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Medina hospital employee creates quilt for breast cancer event

Posted 22 April 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Sue Cook – Debbie Secrist, Medina Memorial Hospital’s Medical Transcriber, will be making a quilt for this year’s For Women Only event on May 7.

By Sue Cook, staff reporter

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health will be holding its 18th Annual For Women Only event on May 7. The event is a focus on breast cancer awareness for survivors and for all women who should be getting checked for cancer. Approximately 250 to 300 guests are expected at the event.

“Truly, early screening saves lives,” said Wellness Director Cindy Perry. “There is no reason why any woman should not have a mammogram. The goal is to raise awareness for breast health practices. This will also raise money for services for women who are uninsured or under insured that our grant doesn’t cover.”

During the event, quilt squares will be available for $5 each. Once a square is purchased the buyer can write a message using a fabric pen. Local artist Carol Culhane will also be available if the buyer would like her to write the message in a more artistic style.

The quilt is being made from start to finish by hospital employee Debbie Secrist. As a child, Secrist enjoyed sewing, but didn’t branch out into quilting until one day she was walking through the old Lockport Mall. She spoke to the Kenan Quilters and met Gretchen Lang. Lang encouraged Secrist to pursue quilting and to join the Quilter’s Guild.

“This is a passion of mine,” said Secrist. “I love doing it. It brings me a lot of peace and tranquility.”

The quilt will be a vibrant eye-catching wall piece when it makes its home in the Medina Memorial Hospital. The completed quilt will be hung for display in the hospital as a reminder to the community of how important personal health is. The quilt will also be brought to special events.

Employees at the hospital have seen her work before and recommended Secrist to the Community Partners committee. They approached Secrist who agreed it would be a great project. She had saved money she had previously won from the hospital bowling tournament and her bonus from serving at the hospital for 25 years. She used the money toward materials for the quilt.

When Secrist was saving the money, she didn’t have any plans what to do with it. “I didn’t really know what I was going to save it for. I knew it was something special, but then when they asked me if I would be interested in making the quilt I thought this is the perfect way to contribute and give back.”

Secrist says that Lang was the inspiration for the quilt. Lang is a breast cancer survivor and Secrist is using the quilt to show her appreciation and recognition of Lang. Secrist and Lang will be at the event to see the squares being signed. Secrist will also be writing a personal message for Lang on a quilt square.

Perry was very happy that Secrist was willing to provide such an incredible donation. “It’s phenomenal that she is willing to give back for such a good cause!”

Secrist reveals the final pattern of the quilt. The final piece will include 300 quilt squares. She says that it will likely take a few weeks or even a couple of months to put all the signed squares together.

The event will have speakers, Chinese auctions, a 50/50 raffle, wine tasting, appetizers and desserts. There will also be stories from survivors and time will be taken during the evening for survivors to stand up and be recognized. They will also receive a gift as acknowledgment of their fight against cancer.

The evening will also feature entertainment from the group DIVA by DIVA. Their act is comprised of songs, poetry, humor, quotes, and a variety of other performances. The all-female cast includes women from all walks of life with some of the cast sometimes including lawyers, bankers, cancer survivors, teachers and more.

All are welcome to the event, young or old. Despite the event’s name, men are encouraged to attend as well because they are also at risk of getting breast cancer or may wish to acknowledge a person in their life with breast cancer. The event is sponsored by the Community Partners and Cancer Services Program of Genesee and Orleans and also the WNY Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville is hosting the event. Tickets can be purchased by calling (585) 798-9542. Item donations are also still being accepted for the Chinese auction.

View to the outside from the historic chapel at Hillside Cemetery

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 April 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

CLARENDON – The top photo shows the Holley water tank on Route 237. The picture was taken looking through one of the stained glass windows in the chapel at Hillside Cemetery in Holley.

Not too many people get inside the chapel at Hillside Cemetery. I was given a tour recently. The Clarendon Historical Society may soon launch a fund-raising campaign to upgrade the chapel, which was built in 1894.

The Historical Society would like to see the building used for more community events. The bottom photo shows one of the big trees on the lawn by the chapel.

Morton store served a dual purpose in 1961

Posted 21 April 2014 at 12:00 am

By Bill Lattin, Orleans County Historian

MORTON – These photos were taken in 1961 in front of Tom Spring’s Store in Morton.

The top photo shows Tom Spring and his brother Van Alan Spring, in uniform. The flag indicates that the store was also the Morton Post Office.

In the next photo we see a Texaco gas pump, which was in front. The girl with the box was a clerk at the time. Thanks to Kathy Scroger for loaning these pictures.

Man who stole kayak gets 3 to 6 years in prison

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 April 2014 at 12:00 am

ALBION – A Medina man who let in a friend’s loose dog and then stole a kayak was sentenced to 3 to 6 years in state prison today by Orleans County Court Judge James Punch.Brandon Taylor, 33, of Fletcher Chapel Road pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary. He could have been sentenced to 3 ½ to 7 years in state prison.

He is second felony offender. Taylor said he was in drug and alcohol withdrawal on Nov. 6, when he saw his friend’s dog running loose. He returned the dog to a house on Portage Road and discovered an enclosed porch was unlocked. He admitted in court to taking a kayak from the porch.

Taylor apologized to the victim in court during sentencing today.

In other cases in court court:

Richard Klaver, 53, of Catherine Street in Medina pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and violation of Probation.

Klaver could be sentenced to up to four years in state prison on June 2.

Jackie L. Sponaugle Jr., 22, of Ashwood Road in Waterport pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary and fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He could be sentenced to up to seven years in state prison on July 14.

Sponaugle admitted he broke into a Carlton home on Gaines Road and stole items on Aug. 19, 2013. He also said he had morphine and intended to sell it on Oct. 3.

Lori Martinez, 46, of Park Avenue in Medina was to be sentenced today after she pleaded guilty on Feb. 24 to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree. She is accused of selling hydrocodone and another prescription narcotic on May 18. The prescriptions were prescribed to her.

The district attorney’s office also is pursuing welfare fraud charges and wants Martinez to repay $11,600 in welfare benefits she collected over a year’s time.

Judge Punch will have a restitution hearing next month, when Martinez is expected to be sentenced. Punch said the presentence investigation report says the CPCS charge is based on an isolated incident, not a series of sales.

He wants evidence that Martinez was profiting from drug sales on more than one occasion before ordering her to pay restitution.

Albion churches will host stained glass tour on Saturday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 April 2014 at 12:00 am

Merchants also planning for ‘Sip and Stroll Through History’ wine-tasting event for August

File photos by Tom Rivers – A crowd views the stained glass window at the First United Methodist Church during a tour of windows in the seven historic Albion churches in December. The Good Shepherd window was a gift to the congregation by the church’s pastor in 1914, the Rev. Henry Clay Woods.

ALBION – On a very cold December day about 30 people, including several from outside Orleans County, came to Albion for a first-time tour of the stained glass windows at the seven churches in the historic Courthouse Square.

County Historian Bill Lattin led the tour, and he shared details about the designers of the windows, the symbolism and Biblical stories in the designs, and some background on the people memorialized with some of the windows.

“We had such good feedback about the event that we wanted to do it again,” said Debbie Grimm, one of the organizers for this Saturday’s stained glass tour.

It runs from noon to 1:30. Besides tours of the churches, the event will conclude with refreshments at Hoag Library. The library also includes a stained glass window of a swan. For more than a century Albion’s public library was called the Swan Library until a new site opened in July 2012.

Tony Mancuso of Elba takes a photo on the stained glass window tour in December. He is shown inside the sanctuary at Christ (Episcopal) Church.

The tour on Saturday starts at the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church at the corner of East Park and Main streets. The Pullman church has more than 40 windows created by Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company, perhaps the most esteemed stained glass artist.

Tiffany revolutionized the stained glass world. Stained glass windows, prior to Tiffany, tended to have clear glass with a stencil pattern painted on the glass. Lattin discusses breakthroughs and changing techniques in stained glass.

The Albion churches have examples of windows from the 1860s to 1960s. Lattin wrote a book about Orleans County’s stained glass windows: “Luminaries in the Firmament.”

The Albion Merchants Association is organizing the stained glass tour and a sidewalk sale. Many businesses will participate in the sidewalk sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern will also be having an open house and collecting household and personal care items.

The Merchants Association also is planning a wine-tasting event with about 20 stops on Aug. 9. The “Sip & Stroll Through History” will show off the historic downtown and Courthouse Square.

“We want to put on community events and bring people to Albion,” said Carolyn Ricker, president of the Merchants Association. “We want to promote our history and draw people here.”

Sunrise solitude on Easter

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 April 2014 at 12:00 am

The First Baptist Church in Albion led an ecumenical Easter sunrise service on the Main Street canal bridge. The Rev. Edward Devine, pastor of the Baptist Church, shared a message entitled, “God Doesn’t Show Partiality.”

Three Haitian natives, who are studying hydronic tomatoes locally, sang “What A Friend We Have in Jesus” in Haitian Creole. Two of the singers include Tabitha Macene, left, and Arlande Fenelon.

About 20 people attended the service that began at 6:30 a.m. Gary Simboli played the keyboard during several hymns.

Sacred Heart Club continues Dyngus Day tradition

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 April 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Ray Serafin plays the accordion and sings during the Dyngus Day celebration at Sacred Heart Club in Medina. Ray Serafin’s Brass Magic, a polka band from Rochester, played many songs during the event.

Jim Pinckney is crowned the Dyngus Day king during the Polish party at the Sacred Heart Club. John Weaver, last year’s king, puts on the crown while Dee Lucas puts on the red cape.

Pinckney is a retired corrections officer. He joined Sacred Heart Club about 21 years ago and helps mow the lawn, shovel snow, clean the fryers, and with other painting and carpentry tasks. “It’s good to help out because it’s an all-volunteer organization,” he said. “It’s just to help the community.”

Tessa Hartway is crowned queen. Last year’s queen Baillie Oberther passes on the crown. Hartway, 32, helped start an annual disco event at the club about three years ago and works on the fish fries and desserts for the club.

The king and queen are both active volunteers at the club. Hartway works as the marketing manager at Baxter Healthcare. She grew up attending events at the Sacred Heart Club.

About 150 people attended the party. They danced to the polka and quickly consumed Polish food staples, such as sweet and sour cabbage, scallop potatoes, smoked Polish sausage, pierogis and “pigs in the blanket” – rolled cabbage with pork.

Lyndsay Oliver-Farewell, 28, of Medina has been coming to Dyngus Day since she was a little girl. Her grandmother, Dee Lucas, helps organize the party. Oliver-Farewell has a 4-month-old daughter, Kendall, who made her Dyngus Day debut tonight.

“It’s fun and it’s a tradition,” Oliver-Farewell said. “As long as they have Dyngus Day, we will be there.”

Pussy Willows were part of the ambiance at the Sacred Heart Club.

Credit Union moving to Route 31 in Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 April 2014 at 12:00 am

Cobblestone Country buys site from Medina hospital

Photos by Tom Rivers – This site at 299 West Ave. is being renovated and will become the new home for the Cobblestone Country Federal Credit Union.

ALBION – A credit union that started nearly a half century ago is planning a move to a more modern building on Route 31.

The Cobblestone Country Federal Credit Union currently operates out of 239 South Main St., a building next to COVA and the Arnold Gregory Memorial Complex.

The Credit Union has purchased 299 West Ave. from Medina Memorial Hospital (Orleans Community Health). The site is being renovated and a drive-through window will be installed at the site at the corner of West Avenue and Hamilton Street.

The Orleans County Planning Board is reviewing the site plan for the project at its 7 p.m. meeting on Thursday at the County Administration Building.

The Credit Union expects to move into the renovated site in late June, said Nancy Zielonko, manager of the Credit Union.

“We are expanding on the Avenue,” she said. “It will give us more visibility and everything will be on one floor.”

The Credit Union currently operates out of this building owned by Lissow Development at 239 South Main St.

The Credit Union started in 1965 as the Liptons Federal Credit Union. It was most recently the Central Orleans Credit Union until its name was changed about a decade ago to the Cobblestone Country Federal Credit Union.

The not-for-profit organization at that time expanded its service area from the central Orleans County towns to all of Orleans – “anyone who lives, works or worships in Orleans County,” Zielonko said.

The financial institution is federally regulated and loans money, and has checking and savings accounts, and other banking services. Because it’s not-for-profit, it doesn’t charge its customers with higher fees, Zielonko said.

Besides Zielonko, the Credit Union has four other employees. It currently leases a building from Lissow Development.

For more information, check Cobblestone Country’s web site by clicking here.

CO credited with saving suicidal inmate

Posted 21 April 2014 at 12:00 am

Press release, NYS Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association

ALBION – A correctional officer at the Orleans Correctional Facility saved a 48-year-old inmate who cut himself several times with a sharp metal can lid in an apparent suicide attempt.

The incident occurred on April 16 at approximately 8:15 p.m. The inmate, whose name is being withheld, approached the officer while he was sitting at his desk. He told the officer he needed to speak with someone from the Office of Mental Health and that he was going to kill himself.

The officer told the inmate not to move and that he would get help. The officer went to notify the sergeant on duty about what was unfolding when the inmate ran out into the dayroom. The officer quickly followed and observed the inmate holding the metal can lid. The officer immediately called for a response on his radio and activated his radio emergency pin.

He ordered the inmate to drop the lid to the ground. The inmate refused, and with the can lid in his right hand he began to swing it wildly as a weapon, striking himself in the right arm, face and head several times.

The officer ordered him again to drop the weapon but the inmate refused. While bleeding, he raised the lid in a threatening manner towards the officer. The officer grabbed the inmate by his arm to try and get him under control. He was able to pull his arm into his body and break free from the officer.

The inmate then ran into the bathroom and into a stall where he tried to flush the lid down the toilet. As he came out of the stall the officer ordered him to get on the ground, which he did. The inmate was handcuffed and taken to the facilities medical unit to be treated for several small lacerations.

The officer sustained some minor abrasions and exposure to blood. He was treated at the facility.

The inmate is serving a 20 year to life sentence for Robbery 1^st and Robbery 2^nd after being convicted in 1997 in New York County.

“The quick actions by the officer last week at Orleans Correctional Facility should be commended,” said Mike Dildine, Western Region Vice President for NYSCOPBA. “He certainly saved the inmate from inflicting serious physical harm onto himself during an apparent suicide attempt. Situations like this, with inmates who have mental health problems, are unpredictable. Our members are trained to react quickly and appropriately while protecting themselves and the inmate as well.”

Fire engulfs Eagle Harbor home

Posted 20 April 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

EAGLE HARBOR – A house was destroyed by a fire early this morning in the hamlet of Eagle Harbor.

The blaze broke at about 12:30 a.m. and destroyed a house owned by Jeffrey Harding at 3424 West Barre-Eagle Harbor Rd.

Firefighters arrived on scene to see flames shooting through the roof of the house.

The fire could be seen from more than a mile away. The house was located south of the Erie Canal.

Dozens of firefighters were at the scene from the Albion, Barre and Medina Fire Departments.

The fire was mostly knocked down and under control not long after 1 a.m.

Sharon Harding comforts her son Jeffrey while firefighters put out a fire at his house.

Casting cares from Waterport bridge

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 April 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

WATERPORT – Damien Darrell of Lockport was out fishing Saturday evening from the bridge on Route 279 in Waterport.

Fishermen are often casting lines from the bridge. The 700-foot-long bridge is the longest county-owned span in Orleans. It is expected to close next month so repairs can be made. The bridge could be closed for about five months so contractors can complete nearly $2 million in upgrades.

The bridge stretches across Lake Alice. Many of the concrete box beams that support the bridge are badly deteriorated and will need to be replaced. The bridge will get a new surface with concrete, rubber membrane and blacktop.

The federal government is paying 80 percent of the project with the state paying 15 percent the county covering the remaining 5 percent.

Here is a photo looking under the bridge.

Power company insists on safety at Waterport Dam

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 April 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

WATERPORT – The owner of the power plant at the Waterport Dam has added chain link fences, warning lights, sirens, flotation rings and signage.

I stopped by the dam on Saturday evening after hearing about the changes. People can still fish by the dam. There is one spot where people can wade in the water but they must wear personal flotation devices and must stay within a designated, cabled-off area.

Brookfield Power Company has posted some of its property with restricted access.

Here is how the dam looked last fall.

Gun owners fire a shot in support of 2nd Amendment rights

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 April 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – About 30 people lined up to fire a shot at noon today at the Holley Rod and Gun Club. Gun owners around the country fired a shot at noon as part of the “Shot Heard Around the U.S.” in support of the Second Amendment.

HOLLEY – John Carpenter considered going to his family’s property in Clarendon and firing a shot at noon as part of a nation-wide observance by gun owners today.

But Carpenter, 33, of Holley wanted to join other local gun owners. He was one of about 30 people to fire a shot at noon at the Holley Rod and Gun Club.

“It’s symbolic of our freedom,” Carpenter said about participating in the “Shot Heard Around the U.S.” in support of the Second Amendment.

The event is in honor of the original shot heard around the world during the American Revolution.

“It’s a way to celebrate our independence and to honor those who fell at Lexington,” Carpenter said.

Registration forms to register assault rifles were used as targets during the event at the Holley Rod and Gun Club.

The Holley Rod and Gun Club hosted a ceremonial shot today for the first time. Gun owners feel their rights are under attack since the NY SAFE Act was approved in January 2013. Locally, the New York Revolution has about 50 active members. That group formed soon after the SAFE Act passed the state Legislature 15 months ago.

NYR is pushing gun owners to register to vote and join SCOPE, the Shooters Committee on Political Education. The Holley club raised $121 for SCOPE with the event on Saturday.

Carpenter said the SAFE Act has pushed gun owners to reach out to each other and look for ways to be more involved politically.

Joel Zarpentine gives instructions to the gun owners before they went outside to fire their shot.

“The one positive of the NY SAFE Act is it has brought people together,” he said.

He joined the New York Revolution, which he said “is all about networking. We’re pushing voter registration big time.”

One of the NYR leaders, Gia Arnold, is running for the State Senate in a district represented by George Maziarz. Arnold said she would push hard to repeal the SAFE Act.

New York Revolution is gaining momentum throughout the state, said Mattie Zarpentine, WNY regional director. She was in Hartland last night when 60 people showed up at the fire department looking to start an NYR chapter in Niagara County.

There are about 25 county chapters so far and more are showing an interest, Zarpentine said.

Gun owners get ready to fire the shot at the Holley Rod and Gun Club.

She was pleased with the turnout at the Holley Rod and Gun Club. About 30 fired a shot and another 20 people stood in support.

“Many people have told us they would fire a shot in their backyards,” Zarpentine said.

One SAFE Act deadline passed on April 15. The state set that date for gun owners to register assault weapons. Zarpentine said few gun owners complied with the deadline.

“It was largely ignored,” she said, calling that SAFE Act decree “a dismal failure.”

If Medina dissolves, towns say they won’t pick up police department

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 April 2014 at 12:00 am

Officials from Ridgeway, Shelby offer ways to reduce taxes

MEDINA – If the village of Medina dissolves, the two towns expected to pick up villages services don’t plan to continue the Medina Police Department.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and State Police could assume the police work, town officials said Friday while meeting with some reporters.

The Medina Dissolution Committee recommended police protection be provided in a town-wide force that would cover Ridgeway and Shelby. Ridgeway would manage the police and contract with Shelby for the service, according to the Dissolution Plan.

The police department budget is about $1 million a year. Brian Napoli, the Ridgeway town supervisor, told The Daily News of Batavia he doesn’t support a town-wide force. The Sheriff’s Department and State Police could handle police calls in the community, he said.

“There’s a ripple effect if the village dissolves into the two towns, and people don’t see a need for another level of police protection,” he told The Daily News. “They’re happy with Sheriff’s Department and State Police. They don’t see a need to expand it, especially when they see a 46 percent tax increase.”

Napoli and Skip Draper, the Shelby town supervisor, held a press conference on Friday to discuss alternatives to dissolving the village. (Orleans Hub wasn’t invited to the press conference and is the target of a mailer from the two towns about “biased reporting.”)

The Daily News of Batavia reported on the press conference. For more, visit thedailynewsonline.org and search for “Medina dissolution: Supervisors say more options exist for services.”

The Medina Dissolution Committee last week approved a plan to be presented to the public and Village Board. The plan retains existing services and staff. The two towns would assume many of the services currently provided in the village. The Dissolution Committee also suggested creating a debt district for village debt, a fire district, and local development corporations or authorities for water and sewer.

The committee and its consultant, the Center for Governmental Research in Rochester, calculated a $277,000 savings in reduced operational costs. That isn’t much of a savings when spread over the budgets for the two towns and village, about $11 million total, the town supervisors told The Daily News.

That is less than a 3 percent savings.

“If we assume the $277,000 is correct, we’re on a pretty narrow margin, and we’re gambling on a pretty narrow margin that we’re going to save anything,” Draper told The Daily News.

The state provides incentives for dissolution or government consolidations. The Dissolution Committee and CGR say the state would give $540,000 in incentives annually, money that the state says can be counted on for years to come.

Napoli said told The Daily News he supports some shared services, such as code enforcement and merged water billing. Those services could be shared without a dissolution, he said.

The Committee’s report said village property owners could see their tax rates fall from $5 to $7 per $1,000 of assessed property, while outside village residents in Shelby would see an 81 cent increase in their tax rate and Ridgeway residents would have their rate go up $3.12.

Ridgeway’s rate would increase 46 percent. That is partly because the town portion outside the village currently has the lowest rate of the three governments: $6.71 per $1,000 of assessed property. That would go to $9.83 with the dissolution.

Village residents in Ridgeway would see their rate drop by $5.20 or 27 percent from $19.49 per $1,000 of assessed property to $14.30. In Shelby, village residents currently pay a $19.80 rate for village and town taxes. That would drop 34 percent to $13.10 or by $6.70 if the dissolution plan takes effect.

Shelby residents would see a 10 percent increase in their tax rate, according to the dissolution plan. Outside-village residents would see their rate go from $8.36 per $1,000 of assessed property to $9.17.

Medina Mayor Andrew Meier and the “One Medina” group ultimately would like to see the village dissolve and the two towns merge into one entity. That would provide more cost savings with government efficiency and attract more state incentives for consolidation.

Meier believes those gains in savings and state aid would likely offset the tax increases for outside-village residents with the dissolution.

32-year-old rookie named Albion firefighter of the year

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 April 2014 at 12:00 am

Jim Peruzzini joined AFD after firefighters responded to a call at his house

Photos by Tom Rivers – Albion Fire Chief Rocky Sidari, left, presents the “Firefighter of the Year” award to Jim Peruzzini, who joined the AFD last May.

ALBION – Jim Peruzzini and his wife Stephanie had just moved into a new home in Gaines with their twin daughters when the smoke alarm went off.

They called 911 and Albion firefighters showed up to check out the situation. Peruzzini was impressed by their response and willingness to help.

“I thought it was great that they would give up their time and come to my house and help someone out,” Peruzzini said.

Fire Chief Rocky Sidari and Assistant Chief Jeremy Graham encouraged Peruzzini to join the Fire Department. He thought about it before, but didn’t pursue it, assuming he was too busy to meet the training requirements and to respond to emergency calls.

File photo by Tom Rivers – Jim Peruzzini and his twin daughters watch a Mercy Flight helicopter from Batavia land by the Albion Elk’s Club just before a Sept. 11 memorial service.

But last May he made the commitment. He took an intense two-week firefighter boot camp and by July had enough training to be an interior firefighter. He is often one of the first firefighters at a scene.

“He has really taken off like a rocket,” Sidari said tonight when he named Peruzzini the department’s “Firefighter of the Year.”

Peruzzini, 32, works full-time at Adfors (formerly called Saint-Gobain) as a setup technician. He didn’t grow up in a firefighting family. He encouraged others in the community to consider volunteering with the fire department.

“I love it,” he said. I like the guys and there’s the thrill with every call that it could be something huge.”

His wife said Peruzzini is quick to head out the door when his pager goes off, unless he is caring for their children.

Sidari said a committed volunteer like Peruzzini is a great addition to the fire department.

“It’s huge to have someone step in like that,” he said.

Kevin Sheehan (left), Albion’s former deputy mayor, reads the oath of office for Albion Fire Department leaders, including from left: Chief Rocky Sidari, Deputy Chief Harry Papponetti and Assistant Chief Jeremy Graham.

Sidari and the fire department honored others during their annual banquet tonight at the Carlton Recreation Hall. The following received awards:

Chief’s Award: Dan Gleason. He is active with the fire police and responded to the second most calls for the department last year. Gleason also fixes the department’s computers, will make key fobs and handle other requests from Sidari.

“Anything I ask him to do, he will do it,” Sidari said.

Gleason is moving to North Carolina. “It’s going to a be a big loss for our department,” Sidari said.

Officer’s Award: Will Francis, the department’s first lieutenant. Francis led the department in calls, responding to 62 percent of more than 400 calls last year.

File photo by Tom Rivers – Will Francis of the Albion Fire Department keeps a steady stream of water on the smoking ruins of the Orleans Pallet warehouse last Oct. 19. Firefighters were on the scene for several days after the fire to douse any flare-ups.

“He’s gone above and beyond and exceeded all of my expectations,” Sidari said. “He’s there day or night.”

Drivers of the Year: Dale Banker and Ron Armstrong. They are reliable, especially during the late mornings and early afternoon when the department is often short-handed.

President’s Award: AFD President Lee Miesner honored two members of the Village Board who recently ended their terms. Both former Mayor Dean Theodorakos and Deputy Mayor Kevin Sheehan were advocates for the department in the village budget, Miesner said.

“They made sure the funding was there,” Miesner said. “Without our Village Board we’d have nothing.”