John “Mercury” Morgan urges crowd to embrace Gospel message

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – John “Mercury” Morgan jumps with a bike over two Albion police patrol vehicles and a SWAT vehicle, and then goes through a wall of fire in a stunt at Bullard Park on Saturday.

It was part of Family Fun Day at Bullard, where several churches shared the Gospel message, and gave away back-to-school supplies, food and put on activities. There were more than 500 people watching the stunt.

Morgan, 61, of Rochester makes it through the wall of fire and lands on the ramp.

He has been a stuntman on bikes since he was 15. He was inspired by Evel Knievel, the famous daredevil.

Morgan shared about moving from Lake Placid to Rochester when he was 7. He struggle din Rochester, getting into trouble often and selling marijuana. He was in a “scared straight” program at the Attica prison when he was 14.

Morgan said he became a Christian at 15. He runs Leap of Faith Evangelism, doing stunts and sharing the Gospel message.

He urged people to have courage to follow Jesus, and take a leap of faith.

John “Mercury” Morgan leads a group in prayer after the bike stunt. At least 500 people watched the event at Bullard.

The team with Mercury pours gasoline on cardboard that will be raised in frame. Mercury would then plunge through the wall of fire.

Albion firefighters doused the flames.

Theresa Ottaviano shared this photo of Morgan breaking through the wall of fire and landing on the ramp.

Jovannie Canales, lead pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship, helped lead Family Fun Day which had about 100 volunteers from many local churches in the community. They gave away back-to-school backpacks with supplies, hot dogs and water. There was also live music, bounce houses and face painting. The churches also gave away four bicycles, a TV and a laptop.

More than 1,000 people attended the Family Fun Day.

Pastor Canales said there were 232 decisions for Christ and 14 were baptized. In addition, 18 agencies and ministries participated, along with 85 volunteers who helped make the day possible.

“This event would not have been possible without God and the incredible support of the 15 churches, local businesses, and community partners who contributed and supported the event in various ways,” Pastor Canales said. “We are very grateful for everyone who came together to make Family Fun Day such a meaningful day for our community.”

A baptismal tank was set up by the amphitheater. There were many agencies and churches at Family Fun Day. When this photo was taken, most of the crowd had moved from the tents to see a stuntman.

Jeff LaFountain of Newfane did caricatures, including this one of Hollea Mackie and her children, baby Jordyn and son Ashyr, 10.

Family Fun Day at Albion also includes free food and many activities

File photo by Tom Rivers: Jovannie Canales, lead pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship, holds a flat-screen television that was given away at the end of the Family Fun Day at Bullard Park last year on Aug. 9. There will be a big team of volunteers from multiple churches putting on the event today from 1 to 4 p.m.

ALBION – This year’s Family Fun Day at Bullard Park will include a stunt man riding a bike over cars and through a wall of fire.

The activities go from 1 to 4 p.m. today at Bullard, with John “Mercury” Morgan scheduled to make his jump over a long line of cars at 3:30 p.m.

Several churches team for the event that includes many giveaways, including back-to-school backpacks with supplies, hot dogs and water. There will also be live music, a bounce house and face painting. The churches also plan to give away four bicycles a TV and a laptop.

Many agencies are expected to be available to meet with the public during the event, which last year attracted 500 people.

Reception planned for Saturday to celebrate Betty Sue Miller and welcome Haibach

File photos by Tom Rivers: Hoag Library staff met two young patrons by an ox statue on March 17, 2025 when the library celebrated its 125th anniversary in the community. Brothers Mikey Madison, 11, in blue shirt and Timmy Madison, 8, were happy to try some of the cookies given out for the library birthday. The staff pictured include, from left: Michael Magnuson, Adult Services librarian; Betty Sue Miller, director; and Elizabeth Haibach, assistant director.

Press Release, Hoag Library

ALBION – The Board of Trustees of Hoag Library of Albion announce the retirement of Director Betty Sue Miller, effective August 7, after more than a decade of distinguished service.

Miller will be succeeded by Elizabeth Archer Haibach, who is being promoted from her role as assistant director.

Since joining Hoag Library as an interim director in February 2015, then becoming director, Miller has been instrumental in strengthening the library’s role as a vital community resource. Her dedication to public library service has earned recognition across the region: in May 2025, Miller received the Outstanding Service Award from the Nioga Library System, recognizing her exceptional leadership and dedication to public library service across Niagara, Orleans, and Genesee counties. In 2021, she was honored with a Genean Award from GO ART!, further testament to her commitment to the community.

A 1970 graduate of Albion High School, Miller brought both deep community roots and professional expertise to the role. She holds a Master’s degree in Library Science and has a rich background in library service, including teaching in Albion schools and serving as a librarian at Holley High School. A lifelong Albion resident, Miller and her husband, Fred—a county legislator and former owner of Family Hardware—have two adult children and have been integral members of the community.

Betty Sue Miller gives blood on Dec. 17, 2022 during a blood drive at the library. Miller has welcomed blood drives and many other programs into the library.

After taking a few weeks to rest and recharge, Miller will return to Hoag Library in a part-time capacity, focusing on special projects that will help shape the library’s future. This transition allows the library to benefit from her continued expertise while giving her the opportunity to step back from daily operations.

Elizabeth Archer Haibach brings enthusiasm and a passion for public service to her new role as Director. Born in Albion, Elizabeth spent part of her childhood living in Mexico and Central America before returning to Orleans County. A proud graduate of Albion Central School’s Class of 2006, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from SUNY Brockport and a Master of Library Science from the University at Buffalo.

Elizabeth’s family has deep roots in the community, including her grandparents’ longtime businesses, Archer Lumber and Barre Animal Hospital. Before beginning her library career, she worked as a Program Assistant for Agri-Business Child Development at Batavia.

She joined Hoag Library as the Reference Librarian and was later promoted to Assistant Director. Outside of the library, Elizabeth enjoys reading historical nonfiction, exploring local history, and is an active member of the Orleans Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. On sunny days, she can often be found behind the wheel of her ’68 Dodge Super Bee. She is honored to serve the community she has always called home and looks forward to building on Hoag Library’s tradition of exceptional service, lifelong learning, and community engagement.

Hoag Library director Betty Sue Miller, back left, and assistant director Elizabeth Haibach meet with the board of trustees following the annual meeting at the library on May 6, 2024. They shared data from 2023 that showed total circulation for books and non-books was 42,898 – with 32,323 books and 10,575 non-books.

“Betty Sue Miller’s retirement marks the end of an extraordinary era of leadership at Hoag Library,” said Linda Weller, Board President of Hoag Library of Albion. “Her vision, dedication, and deep commitment to our community have transformed the library into a thriving hub for learning, growth, and connection. We are deeply grateful for her service. At the same time, we are excited about the future under Elizabeth’s leadership. Elizabeth brings fresh energy, community ties, and a genuine passion for library service. We are confident that she will honor Betty Sue’s legacy while bringing her own innovative ideas and talents to the role.”

Haibach officially assumes the role of director on Aug. 8. The transition represents both continuity of the library’s mission and an exciting new chapter for Hoag Library of Albion.

The community is invited to celebrate Betty Sue Miller’s remarkable career and welcome Elizabeth Haibach as the new director at a reception on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hoag Library. Light refreshments will be served. No RSVP is required—everyone is welcome to stop by.

Press Release, Village of Albion

ALBION – The Village of Albion is inviting residents to participate in an upcoming Comprehensive Planning Workshop on August 19th from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Hoag Library (Kirby Room), 134 S. Main St.

Representatives from the village will be there from 5 to 8 p.m. to answer questions before and after the meeting.

This workshop is an important opportunity for Albion’s residents to share ideas, concerns, and priorities that will help shape the Village’s Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive

Plan serves as a long-term roadmap guiding decisions about economic development, infrastructure, land use, and community growth.

Village officials are specifically seeking feedback from residents about:

• Public safety
• Parks and recreation
• Opportunities for revitalization and economic development
• Public infrastructure and code/zoning
• Ideas to strengthen Albion’s downtown and commercial areas

Input gathered during this session will directly inform the goals and strategies included in the Comprehensive Plan. The Village encourages all residents, including homeowners and renters, to attend and help shape Albion’s future.

“This is a valuable chance for residents to have a voice in planning for the future of Albion,” said Jay Grasso, president of G & G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing, which is assisting Albion with the updated plan. “Your insight is critical to creating a plan that supports the needs of village residents.”

No registration is required. For more information, contact Jay Grasso at contact@ggprocess.com.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Songbirds, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, performs at the Albion Summer Music Festival this evening at Bullard Park.

Lead singer Julia closed out the set singing “The Chain.”

The band include keyboardist Maryssa as Christine McVie, guitar player Christian as Lindsey Buckingham, drummer Dave as Mick Fleetwood, bass guitar player Jeffrey as John McVie, and Julia as lead singer Stevie Nicks.

The band received a standing ovation and enthusiastic applause after it was done. Moments later it started raining the final band, Knight Patrol, wasn’t able to play. Even though the rain stopped, the band and organizers were concerned there would be electrical problems due to the wet stage and instruments.

Songbirds have a busy schedule this summer, and will be playing close by at the Oakfield Labor Daze festival from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sept.7.

Other performers today in Albion included V3, Bad Sign, Mixed Experience and the Who Dats.

This was the 11^th annual Albion Summer Music Festival, which originally was called Rock the Park. Proceeds have helped fund improvements to Bullard. The non-profit organization, Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events, runs the festival.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The band, Bad Sign, performs at the Bullard Park amphitheater this afternoon, singing “Born in the Bayou” by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

The band includes lead singer Erika Horning of Batavia, guitarist Erick Horning of Batavia, bass player Clint Worthington of Holley, drummer Joe Maino of Pembroke, and keyboardist Ron Bordinaro of Batavia.

Today is the 11^th Rock the Park or Albion Summer Music Festival. Admission inside the beer tent is $5 for the day of music.

The lineup of performers includes

• 1 p.m.: V3
• 2 p.m.: Bad Sign
• 3 p.m.: Mixed Experience
• 4 p.m.: Who Dats
• 6:30 p.m.: Songbirds, a Fleetwood Mac tribute act
• Closing: Knight Patrol, a cover band that performs the greatest hits from the ’80s

Ron Bordinaro sings “Can’t You See” by the Marshall Tucker Band.

Bad Sign performs on sunny day in Albion. Lead singer Erika Horning is next to guitarist Erick Horning, right, and bass player Clint Worthington, left.

Photos by Tom Rivers: The band Bad Sign closed out the lineup of performers during last year’s festival on Friday night last festival. Bad Sign stepped in at the last second when there was a cancellation. Bad Sign plays blues, rock and southern rock. The band includes lead singer Erika Horning of Batavia, guitarist Erick Horning of Batavia, bass player Clint Worthington of Holley, drummer Joe Maino of Pembroke, and keyboardist Ron Bordinaro of Batavia.

ALBION – There are six bands ready to rock the amphitheater on Saturday for the 11^th annual Albion Summer Music Festival.

The bands play from 1 p.m. until about 11 p.m. There also will be two acoustic acts performing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The festival was originally known as “Rock the Park” and started under a pavilion at Bullard. Organizers wanted to bring music to the park and raise money for upgrades. That goal has been met with Bullard seeing many improvements, including an amphitheater stage, spray park, new bathrooms and pavilion, new basketball courts, a walking trail and disc golf course. A concession stand is currently under construction.

“Everybody loves the improvements,” said Ron Albertson, chairman of the event.

The non-profit organization, Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events, runs the festival.

The music event typically draws about 1,000 people with a $5 entry fee for the beer tent. It’s free to sit outside on the grounds and listen the music.

“The whole idea is to provide an event for the community,” Albertson said. “We want to keep it as inexpensive as possible.”

The band, V3, performed at Bullard Park for the 10th Rock the Park/Summer Music Festival on Aug. 1, 2025. From left in photo include Jesse Neely on bass, lead singer Kole Moore and Alex Fitzak on guitar.

Bullard has become very popular in recent years, hosting a summer concert series on Wednesday evenings and a big July 3^rd celebration, as well as other community events.

The all-day music fest on Saturday will include six food vendors and about 25 arts and crafts vendors.

The featured performers include

• 1 p.m.: V3
• 2 p.m.: Bad Sign
• 3 p.m.: Mixed Experience
• 4 p.m.: Who Dats
• 6:30 p.m.: Songbirds: a Fleetwood Mac tribute act
• Closing: Knight Patrol: a cover band that performs the greatest hits from the ’80s

The Songbirds and Knight Patrol are both new to the Albion Summer Music Festival.

Screenshot

Provided photos

ALBION – The Albion Lions Club recently presented three $1,000 scholarships to students who graduated in 2025. The scholarships are awarded after successful completion of their first year in college.

Lions Club member Kevin Howard presents the scholarships to Oliver Beach, left, and Mallory Ashbery. Mallory Kozody also received a $1,000 scholarship.

Mallory Ashbery is a student at Nazareth University in Rochester, majoring in psychology.

Oliver Beach is an agricultural business major at Cobleskill. He wants to be the sixth generation in his family to work on the Elba muckland.

Malory Kozody is a student at Keuka College, studying early childhood education and special education.

Photo courtesy of Karen Conn

Some members of Albion’s Class of 1986 met on Saturday at classmate Tom Snyder’s home in Medina for their 40^th reunion.

Pictured from left include Tom Snyder, Joan Navarra Mrzywka, Carmine Calabria, Karen Kenney Conn, Frank Nash, Shawn Arnett, Cindy Arnett, Scott Gillette, Jill Harris Darling and Pam Tortorice Wadhams. Robin Neal also attended the reunion.

ALBION – The Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern has announced it will soon be relocating its offices from 29 East State St. in Albion to 243 South Main St., Suite 2421, the Arnold Gregory Complex.

To facilitate the move, GOMOC will be closed to the public beginning Friday at 2:30 p.m., according to executive director Jami Allport. The organization will reopen at its new location at 9 p.m. on Aug. 5. Staff will be working diligently throughout the closure to relocate, unpack and prepare the new office so services can resume as quickly as possible.

Allport cited the need for more space as reason for the move.

“The move represents so much more than a change of address,” Allport said. “It represents growth, opportunity and our continued commitment to serving individuals and families throughout Genesee and Orleans counties.”

GOMOC extends its deepest gratitude to the Albion First Presbyterian Church for opening its doors and allowing the organization to utilize office space during the past two years. Their generosity and partnership provided a welcoming place for GOMOC to continue serving the community during a time of transition, Allport said. The kindness and support shown by the church congregation will always hold a special place in the organization’s history, she said.

As GOMOC begins this new chapter, there is something especially meaningful about the organization’s new home. The office will be located in what was once the maternity ward at Arnold Gregory Hospital – a place where countless families experienced some of life’s most joyful and unforgettable moments.

“It was a space designated to welcome new life, offer hope, provide compassionate care and support families during moments of both celebration and uncertainty,” Allport said. “Today, while the purpose of the space has evolved, its spirit remains remarkably similar. Just as the maternity ward once nurtured new beginnings, GOMOC seeks to help individuals and families begin new chapters of their own, offering encouragement, resources and the support needed to move toward stability and self-sufficiency.”

Allport said it feels incredibly fitting that their ministry’s new home is a place that has always represented care, compassion and new beginnings.

“While babies may no longer be born within these walls, hope will continue to be,” Allport said. “Every person who walks through our doors deserves to feel welcomed, supported and reminded that brighter days are possible.”

Although GOMOC’s address is changing, its mission remains the same – to provide compassionate assistance and empower individuals and families to overcome life’s challenges with dignity and hope, Allport said.

Community members are encouraged to update their records with GOMOC’s new address at 243 South Main St., Suite 2421, Albion. The office phone is (585) 589-9210, and Facebook page will show updates during the transition.

Photo courtesy of Albion Central School: Albion eighth graders Giuliana Liuzzi and Elizabeth Colmenero are pictured presenting the completed booklet on Revolutionary War soldiers buried in Orleans County to Hoag Library Assistant Director Elizabeth Haibach.

Press Release, Albion Central School

ALBION – Albion Middle School students are continuing the extensive research project started by last year’s eighth graders Sutton Sanders and Luci Borello.

Booklets about Revolutionary War soldiers buried in Orleans County are being distributed to local libraries, schools, civic organizations, historians, and municipalities as reference material. For those who want to view or print the PDF file of the booklet, it can also be accessed by clicking here.

This Albion Middle School service learning project was accomplished in partnership with Orleans County. Read more details about the project in the article (click here), “AMS students help preserve local history through Revolutionary War research project.”

Editor’s note: The full-color booklet is also for sale for $15 at the Cobblestone Museum.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – There were 16 firefighters at the Orleans County Fire Training Tower on Saturday, practicing rope rescue operations. Firefighters rappelled about 50 feet down from the top of the training tower.

Firefighters need to deploy rope rescues when people are stuck down ravines and embankments.

Bob Freida, the Clarendon fire chief, descends down the training tower. Freida is part of a rope rescue team that includes Clarendon and Murray firefighters.

A new county-wide technical rescue team is being created from multiple departments to train and work together and share equipment.

Not all departments with rescue equipment have the same gear. The team will train on each department’s equipment to be familiar with the ropes, harnesses and other tools. Some departments also have grain rescue equipment which includes steel plates and an augur. The team members will also have wet suits for going into the water.

Dale Niehaus of the Carlton Volunteer Fire Department makes his way down the tower. He is entering into a window on the side of the tower.

Saturday was the first day of a 32-hour course that includes today and next weekend.

Participants will develop skills in rappelling and high-angle rescue systems. Topics include safety orientation, risk assessment, equipment, basic rappelling and ascending, anchoring, belaying, mechanical advantage, patient packaging, incident management, skills evaluation, and testing.

John Hightower from the Rochester Fire Department rappels down the training tower. There are three firefighters from Rochester in the class, which is mostly firefighters from Orleans County.

Karl Biedlingmaier of the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Company works his way down the tower at 14064 West County House Rd.

File photo by Tom Rivers: Ray Keffer is on shore while three firefighters head out into the icy water of a quarry by the Erie Canal in Murray to go after a dog on Jan. 4, 2020. Firefighters were able to safely bring the dog to the shore. They also assisted the owner of the dog in getting up the embankment.

Brett Sobieraski and team of runners complete 1,600 laps at local tracks in past 8 days, raising $25,000 for Community Action

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Brett Sobieraski holds the American flag high while leading a pack of runners around the Albion High School track this morning in the final lap of an 8-day, 400-mile benefit for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.

Renee Hungerford, the Community Action chief executive officer, is next to Sobieraski for the final lap. She sang the national anthem right before the final, celebratory 400 meters.

Sobieraski is a retired Rochester police sergeant. He lives in Carlton. He has done endurance challenges before to raise money for fallen police officers and the Special Olympics. This time he wanted to help Community Action, an agency he said serves local residents in many different ways, He set a $20,000 fundraising goal. By the end of the run at 11 a.m., the fundraising was at $25,000.

Sobieraski, 60, has been mostly sidelined the past three days due to severe blisters and an infection in his feet. He thanked other runners for stepping up and wearing his watch that records the laps and distance. He completed more than 275 miles of challenge himself.

Hungerford said that similar to what happens at Community Action, with the agency assisting people through challenges. Community Action is facing a $900,000 cut to the Head Start program, but Hungerford said the agency will persevere.

Jaxon Francis is ahead of Tanner Beecher and other members of the Albion youth football team which came out to do a few laps around the track today.

Jeff Atwell (left), manager of weatherization for Community Action, walks around the track with Jim Babcock, who recently had back surgery. Babcock completed more than a mile both Friday in Holley and today in Albion.

Brett Sobieraski hugs Todd Arnold after he ran for about an hour and half this morning.

Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard walks with Sobieraski around the track this morning. Sobieraski works as an investigator with the Orleans County major Felony Crimes Task Force, which Howard oversees.

Sobieraski during comments after the final lap praised Community Action for doing “God’s work” in Orleans and Genesee counties.

Some of the programs offered by Community Action include:

• transportation for the elderly and disabled
• food and clothing
• home cooling and weatherization projects
• thrift store services
• work place job training and counseling
• prom dresses along with credit counseling for high school students
• Head Start programs to assist with learning, child care and family services
• Through their Project Salus, help adolescents with the support from education to financial

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Brett Sobieraski, far right, is shown running with two police officers and Roger Bolton of Albion during a massive downpour in Albion a week ago. That rain would lead to extensive blisters that became infected Sobieraski’s feet, forcing him to back off his goal of completing 400 miles for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.

However, other runners have stepped up and wore his watch that tracks the miles. The distance adds up to 388 miles with the final 12 this morning in Albion at the high school track beginning at 8 a.m.

Nearly 1,000 people have joined Sobieraski at the local high school tracks over the first seven days. Friday’s run was at Holley and more than 150 people joined him, including Holley teen Hayden Keiffer, who presented Sobieraski $100 that Hayden collected from neighbors and friends.

Sobieraski aimed to bring awareness of the many programs offered by Community Action. Friday’s run in Holley highlighted the Eastern Orleans Community Center.

He also wanted to raise $20,000 for the agency that serves people in Genesee and Orleans counties.

The run has raised $24,000 going into the final homestretch. Click here to make a donation online or show up in person this morning.

Images from Orleans County Tourism: The Orleans County Courthouse was built in 1857-1858 in the Greek Revival style and has been a focal point of the square for almost 170 years. The dome with a cupola is a landmark for miles around. The Orleans County Clerk’s Office was built in 1882-1883 in the Eastlake Style. It was designed by Isaac G. Perry, the same architect of the “Million Dollar Staircase” in the State Capital of Albany

ALBION – There is a new brochure from the Orleans County Tourism Department that highlights the Courthouse Square in Albion. This district has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979.

Albion and the 1441 zip code has several nationally recognized historic districts with Courthouse Square, Mount Albion Cemetery, Downtown Albion, the Erie Canal, Cobblestone Museum and the Childs hamlet.

There are seven architecturally outstanding churches that surround the Courthouse Square: the Free Methodist Church (first one in the denomination), First Baptist Church, Canalside Community Church (formerly the Albion United Methodist Church), St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, First Presbyterian Church, Christ Episcopal Church and the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church.

The brochure also features notable residences in the Second Empire, Greek Revival, and Queen Anne styles.

The Orleans County Tourism posted this information about the new brochure:

Explore Albion’s Historic Courthouse Square

Orleans County Tourism has released an updated Albion Historic Courthouse Square Walking Tour brochure, providing visitors and residents with a refreshed guide to one of the county’s most significant historic landmarks.

Originally created by former Orleans County Historian Bill Lattin, the walking tour brochure has been redesigned in full color and features updated information. The self-guided tour highlights the history, architecture and significance of the buildings surrounding Albion’s Historic Courthouse Square, allowing visitors to explore the district at their own pace.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Albion’s Historic Courthouse District in Orleans County features one of the county’s most remarkable collections of 19th-century architecture and stands as a notable small-town public space, showcasing diverse architectural styles and a community’s ambition as it prospered from the Erie Canal. Centered around the iconic domed courthouse, the square features seven churches alongside stately residences representing a variety of architectural styles.

The updated brochure was created through a collaboration among former Orleans County Historian Bill Lattin, Village of Albion Historian Sue Starkweather Miller, current Orleans County Historian Catherine Cooper and Tom Rivers, editor of the Orleans Hub.

The cover photo is a drone shot at sunset of the Orleans County Courthouse taken by Elliott Neidert. It also features the stained glass window “Christ the Consoler” at the Pullman Universalist Church and showcases the historic 1877 Steer & Turner organ at Christ Episcopal Church.

Free copies are available at locations throughout Albion, including the Orleans County Tourism Office, Hoag Library, the Orleans County Clerk’s Office, Albion Village Hall, Assemblyman Stephen Hawley’s district office and the Downtown Browsery.

Those who live outside of Orleans County or are unable to visit one of these locations may request a copy to be mailed to them. Click here for more information.