By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 April 2021 at 9:08 am
Marquis de Lafayette, French military officer, provided critical aid to George Washington in securing American independence
Photos by Tom Rivers: Justin Kania, an Albion seventh grader, shares about a farewell tour in 1824-1825 to honor Marquis de Lafayette, a young French aristocrat and military officer served with George Washington. Lafayette traveled on the Erie Canal from Lockport to Rochester in June 1825 to great fanfare.
ALBION – A new historical marker, in a distinctive blue background with red trim, was unveiled on Wednesday by the Erie Canal in Albion in honor of a French military officer who provided critical aid to Continental Army in securing American independence from the British monarchy.
Marquis de Lafayette returned to the United States in 1824 for a farewell tour that was intended to last four months. It turned into a 16-month visit that included a journey along the Erie Canal through Orleans County.
Lafayette rode in a packet boat in full regalia that was pulled by a team of white horses from Lockport to Rochester on June 6-7, 1825, four months before the canal officially opened.
The new marker is located between the Ingersoll and Main Street lift bridges in Albion.
Lafayette was given a hero’s welcome from the Americans. He passed through Albion which was then known as Newport.
Albion service learning students and the Seventh Grade History Club teamed with the DAR (Daughters of American Revolution) and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation to erect the marker, which was installed by the Village of Albion Department of Public Works.
The marker notes Lafayette’s journey on the Erie Canal during the farewell tour, and includes the Lafayette Trail logo. The Lafayette Trail Inc. is planning bicentennial celebrations of Lafayette’s farewell tour in 2024-2025.
The group is pushing to have 175 markers in place to commemorate the tour. That includes 11 in New York State.
Patrice Birner, state regent of the DAR, spoke at the dedication event. Birner, a Middleport resident, said the DAR is supporting the historical markers for Lafayette, who she called “a rock star” who helped secure the country’s independence.
She plans to attend dedication ceremonies next month for Lafayette in Niagara Falls and Brooklyn.
Birner presented pins with Lafayette’s signature to Justin Kania and Kaitlin Bennett, two Albion seventh-graders who participated in the marker’s unveiling. Tim Archer, left, is the service learning teacher at Albion.
Kaitlin Bennett holds one of the pins with Lafayette’s signature.
Kaitlin Bennett speaks at the marker’s unveiling, calling Lafayette “The Hero of Two Worlds.” He commanded U.S. forces in several battles, including the siege of Yorktown, which proved the fatal blow to the British.
“He was a significant man in our country’s history who can here to help us,” Kaitlin said.
When Lafayette returned to France, he was imprisoned for five years due to his role as a monarch. Lafayette was released by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797.
Lafayette would later serve in the French government. He died on May 20, 1834 and is buried in a Paris cemetery under soil gathered from Bunker Hill.
Albion teacher Tim Archer thanked the organizations for supporting the new marker, which he said helps tell local history.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 April 2021 at 12:38 pm
ALBION – The Board of Education on Monday adopted a $37,801,291 budget for 2021-22 that doesn’t increase taxes for the 13th time in the past 15 years.
The budget keeps the tax levy at $8,449,094 in property taxes, the same for at least the past three years.
“You’ve done very well here,” Bart Schuler, interim business administrator, told the Board of Education on Monday evening. “You’ve had a lot of great vision. There is no need to raise the taxes.”
The district is able to stave off a tax increase mainly due to more state aid. The state funding is budgeted to increase by $669,603 from $27,543,861 to $28,213,464. The state aid accounts for 74.6 percent of the district’s budget.
The budget increases spending up 2.61 percent from $36,841,032 to $37,801,299. The spending plan will go before district voters on May 18 with ballots to be cast from noon to 8 p.m. in the elementary school gymnasium. That is a change from where the election is usually held in the district office conference room. Having the vote in the gym will spread people out, said Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent.
The proposed budget maintains all existing programs and also allows for a $100,000 elevator rehab project in the middle school.
The district will go over the budget in more detail during a budget hearing on May 11 at 7 p.m. That hearing will be held virtually and not in-person.
The vote on May 18 will include a proposition to spend $550,000 from a bus reserve fund, and a proposition to collect $724,260 for Hoag Library.
There will also be two members elected to the Board of Education to five-year terms. Those seats are currently filled by Curt Schmitt and Marlene Seielstad. Candidates for the positions have until April 19 to submit petitions signed by at least 25 qualified voters.
In other action at Monday’s board meeting, the BOE:
• Appointed Richard Recckio II as school business administrator at a salary of $92,000.
• Recognized Bailey Blanchard with the high school leadership award and Dominic DiGiulio with the high school character award.
• Observed a moment of silence for two former district employees who recently passed away.
Elsie Barringer, a former cafeteria worker, was 92 when she died on March 7, 2021.
Gary Parisi, a social studies teacher who also coached softball and football for Albion, was 61 when he died from cancer on March 24 at age 61. Parisi also was part of Albion’s summer camp programs. He retired from Albion this past September.
“He left a positive impact,” said Wayne Wadhams, a BOE member.
• Accepted the notice of retirements on June 30 from Mary Susan Webster, keyboard specialist in the elementary school, and William Webster, a cleaner.
BOE member Margy Brown praised Webster for giving a welcoming first impression for students and visitors to the elementary school for many years.
• Approved a new $500 recurring scholarship to be funded by the Albion Police Benevolent Association, which will choose the annual awardee.
ALBION – This past week the Board of Education and district administrators convened for a diversity training titled “Dismantling Systemic Racism” hosted by the Four County School Boards Association.
The training included detailed discussions on implicit bias, why the language we use is important, racism at an individual, institutional, and systemic level, and how to dismantle it in our schools.
Over the course of an hour, Albion board members and administrators watched instructional videos and participated in educational activities, expanding their knowledge of systemic racism and identifying preventative measures that can be taken to protect our families.
This was the first of many steps Superintendent Mickey Edwards has planned to guide board members and administrators through in order to promote a safe and inclusive learning environment for our students and our staff.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 April 2021 at 7:41 am
Photos courtesy of Jeremiah Knight
ALBION – Orleans Hub had an article posted on Monday about the ravens’ nest built in a crevice of the Orleans County Courthouse. We had photos of the nest, but none of the ravens which have been having around the Courthouse Square for about two months.
Jeremiah Knight has several photos of one of the ravens. He took the photos of the bird on one of the spires on top of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (Holy Family Parish).
Knight took the photos from Park Street.
“There are two mates,” Knight said. “I see at least one of them every day.”
He is looking forward to seeing the baby ravens in flight.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 April 2021 at 7:02 am
File photo: Some members of the 4-H robotics team get their robot ready for competition in March 2019 at Rochester Institute of Technology. From left include Jayden Neal, Jack Finley, coach/mentor Jody Neal, Lance Moyer and Jace Conn.
KNOWLESVILLE – A local farm has picked the 4-H robotics program as the recipient of a $2,500 grant from the “America’s Farmers Grow Communities” program.
That program is sponsored by the Bayer Fund and partners with farmers to provide grants to local nonprofits to help their communities.
Local dairy farm Poverty Hill Farms, owned by the Neal family and based on Countyhouse Road in Albion, recently directed a $2,500 Bayer Fund America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation to the Orleans County 4-H robotics program. The program will use the funds towards achieving their goal of building a STEM and robotics workshop.
Jody Neal, one of the farm’s owners, is a coach and mentor in the robotics program. His sons, Jayden and Zachary, are both part of the program.
“We are so grateful to Poverty Hill Farms for their support of the Orleans County 4-H robotics program,” said Kristina Gabalski, CCE Orleans 4-H Educator. “The on-site STEM and Robotics Workshop is something that is critical for the program and will be a huge benefit to local youth who learn technology, leadership, problem-solving and many more life skills through their participation in the robotics program.”
Since 2010, the America’s Farmers programs have awarded more than $59 million to nonprofits, aspiring ag students and public schools across rural America. Farmers are leaders in their communities, which is why America’s Farmers programs rely on them to help identify the most worthy causes.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has affected everyone, including those in rural regions, and farmers play a critical role in helping communities overcome challenges, like the ones we’re currently facing,” said Al Mitchell, Bayer Fund president. “Bayer Fund is proud to work side-by-side with farmers to identify local eligible nonprofit organizations that are able to provide their residents with solutions that leave a lasting impact.”
To learn more about how America’s Farmers programs are making an impact, visit www.AmericasFarmers.com.
Photos courtesy of Albion Central School: The cast of Freaky Friday performs recently. The high school drama program will show the musical online later this week. The program adapted to put on the show with Covid-19 restrictions.
Posted 12 April 2021 at 1:17 pm
Press Release, Albion Central School
ALBION – The school district has been honored for the 14th year in a row with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.
The designation celebrates districts that work hard to provide music access and education to all students. In order to qualify for the designation, the district completed a detailed survey, answered questions regarding music class participation, facilities, support for the music programs, and, topically, how its adapted instruction and programming to continue effectively through the coronavirus pandemic.
Elementary students learn about music using boomwackers
“We are honored to once again be recognized with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from NAMM,” Superintendent Mickey Edwards said. “While this last year has provided us with some unexpected challenges, this designation is a testament that our program, students, and staff have not only persevered but overcome these obstacles, carrying on the vibrant tradition of music in our district as well as our community.”
High School Principal Jennifer Ashbery celebrated the NAMM recognition stating, “This is a testament to the efforts of our students and entire music staff here at Albion Central Schools. We have a lot to be proud of!”
“The Covid-19 pandemic and resulting precautions and regulations have certainly changed the way we teach, but haven’t lessened the vitality of our music education program here in Albion,” High School Band Director Mike Thaine explained. “We are blessed with a committed administration, supportive and understanding community, and dedicated music teachers who never considered ‘phoning it in’ this year, but – on the contrary – have worked tirelessly to reimagine how music education can be effective during a time of hybrid schedules, on-line learning, compulsory mask-wearing, instrument covers, 12-foot ensemble spacing, and no in-person public concerts.”
While following COVID-19 safety regulations has posed some unique challenges for our ensembles, they have also had some unexpectedly positive results.
For example, with the 12-foot spacing regulation, ensemble teachers have noticed that, without other musicians to “hide behind,” students have become more independent musicians and confidence has improved. It’s also given teachers an opportunity to focus less on ensemble performance, and more heavily on individual concepts such as ear-training, music analysis, solfege, melodic & rhythmic dictation, critical listening, exposure to professional models, and solo performance skills.
“We’ve seen wonderful growth in our students’ general music literacy through these activities,” Thaine said. “Our classroom music teachers report that the smaller class sizes have resulted in more individual attention for each student. Elementary students are actually getting more time with Orff and Kolday activities, gaining an opportunity to increase their rhythmic aptitude.”
Some extracurricular ensembles such as marching band, chamber choir, and jazz ensemble have been practicing regularly via Zoom. “Now, more than ever, our students need music,” Thaine emphasized. “Our philosophy during the pandemic is to absolutely keep music prominent for them.”
Additionally, as in-person concerts have not been permitted this year due to the pandemic, the department dedicated its time to reimagining these events, carrying on the traditions for the students, staff and greater Albion community.
HS students prepare for the virtual Veterans Day performance in November.
“At no time did we consider simply canceling them,” Thaine emphasized.
For example, in November, rather than the usual Sr. High Band and Choir Veterans Day Concert, the music department presented a pre-recorded virtual Veterans Day program, which featured small groups of students performing patriotic musical selections and student-driven interviews with several veterans that have close ties to the Albion music students. In this way, they were able to carry on the tradition of honoring some of our local heroes.
In December, in place of a live holiday concert, each hybrid section of the high school choir recorded a wonderful 15-minute program explaining and demonstrating what activities and techniques they’ve been working on in class before incorporating the skills in their performance of Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.” That program was emailed to all of the choir students, as well as parents /guardians.
On the other hand, high school band students were separated into solos, duets, trios, and quartets and then chose a Christmas carol or short holiday tune to prepare. Each group was video recorded performing their song and students dressed up in holiday garb and decorated their instruments. These informal, yet festive, music videos were posted on the band’s Facebook page and emailed home to band families. The Middle School bands and choruses recorded an abbreviated holiday musical presentation, which was shared with parents and the public via the school’s YouTube channel.
Every March the district hosts its annual All-District Concert, which, depending on the year, features all of the district’s instrumental or vocal ensembles, elementary through senior high, together in one event. It would have been easy to skip the event this year, given the circumstances, but instead, teachers organized a virtual program, including students from both hybrid sections of the Fifth Grade Band, all four hybrid sections of the Middle School bands, several soloists from the HS Band, and even a few remote students. The program was broadcast via YouTube and the district’s website.
Lastly, the musical theater productions were also all done virtually this year. The productions were professionally recorded and casts, crews, and orchestras wore masks and were largely kept socially distanced. (Tickets are available for the high school show, Freaky Friday, by clicking here.)
About The NAMM Foundation: The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,400 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music-making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 April 2021 at 8:55 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A hollowed out limb in an old beech tree is pictured of a tree was taken down last week at Mount Albion Cemetery.
The Orleans County Department of Public Works brought in a bucket truck and tree cutters to cut down three large trees on the east side of the historic cemetery on Route 31. The county also trimmed several other trees.
This beech tree is one of the two that were taken down. A maple tree also was brought down.
Jason Zicari, the cemetery superintendent, said the three trees “were totally dead” and posed a hazard to the cemetery.
This large maple tree on the eastern edge of the cemetery was cut down. A big piece of the tree blew out in a recent windstorm.
“We don’t like to cut down any of the trees,” Zicari said. “We try to do everything we can to save them. This is the last resort.”
The cemetery staff plans to plant new trees after it cleans up from the three that were cut down.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 April 2021 at 10:47 am
The Village of Albion has been approved for $3.2 million form the state to upgrade the water treatment plant, repair water transmission mains and upgrade the distribution system.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the funding which includes a $1,949,400 Water Infrastructure Improvement Act grant and $1,299,600 in short-term low interest financing.
The funding was part of $48 million approved for projects around the state by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors.
“Clean water and functioning water infrastructure are essential parts of the standard of living and qualify-of-life for all New Yorkers, and towns and villages across the state have an ongoing need for wastewater treatment plants and water tanks that needs to be filled,” Cuomo said in a news release. “The newly enacted budget dedicates $500 million to support clean water initiatives which increases our investment and brings the state closer to fulfilling its commitment to New Yorkers. These projects will underscore our pledge to help protect the environment and the health of New York’s residents and families.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2021 at 5:54 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Brian Neal, a Barre firefighter, sprays water on a brush fire along the canal embankment near Keitel Road in Albion.
A hedgerow on the fruit farm also was on fire. Carlton firefighters were working on that hedgerow, while Albion, Barre and Kendall firefighters tried to keep the fire from spreading down the canal embankment.
Fred Piano, left, and A.J. Fisher use grassfire brooms to try to keep the fire from spreading up near the towpath. The fire had spread about 100 yards, just west of Keitel Road.
The fruit farmer was burning brush, mainly branches trimmed from fruit trees this winter. The fire spread with the dry conditions and wind. Although there is a residential burn ban until May 14, farmers can still burn brush.
There was also a brush fire in Ridgeway on Route 104 at about 4 p.m.
Fred Piano and A.J. Fisher sweep the burnt grass and branches back into the fire.
Barre firefighters attack the fire from this truck, spraying from near the towpath. Mark Farone is holding the hose in this photo. He is joined in the back of the truck by Brian Neal and John Egloff. Gary Rowley is walking close by in the orange shirt.
Kendall brought a pumper that holds 900 gallons of water. The truck has a turret gun nozzle mounted in front. Kendall added that truck in 2019. It is the only one like it in Orleans County. Kendall could move the truck along the lane to spray at the brush fire.
Click here to see a video of Kendall fire truck spraying water on the brush fire.
When Kendall went to refill its truck, Barre firefighters then took a turn spraying the brush with water. Brian Neal is spraying the water from the towpath.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2021 at 1:28 pm
Mayor says Albion will seek full costs of damages
Provided photo
ALBION – A “Buddy Bench” at Bullard Park was destroyed and left in a heap with nails sticking out. It was discovered this morning by a grandmother with her grandkids. They went to use the Pee Wee Park section for smaller children.
Some of the park’s picnic tables were also recently broken. Albion Mayor Eileen Banker said the village has no tolerance for vandalism in the parks.
Those responsible will be held criminally and financially responsible, Banker said.
“If this continues we will consider closing the parks,” she said today.
She urged people who see vandalism to report it to the police.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 April 2021 at 11:59 am
ALBION – The Village Board on Monday evening approved spending $71,400 to replace two 30-foot-long pumps at the water treatment plant.
The village has three pumps for bringing in water from Lake Ontario, and uses the third pump as a backup. The two main pumps are “failing rapidly,” Adam Rush, the chief operator, told the Village Board.
The Village Board declared the situation an emergency, which allows Albion to buy the pumps and have them installed without doing the normal competitive bidding process. If the village did that process, with preparing bid specifications and doing the legal notice postings, it could add another 4-5 weeks before the new pumps could be in place.
Even with the emergency declaration, Rush said it will take 6 to 8 weeks to get the new pumps, which need to be built specifically for Albion’s needs for depth and pressure. The installation will require bringing in a crane to take out the old pumps and put in the new ones.
Rush expects the old pumps will hold up until the new ones are in place, but the current ones are functioning at reduced capacity. They are pumping 1.9 million gallons of water a day now, and they are vibrating, making loud noises and “they shake violently,” Rush told the board. He doesn’t think they would hold up for the village’s peak water demand of 2.4 million gallons a day in summer.
“We are slowing down the pumping to preserve them,” he said. “Right now we can’t go full throttle.”
Besides providing water for the village, Albion’s water plant is the supplier for several towns in the county.
“This is our water,” said Mayor Eileen Banker. “We have to be able to provide water.”
The pumps are about 8 years old. They pull water from the lake that can have high turbidity, with sand, sediment and sometimes mud that takes a toll on the pump parts.
The village will pay for the new pumps out of the water department’s fund balance. The water fund includes $18,000 this budget year for service pumps.
Fire contracts approved with towns of Gaines, Albion
In other action on Monday, the Village Board approved new 2-year contracts for the village to provide fire protection and emergency services to the towns of Albion and Gaines.
The Town of Albion will pay a 5 percent increase to $109,455 in 2021, and then another 3 percent increase in 2022 to $112,739.
The Town of Gaines will pay 5 percent more in 2021 for $110,250, and then a 3 percent increase in 2022 for $113,557.50.
Albion will pay the amount in quarterly payments while Gaines agreed to a lump sum by April 15 each year.
Albion is considering creating a joint fire district which would take the fire department out of the village budget. If that happens, with the fire district becoming its own taxing entity, the fire contracts between the village and the two towns would become void.
• The board renewed a lease with State Assemblyman Steve Hawley for his district office at 121 North Main St., the Albion Visitors Center. Hawley will be billed a 2 percent increase to $1,391.93 a month.
The board also approved the following appointments for 2021-22:
Linda Babcock as the Fair Housing Officer for a term of one year.
Karen Conn to the Planning Board for a term of five years.
Trellis Pore for a term of five years to the Zoning Board.
Bernard Baldwin, Mike Beach, Annette Finch, Saul Harrison, Carly Ward and Terry Wilbert to the Recreation Committee for terms of one year each.
Mary Ann Braunbach to the Historic Preservation Commission for a term of four years.
Pam Davies, Lisa DeCarlo and Carol Tibbitts to the Grievance Committee for a one year term each.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 April 2021 at 9:48 am
Zack Burgess, Jess Marciano, both in early 30s, are a new generation in local government
Photos by Tom Rivers: Zack Burgess takes the oath of office on Monday evening while his mother, Lynn Burgess, holds the Bible. Albion Mayor Eileen Banker, right, administers the oath in the board room at the Village Office. Burgess’s sister Amber Bedford, her husband Wes and their two children watched him take the oath.
ALBION/MEDINA – Two new village trustees were sworn into office on Monday, Zack Burgess, 31, and Jess Marciano, 34, are part of a new generation getting involved in local government.
Both were elected on March 16. Marciano was one of two trustees who were unopposed in Medina. She was elected along with incumbent Owen Toale.
Burgess won on March 16 with nearly 80 percent of the vote over retired social studies teacher Joe Martillotta, the former owner of the Crooked Door Tavern in Albion.
Burgess, a life-long Albion resident, has been active in the village, serving as co-chairman of the Rock the Park Music Festival at Bullard Park. He works as a sales representative at Bentley Brothers.
He has worked with many of the current Village Board members and many of the village employees through Rock the Park. He presented plans to the board for that music event many times in recent years and also connected with village department heads on the music festival, which was a fundraiser for the park.
Provided photo: Jess Marciano, right, took the oath on Monday with her daughter Cadence. Marciano’s wife, Rhonda Marciano, is shown holding the Bible.
Jess Marciano and her family were living in a small townhouse outside of Buffalo. They were looking for a permanent home with a “community feel.” Marciano and her wife Rhonda didn’t expect to move so far east as Medina. But the other communities they looked at didn’t feel like the right fit.
“We were hooked before we pulled out of the driveway of the new house, but the selling realtor, Renee Schuner, was a fantastic representative for Medina’s tourism committee,” Marciano said. “Renee sent us down Main Street, ending at Zambistro, for a full Medina experience. For nearly four years, especially the last two as a stay-at-home parent, I am reminded almost daily why this is such a wonderful place to live.”
Marciano joined Medina’s Parks Committee last year and is now on the Village Board. She worked at Walmart for 11 years, starting in loss prevention and ending as a co-manager, responsible for total store operations and directly supervising the salaried managers. In 2017, she started with ADESA Buffalo, where she worked for two years, one as sales supervisor and the other as the office manager.
The trustees start at a very busy time for the Village Boards, as they have several extra meetings in April, working to get the village budgets adopted by the end of April. Albion’s budget for 2020-21 totals $6,872,286 while Medina’s includes $5,925,742 in spending.
Zack Burgess signs the oath of office, which was administered by Village Clerk Linda Babcock.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 April 2021 at 9:52 pm
Director and performer expanded shows for Lake Plains Players
Photos by Tom Rivers: Lance Anderson portrays Jean Valjean in the production of Les Misérables. Anderson said playing Valjean in October 2013 was a dream come true. Anderson expanded the LPP’s number of productions, including a children’s theater camp over the summer.
Lance Anderson, a star performer and director for the Lake Plains Players, passed away on Thursday. He suffered a stroke in mid-December. His friends say he was preparing to go to a rehab site and his death is a shock – and a great loss.
Anderson was in his mid-50s. He caught the theater bug while a student at Albion in the early 1980s. He went on to a career as a vocal teacher, and remained deeply involved in the local community theater group, the Lake Plains Players.
Anderson was the group’s president. He performed on stage, directed many shows, and would do many of the thankless tasks behind the scenes.
“Lance was heavily involved in every single show,” said Gabrielle Montgomery, the Lake Plains Players acting president. “He did so much for the group. He was indefatigable.”
Anderson led a group that was friendly and accepting to everyone, but also pushed to put on high-quality productions.
He was proud of the group for its production of Les Misérables in the fall 2013. Anderson played his dream role, of Jean Valjean in a show which included a cast of 78.
Anderson expanded the LPP’s productions to include summer recitals and a children’s theater camp in the summer. He led the theater camp with Jennifer Trupo, a Lyndonville vocal teacher who directs the Lyndonville-Medina school musicals.
They took on the summer theater camp despite the commitment of three nights a week of rehearsals with a large group of kids. And he drove about an hour each way from his home in Spencerport.
“He just felt it was so important to give kids a chance to do theater,” Montgomery said.
During the Covid pandemic, Anderson and the LPP performers posted many “Living Room Concerts” on Facebook. Anderson performs “Sweet Zoo” by Jeffrey D. Harris from Barbra Streisand’s “My Name is Barbra” album. His video was posted on April 17, 2020.
The Players don’t make cuts for the large fall musicals among community members. The cast has a strong camaraderie, and Anderson was able to connect with everybody.
“He wasn’t just a boss or a director or someone you did a show with,” said Montgomery, who has been involved with the group since 2011. “He was really a good friend to a lot of us. He really made a huge impact.”
Lance Anderson hams it up while singing “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” during a Christmas recital at St. Mary’s in Albion on Dec. 5, 2013. Anderson and the Lake Plains Players performed in many venues in Orleans and Niagara counties.
Anderson was a mentor to many of the LPP members, including Montgomery. He encouraged her first to get started in set design, promoted her to assistant director and then director of some of the LPP productions.
Many of the performers have been with the LPP for many years. Anderson was a big part of building an organization with a strong camaraderie, drawing people from Orleans, Niagara, Genesee and beyond.
“The Lake Plains Players is a different sort of theater group,” said Montgomery, who has been involved with the group since 2011. “It’s a family atmosphere. The group really cares about its members.”
Anderson would often teach vocal lessons in Albion and Medina, and then make it to rehearsal for the Players. He taught many of the leading performers on the high school stage, and he made it to all of their shows.
Jennifer Trupo, a longtime member of the LPP, first met Anderson when was in seventh grade at Lyndonville and Anderson was vocal director for the school musical, Singing in the Rain.
“He was a force, making us march around the stage while singing,” she recalled.
He was intimidating when she was in junior high, pushing hard for excellence. Later they performed many shows together, including You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown in January 2013, when Trupo was Lucy and Anderson was Charlie Brown.
Courtesy of the Lake Plains Players: Jennifer Trupo is Lucy and Lance Anderson portrays Charlie Brown in “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” by the Lake Plains Players in January 2013.
The Players used to performed their big fall musical in either Medina or Lyndonville’s auditorium. In recent years it has performed just over the Orleans County line in Niagara, using Roy-Hart’s auditorium in Middleport.
Anderson had his heart in Orleans County, and he pushed for other venues for LPP shows, including summer recitals at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Medina.
These children are elves enjoying singing and dancing to the song, “Sparklejollytwinklejingly.” They are shown in August 2018 during the summer theater camp performance of Elf Jr. The Musical. There were 45 children in the cast.
Trupo and Anderson paired up to lead the summer theater camps, which included Little Mermaid in August 2015, Alice in Wonderland in 2016, Wizard of Oz in 2017, Elf the Musical in 2018 and The Lion King in 2019. Last year’s camp was cancelled due to Covid.
Anderson took on the challenge, even though he was nervous about working with a large group of kids from elementary to high school. The Players kept the cost down and find a spot for every kid who wanted to be on stage.
“He was just so wonderful,” Trupo said. “He was so great with the kids. They just loved him.”
Anderson was a star performer in his own right, but in the past decade he was willing to be put in the long hours as director, putting together programs, stage work and other tasks, so others could shine on stage.
“His goals were all about making things better, and having the group have longevity, and have a strong presence in the community,” Trupo said. “(His death) is the most heartbreaking, terrible tragic loss.”
Anderson was presented an award by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council in October 2014 for his dedication to the Lake Plains Players.
Lance Anderson has the role of Jean Valjean, left, and Tyler Weymouth plays his nemesis, Inspector Javert, who ruthlessly pursues Valjean in Les Misérables.
During his acceptance speech, Anderson said the Players are like a family that finds a spot for interested community members to be part of their shows.
“It’s an honor working with so many lovely people,” Anderson told the GO Art! crowd at Terry Hills Golf and Banquet Facility in Batavia. “I’m very proud to be a part of the Lake Plains Players.”
Donations are being accepted in memory of Anderson to the Lake Plains Players Performing Arts Scholarship, c/o Lake Plains Players, 94 Jesson Pkwy, Lockport, NY 14094 or by clicking here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 April 2021 at 2:08 pm
File photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from December 2013 shows an artificial Christmas tree on the lawn of the Courthouse Square. The Albion Merchants Association is raising money for a large live Christmas tree.
ALBION – The Albion Merchants Association is seeking donations to have a Christmas tree planted in the Courthouse Square.
The group has an $800 fundraising goal for a “Fat Albert Colorado Blue Spruce” tree. It is trying to hit the fundraising goal soon so the tree could be planted this spring by Preston’s Lawncare.
Artifical trees have been set up at the Courthouse Square in the past by the Village of Albion DPW. More recently, the DPW has set up that tree at the Waterman Park, where there is a large Santa mural. The Albion Betterment Committee is working to have a bronze Santa statue in that park, about a half block south of the Erie Canal.
The Albion Merchants Association said the live tree planted at the Square would be used for events, including tree-lighting, Christmas caroling, family photo opportunities and the annual Hometown Holiday celebration in December. It would also add to Albion’s ambiance as a “Santa village,” said Natasha Wasuck, who is spearheading the project for the AMA.
Photo by Elliott Neidert: This drone photo from February 2017 was taken by Elliott Neidert. It shows the Courthouse Square with a light coating of snow.
Photo courtesy of Albion Central School: Heidi Blickenstaff, who portrayed Katherine Blake in the Broadway production of Freaky Friday, met through video conference with Albion cast members Saturday.
Posted 1 April 2021 at 8:54 am
Press Release, Albion Central School
ALBION — The Albion High School Arts Department recorded their production of Disney’s “Freaky Friday” on Saturday, and also met a Broadway actress who starred in the show.
In an effort to make this year’s show extra special, the high school production team invited Heidi Blickenstaff, the original cast member who portrayed Katherine Blake in the Broadway production and actress in the recent Disney film (2018), to meet and greet the student cast, crew and orchestra before recording their production of “Freaky Friday.”
Ms. Blickenstaff talked about how the magic of music and theater is needed in this world, especially in the time of the pandemic, giving the students a new appreciation for the show. She also talked about what this show means to her: what themes are present throughout the script, how the music made her feel, and what audiences can gain from watching this production.
We are so appreciative to Ms. Blickenstaff, the production team, High School Principal Jennifer Ashbery, and the district administrators who helped to make this happen!
The virtual show will be available for the public to stream on April 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. and April 18 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be bought at www.albionk12.org.
