Photos by Tom Rivers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Landin Chaffee is all smiles after getting his diploma.

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

Daci Doward shakes hands with district superintendent Mickey Edwards.

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

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

Photos by Tom Rivers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release, Crosby’s

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

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

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

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

Jovannie Canales named associate pastor at Harvest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Lou Gramm, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, belts out one of seven songs today as part of a Black Sheep reunion concert. Michael Bonafede, in back, plays the drums.

The Pratt Theater, owned by Bonafede and his wife Judith Koehler, hosted two concerts, with the start at 2 and 6 p.m. The first sold out with 300 tickets and the second was near capacity.

Gramm is best known as the lead singer for Foreigner. Before that, he performed with Black Sheep back when he was Lou Grammatico.

Black Sheep recorded two albums for Capital Records and shared the stage with Kiss, Aerosmith, REO Speedwagon, and Hall and Oates, performing in front of tens of thousands of people. Black Sheep broke up in 1976.

Today was their third reunion concert and first in 10 years. Gramm wanted to rejoin his bandmates, Bonafede on drums, Don Mancuso on guitar and Larry Crozier on keyboard. Alona Kuhns and Luke Crozier (Larry’s son) will both play bass during the June 23 concert. The Black Sheep bass player, Bruce Turgon, is in California.

Lou Gramm gave a high-octane performance at the pratt. He is shown singing one of seven Black Sheep songs. The lineup included “Halfway Home,” “Encouraging Words,” “Little Or A Lot,” “No Worry, No Pain,” “Chain On Me” and “Payin’ Yer Dues,” and closed with “Stick Around.”

Alona Kuhns plays bass and Michael Bonafede is on the drums.

McCabe Enterprises, an electrical contractor, and Milton CAT brought in the equipment and installed an air conditioning system in the theater for the two shows.

Gramm thanked the crowd for its enthusiasm after the seven-song set. ‘Thank you, Albion, thank you very much.”

He said the venue, an opera house from 1882, is “beautiful.”

Some of the performers take a bow after the performance. From left include Michael Bonafede, Alona Kuhns, Lou Gramm, Don Mancuso, Larry “Rose” Crozier and Luke Crozier.

The Pratt Pit Band and Choir performed for about an hour and half before Black Sheep. Shannon Vanderlaan was among the choir members who also sang a solo.

In back from left are Rich Simbari on Fender P bass guitar, John Borello on Stratocaster guitar, Don Mancuso on guitar and Leon “Corky” Zak on keyboards.

Karen Conn sings “Turn the Lights Back On.”  She also sang “Rhiannon” with her daughter, Shannon Vanderlann.

Garrett Crumb, a lead singer with “Johnny Smoke,” performed “Hard to Handle” by the Black Crowes, “Layla” by Eric Clapton, and “Wishing Well.”

Erin Moody sings “Honky Tonk Women” by the Rolling Stones.

The crowd fills in the Pratt Theater. The first show was sold out after five days of tickets being available so a second concert was added.

Photo and information from Albion Central School

ALBION – Students, staff and veterans celebrated Flag Day at Albion Elementary School on Friday morning.

Family members of the school’s students, who served in the armed forces, were invited to the celebration to be recognized. The honor band played during the opening procession and dismissal and each grade performed a patriotic song.

More than 200 students wrote poems with one from each grade level selected to read their composition.

Those students were Gianna Hyde, Jenna Wilson, Leilani Pescara and Mia Wilson. The top Accelerated Reader points earners for the year each recited a fact about the flag. Those students were Kaylin Gannon, Lily Brigenberg, Hazel Bringenberg and Teagan Wicker. Wyatt Ernst was recognized for designing the fifth-grade t-shirt for their Moving Up Day.

The ceremony also included other annual awards given to students. Maelynn Taylor received the Comptroller’s Award. The Triple C Award was given to Elizabeth Scroger, Lexington Pridgen, Henry Hammond, Ava Colonna, Owen Marks, Abigail Vick and Leah Warne.

The Donald Butts Award, named after the school’s former long-time principal, went to Natalie Lindsey, Quinn Pisano, Giuliana Liuzzi, Michael Madison, Lily Bringenberg and Remi Ebbs.

Elliott Pettit and Maelynn Taylor received the Tap Thy Foot band award and Nikki

Russo was honored with the Patrick Digirolamo Award for art.

After the ceremony, a reception was held for the veterans and their students.

3 new scholarships added this year, bringing total to 54 awarded by Foundation

Photos courtesy of Susan Starkweather Miller: Auston Johnson accepts the Oak Orchard Bowl/Whittier Scholarship from Alumni Foundation board member Mollie Radzinski

Press Release, Albion Alumni Foundation

ALBION – The Alumni High School Alumni Foundation awarded $172,525 in scholarships to Albion High School Class of 2024 graduates during their Class Night ceremony on Friday.

These awards provide financial assistance to seniors as they continue to pursue their educational goals.

The Foundation’s scholarship committee chose recipients for 54 academic, vocational, service, leadership, arts and athletics scholarships. The committee reviewed numerous applications and chose students that they felt best fit each scholarship’s criteria.

Three newly created scholarships were presented for the first time this year. They are:

• Alvin Smith Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship was established in the memory of Alvin Smith. The $600 award is given on Class Night to a student who has passion for the field they are pursuing.

Flynn Morrison receives the inaugural Alvin Smith Family Scholarship.

• Speradino Foundation Family Scholarship: This scholarship has been established by Robert and Jackie Sperandio and The Sperandio Family Foundation to support two students who have achieved a strong academic standing and shown good judgment, citizenship and involvement in the student body or community. The Sperandio family “always believes in creating opportunities where everyone can flourish and contribute to society.”

• Lu Johnson Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship has been established by the Albion School staff. Lu was a long-time high school teaching assistant. She was an eternal optimist who loved to help those who were most needy. Lu thrived on watching students succeed and overcoming obstacles. The scholarship goes to a member of the Class of 2024 who has financial need, has demonstrated kindness towards others, and has overcome academic challenges during High School.

The Alumni Foundation’s scholarship program continues to grow and benefit more students each and every year. Scholarship funding is made possible through memberships and gifts from AHS Alumni and community members, as well as individuals and organizations that contact the Foundation to establish a scholarship. The Foundation manages the funds and awards the scholarships annually during Albion High School’s Class Night.

The Foundation would like to thank the generous donors that work with us to create and sustain these scholarships. Our donors are helping to make a difference for a lifetime for Albion graduates. Contact Steve Hicks at steve@albionalumni.org to learn how you can create a scholarship.

If you are interested in donating to any of the scholarships you can go to our donate button on the homepage of our website (albionalumni.org) or write to us:

Albion High School Alumni Foundation

P.O. Box 345

Albion, N.Y. 14411

Sarah Thom accepts the Wayne A. Burlison Memorial Scholarship from Alumni Foundation President Steve Hicks.

Congratulations to all 2024 scholarship recipients!

• Albion High School Alumni Foundation – Lucy Rivers and Jason Anstey
• Paul R. Haines Memorial Scholarship – Jacqueline Santiago Garcia
• St. Gobain Adfors Scholarship – Jordan Marshall
• Elizabeth Balcom Smith Scholarship – Lucy Rivers
• Golden Performance Scholarship – Willem DeRuysscher
• Jim & Susie Fraser Health Careers Scholarship – Alison Gibson
• Minier Family Scholarship – Meganne Moore
• Albion Alumni Foundation Performing Arts Scholarship – Jason Anstey
• Coach Richard Diminuco Scholarship for Athletic Excellence – Finnegan McCue
• Harry W. Salchak Science Scholarship – Jonah Karnyski
• A.B. Dick Eddy Service Above Self Scholarship – Meganne Moore
• Nancy Elaine Lagamba Scholarship – Kayla Burgio
• Dr. Paul Mahany Family Scholarships – Julia Fuller, Liana Flugel, Danielle Wyant, Hailey Warren
• Hoag Engineering Scholarships – Jonah Karnyski, Finnegan McCue, Kevin He
• Panek Family Farm Agriculture Scholarship – Sarah Thom
• Horton Scholarship – Ben O’Connor
• Wayne A. Burlison Memorial Scholarship – Jason Anstey, Sarah Thom
• Glassner Family Scholarship – Natalie Printup
• John Panek Memorial Scholarship – Gina Sidari
• Ronald L. Sodoma Memorial Scholarship – Kevin He
• Masonic Renovation Lodge #97 Scholarship – Jacqueline Santiago Garcia
• Edward B. Archbald Memorial Scholarship – Gina Sidari
• Dr. David and Anita Long Scholarship – Ella Papponetti
• D’Andrea Family Scholarship – Ben O’Connor
• Brandon Bruski Memorial Scholarship – Erin Weese
• Ralph and Pearl Poelma Good Neighbor Community Scholarship – Autumn Flugel, Lucy Rivers
• Jake and Anna Vreeburg Scholarships – Jett Conn, Blake Preston
• Inge Hume Elementary Education Scholarship – Julia Fuller
• Robert P. VanDeusen Memorial Scholarship – Zoe Marat
• Moore Family Scholarship Fund – Skylar Draper
• Sherman Awards – Jason Anstey (Moses Sherman Award) & Lucy Rivers (Margaret Sherman Award)
• Benjamin Dennis Kirby Memorial Scholarship – Mark Ames, Finnegan McCue, Gina Sidari
• Oak Orchard Bowl- Whittier Scholarship – Auston Johnson, Alison Gibson
• Country Lane Veterinary Scholarship – Meganne Moore, Gina Sidari, Kayla Burgio
• Babbitt Family Scholarship – Gina Sidari
• Matthew K. Gardner Memorial Scholarship – Autumn Flugel
• Scott H. Ward Memorial Scholarship – Gabriella Dobo
• Craig Anderson Scholarship – Madison Hughson
• Brennan Michael Carlyle Moody Scholarship – Lucy Rivers, Mark Ames
• Jared M. Fearby Scholarship – Meganne Moore
• Edward Fancher Memorial Scholarship – Lucy Rivers
• Gil and Christine Pritchard Vocational Scholarship – Kayla Burgio
• Lamont Family Scholarship – Jacqueline Santiago Garcia
• Kelly Sidari Ricker Memorial Scholarship – Gina Sidari
• Gwenyth Hughson Memorial Scholarship – Mark Ames
• Nicholas Kovaleski Memorial Scholarship – Gina Sidari
• Hoag Skilled Trades Scholarship – Jace Thrash, Ella Papponetti
• Betty West Memorial Scholarship – Julia Fuller
• Stewart New Scholarship – Max Bentley
• Dick Tower Scholarship – Blake Preston
• Alvin Smith Family Scholarship – Flynn Morrison
• Sperandio Foundation Family Scholarship – Autumn Flugel, Jett Conn
• Lu Johnson Memorial Scholarship – Mason Lynch

Alumni Foundation President Steve Hicks presents the Hoag Engineering Scholarship to Jonah Karnyski. Three scholarships were awarded. Kevin He (pictured right) and Finnegan McCue were also recipients of the Hoag Scholarship.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The D & R Smoke Shop in Albion has been stalled in opening because the site needs at least 7 dedicated parking spots for the business at 139 South Main St.

ALBION – A new smoke shop was ready to open last month at 139 South Main St., the former site for Bloom’s Flower Shop.

But D & R Smoke Shop couldn’t open because the site doesn’t have at least 7 dedicated parking spaces, which are separate from the spots for residents in the apartments at the building.

Mohammed Ayash, the D & R Smoke Shop owner, said there are at least 5 dedicated spots for the smoke shops, and he thinks he has 7.

The issue was brought before the Village of Albion Zoning Board of Appeals today. That board set a 4 p.m. public hearing for July 18 at the Village Hall to allow D & R to not have seven dedicated spots.

Ayash noted there is a large parking lot next door for a laundromat and a thrift store. Across the street in another large lot for Hoag Library.

But Ayash said the spots by D & R should be enough. The store won’t be high traffic. He expects only one or two customers at a time. The store will sell tobacco, vaping products and CBD. There won’t be any THC or Delta 9 available.

Chris Kinter, the village code enforcement officer, said he counts nine current spots, but some are dedicated to the tenants for apartments. That would leave 5 for the smoke shop, Kinter said during the ZBA meeting.

Ayash is a Buffalo resident. He said he would like to move with his family to Albion.

“This is a beautiful town,” he said after the meeting. “We try to serve the community.”

The ZBA also voted to refer the variance request to the Orleans County Planning Board for its advisory opinion. The County Planning Board meets 7 p.m. on June 27.

In another matter, the ZBA voted to deny a variance request for the owner of a house at 255-257 East State St. Sean Huff recently acquired the house, which has been a three-unit apartment. However, the previous owner died, and the site should revert back to a two-family house, which is what it is zoned for.

Huff asked the ZBA to give a variance to allow the sites to continue as a three-family dwelling.

But Craig Tuohey, the ZBA chairman, said he doesn’t support spot zoning, where there would be one multi-family zoned property in an R-2 district that allows two-family housing.

Huff said the house already has three entrances, three porches, 3 ½ bathrooms, three kitchens, and at least six on-site parking spaces. It exists as the three-unit house.

Keeping the site as three units also keeps one more housing option available in Albion, where Huff said there is currently only one available apartment being advertised.

Tuohey and the other ZBA didn’t back the variance. Tuohey suggested Huff try the Planning Board or Village Board to see if the zoning could be changed to multi-family so a variance wouldn’t be needed.

ALBION – The village and town have approved an agreement for a shared code enforcement and zoning officer. As part of the contract between the two municipalities, Chris Kinter will work about 75 percent of his full-time workload for the village and 25 percent in the town of Albion, outside the village.

Kinter has been a part-time employee for the town and village as the codes officer. He is state certified and also passed the Civil Service test. He started two years ago with the town. Dan Strong also continues in a limited part-time basis for the town.

The contract approved on Monday by the Town Board calls for him to spend about 10 hours a week for the town and 30 hours for the village.

He will attend town board meetings, planning and zoning meetings, and any court sessions when there is an enforcement action.

Kinter will process building permits from initial permitting to issuance of certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance. He will process and respond to code violations and complaints.

The contract between the two municipalities also has him doing fire inspections for the town, and being available for 24 hours for building-related emergencies.

The town will pay the village 25 percent of the expense for having a full-time codes officer. In 2024 the total cost for salary and benefits is projected at $88,379.44. The town will pay $22,094.86. Any additional training or vehicle maintenance expenses will be on a 75-25 percent ratio between the village and town.

The town will pay the village in two installments each year, in June and November.

The contract is a year-to-year agreement. Any increases above 3 percent will need approval from both the village and town boards.

“Hopefully it works out for everybody,” said Town Supervisor Richard Remley. “It’s an attempt at shared services.”

The two municipalities used to have different code officers, with the village in a full-time role and the town’s codes officer working part-time. But Kinter more recently has been working for both the village and town in the same position with the village cutting back some of the hours away from a full-time position.

Fire Department soon faces replacement of 2 fire trucks at cost topping $3 million

Photos by Tom Rivers: Paul Roberts, a resident of Allen Road in Albion, speaks during an informational meeting on Monday about a proposed joint fire district for Albion and Gaines. Roberts asked if the village intends to keep the fire hall and lease it to the district. Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley said the fire hall would be available to the fire district likely for free or for a dollar. The village wants to keep the building because it is the only village-owned building along the canal and the property could be valuable if the fire district chooses to build a new fire hall in the future. 

ALBION – The public was given a breakdown of an anticipated budget for a joint fire district serving Albion and Gaines, with the expenses expected to go from about $350,000 currently for the Albion Fire Department to $750,000 for a fire district.

Those numbers have been sought by many community members, including people who pushed for a petition to put the district up to a public vote. That referendum will be from noon to 8 p.m. on Aug. 6 at Hoag Library. Registered voters in the towns of Albion and Gaines will be eligible to cast a ballot.

During an April 24 public hearing on the district, residents could ask questions on the district, but no answers were provided which bothered many in the crowd. The fire department leaders followed the advice of an attorney to not answer questions, and Deputy Chief John Papponetti said during Monday’s meeting that he would have preferred to respond to the questions back on April 24.

Richard DeCarlo Jr., co-owner of Heritage Estates mobile home park, said the lack of responses from the fire department and elected officials at the hearing gave off an air of secrecy and made many distrustful of the people pushing the district.

That then fueled the effort to get petitions to force a referendum on the issue.

But after Deputy Fire Chief John Papponetti spent an hour going over an outline of the fire district budget, DeCarlo said he felt more comfortable with the fire district.

(Left) Resident Jason Dragon said village residents have paid more than their share of the fire department budget for years, especially when the Town of Gaines was given a big discount. Up until 2016, Gaines was paying the village $33,860 for fire protection. That amount is now $120,422 for 2024, about a third of the department’s $350,000 budget. The Town of Albion and village each pay about a third. (Right) Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley said major expenses for the fire department will be too much for village property owners to bear. She favors a fire district to spread out the costs among the towns of Albion and Gaines. The village is ins parts of the two towns.

During the informational meeting on Monday the library, Papponetti went over an anticipated budget for the fire district, spending an hour going line item by line item. If the district is approved in the referendum, five fire commissioners would be appointed (two by the Gaines Town Board, two by the Albion Town Board, and one by the Village Board). The commissioners would ultimately set the budget, and numbers presented by Papponetti could change, he said.

“The commissioners will finalize the budget,” Papponetti said. “This is what we feel we need to move forward.”

DeCarlo said the community should know who is expected to be appointed as fire commissioners if the fire district goes through. The five commissioners would serve about five or six months before there would be an election in December.

Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley said she would push for a diverse board of commissioners, and not just five with ties to the fire department. She wants the fire department to have the resources it needs to serve the community, but Riley said it can’t be “spend, spend, spend.”

The fire district budget outline includes an apparatus reserve fund at $315,000 a year. That fund would cover anticipated payments for two new fire trucks: a ladder truck and an engine.

A new ladder truck (to replace one that is 27 years old) is expected to cost $2.2 million. It would likely be bonded over 20 years at a 7 percent interest rate with an annual payment of $208,000.

A new fire engine (to replace one 32 years old) would likely have a purchase price of $1.1 million. It would be bonded over 20 years with an annual payment of $104,000 a year.

The fire department in the district budget also suggested reserve funds with $75,000 annually towards the fire station, $50,000 annually towards a land purchase, $20,000 annually in an equipment reserves, and $10,000 annually towards air packs.

The total spending for reserve funds would be $470,000 under the budget plan.

Richard DeCarlo, a co-owner of Heritage Estates mobile home park, said he appreciated all of the budget details provided on Monday for the fire district. DeCarlo said the budget may not provide enough in reserves to replace the aging equipment and facility for the fire department.

While the fire department needs to soon get the process started for replacing two of the older fire trucks, Papponetti said a new fire station is less urgent.

“It is not our intent right now,” Papponetti said about a new fire hall. “That’s a down, down, down the road scenario.”

The fire department has been part of the village budget, and many of its expenses were somewhat hidden in the village budget, Papponetti said. For example, the department could use the village mechanic who is a DPW employee. It could use village office supplies, and its electric and utilities were part of the bill for the village office.

The district needs to break out every service in its own budget, from cleaning expenses, legal services, to paying a mechanic, accountant, treasurer and supplying its own office materials. That has resulted in a budget line for “professional services” going from 0 in recent budgets through the village to $40,000 as a fire district.

“Parts and Repairs” which were in the village DPW budget goes from 0 last year for the fire department to $30,000.

Papponetti and fire department leaders also would like 10,000 budgeted for training (currently 0) and $15,000 for recruitment and retention (currently 0).

Village attorney John Gavenda said the village would be in a bind if the fire district fails in a public vote on Aug. 6. The fire department should soon start the process of replacing two old fire trucks, but the village doesn’t want to be stuck with the debt on those trucks. Gavenda is advising the village not to move forward with purchasing new fire apparatus until there is a fire district and the costs can be shared by the towns of Albion and Gaines.

The outline of the fire district budget also would double fire prevention efforts for students and community members from $750 to $1,500.

There is an increase almost across the board for many of the line items, from tires, cleaning supplies, hoses, air packs, insurance and gas.

After the budget presentation, Papponetti and Village Board members took questions for another hour. There is another informational meeting at 6 p.m. on June 17 at Hoag Library.

The biggest factor in the dramatic rise in costs: establishing reserve funds for fire trucks.

The fire department has a roster of 40 to 50 members. One set of turnout gear can cost $5,000. Papponetti said the department has been buying three sets each year but would like to go to five sets to replace aging gear and have new gear for new members. Buying five sets a year would allow the department to get in a schedule where every 10 years the gear is replaced.

With the current fire department budget of about $350,000, the two towns pay a fire contract to the village for fire protection. With a $350,000 budget, the village pays $113,456 (32 percent), the Town of Gaines contributes $120,422 (35 percent) and the Town of Albion pays $116,122 (33 percent).

The budget doesn’t include any reserves. Any money for reserves would have been added to the village’s share of the budget, which is likely why no money has been set aside over the years for equipment and apparatus.

DeCarlo said he is concerned the dollar amounts for the reserves may not be enough, and the budget could see a significant increase in the future beyond the $750,000.

Deputy Mayor Riley said the reserve funds “are a start.” The Village Board favors the fire district, she said, partly because of the big costs coming with the debt payments for the two new fire trucks. Riley has been a village trustee for two years. She wishes there had been money saved for the fire trucks.

“My biggest concern on this board is we didn’t even have $5 set aside,” she said during the meeting which was attended by about 40 people.

Jim Tabor of Carlton is a sales rep for Firematic Supply Company, working with fire departments and districts in eight Western New York counties. He said the cost of new fire trucks is up 65 percent since 2020. Manufacturers are dealing with a shortage of parts and labor, while the orders keep coming in.

Fire trucks used to have a 9-month turnaround from when they were ordered to when they were delivered. Now it may be three years or longer, Tabor said.

Village attorney John Gavenda said he is concerned about that time frame. The fire department should begin the process of replacing at least two fire trucks. But Gavenda said he doesn’t want the village to incur the debt for the trucks. That debt can’t be passed to a fire district.

The town contracts have about two more years on them. If the fire district fails in the referendum, the town contracts will need to be renegotiated at a much higher amount to help pay the bond payments on the fire trucks.

“The village can’t assume $3 million in debt for apparatus,” Riley said.

Gavenda said the fire district really doesn’t change much with the fire protection for the community.

“The firemen are still from the Town of Gaines, the Town of Albion and the Village of Albion,” Gavenda said.

Deputy Fire Chief John Papponetti, right, goes over budget numbers for a joint fire district serving Albion and Gaines. From left is Fire Chief Jeremy Graham and Village Trustee Tim McMurray.