ALBION – The Village Board voted to reduce the overnight parking fees at three village lots from $25 a month to $25 every three months.

These fees were raised significantly last year from $5 every three months to $25 a month.

Village Clerk Treasurer Tracy VanSkiver asked the board to look at the fees, saying the higher cost has resulted in a hardship for some of the downtown residents.

Board members said they didn’t realize there was such a steep increase in the overnight parking fees. They were approved as part of an update to the overall fee structure throughout the village.

The village has three municipal lots that allow overnight parking, as long as there is a permit from the village. The lots are on North Main Street by the Presbyterian Church, at the corner of Platt and East Bank streets, and behind the Albion Visitors Center at 121 North Main Street.

Usually about seven people take out permits for the overnight parking, VanSkiver said.

In other action at the Village Board meeting on Wednesday:

• The next village election was moved from the third Tuesday to the third Wednesday on March due to the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.

The election will be on March 18 with voting from noon to 9 p.m. in the village office. The mayor’s position and two trustees are up for election.

• Approved spending $10,750 for a new salter for the Department of Public Works.

• Approved a special use permit for the Charles W. Howard Hometown Parade on Dec. 13. Portions of the following streets will be barricaded from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.: West Bank Street, East and West State Street, Beaver Street and Chamberlain Street. The board also approved use of the larger municipal lot on South Platt Street.

Site currently bottle redemption center with fuel; Legislator wants to add RV parking, launch for canoes/kayaks

Photos by Tom Rivers: This photo looking across the Erie Canal shows docks at 255 East Bank St. in Albion. John Fitzak has operated the Albion Redemption Center there for many years. The entrance was facing Bank Street but recently moved to the east side of the business. Fitzak has added a fuel service for boaters, the only site between Rochester and North Tonawanda.

ALBION – An Albion business owner is seeking to turn land along the Erie Canal on East Bank Street into a “mini marina.”

John Fitzak has operated the Albion Redemption Center at 255 East Bank St. for many years. He has recently upgraded that bottle redemption business, and has added fuel and a dock for boaters.

Fitzak, an Orleans County legislator, also has acquired adjoining properties and wants to expand the business to allow RV parking, and a boat launch for kayaks and canoes.

But Fitzak needs clarity and direction from the village about what is allowed at the property, which is zoned for general commercial and is currently mostly undeveloped.

The village code in one spot says no RVs should be parked on private property, but another section allows for up to two of them on a lot.

John Fitzak, an Albion business owner and a county legislator, addresses the Village of Albion Zoning Board of Appeals last week. Craig Tuohey, the chairman, is at right with Tony Wynn next to him at left. The ZBA is seeking a legal interpretation of the codes before making a decision. It also said the Village Board may need to clearly define the goals for the property in the village’s comprehensive plan.

Fitzak owns five lots along East Bank and East State. He is proposing to have RVs on three of the lots. He is asking the village for a variance from the maximum of six RVs, based on the max of 2 per lot. He wants to have eight on the property.

They would just be allowed to park there overnight. They wouldn’t have access to other services, except possibly WiFi. Fitzak would steer them to other businesses for food and services. If they wanted to use a bathroom or shower, they would be directed to the facilities at the Albion Visitors Center at the back of 121 North Main Street.

Fitzak met with the Zoning Board of Appeals last week, and that board didn’t take action, wanting to hear an interpretation of the village code from village attorney John Gavenda.

Fitzak then attended Wednesday’s Village Board meeting to state there are discrepancies in the code that are clouding what he can do with the property.

“Do you want progress and to see this place grow?” Fitzak asked the Village Board members. “I certainly do.”

He worries the project could face be mired in delays due to the uncertainties with the code and no determination yet on what is allowed.

“You need to update the codes if you want development and to see this town prosper,” Fitzak said.

Village Board members said they would see Gavenda’s opinion on the code. The village also has a new challenge with the ZBA in needing to fill vacancies among the board.

Craig Tuohey, the ZBA chairman, has stepped down from that board since the meeting on Nov. 3. Another member, Tony Wynn, is resigning on Dec. 31.

The 5-member board only had three members at its meeting last week and it may struggle to have a quorum to function. The Village Board said it will seek more members. They are paid $40 a meeting. The board meets as needed.

Chris Kinter, the village code enforcement officer, told the Village Board the code doesn’t allow a campground in the village.

Fitzak said it wouldn’t be a campground. There wouldn’t be water, sewer or electric services available. His property would just be a hosting site where people could park an RV.

He wouldn’t be offering permanent sites. “They’re in and out,” he said.

John Fitzak will have the “Mayfair Marina” ready for the next canal season, offering fuel and other limited services. He said the site will be a “mini marina.”

Fitzak also is seeking the ZBA permission to move three trailers that he uses for storage from one side of his property to the other side, farther east. The village code doesn’t allow those trailers, unless they are grandfathered in.

Fitzak has been allowed to keep them on site because the code was updated after he had them. The issue with moving them is they would go from one lot to another.

Craig Tuohey, the ZBA chairman, said the intent of allowing something to be grandfathered in that is out of compliance is to eventually rectify the situation.

Fitzak said he would like to eventually replace the trailers with a pole barn but first wants to see how the expanded business venture goes. He uses two of the trailers for the bottle redemption business and would use the other to store canoes, kayaks and other equipment.

“I’m not asking to do anything crazy,” Fitzak told the ZBA members last week. “This could be a catalyst for the downtown.”

He said he has other goals for the property, including allowing storage of boats over the winter. Fitzak said he would like to be allowed to have up to 20 boats on site for storage in the off season.

He also thinks his East Bank road frontage could turned into a board walk environment, with temporary structures for other small businesses.

Kinter said that although the property is in a commercial district, it’s also in a residential neighborhood and there could be impacts on the local residents.

Village board members, including Deputy Mayor William Gabalski, on Wednesday praised Fitzak for his investment in the properties and for a vision for the site.

“I love the idea,” Gabalski said. “We just want to make sure it’s done right.”

Fitzak said he awaits direction from the village on how to proceed.

“I’m willing to go through all the hoops I have to go through,” he said.

Residence on Butts Road will serve up to 25 women including 5 bedrooms for women with young children

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A group from UConnectCare as well as others gathered for a ribbon-cutting celebration this afternoon for a new residence on Butts Road. The site will serve women in treatment for substance use disorder. The site will also offer behavioral health care.

In the center of this photo shows Amanda Lloyd, assistant director of residence; Stephanie Nadolinski (holding scissors), director of residential services for UConnectCare and the site director; and Allison Parry-Gurak, UConnectCare’s chief residential officer.

Nadolinski is the on-site leader. She has worked 25 years for UConnectCare, which was previously known as GCASA. Nadolinski brings experience of running the Atwater House in Batavia, which provides residential treatment for men with substance use disorder.

UConnectCare is looking forward to offering treatment and services at the site. It recently received its operating certificate from the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports.

The group, which includes representatives for the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce and elected officials, welcomed the first residential treatment option for women and their children in the GLOW region.

The first residents will move in next week. Nadolinski expects six to eight women to move in the first week, and then another six to eight the following week. That will give staff and the residents a chance to adjust to the new location, which will have 15 to 20 employees.

The first priority will be given to women who need treatment who are currently homeless. Nadolinski said IV users also will be given priority.

She said most of the residents at the site are expected to come from the GLOW region but she said the site will be open to women from Monroe, Erie, Niagara and other counties as well.

This is one of the bedrooms for a mother and her children. There are five bedrooms for mothers who can have up two children at the residence who are 5 or younger.

The building contains a variety of spaces to support and continue the recovery process including counseling, group sessions and career and personal development spaces.

UConnectCare said there are very few options in the region for residential treatment for women that also can accommodate their children.

Orleans County Legislator Don Allport presents a citation to UConnectCare leaders Stephanie Nadolinski (left), site director; and Allison Parry-Gurak, UConnectCare’s chief residential officer.

UConnectCare also received certificates of commendation from the offices of Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

The state Department of Health provided a $4.6 million grant for construction of the residence. That grant doesn’t include the operation of the site, which will be staffed 24-7, including two employees at night.

UConnectCare picked Albion for the project because many of the agency’s other residential and treatment programs are based in Batavia.

Most of the women at the site are expected to stay several months as they work on their rehab and re-entry. The maximum tends to be a six-month stay, but Parry-Gurak said people could stay longer as long as they are working on their treatment.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Santa Claus visited Hoag Library on Nov. 28, 2022, sporting his casual wear. The library’s main meeting room was full of youngsters wanting to meet Santa and share their Christmas wish list. Santa will be back at Hoag on Dec. 1. Santa is shown reading the book, Reindeer Christmas, by Mark Kimball Moulton and Karen Hillard Good.

Press Release, Hoag Library

ALBION – Hoag Library invites the community to join in a series of engaging programs as the library concludes 2025, featuring the final concerts of its Music Series, festive holiday events, and a community blood drive.

The Hoag Library Music Series, presented in partnership with GO ART! and the Statewide Community Regrant Program, offers two remaining performances in 2025.

On Saturday, November 15 at noon, classical guitarist Tom Torrisi and violinist Angel Rhodes will perform. The series concludes on Saturday, December 13 at noon with a performance by the Rochester Mandolin Orchestra. All concerts are free and open to the public, with plans already underway for the 2026 season.

The library’s holiday programming begins with a visit from Santa Claus on Monday, December 1 at 6 p.m. This family-friendly event is free and open to all ages.

The Friends of Hoag Library will host their annual Tasty Treats event on Thursday, December 4 at 6 p.m., featuring local business Serenity Vitality Café. Registration is required. Proceeds from this event directly support Hoag Library programs and services. The Friends also want to remind the community that their bookstore sells titles by local authors, which make great holiday gifts!

Additionally, Hoag Library will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community members are encouraged to register in advance at www.redcrossblood.org.

For more information about Hoag Library programs and events, please visit www.hoaglibrary.org or follow Hoag Library on Facebook and Instagram.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Jerry Shaffer, a Medina native who is co-founder and president of the Red Star Foundation, gets the crowd ready for the winning 50/50 number during an event Saturday at Dubby’s Tailgate. Todd Graham of the Who Dats is at right.

The Red Star Foundation and Orleans County Veterans Service Agency teamed for the event at Dubby’s which offered veterans and their guests free food and games.

The Red Star Foundation highlights the issue of suicide by veterans and first responders.

The Red Star Foundation has a banner and a pin with a red star as the focus to be given to loved ones in a design similar to the banners for Gold Star and Blue Star families. Blue Star families have a loved one on active duty. A Gold Star family had a loved one killed in active duty.

The Red Star banners honor the service of veterans or first responders, and Shaffer said he believes the banner can reduce the stigma of suicide. He wants to help build a network of support among the families who have endured such a loss.

Rich McAdoo, a Medina native and Ridgeway firefighter, presents the 50/50 winnings to Dakota Morasco. McAdoo is on the board of directors for the Red Star Foundation. McAdoo is recovering from a motorcycle accident about two months ago.

“Veterans are very near and dear to my heart,” said McAdoo, who works with the Border Patrol. “Suicide is a major problem in the veterans’ community.”

The Red Star Foundation is working to set up a peer-to-peer network to help veterans in a mental health crisis.

The organization was launched 1 ½ years ago. Many veterans suffer from depression and many have a post-traumatic stress disorder. When they leave active duty, their chances of suicide increase 50 percent, Shaffer said, because many feel a loss of a sense of identity and purpose, and a loss of their military community when they are no longer on active duty.

Saturday’s event was funded with support from the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Project, which includes state funding for social events and support for veterans to help them not feel so isolated and connect with their communities.

The Who Dats were one of two bands that performed during the event. They are shown performing “Two Tickets to Paradise” by Eddie Money. The band includes, from left: Ed Hilfiker, Alex DeSmit on drums, Lonnie Froman as lead singer, Todd Graham and John Borello.

Travis Fitch performed from 1 to 3 p.m., and The Who Dats were on stage from 3 to 6 p.m.

Del Reid, co-founder of Bills Mafia, met with Bills fans at Dubby’s. He also had many of the T-shirts from 26 Shirts. He is holding one of his favorite shirt designs about Buffalo Wings.

26 Shirts sells limited edition Buffalo-themed apparel. It has raised over $2 million to support families battling a health crisis, including many children with cancer.

Mike Beach of Albion, right, purchased one of the items from 26 Shirts. Del Reid is a well-known Bills fan.

He said Bills Mafia is about the greater community of Buffalo Bills fan, who are passionate about their team whether in a long playoff drought or as a Super Bowl contender.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Volunteers and staff at Community Action of Orleans & Genesee were out in the cold for a couple hours on Monday morning for a food distribution. The top photo shows Barb Kurzowski (center), a volunteer from the Cornell Cooperative Extension.

The CCE and Community Action have been helping each other at their food drives.

The distributions in Albion are usually the second Monday each month and include enough food for about 200 households.

Community Action announced there will be an extra distribution this month in Albion starting at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 21. This is at the municipal parking lot at 131 South Platt St. There is no need to register.

Ryan Lasal, director of community programming for Community Action, was among about 15 people helping to fill and deliver boxes of food.

Many of the people showed up two hours before the distribution started.

Foodlink had more food available for the people on Monday, and will be doing the extra distribution on Nov. 21.

“The need is great,” Lasal said.

The Community Action food pantry was nearly bare last week. People in the community donated $5,000 to help restock the pantry. Lasal said he spent $1,200 over the weekend at Costco to get more food for the local pantry.

To donate to Community Action online, visit caoginc.org/donations. To donate to the food pantries, contact Kristina Ettinger, community services manager, at 585-589-5605 x101. To volunteer, email: info@caoginc.org.

Taryn Moyle, program manager of the Child Care Resource Center, carries a box of food for a family.

Other upcoming distributions in Orleans County include:

• Orleans Cornell Cooperative Extension, 12690 State Route 31, on Monday, December 1 beginning at 10 a.m. Pre-registration is strongly suggested. Those who pre-register will be assigned timeslots for pickup (12-12:30, 12:30-1, 1-1:30. 1:30-2 p.m.) Pre-register at 585-798-4265. Walk-ins may start at 2 p.m.
• Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, 107 North Main St., on Friday, Dec. 5, beginning at 9:30 a.m. (No registration required.)
• Community Action at Albion municipal lot at 165 South Platt St. on Monday, Dec. 8, beginning at 9 a.m. (No preregistration required.) Community Action also has the schedule for the first six months of 2026: Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 9, April 13, May 11 and June 8.

File photo by Tom Rivers: The Phipps Road culvert over Otter Creek has been closed to traffic since Sept. 9, 2022.

ALBION – The Town of Albion is accepting bids from contractors to replace the Phipps Road bridge, which has been closed for more than three years.

The town is accepting proposals from contractors until 1 p.m. on Nov. 24. Town Highway Superintendent Michael Neidert said he is hopeful construction will in the spring as long as the project is within budget.

The bridge was closed to traffic in Albion on Sept. 9, 2022 after an inspection showed the steel high-beam supports were rotted.

The town has been awarded a $1.038 million state grant from the Bridge NY program. The span over a tributary of Otter Creek is 19.5 feet long. That technically makes it a culvert at 19.5 feet.

The new bridge will be 25 feet. Bridges are classified as spans that are at least 20 feet.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on July 5, 2023 that the project was approved for Bridge NY funds. Albion has been working with Ravi Engineering and Land Surveying in Rochester for design and bid specifications, as well as securing easements.

The project includes the removal of the existing concrete culvert, and replacement with a 3-sided single span precast concrete span unit. The structure will be supported by micropiles (to rock) on spread footings, and associated highway approach work and stream work, according to a description seeking bids.

An alternate allowed is the prefabricated modular cast-in-place (CIP) bridge system. The prefabricated modular CIP bridge system must use prefabricated, lightweight panels that contain the concrete formwork and reinforcing steel. It needs to arrive site-ready to be filled with locally procured concrete, producing a cast in place, jointless superstructure that is self supporting during assembly and eliminates bearings, tie downs, and below span work.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Civil War cannon at Mount Albion Cemetery is covered in snow after the first snowfall of the season this afternoon. The carriage for the cannon was rebuilt in 2023 with new wheels after the other carriage had rotted.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Orleans County until 7 a.m. Monday. The Weather Service said the area can expect 2 to 5 inches of snow.

Here are some other photos at Mount Albion taken about 4:50 p.m.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Gideon Pask stars as the Big Bad Wolf in the Albion High School Drama Department’s production of The Big Bad Musical – A Howling Courtroom Comedy.

Friday was opening night at the Middle School Auditorium. There are shows today at noon and 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.

The Big Bad Wolf is shown singing “Have Mercy On Me” with some of the Wolfettes in back, including Julia Graham, Amelia Symons and Rianne Hand. Other Wolfettes included Sophie Kozody, Rosalie McCormick and Chloe Mosele.

The musical revolves around a courtroom drama with Big Bad Wolf is on trial for his alleged crimes against fairy tale characters. Those characters take the witness stand including Little Red Riding Hood, Granny, the Three Little Pigs, the Boy Who Cried Wolf and Miss Muffit.

The show is dedicated to Kim Nesbitt, a retired Albion art teacher who was the set design coordinator for the Albion High School Drama Department from 2005 to 2019. Nesbitt passed away from cancer at age 60 on Oct. 27.

“Mrs. Nesbitt was a creative force who worked to make sure students had opportunities to explore their creativity no matter what their skill level was,” a tribute states in the musical program. “Her talent, creativity and vision helped to make our productions shine.”

Lillian Fisher, Pig Three, gives some startling testimony before the Judge Wise Old Woman (played by Neveya Barnes). Lily Brigham plays the Fairy Godmother, at right, who is prosecutor in the case.

Asher Curfman plays the role of Bill Woodcutter, who rescued granny from the wolf’s stomach.

Phoebe Allen, right, is Sydney Grimm, a television commentator covering the trial. She interviews the Boy Who Cried Wolf (Bradyn Whittier) and the Shepherd (Makenzie Cook).

Adelaide Pettit is the Evil Stepmother who serves as the lawyer for the Big Bad Wolf. Evil Stepmother resents doing pro-bono work on behalf of the Wolf, but proves to be effective counsel, poking holes in the witnesses’ testimony. She is able to cast doubt in the case against Wolf, exposing some hostile attitudes toward the defendant. Here she is interviewing Grandmother Hood, played by Aniela Wilson.

D Johnson takes the stand as Little Red Riding Hood. Lily Brigham tries to build the case against the Big Bad Wolf.

Phoebe Allen as Sydney Grimm tries to interview The Three Little Pigs, including from left: Lillian Fisher, Reagan Flor and Olivia Andrews. The pigs have varying intelligences and provide lots of comic relief for the show.

Provided photo: Members of the Albion Betterment Committee board of directors are shown today after acquiring this building on Main Street from the estate of Henri Pulley. From left include Gary Kent, Gary Derwick, Natasha Wasuck, Joe Gehl and Jim Babcock.

ALBION – The Albion Betterment Committee, which has embraced the Santa legacy for the Albion community with several projects, announced its biggest undertaking yet: turning a vacant two-story building on Main Street into a tourism center that celebrates Santa.

“We hope to create a community space where individuals can connect with friends, establish new relationships, and spread some festive cheer into Albion!” the Betterment Committee posted today on Facebook.

The ABC purchased 128 North Main St. from the estate of Henri Pulley. The site is 6,600 square feet.

The Betterment Committee wants to develop an interactive tourism center with displays about the Charles W. Howard Santa School and Christmas Park, which Howard ran for many years near his farmhouse on Phipps Road.

“This is the perfect building for us,” said Natasha Wasuck, a Betterment Committee board member. “We want to help Albion capitalize on tourism.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: This statue of Santa was dedicated on June 10, 2023. It is one of several efforts from the Albion betterment Committee to celebrate the community’s Santa legacy. The mural in back was painted in 2018 by Stacey Kirby Steward. The Albion Rotary Club spearheaded that project with support from the Betterment Committee.

Howard ran a Santa School from 1937 until his death in 1966. It was the world’s first school for Santas. He was a well-known portrayer of Santa, appearing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade from 1948 to 1965.

The Betterment Committee on June 10, 2023 dedicated a bronze statue of Howard as Santa on Main Street. The group has put up “Believe” signs and backed other efforts in the community celebrating Santa, including the mural of Santa in a sleigh high above the County Courthouse and downtown Albion.

The Betterment Committee envisions the first floor as interactive exhibits and displays, as well as room for a bakery and food operator. Wasuck, owner of the Lockstone events center in Albion, also would like to see the Pulley site offer services, including showers, for canal boaters, cyclists and other visitors.

The second floor is envisioned to offer space for artists – painters, potters, and others in need of studio space. The second floor has large windows that let in natural light that would be ideal for artists, Wasuck said.

The Betterment Committee wants to soon tackle fixing/replacing the roof. The group is seeking grants to help with building upgrades. The group welcomes donations.

“The building is in better shape than people think,” Wasuck said. “It is structurally sound.”

Besides the roof, it will need lots of painting and some new flooring. Wasuck said some volunteers have offered to help with the work.

The Betterment Committee is a 501c3 organization that accepts tax deductible donations. Donations can be sent to Albion Betterment Committee, c/o Joe Gehl at 14487 Baker Rd. in Kent, NY 14477.

Wasuck said a GoFundMe should be live early next week to allow people to donate online.

Photo courtesy of Albion Elks Lodge: Pictured from left: Niccole Moore (Albion Elementary Social Worker), Angela Conway (Elementary Principal), Marv Christ (Elks member), Joan Christ (Elks member), April Flesch (Elks member), Lynda Standish (Elks member), and Mickey Edwards (Albion Superintendent of Schools).

Press Release, Albion Elks Lodge

ALBION – The Albion Elks Lodge #1006 recently organized a donation of $4,000 worth of essential items to Albion’s Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School to help support families in need this school year.

The donation included $2,000 worth of various hygiene items, shoes and basic clothing items; and $2,000 worth of winter coats.

Albion Elks members worked with school social worker Niccole Moore to understand what would be most useful for families. The Elks delivered the first donation of supplies earlier this school year, and the final donation of coats this past week.

“This contribution is incredibly meaningful to our district, as it allows us to help meet the needs of students and families within our community,” Moore said. “With the cold weather quickly approaching, these coats will be especially beneficial in ensuring our students stay warm and comfortable throughout the season.”

Families in need can connect with Moore, the school’s main office or their teacher for more information.

“Our mission is to help build stronger communities and improve the quality of life for our neighbors through grants obtained by our Elks National Foundation,” said Mike Jenks, Albion Elks Exalted Ruler.

Jenks also encourages Orleans County high school seniors to apply for the many scholarships the Elks has available. More information can be obtained at their schools.

Soldier from Albion only one from Orleans County killed in combat in war in Afghanistan

Photos by Tom Rivers: The state Department of Transportation installed signs on Route 31A near Powerline Road and the Route 98 intersection naming that section of 31A in honor of Specialist Jason Johnston, who was killed in Afghanistan on Dec. 26, 2009.

Jason Johnston was a specialist and paratrooper with the Army.

ALBION – Two signs on Route 31A were unveiled today naming the section of 31A in Albion in honor of Specialist Jason Johnston, who is the only solider from Orleans County killed in combat during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Johnston was 24 when he was killed by a roadside bomb in Arghandab, Afghanistan. Johnston was a specialist and paratrooper in the Army.

He was on his second tour in Afghanistan. He completed a 13-month-deployment in 2008 and left again for the war-torn country in October 2009.

His parents, Brad and Jenny Johnston, said they appreciated the community’s ongoing support for their son.

“It’s every parent’s worry that their children will be forgotten,” Jenny Johnston said.

The signs, declaring “Highway Dedicated To Specialist Jason Johnston,” ensure that her son will stay prominently recognized in the community.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, left, and State Sen. Rob Ortt speak to a group from the Johnson family, the American Legion in Albion and friends of the family before unveiling the sign on Route 31A in Albion, just east of Route 98. Ortt served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from March 2008 until December 2008.

Brad Johnston said he has been trying for more than 14 years to have the a highway named in honor of his son, who would turn 40 years old on Dec. 10.

Brad is retired from a career with the State Department of Corrections. He was speaking about a year ago with John Fitzak, a retired corrections officer and current county legislator, about naming a road in honor of Jason.

Fitzak led the effort to get local government support for naming the highway, including a resolution of support from the County Legislature last January. It was sent to the local state legislators. State Assemblyman Steve Hawley and State Sen. Rob Ortt were able to get the legislation passed by the Assembly and Senate, with Gov. Kathy Hochul signing off on the bill.

County Legislator John Fitzak presents a citation from the County Legislature in support of naming the highway for Jason Johnston. Jason’s parents, Brad and Jenny, and his sister Heather are at right. Jason has two other sisters, Carrie and Holly, and many nieces and nephews.

There also are memorials for Johnston at the Elks Lodge, American Legion in Albion and Albion Town Hall, and a $1,000 scholarship is given each year to a graduating senior pursuing a helping profession.

Mr. Johnston said he is grateful the community continues to remember and honor his son.

“Since Vietnam, he is Orleans County’s only solider killed in battle,” Brad Johnston said. “I think it’s phenomenal. It still shows the support he has when they brought him home. It was people lined up in a snowstorm. This means an awful lot to all of us.”

Sheriff Chris Bourke attended the sign unveiling. Jenny Johnson hugs a friend after the sign was unveiled.

Legion Commander Brad Rouse leads the group in a prayer after the sign covering was removed.

Everett Jubenville, up high, and Mike Blue from the DOT’s sign crew installed the two signs on Route 31A in Albion for Jason Johnston.

Press Release, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee

ALBION – Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More, a program of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee (CAOG), is proud to announce the return of its annual Wishing Tree, a community-driven initiative created to help local families receive essential winter items and small gifts.

Launched 2 years ago, the Wishing Tree was designed with a simple purpose: to give the community an easy and meaningful way to help each other.

The Wishing Tree, located inside the store at 131 South Main Street in Albion, is decorated with prepaid coupons purchased by generous customers. Each coupon represents a specific item or level of support that someone in need can redeem at the register, including:

• 1 winter coat
• 2 pairs of socks
• $10 toward clothing
• $5 gift item

These coupons are available for purchase starting in November, allowing anyone to directly support neighbors, families, and individuals who may be struggling.

This year, Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More has expanded the program by launching an online ordering option, making it easier than ever for members of the community—near or far—to participate. Coupons purchased through the website will go directly to the store, where they will be added to the Wishing Tree for use by those who need them most.

“We’ve always believed that a small act of kindness can make a big difference,” said Cassie Healy, store manager. “The Wishing Tree has grown into something that truly reflects the heart of our community, and we are excited to make giving even more accessible through our website.”

In addition to serving walk-in customers, this year all unused or extra coupons will be donated to the local school district, ensuring students have access to warm clothing and needed items throughout the winter season.

“While we are all finding ways to cope with the government shutdown, rising costs, and all of the fear and uncertainty that comes with that, this program offers a low cost opportunity for us to help our neighbors in need,” said Renee Hungerford, CEO of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee.

Community members who wish to participate can visit the store in person or purchase coupons online. Every contribution—big or small—makes a direct impact on someone’s life.

The link to purchase these coupons can be found by clicking here.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Albion residents were given a chance to have their blood pressure checked today after they cast their votes at Hoag Library.

The Albion Fire Department was on site form 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., checking blood pressure and sharing information about hypertension.

This photo shows Robert Toman and Dawn Marciszewski of the Albion FD at an informational display.

Marciszewski said the department will be at the Arnold Gregory Office Complex in Albion on Dec. 6 as part of a Christmas event. Firefighters will be sharing fire prevention tips.

The Albion FD is stepping up its community outreach, she said.

The Fire Department had displays about hypertension and a list of the dangers of high blood pressure including stroke, loss of vision, kidney disease, bone loss, depression and anxiety and sexual problems.

File photos by Tom Rivers: The Elks Lodge in Albion dedicated this memorial for Jason Johnston on Aug. 17, 2019. The Albion Elks Riders have supported a memorial scholarship for Johnston that is given each year for an Albion senior who is pursuing a helping profession.

Editor’s Note: This article was corrected from an earlier version that said Route 98 in Albion would be dedicated in honor of Jason Johnston. 

ALBION – A part of Route 31A in Albion, from Route 98 to Powerline Road, will be dedicated on Wednesday for Spc. Jason Johnston, who was 24 was killed by a roadside bomb in the war in Afghanistan on Dec. 26, 2009.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley said there will be a dedication event at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the intersection of Route 98 and Route 31A.

Hawley said State Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt and other elected officials will be there for the highway dedication for Army Specialist Jason Johnston, who was born and raised in Albion.

Johnston enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2006. His family always said Johnston had an eagerness to serve in the military and then attend Syracuse University after his term in the Army was completed, Hawley said.

Johnston was killed in action on Dec. 26, 2009, when his unit was bombed in Arghandab, Afghanistan.

“I’m honored to take part in this dedication honoring Army Specialist Jason Johnston, a hometown hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation,” Hawley said. “His courage, commitment and love for his community and country embody the very best of Albion and Western New York. May this highway stand as a lasting reminder of his service and the gratitude we all owe to those who defend our freedom.”

The American Legion Sheret Post in Albion also unveiled a memorial bench in Johnston’s honor on Aug. 14, 2021. Johnston is the only Orleans County resident killed in combat during the War on Terror in Afghanistan and Iraq.