GameTime design: The proposal for Medina from GameTime includes playground equipment would be accessible to children with disabilities and mobility issues.

MEDINA – The Village of Medina has $110,000 secured towards a new inclusive playground that would serve kids of all abilities, including those with mobility issues.

But the village will need a sizable state grant to make the playground a reality. The village could pursue three state grant programs for the playground, which would have cost $541,252 in 2024. That price has likely gone up in the two years since then, perhaps by $100,000, said Haylee Ferington, who is helping to lead the effort for the new playground as a member of Friends of Medina Parks.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Haylee Ferington, a member of the Medina Parks Committee, updates the Village Board on Monday about upcoming grant opportunities for an inclusive playground at State Street Park.

The Friends applied for state grants last year but didn’t get picked for funding. Ferington advised the Village Board the grant applications would be stronger I fthe Village of Medina was the applicant.

The board will consider that, and needs to decide before the next round of grant applications in May, Ferington said.

The state funding opportunities come with a 50-50 match through the state Canal Corp., 70-30 match through the Environmental Protection Fund, and a 90-10 match through the State Historic Preservation Office, she said.

Gov. Hochul on Jan. 6 also has announced a new “NY Plays” funding opportunity for $67.5  million towards playgrounds. The grants range from $100,000 to $2.5 million, and require a 20 percent local share.

Ferington said the new playground has secured funding commitments of $50,000 from the Community Foundation of Buffalo, $50,000 from the Community Foundation of Rochester, and $10,000 from Brookfield Power which runs a hydroelectric plant in Medina.

“We’re hoping 2026 will bring about more fruitful funding opportunities through the state,” she told the Village Board.

The Friends of Medina Parks will meet at 6:30 this evening to make a recommendation to the Village Board on which state grants to pursue. The board will have to decide by May which ones to go after and if it will apply as the village.

Photo courtesy of Kendall Fire Department: The Kendall Fire Department gave these kids a ride on fire trucks on Monday morning. They were picked up and taken to school, where they were enthusiastically greeted outside by their classmates.

Press Release, Kendall Fire Department

KENDALL – Community spirit was on full display on Monday morning as the Kendall Fire District escorted several local students to school aboard a fire truck after they participated in the department’s Snow Day Hydrant Challenge.

During the recent snow day on Jan. 26, students from the Kendall community stepped up to help their neighbors by shoveling out fire hydrants throughout the district. Keeping hydrants clear of snow is critical during winter months, ensuring firefighters can quickly access water in the event of an emergency.

To recognize their efforts, the Kendall Fire District entered the participating students’ names into a drawing. Several winners were selected to receive a special ride to school on a fire truck.

The students arrived at Kendall Central School in style, greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of classmates, teachers, and staff members who gathered outside to welcome them. The moment highlighted the pride the community takes in supporting one another and recognizing acts of service no matter how young the volunteers may be.

“This is what community is all about,” said Captain James Fox of the Kendall Fire District. “Seeing students take the initiative to help keep their community safe and then seeing the entire school come together to celebrate them was truly special.”

Captain Fox expressed his appreciation to District Chief Randy Davis, Deputy Chief Mike Cole, the Kendall Fire District, and the Kendall Central School District for helping make the event possible. Their leadership and partnership helped bring the recognition together and ensured a memorable experience for the students involved.

For us at the Firehouse, the event was more than just a fun ride to school it was a reminder of the importance of community involvement and the positive impact young residents can have on public safety, said Fox.

As the fire truck pulled away and the students began their school day, the smiles on the faces of the children and staff alike served as a powerful reminder that even small acts of service can bring a community together.

Village Board thankful for short-term “SOS: Save Our Sidewalks” assistance, aims for long-term plan

MEDINA – Bob Sanderson enjoys taking walks around the village of Medina, but he said he has to pay close attention to crumbling sidewalks so he doesn’t trip.

Sanderson decided to help the village and homeowners get some of the sidewalks in better shape. He has pledged some of his own money and lined up other donors at $200,000 so far towards new sidewalks.

The Village Board on Monday unanimously voted for Sanderson to move forward with a “SOS: Save Our Sidewalks” plan that would go 50/50 for property owners willing to put in new sidewalks. Sanderson advised Mayor Marguerite Sherman he would have a committee review the proposals for the new sidewalks and that committee would distribute the funds, which would be outside the village budget.

Medina had a similar local grant program more than a decade ago when a donor offered to help people paint their houses. That money and program was handled outside the village budget.

Board members expressed their appreciation to Sanderson during Monday’s meeting. Sherman said Sanderson and the committee want to have a simple process for residents to put in new sidewalks. They likely will have to submit an estimate to the committee before work gets started. Sherman said more information will be forthcoming on the process.

The board has tried to encourage better sidewalks in the community. In 2021, it removed a sidewalk application fee to replace the walkways. The village Department of Public Works also removes the old sidewalks so new ones can be put in.

Sherman also announced an effort for a longer-term plan – “Medina Safe Steps Initiative.” The board voted to have the Planning Board look at updating the sidewalk ordinance for ongoing maintenance. The village also will be looking at grant sources to help replace the sidewalks. Sherman said there are state funding sources for sidewalks through the Department of Transportation.

Sherman said she hears from many residents, including the mail carriers at the U.S. Postal Service, about the rough conditions of the sidewalks in the village.

She said she is grateful that there will soon be assistance from the Sanderson-led group, and the village will have a long-range plan.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The price for regular unleaded in Albion was at $3.49 on Monday night at the Kwik Fill in Albion.

Gas prices continued to jump on Monday, with the average price in Orleans County up another 7 cents from yesterday – from $3.306 on Monday to $3.376 today, according to AAA.

Gas prices went up an average of 39 cents per gallon of unleaded to $3.40 in New York State from March 2 to March 9, while the national price increased by 48 cents to $3.48.

The national price is up another 6 cents since yesterday to $3.539 today, while the state average increased by about 7 cents to $3.469.

The war in Iran is the main culprit behind the surge in prices. Refineries also are beginning the process of producing summer-blend gasoline which contains pricier additives to help reduce evaporation during warmer months, AAA said.

Here are the average prices with counties in Western New York:

• Orleans, $3.376
• Genesee, $3.473
• Niagara, $3.407
• Erie, $3.472
• Monroe, $3.475
• Livingston, $3.450
• Wyoming, $3.473
• Chautauqua, $3.436
• Cattaraugus, $3.341
• Allegany, $3.364

Photo courtesy of Medina Band Boosters: The JV winterguard from Medina competed on Saturday in Greece and came in second place.

Press Release, Medina Winterguard

GREECE – The Medina Mustang Varsity and JV guards competed on March 7th in Greece, their 6th competition this season.  A total of 19 guards participated in this competition.

Medina JV are in the cadet class and they came in 2nd place with a score of 64.62.

Medina Varsity are in the A1 class and they came in 3rd place out of 3 with a score of 71.65.

You can see these guards  in action at our home show on Sat. March 14th at the high school gym when the doors open at 3 p.m. and the show starts at 4 p.m.

The Medina Band Boosters are also hosting a Basket Raffle on Friday, March 13th at the high school gym at 6 p.m. and the drawing starts at 7:30.

Left – Provided photo: Nicole Tuohey holds one of the heart cookies like her mother used to make and sell at Case-Nic Cookies to benefit the Arc and developmental disabilities. This is the eighth year of selling “Have a Heart” cookies, during which time they have raised more than $13,000. (Right – Photo by Ginny Kropf) Hans Rosentreter stands in front of Hans Bakery, holding a plate of “Have a Heart” cookies to promote the fundraiser started by former owner of the store, Mary Lou Tuohey and her daughter Nicole. Rosentreter is continuing the tradition Mary Lou and Nicole sponsored for years in support of Arc GLOW during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The basket raffle in the store window will also support the ARC and run through March 30.

MEDINA – A fundraiser started by Mary Lou Tuohey with her daughter Nicole while owner of Case-Nic Cookies is now being continued by the store’s new owner, Hans Rosentreter at his Han’s Bakery.

Rosentreter purchased the store just over a year ago.

“I knew Mary Lou would want to continue to do her fundraiser, and I was happy to go along with it,” Rosentreter said.

Nicole was born 35 years ago with a developmental disability called Triple X Syndrome. Doctors told her parents at her three-week checkup that she may never walk, talk, read, write, do math or ride a bike.

At 3 months of age, Nicole was enrolled in the Arc’s Rainbow Preschool, which was her stepping stone to a full life, Mary Lou said. Nicole is now 35 years old and attends the Day Hab Program through Arc GLOW. She not only does everything doctors said she wouldn’t do, but more.

“The early intervention and her current involvement with Arc GLOW have helped make her the woman she is today,” Mary Lou said. “That is why Nicole will be having a cookie sale and window basket raffle again, with all the money raised going to programs that serve individuals at Arc GLOW.

Rosentreter said his family has dealt with developmental disabilities and that is why he is happy to participate in the Tuohey’s fundraiser.

He is baking the frosted heart cutout cookies, using Mary Lou’s recipe. They are being sold in his bakery for $1 each. He also has allowed use of his store window for a basket raffle to support Arc GLOW, the same as Mary Lou did when she owned the store.

A plastic bucket has been placed in the entryway full of envelopes which contain a listing of each basket. Customers may take an envelope home, include the amount of money for a sheet of tickets and then indicate next to each item how many tickets they want placed in the drawing for that item. Then they return the envelope and bring it in the store during open hours or drop it in the mail slot during closed hours.

Extra cookies may be ordered by calling the bakery at (585) 798-1676.

The cookie sale and basket raffle will continue until March 30.

Photo and information courtesy of Troop 35 in Medina

MEDINA – Scouts and friends of Troop 35 in Medina removed two dump trailer loads of wreaths that were placed in December as part of Wreaths Across America.

The group removed the wreaths from Boxwood, St Mary’s, and Sacred Heart cemeteries on Sunday in preparation for spring cleanups. Picture below if some of the volunteers that helped.

Picture left top right: Lani Dieter, Maddox Smith, Jimmy Dieter and Cole Herman.

Nathan Fuller named ‘Firefighter of the Year’

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Mike Fuller, president of East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, presented the EMS Award to Nathan Fuller at the installation banquet Saturday night. Fuller was also named “Firefighter of the Year.” (Right) Sue Green, left, and her aunt Debbie Green received certificates for 40 and 45 years of membership, respectively, in the East Shelby Ladies Auxiliary.

EAST SHELBY – The East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company held its annual installation of officers’ banquet Saturday night at the firemen’s recreation hall. Steve Cooley, chief of the Medina Fire Department, served as master of ceremonies.

This was the first banquet since 1974 in which David Green did not serve as master of ceremonies, due to health problems. Green, a 65-year member of the fire company, was also recognized for serving 41-1/2 years as steward of the fire company.

The steward’s duties include arranging for food for meetings, signing up people for use of the hall, making sure the hall is ready for events and many other little things that may come along, Green said.

“The fire company has been a big part of my whole life,” Green said.

(Left) Bronwyn Green, center, poses with Doris Antinore, left, and Gerry Zinkievich, both of whom were recognized for 55 years of membership in the East Shelby Ladies Auxiliary. (Right) Dave Green, who was served East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company as steward for 41-1/2 years, chose the Ladies’ Auxiliary as recipient of the Steward’s Award. Accepting the award are Auxiliary president Bronwyn Green and vice president Leona Weese.

Dave Green joined the fire company on his 18th birthday, making this his 65th year as a member. He said he knew from an early age he would be joining the fire company, as his father Milton was a charter member.

“It was tough sledding in the beginning,” Green said. “In the early days we had to take up a collection from members just to pay the bills. Now we’re in good shape.”

Green has been involved with all the fundraisers through the years, and wishes more young people today would take an interest in volunteering.

“Young people would enjoy becoming a member,” Green said. “Our goal is to work hard with all the other members and see the fire company succeed. Once you join, you’ve got to think it’s the best.”

Officers of the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company were inducted Saturday night by Steve Cooley, chief of the Medina Fire Department.

Mike Fuller, president of the fire company, and Bronwyn Green, president of the ladies’ auxiliary, welcomed guests and shared their memberships were healthy with 61 and 40, respectively. A moment of silence was observed for one auxiliary member who was lost last year – Judy Allen, who had more than 50 years as a member.

Senator Robert Ortt, who had to leave early for another fire department banquet, thanked the members for all they do for the community. He told them they had a terrific advocacy organization working for them in Albany.

“You take care of this community,” Ortt said. “Volunteer firefighters are the norm in New York state. They save taxpayers $4 billion with their volunteer hours.”

In stepping up to emcee the evening’s program for Green, Cooley said he had big shoes to fill.

“I won’t be half as funny as you were,” he told Green.

Fuller announced the fire company had five new members last year.

Members of the ladies auxiliary were installed by Robyn Watts, secretary of the Shelby Ladies Auxiliary.  They are Bronwyn Green, president; Leona Weese, vice president; Sawyer Green, secretary; Mindy Kenward, treasurer; Shirley Printup, Pat Vader and Elaine Newton, trustees; and Rose Allen, chaplain.

Members of the fire company installed by Cooley were Mike Fuller, president; Kirk Zinkievich, vice president; Karen Bracey, secretary; Allen Turner, treasurer; and Dennis MacDonald, Norm Behrend and Alan Lonnen, trustees.

Firematic officers were Deb Taylor, chief; Devin Taylor, 1st assistant chief; Andy Beach, 2nd assistant chief; Jeff Taylor, 3rd assistant chief, Jared Zinkievich, captain; Josh Fuller, lieutenant; Steve Wolters, fire police chief; and Sue Behrend and Mike Fuller, EMS officers.

(Left) Susan Green received the President’s Award from Bronwyn Green, leader of the Ladies Auxiliary. (Right) Karen Bracey was recipient of the President’s Award, given by Mike Fuller, president of East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.

Next on the program was presentation of awards and recognition of long-time members.

The first presentation was the President’s Award, given by Mike Fuller to Karen Bracey.

“Karen is somebody who helps me on the back end and spends numerous hours organizing tickets for our fundraisers,” Fuller said.

Mike also presented the EMS Award to Nathan Fuller, who put in a lot of time last year studying to advance his position. He became a Firefighter I and spent more than 200 hours studying for his EMS status.

Deb Taylor gave the Chief’s Award to Dylan Taylor, who she described as dependable and ready to step in when needed. He shows up consecutively when needed and serves with heart, she said.

Dave Green chose to give the Steward’s Award to the Ladies Auxiliary, which he described as the “Best ladies auxiliary in Western New York.”

They number 40 members and regularly have 20 to 30 who attend meetings.

“This award is given to the Ladies Auxiliary in appreciation for your contributions to the East Shelby Fire Company,” Green said.

Later in the program, the auxiliary presented Mike Fuller with a $15,000 check for the fire company. Fuller said that will be a big help in buying equipment.

East Shelby Fire Chief Deb Taylor, left, and president Mike Fuller accept $15,000 from the East Shelby Ladies Auxiliary president Bronwyn Green.

Outgoing  auxiliary secretary Sue Green and treasurer Sharlene Pratt were recognized for their years of service.

Bronwyn Green announced the Service Awards for years of membership, with several receiving special recognition. They were David Green, 65 years; Charlie Ralph, 55 years; Mike Zelazny, 50 years; Alan Turner and Ken McPherson, 40 years; Ron Martin Jr., 35 years; Bob Scharlau, 30 years; Amy Fuller and Laura Fields, 25 years; Matt Grimes, 20 years; Devon Taylor and Sharon Grimes, 15 years; Josh Green, 10 years; and Eli Howard, 5 years.

The East Shelby Ladies’ Auxiliary officers were installed Saturday night by Robyn Watts, secretary of the Shelby Ladies’ Auxiliary.

A special recognition was given to Zelazny with a gift of a firemen’s axe mounted on a plaque. He received proclamations from Senator Robert Ortt, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Orleans County legislator Bill Eick and FASNY trustee Michael Lipinski, who shared FASNY has one of only two retirement homes for firefighters in the country.

Zelazny joined the fire company Aug. 8, 1975, and has served as president and vice president. He also worked on the bingo team and fundraisers, as well as responding to all emergencies.

Fields and Amy Fuller received proclamations from Ort, Hawley and Eick.

The evening also included a meal catered by Donna Eick and music by DJ JT Thomas of Medina.

Photo courtesy of Alana Koneski: Mike Zelazny, left, was recognized for 50 years of service to the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. He was presented a special award by Medina Fire Chief Steve Cooley (master of ceremonies), East Shelby Fire Chief Deb Taylor and East Shelby President Mike Fuller.

Photos by Robyn Ottaviano: This morning’s fiery sunrise is shown at the Medina Canal Basin.

The up-and-down weather will continue this week. Three days ago, Orleans County had ice-coated driveways, sidewalks and branches.

Today, the forecast shows sunny with a high of 70. The highs will be then be 58 on Tuesday, 54 on Wednesday and 33 on Thursday with snow showers.

Then the highs include 40 on Friday with snow showers, 36 on Saturday and 43 on Sunday. The forecast shows 40 next Monday and then a high of 25 next Tuesday.

A cardinal shown in a lilac tree encased in ice only three days ago on Friday.

Photo by Tom Rivers: These were the prices on Sunday at the Crosby’s in Medina.

Diesel prices soar 74 cents in past week to $4.74 a gallon

Gas prices have jumped in the past week as the war and conflict in Iran and the Middle East pushed crude oil prices over $100 per barrel.

The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.48, up 48 cents from last Monday, while the average price in New York State is $3.40, up 39 cents from last Monday, AAA reported.

The average prices in WNY counties include:

• Orleans, $3.306
• Genesee, $3.286
• Monroe, $3.413
• Niagara, $3.340
• Erie, $3.420
• Wyoming, $3.392
• Livingston, $3.419
• Chautauqua, $3.349
• Cattaraugus, $3.262
• Allegany, $3.315

AAA issued this statement:

“The last time oil prices were in this range was during the Russia/Ukraine conflict in 2022. Oil prices have a direct impact on gas prices since about 60% of what consumers pay at the pump is in direct correlation to the price of crude. Oil is the main ingredient in each gallon of gas.

“Diesel prices have also escalated. The national average is $4.66, up 89 cents while the New York average is $4.75, up 74 cents in the past week.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA –  The Orleans County Music Educators’ Association on Saturday presented the March All-County Music Festival, featuring 245 students from Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina.

The top photo shows trombonists in the elementary band.

The OCMEA brought in guest conductors who worked with students on Friday and Saturday before the concert on Saturday afternoon. The music teachers in each district also prepared the students in the weeks leading up to the big concert.

Amanda Burdick leads the elementary band, which included 85 students. Burdick has been teaching band the past 20 years at Lewiston-Porter.

On Saturday the All-County band performed the “Cape Breton March,” “On the Colorado Trail,” “The Water is Wide,” and “Builder’s Dream.”

Becki Place, a vocal music teacher and choral director at Fred W. Hill Elementary School in Brockport, served as guest conductor of the Junior High Chorus.

The chorus included 89 students. They sang, “Cantar!” “Hava Nashiram,” “Seed to Sow,” and “Amazing.”

The students sang with lots of hand movements during the song, “Seed to Sow.”

The senior high band was led by guest conductor Bill Tiberio, who has worked as a music teacher for 42 years, with the first four at Auburn and the past 38 at Fairport High School.

Zach Busch, Holley’s junior-senior high band teacher, joined the senior high band with his trombone. There were 71 students in the senior high band. They performed “English Folk Song Suite,” “On the Banks,” and “Groovitude.”

Lyndonville Lions Club, American Legion sponsor students who will spend week at Morrisville

Provided photo: Thomas Blake, Will Arlinton and Calvin Cook will be going to the 2026 New York State Boys State Program. They are shown with representatives from the American Legion and the Lions Club in Lyndonville.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club recently partnered with the Lyndonville Houseman Tanner American Legion Post to sponsor three students from Lyndonville Central School to attend this year’s New York State Boys State Program.

Boys State is a long-standing program organized by the American Legion that gives high school juniors the opportunity to learn about state government and the responsibilities of civic leadership. During the week-long program at Morrisville State College, students participate in hands-on activities that teach leadership, civic responsibility, and teamwork while gaining a deeper understanding of how government operates.

The program aims to inspire the next generation of leaders while helping students develop skills that will benefit them as they prepare for their senior year and future careers.

The Lyndonville Lions Club has long supported the American Legion’s efforts to send local students to the Boys State Program by covering transportation costs for Lyndonville High School participants as well as students from surrounding schools in Orleans County.

Through the continued efforts of the American Legion and the Lyndonville Lions to encourage student participation, Lyndonville Central School has seen an increase in interest in attending Boys State. This year, three students from Lyndonville were selected to participate, marking the highest level of participation from the school.

Each year, the Lyndonville Houseman Tanner American Legion Post sponsors one student to attend the program. This year, the Lyndonville Lions Club was asked to assist with the remaining two students and unanimously voted to cover the $900 cost to support their participation.

Students attending 2026 New York State Boys State Program: Thomas Blake, Will Arlinton and Calvin Cook.

In other activities, the Lyndonville Lions Club, working with the Lyndonville Central School Leo Club, recently screened more than 140 students at the school for visual acuity concerns. Students identified with potential vision deficiencies will be referred to local ophthalmologists for further evaluation, with the initial visit covered by the Lyndonville Lions.

Research has consistently shown a strong connection between good vision and successful learning in school. This ongoing project supports the Lions Club’s mission of promoting vision health in the community.

The effort also complements the Lions Club’s upcoming Annual Free Vision Screening and Eyeglass Clinic, scheduled for Saturday, May 21, at the White Birch in Lyndonville. Doors will open at 9 a.m., and community members are invited to receive eye exams, glaucoma screenings, and vision checks for glasses.

The event will once again be supported by members of the Kenmore Lions Club, along with volunteers from several surrounding Lions Clubs.

The Lyndonville Lions Club would also like to announce its upcoming Mother’s Day Rose Sale. One dozen long stem red roses will be available for $20.

Advance orders may be placed by calling Harold Suhr at 585-281-4646. Roses can be picked up at the White Birch in Lyndonville on May 7 and 8. For additional information, please call the same number.

16 stops gave tasting of wine, beer and mead

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – These friends were out today at Albion’s annual Sip N’ Stroll. From left include Brandi Buzard, Shelby Buzard, Mary Kay Jenks, Peggy Lyman and Shanna Johnston.

In back at left is Tracy Birge, co-owner of Autumn Moon Farm in Bergen. They are all in Argento’s Bakery & Deli, one of 16 stops that served wine, beer or mead.

There were 379 people on the Sip N’ Stroll, believed to be the most in its history and topping the 357 from last year.

The Batavia Pedal Party carries a group of people down Main Street.

Dominic Wilder of Albion gets a taste of wine from Ken Kibler of Main Street Winery in Arcade. Christina Tilbe is behind Wilder at the Downtown Browsery. She said she enjoyed seeing so many people having fun in Albion.

Sam Kingsbury performs at Wish and Wonder Tattoo on East Bank Street. A grant from Go Art! paid for six musical performers during the event. Other musicians included Sebastian Erakare at Hearth & Home Real Estate, Andy & Mandy at 39 Problems, Jim Aina at Arnold’s Auto Parts, Steve Novak at The Lockstone/Tinsel, and V3 at Dubby’s Tailgate.

David Mantle from the Thousands Islands Winery serves wine at Wish and Wonder Tattoo.

“It’s really fun,” said Andrew London, Wish and Wonder owner and a first-time host for the event. “People like the vibe.”

Darian Papia of Becker Farms in Gasport serves tastes of wine to Marie Wehling, Mollie Radzinski and Crystal Hallenbeck. They are at 101 East Bank Street.

The check-in crew greets people at Dubby’s. Right to left include Marlene Seielstad, Brenda Benjovsky, Tara Neace and Kim Hazel. Seielstad was chairperson of the event.

She noted it’s the biggest fundraiser for the Albion Merchants Association.

“It brings more than 350 people to downtown Albion and through the doors of the businesses,” she said. “They have a great time and it showcases our businesses.”

The wheelbarrow full of wine bottles was a prize. The wheelbarrow was donated by Luddy’s, with the wineries also donated bottles of their wine.

Photos by Tom Rivers: The candidates for mayor in Albion – Joyce Riley and Tim McMurray – speak during Thursday’s candidate forum at Hoag Library. Riley is running under the Democratic Party and independent “Vote for Albion” lines, while McMurray has the backing of the Republican Party. The election will be from noon to 9 p.m. on March 18 at the Village Hall at 35-37 East Bank St.

ALBION – The candidates for the upcoming Village of Albion election all said they are ready to work hard for the community, but they said it takes more than a Village Board for Albion to move forward with challenges with becoming more affordable, increasing housing options, attracting businesses and improving the quality of life.

The candidates – Joyce Riley and Tim McMurray for mayor, and Jami Allport, Issac Robinson and Kevin Sheehan for trustee – urged more community participation in the village government, civic organizations, youth programs and other groups.

The election will be from noon to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, with voting at the Village Hall on 35-37 East Bank St.

Riley and McMurray have both been on the board for nearly four years as trustees. The current mayor, Angel Javier Jr., isn’t seeking re-election. Riley is backed by the Democrats and the independent “Vote for Albion” lines while McMurray has the Republican line.

Riley worked as a registered nurse and later supervised an ambulatory surgical unit in Washington, D.C., overseeing 200 employees. When she retired, she moved back to Albion in 2015. She is the oldest of 10 siblings. She praised her parents for her upbringing.

She has served on the Albion Board of Education, and boards for Hoag Library, Orleans Community Health Foundation and the Cobblestone Museum. Riley said she will put in the time to research issues and move projects forward.

“It requires more than great ideas,” she said. “It requires a commitment to the process and seeing it to completion. I have the determination to see it to the finish line.”

She acknowledged village taxes and water rates have gone up significantly in recent years. But she said the big increases should be over. She said the village didn’t have reserves for needed equipment purchases, such as two new dump trucks, and upgrades to the water treatment plant. The village has begun setting aside funds in reserves which should lessen a tax jolt in the future, Riley and McMurray both said during a candidate forum on Thursday at Hoag Library.

The village’s tax levy is up $612,407 over the past three years – 21.5 percent. The tax levy went from $2,851,056 in 2022-23 to $3,463,463 in 2025-26. The fire department also was moved out of the village budget in 2025 when Albion formed the Albion Joint Fire District, which is its own taxing entity.

The village tax rate is currently at $15.99 per $1,000 of assessed property. Riley said if she is elected mayor she would fight hard to keep the upcoming budget at a $15.99 rate.

The new terms start on April 1 and the budget needs to be adopted by April 30 for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

About 50 people attended the forum at Hoag Library with Michael Bonafede serving as moderator. The forum can be viewed on the Orleans Hub’s Facebook page. The forum was sponsored by the Orleans Hub and Lake Country Media.

McMurray has been very involved in the community as a youth football coach the past 18 years, and through other events, including the Strawberry Festival and lighted parade in December. He served in the Marine Corps. McMurray worked at the former Chase and North American Mortgage call center in Albion, as well as in construction. He most recently was with Sanzo Beverages as a merchandizer stocking beer.

He has attended numerous local events and conferences in Albany to reach out to other local and state officials to build support for the village.

His campaign is focused on better “communication” from the board to the community. He wants to start livestreaming the board meetings so people can see the board’s decision-making and know what issues are before the village government.

He also wants to canvas local business owners about their needs.

“Communication is key,” he said. “It’s paramount.”

He wants to be mayor to help Albion become more vibrant in its business and residential districts. He noted the recent closing of the Thrive freeze dry complex on East Avenue. He said he would work with the Orleans Economic Development Agency to find a new business for that site on East Avenue.

“I feel our village has been stagnant for the last umpteen ears,” he said. “Turning the village around is my biggest point.”

He wants Albion to update its comprehensive plan with lots of community input. That plan can be a guide to the future, including updates to the business district, perhaps allowing awnings and more modern colors with paint.

The trustee candidates include, from left: Jami Allport, Issac Robinson and Kevin Sheehan. Allport and Sheehan are on the Republican line while Robinson is on the independent “Vote for Albion” line.

Many residents are quick to complain on Facebook, but they can be ambassadors, spreading positivity about Albion, Issac Robinson said.

He moved to Albion about 15 years ago with his wife to be near her family. Robinson is a former Army medic who used to own the Robinson’s Redemption business in Albion near Walmart. He owns a bottle redemption business in Lockport and works in the arcade industry.

He is running under the independent “Vote for Albion” to give people a choice in the election. Two trustee terms are up for election. Jami Allport and Kevin Sheehan both are backed by the Republican Party.

Robinson sees many strengths in Albion, but he said the frequent complaining by residents is self-defeating. He called on residents to post positive reviews of businesses and spread positivity. Albion needs to share its “pride” in the community, he said.

Taxes are high for village residents, and he said he wants to maintain services without overwhelming taxpayers.

He thinks there would be more participation from residents at meetings by moving the starting time back from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Kevin Sheehan has been active in the community for about 30 years, from youth sports, as a previous Village Board member, as a current fire commissioner and other roles with COVA Ambulance and the Orleans County Auxiliary Police. Sheehan said the community needs the younger adult generation to be step forward with helping to run and lead the community.

“We’re losing future generations,” he said. “The residents are losing touch with the village.”

Sheehan, a former Albion code enforcement officer, said village officials can be creative in helping businesses succeed in Albion. He was the code officer when Dubby’s Tailgate opened its food and entertainment business in a former warehouse on Platt Street. He sees potential in many sites around the community for businesses and housing.

Sheehan is retired as a union plumber and pipefitter. He said he has the time and expertise to help with many of the issues facing the Village Board.

As the community is aging, Sheehan said there should be more housing options for seniors, including “cluster homes.” He was on the board with the redevelopment of the former grammar school on East Academy Street into senior apartments.

Jami Allport said many residents feel left out of the decision-making by the board. She said she would bring their voice to the board’s discussions. She works as executive director of the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern and also as Albion’s cheerleading coach at the school.

“People should always feel comfortable approaching their elected officials,” she said.

Many local families feel the financial stress from escalating taxes and other costs, Allport said.

The village needs to avoid any future sharp increases in taxes and rates because it can be very hard on many residents, she said.

She would like to see the village poll existing businesses on how they are doing, what are their concerns and what they see as the strengths in Albion. The village should also reach out to businesses that have closed or moved to other communities, she said.

The candidates from left include Joyce Riley, Tim McMurray, Jami Allport, Issac Robinson and Kevin Sheehan. D.J. Button in back worked the sound board during the forum.

The candidates were asked if they see opportunities for shared services with other governments.

Robinson only sees animal control as a realistic possibility. The village has a part-time animal control officer, and that service could be taken over by the county, Robinson said. Ending other village departments “would be a huge loss to the community,” he said.

Riley said she was instrumental in a shared service agreement between the town of Albion and the village for code enforcement that saved both municipalities money. She has been working with Gaines officials on a grant proposal for shared water billing.

McMurray said municipalities could join together in buying equipment for leak detection in waterlines and sewerlines.

The collapse of a roof at 20 East Bank St. last month forced about 15 residents out of their apartments and temporarily closed some first floor storefronts. Candidates were asked about code enforcement and what can be done to prevent other buildings from a roof collapse or disrepair.

Riley said the code enforcement officer can issue violations and send letters, and often will need support from the village attorney if the issue goes to court. She would like to see Albion implement a vacant building registry, where owners of vacant buildings pay the village an annual fee and need to provide a plan for the site. Medina has a similar law that has helped reduce the number of vacant sites.

“It works in other places,” Riley said. “The question is does the village want it to work here?”

McMurray said a simplified code would help property owners, who now see many redundancies in the village property maintenance rules. He urged community members to alert code enforcement to roofs and porches that are shot.

Allport also said neighbors can make complaints to have code enforcement check on properties.

Robinson said it comes down to enforcing the code.

Sheehan, a previous code officer, said the code officer would need to be invited by the owner to inspect a roof or upper level apartment, or would need a warrant to check inside.

Michael Bonafede, the debate moderator and a former Board of Education president, thanked all the candidates for their willingness to be on the board.

“It’s about putting people together who can work together as a team and get things done,” he said.