By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 August 2018 at 11:22 am
(CORRECTION: The proposed water line project doesn’t include any portion of Allen Road, as was stated in an earlier version of this article.)
ALBION – The Village of Albion is pursuing two state grants for infrastructure projects that are each about $1 million.
Albion has applied for $800,000 in state funding to go towards a disinfection project at the Pollution Control Plant on Densmore Street. That project could cost $950,000 total at the sewer plant.
In case the grant doesn’t come through, the Village Board on Wednesday started the process to bond the project at $950,000. The board said Albion has a good chance to receive a grant, which is expected to be announced by the state in November-December.
The Village Board said the project needs to move forward per the direction of the State Department of Environmental Conservation.
The board also is seeking state funding for a $930,000 project to replace waterlines on South Clinton and West Academy streets, between Route 31 and Allen Road. It also includes a section of Hamilton Street to the village.
The project would be 60 percent funded by the state. The new waterlines are needed to boost water pressure on those streets. Albion currently isn’t meeting the standards for fire flows on those streets, Fire Chief Harry Papponetti said.
Village officials are trying to get letters of support from residents in the project area by Aug. 29. The grant needs to be submitted to the state by Sept. 7.
The board also is eyeing a $3 million project to upgrade the pumps for the water plant. That project would drastically cut the electricity costs for the plant, Trustee Gary Katsanis said. The village may pursue that project next year.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 August 2018 at 7:17 am
Photos courtesy of Arthur Barnes
ALBION – Arthur Barnes removed a mural on Monday from the former Burgio Tire barn just north of the Erie Canal on Main Street in Albion. Barnes created the mural 13 years ago. It shows the Gaines Basin Road bridge and a farm along the canal in Albion.
The mural was hit with graffiti about two years ago and the paint had faded. The mural is on a north wall facing south and Barnes said it faced maximum sun exposure.
Barnes removed the mural 15 foot long mural on Monday. The painting is 10 feet tall. He would like to repaint the mural and reinstall it somewhere else in the community, preferably on a south wall, facing north.
The former Burgio building is being renovated to become wedding venue and also to sell candy and ice cream. John and Natasha Wasuck of Spencerport are working to open “The Lockstone” at 160 North Main St.
Barnes is pictured with the mural after it was installed in 2005.
He also created canal-themed murals that are displayed in Holley, Knowlesville and Medina.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 August 2018 at 6:09 pm
Scott Caraboolad used to sell T-shirts with anti-police message
Photo by Tom Rivers: Scott Caraboolad does a stunt on Oct. 5 in front of the student body at Lyndonville Central School. Caraboolad and other stunt riders are part of the Ride4Life ministry that also has a anti-drug message.
ALBION – Scott Caraboolad doesn’t shy away from his past, when he was a drug addict who squandered a fortune as a professional stunt rider.
Caraboolad was in Orleans County for three days last October sharing his story about getting hooked on drugs and then breaking free from addiction. He visited three school districts and shared his story – and daring stunt rides – at community events in Albion, Medina and at the 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville. He is now the leader of the Ride4Life ministry.
He is due to return Sept. 13-15. However, the Albion Police Department and Albion Village Board aren’t sure they want him back. The Albion Police Department were shown photos and links to Starboyz, a website Caraboolad used to be a part of that sells anti-police T-shirts such as “Cops Lie!” and “FTP” for F— the Police. There are also videos of Caraboolad online doing dangerous stunts on a motorcycle with traffic on an open road.
“I’m all about telling kids that drugs are bad, but this is an individual who has profited off slandering police,” Albion police officer Karol Hughes told the Village Board on Wednesday.
Hughes is president of the Albion police officers’ union. He said the website with the anti-police T-shirts is still active.
Caraboolad and Ride4Life are scheduled for an event in Albion on Sept. 14. The village approved closing off a section of East State Street in front of the courthouse for the show.
Police Chief Roland Nenni told the board he didn’t support bringing in Caraboolad.
“I find it really disturbing,” the police chief said. “It really bothers our officers.”
File photo: Scott Caraboolad speaks during “Hopefest” last October at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
Nenni said he wasn’t aware until recently that Caraboolad previously encouraged an anti-police message.
A group of churches that are part of PACT – Pastors Aligned for Community Transformation – have taken the lead in bringing in Caraboolad. Other backers include the Sheriff’s Office, Orleans United Drug Free Communities Coalition, Suicide Prevention Coalition of Orleans County, the Genesee-Orleans Opioid Task Force and other agencies.
Caraboolad traveled from Akron, Ohio to Orleans County to share his story of drug and alcohol addiction and how he came back from nearly attempting suicide. He credits his new-found faith in Christ. Caraboolad said he was trying to find happiness in material possessions and money, but overcame his addictions after turning to God.
Tim Lindsay, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, shared the Albion police chief’s concerns with Caraboolad today. Caraboolad said the Starboyz predates his Christian transformation. Caraboolad was a partner with that website and has walked away from it, but a former partner keeps it going, said Lindsay, who is pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion.
Lindsay has a son who is a police officer. Lindsay said he knew Caraboolad was a recovering addict, but didn’t know he previously promoted an anti-police message.
The two were on the phone for an hour today and Lindsay is more amazed of Caraboolad’s turnaround.
“Yes, there is stuff out there in his past, but I’m more convinced than ever that he is who he says he is,” Lindsay said. “He is a genuine man.”
The pastor said he is understands the concerns of the police.
“Right now it’s a hard time in our country to be a cop,” Lindsay said.
He welcomed the community to hear Caraboolad on Sunday. He will be giving a message during a 6 p.m. prayer and worship service at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
Lindsay said he is hopeful the Albion Village Board and Police Department will support Caraboolad after hearing more of his story.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 August 2018 at 7:26 am
ALBION – A grant from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation will allow the Albion and Holley police departments to add defibrillators to all of their patrol cars, as well as one for the police stations.
Roland Nenni, police chief for both departments, was notified on Tuesday that the Foundation approved an $11,700 grant for 11 defibrillators. An Automated External Defibrillator delivers a dose of electric current to the heart.
The Albion and Holley officers go to EMS and fire calls, often the first on the scene. Nenni said the officers have been the first to respond when someone is in cardiac arrest. Having the defibrillators will increase the chances of saving people having a heart attack. Right now, officers can only provide CPR for someone in cardiac arrest.
“I’m really excited about it from a public service standpoint,” Nenni said Wednesday after informing the Albion Village Board of the grant. “We go on hundreds of EMS calls.”
Nenni has been an emergency medical technician the past 28 years. He is a former Holley fire chief. Providing care within 6 minutes of a heart attack is critical, he said.
He also wanted the defibrillators in the patrol cars in case a police officer went into cardiac arrest.
The defibrillators will be installed in six Albion patrol cars, two Holley patrol cars, and one each at the Holley and Albion police stations. There will also be one available for training.
Nenni said he is pushing to have them purchased and in service by Nov. 1.
Courtesy of King & King Architects: This rendering shows how the sign will look in front Hoag Library.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 August 2018 at 1:18 pm
Brick structure will match library which opened in 2012
ALBION – About six years after Albion opened a new public library, a sign will be built out front to help promote events and programs.
The Friends of Hoag Library has been pushing for the sign the past several years. The sign will be electronic with a brick structure that matches the library, said Kevin Doherty, president of the library’s board of trustees.
A state grant will pay for $33,000 of the sign’s estimated $44,000 cost. The library will cover the other $11,000 through in-kind services and donations.
The Friends also have contributed about $10,000 towards architectural fees and landscape design. Mary Anne Braunbach, the Friends president, also worked to secure village approval for the project, Doherty said.
The project will also include a flag pole.
Doherty said he expects the project to be complete in the fall, likely in October or November.
Photo by Victoria Flugel: This photo was taken Saturday during the fourth annual Jason Johnston Dice Run. There were about 50 motorcycle riders in the event. Victoria Flugel took this photo while sitting on a motorcycle with her husband, Eric Flugel. They were first-time participants in the ride.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 August 2018 at 10:09 am
Event honors memory of Albion soldier killed in Afghanistan
Jason Johnston
ALBION – The fourth annual Jason Johnston Dice Run on Saturday raised more money for a scholarship given annually by the Albion Elks Riders.
There were 47 riders on dice run, which went 90 miles through Orleans County and outside Orleans to Bergen, Pavilion, Attica and Batavia. Each biker paid $20 to be in the event, with passengers paying $10. (There were 31 passengers on the ride.)
Following the ride, there was food, beer and a raffle at the Albion Elks Lodge, aswell as music by DJ Ken Draper and then a concert by The Who Dats.
Proceeds go towards a scholarship in memory of Specialist Jason Johnston, who was 24 when he was killed in Afghanistan in the War on Terror on Dec. 26, 2009. Johnston was on his second deployment. He was also a paratrooper.
He completed a 13-month-deployment in 2008 and left again for the war-torn country in October 2009. He was killed by a roadside bomb the day after Christmas.
“We have a great community that doesn’t mind helping someone who gave his all for them,” said Brad Johnston, Jason’s father. “That’s what Jason was all about, helping people.”
Photos by Tom Rivers: A group of motorcyclists check out some of the merchandise up fr auction during the benefit on Saturday.
The Elks the past four years have given $1,000 scholarships to a graduating senior pursuing a helping profession. Riley Seielstad was awarded the scholarship this past June.
Brad Johnston said the family appreciates the efforts from the Elks to establish the scholarship. The organization has enough funds to keep it going for at least 12 more years.
Johnston joined the Elks Riders two years ago. The American Legion also gives a scholarship in memory of Jason Johnston for a graduate headed to the military. The Legion is planning a fundraiser to keep that scholarship going.
“I don’t want him forgotten, and the scholarships also help students and soldiers,” Johnston said on Saturday at the Elks Lodge.
Joe Joyce, left, of East Pembroke is a member of the Patriot Guard. Mike Reigle is president of the Albion Elks Riders. Joyce is a paratrooper who wanted to be part of the ride to honor Johnston, who was also a paratrooper. There were four Patriot Guard riders on the ride, members of the Orleans ABATE, local Elks Riders and a group of bikers from the Albany area. Reigle said the Elks Riders plan to keep up the ride for years to come.
The Who Dats including lead singer Lonnie Froman, performed for the crowd at the Elks.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 August 2018 at 4:44 pm
Road work on Route 31 shifts start and finish to downtown Albion
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Members of the Rochester team check out the Metro 10 cup and go to get their victory glass after Rochester defeated Buffalo in today’s Metro 10 competition, which pits runners from the two communities. This year’s race also included a cycling component for the first time.
Rochester won 8 of the 10 categories to win the Metro 10 cup for the fourth straight year. The fourth annual event had more than 300 participants.
McKenzie Trotter of Barker is on the last leg of the 10-mile race on East Bank Street when her daughter, Tessa Seward, ran to see her.
The mother and daughter finished the race together.
The 177 runners who completed the 10-mile course are lined up on Main Street at about 8 a.m. today for the start of the Metro 10 race, which had runners pick a team – Rochester or Buffalo.
The course shifted from starting and ending by Bullard Park due to road construction on Route 31. The race instead started and ended in downtown Albion.
An additional 104 runners completed a 5-mile course. There were also walkers on the 5-mile course and for the first time the event included a 10-mile bike ride.
The Metro 10 uses a point system that includes overall average time for each metro in the 5 and 10 mile races, top male and women finishers in the 5- and 10-mile races, 5 mile walk winner and 5 mile average time for each metro.
Each person who completes either the 5 or 10 mile race gets a medal.
Brennan Root, 22, of Rush won the 10-miler in 56:31, a 5:39 pace per mile while Kristin Fitzsimmons, 31, of Penfield was the first woman to finish at 1:11:40, a 7:10 pace.
Corey Brown, 30, of Tonawanda won the 5 mile in 29:51, a 5:58 pace, while Kristina Martin, 26, of Holley was the first woman to finish in 32:56, a 6:35 pace.
Neil Weaver 24, of Pittsford receives a medal after finishing the 10-mile run in 1:34:46. Ed Spence, a volunteer with the Warrior House of WNY, presents the medal. The race proceeds go to the Warrior House in Shelby, which offers a hunting retreat to wounded veterans and children of veterans.
Before the run at 8 a.m., about 40 cyclists take off just after 7 in the morning for the first ever 10-mile bike race.
Jeff Casillo, left, and Erin Smith of Albion spearheaded the biking event. Casillo was the first overall finisher with Smith coming in third. They are pictured just before the start of the race.
Thom Jennings, the race director at left, congratulates Albion Mayor Eileen Banker, who completed the 10-mile bike ride. She is joined by Albion village trustees Gary Katsanis, back left, and Stan Farone, who also did the bike race.
Ed Spence of the Warrior House said the organization is there to support veterans and their families.
Danielle Conrad of Carlton is presented her medal after running 10 miles.
Jim Salmon, host of the Home Repair Clinic on WHAM, joined Thom Jennings in announcing age group awards after the race.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Jennifer Stilwell, right, is with Ana, and Renee Ebbs, an Olde Dogge employee for 5 years, is with Lola. The two dogs are from Puerto Rico. Stilwell created a non-profit organization, MAD Rescue of WNY, to adopt out dogs from Puerto Rico. Ebbs is instrumental in the program and also makes a blanket for each rescue dog.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 August 2018 at 9:06 am
ALBION – Jennifer Stilwell was on a family vacation about four years ago in Puerto Rico when she saw dogs roaming the streets, beaches and parking lots. Many of the animals had also been hit by cars and were lying dead alongside roads.
The Stilwells were driving and noticed one emaciated dog in the street. Jennifer insisted the family stop and help the animal.
Jennifer Stilwell holds Patria, a small dog that will be adopted by a Toronto family on Aug. 22. This dog is one of the 32 that arrived two weeks ago at Olde Dogge Inn from Puerto Rico.
Stilwell is the owner of the Olde Dogge Inn in Albion. In the past four years she has helped adopt out 425 street dogs from Puerto Rico. In March, her organization received the final approval to be a non-profit organization.
MAD (Make A Difference) Rescue of Western NY has a shelter in Puerto Rico where dogs are nurtured back to health before they are brought to Albion. They are spayed, neutered and fed. Some receive heartworm medication and medical care. Some of the dogs also stay with foster families in Puerto Rico until MAD Rescue finds a home for them in WNY.
“It’s what makes me happy, just helping these dogs,” Stilwell said at Olde Dogge, which she opened in 2000 at 14472 Ridge Rd. “They have nobody else. When you see them going from laying half dead on the side of the road to watching the TV with a family, it is the best feeling.”
Stilwell estimated about half of the 425 dogs have been adopted by families in Orleans County, with many others accepted into homes in Buffalo, Rochester and Toronto. Some dogs have gone to families in Ithaca, Binghamton, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.
She lists the animals on the Pet Finder website and typically spends two to three hours each evening reviewing applications and checking references. The MAD Dog Rescue Facebook page shows many of the newly adopted dogs with their smiling families.
Provided photo: Some of the 32 dogs from Puerto Rico are shown when they arrived at Olde Dogge Inn. Almost all of the dogs have been adopted by families.
Most weeks she finds homes for two dogs from Puerto Rico. But the past two weeks have been particularly busy because 32 dogs arrived on Aug. 3.
Those dogs were flown from San Juan to Miami. From there, a volunteer from Buffalo and his son drove the dogs in an air-conditioned vehicle to Albion.
Stilwell said the father and son are examples of the many devoted volunteers who make MAD Rescue possible. Other volunteers will pick up dogs at the Buffalo airport and drive them, sometimes late at night in the winter, to Albion.
Stilwell at first worked with “Save a Sato” in Puerto Rico. Satos are “street dogs” in Puerto Rico. In January, she got the final approval for MAD Rescue of WNY. She remains in contact with Save A Sato, but most of the dogs that reach Albion now come from MAD Rescue, which has two board members from Puerto Rico, who run the MAD Rescue site there.
Going on vacation to the island four years ago was an eye-opener that pulled on Stilwell’s heart.
“Dogs there are not viewed like family members like dogs are here,” she said. “The shelters are full and you see dogs all over. Even on the beach, there are dogs all around you. You see them dead by the side of the road, like you see deer here.”
The hurricane about a year ago exacerbated the street dog problem in Puerto Rico, Stilwell said. Many families fled the island and couldn’t take their dogs with them.
Stilwell is committed to the cause, to finding loving homes for the animals. She is looking to retire from owning the Olde Dogge, hopefully not too far into the future, and would like to devote more time to MAD Rescue.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 August 2018 at 7:32 am
Change in course due to road work puts start on Main Street
Photos by Tom Rivers: Runners head north on Route 98 on Aug. 22, 2015 during the first Metro 10 race in Albion.
ALBION – The fourth annual Metro 10 will be Saturday morning in Albion with about 400 participants. The community is urged to come out and cheer on the runners and, for the first time, the cyclists who will be in the event.
Motorists are also urged to show patience and caution while participants are out on the road. The bike race starts at 7 a.m. on Main Street. The 10-mile run starts at 8 with a 5-mile run option starting about 8:05 to 8:10.
The routes for the cyclists and runners were planned to begin and end near Bullard Park on Route 31, but road work on the state road forced organizers to change the courses.
The start is now on Main Street in downtown Albion with the finish on East Bank Street, right before Main Street. The 10-mile course goes as far east as Densmore Road.
A post-race party, including music from Bobby and Pedestrians, will be in the downtown on East Bank and Platt streets. The party had been at Bullard the first three Metro 10s.
Thom Jennings, the race organizer, said the changes in the course put a bigger focus on the historic downtown.
“It’s been a challenge to redo the course but it’s a real opportunity to be in the downtown,” Jennings said. “People will be able to hang out downtown and enjoy the architecture.”
The race is unusual in that participants pick a “team,” either Rochester or Buffalo. Participants contribute to their metro’s point total. The first three years Rochester won the Metro Cup over Buffalo. Rochester has the edge over Buffalo in overall participants on Saturday, but Buffalo could still pull off a win with speedy runners and cyclists if they win enough age-group awards.
Stan Farone is shown July 9 in Albion riding his bicycle as part of the Cycling the Erie Canal event that went from Buffalo to Albany over 8 days. Farone, an Albion village trustee, will ride his bike 10 miles in Saturday’s Metro 10.
Four of the Albion Village Board members will be in the race. Mayor Eileen Banker and trustees Stan Farone and Gary Katsanis will be in the 10-mile bike race, and Mattea Navarra will join the runners.
Banker has been training with two of her friends, going on bike rides topping 20 miles. She said the Metro 10 provided the motivation to get out on her bike.
Farone has twice been on the 8-day “Cycling the Erie Canal” trip that goes from Buffalo to Albany, about 350 miles. He recommended the Metro 10 add the biking component this year.
There are about 40 signed up for the bike on Saturday, and most of them will then do either the 5- or 10-mile run, Jennings said.
Banker commended Jennings and the event organizers for the Metro 10.
“It’s a great idea to have the Rochester vs Buffalo because we’re right in the middle,” she said. “We need to do more to bring people in.”
Jennings said the village has been very supportive with the event, especially with the Police Department and Department of Public Works providing traffic control and other assistance. The towns of Albion and Gaines also back the event.
The community is welcome to attend the post-race celebration, which includes a food truck, beer garden and other vendors. Non-race participants have to pay for any food and alcohol, while cyclists and runners can enjoy the post-race festivities as part of their entry fee.
Proceeds from the race go towards the Warrior House in Shelby, which provides a hunting retreat for wounded veterans or children who have lost a parent in war.
Each cyclist and runner will receive a medal at the finish line, which will be presented by a veteran.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Killian Construction of Rochester uses a milling machine to remove and grind the pavement on Route 31 in Albion in this photo from Aug. 8 in front of Rite Aid and Advance Auto Parts.
Local highway departments, including the Town of Murray, then hauled away the material.
Route 31 will be repaved beginning Aug.27 by Keeler Construction, weather permitting, a spokesman for the Department of Transportation said today. Orleans Hub previously reported the repaving wouldn’t occur until September.
Photo by Tom Rivers: The new teachers hired for this school year at Albion Central School attended today’s Albion Rotary Club meeting at Tillman’s Village Inn. The school year starts on Sept. 5.
Pictured from left include: Melody Vanacore, kindergarten teacher (she served as a long-term sub last year in the elementary school as a librarian); Kyle Syck, a 2001 Albion graduate who will be a technology teacher; Eric Johns, high school biology teacher; Paige Levandowski, a 2012 Albion graduate who will be a career and technology teacher; Sara Jones, elementary school librarian; and Amanda Flagler, fourth grade teacher.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 August 2018 at 7:28 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
(Editor’s Note: This story was updated with the start date for paving to be Aug. 27, not in September as was reported earlier.)
ALBION – The state Department of Transportation has removed the pavement on Route 31 in the Village of Albion as part of a milling project. The DOT reached Walmart on Tuesday, just past the village line. The state last week starting removing the pavement in a project that goes from Butts Road to Walmart.
Keeler Construction will repave the road beginning on Aug. 27.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 August 2018 at 8:32 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – There were about 100 cars and trucks in a “Super Cruise” Saturday evening in downtown Albion.
Main Street was closed off from State Street to Caroline Street for the second annual Super Cruise.
John Foos of Albion brought over his 1971 Ford LTD. He has had the car for 21 years and has taken his wife and four kids for numerous rides with the top down on the convertible.
“I’ve never had so much fun with a car,” he said.
A 1960 Bentley owned by George Heinrich of Hilton was popular at the Super Cruise.
A 1958 ladder truck that was used by the Albion Fire Department until 1990 reappeared at the Cruise. Mike Blake, 34, of Clarendon acquired it about two months ago after trading a 1947 Army Jeep for the truck. The previous owner had the fire truck in Attica. Blake, a former Albion resident, saw it advertised online and wanted to bring it back to Orleans County.
Mike Blake sits in the driver’s seat of the 1958 fire truck and sounds the siren. He let people climb on the truck and explore some of its features. It still has its old ladders, axes and other equipment.
Audrey Blake, 4, has fun playing on the fire truck recently acquired by her father, Mike Blake. Saturday was the first time the truck was at a public event in Albion in many years. (Blake took it to the Barre Bicentennial in late June.)
This 1964 Volkswagen also was a popular vehicle with the onlookers.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 August 2018 at 9:58 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A 1972 Chevy van from Rochester was popular at the car show on July 22, 2017 when a section of Main Street was closed for the cruise in.
The show returns today from 5 to 8 p.m. with Main Street closed from State Street to Caroline Street, and Bank Street from Ingersoll to Liberty Street.
Organizers welcome classic and late-model cars, trucks and motorcycles to the historic downtown for the show. The event is free to participants and to the public who want to look at the vehicles.
“Seeing people walk down the middle of Main Street is cool,” said Adam Johnson, one of the organizers of the event. “It slows the pace down.”
There will be a 50/50 raffle with proceeds going to The Warrior House in Shelby, which provides a hunting retreat to veterans. Donations will also be accepted today for the organization.
DJ Moonshine Productions will be providing music for the car show. The street is expect to close down around 3 p.m., just before the vehicles start to arrive.
The Orleans ABATE and Limited Resources Car Club are helping with traffic control for the event.
Last year was the first time the street was closed for a car show in several years. There were about 100 vehicles in the show last year. It was sprinkling in early after last year for the car show. Today is forecast to be sunny with a high of 81.
“We definitely caught a huge break with the weather,” Johnson said. “It’s going to be perfect.”
