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Many contributed to July 3rd Independence Day Celebration in Albion

Posted 16 July 2026 at 2:50 pm

Editor:

The July 3rd Independence Day Celebration again drew thousands to Bullard Park for an afternoon and evening of free family fun.

The park was packed with people who came from all around the surrounding counties. The celebration started with the delicious chicken barbecue from 4 to 6 p.m. with another sellout.

The celebration continued into the evening with food and beverage vendors, artisans, and ended with a spectacular fireworks display. This celebration will be every July 3rd moving forward. It took a supportive community to make all this come together.

Several people commented that this year’s celebration drew more than last year. There were many free activities for the adults and especially the children. The weather was hot with threatening storms, but we were lucky that it went to the south and north of us. The Splash Pad was filled with people of all ages. For the next two years, this celebration will start at 11 a.m. and conclude at the end of the fireworks. It will be an all-day affair.

I should apologize before I start naming all those who contributed to this event. I am sure I will leave out some names or organizations.

Special thanks to June Persia and Jeff Holler, who chaired the food vendors and artisans. They did a super job of making sure this celebration had everything for the people.

A huge thank you goes out to our Diamond Sponsor ARG Disposal. The fireworks were dedicated to ARG Disposal for their generous contribution and thoughtfulness. We cannot thank them enough for their loyalty and generosity.

Thanks to the Village of Albion Mayor, Tim McMurray, who was there from start to finish assisting in many ways. Thanks to Chief David Mogle and the Village of Albion Police Department, Chris Bourke and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, Jay Pahura and his DPW staff, Aric  Albright, Chris Kinter, Jeremy Graham and the Albion Fire Department, Village of Albion Office Staff, and the Albion Village Board of Trustees.

Thanks to the GACRE and Recreation Committees who helped sponsor the event, to Bernie Baldwin and Diana Grillo for their support, energy, and effortless time assisting me. Also to John Bigley who took care of a lot behind the scenes.

Thanks to Master Chicken Barbecuer Tom O’Hearn and his cookers Dusty DeCarlo, John Sacco, Gary VanWycke, Gary Moore, Dan Conrad, Ray Stefani and Kevin Sheehan. This group volunteered and cooked the best chicken barbecue around. Thank you to the servers Theresa O’Hearn, Nicole DeCarlo, Denise London, Annette Grillo Finch, Kim Remly, Holli Nenni, Mike Beach, John Kurtz and Brian Quinn.

Thank you to Tom Brown who donated golf carts for the evening. Thanks to GoArt and NY 250 for their grants and George Bidleman for sponsoring all the advertising. Thank you to Terry Wilbert and Dick Remley from the Town of Albion and to the Village Recreation Staff and Counselors.

Thank you to all the businesses who allowed donation jars at their locations and to the fabulous donors who contributed to the cost of the fireworks. Thanks to Young Explosives for a spectacular display of fireworks and to the bands consisting of Ryan and Company, Feedback/Side Doors/The Road Less Traveled, and the Who Dats for the wonderful music.

Thanks to Tom Rivers from the Orleans Hub and to Brad London from Lake Country Pennysaver, to Mark Restivo and Ron Albertson for overall assistance, and to Keeler Construction for the lighting. Thank you to Dora and Partick from Save-A-Lot who made it easy for us to get items from the store.

Once again, I apologize if I failed to mention others, so many worked together to make this happen.

We will continue to collect donations for July 3rd, 2027. If you would like to donate, send checks to the Village of Albion, 35 East Bank Street, Albion, NY 14411 and make payable to the Village of Albion with a memo of Fireworks.

This community should stand proud. Thank you for all the support.

Sincerely,

John J. Grillo

Village of Albion

Recreation Director

Letter writer ignores reality of lax criminal justice reforms on small-town communities

Posted 16 July 2026 at 2:46 pm

Editor:

It is exhausting to read the regular contributions from William Fine, which have devolved from political disagreement into outright hostility toward his neighbors. Whenever someone in our community raises valid, common-sense concerns about the strain on our local infrastructure, crime, or public safety, Mr. Fine’s immediate response is to throw around labels like “racist,” “bigoted,” and “hateful.”

This isn’t debate it’s an attempt to silence people. Disagreeing with New York’s bail reform or worrying about the logistical and financial strain of unfettered immigration does not make someone a bad person—it makes them a concerned citizen.

Mr. Fine loves to cite ivory-tower studies from New York City think tanks to tell us that everything is fine. But those academic statistics don’t line up with the reality facing upstate communities. Our local law enforcement, judges, and small-town budgets are dealing with real-time pressures and repeat offenders that these studies completely ignore.

We live in a community where people look out for one another, regardless of politics. It is deeply disappointing that a United States veteran uses his platform not to bridge gaps, but to express unfettered hatred for anyone who doesn’t subscribe to his specific progressive ideology. Orleans County deserves a conversation grounded in mutual respect and local reality, not partisan vitriol from Brockport.

Paul Lauricella

Yates

350 kids enjoyed Countywide Rec Day in Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 July 2026 at 2:19 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – These kids enjoy the Bubble Foam Pit on Wednesday during the Countywide Rec Day at Bullard Park in Albion. The Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern brought the foam pit and made it available for free.

There were about 350 kids at the Rec day on Wednesday. The park program is closed today due the air quality alert.

Rosie Friedl, back right, operates the foam pit. This is the third event the Ministry of Concern has brought it to this year, making it available for free. Friedl is the youth coordinator for GOMOC.

These kids enjoy the bounce houses at the park. Kids could play in the b9unce houses for free.

The Genesee Orleans County Ministry of Concern, Salvation Army, Knights of Columbus No.1330 and Village of Albion Recreation Department teamed up to put on the event, which also the Albion masonic Lodge serving more than 500 hot dogs for free as well as French fries.

These kids are in the spray park waiting for the big bucket to dump water on them.

The park offered many games and activities, including tug of war.

These children play Gaga Ball.

John Grillo, the Albion recreation director for over 50 years, was the main organizer of the the Rec Day which was open to kids throughout Orleans County and also the rec programs at Elba and Byron Bergen.

Some of the kids took a break from the fast-paced action and opted to paint rocks under the pavilion.

New concessions stand taking shape at Bullard Park in Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 July 2026 at 11:55 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – LCM Contracting, owned by Lucas Silversmith in Medina, works on a new concessions stand at Bullard Park in Albion. These photos are from Wednesday, the second day LCM was on the job.

The new concessions stand will be 15 by 20 feet and 16 feet tall with a second floor press box. The building will have tan-colored walls and a brown roof.

The Albion Youth Sports Athletic Program has been doing fundraisers and collecting donations for the project, which will cost about $25,000 to $30,000.

The concessions stand will be available for other organizations, not just the youth football program, village officials said.

Shelby issues proclamation for 100th birthday of Roland Martin

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 July 2026 at 11:14 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: Roland J. Martin is recognized during Tuesday’s Shelby Town Board meeting for his upcoming 100th birthday on Aug. 9. His daughter Margaret is at right. 

SHELBY – The Shelby Town Board has issued a proclamation recognized Roland J. Martin for his 100th birthday on August. 9 and for his 50 years of service to his community.

Martin joined the U.S. Army in 1945 during his senior year in high school. At the end of World War II, he stayed in the Army as part of the Occupation of Japan, Shelby officials stated in a proclamation.

He married Alice Knights in 1956 and they moved to Martin Road, raising their children, William and Margaret.

“Roland has been a life-long resident of the Town of Shelby and is the fourth generation to farm his family’s land,” the proclamation states.

He served as a trustee on the session of the Medina First Presbyterian Church.

“He has lived his life as a man of integrity, kindness and continues to inspire his family and all who are lucky enough to know him,” Town Supervisor Jim Hemingway stated while reading the proclamation.

Sandstone claims 9U Midget playoff crown

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 16 July 2026 at 9:14 am

Contributed Photo – Capping off an undefeated (14-0) season, Sandstone nipped Barre 2-1 this past Saturday to capture the Albion Midget League 9U Division playoff championship. Trailing 1-0, Sandstone rallied to score twice in the bottom of the sixth inning on hits by Cash Setter, Kole Reding and Asher Dix to earn the walk off championship victory. Barre had grabbed the lead by scoring once in the top of the sixth on hits by Sawyer Baird, Ben Allen and Jackson Bartel. Sandstone advanced to the playoff finals by defeating Holley and Hamlin while Barre downed Elba 2 and Elba 1. Sandstone players and coaches are shown here celebrating the championship victory. In front are Drake Neri, Owen Pelzer, Asher Dix, Lexington Pridgen and Xavier Weis. In the second row are Kole Reding, Ezra Pore, Hudson Palmer, Cash Setter, Eligah Cornick, Pat Westland and Jaxson Stefaniak. In back are coaches Tim Westland, Brian Stefaniak, Dan Bartlett, Josh Trapiss, Scott DeSmit and Nick Setter.

Another air quality alert in effect for today due to wildfire smoke

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 July 2026 at 7:35 am

Robyn Ottaviano sent in this photo she took of people out enjoying Glenwood Lake in Medina on Wednesday despite the hazy sky. “Very eerie yellowish sky and it smells like smoke,” she said.

The State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued another Air Quality Health Advisory today due to fine particulates. The advisory include Orleans County and all of New York State. The advisory lasts until midnight and follows an air quality alert from Wednesday.

Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 200 for fine particulates, the DEC said.

 When pollution levels are elevated, the NYS Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.

“People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease,” the DEC said.

In Orleans County, today is forecast to be mostly sunny with a high of 82.

Robyn Ottaviano also took this sunrise photo on Wednesday morning. The wildfire smoke affected the sky in the morning.

400-mile run over 8 days starts Saturday in benefit for Community Action

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 July 2026 at 9:26 pm

Local runners, walkers welcome to join Brett Sobieraski at local high school tracks

Photos by Tom Rivers: Brett Sobieraski is shown this morning at the Albion High School track where he plans to run 55 miles or 220 laps on Saturday. He is joined by Renee Hungerford, left, and Jackie Dunham, two leaders of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee. Sobieraski will conclude an 8-day fundraiser the following Saturday with 15 more miles around the Albion track.

ALBION – Brett Sobieraski has swum across Lake Ontario, completed 50 marathons every day for 50 days, and run 175 miles along the Erie Canal.

The Carlton resident has a new endurance challenge: running 400 miles over eight days – 55 miles each of the first seven days with a final 15 miles on day 8.

That new challenge starts on Saturday morning at the Albion High School track. Sobieraski will be running at local high school tracks over the eight days. His goal is to raise $20,000 for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, and to hopefully unite local residents during what he said is a time of divisiveness.

“I wanted to do an event to bring the community together,” Sobieraski said this morning at the Albion track. “Instead of condemnation, let’s celebrate.”

He welcomes people to join him on the track, even if it’s one lap – walking or jogging.

Sobieraski expects he will be running 220 laps for about 12 hours each of the first seven days, while the final day of 15 miles should be about 3 hours of running.

Each day he will start at 7 a.m., except the final day on July 25 that begins at 8 a.m.

The schedule includes:

  • Saturday, July 18 – Albion High School for 55 miles
  • Sunday, July 19 – Lyndonville HS for 55 miles
  • Monday, July 20 – Batavia HS for 55 miles (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • Tuesday, July 21 – East Rochester HS for 55 miles (Special Remembrance Day for Fallen Officers)
  • Wednesday, July 22 – Kendall HS for 55 miles
  • Thursday, July 23 – Medina HS for 55 miles
  • Friday, July 24 – Holley HS for 55 miles
  • Saturday, July 25 – Albion HS (8 a.m. to 11 a.m.) for the grand finale of 15 miles

Community Action representatives will be there each day to share about the agency’s mission, and also to collect donations. Sobieraski has raised $3,366 online so far from 51 donors. Click here for more on donating online, or to register to join on the track. People don’t need to register to walk or run with him at the track. They can simply show up.

Renee Hungerford, the Community Action chief executive officer, said she appreciates Sobieraski willingness to highlight the work of the agency, and to raise money at a time when Community Action faces funding cuts.

“Our agency has helped individuals and families build stronger futures,” Hungerford said. “Every day, our dedicated team provides services that touch lives across our region – from Head Start and early childhood education programs to food assistance, transportation services, weatherization and energy programs, housing support, workforce development, youth services, and much more.”

Brett Sobieraski has been training for months for the 400-mile run over eight days from July 18 to July 25.

Sobieraski said Community Action offers a “hand up” and not a handout in assisting people in overcoming some barriers and hardships.

“They stand out for all the great things they do,” he said about the agency.

Jackie Dunham, the director of operations for Community Action, has helped coordinate the Community Action 400 event with Sobieraski. The two have been friends for several years.

The agency will have copies of the two books by Sobieraski for sale, and well as T-shirts about the Community Action 400. There also will be items up for raffle, including a cleat from new Buffalo Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb.

Sobrieski, a retired Rochester Police sergeant, currently works as an investigator for the Orleans County Major Felony Crimes Task Force. He also is a member of this year’s Leadership Orleans class.

He has completed endurance challenges before. In 2015, he swam 32 miles across Lake Ontario for a charity that helps support the surviving spouses and children of fallen soldiers. In 2018, he ran over 175 miles for 50 hours nonstop to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics.

In 2023, Sobieraski announced he would be running a marathon every day for 48 days, traveling on foot from Florida and Rochester, going 26.2 miles a day. He would run the marathons to honor the memory of Rochester police officer Anthony “Maz” Mazurkiewicz who was killed in the line of duty on July 21, 2022. Sobieraski also sought to raise $100,000 for Mazurkiewicz’s family.

That goal was expanded to 50 marathons in 50 days, and Sobieraski would raise $110,000 for the family. In the last 5K of the final marathon, 850 people joined him in Rochester.

Sobieraski turned 60 yesterday. He said the distance will take a toll on his body. If people join him on the track, it will help him to keep moving.

“Having anyone, even strangers, come out will be a giant pick-me-up,” he said.

Public referendum on Nov. 3 will determine if Shelby town clerk, highway superintendent stay as elected positions

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 July 2026 at 11:13 am

Town Board seeks to make the positions be appointed

Photo by Tom Rivers: Dale Root, the Shelby highway superintendent, speaks during Tuesday’s Town Board meeting, going over a monthly report for the Highway Department.

SHELBY – The Town Board will give voters the chance to decide whether the town keeps the town clerk and highway superintendent as elected positions or instead changes to having those officials be appointed by the Town Board.

The issue will be on the ballot during the Nov. 3 election, with each position its own referendum. In Orleans County, all 10 towns currently have the town clerk and highway superintendent as elected positions. In the four villages, the clerk and DPW superintendent are appointed.

During a June 30 public hearing, many of the speakers opposed the change proposed by Shelby, saying it would take away residents’ voting rights to pick the officials in those two jobs.

But Town Board members say residents will still have in a say in how those jobs are filled by who they elect to be on the Town Board.

Town Supervisor Jim Heminway said the appointment process would better ensure highly qualified people would serve as town clerk and highway superintendent.

Some of the speakers during the June 30 public hearings said the local Republican Committees in Orleans County are ultimately the ones that decide who serves in the key town positions.

Republicans have a 2-to-1 enrollment advantage over Democrats, making it difficult for a Democrat to get elected. It is also very challenging to run as an upstart Republican candidate without the committee’s backing, some of the speakers said.

Several town highway superintendents and town clerks also spoke at the hearing, saying it is better for the community to have elected people in those jobs, who ultimately answer to residents and not the Town Board.

The referendums will ask voters whether they support abolishing the highway superintendent and town clerk as elected positions and then create a hired  office of town clerk and hired office of highway superintendent.

Town Councilman John Pratt said the voters will decide if the positions remain elected or not.

“It’s not taking your vote away,” Pratt said during Tuesday’s Town Board meeting. “You have a choice when you cast your ballot in November. The board believes you will get the most for your tax dollars by voting for this change. If you’re happy with the current system as it is, then vote against it (the change).”

D’Angelo arraigned in county court on murder, attempted murder after allegedly stabbing 2 brothers in Shelby

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 July 2026 at 10:42 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: Aaron D’Angelo walks out of the courtroom in the Orleans County Courthouse this morning after being arraigned before Judge Sanford Church. D’Angelo is being held without bail in the Orleans County Jail.

ALBION – The man who allegedly stabbed two brothers in February, killing one and seriously wounding the other, was arraigned in Orleans County Court today.

Aaron D’Angelo, 36, of Medina was charged with murder and attempted murder after two brothers were stabbed on Feb. 7 in Shelby.

D’Angelo allegedly caused the death of Dale R. Lang, 65, who was pronounced deceased at the scene, 4643 South Gravel Road (Route 63).

His brother John Lang, 67, also suffered multiple stab wounds and was transported to Medina Memorial Hospital and then Erie County Medical Center. John Lang has recovered after being stabbed about 20 times.

D’Angelo was arraigned in county court this morning for second-degree murder, attempted murder in the second degree, first-degree assault, menacing a police officer and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.

He also was arraigned on a separate indictment from November for second-degree strangulation, and two counts of criminal contempt in the first degree, for allegedly choking his mother and violating orders of protection she had against him.

County Court Judge Sanford Church continued to have D’Angelo be held in the county jail without bail for the murder and attempted murder charges. For the charges against his mother, D’Angelo is being held on $50,000 cash bail, $100,000 bond and $200,000 partially secured bond.

Public Defender Joanne Best is representing D’Angelo. She asked for “reasonable bail,” saying he has always shown up for his court appearances.

D’Angelo has been in the county jail since his arrest. There was a 730 exam to determine his mental capacity and he was found to be competent, District Attorney Susan Howard said.

D’Angelo is next scheduled to appear in county court on July 29 for a conference.

Holley has 1-0 win in girls U18 soccer

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 15 July 2026 at 9:35 am

One goal proved to be enough as Holley nipped Chili 1-0 in a Rochester District Youth Soccer League girls U18 Division game Tuesday evening.

Ava Mosier scored the lone goal for Holley off an assist from Alexa Mosier.

Goalie Zoey Warner came up big in the net as she made a huge diving penalty kick save and another big diving save to preserve the shutout.

The victory improves Holley’s record to 7-1.

Holley is next scheduled to host Penfield at 6:30 this evening.

Albion 18U posts win over Lyndonville

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 15 July 2026 at 9:32 am

Scoring early and often Albion downed host Lyndonville 14-3 in a GLOW League 18U Division baseball game Tuesday evening.

Improving to 7-0, Albion took the lead for good by scoring three quick runs in the first inning sparked by a double by Gavin Boyce and highlighted by an RBI single by Elliott Trapiss.

Lyndonville did answer with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first as Austin Fonda and Kameron Kassey had singles but could get no closer.

Albion scored twice in the second inning on a walk, a single by Jack Conn and an error and then began to pull away with five runs in the third inning. Nick Luft singled in a couple of runs to key that uprising which was ignited by a single by Kaiden Froman and two walks.

Albion capped off the win with four runs in the fourth as two walks and a single by Boyce set up that threat.

Boyce finished with 2 hits as did Fonda and Kasey for Lyndonville.

Rocco Sidari earned the win on the mound giving up 4 hits and striking out 9 in 4 innings of work.

Kids welcome on Aug. 1 for annual fishing derby at Albion Sportsmen’s Association

Posted 15 July 2026 at 8:02 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: Connor Jurs, 13, of Kent holds one of the fish he caught last year during the Danny Spierdowis Memorial Kids’ Fishing Derby. There were 67 participants last year. Prizes go to kids who catch the most fish by cumulative weight and also for the longest fish. There are different age divisions.

Press Release, Albion Sportsmen’s Association

ALBION – Free fishing. Free food and drinks. Lots of prizes.

What better way to spend a Saturday.

The 30th Annual Danny Spierdowis Memorial Kids’ Fishing Derby will be from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 1 at Albion Sportsmen’s Association on Keitel Road. Pre-registration begins at 8:30.

The derby is open to Orleans County residents only, ages 16 and under, with prizes given to all entrants and special prizes awarded to the winners in all age groups and categories. Last year, 18 children won fishing poles and all entrants received gift bags of tackle and candy.

The not-for-profit club provides drinks and lunch to all the children and parents.

The derby is named in honor of Danny Spierdowis, who died at age 19 in a car crash Jan. 20, 1990.

Anyone wishing to participate in the derby must register by July 28 by calling or texting Scott DeSmit at 585-815-5150. You can also email him at desmitmail@yahoo.com. Please provide the names and ages of the children and the number of adults attending.

Air quality alert issued for Wednesday in Orleans

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2026 at 10:31 pm

An air quality alert has been issued beginning midnight tonight through midnight Wednesday night for Orleans County due to wildfire smoke from northern Minnesota and Canada.

The air quality alert much of Western New York, Central New York and eastern Lake Ontario region.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued the advisory due to an Air Quality Index value of 135 for fine particulates in the outdoor air. The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern, the DEC said.

When pollution levels are elevated, the State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.

“People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease,” the DOH said. “Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician.”

The highs the next few days include 89 on Wednesday, 86 on Thursday, 83 on Friday and 85 on Saturday.