Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Tiny “PowerHouse” visited Albion on Thursday. It was stationed in the parking lot of Hoag Library. The PowerHouse is on an 11-day tour of the Rochester region.

The 250-square-foot house was built in 2020 by the Cornell Cooperative extension in Tompkins County.

The house has many exhibits and demonstrations that show the best ways to conserve energy within a house.

Emily Hung, a residential energy advisor for Climate Solutions Accelerator of the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region, answered questions from the public about the PowerHouse and led demonstrations.

Hung said a properly insulated house is one of the best ways to conserve energy. Changing to LED bulbs is another easy way to reduce electric usage.

She said there are many programs to help residents implement energy-savings projects through NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority).

“You can save money and be more comfortable in your home,” she said.

In this demonstration, people used a hand pedal to see how much energy it takes to turn on a light bulb and keep it lighted up. The LED took far less energy while the incandescent took the most electricity.

Another display showed the wattage to power a hair dryer at abut 240 watts. That compared to a string of lights that used 41 watts of electricity.

Grace Kent of Albion checks out the Tiny PowerHouse. Emily Hung is at left and in back is Brady Fergusson, director of public engagement for Climate Solutions Accelerator.

Green Orleans, a local group focused on preserving the environment and sustainable living, invited Climate Solutions Accelerator to bring the Tiny PowerHouse to Albion.

Climate Solutions Accelerator is bringing the home to communities in the region, offering a free, hands-on opportunity to learn how energy works inside the home and explore practical ways to save energy, improve comfort, reduce waste, and prepare for cleaner energy choices.

Exhibit topics include air leaks, insulation, renewable heating and cooling, solar energy, lighting, windows, appliances, Do-It-Yourself projects, and indoor air quality.

This display asks what takes the most electricity at a house.

Home heating makes up 51 percent of home energy use, with water heating at 19 percent, air conditioning at 5 percent, refrigeration at 3 percent, and other demands at 22 percent.

To see the schedule of the Tiny PowerHouse tour in Rochester, click here.

Agency will step up advocacy while providing many critical local services

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Renee Hungerford introduces Jenn Redding, RN, who spoke on Sharps Safety at Community Action’s In-Service Day last week.

ALBION – Since its founding more than 60 years ago, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee has provided food, clothing and necessary services to a countless number of families.

Community Action last week observed its annual In-Service Day at the Albion Elks Lodge. Theme for the day was “Doing the Work When the Work is Hard.”

“Seeing people struggle can be very discouraging,” said executive director Renee Hungerford. “We have dealt with the pandemic and the constant threat of funding cuts.”

She also shared the successes their agency had last year, in addition to the hurdles they are facing with state and federal cuts to its programs. A highlight of her speech was the need for advocacy.

“If Community Action went away, the Department of Social Services could not pick up all those in need,” she said.

Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, recognizes Peter Bartula at the annual In-Service Day for being an advocate for the agency.

The program last Friday began with breakfast and a presentation to Peter Bartula, an advocate for Community Action and keynote speaker, whose presentation was “We’re All Salespeople.”  Bartula recently ran a cornhole tournament fundraiser for Community Action, something Hungerford would like to see recurring.

In Friday’s speech, highlighting the State of the Agency, Hungerford explained the seriousness of their situation and some positive wins.

“Our organization actively advocates for federal and state funding, facing proposed cuts to program like Low Income HEAP and Community Services Block Grant, but securing some wins, such as a $40 million line item for the Weatherization Assistance Program in the New York state budget.

“Federal budget proposals include a $4 billion cut to LIHEAP and $775 million to CSBG.”

LIHEAP is targeted for elimination, citing state policies that prevent utility disconnections. CSBG is proposed for elimination due to perceived duplication and accountability concerns.

Hungerford stresses the government is proposing these cuts because they don’t realize all the good Community Action does, and says it is imperative to advocate. Advocacy activities by Hungerford and local politicians include trips to DC and Albany, testimony, meetings and letters to officials.

“The president doesn’t know what we do here,” she said.

The president’s 2027 budget does maintain Head Start funding, but Hungerford warns of inflation and rising costs.

The Community Block Grant Improvement Act reauthorizes CSBG through 2032, increasing eligibility to 200% of the poverty line and expanding permitted uses.

Hungerford said advocacy emphasizes the importance of community support and building a strong agency reputation.

Although faced with cuts, the agency reported significant achievements across health, education, housing and youth programs, demonstrating positive community outcomes, she said.

In 2025, the agency addressed social determinants of health with services to 752 households, 4,404 families and 228 individuals receiving meals, rental and utility assistance.

Head Start and Early Head Start enrolled 194 children with high access to healthcare and developmental improvements. Early Head Start served 94 children having 100% accessible healthcare and a 12% increase in dental care.

Youth development programs supported 417 students with evidence-based curricula. Transportation services provided 3,509 trips for seniors and disabled, and the Child Care Resource Center facilitated 55 referrals, 438 technical assistance sessions and expanded staff with new mental health and business specialists.

Housing initiatives installed air conditioning in 70 homes and completed 76 weatherization jobs.

Topping off the year’s successes was the launching of the Fresh Start Care Center, a room at the Main Street Corner Thrift, Gifts and More store which houses a laundry, shower and personal care items for homeless or other students who have no access to them at home.

The prom giveaway program was expanded to eight counties and 92 prom dresses were distributed.

Historically, 10% of HEAP funding was allocated to WAP, but this year the Hochel administration plans to redirect these funds, resulting in a 69% reduction for WAP. Advocacy efforts led to a $40 million line-item for WAP in the state budget, partially offsetting the loss.

Hungerford said sustained advocacy has become a significant part of agency work, diverting resources from direct service delivery, although yielding some positive outcomes.

In addition to the above accomplishments, Community Action’s Emergency Services and Case Management distributed 752 holiday meal kits, provided 379 individuals with clothing, distributed food to 4,404 families, 5,991 prepared meals to 338 people at the Eastern Orleans Community Center. In addition, 34 individuals received help to avoid eviction and 27 individuals received support to prevent utility shutoff.

Youth and adolescent support was offered through Project Salus, in which students received evidence-based curriculum on healthy decision making and advocacy skills.

The Child Care Resource Center received 55 referrals for child care and added a business specialist and infant early childhood mental health consultant to enhance provider support.

In addition to providing thousands of individuals with needed services, Community Action contracted for Medicaid 1115 Waiver Services and celebrated the agency’s 60th anniversary.

All this is in addition to major improvements and growth at the Eastern Orleans Community Center in Holley.

“It has been completely redone,” Hungerford said. “It is fabulous.”

The center is open from 9:30 to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and serves lunch daily. A clothing closet, emergency food pantry, emergency clothing pantry, public access computers with internet, food distribution site and senior activities are some of features offered there.

Other highlights of the in-service were a ROMA refresher by Cassie Healy, head of the Main Street store; a talk on Sharps Safety by registered nurse Jenn Radigan; introduction of directors and board members; lunch and an afternoon of fun activities.

In regard to Hungerford’s urgency for advocacy, she said, “Before I worked here, I had no idea what Community Action did. We think food distribution and emergency services. But we do so much more. We have so many amazing programs that help our community. We cannot lobby. But we can advocate. Our message needs to go to the top.”

Students saved nearly $180 throughout school year for pantry

Photos by Ginny Kropf: First graders in Allison Woodburn’s class at Oak Orchard Primary School pose on the steps of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, where they visited the food pantry. At rear is Robin Dubai, left, food pantry coordinator, and class teacher Allison Woodburn.

MEDINA – Teaching her class about kindness and giving has become an annual message for Allison Woodburn and her first-grade students at Oak Orchard Primary School.

She calls the class “Camp Woodburn,” because they are a camp-themed classroom, and teaches all about kindness through several projects and activities, she said. One of those projects is saving their small change every day to support the Food Pantry at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

Then, just before school ends for the year, they walk to St. Peter’s with their backpacks full of groceries they have bought to donate to the food pantry.

Every day, they say the class quote together – “In a world where you can be anything, choose to be kind.” At Christmas, the class read the book “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein and learned about how the tree always had a full heart when it gave to others. So the students decided to have their very own giving tree and donate their favorite cereals to put under their Christmas tree instead of exchanging gifts with each other.

Allison Woodburn and her first-grade students pose around the cart filled with groceries they purchased and brought to St. Peter’s Food Pantry.

In the spring during math the students learn all about coins and money, which they and their families have donated during the year. They sort the coins, roll them up and this spring counted $179.55. The students wrote a shopping list of needs and wants for the food pantry. Woodburn shopped for all the food on their list, and was still able to donate a $40 gift card to give the pantry, in addition to all the food purchased with the monetary donations.

Woodburn has been doing this with her class for six years and always feels like she is teaching them the most important lesson in life, which is to always show kindness to others without expecting anything in return.

The Food Pantry has been managed by Robin Dubai for 32 years, who first started in 1994 when her son went to nursery school.

“People have been very generous to the food pantry,” Dubai said. “I think it’s wonderful how Mrs. Woodburn is teaching kindness. I love working with her and her class.”

The food pantry has seen a slight increase in demand this year, now providing food monthly to 72 families, Dubai said.

Although the students are taught to be kind, while not expecting anything in return, Dubai wanted to show her appreciation and bought doughnuts for the class.

Robin Dubai, left, explains to Allison Woodburn’s first-grade class how a food pantry operates.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club celebrated another successful year on Thursday evening during its meeting at the Tavern on the Ridge.

Richard Remley, left, served as president the past 12 months. He hands off the gavel to incoming president, Mike Bonnewell.

Bonnewell is retired as Albion Central School superintendent. He previously served as Rotary Club president in 2017-18. He is active on the Albion Strawberry Festival Committee, and also is chairman of the Strawberry Festival parade.

Rotary Club member Don Bishop, left, presents a Paul Harris Fellow award to Remley in appreciation for his leadership the past year.

The Club has been a part of the Albion community for more than a century and spearheads several events and fundraisers.

Its next big event will be a golf tournament July 16 at Shelridge Country Club in Medina with proceeds going to the Office for the Aging’s volunteer transportation program and other Rotary community projects.

The Rotary Club meets at the Tavern on the Ridge the first Thursday each month at noon and the third Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

Press Release, Arc GLOW

Provided photo: Martin Miskell, Chief Executive Officer for Arc GLOW, congratulates Lynn Fleming, Arc’s CFO/COO, for completing The Arc New York Leadership Institute.

Arc GLOW Chief Financial and Chief Operating Officer Lynn Fleming recently graduated from The Arc New York Leadership Institute.

She is one of the 26 participants who completed the 10-month executive development program. Throughout the program, participants engaged in group learning, one-on-one mentorship, and meaningful discussions designed to strengthen their leadership skills and prepare them to guide the Arc into continued success.

The Arc New York created the Leadership Institute to cultivate leadership potential across our statewide network and invest in the next generation of leaders.

Fleming, who joined the agency in 2019, has been a driving force for financial stability and programmatic growth across Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. Through The Arc New York Leadership Institute, she collaborated with peers statewide, analyzing innovative social enterprises and honing best practices to directly benefit the mission-driven impact at Arc GLOW.

Arc GLOW is a public non-profit supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

To learn more, visit ArcGLOW.org.

Photos and information courtesy of Albion Elks Lodge #1006

ALBION – The Albion Elks Lodge #1006 last Sunday held a Flag Day ceremony in the lodge on West State Street. Sharon Pollock, The Exalted Ruler of the lodge, is shown speaking during the ceremony.

Officers for the Elks in attendance were included Exalted Ruler Sharon Pollock, Leading Knight Chris Webb, Lecturing Knight Deloris Mosher, Secretary Lynda Standish, Esquire Allyn Phillips and Chaplain Edee Hoffmeister.

The Elks held the service with the assistance of the VFW Post.

Every flag the United States has had was presented and described.

Charlie Nesbitt, a Vietnam War veteran and former state assemblyman, served as guest speaker. Nesbitt and Pollock are shown with Ron Ayrault, a Navy veteran from Holley who served in the Korean War.

First Responders from the Albion Fire Department, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and Mercy Flight attended the ceremony.

Photo courtesy of Jenna Amering

HOLLEY – The Village of Holley recognizes John Sansone for his 25 years of service as the village attorney. He was honored at last week’s Village Board meeting.

Pictured from left include former mayors Bill Quaranto and Dan Schiavone, attorney John Sansone, former Mayor Brian Sorochty, current Mayor Mark Bower, and former Mayor John Kenney.

Sansone started as Holley attorney in 2001 and has served with eight mayors during his tenure. The other mayors not in photo include Skip Carpenter, Kevin Lynch and Lewis Passarell.

Current Mayor Bower thanked Sansone for his “exceptional service and dedication” to the village. The board took a break at last week’s meeting to recognize Sansone, who was joined at the meeting by his wife, Maria.

Sansone was presented a plaque “with sincere appreciation for your guidance, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the Village of Holley and its residents.”

Press Release, Albion Police Chief David Mogle

Terrian A. Huss

ALBION – This morning at 9:24, officers from the Albion Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing at 217 South Main St. in the Village of Albion.

Upon arrival, officers encountered Terrian Huss, who remained at the scene. Huss, 34, advised officers that he had cut another individual during an altercation and stated that he no longer possessed the knife. Officers detained Huss while the circumstances of the incident were investigated.

The victim sustained a deep laceration to his chin measuring approximately two inches in length. Mercy EMS responded to the scene and evaluated the victim before he was transported for medical treatment.

During the investigation, Albion Police officers and deputies from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office interviewed multiple witnesses who observed the incident. Officers also reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby business, which allegedly showed Huss displaying a knife and advancing toward the victim. A copy of the surveillance video was obtained and secured as evidence.

The knife believed to have been used during the incident was recovered and logged into evidence.

At approximately 9:36 a.m., officers also determined that Huss had been involved in a separate larceny incident that occurred at a neighboring business approximately ten minutes prior to the assault. As a result of that investigation, Huss was additionally charged with Petit Larceny.

As a result of this investigation, Terrian Huss was arrested and charged with:

• Assault in the Second-Degree Class D Felony
• Menacing in the Second-Degree Class A Misdemeanor
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree A Misdemeanor
• Reckless Endangerment in the Second-Degree Class A Misdemeanor
• Disorderly Conduct violation

Huss currently is an Albion resident. He was transported to the Albion Police Department for processing and subsequently remanded to the Orleans County Jail pending arraignment.

Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Albion Police Department at 585-590-5627.

All charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

ALBION – Two people from Rochester pleaded guilty in Orleans County Court on Wednesday to felony drug charges.

Both have no prior criminal history.

Tamage Faison, 19, pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 5th degree for having cocaine in Albion on March 4.

As part of a plea agreement, there are no sentencing promises. He could face a 1 to 2 ½ year sentence in state prison or the judge could sentence Faison to the county jail or probation.

Faison will be sentenced on Sept. 23.

Another Rochester resident, Malcolm Power, pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree.

Power, 21, was found passed out in a car in Medina on May 14 with drugs in his backpack, said Susan Howard, the Orleans County district attorney.

Power could get a split sentence on Sept. 23 with up to six months in jail and 5 years of probation.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Part of a big tree came crashing down in the Village of Albion this afternoon, knocking out power to the neighborhood.

This tree is at the corner of Liberty and West Park streets. National Grid, the Village DPW, Albion Joint Fire District and Albion Police Department were all on the scene.

National Grid reported the power went out in the village for 786 customers at 1:24 p.m. It is estimating the power will be back on at 5 p.m.

The Grid said 943 customers are currently without power in Orleans County.

A high wind warning remains in effect until 8 p.m.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Brandi Zavitz was at the Medina Dog Park on Wednesday evening, creating a new mural that will feature portraits of about 35 dogs.

The new mural will have a celestial theme and will include many dogs that will be painted with angel wings, to signify they have passed away, said artist Brandi Zavitz.

She painted a 32-foot-long mural last year that included 69 dogs, 3 cats and Orly the Ox (the county’s bicentennial mascot).

The requests kept coming to be included on the initial mural. The 35 dogs are mostly requests from 2025. Zavitz wanted to include them on the new mural.

Like last year’s mural, she will pet them with personality, showing them doing some of their favorite things. She expects there will be tennis balls, and squirrels to chase in the new mural that will be 8 feet high and 16 feet long.

There was an overwhelming response to the mural after it debuted last year. Many people were amazed how Zavitz painted dogs as superheroes with capes, or doing their favorite activities – carrying sticks, playing with balls, eating ice cream or watching a Bills game.

Zavitz enjoys painting on site and chatting with people and seeing their dogs scamper about the dog park, which is on North Gravel Road near Boxwood Cemetery.

Zavitz sketched out some of the dogs on the board for the mural. She expects to complete the project in mid to late July.

Bryan McDowell sent in this photo of a swan and baby swan that he took behind the Yates Community Library in Lyndonville.

A high wind warning is in effect for Orleans County and much of Western New York until 8 p.m. today. There will be southwest winds from 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 55 mph expected.

“Strong winds will blow down trees and power lines,” said the National Weather Service in Buffalo. “Scattered power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”

The fully leafed out trees will result in more tree damage than with similar wind speeds during the colder months of the year, the Weather Service said.

There is also a beach hazards statement in effect until Saturday morning. The Weather Service said strong currents and dangerous swimming conditions are expected at the beaches in Niagara and Orleans counties.

The high temperatures in the forecast include 77 today, 75 on Friday, 74 on Saturday and 76 on Sunday.

Brandon Johnson brings back dance studio for 23^rd year

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Brandon Johnson, owner of the Dance Theater, is joined by Amazie Phillips in cutting the ribbon for Dance Theater Premier Performing Arts. It is located at 415 West Ave., Suite #4.

Johnson at age 19 opened Dance Theater and for 22 years the studio was on Main Street. He moved to Florida about a year ago and worked as a judge at dancing competitions. He is glad to be back in his home community working with local dance students.

Brandon Johnson welcomes people to the grand reopening celebration for Dance Theater. His staff of dance instructors includes Alaina Sproile, Makenzie McGrath, Lizzy Zacher and Carly Voelker.

McGrath was a student at Dance Theater for 13 years. She is currently studying music education at Nazareth University. She said the community will respond to having Dance Theater back. Dance Theater served about 120 students from ages 3 to 18.

“It’s good they have this opportunity back,” McGrath said. “Dance is good for the mind and body.”

She said Johnson is very organized, and is a skilled teacher who is very good a showmanship. Most of all, he creates a welcoming environment, McGrath said.

During an open house, kids were able to try an obstacle course on one side of Dance Theater.

The studio will be offering summer camps before the fall season kicks off. Johnson announced the recital theme for 2026-2027: “Gingham and Glitter, a Homecoming Country Celebration.”

Johnson has emailed and messaged many of the dance families that have been with Dance Theater. He is pleased so many have been enthusiastic about his return.

“Dance Theater has always been more than just a place to dance,” Johnson said. “It is a place where dreams are nurtured, confidence is built, last friendships are formed, and creativity and performance come to life.”

Johnson said Dance Theater will provide a positive, welcoming and inspiring environment for dancers of all ages and abilities.

The studio provides classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, modern, contemporary, acro and technique to dancers ages 3 to 18 years old.

Brandon Johnson meets with families during the grand opening celebration on Wednesday evening.

He said he enjoyed working as a judge at dance competitions for 18 weeks last year, but the experience confirmed his true calling in running his own studio and being a dance teacher.

“As a judge I offered critiques and corrections,” he said. “I loved it, but it reminded me my place is in a classroom where the kids can create dance.”