By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 December 2021 at 4:36 pm
Jolly old elf will be giving away toys and taking wishes at store
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Santa Claus greets Adeline Munn, 6, of Medina at Toys n Kandy on East Bank Street. Santa was planning to drive around the village and give out presents beginning at 4 p.m. today but that was grounded due to the high winds.
Santa will instead be at Toyz n Kandy until about 6 p.m. There are more than 200 gifts to be given away. Those toys have been donated by community members, including the Albion Lions Club.
Chance Brendlinger, 9, of Medina gets ready to greet Santa.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 December 2021 at 12:33 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Alicia Marciszewski is in the Albion Village office today helping children make ornaments as part of the Albion Merchants Association’s annual Hometown Holiday. Kay Ecker in back is offering coloring books, crayons and stickers.
Many of the businesses are offering indoor activities and free prizes for kids.
Adelina Greenwood checks out the candy canes, stamps and pencils offered by Alice Marciszewski at one of the stations in the Village Office. Adelina is joined by her father, Matthew Farley. Anita Finley, left, was at a station offering stuffed animals and other goodies for people who answered trivia questions. Oak Orchard Canoe sponsored the activities at the Village Hall.
Pretty Sweet Bakery hosted a station for people to make reindeer dust and reindeer food. This group includes Carter Conrad and his mother Courtney Burch, and their friend Mallory Marshall, right.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 December 2021 at 9:31 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Four new electric charging stations were turned on at about 2:45 p.m. on Friday in the Hoag Library parking lot. Three electric car owners parked and got a charge at the new units, which were almost completely funded with grants.
Hoag Library used $23,000 in a Charge Ready grant from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and $1,000 from National Grid to cover nearly all of the $24,809 expense of putting in the four charging stations.
The first three people to pull up for a charge included Grace Kent, in front, with a Nissan Leaf; Diana Dudley in middle at left and her niece Hillary Clark with a Chevy Bolt; and Linda Weller in back with Tesla.
Weller is the library’s board president and Dudley also serves on the board of trustees. The library has worked 2 ½ years through the grant process to have the charging stations installed. Weller praised library director Betty Sue Miller for her diligence in seeing the project to completion. The units were installed by Gofoth Electric in Albion.
Weller has owned her Tesla since October 2020. The vehicle has a range of 311 miles before needing a charge. She has driven it to New York City, the Thousand Islands, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Sometimes she stops in a community to charge her vehicle and she will go explore the town while the vehicle is powered up. She expects the charging stations at Hoag will bring some people to the Albion community.
There are also public charging stations in Orleans County at the Burger King in Medina and the RTS Orleans/Orleans County DPW on West Academy Street in Albion.
People can charge their vehicles for free at the library, with Hoag paying the cost of the electricity. The library has solar panels on the roof, and library officials wanted to use that renewable energy to power the vehicles.
Diana Dudley, 87, has owned her Chevy Bolt for three years and driven the car 30,000 miles.
“I love it,” she said. “I would never go back to a gas car. You just get in and go.”
Grace Kent, owner of the Nissan Leaf for three years, doesn’t miss paying for gas. She said the electric car gives her a warning when it’s low on charge, just like a gas car when it’s low on fuel.
“People think it will just stop on you, but it won’t,” she said. “It switches to turtle mode to tell you to get to a charger. Overall, I love it. It’s environmentally friendly and very serviceable.”
Photos by Tom Rivers: A sign in the front window at 25 East Bank St. declares the site offers "Powered for life training."
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 December 2021 at 9:45 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Heidi Dorpfeld, left, and Jean Bogue chat in the lounge of the new home of Trade 180 at 25 East Bank St., Albion. Trade 180 supports young marginalized people in Orleans County ages 18 to 25 with life skills and work readiness.
ALBION – While working for 12 years as a job coach to special needs youth at BOCES, Heidi Dorpfeld often noticed how the children thrived while receiving extra attention in school, but often fell through the cracks when left on their own in the outside world.
That gave her an idea for a program which would help these students transition from one lifestyle to another, and she formed Trade 180, what she calls “A home of hope to become whole.”
Earlier this year, Dorpfeld and her team were working to renovate a home on East Avenue owned by Harvest Christian Fellowship, with plans to open her ministry there.
Then she was contacted by the Giordano family from Kent with an offer too good to be true.
Beth Giordano had formerly run Rise Above Ministries for years out of a building she owned at 25 Bank St. After hearing about Dorpfeld’s plans, she contacted her and offered to give Dorpfeld the building for $1.
With help from supporters, including Ninandre Bogue of Lyndonville, who did most of the painting in the building, they transformed it into a classroom, gathering room, training kitchen and office space for Trade 180.
Last Saturday they held an open house and basket raffle to introduce the community to their new venture.
Their program for men 18 to 25 includes a class titled “Powered for Life” and “Jobs for Life,” a nationally accredited program. Participants learn faith-based character building, conflict resolution, dignity of work, life skills, a trade and how to act in an interview and prepare a resume. Both men and women will learn in a 16-session class how to find and keep a job, develop character and receive a supportive community through mentorship.
The Biblical curriculum will help young people discover God’s purpose for their lives, thereby helping them become inspired, Dorpfeld said.
“We focus on special needs – not necessarily physical – but emotional and spiritual,” she said. “We want to get young people before they go down the wrong road.”
Classes are noon to 3 p.m. and lunch is served. In addition to an instructor, a nutritionist is available and mentors will be on hand.
Trade 180 is operating under the umbrella of Harvest Christian Fellowship. They are counting on donations and support from the community to operate. Anyone is invited to become a mentor, volunteer or support Trade 180 with a financial donation.
Donations may be made by logging on to www.hcforleans.com (under Trade 180 tab).
The building at 25 East Bank St. was given by Beth Giordano to a new working training ministry.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 December 2021 at 8:42 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Frontier Heating & A/C Service has a nice display in its window along East Bank Street. The business won the window decorating contest in 2019.
The Albion Merchants Association is offering $100 for the first place winner of the decorating contest. Businesses have until Dec. 19 to post photos on the AMA Facebook page under the post about the contest for businesses.
There is also a contest for homeowners with $200 for first place, $100 for second, and $50 for third. The prizes will be in gift certificates from AMA members. Residents can enter by Dec. 19 and post photos on the AMA Facebook page in the comment section of the post about the “Deck the Town” contest.
The Orleans Travel Bureau decorated its window on East Bank Street for the Christmas season.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 December 2021 at 9:01 am
Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries, Best of Tymes Party Rentals teaming for holiday event at Arnold Gregory
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Best of Tymes Party Rentals and Royal Body Shop Ministry are joining forces to present a Christmas extravaganza on Dec. 18 at the Arnold Gregory Complex. Gathered around Santa Claus’ chair are, from left, Christine Nenni and Michelle Wiseman from Party Tyme Rentals, Royal Body Shop pastor Albert Wilson and his wife Ykeeta and Lisa DeCarlo of Albion, who owns Arnold’s Auto Parts with her husband Dan.
ALBION – An Albion business and a new ministry are planning a unique Christmas celebration for the community on Dec. 18.
Best of Tymes Party Rentals, owned by Christine Nenni and Michelle Wiseman of Medina, and the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries, who each have quarters in the Arnold Gregory Complex, will present “Que In” for Christmas on the lawn at Arnold Gregory.
The event will run from noon to 6 p.m. and feature a takeout chicken barbecue cooked by Albion’s Renovation Masonic Lodge free to the first 1,000 people, a gift for each child, raffles, face painting and other activities. Also included is a drawing for a 43-inch TV. Tickets are now available at $5 each or three for $10 at Arnold’s Auto Parts and Best of Tyme Party Rentals. All proceeds go back to the church for future community events. Best of Tymes Party Rentals will provide free hot chocolate, and horse and buggy rides will be available.
Michelle Wiseman, left, and Christine Nenni from Best of Tymes Party Rentals stand next to the Santa mailbox outside their store on the second floor of the Arnold Gregory Complex.
In addition to Santa and Mrs. Claus, Que In for Christmas will feature the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who and Jolly Jingles Bear.
Spearheading Que In for Christmas is Pastor Albert D. Wilson Jr.’s church, Royal Body Shop Ministries. Wilson is director of 27 community centers in Buffalo and senior pastor of the Greater Royal Worship Center at 1355 Clinton St., Buffalo. Lisa DeCarlo is administrative assistant to the pastor and Dan is training to become a deacon in the Albion ministry. The DeCarlos are also members of his Buffalo church.
Wilson first became acquainted with Orleans County as a result of visiting the Royal Worship Church of God in Christ on Sawyer Road, Kent, which his grandfather founded in 1952. He and Lisa DeCarlo were having coffee at HeBrews in Albion, where they talked to a young man who made Wilson realize there was a spiritual need in the community.
DeCarlos offered space to set up a tent and on a Friday night in August they had their first service in Albion. It was so successful, it continued every Friday night until cold weather was approaching and they realized they needed a warm place to meet.
Nenni and Lisa had been friends since high school, and Nenni told Lisa about the empty conference room at Arnold Gregory, which Wilson was able to rent.
Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries now holds a service in the conference room at 7 p.m. every Friday night, and want the entire community to feel welcome there. Currently the room is set up with a throne for Santa and a holiday display.
The name for his new ministry, Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries, comes from his affiliation with Arnold’s Auto Parts. Its purpose is to work on the mind, body, soul and spirit, he said. The pastor is assisted by his wife Ykeeta and son Albert III. The depend upon donations to fund their ministry, and donation baskets are located throughout the community.
Giving to the community on holidays is nothing new for Best of Tymes Party Rental. Nenni and Wiseman started giving out goodie bags of treats to children last year on Halloween and Christmas from their home on State Street in Medina. They also handed out free cotton candy and popcorn and offered pictures with Santa.
They also have a Santa mailbox set up in the hall outside their second floor store in the Arnold Gregory building. Every child who writes a letter to Santa and includes his address will get a reply, Nenni said. Another small Santa mailbox is set up outside their Medina home.
Pastor Wilson plans to continue doing events to bring people in the community together, he said. They plan to target low poverty areas. Lisa will be giving out gift cards at Save-A-Lot beginning at noon on Dec. 11.
“It’s all about spreading love and holiday cheer,” the pastor said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 December 2021 at 11:21 pm
Photos courtesy of Susan Starkweather Miller
ALBION – The First Presbyterian Church of Albion hosted the annual Community Christmas Concert, which featured many Albion alumni, current students and other community members.
The top photo shows the Albion High School Christmas Choir singing, “Cold December Flies Away.” The group is directed by Connor Doran.
Last year’s concert wasn’t in-person for attendance and instead was recorded and available to watch online. Today’s concert was recorded and will be available on the Albion Alumni Association website. Proceeds from the concert go to the First Presbyterian Church and Albion Alumni Association.
Gary Simboli, an Albion graduate and retired music teacher, performed “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” and also led the crowd in “Sleigh Ride.”
Cheyenna Eagle plays the oboe in solo, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.”
Jackie Madejski performs “Beautiful City.”
Eric Deiboldt sings “Christmas Song/Christmas Time is Here.”
Dylan DeSmit offers a rendition of “Hallelujah it’s Christmas.”
Erin Moody and Kailey Winans sing “Winter Wonderland/Let it Snow.”
Other performers included: Christmas Brass, Carrie Kozody, Denise Thomas, Annabella Salisbury, Elijah Martin, Mike Thaine, AHS Tuba Ensemble, Alec Sherman, Maarit Vaga and Darryl Smith and Victor Benjovsky.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 December 2021 at 9:01 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Santa is shown riding in a pickup truck last Dec. 19 down Chamberlain Street in Albion. He will be back this Saturday riding through neighborhoods and delivering presents.
ALBION — The Albion Merchants Association is planning its annual Hometown Holiday event on Saturday, Dec. 11, with activities throughout the day.
There will be a petting zoo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on at the Main Street municipal parking lot, a chance to decorate the new “Fat Albert” Christmas tree on the Courthouse Square beginning at 11 a.m. and a chance to see Santa driving through Albion neighborhoods beginning at 4 p.m.
Many of the businesses will be hosting activities including face painting, ornament kits, Christmas crafts, letters to Santa, a scavenger hunt, making reindeer dust, Coffee with Cops, free ice cream and a movie and stories with Santa.
The Hometown Holiday will be capped with the Fête de Nöel, a French-inspired gala at Maison Albion from 6 to 10 p.m.
The route for Santa will be starting on East Bank Street, then go to North Main, to Linwood Avenue then Brown Street, Lydun Drive, back to Brown then Caroline and Ingersoll streets, then East Bank, East State, Platt and East Park, then to McKinistry, Chamberlain, Main and West Bank, then King Street, Washington Street, Clinton, West Park, West Academy, West State and end on Main Street. Anyone who wants to donate presents to be given away by Santa can drop off the new toys at Toyz n Kandy, Studio 11 or the Coffee Joint.
Some Albion community members are also planning a “Santa’s Coming Home” parade of cars and trucks on Dec. 17. The public is welcome to decorate a vehicle and join in ride around the community.
Participants should meet at the Arnold Gregory Office Complex at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 with the procession of vehicles heading out at 6 p.m. This won’t be a parade with floats, but with decorated cars and trucks.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 November 2021 at 12:55 pm
The cover of the booklet features Charles Howard helping one of his students in the finer points of portraying Santa.
ALBION – A group of Albion seventh-graders have been researching and compiling a booklet about Charles Howard, the man who started a Santa Claus School and also developed Christmas Park in Albion.
Students will present the booklet at 10 a.m. on Dec. 10 at Hoag Library. The unveiling includes presentations about Howard and a display of items from the school and Christmas Park.
Howard ran the school from 1937 until his death in 1966. The school continues in his name and is now in Midland, Mich.
The booklet touches on other parts of the Santa School founder’s life.
“Howard was much more than a Santa Claus,” said Tim Archer, an Albion teacher who helped spearhead the project honoring Howard. “Whether in the church, 4-H, or around the world, Howard represented all that is honorable and good. His was a life well lived – a true ambassador of goodwill.”
The community is welcome to attend the event on Dec. 10. Students in Archer’s Service Learning class will read excerpts from the booklet, which will be available for $5. Some of Howard’s family members and former workers at Christmas Park are expected to be in attendance, as well as Ken McPherson, a graduate of the school.
Photos by Tom Rivers: John Hedlund, left, and Leo Anger opened Albion Pro Hardware on Nov. 3 at the Route 31 plaza that includes Save-A-Lot. Hedlund has run the Save-A-Lot in Albion since June 2018.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 November 2021 at 1:57 pm
ALBION – John Hedlund is upping his investment in the Albion by opening a new hardware store next to the Save-A-Lot he has been running at the plaza on Route 31 the past 3 ½ years.
Hedlund and Leo Anger are partners in the new Albion Pro Hardware. The store opened on Nov. 3 and will celebrate its grand opening Dec. 1-4 with in-store bargains and other promotions.
Hedlund owns five Save-A-Lot stores with locations in Albion, Le Roy, Batavia, Niagara Falls and Salamanca.
The Albion Pro Hardware is his first hardware store. He sees the 7,000-square-foot site as complimentary the Save-A-Lot next door and giving the community another option for hardware supplies, paint, plumbing, lawncare, auto fluids and seasonal products.
“With these stores side by side, it creates a one-stop shop,” Hedlund said. “The opportunity became available and we wanted to breathe more life into the plaza.”
Customers have given Hedlund and Anger good feedback so far. They see many do-it-yourselfers tackling home projects.
“There are excited there is another place to shop in town,” Anger said. “We have a knowledgeable staff.”
Many of the hardware stores are struggling to maintain a supply of products doe to a shortage of materials nation-wide, Anger said. If one hardware store doesn’t have a product in stock, it’s good to have another option in the community, Anger said.
Anger has worked in retail for 20 years with parts of his career at Save-A-Lot and Walmart. Albion Pro Hardware will make customer-service a focus. If the store doesn’t have a product in stock, it can often order it and have it in the store soon.
“We are looking forward to serving the community,” Anger said. “We have pretty much anything a department store would have.”
Albion Pro Hardware will celebrate its grand opening on Dec. 1-4. The store will have a new sign on the building in mid-December.
