By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 June 2018 at 8:02 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Albion senior Brad Sanford lights a candle during the baccalaureate service on Sunday evening at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. The Rev. Aleka Schmidt, pastor of the First Baptist Church, joined other church leaders at the service.
Before they graduate from high school, the Class of 2018 at Albion was embraced by the Albion Ministerium and given a blessing for their future.
The church leaders organized a baccalaureate service. The service is optional for seniors. About 45 out of the class’s 123 students attended the program.
The candles represent faith and the graduates’ light as they go out into the world, said the Rev. Richard Csizmar, pastor of St. Joseph’s and the Holy Family Parish.
Class leaders Victor Benjovsky, left, and Allison Graham lead the Class of 2018 into the church.
Miranda Smith sings, “Moon River,” during the service at St. Joseph’s. Her classmate Victor Benjowsky sang, “Beautiful City” from Godspell, and seniors in the chorus sang, “May Your Roads Be Straight and Narrow.”
Seniors joined hands for a prayer led by the Rev. Susan Thaine, who starts next month as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Albion. Thaine is a 1986 Albion graduate.
Allison Graham, the class vice president, and Riley Seielstad, the class secretary, light their candles.
Susan Boring, pastor of the Eagle Harbor United Methodist Church, delivered the message, “Choices.” Boring is a 1981 Albion graduate.
She urged the seniors to strive for wisdom, which will help them make good decisions. Boring urged the seniors to choose friends who will encourage them to believe in themselves and make wise decisions. Many people will sap the seniors’ enthusiasm and try to derail their dreams, Boring said.
She is retiring later this month as a Brockport band teacher. She said some people tried to discourage that career choice, but she followed her passion. She also has felt called to ministry and has been a pastor the past 18 years. However, Boring said she delayed being a pastor by about 12 years because she was told women shouldn’t be church leaders.
“There are people in the world who are dream crushers,” Boring said. “If you listen to them you will never reach your full potential.”
Boring encouraged the seniors to open their hearts to Jesus Christ, who will be a close friend. She welcomed them to visit churches and think about how they can connect with God in their lives.
Provided photos: Drummers, from left, Will Trembley, Molly Wadhams, Aubrey Boyer and Abby Allen are focused in competition at Nunda on Saturday.
NUNDA – The Albion High School Marching Band finished with the top score of the five bands in Nunda on Saturday. The Purple Eagles’ score of 97.8 represents the band’s highest marks of the season.
Band Director Mike Thaine was pleased with the group’s performance.
“Every week, we ask each student to take on the personal responsibility of doing just a little better than they did last time,” he said. “So far, they’ve come through with flying colors.”
Two weeks ago at the Seneca Falls Pageant of Bands, Albion earned high honors among the seven bands in competition with a score of 94.75.
The Purple Eagles’ show is based on music of the rock group Queen. The band wraps-up the 2018 season at the home town Strawberry Festival parade on Saturday.
Spectators show their appreciation in the background as the woodwinds finish the drill for the show’s closing number, “Bohemian Rhapsody”.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 May 2018 at 5:24 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Orleans Correctional Facility dedicated a new memorial today in honor of 13 employees who died while they were active employees at the medium-security men’s prison. This photo shows the honor guard from the neighboring Albion Correctional Facility, retiring the colors at the conclusion of today’s service at the prison on Gaines Basin Road.
The employees’ union and the Employee Benefit Fund Committee provided the funding for the memorial. The monument reads: “We dedicate this memorial to all security staff from Orleans Correctional Facility Council 82 who have died while in faithful service. You will always be remembered in our hearts.”
There are granite blocks with the names of the honored employees, including David Stanton. He was 34 when he was killed in a motorcycle accident about 31 years ago.
His brother Greg Stanton of Medina appreciates the new memorial.
“I think it’s really nice they did this,” he said.
The following are recognized at the memorial: C.O. David Stanton, who died on April 13, 1987; C.O. Ricky Smith, Feb. 24, 1988; C.O. David Garrow, Aug. 19, 1992; C.O. Craig Nebelecky, June 1, 1993; C.O. Randy Wendt, Oct. 25, 1993; C.O. Patrick Moran, Feb. 10, 1996; C.O. Joel Eisenstein, Sept. 14, 1998; C.O. James Crowley, Aug. 25, 2001; KBS Bonnie Costich, May 4, 2002; S.C. II Cora Persons, Jan. 28, 2008; C.O. Kenneth Bulls, Dec. 22, 2011; C.O. Duane Catanesi, Jan. 1, 2014; C.O. Josef Young, Jan. 24, 2015; and C.O. Michael Duffy, Nov. 22, 2016.
Warren Cornelius, an employee at Orleans Correctional, rang a bell when each name was read.
Family and friends of those recognized at the memorial look over the granite blocks and the monument.
Karen Crowley, superintendent of Orleans Correctional Facility, listens to the Emerald Society Pipe Band. She also welcomed the crowd for the memorial dedication.
“They will never be forgotten,” she said about the employees who are recognized at the memorial.
Corrections officers and staff at the prison stand at attention while the pipe band played “Taps.”
NYS Corrections Emerald Society Pipe Band, left, performed during the dedication.
Two corrections officers carry a wreath that was placed at the memorial
Lonnie Froman, a retired corrections officer and singer for the Who Dats band, sang the national anthem.
There was a 21-gun salute from the Attica Honor Guard.
The honor guards from the Albion and Attica correctional facilities both attended the dedication ceremony.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Workers stand in the newly remodeled Main Street Store, which celebrated its grand re-opening Tuesday. The store had been closed for six weeks after a roof leak, which ruined the floors and much of the merchandise. From left are Cedric, a volunteer; William Weis, employee in training; Danielle Wray, a volunteer; Melissa Williams, employee in training; and Mary Melero, employee in training.
Posted 30 May 2018 at 8:11 am
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent
ALBION – The Main Street Store celebrated its grand reopening Tuesday after being closed for six weeks for repairs
In early April, ice and snow accumulated under the shingles, then melted and flooded the entire store, said manager Michelle George.
The floor was ruined and damaged much of the merchandise.
With community support and funding from Orleans United Way and Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley, a new roof was installed and the floor replaced.
“When we made the repairs, we took the opportunity to spruce up the entire store and rearrange the layout,” George said.
People tell her the Main Street Store is Orleans County ’s best kept-secret, something she really doesn’t want to hear. She wants everyone to know about the store.
“We are not a ‘second-hand’ store, we have all high-end merchandise,” George said. “Our clothing is clean, gently used and mostly brand names. We carefully scrutinize all merchandise and appliances and electronics are tested before we put them on the shelf for sale.”
Lynn Hawkins arranges clothing in the Main Street Store in Albion, which celebrated a grand re-opening on Tuesday. Hawkins job is to wash, dry and tag clothing for display.
All merchandise, including clothing, holiday decorations, furniture, appliances, electronics and gift items are donated. Donations are always needed and pickup can be arranged, or there is a drop-off spot at the store. Tax receipts are always available. Donation drop-off is available from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In addition to being a quality retail store, the Main Street Store, established by Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, provides comprehensive job training, employment support services and education opportunities for residents of Orleans and Genesee counties.
Individuals can take advantage of a full range of services from resumes and job searches to job skills training, on-the-job work experience in the store, employment counseling and certificate courses in cooperation with Albion Central School .
The store also provides GED preparation, high school and college tutoring and personal income/expense planning. There is a “Dress for Success” program for people who work and need help with work clothes.
The community has free access to computers with online capability for those looking for jobs.
Proceeds from the sale of merchandise helps fund these services, George said.
Mary Melero is one of the employees in training, who was working during the re-opening sale.
“They are teaching me a lot, and I love working with Michelle,” Melero said.
Another employee in training is Melissa Williams, who sorts donations when they are received. She hopes her training there will lead to a job in retail or a factory.
The store is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Happy Hour is observed from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays, with 50 percent off.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 May 2018 at 4:25 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Sawyer Braley carries the American flag and Jeffrey Brown carries the flag for the Boy Scouts Troop 164 during this morning’s Memorial Day parade.
The Albion community observed Memorial Day with a parade down Main Street and a service outside at the Middle School this morning.
Albion drum majors Riley Seielstad, left, and Arella Ives wait with the band on East Park Street. Flags in the background are on the Courthouse Square.
Matt Passarell of the VFW checks the flag. He is a member of the Honor Guard.
Knights of Columbus members Pino Aldaco, left, and Greg Dugan carry the American flag in the parade.
Local Girl Scouts march in the parade, including Kaitlin Allen, holding the American flag.
Keaton Rowley, 3, of Holley is excited to see the fire trucks in the parade.
The Albion Marching Band gets ready to perform for the crowd on Main Street. Phoebe Allen, left, and Olivia Andrews are holding the banner for the band.
Trinity Moyer is a member of the Color Guard in the Albion Marching Band.
Orleans County Legislator Don Allport, left, and former State Assemblyman Charlie Nesbitt are escorted in the parade. Nesbitt was a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War.
Dominic DiGiulio leads the West Barre Boy Scouts in the parade.
An enthusiastic crowd on Main Street waves to parade participants.
Some of the parade participants return waves to friends and other community members who attended the parade.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 May 2018 at 5:01 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Father Richard Csizmar was honored today at Holy Family Parish for his 50 years as a priest, including the past 24 years in Albion. Csizmar, right was presented this special decree from Pope Francis in honor of Csizmar’s 50 years as a priest. Deacon James Collichio is at left and Greg Dugan, leader of the Knights of Columbus, is at right.
Csizmar grew up in North Tonawanda and was ordained a priest at age 25 on May 25, 1968. His first assignment was serving for a year at a country parish in Cherry Creek, Chautauqua County, and then a summer assignment at Harris Hill in Williamsville.
He then served 25 years at Notre Dame High School in Batavia, teaching religion, coaching tennis and serving at St. Anthony and St. Joseph parishes in Batavia.
Albion was his first assignment as a parish priest, and Csizmar said he has treasured being a part of weddings, first communions, baptisms and even funerals.
“This is where it has been such a joy to be a part of the lives of parish families for such a long time, trying to put into practice the vision I have for Parish Life,” he said in a message to the parish.
After this morning’s Mass, Father Csizmar greets Tony Navarra outside St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Csizmar’s sister, Diane Skomski, said her brother has been a source of pride for the family. He is known as “Rich” to his family. Though he may not be rich with material possessions, Skomski said her brother is rich in “kindness and compassion, generosity and love,” and love of fun, food, laughter, get-togethers, “and most of all, people.”
Csizmar has been devoted to people this past half century, she said.
“We all have benefitted from the love he has shown us,” she said. “Today is our opportunity to show him our love.”
Csizmar is a big baseball fan and he used baseball analogies to express his appreciation to the parish today. He also quoted the famous “Luckiest man on the face on this earth” speech from Lou Gehrig, the famed New York Yankee who died of ALS. Gehrig addressed the Yankee crowd on July 4, 1939 after he was forced to retire due to a debilitating disease.
“I consider myself one of the most blessed men in the world,” Csizmar said at a special Mass this morning.
Csizmar is unusual with his parish assignment to Albion lasting 24 years and counting. Most priests have much shorter stays with parishes. Csizmar said the Albion parish has been welcoming.
After the Mass there was a reception in Csizmar’s honor at the Lyceum. There will be another celebration for the priest with a dinner at Tillman’s Village Inn on June 10 at 4 p.m.
Deacon James Collichio said Csizmar has a “bubbly” personality and strives to connect with people.
“He is a very personable person,” said Collichio, who has been a deacon at Holy Family Parish for 38 years. “He is always lifting up anyone he meets.”
Roz Starkweather attends the morning Masses during the weekdays, as well as Mass on the weekends. She said Csizmar “goes above and beyond” in tending to the spiritual life of the parish, with special services and meaningful messages.
Csizmar thanked the parish for the opportunity to serve them.
“I just want you to know how blessed I am being here with you,” Csizmar told the parish today. “I have been transformed. I thank God for the abundance of your love.”
A member of the Knights of Columbus watches the Mass this morning at St. Joseph’s.
An anonymous donor paid for this tribute for Csizmar, with an emphasis on celebrating family.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 May 2018 at 11:58 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Noah Harrison, 8, of Albion does push-ups today at Bullard Park as part of a push-up-a-thon fundraiser to support AYSAP, the Albion Youth Football and Cheerleading program. His father, Saul Harrison (in back), is one of the coaches for Albion youth football.
The program has four divisions of football teams and cheerleading squads from ages 6 to 13 for football and 6 to 14 for cheerleading.
AYSAP is having a “Family FUNdraiser” today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bullard Park to raise money for new uniforms and shoulder pads for the 120 football players in the program. There are prize raffles, kickball, food and beverages, and 50/50 drawings.
Molly Preston of Preston’s Lawncare and Landscaping presents a check for $250 to support the football program. Her son, Boe, is one of the players. The Prestons are joined by coach Saul Harrison, left, and Geno Allport, the commissioner.
These boys practice some of their plays. They are eager for the season the start in the summer.
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 26 May 2018 at 9:03 am
Community rallied again in 1970s to preserve ‘The Tower’
‘Overlooked Orleans’ – Volume 4, Issue 21
Passing through the sandstone arch of Mount Albion Cemetery, one may catch a glimpse of the towering monument atop the highest point in the area. The Soldiers & Sailors Monument is perhaps the most impressive and beautiful war memorials in our area, but the true significance of the shrine is often overshadowed by the novelty and “thrill of the climb” up the winding steel staircase.
There is a commonality between the circumstances surrounding the efforts to erect this monument to the memory of over 450 men who lost their lives during the Civil War and the war itself. In the face of grave sacrifice, a community struggled to memorialize the hundreds of young men, sons, brothers, and fathers, who left the security of home for ideals far greater than themselves.
Efforts to construct a county-wide memorial were initiated in 1864, but the association struggled to raise the necessary funds to complete the project. In 1868, the Orleans County Monument Association was established with Ezra T. Coann, H. J. Van Dusen, E. K. Hart, Joseph Cornell, Calvin Beach, John N. Proctor, Charles A. Harrington, John Hull White, Walker Mattison, Seth Spencer, Henry A. King, and Hiram Sickels as directors. Fundraising was slow, but the group was persistent in their labors. By 1874, the organization had raised $3,000 and construction began soon after with an additional $2,000 from the Cemetery Association. On July 4, 1876, as the nation celebrated its centennial, Orleans County dedicated the newly completed Soldiers & Sailors Monument.
“The Tower” remained a permanent fixture on Albion’s horizon and over the years became a destination for local youth, with varying intentions, who trekked to the top. Time chipped away at the monument and by the 1970s was in significant need of tender care and attention. The Orleans County Historical Monument Corporation, with involvement from notable local residents including C. W. Lattin, Harold Breuilly, and Donna Rodden, shouldered the burden of raising the necessary funds to restore the local landmark. With over $20,000 raised, the tower was repaired and rededicated on July 4, 1976; the centennial of the monument and bicentennial of the nation.
On two separate occasions, the community labored tirelessly to preserve the memory of local soldiers. Although erected to memorialize those who sacrificed their lives during the Civil War, perhaps the tower is more a monument to the perseverance of a community; a community that values the preservation and understanding of the past. With a monument that is 142 years old and a cemetery celebrating 175 years, we are fortunate to have such breathtaking landmarks scattered throughout our area.
It may be fitting to share a few brief notes of interest pertaining to Civil War veterans from Orleans County. Thousands of men would enter into service with the Union Army, some would never return, yet many would return with permanent physical and mental scars from the horrors of battle.
• Jennie Curtis of Albion traveled to Washington, D.C. following the Battle of Bull Run to care for her brother who was reported as seriously wounded. On one occasion, she dared to venture out on horseback to determine the location of Confederate lines when she was taken prisoner and accused of being a spy. She was eventually released and spent time caring for sick and wounded soldiers.
• Lt. Col. Rufus B. Bullock of Albion traveled south to Augusta, Georgia to work with the Southern Express Company. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he accepted a commission as lieutenant colonel with the responsibility of overseeing telegraph, railroad, and freight interests in Georgia. At the conclusion of the war, he was elected as governor of Georgia in 1868.
• Maj. Thomas Bell, 8th N.Y. Cavalry – developing a fondness early on in life for theater, Bell allegedly spent two years with Edwin Booth’s company in Alabama before engaging in the foundry business at Albion. After the war, he introduced an article into U.S. law giving veterans preference in civil service appointments.
• Pvt. Otis McOmber, 76th N.Y. Infantry – Carlton native enlisted in 1863 and was mustered into service with the “Cortland Regiment.” At the Battle of the Wilderness, his unit was surrounded by Confederates and taken prisoner. He spent over 11 months at Andersonville Prison where he survived by bribing Confederate soldiers with money sewn into the breast pocket of his coat. His brother Charles was killed at Fredericksburg and brother Lorenzo died during service with the 17th N.Y. Light Independent Artillery.
• Pvt. Herbert Taylor, 140th N.Y. Infantry – Clarendon native Herbert Taylor was with his regiment at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863 and repulsed the attack on Little Round Top. Making the ultimate sacrifice, he is believed to be the only Orleans County native to have died at Gettysburg.
• Pvt. Isaac Hawkins, 54th Massachusetts Infantry – Medina resident Isaac Hawkins enlisted with the all African-American regiment once headed by Col. Robert Gould Shaw and made famous by the 1989 film “Glory.” Hawkins was captured at the Battle of Olustee in Florida, spending over a year at Andersonville Prison Camp and on one such occasion allegedly received 250 lashes as punishment for an unknown reason.
• Maj. Angelo Paldi, 1st Michigan Cavalry – a native of Italy, Paldi was a respected painter and solider who allegedly served with the French Army in Algeria and Spain before immigrating to America. Serving under Gen. George Custer for a short period of time, it was Paldi’s suggestion to form a regiment of Hussars, or heavy cavalry, modeled after the regiments of Europe. After the war he moved to Albion, his body is interred at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Albion.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 May 2018 at 10:22 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Tree stumps line the towpath in Albion after trees were cut down last fall. This photo was taken on Nov. 16.
ALBION – Representatives from the state Canal Corporation will be in Albion on June 6 to detail the next phases of “Embankment Maintenance” program.
A contractor late last year started cutting down trees near the Orleans-Niagara county line and headed east. The felled trees were removed but the stumps remain. The tree-clearing alarmed many local residents and elected officials who preferred a tree-lined towpath.
Canal Corporation officials said the tree roots threatened to integrity of the canal walls and made the system vulnerable to leaks.
The June 6 meeting will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hoag Library, 134 S. Main St.
During a meeting in Brockport in March, Canal Corp. officials told Brockport residents the state agency would hire arborists to consult with Brockport homeowners about appropriate property lines to provide privacy, with the Canal Corp. paying the cost.
The Canal Corp. also said it would do low-growing vegetation on the cleared embankment, and will work with Brockport to identify and develop several public access points along the canal path.
The tree stumps also will be removed and the banks will become grassy slopes that will be mowed, the Canal Corp. said.
Officials from Orleans County and its canal communities have been pushing for a public meeting in Orleans County to update the community about the next steps of the embankment maintenance.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Sami Hollenbeck, a senior at Albion High School, will graduate from Albion on June 22. On Sunday, she received her degree at Genesee Community College.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 May 2018 at 9:45 pm
‘I was very motivated to challenge myself.’ – Sami Hollenbeck
ALBION – Sami Hollenbeck was a sophomore in high school when she took her first college course. Trigonometry was taught right at Albion High School.
She would take many other college-level classes at the high school – biology, pre-calculus, calculus, statistics, Spanish and Western Civilization.
Provided photo: Sami Hollenbeck is pictured with her parents, Dawn and Brian Hollenbeck, during Sunday’s commencement at GCC.
“They offer so many at Albion,” she said.
As her college credits were adding up, she set a goal in her junior year to graduate with a college degree – before she was done with high school.
On Sunday she graduated with 72 college credits from Genesee Community College, earning an associate’s degree in liberal arts and general studies. On June 22, she will graduate from high school.
“I was very motivated,” she said. “I wanted to challenge myself.”
That doesn’t mean it was easy.
“In my junior year when I had eight classes, it was very overwhelming,” she said. “But once I learned to block out my time it was a breeze. It can be done.”
Graduating from college before completing high school isn’t an unprecedented feat at Albion. Robert June earned a GCC degree in 2014, graduating a month before walking across the stage in the high school gym. Machaon Bonafede also earned his GCC degree about 20 years ago while he was still in high school.
Hollenbeck took many GCC classes in the summer and on-line, as well as at GCC’s Albion campus center. At times she was trying to manage eight classes of coursework, while also working 20 to 30 hours a week at the Albion Burger King.
“When she puts her mind to it, she’s going to do it,” said her mother, Dawn Hollenbeck, who is the assistant manager at the Burger King. Sami’s sister-in-law, Shelby Hollenbeck, is the site’s general manager.
Sami said Burger King has been flexible with her hours when she needed extra time to write a paper or study for an exam. She has worked at Burger King since she was 15, starting as a cashier.
Sami Hollenbeck has managed a busy workload in the classroom while working 20 to 30 hours a week at Burger King. She is pictured with her mother Dawn, who is the assistant manager of the Burger King in Albion.
“It has been a great first job,” she said. “It teaches responsibility. I really love this job. I get to talk with customers and make sure people are happy.”
Dawn Hollenbeck is amazed her daughter could keep up with the coursework, while working her job at Burger King and also being so connected with her classmates. Sami was picked as the homecoming queen in the fall.
Hollenbeck also took five internships through the high school internship program. Two of those internship were with special education teachers in the middle school. Those experiences confirmed her career goal to work as a special education teacher. She will transfer this fall to The College at Brockport to work on her teaching degree.
Sami, 18, has 13 siblings, including eight younger brothers and sisters.
“I can’t wait to be a teacher,” she said. “I’ve been around younger children my entire life.”
Her father, Brian Hollenbeck, said Sami is dedicated to her family.
“She is a wonderful role model to her siblings,” he said. “She is very humble and a heart as big as her mind.”
Sami urges other high schoolers to take college-level classes while in high school. They get a step closer to a college degree, and the courses are typically at a deep discount.
“It’s insane the opportunities that are out there,” she said. “I feel like more students would do this if they knew about it.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 May 2018 at 10:13 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Zach Moore and his classmates in the Albion AP Biology class this morning helped plant flowers in 17 planters that soon will be set in downtown Albion.
The students are in Sandy Climenhaga’s class. The bio students learn about flowers as part of their class. They study photosynthesis and dissect flowers to learn about plants.
“They are active students who really care about their community,” Climenhaga said.
Her students have been helping plant and water flowers for the downtown the past six years.
The group includes, front to back: Hannah VanEpps, Sandy Climenhaga, Kaykyn Holman, Albion Merchants Association President Lisa Stratton (standing at right), Conner Hollenbeck, Isabella Gibbs, Garrett Derisley, Zach Moore and Nate Fearby.
The Village of Albion, Town of Albion and area businesses all shared in buying the flowers. Lisa Stratton, president of the Merchants Association, coordinated the effort. She said the flowers should be out on Main Street, along with hanging baskets, in time for Memorial Day weekend.
Conner Hollenbeck plants some of the flowers this morning.
Kaylyn Holman, right, fills a planter with a planting mix.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 May 2018 at 5:12 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Stacey Kirby Steward, an Albion native, is nearly done with a 24-foot-long mural of Santa in a sleigh flying over Courthouse Square and downtown Albion.
She is putting the finishing touches on the mural, which is currently inside the Albion fire hall.
The mural will be mounted on a frame and likely installed next month in Waterman Park, which is about a half block south of the Erie Canal.
The Albion Rotary Club is leading the project, with assistance from a grant from Rotary District 7090 as well as many community donations. The mural honors Albion’s history as home to the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School from 1937 to 1966. Howard also ran Christmas Park in Albion. Mr. Howard passed away in 1966. The Santa School continues in his name in Midland, Michigan.
Steward has painted many Erie Canal-themed murals in Orleans, Niagara and Monroe counties. Some of her work promoting family life is also inside the Lyceum of Holy Family Parish in Albion.
Steward gave the courthouse some Christmas lights. The courthouse used to be decorated for the holidays with lights.
Some final additions include wreaths on Main Street light poles and decorated storefronts.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 May 2018 at 8:40 am
23 students in 2018 graduating with GPAs at 90 or above
Photos by Tom Rivers: Kaitlin Zwifka receives her honor cords on Monday from her parents, Teresa and Marty Zwifka. Kaitlin is one of 23 students in the Albion Class of 2018 graduating with grade point averages at 90 percent or higher. Those students were recognized during an Academic Honors Convocation Dinner at Hickory Ridge Golf and Country Club in Holley.
Gricelda Maldonado goes through a receiving line of well-wishers, including Board of Education member Wayne Wadhams.
The honors students at Albion heard from a recent Albion graduate who has stayed active in the local community while working as a state trooper. Steven Papponetti, Class of 2011, was guest speaker for Monday’s event.
He spoke of the importance of setting short- and long-term goals, and embracing assignments with a passion, whether it’s writing an essay, doing homework and taking needed training to improve your skills.
Papponetti said he had stumbles on his career path, but didn’t let disappointments deter him.
Students, as they move on to college or other stages in life, should surround themselves with good friends, Papponetti said. He urged the honor grads to be involved in clubs in college. That will give them a network of support and friends who will be like a family.
Papponetti was a swimmer at Albion and played on the golf team. A favorite memory from school was the loud cheering during the home swim meets.
Albion firefighters Steven Papponetti, left, and Jim Peruzzini use a Hurst tool to cut a door in a car that was T-boned at the intersection of Route 31 and Butts Road on March 25. Papponetti has stayed an active volunteer with the Albion Fire Department while working full-time as a state trooper.
While a student at Albion, Papponetti participated in the Workplace Internship Program, interning at the Medina Fire Department and the Albion Police Department. He was also involved in the Albion Fire Department’s Explorer program and in 2009 was named Explorer of the Year.
He attended Hilbert College and participated in the Leadership Program his freshman through senior years. He graduated with honors and earned his Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science/Crime Scene Investigation. He attended the Law Enforcement Training Academy in 2015 and the New York State Police Academy in 2016.
He worked as a police officer for the Holley and Brockport police departments, with his ultimate goal to be a state trooper. Papponetti became a trooper on April 5, 2016. He wants to become an investigator and a K9 officer for the State Police.
He continues to be a volunteer firefighter and is currently a 1st Lieutenant in the Albion Fire Department. Three times he has been named Albion’s Firefighter of the Year.
He ended his speech with a quote from Theodore Roosevelt: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
Margy Brown, Albion Board of Education president, said Papponetti is an “excellent example of our district motto of ‘Achievement, Character and Success for Life.'”
Allison Graham is congratulated by her mother, Staci.
The honor grads include Richard Daniels (valedictorian), Tyler Kast (salutatorian), Hailey Bader, Elisabeth Baker, Victor Benjovsky, Emily Caldwell, Garrett Derisley, Natalie DiCureia, Nathan Fearby, Josiah Finzer, Emma Fox, Allison Graham, Sara Hillman, Emma Lonnen, Gricelda Maldonado, Alana Petronio, Caleb Pettit, Justin Robinson, Riley Seielstad, Nathanael Smith, Samantha Vanacore, Noah Wadhams and Kaitlin Zwifka.
Provided photos: Senior Drum Major Riley Seielstad conducts a portion of the band during its competition at the Seneca Falls Pageant of Bands on Saturday.
Staff Reports Posted 22 May 2018 at 7:25 am
ALBION – The Albion High School Purple Eagles Marching Band took first place at the Seneca Falls Pageant of Bands this weekend. Albion’s score of 94.75 secured first place in Open Class, and proved to be the high parade score in the entire competition, regardless of division.
The Purple Eagles’ competition program this season is entitled, “We Will Rock You”, and features music by the rock band Queen. Riley Seielstad and Arella Ives are the drum majors, Mykailah Roberts and Julie Ives are the Guard Captains, and Justin Robinson is trumpet soloist.
Last week, the Purple Eagles represented the Albion community in the televised Rochester Lilac Festival Parade. Next week, the band will participate in Albion’s Memorial Day parade and ceremony, then compete in Nunda the following weekend.
Color Guard Captains and Drum Majors collect trophies for the Purple Eagles during the awards presentation at the Seneca Falls Pageant of Bands. From left: Julie Ives, Mykailah Roberts, Arella Ives and Riley Seielstad.
