Provided photo: Dan Ryan was a drummer in many local bands the past 20 years. He was a key force in the Rock the Park music festival at Bullard Park.

ALBION – A benefit at Dubby’s Tailgate on Sunday will be in honor of a man who gave countless hours to help other people, including the annual Rock the Park music festival at Bullard Park.

Dan Ryan died at age 39 on June 23. He needed a liver transplant. He got pneumonia and then suffered multiple organ failure, his sister Pamela Kennedy said.

Ryan is survived by two children, Nadalee, 12, and Tyler, 6. The benefit on Sunday will help his family with Ryan’s expenses.

“He was always talking to people and helping people,” Kennedy said. “He was a good guy.”

Kennedy is helping to organize the benefit on Sunday that goes from noon to 9 p.m. Ryan’s friend Dan Conrad also is working to organize the event. They both welcome more basket raffle donations for the fundraiser. Kennedy can be reached at (585) 471-0944 and Conrad at (585) 590-1148.

Ryan played the drums for the band, Eclipse. That band will be performing on Sunday, along with Clueless, Chris Moore, and others.

Ryan played with other local bands in the past two decades. He was driving force in starting Rock the Park, which is now in its ninth year. The event from Aug. 2-3 will be dedicated in his memory.

Zack Burgess was in the band Zero with Ryan on the drums in the early days of Rock the Park.

“While he was never part of our actual committee, Dan would show up the days leading up to, and the day of the event, ready to help out with whatever was needed. Which, those that knew him will tell you, was not an uncommon trait for him,” Burgess posted in a tribute on Facebook.

“Over the years, Dan played drums in our original host band Zero, and even set up his drums for the rest of the bands to use. He played on our float in the Strawberry Festival parade, designed and refinished multiple Rock the Park guitars to raffle off, and even ran sound for us (for free) for the first two years of our event. And that’s all outside of the manual labor he would provide just to help us get the event set up.”

Kennedy said her brother loved to play the drums since he was a little kid. He taught his kids to play them, too.

Conrad spent many hours fishing with Ryan. He saw how Ryan would look to help others, never wanting anything in return.

“He was a fun, outgoing person,” Conrad. “He was there for everybody.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: The band Eclipse performs “Stinkfist” by Tool during Rock the Park 7 at Bullard Park in Albion on Aug. 6, 2022. Erin Moody is lead singer for the band that includes Brett Zambito, left, on guitar and D.J. Button, right, on guitar, as well as Dan Ryan on the drums. This year’s Albion Summer Festival/Rock the Park 9 on Aug. 2-3 is dedicated in honor of Ryan, who passed away at age 39 on June 23.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli was in Albion on Saturday to meet with the local Democratic Party and encourage them in what is often a daunting task of fielding candidates in a Republican-dominated county.

DiNapoli has been state comptroller since 2007. He has met with local Democrats at least twice before in Albion.

He noted Democrats in rural parts of the state have the work extra hard to get candidates elected. In Orleans County, Republicans outnumber Democrats by a 2-to-1 ratio.

“Every vote you get in Orleans County is a hard-fought vote,” DiNapoli told about 30 people during a gathering on Saturday at Hoag Library. “I don’t want you to think that we at the state level don’t appreciate and recognize it.”

He said Democrats can win by drawing support from independents and even some Republicans. He urged them to keep trying in the local elections and stay active as a committee in the county.

“Bad things happen when good people don’t vote,” he said.

Tom DiNapoli addresses local Democrats in Albion on Saturday. Jeff Lewis, Democratic Party chairman in Orleans County, is in back at right.

A priority this coming election is to defeat Donald Trump in the presidential race. DiNapoli said there “is a lot of soul-searching going on” among Democrats. Joe Biden faces increasing pressure to drop out of the race. He is trailing Trump in the polls, and Biden is coming off what many view as a “disastrous” debate against Trump last month.

“We have to stay united as Democrats and make sure Trump is not re-elected again,” DiNapoli said, calling Trump “a threat to democracy.”

The state comptroller said New York State is doing well economically as it works to recover from the Covid pandemic. He said New York City is back to 100 percent with jobs from the pre-Covid levels. Other parts of the state aren’t quite back to 100 percent and are in the 90s. But DiNapoli said unemployment is low at 4.9 percent and sales tax returns have been strong.

The comptroller oversees at $268 billion pension fund, that DiNapoli was up 11.5 percent last year. His office also puts out many reports highlighting challenges in rural areas, including shrinking population, an aging population, emergency services, affordable housing and child poverty. DiNapoli said three upstate cities – Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse – are among the top 10 in the country for highest child poverty levels.

He tries to highlight issues for state legislators and the governor to work on and address with legislation and the state budget.

“As Democrats we want everyone to be lifted up and not just the wealthy and the few,” he said.

David Wagenhauser, a Democrat from Waterloo in Seneca County, attended the Democratic Party gathering on Saturday with DiNapoli.  Wagenhauser seeks to unseat Rep. Claudia Tenney in the 24th Congressional District that covers 14 counties including Orleans.

Wagenhauser is a retired lawyer. He has served as a Brockport village trustee.

DiNapoli said a victory by Wagenhauser would help put the House of Representatives back in a Democratic majority. U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand also is up for election in November, and her re-election is critical for Democrats to hang on to a razor-thin majority in the Senate, DiNapoli said.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Who Dats performed from the amphitheater at Bullard Park on Wednesday evening as part of a July 3^rd celebration.

Several hundred people enjoyed the music at the park.

Todd Graham of the Who Dats takes the lead in this in this song, while Lonnie Froman, the band’s lead singer, took a break for one number. John Borello is at left and Alex DeSmit is on the drums. Ed Hilfiker (not in photo) plays guitar for the popular band that has been entertaining for many years.

There were also several food vendors and four bounce houses.

Ryan Klatt, left, and Steve Keenan also performed from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. as the Ryan Klatt Duo. They are shown near the pavilion and little kids’ playground area.

These kids enjoy the spray park on a hot day with temperatures in the high 80s.

The Village of Albion Recreation program and Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events (G-ACRE) organized the event, which included 350 chicken barbecue dinners sold, face painting and pony rides. John Grillo, the village’s recreation director, said he would like to see the day capped with fireworks in the future.

Rock the Park (Albion Summer Music Festival) returns to the stage on Aug. 2-3.

ALBION – Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern has announced a new program to benefit school children in Orleans and Genesee counties.

Jami Allport, executive director of GOMOC, is excited about their new Back to School Program and hopes it will prove to be very successful.

She explained her agency used to do school supplies, but it has been evident that most schools are now providing the necessary supplies to children, so the need there is not as great as it used to be.

At a recent staff meeting, Allport said Rose Friedl, newly appointed youth coordinator, came up with the idea of providing new sneakers and clothing to school children.

Friedl was formerly with GOMOC’s furniture program, and this is her first big event as youth coordinator, Allport said.

Previously, GOMOC provided clothing and gifts for children at Christmas time, but they realized that many other organizations step up at that time also, including Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Medina Area Association of Churches, the Salvation Army and local churches. But, other than backpack programs, there is a need to help children and families get ready to go back to school.

“We hope this program will bridge that gap,” Allport said.

Allport said GOMOC provided gifts and clothing for 137 children last Christmas, so she knows the need is out there.

“If we can help 100 children – 50 in Orleans and 50 in Genesee County, I will be happy,” Allport said.

To utilize the program, families must visit GOMOC’s office in the First Presbyterian Church of Albion and fill out an intake form and the size, ages, color and list of what their children would like. Entrance to the office in the church basement is off Platt or East State Street. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The agency is closed on the Fourth of July.

Allport stressed how important it is for a child of any age to have nice clothing for school.

“We want kids to feel confident and happy when they go back to school, and sometimes having a new shirt or pair of sneakers will do that,” Allport said. “Many children have never had a new pair of shoes or outfit. Even kids at pre-K level are aware of how the others look.”

Allport is asking the community to step up and donate money or gift cards so they can purchase what these children need. If donating clothing or footwear, the tags must be on them. The public is also encouraged to adopt a family, and either shop for what is on their list or donate money so the items can be purchased.

For more information, contact GOMOC at (585) 589-9210.

The drive will run through Aug. 22.

“If we are able to surpass 100 children, that would be wonderful,” Allport said. “We want to help as many kids as possible.”

Provided photos: The Seneca Park Zoomobile program visited Hoag Library on Friday for the start of the summer reading program. The library has a StoryWalk on the library lawn. Registration for summer reading officially starts Monday.

Press Release, Hoag Library

ALBION – Hoag Library is excited to announce the kickoff of its 2024 Summer Reading Program “Adventure Begins at Your Library.”

This year’s program is packed with fun activities and events designed to engage readers of all ages and foster a love of reading throughout the community.

In addition to a wide array of library programs, participants can look forward to several unique activities:

• StoryWalk: Enjoy reading and the great outdoors simultaneously with our StoryWalk. Pages from a children’s book will be displayed along a walking route on the library lawn, encouraging families to take a stroll while reading together. Additionally, StoryWalks will be popping up in various locations around the community, making it even easier for families to join in the fun wherever they are.

• Adventure Jars: Pick up an Adventure Jar from the library and fill it with fun items you receive after attending a program.

• Nioga Library Map: Embark on a literary journey with our special map, guiding you to visit all the libraries within the Nioga Library System. Collect stickers from each library and be entered into a drawing for fantastic prizes.

“We are thrilled to offer a diverse range of activities this summer,” said Betty Sue Miller, director of Hoag Library. “Our goal is to provide opportunities for learning, adventure, and community connection for readers of all ages.”

The Summer Reading Program is open to children, teens, and adults. Participants can sign up at the library starting Monday, July 1. As always, the program is free of charge, and we encourage everyone in the community to join in the fun.

For more information about the 2024 Summer Reading Program, click here or contact Hoag Library at 585-589-4246.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Jacqueline Santiago Garcia, president of the Class of 2024, speaks to her classmates and the crowd at the Albion football field on Friday night during the 146 annual commencement for the district.

On the stage with her from left include District Superintendent Mickey Edwards, Class Advisor Kathy Winans, Board of Education President Wayne Wadhams and Principal Jennifer Ashbery.

A graduation tradition continued with the Caledonian Pipe Band leading graduates and the junior ushers.

Santiago Garcia thanked all of the families, faculty and friends “who have supported, guided and placed belief in us. Without you we could have not done it. I would also like to thank the custodians who prepared this event for us.”

The class of 130 survived the pandemic and showed resilience through other challenges.

“The journey ahead might be filled with joy, sadness and even confusion, but you must remember that you will overcome these difficulties. Live your life to the fullest.”

Santiago Garcia is headed to Brockport State College to major in criminal justice with a goal to become a lawyer.

She quoted her tennis coach and physical education teacher, Jay Kovaleski, who tells his teams and students to “live with purpose.”

“Live one second at a time, one minute at a time. one day at a time, and one week at a time,” Santiago Garcia said. “We can’t be perfect all the time, but we can learn from our mistakes and be perfectly imperfect.”

She also thanked her mother and spoke to her in Spanish. “Thank you for making me the person I am today,” she said.

These grads are happy with their big moment at commencement. From left include Jordan Marshall, Jennifer Lauro-Ramirez and Alison Gibson.

Meganne Moore, valedictorian, is headed to Geneseo State College to major in biology with a pre-vet track. She recalled attending Seneca Park Zoo in first grade on a rainy day. It could have been a disappointment but she said her classmates made up for animals that didn’t come out of their enclosures.

Ultimately, those connections among the class, forged over 13 years, are so important, Moore said.

“I learned that friendship is someone you laugh with, someone who goes on trips to deliver mail to the main office. It is the people you complain about homework – homework that could have already been completed in the amount of time you spent complaining,” she said. “More than anything it is the people you can count on and trust. These friendships have made my high school experience richer and more meaningful.”

The high school choir, led by teacher Elliot Michki, sings Albion’s Alma Mater.

These grads either head to the stage to get their diplomas or happily hold the hard-earned document. From left include John Bianchi, Isabella Gray and Kaitlyn Allen.

Kevin He, the class salutatorian, heads to the stage for his diploma. He is headed to the University of Rochester for computer science.

He gave the salutatory address and began by saying how AI (artificial intelligence) is transforming industries, healthcare and daily life. He then shared the opening of his speech was actually words from AI.

Despite the successes and advances of AI, he said the technology didn’t helped him in AP physics and calculus exams, in late-night study sessions, or with the laughter, tears and countless memories the class created together.

“As we move forward into this new phase of our lives, let’s embrace the tools and technologies that can enhance our future,” he said. “But let’s also remember the value of human connection, perseverance, and the irreplaceable experiences that have shaped who we are today. AI can assist and augment, but it is our unique human spirit and the bonds we’ve formed that will truly guide us into the future.”

“And no, AI did not write that,” he said.

These grads enter the football stadium. The ceremony was back outdoors after last year it was in the high school gym due to rainy weather.

Landin Chaffee is all smiles after getting his diploma.

David Stritzinger heads up to get his diploma while McKenlynn Stowell heads down the ramp after getting hers. Principal Jennifer Ashbery reads the names of the graduates.

Daci Doward shakes hands with district superintendent Mickey Edwards.

The grads stand and remove their caps for the pledge of allegiance near the beginning of the service, which was just over an hour.

Caps are tossed near the conclusion of the ceremony which was held on the new turf of the football field.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Crosby’s celebrated the grand reopening of its Albion north location this morning. The store was closed for most of April for a remodeling. The store reopened on May 1. Today, company officials joined the local employees and community for a reopening celebration a 202 North Main St.

The inside of the store has an expanded kitchen area, and the Crosby’s has added subs to its food menu that includes pizzas, calzones and a wide variety of breakfast items, including breakfast pizzas.

Linda Pickett, a Crosby’s associate, cleans a surface in the kitchen area. The store has seven employees.

Crosby’s presented a $500 donation to the Albion Fire Department. From left include store manager Becca Smith, district leader Brenda Thompson, Deputy Fire Chief John Papponetti and Dave George, director of operations for Crosby’s.

The business also is giving Albion Central School 40 pizzas to be used from the My Crosby’s Rewards card. Crosby’s also donated $100 to the Orleans County History Department in appreciation for use of historic Albion photos that are inside the store.

Several images from Albion from years past are part of the new store redesign. This photo shows Main Street in the 1940s.

The Reid Group, headquartered in Lockport, owns the store. The Reid Group is comprised of Crosby’s and Reid Petroleum Corp.  The group operates 90 Crosby’s locations throughout Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Reid officials noted the site at 202 North Main St. was a Mimi’s Gulf store that opened in the mid-1950s by Carol and Dominic Martillotta. The site was a Genesee Farms from 1982 to 1997, and a Yellow Goose until it became a Crosby’s in 2017.

Dave George from Crosby’s said the company wants to continue the tradition started by the Martillottas in the mid 1950s.

“It was more than a business,” he said. “It was a cornerstone of the community.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Contractors work today on reconstructing new tennis courts in Albion for the school district.

ALBION – Tennis camps run by the Village of Albion Recreation Department typically are held at the Albion school tennis courts. But those courts are under construction this summer as part of the district’s capital improvement project.

Albion is still offering the tennis camp, but it will be at the Holley school tennis courts.

There are two different weeks of camps. The first is next week, July 1 – July 5 (except for July 4), and then the following week from July 8-12, except for July 9.

Basic tennis skills will be taught to the beginners with tennis drills and low-level competitive match situations. Scoring, rules and regulations will be taught along with tennis strategies, said John Grillo, the Albion recreation director ad retired tennis coach at Holley.

The camp runs from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. There is no charge to participants. The camp is funded by the U.S. Tennis Association.

Participants need to get their own transportation to and from the camp. They do not need tennis experience. Tennis balls will be provided. People should bring their own tennis racket. If they don’t have one, a racquet will be available.

The camp will be postponed if it rains or the courts are very wet, Grillo said.

There is no pre-registration. However, email to jgrillo3@hotmail.com if there are any questions.

Soldier from Albion was killed in Afghanistan on Dec. 26, 2009

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Elks Lodge in Albion dedicated this memorial for Jason Johnston on Aug. 17, 2019. The memorial is in front of the lodge on East State Street in Albion.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature voted today to ask the State Legislature to name Route 98 in the county in honor of the late Jason Johnston.

Johnston, an Albion native, was killed in Afghanistan on Dec. 26, 2009, the only solider killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan in the War on Terror.

Johnston was a specialist and paratrooper in the Army. He was on his second tour in Afghanistan when he was killed at age 24. He completed a 13-month-deployment in 2008 and left again for the war-torn country in October 2009.

The County Legislature is asking the state to name the Route 98 corridor in honor of Johnston, or a portion of the road in the county.

“Orleans County gives extreme respect to all of our residents who have served and are currently serving in U.S. military positions,” the resolution states from the Legislature. “Orleans County is especially sorrowful for those that have lost their lives while serving during any war, especially U.S. Army Spc. Jason Johnston.”

In 2014, signs were unveiled naming Route 98 in Genesee and Orleans counties as “Veterans Memorial Highway.” There is sign on Route 98 near the Point Breeze exit off the Lake Ontario State Parkway that was unveiled on May 22, 2014.

County Legislator Skip Draper said the Legislature would support highlighting a section of 98 in Albion in honor of Johnston.

Johnston is survived by his parents, Brad and Jenny Johnston; and his sisters, Carrie, Heather and Holly; and several nieces and nephews.

The Johnston family has been active for many years in the Albion Fire Department.

Brad Johnston joins the Albion Elks Riders for annual dice runs to help raise money for his a memorial scholarship in his son’s name. The annual $1,000 memorial scholarship goes to a student pursuing a career in a helping profession, such as a nurse, doctor, firefighter, counselor or other social services.

“The recipient of the award should be of good character, show dedication, effort and potential while working to the best of their,” according to a description of the scholarship. “Specialist Johnston believed in the Golden Rule – ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’”

Press Release, Crosby’s

ALBION – Crosby’s is welcoming back customers to its convenience store located at 202 North Main St. State and local leaders, first responders, school officials and other community members will be in attendance at the grand reopening event on Friday at 10 a.m. when there will be a ribbon cutting.

“Crosby’s is proud to be a part of the Albion community,” said Lenny Smith, vice president and general manager of Crosby’s. “We are excited for our customers to experience our newly remodeled store. And we will continue to add a smile to your day with fresh pizza and subs, convenient shopping and service with a personal touch.”

During the ceremony, Crosby’s is presenting a $500 donation to the Albion Fire Department. In addition, a My Crosby’s Rewards card is being donated to the Albion Central School District loaded with enough points for 20 of Crosby’s signature pizzas. Crosby’s will also make a $500 donation to the Village of Albion Historical-Preservation Society.

The Albion store, equipped with mobile ordering, offers a full range of food options including Crosby’s signature fresh-baked pizzas, served whole or by-the-slice; fresh subs prepared in-house; calzones, and a wide variety of breakfast items, including breakfast pizzas.

Jovannie Canales named associate pastor at Harvest

Photos by Tom Rivers: Pastor Jovannie Canales speaks to about 125 people on Sunday at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion. Canales was announced as the church’s new associate pastor with plans to become the church’s leader in the future. Tim Lindsay will remain as the senior pastor at Harvest.

ALBION – Two churches with pastors active in the community announced a merger on Sunday.

The Oasis Church in Medina will become part of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion. Jovannie Canales, the Oasis pastor the past seven years, is now the associate pastor at Harvest and Tim Lindsay, the Harvest pastor during all of its 37 years, will be senior pastor. Lindsay said the plan is to transition Harvest to Canales being the lead pastor in the future, perhaps next year.

The two pastors became friends through PACT (Pastors Aligned for Community Transformation). That group includes many pastors in Orleans County. Canales and Lindsay found they had the same core spiritual beliefs and also a passion to serve the greater Orleans County community.

“We have similar spiritual DNA,” Lindsay said. “He has a heart for Orleans County.”

Tim Lindsay and his wife Laurie, and Jovannie and Melisa Canales announce that Oasis Church in Medina will merge and become part of Harvest Christian Fellowship.

Canales and his wife Melisa moved from Rochester to Medina seven years ago to lead the Second Church True Disciples of Jesus Christ. The church in May 2023 officially changed its name to Oasis Church. The congregation has been meeting at 2 p.m. on Sundays at the Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God at 11031 Maple Ridge Rd. Those churches are independent of each other.

Canales and Oasis led a popular Family Fun Day at Butts Park in Medina in August. That event will now be at Bullard Park in Albion on Aug. 10.

Oasis Church has about 35 to 40 regular attendees. Many are Spanish-speaking. Harvest has an interpretive service for people who speak Spanish.

Harvest has about 110 regular attendees. Together, the two churches have about 150 people.

The Rev. Tim Lindsay is the founding pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship and has been with the church for 37 years. He will remain in full-time ministry at Harvest.

The Rev. Lindsay helped start Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion 37 years ago, when the congregation initially met in the former Albion Firemen’s Rec Hall (now the Elk’s Lodge on East State Street).

Harvest has had its own building for about 34 years on Route 31, across from Bullard Park and completed a 5,000-square-foot expansion in December 2020. The church hosts a popular community kitchen and is an active contributor to many ministries in the community.

Lindsay has been thinking about the church’s leadership long-term in the future, when a new pastor would like the congregation and be a committed community member. He feels confident Canales is that leader.

“I’m a servant of the Lord,” Canales told the congregation on Sunday. “We’re here to fight a good fight together.”

Pastor Jovannie Canales and his family moved from Rochester to Medina to lead a church seven years ago. He said he is committed to ministering to Orleans County.