By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – The Ingersoll Memorial Fountain is still going strong in Mount Albion 99 years after it was dedicated in the historic cemetery. The sandstone chapel is in the background.
ALBION – I’m glad they didn’t do it on the cheap nearly 100 years ago. The Ingersoll Memorial Fountain in Mount Albion is the Cadillac of fountains.
It has endured for nearly a century. It’s visible from Route 31 and is one of the three most iconic structures in the cemetery, with the front sandstone arch and the Civil War Memorial – Mount Albion Tower – also enduring landmarks.
I don’t know the full story behind the Ingersoll family. Nehemiah Ingersoll was an early prominent resident in Albion. There were only a few settlers in 1812, but when it was announced the canal would pass through here, entrepreneurs started to buy up land.
Photo by Tom Rivers
Ingersoll purchased much of the land near the planned intersection of the canal and Oak Orchard Road, the main north-south route through the area in 1822, according to a Wikipedia entry about Albion. Ingersoll’s land was soon subdivided, and the village, then known as Newport, began to grow.
I’d like to see Albion put up another fountain, and not just the cheapest one on the market. An Ingersoll-type fountain on the bank of the canal would be an attraction and would give our canal bank and downtown a big lift, while also drawing some customers for the downtown businesses.
I think the fountain should be built in honor of the 15 people who died in a Sept. 28, 1859 bridge collapse. I wrote about that part of our history about a week ago. You can read about it by clicking here.
Those 15 people died while watching a wire walker. I think Nik Wallenda could be talked into doing an event in Albion, to help the community dedicate a fountain in their memory.
Governor says companies want to fill 900 positions in region
Press release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office
ALBANY – Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that 21 companies in Albion and the Finger Lakes area will be gathering today to bring 902 job opportunities to employees of JPMorgan Chase as the facility prepares for closure in September.
Following the announcement of the Albion facility’s impending closure the governor deployed the state’s Rapid Response Reemployment Team to help impacted workers find new jobs.
“As we continue to strengthen regional economies across the state, it is critical that those who face layoffs receive help in finding new employment to stay in New York,” Cuomo said. “The fact that so many businesses are stepping up for the good of their neighbors and the larger community is a testament to the haven that the Finger Lakes region truly is for the private sector. I commend the businesses participating in this effort from around the Finger Lakes region for coming together to aid their fellow New Yorkers in the pursuit of new employment.”
Chase announced on June 7 it would be closing its Albion Call Center in early September and laying off more than 400 employees in the process. In response to the announcement, Cuomo dispatched the Department of Labor Finger Lakes Rapid Response Unit to assist affected workers with reemployment services.
The Department of Labor’s regional Rapid Response Units work with impacted workers to help them obtain unemployment benefits, establish connections to new jobs in their field and area, and also assemble career fairs like the one being held today.
Representatives from telecommunications, sales, customer service, marketing, financial services and banking will be on hand on and ready to hire. Additionally, Genesee Community College will participate in the event to provide customers with further detailed information on their education programs.
The job fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the JPMorgan Chase facility and is only open to Chase employees. Approximately 300 employees are expected to attend the fair.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Cindy Perry, left, was sworn in tonight as the new president for the Albion Rotary Club for the next year. She succeeds Kelly Kiebala, right.
GAINES – The Albion Rotary Club, now in its 91st year, marked the “changing of the guard” tonight with a new president and other leaders sworn in.
Cindy Perry is the new president, succeeding Kelly Kiebala. Perry works as the director of health education, wellness and outreach for Orleans Community Health. The Waterport resident has been a member of Rotary since 1999 and spearheads the club’s annual golf tournament, which is scheduled for July 18 this year.
Kiebala joined the club in 2007, back when she was president of the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce. The Medina resident is the executive director of the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council, based in Batavia.
She was praised for her continued commitment to the Albion Club. The Rotary Club uses money raised from the golf tournament, a fishing derby, St. Patrick’s ham dinner, hot dog booth and other fund-raisers to give scholarships and support other community causes.
Kelly Kiebala is presented with a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition for her year of service as Albion Rotary Club president. Ed Fancher, a past president, presents the award to Kiebala during a meeting tonight at The Village Inn.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Ryan Lubba was the “Strawberry” during the June 8 race in Albion.
ALBION – A record field of runners, 274 in all, is allowing Strawberry Festival race organizers to share more money with three local missions.
The 5-kilometer and 8-kilometer races on June 8 drew the biggest field of runners since the race started more than two decades ago. The race features a runner dressed as a strawberry. If runners can beat the strawberry – this year 2007 Albion grad Ryan Lubba wore the outfit – they win a prize.
This year’s race included 100 “day-of” registrations that pushed the number of runners to a record high.
The race is organized by the recently formed “Albion Running Club,” which is headed by local runner and businessman Brian Krieger. (He was the Strawberry two years ago.) The club includes many members of the Albion Free Methodist Church.
The 5k and 8k course started at the Orleans County Courthouse, and wound through the canal neighborhoods, with the last stretch of the race following the Erie Canal towpath and ending at the Courthouse Square.
With the record number of runners, the proceeds from this year’s race outweighed the committee’s expectations. The group shared $2,100 in proceeds with Care Net of Greater Orleans and the Community Kitchen at Christ Episcopal Church, plus funding to help a local group from the Free Methodist churches in Albion and Brockport go on a missions trip to Haiti.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Carolyn Ricker, owner of Bindings Bookstore in Albion, has organized a “Where’s Waldo” event for July that highlights 23 Albion businesses.
ALBION – A fictional character will write a chapter for Albion businesses next month, when shoppers are urged to visit merchants to find Waldo.
The elusive character, with black-rimmed glasses and striped shirts, will be at 23 Albion businesses from July 1-31. If shoppers can find him in 10 spots, they will be eligible for prizes and coupons.
Each participating shopper will receive a passport with addresses of businesses in the game. If shoppers can find Waldo in 20 spots, they will be eligible for the grand prize. Mayor Dean Theodorakos will pull the name from a basket on July 31. The winner receives a six-volume deluxe set of Waldo books.
Carolyn Ricker, owner of Bindings Bookstore, organized the event. The passport with a list of participating businesses is at her store at 28 West Bank St. She said the promotion is a great summer vacation activity, and a way to support local businesses.
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.
For more information, call Bindings Bookstore at 585-283-4498.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 June 2013 at 12:00 am
John Robinson will stop in Albion today for ‘Our Ability’ journey
John Robinson
ALBION – John Robinson is traveling the 363-mile-long Erie Canal. He started yesterday and the journey is expected to take 16 days.
Robinson will make his trip without arms or legs. He is traveling with a film crew in an effort to raise awareness for people with disabilities. He also wants to promote adaptive sports for amputees.
Robinson will visit the former Albion grammar school today from 1 to 2 p.m. The public is welcome to hear his inspirational message. The former school on East Academy Street is now used for senior apartments as well as the Nutri-Faire site run by The Arc of Orleans County.
Robinson is CEO of “Our Ability,” an organization that links people with disabilities to jobs and educational opportunities.
For more information about Robinson’s journey, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Businesses will upgrade buildings as part of Main St. grant
Photos by Tom Rivers – The third floor opera house at 118 North Main St. will be brought up to code in a project by Michael Bonafede and Judith Koehler.
ALBION – Contractors will soon go to work on several historic buildings in downtown Albion, giving upgrades to the exteriors that are in line with the character from a century ago while modernizing the infrastructure inside some of the structures.
The improvements are part of a $477,000 Main Street grant approved for Albion by the state in December 2011. The grant matches money by the building owners for projects. Albion Main Street Alliance is working to have the projects complete by the end of September.
The work needs to pass the state Historic Preservation Office and also the local Albion Historic Preservation Commission. SHPO has signed off on most of the work. The local commission approved a slew of projects at its meeting on Thursday.
The projects include:
114-118 North Main St., the Pratt and Day buildings owned by Michael Bonafede and Judith Koehler.
The interior of 114 North Main will have new insulation between the second and third floors, a high-energy HVAC system on the first floor, AC on the third floor and a new commercial space on the third floor. That space will have a cleaned brick wall and repointed soft mortar. The site will receive a new sanitary line, plumbing and electrical systems, and other improvements.
Vincent Navarra will replace some of the mortar at this building at 10 North Main St.
The ornamental castings on the east face will be removed, cleaned and repainted, and then reattached in their original locations. Damaged mortar on a chimney will be removed and repointed with a soft lime mortar. Some brick will be replaced. The roof line will be resealed and some portions of the roof will be sealed and coated, with repairs made to damaged sections.
The east façade at 114 North Main will be repainted on the first, second and third stories with the first and second stories repainted on the west façade.
The first floor belt courses (display areas under plate glass) will be removed and the original materials will be repaired and repainted. A cracked plate glass display window will be replaced on the east façade.
Bonafede and Koehler will replace steel shutters, replace a metal door from the rear entry with a wooden one, and put in a new door at a rear entrance that was sealed by a previous owner. The couple will also add exterior safety lighting, and complete a fire escape.
118 North Main, the site of the former opera house building, will have exterior ornamental castings cleaned and repainted. Chimneys and roofs will be repaired, and painted windows will be washed and scraped, and then repainted with two coats of paint.
Bonafede and Koehler will repair and repaint the belt courses on the first floor facades, and windows will be repaired and reglazed. A ladder for the first floor of the fire escape on the north side of the building will be added so the fire escape is complete.
The building owners also will add exterior lighting in Beaver Alley, will add 15 fire doors on the first and second floors, HVAC on the first and second floors, and a second floor performance room will be brought up to code with upgraded electrical wiring.
The third flood opera house will have the hardwood floor patched, windows stripped and repainted, stone walls repointed, and two separate electrical services installed – one for audience space and one for the stage.
10 North Main St., a building owned by Vincent Navarra, will have damaged mortar joints replaced on the west façade facing Main Street, the south façade and side facing Liberty Street. He will repoint with soft mortar.
Nathan Lyman will replace windows in his building (the one with green paint) at 51 North Main St.
18 North Main Street, a building owned by Vincent Navarra will have the existing vinyl siding replaced with steel siding. The drywall underneath will be replaced with plywood. Navarra will also remove old tile on the first and second floors and add carpet and a new air-conditioning system.
132 North Main St., a building owned by Jim Theodorakos, will be repainted and a broken window will be replaced.
138 North Main St., owned by Braunbach-DeCarlo Inc., will have a 20-year-old flat rubber roof replaced with a new one.
Five Star Bank, 102 North Main St. will be repainted and the rear entrance accessibility will be enhanced with steps and a new hand rail.
4 North Main St., the former Swan Library will replace 17 deteriorating aluminum storm windows with new ones, and will repair 15 wooden storm windows. The library will also test for asbestos in tiles on the second floor, remove it and refinish the hardwood floors underneath the tile.
51 North Main St., owned by Lyman and Lyman. Attorney Nathan Lyman will remove and restore 10 windows on the third floor, six more on the rear and will recoat the roof. Lyman will also repair the green-painted plywood panels on the first floor façade and scrape, prime and repaint the interior of the first and second floor hallways and stair treads.
59 North Main Street, owned by Corey and Marilyn Black. The owners will remove damaged mortar and repoint the south and west façades. Any damaged bricks will be replaced.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 June 2013 at 12:00 am
John Robinson, a quad-amputee, is riding the Erie Canal
Photos by Tom Rivers – John Robinson of Albion leads caravan of bike riders, including his son Owen, front left, to a reception outside the former Albion Grammar School, which is now used for senior apartments and services for The Arc of Orleans County and senior citizens.
John Robinson addresses about 50 people at a reception organized by The Arc of Orleans County. Robinson was presented proclamations by Orleans County Legislator Bill Eick, a representative for State Sen. George Maziarz and State Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
ALBION – John Robinson pushed a 3-wheeled adaptive hand cycle 27 miles today in the hot sun.
Robinson doesn’t have any arms or legs. But he kept the recombinant hand cycle moving.
He is on a journey for 16 days across the 363-mile Erie Canal, a trip he is doing to raise awareness for people with disabilities and promote adaptive sports for amputees.
“No matter what your age, no matter what your ability, no matter how tired or how discouraged you may feel, we can all do it,” Robinson told about 50 people during a reception in his honor at Albion. “We can get up and get moving and achieve.”
Robinson is joined on the trip by his wife of 19 years Andrea, their 15-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son. Robinson’s son suggested the canal trip for his father, CEO of “Our Ability,” an organization that strives to connect people with disabilities to job and educational opportunities.
John Robinson and his wife Andrea were presented this quilt featuring local historical sites by Nicole Tuohey, second from right, and Erica Francis, who participate in the day rehabilitation program at The Arc.
Robinson believes the canal is a great symbol of determination and bold risk-taking by the state and U.S. officials nearly two centuries ago.
“The canal is an absolute hidden gem in New York State,” said Robinson, who lives in Albany. “It’s a symbol for economic development. But why not use it today for education and employment?”
Robinson trained the past four months for his trek across the canal. He was greeted by many consumers in The Arc of Orleans County today outside the former grammar school. He also was presented gifts from the Arc, including a quilt made by people in the day rehabilitation program. The quilt features historical scenes from the Albion area.
Local political leaders also presented Robinson with proclamations. State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, State Sen. George Maziarz and the Orleans County Legislature praised Robinson for his “extraordinary ability to connect, inspire and achieve.”
The Arc of Orleans was pleased to host Robinson, said Kellie Spychalski, The Arc executive director.
“He is very inspiring to a lot of people, whether they are people we serve or a member of our staff,” Spychalski said.
Robinson traveled with family and friends from Lockport to Albion today. He starts day three of trip tomorrow in Albion, beginning at about 8:30 a.m. at the Main Street lift bridge and heading east to Spencerport.
For more information, check Robinson’s web site by clicking here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – I have quite a stock of photos of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the First Baptist Church, pictured together in Albion. They’re side by side on West Park Street.
But this morning, while walking on Main Street in front of the courthouse lawn, I noticed a new angle that shows three of Albion’s historic churches in the same photo.
The Episcopal Church is in front in the center. It’s the oldest church in Albion, dating back to 1830. In the back right is the spire for the Baptist Church, a building that went up in 1860. St. Joseph’s at the left was constructed in 1896.
The three churches are part of the Courthouse Square Historic District, which includes 33 buildings, seven churches in all, that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
ALBION – An Albion man faces numerous counts of criminal sale and possession of a controlled substance following a 10-month investigation into the sale and distribution of prescription narcotic pills in the village of Albion, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported.
Vance R. DeRoller, 45, of 130 West Academy St. was allegedly selling large amounts of hydrocodone pills that were prescribed to him, the task force reported today.
An investigation is ongoing and additional arrests and charges are pending.
DeRoller was charged with 2 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the first degree, one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree, one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, four counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, five counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree and eight counts of criminal diversion of prescription medications and prescriptions in the fourth degree.
The task force and Albion village police executed a search warrant on Wednesday at DeRoller’s residence. He was arraigned in Albion Town Court by Judge Kevin Howard and committed to Orleans County Jail without bail. He is due back in court at 9 a.m. on July 17.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 June 2013 at 12:00 am
13 arrests altogether for drug or immigration crimes
ALBION – A multi-agency law enforcement effort resulted in 13 local arrests for drug and immigration crimes.
The arrests on Thursday followed an eight-month investigation into the sale and distribution of cocaine in the Albion area, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported today.
Law enforcement seized two ounces of cocaine, a rifle, cash, scales, packaging and drug paraphernalia.
The following were arrested for drug charges:
Felix Onofre-Rojas, 61, of 14691 Zig-Zag Rd., Albion, who was charged with two counts of a criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree.
Patricia Nava-Chavez, 44, of 14691 Zig-Zag Rd., Albion, who was charged with three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree. Nava-Chavez is an illegal alien, and an immigration detainer was filed by Immigration and Customs, the Task Force reported.
Lidio Ramirez-Figueroa, 35, of 14691 Zig-Zag Rd., who was charged with one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree. He is an illegal alien and an immigration detainer was filed by Immigration and Customs, the Task Force reported.
Jorge Villanueva-Ledesma, 34, of 14691 Zig-Zag Rd. He was charged with nine counts of criminal sale and nine counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree. The Task Force reported that he is an illegal alien and an immigration detainer was filed by Immigration and Customs.
Publio Barcenas, 52, of 14691 Zig-Zag Rd. faces one count of criminal sale and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.
Rudolfo Juarez-Ramerez, 30, of 17255 Lakeshore Rd., Kendall, was charged with one count of criminal sale and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree. He is an illegal alien and an immigration detainer was filed by Immigration and Customs, the Task Force reported.
Jose Gallegos-Gonzalez, 56, of 285 Walker-Lake Ontario Rd., Hamlin. He was charged with four counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree.
Raquel T. Torrez, 34, of 256 Ave. D, Rochester, who was charged with four counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree.
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officers filed immigration charges against the following at 285 Walker-Lake Ontario Rd., Hamlin: Salvador Ramirez-Montoya, Jose Lopez-Gloria, Israel Arrevillaga-Lopez, Jose Lopez-Gloria and Leonel Lucas-Gonzalez. ICE also filed immigration charges against Martin Contreras-Ramos of 14691 Zig-Zag Rd., Albion.
The following agencies were involved in either the investigation, search warrants or arrests: The OC Major Felony Crime Task Force, ICE, Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations, Homeland Security Investigations, Border Enforcement Security Task Force, Customs and Border Protection, Office of Air Marine, Drug Enforcement Agency in Buffalo, the Orleans County Multi-Agency SWAT Team, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, City of Rochester Police Department.
Law enforcement executed search warrants at 256 Ave. D in Rochester, 285 Walker-Lake Ontario Rd. in Hamlin, and 14691 Zig-Zag Rd. in the town of Gaines.
The drug suspects were arraigned in Albion Town Court by Justice Gary Moore and committed to county jail on $50,000 bail. They are to return to court at 9 a.m. on Wednesday.
The immigration violators were processed by federal authorities and are being held at the Federal Detention Facility in Batavia.
The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests and charges are pending.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Bronze statue, mural planned for Waterman Park
Bill Koch of the Stone Art Memorial Company in Lackawanna designed the statue and heritage site for Albion. The back stone wall will be modified from this drawing so it fits in Waterman Park.
ALBION – Nearly a century after the local sandstone industry hit its peak in Albion and Orleans County, the quarrymen will make a triumphant return to the community.
Mayor Dean Theodorakos and village officials support an 8-foot high bronze statue of a quarryman for Waterman Park on Main Street. I’ve been working on this project for a several months through the Albion Main Street Alliance. We have the statue designed and intend to pursue state funding to help make it a reality.
The park will have a quarrying theme. A 20-foot-long mural with quarry workers will be installed in the next two weeks at 117 North Main St., the building owned by Rick Albright on the north side of the park. The Albion Historic Preservation Commission approved that project on Thursday. The mural is sponsored by the Albion Rotary Club and will be painted by artist Nin Bogue of Lyndonville.
The quarry industry drew thousands of immigrants to Orleans County, and many of those natives of Poland, Italy, Britain and Ireland put down roots here, raised families locally and provided the skill, brawn and money in this community to build incredible church buildings, and other monuments of sandstone that endure today.
The quarryman statue is targeted for the front of the Waterman Park. The sign, stone flower planter and a tree would be moved to make room for the statue and sandstone base.
Their work is prominent all over the state, with ornately carved Medina sandstone featured in houses, government buildings, houses and other treasured structures.
Outsiders come into Albion Medina and Holley and often are impressed by the churches, the courthouse and the downtown business districts. These were prosperous communities full of daring people who dreamed big.
Visitors wonder how it all happened, how these small towns lived the American Dream in such a big way. The quarrymen were the key, in my opinion, to leaving such a lasting legacy, from the beautiful Mount Albion Cemetery to churches that reach into the sky.
The quarrymen did more than build these towns. They left descendants who are among the community leaders today.
The statue will be 8 feet high, from head to toe, but will be taller because of an extended arm and hammer. It will be set on sandstone. I think this will be an attraction, and will help people understand the history of the community, and give us a chance to express our gratitude for the bold achievements of these blue-collar workers from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s.
We’re still in the early stages, but I wanted people to know about this effort. I’d like to be on a quarrymen committee to help raise money for this project. If anyone is interested, send me an email at tom@orleanshub.com. I think this committee could also work on developing a Sandstone Trail along Route 31.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Ryan Castrechino heads to the stage to get his diploma with some enthusiastic support from his classmates.
Eboni Taylor accepts her diploma from Margy Brown, the Board of Education president.
Alan Quintana Aragon gives a thumbs up to Principal Leslie Stauss during graduation.
ALBION – The Class of 2013 left a record of accomplishment and service at Albion, Board of Education President Margy Brown told about 2,000 people during commencement this evening in the high school gym.
The 158 graduates earned 800 college credits, passed 156 Advanced Placement courses, completed 29 vocational programs and amassed an impressive record out of the classroom. Students completed 9,000 community service hours, won 16 League titles in sports, 5 Sectional crowns and 27 awards through the musical program.
Brown told them that success is often not clearly defined in life. “Define success for yourself,” she said.
The graduates were addressed by Class President Joyce LaLonde, Salutatorian Alison O’Hearn and Valedictorian Michael Patterson.
Class President Joyce LaLonde addresses a crowd of about 2,000 in the high school gym.
LaLonde urged her classmates to spread their wings and go and do great things in the world. However, they should keep perspective and not rush to judgments about others.
She referred to eight giant crayons that line the entrance of the elementary school. She said her classmates would do well to live by the principles on those crayons: perseverance, optimism, honesty, respect, compassion, integrity, responsibility and loyalty.
Salutatorian Alison O’Hearn urged her classmates to seize opportunities.
O’Hearn told the graduates that every day is full of opportunities to do the right thing and make a difference. Graduation represents a new opportunity “to recreate yourself and to be who you always wanted to be.” She thanked teachers, parents and other student supporters “for helping to create opportunities for the Class of 2013.”
Patterson said the experiences shared by the class will be keep the group bonded forever. Those connections can stay strong in a world of Smart Phones, social media and the Internet.
Valedictorian Michael Patterson urged the class to stay connected and united, while using their freedoms to make a difference in the world.
The graduates share a hometown that gave them a strong foundation for the future, Patterson said.
“The world ahead of us is incredibly exciting,” he said. “When we leave this building we’ll have the freedom and power to determine our future.”
The senior chorus sings the National Anthem at the beginning of the graduation program.
Marquise Riddick walks to the stage to receive his diploma.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 June 2013 at 12:00 am
File photo by Tom Rivers – With the latest state grant for $137,466, the state has contributed more than $800,000 towards the new public library in Albion.
ALBION – For the third straight year the state will use “Public Library Construction Grants” to help with the new library in Albion.
The new grant program started just in time for Albion to access the funds for the new Hoag Library. Albion used $373,000 in state funds in 2010-11, and was approved for $327,000 in 2011-12.
State Sen. George Maziarz announced today another $137,466 will be coming to Hoag to help with the construction costs. That brings the state’s total contribution to the project at $837,466.
The library has been eligible for the funding for three years now because the construction has spread over than two years with site work, building construction and interior work on the new 14,600-square-foot building, which opened last year on July 7.
The state approved $14 million in matching capital funds state-wide in the 2012-13 budget.
Another Orleans County library was approved for funding. Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina will receive $112,110 towards its roof replacement project.
The three-county NIOGA Library System is based in Lockport. It was approved for $43,482 to accomplish technology upgrades at its computer training center and e-mobile training lab. That will make both facilities ADA-compliant, Maziarz said in a news release today.
Public Library Construction Grants are intended to help libraries with such tasks as accommodating users with disabilities, promoting energy efficiency, facilitating Internet access and rehabilitating old building spaces. Almost half of the public libraries in New York are more than 60 years old and in need of upgrades, Maziarz said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Editor’s Note: An article about the local parks on June 16 had some incorrect dates for summer camps. The correct dates are below.
ALBION – Four village parks will have supervisors and activities for children opened on Wednesday. The park season runs until Aug. 2 and is open to children, ages 5 to 16 in the Albion school district.
Park supervisors will be on duty from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following parks: Bullard – Route 31, east of the village; Pee Wee – Route 31 (part of Bullard); Veterans – corner of Linwood Avenue and Brown Street; and Lafayette – West Park and West State Streets.
The park program includes the following week-long camps that run from Mondays through Fridays:
TENNIS from June 24-28 for grades 5-12 at the school tennis courts from 9 to 11 a.m. and again the following week with July 4 an off day.
WRESTLING from July 8-12 for grades 6-12 at the high school gym from 9 to 11 a.m.
BASEBALL from July 22-26 from grades 4 through 8 at the varsity baseball field from 9 a.m. to noon.
VOLLEYBALL from July 22-July 26 for grades 6-12 at the high school gym from 9 a.m. to noon.
The camps are free to children in the Albion school district.
Parents are urged to attend the registration during the first week of the Parks Program to meet the supervisors and to fill out important paperwork.
