By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 August 2025 at 7:53 am
7th Heaven closes out annual Albion music festival
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The band 7th Heaven fired up the crowd to close out the 10th Rock the Park music festival at Bullard Park.
This was the third year the event expanded to two days. There were 10 musical groups that played over the two days.
The crowd was rocking for the concert. The organizers gave away 500 glow sticks to the attendees.
Performers at the festival included three band son Friday – Triple Play, V3 and Bad Sign.
On Saturday, the performers included Carson and Sam, Shotgun Pauly, Stanton, Mixed Experience, driven, BeatleMagic and 7th Heaven.
7th Heaven opened its set with “There’s Never Been Any Reason” by Head East, followed by Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell,” “Surrender” by Cheap Trick, and “You Give Love A Bad Name” by Bon Jovi.
The band includes from left: Albion native Michael Giarrizzo, guitarist and singer for the band; Terry K., lead singer; Phil LaTona, the drummer; Dave Quick, the bass player from Kendall; and Eddie Krysinski on keyboards.
BeatleMagic made its debut at Rock the Park. The band had the crowd dancing to “Twist and Shout.”
BeatleMagic has been performing popular Beatles songs since 1999. The band includes Russ Thomas as John Lennon, Nelson Starr as Paul McCartney, Mike Kiel as George Harrison and Chris Mattioli as Ringo Starr.
Dylan DeSmit sings “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival. DeSmit and driVen performed for nearly two hours. The drummer is Travis Mackie. DeSmit has been part of Rock the Park since its earliest days.
Mike “Thunder” Warren, guitarist for driVen, enjoys getting the crowd going at concerts. DriVen played a four-hour concert the day earlier at Back Porch 585 Tavern in Brockport, a concert that included a lengthy tribute of music by Ozzy Osbourne. Ozzy, the frontman for Black Sabbath, died at age 76 on July 22.
Warren, who plays in the band Savage Cabbage, said Osbourne has long been a musical inspiration for him.
Jake Stinson of the Albion Lions Club works the grill and gets a hot dog ready for June Persia of the Lions. There were several food vendors at the event.
Jim Doyle attended Rock the Park for the first time on Saturday. He was pleased to see several hundred people enjoying the music under the main tent, with many others on the main grounds near the amphitheater.
Doyle is a music teacher and coordinates a concert series at Hoag Library. The next concert there is Aug. 16.
Doyle said the Albion community has embraced musicians of all types. A Wednesday concert series in the summer has been drawing several hundred people, too.
“Music has the power to bring people together of all ages,” Doyle said. “There is something magical about music.”
Dave Quick, 7th Heaven’s bass player, gave a high-energy performance during the band’s two-hour concert to close out the music festival.
Rock the Park has been a fundraiser for Bullard with proceeds helping to push for many improvements at the park in the past decade, including the amphitheater.
7th Heaven has performed at Rock the Park before, including as the closer of the 2019 event back when there wasn’t an amphitheater and a stage needed to be set up for the concerts. Saturday, the band got the prime slot on the new stage. The amphitheater has been steadily used since its first concert on June 19, 2021.
Photo by Natalie Baron: Heather Hapeman, owner of Dance Reflections by Miss Heather, poses with some of her dance families in front of her studio in downtown Albion.
By Natalie Baron, Orleans Hub intern
ALBION – This September, Heather Hapeman celebrates 20 years of Dance Reflections by Miss Heather, of which she is the owner and sole instructor. Dance Reflections is located at 52 North Main Street in Albion.
Photo by Erin Townsend: Pictured, from left: Theresa O’Hearn (Heather’s mother), Miss Heather Hapeman, Megan Morton (Heather’s friend) and Coraline Hapeman (Heather’s daughter). They, along with Heather’s father Tom and her husband Jared help out with the office duties for Dance Reflections. Coraline also helps out with the baby classes.
Dance Reflections’ success is a testament to strong bonds in a small town. Regarding how the studio has reached so many people in a location like Albion, Heather explained that she believes it is due to “the relationships I’ve had for so long with friends I’ve gone to school here with, graduated from Albion. I was born and raised here, so I’ve known a lot of people for many years. I’ve had a lot of friends and family in this town, and then there’s word of mouth. One thing led to another, and now I have over 125 dance families and 140 dancers.”
Provided photos: Heather Hapeman with daughter Coraline after this year’s recital.
Also contributing to the studio’s longevity is the ability to adapt to a shifting dance world while continuing to run the studio with consistency. “The world is has changed so much,” Heather stated, “so I make sure that I stay up-to-date with the world changing and dance styles changing. I make sure I go to dance conventions and that kind of stuff, ’cause styles of dance change a lot. Really nothing much else has changed. I’m a creature of habit! Parents appreciate that, too, because there’s so much going on in everybody’s lives, that to have something stay constant, it’s just easier for the parents, as well.”
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Heather looked for ways to keep her dancers involved. She launched “Project Dance Reflections from Home,” where 141 dancers were featured in a video tribute. She decorated the front of the studio with hearts for the kids. In 2021, dance photos were taken outside, and the recital was held at the 4-H Fairgrounds.
At the end of this year’s recital, the seniors, including Al Hand (front left), take their final bow. Heather said the hardest part of her job is saying goodbye to graduating seniors, who have, often, danced with her from a young age.
Last year, Heather taught 132 dancers, which is around the studio’s average. “I would say last year was probably one of our biggest years. We had over 750 people attend our dance recital, and that’s been the biggest crowd we’ve had. Usually, we teeter around 600 for our recital.”
Photos by Natalie Baron: Heather Hapeman with students from dance families.
Heather runs her business with a genuine passion for dance and care toward every dancer. She has been dancing since she was 3 years old, learning from Spotlight Studio’s owner, Rhonda Steffen. Heather has gone on to be a dance instructor for 26 years. She teaches all dances at Dance Reflections and limits class sizes in order to provide personal attention to her students. Some of her former students now bring their own children to dance at her studio. Her dance families are incredibly important to her and keep her loving what she does.
Pictured, from left: Matt, Crystal, Al, and Rianne Hand.
Al and Rianne Hand have been dancing at Miss Heather’s since elementary school. Rianne started when she was 3 years old and Al at 7. Their sister, Sam, used to do hip hop before she graduated, beginning at 9 years of age.
Dance mom Crystal Hand said her family chose Miss Heather’s because friends of the family were dancing there. “They were friends all through elementary school, so we were like, let’s dance with our friends! When we came here, we were like, we’re not leaving. We’re very happy here.”
Al, who graduated this year, did soft shoe ballet, point ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and lyrical. In high school, Al partook in a dance team and as a senior, danced in the senior dance and performed a solo. Rianne does jazz, hip hop, soft shoe ballet, point, lyrical and tap. Now that she is in high school, Rianne hopes to join a dance team. The Hand family also did family dance for a couple of years.
Al and Rianne shared their favorite memories of dancing at Miss Heather’s. Al gushed, “I remember, two years ago, it was a hip hop class. It had four people in it, and we mixed so well! I loved that we made little catchphrases about our dance moves, and we worked with Miss Heather to add some stuff, like ‘moonwalking’ and ‘getting jiggy with it.’ It was such a good dance, and I loved it!” Rianne expressed, “I think it was this year that we were doing a tap dance, and we got to do so much more stuff. It was very exciting! We were all in a circle next to each other, and we just had a really great time.”
Dance mom Rebecca Francis with daughter Evelynn.
“We’ve known Heather a long time,” said Rebecca Francis, mom of Evelynn. “My husband worked with her father. We’ve had a long family-friend connection, there. This past year was Evelynn’s first year dancing, and she just loves Heather. She’s wonderful with her.” This year, Evelynn did ballet, tap and hip hop. Evelynn’s favorite memory is the big stage and recital.
“We heard very good things about her from around town,” Joliene Pritchard, dance mom to Danielle and Gabriella, stated about Heather. “We were new to the area, so we heard about her through people in the community.” Daniella currently does hip hop and ballet, and she used to do tap. Gabriella has done hip hop and ballet, and she is starting tap this year. Daniella’s favorite memory is her first dance recital. Gabriella’s is learning from, and spending time with, Miss Heather.
Dance mom Mindy Warne smiles with Leah, her daughter.
Mindy Warne brought her daughter, Leah, to Dance Reflections when Leah was three years old. “From there, she fell in love with Miss Heather,” Mindy said. “Even though I’d never danced with another studio my whole life, there was no changing. She just absolutely loved Miss Heather. She’s been going here for eight years now.” Leah does hip hop, ballet, tap, jazz and lyrical. Leah’s favorite memory is “Making my best friends from here, because this is the place I met all my friends!”
Pictured are dance mom Lisa Russell and her daughter, Brynlee.
Like Mindy Warne, Lisa Russell also used to dance at Miss Heather’s. Now Lisa’s daughter, Brynlee, goes there. “Before I started dancing with her, I just thought she was so talented, just as a dancer, herself,” Lisa recalled, “and then when I started coming, it was so peaceful in here and so relaxing. I was in sports, too, but coming to dance felt like a nice break to get away and stretch and be active. Then we moved to Florida, and, coming back, Brynlee was really interested in dance. Of course I was gonna come back to Miss Heather, just ’cause I knew she would be so good with the little ones.”
Lisa continued, “And she honestly is just so organized. It’s so easy for the moms. You’re not ever unsure of what you should be doing or where you should be going. It’s fun.”
Brynlee does ballet and hip hop, and next year, she is going to do tap. Brynlee’s favorite memory is loving dancing and having freedom up onstage. From a mom but former dancer’s perspective, Lisa relayed her favorite memory, that being “the dance team when I was a senior, and she gave us the creative freedom to make our own dance, which was really, really fun, and she would guide us along and give us that space for creativity.”
Dance Reflections focuses its efforts on giving back, not on monetary gain. Over the years, the studio has supported many community causes, including Hospice of Orleans, PAWS Animal Shelter, Community Action, Albion School District PTA and Drama Departments, Lyndonville School District Drama Department and CURE for Childhood Cancer, as well as donations to basket raffles, fundraisers and community events.
In 2023, Dance Reflections was named “Organization of the Year” by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council for artistic excellence and community involvement. Heather was nominated by a dance family and was selected out of 18 nominees from Genesee and Orleans County.
Open House for Dance Reflections by Miss Heather will take place Wednesday, August 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visitors will get to see the studio and meet Miss Heather.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2025 at 8:38 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The band, V3, performed Friday evening at Bullard Park for the 10th Rock the Park/Summer Music Festival at Bullard. From left in photo include Jesse Neely on bass, lead singer Kole Moore and Alex Fitzak on guitar.
The band plays classic and modern 2000s. Friday was the band’s first performance in about two years after their drummer, Shelby Starr, had a baby. V3 used to be known as Vette.
Kole Moore of Albion was thrilled to be back on stage performing with his friends in V3. He said he enjoys entertaining the crowd as lead singer in the band.
The amphitheater at Bullard Park has been turned into a rock stage. V3 includes Jesse Neely of Henrietta, Kole Moore of Albion, Shelby Starr of Rochester and Alex Fitzak of Albion.
The lineup of musicians for today includes:
11 a.m. – Carson and Sam (acoustic stage)
1:30 p.m. – Shotgun Pauly
2:30 p.m. – Stanton
3:30 p.m. – Mixed Experience
4:30 p.m. – driVen
6:30 p.m. – BeatleMagic
9 p.m. – 7th Heaven
The band Bad Sign closed out Friday’s lineup of performers. Triple Play was the first group on the stage.
Bad Sign plays blues, rock and southern rock. The band includes lead singer Erika Horning of Batavia, guitarist Erick Horning of Batavia, bass player Clint Worthington of Holley, drummer Joe Maino of Pembroke, and keyboardist Ron Bordinaro of Batavia.
Erika Horning sings “Born in the Bayou” during Friday’s concert. Her husband, Erick Horning, plays the guitar.
The music continues today with admission $5. There are several food vendors on site. Rock the Park is a fundraiser to support Bullard Park and the village parks.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 July 2025 at 6:53 pm
Event helped spearhead transformation of Albion’s main park
Photo by Tom Rivers: The band 7th Heaven capped a day of music at Bullard Park on Aug. 3, 2019 during the Albion Summer Festival featuring Rock the Park. The band will close out this year’s festival with a concert starting at 9 p.m. on Saturday. This time they will be performing on the outdoor amphitheater at Bullard, instead of the stage shown in this photo. 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.
ALBION – It was about a decade ago when a group of music lovers in Albion dreamed up a way to combine their passion of music with a desire to upgrade Bullard Park.
They started Rock the Park, a music festival. The bands first played at the Elks Lodge in Albion before shifting to Bullard the following year, performing at a dilapidated pavilion.
People showed up to hear a lineup of bands, and the profit from the festival was used to hire a grantwriter to go after big state grants to help with Bullard’s improvements.
It took a a few tries, but Albion got the grant – nearly $500,000. That dilapidated pavilion is long gone. The park now has a splash pad, new playground equipment, two new pavilions, new bathrooms, an amphitheater/performance stage, new basketball courts and other upgrades with more in the works.
Rock the Park returns for its 10th music festival on Friday and Saturday. Ron Albertson, chairman of the event, has been there since the first one.
He is grateful and very happy Rock the Park helped build momentum for the Bullard transformation, while providing a showcase for musicians and fun times for the community.
“We’re hoping for a big turnout,” Albertson said about Rock the Park. “We’re thrilled with the acceptance the community has given us.”
The 2-day performance schedule includes:
Friday
6 p.m. – Triple Play
7:30 p.m. – V3
9 p.m. – Bad Sign
Saturday
11 a.m. – Carson and Sam (acoustic stage)
1:30 p.m. – Shotgun Pauly
2:30 p.m. – Stanton
3:30 p.m. – Mixed Experience
4:30 p.m. – driVen
6:30 p.m. – BeatleMagic
9 p.m. – 7th Heaven
Albertson sees big crowds at Bullard for the Wednesday concert series throughout the summer. A July 3rd day-long celebration capped by fireworks attracted big crowds of people for several hours at the park.
Bullard also is being rented for weddings, birthday partis and other gatherings.
“We were able to get us started on grants for the park upgrades,” Albertson said. “It was a good idea with like-minded people. And then things started rolling.”
The Albion Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, Village of Albion DPW and government have been partners in the improvements. Albertson is part of a non-profit, the Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events, Inc. that helps drive many of the projects at Bullard.
New pickleball courts went in next to the basketball courts at Bullard this week. A fundraiser for a beer and wine basket at Rock the Park will raise funds for the pickleball courts.
Albertson said G-ACRE also wants to have a new concessions stand at Bullard, and revamp the baseball field in the northwest corner.
G-ACRE also wants to help upgrade some of the neighborhood parks in the village.
Rock the Park will continue to direct its revenue to Bullard. The event raised about $4,000 last year. Admission is $5 for each day of music.
“We’re trying to keep it a community event, a family event,” Albertson said. “We want to keep it inexpensive for the people in our village.”
Provided photos and information from Eileen Williams
ALBION – The Albion Class of 1972 held another Class Picnic at Bullard Park on Saturday, July 26.
Front Row: Marita DeLuca Dumrese, Sue Pilon, Brenda Staines Bierdeman, Barb Chappius Papili, Sharon Smith McAllister, Ann Gemeo Tower, Patti Smith Buckner, Joey Fiorilli Conlon and Vickie Condoluci Wheeler
Middle Row: Cindy Downey Troy, Candy Hockenberry Fasano, Robert Moore, Marilee Tokotch, Flugel, Marge Colonna Burgio, Eileen Williams, Colleen Murphy McKenna, Rex Hults, Faye Hollenbeck Stowell. Howard Ward and Velma Snell
Back Row (left side only): Joanie Peters, Robert Neilans, Dennis Allis and Kim Standish.
Howard Ward is essential for these picnics as he provides his own super delicious barbecue chicken for everyone to enjoy.
It was a potluck picnic, and many delicious salads, fruits, and heavenly desserts were provided by classmates. Eileen Williams has organized the picnics for several years, along with much help from Howard Ward and Marita DeLuca Dumrese. Eileen also enjoys arranging class lunches as often as possible at various restaurants.
Our wonderful class really has enjoyed various gatherings since we graduated. We are very fortunate and grateful to spend time together and share old and new memories whenever we can.
The Class of 1972 also has a Reunion Committee consisting of Bob Capurso, Howard Ward, Ann Germeo Tower, Marita DeLuca Dumrese, Eileen Williams, and Patti Smith Buckner. All have been instrumental in getting the class together for reunions for many years.
Pictured include: Ann Germeo Tower, Eileen Williams, Howard Ward, Patti Smith Buckner and Marita DeLuca Dumrese.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 July 2025 at 2:49 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Pickleball courts at Bullard Park in Albion are becoming a reality. There are two courts fenced in next to the basketball courts.
Today, a crew from JM Pro Courts & Surface Solutions in Lancaster is putting sealer on pavement that used to be part of the parking lot at Bullard. Later today, the company is expected to paint the courts purple with green on the perimeter similar to the basketball courts.
JM Pro Courts & Surface Solutions clears off any dust and debris before putting the sealer down.
The project is the latest improvement at Bullard. The Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events, Inc., a non-profit organization that has secured grants and other funding for Bullard improvements, is pushing the pickleball addition.
Susan Oschmann, a member of G-ACRE, said about $5,000 is needed to finish off the pickleball courts. She said some generous donors, including Judge Sanford Church, have paid for fencing and part of the costs for the sealing and painting.
She will be at Rock the Park on Friday and Saturday selling $5 tickets for a wine and beer raffle to raise money for the final work on the new courts.
There is also a GoFundMe set up for people to donate towards the remaining cost of the courts. Click here for more information.
Photo courtesy of Greg Jones
The first coat is on the two pickleball courts, with paint to follow.
Pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the US the past four years. Players use paddles to hit a perforated ball over a net. The court space is much smaller than a tennis court.
There will be demonstrations Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. on the new courts for people to learn the rules of the sport and see players in action.
If the pickleball courts are popular in Albion, there is room next to them for two more to be added in the future, Oschmann said.
Photo courtesy of Susan Oschmann
The purple paint gets applied to the courts this afternoon.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 July 2025 at 11:41 am
Active community volunteer in fight against cancer
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – There is a big benefit today in Albion for Debbie Prest, who has been a very active community member and Albion booster for many years.
Prest is battling cancer. She has helped many people put on benefits over the years.
A big group of her friends have rallied for today’s fundraiser, which includes more than 150 baskets up for raffle. The cardboard cutoff of Josh Allen will be available to bid on in a silent auction.
The benefit is from noon to 4 p.m. at Dubby’s Tailgate, 165 South Platt St.
These volunteers are wearing shirts that say, “Debbie’s Dreamers – Believing in a cancer-free future.”
Prest runs the Red Check business in Albion. She helps organize and raise funds for Albion’s downtown flowers, the annual wine tasting event in the downtown, and many other events through the Albion Merchants Association.
“You meet Debbie once and she’s your friend,” said Teresa Gurney, one of the volunteers today. “She’s the best. I’ve never seen her in a bad mood even when bad things happen to her.”
Christine Ranallo puts some tickets in the baskets up for raffle today. Ranallo and the other volunteers put their tickets in before the doors opened at noon.
Becky Alexander, co-owner of Dubby’s, said Prest has become one her closest friends since Dubby’s Tailgate opened about four years ago. Prest loves to taste test items that the Alexander family are experimenting with.
Prest also has helped organize live music and events at Dubby’s, most recently with Bingo and painting classes.
Alexander met Prest through volunteering at Rock the Park, Albion’s summer music festival.
Alexander said Dubby’s will change its name for today to “Debbie’s” in honor of their friend.
Karen Spierdwowis, another volunteer, puts in her tickets in the basket raffle.
This group led by Tom O’Hearn and Dusty DeCarlo is cooking 550 chicken barbecues. In front from left include DeCarlo, O’Hearn and Ray Stefani. In back from left are Gary Moore, Kevin Sheehan, Mike Schuck, Phil Burgess, Gary Van Wycke and John Gurney.
The dinners are $20 each. O’Hearn and the team volunteer to cook the chickens at 5 to 6 benefits a year. He has been doing this since 1986 when he learned from Chester Preston.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 July 2025 at 8:23 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Mary Lonnen of Lyndonville, left, stops during her tour of the garden to take a picture of garden owner Jeanette Riley, seated at left, and her sister Joyce.
ALBION – An annual garden tour to benefit the Cobblestone Society has become a highlight of the summer season for many in Orleans County.
This year’s event took place Thursday afternoon and evening in the opulent gardens of Jeanette Riley and her family on Riley Place, off Moore Street in Albion near the bank of the Erie Canal.
Terry Wilbert of Albion meanders along a path in Jeanette Riley’s garden. His wife Kae, a bassoonist, was preparing for the performance of the quintet E-Yah-Pah-Hah.
Shirley Bright-Neeper of Medina and Joyce Chizick of Lyndonville, both members of the Cobblestone Society, led the annual event. Bright-Neeper praised the volunteers who helped, and the band, which she said was “absolutely wonderful.”
Showers were forecast, but held off for the event, which attracted more than 100 guests, exceeding expectations.
“This is our fifth year for the garden tour and it is a record one,” said Doug Farley, Cobblestone Museum director, who was all smiles as he directed traffic by the Riley’s driveway.
Joyce Potote of Holley chatted with Yuko and Chris Wilkins from Tokyo, who are on furlough in Albion as missionaries with the Free Methodist denomiantion. They marveled at Riley’s gardens, Potote saying she had visited them before with her garden club.
Mary Lonnen of Lyndonville and Sandy Fenton of Medina strolled the winding paths, admiring plants and statuary and stopping to take pictures along the way.
“As a fellow gardener, I just love it here,” Lonnen said. “Jeanette has so many original ideas. We all appreciate what she’s done here.”
“It’s wonderful they are sharing their wealth and imagination with us,” Fenton said.
There was plenty of comfortable seating throughout the garden, with many niches, alcoves and secluded arbors in which to relax. A small barn was converted into a kitchen area where elaborate snacks were supplied for guests, most all made by Chizick. Near the orchestra, Georgia Thomas served up sweet treats and iced tea. Another shaded area provided space for Mark Bower and Chris Sartwell to serve a selection of wine to guests.
As parking near the garden was limited, organizers arranged for a shuttle which transported guests back and forth from the former St. Mary’s Church a short distance away on Brown Street.
Riley, who was seated on a garden bench with her sister Joyce, greeted guests and answered questions, while sometimes posing for a picture. She said she was thrilled to be able to share what she has accomplished there with so many people.
From left, Chris Capurso, Brenda Radzinski and Gail Johnson, all board members of the Cobblestone Society, greet guests as they arrive at Jeanette Riley’s garden on the banks of the Erie Canal in Albion for the annual soiree Thursday afternoon and evening.
(Left) Georgia Thomas of Medina offers a petite pineapple square at the dessert table set up near the area where the quintent E-Yah-Pah-Hah entertained guests. (Right) Joyce Chizick arranges a tray of hors d’oeuvres she prepared for the Cobblestone’s garden tour on Thursday.
Guests stroll at their leisure through the extensive gardens of Jeanette Riley on the bank of the Erie Canal on Moore Street in Albion.
Yuko and Chris Wilkins, left, from Tokyo and Joyce Potote of Holley rest in one of seating areas throughout Jeanette Riley’s garden. The Wilkins are staying in Albion while on furlough as missionaries with the Free Methodist denomination until September.
Sandy Fenton of Medina, left, and Mary Lonnen of Lyndonville pose by a grouping of metal blooms in Jeanette Riley’s garden during the Cobblestone Society’s annual mid-summer celebration.
Guests enjoy elegant finger foods made by Joyce Chizick of Lyndonville.
Mark Bower and Chris Sartwell poured wine under a garden umbrella for guests, including Dick Remley at right.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 July 2025 at 7:48 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Susan Starkweather Miller and Tim Archer are shown at Mount Albion Cemetery by a sign showing progress towards raising $225,000 to repair the chapel’s roof and make the site safe to be used by the public again.
Albion eighth-graders made the sign showing the fundraising progress. More sections of the window need to be filled in because donations are currently at $140,000.
The chapel was built in 1875 and needs significant repairs to the roof and other improvements. The chapel is the focal point for visitors to the cemetery who enter through the main entrance through the sandstone arch.
The chapel remains structurally sound, but it needs a new Vermont slate roof. The roof has leaked causing other problems.
“It’s worthy of saving,” said Starkweather Miller, the village historian. “I believe in our community and there is a lot of love for Mount Albion.”
If the chapel is restored, she said the building could again be used for memorial services, local history talks and other events.
The roof has leaked in the chapel. The fundraising campaign will address the interior problems with the building, as well as putting on a new roof.
The $225,000 would restore the chapel with the following improvements:
A new roof with Vermont slate matching the original design
Asbestos abatement on the roof
Repointing on the entire building
Interior replastering of the north wall
Electrical upgrades (wiring, outlets, internal and external lighting
Heating unit for seasonal use
Ceiling tile removal and repair of plaster and vaulted ceiling
Remove old floor, repair subfloor and put in a new floor
Refurbish exterior doors and window trim
A committee has been working about a year to identify the needs of the chapel and to start raising funds for the restoration. That group includes Starkweather Miller, Archer, David Snell, Toni Stark and Tony Wynn.
The Orleans County Historical Association, led by President Bill Lattin, also is helping with the fundraising. That group is a 501c3 organization and all donations can be tax deductible. Click here for more information about making a donation.
The fundraising received a major donation recently with $100,000 from George B. Harris. His grandfather, George D. Harris, was a prominent contractor in the community. George B. now lives in Washington state but continues to have a love for the Albion community, Starkweather Miller said.
Sue Starkweather Miller during a cemetery tour last August at Mount Albion discusses the life of George D. Harris, a prominent local builder and contractor. His office was on the canal. He died in 1918 at the age of 50.
The painting is by Peter West, who gave it to Harris in exchange for work. The rod and reel in the painting were owned by Harris. Three of Harris’s granddaughters attended the tour, and his grandson listened by speaker phone.
As a contractor Harris built many new homes in Albion and redesigned others, including the former Swan Library, the Trolley Depot next to Swan Library, Jacob Landauer’s home on West State Street, the Baptist Parsonage, remodeled the Citizen’s National Bank, remodeled the Village Hall, built the Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital and built a high school at the two bridges in Carlton which has since been demolished.
The chapel restoration also has received a $10,000 donation from the DAR, and significant contributions from the Keeler family and Dale Blissett.
There will be a tour of Mount Albion at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3 with a focus on some of the pioneer settlers of the community as part of a celebration of Orleans County’s Bicentennial.
Photos by Natalie Baron: Several children went all-out in a competition of Gaga Ball today at Bullard Park. Kids hit the ball with their hands, and, if hit with the ball below the knee, had to exit the pit until the next round.
By Natalie Baron, Orleans Hub intern
ALBION – Bullard Park hosted its County Wide Park Fun Day today, with many activities open to all children in the county.
The leaders of the Fun Day were the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern and the Village of Albion Recreation Department. The Ministry of Concern covered the $5 that would have been the entrance fee. Along with this, all children received a free hot dog, juice, and French fries.
John Grillo, the recreation director, said more than 500 kids attended and received wrist bands. The park was bustling despite temperatures near 90 degrees.
Patrick Holman, a magician, performed at the Fun Day. Here, he used letters on cards to ask the audience if they were ready to see some magic. He stacked all the cards, then dropped cards to reveal them to be attached together, spelling out the word “MAGIC.”
Some of the young attendees played tug of war. They used all their might to score a victory.
Maisyn caught a ride on a pony. The pony rides were well-liked by the children.
A little girl smiled as she soaked in the suds pit. The children occupied themselves by making stacks of bubble foam.
Children flocked to Bullard Park’s splash pad to beat the heat. They joyfully played in the water.
Anna and Abigail faced off at checkers. The girls pondered moves, then struck.
Yarieliz survived a round of Jenga. She turned and excitedly gave a thumbs-up.
A child looked down at the pretty water in the duck pool. Children anticipated their turn to cool down.
The bounce houses made a return from last year’s event. They were a hit with the kids.
Other activities included face and rock painting, basketball, disc golf, and the playground. Food and beverages were offered.
Tonight, the band Savage Cabbage will play at the amphitheater, as the Summer Concert Series continues to entertain the community.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 July 2025 at 5:44 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Kade Leverenz, 5, of Holley heads down the slide in one of the bounce houses during a Countywide Park Fun Day last year on July 17. The Fun Day returns on Wednesday.
ALBION – Wednesday will be a big day at Bullard Park with the Route 31 site adding bounce houses, pony rides, face and rock painting, and many other activities.
The park is hosting its Countywide Park Fun Day. Children have access to all the activities. The Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern is covering what would have been a $5 charge.
The Fun Day will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes access to the splash pad, playground, Gaga ball pit, basketball courts, disc golf and other park amenities.
Food and beverages also will be available, and there will be a performance by Patrick the Magician.
