Photos courtesy of Crosby’s

ALBION – The remodeled Crosby’s convenience store reopened on Friday at 204 South Main St. This follows the remodeling of Crosby’s other store in Albion on North Main Street in May 2024.

Crosby’s, owned by the Reid Group in Lockport, has revamped the store at the intersection of routes 98 and 31. The company operates 86  throughout Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania.

The celebration also was a kickoff to Crosby’s yearly partnership with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, in which various donation efforts will begin across all Crosby’s stores in service of CF and finding a cure for cystic fibrosis.

Crosby’s also donated $300 to Albion Central School District and $500 to Albion Fire Department.

The remodeled store has 16 employees. The store will offer Crosby’s food items including pizza, made-to-order subs and specialty drinks such as hot chocolate, 100% Columbian Coffee and slushies.

Photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from March 6 shows icicles on the bronze statue of Santa at Waterman Park on Main Street in Albion. A building in back in center is owned by the Albion Betterment Committee and will be turned into a Santa School Museum. Charles W. Howard ran the first Santa School in the world on Phipps Road in Albion from 1937 until his death in 1966. The school continues in Howard’s name in Midland, Mich. The Betterment Committee dedicated the statue, created by Brian Porter, during the Strawberry Festival in June 2023.

ALBION – The Albion Betterment Committee is a step closer in its goal of developing a Santa School Museum in downtown Albion.

The Betterment Committee has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Rochester Community Foundation to replace a front-arched window on the second floor of 128 North Main St. The window will be replaced with wood at the exact dimensions as the existing window which has rotted wood.

This is the first grant from the Rochester Community Foundation for the Betterment Committee, said Natasha Wasuck, one of the committee’s board members.

The committee purchased the building in November from the estate of Henri Pulley. The site is 6,600 square feet.

The Betterment Committee is working to turn the vacant two-story site into the Santa School Museum. It will pay homage to the late Charles W. Howard, who created the first Santa School in the world. He ran it on Phipps Road in Albion from 1937 until his death in 1966.

Howard continues to be revered among the people who portray Santa. The Santa School continues in his name in Midland, Mich. Howard also was well known as the Santa in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from 1948 to 1965. Howard also was inducted as an inaugural member in 2010 of the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame.

The Betterment Committee wants to make the Main Street site into a tourism center that celebrates Santa. The group 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.

The Betterment Committee envisions the first floor as interactive exhibits and displays, as well as room for a bakery and food operator. The site could also 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 group is seeking grants to help with building upgrades, especially a new roof that will cost an estimated $50,000. The Betterment Committee welcomes donations.

“The roof is the most important part,” Wasuck said about the building’s pressing needs. “We need to raise the money to replace it.”

The group is a 501c3 organization that accepts tax deductible donations. Donations can be sent to Albion Betterment Committee, P.O. Box 125, Albion NY 14411.

“This project is built on belief — in our history, our community, and the magic of what’s possible,” she said.

Participants braved cold, received many friendly horn honks and some middle fingers

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Orleans County today for the first time joined the “No Kings” protests around the country. Just over 100 attended the protest in Albion at the main intersection of routes 98 and 31.

They stood to send a message that oppose a president accumulating executive power while dismissing the roles of the legislative and judicial branches.

Over 3,000 protests were planned around the country today. The first “No Kings” protests were last year on the June 14, the birthday of President Donald Trump.

Protesters say Donald Trump has used his power to bring the United States to war with Iran, to arrest and detain people around the country without due process, to impose tariffs and issue numerous executive orders – all without following the democratic process that is a cornerstone of the country.

The war with Iran has sent gas prices soaring, with the price hitting $4.00 a gallon at the Crosby’s in Albion at route 31 and 98.

Protesters today said Trump campaigned on getting the U.S. out of wars but instead seems to relish military interventions and conflicts. And his actions are causing economic pain around the country and world.

Beth Wood helped organize today’s “No Kings” protest. She is secretary for the Orleans County Democratic Party. She wanted local residents to have a chance to gather to send a message about Trump and his move towards an authoritative government.

Wood said she is impressed by the turnout of more than 100 people, standing for two hours in 30-degree temperatures. And she appreciated the many positive horn honks which outnumbered the revving engines and middle fingers.

“A lot of people feel very alone and worried about the executive branch having so much control over so many things,” Wood said. “We want to support full democracy.”

Wood said the “No Kings” protest is non-partisan and she was pleased to see some Republicans and independents joining Democrats at the rally in Albion.

“This is an opportunity to take advantage of our Constitutional freedoms before they are disintegrated,” she said.

There were numerous home-made signs at the protest today in Albion.

Jim Renfrew, vice president of the Orleans County Democratic Party, said Trump is governing like a king, plastering his name and likeness of buildings. There will be a commemorative coin for the 250^th anniversary of the country with Trump’s portrait, and the Treasury Department announced this week that paper currency will be bearing Trump’s signature.

The Kennedy Center, which was named as memorial for slain president John F. Kennedy, in December added Trump’s name and is now “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.”

Renfrew said “it’s very disturbing” to see Trump getting the king treatment with money and the naming of buildings in his honor, which ius out of the norm for a sitting and living U.S. president.

Renfrew was expecting about 30 people at the protest in Albion. The event went from noon to 2 p.m. By 12:05, there were 75 people at the intersection, holding signs. By 1 o’clock, there were about 120 at the rally.

Renfrew also went to a “No Kings” protest in the morning in Gates that he said was attended by more than 500 people.

“There is definitely something going on here,” Renfrew said about the movement.

Some protesters say Trump hasn’t been upfront about the rationale for bombing Iran, and still hasn’t made the goals clear.

Jeff Lewis, the Democratic Party chairman in Orleans County, said he saw people from all political parties at the protest.

“We want people here to know that they matter,” he said. “Democracy and the Constitution isn’t for just one person. It’s for all people.”

He said the local Democrats are seeing strong interest which he hopes can translate into more people running for local political offices. Too many elections have unopposed candidates.

“People need to know their vote counts,” he said.

Protesters say they see an attack on democracy from Trump and his enablers, and the people need to speak out.

Michael Plitt, Democratic Party chairman in Genesee County, attended the ‘No Kings” rally in Albion. He was in town to help gather signatures for political candidates.

He said Democrats are much more eager to sign petitions and help collect signatures than he has seen before.

They want a stronger say in their local government, which is dominated by Republicans.

“We just want to give people a choice,” he said. “So many of the elections are unopposed. People don’t realize you can run for office. There is no secret club or handshake. They should reach out to their local Democratic committee.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Neveya Barnes plays the role of Annie, here singing “It’s the Hard Knock Life” with orphans Sophie Kozody (Maggie), left, and Olivia Andrews (July).

Albion High School performed Annie on Friday night and there are two more shows today at noon at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the middle school auditorium.

The orphans sing about the hard life in the orphanage where they are forced to clean and live in deprivation. The musical is set amidst the Great Depression in New York City.

The orphans are played by, form left: Olivia Andrews, Chloe Mosele, Makenzie Cook, Sophie Kozody, Nicole Loney, Lily Brigham, D Johnson, Amelia Symons, Rianne Hand and Neveya Barnes.

Adelaide Pettit plays the role of Miss Aggie Hannigan, an orphanage matron who hates children but is very fond of alcoholic beverages. She sings about “Little Girls” and the frustration of being surrounded by children.

Annie (Neveya Barnes) gets a fashion makeover and joins Oliver Warbucks (Gideon Pask), a billionaire businessman, on a walk through the glamorous New York City. Then are headed to the movies. Warbucks is a stern businessman who opens his home and heart to Annie.

Phoebe Allen plays the role of Grace Farrell, Oliver Warbucks’ faithful secretary. Grace loves Annie right from the beginning. Drake, the head butler at Warbucks’ mansion, is played by Aniela Wilson. Grace and the staff of servants are singing “I Don’t Need Anything But You.”

The Boylan Sisters sing “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” on Bert Healy’s radio show. The sisters include, from left: Lily Brigham, Reagan Flor and Julia Graham. Annie and Oliver Warbucks went on the radio show to announce a $50,000 reward to a couple who could prove they are Annie’s parents.

When the $50,000 reward is announced, Rooster Hannigan gets an idea to pretend he and his girlfriend, Lily St. Regis, are the parents. Rooster is Miss Hannigan’s brother.

Here they are singing “Easy Street.” From left include Adelaide Pettit as Miss Hannigan, Bradyn Whittier as Rooster Hannigan, and Julia Button as Lily St. Regis. Rooster and Lily will pretend to be Ralph and Shirley Mudge, claiming to be Annie’s parents.

Four Albion teachers and Principal Jennifer Ashbery played the roles of Cabinet members for President Franklin D. Roosevelt. They are trying to think of how to improve the economy. Annie inspires them with her optimism.

Albion teacher Mr. Rich Gannon, lower left, really poured himself into the role of Harold Ickes. Bradyn Whitter, a senior, portrayed Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Other Cabinet members include, going left from Annie and Warbucks, Mr. Josh Green as Henry Morganthau, Mr. Bill Dambra as Cordell Hull, Mr. Chad Owen as Louis Howe, and Mrs. Jennifer Ashbery as Frances Perkins.

The teachers and principal soak up the applause at the end of the musical.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Devon Albone, left, and  Rob Luff get the Albone Spray Foam booth ready on April 5, 2025 at the Home, Garden & Outdoor Show at Dubby’s Tailgate. Albone was one of 40 vendors at last year’s show.

Press Release, Orleans County Chamber of Commerce

ALBION – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome the community to the annual Home, Garden & Outdoor Show, taking place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dubby’s Tailgate, 165 S. Platt Street in Albion.

This two-day event brings together local businesses, industry experts, and families for a weekend filled with inspiration, education, and fun. Attendees can explore a wide variety of home improvement and landscaping vendors, discover new ideas for spring projects, and connect directly with local professionals.

In addition to vendor exhibits, the event will feature two educational workshops led by Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners:

• Dahlia Tuber Demonstration on Saturday at 1 p.m. Master Gardener Sue Starkweather Miller will demonstrate how to divide and pot dahlia tubers to extend the growing season and maximize blooms.
• Partnerships in Nature – Commensalism Presentation on Sunday at 1 p.m. Master Gardener Erica Joan Wanecski will explore how plants, insects, and animals work together to create thriving ecosystems.

The Home, Garden & Outdoor Show is also designed with families in mind. Children can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the weekend, including a kids’ activity table, scavenger hunt, and special visits with the Easter Bunny (Saturday from 1:30-4, Sunday 1-4), making it a fun and engaging experience for all ages.

Event highlights include:

• Local home and garden vendors
• Expert-led workshops
• Raffles and giveaways
• Easter Bunny visits and family activities
• Plant sale

Photos by Tom Rivers: Albion village trustee Joyce Riley and mayor Angel Javier Jr. both are finishing four-year terms on the Village Board.

ALBION – The Albion Village Board meeting on Wednesday was the last one for Angel Javier Jr. as mayor and Joyce Riley as village trustee. They both are finishing four-year terms.

Javier, 36, didn’t seek re-election. He said he is moving outside the village and will be living in the Town of Albion. He wouldn’t have been eligible to be mayor.

Riley, 77, narrowly lost to Tim McMurray for mayor, 209 to 202, during the election on March 18.

Village residents also elected Jami Allport and Kevin Sheehan as trustees on the board with terms starting on April 1.

Riley, during Wednesday’s meeting, said she enjoyed the four years as trustee and has a deep admiration for the village employees.

“It has certainly been a learning moment,” Riley said about her time on the board. “Thank you for giving me these four years.”

With the election of McMurray, Allport and Sheehan, Riley said the village “is ready for a new look.” Her goal is the village will continue to offer all of its services, although “it may look a little different.”

The fire department, for example, now operates out of the Albion Joint Fire District rather than through the village budget with elected fire commissioners providing the oversight, not the Village Board.

Code enforcement officer Chris Kinter praised Riley for her work securing grants for the village. He also thanked Javier for his efforts as mayor.

John Grillo, the Albion recreation director, thanked both Riley and Javier for their service to the village.

After the meeting, Javier said he feels a sense of accomplishment during his four years as mayor.

“We brought in millions of dollars that is spread around through our water infrastructure and grants for the police and grants for our recreation department,” Javier said.

He also cited the land acquisition to allow for a future expansion of Mount Albion Cemetery. The village paid $250,874.58 to Patricia Nelson for the land that is next to Mount Albion’s southwest corner. That is about $7,000 an acre. The sale was finalized on Nov. 8, 2024 after about two years of effort.

A good chunk of Javier’s and Riley’s tenure involved the closing of the Main Street lift bridge. The bridge shut down to traffic on Nov. 14, 2022 for what was expected to be about 18 months for a major rehabilitation. But the project faced several delays and finally was complete on Sept.19, 2025.

The village dedicated the Erie Canal Park on Sept. 28, 2024. The new park includes a lamppost and a bench made from repurposed steel from the Main Street lift bridge when it was originally constructed in 1914. Bill Schutt, left, is the artist from Batavia who made the lamppost. A Go Art! grant paid for Schutt to make the lamppost. Albion Mayor Angel Javier Jr. is next to Schutt and then Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley is on the bench that was made by employees in the sewer plant, the Joint Pollution Control Facility. Village employees Ric Albright, Kyle Piccirilli and William Malone worked on the bench, which also includes a time capsule to be opened on Sept. 28, 2059. Albion students also were part of the day’s celebration which included the unveiling on a monument to the 15 people killed in the Main Street bridge collapsed on Sept. 28, 1859. A huge crowd gathered on the bridge that day to watch a tightrope walker.

Javier worries about the affordability in the village. He led a public hearing on June 11, 2025 to get a conversation started about possible dissolution of the village and consolidating many of the services in the village with the towns of Albion and Gaines. That idea has been seriously pursued at this point, but Javier said village residents might want to consider that in the future.

“I think it will be very difficult for any municipality at this time to operate,” he said after Wednesday’s meeting. “You’re really going to have to look at what your residents want. The residents are going to have to make a decision. If you want this it’s going to cost money. If you don’t want it, you’re going to have to tell the governing body.”

Javier said the village has been able to expand programs in youth recreation program through grants. He praised recreation director John Grillo for bringing in significantly more funding to expand that program. Other department heads also are being proactive pursuing grants, Javier said.

Overall, he counts many successes in Albion in the past four years.

“It was the village that did it, not necessarily me,” he said. “We all worked together to move forward.”

ALBION – Crosby’s will unveil the grand reopening of its store in Albion on Friday morning at 204 South Main St.

The company has remodeled the convenience store and will have a grand opening celebration at 10 a.m. This follows the remodeling of Crosby’s other store in Albion on North Main Street in May 2024.

Crosby’s, owned by the Reid Group in Lockport, has revamped the store at the intersection of routes 98 and 31. The company operates 86  throughout Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania.

The 10 a.m. celebration also will serve as the kickoff to Crosby’s yearly partnership with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, in which various donation efforts will begin across all Crosby’s stores in service of CF and finding a cure for cystic fibrosis.

In addition, Crosby’s will be donating $300 to Albion Central School District and $500 to Albion Fire Department.

“We’re proud to continue serving the Albion community,” said Lenny Smith, Vice President of Crosby’s and Reid Petroleum. “This was a major remodel and a significant reinvestment in the store. Our focus is simple — exceed customers’ expectations every day, every time.”

The remodeled store will have 16 employees. The store will offer Crosby’s food items including their freshly made pizza, made-to-order subs and specialty drinks such as hot chocolate, 100% Columbian Coffee and slushies.

Photos by Tom Rivers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tom Hawkins of Williamson completes the race in 37:17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jami Allport, Kevin Sheehan elected village trustees

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

McMurray posted this statement on his Facebook page:

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

Riley issued this statement congratulating McMurray on his victory:

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

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

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

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

“Thank you, and God bless our village.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here for more information about registering.

Albion Middle School performed the musical March 13-14

Photos by Tom Rivers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release, Hoag Library

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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