Photos courtesy of Albion Central School: The Albion school district on Wednesday held its 17th Annual Honors Convocation dinner and ceremony and recognized the following: Jenna Barnard, Neveya Barnes, Nisi Beltran Roblero, Kaitlin Bennett, Elliot Beyrle, Julia Button, Dejeanna Conner, Lindsay Crawford, Kaiden Froman, Aubrey Gannon, Xzavier Gerow, Justin Kania, Hanna Kumalac, Nathaniel Miesner, Madison Muckle, Gideon Pask, Bradley Pierce, William Plummer, Alondra Santana Gonzalez and Joshua Zayac.

Press Release, Albion Central School

Thomas Kovaleski, a 2012 Albion graduate, spoke at the event. He is an 11-year United States Army veteran.

ALBION – Twenty members of Albion’s Class of 2026 were recognized for their academic achievements on May 6 during the 17th Annual Honors Convocation dinner and ceremony.

Thomas Kovaleski, ‘12, was the guest speaker for the evening. Kovaleski is an 11-year United States Army veteran. He previously served as a combat engineer, and now as a local recruiter and station commander.

He shared about his journey following graduation and how he resonated with the feeling of uncertainty, but reassured students that with perseverance, they will find their place.

“Excellence isn’t a moment you reach; it’s a habit you build,” said Kovaleski. “Keep showing up, keep challenging yourself, and let your success be the starting line, not the finish.”

The honorees were called to the stage individually to receive their certificates. They were adorned with their honors cords from their parents/guardians.

The 2026 academic honors students include: Jenna Barnard, Neveya Barnes, Nisi Beltran Roblero, Kaitlin Bennett, Elliot Beyrle, Julia Button, Dejeanna Conner, Lindsay Crawford, Kaiden Froman, Aubrey Gannon, Xzavier Gerow, Justin Kania, Hanna Kumalac, Nathaniel Miesner, Madison Muckle, Gideon Pask, Bradley Pierce, William Plummer, Alondra Santana Gonzalez and Joshua Zayac.

Albion’s Class of 2026 is set to graduate on Friday, June 26.

Tiffany and Steven Crawford congratulate their daughter Lindsay for being one of the honor grads.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Albion students in Sheri Berg’s life skills class carried the torch and were part of a law enforcement torch run on May 31, 2024 in a benefit for the Special Olympics. Here they head up the main driveway leading the high school after being on East Avenue. The fourth annual torch run will be Friday.

ALBION – Local law enforcement officers will have their fourth annual torch run on Friday in a benefit for the Special Olympics.

Law enforcement officers will cover about 2.7 miles while some students will go from Dubby’s Tailgate down East Avenue to the school.

The event starts at 11 a.m. Law enforcement will leave Dubby’s and go north on S. Platt, then West on Chamberlain, then south on Main Street, and then east on East Ave. The officers will cover distance on the school campus before coming back to East Avenue, heading south on McKinstry Street, then west on Chamberlain Street, then south on Platt to Dubby’s.

In the past, law enforcement from the Albion Police Department, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, State Police and DEC joined students on the run.

Jeff Wilson, a retired Border Patrol officer, carries the torch on May 31, 2024. Wilson has served as the Western New York director of the law enforcement torch run.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A transformer won’t be leaving Albion today after the trip was cancelled.

The 430,000-pound load was scheduled to go from Albion to Byron.

There was a late notification to National Grid about the trip. The journey has been put off until National Grid is available.

A new move date hasn’t been released. State police will provide an escort. The height of this load requires lifting most overhead wires and traffic control devices.

The transformer was delivered by train to Albion on Tuesday. It is currently on a trailer by Hamilton Street.

Most of the journey is planned for Route 98 from Albion to Elba, before the transformer heads down Lockport Road and reaches Byron on Byron Road.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A transformer is loaded and ready to go on a slow ride from Albion to Byron. The transformer was brought in by railroad to Albion on Tuesday. Today it is scheduled to travel by truck and trailer to Byron.

However, the journey is currently delayed. National Grid was notified late and the company needs to be present when its powerlines are touched.

The 430,000-pound load will disrupt traffic on Route 98. The transformer’s journey starts at Hamilton Street in Albion and then heads south to Allen Road, then east to Route 98. From there its south  on 98 through Albion, Barre and  to Elba.

Once at Lockport Road, the  load will continue on North Byron Road to south on Searls Road to east on Tower Hill Road. The trip ends south on Byron Road in the town of Byron.

State police are providing an escort. The height of this load will necessitate the lifting of most overhead wires and traffic control devices. The load will move into oncoming traffic to avoid overhead obstructions.

The weight of the load will keep speeds to around 5 to 10 miles per hour with many stoppages, State Police said.

Press Release, State Police

ALBION – On Wednesday from 9 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m., the State Police will be assisting with an oversized load escort which may disrupt traffic patterns beginning in Albion and ending in Byron.

The width of this load will obstruct oncoming traffic.

Route 98 will be closed for an undisclosed amount of time to all traffic from Old Orchard Road to Lockport Road.

The height of this load will necessitate the lifting of most overhead wires and traffic control devices. The load will move into oncoming traffic to avoid overhead obstructions.

The weight of the load will keep speeds to around 5 to 10 miles per hour with many stoppages.

The permitted route of travel will begin on Hamilton Street in Albion proceed east on Allen Road then south on Oak Orchard Rd (Route 98) to east on Lockport Road in Elba. Then the load will continue on North Byron Road to south on Searls Road to east on Tower Hill Road. The trip ends south on Byron Road in the town of Byron.

It is recommended that if you encounter this load, move to the shoulder of the roadway, into a driveway or parking lot or seek an alternate route of travel to your destination. Lower your window and follow directions from State Police or escort vehicles.

Expect delays on those roads during business hours.

ALBION – The Albion school district’s proposed 2026-27 budget will again be holding the line on property taxes, the 18^th time in the past 20 years without a tax increase.

Registered voters in the Albion school district will go to the polls on May 19 from noon to 8 p.m. at the Hoag Library, 134 South Main St. A district art show will also be on display at the library during the vote.

“We are proud to once again propose a tax levy with no increase, continuing our long-standing effort to either reduce or maintain the levy whenever possible,” said Linda Weller, the Board of Education president. “While rising operational costs and uncertainty in state and federal funding continue to present challenges, we remain committed to balancing fiscal responsibility with meaningful investment in our students and programs.”

The district is proposing a $45,615,036 budget, which is up 1.93 percent or $864,551 from the current budget.

The tax levy will stay at $8,449,039, which is $359,906 under the district’s tax cap.

“Our priorities include maintaining small class sizes, strengthening student support services, enhancing technology and ensuring our facilities remain safe, functional and well-maintained,” Weller said the district’s budget newsletter.

School officials will discuss the budget during a public hearing at 6 p.m. on May 12 at the LGI in the high school.

The vote on May 19 includes proposition one for the budget and proposition two to allow spending $1.5 million for buses. Proposition three allows the district to collect $687,760 for Hoag Library.

There are also three candidates for three seats on the Board of Education. The incumbents – Trellis Pore, Kurt Schmitt and David Sidari – all are not seeking re-election.

The two candidates with the most votes get five-year terms while the candidate with the third most votes gets a one-year term.

The candidates include:

• Kaitlyn Panek – A farm office manager, Panek is an Albion graduate. She said she brings organizational and financial expertise as well as a personal commitment to the district.

“My top priority is maintaining a high-quality, safe environment where every student has the resources to succeed,” she said. “I am invested in having transparency between the community and district to ensure budgets are clear and accountable.”

• Jaime Allport – A court clerk for the Town of Albion, Allport is a lifelong Albion resident who said she understands the community’s values, strengths and challenges. She has been a long-time volunteer, especially with the Albion youth football program.

“My perspective, combined with a proven record of service, will help guide thoughtful decisions that benefit both current students and future generations,” she said.

• Michelle Waters – The owner of the Tree House School of Play in Albion, Waters said strong schools are built through open communication, thoughtful decision-making and a willingness to listen.

“My goal is to help shape schools that keep students at the center, while supporting teachers and staff who show up for them every day,” Waters said.

Albion public library will seek $687,760 in May 19 vote, up from $657,560 for 2025

Photo by Tom Rivers: Betty Sue Miller, director of Hoag Library in Albion, goes over the library’s budget during the annual meeting on Monday.

ALBION – Hoag Library has a new trustee following Monday’s election with Jessica George eking out a victory over Rachel Hicks with 26 votes to 25. Voters also re-elected Linda Weller with 32 votes and Mary Witkop with 29.

The trustees then met and again named Weller as board president and Witkop as the vice president. Dawn Squicciarini will serve as board secretary and George was picked to be the treasurer, a spot that was filled by Hicks.

There were 51 voters for Monday’s election. The trustees were elected to four-year terms.

The library also held its 126^th annual meeting. Weller said the library has proven to be an important part of the community, offering far more than just loaning out books.

“The Hoag Library of Albion continues to stand as a vibrant cornerstone of the community,” she said. “Its success is not by chance – it is the result of dedication, care and collaboration of many people who believe deeply in its mission.”

Weller commended the staff for offering a variety of programs and making the library a welcoming place for everyone. She said the trustees have been committed to being good stewards of the budget and making the library “sustainable, forward-looking and responsive to the needs to today – and tomorrow.”

Hoag has a $721,550 overall budget for 2026 with $687,760 in the school district vote on May 19. That is up from the $657,560 through property taxes approved a year ago.

Other areas of the library funding include $2,790 from the county, $18,000 in contributions and donations, $9,000 in library services and fees (Fax, copier and book fines), and $4,000 in state library aid.

The library budget would be $75,000 higher if it still had a mortgage. But that was paid off in 2022 when Maurice “Mo” Hoag and his wife Courtenay gave a final $200,000 donation to the library. The couple has given $1 million to the library, including an initial $250,000 to help get it built in 2012. Their donations after the first $250,000 have allowed Hoag to pay off the mortgage well ahead of schedule, saving $75,000 a year. The mortgage was planned to go to 2035.

Betty Sue Miller, the library director, said the library continues to receive donations from the community. She noted Conrad Cropsey gave a large table and desk from his law office. He closed his office in downtown Albion and continues to work as a lawyer from his home in Barre. The table is up in the loft at the library and many people use it to play games or study. Cropsey’s desk is used in the local history room.

The Friends of the Library used its funds to buy a 3-D printer that is available to the public.

The circulation for 2025 includes: physical items – 29,775 books, 6,993 non-books, 62 HotSpots and 36 laptops. Digital items – Hoopla, 6,912 and Libby, 5,370. There were 1,777 new physical items.

Other highlights: 564 library programs and community outreach efforts; 827 notarized documents; 5,446 items borrowed through Nioga inter-loan; 4,253 items loaned out through inter-loan; 838-plus learning and support sessions at library for GED, ESL, tech advisor and other literacy programs; 1,480 public meeting room uses.

Miller said she is amazed how busy the three rooms are for meetings, concerts, events and smaller sessions.

“Imagine if this building had not been built with that space,” Miller said about the meeting rooms. “The people who built this were very forward-thinking.”

Photos courtesy of Hoag Library: Four candidates will be on the ballot on Monday for trustees for Hoag Library. Voting is from noon to 7 p.m. at the library.

ALBION – Voters in the Hoag Library service area will cast ballots on Monday for candidates for the library’s trustees.

There are four candidates with three positions up for election. The terms are for four years.

Three incumbents – Linda Weller, Mary Witkop and Rachel Hicks – are seeking re-election. Jessica George also is running for trustee.

The election is from noon to 7 p.m. at the library, with the library’s annual meeting to follow at 7 p.m.

Voters must be 18 and older and live in the Hoag Library service area, the same area as the Albion school district.

Mary Covell has been a trustee the last four years, acting as vice president for all four. She also has been chair for the Personnel committee and the Planning committee. She has worked as an accountant the past 19 years.

“My family and I utilize the Hoag Library regularly,” she said in a candidate statement on the Hoag website. “Our experiences with the services provided by the library have been wonderful. In addition to the base level library hard copy book borrowing, the inclusion of Senior Citizen informational courses, Hoopla online services, and the community’s use of the library meeting rooms have been exceptional!”

Jessica George is a lifelong Orleans County resident and a library user since she was young, using the library for research long before the age of Google.

“I attend the library every week with my daughter (who calls the library her ‘favorite place in the whole world’) as a volunteer with the Friends of the Library bookstore every Monday night,” George said.

George has 10 years of experience on a board with the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church, including seven years as the board chair. She is a licensed therapist who specializes in working with trauma and providing care and support to victims of crime.

“The library holds a central place in our lives, which has influenced my decision to run for a board position,” George said. “As someone that has utilized library services consistently, I feel it is time for me to give back to the library through assisting as a board member and helping the library to be a central community resource for other individuals and families in the coming years.”

Rachel Hicks, a current trustee, has used the library for many years, including while studying for her bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Economics, I utilized the library, and then when she had a son and would bring him to the children’s library area.

“My family actively participate, as well as deeply appreciate, the efforts behind so many of the fun events that take place at the Hoag Library for children and families,” Hicks said.

She has worked at Albion Agencies Insurance for the last 12 years in insurance sales, agency management and accounting.

Hicks also has been active with the Albion Merchants Association, Orleans County Chamber of Commerce, and Albion Joint Fire District.

“I feel the library provides services and opportunities a lot of local community members haven’t even realized yet,” she said. “The weekly programs for different learning opportunities, provides a wealth of learning opportunity from ages of young to old.”

Linda Weller has been a trustee for the library since 2019, including the past five years as board president.

“During this time, I have been committed to supporting the library’s mission and ensuring it remains a vital resource for our community,” she said.

She also is the board president for the Albion Board of Education and recently joined the board of Community Action.

“I believe strongly in building a stronger, more connected community, and I am passionate about the role our library plays in that effort,” Weller said.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The chapel at Mount Albion Cemetery, shown last week, will be getting a new Vermont slate roof, as well as other repairs to the building that was constructed in 1875 from Medina Sandstone.

ALBION – The slate has arrived in Albion and work should soon begin on replacing the roof at the Mount Albion chapel.

The building is a focal point of the historic cemetery for people who enter through the main arch off Route 31. The new roof is among several improvements for the structure that was built in 1875.

Local mason Neal Muscarella has already completed some repointing of mortar on the building. A drop ceiling also has been removed that revealed a vaulted ceiling had been covered up.

The new roof will be a comparable Vermont slate. The Albion Village Board in September accepted a bid for $83,985 to remove the existing roof and replace all the Vermont slate. The roofer should be on site this spring to work on the project.

There will be other substantial work to follow including interior replastering of the north wall; electrical upgrades (wiring, outlets, internal and external lighting); heating unit for seasonal use; repair of plaster and vaulted ceiling; removal of old floor, repair subfloor and put in a new floor; and refurbish exterior doors and window trim.

A committee led by Village Historian Sue Starkweather Miller has raised $225,000 for the chapel restoration. That met the initial goal but there are some additional expenses with the vaulted ceiling.

Tax deductible donations for the project can be sent to the Orleans County Historical Association, 3286 Gaines Basin Rd., Albion NY 14411. For more information, click here.

Once the project is complete, Starkweather Miller said the site will again be able to be used by the public for events.

May 16 event at pioneer cemetery in Hulberton will include unveiling of roadside historic markers

Photo from Albion Central School: Albion eighth-graders Sutton Sanders, left, and Luci Borello are shown late last year with two of the new roadside historic markers that will soon be unveiled, showing local ties to the Revolutionary War.

Photos and information from Albion Central School

HULBERTON – Albion Middle School students will share findings from their Revolutionary War research project and unveil two new roadside markers on Saturday, May 16 at 10:30 a.m. at Pierce-Smith Pioneer Cemetery.

That pioneer cemetery is located at 3960 Hulberton Rd, Holley, NY 14470.

The ceremony is student-organized and they invite the community to join them in celebration of the 250th anniversary of our country and honor those who have served. Both Revolutionary War and Civil War re-enactors will be present.

This service learning project was accomplished in partnership with Orleans County.

Two of the students, Luci Borello and Sutton Sanders, partnered with Orleans County historian Catherine Cooper to spearhead a Revolutionary War soldier research project. With guidance from their teacher, Tim Archer, they worked to obtain cemetery roadside markers, gravestone flag markers and replace a damaged headstone.

In completing these tasks, students were able to expand their knowledge of local history, meet local dignitaries, and familiarize themselves with interconnectivity of county and state-run organizations.

NYS roadside markers indicate areas of historical significance in the county. To be granted these markers, valued at $2,050 each, the students had to submit an application to the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, a nonprofit committed to preserving community history. The application process is lengthy, requiring detailed primary source documentation and proofs. This did not intimidate Luci and Sutton.

They began their research in the summer, which entailed collecting data of all Revolutionary War soldiers buried in Orleans County using state, federal, military and census data. Their research was not confined to the library, it also relied heavily on field work.

There were four roadside markers granted; one indicating that Revolutionary War veterans and other notable citizens are buried there, and three indicating a Revolutionary War soldier is buried there. Two of them have a special insignia on them indicating partnership with the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).

The project didn’t stop there. While conducting field research, the students discovered a damaged headstone that belonged to Lott Swift, a Revolutionary War soldier who is buried at the East Barre Cemetery. With support from the Town of Barre, students were able to apply for a new stone through the Veterans Administration in Washington, D.C.

While researching, students discovered 14 graves in the county of soldiers who served in the Revolutionary War that were not currently marked. Students presented their findings to the Orleans Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), who then generously provided a donation of 14 new bronze flag markers, one for each soldier’s grave.

In total, they discovered about 65 Revolutionary War soldiers buried in Orleans County. Many headstones are gone or indecipherable, so the findings are approximate. The results will be shared with the county, DAR, SAR, local historians and Hoag Library for their records.

Students from East High and Albion High School pose for a group photo on Thursday at Panek Farms in Albion.

Photos and press release, Albion Central School

ALBION – Students from East High School in Rochester recently enjoyed a full day of activities in Albion as part of a student exchange program to help challenge cultural stereotypes and promote understanding and friendships among teens of different backgrounds. Albion Interact Club members visited East High on April 15.

The day began with guest speaker Ayesha Kreutz addressing the over seventy students.

Kreutz is a nationally recognized activist, chaplain, author and organizational leader. She serves as Operations Director and Board Member of the Frederick Douglass Foundation and Frederick Douglass Freedom Alliance.

Kreutz appears on numerous national media platforms and has been invited to the White House many times in recognition of her work and influence.

Following a brief tour of the school, the teens visited community sites to “get a feel” for Orleans County.

Kathy Jurs and Kasey Neal of Poverty Hill Farms give students a tour of the cows at the dairy farm in Albion on Thursday.

Jody Neal and Kathy Jurs from Poverty Hill Farms explained the different aspects of the dairy farm industry. Students enjoyed seeing the life and “smells” of dairy cows and “touching them for the first time.”

From there they traveled down the road to Panek Farms. Jim Panek and his son Phil showed them a variety of large farm equipment and allowed the excited students to sit in the cabs of tractors, combines, and tractor trailers.

Following lunch and games at Dubby’s, the day culminated with a trip to Mt. Albion Cemetery to climb up the 68-foot tower for an aerial view of the community.

“We had a great time with the Albion students,” East High teacher Laura Delehanty said. “Our students have gained a greater respect and appreciation for their Albion peers.”

(Left) Jim Panek shows students some of the farm equipment at Panek Farms. (Right) Students were welcomed to climb inside a combine.

Jody Neal showed East High students around the farm, including a barn for the calves.

Tim Archer, Interact Club advisor for Albion, introduces Ayesha Kreutz, the guest speaker who addressed the group of about 70 students.

(Left) The students were happy to greet a calf at the dairy farm. (Right) Students check out the milking parlor.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Nicholas Goluses performs on Saturday in the Hoag Library concert series. Goluses, a professor of guitar at the Eastman School of Music, opened the concert on Saturday with “Fantasis our guitare seul, Op. 58” by Fernando Sor.

Goluses followed that “The Five Preludes” by Heitor Villa-lobos.

Goluses performed for about 50 people in Saturday’s concert. He has played around the world as a soloist, with an orchestra and as a chamber musician. He has a new album, “Across the Horizon,” which was released in the fall by Parna/Albany Records.

Goluses praised the acoustics at Hoag Library during Saturday’s concert.

“I love the sound in this room,” he said. “It’s very nice. Sometimes you play in places and it’s as dead as a doornail. Here, it’s very alive.”

He performed as part of the third concert series at Hoag. The concerts are at noon on Saturdays. The series started on March 28 with Medusa Quartet.

The remainder of the schedule includes:

• Striking Strings Ensemble – May 23 at 12 p.m.
• The White Hots Jazz Trio – May 30 at 12 p.m.
• Matthew Ardizzone – June 27 at 12 p.m.
• Lynn McGrath – July 25 at 12 p.m.
• Adrianna Noone – August 22 at 12 p.m.
• Muriel Anderson & Kinloch Nelson – Sept. 12 at 12 p.m.
• Evie Ladin & Keith Terry –October 10 at 12 p.m.
• O’s Pipa & Fiddle Witch Duet – Nov. 7 at 12 p.m.
• Rochester Ukulele Orchestra – Dec. 5 at 12 p.m.

All performances are free and open to the public. The Hoag Music Series is aimed at bringing unique music experiences to Albion from artists who do not frequently perform in Orleans County.

The events are possible with funding from the New York State Council on the Arts that is administered by GO Art!

‘Grandpa Ace’ assisted in many renovations at Gotta Dance, cheered on performers

Photo by Tom Rivers

Photo by Marsha Rivers: A seat in the front row was reserved in honor of “Grandpa Ace” for Saturday’s dance recital in the Albion Middle School Auditorium.

ALBION – The recital at Gotta Dance Performing Arts LLC included a tribute to the late Waldo “Ace” Caldwell Jr., the father of Amy Sidari.

Three seniors in the dance program – from left Ava Ludwick, McKinley Knight and Kaitlynn Basinait – did a senior dance together and dedicated the performance to Caldwell, who passed away at age 93 on April 16.

Caldwell was a fixture at Gotta Dance during the 28 years it was owned and run by his daughter, Amy Sidari.

The two teamed to overhaul the building at 28 West Bank St., transforming a building that was used for a plumbing business into three dance studios, a cabaret venue, and a piano studio.

Caldwell was a carpenter for decades, putting in kitchens, bathrooms and tackling other projects in the community.

“Grandpa Ace”  attended the cabaret shows and dance recitals, and was loved by the hundreds of dancers over the years.

The three seniors – Ava Ludwick, McKinley Knight and Kaitlynn Basinait – have been part Gotta Dance for more than a decade.

The studio for the first time this past year was run by Danielle Schmidt following Sidari’s retirement. Schmidt thanked Sidari on Saturday for building a strong dance program in the community and for trusting Schmidt to lead the studio in a new era.

There were about 100 dance performers during the recital on Saturday, which included 48 different dances.

Photos by Tom Rivers: These Santas and some elves are shown in April 2015 in Albion as part of a group photo with about 200 Santas who were in town for a Santa convention. A group of Santas will be back in Albion in August 2027 celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School.

Group will be in town to celebrate 90^th anniversary of Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School

The logo for the upcoming Santa gathering from Aug. 6-8, 2027 in Albion and Lockport. The event will be based in Lockport at the palace theater with the group visiting Albion, where Charles Howard ran a Santa School from 1937 to 1966.

ALBION – The Santas will be coming back to Albion in Auust 2027 for a 90^th anniversary celebration of the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School.

There were about 200 Santas in Albion for convention in 2015 and a smaller group in 2010.

The gathering next summer could have 400 Santas and other Christmas entertainers, said Phillip L. Wenz, a recently retired professional Santa who organized the 2010 and 2015 events in Albion. Wenz worked at Santa’s Village in east Dundee, Ill, near Chicago and serves as a Santa historian.

“We are planning upwards of 400 Christmas performers for all over North America,” Wenz stated. “We would like to have as many local people participate in the events as well.”

Charles Howard started the first school for Santas in Albion in 1937 and kept it going for nearly 30 years. He passed away on May 1, 1966. The school continues in his name, now run by Tom and Holly Valent in Midland, Mich.

The Santa School celebration will host activities in Albion and at the 1,100-seat Palace Theatre in Lockport.

Christopher Parada is executive director of The Palace Theatre. He also built a Christmas cottage in Lockport and he has portrayed Santa there since 2010, welcoming about 10,000 children every Christmas season. Parada, a Medina native, also owns the New York Santa Claus Suits & Equipment Co., replicating Howard’s style for suits.

Parada is pleased to be hosting the event next year that is expected to bring many Santas to the community. Lockport has the hotels and accommodations for the visitors, as well as the spacious theater to host presentations.

“Bringing this historic event to the Albion and Lockport, New York areas is a truly meaningful opportunity to celebrate and honor 90 years of the Santa Claus School and the enduring legacy of Charles W. Howard,” Parada said.

The Santas will see a bronze statue in honor of Charles Howard that was unveiled on June 10, 2023 during the Strawberry Festival and also a 24-foot-long mural depicting Santa flying in his sleigh over Courthouse Square and downtown Albion. That mural was created by Albion native Stacey Kirby Steward was unveiled in June 2018. The Albion Betterment Committee also is working to open a Santa School Museum on Main Street in Albion.

Many of principles taught by Howard continue to shape the look and actions of Santas. Howard remains a revered figure among the Santas, 60 years after his death.

“As the founder of the original Santa Claus School, Howard established a standard of authenticity, professionalism, and heartfelt spirit that continues to define the portrayal of Santa Claus today,” Parada said. “As a lifelong resident, I take great pride in seeing our local communities serve as the backdrop for such an important milestone—one that highlights both our regional heritage and a nationally recognized tradition rooted right here in Western New York.”

Parada has led the theater in Lockport through multi-million-dollar upgrades. That theater opened in 1925.

“The Historic Palace Theatre provides an ideal home base for this celebration, offering a unique and immersive setting for presentations, programming and shared experiences,” Parada said. “Its theatrical atmosphere will help foster a sense of community, connection, and camaraderie among attendees.”

The August 2027 event is still in the planning stages. Wenz said discussions have been made with the Howard family, friends and other special guests to take part in the programs and activities. As in the past events, there will be no event fees. For more information e-mail Wenz at santaclausproductions@msn.com.

One trustee pushed for 1% increase, but mayor said that would have taken too much from fund balance

Photos by Tom Rivers: (Left) Albion Mayor Tim McMurray speaks during Wednesday’s Village Board meeting when he said the village budget is beyond bare bones with any additional cuts into “bone marrow.” (Right) Trustee Kevin Sheehan wanted the board to take $50,000 more from the fund balance to lower the tax increase to 1.0 percent.

ALBION – The Albion Village Board adopted the 2026-27 village budget on Wednesday that will increase taxes by 2.5 percent.

One trustee, Kevin Sheehan, sought to use $50,000 from the village fund balance which would have reduced the tax increase to 1.0 percent. But Mayor Tim McMurray said that would have left the village with too little of a cushion for any unanticipated expenses in the new fiscal year that starts June 1.

The mayor said Albion has old waterlines, infrastructure and equipment, which could result in a big bill if something breaks and needs to be replaced.

The 2.5 percent increase follows a budget from a year ago that raised taxes by 11 percent, and that was when the fire department was moved out of the village budget into its own taxing entity with a fire district.

The new budget totals $9,371,115 with the General Fund at $4,890,354, the Water Fund at $2,927,243 and Sewer at $1,554,518.

The water and sewer funds are self-supporting through water and sewer bills. Property taxes go towards the General Fund, which increased by 2.7 percent or $126,399 – from $4,763,955 to $4,890,354.

The village’s tax levy will go up by $85,221.61 or 2.5 percent from $3,463,463.38 to $3,548,685. The tax rate will increase 2.4 percent or 38 cents from $15.99 to $16.37 per $1,000 of assessed property.

The owner of an house assessed for $140,300 would see an increase in village taxes by $53.28 from $2,244.09 to $2,297.37, village officials said.

Chart data from Albion Clerk/Treasurer Tracy Van Skiver. Note: The fire department is out of the village budget but the village still owns the fire hall and is responsible for its maintenance.

The budget is only taking $5,900 from the fund balance. In many past budgets in recent years, the budget was able to tap into $200,000 or more of fund balance which lowered the tax rate. (The village in the current 2025-26 budget used $64,000 in its fund balance compared to $261,150 in 2024-25.)

The village currently only has $242,000 in fund balance. McMurray said the state comptroller would like to see Albion with about 20 percent of the general fund as a fund balance, or nearly $1 million to help weather emergency expenses. Albion also has $250,000 in reserve funds to help with future equipment needs.

Sheehan sought to take $50,000 more out of the fund balance which would have put that fund below $200,000.

“That will bring the rate down,” he said. “I’m all about lowering taxes.”

But McMurray said reducing the fund balance only sets Albion up for big tax hikes in the future. He said previous village boards dwindled the fund balance down far too low, leaving the more recent board in a difficult position with the budget.

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting new results,” he said.

Sheehan was on some of those boards when the fund balance was bigger and used to help hold taxes at minimal increases.

“I take offense when you say ‘previous boards,’” Sheehan responded to McMurray. “I was on three boards. There’s ways to get through it.”

Sheehan said state grant programs can help the village with some of the equipment needs.

Sheehan opposed the budget as presented on Wednesday, while McMurray, and trustees William Gabalski and Jami Allport voted yes.

The village’s tax base barely grew in the past year after seeing a huge jump a year ago after reassessments. The village’s taxable valuation went up 41.6 percent or by $63,666,806 – from $152,867,932 to $216,534,738 in 2025.

However, this time the tax base grew by less than 0.1 percent or $182,846 from $216,534,738 to $216,717,584.