Facebook

Albion

Albion and Gaines vote on joint fire district on Tuesday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 August 2024 at 2:31 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Albion fire hall on North Platt Street is shown in April during an open house and recruitment effort for the Albion Fire Department.

ALBION – Voters in the towns of Albion and Gaines will decide on Tuesday whether a joint fire district will be created to oversee fire protection in the two towns, which also include the village of Albion.

The Village Board and the town Town Boards voted to create the fire district, but a referendum was forced after enough petitions were turned in to bring the issue to a public vote.

Both Albion and Gaines will vote from noon to 8 p.m. at Hoag Library, 134 South Main St.

Voters will be asked whether a joint fire district encompassing the village and the two towns shall be approved.

The elected officials for the two towns and village support the joint fire district, which would take the fire department out of the village budget. The two towns currently pay the village a fire protection contract.

With the current $350,000 budget, the village pays $113,456 (32 percent), the Town of Gaines contributes $120,422 (35 percent) and the Town of Albion pays $116,122 (33 percent).

The fire district would have its own commissioners to oversee and manage fire protection, and set the budget.

Albion Fire Department officials say the fire department’s current budget of $350,000 is far too short. The department has advised the budget will need to be increased to about $750,000.

The culprit for a bigger budget is the need to soon replace two fire trucks: a ladder truck and an engine.

A new ladder truck (to replace one that is 27 years old) is expected to cost $2.2 million. It would likely be bonded over 20 years at a 7 percent interest rate with an annual payment of $208,000.

A new fire engine (to replace one 32 years old) would likely have a purchase price of $1.1 million. It would be bonded over 20 years with an annual payment of $104,000 a year.

Albion Fire Department officials said the budget needs to increase for the new trucks and equipment whether there is a fire district or if the department remains in the village budget with the towns paying the village in a fire protection contract.

The local officials favor having the board of commissioners to focus solely on the fire protection needs, and also spread out the budget fairly over the tax base in the municipalities.

Holley and Fancher-Hulberton-Murray have formed a joint fire district, and Lyndonville also recently moved to a fire district, taking the fire department out of the village budget.

1,000 attend Rock the Park over 2 days

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 August 2024 at 2:07 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The band Tryst from Rochester closed out the Rock the Park 9 music festival at Bullard Park on Saturday night.

The band is performing “Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind.

Tryst opened with “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon.

The concert by Tryst capped two days of music at Bullard Park, which has been hosting the music festival as a fundraiser for the park and also to bring people to the park and Albion for a music-filled experience.

Tryst, shown singing “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” by Luke Bryan, made its debut at the Albion Summer Music Festival. Nine different bands performed on Saturday and three bands were on the stage for Friday.

Ron Albertson, one of the committee members, estimated 1,000 people attended the festival over the two days. Some rainy weather earlier on Friday may have deterred some people from attending, but Albertson said overall the weather was very ideal for the outdoor performances.

Ron Albertson, left, is joined on the stage by Scott Ryan, father of the late Dan Ryan, a long-time supporter of Rock the Park. This year’s festival’s is dedicated to Dan Ryan, who passed away at age 39 on June 23.

Scott Ryan pulled the ticket for the winner of a guitar and starter kit. Dan Ryan donated several refurbished guitars for previous Rock the Park events. Scott Ryan said the family will continue to donate a guitar for Rock the Park in the future.

The Zackstreet Boys performed early afternoon on Saturday. The band includes Zack Burgess, center, on guitar and vocals; Kole Moore on guitar, left; Mike Whiting on guitar, right; and Brian Domenick on drums.

Other performers on Saturday included Chris Moore, Ryan & Company, Distant View, Shotgun Pauly, driVen, The Who Dats, 7th Heaven and Tryst.

On Friday, the bands included Triple Play, Lonesome Road and Highway 31.

Bill Pileggi plays guitar and sings for Triple Play, which made its first appearance at Rock the Park. Pileggi, a retired Holley school principal, said he liked how the sound was all set up for the musicians and they were able to easily follow one another on the stage, with most of the concerts about an hour.

“We enjoy listening to each other,” Pileggi said about the showcase for so many bands. “For a small town we have a lot of talent.”

The crowd was close to the stage for Tryst, while many also enjoyed the music from under the tent.

Tryst had the crowd fired up for the show.

Mountain dulcimer musician performs in Hoag series

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 August 2024 at 8:12 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Big Futch sings and plays the mountain dulcimer during a concert a Hoag Library in Albion today. Futch is shown singing, “John Henry was a Steel Drivin’ Man.”

Futch has been a professional musician for more than 30 years. He tours nationally and lives in Orlando, Fla.

About 50 people attended today’s concert at Hoag.

Jim Doyle, a librarian at Hoag and the music series coordinator, intorduces Futch, who Doyle called “a super cool musician.”

Hoag started the concert series last year and Doyle has tried to line up musicians who haven’t performed in Orleans County before.

A state arts grant administered by GO Art! makes the concert series possible.

The concerts are free and begin at noon. The remainder of the lineup this year includes:

  • Rochester Recorder Society on Aug. 17
  • Alyssa Rodriguez on Sept. 14
  • Muriel Anderson on Oct. 12
  • Duo Tufekčić & Conant on Nov. 9
  • Rochester Ukulele Orchestra on Dec. 7

Smoke shop opens on Main Street in Albion

Photo by Tom Rivers: Mohammed “Mo” Ayash is shown today at D-R Smoke Shop, which he opened on July 22 at 139 South Main St.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 August 2024 at 5:31 pm

ALBION – The D-R Smoke Shop has opened on South Main Street, selling tobacco, CBD gummies, cigars, non-nicotine vapes, creatine supplements, lighters and glass bongs.

Mohammed “Mo” Ayash was ready to open the business in early June but the opening was pushed back until July 22. The Village of Albion wanted Ayash to show seven dedicated parking spaces for the business, which is located in a former flower shop with apartments.

The Village Planning Board said Ayash would need a parking variance without the seven spots, but he was able to show seven marked spots for the business during the July 18 meeting. With that in order, the board and code enforcement officer approved the opening, Ayash said.

He has worked in different businesses with his family the past 15 years in Buffalo. He wanted to start his own enterprise and is happy with Albion, which he called “a beautiful town.”

The business is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Ayash said he is listening to customers and will build up the inventory in the store.

“We are here for the people,” he said. “We are trying to give them what they want.”

Rain stops, bands get rocking at Bullard for music festival

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 August 2024 at 8:20 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Highway 31 performed on Friday night from the amphitheater stage at Bullard Park. It rained hard earlier in the day on Friday, but the drizzle stopped in time for the bands at Bullard. This photo is taken looking through from under a big tent.

Highway 31 followed Lonesome Road and Triple Play. Today is the second day of Albion Summer Music Festival/Rock the Park 9. Musicians will be on stage from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The lineup includes Chris Moore and Ryan & Company, followed by bands Distant View, Zackstreet Boys, Shotgun Pauly, driVen, The Who Dats, 7th Heaven and Tryst.

Highway 31 includes Rich Nolan as the lead singer, Aaron Clark of Holley and Tim LaPorte Sr. on guitar, Clinton LaPorte on bass, and Timmy LaPorte on drums.

Rich Nolan, lead singer for Highway 31, kept the crowd entertained with ’90s music, contemporary country and some rock. Here he is singing “Something Like That” by Tim McGraw.

Sheri McIlvene, left, and Susan Oschmann are selling $5 tcikets for a chance to win beer and wine packages. Oschmann has been selling the tickets this summer as a fundraiser for pickleball courts at Bullard Park.

The winning tickets will be announced at about 8:45 p.m. today in between the performances by 7th Heaven and Tryst.

Jill Albertson is selling tickets for a chance to win a guitar and starter kit. This year’s Rock the Park is dedicated in memory of Dan Ryan, who was a key promoter of the event.

Ryan passed away at age 39 on June 23. He donated refurbished guitars as a fundraiser for past Rock the Park events. Ryan also helped with the sound, worked security and played drums in bands that performed at the music festival.

Savage Cabbage brings rocking tunes to Bullard Park

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 August 2024 at 9:15 am

‘Rock the Park’ returns Friday and Saturday

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Frank Starowitz, left, the lead singer for Savage Cabbage and bassist Mike “Thunder” Warren give an energetic start to “TNT” by AC/DC.

Savage Cabbage performed on the amphitheater stage at Bullard Park on Wednesday evening. The band has been playing locally since 1979 and includes cabbage farmers – Frank, John and Andrew Starowitz, as well as other musicians.

Frank Starowitz, center, sings “Lick It Up” by Kiss. From left include Mike “Grinder” Moore, John Starowitz, Frank Starowitz and Mike “Thunder” Warren.

Bullard Park will host the Albion Summer Music Festival/Rock the Park 9 on Friday and Saturday.

The lineup on Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. includes Lonesome Road, Triple Play and Highway 31.

Then on Saturday, the longer schedule from 11 a.m., to 11 p.m. includes Chris Moore and Ryan & Company to start the music, followed by bands Distant View, Zackstreet Boys, Shotgun Pauly, driVen, The Who Dats, 7th Heaven and Tryst.

The Rochester band Tryst will close out the festival on Saturday. Organizers of the event picked a new band to conclude the music on Saturday, after two years of having Nerds Gone Wild for the finale.

“We’re trying to mix it up,” said Ron Albertson, one of the committee members for Rock the Park. “We had real good turnout the past two years with Nerds.”

Albertson said about 1,200 people attended the festival last year. Proceeds go towards upgrading Bullard Park.

The event also will include food, and arts and crafts vendors.

Class of ’72 in Albion has reunion in honor of turning 70 this year

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Members of the Class of 1972 at Albion High School had a reunion Saturday at Bullard Park of all the members who turn 70 this year.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 31 July 2024 at 8:34 am

ALBION – The Class of 1972 at Albion High School was a close group during high school, and the friendships they formed have continued throughout the years.

In addition to reunions to celebrate special anniversaries, such as the 50th held at the White Birch in Lyndonville, members of the class have continued to meet for lunches and chicken barbecues.

Their most recent get-together was a gathering Saturday at Bullard Park of all the class members who will be 70 this year.

The committee planning Saturday’s event included Eileen Williams, who has organized lunches; fellow classmate Howard Ward, who has done chicken barbecues, including cooking the chicken for Saturday’s outing; Marita DeLuca Dumrese and Joanie Neri Millis.

The planning committee for the Class of 1972 get-together Saturday at Bullard Park are, from left,  Eileen Williams, Howard Ward, Marita DeLuca Dumrese and Joanie Neri Miller.

After enjoying lunch Colleen Murphy McKenna, Vickie Murphy McKenna, Vickie Condoluci Wheeler, Rex Hults, Margaret Colonna Burgio and Marita DeLuca Dumrese cut a birthday cake in honor of the celebration.

Officers for the class in their senior year were Anne Eddy, president; Ron Billingsley, vice president; Joanie Neri Millis, secretary; and Judy Bielicki, treasurer.

“We all really got along and worked together,” said Joanie Peters of West Barre. “We always had fun together, especially getting ready for proms.”

The class was celebrating their 50th reunion at the White Birch when someone said they should have a 70th birthday party. Twenty-six of the original 181 members and their significant others attended the party on Saturday.

Classmates who traveled the farthest were Vickie Pratt from Texas and Marilee Tokotch Flugel from Arizona.

Class of 1972 members getting ready to cut the cake are Colleen Murphy McKenna, Vickie Condoluci Wheeler, Rex Hults, Margaret Colonna Burgio and Marita DeLuca Dumrese. At far left is Jim Frasier.

Blood drive in Albion today has big turnout in honor of Jared Ostrander

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 July 2024 at 3:23 pm

Kendall boy, 16, needed blood transfusions when he was a baby

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Kristen Ostrander, center, is shown giving blood today at the Elks Lodge in Albion with Connie from the Red Cross and Kristen’s son Jared.

Ostrander helped rally blood donors for today’s drive and the result has been 58 appointments, the most in several years. There is room for more walk-ins before the drive ends at 7 p.m.

The blood drive at the Elk’s Lodge usually attracts about 40 blood donors. Today there are 14 first-time donors and many who haven’t given in a while are back, said Wendy Evenden, accounts manager for the American Red Cross.

Jared was born nearly 17 years ago on July 25, 2007. He was born three weeks early and was diagnosed with Patent Ductus Arteriosus and persistent pulmonary hypertension of a newborn. One of his ducts didn’t close properly and his blood was flowing backwards, his mother said.

Jared needed two blood transfusions, and he was able to rebound at the NICU at Strong Memorial Hospital and went home after 17 days. He has not be affected by the issues since then. Jared is going into his senior year at Kendall. He is on the wrestling and track teams at Kendall.

Ostrander said she was looking for a way to give back to the community and knew summer tends to be a time when the Red Cross needs blood. The is currently a critical need for the blood supply.

The current donor base is the lowest since Sept. 11, 2001, Evenden said.

The Red Cross welcomes more drives in honor of people who have received transfusions. Evenden said some drives can be in memory of someone, and the Red Cross welcomes challenge drives pitting organizations, fire departments and other groups. For more information, contact here at wendy.evenden@redcross.org or call (716) 260-6899.

There are other upcoming drive sin Orleans County:

Monday, July 29:

Orleans County YMCA

306 Pearl St.

Medina, NY 14103

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 9:

Orleans County Administration Building

14016 Route 31

Albion, NY 14411

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 13:

Sacred Heart Club

189 N Gravel Rd.

Medina, NY 14103

1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 24:

Hoag Library

134 South Main St.

Albion, NY 14411

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information on Red Cross blood drives, click here.

Big barge heads back through Orleans with much lighter load

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 July 2024 at 10:58 am

Tugboat pushing empty barges back to Albany after delivering bridge to Buffalo

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A tugboat passed through Albion this morning around 10:20, pushing a 195-foot-long barge.

The barge has a much lighter load after Carver Companies delivered a bridge to Buffalo last week.

The bridge was in four sections, and two barges carried two sections each. Carver is bringing the two barges back to Albany.

Jim Babcock stopped to get an up close look at the barge and tugboat. He said it was the biggest barge he’s ever seen on the canal.

The tugboat moves the barge east on the canal, going under the Ingersoll Street lift bridge.

Barge crew heads out early in serene scene from Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2024 at 8:25 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Crew members help guide a 195-foot-long barge as it nears a bend on the Erie Canal in Gaines this morning, close to the historical marker that notes this spot is the northernmost point on the Erie Canal. This photo was taken at about 6:25 a.m.

Crew members from Carver Companies started the day early in Albion. A tugboat pushing the barge started at 6 a.m. and began moving a 195-foot-long barge from its overnight spot between the lift bridges in Albion.

There were a few people up from the community to see the tugboat and barge begin the trek headed west. Carver Companies estimates it will be in Medina around 8:30-9 this morning.

Donna Matteson drove from Kent to Albion to see the barge at 6 a.m. She is pleased to see the canal used to move some heavy cargo. In this case it is two sections of a pedestrian bridge in Buffalo.

Carver already has moved two other sections of the bridge to Buffalo, passing through Orleans on Monday and reaching Buffalo on Tuesday. Carver has been moving the two big barges for about 2 1/2 weeks on the canal, starting in Albany.

Crew members stand on the end of the barge to help direct the massive vessel carrying sections of a bridge. This was at about 6 a.m. when the crew departed from Albion.

The barge and tug head west while early morning mist is on the canal in Albion.

The barge gets under the guard gate in Albion. Carver Companies said the two sections on the barge are bigger and heavier than the first two that passed through Orleans County on Monday. The heavier cargo caused the barge to sit lower in the water, scraping bottom at times on the journey.

Carver Companies posted on its Facebook page the barge needs to draft 9 feet in order to clear under bridges that are 15 feet, 6 inches.

The two pedestrian bridge sections on the barge today are 2 feet higher than the sections are on the first barge, so Carver has the barge sitting deeper in the water to get under the bridges.

The barge passes under the Gaines Basin Road canal bridge.

The barge and tugboat heads west near the northernmost point of the canal, with Eagle Harbor the next hamlet on the journey.

Carver Companies said it is hoping to reach Buffalo Saturday morning with the two sections of the pedestrian bridge.

Second big barge reaches Albion, will head out in morning towards Buffalo

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 July 2024 at 10:26 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A 195-foot-long barge made it to Albion, passing underneath the Ingersoll Street lift bridge at about 7:40 p.m.

The barge is carrying two sections of a pedestrian bridge headed to Buffalo. The tugboat CMT Otter pushed the barge from Rochester to Albion today. The barge and tug are staying in Albion overnight, and will head east at about 6 a.m. on Friday.

Carver Companies, a company based near Albany, expects the barge will reach its final destination in Buffalo on Saturday. The first barge carrying two other sections of the bridge passed through Orleans County on Monday. On Tuesday it reached Buffalo at Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy.

The barge heads west on the canal in this photo taken from the Brown Street canal bridge.

The two sections on the barge today are bigger and heavier than the first two. That caused the barge to sit lower in the water, scraping bottom at times on the journey.

Carver Companies posted on its Facebook page the barge needs to draft 9 feet in order to clear under bridges that are 15 feet, 6 inches.

The two pedestrian bridge sections on the barge today are 2 feet higher than the sections are on the first barge, so Carver has the barge sitting deeper in the water to get under the bridges.

The canal is listed as being 12 feet deep, but Carver Companies said it is lesser than that in some spots. “This resulted in slower speeds than expected today,” Carver posted on social media.

Here are more photos of the barge and tugboat coming into Albion this evening.

The barge emerges from underneath the Brown Street bridge.

The barge carries a long sing urging people to “Follow Me To Buffalo.” The trip started about two weeks ago in Albany and has attracted lots of media attention and many onlookers.

A 1,200-horsepower tugboat has kept the long and heavy barge moving.

Many people took photos and videos of the barge coming into Albion, and tying up for the night between the lift bridges.

300 kids enjoy bounce houses, fun at Bullard Park

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 July 2024 at 4:30 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Bullard Park welcomed a bigger crowd of kids today for the summer recreation program. Today was the program was open to children throughout Orleans County, as well as Elba’s summer rec program in Genesee County.

There were six bounce houses set up, as well as face painting, food, a magic show and other activities.

About 300 kids were at the park today, said John Grillo, Albion’s recreation program director.

Seven students form the Iroquois Job Corps helped run the event today with the village recreation department.

Kade Leverenz, 5, of Holley heads down the slide in one of the bounce houses.

These kids play with giant Legos brought to the park by the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern. GOMOC used a grant from ESL to purchase the blocks and other games. The Ministry of Concern also used the grant to pay the $5 cost for each ticket for a child to use the bounce houses, attend a magic show and also get food served by the Masonic Lodge.

John Hollenbeck, 14, volunteered with the Masonic Lodge and served up popcorn.

Patrick Holman of Medina put on a magic show. Here he is assisted by Julianna with a rope trick. Holman tied a knot that moved up and down on the rope. The rope also was cut in half and then seemed to miraculously come back together as one rope.

These kids try to catch the knot from the rope. Holman performed his show for about 50 kids at the park’ amphitheater.

Funeral home donates van for veterans transport service

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 July 2024 at 2:58 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Orleans County Joint Veterans Council today was given a van to be used to transport veterans to medical appointments.

Pictured from left include Jake Hebdon of Cooper Funeral Home in Medina, Josh Mitchell of Mitchell Family Cremation & Funerals, Joint Veterans’ Council president Dave Kusmierczak, and Joint Veterans’ Council secretary Nancy Traxler, who is also the county’s veterans service agency officer. (Mitchell is handing off the van’s keys to Kusmierczak.)

Cooper Funeral Home and Mitchell Family Cremation & Funerals merged on April 1. The funeral home co-owners said the new partnership brought efficiencies, and they didn’t need the van anymore.

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has about 73,000 miles. It has a value of about $15,000. Rather than sell it, Hebdon and Josh Mitchell wanted to give it to the local Joint Veterans Council.

The funeral directors said they work with the local veterans frequently, especially the Honor Guard that attends funerals for veterans.

Dave Kusmierczak is president of the Joint Veterans Council and one of the volunteer drivers. The council will be able to retire one of its five other vans that is high mileage with about 120,000 miles.

“This was a total surprise,” Kusmierczak said about the van. “It’s a blessing they looked us up to give us the van.”

The council typically saves money from donations and fundraisers and then buys a used van that is low mileage.

The council has about 20 volunteer drivers who take veterans to about 1,000 medical appointments each year. The council is always looking for more volunteer drivers and people in the office to schedule drivers for appointments.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can call (585) 589-2856.

The van donated by the funeral home will be inspected with decals added that says it is owned by the Joint Veterans Council and provides transportation to veterans for medical appointments.

Big barge puts spotlight on 199-year-old Erie Canal

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 July 2024 at 3:10 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY/ALBION –  A long barge nears the Keitel Road canal bridge in Albion around 2 p.m. today. Carver Companies is pushing a 195-foot-long barge with a tugboat.

The company started in Rochester today and headed west. The final destination, which could be in a few days, is in Buffalo for a 266-foot-long pedestrian bridge.

Carver Companies has two barges for moving the bridge which is in four sections, with two sections on each barge. Carver is based in Coeymans, NY, near Albany.

The company planned to tie up the barge overnight in Albion, but now may go all the way through Orleans County and stop in Gasport. The second barge started the day in Pittsford.

The barge and tugboat passes under the Bennetts Corners Road canal bridge in Holley around noon.

Many people have lined the canal to get a glimpse of the big barge. This kid was excited when the tug captain sounded the horn on the boat.

The trek with the long barge has been in the news a lot since the trip started in Albany 11 days ago.

Dawn Borchet, the Orleans County tourism director, gets photos of the barge as it approaches the Butts Road bridge in Albion.

Borchet said the journey of the pedestrian bridge has put lots of limelight on the canal. She said crowds of people shows there is a lot of pride in the canal communities for the historic waterway.

Kevin Bedard of Holley gets a close photo of the barge and tug as it nears the Holley lift bridge.

“It’s so cool,” Bedard said. “It’s once-in-a lifetime.”

The massive barge sneaks under the lift bridge in Holley while it is fully extended.

The barge heads under the Route 237 bridge in Holley after rounding a bend in the canal. The frequent turns, as well as locks, lift bridges and guard gates has made for a painstaking and often slow journey.

The vessel took it slow going through the guard gate next to the 237 overpass.

The barge is past the Route 237 bridge out in the open country with the Telegraph Road canal bridge next.

These people pedal fast on their bikes to stay with the barge and it heads west of Holley.

The barge passes the Densmore Road bridge in Albion and heads to the Keitel Road bridge around 1:45 p.m.

These two watch from the Keitel Road bridge as the barge gets closer to the Village of Albion. Many onlookers watched from the canal towpath or from the bridges as the barge worked its way west through Orleans County.

Two sections of the bridge that were made in Italy are shown on the barge.

The tug “Otter” moves the long barge. Otter is a 1,200-horsepower tug.

Benefit today for Albion man who loved music, performed as drummer in local bands

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2024 at 5:26 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – These wrist bands are available to purchase today as part of a benefit to help Dan Ryan’s family with expenses.

Dan Ryan passed away on June 23 after getting pneumonia that then caused multiple organ failure. Ryan had been battling a liver problem.

The band Eclipse performs on the stage at Dubby’s Tailgate. Eclipse followed Clueless on the stage. Chris Moore and other musicians are expected to play until the benefit ends at 9 p.m.

Ryan was the drummer of Eclipse which includes Erin Moody on lead vocals, D.J. Button on guitar, Brett Zambito on bass, and Mike Parker on drums.

Zambito said the loss of Ryan is painful for the local music community and for Albion.

“His kids just adored him,” Zambito said about Ryan, the father of Nadalee, 12, and Tyler, 6. “He was a good dude. It’s sad all around.”

There are 73 baskets and gift certificates up for raffle. Dan Conrad and Ryan’s sister Pam Kennedy helped to collect many of the baskets.

Pam Kennedy and her son Ayden, 10, sell the raffle tickets for the benefit today.