By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 August 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – After six months of selling tickets, the Orleans Community Health Foundation picked the winner of its mega drawing tonight during a celebration at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery.
Michael Zambito won the $10,000 prize. Zambito is the owner of Zambistros in Medina and Mericana in Lockport.
The top photo shows Hospital CEO Wendy Jacobson (right) drawing the winning ticket in the mega drawing. She is pictured with Wes Pickreign, a board member for the OCH Foundation, and Heather Smith, donor development specialist for the Foundation.
Wes Pickreign thanks supporters for raising funds for a new ultrasound machine for the hospital.
The Foundation awarded 10 prize-winning checks totaling $15,700 in the mega drawing. That was up from five prizes in last year’s drawing.
This is the third time the Foundation has done the mega drawing. Last year there were about 200 tickets sold for $100 each. This year there were 250 sold. The Foundation made about $10,000 through the drawing and those proceeds will go towards buying a new ultrasound machine.
The Foundation has now raised about $100,000 towards its $175,000 goal for the new machine.
Tony Wynn (pictured), a member of the Foundation board of directors, was the biggest salesman for the mega drawing. He sold 75 of the tickets, including four of the top five winners.
Wynn of Albion said he is happy to promote and raise money for Medina Memorial Hospital and its parent organization, Orleans Community Health.
“I believe in the hospital,” he said. “It’s a great organization and they will take care of you.”
The group, “A Blues Band,” performed for the crowd at Leonard Oakes. The band includes, from left: Rob Robinson on keyboards, Mike Scanlan on drums, Mike Zelazny on guitar, and Glenn Fuller on harmonica.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 August 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – A Gaines resident who was arrested last month on multiple drug charges pleaded guilty in Orleans County Court and could face up to 2 ½ years in state prison.
Shane M. Maynard, 37, said in court that a confidential informant purchased methamphetamine from his residence at 12801 Ridge Rd., Apt. B. He had the meth with the intent to sell it, Maynard told Judge James Punch.
Maynard was arraigned on July 27 on 3 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, and 3 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree. He has been in the county jail on $100,000 bail.
He pleaded guilty on Monday to a reduced charge of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree. District Attorney Joe Cardone said Maynard is a first-time felony offender.
Maynard’s attorney Conrad Cropsey said his client wanted to plead guilty and not prolong the case in court.
Maynard will be sentenced on Oct. 19.
In other cases in court:
Cardone said he will not offer a plea deal for reduced charges to Henry Marling, 27, of Holley Road in Albion.
Marling was released from state prison in November after serving a sentence for third-degree burglary. He allegedly broke into Empire Trading on Bank Street on April 17 and stole items and damaged property.
Marling was arraigned in June on charges of third-degree burglary, third-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree criminal mischief, fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property and unlawful possession of marijuana. Marling has prior felony convictions.
Marling’s highest charge in the latest alleged crime includes third-degree burglary. He was released from prison after serving a sentence for that charge.
Judge Punch said he wouldn’t accept a plea deal anyway.
“If you have a record like that there’s not going to be a plea offer,” the judge told Marling who is in the county jail on $200,000 bail.
Michael A. Stewart, 38, was assessed a level 2 sex offender by Judge Punch. Stewart has been serving a seven-year prison sentence for first-degree sexual abuse.
Stewart’s attorney Nathan Pace asked Judge Punch to consider the level one classification for Stewart, which would be the lowest risk level.
However, the judge said Stewart’s victims were both less than 10 years old. Stewart also has a prior criminal history of nonsexual crimes, the judge said.
Stewart is currently an inmate at the Mohawk Correctional Facility and could be released on Sept. 26.
An Albion man had his sentencing adjourned for two months while he recovers from injuries. Judge Punch wants to give more time for James Herring III to recover and have more cognitive abilities so he can function on probation.
Herring, 24, of East State Street is accused of selling cocaine on May 22, 2013. He faces up to 2 ½ years in state prison. He has pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 August 2015 at 12:00 am
Business has been downtown mainstay for century
Photos by Tom Rivers – Gary Withey, owner of Fischer’s Newsstand in Albion since 1995, takes care of customer Amanda Harmer today. She bought a bag full of candy that is on sale.
ALBION – A store that has been a part of downtown Albion, and an endearing part of many childhoods, will close on Aug. 30 after more than a century of business.
Gary and Denise Withey became owners of the business in January 1995. They are out-of-towners. They live in Medina. Gary grew up in Kendall.
They weren’t sure the community would accept them. But Mr. Withey said the community has been welcoming since Day 1. He and his wife felt loved by their many customers through the years.
Lottery is a big draw for the business, which continues to have a variety of magazines and newspapers.
Sylvia Harmer said walking into the store is like stepping into the bar on Cheers, “Where everybody knows your name.” Mr. Withey gave her a big greeting today when she stopped in to check her lottery tickets.
Harmer said the Witheys have always been very personable with the public. She likes to see other customers at the store. Fischer’s has been a place to swap stories and catch up on the news. She started coming to Fischer’s to pass time while her kids had dance classes.
“I just like to come down and hang out,” Harmer said. “I’ve met a lot of people here.”
Many of the customers are older, and many have passed away without new faces coming in. Withey said business has slowed with a shrinking customer base. He also felt it with a decline in newspaper, magazine and sports cards sales.
Fischer’s Newsstand is open until Aug. 30 at 105 North Main St.
Karen Walls stops by Fischer’s with her son Aaron Walls and nephew Joseph Argo.
The portrait of Medina native Carl Fischer hangs on the wall at Fischer’s. He pitched for the Detroit Tigers and later lived in Albion and ran the newsstand.
The Witheys persevered and kept the business going in recent years, as other news stands shut down in Batavia, Medina, Rochester, Dunkirk and other Western New York communities.
The business pressures don’t compare to the crisis for the Withey family last October when Denise suffered catastrophic kidney failure. She was on dialysis until her death at age 51 on Feb. 27.
Mr. Withey said he is thankful for the community support since then. But he no longer wants to keep up with the demands of the business. His wife worked part-time at the store while working a full-time job with The Arc of Orleans County.
“We were in business for 20 years and that was our goal when we opened,” Withey said today. “I’m going to miss it terribly.”
He will start a new job in September as a medical courier for ACM Medical Laboratory in Buffalo. Withey won’t have to work holidays and weekends in the new job. He hasn’t had those perks at Fischer’s.
Withey said the store has never struggled to sell candy. Many children come in for candy bars and sweets.
Karen Spierdowis remembers coming to the store when she was about 7. It was her first trip from home without a grownup. She and some friends went to the store for candy. She spent part of her allowance on penny candy.
“It was a rite of passage for kids in Albion,” she said.
Spierdowis has stayed a steady customer. Now she brings in her son for candy or for sports cards. Sometimes she picks up a newspaper or magazine.
“It’s the last of an era with the newspaper store,” she said.
Withey, 54, wanted to thank his many loyal customers over the years, as well as long-time employees Marilyn Kilbourn and Diane Edwards, his wife’s best friend since kindergarten.
“We’ve had people come in here from ages 6 to 90,” Withey said. “The town has treated us very well. They took care of us for 20 years.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 August 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – The Rev. Richard Csizmar, pastor of Holy Family Parish, tosses a ring towards wine bottles. Csizmar won at least six of the bottles due to his accurate tosses. He gave them to family members.
Tony Navarra, left, and Kevin Sheehan work the game.
There was a crowd of at least 300 people at the Elk Club grounds on Sunday for the annual Lawn Fete for the church, where the community enjoyed food, games, raffles and music.
‘It’s a small-town thing,” Csizmar said about the Lawn Fete. “It gets people together. That’s the main thing.”
Sausage and peppers are grilled and ready to eat.
The line of cooks for the sauage, hot dogs and cheeseburgers includes, from left: Greg Metz, his son Corey Metz, Tim Adduci and Mike Grabowski.
Jean Shervin, left, and Michele Grabowski cook up some fried dough. Uncle Sal’s in Albion donated 50 pounds of dough for the popular treat at the Lawn Fete.
Mary Ann Tillman wears an apron about her “Famous Polish Bread.” The Lawn Fete started at noon and the bread was quickly gone. Mary Ann’s daughter gave her the apron, using a photo of Mary Ann from the Lawn Fete two years ago when she was pictured on the Orleans Hub.
There were 52 raffle baskets at the Lawn Fete. The event usually raises about $18,000 for the parish.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 August 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – An Orleans County judge set bail at $750,000 today for a Rochester man arrested last week on drug charges.
Charles A. Verstreate, 46, of 44 Lennox St. was arrested on Aug. 11, following an undercover buy operation of oxycodone pills by the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department.
Verstreate was charged with one count each of criminal sale and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, both felonies.
He has seven prior felonies, 17 prior misdemeanor crimes and twice has failed to appear at court appearances, District Attorney Joe Cardone said.
Verstreate was arraigned last week in Murray Town Court by Town Justice Gary Passarell, who committed Verstreate to the Orleans County Jail without bail due to his extensive criminal history.
Orleans County Court Judge James Punch cited that lengthy criminal history today in setting bail at $750,000.
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 17 August 2015 at 12:00 am
As the parishioners of St. Mary’s Church in Holley celebrate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of their parish, it is also worth noting that the physical building will celebrate its 110th birthday this December.
Taken prior to 1939, this image shows the interior of St. Mary’s Church as it would have appeared shortly after the dedication of the building in 1905.
The Catholic population of Holley first celebrated Mass around 1850 when Revs. Donnelly and O’Laughlin of Brockport ministered to the inhabitants of the region.
Services were held at the old stone school located on the corner of Main and Albion streets and then at the home of Fenton Whalen until a site on Canal Street was purchased from John Connery. It was under the direction of Rev. John Castaldi that the old frame church was erected on this site and the Holy Cross Cemetery purchased.
The subsequent pastorates of Revs. David Lasher, James Lasher, Patrick Maloy, James Leddy, and Michael Noonan left the parish in a stable financial state. Upon the arrival of Rev. James McCarthy in 1902, the focus of the congregation shifted towards the construction of a new church edifice upon a site selected by Rev. Noonan. A native of Albion, McCarthy studied at St. Bonaventure and then in Italy before his ordination as a priest in the Diocese of Buffalo in 1885.
Constructed of Medina Sandstone quarried from Orleans County, the interior of the structure contained beautiful vaulted ceilings painted pure white. The Georgia pine wainscoting and dark oak pews provided a striking contrast. The image shows the Gothic altar, finished in white and gold and the four statues that adorned the side altars; the Sacred Heart, St. Joseph, St. Patrick, and the Virgin Mary.
The north and south walls contained nine stained glass windows in addition to the two pictured in the chancel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Sacred Heart of Mary. A set of 14 Gothic Stations of the Cross donated by local quarry owner Richard O’Brien were situated between the windows. The most stunning feature of the church interior was the dome of amber glass situated over the altar.
On Dec. 24, 1905, Bishop Charles Colton arrived at Holley with a gathering of priests from Western New York to dedicate the church. Due to a delay in delivery, the altar rail, electric lighting, and other minor fixtures were not installed in time for the dedication ceremonies.
The interior bears a striking resemblance to those of the old St. Mary’s Assumption Church and St. Joseph’s Church in Albion, the latter also containing a beautiful dome of amber glass.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 August 2015 at 12:00 am
HOLLEY – William Murphy on Sunday submitted his letter of resignation, effective Sept. 1, as chief for the Holley Police Department. Murphy has been the lone full-time officer in the department that includes 10 part-time officers.
Murphy said he wanted to continue as police chief. But he resigned following a decision on the Village Board not to seek a pay waiver for his retirement.
Murphy was retired from the Greece Police Department when he joined Holley as chief 7 ½ years ago. The Village Board needed to seek a waiver from the State Comptroller’s Office for Murphy twice a year because he was paid over the $30,000 limit for retirees receiving a police pension.
The board always sought the waiver until a board meeting on July 30, when the majority of the board opposed seeking the waiver again.
Murphy was paid $42,000 as Holley chief. Without the waiver, his pay would be capped at no more than $30,000. He is already close to that threshold this year, nearing the end of August. Murphy said without the waiver not only is his pay capped at $30,000, but he would see his pension decrease.
Mayor John Kenney said some members of the board are against the waivers. The mayor said Murphy said done a “great job” for the community, running a professional department.
He said village officials will discuss the next steps for finding Murphy’s successor.
Murphy has been out since July 28 due to back surgery. Robert Barton has been serving as officer-in-charge, but he will done in two weeks to return to his full-time teaching position.
Murphy said the department’s part-time officers impressed him with their commitment to the job.
“We were stepping up patrols,” Murphy said. “They are dedicated.”
Murphy, an Albion native, started his law enforcement with Holley in 1985. He also worked at the Albion, Rochester and Greece police departments and then retired. However, he took the chance to return to Holley as police chief.
“The people are the main reason I stayed,” he said. “The residents there are great. They’re like your family.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 August 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – Three people were sentenced to state prison in Orleans County Court today for drug crimes, with another woman getting four months of weekends in jail for her third driving while intoxicated conviction.
Keith Toney, 36, of Rochester received the longest sentence of four years in prison.
Toney and a Rochester woman Lakusha McMorris, 35, both were arrested on Jan. 27 following a six-month investigation into the sale and distribution of crack cocaine from the City of Rochester to Medina.
McMorris was sentenced to two years in state prison today.
Toney admitted in a previous court he arranged the transactions by phone and McMorris said she was the delivery person on three occasions. Toney was charged in January with nine counts of criminal sale of controlled substance in the third degree.
Toney pleaded guilty to third-degree attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance. He pleaded guilty specifically to arranging for a cocaine sale at the Wal-Mart parking lot in Brockport on Aug. 27, 2014.
Toney made the drug deal with an informant from Orleans County, which is why the case has been handled in Orleans County. Brockport is located in neighboring Monroe County.
Toney’s attorney Nathan Pace asked the judge for leniency, saying Toney has had no criminal offenses the past 18 years after he endured “a horrible childhood.”
Judge James Punch said Toney has a “serious criminal history.” The judge gave Toney four years in state prison, one year less than the maximum as part of a plea deal.
McMorris pleaded guilty to attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree. Her attorney Larry Koss asked for a split sentence, with no state prison.
“You seem to have profited from the sale of these drugs for quite some time,” Punch told her at sentencing.
McMorris, a first time felony offender, has twice been on probation.
In another case, Leeanne Krull, 45, of Albion was sentenced to two years in state prison. She pleaded guilty on May 18 to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, which carries a maximum sentence of 2 ½ years in state prison.
Krull admitted in court on May 18 to having hydrocodone in Medina. She told Judge Punch she sold it one time on April 22.
The judge gave her two years in state prison, just under the maximum.
In another case, a Niagara County woman was sentenced to weekends in jail for four months despite a request from her attorney for no jail time.
Julie R. Wisniewski, 38, of Lewiston has three DWI convictions. She was stopped on Point Breeze Road in Carlton on April 12, 2014 and registered a .21 Blood Alcohol Content. She took her case to trial and was convicted by jury of DWI (felony due to previous conviction) and aggravated driving while intoxicated.
Punch said some jail time was needed for Wisniewski. However, he didn’t want her to lose her job or custody of her son.
“I don’t want you to do this again,” the judge told her. “You could easily kill someone.”
Wisniewski will also be on probation for five years, have her license revoked for a year, pay a $500 surcharge and will be required to install an interlock ignition device that measures her BAC before she drives.
Contributed Story Posted 17 August 2015 at 12:00 am
Provided photo
KENDALL – Two brothers from Kendall – Matthew and Nicholas Schuth – were recognized as Eagle Scouts during a Court of Honor ceremony on Aug. 10. Matthew and Nicholas join older brother Michael as Eagle Scouts, the highest honor for a Boy Scout.
David and Cathy Schuth are parents of the three Scouts who are members of Troop 94.
The Schuth family is pictured at the Kendall United Methodist Church. Pictured, from left: David, Nicholas, Michael, Matthew and Cathy.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley attended the ceremony and presented the new Eagle Scouts with certificates for their achievement.
For his Eagle project, Matthew built a picture place at the Kendall Community Park. Beginning by clearing trees and brush, the site was then backfilled for planting arborvitaes. A foundation and concrete pad from a former building are the base for a vinyl arbor and are accessible by the stone walkway. This low maintenance backdrop has already been used for many formal photographs.
For his Eagle project, Nicholas improved the Kendall Food Cupboard. Housed in the Kendall United Methodist Church, this vital community service needed additional storage space. Wood shelving was installed to allow overhead storage for lightweight items and a full wall of shelves that more than doubled the shelving used for food. All food was removed from the shelving, inspected and placed on the new shelving per direction from Marty and Zina Goodenbery.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 August 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
POINT BREEZE – A boater heads out of the channel at Oak Orchard Harbor on Saturday while some ducks are out in Lake Ontario.
It’s going to be hot the next few days. The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 87 today, followed by 88 on Monday, a high of 86 on Tuesday and 82 on Wednesday.
The Weather Channel is warning of extreme heat today and Monday with the heat index at 90.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 August 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Roger LaMont, a sixth generation farmer, unveils a marker for Josias LaMont, who started the family farm in 1815.
The marker, unveiled during a 200th anniversary celebration on Saturday, will be placed on Lattin Road near West Transit Church Road, where the farm started.
The LaMont family is just the second to reach the 200-year milestone, following the Brown family in Waterport. The Browns were among about 200 people who attended the celebration on Saturday.
The party was held at Roger and Ingrid LaMont’s on Densmore Road.
The LaMont family has been progressive in the apple industry with planting new varieties, adopting new marketing and storage techniques, and working with other growers.
George Lamont (Editor’s note: George spells Lamont without a capital M) said keeping the farm in the family for 200 years “takes more guts than brains.”
George Lamont in 1997 was named the Apple Grower of the Year by the American Fruit Grower magazine. Lamont was an industry leader locally and nationally. He served as president of the Premier Apple Cooperative, which helped farmers with forecasting their crop, marketing the produce and “talking to each other.”
He also was president and executive director of the New York State Horticultural Society, and along with his brother Roger and other local apple growers helped start the Lake Ontario Fruit packing facility on Ridge Road.
This plaque shows a picture of Roger and Ingrid LaMont helping to sell new SnapDragon apples. LaMont served as president of the New York Apple Growers LLC, whch worked with Cornell University to manage two new varieities of apples: SnapDragon and RubyFrost.
“In the fruit world they are the most influential name in the state,” said Rod Farrow, who is now co-owner of Lamont Fruit Farm in Waterport. “They’ve been major players in the industry.”
This file photo from August 2013 shows Roger LaMont with some of the new apple varieties. LaMont worked to establish the program with Cornell for the new varieties, making them exclusive to New York growers, giving them an edge in the marketpace. A portion of the sale of the apples also goes to Cornell for its apple breeding program.
LaMont said the agreement is good for New York apple growers, giving them a pipeline to new varieties in the future, and also ensures funding for Cornell’s program. LaMont took on the leadership role in the industry as he neared retirement.
Roger LaMont, back left, shared the family farm’s history to a crowd of about 200 people on Saturday.
Former Orleans County Historian Bill Lattin, whose family dates back to the 1830s in the Gaines area, also spoke about the LaMont farm and the family’s tenacity for keeping the business going for 200 years.
This photo from the 1950s shows George and Roger’s grandfather George B. LaMont, left, and their father Tom LaMont.
This family photo from 1904 shows an apple-picking crew.
One of the bushel crates from the farm was on display at the party.
Historical photos and other information were presented outside Roger and Ingrid LaMont’s home. For several years, they operated the Orchard Vew Bed and Breakfast from the house, which was built in 1912.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 August 2015 at 12:00 am
Holley man catches second biggest fish in derby, wins $700
Photos by Tom Rivers
CARLTON – Paul Czarnecki holds a 29-pound Chinook salmon that won the Orleans County Fishing Derby, which started Aug. 1 and continued until Aug. 16.
Czarnecki is a charter boat captain and owner of Tri-State Charters. He took Georgia Barkdoll of McConnellsburg, Pa., out fishing and she reeled in the 29-pound fish, which won the $4,000 grand prize in the fishing derby.
Barkdoll was unable to attend today’s awards ceremony at the Carlton Recreation Hall. Czarnecki said the fish was caught about 300 feet below the surface of Lake Ontario just off the shore from Point Breeze.
Bill Silpoch of Holley holds a 26-pound, 8-ounce Chinook, which won the $500 prize for first place in the salmon disvision and also another $200 for biggest fish caught by an Orleans County resident.
Silpoch, a senior building maintenance worker for Holley Central School, caught the fish on Friday at about 5 p.m. off Point Breeze. He was fishing on the Intimidator Sport Fishing charter owned by Mike Lavender.
Silpoch said he takes about three charters a year with family, including his sons, ages 11, 10, and 7. The winning fish was the biggest one he’s ever caught. It was about a 20-minute battle to land the salmon after it was hooked.
Mike Ayotte, former owner of Captain’s Cove in Carlton, caught the biggest rainbow trout at 12 pounds, 14 ounces. Ayotte now lives in Port Charlotte, Fla. Each of the division winners received a $500 check for first place.
Jared Wise, 17, of Rochester was fourth in the lake trout divsion with this fish that weighed 15 pounds, 0 ounces.
There were 644 participants in the derby, which is organized by the Albion Rotary Club. There were $8,800 in checks given to the top five anglers in four fish divisions, plus the grand prize winner.
Stan Allen, one of the derby volunteers, reads off the winning number for a prize held by Bill Downey, president of the derby. The Albion Rotary Club has been organizing the derby for more than 30 years.
For more information on the leaderboard and the derby, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 August 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
POINT BREEZE – Ham radio operators from throughout the world, including at Point Breeze in Orleans County, are communicating with each other this weekend as part of International Lighthouse Weekend.
The Orleans County Amateur Radio Club has been sending and receiving signals by the Oak Orchard Lighthouse. They were there on Saturday when a “solar storm” made it difficult to get signals from out of the country.
Jim Salyer of Gasport, left, and Paul Mulford of Le Roy make a connection with a ham operator at a Long Island lighthouse on Saturday morning.
The ham operators are back today until 5 p.m. Last year they made 400 contacts around the world. This weekend, due to weak signals, they may only get about 100 contacts.
“We’re having fun,” Mulford said. “That’s what this hobby is all about.”
Jim Salyer said many of the ham operators are creative, building their own radios and antennas.
The ham operators, as part of the international weekend, want to promote lighthouses and also their hobby of amateur radio.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 August 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION -Kathy Baker, co-owner of the Chateau Niagara in Newfane, serves wine to Edward Carney and Lisa Plonka of Buffalo today during the second annual “Sip and Stroll” in Albion.
They are pictured inside Krantz Furniture, one of 14 stops on the wine-tasting tour.
The two from Buffalo were at 810 Meadworks in Medina and saw the flyer about the Albion event. They said they enjoyed the tour, especially the stops at Arnold’s Auto Parts and the Pullman Memorial Unversalist Church.
“I never thought I’d do a wine-tasting at an auto parts store,” Carney said.
“And having a church, I was very impressed by that,” Plonka said.
Jim Knight, a member of the Pullman church, once again dressed as “Bacchus,” the Roman god of wine. Knight has dressed in a toga to help promote wine-tasting events at the church and in Albion.
Aimee Mesiti of Five Sons Winery in Brockport pours a glass of wine for June Rising of Cleveland, Ohio, who was in town visiting the Remley family, including Dick Remley, middle.
Jessica Whiting, manager and bartender at Shay’s, said the wine tour brought many people to the bar who aren’t regular customers. Shay’s was serving wine-flavored popsicles.
“We want people to see we’re a friendly, nice establishment,” she said.
Liz Groat, left, of the Uptown Browsery served wine from A Gust of Son and Vineyard in Spencerport. Gary Kludt of Kendall was among the tasters on the tour.
Suzanne and Chris Bourke, right, try wine from Nathan Vanderbeck and Emily Trinder of Schulze Vineyards and Winery in Burt.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 August 2015 at 12:00 am
CLARIFICATION: An earlier version of this article said the Elks Club offered the 5 acres to the village for $20,000. The Elks had a deal with another buyer for $20,000, but that fell through. The village is now talking with the Elks about the land.)
ALBION – The village may acquire 5 acres of land owned by the Elks Club near the Village’s Department of Public Works garage.
The Elks Club is based at West State Street and has land it is willing to sell that is by the DPW garage at the corner of King Street and Washington Street.
Village officials say the Elks were going to sell the land for $20,000 to another buyer but that deal fell through.
The village could use the land because the DPW is cramped for space. The village also is looking to use 1.5 acres by the DPW garage to mount solar panels as part of the bigger project at village facilities. The sewer plant on Densmore Street and water plant on Wilson Road in Carlton would have more of the panels, as part of the project under consideration.
The DPW stores some materials at the sewer plant, and most of that space would be used up as part of the solar panel project, DPW Superintendent Dale Brooks advised the Village Board on Wednesday.
Mayor Dean London said the village would be pressed to come up with $20,000 for the land out of the current budget. He would like to negotiate a lower price and also consider paying the Elks over several years for the land to ease the impact on a single budget.
Village Board members said they would continue talks with the Elks Club.
In other action, the Village Board:
Approved contributing $200 towards a walking guide of historic downtown Albion. That guide is being developed by the Albion Main Street Alliance and includes photos and descriptions of the many of the historic buildings in the downtown, including two village-owned sites: Village Hall and the former Citizens National Bank.
Mary Anne Braunbach, one of the downtown building owners, is trying to raise funding for the printing costs of the guide, which is about $2,000. She is asking building owners in the guide to contribute $100 towards the printing.
The village is giving $200 because it has two buildings highlighted in the guide.
The board was asked to consider putting the banners out on Main Street that note “Historic Albion.” Maureen Bennett, one of the vendors in the Browsery stores, asked if those banners could be out next spring.
London said the village would take an inventory of the banners and assess their condition for next year.
