By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 June 2024 at 8:15 am
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 June 2024 at 6:10 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Lou Gramm, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, belts out one of seven songs today as part of a Black Sheep reunion concert. Michael Bonafede, in back, plays the drums.
The Pratt Theater, owned by Bonafede and his wife Judith Koehler, hosted two concerts, with the start at 2 and 6 p.m. The first sold out with 300 tickets and the second was near capacity.
Gramm is best known as the lead singer for Foreigner. Before that, he performed with Black Sheep back when he was Lou Grammatico.
Black Sheep recorded two albums for Capital Records and shared the stage with Kiss, Aerosmith, REO Speedwagon, and Hall and Oates, performing in front of tens of thousands of people. Black Sheep broke up in 1976.
Today was their third reunion concert and first in 10 years. Gramm wanted to rejoin his bandmates, Bonafede on drums, Don Mancuso on guitar and Larry Crozier on keyboard. Alona Kuhns and Luke Crozier (Larry’s son) will both play bass during the June 23 concert. The Black Sheep bass player, Bruce Turgon, is in California.
Lou Gramm gave a high-octane performance at the pratt. He is shown singing one of seven Black Sheep songs. The lineup included “Halfway Home,” “Encouraging Words,” “Little Or A Lot,” “No Worry, No Pain,” “Chain On Me” and “Payin’ Yer Dues,” and closed with “Stick Around.”
Alona Kuhns plays bass and Michael Bonafede is on the drums.
McCabe Enterprises, an electrical contractor, and Milton CAT brought in the equipment and installed an air conditioning system in the theater for the two shows.
Gramm thanked the crowd for its enthusiasm after the seven-song set. ‘Thank you, Albion, thank you very much.”
He said the venue, an opera house from 1882, is “beautiful.”
Some of the performers take a bow after the performance. From left include Michael Bonafede, Alona Kuhns, Lou Gramm, Don Mancuso, Larry “Rose” Crozier and Luke Crozier.
The Pratt Pit Band and Choir performed for about an hour and half before Black Sheep. Shannon Vanderlaan was among the choir members who also sang a solo.
In back from left are Rich Simbari on Fender P bass guitar, John Borello on Stratocaster guitar, Don Mancuso on guitar and Leon “Corky” Zak on keyboards.
Karen Conn sings “Turn the Lights Back On.” She also sang “Rhiannon” with her daughter, Shannon Vanderlann.
Garrett Crumb, a lead singer with “Johnny Smoke,” performed “Hard to Handle” by the Black Crowes, “Layla” by Eric Clapton, and “Wishing Well.”
Erin Moody sings “Honky Tonk Women” by the Rolling Stones.
The crowd fills in the Pratt Theater. The first show was sold out after five days of tickets being available so a second concert was added.
Photos courtesy of Albion Central School: Retiring teachers, staff and a long-time Board of Educator were recognized on June 3 by the school district.
Posted 15 June 2024 at 12:04 pm
Press Release, Albion Central School
ALBION – The school district recognized retiring employees and announced the 2023-24 Educator of the Year in June 3.
The annual ceremony and reception, held prior to the Board of Education meeting later that night, started with the recognition of board member David Sidari for his 25 years of service to the district.
Robin Bower was named the district’s “Educator of the Year.” She is shown with Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent.
Fourteen district employees were then honored for their dedication to Albion Central Schools. From District Office, Amy Castricone retired as the Registrar after 35 years and, from Buildings and Grounds, Kevin Hazel (custodian, 20 years), Valerie Daniels (cleaner, 17 years) and David Lowery (building maintenance worker, 7 years).
From the Elementary School, six retirees combined for 176 years of service. Those employees include Kelly Kovaleski (2nd grade teacher, 31 years) , Janice Scott (special education teacher, 34 years), Robin Bower (PACE teacher, 23 years), Tammorah Neal (teacher aide, 32 years), Susan Dick (teacher aide, 25 years), and Renee Liberti (teacher aide, 31 years).
The middle school says goodbye to Kym Metz (guidance counselor, 30 years) and Mary Jane Klips (6th grade teacher, 22 years).
High school retirees for this year include Melody Beecher (physical education teacher, 18 years) and Eric Christiansen (psychologist, 32 years).
Through their hard work and dedication, all 14 retirees worked hard to help guide future generations of learners along their path to success and imparted upon them the mission, vision and values of not just Albion School District, but the skills needed to be a good citizen. The district wishes everyone a long and happy retirement.
Mrs. Bower was also recognized as Educator of the Year. She started her teaching career at the elementary school as a 3rd grade teacher, moved to 5th grade for many years and has spent over the last decade as the PACE teacher. In addition to her role as a teacher in the classroom, Mrs. Bower has been involved in countless before- and after-school programs to enrich the educational experiences of our students. She has been especially active as the Safety Patrol Coordinator since 2015.
“Robin has been an integral part of our Elementary School team since 2001,” District Superintendent Mickey Edwards said. “We wish her a long and happy retirement.”
The annual reception was held in-person with honorees, families, friends, administrators and board members.
ALBION – Students, staff and veterans celebrated Flag Day at Albion Elementary School on Friday morning.
Family members of the school’s students, who served in the armed forces, were invited to the celebration to be recognized. The honor band played during the opening procession and dismissal and each grade performed a patriotic song.
More than 200 students wrote poems with one from each grade level selected to read their composition.
Those students were Gianna Hyde, Jenna Wilson, Leilani Pescara and Mia Wilson. The top Accelerated Reader points earners for the year each recited a fact about the flag. Those students were Kaylin Gannon, Lily Brigenberg, Hazel Bringenberg and Teagan Wicker. Wyatt Ernst was recognized for designing the fifth-grade t-shirt for their Moving Up Day.
The ceremony also included other annual awards given to students. Maelynn Taylor received the Comptroller’s Award. The Triple C Award was given to Elizabeth Scroger, Lexington Pridgen, Henry Hammond, Ava Colonna, Owen Marks, Abigail Vick and Leah Warne.
The Donald Butts Award, named after the school’s former long-time principal, went to Natalie Lindsey, Quinn Pisano, Giuliana Liuzzi, Michael Madison, Lily Bringenberg and Remi Ebbs.
Elliott Pettit and Maelynn Taylor received the Tap Thy Foot band award and Nikki
Russo was honored with the Patrick Digirolamo Award for art.
After the ceremony, a reception was held for the veterans and their students.
3 new scholarships added this year, bringing total to 54 awarded by Foundation
Photos courtesy of Susan Starkweather Miller: Auston Johnson accepts the Oak Orchard Bowl/Whittier Scholarship from Alumni Foundation board member Mollie Radzinski
Press Release, Albion Alumni Foundation
ALBION – The Alumni High School Alumni Foundation awarded $172,525 in scholarships to Albion High School Class of 2024 graduates during their Class Night ceremony on Friday.
These awards provide financial assistance to seniors as they continue to pursue their educational goals.
The Foundation’s scholarship committee chose recipients for 54 academic, vocational, service, leadership, arts and athletics scholarships. The committee reviewed numerous applications and chose students that they felt best fit each scholarship’s criteria.
Three newly created scholarships were presented for the first time this year. They are:
• Alvin Smith Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship was established in the memory of Alvin Smith. The $600 award is given on Class Night to a student who has passion for the field they are pursuing.
Flynn Morrison receives the inaugural Alvin Smith Family Scholarship.
• Speradino Foundation Family Scholarship: This scholarship has been established by Robert and Jackie Sperandio and The Sperandio Family Foundation to support two students who have achieved a strong academic standing and shown good judgment, citizenship and involvement in the student body or community. The Sperandio family “always believes in creating opportunities where everyone can flourish and contribute to society.”
• Lu Johnson Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship has been established by the Albion School staff. Lu was a long-time high school teaching assistant. She was an eternal optimist who loved to help those who were most needy. Lu thrived on watching students succeed and overcoming obstacles. The scholarship goes to a member of the Class of 2024 who has financial need, has demonstrated kindness towards others, and has overcome academic challenges during High School.
The Alumni Foundation’s scholarship program continues to grow and benefit more students each and every year. Scholarship funding is made possible through memberships and gifts from AHS Alumni and community members, as well as individuals and organizations that contact the Foundation to establish a scholarship. The Foundation manages the funds and awards the scholarships annually during Albion High School’s Class Night.
The Foundation would like to thank the generous donors that work with us to create and sustain these scholarships. Our donors are helping to make a difference for a lifetime for Albion graduates. Contact Steve Hicks at steve@albionalumni.org to learn how you can create a scholarship.
If you are interested in donating to any of the scholarships you can go to our donate button on the homepage of our website (albionalumni.org) or write to us:
Albion High School Alumni Foundation
P.O. Box 345
Albion, N.Y. 14411
Sarah Thom accepts the Wayne A. Burlison Memorial Scholarship from Alumni Foundation President Steve Hicks.
Congratulations to all 2024 scholarship recipients!
Albion High School Alumni Foundation – Lucy Rivers and Jason Anstey
Paul R. Haines Memorial Scholarship – Jacqueline Santiago Garcia
St. Gobain Adfors Scholarship – Jordan Marshall
Elizabeth Balcom Smith Scholarship – Lucy Rivers
Golden Performance Scholarship – Willem DeRuysscher
Jim & Susie Fraser Health Careers Scholarship – Alison Gibson
Minier Family Scholarship – Meganne Moore
Albion Alumni Foundation Performing Arts Scholarship – Jason Anstey
Coach Richard Diminuco Scholarship for Athletic Excellence – Finnegan McCue
Harry W. Salchak Science Scholarship – Jonah Karnyski
A.B. Dick Eddy Service Above Self Scholarship – Meganne Moore
Nancy Elaine Lagamba Scholarship – Kayla Burgio
Dr. Paul Mahany Family Scholarships – Julia Fuller, Liana Flugel, Danielle Wyant, Hailey Warren
Hoag Engineering Scholarships – Jonah Karnyski, Finnegan McCue, Kevin He
Panek Family Farm Agriculture Scholarship – Sarah Thom
Horton Scholarship – Ben O’Connor
Wayne A. Burlison Memorial Scholarship – Jason Anstey, Sarah Thom
Glassner Family Scholarship – Natalie Printup
John Panek Memorial Scholarship – Gina Sidari
Ronald L. Sodoma Memorial Scholarship – Kevin He
Masonic Renovation Lodge #97 Scholarship – Jacqueline Santiago Garcia
Edward B. Archbald Memorial Scholarship – Gina Sidari
Dr. David and Anita Long Scholarship – Ella Papponetti
D’Andrea Family Scholarship – Ben O’Connor
Brandon Bruski Memorial Scholarship – Erin Weese
Ralph and Pearl Poelma Good Neighbor Community Scholarship – Autumn Flugel, Lucy Rivers
Jake and Anna Vreeburg Scholarships – Jett Conn, Blake Preston
Inge Hume Elementary Education Scholarship – Julia Fuller
Robert P. VanDeusen Memorial Scholarship – Zoe Marat
Benjamin Dennis Kirby Memorial Scholarship – Mark Ames, Finnegan McCue, Gina Sidari
Oak Orchard Bowl- Whittier Scholarship – Auston Johnson, Alison Gibson
Country Lane Veterinary Scholarship – Meganne Moore, Gina Sidari, Kayla Burgio
Babbitt Family Scholarship – Gina Sidari
Matthew K. Gardner Memorial Scholarship – Autumn Flugel
Scott H. Ward Memorial Scholarship – Gabriella Dobo
Craig Anderson Scholarship – Madison Hughson
Brennan Michael Carlyle Moody Scholarship – Lucy Rivers, Mark Ames
Jared M. Fearby Scholarship – Meganne Moore
Edward Fancher Memorial Scholarship – Lucy Rivers
Gil and Christine Pritchard Vocational Scholarship – Kayla Burgio
Lamont Family Scholarship – Jacqueline Santiago Garcia
Kelly Sidari Ricker Memorial Scholarship – Gina Sidari
Gwenyth Hughson Memorial Scholarship – Mark Ames
Nicholas Kovaleski Memorial Scholarship – Gina Sidari
Hoag Skilled Trades Scholarship – Jace Thrash, Ella Papponetti
Betty West Memorial Scholarship – Julia Fuller
Stewart New Scholarship – Max Bentley
Dick Tower Scholarship – Blake Preston
Alvin Smith Family Scholarship – Flynn Morrison
Sperandio Foundation Family Scholarship – Autumn Flugel, Jett Conn
Lu Johnson Memorial Scholarship – Mason Lynch
Alumni Foundation President Steve Hicks presents the Hoag Engineering Scholarship to Jonah Karnyski. Three scholarships were awarded. Kevin He (pictured right) and Finnegan McCue were also recipients of the Hoag Scholarship.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 June 2024 at 6:27 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: The D & R Smoke Shop in Albion has been stalled in opening because the site needs at least 7 dedicated parking spots for the business at 139 South Main St.
ALBION – A new smoke shop was ready to open last month at 139 South Main St., the former site for Bloom’s Flower Shop.
But D & R Smoke Shop couldn’t open because the site doesn’t have at least 7 dedicated parking spaces, which are separate from the spots for residents in the apartments at the building.
Mohammed Ayash, the D & R Smoke Shop owner, said there are at least 5 dedicated spots for the smoke shops, and he thinks he has 7.
The issue was brought before the Village of Albion Zoning Board of Appeals today. That board set a 4 p.m. public hearing for July 18 at the Village Hall to allow D & R to not have seven dedicated spots.
Ayash noted there is a large parking lot next door for a laundromat and a thrift store. Across the street in another large lot for Hoag Library.
But Ayash said the spots by D & R should be enough. The store won’t be high traffic. He expects only one or two customers at a time. The store will sell tobacco, vaping products and CBD. There won’t be any THC or Delta 9 available.
Chris Kinter, the village code enforcement officer, said he counts nine current spots, but some are dedicated to the tenants for apartments. That would leave 5 for the smoke shop, Kinter said during the ZBA meeting.
Ayash is a Buffalo resident. He said he would like to move with his family to Albion.
“This is a beautiful town,” he said after the meeting. “We try to serve the community.”
The ZBA also voted to refer the variance request to the Orleans County Planning Board for its advisory opinion. The County Planning Board meets 7 p.m. on June 27.
In another matter, the ZBA voted to deny a variance request for the owner of a house at 255-257 East State St. Sean Huff recently acquired the house, which has been a three-unit apartment. However, the previous owner died, and the site should revert back to a two-family house, which is what it is zoned for.
Huff asked the ZBA to give a variance to allow the sites to continue as a three-family dwelling.
But Craig Tuohey, the ZBA chairman, said he doesn’t support spot zoning, where there would be one multi-family zoned property in an R-2 district that allows two-family housing.
Huff said the house already has three entrances, three porches, 3 ½ bathrooms, three kitchens, and at least six on-site parking spaces. It exists as the three-unit house.
Keeping the site as three units also keeps one more housing option available in Albion, where Huff said there is currently only one available apartment being advertised.
Tuohey and the other ZBA didn’t back the variance. Tuohey suggested Huff try the Planning Board or Village Board to see if the zoning could be changed to multi-family so a variance wouldn’t be needed.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 June 2024 at 11:19 am
ALBION – The village and town have approved an agreement for a shared code enforcement and zoning officer. As part of the contract between the two municipalities, Chris Kinter will work about 75 percent of his full-time workload for the village and 25 percent in the town of Albion, outside the village.
Kinter has been a part-time employee for the town and village as the codes officer. He is state certified and also passed the Civil Service test. He started two years ago with the town. Dan Strong also continues in a limited part-time basis for the town.
The contract approved on Monday by the Town Board calls for him to spend about 10 hours a week for the town and 30 hours for the village.
He will attend town board meetings, planning and zoning meetings, and any court sessions when there is an enforcement action.
Kinter will process building permits from initial permitting to issuance of certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance. He will process and respond to code violations and complaints.
The contract between the two municipalities also has him doing fire inspections for the town, and being available for 24 hours for building-related emergencies.
The town will pay the village 25 percent of the expense for having a full-time codes officer. In 2024 the total cost for salary and benefits is projected at $88,379.44. The town will pay $22,094.86. Any additional training or vehicle maintenance expenses will be on a 75-25 percent ratio between the village and town.
The town will pay the village in two installments each year, in June and November.
The contract is a year-to-year agreement. Any increases above 3 percent will need approval from both the village and town boards.
“Hopefully it works out for everybody,” said Town Supervisor Richard Remley. “It’s an attempt at shared services.”
The two municipalities used to have different code officers, with the village in a full-time role and the town’s codes officer working part-time. But Kinter more recently has been working for both the village and town in the same position with the village cutting back some of the hours away from a full-time position.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 June 2024 at 3:13 pm
Fire Department soon faces replacement of 2 fire trucks at cost topping $3 million
Photos by Tom Rivers: Paul Roberts, a resident of Allen Road in Albion, speaks during an informational meeting on Monday about a proposed joint fire district for Albion and Gaines. Roberts asked if the village intends to keep the fire hall and lease it to the district. Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley said the fire hall would be available to the fire district likely for free or for a dollar. The village wants to keep the building because it is the only village-owned building along the canal and the property could be valuable if the fire district chooses to build a new fire hall in the future.
ALBION – The public was given a breakdown of an anticipated budget for a joint fire district serving Albion and Gaines, with the expenses expected to go from about $350,000 currently for the Albion Fire Department to $750,000 for a fire district.
Those numbers have been sought by many community members, including people who pushed for a petition to put the district up to a public vote. That referendum will be from noon to 8 p.m. on Aug. 6 at Hoag Library. Registered voters in the towns of Albion and Gaines will be eligible to cast a ballot.
During an April 24 public hearing on the district, residents could ask questions on the district, but no answers were provided which bothered many in the crowd. The fire department leaders followed the advice of an attorney to not answer questions, and Deputy Chief John Papponetti said during Monday’s meeting that he would have preferred to respond to the questions back on April 24.
Richard DeCarlo Jr., co-owner of Heritage Estates mobile home park, said the lack of responses from the fire department and elected officials at the hearing gave off an air of secrecy and made many distrustful of the people pushing the district.
That then fueled the effort to get petitions to force a referendum on the issue.
But after Deputy Fire Chief John Papponetti spent an hour going over an outline of the fire district budget, DeCarlo said he felt more comfortable with the fire district.
(Left) Resident Jason Dragon said village residents have paid more than their share of the fire department budget for years, especially when the Town of Gaines was given a big discount. Up until 2016, Gaines was paying the village $33,860 for fire protection. That amount is now $120,422 for 2024, about a third of the department’s $350,000 budget. The Town of Albion and village each pay about a third. (Right) Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley said major expenses for the fire department will be too much for village property owners to bear. She favors a fire district to spread out the costs among the towns of Albion and Gaines. The village is ins parts of the two towns.
During the informational meeting on Monday the library, Papponetti went over an anticipated budget for the fire district, spending an hour going line item by line item. If the district is approved in the referendum, five fire commissioners would be appointed (two by the Gaines Town Board, two by the Albion Town Board, and one by the Village Board). The commissioners would ultimately set the budget, and numbers presented by Papponetti could change, he said.
“The commissioners will finalize the budget,” Papponetti said. “This is what we feel we need to move forward.”
DeCarlo said the community should know who is expected to be appointed as fire commissioners if the fire district goes through. The five commissioners would serve about five or six months before there would be an election in December.
Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley said she would push for a diverse board of commissioners, and not just five with ties to the fire department. She wants the fire department to have the resources it needs to serve the community, but Riley said it can’t be “spend, spend, spend.”
The fire district budget outline includes an apparatus reserve fund at $315,000 a year. That fund would cover anticipated payments for two new 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.
The fire department in the district budget also suggested reserve funds with $75,000 annually towards the fire station, $50,000 annually towards a land purchase, $20,000 annually in an equipment reserves, and $10,000 annually towards air packs.
The total spending for reserve funds would be $470,000 under the budget plan.
Richard DeCarlo, a co-owner of Heritage Estates mobile home park, said he appreciated all of the budget details provided on Monday for the fire district. DeCarlo said the budget may not provide enough in reserves to replace the aging equipment and facility for the fire department.
While the fire department needs to soon get the process started for replacing two of the older fire trucks, Papponetti said a new fire station is less urgent.
“It is not our intent right now,” Papponetti said about a new fire hall. “That’s a down, down, down the road scenario.”
The fire department has been part of the village budget, and many of its expenses were somewhat hidden in the village budget, Papponetti said. For example, the department could use the village mechanic who is a DPW employee. It could use village office supplies, and its electric and utilities were part of the bill for the village office.
The district needs to break out every service in its own budget, from cleaning expenses, legal services, to paying a mechanic, accountant, treasurer and supplying its own office materials. That has resulted in a budget line for “professional services” going from 0 in recent budgets through the village to $40,000 as a fire district.
“Parts and Repairs” which were in the village DPW budget goes from 0 last year for the fire department to $30,000.
Papponetti and fire department leaders also would like 10,000 budgeted for training (currently 0) and $15,000 for recruitment and retention (currently 0).
Village attorney John Gavenda said the village would be in a bind if the fire district fails in a public vote on Aug. 6. The fire department should soon start the process of replacing two old fire trucks, but the village doesn’t want to be stuck with the debt on those trucks. Gavenda is advising the village not to move forward with purchasing new fire apparatus until there is a fire district and the costs can be shared by the towns of Albion and Gaines.
The outline of the fire district budget also would double fire prevention efforts for students and community members from $750 to $1,500.
There is an increase almost across the board for many of the line items, from tires, cleaning supplies, hoses, air packs, insurance and gas.
After the budget presentation, Papponetti and Village Board members took questions for another hour. There is another informational meeting at 6 p.m. on June 17 at Hoag Library.
The biggest factor in the dramatic rise in costs: establishing reserve funds for fire trucks.
The fire department has a roster of 40 to 50 members. One set of turnout gear can cost $5,000. Papponetti said the department has been buying three sets each year but would like to go to five sets to replace aging gear and have new gear for new members. Buying five sets a year would allow the department to get in a schedule where every 10 years the gear is replaced.
With the current fire department budget of about $350,000, the two towns pay a fire contract to the village for fire protection. With a $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 budget doesn’t include any reserves. Any money for reserves would have been added to the village’s share of the budget, which is likely why no money has been set aside over the years for equipment and apparatus.
DeCarlo said he is concerned the dollar amounts for the reserves may not be enough, and the budget could see a significant increase in the future beyond the $750,000.
Deputy Mayor Riley said the reserve funds “are a start.” The Village Board favors the fire district, she said, partly because of the big costs coming with the debt payments for the two new fire trucks. Riley has been a village trustee for two years. She wishes there had been money saved for the fire trucks.
“My biggest concern on this board is we didn’t even have $5 set aside,” she said during the meeting which was attended by about 40 people.
Jim Tabor of Carlton is a sales rep for Firematic Supply Company, working with fire departments and districts in eight Western New York counties. He said the cost of new fire trucks is up 65 percent since 2020. Manufacturers are dealing with a shortage of parts and labor, while the orders keep coming in.
Fire trucks used to have a 9-month turnaround from when they were ordered to when they were delivered. Now it may be three years or longer, Tabor said.
Village attorney John Gavenda said he is concerned about that time frame. The fire department should begin the process of replacing at least two fire trucks. But Gavenda said he doesn’t want the village to incur the debt for the trucks. That debt can’t be passed to a fire district.
The town contracts have about two more years on them. If the fire district fails in the referendum, the town contracts will need to be renegotiated at a much higher amount to help pay the bond payments on the fire trucks.
“The village can’t assume $3 million in debt for apparatus,” Riley said.
Gavenda said the fire district really doesn’t change much with the fire protection for the community.
“The firemen are still from the Town of Gaines, the Town of Albion and the Village of Albion,” Gavenda said.
Deputy Fire Chief John Papponetti, right, goes over budget numbers for a joint fire district serving Albion and Gaines. From left is Fire Chief Jeremy Graham and Village Trustee Tim McMurray.
File photo: This photo shows Butts Road near the Moore Street intersection in Albion.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 June 2024 at 12:29 pm
ALBION – The Town Board has formed Water District 10 to serve a small section of Butts Road and Moore Street.
The entire cost of about $70,000 for the waterline and other materials will be paid from some of the town’s American Rescue Plans Act funds. There won’t be any debt service for the new district that will serve seven parcels of land, which currently includes four houses. The waterline will increase the chances the vacant land would be developed in the future.
The town highway department will install the water district, with construction expected to take about two weeks and hopefully be done in July, said Michael Neidert, the town highway superintendent.
The district will be about 1,000 feet long with the pipe going on Moore Street from near the village line going east to Butts Road, and then a small section of Butts Road. Neidert said the project will also include valves, hydrants, a meter pit and service connections.
The town will tie into the new waterline near the former Braley Street, now Riley Place on Moore Street.
Town Supervisor Richard Remley said the waterline will help residents where wells are often low in quantity and some of the water is of poor quality.
Although there is no debt service for the district, the water bills are expected to average about $277.50 annually. There also is a hook-up fee for the water meter that cost $478.55, and the cost of running a line from their house to the curb.
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Albion ladder truck drives in the Strawberry Festival parade on Saturday. The truck is 27 years old. A new one could top $2 million.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 June 2024 at 9:12 pm
ALBION – A public will decide whether Albion and Gaines form a joint fire district. The town boards in Albion and Gaines this evening set Aug. 6 for a public referendum on the issue, with voting from noon to 8 p.m. at Hoag Library.
Each town will have its own room for voting on that day in the library. Eligible Village of Albion residents will vote in whichever town they live in.
This is how the proposition will be listed on the ballot:
“Shall the resolution authorizing the Board of Trustees for the Village of Albion, the Town Board of the Town of Albion and the Town Board of the Town of Gaines, Orleans County, New York, dated April 30, 2024, to establish a Joint Fire District to be known as the Albion Joint Fire District, which fire district will encompass the Village of Albion, the Town of Albion and the Town of Gaines be approved?”
The two town boards set the date for the referendum after petitions were turned in to force the public vote.
The petitions were filed on May 30. Today was the last day for the two towns to set the referendum, Albion town attorney Jim Bell said during the Albion Town Board meeting.
Bell was joined by Albion Town Clerk Sarah Basinait and Gaines Town Clerk Janet Cheverie in a meeting today with the Orleans County Board of Elections.
Elections officials advised that the referendum can be held in one location – Hoag Library at 134 South Main St.
Each town will have four election inspectors, and there will also be one floater for both towns.
Albion and Gaines will send a postcard to all households, advising of the vote, and the referendum will be posted as a legal notice in The Daily News of Batavia, and also will be advertised in the Orleans Hub.
The deadline to receive absentee ballots will be 5 p.m. on Aug. 6.
There are about 3,600 registered voters in Albion. Bell said the ballots cost about 50 cents each. He expects a brisk turnout for the vote. He and Basinait suggested about 3,000 ballots be printed for Albion. Bell said it is better to have too many rather than not enough.
The Gaines and Albion town boards, and the Albion Village Board voted on April 30 to create the joint fire district, which was subject to a permissive referendum.
Residents had until May 30 to turn in petitions signed by at least 5 percent of the registered voters who cast ballots in the last gubernatorial election. That standard was met, with the fire district going to a public vote.
Petitions were turned in to the Gaines town clerk signed by 107 people, to the Albion town clerk signed by 95 people and to the Albion village clerk signed by 259 people.
The new district would move the fire department out of the village budget and into its own taxing jurisdiction with elected commissioners.
The two towns currently pay a fire contract to the village for fire protection. With the current budget of about $350,000 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).
Some community members have sought more information about the fire district, including a budget breakdown. During a public hearing on April 24 at the Albion High School LGI, residents were told the fire district budget would likely be $750,000 to $850,000 a year, well above the current $350,000 for the fire department. That $350,000 has left the fire department without a reserve fund for a new ladder truck at an estimated $2.2 million and another fire engine at about $1.1 million.
Deputy Chief John Papponetti provided a breakdown of a budget outline for the fire district during a meeting at the library from 6 to 8 p.m. Those numbers will be detailed in a story expected on Tuesday in the Orleans Hub.
Papponetti said five fire commissioners will ultimately set the budget, but he said the current budget leaves the fire department with no reserves for apparatus and equipment. More money will be needed to keep the fire department “on track,” Papponetti said.
Photo and press release from Albion Central School
ALBION – Students from Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School have joined forces in an inspiring campaign for Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund.
On May 30, elementary students and staff collected $1,500.23 to donate to the Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund to help cancer patients and their families with the costs of medical bills, food, transportation, and living expenses.
In addition, the elementary Student Leadership Council made and donated twenty lap sized blankets that will be added to patient-care bags given by Knights Kaderli.
Melissa Knights Bertrand came to visit the students, accept the donation, and talk about the importance of continuing the efforts of the memorial fund. The event not only served as a means to raise funds but also provided valuable lessons in empathy, teamwork, and community service for the young participants. Students learned about the importance of giving back and the impact that their collective efforts can have on the lives of others.
All of the funds donated to Knights-Kaderli go to patients and families affected by cancer within Orleans County.
The annual initiative at the elementary school, organized by the school’s Student Leadership Council, has not only showcased their philanthropic spirit but also their commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
Throughout the month of March, students diligently collected spare change from family, friends, and staff. Their efforts were fueled by a desire to help those in Orleans County battling cancer and to honor loved ones affected by the disease.
“We are incredibly proud of our students for their enthusiasm and dedication,” said Angela Conway, elementary school principal. “Our students have demonstrated that even the smallest contributions can make a significant difference. Their empathy and generosity have truly shone through during this campaign.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: Albion fire trucks head down Route 31 on Saturday during the Albion Strawberry Festival parade.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 June 2024 at 5:36 pm
ALBION – There will be informational meetings about forming a joint fire district covering the towns of Albion and Gaines (as well as the Village of Albion).
The Village Board and Fire Department will have 6 p.m. public meetings at Hoag Library on Monday and then on June 17.
The two town boards and the Village Board voted to form a Joint Fire District that would take the fire department out of the village budget. The two towns currently pay the village a fire protection contract.
A joint fire district would be its own taxing entity with commissioners developing and overseeing the budget.
Fire Department leaders said the current budget of about $350,000 is too low and doesn’t set aside any money in reserves and doesn’t include bond payments for a future ladder truck and a new engine.
The Joint Fire District may need $750,000 to $850,000 to be properly funded for the future, deputy fire chief John Papponetti said during a public hearing on April 24 about the fire district.
Petitions have been turned in to try to force a public vote on whether a new Albion Joint Fire District should be created serving Albion and Gaines. The Gaines and Albion town boards are expected to meet soon to determine if and when a referendum will be set.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2024 at 8:08 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Mike and Faith Smith get a ride in Brad Shelp’s Bell Air convertible from 1954. The Smiths were grand marshals in the parade for Albion’s Strawberry Festival.
The Smiths lead the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen at Harvest Christian Fellowship on Route 31. The kitchen has served about 45,000 meals in its first two years, and served just over 800 on Thursday.
The weather for most of today’s festival had sunshine with temperatures around 70 in the afternoon, following a soggy start to the two-day festival on Friday.
Some of the dancers from Dance Reflections by Miss Heather greet people around the parade route, which started at the high school driveway off Route 31, headed west on 31 and then north on Main Street to Bank Street. From left include Ava Woolston, Violet Rivera and Julianna Newbould.
There were 54 different units in the parade, which lasted over an hour and was a highlight of the 36th annual Strawberry Festival.
Jeff Gifaldi, a chief deputy with the Sheriff’s Office, wears the Safety Pup costume in the parade. His daughter Anna is next to him.
Safety Pup will be attending other community events around the county and visiting schools next year.
Jason Tarnowski served as emcee of the parade and Becky Karls headed the Strawberry Festival Committee. They are on a stand on Main Street near State Street. They saw many familiar faces in the parade and in the crowd.
Drum Major Jason Anstey took a short break from leading the band to playing his trumpet. Anstey is one of several seniors who performed with the marching band for the last time as a student today.
Dawn Spencer of the Eye of Oden tosses glitter into the air on Main Street. Spencer and about a dozen people from Eye of Oden walked with dogs in the parade.
Abigail Kinkaid walks with her mother Jami Allport, right, who is director of the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern. They had an inflatable alien with their float. The theme for the festival was “Out of this World.” The festival committee wanted to highlight the recent solar eclipse on April 8.
The queens of the festival, Lucy Rivers (left) and Julia Button, enjoy a ride in style in the parade.
One girl snags some candy in the parade. She is in front of Sheryl Watts of Air Raising Events, who created a bird out of balloons. Watts has made several characters for recent parades in Albion for the Strawberry Festival and near Christmas.
Watts is just ahead of a big group of Little Leaguers.
Lucas Jones leads the Holley-Kendall Marching Band as drum major. The band performed “Decades of Pop” during the parade. The band will close out its season 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday in Holley at the Hawk Stadium.
A group from Arc GLOW marched in the parade with signs celebrating diversity and people with disabilities.
Santa enjoys a sweet ride in the back of a classic truck from Panek Farms.
Bradeen Erakare waves and holds the banner for Cycling Without Age in Orleans County. Her mother, Susan Walders, is the pilot for a tri-shaw, a three-wheeled bike. Her passengers are Kae Wilbert and Walders’ mother, Janet Ridley, left.
Walders started Cycling Without Age last year. She and other pilots give rides to residents at nursing homes and other care facilities.
Girl Scouts in Troops 82007 and 82261 embraced the “Out of this World” theme. One of the troop leaders, Pauline Kehlenbeck Bachorski, walks with the scouts.
Panek’s Pickin’ Patch celebrated their “Stellar Strawberries” and passed out treats along the parade route.
Both sides of Main Street were lined with people from the Route 98 intersection to Bank Street.
Brian Payne, left, of Medina and Jeremy Weakland of Barker both head to the finish in this morning’s Strawberry Festival 5k/8k. The two carried the America flag for the longer 8K race. They said they are both proud veterans.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2024 at 5:00 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Turtles are off on a brisk pace in the Amazing Turtle Race this afternoon in the Erie Canal during the Strawberry Festival. The windy weather had 1,000 turtles on the move much quicker than in the past.
The event is a fundraiser for the festival, raising about $3,500 with another $1,025 distributed in prizes. The turtles are all numbered. It costs $5 to get one turtle and five are $20.
The top five finishers win money. The winners include: first place, $500 for Deb Boyer; second place, $300 for Charlene Walsh; third place, $100 for Jarred Saj; fourth place, $75 for Kathy Fantasia; fifth place, $50 for Deb Boyer.
The turtles are dumped into the canal from the Sheriff’s Marine Patrol boat. The turtles are usually launched from the Main Street lift bridge, but the bridge has been closed and under repair since November 2022.
The launchers include, from left: Albion Police Chief David Mogle, marine patrol deputy Shawn O’Mara in back, County Legislator John Fitzak, top ticket seller Jarred Saj, Albion Mayor Angel Javier Jr., and Mickey Edwards, superintendent of Albion Central School.
Jarred Saj of Medina is congratulated by festival chairwoman Becky Karls on setting a new record for most turtle tickets sold. Saj sold 400 of the tickets, breaking his previous record of 345.
Saj started selling the tickets in February to family and friends. When he was selling some of the tickets, other people decided they wanted to take a chance at winning some of the money and also support the festival.
Saj said he is now gearing up to sell taste of Hospice tickets for an event in August.
He is holding a certificate of merit from State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, in recognition of Saj “for his continuing support and dedication to the Albion Strawberry Festival. Jarred has continuously been the top seller of the Turtle Race tickets.”
Jay Kovaleski, an Albion physical education teacher and the swim coach, helps collect the turtles after they reached the end of a chute in the water. Clara Bolton also helped corral the turtles.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2024 at 7:11 am
Today’s schedule is packed with no rain until night
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Ryan Klatt, left, and Steve Keenan perform as the Ryan Klatt Duo on Friday evening at the Marti’s on Main art gallery. They are singing “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash.
Klatt and his full band, The Brick Band, will be back at the Strawberry Festival today from noon to 3 p.m.
Bill Pileggi, right, and Jim Booden sing “I Feel Good” by James Brown during Friday’s concert on East Bank Street. Tim Hess, not pictured, is the drummer in the group, Triple Play.
The musicians kept playing on Friday, despite some rain on and off throughout the day.
Today’s forecast is partly sunny with a high near 72, with no rain during the day. There is a 40 percent chance of rain at 9 p.m.
Many food vendors are available on East Bank Street.
The Strawberry Festival schedule for today includes:
8 a.m. – 32nd annual 5k/8k race (registration 7 to 8 a.m. at Courthouse Square)
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. – craft booths at Courthouse Square
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Cruise-in on East State Street (sponsored by Masonic Lodge)
10 a.m. – Parade
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Food Court on East Bank Street
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Lions Club food by Post Office
12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Lonesome Road band at food court
12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Brick Band at Courthouse Square
12 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Family Fun Center with “I Got It!” and Jeff Mann Drums, face painting, bounce houses, caricature, kids’ games and other activities
1 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Car Seat Safety Check on East Park Street
2 p.m. – Turtle Race in Erie Canal between Main Street and Ingersoll Street lift bridges
3 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Jim Catino, music by Marti’s on Main art gallery
3 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Soul Street music at food court
6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – The Who Dats at food court
There are still some turtles left for the race at 2 p.m. today. The turtles are $5 each or 5 for $20. The first five turtles in the race net cash: $500 for first, $300 for second, $100 for third, and $50 for fourth and fifth. Proceeds are used towards the festival.
