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Albion holding meetings on Thursday for vacant rental property, $4.5 million NY Forward programs
Photo by Tom Rivers: Downtown Albion is shown in this file photo from March 6.
ALBION – Village officials will be holding public meetings on Thursday at Hoag Library to go over two programs that could bring in state resources to the community.
One program focuses on vacant rental property and the other is an economic and community development initiative.
The first meeting at 5 p.m. focuses on a vacant property rental program. Landlords and property owners with vacant rental units are encouraged to attend the informational session.
It will detail the Vacant Property Rental Rehabilitation Program through the state. Village officials and G&G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing will lead the session at the library.
This state-funded program provides financial assistance to property owners to rehabilitate vacant rental units and return them to active use, helping to increase the supply of quality rental housing and support revitalization efforts in Albion, according to a press release from the village.
Attendees at the meeting will learn about program eligibility requirements, available funding, the application process, and how disbursements are handled.
“This initiative presents an excellent opportunity for property owners to invest in their buildings while contributing to Albion’s housing stability and future growth,” G&G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing stated in the press release. “We’re excited to help local property owners understand how to take full advantage of the program.”
For questions or additional information, contact G&G at scott@ggprocess.com or (315) 921-4008.
Albion will then have a second public information meeting at 6 p.m. with this one about a potential application for Round 5 of the NY Forward program, which could offer up to$4.5 million to boost economic development, tourism, housing and other projects. Medina was awarded this grant in 2023.
“The Village is exploring a NY Forward Round 5 application to build momentum, attract investment, and enhance our downtown and community assets including the Erie Canal, Bullard Park, the Heritage Trail and more,” according to an announcement from the Village of Albion.
Hochul, in victory speech, chose to berate Trump rather than offer unifying vision
Editor:
This letter was sent to Governor Hochul in response to her victory speech after winning the election. Here’s the link to the portion of the victory speech referenced in my letter (and no this is not AI. This is what she said: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CS30n9H1eM).
Sadly, the letters to the editor on the Hub have also echoed these anti-Trump sentiments, without offering a solid plan, or foundation for the future of New York State. Mr. Kirby, Mr. Cropsey, and Mr. Ballard are very vocal in their opinions, but perhaps they have not reviewed the statistics for Orleans County, which indicate over a 70% vote for Mr. Blakeman.
The state has missed an opportunity, which happens all too often. Here’s my letter to Governor Hochul, and thank you for the opportunity to share my opinion.
Charles R. Kinsey
Holley
Dear Governor Hochul:
Let me begin by saying I did not vote for you or any other democrat candidate on this year’s mid-term ballot. My wife and I have lived in New York all of our lives; she is 73 and my age is 74. We were hopefully expectant the Republican Party would not let us down again this election.
The old guard Republicans, especially Mr. Cox, have lost sight of their conservative roots, and are practically indistinguishable from old guard Democrats. 60% of the registered voters actually went to the polls again this year, and this is such a poor turnout for such a major decision, it is absolutely disgusting. Here are my sources: https://www.politico.com/2022-election/results/new-york/statewide-offices/ and https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-stats/ny. Your election carried by a 5% margin. That is hardly a mandate.
In your victory speech you had an opportunity to paint a road ahead for all New Yorkers; instead you chose to berate a sitting President of the United States of America. There was an opportunity to extend a hand of fellowship ‘across the aisle’ with the hopes of perhaps bringing about a warmer relationship with our Federal government; instead your speech enumerated the same old party lines accompanied by cheers from your supporters.
Perhaps you should consider terminating your speech writers who obviously have Trump Derangement Syndrome. Their writing did nothing to persuade conservative New Yorkers there is a road ahead. Appealing to your lackeys about limiting ICE in New York did not address the real issue: the criminal element of illegal aliens.
While on this topic: please direct AG James to not prosecute President Trump again in New York, which was a waste of taxpayer monies. There are other issues to pursue such as fraud in every system of governance and Medicaid, or maybe AG James could be more involved with ICE in removing the illegal alien criminal element? This would protect those ‘innocent’ illegals who are contributing members of society. Would it be possible for AG James to work with ICE on paths to citizenship for these people? Oh wait, that does not fit the TDS narrative.
Finally: Western New York has been in an economic downturn for over 50 years. Taxes, unreasonable business regulations, and favoring financial, banking, and stock market trades have done nothing for those of us who live in the rest of New York, outside the Albany to New York City Hudson River Valley corridor. We are part and parcel of the rust belt of our nation, and it is no wonder people are leaving New York for other states. In your victory speech, you had an opportunity to give ALL New Yorkers a hopeful picture for the future. It was wasted.
There are many of us who love New York, and have lived here all our lives. We are all New Yorkers, not just those who live in Albany – NYC. We feel like the ‘red-headed’ stepchild out here, and frankly are tired of being ignored and having TDS served to us daily. There is more to New York than hatred of a sitting president. You owe us all an apology and a different view of the future for New York.
Sincerely yours,
Charles R. Kinsey
Akron bows in Class C field hockey regional
A lightning quick goal in the first 35 seconds ignited Whitney Point (Section IV) to a 9-1 victory over Akron in the state Class C Regional field hockey game this morning at Tioga High School near Binghamton.
Whitney Point, which is the five time defending state Class C champion, led 3-0 at the end of the first period, 5-0 at the half and 7-1 at the three quarter mark. No less than five of the Eagles goals came off corner opportunities.
Akron’s goal in the third period was scored by Brooklyn Gerstung off an assist from Madigan Regan.
Whitney Point will now face Bayport-Blue Point (Section XI) in the state Class C semifinals next Saturday at Arlington High School. Bayport-Blue Point downed Carle Place (Section VIII) 2-1 in a regional on Friday.
Niagara-Orleans League champion Akron advanced to the regional by downing Iroquois 4-1 for the Section VI Class C championship.
Green has even par round at Japan Classic
It was a no gain, no lose day for Medina’s Melanie Green who shot an even par 72 Satuday (Japan time) on the third round of the Toto Japan Classic.
Green, who also shot a 72 on the opening round, had three bogeys, all on the back 9, on 10, 15 and 18. They were offset by three birdies on 2, 16 and 17.
Green remains at 5 under for the tournament heading into the final round. She had a 5 under par 67 on the second round.
Medina students serve nearly 200 meals to veterans and their families
Photos by Ginny Kropf: National Honor Society senior Gaven Dahldaus clears plates from the table of veteran George Lee Brown of Albion. He said he had spent most of the day at the VA Medical Center in Batavia, where he was driven by a volunteer with the Veterans’ Van Service in Albion. He attended the dinner with his daughter Andrea.
MEDINA – A record number of veterans and their families attended the 16th annual Veterans’ Day Dinner, sponsored by the Arista Chapter of the National Honor Society at Medina High School.
The 177 responses, which included 64 veterans and their families, was the largest since the dinners have taken place, said Honor Society Adviser Zach Harris. Harris is a Medina High School graduate and said he remembers the dinners sponsored by the Honor Society when he was a student.
“I’d like to see this event get as big as possible, even if we have to get a fire hall,” Harris said. “I am so grateful for these students who have worked so hard to give back to you.”
Camden Fike and Brennan Allen, both seniors and members of the National Honor Society at Medina High School, welcome veterans and their families at the annual veterans’ day dinner they sponsor.
The evening included dinner catered by Zambistro, a welcome by NHS president Madalyn Clute and invocation by Robyn Watts.
Guests enjoyed appetizers and cider before being served a spaghetti dinner catered by Zambistro.
At each place setting was a greeting card/message from students in kindergarten through third grade at Oak Orchard Elementary School. One card read, “Thank you for keeping us safe. You are so brave and strong.”
National Honor Society members Analeah Fidanza, Natalia Olsen and Aspyn Garley hand out greeting cards made by grades K-3 at Oak Orchard Elementary School.
Veterans enjoying dinner and camaraderie at the veterans’ dinner at Medina High School Friday night are Jack Miles, Guy Magliocco of Carlton and Barb and Dave Kusmierczak of Medina.
Zach Harris, standing at the podium, is adviser of the Honor Society at Medina High School. He welcomed veterans and their families to the 16th annual Veterans Day Dinner on Friday night.
The Medina Mustang Marching Band spans out across the auditorium at Medina High School, where they performed Friday night for the Veterans’ Day Dinner sponsored by the school’s Honor Society.
Veterans and their guests were then invited to walk to the auditorium, where the Mustang Marching Band performed their award-winning show under the leadership of drum major Sophia Lopez. The band this year is directed by Kyla Leno-Denise.
Also, throughout the evening local photographer Alexandra Peracciny roamed through the crowd, taking pictures. Anyone whose picture was taken may contact her to have a picture e-mailed to them.
The Mustang Band and Color Guard entertain the audience after the Veterans’ Day Dinner at Medina High School.
Wilson blanks Kendall in soccer regional
An early goal sparked Wilson to a 2-0 win over Kendall in the state Class C Far West Regional girls soccer playoff game this evening at Williamsville East.
Zoey Beck netted the key early goal for the Lakewomen off a corner opportunity. Lucy Madan later added a big insurance goal.
Wilson will now take a 19-0 record into the state semifinals while Kendall finishes the season at 19-2.
Barker/Roy-Hart wins Class C semifinal
Jumping out to a 16-0 half-time lead, Barker/Roy-Hart went on to defeat Clymer/Sherman/Panama (CSP) 24-20 this evening in the semifinal round of the Section VI Class C football playoffs at Barker.
Carter DerSarkissian scored two touchdowns on runs of 24 and 22 yards and Billy Jaques added a pair of extra point kicks in the first half for the Bulls which also picked up two points on a safety as CSP fumbled the ball out of the endzone.
DerSarkissian, who rushed for a total of 245 yards, later scored what proved to be the game winning touchdown in the third quarter on a 14 yard run. He tacked on the two-point conversion on a pass completion to Ashton Ark.
Leading the defense for the Bulls were Hank Trombley who had six tackles and forced the fumble for the safety and John Brigham who had six tackles and blocked pass.
Improving to 9-1, Barker/Roy-Hart will now play for the Section VI Class C championship against Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton next Friday at 2 p.m. at the University of Buffalo. Chautauqua Lake downed Falconer/Cassadaga Valley/Maple Grove 14-0 in the other semifinal.
OC Rivals down Pioneer in Class B semifinal
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Noah Harrison heads to the endzone for the OC Rivals second touchdown in the sectional win at Pioneer this evening as Carson Matyjasik of the Panthers chases the play.
Next stop the sectional championship!
Keeping a history making debut season rolling, the OC Rivals downed host Pioneer 21-6 this evening in the Section VI Class B semifinal playoff game.
The victory propels the OC Rivals into next Friday’s Section VI Class B championship game at 5 p.m. at the University of Buffalo against West Seneca East which downed Depew 35-20 in the other semifinal.
“After a great week of practice the kids showed how much they continue to improve game after game,” said Rivals Head Coach Eric Valley. “A huge hats off to my defensive staff for dialing up another great game plan against a very physical Pioneer team. We stepped up and made some big plays in clutch situations on offense and on special teams. It was a great all around team effort.”
Pioneer did grab a 6-0 lead with 1:37 to go in the second quarter on a 59 yard touchdown run by quarterback Drew George but the Panthers would not find the endzone again as the Rivals defense slammed the door the rest of the way..
Rising to the occasion, the OC Rivals offense answered right back on a 4 yard touchdown run by Noah Harrison and an extra point kick by Boe Preston with just 33 seconds remaining to take the lead for good 7-6 at the half.
Elijah Doxey pushes Pioneer defender Cooper Rhodus out of the way to pick up good yardage for the Rivals.
The drive into Panther territory was the fourth of the half for the Rivals which had the three earlier threats stopped by an interception, on downs and on a punt.
A 40 yard kickoff return by Elijah Doxey and a 38 yard pass completion from quarterback Preston Woodworth to Doxey set up the scoring opportunity.
The Rivals then put a lock on the victory with a pair of unanswered second half touchdowns both by Harrison.
First, Harrison scored on a 21 yard pass reception from Woodworth with 2:10 remaining in the third quarter to make it 13-6. He later added the clinching TD on a 3 yard run with three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, He also tacked on the two-point conversion with a pass completion to Woodworth.
The Rivals got the ball back at the Pioneer 25 to set up that score after a very short Panther punt. A sack by Parker Roberts and TJ Champney forced the Panthers into that punting situation.
The OC Rivals will take a 9-1 record into the sectional title game while Pioneer finishes the season at 8-2.
Rivals defender Matthew Jacobs tackles Pioneer running back Carson Matyjasik for a loss.
VFW Post will be selling poppies Saturday at Ace Hardware in Albion
ALBION – The VFW Strickland Post 4635 will be at Ace Hardware on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., selling Buddy Poppies. Veterans in past were at Walmart selling the poppies but will be at Ace Hardware this time.
Veterans have been selling the poppies for over a century to support causes that assist vets.
Medina firefighters honor Captain Young on his retirement
Photos and information courtesy of Medina Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2161
MEDINA – Medina Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2161 proudly congratulates Captain Michael Young on his retirement from the Medina Fire Department following nearly two decades of dedicated service.
Captain Young transferred to Medina from the Salamanca Fire Department in April 2007 and has spent the years since serving the Medina community.
During his career, he served as Municipal Training Officer, Lieutenant and Captain of First Platoon. He also spent many years as a New York State Fire Instructor assigned to Orleans County, passing along his knowledge and experience to firefighters throughout our area.
Today, Mike and his family were surrounded by past and present Medina firefighters and friends from departments around the county for a retirement luncheon hosted by Local 2161 and the Medina Firefighters Benevolent Association.
Local 2161 Vice President Tim Miller presented Mike with a ceremonial fire axe on behalf of the membership as a token of our appreciation for his years of service. Chief Cooley also presented him with his retired badge.
Congratulations, Captain Young. Thank you for everything you have given to Local 2161, the Medina Fire Department and the community we serve. Enjoy a long and well-deserved retirement.
