Photo by Tom Rivers: These kids enjoy the splash pad at Bullard Park last year on June 4 when temperatures were in the 80s. The Village of Albion runs a six-week summer recreation program.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has approved $86,658 towards youth programs and services in the county.

The Youth Bureau Resource Allocation Plan was developed by the Orleans County Youth Bureau and Department of Social Services. The joint plan makes the county eligible for state aid from the State Office of Children and Family Services.

The money is awarded to municipalities and community-based agencies. The county received funding requests for about $260,000, said Kelly Kiebala, the Youth Bureau administrator. There is a small amount of additional money that is expected to be awarded for youth programs in addition to the $86,658, Kiebala said.

The allocations are for three different programs: Municipal Youth Development Program, $44,768; Municipal Youth Sports & Education Opportunity Funding, $23,252; and Municipal Youth Team Sports, $18,638.

Here is a breakdown of the funding:

Municipal Youth Development Program:

• Arc GLOW Camp Rainbow – $4,152.80
• GLOW Works, Inc. (GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare) – $500
• GLOW Works, Inc. (GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing) – $500
• Hoag Library Summer Reading – $500
• Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension – $1,500
• Orleans County Probation Juvenile Adjustment Services – $16,000
• PTA New York Congress – Albion Elementary PTA – $900
• Town of Kendall Recreation – $2,000
• Village of Albion Recreation – $2,000
• Village of Holley Recreation – $2,000
• Village of Medina Recreation – $1,500
• Orleans County Youth Bureau Annual Awards – $2,000
• Orleans County Youth Bureau Family Game Night – $2,000
• Orleans County Youth Bureau – $6,715.20

Municipal Youth Sports & Education Opportunity:

• Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension – $1,500
• Village of Albion Recreation – $17,264.20
• Village of Holley Recreation – $1,000
• Orleans County Youth Bureau – $3,487.80

Municipal Youth Teams Sports:

• Albion High School Alumni Foundation for the Albion Soccer Club – $3,500
• Albion Youth Football and Cheerleading – $3,500
• Purple Eagles Wrestling Academy – $8,842
• Orleans County Youth Bureau – $2,795

Photo by Tom Rivers: Mike Sidari, shown during a meeting in October 2023 when he was Medina’s mayor, has retired as a callman firefighter for Medina Fire Department.

MEDINA – Mike Sidari, Medina’s mayor for eight years until 2024, has retired from another role with the village.

Sidari for 40 years was a callman firefighter, responding to emergency calls on a part-time basis.

The Medina Village Board accepted his resignation last week and approved allowing him to keep his helmet shield and uniform badges. Sidari’s helmet shield includes his number as callman firefighter 213.

“I have witnessed many changes not only in the department, but in the fire service, from equipment and training to technology,” Sidari wrote in a letter to Fire Chief Steve Cooley. “Throughout my time there has been one constant, that is the dedication of the officers and firefighters of the Medina Fire Department. I am proud to have served our community.”

Chief Cooley praised Sidari for his service to the department and the community.

“I will always be an advocate of the good department and the residents of the village,” Sidari wrote in his letter. “I wish you and my fellow firefighters nothing but the best in the future.”

Press Release, Hoag Library

ALBION – Hoag Library is expanding what it means to be a library this spring — offering not just books, but vital health screenings, legal and social service outreach, tax assistance, and live music, all under one roof.

The UR Medicine Mobile Mammography Van will be onsite at Hoag Library on March 27, providing convenient breast cancer screenings. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 1-844-870-0002.

Several community organizations, including Oak Orchard Health Clinic, YWCA, Neighborhood Legal Services, HCR Home Care, Alzheimer’s Association of WNY, Homeless Alliance of WNY, and Cancer Services Program, will be present at the library throughout the month of March offering medical, legal, and social outreach services.

For those preparing their tax returns, IRS-trained tax volunteers will be available at Hoag Library on select Mondays in March and April. Appointments are required for tax preparation services.

The free Hoag Library Music Series was set to return on March 28 with a performance by the Medusa Quartet; unfortunately, they are unable to perform that day, but we are working to schedule another performance and will share updates soon.

In April, Hoag Library will host the EDDY Mobile CT Unit in partnership with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, offering lung cancer screenings. Registration is required by calling 1-800-ROSWELL.

“Many people are surprised to learn just how much Hoag Library offers beyond traditional library services,” said Library Director Betty Sue Miller. “We are proud to serve as a hub for health services, legal assistance, tax help, and cultural enrichment — all free and open to the public.”

Conveniently located in the center of Albion, Hoag Library continues to redefine what a modern library can be: a place where community members can read, learn, connect — and access essential services that improve quality of life.

For more information about upcoming programs and services, visit Hoag Library or call 585-589-4246.

Photos by Tom Rivers (Left) Carol Callina of Medina was one of about 40 veterans who took advantage of a free day of bowling Saturday at Medina Lanes. (Right) Nick Mroz, director of the Orleans County Veterans’ Services Agency, chats with his wife, Tricia, left, and Sara Hults, a volunteer in suicide prevention from the Batavia VA, as they wait to check in veterans for the day of bowling Saturday, sponsored by the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer Program.

MEDINA – The Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer-sponsored afternoon of bowling was a resounding success, according to Nick Mroz, director of the Orleans County Veterans’ Services Agency.

At least 40 veterans and their families enjoyed an afternoon of bowling with pizza, wings and pop. complements of the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer Program.

Adam Rush of Waterport, a Navy veteran, came with his wife Ashley and children Evelyn, Henry and Charlotte.

“It’s great to get together with other veterans,” Adam said.

Navy veteran Adam Rush of Waterport checks in at Medina Lanes with his wife Ashley and children Evelyn, Henry and Charlotte.

Carol Callina, also a Navy veteran, brought her sister Christine Mason. Mason’s son is a 17-year veteran of the Navy, where he is an air traffic controller.

“This is great,” Mason said.

At another table, Jack Miles and his wife Nancy of Albion chatted with Mike Donahue of Albion, a Navy veteran who did two tours to Vietnam. Both men are members of the Veterans’ Services Council and Honor Guard. Neither man bowls but they wanted to be there at the bowling alley.

“We’re just here for the camaraderie,” they said.

A veteran waits with his ball, while Danille Colasurdo speaks to her service dog Brady, partly visible at right. A Navy veteran, Colasurdo suffers from PTSD.

It was a very significant day for Daniele Colasurdo, a Navy veteran who was happy to be out.

“I have PTSD and this is the first time I’ve been in a bowling alley in four years,” she said.

She was accompanied by her service dog Brady, who helps her deal with her stress.

Nick Mroz said the turnout was double the number who came last year. Other events sponsored by the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer Program were free turkeys at Thanksgiving and a banquet with prize giveaways at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville. The next event will be giving away 100 free hams for Easter.

Jack Miles and his wife Nancy, left, and Mike Donahue are greeted by Bill Moroz, a volunteer driver for the Veterans’ Van Service.

Photos and information courtesy of Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s Office

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) today visited Elba Elementary School and Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School in Albion for Read Across America Day.

This event has been a longstanding tradition for Hawley and his office, and he is proud to be able to host it for another year.

Hawley read “Maybe You Should Fly a Jet! Maybe You Should Be a Vet!” by Dr. Seuss to third graders at Elba Elementary School and second graders at Ronald L Sodoma Elementary School before donating the books to the schools.

“Read Across America Day highlights the important role books have in our classrooms,” said Hawley. “Through reading, our students are able to expand their minds and create a passion for learning. I want to thank all of the schools, teachers and staff members for making this event possible and for putting their time, talent and energy into educating the next generation.”

“I would also personally like to thank Mrs. Anmarie Maher, Mrs. Amy Damasiewicz, Mrs. Holly McNair, Mrs. Beth Stanley and Mr. David Plewinski for allowing me to read to their classes,” Hawley concluded.

MEDINA – Robyn Ottaviano took this photo of a striking sun pillar this morning in Medina when it was it was frigid with temperatures struggling to get in the teens.

Sun pillars are a vertical, glowing column of light that extend above or below the sun. A sun pillar is an optical phenomenon caused when sunlight reflects off hexagonal ice crystals. It needs to be cold with the sun low on the horizon, either a sunrise or sunset.

The temps will warm up beginning on Tuesday with a high of 36, followed by highs of 44 on Wednesday and Thursday, 48 on Friday and 64 on Saturday.

Medina PD and Y staff will compete in dodgeball on March 19

To participate in Pie Day at the Orleans YMCA, pre-register by scanning the QR code.

MEDINA – Andrew Houseman, senior program director at the Orleans County YMCA, has announced a new schedule of special activities for families.

On March 14 two events are planned – a medieval show and demonstration from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and a Pie Day from 1 to 3 p.m. for families.

The first event will feature heavy fighting, archery demonstrations and more. There is a $5 spectator fee that will go towards the Y’s Strong Communities Campaign, which supports its Scholarship Assistance Program, according to Houseman.

The next event, scheduled in the kitchen of the YMCS, will be an interactive family pie making activity, which will cost $5 for a member family of four or $15 for a non-member family.

Pre-registration is required by March 12 by scanning the QR code.

On March 19 the Y will host a hometown faceoff between the Medina Police Department and Orleans County YMCA. Teams will be competing in a dodgeball game starting at 6 p.m. Spectator fee is $5 and will support the Strong Communities Campaign.

Action will begin on March 26 and continue through April 16 with a Ball Hockey Skills Camp, led by a local Batavia Ramparts coach. The event, over four Thursdays will take place from, 5 to 6:30 p.m. It is open to all levels from 6 to 12 years. For those who don’t own gear, equipment will be provided. Participants should just bring a water bottle and sneakers. Cost is $25 for members and $32 for non-members.

“This is an opportunity to improve your skills or gain a new interest with a local vetted hockey coach,” Houseman said.

On April 2, the Y is hosting an April showers crafts and activities event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for ages 5 to 12. Pre-registration is required, but participation is free to members or $5 for non-members.

For more information or to register, call (585) 798-2040.

Clarendon responded to 565 calls, Murray 866

Photos by Tom Rivers: Clarendon Fire Chief Bob Freida and Rose Porter light a candle in memory of her husband, Mark Porter, who passed away at age 54 on April 15, 2025. Porter was a commissioner on the Murray Joint Fire District and was very involved in the previous three decades with the Holley Fire Department and Monroe Ambulance.

BATAVIA – The Clarendon Fire Company and Murray Joint Fire District held a combined annual installation dinner on Saturday at Batavia Downs. Both fire service organizations reported record high call volume in 2025 with Clarendon going to 565 calls and Murray responded to 866.

“Behind every one of those numbers is a person who needed help – and members who answered,” said Bob Freida, the Clarendon fire chief.

Clarendon responded to 248 EMS calls, 127 fire calls, 50 motor vehicle accidents including one with seven patients with five of those in critical condition. Clarendon firefighters also went on 140 service calls with trees and wires down, pump details and lift assists.

Earl Jenks, left, a member of the Clarendon Fire Company Board of Directors and Fire Chief Bob Freida address a crowd of 144 people on Saturday at Batavia Downs.

Clarendon presented the following awards:

• Chief’s Award – Karl Biedlingmaier “for his outstanding commitment to our organization and his leadership with training.”
• President’s Award – Cory Fultz for his drive to not only better himself with training but to help make the Clarendon Fire Company stronger.
• Board of Directors Award – Renee Biedlingmaier for her commitment to the organization.

Years of service awards were presented to the following: Matt Campbell for 30 years; Troy Kingdollar and William Gergly Sr. for 25 years; James DeYoung and Jon R. DeYoung for 20 years.

This is the 70th anniversary of the Clarendon Fire Company. Freida noted how the community formed the fire company in 1956 when “a handful of local farmers and friends who believed their community deserved protection. They pitched together to purchase a used fire truck, not because it was easy but because it was necessary.”

The fire company now has a fire hall with state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained members, Freida said.

Larry Vaughn, retired Brockport fire chief and lieutenant with the Ridge Road Fire Department, served as master of ceremonies. He said the volunteer departments all need more active members. He urged the members to personally invite people to join their organizations.

The Clarendon Fire Company currently has 26 active members. Freida said more members are welcome. Some of the members in January started meeting at the fire hall at 9 a.m. on Sundays for breakfast. Freida said it facilitates the family environment and fellowship at the fire company.

Clarendon firefighters logged 1,421 training hours in 2025, with 530 hours in meetings and 5,504 hours dedicated to calls and work details.

“That’s thousands of hours given freely, away from families, jobs and personal time, all in service to this community,” Freida said.

He highlighted the following:

• Cory Fultz completed both the BIFO (basic interior firefighting operations) and IFO (interior firefighter operations) classes and is working on his EMT.
• Renee Biedlingmaier earned her EMT certification.
• Kyle White completed the BIFO class and is working to complete the IFO.
• Mark McGuire and Jamie Steffen were welcomed back as members.

Clarendon Fire Company Line Officers for 2026 include:

• Fire Chief: Robert Freida
• Deputy Chief: Karl Biedlingmaier
• Assistant Chief: Don Moiser
• Captain: Jim DeYoung
• Lieutenant: Earl Jenks, Bill Gergly, Pat Wallace
• Safety Officer: Dan Campbell and Bob Margis
• Fire Police Captain: Craig Hadden
• EMS Lieutenant: Renee Biedlingmaier and Lorene Biedlingmaier

Freida said Clarendon is grateful for the positive working relationship with the Murray Joint Fire District.

“The teamwork and camaraderie between our two organizations is outstanding,” Freida said. “Whether it’s on scene at a call or working together throughout the year, your partnership makes us stronger and better.”

Murray Fire Chief Rick Cary addresses the crowd for the installation banquet, which Clarendon and Murray held at Batavia Downs for the first time, to try to something different for the annual event.

Murray’s 866 calls in 2025 were up from 124 in 2024, and already are at 142 the first two months of this year.

Murray responded to four working fires, several accidents with people trapped, a fatal drowning in the canal with large law enforcement presence from two counties, 125 mutual aid calls, and many storm-related services calls “from the never-ending falling ash tree saga around the county,” Cary said.

Murray firefighters also lead fire prevention at Holley schools and attend many community events, such at the June Fest, the Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat for Halloween.

Murray’s Line Officers for 2026 include:

• Fire Chief: Rick Cary
• Deputy Chief: Pete Hendrickson
• Assistant Chief: Kevin Dann
• Captains: Chris Chilson and Allan Smith
• Lieutenants: Chris Middleton Justin McMillon and Matt Edick
• Fire Police Captain: John Morriss
• Fire Police Lt: Jerry Wagner

Bob Beisang, third from left, receives an award for his efforts with inventory control. He receives congratulations, from left: Chief Cary, Deputy Chief Pete Hendrickson and Assistant Chief Kevin Dann.

Chief Cary announced the following awards:

• Dave Smith for working on all the small-powered equipment, keeping everything running and the blades sharpened.

• Bob Beisang for spending many hours on reports and inventory control. “When I need a task to be completed, he usually steps up and asks how he can help,” Cary said.

• Allan Smith as top responding line officer. “This individual is always just a phone call away,” Cary said. “He manages our training program and oversees fleet maintenance. Although he has only been a member for a couple of years, he has jumped in with both feet and has truly excelled.”

Cary also commended “rock stars” for their efforts with many of the emergency calls in the community. He praised the Holley Police Department, Holley DPW, Murray Highway Department, Orleans County dispatchers and road patrol deputies, and others for their assistance.

Dr. Dan Schiavone and Jenna Amering receives the “Distinguished Service Award.” The duo responds to the night-time calls. Schiavone runs a dental practice in the Public Square and Amering is the practice’s adminsitrator.

Cary said Schiavone and Amering both have been “standout” members. They respond to about 500 calls a year.

Schiavone manages health and safety initiatives, ensuring medical needs are met and follows up with members to keep them on track, Cary said.

Amering is a district commissioner. She also completed the 151-hour training courses for basic exterior firefighter and interior firefighter. She is working on becoming a certified EMT. Schiavone already is an EMT and interior firefighter. The couple said they want to give back to the community that gives back to them at the dental office.

They also said they enjoy the friendships with the Murray Joint Fire District.

Fran Gaylord, right, received a “I can’t pay you but I can feed you” plaque for his many years of offering hospitality at the fire hall in Holley. He is shown with Holley Police Chief Bob Barton and Shannon McMillion, who is a board member for the Holley Fire Company. McMillion said Gaylord makes chili and other food for firefighters.

“He’s such a role model,” McMillion said. “He’s a person who makes our fire department feel like family.”

Photo from the Webster family scrapbook – This photograph of Jennie Webster at her millinery store in Holley is filled with fascinating details – the ladies’ clothing, the furnishings, the hats and hat paraphernalia.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminated Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 6

HOLLEY – At one time, hats were an essential component of women’s clothing. A lady would simply not appear in public hatless. Hats were indicative of social status and financial means. Styles ranged from everyday bonnets and berets to large, elaborate confections with flowers and feathers.

While clothing was often homemade, hats were a specialty item and were custom made by milliners. The term “milliner” to denote a person who makes hats, comes from Milan, Italy, noted for its hatmakers in the 16th century. By the nineteenth century, milliners were primarily female. Being a milliner was regarded as a respectable profession which could be sufficiently lucrative to provide an income and financial independence.

Jennie Webster was a milliner in Holley for over fifty years. Born on April 20, 1876, she was a daughter of Martin and Marietta Perry Webster. Her father was a farmer on Hurd Road.

She is listed as a milliner in the 1900 Census. She accepted a position in a millinery store in Canton, Ohio in 1909, presumably to hone her business skills. In Feb. 1912, she purchased Miss Jennie Cole’s millinery business in downtown.

Holley and leased Cole’s parlor on the second floor of the Newton block. She travelled to Buffalo, Cleveland and Detroit in August of that year to attend the fall shows of the millinery houses and purchase goods for her store.

Suitably be-hatted, Jennie loved to travel.

Jennie moved into her new millinery parlor in Sept. 1912. Competition was stiff.

Lena A. Church operated a millinery on White Street, while Ethel A. Wilson was on Geddes Street. At that time, hats were large and elaborate. Trimmings could include ribbons, lace, feathers and flowers. Each hat was unique and tailored to the customers’ wishes. Long hat pins were used to secure them to the ladies’ hair.

Jennie regularly attended millinery shows and fashion promenades in Buffalo and Rochester and was keenly attuned to changing trends. Smaller hats and more subdued designs were preferred in the 1920’s. The 1926 Orleans County Directory indicates that Jennie was the only milliner in Holley. By that time, she had moved her parlor to a building adjoining the family home on Geddes Street. It is interesting to note that the county was still well supplied with hatmakers.

Orleans County Directory, 1926

Hats adorned with veils, feathers and artificial flowers made a comeback after World War II. As the clothing industry became more industrialized, women were less inclined to purchase custom-made hats.

Jennie adapted to these changes by joining her brother’s tailoring business on Main Street where she expanded to selling ladies apparel as well as millinery. Having weathered seismic shifts in her chosen field, she retired in 1955, when the store was closed. It was purchased by Nixon’s Clothing.

Jennie was unmarried and apparently supported herself. She enjoyed a busy, independent life. Her activities and social engagements were frequently mentioned in the Holley Standard newspaper. She died on Monday, Jan 2, 1967, at the age of 91. The Webster family is buried in Hillside Cemetery, Holley.

Photos and information courtesy of Medina Mustang Band Boosters: The Medina varsity winter guard team is shown in action on Saturday during a competition in Lancaster.

LANCASTER – Both of Medina’s varsity and junior varsity guards performed in competition on Saturday in Lancaster.

This was Medina’s fifth competition and there were 22 guards performing from around state Pennsylvania and Canada.

In the Cadet class there were five guards and Medina earned 3rd place with a score of 62.19.  In the A1 class there were four guards and Medina’s varsity earned 4th place with 66.78.

In the Regional A class there were six guards and Greece RA earned 1st place with a score of 76.74.  In Scholastic A Greece earned 1st place with 79.44; Independent A  had 2 competitors and Ventures scored 76.05; Senior class had two competitors and Luminosa earned 1st place with 78.20.

Medina’s next competitions are March 7th in Greece,  March 14th in Medina and on March 28th the Championships at Gates Chili.

It’s amazing to watch these students perform not just the choreography but their ability  to maneuver  various pieces  of equipment like flags, sabres and other props while keeping time with the music.

You can see these guards in action by coming to the Medina home show on March 14th.

The JV winter guard earned a third place finish at Lancaster.

Kimberly Stawicki took this photo this morning of a frigid Canal basin in Medina.

Warmer weather is just around the corner, including a high in the 60s on Saturday.

Today was chilly with temps in the teens and 20s. It will drop to 9 overnight.

The highs for Orleans County in the forecast show 29 for Monday, 40 on Tuesday, 43 on Wednesday, 45 on Thursday, 56 on Friday and 61 on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

Marsha Rivers captured this scene at Hamlin Beach State Park on Friday.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Marcia Toussaint looks on as Brian Napoli, Ridgeway supervisor, presents a citation to her husband Jeff in celebration of his retirement from the board after 30 years of service. Toussaint was Napoli’s choice as deputy town supervisor for many of those years on the board.

MEDINA – Town of Ridgeway councilman Jeff Toussaint was honored at a luncheon Friday to celebrate his retirement after serving 30 years on the Ridgeway Town Board.

“I very much enjoyed my years on the board,” Toussaint said. “Whenever we looked at tough subjects, everybody always came together.”

Toussaint, who grew up on the family farm on Culvert Road, which he now runs, said public service ran in his family.

“My mom and grandpa both served years on the Medina School Board,” he said. “I was in my 20s when I was asked by the Republican Committee to run, but I was getting married and working on the farm, so I wasn’t interested. Then when Russ Rau stepped down, I was in my mid 30s and I interviewed with the other candidates and was approved and got elected. I never wanted to be a politician. I was never political in anything I did.”

He said one of the most satisfying things he helped accomplish during his years of service was getting municipal water for most of the town.

“At the time, some of the people weren’t in favor of it, but in hindsight, it was the right thing to do,” Toussaint said. “There are still a few spots which still don’t have water, but the town is working on it.”

Retiring Ridgeway Town Board member Jeff Toussaint, second from left, poses with his wife Marcia, daughter Andrea, son Matt and his wife Molly with baby Sloane.

Talk of dissolution of the Village of Medina was also a difficult time, as people had strong opinions both ways, he said.

Toussaint and his wife Marcia have three children: Matt, who works on the farm; daughter Andrea, a teacher; and son Aaron, who works in archeology.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better deputy than Jeff,” said Ridgeway supervisor Brian Napoli. “He’s been a big help during the 20 years I’ve served with him. We’ve had disagreements, but we always came to a compromise.”

“I never expected to be here 30 years,” Toussaint said. “It’s pretty amazing and I’m so appreciative the people kept voting me back in. I only worked under two supervisors during that time – J.T. Gidley and Brian.”

When asked why he decided to retire, he replied, “It was time.” As to what he’ll do now, he said he will occasionally come to a meeting to keep the others on their toes.

“And in a year or so, who knows what I’ll do,” he said.

The retirement luncheon was organized by Mary Woodruff, deputy supervisor; and board member Cliff Barber. Other board members are Jesse Cudzillo, the newest board member just voted in; and Duane Payne. John Olinger is the highway superintendent and Hannah Hill is the town clerk.

Woodruff’s granddaughter Amanda made and donated the cake for the retirement party, which included lunch catered by Avanti’s.

Mary Woodruff and Cliff Barber, standing, welcome family, friends and co-workers to a retirement party for Jeff Toussaint, who just completed 30 years as a member of the Ridgeway Town Board. Among the guests were, from left, Patty and Gus Blackburn, Duane Payne, Dan Wolfe, Mark Goheen and assessor Julie Cecchini (with her back turned).

Press Release, Albion Central School

ALBION – Albion Central School District’s Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) applications and kindergarten registration packets are now available for the 2026-27 school year.

The district plans to once again offer a morning and afternoon UPK program at the Albion Elementary School. Applications can be picked up from the District Office or the Elementary Main Office. They can also be printed from the ACSD website. Applications must be returned by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 1, to the registrar at the District Office.

The Albion UPK program is a New York State grant-funded education program, so there is no cost to enroll. To be eligible for the Albion UPK program, children must be four years old on or before Dec. 1, 2026 and must reside in the Albion Central School District.

There are 72 half-day UPK seats available for the 2026-27 school year with 36 students to be placed in the morning session and 36 in the afternoon session. Please note, if the District receives more applications than seats available by the deadline of May 1, there will be a lottery drawing.

If there are 72 or less applications, all students will be placed in the program. Families will be notified of either placement or the lottery process within the first week of May. For subsequent applications received, students will be placed based on availability within the program. A waitlist will be developed if the program becomes full after May 1.

Registration for kindergarten is also open. If your child is already enrolled in Albion’s UPK program, they are automatically registered for kindergarten and parents don’t need to complete any other paperwork.

A letter will be sent from the elementary school inviting parents/guardians and the student to the kindergarten screening process, which will be held in late June. If you are new to the district, or have a child who was not enrolled in Albion UPK and did not receive a registration packet in the mail, you may pick one up from the District Office or the Elementary Main Office.

Packets should be returned to the registrar at the District Office by 4 p.m. on March 30. A letter regarding kindergarten screening will then be mailed after all paperwork is received.

More information including printable UPK applications and kindergarten registration packets are available on the Albion CSD website, https://www.albionk12.org/page/registration. Please contact the registrar’s office with any questions at 585-589-2051.