File photo by Tom Rivers: The Phipps Road culvert over Otter Creek has been closed to traffic since Sept. 9, 2022.

ALBION – The Town of Albion is accepting bids from contractors to replace the Phipps Road bridge, which has been closed for more than three years.

The town is accepting proposals from contractors until 1 p.m. on Nov. 24. Town Highway Superintendent Michael Neidert said he is hopeful construction will in the spring as long as the project is within budget.

The bridge was closed to traffic in Albion on Sept. 9, 2022 after an inspection showed the steel high-beam supports were rotted.

The town has been awarded a $1.038 million state grant from the Bridge NY program. The span over a tributary of Otter Creek is 19.5 feet long. That technically makes it a culvert at 19.5 feet.

The new bridge will be 25 feet. Bridges are classified as spans that are at least 20 feet.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on July 5, 2023 that the project was approved for Bridge NY funds. Albion has been working with Ravi Engineering and Land Surveying in Rochester for design and bid specifications, as well as securing easements.

The project includes the removal of the existing concrete culvert, and replacement with a 3-sided single span precast concrete span unit. The structure will be supported by micropiles (to rock) on spread footings, and associated highway approach work and stream work, according to a description seeking bids.

An alternate allowed is the prefabricated modular cast-in-place (CIP) bridge system. The prefabricated modular CIP bridge system must use prefabricated, lightweight panels that contain the concrete formwork and reinforcing steel. It needs to arrive site-ready to be filled with locally procured concrete, producing a cast in place, jointless superstructure that is self supporting during assembly and eliminates bearings, tie downs, and below span work.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Civil War cannon at Mount Albion Cemetery is covered in snow after the first snowfall of the season this afternoon. The carriage for the cannon was rebuilt in 2023 with new wheels after the other carriage had rotted.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Orleans County until 7 a.m. Monday. The Weather Service said the area can expect 2 to 5 inches of snow.

Here are some other photos at Mount Albion taken about 4:50 p.m.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Gideon Pask stars as the Big Bad Wolf in the Albion High School Drama Department’s production of The Big Bad Musical – A Howling Courtroom Comedy.

Friday was opening night at the Middle School Auditorium. There are shows today at noon and 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.

The Big Bad Wolf is shown singing “Have Mercy On Me” with some of the Wolfettes in back, including Julia Graham, Amelia Symons and Rianne Hand. Other Wolfettes included Sophie Kozody, Rosalie McCormick and Chloe Mosele.

The musical revolves around a courtroom drama with Big Bad Wolf is on trial for his alleged crimes against fairy tale characters. Those characters take the witness stand including Little Red Riding Hood, Granny, the Three Little Pigs, the Boy Who Cried Wolf and Miss Muffit.

The show is dedicated to Kim Nesbitt, a retired Albion art teacher who was the set design coordinator for the Albion High School Drama Department from 2005 to 2019. Nesbitt passed away from cancer at age 60 on Oct. 27.

“Mrs. Nesbitt was a creative force who worked to make sure students had opportunities to explore their creativity no matter what their skill level was,” a tribute states in the musical program. “Her talent, creativity and vision helped to make our productions shine.”

Lillian Fisher, Pig Three, gives some startling testimony before the Judge Wise Old Woman (played by Neveya Barnes). Lily Brigham plays the Fairy Godmother, at right, who is prosecutor in the case.

Asher Curfman plays the role of Bill Woodcutter, who rescued granny from the wolf’s stomach.

Phoebe Allen, right, is Sydney Grimm, a television commentator covering the trial. She interviews the Boy Who Cried Wolf (Bradyn Whittier) and the Shepherd (Makenzie Cook).

Adelaide Pettit is the Evil Stepmother who serves as the lawyer for the Big Bad Wolf. Evil Stepmother resents doing pro-bono work on behalf of the Wolf, but proves to be effective counsel, poking holes in the witnesses’ testimony. She is able to cast doubt in the case against Wolf, exposing some hostile attitudes toward the defendant. Here she is interviewing Grandmother Hood, played by Aniela Wilson.

D Johnson takes the stand as Little Red Riding Hood. Lily Brigham tries to build the case against the Big Bad Wolf.

Phoebe Allen as Sydney Grimm tries to interview The Three Little Pigs, including from left: Lillian Fisher, Reagan Flor and Olivia Andrews. The pigs have varying intelligences and provide lots of comic relief for the show.

Provided photo: Members of the Albion Betterment Committee board of directors are shown today after acquiring this building on Main Street from the estate of Henri Pulley. From left include Gary Kent, Gary Derwick, Natasha Wasuck, Joe Gehl and Jim Babcock.

ALBION – The Albion Betterment Committee, which has embraced the Santa legacy for the Albion community with several projects, announced its biggest undertaking yet: turning a vacant two-story building on Main Street into a tourism center that celebrates Santa.

“We hope to create a community space where individuals can connect with friends, establish new relationships, and spread some festive cheer into Albion!” the Betterment Committee posted today on Facebook.

The ABC purchased 128 North Main St. from the estate of Henri Pulley. The site is 6,600 square feet.

The Betterment Committee wants to develop an interactive tourism center with displays about the Charles W. Howard Santa School and Christmas Park, which Howard ran for many years near his farmhouse on Phipps Road.

“This is the perfect building for us,” said Natasha Wasuck, a Betterment Committee board member. “We want to help Albion capitalize on tourism.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: This statue of Santa was dedicated on June 10, 2023. It is one of several efforts from the Albion betterment Committee to celebrate the community’s Santa legacy. The mural in back was painted in 2018 by Stacey Kirby Steward. The Albion Rotary Club spearheaded that project with support from the Betterment Committee.

Howard ran a Santa School from 1937 until his death in 1966. It was the world’s first school for Santas. He was a well-known portrayer of Santa, appearing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade from 1948 to 1965.

The Betterment Committee on June 10, 2023 dedicated a bronze statue of Howard as Santa on Main Street. The group has put up “Believe” signs and backed other efforts in the community celebrating Santa, including the mural of Santa in a sleigh high above the County Courthouse and downtown Albion.

The Betterment Committee envisions the first floor as interactive exhibits and displays, as well as room for a bakery and food operator. Wasuck, owner of the Lockstone events center in Albion, also would like to see the Pulley site offer services, including showers, for canal boaters, cyclists and other visitors.

The second floor is envisioned to offer space for artists – painters, potters, and others in need of studio space. The second floor has large windows that let in natural light that would be ideal for artists, Wasuck said.

The Betterment Committee wants to soon tackle fixing/replacing the roof. The group is seeking grants to help with building upgrades. The group welcomes donations.

“The building is in better shape than people think,” Wasuck said. “It is structurally sound.”

Besides the roof, it will need lots of painting and some new flooring. Wasuck said some volunteers have offered to help with the work.

The Betterment Committee is a 501c3 organization that accepts tax deductible donations. Donations can be sent to Albion Betterment Committee, c/o Joe Gehl at 14487 Baker Rd. in Kent, NY 14477.

Wasuck said a GoFundMe should be live early next week to allow people to donate online.

Photo courtesy of Albion Elks Lodge: Pictured from left: Niccole Moore (Albion Elementary Social Worker), Angela Conway (Elementary Principal), Marv Christ (Elks member), Joan Christ (Elks member), April Flesch (Elks member), Lynda Standish (Elks member), and Mickey Edwards (Albion Superintendent of Schools).

Press Release, Albion Elks Lodge

ALBION – The Albion Elks Lodge #1006 recently organized a donation of $4,000 worth of essential items to Albion’s Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School to help support families in need this school year.

The donation included $2,000 worth of various hygiene items, shoes and basic clothing items; and $2,000 worth of winter coats.

Albion Elks members worked with school social worker Niccole Moore to understand what would be most useful for families. The Elks delivered the first donation of supplies earlier this school year, and the final donation of coats this past week.

“This contribution is incredibly meaningful to our district, as it allows us to help meet the needs of students and families within our community,” Moore said. “With the cold weather quickly approaching, these coats will be especially beneficial in ensuring our students stay warm and comfortable throughout the season.”

Families in need can connect with Moore, the school’s main office or their teacher for more information.

“Our mission is to help build stronger communities and improve the quality of life for our neighbors through grants obtained by our Elks National Foundation,” said Mike Jenks, Albion Elks Exalted Ruler.

Jenks also encourages Orleans County high school seniors to apply for the many scholarships the Elks has available. More information can be obtained at their schools.

Soldier from Albion only one from Orleans County killed in combat in war in Afghanistan

Photos by Tom Rivers: The state Department of Transportation installed signs on Route 31A near Powerline Road and the Route 98 intersection naming that section of 31A in honor of Specialist Jason Johnston, who was killed in Afghanistan on Dec. 26, 2009.

Jason Johnston was a specialist and paratrooper with the Army.

ALBION – Two signs on Route 31A were unveiled today naming the section of 31A in Albion in honor of Specialist Jason Johnston, who is the only solider from Orleans County killed in combat during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Johnston was 24 when he was killed by a roadside bomb in Arghandab, Afghanistan. Johnston was a specialist and paratrooper in the Army.

He was on his second tour in Afghanistan. He completed a 13-month-deployment in 2008 and left again for the war-torn country in October 2009.

His parents, Brad and Jenny Johnston, said they appreciated the community’s ongoing support for their son.

“It’s every parent’s worry that their children will be forgotten,” Jenny Johnston said.

The signs, declaring “Highway Dedicated To Specialist Jason Johnston,” ensure that her son will stay prominently recognized in the community.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, left, and State Sen. Rob Ortt speak to a group from the Johnson family, the American Legion in Albion and friends of the family before unveiling the sign on Route 31A in Albion, just east of Route 98. Ortt served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from March 2008 until December 2008.

Brad Johnston said he has been trying for more than 14 years to have the a highway named in honor of his son, who would turn 40 years old on Dec. 10.

Brad is retired from a career with the State Department of Corrections. He was speaking about a year ago with John Fitzak, a retired corrections officer and current county legislator, about naming a road in honor of Jason.

Fitzak led the effort to get local government support for naming the highway, including a resolution of support from the County Legislature last January. It was sent to the local state legislators. State Assemblyman Steve Hawley and State Sen. Rob Ortt were able to get the legislation passed by the Assembly and Senate, with Gov. Kathy Hochul signing off on the bill.

County Legislator John Fitzak presents a citation from the County Legislature in support of naming the highway for Jason Johnston. Jason’s parents, Brad and Jenny, and his sister Heather are at right. Jason has two other sisters, Carrie and Holly, and many nieces and nephews.

There also are memorials for Johnston at the Elks Lodge, American Legion in Albion and Albion Town Hall, and a $1,000 scholarship is given each year to a graduating senior pursuing a helping profession.

Mr. Johnston said he is grateful the community continues to remember and honor his son.

“Since Vietnam, he is Orleans County’s only solider killed in battle,” Brad Johnston said. “I think it’s phenomenal. It still shows the support he has when they brought him home. It was people lined up in a snowstorm. This means an awful lot to all of us.”

Sheriff Chris Bourke attended the sign unveiling. Jenny Johnson hugs a friend after the sign was unveiled.

Legion Commander Brad Rouse leads the group in a prayer after the sign covering was removed.

Everett Jubenville, up high, and Mike Blue from the DOT’s sign crew installed the two signs on Route 31A in Albion for Jason Johnston.

Press Release, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee

ALBION – Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More, a program of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee (CAOG), is proud to announce the return of its annual Wishing Tree, a community-driven initiative created to help local families receive essential winter items and small gifts.

Launched 2 years ago, the Wishing Tree was designed with a simple purpose: to give the community an easy and meaningful way to help each other.

The Wishing Tree, located inside the store at 131 South Main Street in Albion, is decorated with prepaid coupons purchased by generous customers. Each coupon represents a specific item or level of support that someone in need can redeem at the register, including:

• 1 winter coat
• 2 pairs of socks
• $10 toward clothing
• $5 gift item

These coupons are available for purchase starting in November, allowing anyone to directly support neighbors, families, and individuals who may be struggling.

This year, Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More has expanded the program by launching an online ordering option, making it easier than ever for members of the community—near or far—to participate. Coupons purchased through the website will go directly to the store, where they will be added to the Wishing Tree for use by those who need them most.

“We’ve always believed that a small act of kindness can make a big difference,” said Cassie Healy, store manager. “The Wishing Tree has grown into something that truly reflects the heart of our community, and we are excited to make giving even more accessible through our website.”

In addition to serving walk-in customers, this year all unused or extra coupons will be donated to the local school district, ensuring students have access to warm clothing and needed items throughout the winter season.

“While we are all finding ways to cope with the government shutdown, rising costs, and all of the fear and uncertainty that comes with that, this program offers a low cost opportunity for us to help our neighbors in need,” said Renee Hungerford, CEO of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee.

Community members who wish to participate can visit the store in person or purchase coupons online. Every contribution—big or small—makes a direct impact on someone’s life.

The link to purchase these coupons can be found by clicking here.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Albion residents were given a chance to have their blood pressure checked today after they cast their votes at Hoag Library.

The Albion Fire Department was on site form 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., checking blood pressure and sharing information about hypertension.

This photo shows Robert Toman and Dawn Marciszewski of the Albion FD at an informational display.

Marciszewski said the department will be at the Arnold Gregory Office Complex in Albion on Dec. 6 as part of a Christmas event. Firefighters will be sharing fire prevention tips.

The Albion FD is stepping up its community outreach, she said.

The Fire Department had displays about hypertension and a list of the dangers of high blood pressure including stroke, loss of vision, kidney disease, bone loss, depression and anxiety and sexual problems.

File photos by Tom Rivers: The Elks Lodge in Albion dedicated this memorial for Jason Johnston on Aug. 17, 2019. The Albion Elks Riders have supported a memorial scholarship for Johnston that is given each year for an Albion senior who is pursuing a helping profession.

Editor’s Note: This article was corrected from an earlier version that said Route 98 in Albion would be dedicated in honor of Jason Johnston. 

ALBION – A part of Route 31A in Albion, from Route 98 to Powerline Road, will be dedicated on Wednesday for Spc. Jason Johnston, who was 24 was killed by a roadside bomb in the war in Afghanistan on Dec. 26, 2009.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley said there will be a dedication event at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the intersection of Route 98 and Route 31A.

Hawley said State Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt and other elected officials will be there for the highway dedication for Army Specialist Jason Johnston, who was born and raised in Albion.

Johnston enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2006. His family always said Johnston had an eagerness to serve in the military and then attend Syracuse University after his term in the Army was completed, Hawley said.

Johnston was killed in action on Dec. 26, 2009, when his unit was bombed in Arghandab, Afghanistan.

“I’m honored to take part in this dedication honoring Army Specialist Jason Johnston, a hometown hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation,” Hawley said. “His courage, commitment and love for his community and country embody the very best of Albion and Western New York. May this highway stand as a lasting reminder of his service and the gratitude we all owe to those who defend our freedom.”

The American Legion Sheret Post in Albion also unveiled a memorial bench in Johnston’s honor on Aug. 14, 2021. Johnston is the only Orleans County resident killed in combat during the War on Terror in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from Aug. 17 was taken from the Ingersoll Street lift bridge looking west towards the Main Street bridge. The Main Street bridge reopened on Sept. 19 following a nearly three-year construction project.

ALBION – The Main Street lift bridge in Albion is closing for 4 hours tonight to replace gate arms, the state Department of Transportation said today.

The DOT is advising motorists that the lift bridge will be closed to traffic from 2 a.m. until  6 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4.

Motorists should anticipate travel delays during this time and are advised to seek alternate routes. Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions, the DOT said.