By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 July 2025 at 5:44 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Kade Leverenz, 5, of Holley heads down the slide in one of the bounce houses during a Countywide Park Fun Day last year on July 17. The Fun Day returns on Wednesday.
ALBION – Wednesday will be a big day at Bullard Park with the Route 31 site adding bounce houses, pony rides, face and rock painting, and many other activities.
The park is hosting its Countywide Park Fun Day. Children have access to all the activities. The Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern is covering what would have been a $5 charge.
The Fun Day will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes access to the splash pad, playground, Gaga ball pit, basketball courts, disc golf and other park amenities.
Food and beverages also will be available, and there will be a performance by Patrick the Magician.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2025 at 11:33 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – These cyclists cross the lift bridge in Holley this morning as part of a 62-mile ride today from Medina to Fairport.
The Cycle the Erie Canal journey started Sunday in Buffalo and the cyclists made it to Medina, where they camped in tents. The entire ride will be about 400 miles ending in Albany on July 20.
This cyclist get her picture taken on the Holley boardwalk with a banner noting it’s the Erie Canal’s bicentennial this year.
Tom Henker of Goshen watches the lift bridge in Holley go up when a boater passed through. This is Henker’s fourth time cycling the Erie Canal and the first time seeing a lift bridge in action.
“I’ve never seen it go up or down,” he said. “It’s cool.”
These two cyclists approach Hulberton on the ride this morning.
These cyclists ride along the towpath as the get close to the lift bridge in Holley.
The cyclists had lots of beverages and snacks in Holley near the gazebo. Holley is an official rest stop for the cyclists.
John and Wendy Kenney greet Orly the Ox, the county’s bicentennial mascot, at Holley’s official rest stop where the 600 cyclists can get water, Gatorade, coffee, pastries and fruit.
Mr. Kenney, the former mayor of Holley, has volunteered at the stop for 27 years. His wife has helped out the past 20 years.
“You get to meet people from all over the country and world,” she said.
Mr. Kenney said he touts the assets in the Holley community and encourages the cyclists to come back.
The Albion Merchants Association also had water and fruit snacks ready for the cyclists this morning. Albion is an unofficial stop providing refreshments for the cyclists.
Mark Olsen gets his picture taken with Santa in Albion. Santa was there to promote Albion’s role as home of a Santa School from 1937 to 1966.
Olsen recently moved from Portland, Oregon to Millerton in Dutchess County. He said the bike ride adventure was off to a good start the first two days.
“The trails are well marked and the food is fantastic,” he said.
These three siblings grew up in Medina near the canal. They are riding the towpath together for the 8-day ride along the canal. From left include Bronwyn Green, Billy Balcerzak and Brandi Zavitz. Green has done the ride twice before while this is the first time for her brother and sister.
Wise Intermediate School in Medina hosted the cyclists last night and a tent city was created on the school grounds. The cyclists headed east this morning through the rest of Orleans County with the end point today in Fairport.
A cyclists crosses the lift bridge in Holley to go to the rest area.
These cyclists were happy to take a break in Holley on today’s ride.
The cyclists are out in the country on the towpath after passing the Densmore Road bridge in Albion with the Transit Road bridge in the distance.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 July 2025 at 8:28 am
ALBION – The Albion Joint Fire District, which officially started on Jan. 1, faces many tasks – some big and some small – as the new entity overseeing fire protection for the towns of Albion and Gaines as well as the Village of Albion.
The five fire commissioners voted Thursday evening to seek bids for a quint ladder truck. That truck would replace a ladder truck from 1994 and also a fire engine from 1991. The quint would have the ability to pump water and carry some water, while also deploying a ladder that would stretch 110 feet.
The commissioners could vote to accept a bid at their next meeting on Aug. 14. The truck is expected to cost about $2.2 million. It will be a major purchase for the district.
Commissioners are weighing other costs that are far less, but still important. During Thursday’s meeting, commissioners discussed having a new sign on the fire hall on Platt Street. It may just be lettering that states Albion Joint Fire District. Commissioners are seeking a defined proposal for the sign.
They also have received two proposals to develop a website for the fire district, with ongoing IT support and maintenance. One proposal was for $1,995 to set up the website with a $95 monthly maintenance. That would also provide at least 40 email addresses for the district. Another informal quote was for $980 to set up the website with $185 for host maintenance for the whole year. Commissioners want more details on the proposals to make sure the services being offered are similar.
The joint district also is considering purchasing Class A formal uniforms for some of the members. President Scott Papponetti said two companies have not responded to repeated requests for proposals for the uniforms while another, MES, has proposed $800 for each uniform and would come to Albion to fit the firefighters with white buttoned shirts, jackets and pants. The Class A’s also include a hat, belt, neck tie, coat and hardware on the collar with a firefighter’s badge number.
These uniforms are worn at parades, funerals and other special events, such as the Sept. 11 memorial service.
MES also could provide the Class B uniforms with polo shirts, T-shirts and other less formal clothing.
The fire district has $9,000 budgeted for the Class B’s. The district also received $36,313 from the Village of Albion from its insurance company. That money for insurance coverage was approved as part of the village budget for a full fiscal year, from June 1 to May 31. That was when the fire department was part of the village budget. But the fire district started in Jan. 1, with the fire department moved out of the village budget.
The insurance payment had already been approved towards the fire department for 2024-25. That unexpended money was turned over to the district. Commissioners are considering using some of it towards Class A uniforms.
The commissioners want a more detailed proposal from MES on what their quote entails and the costs.
The commissioners also discussed the possibility of new sprinklers and an alarm system in the fire hall.
The board also is looking to adopt a policy for non-members being on fire trucks. The commissioners want to allow family members to be in trucks for parades, and to continue having other community members on the trucks, especially when elementary kids are given a ride on a truck for winning fire prevention contests. Al Cheverie, chairman of the commissioners, said a policy should state that a firefighter or parent of a child would need to be assigned to a kid getting a ride on a fire truck.
Kevin Sheehan, a fire commissioner, said those rides and allowing children of firefighters to ride in the trucks during parades may pay off down the road in firefighter recruitment.
“Having kids involved is how we get the next generation of firefighters,” he said.
The commission on Thursday accepted one new member, Christina Irwin.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2025 at 10:44 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Fire trucks for the Albion Joint Fire District head down Main Street in the June 14 Albion Strawberry Festival parade. The fire district is working towards a new quint ladder truck that would replace the ladder truck in front from 1994 and the fire engine behind it from 1991. The new quint ladder truck could pump water and carry water to fire scenes. Albion’s current ladder truck doesn’t have the ability to carry or pump water.
ALBION – The Albion Joint Fire District is seeking proposals for a new ladder truck. It will replace one that is currently 31 years old.
The new truck, however, is expected to take as long as four years to be built and delivered due to a backlog among the fire truck manufacturers. The new fire truck also is expected to cost about $2.2 million.
Al Cheverie, the fire district chairman, said the costs for new apparatus have escalated in recent years. The Village of Medina, for example, agreed to pay $1,698,995 to Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton, Wisc. for a new fire truck with a 100-foot-long ladder. That was June 26, 2023. Medina’s truck is expected this December, about a 2 ½ year wait.
The fire district will put a notice to bidders in The Daily News of Batavia, the district’s legal newspaper. That is expected to be posted next week, with the bids due 12 days after that. If the legal notice can be posted on Tuesday, Cheverie said the bids will be due on July 27. Cheverie said the fire district commissioners should be able to accept a bid at their Aug. 14 meeting.
The bid specifications for the truck will be available to bidders through secretary Rachel Hicks once the legal notice is posted.
The fire district is seeking a quint ladder truck with a 100-foot-long ladder. The quint also has the ability to pump water and carry 300 gallons on the truck. The current ladder truck doesn’t pump or carry water, and has a 103-foot-long ladder.
“This will have everything we need for the initial attack,” Cheverie said about the new quint ladder truck.
Cheverie said the new truck will allow the fire district to take two older trucks out of service – a 1994 ladder truck and a fire engine from 1991.
The new truck will fit in the existing fire hall. Cheverie said the new truck will actually be a little bit smaller because the ladder is in four sections instead of three.
The fire district budget for 2025 established an “Apparatus Repair & Replacement Reserve” and a $250,000 was put in the reserve fund the first year.
The two older trucks have held up well for the Albion Fire Department but Cheverie said they will need extra care to make it four more years.
“We will have to band-aid them as best we can to keep them in service,” he said.
Editor’s note: This article was updated to state the truck will have a 100-foot ladder, not 110 feet as originally stated, and will have capacity to carry 300 gallons of water, not the 500 to 800 as originally stated.
Fire commissioner Kevin Sheehan, left, makes a point during the Albion Joint Fire District meeting today in the Albion fire hall. Listening from left include Chairman Al Cheverie, Commissioner Dave Buczek and Treasurer Victoria Tabor. Other commissioners, not pictured, include Chris Kinter and Craig Lane.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2025 at 11:34 am
Provided photo: Albion police officer Sean McElhinny and Mary Brzustowicz from Autism Up are shown on Wednesday when Brzustowicz gave a presentation to law enforcement and other human service providers.
ALBION – The Albion Police Department hosted a representative from Autism Up on Wednesday for a discussion about how to best respond to calls for people with autism or who are on the spectrum.
The Albion PD announced it will have “Sensory Bags” in its patrol cars which can assist in helping to calm people down with autism who are feeling stressed or overstimulated.
The Albion Police Department hosted the presentation from Autism Up. Other agencies that attended included the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office (Sheriff’s deputies, dispatchers, animal control officers and chaplains). Albion Special Education teachers, district superintendent Mickey Edwards and representatives from the Child Advocacy Center also attended the session.
“We at the Albion Police Department are so grateful for Mary to come out and give us this knowledge,” the Albion PD stated about the presentation from Autism Up. “We at the Albion Police Department are dedicated to providing the best service, interactions and have an understanding of all of our community members.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2025 at 11:12 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Dave Ruch delivered an engaging concert this afternoon playing a variety of instruments in sharing about the Erie Canal’s history.
Ruch, a musician from Buffalo, played some well known canal tunes – “Low Bridge, Everybody Down” and “Fifteen Miles on the Erie Canal.”
Ruch played familiar instruments such as the banjo and guitar, and then introduced the audience to instruments used by many canal workers and travelers in the mid-1850s – cow bones, spoons, a washboard and jaw harp.
Dave Ruch shows people a jaw harp, which he said was very popular as people tried to pass time on their journeys along the canal.
Ruch played the washboard with two thimbles on his fingers.
This group joined Ruch and acted out a canal song about a low bridge.
Sam Conde learns to hold the cow bones so he can make music with them.
Ruch shows how to hold two spoons so they bang together to make sounds. Ruch sang the folk song, “Old Dan Tucker,” while he played the spoons.
Today was the kick off of Hoag Library’s 2025 Summer Reading Program with a theme “Color Our World.”
Reading logs and Nioga Library System passports are available at the library. With the Nioga Passport Program, participants can collect a stamp at each Nioga Library they visit. Once all stamps are collected, they’ll be entered into a system-wide raffle for prizes.
Other upcoming events include:
Super Amy Variety Show at 2 p.m. on July 10. Super Amy brings her passion and talents to life in this variety show with magic, comedy, feats of strength and amazing acrobatics
Fire Truck Visit from 1 to 3 p.m. on July 14. Learn about fire safety with volunteers from Orleans County Emergency Management.
Water Color Wars will be outdoors beginning at 2 p.m. on July 17. Wear old clothes or a bathing suit and get ready to get wet with different outdoor water games.
Gardening for Kids beginning at 2 p.m. on July 21. The Master Gardeners will teach a class on gardening for children and their families.
Brushstrokes Program at 2 p.m. on July 23. Melissa from Brushstrokes will lead a class on how to paint glazed pottery. Registration is required. Limit 15 registrants.
Rainbow Yoga with Mindful Traditions at 2 p.m. on July 29. Learn the basics of yoga and relaxation with yoga instructor Kaylin McCarthy.
Butterfly Wing Craft at 2 p.m. on Aug. 4. Make wearable butterfly wings out of cardboard.
Wildlife Rockstars Live Animal Show at 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 18. Ambassadors from the Wildlife Rockstars will be here to show animals and teach about the different ecosystems and habitats.
Yohe Wagon Rides & Farm Animals at 2 p.m. on Aug. 20. Celebrate the end of summer reading with horses/wagon rides and other farm animals.
ALBION – Hoag Library’s 2025 Summer Reading Program, themed “Color Our World,” officially kicks off today at 2 p.m., with an engaging performance by musician and teaching artist Dave Ruch, who will bring the history of the Erie Canal to life with music, storytelling, and audience interaction.
Reading logs and Nioga Library System passports will be available at the kickoff. With the Nioga Passport Program, participants can collect a stamp at each Nioga Library they visit. Once all stamps are collected, they’ll be entered into a system-wide raffle for exciting prizes.
This summer, Hoag Library will also be out in the community! Visit us at Bullard Park on Fridays in July for Art at the Park with stories and crafts, and look for StoryWalks at the library and throughout Albion.
Other exciting upcoming events include:
Super Amy Variety Show – Thursday, July 10 at 2 p.m.
Fire Truck Visit – Monday, July 14 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Wildlife Rockstars Live Animal Show – Monday, Aug. 18 at 11:30 a.m.
Yohe Wagon Rides & Farm Animals – Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 2 p.m.
Rainbow Yoga, Butterfly Wing Craft, Supersized Sorry, and many more activities for all ages
Participants are also encouraged to take part in the Community Art Mural, Color Jars, and the Collaborative Diamond Painting Project running every Friday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 July 2025 at 8:18 am
ALBION – UConnectCare has announced a ribbon cutting and an open house for the new 25-bed women and children community residence at 3597 Butts Rd., Albion.
The open house and ribbon cutting will be from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 13.
This will be the first residential program for women and their children for UConnectCare, formerly known as Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.
The site will allow women, 18 and older, to receive services to aid in their recovery while in a residential setting.
Five of the 25 units will accommodate women with children younger than kindergarten. Up to two children can stay in those units.
UConnectCare awarded a $4.6 million grant from the state Department of Health for construction of the residence, which will total $5.2 million.
UConnectCare has seen more women in recovery and addiction programs during the opioid epidemic, with the prevalence of addictive painkillers, UConnectCare officials said.
The residence was built on part of a 9-acre wooded lot just outside of the Albion village limits.
UConnectCare will operate the facility, with staffing at all hours, seven days a week.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 July 2025 at 9:32 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: CAOG’s board president Barb Shine spoke during Community Action’s in-service day and praised staff for the work they have done in the community.
ALBION – The annual In-service Day for Community Action of Orleans and Genesee was again held this year at Albion Elks Lodge, with a theme of “Beacon of Hope: Illuminating Paths to Possibility.”
The day began with breakfast catered by the Coffee Pot Café and welcome by CAOG’s executive director Renee Hungerford, who announced the agency was incorporated Sept. 13, 1965, making it 60 years old this year. To celebrate, she declared June 20 an agency holiday, following Juneteenth and giving staff a long weekend off.
Board president Barb Shine introduced board members in attendance, welcomed guests and praised the staff for their accomplishments.
Hungerford next read the government impact of legislation proposed by President Trump in his budget, in which both the Community Services Block Grant, the foundational funding of a Community Action agency, and LIHEAP, a source that partially funds their weatherization program, are eliminated.
She also read a passage from Project 2025 which proposed the elimination of Head Start. She elaborated on the importance of raising awareness of these developments so people can voice their concerns before final decisions are made.
Hungerford stated she had responded to the president, but never got a reply.
Photo courtesy of Melinda Daniels: (Left) Ryan Lasal, director of Family Program Innovation/Chief Innovation Officer, and Tina Schleede, director of Finance and Administration/CFO, hand out awards during Community Action’s In-service Day. (Photo by Ginny Kropf – right) – Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, welcomes staff and guests to the annual In-service Day at Albion Elks Club.
Hungerford also urges everyone to read her letter to the editor on Orleans Hub, in which she stresses the importance of the Community Services Block Grant and how devastating it would be if the funding were lost.
A recap of Community Action showed the agency served nearly 5,000 individuals during the 2023-24 program year, an increase of more than 101% over the year ending in 2021. That equates to 2,628 households served.
Approximately 2,600 individuals benefitted nutritionally from food panties, food distribution, surplus food and prepared meals at the Holley Center, while 687 households received holiday meal kits.
Community Action provided assistance to 141 individuals to avoid eviction and 78 individuals were aided in avoiding utility shut-off.
School supplies were provided to 206 children, and five individuals received employment support, including job searching assistance, on-the-job training and work appropriate clothing.
The Main Street store continues to serve the community, with 92 prom dresses provided to students across eight counties; 182 individuals in need received hats, gloves and scarves; and the Wishing Tree in the store inspired 76 community donations of gifts, warm coats, socks and clothing.
The Head Start program continued to provide vital services to 201 enrolled children and 66 children enrolled in Early Head Start.
ACT – Helping Youth ACT Responsibly had 522 youth participate in the evidence-based, comprehensive pregnancy/STD prevention curriculum, and the Credit Recovery program had 22 students who attended, of which 11 demonstrated basic grade level achievement and eight obtained a high school diploma.
Motivational speaker Joe Roberts of Vancouver was keynote speaker for CAOG’s annual In-service day and shared his inspirational story of rising from a homeless addict to CEO of a multi-million company. His life story can be read on his website.
Community Action provides seniors and people with disabilities safe transportation for medical visits and personal needs. During the program year, 159 individuals received 4,052 one-way transportation trips.
Early Head Start – Child Care Partnership had 100 children enrolled and brought up to date on age-appropriate immunizations. The Child Resource Center provided referrals to 64 individuals to licensed child care providers.
The Weatherization program provided services to 123 homes, making them more efficient. Through a partnership with the Department of Social Services, 99 households received air conditioner installation.
In addition to that, Community Action had many other highlights throughout the past year. These included adding a mural on the Main Street store, being selected by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce to receive their Community Service Award, full reorganization of the agency was completed, a successful Stone Soup program was also completed and three teams expanded to the Arnold Gregory facility.
A number of community needs were identified, such as helping people become self-sufficient, advocating for working parents to have access to safe and affordable childcare, expanding health-related programs, explore avenues to meet increasing demand for food, partner in programs to increase affordable housing and reduce homelessness, expanding the Credit Recovery program to more Orleans County schools to increase graduation rates, help prevent death from overdose and become a distribution site for fentanyl and xylazine test kits, naloxone and educational materials and increase marketing, success stories, community involvement, etc. to increase brand awareness and public impact of the important role of Community Action.
Looking ahead, Community Action has identified priorities as addressing the 1115 Medicaid Waiver, developing the 2026 Community Needs Assessment and updated Strategic Plan, developing a Mental Health satellite at Holley, updating Mission and Vision statements, creating expanded transportation opportunities and exploring housing opportunities and partnerships.
One exciting new initiative is creating a Fresh Start Center at the Main Street Store, where students can launder clothes, shower, receive personal hygiene items and get connected with other needed social care services. A private grant will fund the shower, which won’t be added until next year.
Photos courtesy of Melinda Daniels: (Left) Veronica Barhite, a board member for Community Action, enjoys an ice cream sundae during the annual In-service Day at Albion Elk’s Club. (Right) CAOG director Renee Hungerford, right, and Cassie Healy, head of the Main Street Store, have an ice cream sundae during lunch break at the annual In-Service Day.
Hungerford stated, “The progress we’ve made in the last five years is incredible.” However, she sees the need for food going up and the number of homeless increasing.
Lunch for the day was catered by Zambistro and an ice cream truck was on site after lunch.
Following lunch and several games, Naloxone training was presented by Kaitlin Pettine, a public health educator with the Genesee Orleans County Health Departments.
Awards were presented, including 11 years-of-service awards for employees from five to 25 years with the agency. Eight employees received Achievement Awards for furthering their education, and nine Employee Recognition awards were given, with the top employee being Margi Davies, chosen by her peers and awarded a certificate for her strong upholding of the agency’s values. She also received an Achievement Award for making the Dean’s List and graduating from Empire State University with an associate’s degree in science, with a study of Early Childhood.
In her closing statement, Hungerford thanked everyone who made the day fun and successful. This included staff, the Elks Club for providing an affordable venue, Kaitlin Pettine for showing them how to save a life with Naloxone, Orleans Mental Health for making the Joe Roberts presentation possible, and the board of directors.
Photos courtesy of Albion Alumni Foundation: Alumni Foundation board member Mollie Radzinski congratulates Emily Richardson as she receives the Jonathan Doherty Memorial Scholarship.
Press Release, Albion Alumni Foundation
ALBION – The Alumni High School Alumni Foundation awarded $174,325 in scholarships to Albion High School Class of 2025 graduates during their Class Night ceremony on June 20. These awards provide financial assistance to seniors as they continue to pursue their educational goals after high school graduation.
The Foundations’ scholarship committee chose recipients for 56 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 new annual scholarships were awarded for the first time this year:
Raymond Lissow Jr. Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship was established in 2024 by the Family of Raymond M Lissow. Ray graduated from Albion in 2006 and benefited greatly from Albion’s special education personnel. Ray was very active in his community and thoroughly enjoyed his years at ACS. Sadly, he passed away in 2022 at the age of 34 but left a lasting impression on everyone he met and hopefully he always put a smile on their faces. This $2,000 scholarship, administered by the Albion Alumni Association, is awarded to a graduating senior attending college to pursue a degree in Special Education.
Ray and Fran Lissow congratulate Nicholas Baxter as the first recipient of the Raymond Lissow Jr. Memorial Scholarship.
Paganelli Family Scholarship – This scholarship has been established by the Paganelli family to support the pursuit of higher education, whether academic or vocational. It will be awarded to a graduating senior who demonstrates financial need and actively participates in extracurricular activities, whether related to work or academics. This scholarship is administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation.
Coach Robert Ord Scholarship – This scholarship was established in honor of Coach Ord who dedicated many years of service to the Albion School District and the Athletic program. This scholarship is administered by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation, Inc.
Our scholarships are made possible through the generosity of our Albion alumni members and the local community. We are grateful to them for their willingness to support so many Albion graduates through our scholarship program.
If you are interested in starting a scholarship or want to learn more about the Albion High School Alumni Foundation, please contact Steve Hicks, Albion Alumni Foundation President at steve@albionalumni.org or go to albionalumni.org.
Congratulations to all 2025 scholarship recipients!
Albion High School Alumni Foundation Scholarship – Willow Gaines, Krystalin Taylor, Taylor LeFrois, Adysyn Stirk
Paul R. Haines Memorial Scholarship – Leo Bolton
Elizabeth Balcom Smith Scholarship – Madison LeBaron
Golden Performance Scholarship – Alexis Hand
Jim & Susie Fraser Health Careers Scholarship – Alana Irvine
Minier Family Scholarship – Jayden Lewis
Albion Alumni Foundation Performing Arts Scholarship – Mallory Kozody
Coach Richard Diminuco Scholarship for Athletic Excellence – Camryn London
Harry W. Salchak Science Scholarship – Tye Talbot
A.B. Dick Eddy Service Above Self Scholarship – Leo Bolton
Nancy Elaine Lagamba Scholarship – Madison LeBaron
(Left) Jayden Lewis accepts the Minier Family Scholarship from Marissa (Minier) Olles and her daughter Hannah. (Right) Zachary Baron receives the Brennan Michael Carlyle Moody Scholarship from Erin and Jackson Moody.
Dr. Paul Mahany Family Scholarships – Madalyn Ashbery
Robert P. VanDeusen Memorial Scholarship – Donovan Braley
Moore Family Scholarship Fund – Kenadie Patten
Sawyer Brigham and Donovan Braley receive the Benjamin Dennis Kirby Memorial Scholarship from Ben’s friends. Lucas Martin also received this scholarship.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2025 at 9:45 am
‘I’ve never seen so many people in the park in my whole life.’
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Bullard Park was hopping on Thursday for a July 3rd celebration. The Who Dats are shown near the beginning of their concert. They were the final band out of three during the day.
People spread out in their lawn chairs to take in the music.
The Who Dats had many in the crowd dancing. The band includes, from left: John Borello, Todd Graham, lead singer Lonnie Froman, Ed Hilfiker and Alex DeSmit on the drums.
These kids watch the finale of the fireworks from the top of a playground on Thursday night.
Bullard offered expanded activities throughout the day with the event capped by fireworks for the first time in a decade.
Several thousand people were at the park. Organizers aren’t sure of estimate.
Ron Albertson helped push through the upgrades to Bullard, an effort that started about a dozen years ago.
It paid off with a spray park for kids, an amphitheater, new playground equipment, a new pavilion with bathrooms, and other more recent improvements, including basketball courts, a walking trail, a disc golf course and soon, a pickle ball court.
“We have an absolute gem in our town,” Albertson said this morning about Bullard. “We wanted to bring recognition to our park.”
Albertson helps organize the upcoming Albion Summer Music Festival/Rock the Park which includes two days of bands on Aug. 1-2. This will be the 10th year for Rock the Park, which started to raise money for the Bullard upgrades.
Seeing all the people at Bullard on Thursday felt like the realization of the Bullard dream for Albertson and others who worked on Bullard’s transformation.
“I’ve never seen so many people in the park in my whole life,” Albertson said. “I thought it was fantastic.”
Volunteers with the G-ACRE (Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events, Inc.) served 500 chicken barbecue dinners. In front are Denise London and John Kurtz at the pavilion by the spray park.
Albertson praised John Grillo, the Albion recreation director, for leading the effort to have a big Independence Day celebration in Albion, a day early on July 3. Grillo also rallied the community to donate $10,000 for the fireworks show.
“I just knew it would draw a lot of people,” Grillo said about the fireworks and day’s events. “I’m very proud of this community.”
Grillo also praised the efforts of the Albion Police Department, Department of Public Works and firefighters for make the day go smoothly.
Madaline Bloom, 9, rides a pony brought to the park by KTJ Saddle Up Pony Rides.
Jim Navarra gave people wagon rides through the park.
Emma Hollenbeck, 8, gets her face painted by Mary Jo Whitman.
These kids played an intense game of Gaga Ball. There were also several bounce houses available.
104 Country performed for nearly two hours. There were about 50 food and craft vendors at the park.
104 Country includes Mike Hartman on vocals and guitar; Norm Bock on vocals and guitar, mandolin and banjo; Luca Quagliano on percussion; and Cindy Lynn on bass and vocals.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2025 at 11:18 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Fireworks were back in Albion at Bullard Park for the first time tonight after a decade absence.
Young Explosives sent the fireworks into the sky over the park after a day of fun featuring three bands, about 50 vendors, and other food and entertainment.
John Grillo, Albion’s recreation director, started the fundraising push for the fireworks last October. He was able to secure $10,000 in donations from the community to bring back the fireworks.
These kids watch the fireworks from up high in the playground at Bullard.
People watched from all over the park, with some on lawn chairs, others on blankets and many others from their cars.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 2 July 2025 at 9:26 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Not even a hot day can keep Jeanette Riley from spending time in her garden. She will host the Cobblestone Society’s annual mid-summer celebration there on July 17.
ALBION – The Cobblestone Society’s annual mid-summer celebration on July 17 this year is titled “On the Bank of the Erie Canal,” and will take place at the extensive and elaborate gardens of Jeanette Riley.
Co-chaired by Shirley Bright-Neeper of Medina and Joyce Chiczek of Lyndonville, the event will feature music by the E-Yah-Pah-Hah Quintet, wine and light refreshments provided by Chiczek.
The gardens are located at 1960 Riley Place, off Moore Street, next to the Erie Canal.
Elaborate statuary, opulent blooms and winding paths will greet visitors to the Riley Family garden on the Cobblestone Society’s mid-summer celebration July 17. Here, Jeanette Riley and Shirley Bright-Neeper are partially hidden in the shade as they take a break while touring the garden.
Cobblestone director Doug Farley says no one will want to miss this tour.
“In recognition of the bicentennial of the Erie Canal, this magnificent garden is the perfect choice, as it is on the north bank of the Erie Canal,” Farley said.
Parking is limited near the garden, so it is recommended passengers be dropped off at the driveway to the Riley home and drivers can park at Light of Victory Church (formerly St. Mary’s Church) at 47 Brown St., where they will be shuttled to the Riley home.
The event will start at 4 p.m. and continue until dark. This is an ongoing, informal event, with activities scattered throughout the garden. It is a large garden and there are many places for visitors to sit as they wander at their own pace. Guests may also bring their own lawn chair.
Lush plants welcome visitors to the elaborate garden where Jeanette Riley will host the annual garden tour July 17 to benefit the Cobblestone Museum.
E-Yah-Pah-Hah, a quintet of music educators, will present their featured musical performance beginning at 5 p.m.
The history of the Riley gardens goes back to 1960 when Jeanette’s parents, Henry and Alma, lived there as renters. The original home, owned by an uncle, had five rooms with an outhouse. The family paid $35 to $40 a month to live there, Jeanette said. Her parents later bought the property for $2,000 around 1980, then bought three lots from Curtis Lyman to extend their property.
“Dad was a brick mason by trade, and he started fixing things up,” Jeanette said. “The house now has five bedrooms and two baths.”
Jeanette moved home with her mother when her father got sick in 1995. He died in 1997, and Jeanette said her mother started planting flowers to keep busy. She had hedges pulled out and began planting flowers, hit and miss, Jeanette said.
Shirley Bright-Neeper, left, and Jeanette Riley enjoy conversation on a hot day in the shade of a giant maple at the entrance to the Riley family garden, which will be the site for the Cobblestone Society’s annual garden tour on July 17. The elaborate garden is located at 1960 Riley Place, on the bank of the Erie Canal.
Jeanette, 74, worked at the Probation Department, and after work her mom would tell her what she had done that day.
“Every day mom was out here, and I helped on Saturdays and Sundays,” Jeanette said. “We would talk about plants and flowers we wanted. She was very creative.”
When another house burned, the Riley’s took the bricks and made a patio. They had truckloads of sandy loam brought it for flower beds, and planted a lot of bulbs. Then a harsh winter hit and the weight of the snow killed all their bulbs.
“We called it ‘Death Valley Days,’” Jeanette said.
Their second big project was getting a second load of loam and framing off a patio.
“We learned we had to fluff the soil,” Jeanette said. “We called it our ‘shovel garden.’ My brother and his son had to do a lot of shoveling.”
A row of unique planters line a walkway through the Riley family garden on the bank of the Erie Canal in Albion.
Alma, who is in her 90s, still tries to help with the gardens, as does Jeanette’s brother. Jeanette does the majority of gardening, but her brother does the heavy lifting and digging. His son and fiancée help with planting. Sister Wanda helps on weekends.
Jeanette said when the buy new things to plant, she always gets two. She has had the Amish build several outbuildings on the property.
“I try to plant things so I don’t have a lot of weeds,” she said.
The garden is opulent with plants and bushes, some rare, like the yellow wood magnolia. One of Jeanette’s favorite places in the garden is what they call the “Gray area,” an area dedicated to Henry and Alma, with angels and a wrought iron sign with their names on it.
This section of the Riley family garden pays tribute to Henry and Anna Riley, who first bought the property.
A grape arbor, numerous statuary and wrought iron decorations create a magical place to stroll or sit in one of the many areas provided along the way.
A donation of $10 is suggested, and reservations are strongly recommended by logging on to CobblestoneMuseum.org or calling (585) 589-9013. The event will take place rain or shine.
This event may be canceled on the day it is scheduled due to rain or other weather conditions that could interfere with the performance.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 July 2025 at 10:12 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Don Bishop, Foundation director at the Albion Rotary Club, presents a Paul Harris Fellow award to Amy Sidari during the Rotary meeting last Thursday at the Tavern on the Ridge.
Photos courtesy of Marlene Seielstad: Amy Sidari stands with Albion Rotary Club President Tom Rivers.
The Paul Harris award is named for the founder of Rotary and is the club’s highest honor.
Sidari recently retired after 28 years as owner of the Gotta Dance by Miss Amy studio on West Bank Street. She has been a dance instructor in Albion for 38 years.
Rotary commended her for being a “dynamic force for good in Albion for the past four decades.” Gotta Dance has been a welcoming studio for people of all ages and abilities.
Sidari has used the dance studio to host many community fundraisers and events, including an annual Nicholas Kovaleski Hometown Christmas to support a scholarship in memory of Nicholas, who passed away from leukemia at age 15 in 2011. The Hometown Christmas shows raised more than $25,000 in scholarships which are given to Albion seniors who follow Nicholas’s mission of “Live with Purpose.”
Amy also puts on many shows with musicians and comedians at the Cabaret at Studio B. Those shows bring in many buses of people to Albion, providing entertainment and a needed spark for the downtown.
Sidari and her husband David have five children: Jillian, Kristin, Keith, Kyle and Gina. Amy and David also have three grandchildren: James, Jonah and Charlotte.
The Rotary Club also had the “changing of the guard” last week with a new president and officers sworn in for the 2025-26 year. Tom Rivers hands the gavel over to Dick Remley who will lead the organization the next year.
The club was busy the past year with community efforts, including the Albion Strawberry Festival, a golf tournament (with proceeds going to a transportation program at the Office for the Aging and clothing and readiness fund for the Job Development Agency). A St. Patrick’s ham dinner supported school supplies in a rural part of Honduras that were delivered by Tim Archer, advisor of the Interact Club in the school district.
The Rotary Club also completed a memorial for the 15 people who died in the Sept. 28, 1859 bridge collapse in Albion. That monument, completed by Brigden Memorials, is in Albion’s Canal Park.
The Rotary Club also welcomed many speakers throughout the year and the club contributed to other projects in the community.
Rotary last week also welcomed Michael Schmackpfeffer as a new member.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 June 2025 at 8:46 pm
File photos by Tom Rivers: File photo by Tom Rivers: Carmen Quatro stands on top of a fire truck and watches the fireworks on July 5, 2014 at Bullard Park. It’s been about a decade since there was a fireworks show at the park.
ALBION – On July 3, fireworks will be back at Bullard Park, capping a day of activities including concerts.
Many local donors contributed for the return of fireworks. It’s been about a decade since the last fireworks show at Bullard.
Several bands will be performing that evening. Ryan and Company will play from 4 to 6 p.m., 104 Country from 6 to 7:45 p.m., and The Who Dats from 8 p.m. until dusk, when fireworks will be set off.
Along with music, there will also be a chicken barbeque taking place from 4 to 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased from G-ACRE staff members at Bullard Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 1, 2 and 3. Chicken barbeques may also be purchased directly during the event on a first come, first served basis, up until they are sold out.
The organization G-ACRE (Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events, Inc.) hosts various activities, with profits going toward the beautification of parks and other acts of service for the community.
“I personally feel this is a good thing, to come out and enjoy a very inexpensive evening and support the community,” said John Grillo, event coordinator and Albion recreation director. “There will be a big tent set up for shade if needed, but feel free to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the music.”
The Who Dats are shown performing from the amphitheater at Bullard Park last year as part of a July 3rd celebration.
The evening will include food and beverage vendors, artisans and crafters, and community organizations.
Children’s activities that will be available at the concert include bounce houses, pony and wagon rides, and face and rock painting.
The event tends to attract a large crowd. While there are plenty of parking spaces at Bullard Park, in the case of overflow, community members may also use the primary school and Town of Albion for parking purposes.
Donations to the Independence Day Celebration, as well as buying from the chicken barbeque, are appreciated. All proceeds go right back to Bullard Park and future Independence Day concerts. Checks for donations should be addressed to the Village of Albion and use the memo “fireworks.”
The day before the July 3 concert, Soul Street will be performing at Bullard Park on Wednesday as the summer concert series continues to provide to the community.
