Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Ann More of Buffalo is in the last stretch of the Wayne Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness 5K in Albion on Saturday. She finished in 34:13.

There were 90 participants in the race which included a 10K option for the first time.

There were 25 finishers in the new 10K. Jacob Walsh of Buffalo won the 10K for the males in a time of 42:23, while Madison Vekich of Niagara Falls was the first female in a time of 48:25.

In the 5K, 65 finished the course with Harrison Flanagan of Holley the first male to cross the finish line in time of 20:02, while Julia Rohde of Lockport was the first female with a time of 22:05.

The runners are lined up on Clarendon Road near the driveway for the Albion Town Hall. The course then turned right on East Avenue (Route 31) and went to Mount Albion Cemetery and then back on Route 31 for a finish in the parking lot. For then 10K, the runners basically did a repeat of the course.

The race is named in honor of the late Wayne Burlison, an Albion music teacher who passed away from colon cancer on March 26, 2014. His wife, Lisa, addressed the runners at the starting line.

The annual Wayne A. Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness Run/Walk is a slightly longer 5K. A 5K is 3.1 miles. The Burlison race is 3.17 miles. That distance symbolizes the 3 months and 17 days Burlison lived from when he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer until his death at age 36 on March 26, 2014.

Some of the proceeds from the race go to Orleans Community Health to help with colorectal screenings and awareness.

Brian Cousins of Corfu crosses the finish line in 35:24. Runners passed through a large inflatable of a colon as they hit the finish line.

Wayne Burlison’s wife Lisa addresses the runners at the start of the race. Lisa is recently married to Tom Wink, who is holding a printout of her remarks. Lisa and Wayne’s son Adam is at right. He completed the 5K.

Lisa and Wayne were married for nearly 15 years. Wayne was a genetic carrier of Lynch syndrome, which most commonly leads to colon cancer but also increases the risk for several other cancers. About 1 in 297 people carry Lynch syndrome, yet around 95% don’t know they have it, Lisa said in her pre-race remarks.

She urged people to get checked for colorectal cancer, and to not ignore any symptoms.

“Wayne lived with deep integrity, strong faith, and quiet perseverance,” his wife said. “He loved Jesus wholeheartedly, as well as his family, music and running. Some of my favorite memories are of him running with worship music in his ears, finding freedom and joy in both faith and movement.”

Tom Hawkins of Williamson completes the race in 37:17

Wolfpack Multisports organized the race and also will be directing the Albion Strawberry Festival 5K/8K on June 13. Click here for more information on that race.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Albion Fire Chief Jeremy Graham, right, is shown during last week’s Albion Joint Fire District meeting at the Albion fire hall. From left include district treasurer Victoria Tabor, district chairman Al Cheverie, vice chairman Dave Buczek, and commissioner Derek Howes.

ALBION – The calls for the Albion Joint Fire District were at 140 the first two months of the year, putting the district on pace for about 840 calls. That is up from the 692 calls for 2025, Albion Fire Chief Jeremy Graham told the district’s board of commissioners last week.

Graham said a core of 10 to 12 firefighters respond to most of the calls. Most of them are officers.

The department has 98 members are the roster and needs more participation or the core group could get worn out. Graham said it’s not a sustainable situation.

He wants to see the district step up its recruitment and retention efforts.

He noted a new program will soon be offered by the Orleans/Niagara BOCES that could boost the ranks in the future.

The Orleans/Niagara BOCES center in Medina next school year will offer EMS and a fire science class. Incoming high school juniors are encouraged to sign up. It’s available for students in Albion, Barker, Lockport, Lyndonville, Medina, Newfane and Roy-Hart districts.

The program offers a rigorous and hands-on introduction to emergency services, which BOCES officials say could lead to a career or volunteer in emergency services.

Jami Allport, Kevin Sheehan elected village trustees

Photo by Tom Rivers: Tim McMurray, shown during a candidate forum on March 5, was elected Albion mayor today.

ALBION – In a very close race for Albion mayor, Tim McMurray emerged the victor this evening, defeating Joyce Riley by 7 votes – 209 to 202.

Both have been village trustees and are finishing four-year terms. McMurray will succeed Angel Javier Jr. who didn’t seek re-election.

McMurray, 43, is a Marine Corps veteran who has been heavily involved in the community through the Albion youth football program, Strawberry Festival and other events.

He wants to lead a community of Albion stakeholders, from volunteers, business owners, families and others committed to seeing the village prosper.

He ran on the Republican line while Riley was backed by the Democratic Party and the independent “Vote for Albion.” She nearly became the first African-American to be elected Albion’s mayor.

Village residents also elected two trustees to four-year terms. Jami Allport was the top vote-getter with 275, followed by Kevin Sheehan with 215. Issac Robinson was a close third at 202. Robinson ran under the independent “Vote for Albion” line while Allport and Sheehan were backed by the Republicans.

The new terms start on April 1. Allport and Sheehan will take the trustee positions currently filled by McMurray and Riley.

McMurray posted this statement on his Facebook page:

“Thank you to everyone who came out to vote today, no matter how you voted. I appreciate the trust you’ve placed in me as well as the new Trustees and it is truly an honor to be elected as your next Mayor.”

Riley issued this statement congratulating McMurray on his victory:

“Tonight, Tim McMurray won this election, and I want to congratulate him sincerely. Albion deserves a mayor who will give everything to this village, and I trust that Tim will serve with that same commitment.

“I have lived in Albion since 1960. This village is not just where I live — it is who I am. That will never change, win or lose. Over the past four years as your trustee, I fought hard for this community — securing grants, pursuing accountability for PFAS contamination, strengthening our partnerships with neighboring towns, and watching over every dollar in our budget. I am proud of that work. And that work doesn’t disappear tonight.

“To everyone who voted for me on the Democratic line and on the Vote for Albion line — thank you for believing that experience and dedication matter. They do. And I will continue to show up for this village in whatever way I can.

“Albion is bigger than any one election. I wish Mayor-elect McMurray every success — because his success is Albion’s success.

“Thank you, and God bless our village.”

ALBION – Village residents today will elect a mayor and two village trustees. Voting is from noon to 9 p.m. at Village Office at 35-37 East Bank St. The terms of the positions are for four years.

Two current trustees want to be mayor. Joyce Riley is running under the Democratic Party and independent “Vote for Albion” lines, while Tim McMurray has the backing of the Republican Party.

Jami Allport, Issac Robinson and Kevin Sheehan are running for trustee. There are two positions open. Robinson is running under the independent “Vote for Albion” while Allport and Sheehan both are backed by the Republican Party.

Click here to see coverage from a candidate forum on March 5.

ALBION – Dubby’s Tailgate in Albion will be hosting a cornhole tournament with $5,000 in prizes to benefit the food pantries at Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, said Ryan Lasal, director of Community Programming/Chief Programming Officer for Community Action.

 The event on Saturday begins at 11 a.m. with registration starting at 9:30 a.m. The registration fee is $90 per team with room for 90 teams.

The teams will be divided into three brackets with four qualifying rounds in each bracket followed by a double elimination tournament for the prize money. Payouts will be made for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each bracket. A – $1300, $750, $500; B – $750, $500, $250; and C – $500, $300, $150.

 All players must have an active account on Scoreholio with at least 50 matches for the top tier brackets. The venue has a full menu and food and drinks will be available. A 50/50 raffle and Airmail contest will be held between rounders and the double elimination tournament.

There will be a pre-tournament warm-up on Friday night so people can practice at the facility. That tournament is posted on Scoreholio as well.

Click here for more information about registering.

Albion Middle School performed the musical March 13-14

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Bailey Elliott is the soloist for “Sufferin’ Until Suffrage” during the Albion Middle School musical, School House Rock!

The Middle School Drama Department performed the show on Friday and Saturday. There were 25 songs that offered lessons in mathematics, grammar and citizenship.

The musical is based on the Saturday morning TV show from 1973 to 1985, where lessons were offered in 3-minute songs in jazz and animation.

“It was catchy, clever and somehow made grammar, math and the Preamble stick in our heads rent-free for life,” Albion musical director Carrie Kozody wrote in the show’s program.

Nadalee Ryan sings “I’m Just A Bill” about how legislation turns from an idea into a law.

Kinzie Rickner sings “Rufus Xavier Sasparilla” which is a song about pronouns.

Wyatt Ernst sings “Conjunction Junction,”  a song about how some words connect other words, phrases and clauses.

Annabella Dusharm is the soloist in “Figure Eight,” which highlights the multiplication tables.

Albion library will observe 126^th birthday of organization on March 17

Press Release, Hoag Library

ALBION – Hoag Library of the Swan Library Association is celebrating an important milestone this month. The library commemorates its founding on March 17, 1900, and in 2026 marks 126 years of service to the Albion community.

During the March 17 celebration, patrons are welcome to stop by for a cookie provided by the Friends of the Library.

As the library celebrates its long history of community support, it is also inviting residents to help shape its future. Three four-year term positions on the Hoag Library Board of Trustees will be on the ballot this year. Those positions are currently filled by Mary Witkop, Rachel Hicks and Linda Weller.

Community members interested in serving on the board may stop by Hoag Library and pick up a nominating petition at the Circulation Desk. Completed petitions must be returned by Monday, April 6 at 7 p.m.

To be eligible to run, candidates must reside within the Hoag Library service area, which shares the same boundaries as the Albion Central School District.

Voting will take place Monday, May 4 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hoag Library. The library’s annual meeting will follow at 7 p.m., at which time the election results will be announced.

The Hoag Library Board of Trustees plays an important role in guiding the library’s mission, policies, and long-term planning so that Hoag Library can continue to serve the educational, informational, and cultural needs of the community.

Anyone interested in learning more about board service is encouraged to visit the library.

Charlie Monacelli, who was convicted of felony in 2000, says district violating his civil rights

Photo by Tom Rivers: Charlie Monacelli, who was elected to a five-year term as fire commissioner on Dec. 9, hasn’t been able to take office. He attended Thursday’s district meeting, and said the district is violating his civil rights.

ALBION – Voters in the Albion Joint Fire District on Dec. 9 made their voices heard: they wanted Charlie Monacelli to serve a five-year term as a fire commissioner.

Monacelli received 77 votes to the 58 for Derek Howes. However, the joint fire district isn’t allowing him to take office.

The district’s board of commissioners says Monacelli can’t take office due to a prior felony conviction. Monacelli in Dec. 18, 2000 pleaded guilty to attempted burglary in the third degree. He would spend 4 ½ years in state prison. Monacelli then was on parole until 2009.

Kevin Mahoney, an attorney for the fire district, advised the district that the conviction and sentence in state prison “forfeits all the public offices” and Monacelli’s seat should be vacant.

Monacelli has retained an attorney who said the district’s position is a violation of Monacelli’s civil rights. Monacelli handed the fire commissioners Section 79 of the NY Civil Rights Law which states a person convicted of a crime and sentenced to state prison forfeits a public office only “during the term of the sentence.”

Al Cheverie, the chairman of the commissioners, said he would present the documents presented by Monacelli to the district’s lawyer. Cheverie said he shouldn’t comment on the issue publicly.

“Our attorney is dealing with this whole situation,” said Dave Buczek, one of the fire commissioners.

Richard DeCarlo Jr., a local resident and former town justice, attended the meeting and reviewed the paper handed out by Monacelli. DeCarlo urged the fire commissioners to get a second opinion from another lawyer or else the district could face significant liability if it continues to keep Monacelli from taking office.

Monacelli said arson is the only disqualifying crime to serve as a fire commissioner. The district when it posted a legal notice for the election on Dec. 9 stated all candidates for the district need to be residents of the joint fire district (which includes towns of Albion and Gaines) and also can not have any arson convictions.

Monacelli has been an active Albion firefighter for more than 30 years. He has been critical of the district’s budget, including its commitment for a new ladder truck at nearly $2.5 million. He thinks the fire district is spending too much money. He said he stance on spending may be factor in keeping him off the board of commissioners.

He said he could file an Article 78 lawsuit against the district but doesn’t want to spend an estimated $12,000 to continue a legal challenge.

Howes, who came in second in the election on Dec. 9, started as a commissioner in January after Craig Lane stepped down from the unpaid position. Howes was appointed to a one-year term with that spot up for election in December.

This photo shows a printout of a Dollar General rendering of a proposed store on East Avenue in Albion, across from the high school.

ALBION – A new Dollar General received its final approval today from the Village of Albion for a new 10,640-square-foot retail store across from the high school.

Many nearby residents and other community members have expressed concerns about having the store in a congested area near the school where there are many kids walking to and from school.

Karen Conn, chairwoman of the Village of Albion Planning Board

But the Village of Albion Planning Board said they anticipate the store will have a small impact on traffic and pedestrians.

Karen Conn, the Planning Board chairwoman, said the site at 327 East Ave. is in the general business district. The store fits with the zoning.

The Broadway Group, developer for Dollar General, will demolish an existing building that previously was used for auto sales and a warehouse. Ridge Road Station parks school buses on the site.

“Honestly, I think it will improve the neighborhood, compared to what is there now, which is in rough shape,” Conn said.

The Broadway Group will also remove three underground tanks and do other site remediation to Department of Environmental Conservation standards.

The Planning Board worked with the company to improve the original proposed store design, which was more of a pole barn style, said Janet Navarra, a Planning Board member. She said the company is giving Albion its top design for the size of the Albion market.

The Planning Board approved the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) for the project and went line by line on potential environmental impacts. The board found the store would have small impacts or none on different environmental issues. There are no wetlands for example and the site isn’t in a historic district.

Board members expect to see a minimal impact on traffic. The store will be on Route 31, a state road.

The Orleans County Planning Board on Feb. 26 recommended Albion approve the site plan for the project, saying the store is consistent with a general commercial district and isn’t expected to have any significant negative impacts to the nearby residents or school.

The site is in a school zone with the speed limit at 20 miles per hour, and there is an ice cream business next to the site.

Delivery trucks will come outside of peak hours and will be limited to exiting from the east only. That was a stipulation by the state Department of Transportation.

The Village Planning Board members – Karen Conn, Samuel Robinson, Mike Massaro, Jeff Holler and Janet Navarra – were unanimous in approving the site plan.

Photo by Tom Rivers: These younger kids hunt for eggs during last year’s Easter Egg Hunt on April 19 at the Courthouse lawn. Part of East State Street was closed to traffic for the event. The Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries had 15,000 eggs on the Courthouse lawn. The event returns on April 4 with the hunt starting at noon.

ALBION – The Albion Village Board has approved special event permits for a range of activities.

The board on Wednesday approved permits for the following events:

• March 21 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Wayne Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness race with part of the course in Mount Albion Cemetery. The race starts at 10 a.m. from Clarendon Road near elementary school.
• April 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Easter Egg Hunt with East State Street closed to traffic from South Main Street to Platt Street. The egg hunt starts at noon.
• June 14 (all day) – Bounce for Bullard Youth 3-on-3 basketball tournament at Bullard Park, run by the Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events (G-ACRE).
• July 17 from 5 to 9 p.m. and July 18 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Carnival Days for Hospice at Bullard Park, with event run by Best of Tymes Party Rentals.
• Aug. 1 (all day) – Albion Summer Music Festival at Bullard Park, with event run by G-ACRE.
• Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Family Fun Day at Bullard Park. Event is run by Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion.

The board also set a public hearing for 6 p.m. on March 25 to change the zoning for two parcels from R-1 to light industrial. These parcels are by Penasack, a sheet fabrication business, on Sanford Street off Moore Street.

David Warren also was appointed chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals, effective immediately.

16 stops gave tasting of wine, beer and mead

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – These friends were out today at Albion’s annual Sip N’ Stroll. From left include Brandi Buzard, Shelby Buzard, Mary Kay Jenks, Peggy Lyman and Shanna Johnston.

In back at left is Tracy Birge, co-owner of Autumn Moon Farm in Bergen. They are all in Argento’s Bakery & Deli, one of 16 stops that served wine, beer or mead.

There were 379 people on the Sip N’ Stroll, believed to be the most in its history and topping the 357 from last year.

The Batavia Pedal Party carries a group of people down Main Street.

Dominic Wilder of Albion gets a taste of wine from Ken Kibler of Main Street Winery in Arcade. Christina Tilbe is behind Wilder at the Downtown Browsery. She said she enjoyed seeing so many people having fun in Albion.

Sam Kingsbury performs at Wish and Wonder Tattoo on East Bank Street. A grant from Go Art! paid for six musical performers during the event. Other musicians included Sebastian Erakare at Hearth & Home Real Estate, Andy & Mandy at 39 Problems, Jim Aina at Arnold’s Auto Parts, Steve Novak at The Lockstone/Tinsel, and V3 at Dubby’s Tailgate.

David Mantle from the Thousands Islands Winery serves wine at Wish and Wonder Tattoo.

“It’s really fun,” said Andrew London, Wish and Wonder owner and a first-time host for the event. “People like the vibe.”

Darian Papia of Becker Farms in Gasport serves tastes of wine to Marie Wehling, Mollie Radzinski and Crystal Hallenbeck. They are at 101 East Bank Street.

The check-in crew greets people at Dubby’s. Right to left include Marlene Seielstad, Brenda Benjovsky, Tara Neace and Kim Hazel. Seielstad was chairperson of the event.

She noted it’s the biggest fundraiser for the Albion Merchants Association.

“It brings more than 350 people to downtown Albion and through the doors of the businesses,” she said. “They have a great time and it showcases our businesses.”

The wheelbarrow full of wine bottles was a prize. The wheelbarrow was donated by Luddy’s, with the wineries also donated bottles of their wine.

Photos by Tom Rivers: The candidates for mayor in Albion – Joyce Riley and Tim McMurray – speak during Thursday’s candidate forum at Hoag Library. Riley is running under the Democratic Party and independent “Vote for Albion” lines, while McMurray has the backing of the Republican Party. The election will be from noon to 9 p.m. on March 18 at the Village Hall at 35-37 East Bank St.

ALBION – The candidates for the upcoming Village of Albion election all said they are ready to work hard for the community, but they said it takes more than a Village Board for Albion to move forward with challenges with becoming more affordable, increasing housing options, attracting businesses and improving the quality of life.

The candidates – Joyce Riley and Tim McMurray for mayor, and Jami Allport, Issac Robinson and Kevin Sheehan for trustee – urged more community participation in the village government, civic organizations, youth programs and other groups.

The election will be from noon to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, with voting at the Village Hall on 35-37 East Bank St.

Riley and McMurray have both been on the board for nearly four years as trustees. The current mayor, Angel Javier Jr., isn’t seeking re-election. Riley is backed by the Democrats and the independent “Vote for Albion” lines while McMurray has the Republican line.

Riley worked as a registered nurse and later supervised an ambulatory surgical unit in Washington, D.C., overseeing 200 employees. When she retired, she moved back to Albion in 2015. She is the oldest of 10 siblings. She praised her parents for her upbringing.

She has served on the Albion Board of Education, and boards for Hoag Library, Orleans Community Health Foundation and the Cobblestone Museum. Riley said she will put in the time to research issues and move projects forward.

“It requires more than great ideas,” she said. “It requires a commitment to the process and seeing it to completion. I have the determination to see it to the finish line.”

She acknowledged village taxes and water rates have gone up significantly in recent years. But she said the big increases should be over. She said the village didn’t have reserves for needed equipment purchases, such as two new dump trucks, and upgrades to the water treatment plant. The village has begun setting aside funds in reserves which should lessen a tax jolt in the future, Riley and McMurray both said during a candidate forum on Thursday at Hoag Library.

The village’s tax levy is up $612,407 over the past three years – 21.5 percent. The tax levy went from $2,851,056 in 2022-23 to $3,463,463 in 2025-26. The fire department also was moved out of the village budget in 2025 when Albion formed the Albion Joint Fire District, which is its own taxing entity.

The village tax rate is currently at $15.99 per $1,000 of assessed property. Riley said if she is elected mayor she would fight hard to keep the upcoming budget at a $15.99 rate.

The new terms start on April 1 and the budget needs to be adopted by April 30 for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

About 50 people attended the forum at Hoag Library with Michael Bonafede serving as moderator. The forum can be viewed on the Orleans Hub’s Facebook page. The forum was sponsored by the Orleans Hub and Lake Country Media.

McMurray has been very involved in the community as a youth football coach the past 18 years, and through other events, including the Strawberry Festival and lighted parade in December. He served in the Marine Corps. McMurray worked at the former Chase and North American Mortgage call center in Albion, as well as in construction. He most recently was with Sanzo Beverages as a merchandizer stocking beer.

He has attended numerous local events and conferences in Albany to reach out to other local and state officials to build support for the village.

His campaign is focused on better “communication” from the board to the community. He wants to start livestreaming the board meetings so people can see the board’s decision-making and know what issues are before the village government.

He also wants to canvas local business owners about their needs.

“Communication is key,” he said. “It’s paramount.”

He wants to be mayor to help Albion become more vibrant in its business and residential districts. He noted the recent closing of the Thrive freeze dry complex on East Avenue. He said he would work with the Orleans Economic Development Agency to find a new business for that site on East Avenue.

“I feel our village has been stagnant for the last umpteen ears,” he said. “Turning the village around is my biggest point.”

He wants Albion to update its comprehensive plan with lots of community input. That plan can be a guide to the future, including updates to the business district, perhaps allowing awnings and more modern colors with paint.

The trustee candidates include, from left: Jami Allport, Issac Robinson and Kevin Sheehan. Allport and Sheehan are on the Republican line while Robinson is on the independent “Vote for Albion” line.

Many residents are quick to complain on Facebook, but they can be ambassadors, spreading positivity about Albion, Issac Robinson said.

He moved to Albion about 15 years ago with his wife to be near her family. Robinson is a former Army medic who used to own the Robinson’s Redemption business in Albion near Walmart. He owns a bottle redemption business in Lockport and works in the arcade industry.

He is running under the independent “Vote for Albion” to give people a choice in the election. Two trustee terms are up for election. Jami Allport and Kevin Sheehan both are backed by the Republican Party.

Robinson sees many strengths in Albion, but he said the frequent complaining by residents is self-defeating. He called on residents to post positive reviews of businesses and spread positivity. Albion needs to share its “pride” in the community, he said.

Taxes are high for village residents, and he said he wants to maintain services without overwhelming taxpayers.

He thinks there would be more participation from residents at meetings by moving the starting time back from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Kevin Sheehan has been active in the community for about 30 years, from youth sports, as a previous Village Board member, as a current fire commissioner and other roles with COVA Ambulance and the Orleans County Auxiliary Police. Sheehan said the community needs the younger adult generation to be step forward with helping to run and lead the community.

“We’re losing future generations,” he said. “The residents are losing touch with the village.”

Sheehan, a former Albion code enforcement officer, said village officials can be creative in helping businesses succeed in Albion. He was the code officer when Dubby’s Tailgate opened its food and entertainment business in a former warehouse on Platt Street. He sees potential in many sites around the community for businesses and housing.

Sheehan is retired as a union plumber and pipefitter. He said he has the time and expertise to help with many of the issues facing the Village Board.

As the community is aging, Sheehan said there should be more housing options for seniors, including “cluster homes.” He was on the board with the redevelopment of the former grammar school on East Academy Street into senior apartments.

Jami Allport said many residents feel left out of the decision-making by the board. She said she would bring their voice to the board’s discussions. She works as executive director of the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern and also as Albion’s cheerleading coach at the school.

“People should always feel comfortable approaching their elected officials,” she said.

Many local families feel the financial stress from escalating taxes and other costs, Allport said.

The village needs to avoid any future sharp increases in taxes and rates because it can be very hard on many residents, she said.

She would like to see the village poll existing businesses on how they are doing, what are their concerns and what they see as the strengths in Albion. The village should also reach out to businesses that have closed or moved to other communities, she said.

The candidates from left include Joyce Riley, Tim McMurray, Jami Allport, Issac Robinson and Kevin Sheehan. D.J. Button in back worked the sound board during the forum.

The candidates were asked if they see opportunities for shared services with other governments.

Robinson only sees animal control as a realistic possibility. The village has a part-time animal control officer, and that service could be taken over by the county, Robinson said. Ending other village departments “would be a huge loss to the community,” he said.

Riley said she was instrumental in a shared service agreement between the town of Albion and the village for code enforcement that saved both municipalities money. She has been working with Gaines officials on a grant proposal for shared water billing.

McMurray said municipalities could join together in buying equipment for leak detection in waterlines and sewerlines.

The collapse of a roof at 20 East Bank St. last month forced about 15 residents out of their apartments and temporarily closed some first floor storefronts. Candidates were asked about code enforcement and what can be done to prevent other buildings from a roof collapse or disrepair.

Riley said the code enforcement officer can issue violations and send letters, and often will need support from the village attorney if the issue goes to court. She would like to see Albion implement a vacant building registry, where owners of vacant buildings pay the village an annual fee and need to provide a plan for the site. Medina has a similar law that has helped reduce the number of vacant sites.

“It works in other places,” Riley said. “The question is does the village want it to work here?”

McMurray said a simplified code would help property owners, who now see many redundancies in the village property maintenance rules. He urged community members to alert code enforcement to roofs and porches that are shot.

Allport also said neighbors can make complaints to have code enforcement check on properties.

Robinson said it comes down to enforcing the code.

Sheehan, a previous code officer, said the code officer would need to be invited by the owner to inspect a roof or upper level apartment, or would need a warrant to check inside.

Michael Bonafede, the debate moderator and a former Board of Education president, thanked all the candidates for their willingness to be on the board.

“It’s about putting people together who can work together as a team and get things done,” he said.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Kyler Preston steers the Batavia Pedal Party down Main Street in Albion for the Sip N’ Stroll on March 15, 2025. The pedal bar and a bus helped move people to the stops at the event. The Batavia Pedal party will be back for the Sip N’ Stroll on Saturday (March 7).

Provided photo: The souvenir glass features a barn quilt, which is popular in the local area, especially in Kendall.

ALBION – Saturday will be a big day in downtown Albion with several hundred people expected for the annual Sip N’ Stroll.

There will be 16 stops for people to sample wine, mead and beer. The Sip N’ Stroll starts at 4 p.m. at Dubby’s Tailgate. It is organized by the Albion Merchants Association and is the group’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

The AMA wants to build on last year’s event which sold 362 tickets.

“We’re hoping for 400,” said Natasha Wasuck, the AMA president.

There will be six musical performers at the event, and they are funded through a grant administered by GO Art!

Tickets at the door are $30, and are $28.52 online. Click here to purchase a ticket online.

Participants can travel by pedal bar or shuttle bus if they prefer not to walk. Wasuck noted the weather will be in the 60s.

Lynne Menz to get Lifetime Achievement award, while Albion group supporting Bullard Park named “Organization of the Year”

Photos by Tom Rivers: Lynne Menz speaks on Sept.7, 2019 during a dedication ceremony for a bronze statue and memorial to the soldiers who trained at the Medina Armory, which is now a YMCA on pearl Street in Medina. Menz’s late father, Bill Menz, had the vision for the monument and pushed to get it done.

Provided photo: This lamppost was made from old, discarded steel from the lift bridge in Albion. Bill Schutt turned it into a lamppost that is now at Albion’s Erie Canal Park between the two lift bridges.

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council has announced the winners of the annual Genean Awards for artists, cultural supporters and organizations in Genesee and Orleans counties.

Lynne Menz of Point Breeze will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for her many years with the Orleans County Tourism Department, and as a very active volunteer with the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association, Friends of the Orleans County Marine Park, Oak Orchard Lighthouse Association and Medina Sandstone Society.

Menz helped her father, the late Bill Menz, make a bronze statue of a soldier a reality outside the YMCA in Medina, which formerly was used as the Medina Armory to train soldiers.

GO Art! has named Bill Schutt of Basom, Genesee County as its “Individual Artist of the Year.” One of his projects was creating a lamppost in Albion that was made from old discarded steel from the Main Street lift bridge. He makes art from recycled metal.

The Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events Inc., a not-for-profit organization, will be honored by GO Art! as its “Organization of the Year.”

G-ACRE runs the annual Rock the Park – Albion Summer Music Festival, featuring about a dozen bands and performers over two days in August. G-ACRE also has been a fundraising arm for recent improvements at the park, including new basketball and pickleball courts.

The Genean Awards will be presented at 6 p.m. on March 28 at GO Art!, 201 East Main St., Batavia.

The awards include:

• Lifetime Achievement in Orleans County: Lynne Menz
• Lifetime Achievement in Genesee County: Maryanne Arena
• Supporter (of the Cultural Sector) of the Year: Raeann Engler
• Individual Artist of the Year: Bill Schutt
• Honorable Mention: Lily Renz
• Organization of the Year: Greater Albion Community Recreation & Events, Inc. (G-ACRE)
• Volunteer of the Year: Andrea Hofmaster

Basketball players try out the new courts in Albion on Oct. 26, 2023, the day the courts opened. The Greater Albion Recreation Committee and Events Inc. secured the funding for the project.