By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 June 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Turtle (Nikolas Greean, 15, of Albion) and Michael Bonnewell, Albion Central School superintendent, watch the Turtle Race on Saturday from their vantage point on the Main Street lift bridge.
Volunteers sold more than 900 turtles for the Turtle Race. The tickets were $5 each or $20 for 5 turtles. Proceeds from the race are used to help pay for the two-day festival.
Becky Dillenbeck, branch manager for Five Star Bank in Albion, and Becky Karls were co-leaders of the race. They are both members of the Albion Rotary Club, the main sponsor of the Strawberry Festival.
The turtles are about to be dumped into the canal with the five fastest turtles earning cash prizes for their owners. Pictured from left include: County Legislators John DeFillipps and Lynne Johnson, Jarred Saj (the top turtle ticket seller with 206), Village Trustee Stan Farone is next to Saj but obscured in this photo, The Turtle, Michael Bonnewell, Sheriff Scott Hess and Strawberry Festival King Chase Froman.
The turtles begin their slow trek down the canal.
Spectators line the canal bank to see which turtles finish in the top five.
Don Bishop, left, joins local Scouts in helping to collect the turtles.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley calls the action in the Turtle Race.
Tom Drennan, a candidate for Orleans County sheriff, and some of his supporters watch the race.
Justin Kirby, one of the Scout leaders in Albion, pulls one of the winning turtles.
The following were in the top five: Brylie Hapeman, fifth, $50; Tiffany Grabowski, fourth, $50; Brady Christiaansen, third, $100; Julie Sanford, second, $300; and Jim Hancock, first, $500.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 June 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Amiley DeBoard, 8, throws the ball at a target for the dunk tank today. The Martin family in Albion ran the “Dunk Tank for Diabetes” and raised $500 that will be given to Strong Memorial Hospital’s Endocrinology Department.
That money will be used to find a cure for juvenile diabetes.
Greg Martin sits in the dunk tank this afternoon. His son Enoch, 14, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes about four years ago.
Isla DeBoard, 5, eyes Greg Martin in the dunk tank. Isla was able to hit the target and have Martin fall into the water.
Greg Martin climbs back to his seat in the dunk tank after plummeting into the water.
Amiley DeBoard lets the ball fly in this photo looking through a slot near the target area.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 June 2015 at 12:00 am
Participants tops 300 for first time in race’s history
Photos by Catherine Thom
ALBION – A record crowd of 310 runners finished the 5k/8k races today for the 25th annual Strawberry Festival. That topped the previous record of 296 from 2014.
The race started on East State Street by the Presbyterian Church and headed east. The course included side streets and the towpath along the Erie Canal before the finish in front of the courthouse.
Orleans County Sheriff Scott Hess, center in black, was among the runners in the race.
Photo by Tom Rivers – The race was organized by the Albion Running Club, which dedicated the race to Judy Christopher. She organized the race in its first two decades and promoted fitness in the community.
Mrs. Christopher died from cancer at age 70 on Aug. 3, 2013. Her husband Gene and their son David were among the family members at today’s race.
Cathy and Kurt Schmitt of Albion finish the 5k race together this morning.
Elliott Neidert and his father Mike Neidert of Albion approach the finish line together.
Every year, race organizers have someone dress as a strawberry. Runners who beat “The Strawberry” win a medal. Race organizers asked Tom Rivers, Orleans Hub editor, to be the strawberry and this is a selfie he took just before the race.
The Rev. Randy LeBaron, pastor of the Albion Free Methodist Church, leads the group in the “Run for God” program in prayer before the race. The church hosted the 12-week running program, taking people from walking to finishing the 5K race.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 June 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Strawberry Festival Parade added award winners to the festival processional this year, and Community Action of Orleans & Genesee won first place for “Special Recognition/Community Service.”
The agency is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and its float noted that milestone anniversary.
A group of judges picked first place winners in several categories today. (The winners will receive certificates.)
The judges were looking for creativity and enthusiasm – participants who celebrate the community and this year’s festival theme: “Hook, Line, and Strawberry!”
Participants were encouraged to include fish and strawberry decorations in their floats and displays.
The following were first place winners:
“Best use of theme”- Dance Reflections.
“Most original” – Albion FFA.
“Best Band” – Albion Marching Band. (This photo shows Char Olick, a senior and drum major, leading the band for a final time.)
“Best Cheer/Dance” – The Kendall Lawn Chair Ladies, who performed in the Albion parade for the first time today.
“Special recognition/community service” – Community Action.
“Best public safety agency – fire/police/ambulance” – Albion Fire Department. (This photo shows firefighters Matt Francis, Andrew Cheverie and Heather Johnston.)
“Best classic car” – This 1963 Chevy truck, owned by Bob Wells of Waterport. He built the truck himself and debuted it in classic car shows about a year ago.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 June 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Numerous participants – marching bands, community organizations, classic car owners, fire departments and elected officials – converged in Albion this morning for a parade from the school on East Avenue through the downtown along Main Street.
The top picture shows some members of the Albion Marching Band as they conclude their performance in front of the reviewing stand.
Brad Shelp drove a 1947 Cadillac in front of the Albion Marching Band.
These kids are candy hunting along the parade route.
Katie Klotzbach, right, and her mother Kerry Panek joined the Panek Farms float with three of Panek’s grandchildren.
Mike Woodward, a member of the Self Advocate All Stars at The Arc of Orleans County, pretends he is fishing from the group’s float. Participants were urged to decorate floats with a fishing and strawberry theme. This year’s festival theme is “Hook, Line, and Strawberry!”
Festival King Chase Froman and Queen Vivian Rivers both wave to the crowd while they rode in a horse-drawn carriage.
Joe Gehl served in the Honor Guard at the beginning of the parade.
Members of the 4-H program were out promoting 4-H and the upcoming fair in July.
The Kendall Lawn Chair Ladies made their debut in the Strawberry Festival Parade.
Several marching bands performed in the parade, including the White Sabers Drum and Bugle Corps from Dansville.
These parade participants were on a float for the Knights of Columbus St. Joan of Arc in Orleans County, Assembly 4th Degree.
The Purple Sharks joined several other youth baseball teams in the parade.
The Wild Rose Pony Club walks down Main Street in the parade.
These participants were part of display for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, which is celebrating 50 years of service as an agency this year.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 June 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Kim Pritt
ALBION – The Strawberry Festival Parade added award winners to the festival processional this year, and Hospice of Orleans won first place for “Best Use of Theme” for this display.
The 30th annual festival this year included a theme that celebrated the historic Erie Canal. Judges gave Hospice the first place for the water imagery in its float.
A group of judges picked first place winners in several categories. (The winners will receive certificates.)
The judges were looking for creativity and enthusiasm – participants who celebrate the community.
The following were first place winners:
Photo by Tom Rivers – “Most original” – Preston’s Landscaping of Albion for creating a lush landscape on a float.
Photo by Kim Pritt – “Best Cheer/Dance” – Kendall Lawnchair Ladies won this category for the second straight year. The Lawnchair Ladies kept a beat throughout the parade route, judges noted.
Photo by Tom Rivers – “Special recognition/community service” – Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern. The agency was praised by judges for including many children in the float as well as sending many positive messages.
Photo by Kim Pritt – “Best public safety agency – fire/police/ambulance” – Albion Fire Department. The department impressed judges by having so many members out on the parade route, as well as several fire trucks. “They were absolutely outstanding,” a judge said. “They looked very dapper out there.”
Photo by Kim Pritt – “Best classic car” – Judges were tied in picking a winner. This Model A was used to promote the Orleans County Historical Association.
Photo by Kim Pritt – This 1947 Cadillac is owned by Brad Shelp and is a favorite of the judges. The car needed a little push after stalling on Main Street. Shelp is the parade chairman.
Photo by Tom Rivers – “Best Band” – Albion Marching Band. The band, in its final parade of the season, makes its way up Main Street.
Photo by Tom Rivers – Albion seniors Cody Osborne, left, and Stephen Williams play with the drum line.
Photo by Tom Rivers – The band, including percussionist Ben Miller, left, perform for the crowd in front of the First Presbyterian Church.
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Orleans County until 10 p.m. today as thunderstorms are expected to move into the region late this afternoon and tonight.
“Some of these storms may become severe with damaging winds and large hail,” the Weather Service stated.
The weather looks better for Saturday with it partly sunny with temperatures forecast for a high of 76.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 June 2015 at 12:00 am
YATES – The Town Board approved a nearly 200-foot-high tower that will test wind strength and consistency near the Yates shoreline, a step that is needed if Apex Wind Energy advances its plan for 60 to 68 wind turbines in Yates and neighboring Somerset.
The Town Board voted 3-1 on Thursday to approve the 196.85 foot high meteorological tower on land owned by Donna Bane. The tower will be on part of a 65-acre lot at the southwest corner of Lakeshore and Marshall roads.
The Orleans County Planning Board recommended the town approve the tower during the Planning Board’s April 23 meeting. For the town to deny the tower, it needed a super-majority vote with at least four votes against the tower. (The Town Board usually has five members, but Steve Freeman recently resigned, leaving the board with four members.)
Town Supervisor John Belson said there was no legal basis for denying the meteorological tower. The tower fits the zoning standards of the town, he said.
“It’s an allowed use,” he said today. “It’s a permitted use.”
Yates did approve stipulations that the tower be lighted and painted to meet Federal Aviation Administration standards.
Members of Save Ontario Shores, a citizens’ group against the wind turbines, attended the meeting and voiced opposition to MET tower.
Town Board member Jim Whipple opposed the tower, saying the timing wasn’t right for the structure because Apex still needs to complete a preliminary scoping statement that addresses some of the specifics of the wind project and environmental concerns.
“I voted no because I think they are way out in front,” Whipple said during today’s board meeting of the Orleans Economic Development Agency, where he is executive director. “I don’t think it’s time yet.”
Belson said the MET tower isn’t the same as the wind turbines, which would peak at nearly 600 feet high from the top of their blades. That project will be reviewed by the state, with some input from the local community.
A state siting board will have final say on that project. That seven-member board is supposed to include two representatives from the project area. Belson said he has four Yates residents in mind to be considered for the siting board and he expects Somerset would have four people for the state to consider.
State officials will have final say on the two local representatives. Belson said it would be fair to have one from Yates and one from Somerset.
Belson and Yates town officials have met with State Sen. Robert Ortt, and State Assembly members Steve Hawley and Jane Corwin to discuss the project and to make sure there is a local voice in the process.
Belson said the project is unusual for the state because it spreads over two towns in two counties.
“It’s something that never been done before in New York State,” he said about the multi jurisdictions.
Photos by Tom Rivers – The refurbished Salisbury Fountain in downtown Holley is pictured during last Saturday’s parade in Holley.
Members of the Mighty St. Joe’s Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps march through the Public Square in Holley during last Saturday’s parade. The Public Square area has been nominated by the New York State Board for Historic Preservation for the state and national registers of historic places.
The Kendall Lawn Chair Ladies perform on Route 31 in downtown Holley during last Saturday’s parade that passed through the historic district.
HOLLEY – Downtown Holley is among 26 sites throughout the state that have been nominated for the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
The nominations reflect the breadth of New York’s history, ranging from one of the last amusement park rides left at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair in Queens, to the site of a 1943 school segregation fight in Rockland County, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced today.
“New York has a rich heritage, and important events in the history of this state and this nation have occurred in virtually every corner of it,” Cuomo said. “By placing these sites on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, we can ensure that they will be preserved and enjoyed by New Yorkers and visitors for years to come.”
Holley’s downtown was backed for the State and National Register by the New York State Board for Historic Preservation. Here is what it said about the Holley district:
Holley Village Historic District – The district’s 37 properties make up the commercial and institutional core of the village as it developed from 1822 to 1931; it was built along a distinctive street plan that was oriented to the Erie Canal’s irregular alignment as it spanned Sandy Creek.
Commissioner of the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Rose Harvey said, “These sites are the physical reminders of the incredible scope of architectural vision, craftsmanship, innovation and history across New York State. Listing these landmarks will give them the recognition and support they deserve.”
State and National Register listing can assist property owners in revitalizing buildings, making them eligible for various public preservation programs and services, such as matching state grants and state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits.
Spurred by the state and federal historic rehabilitation commercial tax credits administered by the State Historic Preservation Office, developers invested $500 million statewide in 2014 to revitalize properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Homeowners using the state historic homeowner rehabilitation tax credit invested more than $9.8 million statewide on home improvements to help revitalize historic neighborhoods.
The state and federal government have both added several sites in Holley and Clarendon to the registers in recent years, including Hillside Cemetery, the Old Stone Store, and at least two cobblestone houses in the community.
The State and National Registers are the official lists of buildings, structures, districts, landscapes, objects and sites significant in the history, architecture, archeology and culture of New York State and the nation. There are more than 120,000 historic buildings, structures and sites throughout the state listed on the National Register of Historic Places, individually or as components of historic districts. Property owners, municipalities and organizations from communities throughout the state sponsored the nominations.
Once the recommendations are approved by the state historic preservation officer, the properties are listed on the New York State Register of Historic Places and then nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, where they are reviewed and, once approved, entered on the National Register.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 June 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – The Albion police chief and Village Board are supporting an effort for a county-wide study of police services that would look at the existing staffs and resources, and consider ways for efficiencies and improved service throughout the county.
“I’m in favor of it,” Albion Police Chief Roland Nenni said about the study. “It could be good for everyone county-wide.”
Orleans County is taking the lead in pursuing a state grant for the study that would look at staffing and resources at the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, and the village police departments in Albion, Holley and Medina. Lyndonville also has a part-time officer.
The county would use the grant to hire a consultant to work with the local police agencies, taking an inventory of assets and personnel, and considering ways to share services or possibly consolidate into one agency.
There may be opportunities for shared administration, joint purchasing and other initiatives that would keep the existing village police departments.
County Legislature Chairman David Callard said he wants to keep the village police departments. He knows the police are a big cost driver in the village budgets.
He expects the study will show ways to bring down those costs.
The county has retained J. O’Connell and Associates in Clarence to seek a grant through the State Department of State for the study. O’Connell will be paid up to $5,000 to for “local government efficiency grant.”
The Albion Village Board backed the study on Wednesday, a day after the Holley Village Board approved a resolution in support of the effort.
Nenni, the Albion police chief, said he would also write a letter of support of the study, which he said would help the county with its grant application.
“This could show ways for us to be more effective and efficient,” he said about the study.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 12 June 2015 at 12:00 am
HOLLEY – Mid-morning downpours Friday forced Holley Elementary students to move their annual Flag Day ceremonies inside, but the wet weather didn’t dampen their spirit.
Instead of parading from the school to the railroad depot on Geddes Street Extension in the village, students, their teachers, friends and family members paraded through school hallways to the gymnasium while patriotic songs played over the public address system.
Flag Day is officially observed June 14, but this year the holiday falls on a Sunday, so the annual event at Holley Elementary was today.
Following the “parade” the gymnasium became a sea of red, white and blue and ceremonies included the “Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag,” the singing of the “Star Spangled Banner,” performances of patriotic music by members of the Holley Elementary Band and Chorus, the presentation of annual “Good Citizenship” Awards to students.
Holley Community Free Library Director Sandra Shaw thanks students for their donation from the “Raise the Roof Fund” during annual Flag Day ceremonies at the school Friday morning. Members of the Holley Elementary Student Council raised $1424.21 to help the library pay for a new roof. A check was presented to the library
during the ceremonies.
Student Council advisor and Holley Elementary vocal music teacher Sally Martin says funds were raised in several different ways including collection containers set up by students around the village and a literary-themed scavenger hunt around the school for words which form famous quotes from books. The money will go to help pay for a new roof for the library.
This was the 58th annual celebration of Flag Day by students at Holley Central Elementary School. According to www.usflag.org, Flag Day is believed to have originated in 1885 at a public school in Wisconsin as “Flag Birthday,” because June 14 is the anniversary of the adoption of the Flag Resolution of 1777 which designated the Stars and Stripes as the US flag.
Holley Elementary 5th grader John Patt performs with the Elementary Band during Flag Day ceremonies at the school on Friday morning.
A number of Holley Elementary students were honored Friday morning during the annual Flag Day celebration with Good Citizenship Awards, and. each received a patriotic T-shirt.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 June 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The 29th annual Albion Strawberry Festival started today and continues on Saturday in downtown Albion and the Courthouse Square.
Yaudiel Castillo, 12, of Albion and his friends try hit the target at the dunk booth and drop Mary Martin into the tank. Mary’s father Greg Martin is running the dunk tank as a fundraiser to find a cure for juvenile diabetes.
His son Enoch, 14, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes about four years ago. Proceeds from the dunk tank will go to Strong Memorial Hospital’s Endocrinology Department for finding a cure.
The festival for the first time includes a fishing pond on West Bank Street. The 14-by-22-foot tank is stocked with about 250 rainbow and brook trout. This photo shows John Snell and his daughter Reagan Flor catching a fish.
Curtis Wall, right, of Albion catches the biggest fish in the tank, a rainbow trout. He is assisted by Mike Hall from Western North Carolina Mountain Trout Fishing.
Participants pay $3 for a chance to catch the fish. The rod, reel and bait will all be provided. Any caught fish will be returned to the tank in a catch and release program.
The Michael Ames Duo, which includes Michael Ames and Mary Ellen Hayden, perform on East Bank Street during the festival today.
Vincent Pastore of Batavia plays the violin with a group in front of the courthouse this evening.
Pete Matsen plays the trumpet and Gary Deiboldt the keyboards while entertaining by the courthouse this evening.
Hospice of Orleans has real ducks by its booth to promote its duck race on July 4 in Lyndonville. Nyla Gaylord, left, and Mary Tillman are pictured at the Hospice booth.
On Saturday the 5k and 8k races start at 8 a.m., followed by parade at 10 a.m. and a full day of entertainment.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 June 2015 at 1:58 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – There were no injuries in a 2-car accident at about 12:45 p.m. today on Route 31 near the driveway to Frank’s Auto on the western end of the Village of Albion.
Albion firefighters, Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and other first responders were at the scene.
Albion firefighter Jim Peruzzini looks over the two cars, which both sustained minor damage from the accident.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 June 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – Village of Albion personnel will run Elba’s water and sewer plants for a year with Albion to be paid $34,320 for providing personnel on a part-time basis.
The agreement was formally approved by the Albion Village Board on Wednesday, and is retroactive to June 1.
Albion will have personnel at the Elba facilities for about 2 hours each day. Rick Albright, the sewer plant chief operator, will handle the sewer oversight in Elba while Bill Logan, a DPW worker with a water license, will work at Elba’s water plant.
Albion has been managing the Holley sewer plant for the past year.
Elba is expected to use village personnel on a short-term basis for water because a transmission line is currently being installed down Route 98. That will link Elba to the Monroe County Water Authority, which provides much of the public water in Genesee County. Elba may not be able to connect to that system until next year.
The agreement between Elba and Albion gives each municipality the option of backing out of the agreement with 90 days notice.
Albion officials said the agreements with Elba and Holley are ways to bring revenue into the village, while using existing employees to help neighboring municipalities.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 June 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – The roof at the Village Hall, at the corner of East Bank and Platt streets, will soon be replaced as well as the roofs on the Fire Hall and Department of Public Works buildings.
ALBION – The Village Board decided on Wednesday to borrow $550,000 in a bond to pay for new roofs for the Village Hall, Fire Hall and Department of Public Works.
Doing all of the projects at once should provide some economies of scale and result in lower bids from contractors, said Dale Brooks, DPW superintendent.
The double-layered roofs have been leaking and they at the end of their useful lives, said Jason Foote, an engineer with Clark Patterson Lee, which inspected the roofs and helped prepare cost estimates.
The board voted to seek a bond to pay for the project, which should be done before winter.
The project will include the 3,500 square foot roof on the Village Hall, the 2,200 square foot roof on the Fire Hall, and two roofs at the DPW building – one that is 10,900 square feet over the truck bays and shop, and another that is 3,500 square feet over the offices.
Foote said the new roofs will be more energy efficient. The current roofs are two layers. Those layers will be ripped off for a new roof.
The village will wait for bids from banks on the bond to see the interest rates on the loan.
