Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Kurt Hobart of Medina sprays water from a fire hose with assistance from Barre firefighter Jerry Bentley this afternoon at Hoag Library.

Today was Fire Truck Day at the library and there was apparatus from the Albion Fire Department, Barre Volunteer Fire Company, Carlton Volunteer Fire Company and Murray Joint Fire District, as well as an ambulance from Mercy Flight EMS.

Kara Bentley, a Barre firefighter, lets her daughter Adalynn, 3, sit in an Albion fire truck.

To see a schedule for the summer reading program at Hoag, click here.

Press Release, Albion Central School

Dylan Jay

ALBION – The Albion school district is pleased to introduce a new addition to its athletics program. Dylan Jay will assume the role of Athletic Trainer ahead of the fall 2026 season. He was appointed by the Albion Board of Education at the July 7 meeting.

Jay is a certified athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist with UBMD Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. He joins Albion with plenty of high school level experience, previously serving as an athletic trainer for five years at Medina Central School and four years at Cheektowaga.

Jay grew up in East Aurora and earned his undergraduate degree from SUNY Brockport. Growing up, he played soccer, ran track at the collegiate level, and trained for the Winter Olympic sport of Skeleton post college.

He looks forward to familiarizing himself with the Albion community, building strong relationships and serving as a trusted confidant for athletes, parents and coaches. He is excited to support athletes in pursuit of their goals and hopes to help teams challenge league, section or state titles in the coming seasons.

“We are beyond excited to welcome Dylan aboard,” said Lauren Kinard, Albion athletic director. “He will be a great asset to our program and we are confident our athletes and coaches will benefit greatly from his expertise, presence and guidance.”

Linda Weller re-elected to continue as board president

Photos by Tom Rivers: Jaime Allport signs the oath of office this morning at the beginning of the annual Albion Board of Education reorganizational meeting. Cindy Ishmael, the district clerk, administers the oath. Allport works as a court clerk for the Town of Albion.

ALBION – Three new members of the Board of Education were sworn in and took their spots this morning on Albion’s nine-member board.

Jaime Allport, Kaitlyn Panek and Michelle Waters are all the new board members. They replace Trellis Pore, Kurt Schmitt and David Sidari, who all didn’t seek re-election in May to the volunteer positions.

The board this morning also re-elected Linda Weller as its president, with John Kast continuing as vice president.

Kaitlyn Panek signs the oath of office. She works as a farm office manager at the family farm, Panek Farms.

Michelle Waters signs the oath of office. She is the owner of the Tree House School of Play in Albion

Weller just finished her first year as the board president. She is the president of Info Advantage in Rochester. She was recognized as a 2025 Women of Excellence Honoree by the Rochester Business Journal. Weller was praised by the RBJ her leadership, community impact, and commitment to excellence in IT and cybersecurity.

Union seeks mediator to help reach new labor agreement

Photo by Tom Rivers: Some members of the Albion Teachers Association are pictured this morning at the elementary school after the Board of Education went into executive session. The ATA has been working without a contract the past year.

ALBION – The Albion Teachers Association has declared an impasse with the school district after a year has gone by without a new contract in place for the ATA and its 172 members.

The union on Nov. 26, by a 2-to-1 vote, rejected a tentative agreement that was reached between the ATA and district’s negotiating teams, said Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent.

The ATA and the district have been unable to reach an agreement on a new five-year contract, said Roxanne Bieler, the ATA president and a high school English teacher.

The union last month declared an impasse, and will seek an outside mediator to help resolve the issues. Bieler said the ATA and district have been negotiating for the past 18 months.

Edwards said the district hasn’t received written notice of an impasse. He declined to comment publicly until receiving a formal notice.

The Board of Education meet this morning for its annual reorganizational meeting, when it picks the board leadership, swears in new members, appoints officials and makes other designations.

About a dozen ATA members were at the meeting, wearing black T-shirts that said: “ATA – It’s a beautiful day to demand fair pay” and “ATA – Union Strong.”

Bieler said the main issues are how to fairly compensate teachers for an additional school days and more time in the classroom.

Teachers currently work 185 days. Bieler said the district would like to add more to the schedule.

The ATA also wants to see more of school resources spent on educating children, from new textbooks in the elementary school to better compensation for teacher aides.

One ATA member, Chris Keller, noted the district has been cited by the state comptroller’s office to whittle down its reserves. A comptroller’s audit from 2022 said Albion’s fund balances were far in excess – by $17 million – of the statutory limit for a school district.

Keller said the fund balances have grown partly because the district is not properly funding the education for the children in the district.

The Board of Education sets a budget and underspends by several millions of dollars, depriving children of much-needed resources, he said.

The district’s budget for 2026-27 totals $45,615,036. Albion for the 18^th time in the past 20 years did not increase property taxes. The tax levy stayed at $8,449,039, which is $359,906 under the district’s tax cap.

Center in response to students with limited access to shower, laundry facilities

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Pictured from left include Mark Hungerford, Cassie Healy, program director of Community Action’s Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More store, and Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action and Mark’s wife. They stand by the new shower installed in the Fresh Start Care Center, due to open soon for disadvantaged youth in the area who have limited access to shower and laundry facilities.

ALBION – A new service developed out of the Health Leadership Fellows Program is about to be launched at Community Action’s Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More store at 131 South Main St.

Community Action’s director Renee Hungerford took part in the Health Leadership Fellows Program last fall, during which their team was required to execute a health-enhancing project.

The result was developing a program, which Hungerford described as “a groundbreaking initiative,”  designed to address hygiene insecurity among disadvantaged youth in Orleans County.

Mark Hungerford and Cassie Healy demonstrate the new washer/dryer installed in the Fresh Start Care Center at Community Action’s Main Street store. Youths can come in and wash their clothes and/or shower.

After months of planning and facing cuts in program financing, Hungerford has announced the Fresh Start Care Center will be up and running by the time school starts this fall.

The Fresh Start Care Center is in response to alarming data showing that up to 39% of students in Orleans County live in poverty, and Hungerford said some places lack basic plumbing. Cassie Healy, program manager at the Main Street store, is also manager of the Credit Recovery program which COAG runs in the store. During their sessions, Healy learned that children were standing in line to shower in the nurse’s office at Albion school. She also learned there were many homeless children living in the Albion area.

Since acquiring the former American Legion building, Community Action has continued to add programs and services for the community, including the main attraction, a thrift store; a free prom giveaway, which has spread to include more than half a dozen schools in the area; the credit recovery program, in which as many as 30 teens at a session have participated; a private booth for veterans to use the internet; and now the Fresh Start Care Center, located in what was once the men’s restroom.

The first phase of the Care Center project was completed with funding from the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York, and the work and dedication of volunteers, including Mark Hungerford and Dan and Cassie Healy, who spent weekends installing plumbing, electrical wiring and setting up the space. Jim Babcock was contacted to install the shower.

At lunch one day, Hungerford was talking to Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health, about how their agencies could partner. She mentioned the need for a shower, and shortly after, Shurtz announced he and his wife were excited to help, however, they could. One thing led to another and they agreed to purchase the shower.

“We are grateful we could be a part of something so much needed,” Shurtz said.

Also, Ryan and Blake Halstead donated a hot water tank.

Students from Brockport State College came and painted the wall to the Care Center.

Hungerford also offered thanks to Suburban Electric and Albion Ace Hardware for affordable pricing of materials.

“This project is about more than clean clothes—it’s about restoring dignity, improving mental health, and helping students stay in school,” Hungerford said. “Our community has once again shown what is possible when people come together to support a meaningful project.

“Although we had applied for grant funding to complete Phase 2 and were disappointed when we did not receive it, that setback quickly became an opportunity for local generosity to shine. We are deeply grateful to our donors and community partners for their generosity, commitment and continued support.”

She added Community Action was proud to offer a safe, supportive space where teens could take care of their basic needs without shame or judgement.

“We need these programs,” Hungerford said. “The community needs these programs. We have services for adults, but nothing for students. That’s where Cassie and the Fresh Start Care Center come in.”

“This instills in students that somebody cares,” Healy said.

The Fresh Start Care Center will continue to need towels, personal hygiene items and laundry supplies. Any donations may be made by messaging Healy on Facebook, calling (585) 640-1329 or stopping at the Main Street store.

Cassie Healy stands by the wall to the Fresh Start Care Center, which was painted by students at Brockport State College.

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 3^rdIndependence 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.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Ryan & Company, led by Ryan Klatt (center), performed at Bullard Park this afternoon as part of a July 3^rd Independence Day celebration at Albion.

The community has been throwing the big party a day before July 4^th. 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.

Photo by Tom Rivers: A fireworks show returned to Bullard Park last year on July 3rd.

ALBION – The Albion community is planning a July 3^rd 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.

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.

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.

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
• Football clinic on July 29 at Bullard Park

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.

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.

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 16^th 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.

For more information on Marti’s, click here.