By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2026 at 8:40 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Fireworks light up the sky over Bullard Park during the finale of a fireworks show. A 1967 Ford is in the foreground. The car was there for a cruise-in, one of the many activities at the park as part of a July 3rdIndependence Day celebration.
The Village of Albion and Great Albion Community Recreation & Events, Inc. (G-ACRE) organized the event which included fireworks for the second year in a row.
Some kids watched the fireworks from the playground at Bullard.
The Who Dats played for about two hours before the fireworks, including “867-5309/Jenny.” They were joined at the amphitheater stage by the Who Dat Dancers.
Kids enjoyed the swings and the playground while the fireworks went off.
Some kids were shooting hoops at the basketball courts while the fireworks went off at the park.
These kids gathered on the basketball court at the start of the fireworks show.
A crowd watches the Who Dats perform at Bullard. There were about 40 vendors.
The activities started at 4 p.m. and included bounce houses, food vendors, artisans, a chicken barbecue, carriage rides, a car cruise-in and fireworks to cap the day.
People lined up at night for food. The vendors were busy throughout the day, especially at night before the fireworks.
The Citrus Circus Crew and Albion Masonic Lodge were popular spots for Friday night food.
Ed Hilfiker and The Who Dats kept the crowd entertained. Other bands also played for about six hours total.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2026 at 8:15 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Ryan & Company, led by Ryan Klatt (center), performed at Bullard Park this afternoon as part of a July 3rd Independence Day celebration at Albion.
The community has been throwing the big party a day before July 4th. For the second year in a row, the day will be capped with fireworks at 10 p.m.
There are other musical performers, including The Who Dats beginning at 8 p.m. on the amphitheater stage.
There are numerous artisan vendors at the park.
Nick Holler of the Citrus Circus Crew has red, white and blue kettle corn, as well as lemonade and snow cones for sale.
Confection Connection in Albion has cookies, brownies and craft sodas. MyKayla Deyarmin, left, is helping Confection owner Becky Harris at her booth.
Volunteers prepared 533 chicken barbecue dinners. Tom O’Hearn, left, led the group that includes from left in back John Sacco, Dan Conrad and Gary Moore. Gary Van Wyke, Ray Stefani and Dusty DeCarlo also were part of the crew.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 July 2026 at 9:46 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: A fireworks show returned to Bullard Park last year on July 3rd.
ALBION – The Albion community is planning a July 3rd bash to celebrate Independence Day – a day early.
The event starts at 4 p.m. and will include live music, children’s activities, food vendors, artisans, a chicken barbecue, carriage rides, a car cruise-in and fireworks at 10 p.m. to cap the day.
The event will be held by Bullard Park and is organized by the Village of Albion Recreation Committee and the Greater Albion Community Recreation & Events, Inc. (G-ACRE).
The bands performing at the amphitheater include:
4 p.m. – Ryan & Company
6 p.m. – Feedback/Side Doors/Tax Road Less Traveled
8 p.m. Who Dats
The chicken barbecue will be from 4 to 6 p.m. and is hosted by G-ACRE.
Last year was the first time there was a fireworks show at Bullard in many years. John Grillo, the village’s recreation director, wants to make it an annual event on July 3. He thanked the many sponsors for contributing to the event on Friday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 June 2026 at 3:10 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Kids keep a close eye on an armadillo that visited Hoag Library today with other creatures from the Wildlife Rockstars in Farmington.
There were about 100 people at the presentation at the library, which kicked off its summer reading program. Click here to see a schedule of events as part of the program which has a theme of “Unearth a Story.”
Steve, an ambassador with Wildlife Rockstars shows a ball python to kids and adults at the presentation.
Twin sisters Mileena and Adalyn were able to pet a chinchilla.
Rosie, an ambassador from Wildlife Rockstars, lets people get a close look at a hissing cockroach.
This tortoise seemed eager to meet the crowd at the library.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 June 2026 at 2:52 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Becky Patterson, an artist from North Tonawanda, puts dinosaur-themed line art on the sidewalk in front of Hoag Library today.
Children will be encouraged to color the inside the lines with chalk throughout the summer as part of the summer reading program, which has a theme of “Unearth a Story.” Patterson used a water-based temper paint for the outline which should last throughout the summer.
Patterson also expected to work on chalk mural today, showing a three-dimensional T-Rex, and another dinosaur-themed chalk mural on Thursday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 June 2026 at 11:19 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Village of Albion summer park program kicked off today for six weeks with a full slate of programs as well as free food for children every day. The season ends on Aug. 7.
The top photo shows kids and park supervisor Wes Olles playing Gaga Ball.
There will be park counselors at Bullard from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Monday through Friday. They will lead children in games, arts and crafts and other activities. The summer program is free.
The first couple days of the park program include registration. Children should have a list of their immunization records.
These kids enjoy some relief from the heat at the splash pad.
The playground was put to use at the start of the park day.
Some highlights in the season include:
July 3rd celebration later in the day, including fireworks
Tennis clinic from July 6 to July 10 at Albion High School tennis courts
July 8 soccer clinic at Bullard Park
Wrestling camp from July 13-17 at Albion High School gym
Volleyball camp from July 13-17 at Albion High School gym
County Park Fun Day on July 15 with bounce houses, food vendors
Tennis camp from July 20-24 at Albion High School tennis courts
Baseball camp from July 27-31 at Albion High School
Photos by Natalie Baron: Members of the Class of 2026 celebrate upon receiving their diplomas. From left include Jada Nickerson, Olivia Peterson and Gabriel Campbell.
By Natalie Baron, Correspondent
ALBION – The school and community celebrated the 115 graduates in Albion’s Class of 2026 on Friday evening. The weather was ideal for the ceremony outside on the football field.
The Caledonian Pipe Band continued their tradition of leading in the junior ushers, daisy chain and graduating seniors.
The speeches were opened by Class President Neveya Barnes. She wanted everyone to remember where they came from as they continue to learn and grow, shaping who they will become.
Senior Class President Neveya Barnes reminded us that our past, which we might perceive as unflattering and emotionally-challenging, shaped us into who we are today. “Deeper than any game, middle school haircut, or even the alphabet is our light.”
She said the Class of 2026 will always have a foundation in, and support from, Albion. “Hold on tight to the memories and friends that you’ve had or have because your support is strong, and continue to grow and encourage yourself to learn more.”
Using the alphabet as her example, she encouraged us to continue discovering more about the world around us, having learned the foundations in school. Barnes will be attending the University at Buffalo to major in psychology.
Salutatorian Nathaniel Miesner smiles. He had some jokes up his sleeve to make his messages stronger. He spoke about working toward aspirations, even when it is difficult.
Class of 2026 Salutatorian Nathaniel Miesner explained, “We have this misconception that failure is exclusively bad.” He discussed how failure allows us to see what went wrong so that we can adjust our methods with newfound insight.
Although the next few years seem inconceivable, the graduates will shape who they will become with each challenge. Perhaps you want to improve yourself in order to work toward a goal. “You could ignore it and focus on other things. The problem is, you might not like who comes out on the other side. The better option, in my opinion, is to take control of your development.”
He reminded the class that they are more capable of pulling themselves out of ruts than they may realize and that he and their peers believe in them in achieving any goal. “The battle will be grueling, and the results, reluctant to show. Do not let that deter you. In the end, that is what makes it worth it.” Miesner will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for mathematics.
Gideon Pask, Valedictorian of the Class of 2026, implored graduates to keep going in the face of loss. You can choose to learn from those who came before you.
Valedictorian Gideon Pask said that no matter how the years in high school went, they shaped every person in the class. Pask expressed that he was scared to speak to people as a freshman, but the support of others changed who he became.
Pask reminds us that we have all experienced loss, whether it be the loss of friends, opportunities, or a life. He shared that this year, he has lost his pastor, teacher, and grandfather, Erik Olsen, the leader of the East Shelby Community Bible Church.
Each loss will create change in one’s life, which will be painful, but there is always a time for each change. “One of the most important lessons a person can learn is that loss, no matter how great a change it may cause, is not the end,” Pask said. It is a chance at a conscious choice to grow, to use that loss’ example as a way to guide us.
Pask said that although there is a loss from graduating, everything is not over. Pask will be attending the Rochester Institute of Technology to major in electrical engineering.
Graduates proudly walk the stage. From left include Colin Coyle, Abigail Kincaid and Zane Kremer.
BOE President Linda Weller told the Class of 2026 to look around themselves and recognize the friends, teachers, and community who have and will continue to cheer them on, as this is their foundation. No matter where they go in the world, the people in the Albion community will be there for them.
“Connection. This is what matters,” Weller said. “In a world that seems to move faster every single day, where everything is a swipe or a scroll away, it can be easy to forget the power of real, lasting human connection, but you, the Class of 2026, know what it means to show up for one another.” She has seen it in the many activities they have partaken in.
Superintendent Mickey Edwards advised the class to focus on their character, as that is most important.
“You can’t always choose the path you walk, but you can always choose the way you walk it,” District Superintendent Mickey Edwards said. “You can choose resilience when things get difficult. You can choose integrity when no one is watching. You can choose kindness when it would be easier not to. You can choose courage when the path ahead feels uncertain. And you can choose to keep moving forward, even when the road feels unclear.” Your impacts on others, values, perseverance, and small choices will always matter more than the path you take.
Several graduates expressed enthusiasm. From left include Rosalie McCormick, Wesley Olles and Kailee Anstey.
The Class of 2026 tossed their caps into the air as one final hoorah at the conclusion of the ceremony.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2026 at 8:42 am
Public responds after café’s commercial AC/furnace, hot water tank and ice machine all need replacement
Photos by Tom Rivers: Sarah Ferguson, a staff member at Risen Café and pastor of God’s Voice Ministries, adds caramel to a glass of iced coffee today. Ferguson has been with Risen Café since it opened on March 7, 2023 at 469 East State St.
ALBION – The Risen Café has been serving meals and taking prayer requests for more than three years at 469 East State St., the former Crooked Door Tavern.
The café has two paid employees and other volunteers. The site also is used as a church for God’s Voice Ministries. Risen Café is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The church has services at 11 a.m. on Sunday. (There is also a prayer meeting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Bible study at 6 p.m. on Thursday and faith-based recovery meeting at 6 p.m. on Sunday.)
Risen Café has been narrowing the gap of covering its costs, and not needing much support from the church, said Sarah Ferguson, pastor of God’s Voice Ministries and also one of the tow employees at the café.
But the café was dealt several blows in the past 30 days when four major pieces of equipment all failed. The air conditioning system, furnace, hot water tank and ice machine all needed replacement at an estimated combined cost of $20,000.
Ferguson shared the news on Facebook four days ago that the Risen Café was in need and detailed the challenges.
By Friday, a donor bought a new ice machine, and another contributor gave $5,000 for a new hot water tank.
Ferguson said about $9,000 is still needed for the combined AC unit/furnace that must be commercial size.
“God is faithful,” she said. “He is using his people. It’s beautiful to witness.”
Risen Café welcomes more assistance for the AC/furnace. People are welcome to stop in and donate. There will be a basket raffle and chicken barbecue from noon until 7 p.m. on July 18 at the café.
John Angelucci holds a chicken salad wrap with French fries. He is the chef at the Risen Café and has been with the café since day 1.
Ferguson said Risen Café has been a successful ministry, welcoming people from all backgrounds and is especially welcoming to people who have been battling addiction.
The café plays contemporary Christian music and no alcohol is served. Many of the local pastors use the site to meet informally with people looking for some spiritual direction.
Ferguson said not everyone feels comfortable going inside a traditional church building. God’s Voice Ministries wants everyone to feel welcome even if they aren’t familiar with hymns, Bible passages and the usual structure of a church service.
Ferguson is a Lyndonville resident. She started attended God’s Voice Ministries church in Lokcport in 2019, and was part of the team establishing the site in Albion at the former Crooked Door Tavern.
“As a ministry this works, and as a business it’s by God’s grace,” Ferguson said about the Risen Café. “This is a place where conversations are more comfortable around grace and recovery.”
The café doesn’t accept tips for the staff. Instead, there is a “Pay it Forward” jar where people can give a tip to go towards meals for others, including unhoused people, and people struggling to make ends meet. Ferguson said about $25,000 has been donated to the Pay It Forward Fund in about three years.
Risen Café also collects donations each month for a different agency or ministry in the community. Customers have given over $20,000 that has been shared with the hands 4 Hope ministry, Care Net, Community Action, Hospice, the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen and other organizations.
One big challenge, she said, is letting the community know about the Risen Café. It is located on a side street by the Brown Street canal bridge that has been closed since July 2012. Ferguson said Risen Café is more than a church and more than a restaurant.
For more information on the café, click here to be directed to its Facebook page.
Instead of accepting tips, the staff at Risen Café direct that money to a “Pay It Forward” jar for meals for unhoused people or others in need.
Photos courtesy of Hoag Library: Wildlife Rockstars are shown during their presentation last summer at Hoag Library.
Press Release, Hoag Library
ALBION – Hoag Library is pleased to announce that the Wildlife Rockstars will visit the library on Monday at 11:30 a.m. to kick off the 2026 Summer Reading Program.
The Wildlife Rockstars program is part of Bridges for Brain Injury, Inc., a nonprofit that raises awareness of traumatic brain injury and disability while promoting prevention and support. The program is a wildlife and conservation education initiative led by staff and day program members rebuilding their lives after brain injuries, who develop hands-on skills in the care and handling of live animals, including birds, reptiles and other animal ambassadors.
Last year’s program drew a large and enthusiastic turnout, offering attendees the chance to see and learn about a wide variety of animals. At this year’s kickoff, participants can pick up the full Summer Reading schedule for adults, teens, and children, and learn more about the Nioga Library System Passport Program, which encourages visits to libraries throughout the system.
Hoag Library also invites the community to enjoy two upcoming free concerts. The Kendall Community Band will perform tonight, June 25 at 6:30 p.m., and classical guitarist Matthew Ardizzone will perform this Saturday at noon. Both free performances are open to the public and offer great opportunities to enjoy live music at the library.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 June 2026 at 9:02 am
Arthur Barnes, Marco Rodriguez and David Burke all have paintings on display
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – David F. Burke of Bergen is one of the featured artists in a new show at the Marti’s on Main art gallery in Albion.
He is shown by his painting, “White Trees in September,” an acrylic on canvas.
Burke has 12 paints in the show at Marti’s. Kim Martillotta Muscarella has the gallery open for its 16th season. There are receptions the third Friday each month from April to November for the new art shows at 20 South Main St.
Arthur Barnes is shown with some of his new ink and water color paintings that he did over the winter. Barnes has about a dozen new paintings in the art show. He likes to paint trees in the winter when there aren’t leaves on the branches. That way there is more to see of the landscapes.
Marco Rodriguez of Brockport is also featured at Marti’s. Rodriguez retired from General Motors after 40 years. He moved to Brockport from Detroit about five years ago to be near his grandchildren.
Rodriguez always liked art but didn’t make the time to paint until his retirement. He has 32 oil paintings at Marti’s including “Colorado Fly Fishing” which is left at top and “Rain Drops” at the bottom. “The King” is another painting he is standing near.
Kim Martillotta Muscarella welcomes people to the art gallery for Friday’s show. There are works from many artists on display throughout the building, which used to the Cornell Cooperative Extension until it moved to a new building in 2007 at the 4-H Fairgrounds.
Mark Parker sang and played the guitar during the art show, which also included a spread of snacks.
This season there are sculptures on display that were created by Richard Bannister and George Graham. Bannister’s work is at left and Graham’s is at right. In back at right, Marco Rodriguez talks with Albion resident Samuel Robinson.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 June 2026 at 5:44 pm
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.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 19 June 2026 at 3:18 pm
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.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 June 2026 at 1:08 pm
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.
Climate Solutions Accelerator taking tiny home on 11-day tour of Rochester region to promote sustainability
Photos and information courtesy Climate Solutions Accelerator
ALBION – Hoag Library will be hosting the Tiny “PowerHouse” on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The tiny home is making a 11-day tour of the Rochester region.
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.
The featured exhibit, the Tiny PowerHouse, is an interactive tiny home designed by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County to make energy education easy to see and understand.
Visitors can step inside and explore common sources of energy loss, practical efficiency upgrades, and clean energy solutions that can support more comfortable, efficient, and energy-smart homes.
Exhibit topics include air leaks, insulation, renewable heating and cooling, solar energy, lighting, windows, appliances, DIY projects, and indoor air quality.
The Tiny PowerHouse Tour in Roc is designed for renters, homeowners, families, students, community organizations, neighborhood groups, and anyone interested in learning more about home energy use. Visitors will walk away with a better understanding of how homes lose energy, what improvements can make a difference, and what steps may help create healthier, more comfortable living spaces.
The exhibit is free to visit and will be available at locations throughout the Genesee-Finger Lakes region from June 16–26.
Tour Schedule:
June 16: 12 to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
June 17: 2:30 to 6 p.m. at Sodus Farmers’ Market – 58 W Main St, Sodus, NY 14551
June 18: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hoag Library – 134 S Main St, Albion, NY 14411
June 18: 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lyons Connections on the Canal – NY-14 & Empire State Trail, Lyons, NY 14489
June 19: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park – 353 Court St, Rochester, NY 14607
June 20: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Geneva Farmers’ Market – 35 Lake Front Dr, Geneva, NY 14456
June 21: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Broccolo’s Emissions Control Event – 2755 Penfield Rd, Fairport, NY 14450
June 22: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at MARC of Baden Senior Center – 86 Vienna St, Rochester, NY 14605
June 23: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
June 24: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
June 25: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lockdown on Violence Event – Lewis St YMCA – 53 Lewis St, Rochester, NY 14605
June 26: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center Open House – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 June 2026 at 8:06 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A crowd of people watches the Albion ladder truck go down Main Street during Saturday’s parade for the Albion Strawberry Festival.
The parade brought out thousands of people along East Avenue and Main Street.
The two-day Albion Strawberry Festival has been a community celebration since 1986, with lots of food, live music, arts and crafts vendors, and the big parade.
The Damascus Shriners Mini-Cars were back in the parade after their debut last year and they were a clear crowd favorite.
Annette Finch served as the parade’s grand marshal. She worked more than 40 years at Community Action, assisting people in crisis situations. She also has been a very active volunteer in Albion’s recreation programs.
The Albion Betterment Committee had a float with Santa, and Natasha Wasuck, an ABC board member, was a reindeer. The Betterment Committee is working to develop a Santa museum on Main Street.
The Albion marching band performed patriotic music in tribute to the country’s 250th anniversary. Several marching bands were in the parade.
The Albion Betterment Committee had a float with Santa, and Natasha Wasuck, an ABC board member, was a reindeer. The Betterment Committee is working to develop a Santa museum on Main Street.
Celes Paratore, an Orleans County 4-H’er, needed to scoop up a goat that ran out of energy near the end of the parade. Celes was promoting 4-H programs and the fair from July 27 to Aug. 1
Trellis Pore, pastor of the Shiloh Church in Albion, played music and brought a joyful presence to the parade. He was joined by several people from the “judgement free” church.
Albion’s T-Ball and youth baseball teams tossed candy to eager youngsters along Main Street.
Kerry Panek and her grandchildren celebrated 40 years of Panek’s Pickin Patch on West Countyhouse Road.
Mr. Septic brought smiles to the crowd with this float. “You dump it, we pump it!” the business declared. Many businesses joined in the parade.
The Eye of Oden K9 Training had about 15 dogs and their handlers in the parade.
Justin Kania, front, and Josh Schoeberlein were out promoting Legendary Exterior Services.
Will Plummer served as king and Julia Graham was queen of the Strawberry Festival. Both are Albion High School students active in community service.
Orly the Ox and his brother Scout were in the parade. Orly debuted last year as the Orleans County bicentennial mascot. This year Orly is joined by his brother in promoting the country’s 250th anniversary. Oxen were critical in the county’s early days, transporting pioneers and helping them to plant crops and work the land.
Dance Reflections by Miss Heather had a patriotic float for the country’s 250th anniversary. Dance Reflections also is celebrating 20 years in Albion.
These quilters from the Town and Country Quilt Shop displayed patriotic quilts in honor of the 250thanniversary of the country.
Jeremy Neal drives a 1955 Farmhall Cub tractor as part of the display for the CURE Foundation to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer. Neal’s son Byron passed away from cancer at age 8 on April 14, 2023.
CSAT, the Charter School for Applied Technologies from Buffalo, had a large presence with its marching band.
The Holley-Kendall marching band have been mainstays at the Strawberry Festival in recent years.
