Albion

Albion police involved in 2 searches today

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 June 2017 at 10:09 pm

ALBION – The Albion Police Department had two separate incidents today with tactical operations in the village, involving searches.

The first was in response to the possible sighting of the wanted fugitives from the state of Tennessee who are wanted for attempted murder and aggravated kidnapping.

It was determined that the wanted individuals from Tennessee were not in the area or involved, Police Chief Roland Nenni said.

However, the search resulted in a fugitive from South Carolina wanted for an arrest warrant for methamphetamine charges being arrested and a second suspect arrested for a larceny from the Albion Walmart.

The Albion Police Department, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, and New York State Park Police were involved in this incident with the search primarily near routes 31 and 98 and Dollinger’s Motel.

Rite Aid was a temporary shelter in place and was closed to the public for a few minutes while police conducted the tactical operation, Nenni said.

The second tactical operation was a search for an individual wanted by the Sheriff’s Office on grand larceny charges. That individual was witnessed in the area of North Street in the village of Albion and he possibly entered a wooded area to avoid apprehension, Nenni said.

A search was conducted involving the Albion Police, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police with negative results.

“The search for the individual wanted by the Sheriff’s Office involves a non-violent offense and there is no concern for public safety regarding this individual,” Nenni said.

Albion grad showed up very early at high school for 4 years, opening doors, giving friendly greetings

Photo by Tom Rivers: Devin Ware is pictured after graduation Friday by the main doors leading into the high school. Ware was at school at 7 most mornings since his freshman year, opening the doors for teachers and his classmates.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 June 2017 at 9:10 am

Devin Ware wanted to brighten mornings for high schoolers

ALBION – High schoolers at Albion could always count on a friendly greeting each morning from Devin Ware. He would open the front door for them at the school, and sometimes hand out candy canes and treats.

Ware for 3 ½ years made giving a warm welcome to his classmates a mission. He would stand at the front doors for about 45 minutes every school day, sometimes in bitter cold.

Ware, 18, graduated on Friday. Twice he won the district’s Character Award – as a sophomore and senior – for his commitment to being at school early to help give his classmates a good start to their day.

“I wanted to help people have a good morning because mornings aren’t the best time for some people,” Devin said.

He started showing up early at school midway through his freshman year, getting a ride with his grandfather, Rob Seymour, who started his workday just before 7 at CRFS in Albion.

Devin preferred riding with his grandfather and getting to school early over riding the school bus.

When Devin arrived at the school campus, he had some time to kill before classes started. He noticed teachers were there early, sometimes with both arms full of papers and books.

Devin opened the door for them. Then classmates started arriving. He opened the door for them, too, staying by the door just before the homeroom bell.

“I got to know a bunch of people by doing it,” he said about the morning routine at the front door.

He became more outgoing, greeting his classmates by name. During holidays he added an extra touch, giving away candy canes before Christmas, treats at Halloween, and Tootsie pops with coffee filters that had holes poked through to resemble flowers. Devin and his grandmother included ribbons with Albion’s color of purple, gold and white with the Tootsie pop flower creation.

Devin said he struggled at one time with anger issues in school and some shyness. But his role as morning greeter helped him become more outgoing and to connect with his classmates.

“I wasn’t really noticed that much in school,” he said. “With opening the door, it made me feel like I was doing something. I kept doing it. Every person I would open the door for, I would say ‘Hello’ or ‘Good morning.’”

Some of his classmates called him “Devin the Doorman.” They appreciated him being there.

Devin said he didn’t just open the door and give a warm greeting to “preferred friends.” He gave everyone the same treatment.

“No matter who you are, I opened the door,” he said.

Devin plans to work the next two years to save up money for college. He would like to study art and work in animation.

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120 graduates from Albion urged to keep small-town values

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 June 2017 at 10:48 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Chanyce Powell smiles after receiving her diploma from Board of Education President Margy Brown during the 139^th annual commencement at Albion High School this evening.

Powell was one of 120 graduates at Albion, which celebrated the graduation in the high school gym.

Tessa Pollock heads to the stage to receive her diploma.

Emily Blanchard gave two speeches during commencement – one as class president and a second for being the class valedictorian. She said the class of 120 developed close friendships and supported each other while showing lots of school spirit.

She urged her classmates to turn their dreams into action. The classmates are all likely feeling some uncertainty as they leave high school, but Blanchard said they are well grounded from their small-town values. She thanked the teachers, administrators, staff and the students’ parents for instilling strong values in the class.

Joe Madejski, the class salutatorian, congratulated Blanchard for putting in the hard work to be valedictorian. Madejski used humor in his speech. He urged his classmates to laugh and be optimistic in their lives.

Seniors in the chorus sing, “For Good” after they led the crowd in singing the National Anthem.

Vivian Rivers, class vice president, stands at attention with members of the Board of Education during the National Anthem.

Connor Zicari heads up to get his diploma.

Friends and family of graduates line up to take pictures of graduates as they receive their diplomas.

Kory Reynolds hugs Morgan Aina, the little sister of his friend and fellow graduate, Blake Aina.

Tyler Nashburn heads to the stage for his diploma.

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Masons get thanks from Strawberry Fest Committee

Staff Reports Posted 21 June 2017 at 9:28 am

Photo by Amy Fox

ALBION – Members of the Albion Masonic Lodge on Tuesday accepted congratulations for their volunteer efforts at the 2017 Strawberry Festival.

First row, from left: Norman Karcher Sr.; Michael Bonafede, festival coordinating chairman; Steven LaLonde; Timothy McGee; and Alexander Allport; Back row, from left: Jason Herman, Glen Busch Sr.; Joe Gangi Jr.; and Jim Horncastle.

Bonafede presented a certificate of appreciation to the Masons, who are a familiar presence in the festival’s food court each year.

Bonafede said the festival coordinators are “thrilled” to partner with the Masons to ensure that the Strawberry Festival remains a wholesome event that offers fun and entertainment for the whole family.

“Having partners like the Masons, we don’t have a problem living up to that mission and vision,” Bonafede said.

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Purple Eagle band wraps up season with 1st place at Nunda

Provided photo: Arella Ives, center, and the Purple Eagles Marching Band perform at Nunda on Saturday evening. Arella was picked as one of the band’s drum majors for next season.

Staff Reports Posted 19 June 2017 at 7:09 am

ALBION – The Albion High School Purple Eagles Marching Band persisted through 90 degree temperatures on Saturday to close-out the 2017 season in winning style at the Nunda Fun Days Grand Parade, with a 1st place score of 95.7.

Earlier in the season, the band captured 1st place in Open Class at the Seneca Falls Pageant of Bands, and earned the designation “Gold, with Distinction” at the Darien Lake Music Festival.

In addition to the three competitions, the band participated in the Rochester Lilac Festival Parade and the hometown Memorial Day and Strawberry Festival parades this spring.

The band’s show this year was comprised of music from the James Bond movie series, and included soloists Nate Grammatico on alto sax, and Joe Madejski on trumpet.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Taylor Walczak and the Color Guard perform with the band during the Strawberry Festival Parade on June 10 in Albion.

Color Guard Captains were Julie Ives and Mykailah Roberts, and Sierra Chudy was the drum line HP. Leading the marching band this season were Drum Majors Shannon Broda, a senior, and junior Riley Seielstad.

Numerous individual marching band awards were presented at the annual AHS Bands Awards Evening on June 12. Among them, “Rookie of the Year” went to bass player Victor Benovsky, while 8th grader Alexa Grandy received the plaque for “Most Improved”.

Color guard MVP went to Julie Ives, Matilda Erakare received the MVP award for the drum line, and the winds MVP was Enoch Martin. Sophomore Arella Ives was named overall “Most Outstanding” member, and trombonist Saleya Williams was the recipient of the coveted Director’s Award for marching band. It was also announced that Arella Ives will join Riley Seielstad as drum majors for the 2018 season.

“It’s been an excellent season,” said Band Director Michael Thaine. “It was a young group, but the kids worked hard, and the entire staff is extremely pleased with their development and progress, from the beginning of winter practices all the way to Nunda.”

The band does its closing formation during the Strawberry Festival.

Five of the seniors in the band also received scholarships during the Class Night awards presentation on Friday.

Evan Steier: AHS Alumni Foundation’s Golden Performance Award, Wayne A. Burlison Memorial Scholarship

Shannon Broda: AHS Alumni Foundation’s Performing Arts Award, Daniel Long Memorial Award

Joe Madejski: Moses Sherman Music Award

Jillian Doyle: Patronski Memorial Award

Freeman Lattin: Wayne A. Burlison Memorial Scholarship

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Albion hosts first canalside cruise in

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2017 at 10:14 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – There were about 30 classic cars for the kick off of Albion’s new Canalside Cruise Night.

The event continues on Saturday evenings through Aug. 26, with the big cruise on July 22 when Main Street will be closed off for the cars.

Mayor Dean London said the event had a good start. He helped sell refreshments by the fire hall.

This 1956 Chevrolet was parked by the canal for the cruise.

A 1952 Chevy 3100 attracted some attention at the cruise in. Danny Marek owns the vehicle. Marek, right in back, talks about the old truck with Dan DeCarlo, left, and Skip Stratton.

The cruise-in schedule includes:

June 17: late model cruisers
June 24: custom paint and hot rod night
July 8: jeep and truck night
July 15: bike night (motorcycles)
July 22: big cruise with Main Street shut down and several side streets, boaters also welcome
July 29: rain date
Aug. 5: classic cruisers
Aug. 12: tuner night
Aug. 19: boat night
Aug. 26: finale featuring convertibles

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Rental subsidy program will be offered for new businesses in Albion downtown

Photo by Tom Rivers: East Bank Street is pictured in Albion on Wednesday evening. Village officials are hopeful a new rental subsidy program will result in more businesses in the downtown.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 June 2017 at 10:35 am

ALBION – The Village of Albion is launching a new rental assistance program for new businesses that set up in the downtown.

The village will offer $100 a month with the funds coming through the Albion Housing and Economic Development Corporation, a village local development agency focused on housing and economic development.

The Orleans Economic Development Agency also expects to offer a rental subsidy in conjunction with Albion. The EDA also will encourage the new businesses to pursue grants for equipment for their businesses.

“We certainly welcome any partnership to help incentivize people to open businesses in the downtown,” said Jim Whipple, EDA chief executive officer.

The EDA board of directors need to give final approval on the subsidy from the EDA through its LDC. The EDA was focused on grants for up to $15,000 for small businesses, but is open to the rental subsidies after the village offered money to help bring new businesses downtown, Whipple said.

If other municipalities start similar programs, Whipple said the EDA would be interested in offering short-term subsidies as well.

Albion will have a public meeting at 6 p.m. on June 27 to discuss the downtown revitalization effort, done in conjunction with the village, the Albion Housing and Economic Development Corporation (LDC), the Orleans Economic Development Agency and the Albion Merchants Association.

The meeting will focus on rental assistance and technical assistance, and also will give entrepreneurs a chance to discuss barriers to opening a business in downtown.

Building owners, prospective business owners and others are welcome to the meeting.

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Downtown Browsery wins window decorating contest

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 June 2017 at 7:13 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Downtown Browsery won the $200 prize for decorating its storefront in a Christmas and Santa theme for the Albion Strawberry Festival.

The Albion Betterment Committee sponsored the contest, and had several storefronts to pick from for the prize.

Adam Mattle (left), one of the vendors for the Browsery on East Bank Street, is pictured with Joe Gehl, one of the directors for the Betterment Committee.

Mattle also loaned some of the items for the window display. Gehl thanked the merchants that decorated their windows for the festival held on Friday and Saturday.

Gehl also praised the Village of Albion’s Department of Public Works for putting on the Christmas banners on Main Street and in the downtown for the festival.

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Barre couple celebrated for 75th wedding anniversary

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 June 2017 at 9:12 pm

Provided photo: Don and Bernadine Ross are pictured with their daughter Deborah Ross during a celebration for their 75th wedding anniversary. The First Presbyterian Church in Albion treated the couple to a party after church today.

ALBION – The secret to staying happily married for 75 years: “Being able to give both ways.”

That is the advice from Bernadine Ross. She and her husband Don are celebrating their wedding anniversary on Tuesday, June 13.

“You have to give in, and he gives in,” Mrs. Ross said about her husband.

Today their church family treated Mr. and Mrs. Ross to a cake and party following the service at First Presbyterian Church of Albion. Mr. and Mrs. Ross have been attending church there for more than 50 years.

Mr. Ross, 97, was in the plumbing business for 40 years before selling Albion Plumbing and Heating to Doug Bower in 1983.

Ross graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1942 with an electrical engineering degree. He worked for a canning company in Barre and GLF, the precursor of Agway, before getting into the plumbing business. His wife worked in the office at Albion Plumbing.

The Rosses built a home in the late 1950s in Barre. They grew up in Medina and were married in a ceremony at Mrs. Ross’s parents’ house.

Mr. Ross said he was fortunate to work side by side with his wife.

The couple’s daughter, Deborah Ross of Carlton, said they have been unwavering in supporting each other.

“They are very old-fashioned,” she said. “When you get married, you stay together through thick and thin.”

Mr. Ross has been very active with the Masonic Lodge for 74 years. He also was an active member of the Cobblestone Society, the Elk’s Club and Nutri-Faire.

Tim McGee has been in the Masons with Ross for the past 18 years. The couple is admired by many.

“They’re great people, just beautiful people of the community,” McGee said.

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Parade winners announced for Strawberry Festival

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 June 2017 at 7:59 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Strawberry Festival Parade included about 70 different units during the energetic processional that lasted 1 hour, 45 minutes, starting at Albion Central School and concluding at the Main Street lift bridge.

The parade and festival featured a Santa Claus theme in honor of Charles W. Howard, who founded a school for Santas in Albion. He ran that school from 1937 until his death in 1966.

The top photo shows Santa on a sleigh on a 1937 Ford truck. The Albion Betterment Committee won one of the “Best Use of Theme” awards for its float.

The Santa in this photo is a graduate of the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School. The Betterment Committee is working on a memorial for Howard in downtown Albion.

Parade judges have announced the winners of several categories:

• Best use of theme (2 winners) – In addition to the Betterment Committee, judges wanted to recognize Holy Family Parish for its float near the beginning of the parade. Parishioners dressed as elves and in Christmas outfits to set the tone for a fun parade.

• Most original – Faith Alliance Church with its float promoting its upcoming “Maker Fun Factory Vacation Bible School” from Tuesday through Sunday on July 11 to July 16.

• Best band – The Batavia High School Marching Band wowed the judges with the size of the band and the patriotic music that was part of its show. The band is led by director Jane Haggett. Batavia generally doesn’t perform in the Albion parade. Judges were also impressed by the high school bands from Albion and Pembroke.

• Best cheer/dance – Gotta Dance by Miss Amy had a big group of dancers who maintained high-energy dancing despite the heat during the parade. This is Gotta Dance’s 20^th anniversary, and 20^th year of participating in the parade.

• Best public safety agency (fire department, police, ambulance) – The Albion Fire Department had strong representation from its members marching in the parade (including Jan Cheverie in front carrying flag), and also had a lineup of very clean fire trucks – and two dalmatian dogs.

• Best classic car – 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air owned by Pat Shelp. Her husband Brad is shown driving the car during the parade. Jerome Pawlak, honorary festival chairman, rides in the passenger’s seat.

• Best wooden boat – This 1960 Penn Yan Coquette is a 14-foot boat. It has been in the Papadinoff family for 55 years. Angel Papadinoff of Medina purchased it in 1962. The boat is now owned by Joanne Shippey. The boat was recently restored and cruises local lakes, the Erie Canal and the Finger Lakes.

• Best use of humor – Ridge Road Express, which provides transportation services for Albion Central School, put a big Rudolph nose and antlers on the front of a school bus. Ridge Road Express welcomed people to apply for positions as bus drivers.

• Special recognition/community service (3 recognized)

The judges wanted to recognize the Holley-Kendall Marching Band for the band’s rebirth. Holley and Kendall both have strong marching band traditions. They have restarted the marching band program this year under the direction of Zachary Busch, Hanna Bock and Drum Major Kayla Thrower. The band presented music from the 1960 classic Western, The Magnificent Seven.

Donate Life is new to the parade. The organization promotes organ donations, and is led locally by Lori Laine, whose husband Tom received a liver transplant in July 2014.

4-H for its efforts to promote its 100^th anniversary this year.

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