship Fund. The Alumni Football Game will benefit the Holley JV/Varsity Wrestling teams.

ALBION – A man pleaded guilty for his role as  one of three co-defendants in a series of burglaries at Brockport-Clarendon Self-Storage at 4510 Hall Rd. in Clarendon.

Antonio Suarez, 38, admitted in Orleans County Court on Wednesday that he entered Unit 7 at the self-storage on Jan. 3 to steal property. He acknowledged he was committing the crime with the two other defendants, Erin Starkweather and Phillip Martinez.

Suarez pleaded guilty burglary in the third degree. As part of a plea agreement, he faces a maximum of 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison when he is sentenced on Nov. 18. Without a plea agreement, the charge would carry a sentence of 2 1/3 to 7 years in prison.

Suarez and the codefendants need to repay restitution of $11,178 to cover the costs of damages and for items not recovered.

In other cases in court on Wednesday,

• Michael Savage, 38, of Murray was sentenced to three years of probation for endangering the welfare of a child. He also will pay $750 in court fees and fines.

Savage faced more serious charges of course of conduct against a child, two counts of sexual abuse in the first degree, and forcible touching. The crimes allegedly occurred between 2020 and March 2025, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

The victim’s father said the crimes left his daughter suicidal and traumatized.

Frederick Rarick, Savage’s attorney, said the sexual abuse allegations were never brought up when the victim was interviewed by teachers, a therapist and physician.

“Cases like this are very difficult to defend,” Rarick said.

Judge Sanford Church issued an order of protection for five years for the victim in the case.

• Madison Desso of Lockport pleaded guilty to felony DWI on March 30 while in Murray. He faces a split sentence of six months in jail and five years on probation when he is sentenced on Nov. 18. He has a prior charge of driving while under the influence of alcohol in Syracuse in 2016.

• James Kaiser, 51, an inmate at the Orleans Correctional Facility, was arraigned on three counts of promoting prison contraband in the first degree and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.

Kaiser on Nov. 22 is accused of knowingly introducing dangerous contraband into the men’s prison in Albion. He allegedly had the precursors to make methamphetamine and also allegedly possessed 5.25 grams of meth.

Kaiser is currently at Orleans Correctional Facility, serving a sentence of 3 years, 6 months for attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.

Photos courtesy of Marlene Seielstad

ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club on Thursday presented a ceremonial check for $5,000 to the Office for the Aging in Orleans County. Rotary held its annual golf tournament last month at Shelridge Country Club in Medina and most of the proceeds will go towards the OFA’s volunteer transportation program, which provides rides for local senior citizens to medical appointments and essential errands.

Pictured from left include tournament committee leader Cindy Perry-Follman, OFA director Melissa Blanar, OFA employee and golf tournament committee member Becky Karls, and OFA employees Jackie Taylor and Kathleen Bates.

For information about senior rides and volunteer driving, contact the Office for the Aging at (585) 589-3191

Kathleen Bates also was honored and welcomed as a “Friend of Rotary.” Bates has volunteered at many Rotary community events, including the golf tournament, dinners and by selling light-up toys at Albion’s July 3^rd celebration at Bullard Park.

She was presented with the honor by Becky Karls and Rotary President Mike Bonnewell, left.

The Rotary Club meets the first and third Thursdays at Tavern on the Ridge with the first meeting at noon and the second meeting at dinner time.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Joanne Suhr leads the Lyndonville Board of Education meeting on Tuesday.

LYNDONVILLE – When Joanne Suhr was elected to serve as president of the Lyndonville Board of Education last month, school officials thought she might be making history as the first woman to serve in the role.

After digging deep in district history, it turns out Suhr is the second woman to serve as board president. Elaine Wilson was the first back in 1958-’59.

Suhr was elected by the other board members on July 14 to serve as board president this school year. She joined the board about a year ago. She was elected as a board member on May 20, 2025.

Suhr retired in June 2022 after working 30 years as an elementary school teacher. Her final year she was honored as the district’s “Educator of the Year” when she was a third grade teacher who specialized in teaching math.

She also has served on the Town of Yates Planning Board and the Town of Yates Bicentennial Committee.

During this past Tuesday’s meeting, she said the district is getting ready for the new school year, with contractors working long hours on a capital project. Some of that construction work will extend into the school year with crews working after the school day is over, Suhr said.

Some of the work includes new ADA-compliant bathrooms, new HVAC and air conditioning, and new windows for the upstairs of the schools.

Suhr succeeds Patrick Whipple as the board president.

Joanne Suhr leads the meeting on Tuesday in the school cafeteria. Next to her are Dr. Heather Lyon, the district superintendent at left, and Tanya Marek, administrative assistant to the superintendent at right.

Provided photo: Oak Orchard Health dedicated the Alexander Health Center to board member Cynda Watroba. Pictured, from left, include: Jerry Archibald, Marco Altieri, Gloria Crittenden, Cynda Watroba, Matthew Fernaays and John Slenker.

Press Release, Oak Orchard Health

ALEXANDER – Oak Orchard Health, a leading healthcare provider serving rural communities in upstate New York, its health center in Alexander to Board Vice Chair and Secretary Cynda Watroba in recognition of her leadership and commitment to the organization’s mission.

Watroba first supported Oak Orchard Health during the Covid-19 pandemic by creating high-quality cloth masks for staff, their families, and the neighborhood. Her hands-on service reflected a deep commitment to community health and made joining Oak Orchard’s Board of Directors a natural next step in her ongoing advocacy.

She has served on the Board of Directors since 2022 and is committed to assuring equitable access to care for all members of our community. Dedicated to her board role, Watroba serves on the Board Human Resources, Finance, Special Populations, Governance, Strategic Planning, Corporate Compliance and Executive Committees.

The dedication ceremony took place on Thursday, August 6th, during the agency’s National Health Center Week celebrations. The ceremony included a speech from President and CEO Marco Altieri, where he emphasized Watroba’s tireless commitment to the organization and thanked her for her service.

“Cynda, you have given us your brain, and most importantly, your heart,” Altieri said. “You have given us what we needed at the right time… some stories are meant to go untold, but this one isn’t.”

John Slenker, board chairman and friend of Watroba, presented the plaque and attested to the long hours that she dedicates to Oak Orchard Health.

Cynda shared the story of her journey with the organization, which started with a visit to the Alexander office, when her wife, Gloria, pointed out the board of directors’ sign in the lobby and encouraged her to join. Both Cynda and Gloria are long-time patients of the Alexander Office.

“Cynda sets the standard for the board of directors, and we are incredibly grateful for her leadership and dedication,” Slenker said. “Her tireless commitment to Oak Orchard Health is unmatched.”

Oak Orchard Health is proud to introduce the Alexander Office as “The Cynda Watroba Health Center.”

Provided photo: Retired Channel 7 personality Mike Randall will open a celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday with his puppetry. The Medina Tourism Committee is sponsoring the event Sept. 6 in State Street Park, which will include entertainment for the entire family. Randall also will do a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence.

MEDINA – The Medina Tourism Committee has announced plans for an afternoon of entertainment to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary.

According to Tourism Committee chairman Jim Hancock, on Sept. 6, beginning at 3 p.m. in State Street Park, the Salute to America’s 250th Anniversary will take place, featuring entertainment for the entire family.

Hancock said they chose to wait until Labor Day to celebrate the birth of our country because there is always so much going on in summer, especially around the Fourth of July

First on the Sept. 6 program will be retired local television personality Mike Randall, who will entertain with his puppetry.

“He is remarkable,” Hancock said of Randall’s talent. “He will start our program, which will be enjoyed by kids, parents and grandparents.”

This will be followed by retired Medina High School band director Jim Steele and his band, the MRJ Big Band, who will play jazz and patriotic music.

Next, Randall will do a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence.

“This is a wonderful document which outlines why the colonies broke away from England,” Hancock said. “Many don’t know what it says. This is something everybody needs to know.”

Following a break, another 45 minutes of music will take place by the Jazz Band.

During the afternoon, there will be food trucks on site, offering food and drinks. One will be Hazel and Honey with their baked goods and lemonade.

Hancock said the Sons of the American Legion contributed money toward the event, which provided cupcakes for the crowd.

Hans’s Bakery will make 250 red, white and blue cupcakes, which will be handed out to the crowd, along with miniature flags.

Also participating in the celebration will be members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, whose Honor Guard will present Colors, fire a salute and play echo taps.

Hancock expects the program to last until about 7 p.m. In case of rain, the event will take place at the Medina Theater.

In addition to Hancock, members of the Medina Tourism Committee include Jan Smith, Barb Gorham, Kelly Kiebala, Kathy Blackburn, Ann Fisher-Bale, Debbie Padoleski and Dawn Borchet.

Photos courtesy of Mary Fellios: (Left) Part of the towpath is shown between Medina and Middleport, similar to the walk planned on Saturday, as part of the Medina Triennial. (Right) Mary Miss is the founding director of City as Living laboratory. She will lead a conversation at the Triennial Hub’s headquarters after Saturday’s walk.

MEDINA – The Medina Triennial, which has focused on local exhibits by world-renown artists, will take a new path this weekend with a walk along the Erie Canal Towpath.

Presented by City as Living Laboratory, or CALL, and artist Mary Miss, the program invites participants to experience the historic towpath as a “living laboratory,” shaped by ecology, infrastructure, labor and community.

Participants must register in advance by logging on to the Triennial’s website at www.medinatriennial.org. They will meet at 10 a.m. at the Medina Triennial Hub at 346 Main St. for orientation, coffee and light refreshments. At 10:15 a.m., complimentary shuttles will transport the group to Middleport, where the walk will begin.

From approximately 10:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m., the group will travel slowly along 4.7 miles of the Erie Canalway Trail, pausing for guided observations and discussions with the walk leaders. Participants should bring water, a hat and wear comfortable shoes.

Rather than follow a conventional guided tour format, participants will encounter a series of stops, questions and conversations led by artists and environmental specialists. These include pioneering environmental artist Mary Miss, curator and arts leader Olivia Georgia, University at Buffalo environmental scholars Nick Henshue and Sanford Geffner and Western New York landscape designer Zuzanna Drozdz.

Henshue will contribute expertise in soil, restoration, earthworms and urban ecology, while Geffner will offer perspectives on natural history, environmental education and the regional landscape. Drozdz will discuss approaches to landscape design that bring together biodiversity, nourishment, beauty and community, according to Kari Conte, co-creative director of the Triennial.

The event connects the Erie Canal’s 200-year history with current questions about environmental responsibility, Conte explained.

 “The canal and its towpath are not simple historic landmarks – they are forms of public infrastructure that require continuing care,” Conte said.

The walk will conclude in Medina near the Floating Garden in the Canal Basin. Participants will then return to the Triennial Hub for a complimentary lunch. The day will close with a presentation by Mary Miss and Olivia Georgia, followed by a group conversation in which participants and walk leaders can share observations and reflect on the canal corridor together.

Parkitects will install phase 1 of new playground in October

Photos by Tom Rivers: Ben Frasier, owner and president of Parkitects, goes over the layout of a playground to be built in phases at Lyndonville Central School, with phase 1 to be constructed in early October. Frasier is a 1988 Lyndonville graduate.

LYNDONVILLE – A Lyndonville graduate who owns a company that designs and installs playgrounds wants to build the “greatest playground in the land” in his hometown.

Ben Frasier, owner and president of Parkitects, shared his vision of the playground with the Lyndonville Board of Education on Tuesday. Frasier said the funds are already in place for phase 1 of the playground. Parkitects will install the first phase in early October.

The company based in Buffalo has built million-dollar playgrounds at several school districts, including one in Kendall last year. He wants the best one for his hometown, and he said Parkitects will be doing it at a discount with some donated apparatus and in-kind services.

Phase 1 includes a We-Go-Round, Sway Fun Glider, We-Saw and other equipment that will be accessible to kids of all abilities and mobilities. Lyndonville two years ago approved using $160,000 in its federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) stimulus funds toward the project, with Parkitects donating other features, including a sensory dome.

The new playgrounds are inclusive for people of abilities and mobilities. He highlighted several new playgrounds including the one at Kendall Elementary School. As he showed photos of those elaborate playgrounds, Frasier asked, “Why can’t the kids in Lyndonville have this?”

Frasier said he has profound memories of growing up in Lyndonville and playing on the former wooden playground at the school. The community came together nearly 50 years ago to build that playground.

“This playground taught me about the power of community,” he said showing a photo of the former site.

Ben Frasier shared a photo of the former wooden playground at the school. He said he was 10 when it was constructed at Lyndonville and the community helped install it. “I played on that playground everyday for two years,” he said. “I was really shaped by play.”

Lyndonville already has $160,000 set aside for phase 1. The Board of Education about two years ago approved that amount in federal stimulus money towards the first phase of the new playground. Parkitects also is donating some extra pieces to the first phase and company will install it in early October.

Frasier will be at a back-to-school open house to share his plans for an even bigger playground. He also will be attending two school assemblies in September to build excitement with students for phase 1.

On September 10, there will be a meeting for the community from 6 to 8 p.m. to discuss the playground plans and how it will be designed for inclusive play for children of all abilities.

Frasier wants the larger project and he believes through fund-raising, grants and donations Lyndonville can make it a reality.

Phase 2 would include some larger equipment including Super Netplex Towers, ZipKrooz, Oodles Swing, Sensory Tunnel, Rollerslide with Exit Bench, and a 7-Post Hex Net.

He would like to see phase 2 be constructed next year. He also would like to see a phase 3 for a full buildout that would include a shelter for parents and grandparents to stay in the shade while children are on the playground.

Dr. Heather Lyon, the district superintendent, thanked Frasier for bringing a strong passion and commitment to the project, which she said will not include any local school funding. She looks forward to seeing kids of all abilities on the playground.

“Students who have never been able to use our playgrounds will be able to and that is something to celebrate,” Lyon said.

Daniel Ray II

MEDINA – A Medina man whose left hand was badly injured on Aug. 6 from a firework has been charged with making homemade explosives.

Daniel Ray II, 30, was charged today with Criminal Possession of Weapon in the Second Degree (gun) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (explosives).

He was arrested by the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force and the Medina Police Department. He is being held in Orleans County Jail awaiting CAP Court arraignment.

On Aug. 6, the Orleans County 911 received a call for a “30-year-old male blew hand off with firework, bleeding not controlled” at 5066 Hellert Rd., Medina, which is Ray’s residence.

Orleans County Sheriff’s Office deputies and investigators, along with the Medina Fire Department Ambulance and the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, responded to the scene. Ray was found at the location with extensive wounds to his left hand. He was treated at the scene with a tourniquet to stem the flow of heavy blood loss, and then was transported to ECMC in Buffalo and later released, the Major Felony Crime task Force reported today. Ray suffered severe trauma to his left hand with the loss of several fingers, the Task Force reported.

In plain view at the residence on Aug. 6 were bomb-making materials as well as debris from an exploded bomb. Major Felony Crime Task Force investigators were able to obtain a search warrant for the residence and seized the following evidence: three large homemade explosives, numerous bomb-making supplies to include casings, highly explosive powders, fuses and an illegally possessed and loaded 9 mm pistol, the Task Force said in a news release.

The scene was rendered safe by bomb technicians from the following agencies: Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Rochester Police Department, ATF in Buffalo and Rochester, and the FBI in Buffalo. Also assisting at the scene was Orleans County Emergency Management Office.

“There was a tremendous amount of coordination and cooperation between all the agencies present at the scene,” the Task Force stated.

Also assisting in the investigation was District Attorney Susan Howard and the NYSDOCCS Office of Special Investigation.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Dr. Aaron Slack, Lyndonville’s junior-senior high school principal, shares data from the recent Regents with the Lyndonville Board of Education on Tuesday evening. Slack informed the district he will be retiring on June 30.

LYNDONVILLE – The junior-senior high school at Lyndonville will have a new principal after this school year.

Dr. Aaron Slack, the school’s principal the past 15 years, informed the district and Board of Education he will be retiring on June 30.

Slack told the board he has been grateful to serve at the district and is proud so many students have taken college-level and AP classes. There were 58 students in 2025-26 who earned 393 college credit hours.

Board President Joanne Suhr told Slack he has made a positive difference for the district.

“Everybody knows you,” she said at Tuesday’s Board meeting. “The teachers appreciate you. You will be missed.”

District superintendent, Dr. Heather Lyon, has worked with Slack the past year.

“It makes me sad,” she said on Tuesday when she shared about Slack’s intention to retire on June 30.

She said Slack remains deeply engaged in the school and working on students’ opportunities and achievement.

“Aaron is running through the finish line,” she said.

Slack, a Medina resident, said he looks forward to having more time for his family. He has been heavily involved at Lyndonville, and even was a part of the 2025 school musical of Newsies, when he played the role of Theodore Roosevelt.

Slack said his first job was at age 15 when he worked as a counselor at Camp Rainbow in Lyndonville. After working in the Greece school district as an eighth grade English teacher and then a middle school administrator, he welcomed the chance to work in Lyndonville 15 years ago.

Agency celebrates upgraded pavilion in memory of Marcy Mruczek

Photos courtesy of Arc GLOW: Arc GLOW staff, donors and community members gather under the Marcy Mruczek Pavilion for the dedication ceremony.

Press Release, Arc GLOW

LYNDONVILLE — Making their way across the paved paths and between laughing children as they ran and played, Camp Rainbow donors and community partners had a chance to see the difference their support has made in the lives of local children and young adults.

Founded in 1970, Camp Rainbow provides an inclusive summer day camp available to all children ages 5 to 21 of all abilities. Located in Lyndonville, the camp was established through the generosity of the Shenberger family, who donated the property to create a place where children with disabilities could experience recreation, friendship and belonging in a supportive environment.

Joan Grein, daughter of the Shenbergers, attended the event with a photograph of her brother, the late Jim Shenberger, who was the reason the camp exists in the first place. His legacy continues through Camp Rainbow, where generations of children have had the opportunity to experience recreation, friendship and belonging. The Shenberger family was also among the founding members of the Arc of Orleans County. Peter Bartula and Arc GLOW Board President Eric Parker was also in attendance.

Jen Batt, director of Community Services for Arc GLOW, provided a tour of Camp Rainbow alongside Jill Pegelow, vice president of Community Services and Self-Direction for Arc GLOW. The tour gave donors and community partners an opportunity to see firsthand the programs, facilities and experiences made possible through community support.

Prior to the tour, attendees gathered for a dedication ceremony at the Marcy Mruczek Pavilion, whose construction was organized by Dr. Arthur and Donna Mruczek, and built by the late Terry Garigen, represented by his wife, Nancy, at the dedication. The pouring of the concrete for the pavilion improvements was made possible through a generous donation from Orleans Ready Mix, owned by Reggie Cichocki.

(Left) A camper shows donors and community members a fairy home they made. (Right) Joan Grein with a picture of her late brother, Jim Shenberger, who passed away in March.

Originally dedicated in 2012 in memory of Marcy Mruczek, who served as a Camp Rainbow counselor for three summers, the pavilion recently underwent improvements thanks to the completion of a new ADA-compliant sidewalk and concrete patio. A commemorative plaque was unveiled recognizing the many individuals and organizations that contributed to the project.

“The support of our community is what makes Camp Rainbow possible,” said Lisa Bors, vice president of Public Relations and Development for Arc GLOW. “Camp Rainbow depends on the generosity of our community to give campers this opportunity to make friends, build confidence, enjoy new experiences and, most importantly, feel that they belong. Every donation, partnership and volunteer effort help make this special place possible.”

The Children’s Guild Foundation, represented by its Board Chair Darci Cramer, provided a grant to repair and replace the pool’s return line and sand filter. This upgrade allowed Camp Rainbow to double the number of swimmers during the day, providing more campers with the opportunity to enjoy the pool.

Aug. 7 was the last day of Camp Rainbow for the 2026 season.

For more information on Camp Rainbow, visit ArcGLOW.org. Arc GLOW is a nonprofit organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Dr. Evan Silsby has run a dental office for 10 years in Albion at 313 South Main St.

ALBION – Dr. Evan Silsby has been working as a dentist in Albion for a decade after acquiring the practice of retiring Dr. Karl Heuer at 313 South Main St.

Dr. Silsby, 39, has remodeled the interior, and invested in new technologies, including a CEREC milling machine that makes crowns on site during the same appointment. Silsby also uses digital technology for impressions.

The Gasport resident said working in a small town in Albion has been a great fit for his professional career.

He recently sat down for an interview to talk about the 10 years in Albion and the dental profession.

Question: You’ve been here 10 years. Were you somewhere else before?

Answer: I worked for a dental office in the Finger Lakes for just about two years.

Q: You are from these parts?

A: I’m from Gasport.

Q: Has this been a good fit for you?

A: I hope it has, certainly. Coming from a rural area it fits very well.

Q: Was the timing 10 years ago such that Dr. Heuer was retiring and it worked out?

A: There was a transition company that paired us together. This company matched us more by personality. Dr. Heuer listed it for sale, and I thought it would be a good fit.

Q: You have made some changes with technology and the looks of the place. What would you want to highlight?

A: There is certainly a blend between spending your money on tech and creature comfort. The latest, doing a lift instead of a ramp was because the ramp really needed to be changed. It wasn’t going to work much longer. We wanted to come up with something that looked better than the ramp that was there. We wanted to tie in something that looked a little bit nicer and gave people the functionality that they needed.

We spend a lot of time here as staff so we wanted to make it comfortable for us. Half of it’s that and half of it’s function for patients.

Q: It felt more like a house before.

A: Yes, there is a little bit more drywall. The outside certainly hasn’t changed much but the inside has.

Dr. Evan Silsby likes the physical work in being a dentist, and using medicine to improve people’s health.

Q: I know with the new equipment you have that crown fabricator. (Silsby can make custom dental crowns using in-office CEREC CAD/CAM technology. This system takes optical 3D scans, designs the restoration, and mills a ceramic crown on-site in a single visit.)

A:Yes, some of the tech we’ve added to try to keep it in house and make it more efficient for people. The latest is a software update. AI has made it to dentistry now. We have software that reads X-rays. It gives us a feel of the progression of cavities. So we can then track them. It might not be something we fill now, but let’s check it in a year. Then the software can help us to track if it got bigger or smaller, or stayed the same.

Q: How many people work for you?

A: It kind of depends. We have a three temp hygienists right now. We have three permanent hygienists, three front desk, and two assistants.

Q: Has it become harder to have a dental practice, with insurance and you-name-it?

A: Yeah. It always has struggles. Things change. Insurance is a little bit more difficult now than it used to be.

The Knicks just won the NBA finals. Did you see the dental thing that is paired with the Knicks. A friend of mine posted this. The Knicks last won the NBA championship in 1973. So they said insurance reimbursement allotment has not changed per person since the Knicks won their last championship.

They gave people a thousand bucks a year through insurance, and they still give them a thousand bucks. It makes it harder on people.

Q: That’s what I wondered with the economics that people might not be getting care where they should given the out-of-pocket costs?

A: Probably. They may be delaying, postponing, and little things can turn into big things. But here I would say we have been very busy. But I know some people are feeling that pinch.

Q: What do you like about doing this job?

A: It’s medicine. So you’re helping people. That’s the human condition: we want to help people. But dentistry is different than a lot of fields of medicine because we actually do things physically with our hands. That compares to a neurologist where they don’t.

Dentistry has that ability. You get a little bit of the fun of building, but also helping people in medicine.

Q: Are there lasers that can help do some of the procedures?

A: Yes, I just went to a class on a hard-tissue laser. I’ve had a soft-tissue laser for forever, and that’s nice for a couple of little things but what they want to do is make hard-tissue lasers and cut a tooth with a laser instead of a burr spinning. You can do it. The one tagline is you can do it without numbing a person. I don’t know if that’s really accurate. You can drill on a tooth without numbing it, too. Some people don’t mind and some people do.

It’s slower to cut with a laser. The technology is around. They made a version about 15 years ago but it didn’t catch on so the technology has lagged a little bit. Now they are using a different beam strength. People are using them, but not many so far.

Q: Do you have a general advice for people, especially if they haven’t been to the dentist in a while?

A: Make sure you get your info from somebody who knows what they are doing. There are a lot of TikTok reel doctors out there that probably steer people the wrong way.

We’ve had to fight a little bit in our area about fluoride in the water. From a health perspective it’s one of the biggest health benefits we’ve ever done as a country is fluoridated water.

Using fluoridated pastes, drinking fluoridated water (you can buy fluoridated water) there are ways people can take care of themselves.

That being said, the American diet supersedes all that. It’s unbelievable how bad our diet can be for us.

The sugar and carbs we have, all the stuff sticking to our teeth. That’s the thing that kills people more than whether we have fluoride in our water or not. It’s all the stuff that we’re consuming. And that probably goes full circle with the economy. People are eating more of the bottom of the food pyramid stuff because it’s cheaper. It ends up being a lot of the sugar and sticky carbs.