KENDALL – The Kendall Lions had about 45 volunteers on Saturday for the annual Kendall Community Environmental Cleanup Day. This photo shows Lion President Tom Minigiello and his wife Candy Minigiello, who is also a member of the Lions Club.
Lions, Leos, Scouts and community members joined forces to clean up about 80 percent of the roadsides in the Town of Kendall. The Lions provided safety vests to participants as well as refreshments following. The Lions Club thanks the Town of Kendall Highway Department for its support in the cleanup.
A group of community members gather at the town highway department and await their road assignments.
Members of the Leos Club at Kendall Central School – Brook Andrus, Evan Gaesser and Julia Smith – pick up garbage from by the road.
Volunteers filled many trash bags with roadside debris.
On Friday, Earth day, the Lions were happy to participate in the Fourth Grade Foresters Program. The Lions Club provided and handed out trees to each 4th grade student at Kendall Elementary. Lion Phil D’Agostino presented a tree to his grandson Louis Conte.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 April 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
CARLTON – Albion firefighter James Fisher joins Caden Woolston and his sister Ava Woolston during an open house today at the Carlton Volunteer Fire Company.
Carlton let children use water hoses to hit targets, and welcomed kids to ride fire trucks and meet firefighters. Caden and Ava’s father Ryan Woolston is second lieutenant with Carlton.
Carlton hosted an open house today at the recreation hall on Route 98 as part of Recruit NY, a state-wide effort to boost membership in fire departments.Carlton firefighters also did an extrication demonstration.
Lily Eggleston, 5, of Albion has a big smile after riding in a Carlton fire truck.
Carlton firefighter Ryan Woolston shows a flashlight to twin brothers Weston Ernst, left, and Wyatt Ernst, both age 3. They are joined by Valerie Niederhofer, secretary of the Carlton Volunteer Fire Company.
Fancher-Hulberton-Murray also hosted an open house today as well as yesterday. here, FHM firefighter Ray Keffer assists a girl in climbing down a ladder of a trailer from the Hilton Fire District.
That trailer has a smoke simulator and firefighters could use the trailer to discuss the dangers of unattended stoves, overloaded extension cords and other household fire hazards.
Kali Keffer, an FHM junior firefighter, joins children in a safety drill inside the trailer from Hilton.
FHM firefighters Debbie Fiorito, left, and Mark Mallet do an extrication drill as part of today’s open house.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 April 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Carolyn Ricker announced today she plans to close Bindings Bookstore on April 30 after 5 ½ years of business. She is pictured today in the store at 28 West Bank St.
ALBION – The owner of Bindings Bookstore announced today she plans to close the bookstore on April 30 after 5 ½ years. Carolyn Ricker said there is a chance a new owner may step forward in the next few days.
She said the bookstore has been profitable, but it wasn’t meeting her goal for a business after 5-plus years.
“It holds its own,” she said this afternoon at the store. “It’s not failing, it’s just hasn’t been what I hoped for my family.”
Ricker and her husband Jason have two teen-age children. Mrs. Ricker opened the store following a community survey for businesses in Albion. Many people who filled out the survey about seven years ago stated they wanted to see a bookstore in Albion.
Her top sellers were children’s books and items about local history. Ricker said she appreciated a faithful clientele, but she and other downtown businesses need more customers.
File photo – Carolyn Ricker dressed as Where’s Waldo in the Strawberry Festival Parade in June 2014 to promote a contest in Albion. She is pictured Jeffrey Brown (strawberry) and his brother Harrison (the bear).
She thinks about the sign in the storefront window of a Main Street building owned by Adam Johnson, who urges people to “Be part of the solution.”
Ricker said people don’t need to open a business but if they can be part of a thriving downtown with locally owned stores by spending money with those merchants.
Ricker has been battling Big Box stores and on-line companies such as Amazon. She said she built up a loyal customer base by catering to their needs, and offering to make deliveries.
Ricker also has been active with the Albion Merchants Association, serving as the group’s president and helping to run many events, such as a wine-tasting, holiday shopping tours, stained-glass window tour, Small Business Saturday, and other community efforts such as Where’s Waldo, which offered coupons for people who visited local businesses. Ricker also ran a monthly book club, and sponsored the “Tale for Three Counties” community reading project.
“She’s been very supportive of the businesses,” said Lisa Stratton, owner of the Hazy Jade Gift Shop.
Stratton stopped by Bindings today after Ricker announced the store’s closing on Facebook and to customers in an email. Stratton said the two are “Business Besties” who often team on projects and for moral support.
Bindings will have a sale with everything 30 percent off in its final week.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 April 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Debbie Heuer addresses a crowd of about 300 people after being named the 2015 “Best Friend” for The Arc of Orleans County.
HOLLEY – The Arc of Orleans County held its annual awards program on Friday and recognized many of the agency’s key supporters, as well as developmentally disabled adults who have excelled in jobs and other roles in the community.
Debbie Heuer received the “Best Friend” award for her volunteer work with the agency for the past three decades. She is a former board president, and has served on numerous committees and efforts, including basket raffles, the golf tournament, 5K race, endowment fund and Signature Series. She also coached a soccer team for people with disabilities.
“Debbie is humble and gives of her time, talents and support to the Arc with no need for accolades,” said John Huber, The Arc board president.
He presented the award to Heuer in front of about 300 people during the 36th annual Best Friend Dinner at Hickory Ridge Golf Course.
Debbie Heuer receives a citation from Ed Morgan (representing State Sen. Rob Ortt) during Friday’s awards program. John Huber, The Arc board president, is in back. Eileen Banker, back left, also presented Heuer with a citation from State Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
Heuer thanked the Arc, especially its many dedicated employees, for serving people with disabilities and their families. Heuer first connected with The Arc in 1988 when her son Tyler received early intervention services from Rainbow Preschool.
“They are kind and generous and underpaid,” Heuer said about The Arc staff. “On behalf of the whole Heuer family, I want to say thank you to The Arc for what you mean to us and all of the support.”
The agency presented several other awards on Friday, including:
Business Partnership Award: DeGeorge Property Group
File photo by Tom Rivers
The Arc of Orleans County celebrated the opening of the “Snack Shack” on Oct. 21 at the Arnold Gregory Memorial Complex at 243 South Main St. The Snack Shack sells baked goods, soda, coffee, ice cream, fruit, candy and breakfast and lunch sandwiches.
Ben DeGeorge of the DeGeorge Property Group was recognized for teaming with The Arc to start a snack shop at the Arnold Gregory Memorial Complex, which is owned by DeGeorge Property. DeGeorge upgraded the site with new plumbing, cosmetics and furniture, while giving lots of encouragement to The Arc in establishing the snack shop on Oct. 21.
Heritage Award: Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning
Bill Hayes, owner of Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning, is congratulated with the Heritage Award by Eileen Banker (left) from State Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s office and Donna Saskowski (right), Arc executive director.
Bill Hayes, owner of Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning, has been a long-time supporter of The Arc, sponsoring the golf tournament which supports Camp Rainbow. He also has been generous with the annual appeal and other fund-raising efforts.
Hayes lives in Batavia next to developmentally disabled adults. He said they are great neighbors. He also hires a crew through the ARC in Genesee County to clean his business.
“They are honest, they are diligent and they are hard workers,” Hayes said, encouraging other businesses to hire work crews through The Arc.
Community Service Award: John Hald
John Hald accepts the Community Service Award. He volunteers in many community efforts, including the Lyndonville Fire Department and Lyndonville Lion’s Club.
He also helps at Hospice of Orleans, PAWS Animal Shelter, and also cares for neighbors’ pets if his neighbors are away or ill. He also helps some of his neighbors when they are sick by taking out their trash and visiting them.
Self-Advocate of the Year: Phil Donoghue
Donna Saskowski (left), Arc executive director, congratulates Phil Donoghue on his award. Donoghue was recognized for his active role in the “Self Advocacy All Stars,” helping with fundraisers, incuding building a sleigh for the Strawberry Festival Parade and a winter dance. He also made the fireplace for the winter gala. He helps his peers in jewelry making classes and other projects.
Supported Employment Worker of the Year: Mike Grandin
Grandin has worked several jobs since joining The Arc in 2000, including six years with the Associated Brands enclave. He also worked at Fischer’s Newsroom for more than a year, stocking, pricing and cleaning. He started as a cleaner at Snap Fitness in Medina last June. Grandin has excellent work attendance and is a role model to others.
Orleans Enterprises Worker of the Year: Tom Popowych
Popowych has been working at Orleans Enterprises for 20 years, with nearly perfect attendance to the work site on Washington Street in Albion. He has demonstrated a tireless work ethic and keen attention to detail. He displays good manufacturing practices and daily workshop safety, as well as a friendly demeanor.
Provided photo – Childhood Memories Day Care planted two peach trees on Friday on Upper Holley Road in Holley to celebrate Earth Day. Children also sang songs and read a poem about Earth Day.
ALBION – Volunteer groups and individuals are invited to participate in the 11th annual Canal Clean Sweep, the spring cleaning of the NYS Canal System and Canalway Trail. Several efforts are planned in Orleans County.
Three groups will be out picking up trash today, including:
Kendall Masonic Lodge, meeting in Holley, starting at 9 a.m. at gazebo by canal;
Stop Polluting Orleans County, starting in Albion at noon at Fire Department;
Sons of the American Legion in Medina, beginning at 9 a.m. at Legion Post.
On Sunday the Orleans County Snowdrifters will do a canal cleanup beginning at 9:30 a.m. in Eagle Harbor. Those interested in helping can call Lloyd Wright at 589-6400 for more information.
The Medina Lions Club also is planning a community-wide cleanup on May 7, beginning at 9 a.m. at Lions Park on North Gravel Road.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 April 2016 at 4:15 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Three people were injured in accident at about 2:40 p.m. this afternoon on Route 31, just west of Long Bridge Road near the 4-H fairgrounds.
The driver of the white vehicle, a GMC Terrain SUV, was getting mail and made a 90-degree turn on 31 and was struck by an oncoming Ford Ranger pickup truck, a deputy on the scene said.
The passenger in the Terrain, the grandmother of the driver, needed to be extricated by Albion firefighters. She was taken by Mercy Flight helicopter to a hospital.
The drivers of both the SUV and pickup truck were also taken by ambulance, COVA and the Medina Fire Department, to hospitals.
No information was available about the extent of the injuries.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 April 2016 at 12:00 am
ALBION – Members of the Albion FFA are capping FFA Week by hosting the Mini Farm at the high school ag shop today. This photo shows Olivia Krenning, a fifth-grader, and FFA member Emilie Barleben at a station with pigs. Olivia’s family loaned the pigs for today’s visit by about 600 elementary school students. Olivia’s father Adam Krenning is the FFA advisor and the school’s agriculture teacher.
Harrison Brown, a sophomore in the FFA, introduces students to a 13-day-old calf loaned to the Mini Farm by the Beam family. Harrison is holding a bottle with milk replacer, a nutrient rich formula fed to baby calves. Harrison said the calf’s name is Baby Bum.
FFA members Arella Ives, left and Hannah Wehling show students a pony brought in by FFA member Rylie Lear.
Rylie Lear takes questions about cows that her family brought to the Mini Farm.
Emily Blanchard talks about new-born turkeys. There were several other stations that introduced students to animals and farm equipment.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 22 April 2016 at 12:00 am
KENDALL – Members of the Kendall School Board of Education have adopted the proposed 2016-17 budget which doesn’t increase the tax rate.
The proposed budget increases spending from $15,065,842 to $17,392,234, predominantly due to the debt incurred with the recent capital improvement project, said Julie Christensen, the district superintendent.
The budget-to-budget increase, however, is completely offset by an increase in state aid from $9,884,890 to $11,855,939, Christensen explained, the majority of which is an increase in building aid.
“Our expense based state aid figures increased for BOCES cost, but decreased for transportation and high cost aid,” she said. “These aid dollars are determined solely by usage that fluctuates from year to year. For example, we purchased more technology from BOCES hence the increase in that aid line.”
The new state budget ends the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA), restoring funds to school districts from the recession in 2009-10.
“This is the amount New York State deducted from the legislated school state aid figures to pay their bills for the state,” Christensen said.
Additionally, the district will actualize $25,104 in revenues from the PILOT from The Cottages at Troutburg.
“Our current programs and services, dependent on student enrollment and interest, will remain intact,” Christensen said. “We are offering many new high school course electives based on student interest.”
The proposed tax levy remains unchanged in the 2016/17 budget and Christensen says Kendall has held the levy stable for many years.
This year, maintaining the zero levy was facilitated by the Board of Education seeking to apply the one-time return of GEA funds to the levy, she said.
The tax rate will be $17.39/$1,000 assessed value for a Kendall resident.
One seat on the School Board of Education is up for election this year. Incumbent Charles Patt is seeking another term. Debra Szczepanski is also seeking a term on the Board. The five-year term will run through June 30, 2021.
The 2016/17 proposed Budget Presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 4 at the David J. Doyle Junior/Senior High School at 7 p.m. in the Commons. District residents are invited to attend, ask questions regarding the 2016/17 proposed budget, and meet school board candidates.
The annual budget vote/school board election is set for May 17 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Kendall Elementary School Gymnasium.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 April 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Gianna Jessen, a prominent pro-life and disability rights activist, was the keynote speaker on Thursday during the annual banquet for the Care Net Center of Greater Orleans. Jessen is a survivor of a failed saline abortion attempt at 7 ½ months in the womb.
Now 39, she has been an activist against abortion for 25 years and has testified before Congress. Jessen also has cerebral palsy. She has completed two marathons covering 26.2 miles on foot.
Jessen addressed nearly 400 people at the Care Net event at the Hickory Ridge Golf and RV Resort in Holley.
Care Net in Albion has served the community for 27 years. It provides free ultra-sounds, pregnancy tests, sexually transmitted infection testing and resources to families in crisis, including parenting classes and some material aid. Care Net is located across from McDonalds on Route 31 in the former Lipton’s building.
Care Net is raising money for a new ultrasound machine and other equipment.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 22 April 2016 at 12:00 am
CLARENDON – Town Board members on Thursday evening approved an amendment to the Town’s Zoning Ordinance Sec. 301 and adopted related Local Law No. 1 of 2016, regarding building permits for buildings or structures 64 sq. ft. or greater within the town.
The amendment to Zoning Ordinance Sec. 301 adds a new Subsection B which states: “All buildings or structures 64 sq. ft. or greater within the Town of Clarendon shall require a building permit.”
The previous Subsection B is now Subsection C and states: “No building permit shall be issued for any buildings, structures, dwellings, their customary accessory structures and common farm related structures unless a Site Plan has been submitted to and approved by the Planning Board.”
The amendment notes that the Ordinance Inspection Officer may waive the need for a site plan review for buildings or structures provided such building or structure is single width, is a single story and is not permanently attached to the soil or any other structure.
Local Law No. 1 of 2016 relates to the Zoning Ordinance changes and gives the code enforcement officer broader authority in issuing building permits for detached structures. It amends Local Law No. 1 of 2007 to change the size of structures requiring a building permit. The new law states: “No permit shall be required for…. construction or installation of one story detached structures associated with one or two family dwellings or multiple single family dwellings (townhouses) which are used for tool and storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses, provided that the gross floor area is less than 64 sq. ft.”
Other provisions of Local Law No. 1 of 2007 remain unchanged.
Prior to the vote, Deputy Town Supervisor Allen Robinson, who sat in for Supervisor Richard Moy, noted the County Planning Board had approved the changes and commended Clarendon for consistently being proactive on zoning/building related issues.
Councilperson William Campbell was the only board member to vote no on both the amendment and the local law.
During a public hearing on the changes conducted March 15, Supervisor Moy stated the changes, which reduce the minimum size for structures and buildings requiring a building permit, will help the town assessor to keep track of structures which are part of property appraisals, as well as help prevent structures from being placed directly on property lines.
No residents spoke during the March public hearings, but Councilperson Campbell stated he could not see the benefit of decreasing the size of structures which require a building permit.
“It means more work on the Planning Board and more work on the CEO,” Campbell said. “I don’t see the benefits to the Town of Clarendon. We should be looking to make things easier for residents.”
In other business during Thursday’s meeting, Town Board members congratulated Town Historian and Ordinance Inspection Officer/CEO Melissa Ierlan (who was not present at the meeting) on being awarded the C. W. “Bill” Lattin Award for Excellence in Municipal History as part of the third class of Orleans County Heritage Heroes.
Deputy Supervisor Robinson read a letter from the Heritage Heroes Award Committee which stated the Lattin Award is new this year, making Ierlan the first recipient. The committee called Ierlan, “A great advocate of local history.”
Robinson said Ierlan always, “goes above and beyond the call of duty.”
The 2016 class of Heritage Heroes will be recognized in a ceremony at Genesee Community College in Albion on Friday, April 29, at 7 p.m.
This photo includes back row, from left: Teacher Nicole Homme, Kathryn Young, Jamie Boyce, Taylor Hurrell, Hannah Sones, Alexandria Sargent. Front Row: Hailee Ogden, Bryanna Sikorski, Mercedes Wilson, Megan Dunn and Morgan Roach.
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – Mercedes Wilson is 2000 graduate from Medina High School. Recently she found herself back on campus with a new mission.
She spent several days talking with the high school girls about feeling confident in expressing themselves and being their own advocate when it comes to their health.
“When I was 28 years old I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer,” says Mrs. Wilson. “I thought I had a pulled muscle and when I discussed it with my doctor they assured me that I was too young to be concerned about anything. I was fortunate enough when I started to go to a new doctor that they insisted that I get it checked out. It was devastating to think if I had pushed to be tested earlier, I would not have had to undergo what I did.”
Her journey inspired her to start the organization For Our Daughters (click here). Its focus is to empower young women to break down communication barriers and become advocates for their own health and wellness.
“Our youth are under an immense amount of pressure and while they are developing, it is our job to teach them valuables,” she says. “Not only do we address self-esteem issues, but encourage communication with parent/guardians.”
Mrs. Wilson was invited to talk to the students during their gym period by teacher Nicole Homme. The girls ran different scenarios on how to communicate with their mothers showing a productive way to do that and a negative way. Mrs. Homme says she thinks the students respond better to hear these important strategies from someone on the outside.
“Her story is very personal and she has experience of what happens if you don’t learn communication skills earlier on in life,” Homme says. “She tells the students if they feel something is not right, they need to advocate and communicate what it is that they are feeling. It is a very valuable lesson.”
This group participated in Zumba led by Ashley Ramsey, owner of FIT Method in North Tonawanda. She is in front of photo. Other participants include second row, from left: Abigail Neuman, Abbigail Lilly, Kali Worley, Lillian Alberi, Regan Dole, Brooke Bearss, Paige Dunn and Shelby Weese. Back row: Syiera Dow, Alexis Greco, Jessica Lawrence, Nicole Cooper, Jelia Howard, Nodia Osby, Hannah Heil, Divere Brown, Brianna Bearss and Jizzell Banks.
As part of the workshop, a Zumba instructor, Ashley Ramsey from FIT Method in North Tonawanda, came in to teach a class to the students.
“Being active is a key to promoting a healthy life,” says Mrs. Wilson. “Hopefully it will instill a desire to do some sort of activity for the rest of their lives. We can do better, if we know better.”
Mrs. Wilson talks regularly to many local high schools and hopes to reach her goal of reaching 1,500 young women in the Western New York area.
“These girls deserve a world where they feel confident, empowered, and their voices are heard,” she said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 April 2016 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club presented $3,000 today to PAWS Animal Shelter, the proceeds from the first-ever Masquerade Ball at The Pillars on April 9.
Albion Rotarians Tammy Yaskulski, left, and Deb Boyer, right, were key organizers in the event. They present the check to Morgan Tinkous, manager of PAWS.
State Sen. Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) today released a legislative package of bills to help make college more affordable and attainable for thousands of students and families and debt less burdensome.
The bills deal with community college scholarships, establishing an apprenticeship program for career readiness, requiring public disclosure of financial statistics to current and potential college students, and reforming New York’s Tuition Assistance Program.
“The rising cost of college tuition over the years has burdened families and left students drowning in debt before they graduate and start a career in their chosen field,” said Ortt, a member of Higher Education Committee. “Currently, big government politicians continue to propose that taxpayers take on trillions of dollars in student debts, and New York City liberal special interests continue to push to have government foot the bill for illegal immigrants or prisoners to attend college. But, I’m working to enact legislation that’s pragmatic and fair. The proposed legislation that’s supported by my Senate Majority colleagues will help tens of thousands of individuals achieve the dream of attending college.”
The exponential increase in the cost of tuition and the amount of money students have to borrow go hand in hand. A 2015 report from the Project on Student Debt showed that the average debt of a Class of 2014 borrower graduating from a four-year college in New York State was $27,822. That debt level increased from a decade ago when the average student loan debt was $18,857 in 2004.
The average debt of 2014 graduates at Buffalo State SUNY was $24,290. Student debt data for Niagara University, a private institution, showed an average debt of $30,289 for 2014 graduates.
Legislation sponsored by Ortt and supported by the Senate Majority to help reduce unsustainable student debt includes:
(S6838) Launching the “Learning for Work Program” that establishes a Youth Apprenticeship Program for high school juniors or seniors. The apprenticeship program would combine academic work in the classroom with mentored on-the-job training to advance career readiness. This legislation would also offer an Enhanced Regents Professional Diploma in the specified occupation, and create a tax credit of $1,500 for each apprentice the participating employer sponsors.
(S6839) Increasing transparency to help students and families make informed decisions about college and borrowing. Higher education institutions would be required to collect data and provide more detailed information on student retention and graduation rates, average amounts of federal and private student loan debt after graduation, and average earnings and employment metrics broken down by program of study.
(S6841) Awarding a Community College Merit and Mobility Scholarship to high school students across the state who graduate within the top 20 percent of their class. Eligible students must attend a New York State community college and would receive $1,000 per year for up to two years. Up to 1,000 scholarships would be awarded to new students every year.
Also, legislation co-sponsored by Ortt would:
(S2129) Restore New York State’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for graduate students. In 2010, the state legislature eliminated TAP for all graduate degree programs. Many of today’s jobs now require a Master’s degree, but without the help of financial aid, the cost of graduate school is too expensive for many. Since the program’s elimination, it’s been increasingly difficult for students to further their education and obtain a graduate degree. This bill would provide students with access to tuition assistance and make them more competitive in today’s job market.
In addition to this legislative package, the Senate Majority was able to recently secure more than $1 billion for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) as part of the enacted 2016-17 State Budget. The budget also freezes SUNY and CUNY tuition this year while boosting funding for SUNY and CUNY community colleges with an additional $20 million.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 April 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – The Albion Betterment Committee is backing off plans to put a bronze statue of Santa Claus with a “Santa House” in a vacant spot next to the First Presbyterian Church after several merchants and past Village Board members expressed concerns that the land should be used for public parking. The Betterment Committee is looking at other sites, including Waterman Park, a spot on Main Street next to Cropsey and Cropsey.
ALBION – The Village Board was encouraged to support efforts for a bronze statue of Santa Claus in honor of Charles Howard, the Albion native who ran a Santa Claus School from 1937 until his death in 1966.
However, the Village Board was urged not to allow the Howard memorial to be erected on vacant land next to the First Presbyterian Church. The village took down a building that was considered unsafe five years ago with the goal of creating a parking lot. The spot hasn’t been turned into parking yet, but several merchants said they don’t want to see that potential go away.
Greg Schmitt of the Olde Coach Inn said he only has three parking spaces now for his business. He would like to add a sports bar, but not having access to the parking would hurt that effort.
Dean Theodorakos was mayor of Albion when the building was demolished. He spoke at the public hearing Wednesday about using the space for a Santa statue and memorial. Theodorakos favors keeping it for parking. He also urged the village to enforce existing two-hour parking in the downtown. He also shared his concern that a Santa House, which could sell merchandise and refreshments, be self-supporting and not be a drain on village finances.
The Albion Betterment Committee shared concerns about the aesthetics of a big parking lot on Main Street. Theodorakos said there were plans for green space if the village moves forward with the bigger lot.
(Editor’s note: I’m on the Santa committee and spoke during the public hearing. I suggested the village put historic-looking lights in the median of the parking lot and some small trees to be a buffer looking at the former Sneezy’s bowling alley and to help with the aesthetics of the space.)
As a committee member I favor the Waterman Park site on Main Street, a half block south of the canal. The site is owned by the village and much of the landscaping is done. The Memorial Art Company in Buffalo visited Albion twice about three years ago to look at spots for a potential quarryman memorial site.
That company, which has created and installed several bronze statues, thought Waterman was the best spot. It’s high-profile on Main Street with two intersecting sidewalks. The company didn’t like the land by the Presbyterian Church because a bronze would look so small next to a 175-foot-high building.
Waterman could be renamed the Charles W. Howard Memorial Park. Murals could added with a Santa theme and Christmas trees planted to create a Christmas feel (my opinion).
The Village Board would need to vote on making public space available for any Santa projects.
Maureen Bennett is a vendor across from Waterman in the Uptown Browsery. She thought the location with a statue would give a lift to several of the businesses that would be close by to the statue.
Community members have pitched other sites for a Santa statue and House, including this spot at the corner of Ingersoll and West Bank streets. I think it’s too far from Main Street and wouldn’t be a springboard for other businesses to piggyback off of. If the statue is on Main Street, I could see businesses opening with a Santa theme, or selling Santa-related merchandise.
The site at the former Swan Library also has been suggested for the Santa statue. The property is now privately owned by Chad Fabry. He wants to remove the large tree. Some people, including Village Trustee Pete Sidari, have suggested the statue could go there. (I don’t think the statue would “connect” well with the site. It would be harder to create a Santa theme here and I think the statue would look out of place.)
Ken McPherson is a graduate of the Charles Howard Santa Claus School, which is now in Midland, Mich. McPherson said Howard is well regarded among the Santa community. More than 200 attended a Santa conference in Albion a year ago.
The Betterment Committee would like a Santa statue to be made of bronze and placed in a prominent part of town, serving as a icon, much like the Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial, which is featured in the film “A Perfect Storm” and remains a big part of the identity of this Massachusetts community.
McPherson is also on the local Santa committee. He said a statue would be a nice way to recognize Howard’s impact in the community and with the people who portray Santa around the world. McPherson would like to see a display of memorabilia of Christmas Park that tells the story of that site created by Howard on Phipps Road. However, McPherson said he wants a project that has strong support in the community.
Albion residents Lori Laine and Gary Condoluci also voiced support for the bigger project of a statue and “Santa House.” Laine said that combination would be a bigger draw to the downtown. However, she said she would support the statue at first, with the possibility of developing a Santa House later on.
Adam Johnson is working to develop a restaurant in the downtown. He submitted a letter that was read at the public hearing. Johnson didn’t want to give up parking spaces for a Santa House that he said doesn’t have a viable long-term plan. Johnson said he favors the statue at Waterman Park.
Resident Mark Parker also shared concerns about the viability of running a Santa House and the burden on the village with ongoing maintenance.
Another issue raised on Wednesday was whether Howard’s family would support a memorial project. Howard’s grandchildren attended the Santa convention a year ago and gave verbal support for the project. Village Board members said they want to see that in writing. McPherson said he knows Howard’s granddaughter, Jane Holland of Williamsville, and would see if she would state her support for the project.
Charles Howard is pictured in 1965 in one of the last times he wore the Santa suit. The 50th anniversary of his death is on May 1.
Condoluci said he remembers when he was a kid and visited Christmas Park and Howard.
Condoluci urged the Village Board to “take a leap of faith” and allow a Howard memorial to be created on village-owned land on Main Street.
“I remember Charlie Howard,” Condolucci said. He was a big deal. He is a very proud and vibrant part of Albion history.”
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Jonathan Higgins, a captain with the Medina Fire Department, interviews Meghan Hurley on Wednesday during mock interviews with Albion seniors in the school’s internship program.
Hurley has been interning at the Medina Fire Department with paramedics. She is considering a career as a nurse aesthetician.
Albion has 19 students in internships this semester and 17 were interviewed on Wednesday, with students preparing cover letters and resumes.
Gabrielle Barone, vice president of business development for the Orleans Economic Development Agency, interviews Kyle Smith, who is interning with the EDA and considering a career in business.
Mary Leto, assistant superintendent at Albion Central School, interviews Olivia Prest, who has been interning at D & K Autobody. She is interested in a welding career.
(Tom Rivers, Orleans Hub editor, interviewed Katelyn Perry, who has been interning in Hoag Library with communications and also at Bloom’s Flower Shop. She is interested in a career in journalism.)
