Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Today’s 37^th annual Strawberry Festival Parade for the first time include the mini-cars from the Damascus Shriners from Webster. There were eight mini-cars in the parade and the drivers zipped around in circles to the thrill of the crowd.

The cars line up after their spectacle on the street and the crowd gave them a big applause.

Orly the Ox served as grand marshal for the parade. Orly is the county’s mascot during this year’s bicentennial celebration of the county.

Orly was driven by Brad Shelp in a 1954 Bell Air convertible. Behind the grand marshal are royalty members from the middle school, Alexis Neff and Mason Rotthoff.

Fire trucks from the Albion Joint Fire District and other emergency response vehicles make their way down Main Street in the 37^th annual Albion Strawberry Festival Parade.

Jeremy Neal drives a tractor, “Little Tex,” named in honor of his late son Byron, who passed away from cancer at age 8 on April 14, 2023. Jeremy’s wife Tina and their friend Adele Mathes were part of the display for the CURE Foundation to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer.

Ryan Lasal, director of Community & Family Program Innovation at Community Action, served as emcee for the parade. He shared details of the marching bands, including the Mark Time Marchers in photo, as well as other floats and participants. There were nearly 50 different entries in the parade.

Amy Sidari, who has retired as owner of Gotta Dance by Miss Amy, joined many of her dancers on the parade route. New owner, Danielle Schmidt, also danced with the group on Main Street.

Sheryl Watts, owner and artistic designer of Air Raising Events, made a butterfly out of balloons. Watts in previous parades has made other characters, including a strawberry and a purple eagle.

Members and supporters of Arc GLOW and the Self Advocate All-Stars marched in the parade, and some carried signs including this one, “Be Kind, For Everyone You Meet is Fighting A Battle.”

Natasha Wasuck wore an inflatable reindeer costume while walking in the parade with her husband, John Hernandez, and their daughter, Ephy. They are members of the Albion Betterment Committee which has tried t promote Albion’s heritage as the home of the first Santa School. The family also owns The Lockstone and Tinsel.

The Albion FFA tossed candy and greeted people from their float.

Kids go over to see veterans who were handing out flags. Honor Guard member Matt Passarell is at front right.

Mike Donahue, right, and James Hollinger handed out flags to children along the parade route. They were also promoting a medical transportation service for veterans run by the Orleans County Joint Veterans Council.

Gilligan’s Galley at Point Breeze made a festive float for the parade.

Kerry Panek, driving the Gator, was joined by many of her family members in celebrating 40 years of strawberries at Panek’s Pickin’ Patch in Albion.

The Town and Country Quilt Shop participated in the parade. From left include quilt shop owner Tara Thom, Debbie Thies, Brenda Radzinski, Hayley Rimmer and Carrie Standish.

The quilters also displayed the Bicentennial Quilt that Town and Country Quilt Shop members made for Orleans County’s 200^th birthday this year.

Keira Zambito, left, and Julia Button served as festival royalty from the high school.

Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance in the parade to promote the lighted parade in Albion later in December.

Many of the tee ball players and their families and coaches tossed out candy to eager parade spectators.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Strawberry Festival kicked off today for the 37^th time offering many options for food and fun, including these people on a trackless train ride.

Bands today include Sky Cats from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at food court west; the Kendall Community Band from 5 to 7 p.m. at the courthouse; Salvatore Rocks from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at food court east; and Steve Novak, an acoustic soloist from 7 to 9 p.m. at Martin’s on Main.

Saturday will be a full day of events starting with a 5k/8k at 8 a.m., parade at 10 a.m., cruise-in from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., turtle race at 2 p.m., and other live music and entertainment until 8:30 p.m.

Click here to see the schedule of events.

There are about 30 food vendors at the festival. It is the big turnout out for food vendors in the festival’s history, and some needed to be located on Main Street, north of Bank Street.

Chad Pike of the Tavern on the Ridge is among about 30 food vendors. He is shown at the grill with marinated chicken and kielbasa kabobs and beef on weck wraps. This is Pike’s first time as food vendor at the Strawberry Festival.

He said he wanted to be part of the festival that means so much to Albion and the Orleans County community.

Buffie Edick of Kent is one of 70 arts and crafts vendors. She makes crocheted stuffies with her business, Buffie’s Loveys.

“I love the festival,” she said. “The whole town comes out and the other vendors are so friendly.”

Edick said she expects her turtle stuffies will be her best sellers, as well as the crocheted strawberries.

She praised the festival committee for putting on a well-organized event.

Jeff Andrews, left, and Dave Allen are making strawberry sundaes and shortcake in the Music Boosters booth by the Presbyterian Church.

Doug Farley, left, and Dick Remley are selling turtle tickets for the big race at 2 p.m. on Saturday on the Erie Canal. About 1,000 turtles will race. The turtles are numbered and the ticket holders of the five winning turtles will win money.

The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center in Albion brought 10 residents to the festival and they were joined by family and staff. The residents made their own Strawberry Festival shirts to wear at the event.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Karen Conn, chairwoman of the Village of Albion Planning Board, said the village needs to work to encourage more housing options for residents. Conn also works as an Albion teacher and real estate business owner. She speaks during a public hearing Wednesday in the village hall about the possibly dissolution of the village and folding it into the towns of Albion and Gaines. “It’s all of us,” she told a packed village hall. “We all have to do our part and choose Albion.”

ALBION – The Village Board held a public hearing on dissolving the village and consolidating its services with the towns of Albion and Gaines.

Residents said there are many unknown answers if that change happened, primarily on whether there would continue to be an Albion Police Department and other villages services.

Village attorney John Gavenda said the Village Board isn’t formally moving towards consolidation or dissolution of the village. Wednesday’s hearing was an initial step to hear from the public, Gavenda said. In back from left are Trustee William Gabalski, Mayor Angel Javier Jr. and Trustee Greg Bennett.

Mayor Angel Javier Jr. said there is no push to dissolve the village at this time, but he said village officials and community need to keep having the discussion about the high taxes in the village and other big increases coming with water rates due to upgrades at the water plant and other infrastructure.

Javier worries the village structure of government in Orleans County may not be sustainable.

“What can we do to make Albion more affordable?” Javier said. “There might be difficult conversations. If you want the services you’re going to have to pay.”

Some residents asked just how dire the situation is for the village, and what kind of savings could the village expect if it was folded into the towns.

There was a consolidation/dissolution study in 2008 led by the Center for Governmental Research. That study concluded the village and towns of Albion and Gaines would see $336,497 in efficiency gains through more cooperation and consolidation. The Center for Governmental Research studied the three municipalities’ combined $7.5 million annual budgets in 2007, looking for ways to better share costs. A committee recommended the village dissolve. But the Village Board opted against putting the issue to a public vote.

Since then, the fire department has been removed from the village budget and now function as a joint fire district with the towns of Albion and Gaines, a move that doubled the fire department’s budget in 2025. Fire commissioners said the previous budgets left the department woefully underfunded, and didn’t set aside reserves for new trucks and equipment.

Kevin Sheehan was on the board in 2008. He said dissolution/consolidation not only was rejected in Albion, but also in Medina in a public vote in 2014. He doesn’t want to lose the Albion Police Department and have to rely on Sheriff’s deputies.

Joe Martillotta said he favors consolidation of local governments. He noted there are 10 towns, four villages, five school districts, a county governments and several fire districts. He believes a streamlined local government would operate more efficiently and at a reduced cost for taxpayers.

Village resident Jason Dragon said the current system pushes too much of the local government costs on village taxpayers. He said the county doesn’t give enough in the local sales tax, freezing the towns and villages at the same level for 24 years now, at a time when the local sales tax has more than doubled.

Dragon said the county and towns have unfairly treated the village for decades, resulting in taxes that are wildly out of whack for the village.

“There is not enough money to go around in the village structure,” Dragon said.

If there is dissolution, the current village functions would likely be assumed by the towns or county, Dragon said. The village employees would shift to a different municipality and carry out similar duties.

He envisions lower and more equitable taxes in the village, which would ring in mor investment from residents and businesses.

Dragon said the village may need to dissolve to get some tax relief, because he doubts the other government entities will provide any relief to Albion.

“I don’t see anything where the towns or county will voluntarily change the situation,” he said.

Villkage trustee Joyce Riley thinks there may be ways of sharing services with neighboring towns to lighten the village’s load without going to a dissolution. She noted the village and Town of Albion share a code enforcement officer in Chris Kinter.

“Where can we share and not lose our identity?” she said.

Paul Weiss, an attorney for Albion’s police union, said the village government is an effective way to provide services, including the police department. He said dissolving the village will prove costly and will result in diminished services for the village residents.

Janet Navarra, a member of the Albion Planning Board, reminded the board she presented them with a list if grant opportunities about a year ago that would help improve the downtown and other parts of the community. She said there are state funds and other programs to help the village without eliminating the village government.

She noted the vacant registry law would also help get residents and businesses in some of the long dormant sites in the downtown.

“You’re raising taxes but you’re not doing anything to increase the tax base,” she said.

Navarra said Albion gets cited in some websites as one of the ugliest communities in New York State.

“It’s very embarrassing to see that,” she said. “We’re standing her floundering when there is money available to help us.”

Major Javier said the board will continue to discuss the issue and could have another public hearing on the matter in the next 60 to 90 days.

Craig Tuohey, the Zoning Board chairman, also is on a committee working to update the comprehensive plan. That process should identify areas for growth with business and residential development, Tuohey said, which could help ease the tax burden. Tuohey urged the community to be part of the comprehensive plan revisions.

Provided photos

ALBION – The VFW Strickland Post 4635 Albion recognized recipients of $500 scholarships on Tuesday evening.

In photo at left, Kelli Dingle was accompanied by her parents Michael and Brenda. She is a $500 recipient for her essay on what the United States Flag means.

Oliver Beach was accompanied by his parents, Michael and Jamie Beach. Oliver received the $500 Industrial Arts scholarship.

Joining them are Post Commander Mike Donahue, far left,  and member Joe Marvin, far right.

The Post raised funds from a recent raffle to increase its support of Albion High School from one $200 scholarship to two $500 scholarships.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Mike Smith and his wife Faith pose by the bulletin board listing the menu for the Koinonia Kitchen’s third anniversary at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion on Thursday.

ALBION – Feeding a community might be a daunting task for most people, but for Mike and Faith Smith of Albion, it is a way of life.

The Smiths have been running a soup kitchen for 17 years, the first 14 at Christ Episcopal Church in Albion, where they served 100 or more every Friday night. Often they cooked the meals themselves, with organizations and churches also preparing and serving the meals on many of the Fridays. Often the Smiths used their own money to buy food so that no one would go hungry.

When circumstances forced them to step back at Christ Episcopal, they were lucky enough to be invited to use the kitchen at Harvest Christian Fellowship on East Avenue in Albion.

Last Thursday they celebrated the third anniversary serving meals at the kitchen they call Koinonia Kitchen. During that time, they have served 100,240 meals and expanded their ministry to delivering meals to every town and village in Orleans County – 53 per week in all.

“We are not just a kitchen that offers free food,” Faith said. “We are a ministry that cares about you and your needs. We offer fellowship and compassion, along with love of Jesus for each and every person who crosses our path. We couldn’t have done any of this without God and the help and support of the entire community, the businesses and the many, many volunteers. We have helped thousands over the years and will continue to help those in need.”

(Left) Kevin Howard from Albion Lions Club and Ann McElwee from Medina Lions serve dinners Thursday on the third anniversary of Koinonia Kitchen’s location at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion. (Center) Barb Navarra brings her friend Ace Caldwell to Koinonia Kitchen for a meal every Thursday. They not only do they like the food, but look forward to seeing people in the community. (Right) A.J. Scheuerman of Albion is one of eight people who deliver meals from Koinonia Kitchen to 53 individuals in Orleans County every week.

During Thursday’s meal which celebrated Koinonia Kitchen’s third anniversary at the church, the Smiths announced they had finally qualified to receive food from Foodlink, allowing them to start Orleans Koinonia Pantry, which will be up and running in July.

The pantry will open as a “choice” pantry, with a Koinonia board member on hand to do intake on everyone who comes for food, to verify household size, residency in Orleans County and food items needed. The pantry will be located on the east side of Harvest church’s office. Opening dates and times will be announced soon.

Koinonia Kitchen continues to solicit volunteers, groups and organizations to come in and cook and serve a meal on a Thursday. They already have the Lions clubs in Medina and Albion, who provide the food and cook it one Thursday a month.

Jovannie Canales and his wife Melisa are lead pastors at the church, who praise the ministry.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s so gratifying,” Jovannie said.

“It’s not an easy job, but you have to love what you’re doing,” Melisa said.

“There are a lot of hungry people,” Jovannie said. “We’re not only feeding them, but we’re bringing the community together. We’re fulfilling a multiple purpose as we serve.”

One person who looks forward to coming to Koinonia Kitchen every week is Ace Caldwell, whose friend Barb Navarra brings him for a meal since his wife passed away. He not only likes the food, but the opportunity to get together with other people once a week.

Delivering meals to people who can’t get to the kitchen is a service provided by eight delivery people. One is A.J. Scheuerman, who said there is something rewarding about giving back to his community. He said most of the meals go to seniors.

Anyone interested in volunteering, donating food or preparing a meal can e-mail Faith at okkitchen2022@gmail.com for details.

“Koinonia Kitchen is what I live for,” Faith said. “I’m all about helping people who need a little extra.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The royalty have been named for the Albion Strawberry Festival on June 13-14. The group will be in the parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 14.

From left include Alexis Neff from the middle school, Keira Zambito and Julia Button from the high school, and Mason Rotthoff from the middle school.

The winning posters for the Strawberry Festival also were recognized. From left include Alexis Hand, third place; Izzy McCoy (not pictured) in second place; and Alakai Colmenero, in first place. Colmenero’s poster will be featured on posters and brochures promoting the festival.

The Strawberry Festival is June 13-14 at the Courthouse Square and downtown Albion with entertainment and vendors from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on June 13 and 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on June 14.

The festival welcomes more parade participants especially floats that can be spaced in between marching bands. Click here to see the schedule and to sign up for the parade.

Photo by Matt Holland

ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club today presented three scholarships to graduating seniors. Pictured from left include Tom Rivers, Albion Rotary Club president; Donovan Braley, winner of the Rotary Career Advancement Prize; David Rosario, recipient of the Edward Archbald Memorial Scholarship; and Leo Bolton, winner of the Dick Eddy “Service Above Self” Scholarship.

The Albion Rotary Club awarded the $3,000 in scholarships today during its meeting at the tavern on the Ridge.

Leo Bolton won the Dick Eddy “Service Above Self” Scholarship, a $1,250 award that is given to a student committed to community service and leadership, and who displays high potential for future accomplishment.

Bolton plans to become a pharmacist and is headed to Cedarville University in Ohio. He has been a key player on the varsity soccer, swimming and tennis teams while playing the trombone in the band and marching band. He is a member of the Interact Club and works at the Medicine Shoppe in Medina and as a lifeguard. He also went on a mission trip to Malawi in southeastern Africa to help at an orphanage.

David Rosario won the $1,250 Edward Archbald Memorial Scholarship, given to a senior who shares Archbald’s love of sports, recreational activities, community service and work experience.

Rosario has been on the soccer, wrestling and track teams, as well as the FFA, Honor Society and Diversity Club. He plans to study at the University at Buffalo to become a pediatric nurse.

Donovan Braley was awarded the $500 Rotary Career Advancement Prize for a senior committed to community service, school activities and work experience.

Braley has been on the soccer and tennis teams. He is an Eagle Scout who wants to be a physical therapist. He is headed to GCC this fall for the physical therapist assistant program.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Sandy Climenhaga was named Albion Central School’s “Educator of the Year” on Monday. Climenhaga is retiree as a high school science teacher. “This district has such great teachers,” she said. “We love our kids.”

ALBION – The school district said good bye to several retiring teachers and staff on Monday, thanking them for their dedicated service to the students and district.

Mickey Edwards, the Albion school district superintendent, presents the “Educator of the Year” award to Sandy Climenhaga.

One of those retiring teachers, Sandy Climenhaga, also was recognized as the district’s “Educator of the Year.” Climenhaga teachers the Advanced Placement biology or living environment classes. She also received the “Excellence in Teaching Award” this year from the National Honor Society.

She was called a “truly dedicated and inspiring teacher” who is a vital part of the district’s science department by Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent.

Climenhaga has maintained a high level of energy and passion throughout her career, teaching high-level science classes and showing a big heart for her students, Edwards said.

“Students describe her as being unforgettable,” he said.

Climenhaga joined Albion Central School in 1996 as a substitute teacher. She worked in the middle school as a science teacher in 2008-’09 before being hired in the high school the following year.

“She positively impacts every student who comes into her classroom,” said Jennifer Ashbery, the high school principal.

Climenhaga runs AP study groups, and connects with students through Google and Zoom meets.

Climenhaga said she is “being humbled” to be recognized as Educator of the Year.

“The district has such great teachers,” she said. “We love our kids. This district cares about every kid and not just how they do in the classroom.”

Ricky O’Kussick, who retired after 28 years as a custodian, is congratulated by Board of Education member Curt Schmitt.

Ricky O’Kussick worked 28 years as a custodian, including 20 years in the middle school and the past eight years in the elementary school. He spent most of his career as the night leader of the custodial staff.

O’Kussick was well-liked for his friendly demeanor, and many took note that he kept his original photo ID badge his entire career.

“I liked everything about it,” O’Kussick said about the job. “I didn’t mind cleaning. I wanted the kids to come into a clean building every day.”

Albion also recognized Tim Mercer, who retired after 28 years and ended his career as director of facilities at a time when Albion was doing a major capital project.

Mike Thaine, who is retiring as the high school band and music teacher, is congratulated by high school principal Jennifer Ashbery.

Michael Thaine worked at Greenwood and Plattsburgh school districts before returning to his alma in 1998 as the elementary music teacher, introducing third- and fourth-graders to musical instruments. He worked in that role for nine years before becoming the high school band and music teacher.

Thaine led multiple groups – the marching band, jazz band, pit orchestra and many smaller ensembles.

He taught students more than music, said Ashbery, the high school principal.

He exemplified kindness, humor, love, compassion and service, she said.

Thaine could have a retired a year ago but wanted one more year with the students.

“There are so many great kids here,” he said. “I’ve always felt that. The best part of the job is the relationships with the students.”

Jennifer Holman was recognized for her career as a special education teacher.

Jennifer Holman has worked a special education teacher for Albion since 1996. She boosted students’ reading and other skills, Ashbery said.

Holman created a learning environment “that is the most enriching and welcoming classroom you can imagine,” the principal said.

Jill Albertson started with Albion in 2005 as the director of the Even Start program and then was an academic intervention specialist, before working several years as an earth science teacher in the high school. She was praised for her dedication to students.

Nancy Moore has worked as a teacher’s aide for 30 years, starting in the correction room in 1995 and then in a 6:1:1 special education class in the elementary school. Most of her career has been in a 12:1:1 special education classroom in the middle school.

Brad Pritchard, the middle school principal, said Moore is well versed in many subjects and has been very supportive of many staff in her career.

“Nancy’s dedication and work ethic made a difference in students’ lives,” Pritchard said.

He also commended Theresa Christopher for her career as a foreign language teacher. Christopher didn’t just teacher a foreign language. She exposed students to cultures, running cultural diversity nights for students and their families.

Christopher wanted a mastery level form her students, and would put in the extra time to help students reach a higher level.

“What a remarkable person she is who really cares about our students,” Pritchard said.

Retirees recognized before Monday’s Board of Education meeting include, front row, from left: Ricky O’Kussick, Jennifer Holman and Jill Albertson. Back row: Mike Thaine, Nancy Moore and Sandy Climenhaga. Others retirees include Theresa Christopher and Tim Mercer.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Rev. Susan Thaine, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Albion, speaks with students on Sunday evening before they entered the church for the baccalaureate service.

Thaine gave the students a blessing before the service started.

“You and God are a hybrid,” she told them. “You are special together.”

She said the local churches are resources as they start the next chapters of their lives, whether they go to college, the military or right into the work force, whatever they decide to do. Thaine told the students they are always welcome to call her if they want someone to talk to.

“This service is a reminder that you don’t walk along,” she said. “You walk with God.”

Dillon DiGiulio lights a candle with other classmates during Sunday’s baccalaureate service. They also had the option of receiving a cross necklace and having a local clergy member prayer with them.

Father Mark Noonan, priest of One Catholic, prays with student Peyton Robinson. Many of the students asked the local pastors to pray with them.

Some of the class members posed for a group photo outside of the historic church. The service is optional for students. There were nearly 50 seniors at the service, which doubled the participation from a year ago.

The Rev. Dr. Brenda Bierdeman, a pastor at the Albion Free Methodist Church – Community of Hope, gave the keynote address. Bierdeman told the graduates that their everyday decisions, thoughts and words will determine the type of person they are and how they are known to others.

“What you do is not nearly as important as who you are,” she said.

Bierdeman urged them to be deliberate with their words, and not say whatever pops in their head. That goes for what they text and what they post on social media.

“Is it true, is it helpful, is it kind?” she asked the students.

She encouraged them to use language that lifts up others, and inspires confidence and courage.

She also urged them to seek out a relationship with God through Jesus.

“God will never turn his back on you,” she said.

Rori Higgins also shared a blessing with the class. Other classmates read scripture, including Leo Bolton, Oliver Beach and Madalyn Ashbery. Mallory Kozody also shared a prayer with the group.

About 250 people attended the service at the First Presbyterian Church.

The High School Select Choir sang, “Ave Verum Corpus.” Cassandra Brown also played a flute solo, “For The Beauty of the Earth,” and Mallory Kozody played a solo on her clarinet, “Come, Thou Fount.”

‘These organs are a treasure. The reason for these concerts is to show the public what a treasure they are.’

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Maarit Vaga presents flowers to Aaron Grabowski after his performance at the organ in Holy Family Parish during the Cobblestone Society’s fifth annual organ concert on Sunday.

ALBION – The annual progressive organ concert on Sunday to benefit the Cobblestone Museum was strongly attended, according to director Doug Farley.

“This was our fifth annual concert and 75 people registered ahead, in addition to several walk-ins,” Farley said. “We are thrilled attendance continues to be strong.”

The event began at Christ Episcopal Church, where former Orleans County historian and Cobblestone Museum director Bill Lattin welcomed guests. He explained there used to be six pipe organs in Court House Square, but now are five after one was removed at the former United Methodist Church.

“These organs are a treasure,” Lattin said. “The reason for these concerts is to show the public what a treasure they are.”

Lattin also pointed out the stained glass windows and urged the audience to notice the architecture and stained glass in each of the churches, all of which are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Doug Farley, left, director of the Cobblestone Museum, welcomes the 75 guests who attended a progressive organ concert on Sunday. The first concert was at Christ Episcopal Church, where organist Darryl Smith, visible at right,  played the 1877 Steere & Turner pipe organ.

Farley added how fortunate they were to have four very talented organists in attendance – Darryl Smith, Aaron Grabowski and Gary Simboli, who were part of Sunday’s program, and Scott Schmidt, a local organist who has participated in the progressive concerts in previous years.

Albion native Darryl Smith, who played the 1877 Steere & Turner pipe organ at Christ Episcopal Church, said she has been playing organ since high school. Her first job was as organist and choir director at the First Baptist Church of Medina. A graduate of Houghton, Smith has served in positions of music or discipleship at Brick Presbyterian Church of Perry, Barre Center Presbyterian Church and Albion Free Methodist Church.

“I love this organ because its pipes are vintage to its time,” she said.

The instrument is unique in that it maintains its original mechanical linkage, known as tracker action, between the keyboard and pipes. Lattin displayed a giant lever which youth in earlier years had to pump behind the scenes. The organ was rebuilt in the 1980s.

The Erakare family sings at Christ Episcopal Church, accompanied by organist Darryl Smith. From left are Susan Walders (mother of Bradeen Walders-Erakare, who is married to Sebastian Erakare), Maarit Vaga and her husband Jan Erakare, their son Sebastian and his wife, Bradeen Walders-Erakare.

Attendees next moved into the dining room for a wine and cheese reception, before crossing the street to Holy Family Parish (St. Joseph’s Church), where Medina organist Aaron Grabowski entertained on what was originally an 1896 Garrett House tracker organ. The console was moved to the front of the loft during changes made to the key and stop action, converting it to electro-pneumatic action in 1939-40 by Teller’s Organ Co. of Erie, Pa. The original tracker slider chests were retained. Air reservoirs were re-leathered in 1976.

House sold his company to Viner and Sons in 1898, making this original instrument of two manuals and pedal with 16 speaking stops one of his last.

The organ is currently being maintained by Parsons Pipe Organ Co. of Canandaigua, where Grabowski is employed.

According to the concert’s program, it would be safe to say pipe organs are a big part of Aaron Grabowski’s life. During the week he works full-time as a tuning foreman and organ builder for Parsons, and on weekends, he is music director and organist at St. Mary’s Church in Medina.

Grabowski began formal organ lessons at the age of 16, and after graduating from high school, he enrolled at the University of Buffalo, where he received a bachelor’s degree in organ performance.

He was music director at St. Paul’s in Kenmore, where the Rev. Paul Whitney was serving before coming to Medina. It was due to Father Whitney that Grabowski came to Medina when the priest asked him to restore the organ at St. Mary’s. Upon seeing the charming hamlet of Medina, Grabowski suggested to his wife Gayle they should consider making Medina their new home. They purchased a Victorian home there in 2005, which they are restoring.

(Left) Darryl Smith sits at the 1877 Steere & Turner pipe organ at Christ Episcopal Church in Albion. She likes the organ because of its vintage pipes which she says are authentic to their time. (Right) Final organist in Sunday’s progressive organ concert was Gary Simboli, retired chorus and musical director at Albion Central School, shown here at the 1925 Moller Opus 4132 pipe organ at the First Baptist Church of Albion.

The third and final organ in the concert was at the First Baptist Church, next door to Holy Family Parish, where Gary Simboli demonstrated the 1925 Moller Opus 4132 pipe organ. Simboli is a graduate of Geneseo State College and is the award-winning instrumental music teacher (retired) from Albion High School.

The Moller organ replaced the church’s first pipe organ from 1883, and features two separate pipe chambers and pressure driven pneumatic action. It includes three manuals and 63 registers, producing a rich, romantic sound. The organ was rebuilt in the 1980s under the pastorate of the Rev. Bob Mowatt.

“This is an amazing instrument,” Simboli said. “I am not an organist. I had one lesson when I filled in for the regular organist. I like the different instrumentation of this beautiful organ.”

He was told because he had big hands he could play the organ, as he could reach the keys with his left fingers, which produced the sounds of the foot pedals.

The pieces Simboli chose featured the sounds of flute, chimes, trumpet, clarinet, oboe, harp and the full organ.

Aaron Grabowski sits at the organ in the loft of Holy Family Parish (St. Joseph’s Church) in Albion. The original 1896 Garret House tracker organ was converted to electro-pneumatic action in 1939-40 by Teller’s Organ Co. of Erie, Pa.

After the final concert, many concert-goers drove to the Tavern on the Ridge for supper. Among them were Joe and Linda Rak of Lyndonville, who said this was their first organ concert, but they would definitely consider it again.

“We like to do things in the community,” Linda said. “The music today was absolutely amazing. These churches were all so beautiful and in such close proximity. And the organists were so talented. It was a big learning experience to hear all the sounds an organ can make.”

One special attendee who Farley introduced was Carla Maul, who drove from Ellicottville.

“I love organ concerts and I Googled it, thinking I might find one in Buffalo,” Maul said.

She teaches a drum and bugle corps and plays brass. But she likes organ concerts for their individuality, she said.

“My favorite today was Aaron’s Cannanode,” Maul said.

Kendall Community Band leads off series of 15 concerts

File photos by Tom Rivers: Savage Cabbage performed on the amphitheater stage at Bullard Park last July 31. The band has been playing locally since 1979 and includes cabbage farmers – Frank, John and Andrew Starowitz, as well as other musicians. Frank Starowitz, center, sings “Lick It Up” by Kiss. From left include Mike “Grinder” Moore, John Starowitz, Frank Starowitz and Mike “Thunder” Warren.

By Natalie Baron, Orleans Hub intern

ALBION – The Village of Albion kicks off a new summer concert series this Wednesday at Bullard Park.

The Kendall Community Band will begin the concert series, with the Albion Jazz Band and Carson and Sam playing the following Wednesday, June 11.

The concerts will take place every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., except for the Independence Day Celebration Festival on July 3rd, which is on a Thursday. The bands will play at the park’s amphitheater.

In order to organize the concert series, John Grillo, the village’s recreation director and concert organizer, stated that he reaches out to bands around New York. He aims to include many local bands. He also varies which bands play each year, with just a couple of returners. He features a wide array of genres in the concerts, such as soul, country, rock and acoustic.

There is plenty for children and adults alike to do around Bullard Park. Grillo detailed how the park contains a children’s playground, a Splash Pad, two beautiful basketball courts, a picnic area with three pavilions, a walking trail, disc golf course, updated restrooms, and soccer, football and baseball fields.

The concerts will feature food vendors, the Albion Masons and Wild Flour Deli & Bakery, as well as a vendor that sells snow cones, Grillo said. The Albion Masons will be selling hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, and drinks, and Wild Flour will be selling sweet treats, sandwiches and various pastries.

Those who are interested in being a vendor at the concerts can contact the Village Office at (585) 589-9176.

Other summer concert series tend to begin during late June or early July. On starting earlier, Grillo explained that he hopes to provide community members with the opportunity to get up and out of the house and enjoy themselves before then.

“As the director, I am very excited about this year’s lineup, and we hope that the community will take advantage of this free opportunity,” Grillo said. “I would like to thank the Village of Albion for their support. I would like to thank GO ART! for the grant received, and I would also like to thank George Bidleman of Orleans Ford Car Dealership for sponsoring the advertising.”

The concert lineup includes:

• June 4 – Kendall Community Band
• June 11 – Albion Jazz Band from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• June 11 – Carson and Sam 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• June 18 – Salvatore
• June 25 – Feedback
• July 2 – Soul Street
• July 3 – (Thursday) Ryan and Company from 4 to 6 p.m.
• July 3 – (Thursday) 104 Country from 6 to 7:45 p.m.
• July 3 – (Thursday) The Who Dats from 7:45 to 9:45 p.m.
• July 9 – Side Doors
• July 16 – Savage Cabbage
• July 23 – Groove
• July 30 – The Dave Viterna Band
• August 6 – Sky Cats
• August 13 – Highway 31
• August 20 – Rain Date
• August 27 – Rain Date

Highway 31 performed at the amphitheater of Bullard Park of Aug. 21 last year. The band played ’90s music, contemporary country and some rock. The band members include Rich Nolan of Gasport as lead singer, and the guitar trio of Aaron Clark of Holley, Clinton LaPorte of Le Roy, and Clinton’s dad Tim LaPorte Sr. of Batavia. Timmy LaPorte of Elba, Tim’s son and Clinton’s brother, is the drummer for the band.

Photos by Tom Rivers: This group put on a benefit on Sunday at Dubby’s Tailgate for Gertie Montulli of Waterport. From left include Jodi Anstey, Bryan Dimon, Tyler Nunnery, Amy Gow, Gertie Montulli, Casey Horan (Montulli’s daughter), Tauhna Mickek and Byron Gow.

ALBION – Gertie Montulli has always been eager to give towards fundraisers in the community, and even organized benefits to support organizations and people in Albion and Orleans County.

On Sunday, she was on the receiving end, and she said it was overwhelming to see about 300 people turn out for a benefit to help her.

Gertie Montulli has gone through radiation and chemotherapy for stage 4 small cell lung cancer. She said the cancer has shrunk and she has a positive outlook on life.

Montulli, 60, has stage 4 small cell lung cancer. She completed radiation and now is in chemotherapy. The cancer isn’t operable because it’s close to her pulmonary artery.

Montulli is well known in the community. She ran a business, Sweet Treats by Gertie’s, where she sells popcorn in many different flavors. She also ran Gertie’s Groovy Garments, offering dresses, blouses, shirts, pants and other clothes for girls and younger women.

She also spearheaded an effort with monthly craft sales and basket raffles to raise money for charities and non-profit organizations in the county.

Montulli said the cancer diagnosis in march was very unexpected. She didn’t feel sick at all except for complications from hip surgery on Jan. 13. That hip surgery didn’t work out and she had to do it again on Feb. 27. On march 20, she fainted and was taken to the hospital. She was diagnosed with cancer.

“I cried all day the first day,” she said about the diagnosis.

But the next day she was determined to stay upbeat, and face the disease.

“I’m a happy person,” she said.

Montulli said she is very appreciative of the effort with the benefit on Sunday, with people and businesses donating 200 baskets and 75 gift certificates. About 300 people attended the benefit at Dubby’s Tailgate.

“I’m just overwhelmed by the amount of people,” she said.

Jodi Anstey was one of the main organizers for the event. She met Montulli at a craft show. Anstey was selling wreaths and Montulli had her popcorn for sale.

“She is a very giving person,” Anstey said. “She gives so much back to the community.”

Gertie Montulli is shown on July 19, 2024 at State Street Park in Medina where she was among the food vendors at Blue Thursdays. Sweet Treats by Gertie sells popcorn in 10 different flavors. Montulli said caramel is her top seller. She said she won’t be back selling popcorn at events this year.

Anstey said she expected people would show up for Gertie during the event o Sunday.

“She is very overwhelmed by all the love,” Anstey said.

Bryan Dimon of Medina also knows Montulli from craft shows. He sells Tupperware. He went to local businesses seeking donations. When people so the flyer with Montulli’s photo, they wanted to donate to the benefit and help her with her medical bills.

“She is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet,” Dimon said. “There are so many people she’s helped.”

Jack Burris, director of the Hands 4 Hope ministry, attended the benefit. Hands 4 Hope received funds from one of the fundraisers run by Montulli a few years ago.

“She’s done a lot of good for a lot of people,” Burris said.

Bryan Dimon calls out the winning ticket numbers from a basket raffle on Sunday. There were about 200 gift baskets and 75 gift certificates up for raffle.

Photos by Tom Rivers: A group from Mississippi was in Albion this past week working on projects at the Canalside Community Church, the former United Methodist site at the corner of Platt and East State streets. The group is shown here in the fellowship hall next to a kitchen. The volunteers put a new hood on the stove, and installed a new partition at a wall at the kitchen and put in new lighting for the dining room.

ALBION – A group of missionaries from Liberty Baptist Church in Waynesboro, Mississippi made an 1,100-mile trek to Albion this past week to work on several projects at Canalside Community Church.

Canalside is in a historic building in need of repairs. It was originally used by the United Methodist Church. North Point Chapel became owner of the site and the name was changed to Canalside Community Church on Jan. 1 to better reflect its proximity to the Erie Canal. Church leaders also wanted “community” in the church name to reflect the mission that it is open and ready to serve everyone, not matter their backgrounds, in the Albion area.

Phillip Gandy, pastor of Liberty Baptist Church in Mississippi, led a group for the third straight year to the Albion church. Gandy sees progress in the building and also in the ministry. He wants to the see more people drawn to Canalside, the only church in Orleans County affiliated with the South Baptist Convention.

“We’ve tried to help get the church on better footing,” Gandy said.

The church brought a team of 17 people, from ages 15 to 79, to work on projects inside and outside of the church. They put in a new ceiling in one of the rooms, new lighting, new carpet, painted, installed a new hood on a stove in the kitchen, put in a new shower at the parsonage and did other landscaping and cleaning.

Eli McNeil, 15, sorts out microphones and other equipment for the sound system at Canalside Community Church on Saturday.

The group brought a church bus and traveled over two days to get to Albion. They stayed in two Airbnbs. They raised over $12,000 from the Liberty congregation to make the trip and pay for materials and expenses for the work.

Gandy said the church is a small town with fewer people than Albion. Liberty Baptist also took on projects last year in Knoxville, Tenn. and in the country of Chile. Gandy speaks Spanish as well as English.

“It’s just the satisfaction of helping people,” Gandy said.

Liberty has talented people for building repairs and others with a willingness to be of service, Gandy said.

Eli McNeil, 15, was back in Albion with Liberty. He was on the first trip two years ago. He said he loved being able to visit Niagara Falls with the group, and help around the church in Albion.

“I like going to the different states, and seeing all the different landscapes,” he said.

Sierra Stewart, 16, vacuums the stage area at Canalside Community Church. She has been on all three of the Liberty Baptist mission trips to Albion.

She did a lot of painting and yard work this week. She appreciated the chance to go to Niagara Falls and also try chicken wings at the famous Anchor Bar in Buffalo.

Ben Curfman, pastor of the church, appreciates the efforts from the mission groups. Another team from Georgia will be up in Albion during the Starwberry Festival on June 13-14 for outreach programs.

Curfman said Liberty Baptist has speeded up the work in the church, and made the site more accessible for ministry programs. He looks forward to making the fellowship hall available for community functions and meals for the Canalside congregation.

“They have been able to accomplish a lot of things that would have taken us years,” Curfman said.

Ben Curfman, pastor of Canalside Community Church, stands in a room by the fellowship hall that received a new floor, including joists, last year. This year Liberty Baptist put in a new ceiling and lighting.

The group from Mississippi also shares an optimistic attitude about Albion. Curfman said there is often too much pessimism in the community.

“They bring in a hopeful mindset,” she said. “We want to perpetuate that mindset.”

Liberty Baptist attended this morning’s service eat 10:30 a.m. before heading back home.

Gandy said the group may be back next year.

“We got to pray about it,” he said.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Laura Bentley, center, chats with a Bentley Brothers customer during today’s 100^th anniversary celebration for the business.

The annual customer appreciation day was turned into a bigger event with live music, food at the Fairhaven Inn & Events center, and a chance to win many prizes, including $25,000 off a Kubota tractor.

Bill Pileggi and Jimmy Aina performed in the morning, followed by Savage Cabbage in the afternoon.

Laura is the fourth generation to own the business, which has sites in Albion and Brockport. It was started in 1925 in Barre by her great-grandfather, Allen Bentley.

About 400 people attended the event today, where Bentley Brothers had many of its products and equipment on sale.

A lineup of Kubota tractors, zero-turn lawn mowers and other equipment were available for people to see at today’s celebration.

Bentley Brothers have been selling Kubota equipment since 1980.

Bentley also carries the following brands: Land Pride, Ariens, Gravely, Scag, Stihl, Echo, Terrain King, Brillion, Kubota Generators, Bush Hog, Stinger and Wallenstein.

The big party and event today was held at Fairhaven Inn & Events, which is also owned by Laura Bentley.

She joined her family at Bentley Brothers 20 years ago and also runs other local businesses in the community.

She said she is grateful for the customers, employees and her family members who have put so much into Bentley Brothers the past century.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Several service organizations have joined forces today in fundraiser for a new concessions stand at Bullard Park.

There will be a beef on weck dinner today from 2 to 8 p.m. at Albion Elks Lodge with tickets at $15.

Pictured form left include Brett Boring from the Elks Lodge; Dan Conrad from the Exempts Club; Richard Robb, the Elks leading knight and president of the Elks Riders; Ron Albertson of the Lions Club; Geno Allport, president of Albion Youth Sports Athletic Program; Jeff Holler of the Masonic Lodge; and D.J. Moore of AYSAP.

The American Legion, Albion Merchants Association and  Royal Body Shop Ministries also contributed to today’s dinner and fundraising event, which also includes a basket raffle.

Confection Connection and Pretty Sweet Bakery each made 150 chocolate chip cookies as the desserts for the dinner.

Dan Conrad, one of the coordinators for the event, said it was nice to see so many organizations come together for the new concessions stand.

The Albion Youth Sports Athletic Program (AYSAP) is pushing for a two-story building with concessions and storage in the first floor and a second-floor for a press box.

Geno Allport, AYSAP president, said the building is likely $20,000 to $30,000. The concessions stand would be available to be used by other organizations doing events at Bullard, he said.