Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Elks Lodge today unveiled a new memorial for veterans by the lodge’s flagpole at 428 West State St.

Jeff Mosher, a trustee at the lodge and a member of the Elks Riders in Albion, unveiled the monument with Sharon Pollock, the exalted ruler at the lodge.

The Elks used proceeds from past motorcycle dice runs and other fundraisers to pay for the memorial, which was created by Brigden Memorials in Albion.

The front of new Orleans County Veterans Memorial includes the logo from the Albion Elks Lodge, an image of a U.S. soldier, and the seals of the six branches of the military – the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard.

A group from the Elks Lodge and others on a 100-mile motorcycle dice run gathered by the flag pole to see the new memorial.

“We want to remember all the veterans, past and present,” Pollock said. “Some have paid the full price, or come back injured and crippled. This beautiful monument pays tribue to all veterans.”

The back of the monument includes a quote from President Ronald Reagan: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from Extinction.”

After the memorial unveiling, about 50 motorcyclists left for a 100-mile Veterans Memorial dice run that will include stops at the VFW in Batavia, Elks Lodge in Brockport, Priscilla’s Black North Inn at Point Breeze, the VFW in Medina and a return to the Elks Lodge in Albion. (Jeff Mosher is riding the motorcycle with the American flag and an Elks flag on the back.)

There will be food and live music at the Albion Elks Lodge today after 5 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

The Albion Elks Lodge hosts many patriotic events throughout the year, including a Flag Day observance. The lodge also will be having a chicken barbecue next month for veterans at the VA in Batavia. The local lodge also donated $1,000 towards a van to take veterans to medical appointments.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Employees from Easton Specialties Inc. in Honeoye Falls put new slate on the roof of Mount Albion Chapel on Thursday afternoon.

The chapel from 1875 is getting a new roof as part of a $225,000 overall restoration of the building.

Local mason Neal Muscarella last year repaired and repointed the chapel’s entire exterior.  The most extensive damage was in the northwest section.  Muscarella has worked on several projects at Mount Albion over the years, including the Civil War memorial tower, the front sign, and the pond at the western side that is memorial to firefighters.

Before Easton Specialties started putting on the new slat, The Environmental Construction Group in Albion abated asbestos from the tar along the edges of the roof.

Easton also has rebuilt the northwest corner’s rafters and repaired the roof deck in spots where it has failed over the years. The company installed an ice and water shield, a copper drip edge and flashings, and now are nearly  done with the new Vermont slate with colors and in a pattern that are a perfect match to the original 1875 slate.

 There is still a lot to do inside the chapel. The overall $225,000 project includes interior replaster 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.

Mayor says selling the park to a business could be better use for site

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Village Board discussed the Santa statue and other Santa-themed items at Waterman Park during the board meeting on Wednesday. The board wonders if it makes more sense to move the statue and other elements about a block south to village-owned green space by the Presbyterian Church.

Perhaps the statue could be part of a space with a Santa House or gazebo, Village Board members said.

Mayor Tim McMurray and Deputy Mayor Greg Bennett said it may be a better asset for the village to sell the pocket park at Waterman, where it could be used for pop-up businesses or other purposes by a business.

The subject was brought up as part of a discussion about different parks in the village. Bennett acknowledged that many community members have worked hard at the site over the past decade or so.

The Albion Rotary Club spearheaded the 24-foot-long mural in 2018 that was painted by artist Stacey Kirby Steward. That mural shows a Santa in a sleigh over the Courthouse Square and downtown Albion. The mural is mounted on a steel frame at the park that is a half block south of the Erie Canal.

The mural honors Albion’s history as home to the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School from 1937 to 1966. Howard also ran Christmas Park in Albion. Mr. Howard passed away in 1966. The Santa School continues in his name in Midland, Michigan.

The bronze statue of Santa was dedicated on June 10, 2023. It followed an $80,000-fundraising effort by the Albion Betterment Committee that took nearly a decade.

The spot by the Presbyterian Church was considered for the bronze statue, but bronze statue artists thought the statue would be dwarfed being next to the church, which is 175 feet tall. The artists thought the statue would look very small to passersby if it was placed next to the church.

They liked the spot at Waterman where people can walk by close to the statue, which is closer to the street so it doesn’t seem so small to people passing by.

During the statue dedication, many of Howard’s grandchildren and other family descendants attended the event which was held on a Saturday during the Strawberry Festival.

Charles Bergeman, Howard’s grandson, attended the event in 2023. He passed away later than year in October due to cancer. A sleigh was dedicated in Bergeman’s honor this past May. The sleigh was refurbished by Jim Babcock, a local contractor who is on the Betterment Committee’s board of directors.

The Betterment Committee is now working to develop a Santa School museum and visitor center almost across the street from Waterman Park.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Beaver Alley in downtown Albion is a one-lane street of Medina Sandstone pavers.

The Village Board is considering closing vehicular traffic to the street and allowing the site to be used for pedestrians and events, including concerts, a farm market and other community activities.

The sandstone pavers are pictured with a dusting of snow. The street is hard on the village’s plowing equipment.

The board wants to hear from the public about the idea during the Aug. 26 board meeting that begins at 7 p.m. at the Village Hall.

Mayor Tim McMurray said bollards could be put at each end of the alley to keep out cars and trucks. He said the alley, if made more inviting with lights and signage, could be a popular spot for events, providing a boost to the downtown business district.

McMurray said the pavers may need to be reset to be a smoother surface for pedestrians. Weeds also sprout up between the blocks. Herbicides are typically sprayed to battle the weeds.

The street was paved until 2003. When the Pike Company in Rochester, a contractor for the state Department of Transportation, tore up routes 31 and 98 in Albion about two decades ago, there were sandstone pavers under the roads.

Ed Salvatore was the Albion mayor at the time and he negotiated having the Pike Company put 5,500 of the pavers in Beaver Alley. Salvatore said the Medina sandstone blocks provided a sharp contrast between the new style of road construction on Main Street with the style from a century earlier. He also wanted to preserve some local sandstone history and add another element to historic downtown.

Before asphalt and concrete, many of the streets were made of cut Medina sandstone blocks. Salvatore wanted Beaver Alley, a short one-lane street, to resemble a street from the late 1800s.

There have been complaints the street is bumpy and hard to drive on. The DPW says the pavers also damage snow plows.

Village officials envision the site as a possible entertainment area like Jackson Square in the City of Batavia, which hosts a popular concert series.

Project eyed for former fairgrounds site at west end of Washington Street and West State Street

The village zoning map shows the area in green between Washington and West State streets that is currently zoned for Mobile Home Park. It would need to be changed to R-C (Residential/Offices/Limited Business) to allow for a housing project.

ALBION – Land formerly used a horse racing track and the fairgrounds in Albion is being eyed for a 70-unit housing project in Albion.

The zoning for the land in the late 1990s was changed to a “Mobile Home Park” classification to allow for manufactured homes, but that project didn’t happen. The site at the west end of West State Street and Washington streets has remained vacant since.

CDS Monarch sees demand for housing in Albion and Orleans County. The company wants to develop 13.5 acres into a 70-unit housing project with 30 units for seniors and veterans, and the other 40 units for working families.

CDS is based in Webster. It has developed projects in Buffalo, Rochester, Elmira, Endicott and Cicero.

Michael Lill, project associate for CDS, said the company wants to build 8-unit flat level buildings. The company would like to have businesses on site as well, including a pharmacy.

The housing would not be Section 8 or for people in drug rehab, he said.

CDS said Orleans County faces an out-migration of residents, with a shortage of housing a factor in the exodus.

The Albion Village Board held a public hearing on the zoning change on Wednesday. An attorney for ARG spoke against the change, saying putting more housing in the area by ARG may not be the best fit for that area which also includes the village’s DPW facility and the Albion Correctional Facility. The attorney suggested the zoning be changed to light industrial.

The attorney also said the village had the wrong tax map information about the parcels to be rezoned as part of the public notice.

Village Clerk/Treasurer Tracy Van Skiver acknowledged there had been a typographical error on one of the parcels. It was corrected about a week ago on the village website and Facebook page. The Village Board adjourned the public hearing until 7 p.m. on Aug. 26 to ensure it meets the public notice required for the zoning change.

The village sent the zoning change to the Orleans County Planning Board for its input but the board didn’t meet last month due to insufficient items. That board’s decision won’t be required due to the board not meeting, Mayor Tim McMurray said.

He sees the project as a positive for the village and Orleans County, bringing in new investment and housing opportunities. The community has experienced increased homelessness, McMurray said, and the state is trying to increase housing opportunities for people of all backgrounds.

CDS said it will present a detailed site plan for the project if the zoning change is approved. That site plan would then be subject to review by the Village Planning Board and code enforcement officer.

CDS said it has completed a phase 1 environmental impact study and also a wetlands delineation for the site.

Bullard hosting picnic for senior citizens on Thursday

ALBION – The thunderstorm has forced the Village of Albion to reschedule this evening’s concert featuring Highway 31. The band will instead perform at 6 p.m. on Aug. 26 from the amphitheater at Bullard Park.

Bullard next week will host the band Swamp Moose beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 19.

The park on Thursday is hosting a picnic for senior citizens from 4 to 6:30 p.m. The Village of Albion Recreation Department is putting on the event at the east end pavilion at Bullard.

Food and beverages will be served, including chicken barbecue, hot dogs, hamburgers, cucumber, tomato, onion salad, coleslaw with a sweet vinaigrette, water, watermelon and peach apple cherry dump cake.

Live music will be provided by The Hastings Duo. Participants are welcome to bring their own lawn chair but picnic tables will be available.

Photos courtesy of Crosby’s and Reid Petroleum: Crosby’s employees joined officials at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to celebrate the $20,432 raised at Crosby’s stores to support awareness, research and treatment for CF. The Albion store at the routes 31 and 98 raised the most of all the Crosby’s stores. Zoey, a local CF fighter, holds the ceremonial check.

Press Release, Crosby’s and Reid Petroleum

ALBION – Crosby’s and Reid Petroleum successfully concluded their 2026 campaign partnership with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, raising a total of $20,432 to support awareness, research and treatment for CF.

The donation was presented to representatives of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), as well as Tim, Annelle, and Beth Royer, the grandparents and mother of Zoey – a local CF Fighter supported by the CFF and Crosby’s. The presentation took place at Crosby’s Albion location, which was recognized as the store that had raised the most during this year’s CF Awareness Campaign.

“When the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was founded 71 years ago, children born with cystic fibrosis were generally not expected to live long enough to attend kindergarten or elementary school,” said Heather McKeever, executive director of the Cystic Fibrosis

Foundation of WNY. “Because of Crosby’s support along with our Western New York community and donors like you, the median age is now 66 years old, and people with cystic fibrosis continue to live longer and healthier lives. Together, we will make CF stand for ‘Cure Found’!”

Crosby’s received a plaque from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The presentation was made last Friday at the Albion store at 204 South Main St. Every year Crosby’s dedicates a campaign month among other outside efforts to raise money and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis, along with the guidance and partnership of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This year once again, the Albion store raised the most money for CF over the course of our campaign.

Throughout the campaign, Crosby’s customers showed their support by:

• Rounding up at the register
• Purchasing $1 pinups

During the event, Crosby’s Vice President Lenny Smith spoke about the personal and community-wide importance of the partnership, sharing the words of his late friend, who both fought and advocated for CF: “That’s what hope looks like: science, compassionate care, family, and community all coming together. I truly believe that is what we’ve accomplished here.”

The Reid Group, based in Lockport encompasses Reid Stores, LLC d.b.a. Crosby’s and Reid Petroleum, LLC. Crosby’s operates 90 locations throughout Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania. Reid Petroleum is a full-service independent fuel marketer providing a comprehensive range of products and services for retail and wholesale customers.

The family-owned business traces its roots to 1922 and is led more than a century later by 3rd and 4th generation members along with over 1,000 dedicated associates.

Provided photo

ALBION – Albion’s Class of 1966 celebrated its 60^th reunion last Friday at the Tavern on the Ridge.

Sitting from left to right include Ann Moore Brown, Donna Howes, Jennifer Buckner Conley, Chris Butcher Matull and Debby Passarell.

Second row from left: Barbara Christopher Dunham, Marcia Telga Stornelli, Sandra Restivo Hinmin, Cris Eddy Haltom, Marie Davis Rice, Bruce Sidari, Rebecca Passarell Daniels, Pat Whipple Clark, Charles Craddock, Patricia Barnum McKenna, Marylin Clark Burgoon, Margie Roth Page, Patricia Mack Halt and Linda Pecorella Freas.

Back row from left: Mark Theodorakos, Tom Gardner, Ernie Katsampes, Robert Parke, Jack Kriss, Dave Canham, Wil Harris, Jack Batchellor, Jim Wells, Phil Coville, Dave Bieber and Mike Elam.

Press Release, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee

File photo by Tom Rivers: Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, in shown in 2025 standing outside the Head Start school on East State Street in Albion.

ALBION – Community Action of Orleans and Genesee is currently assessing the impact of a significant reduction in federal Head Start funding that will affect the organization’s operations, staffing, and future planning.

The reduction totals nearly $1 million, representing approximately one-third of the agency’s Head Start funding. As Head Start accounts for more than half of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee’s overall operating budget, the impact extends beyond a single program and presents challenges for the organization as a whole.

“While this funding reduction is occurring within the Head Start program, it is important to understand that no challenge affects only one area of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee,” said Renee Hungerford, Executive Director/CEO. “We operate as one agency, and changes of this magnitude create ripple effects across our organization.”

In addition to the direct reduction in program funding, administrative funding associated with federal grants is also affected proportionally, creating further financial implications that must be carefully evaluated.

The funding reduction stems primarily from enrollment challenges that have affected Head Start programs in communities across the country. Locally, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee has found it increasingly difficult to maintain full enrollment as more families find themselves caught on the benefits cliff, earning too much to qualify for Head Start services while still not earning enough to comfortably afford childcare and other basic necessities.

These are often minimum wage earners. At the same time, the expansion of Universal Pre-K programs that provide transportation has become the most practical option for many families. Community Action of Orleans and Genesee’s current funding structure makes it increasingly difficult to sustain the cost of busing, creating an additional challenge in serving families who need reliable transportation for their children.

“Our families are making the best decisions they can for their children,” Hungerford said. “When transportation is provided through another program, parents often have little choice but to enroll there. Unfortunately, the current funding model does not adequately account for the rising costs of transportation, facilities, insurance, supplies, and utilities, making it increasingly difficult to sustain services while remaining competitive with other early childhood programs.”

While enrollment has declined, Hungerford emphasized that the funding reduction is not a reflection of program performance or community need.

“The reality is that Head Start remains critically important in our community,” Hungerford said. “The challenge is that eligibility rules and economic realities have changed. Many working families no longer qualify even though they continue to struggle financially. At the same time, transportation has become an increasingly important factor in parents’ choice of early childhood programs.”

Hungerford also noted that Head Start provides far more than preschool services.

“Head Start is much more than Pre-K,” she said. “It is a comprehensive child and family development program. We provide education, health screenings, dental referrals, family support services, and resources that help parents achieve greater stability and independence. The impact extends well beyond the classroom.”

During Program Year 2025-2026, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee’s Head Start program demonstrated significant outcomes for children and families:

• 32% of preschool children successfully transitioned to kindergarten with improved school readiness skills, while another 42% will return for a second year of Head Start services to continue their development.
• 100% of enrolled children received preventive health screenings.
• 76 children were brought up to date on age-appropriate immunizations through coordination with healthcare providers.
• 49% of Head Start children received dental examinations and follow-up care in a region where access to pediatric dental services remains extremely limited.
• 80% of families participated in family engagement activities.
• 100% of families established and made progress toward family partnership goals related to employment, education, parenting, school readiness, housing stability, or financial well-being.

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee also notes that federal funding reductions are typically calculated using a per-child formula. However, those calculations do not adequately account for fixed costs that continue regardless of enrollment levels, including facilities, transportation, utilities, insurance, regulatory compliance, educational materials, and other operational expenses. As a result, the financial impact of enrollment-based funding reductions often exceeds what the formula suggests.

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee’s leadership team is actively reviewing all available options and advocating for every opportunity to lessen the impact of the reduction. Hungerford has begun reaching out to federal, state, and local elected officials to seek assistance and support in protecting critical services that benefit children, families, and communities throughout the region.

“This funding reduction affects far more than our organization,” Hungerford said. “It impacts the children we educate, the families we support, and the communities our elected officials serve. I am asking our federal, state, and local leaders to work with us to protect these vital resources for their constituents and help ensure that vulnerable families do not bear the burden of these cuts.”

Hungerford also expressed gratitude for the support already received from local leaders.

“We are thankful to Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson for her support of our advocacy efforts and her recognition of the importance of preserving these resources for our community,” Hungerford said. “Strong partnerships with local elected officials are critical as we work together to protect services that benefit children, families, and vulnerable residents throughout Orleans County and Genesee County.”

The agency is conducting a thorough assessment of financial and operational implications while pursuing every available avenue to preserve funding and minimize impacts on employees, services, and the families who depend on Community Action of Orleans and Genesee’s programs.

“These are difficult conversations, and we recognize the uncertainty they create for our staff, our families, and our community partners,” Hungerford said. “Our commitment is to approach every decision thoughtfully, strategically, and with the long-term sustainability of the agency in mind.”

Despite this challenge, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee remains focused on its mission and its commitment to helping local residents overcome barriers and achieve self-sufficiency.

“Community Action has weathered challenges before, and what has always carried us forward is the strength of our people,” Hungerford said. “Every day, our staff make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families, and individuals across our communities. We remain committed to serving those who depend on us.”

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available and decisions are made.

Photos courtesy of Greg Jones

ALBION – A plaque was unveiled on Monday evening dedicated the playground at Bullard Park for Katherine “Kathy” LaLonde.

She passed away at age 54 from cancer on Oct. 6, 2013. She was an active volunteer in the community and was part of the team that worked to revitalize Bullard Park.

LaLonde helped write successful grant applications for Bullard Park improvements, leading to new playground equipment, a new spray park, pavilion with bathrooms and amphitheater.

LaLonde spearheaded efforts to develop a long-term master plan for the Bullard Park. She volunteered on the village’s Recreation Committee and personally served refreshments to children at some of the local parks.

Many of Kathy LaLonde’s family members attended the playground dedication on Monday. From left in front include daughter Joyce LaLonde, husband Steve LaLonde holding Joyce’s daughter Katherine, and sister Julie Sanford. In back from left: sister-in-law Diane Church, nephew Brad Sanford, niece Molly Church, son-in-law Nate Birnbaum (Joyce’s husband), brother Sanford Church, and brother-in-law Scott Sanford.

Kathy LaLonde volunteered her time to write grants and help formulate a vision for Bullard Park. The Rebuild Bullard Committee wanted to turn the park into a bigger community asset. In the 2000s and early 2010s, Bullard had aging playground equipment and was a far cry from the center for recreation it has become.

Her efforts helped land a $499,605 state grant in 2016 for the spray park, pavilion, bathrooms and amphitheater. She worked on other grants for the playground equipment.

On Monday evening, village officials and the Greater Albion Community Recreation & Events unveiled the plaque and dedicated the playground in honor on Kathy LaLonde.

“This serves as a reminder of the unwavering strength and determination that Kathy put forth to enhance Bullard Park and of her love of the youth of this community and beyond,” the plaque states.

As a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Albion, LaLonde was involved in many youth programs, including Pray and Play, Sunday school, mission trips, the Heifer International Ark Fundraiser, the many Christmas pageants, and TGIF.

Betty Sue Miller retires; Elizabeth Haibach starts as executive director

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Betty Sue Miller, center, chats with Elzabeth Haibach, left, and Gretchen Schweigert on Saturday at Hoag Library where there was a reception to honor Miller for her 11 years as executive director.

Haibach has worked at Hoag since 2018, starting as a reference librarian. She has been the assistant director since 2022.

Schweigert works for the Nioga Library System as an outreach and advocacy consultant.

Miller joined Hoag as interim director in February 2015. She was retired as a library director at Holley Central School.

Miller said the experience at Holley made her love working with teen-agers, especially, and prepared her for her time at Hoag, where she worked hard to make the library a welcoming space for everyone in the community, including people who are unhoused.

“This is the best job I’ve ever had,” Miller said on Saturday.

Miller helped build a staff where seven of the employees have master’s degrees, and all bring passions that have helped the library expand programs and outreach.

Miller was well known for asking visitors to the library, even people working on road construction in front of the library, if they had a library card. She said the card gives users access to not only Hoag’s collections of books and magazines, but a massive online trove of e-books and other materials.

Miller is staying on in a part-time role to see through some special projects, including a book drop by the curb so people don’t need to leave their vehicles. The Hoag board also wants to replace the dividing curtains from the three meeting rooms with curtain that are more sturdy and soundproof.

Elizabeth Haibach, center, is greeted by Roz Sarkweather, right, and Mary Witkop and her son George. Witkop is vice president of the board of trustees.

Haibach said she is very grateful for the opportunity to lead a library in her hometown. She said she will continue to look ways for Hoag to serve the community, outside of the traditional roles for a public library.

She helped bring in lawyers from Neighborhood Legal Services for monthly office hours and staff from the Homeless Alliance to assist local people without a residence. Haibach also welcomed a mobile mammography service to Albion that parks in the Hoag parking lot.

Haibach said her father, retired Albion teacher Tim Archer, has been a strong role model for service, as has her mother Patty Archer’s family with Haibach’s grandparents, Dr. Ronald Harling and the late Suzanne Harling.

“I have a deep connection to the community,” Haibach said. “I’m motivated to help be a servant to the community. I want to increase our community partnerships.”

She praised Miller for setting a strong example of leadership and for building a well established team of employees at Hoag.

“Betty Sue has a big personality and she is always out and talking to people,” Haibach said. “She has built a really good team here.”

Haibach also encourages people to check out the library. Today’s library is much different from the former Swan Library in Albion, which operated out of a cramped mansion.

Hoag has study areas, Internet access, three meeting rooms, and the library rents out fishing gear and even binoculars for people who want to go birding.

“Public libraries are ever-changing,” she said.

Haibach starts today as executive director and leads a staff of four full-time employees and seven part-timers.

This photo shows a printout of a Dollar General rendering of a proposed store on East Avenue in Albion, across from the high school.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Demolition has begun to clear the way for a new Dollar General store in Albion. A contractor is knocking down the current building, which previously was used for auto sales and a warehouse.

Dollar General will be building a new 10,640-square-foot retail store across from the high school, a project that received final approval from the Village of Albion Planning Board on March 12.

Many nearby residents and other community members expressed concerns about having the store in a congested area near the school where there are many kids walking to and from school.

But the Village of Albion Planning Board said they anticipate the store will have a small impact on traffic and pedestrians.

The site at 327 East Ave. is in the general business district. The store fits with the zoning.

This photo shows a printout of a Dollar General rendering of a proposed store on East Avenue in Albion, across from the high school.

The Broadway Group, developer for Dollar General, has removed three underground tanks and will do other site remediation to meet Department of Environmental Conservation standards.

The Orleans County Planning Board on Feb. 26 recommended Albion approve the site plan for the project, saying the store is consistent with a general commercial district and isn’t expected to have any significant negative impacts to the nearby residents or school.

The site is in a school zone with the speed limit at 20 miles per hour during school hours, and there is an ice cream business next to the site.

Delivery trucks will come outside of peak hours to the Dollar General and will be limited to exiting from the east only. That was a stipulation by the state Department of Transportation.

John “Mercury” Morgan urges crowd to embrace Gospel message

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – John “Mercury” Morgan jumps with a bike over two Albion police patrol vehicles and a SWAT vehicle, and then goes through a wall of fire in a stunt at Bullard Park on Saturday.

It was part of Family Fun Day at Bullard, where several churches shared the Gospel message, and gave away back-to-school supplies, food and put on activities. There were more than 500 people watching the stunt.

Morgan, 61, of Rochester makes it through the wall of fire and lands on the ramp.

He has been a stuntman on bikes since he was 15. He was inspired by Evel Knievel, the famous daredevil.

Morgan shared about moving from Lake Placid to Rochester when he was 7. He struggle din Rochester, getting into trouble often and selling marijuana. He was in a “scared straight” program at the Attica prison when he was 14.

Morgan said he became a Christian at 15. He runs Leap of Faith Evangelism, doing stunts and sharing the Gospel message.

He urged people to have courage to follow Jesus, and take a leap of faith.

John “Mercury” Morgan leads a group in prayer after the bike stunt. At least 500 people watched the event at Bullard.

The team with Mercury pours gasoline on cardboard that will be raised in frame. Mercury would then plunge through the wall of fire.

Albion firefighters doused the flames.

Theresa Ottaviano shared this photo of Morgan breaking through the wall of fire and landing on the ramp.

Jovannie Canales, lead pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship, helped lead Family Fun Day which had about 100 volunteers from many local churches in the community. They gave away back-to-school backpacks with supplies, hot dogs and water. There was also live music, bounce houses and face painting. The churches also gave away four bicycles, a TV and a laptop.

More than 1,000 people attended the Family Fun Day.

Pastor Canales said there were 232 decisions for Christ and 14 were baptized. In addition, 18 agencies and ministries participated, along with 85 volunteers who helped make the day possible.

“This event would not have been possible without God and the incredible support of the 15 churches, local businesses, and community partners who contributed and supported the event in various ways,” Pastor Canales said. “We are very grateful for everyone who came together to make Family Fun Day such a meaningful day for our community.”

A baptismal tank was set up by the amphitheater. There were many agencies and churches at Family Fun Day. When this photo was taken, most of the crowd had moved from the tents to see a stuntman.

Jeff LaFountain of Newfane did caricatures, including this one of Hollea Mackie and her children, baby Jordyn and son Ashyr, 10.

Family Fun Day at Albion also includes free food and many activities

File photo by Tom Rivers: Jovannie Canales, lead pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship, holds a flat-screen television that was given away at the end of the Family Fun Day at Bullard Park last year on Aug. 9. There will be a big team of volunteers from multiple churches putting on the event today from 1 to 4 p.m.

ALBION – This year’s Family Fun Day at Bullard Park will include a stunt man riding a bike over cars and through a wall of fire.

The activities go from 1 to 4 p.m. today at Bullard, with John “Mercury” Morgan scheduled to make his jump over a long line of cars at 3:30 p.m.

Several churches team for the event that includes many giveaways, including back-to-school backpacks with supplies, hot dogs and water. There will also be live music, a bounce house and face painting. The churches also plan to give away four bicycles a TV and a laptop.

Many agencies are expected to be available to meet with the public during the event, which last year attracted 500 people.

Reception planned for Saturday to celebrate Betty Sue Miller and welcome Haibach

File photos by Tom Rivers: Hoag Library staff met two young patrons by an ox statue on March 17, 2025 when the library celebrated its 125th anniversary in the community. Brothers Mikey Madison, 11, in blue shirt and Timmy Madison, 8, were happy to try some of the cookies given out for the library birthday. The staff pictured include, from left: Michael Magnuson, Adult Services librarian; Betty Sue Miller, director; and Elizabeth Haibach, assistant director.

Press Release, Hoag Library

ALBION – The Board of Trustees of Hoag Library of Albion announce the retirement of Director Betty Sue Miller, effective August 7, after more than a decade of distinguished service.

Miller will be succeeded by Elizabeth Archer Haibach, who is being promoted from her role as assistant director.

Since joining Hoag Library as an interim director in February 2015, then becoming director, Miller has been instrumental in strengthening the library’s role as a vital community resource. Her dedication to public library service has earned recognition across the region: in May 2025, Miller received the Outstanding Service Award from the Nioga Library System, recognizing her exceptional leadership and dedication to public library service across Niagara, Orleans, and Genesee counties. In 2021, she was honored with a Genean Award from GO ART!, further testament to her commitment to the community.

A 1970 graduate of Albion High School, Miller brought both deep community roots and professional expertise to the role. She holds a Master’s degree in Library Science and has a rich background in library service, including teaching in Albion schools and serving as a librarian at Holley High School. A lifelong Albion resident, Miller and her husband, Fred—a county legislator and former owner of Family Hardware—have two adult children and have been integral members of the community.

Betty Sue Miller gives blood on Dec. 17, 2022 during a blood drive at the library. Miller has welcomed blood drives and many other programs into the library.

After taking a few weeks to rest and recharge, Miller will return to Hoag Library in a part-time capacity, focusing on special projects that will help shape the library’s future. This transition allows the library to benefit from her continued expertise while giving her the opportunity to step back from daily operations.

Elizabeth Archer Haibach brings enthusiasm and a passion for public service to her new role as Director. Born in Albion, Elizabeth spent part of her childhood living in Mexico and Central America before returning to Orleans County. A proud graduate of Albion Central School’s Class of 2006, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from SUNY Brockport and a Master of Library Science from the University at Buffalo.

Elizabeth’s family has deep roots in the community, including her grandparents’ longtime businesses, Archer Lumber and Barre Animal Hospital. Before beginning her library career, she worked as a Program Assistant for Agri-Business Child Development at Batavia.

She joined Hoag Library as the Reference Librarian and was later promoted to Assistant Director. Outside of the library, Elizabeth enjoys reading historical nonfiction, exploring local history, and is an active member of the Orleans Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. On sunny days, she can often be found behind the wheel of her ’68 Dodge Super Bee. She is honored to serve the community she has always called home and looks forward to building on Hoag Library’s tradition of exceptional service, lifelong learning, and community engagement.

Hoag Library director Betty Sue Miller, back left, and assistant director Elizabeth Haibach meet with the board of trustees following the annual meeting at the library on May 6, 2024. They shared data from 2023 that showed total circulation for books and non-books was 42,898 – with 32,323 books and 10,575 non-books.

“Betty Sue Miller’s retirement marks the end of an extraordinary era of leadership at Hoag Library,” said Linda Weller, Board President of Hoag Library of Albion. “Her vision, dedication, and deep commitment to our community have transformed the library into a thriving hub for learning, growth, and connection. We are deeply grateful for her service. At the same time, we are excited about the future under Elizabeth’s leadership. Elizabeth brings fresh energy, community ties, and a genuine passion for library service. We are confident that she will honor Betty Sue’s legacy while bringing her own innovative ideas and talents to the role.”

Haibach officially assumes the role of director on Aug. 8. The transition represents both continuity of the library’s mission and an exciting new chapter for Hoag Library of Albion.

The community is invited to celebrate Betty Sue Miller’s remarkable career and welcome Elizabeth Haibach as the new director at a reception on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hoag Library. Light refreshments will be served. No RSVP is required—everyone is welcome to stop by.