By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 August 2019 at 9:12 am
ALBION – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council welcomes feedback from the community about arts and cultural programming in Orleans County.
GO ART! board members and staff will be at the Hoag Library on Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to hear from community members.
GO ART! currently has a satellite art gallery in Albion and administers about $70,000 in grants annually for concerts and other cultural programming in the two counties.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 August 2019 at 6:31 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Jane Grein, a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Albion, touches the bottom of The Good Shepherd stained-glass window, which has cracks and is bowing out at the bottom due to the weight of the window.
The lower section will be removed and straightened out by Godfrey Miller Studios in Rochester. It is one of three windows to be repaired for $7,300. Christ Church is using a $3,000 grant from New York Landmarks Conservancy’s Sacred Sites Program for the window work.
Jeffrey Mueller, owner of Godfrey Miller Studios, is on the ladder removing part of the window in the vestibule of the church. He is assisted by his employee, Tony Disano.
This window was damaged during a wind storm and many of the pieces were found outside the church. Mueller will put the window back together in his studio. He said the repaired window should be back in place in about a month.
Jane Grein holds a box with many of the window pieces from the vestibule window.
“They’ve been broken for several years we just didn’t have the money,” Grein said.
There are large stained-glass windows on both sides of the sanctuary. Many of the windows have stress cracks or are bowing out on the bottom from the weight of the windows. Grein fears the cracks and problems will get worse, with more costly repairs needed.
“We’re so lucky to have these windows,” she said. “We really want to preserve them, not just for us but for the community to enjoy for generations to come.”
The building was erected in 1830 by the Presbyterians, and has been home to the Episcopal Church since 1844. The United Methodist Church also meets in the building for services on Sunday.
This memorial window for one of the church founders, Zephaniah Clark, also has cracks and some bowing. It is one of three that will get repairs in an upcoming project. Clark lived from 1794 to 1888 and was a member of the Episcopal Church in Albion for 42 years.
Grein said the church welcomes donations for the window upkeep. Checks with a designation for the windows can be sent to Christ Church, 26 South Main St., Albion, NY 14411. For more information, contact the church at (585) 589-5314 or christchurchalbion@yahoo.com.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 August 2019 at 10:31 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The band Vette performs to close out a benefit today for the Moody and Weis families. Rob Williams, right, is joined by Alex Fitzak, center, and Cole Moore, who all play the guitar. Shelby Harmon is the drummer. Taylor Whittier is usually the lead singer.
Vette followed the Who Dats and Lonesome Road at the benefit which was held at The Gallagher in Medina.
Dina Farone of Lyndonville helps serve chicken barbecue dinners. There were 640 dinners sold.
Many of the attendees wore “Albion Strong” shirts for the two families.
Photo courtesy of Jenna Bruning: A line of people wait to get inside The Gallagher on North Gravel Road for the benefit, which started at 2 p.m. today and continued to about 9 p.m.
It was a full house inside the Gallagher with many people outside as well.
The benefit was a fundraiser for the two families following a tragic car accident on June 18. Brennan Moody passed away in the accident and his friend Sean Weis was badly injured. The accident was 10 days before high school graduation. Two other classmates were in the accident but weren’t seriously injured.
Erin Moody, Brennan’s dad, said the family continues to appreciate the support from the community.
“It feels really good to know everybody is behind us,” he said.
Chloe Weis, 19, is Sean’s sister. She said her brother has made a remarkable recovery, and had his neck brace removed two weeks ago. He expects to start online college classes this fall at Monroe Community College.
Chloe approached The Gallagher today and saw a long line of cars and then a full house inside the events center.
“It’s heartwarming to see so much support,” she said. “My family thanks everybody. We appreciate it so much.”
Aaron Robinson calls the winners for the baskets and other prizes. More than 150 baskets were donated by community members for the auction. Emily Aydelotte helps Robinson call off the winning tickets.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 August 2019 at 9:28 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Matthew Mooney sings “Anthem” from the musical, Chess, on Saturday evening at the Cabaret at Studio B in Albion. Mooney a 1993 Albion graduate, was one of about 20 alumni to perform in a benefit for the Albion Music Boosters.
Mooney is active in the Buffalo theater scene and also works as a CNA for Catholic Health. He is studying to become a registered nurse.
Mooney also sang “I Can See It” from the musical, The Fantasticks.
There were two performances by alumni on Saturday of “Celebrating Home: Where Greatness Began.” It is a first-time fundraiser.
The Music Boosters support the music program at the elementary, middle and high schools. The Boosters fund scholarships for the honors choirs/bands, pay for year-end celebrations, and other efforts to help the music program.
Angela Tarricone, Class of 2017, sings “Gimmie Gimmie” from the musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie. Tarricone is an Education and Theater major at Brockport State College.
A saxophone quintet performed selections from “Carmen.” The group includes, from left: Charlyne Olick, Class of 2015; Riley Seielstad, Class of 2018; Nick Ettinger, Class of 2015; Nate Grammatico, Class of 2019; and Mike Grammatico, Nate’s grandfather and a retired Albion music teacher.
Erin Moody, Class of 1995, sings “Piano Man” by Billy Joel. Erin owns Moody’s Automotive in Albion.
Miranda Allen, left, and Cheya-Rain Eagle, both from the Class of 2016, sing, “Get Happy/Happy Days are Here Again.” Allen is majoring in mathematics in college and Eagle is studying to be a music therapist.
Riley Seielstad, Class of 2018, performs to a sold-out crowd at the Cabaret at Studio B. Riley is singing, “Summertime.”
Justin Barleben, Class of 2009, sings “Smile” from Charlie Chaplin. He is a teacher in the Buffalo area.
Kathleen (Adduci) Barleben, Class of 2009, performs “The Secret of Happiness” from the musical, Daddy Long Legs. She also is a teacher in Buffalo. She and her husband Justin sing with the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus.
The Billies, a barbershop quartet with members from the Class of 2019, sings, “Beyond the Sea.” They include Jacob Ettinger, Nate Grammatico, Enoch Martin and Evan VanAmeron.
Other performers at the concert included Alec Sherman, Class of 1968; Gwendolen Martillotta Ferchen, Class of 1991; Mike Thaine, Class of 1986; and Gary Simboli, Class of 1981.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 August 2019 at 9:44 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Benjamin Bloom of Medina watches a motorcyclist burn rubber at the intersection of Brown Road and East Bacon Road, the spot where Jaquan Ford of Rochester was fatally injured in an accident a week ago.
Bloom, wearing the RIP shirt with Ford’s image, led a contingent of more than 100 motorcyclists from Rochester to pay tribute to Ford, who was 28.
Savanity Davis is Ford’s older sister. She thanked the motorcyclists for supporting the family during their loss. Davis said her brother was quiet and served as a “connecter” for the family. She lives in Brooklyn and didn’t realize how much her brother grew to love riding motorcycles. Jaquan played hockey when he was a kid.
“Together we have lost someone who has left a very large footprint,” she told the group gathered.
The friends and family of Jaquan Ford pause for a moment of silence and hold balloons up high.
Many balloons were released for Ford.
Ben Bloom addressed the group this evening. Bloom was riding just ahead of Ford a week ago. They were on their way to Caroline Street in Albion to visit a friend.
Bloom drove back after a few minutes and saw Ford laying in the intersection after a collision with a pickup truck.
The two had been riding together for about 5 years and were best friends. Bloom said Ford worked 9 to 5 and used part of wages to pay his brother’s college tuition.
Bloom said Ford enjoyed the family feeling among the motorcyclists. Bloom appreciated the big turnout of riders who made the trip to Orleans County today.
“Family, this is what Quan would have wanted,” Bloom told the assembled crowd. “This means the world to me.”
Bloom was one of the first to get to Albion on the ride this evening from Rochester. He burned a tire at the crash site to leave a mark for Ford.
A loved one of Ford’s is shrouded in smoke while a rider burns rubber at the intersection.
Family and friends tied balloons at a makeshift memorial for Ford at the intersection.
Chris Baxter and her son, Ezra Bloom, brought balloons to the memorial gathering for Ford.
Eliza Banks, 27, of Holley takes a video of the long line of riders arriving in Albion along Brown Road just after 6 p.m. Banks has been riding for three years.
“Any time a fellow rider passes away, we do a ride together,” she said. “We all have love for each other.”
She said Ford was a member of the Lower 9 Motorcycle Club in Rochester, which has members from Orleans County.
She said it is difficult and frustrating to ride in the city of Rochester, with the frequent stops and busy traffic.
In Orleans County, the roads are open and it feels safer for the riders, she said.
Banks said the motorcyclists rally around each other. There was a benefit on Monday in Rochester for Ford and more than 100 riders attended and donated to his family.
Banks said riding a motorcycle is a great stress reliever.
“The minute on get on them it’s my escape,” she said about riding. “The minute you get on them you’re free. If you’re having a bad day, you get on the bike and it goes away.”
A rider keeps a sticker on his motorcycle to honor the memory of his friend, Jaquan “Kicks” Ford.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 August 2019 at 5:33 pm
ALBION – The Albion PTA has many activities planned this school year to raise money for field trips, books for students and other programs.
The PTA is bringing back the Harlem Wizards, which last played a game in Albion on Oct. 4, 2011. The Wizards have been performing since 1962. They showcase fancy dribbling, teamwork and wild dunks, as well as comedy.
Albion teachers will play the Wizards during the benefit game. The PTA will also be selling food and 50/50 tickets during the fundraiser.
Th PTA each year spends about $5,400 to cover the costs of on field trip for each classroom from pre-kindergarten through grade 5. Those trips this past school year included a walking trip for PreK to Cone Zone for ice cream, Strong Museum of Play in Rochester for kindergartners, Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester for first-graders, Genesee County Park for second-graders, the Brick Lab in Spencerport for third-graders, Erie Canal Cruise in Lockport for fourth-graders, and Rochester Museum of Science and Strasenburgh Planetarium for fifth-graders.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Some Albion PTA members include front row, from left: Kenny Haylett, Jennifer Haylett, Matt Hand and Megan Gotte (vice president). Back row: Dave Allen, Rose Allen (president), Stacey Andrews (treasurer), Crystal Hand, Susan Dick and Heidi Pask (secretary).
The PTA also puts on three dances in the elementary school, and organized a book fair where every student could receive a book paid for by the PTA.
The group also supports a spelling bee, providing awards and covering the cost for Albion students to compete in the regional competition.
The PTA will be at the elementary school open houses on Sept. 17 and Sept. 19 and welcomes new members to join the group. There is a $4 membership fee and that includes $2 each to the state and national PTA.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 August 2019 at 1:49 pm
ALBION – The Board of Education accepted a memorial bench from the Class of 2019 in honor of their classmate, Brennan Moody, who was killed in a car accident on June 18.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Brennan Moody performed in many school musicals for Albion.
The Class of 2019 donated $1,367.73 to purchase the bench in memory of Brennan. The bench will be placed outside the chorus and band rooms at the high school. Brennan was heavily involved in the band, chorus and musical programs at the school.
The Board of Education on Monday also presented the class officers with leadership and character awards for helping their classmates and community after the loss of Brennan. Three other classmates were in the accident and one, Sean Weis, also sustained serious injuries.
Kathy Winans, the class advisor, nominated the officers for the award. She said they handled the tragedy “with amazing character, grace and sensitivity.”
The officers attended calling hours, the funeral service and reception for Brennan. They had magnets made and distributed at the funeral service with Brennan’s image performing in the role of John the Baptist from the musical, Godspell. “Brennan Moody – Always in our Hearts,” the magnets read. “Because I knew you I have been changed for good.”
The Class of 2019 officers for Albion were recognized with leadership and character awards on Monday by the Board of Education. Pictured from left include Kirk Allison, class treasurer; Harrison Brown, secretary; Kate Krieger, vice president; and McKenna Boyer, president. Kathy Harling is president of the Board of Education.
The officers had guitar picks made with Brennan’s name to be shared with his classmates for graduation. The officers also struck a balance with graduation, making that a celebration as well.
Margy Brown, a BOE member and Harrison’s mother, also praised Winans for guiding the class and the officers through the tragedy.
“The leadership you have shown these kids they will take through their lives with them,” Brown said.
There will be an “Albion Strong” benefit with a chicken barbecue beginning at 3 p.m. this Sunday at The Gallagher, a barn and event center at 244 North Gravel Rd. in Medina.
The event will support the Moody and Weis families.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 August 2019 at 9:32 am
ALBION – The Albion school district has followed the state’s lead in requiring all students to be immunized and to no longer allow religious exemptions for vaccines.
The Albion Board of Education approved the new policy during its meeting on Monday. The district last school year had seven students out of the total enrollment of about 1,800 students opt out of immunizations due to religious reasons, said Michael Bonnewell, the district superintendent.
Those students need to get their vaccines or they won’t be allowed at school, under the new policy.
The only option for not being immunized is proof from a physician that certifies the vaccine is detrimental to the student’s health.
“Except for this exemption, the District may not permit a student lacking evidence of immunization to remain in school for more than 14 days, or more than 30 days for an out-of-state or out-of-country transferee who can show a good faith effort to get the necessary certification or other evidence of immunization,” according to the policy.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo on June 13 signed legislation to end religious exemptions for vaccines, after one of its worst outbreaks of measles in years.
“The science is crystal clear: Vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to keep our children safe,” Cuomo said in a statement after signing the legislation. “This administration has taken aggressive action to contain the measles outbreak, but given its scale, additional steps are needed to end this public health crisis. While I understand and respect freedom of religion, our first job is to protect the public health and by signing this measure into law, we will help prevent further transmissions and stop this outbreak right in its tracks.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 August 2019 at 1:15 pm
ALBION – The tax rate for Albion Central School is $14.44 per $1,000 of assessed property for 2019-20, which is down $1.03 from 2018-19 school year.
In 2018-19, only Barker at $15.21 was less than Albion at $15.47 per $1,000 of assessed property.
The Albion Board of Education approved the tax warrant on Monday, setting the tax rate at 6.7 percent lower than the previous year.
Although the tax rate is down, the district will be collecting the same amount in property taxes, $8,449,094, as in 2018-19. This is the 11th time in the past 13 years the school district has either kept taxes flat or reduced them.
Th tax rate is down due to rising assessments in the school district following a reassessment in most of the towns that are in the school district. Ridgeway didn’t do a town-wide reassessment so that town’s tax rate for the Albion school district will be down by 12 cents to $15.35, instead of a drop to $14.44.
Those whose tax assessments increased by more than 6.7 percent from a year ago will actually pay a higher school tax bill despite the low tax rate. Those with assessments that dropped or increased less than 6.7 percent will pay less in Albion school taxes in 2019-20.
Derek Vallese, the school district’s business administrator, said Albion had the second lowest tax rate in 2018-19 among school districts in Orleans, Niagara and Genesee counties. The new rates haven’t been set yet by all of the districts.
After Barker at $15.21 and Albion at $15.47 in 2018-19, the rates in the three counties include: Niagara Falls, $15.71; Lyndonville, $16.35; Kendall, $17.02; Lewiston-Porter, $17.07; Pembroke, $19.00; Starpoint, $19.67; Pavilion, $20.43; Elba, $20.56; Roy-Hart, $20.83; Alexander, $21.15; Wilson, $21.42; Oakfield-Alabama, $22.16; Medina, $22.46; Batavia, $22.79; Holley, $22.79; Newfane, $23.36; Byron-Bergen, $24.11; Lockport, $24.74; and Le Roy, $24.83.
Linda Weller of the Albion Board of Education asked if Albion was offering less to students given the low tax rate.
Michael Bonnewell, the district superintendent, said Albion has significant budget savings by contracting transportation and food services.
“We also run pretty tight contracts,” Bonnewell responded during Monday’s meeting.
The district includes many benefits for retirees, but not some of the more costly benefits, Bonnewell said.
He also said the district hasn’t had to cut programs in the past 10 years, while others with higher tax rates have reduced extracurricular activities and had big reductions in staff. Albion has gradually reduced some positions the past 15 years in response to a declining student enrollment.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 August 2019 at 7:28 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Gregg Boose Sr. signs the oath of office as new member of the Albion Board of Education during the board meeting in Monday. Derek Vallese, the business administrator and district clerk for Albion Central School, administers the oath for Boose, a retired corrections officer.
Joyce Riley also was sworn in as a new board member on Monday. Boose and Riley were both appointed to board last month with their terms starting on Monday.
They fill vacancies from the recent resignations by Steve LaLonde and Marie Snyder.
Boose and Riley both narrowly lost elections to the board in May. During that election Linda Weller had the most votes with 323 followed by 290 for Sidari. They were elected to five-year terms. Boose received 284 and Riley, 221.
Riley, a former board member more than two decades ago, worked as a registered nurse and later supervised an ambulatory surgical unit in Washington, D.C., overseeing 200 employees. When she retired, she moved back to Albion in 2015.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 August 2019 at 4:23 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A contractor is removing three houses on Liberty Street to make way for a 40-unit housing project proposed by DePaul Properties of Rochester.
DePaul last week started demolishing three unoccupied houses on Liberty Street, between the railroad tracks and Beaver Street.
The three houses are behind the Hoag Library. This photo was taken from just outside the children’s library.
DePaul is planning to have 36 one-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units. The one bedroom units can have up to two people and the two-bedroom apartments have room for up to four people.
DePaul will have staff on site to oversee the apartment complex, and also to take residents to appointments with a DePaul van.
DePaul is designing the project to support people with disabilities, including senior citizens and veterans. The organization will do extensive background checks for credit, criminal and sex offender history and evictions.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 August 2019 at 9:13 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – 7th Heaven caps a day of music at Bullard Park on Saturday during the Albion Summer Festival featuring Rock the Park.
Michael Giarrizzo, left, plays guitar and sings for the band, while Terry K. is the lead singer and Dave Quick is the bass player from Kendall.
The band delighted the crowd with music by AC/DC, Billy Idol, Def Leppard, Aerosmith, Don Henley and others.
Phil LaTona of Churchville plays the drums and Eddie K., Terry’s brother from Medina, is on keyboards.
Five bands played under the big beer tent from 3 to 11 p.m., including Shotgun Pauly, The Trellis Cooper Band, Zero, The Who Dats and then 7th Heaven.
Dave Quick lays down the bass for 7th Heaven.
Terry K., a Medina native, fires up the crowd. The concert started with “Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol, “Hysteria” and “Armageddon It” by Def Leppard, and “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” by AC/DC.
7th Heaven had the crowd dancing under the big tent.
The crowd enjoys the concert under the tent. Soon a new amphitheater will be done as well as other park improvements.
Zack Burgess, right, and Dylan DeSmith perform with the band, Zero. Burgess led the band in its opening number, singing “Blow At High Dough” by The Tragically Hip. Burgess served as co-chairman of music festival with Ron Albertson of the Albion Lions Club.
Dylan DeSmit is lead guitarist for the band. He followed Burgess by singing “Hard to Handle” by The Black Crowes.
Mike “Thunder” Warren, the bass guitarist, led the band’s performance of “T.N.T.” by AC/DC.
Alex DeSmit pounds the skins as Zero’s drummer.
The musicians enjoyed the stage with the lighting and a fog machine.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 August 2019 at 12:45 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Joel Hurlbert, an Albion native who now lives in Lockport, and Stacy May perform with the band Unorthodox today during the Albion Summer Festival featuring Rock the Park.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the festival will feature acoustic musicians, with bands then performing from 3 to 11 p.m. under the beer tent.
This is the sixth annual Rock the Park to benefit improvements at Bullard Park.
Jonathan Koch of Lockport plays the violin for Unorthodox.
Albion native Gregg Albertson kicked off the festival this morning at 11. Albertson, 26, lives in Nashville and performs with the band, Quigg Hollow, which will soon be releasing its first album. Gregg’s father, Ron, is co-chairman of the Albion Summer Festival along with Zach Burgess.
Mark Johnson grills hamburgers for the Albion Lions Club, which is one of the organizers of the today’s festival. There are several other food vendors, and arts and craft vendors at the event.
Jeremiah James, an Albion native who lives in South Carolina, owns Blue Groove Cold Brew. He is selling nitro tea and nitro coffee today. Johnson said he is looking to return to his hometown of Albion to open a coffee shop.
Jim Navarra is giving free wagon rides around the park.
The music schedule for today includes:
11 a.m. – Gregg Albertson plays the acoustic stage
11:45 a.m. – Unorthodox plays the acoustic stage
12:30 p.m. – Highway 31 plays the acoustic stage
1 p.m. – Kids games open
1:15 p.m. – What About Jane plays the acoustic stage
2 p.m. – Burial Harbor plays the acoustic stage
3 p.m. – Beer Tent opens
3 p.m. – Shotgun Pauly plays the beer tent stage
4:15 p.m. – The Trellis Cooper Band plays the beer tent stage
Photo by Tom Rivers: Madison Schultz, 2, of Medina sits on the lap of her aunt Sami Lynn Denniston, 7, of Middleport during the National Night Out last Aug. 7 at Bullard Park in Albion. Mercy Flight brought a helicopter to the event. Children were welcome to sit in the pilot’s seat and get a close up of the aircraft which is used to transport people with life-threatening injuries and illnesses.
ALBION – The Albion Police Department would like to remind everyone that National Night Out at Bullard Park is a few days away. The event will be held next Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will have more participating agencies taking part than we have ever had before.
Our mission is simple. We want an event where families can come for a night and be entertained at no cost and eat for free in an environment that is free of violence, alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Our goal is to have those that attend walk away with a positive contact that can assist with any needs a person may need. We strive to make this event a one-day event that lasts all year long.
This year’s event will include many demonstrations from law enforcement, fire and EMS along with over 50 other organizations providing entertainment and give-a-ways. Mercy Flight will be arriving at with an aircraft that everyone is welcome to tour and sit in.
We will have bikes on hand for kids to ride in an obstacle course with police officers and to receive a free bike helmet. There will also be free food and water for everyone.
We are very excited to be doing a “Battle of Belts” competition again this year to promote vehicle passenger safety. The competition entails teams of 4 who compete to see who is the fastest getting into car and fastening their seatbelts. Each contestant then must switch seats and again fasten their seat belts. The time ends when each person has sat in each seat in the car. This event is fun to participate in and even more fun to watch. There is still time to enter and details can be found on the event Facebook Page.
A Webinar was hosted by the Population Health Collaborative where Chief Nenni gave insight on what the National Night Out Event in Orleans County is all about. It can be viewed by clicking here. Come out and enjoy a night of fun.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2019 at 10:30 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: A member of the State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit is at the scene of a fatal accident at the corner of Brown Road and East Bacon Road.
ALBION – A motorcyclist died this evening after hitting a pickup truck that was turning from East Bacon Road onto Brown Road.
The motorcyclist was going in excess of 100 miles per hour when it struck the truck on the side of the vehicle at about 7:30 p.m., said Chief Deputy Michael Mele of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
Mercy Flight took the motorcyclist to Strong Memorial, where he was pronounced dead.
The Sheriff’s Office isn’t releasing the motorcyclist’s name, pending notification of family.
Mele said the motorcyclist is from Rochester and was riding on Brown Road, headed south with another motorcyclist riding behind, also from Rochester.
Mele said the driver of the truck didn’t see the motorcyclist. The driver told officers he felt like he was hit by an explosion.
The driver of truck wasn’t seriously injured and went to Medina Memorial Hospital.
Mele said the section of Brown Road just north of the intersection has a slight hill, making it difficult to see far down the road. The motorcyclist’s speed also made the black motorcycle difficult to see for the driver.
