‘We were very hurt about it. We still are.’ – Grace Conlon

Photos by Tom Rivers – The state Department of Transportation forced Dave and Grace Conlon to remove this carriage step and hitching post, which survived for more than a century at the corner of North Main Street and Linwood Avenue in Albion. The community has many hitching posts and carriage steps on village side streets, but the Conlons had two of the few on a public right-of-way on a state road in Albion. This photo was taken late last year.

Dave Conlon sits on a carriage step that he had to remove from near Main Street last Wednesday. Conlon and his son used a tractor to move the historic step back by a tree in his front yard.

ALBION – For 45 years, Dave and Grace Conlon enjoyed looking out their window facing Main Street and watching children sit or stand on a carriage step by the road.

The Conlons planted flowers by it. They carefully mowed the grass around a companion hitching post.

“They were a showpiece for our property,” said Mr. Conlon, 84.

Last year the Conlons received a letter from the state Department of Transportation, telling them the carriage step and hitching post were a hazard to motorists. The historical artifacts from the horse-and-buggy era would need to be moved off the public right of way, the DOT advised.

The Conlons called the DOT. They didn’t understand why they had to move it, given that the public right of way on North Main Street is lined with trees and telephone poles – other “hazards.”

“This doesn’t make any sense,” said Conlon, a Kodak retiree who still works part-time as a custodian for Five Star Bank.

The Conlons received the first letter in the spring 2012. Another letter followed, advising them that the DOT could remove the pieces for a fee.

The Conlons fretted the DOT might show up one day and remove the carriage step and hitching post, and haul them away. Two weeks ago the DOT called, again pressing the issue.

On Wednesday, Conlon and his son Randy dug up the hitching post and used a tractor to haul it back by the house. They put it near a garden. It’s not very visible from the road, but the Conlons can see it looking out of their kitchen window.

The carriage step was a bear to move. Conlon cracked sidewalk panels leading to his house from the weight of the tractor. He tore up part of his lawn, but he was able to move it by a maple tree in his front yard.

The Conlons are angry and sad about the whole situation.

Dave and Grace Conlon also had to move this hitching post, which stood by Main Street for about a century. They put it back in their garden.

A mounting block sits by the side of the road on West Center Street in Medina. Hopefully its days aren’t numbered.

“We were very hurt about it,” Mrs. Conlon said. “We still are.”

I think it’s crummy that the DOT has launched an attack on the few hitching posts, carriage steps and mounting blocks that remain in the public right of way on state roads. Medina and Le Roy residents also have been sent warning letters from the DOT, advising the historical pieces need to be moved.

There are a lot of these artifacts in old quarrying towns, where residents had access to great building materials – sandstone in Orleans County and limestone in Le Roy.

They few that have endured – a century after horse-and-buggies were replaced by the automobile – should be considered treasures, part of the historical fabric of the community.

I have counted about 40 of the hitching posts in Albion and Gaines, which may be more survivors than anywhere in the world. (Until proven wrong, I’ll make the claim that 14411 is the historic hitching post capitol of the world.)

There are a lot of hitching posts but only a few carriage steps around. Most of these artifacts are on side streets. They were stripped from along the state roads long ago.

In Albion, the Albion Main Street Alliance has been working with the village to put four hitching posts back on Main Street in the downtown. They would be set back far enough to be off the state right of way, although we are asking the DOT to let us put one back in a downtown sidewalk. We hope to have these installed in the next month.

Some of us see the hitching posts and carriage steps as an attraction. We wanted to make a map of them. Most of them are in front of the finest historic homes in the community.

I think it’s shabby that the DOT pressured the Conlons to move their artifacts. They clearly valued and cared for the pieces.

It also hurts the Albion effort to promote these as part of the historical character of the community. We want some on Main Street, where they are more prominent. We’d like they to be by the road so they are more historically accurate, rather than moved back as lawn ornaments.

Our state legislators – Steve Hawley and George Maziarz – should intervene and make the DOT call off the dogs on the old hitching posts. These historic structures have survived every possible threat – from Mother nature, development pressure to wayward motorists. Can they now survive a government bureaucrat?

Cabaret at Studio B in Albion full of ‘great excitement’

Photo by Tom Rivers – The Reverend Mother kept a crowd in stitches last night at the Cabaret at Studio B in Albion.

ALBION – Phyl Contestable passed out buttons that said, “JESUS LOVES YOU, but I’m his favorite.” Contestable is the comedian, “Reverend Mother,” and she kept a packed house laughing last night at the Cabaret at Studio B in Albion.

Amy Sidari opened the venue last weekend with a concert by Marcy Downey. Sidari wants to bring professional entertainment to the community.

“People are excited to have this is their hometown,” said Sidari, owner of Gotta Dance by Miss Amy at 28 West Bank St. “I have great excitement for this.”

She has transformed one of the studios into a cabaret with professional-quality lighting and sound. Sidari has about 20 tables inside the studio that seats nearly 100 people.

Contestable of Hilton once joined the convent. As the Reverend Mother she is dressed as a nun. She is also friends with Downey, who urged her to come to Albion for a show.

“I love Amy’s energy and what she is trying to do out here, bringing the arts out here at this level,” Contestable said.

ALBION – Albion firefighters arrived on scene not long after 5 a.m. on June 21 to see a heavily damaged vehicle on Eagle Harbor-Waterport Road.

A driver, Jillian Troy, was badly injured and trapped inside the 1993 Suburu four-door sedan. The vehicle struck a concrete bridge structure that carries the roadway over Otter Creek.

Albion firefighters used the Hurst Jaws of Life to tear off the roof of the vehicle and free Troy, 18, of Holley. She was then taken by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital.

This evening Albion firefighters will be awarded the “Green Cross,” an honor from the Hurst Jaws of Life company for using the equipment to save lives. Kevin Sheehan, Albion’s deputy mayor, will present the awards at 6:30 p.m. at the fire hall on North Platt Street.

The following will be recognized: Dale Banker, Albert Cheverie, Andrew Cheverie, Rob Connor, Mike Dalle, Matt Francis, Will Francis, Jeremy Graham, James Herdendorf, Charlie Monacelli, Steven Papponetti, Chuck Prentice and Rocky Sidari.

13 members of AFD receive ‘Green Cross’ awards

Photos by Tom Rivers – Jillian Troy, 18, stands by the Jaws of Life and Albion firefighters Jeremy Graham and Al Cheverie, right. Chuck Prentice is in back.

Jillian Troy has made a remarkable recovery from life-threatening injuries sustained in a June 21 car crash. Her family credits the quick and effective work by firefighters for saving her life and helping to minimize the lasting impact of her injuries. She is pictured with Albion firefighters, from left: Will Francis, Matt Francis, Dale Banker, Andrew Cheverie, Mike Dalle, Jeremy Graham, Chuck Prentice, Al Cheverie and Steven Papponetti. Four other firefighters responded to the rescue call on June 21: Rob Connor, James Herdendorf, Charlie Monacelli and Rocky Sidari.

ALBION – Jillian Troy doesn’t remember the accident. She woke up five days after June 21, when she nearly died in an early morning crash on Eagle Harbor-Waterport Road.

Jillian, 18, had extensive injuries, including swelling on the brain, a lacerated liver, a collapsed and punctured lung, a broken left ankle and wrist, and several knocked out teeth. She only had a faint breath.

Her family credits a quick and perfectly executed extrication by Albion firefighters with saving her life and helping to prevent more serious lasting injuries.

“I’m very grateful to the firefighters,” Jillian said this evening. “They did a really good job.”

Jillian and her family met the Albion firefighters tonight who helped save her. Deputy Mayor Kevin Sheehan also presented 13 firefighters with “Green Cross” awards from the Hurst Jaws of Life company for using the tool in a life-saving emergency.

“I’m very grateful that I made out so well,” Jillian said this evening. “I had a lot of injuries.”

Her family was told she would be recovering in a hospital for months. She was able to leave after 18 days. Her body has bounced back remarkably, said her mother Lauren Rayner.

“She was in very bad shape,” Rayner said.

Rayner’s mother Cindy Troy handed each firefighter a flower in appreciation for their work on that early morning.

Firefighters heard their ring tones go off soon after 5 a.m. Mike Dalle thought it was his alarm clock. He reached for the snooze button, but realized it was a fire call. He lives on Route 104 and was on scene within minutes. So were several other firefighters.

They saw a heavily damaged 1993 Suburu four-door sedan on Eagle Harbor-Waterport Road. Jillian had fallen asleep and drove into a concrete bridge structure that carries the roadway over Otter Creek.

Albion firefighters Steven Papponetti, right, and Jeremy Graham show the Jaws of Life to Jillian Troy and her father Harvey outside the Albion fire hall.

Albion Deputy Mayor Kevin Sheehan, left, presents a “Green Cross” award to Jeremy Graham, assistant fire chief, for the fire department’s life-saving efforts on June 21 for Jillian Troy.

Firefighters arrived in Albion’s rescue truck with the Jaws of Life. They used the tools to carefully tear off the roof and remove posts inside the vehicle. They removed Jillian who was then transported by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Dalle said firefighters had Jillian out and on Mercy Flight within 15 minutes of the call.

“I remember walking away from that call and thinking I’m so proud of this department,” Dalle said. “Everything went picture perfect.”

Because the call came so early in the morning, before the firefighters went to work, many of them were on the scene within minutes.

The following firefighters received “Green Cross” awards: Rob Connor, James Herdendorf, Charlie Monacelli, Rocky Sidari, Will Francis, Matt Francis, Dale Banker, Andrew Cheverie, Mike Dalle, Jeremy Graham, Chuck Prentice, Al Cheverie and Steven Papponetti.

Jillian grew up in Britain in Suffolk, north of London. She moved to Albion about 18 months ago and lived with her grandparents until her mother and father joined her in Orleans County in November. Jillian worked at Claims Recovery Financial Services in Albion.

Her family is well-known in the Albion area. Her great-grandfather is Frenchy Downey, owner of Frenchy’s TV and Appliances on Ridge Road.

“She almost died,” Jillian’s mother said. “It was very traumatic. We just wanted to thank the firemen.”

Photos by Tom Rivers – The Albion and Gaines area in particular has many historic sandstone hitching posts. The Lamonts on Densmore Road have a cast-iron one by their driveway on Densmore Road in Gaines.

Roger and Ingrid Lamont pose for a photo with two of their grandsons, Alex, left, and Aaron.

ALBION – Roger Lamont saw it in a barn, part of a collection of old relics that had been abandoned.

He knew it should be displayed, returned to the landscape.

A decade ago he put a cast-iron hitching post by his driveway at his old farmhouse on Densmore Road.

“I keep everything that is old,” he said.

I’ve developed a hitching post and carriage step obsession. I was at Lamont’s house last evening for a story about two new apple varieties. I noticed the hitching post. It’s unusual around here. Most of them are made of sandstone.

The cast-iron one dates back more than a century. Lamont said it was owned by a farmer down the road. The old hitching post was left with a farm acquired by the Lamont family.

When Roger and his wife Ingrid moved in his parents’ home in 2002, Roger decided the hitching post would be a nice touch by the house.

For several years the couple operated a bed and breakfast at the site. Ingrid hung a welcome flag from the hitching post. She planted flowers around it.

The house is 100 years old this year. It includes a sandstone foundation and sandstone base for the pillars on the porch.

If you have a hitching post or carriage step story to share, send me an email at tom@orleanshub.com.

Provided photo – The Spotlight dancers, pictured in Boston, include, from left, front row: Aubrey Boyer, McKenna Boyer, Zoe Chatfield, Faith Chaffee and Baillie Oberther. Back row: Thomas Green, Katlin Pieniazsek, Hannah Yocum, Angela Carloni and Serina Blair.

Press release
Spotlight Studio

ALBION – Students in the Spotlight Dance Company attended a dance convention in Boston earlier this month. The dancers were joined by director Rachael Blair.

The Spotlight students were instructed by professional dancers in several dance styles. These professionals instruct, choreograph and dance with famous artists in movies, concerts, on Broadway and on television.

The dance company will never forget this amazing experience. They would like to thank the community for supporting the fundraisers to make this possible.

“We wanted to give the kids the opportunity to learn from instructors that dance for a living in New York City and Hollywood,” Blair said. “They learn different styles of dance and work on technique for three days straight. It is an opportunity that these students will remember forever.”

Photo by Tom Rivers – This Waldo is hiding at the offices for The Lake Country Pennysaver and Orleans Hub at 170 North Main St., Albion. This is your only clue.

ALBION – He is hiding with the pens near the front desk at the Lake Country Pennysaver and Orleans Hub. This is the only clue we’re giving to find the 23 Waldos that are hiding at Albion businesses.

Waldo hunters have until Wednesday to try to find them all. Bindings Bookstore has organized the adventure for July. Bookstore owner Carolyn Ricker wanted to promote local businesses as part of the Waldo event.

The elusive character has black-rimmed glasses and striped shirts. If shoppers can find him in 10 spots, they will be eligible for prizes and coupons. Mayor Dean Theodorakos will pull the name of the winner of a grand prize from a basket at 6 p.m. July 31 at Bindings, 28 West Bank St. The winner receives a six-volume deluxe set of Waldo books.

A passport with a list of participating businesses is at Bindings. Waldo’s American publisher, Candlewick Press, is teaming up with the American Booksellers Association and 265 independent bookstores all across the country, including Bindings Bookstore, for some hide-and-seek fun while promoting local businesses.

Press release, Village of Albion Parks Department

ALBION – Senior citizens are welcome to attend the annual Senior Citizen’s Day Picnic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31. The picnic will be at the east end pavilion at Bullard Park.

Senior Citizens are urged to bring a dish to pass and optional place setting. The menu will include hot dogs, hamburgers, pop, chicken wings, pizza and treats.

There will be some fun games and activities provided for those who want to participate. The event is sponsored by the Village of Albion Recreation Department.

CHA submitted this “concept plan” to the Village of Albion for a Dunkin’ Donuts on Main Street, between the railroad tracks and Tim Hortons.

ALBION – A proposal for a new Dunkin’ Donuts in Albion would have access for motorists on both Main and Platt streets, helping to ease congestion on Route 98, village officials said.

Dunkin’ hasn’t submitted a formal plan to the village yet. The coffee and baked goods franchise has hired the CHA firm for engineering and design of the Albion site.

CHA and Dunkin’ expect to have a formal site plan submitted to the village in August.

Dunkin’ wants to demolish a warehouse next to Tim Hortons in Albion for the new store. The concept plan shows about 40 parking spaces at the site.

The warehouse is owned by Charles Breuilly. The building occupies almost the entire property. The Dunkin’ plan would add green space to the site, improving runoff and water quality, said Village Code Enforcement Officer Ron Vendetti.

ALBION – Dr. John Thompson, who has worked in Orleans County the past 26 years as a family physician, has announced he is leaving to provide medical care and substance abuse treatment to homeless in Arizona.

Effective Aug. 1, he is transferring his medical practice and all records to the Orleans Community Health Center, which recently opened a new facility on the corner of Route 31 and Butts Road.

Thompson said his patients will be in good hands with doctors Sandra Boehlert and Jamal Janania.

“They are primary care doctors who work at this state-of-the-art facility, and they offer continuing medical care for my patients,” Thompson said in a letter to his patients. “They are caring and well-qualified physicians. I recommend them highly.”

Thompson said is new job gives him a chance to be closer to his father, who lives in Phoenix.

Thompson, a former Orleans County coroner, will have his last day on July 31 in Albion. His office is in the former Arnold Gregory Hospital.

“It has been my honor, privilege, and joy to provide medical care for so many of you and your families during the 26 years that I have lived and worked in Orleans County,” Thompson said in his letter. “I will miss you. May God bless and keep you.”

Advance Auto Parts plans move into former Rite Aid

Photos by Tom Rivers – Dunkin’ Donuts wants to demolish a warehouse next to Tim Hortons in Albion for a new store that sells coffee and baked goods.

ALBION – Dunkin’ Donuts and Advance Auto Parts are both pushing forward with projects only a few buildings away from each other on Route 98 in Albion.

Dunkin’ has submitted a “concept plan” to the Village Planning Board that calls for removing a warehouse next to Tim Hortons. Dunkin’ would build a new structure with about 40 parking spaces just south of the railroad tracks. The site would have access from both Main and Platt streets, which would relieve some of the traffic on Main Street, said Ron Vendetti, the village code enforcement officer.

The two access points would also allow delivery trucks to pass through the property without having to back up.

Dunkin’ is expected to submit a formal site plan in time for the board’s next meeting, 7 p.m. on Aug. 21.

Advance Auto Parts plans to spend $140,000 fixing up the interior of a former Rite Aid at the corner of routes 98 and 31 in Albion

The warehouse is owned by Charles Breuilly. The building occupies almost the entire property. The Dunkin’ plan would add green space to the site, improving runoff and water quality, Vendetti said.

The Dunkin’ store would be run by a franchisee. Vendetti said the store could open soon after Jan. 1. Dunkin’s closest site is in Batavia.

Another major chain, Advance Auto Parts, plans to spend $140,000 on interior changes and improvements at the a former Rite Aid at the northeast corner of the routes 98 and 31 intersection. The site has been vacant for several years since Rite Aid moved to the former Eckerd building across the street.

Advance will be on the Orleans County Planning Board agenda at 7 p.m. July 25 for its plan for signage at the site. The company wants two signs on the building and a monument-style sign closer to the road.

Advance has nearby sites in Brockport, Batavia and Lockport.