By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 October 2024 at 8:51 am
Provided photo: Village trustees Tim McMurray, left, and Greg Bennett present a “Community Service Award” to Becky Karls during Wednesday’s Village Board meeting.
ALBION – Becky Karls has been a key force in making many community events a success, especially the annual Strawberry Festival. Karls has been on the festival committee for many years. She stepped up as the committee chairperson last year.
She runs a car show at Bullard Park in September that typically raises at least $2,000 for Hospice of Orleans County.
She also helps plan a golf tournament for the Albion Rotary Club, with proceeds from the July event going to the Office for the Aging and Job Development Agency.
Karls also helps with other events in Albion. She brings lots of energy and follow-through.
The Albion Village Board on Wednesday presented her with a “Community Service Award.” The board has been recognizing residents with the awards every three months.
“The Village of Albion presents this award in acknowledgement of your commitment to serving others and your community,” according to the certificate signed by Mayor Angel Javier Jr.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Many kids wore costumes for Beggar’s Night in Medina last year on Oct. 27. Here are some on Main Street. The event draws several hundred kids to the downtown.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 October 2024 at 7:35 am
The Medina and Albion business districts welcome children to dress in costume and receive candy and treats for the annual Beggar’s Night this evening.
Both downtown business districts will likely see several hundred kids dressed as super heroes, goblins and other characters.
Albion has moved up the starting time from 6 to 5 p.m. Participants are encouraged to start at 25 South Platt St. (the Albion Free Methodist Church) and then begin a downtown tour for treats.
In Medina, the event runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Children should line up in the parking lot between the Medicine Shoppe and The Print Shop on East Center Street.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 October 2024 at 11:30 am
Gotta Dance by Miss Amy will have 3 cabaret shows, basket raffle to help Merklinger family
Provided photo: From left in front include Gabrielle and Luke Merklinger with their son Dean. In back are Denise, Todd, Lauren and Jordan Thomas. The family has been a part of Gotta dance by Miss Amy for about 15 years as dancers and instructors, with Denise teaching piano.
ALBION – For many years Gabrielle Thomas danced and led classes at Gotta Dance by Miss Amy. Many of the young dancers called her Cinderella when Gabrielle, with her flowing blond hair, was an instructor.
Gabrielle’s sisters – Lauren and Jordan also have been dancers and instructors at Gotta Dance – and their mother, Denise, is a piano teacher at the studio on West Bank Street.
Gabrielle is now married to Luke Merklinger, a Rochester police officer. They met at the First Baptist Church in Holley. Gabrielle works as a dental hygienist. The family lives in Irondequoit.
The Marklingers have a 2-year-old son Dean and are expecting a second baby with a due date of Nov. 3.
The soon-to-be born baby will be named Grant. A congenital heart defect has been detected. Gabrielle will leave on Wednesday to travel Philadelphia to give birth at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She will be there ahead of the due date in case the baby is born early.
Grant will have surgery soon after birth. He has a condition called Double Outlet Right Ventricle with malposed great arteries as well as a hypoplastic aorta. He will likely need multiple surgeries to help him survive and improve his quality of life.
To help the family with the costs of travel and care, Gotta Dance by Miss Amy will be hosting three cabaret shows from 1, 3 and 5 p.m. on Nov. 2. There also will be a basket raffle that day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gotta Dance is located at 28 West Bank St., Albion.
“There are many great things about our community and one of the proudest moments is when we unite to help others,” said Amy Sidari, Miss Amy owner. “Thank you for your love and support.”
She welcomes basket donations for the raffle. Call her or text at (585) 354-232o or email GottaDanceAlbion@gmail.com to arrange a drop off.
The cabaret shows each have about 15 different performers from dance, singing, skits and piano. The three shows are not the same. Some of the performers include comedian Phyl Contestable, the Rev. Mother.
Jack Civiletto and April Mazzone, professional musicians from Buffalo, also will perform at the cabaret shows. Civiletto sings many Sinatra songs while Mazzone covers Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Linda Ronstadt and Patsy Cline.
Photo by Tom Rivers: From left include Gotta Dance owner Amy Sidari, Lauren Thomas and Denise Thomas. Gotta Dance will host a benefit on Nov. 2 with a basket raffle and shows at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. Lauren is a dance instructor at Gotta Dance and her mother Denise is a piano teacher at the studio.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 October 2024 at 10:05 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Volunteers joined staff at Community Action of Orleans & Genesee this morning in a pop-up pantry in the Platt Street parking lot in Albion.
Foodlink delivered the food and the distribution started around 9 a.m. There is enough food to give away to about 200 people in vehicles.
The state has been funding these distributions since soon after the Covid pandemic hit in March 20202. There are also distributions in Orleans County at the 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville and the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church.
Tiffany Keifer, right, and Tonya Ferris, back left, both work with M & T Bank in Brockport and have been helping at the distributions in Albion for about two years. Elaine Kovaleski, left, also has been a consistent volunteer for the events.
The Albion distributions tend to be the third Mondays each month. The next ones in Albion are at 9 a.m. on Nov. 18 and Dec. 9.
Candace Casey, right, was back at the distribution today with two of her co-workers at the Iroquois Job Corps Center in Shelby. Casey is coordinator of work-based learning at the Job Corps.
A group of Albion students in the Interact Club also assisted today as well as other volunteers in the community, including Jim Adduci (tall man with hat).
Other upcoming distributions in the county include:
Orleans Cornell Cooperative Extension, 12690 State Route 31, Albion (Knowlesville) –Monday, November 4 at 10 a.m. (Those who preregister will be assigned timeslots for pickup (10-10:30, 10:30-11, 11-11:30, 11:30-12). Preregister at 585-798-4265. Walk-ins may start at 12 p.m.
Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, 107 North Main St. – Friday, November 1 at 9:30 a.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 October 2024 at 8:54 am
M.A.D. Rescue first recipient of award which includes a donation
Provided photo
ALBION – The Albion Exempts are starting a new initiative to honor a local non-profit or service organization with a community service award.
The Exempts last week presented the first award to M.A.D. Rescue, which is led by Jennifer Stillwell. The organization rescues abandoned street dogs in Puerto Rico.
Pictured from left include Pete Stritzinger, president of the Exempts; Jennifer Stillwell of M.A.D. Rescue; and Dan Conrad, director of community relations for the Exempts.
The Exempts also made a $75 donation to M.A.D. The Exempts plan to pick a different organization each month with the award. The honoree also will receive a membership to the exempts.
“We are selecting a member of the community that does wonderful service in the community,” Conrad said.
The Exempts welcome new members at a $20membership. The non-profit organization has a bar and kitchen at 143 South Clinton St., where there are also pool and dart leagues.
ALBION – Muriel Anderson performed on Saturday at Hoag Library during the Hoag Library Music Series.
About 60 people attended the noon concert. The series is funded partly by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!).
Anderson plays the 20-string harp-guitar. She is the first woman to win the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship.
Anderson has released more than a dozen solo albums, instructional CDs and DVDs. Her album Heartstrings accompanied astronauts on the space shuttle Discovery.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Mount Albion Cemetery is on pace to run out of room in about 10-15 years for new burials. The Albion Village Board wants to acquire 35 acres to expand the cemetery.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 October 2024 at 8:36 am
ALBION – The Village of Albion is looking to spend up to $250,000 to acquire 35 acres next to Mount Albion Cemetery.
The Village Board wants to spend $7,000 per acre to Patricia Ann Nelson, which would be $245,000 total. The village also needs to pay $2,375 to Terra Pointe Land Surveying for that company’s services. The expense up to $250,000 would allow for other possible closing costs and expenses.
The village would pay for the land acquisition from its cemetery funds and wouldn’t affect the general budget. Albion has set a 6 p.m. public hearing on Oct. 23 in the Village Hall for the people to comment on using cemetery funds to expand Mount Albion by acquiring the farmland.
The cemetery opened in 1843 and has about 20,000 gravesites on about 80 acres. The cemetery does about 75 burials a year and sells about 50 to 60 gravesites annually.
The village was looking to buy 30 acres in the spring, when there was a vote by the board to pursue the land. The acquisition now will be 35 acres.
Mount Albion is on pace to run out of room in about 10-15 years for new burials, said Jason Zicari, Mount Albion’s superintendent the past 28 years.
He expects the 35 acres would be developed in phases, and may not be needed for at least a decade.
When Mount Albion was nearing capacity in 2001, it opened the new Deerfield section with about 1,200 gravesites. There are about 300 to 400 left there. Zicari also said there are undeveloped areas in the Mapleview section in the southwest corner and near the pump house in the front of the cemetery on the west side.
There are also many unclaimed graves sprinkled throughout the cemetery including in the older sections on the east side. Zicari said some families from many decades ago would buy many plots but didn’t always need all of them. Some people have preferred a plot in the older section where the spot may be high on a terrace or near a tree.
The land to be purchased is next to the southwest corner of the cemetery. Zicari said it should be fairly easy to expand, running paved paths by clearing out some of the hedges.
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Albion Village Board is considering lowering the speed limit from 30 to 25 miles per hour on McKinstry Street in between East State Street and East Avenue. McKinstry is a popular route for students walking to school in the morning and then back home in the afternoon.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 October 2024 at 3:15 pm
ALBION – The Albion Village Board will have a public hearing at 6 p.m. on Oct. 23 to hear from the community about reducing the speed limit on McKinstry Street from 30 to 25 miles per hour.
Village Trustee Greg Bennett suggested lowering the speed limit. He said McKinstry Street is a popular street in the village for students walking to school in the morning and then back home in the afternoon.
The village is considering whether to have the lowered speed limit from State Street or Park Street to East Avenue on McKinstry.
Bennett wanted the limit to be lower to 20 mph to match the school zone speed limit. But village attorney John Gavenda said the state doesn’t want villages to drop the speed limit below 25 mph.
Bennett said that is enough to slow down traffic, especially if there are signs on McKinstry noting the slower speeds. Village officials will do more work before the public hearing to determine if there will be designated times for the lower speed. Bennett said it could just be for an hour in the mornings and afternoons when students are on foot.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 October 2024 at 1:04 pm
ALBION – A music video shoot planned for this Saturday at Bullard Park has been moved to the spring.
Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events, Inc. wants to create a video celebrating the recent upgrades to the park, including the splash pad, new pavilions, amphitheater, walking trail, disc golf course, basketball courts, a scoreboard for the football field, a murals painted on a utility building.
The Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events, Inc. “G-ACRE” has a mission to create and provide for recreational activities, support volunteerism, and improve the quality of life in the greater Albion community.
Photos courtesy of Albion Central School: The PTA, Albion school officials and students celebrated a new book vending machine at the elementary school.
Press Release, Albion Central School
ALBION – The Albion Parent Teachers Association (PTA) donated a brand-new book vending machine to the elementary school this fall.
For the past couple of weeks, the Albion PTA has stocked the vending machine with age-appropriate books and, on Monday a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held before the monthly Board of Education meeting.
Albion PTA Vice President Jessica Estela says the goal of the book vending machine is to help promote literacy and provide an opportunity for positive reinforcement.
According to Estela, the plan is to provide each elementary teacher with enough awards so every student can be recognized for their “good” behavior at some point during the school year. Students will be given the opportunity to use either the school’s book vending machine or the book vending machine at the Hoag Library as their reward.
“We want this to be an opportunity that is inclusive of everyone,” Estela said. “Even the children with significant behavioral struggles will have a ‘good’ day at some point throughout the year. The goal is to really emphasize the good behavior and hopefully create a cascade of better behavior.”
Students in kindergarten, first, and second grades will be introduced to the vending machine by reading the book that came with it: “The Dream” by Jason Blumberg. The story follows Inchy the Bookworm’s adventure as he finds through reading and wants to share those feelings with his friends.
Albion Elementary School Principal Angela Conway said it was important to both the school and the PTA that this be a character-driven award rather than an academic highlight.
“Our goal is always to foster good, well-rounded learners,” Conway said. “It is equally important that we encourage our students to be good citizens as well.”
Principal Conway hopes that this program will reinforce the school’s motto: SOAR, which stands for safety, showing ownership, acting responsibly and respectfulness toward others.
Estela also explains that this process will encourage a positive office experience for students.
“The [principal’s] office is often thought to be a place where students are sent just when they have done something wrong, and I really wanted to change that,” Estela said. “I think it’s important that students see administration and office staff as supports.”
“We are happy to partner with the Albion PTA and Hoag Library to promote literacy, inclusivity, and positive behavior incentives,” Principal Conway said. “This is a continued goal at the Elementary School and we are grateful for the community’s support in educating all of our SOARing Purple Eagles.”
The Albion PTA will continue to purchase, donate, and stock books for the vending machine, providing the students with plenty of new options throughout the year. For more information on the Albion PTA, please contact PTA President Beth Stanley at purple.eagles.pta@gmail.com.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 October 2024 at 12:04 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Andrea Wilston, 7, of Albion enjoys a pony ride today during the Albion Fall Fest. KTJ Saddle Up Pony Rides had the ponies in Waterman Park on Main Street.
Albion and Kendall both have festivals today featuring scarecrows.
Kendall’s Scarecrow Festival is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with this year’s theme for the scarecrows, “Enchanted Garden.”
There will also be music by Rebels Posse, face painting, balloons by Air Raising Events, chain saw carving by Jeffrey Cook 3-D Critters and wagon rides.
Star Grosskopf, left, makes a scarecrow with assistance from Karen Conn, center, and Lynn DiBella.
Albion Merchants Association’s annual Fall Fest is today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with food and craft vendors, bounce houses and games, pumpkin painting, scarecrow decorating, face painting and music by the Who Dats (from noon to 2 p.m.).
Shamel Thomas of Medina helps his daughter Vivian Thomas make a scarecrow in Albion.
Sam Conde, 6, and his brother Shane, 4, paint pumpkins on a table on a closed off section of Main Street.
Kay Ecker, right, helps these kids at the pumpkin painting station.
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Village of Albion is working to apply for both a $10 million state grant through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and a $4.5 million grant through the NY Forward program that would help with building renovations for upper floor housing, façade improvements and other projects to spur economic, recreational and housing in the downtown area. This photo shows buildings at the south east and south west intersection of Bank and Main streets.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 October 2024 at 9:21 am
ALBION – The Village of Albion is working to submit applications that could bring millions of dollars in state funding to bolster the downtown and community.
Jay Grasso, owner of G & G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing, said there could the $15 million in potential projects from private building owners and the village.
Jay Grasso, owner of G & G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing, said Albion is a strong contender for the state programs bringing millions in funding to the downtown area. He spoke during a public meeting last week in the Village Hall.
Albion had $11 million in Restore NY projects for a grant application last year that was not approved. Grasso said those projects, plus new proposals, could be part of new applications for $10 million in funding through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative or $4.5 million through the NY Forward program.
Grasso met with property owners and village officials last week. Businesses, industry groups, cultural organizations, developers, non-profit organizations and property owners can submit a project for consideration.
Grasso said G & G will submit the application to the state for the two grants, which are both due by 4 p.m. on Oct. 18.
Potential projects could include new construction (residential, mixed use, hotel, etc.), renovation of existing buildings, facade improvements, renovation of new retail, office, co-working, commercial, industrial, recreational or cultural uses.
The state wants projects that will transform the downtown and support a vibrant and year-round economy.
“If you have a project or a building, dream big,” Grasso said.
Anchor projects that can be a catalyst for other development in the downtown area will be viewed favorable by the state, Grasso said.
He urged building owners and officials from the village and non-profits to reach out to G & G at contact@ggprocess.com to discuss potential projects, sharing a vision for the properties and cost estimates. He said he and his staff can discuss the projects by email, Zoom videoconferencing, a phone call or in person.
Nearby, Batavia has received the $10 million DRI and Medina was awarded the $4.5 million NY Forward grant last year.
Grasso said Albion is “ripe” to receive the funding through one of the programs.
Projects that stir economic activity, add upper-floor housing and show “skin in the game” with investment from the property owners will strengthen Albion’s overall application, Grasso said.
Some of the projects could also be smaller, with façade improvements, window restoration or fresh paint.
“There is no maximum or minimum for this program,” Grasso said.
This photo shows Main Street, north of the Bank Street intersection. Village officials would like to boost occupancy rates in the buildings, including the upper floors.
File photos: Ricky Standish, facilities manager a Community Action employee, opens up boxes with frozen chickens during a food distribution on a chilly morning on Jan. 22, 2024. Community Action has managed food distributions four more than years since the Covid pandemic hit.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 October 2024 at 9:27 am
ALBION – An organization which exists to help people in challenging situations is being honored by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce with their Community Service Award.
Community Action of Orleans and Genesee is under the leadership of Renee Hungerford, who the organization appreciates being recognized.
Renee Hungerford serves as executive director of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.
“I feel privileged to lead an agency that makes such a positive difference for our community,” Hungerford said. “Our dedicated staff truly care about the people we assist and are focused on giving people the hope, support and services they need to become self-sufficient and overcome the ravages of poverty. We are grateful to the volunteers and donors who support our agency and make what we do possible. I am thrilled that our agency is being recognized by the Orleans Chamber of Commerce and has given us the opportunity to inform the community about the important work we do.”
Community Action began 60 years ago, and has continued to grow and add programs and services to help needy families, while focusing on helping them become independent and self-sufficient.
Programs include ACT (helping youth ACT responsibly), Stone Soup Success/Food Rx (educating to prepare healthy meals), Child Care Resource and Referral, Early Head Start and Head Start, Weatherization and Energy Services, Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More store, a Credit Recovery Program for Albion seniors, Emergency Services, holiday meals and gifts and the Eastern Orleans Community Center, which provides daily meals, a clothing depot and food giveaway.
At the agency’s annual in-service day this summer, officials reported that during the previous year Community Action served 4,021 individuals, a 28% increase over the previous year and 75% more than 2021. In their goal to fight hunger, 1,541 individuals utilized one of their three food pantries, 914 individuals utilized a pop-up pantry distribution, 314 individuals received 5,405 prepared meals at the Eastern Orleans Community Center in Holley and 657 households received holiday meals.
In housing, another 311 individuals received assistance to avoid eviction and 129 individuals received assistance to avoid utility shut-off.
Head Start had 149 children enrolled, while 81 were in Early Head Start.
During the in-service event, Hungerford shared their goals looking ahead. She said their agency will make major improvements in many areas going forward, while continuing to focus on helping people become self-sufficient.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: A new digital sign in front of the Cobblestone Country Federal Credit Union at 299 West Ave., Albion, informs passersby of the services available.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 October 2024 at 8:52 am
ALBION – Two financial institutions in Orleans County have announced a merger to better serve the community.
The Albion School Employees Federal Credit Union’s merger with Cobblestone Country Federal Credit Union became effective Tuesday, according to CCFCU’s manager Christine Ranallo.
Christine Ranallo is manager of the Cobblestone Country Federal Credit Union.
She explained the reason for the merger was because the school’s credit union was very small, with 380 members and very limited services, while the CCFCU is much larger with 2,400 members and more services.
“We’re small, but we have most all the services the big banks have,” Ranallo said.
She said her credit union had discussed a merger with the credit union at school over the years, but the school employees weren’t ready at the time.
“Then about a year ago we approached them again and they thought it was a good idea,” Ranallo said.
The idea for a merger was first came up at the beginning of 2023 at CCFCU’s strategic planning session.
“The facilitator suggested a way to grow was to merge with another credit union, and the only logical choice was the Albion School Employees FCU,” Ranallo said.
The CCFCU exists because of a series of mergers throughout the years. Ranallo has compiled a timeline of events leading up to the current day.
The first to form was the Albion School Employees FCU on Jan. 1, 1963.
On May 10, 1965, the CCFCU had its beginning with the first meeting of the Lipton Federal Credit Union.
Then followed the Albion Correctional Facility Federal Credit Union on Oct. 17, 1974.
Next, the Orleans Municipal FCU was formed Sept. 11, 1979. A year later, on Oct. 14, 1980, the National Credit Union Association approved a name change to Central Orleans Federal Credit Union.
On Nov. 30, 1982, Albion Correctional Facility FCU merged with Central Orleans FCU.
The NCUA on Dec. 14, 1990 approved the merger of Orleans Municipal FCU with Central Orleans FCU.
The name was changed to Cobblestone Country Federal Credit Union in 2002 in anticipation of a change in the charter, Ranallo said.
In June 2005 a charter was applied for and received to change from a Central Orleans-focused FCU to one which included all of Orleans County, hence, the name Cobblestone Country FCU. Today, membership is open to anyone living, working, going to school or worshiping in Orleans County.
CCFCU operated next to COVA in the Arnold Gregory complex until June 2014, when it moved to 299 West Ave.
Like Ranallo, CCFCU employees are loyal and dedicated to serving their customers. Ranallo has been there for 25 years, having started as an accountant and moving up to manager in 2020. Audrey Christopher recently retired after 31 years, while Teresa Radka has been a loan officer for 30 years and three others have worked there five years each.
“When you come in here, you’re going to do business with the same person you did business with last month,” Ranallo said.
CCFCU offers savings and checking accounts, teen checking, Visa ATM cards, Share certificates and Christmas, Tax and Vacation Club accounts; a variety of loan products, including home equity loans; overdraft protection; direct deposit/payroll deduction; mobile deposit; 24/7 ATM; a drive-thru and much more.
There is access to a night deposit box and customers can buy stamps and money orders at the credit union.
CCFCU is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. They are closed Wednesday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2024 at 9:52 pm
Stormsong Hollow Minerals celebrates opening day on Main Street in Albion
Photos by Tom Rivers: Chris Atwell and Trish Marciszewski celebrate the opening of their business, Stormsong Hollow Minerals, in downtown Albion today. Marciszewski has been collecting minerals since she was a kid when she won a chance to go to the Herkimer Diamond Mines and found a diamond. She has turned her passion for minerals into a new business.
ALBION – Trish Marciszewski jokingly blames her earth science teacher Steve McKenna for her passion for minerals.
When she was a student at Albion, she won a contest and a chance to go to the Herkimer Mines. She went and was the only one to find a diamond that day.
It kicked off a passion and deep appreciation for minerals, and their many colors and textures.
“I’ve been on fire for it ever since,” Marciszewski said today at her business, Stormsong Hollow Minerals.
Stormsong has many different minerals available, including Chalcopyrite “Peacock Ore” from Zacatecas, Mexico at left, and Amethyst from Veracruz, Mexico at right.
She celebrated opening day today for the business at 49 North Main St. Marciszewski, a former public safety dispatcher for the county for 10 years, outgrew the space at her garage and home. The business has grown since she started a TikTok page last November. She has 2,100 followers on TikTok for stormhollowminerals with live shows every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Marciszewski runs the business with Chris Atwell, who worked as a local EMT for 16 years. The TikTok customers will order some of the minerals in the videos and they are packaged and shipped by Marciszewski and Atwell.
They also have attended many local shows to build up the business. The demand has grown, overwhelming their home. They welcomed the chance to move the business to Main Street in Albion, where there is more space and gives them a chance to give the downtown district a boost.
“There’s a lot of really good businesses down here working hard to make it work,” she said.
Village of Albion Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley, right, presents a certificate of recognition to Chris Atwell and Trish Marciszewski during opening day for Stormsong Hollow Minerals.
Marciszewski said McKenna, her former earth science teacher, shared a love for minerals. He said each crystal or mineral is born in a storm within the earth.
Marciszewski said she has been passionate about minerals for the past 34 years.
“I’m just fascinated by science and that the earth makes these things,” she said.
None of the Crystal Buddies are exactly alike.
Marciszewski has amassed her own collection, and loves to help other people discover minerals. She said the popularity has grown as people embrace minerals for healing properties, energy, good luck or simply to beautify a mantel.
Stormsong Hollow sells crystals and minerals in raw and polished forms. They are available in necklaces, pendants and bracelets, and as “Crystal Buddies.” Those buddies have faces, with eyes of Obsidian volcanic glass.
Storm Hollow has relationships with suppliers all over the world. The minerals have cards telling where they are from. Marciszewski and Atwell work with suppliers and miners all over the United States, and from China, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, France, Peru, Russia, Bolivia, India, South Africa, Egypt and other countries.
Marciszewski said mineral collecting used to be primarily for science buffs, but it has become far more mainstream. The internet has helped people learn about minerals. Storm Hollow is happy to help connect them to their favorites.
Storm Hollow is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.
Furious Robinson, Trish Marciszewski’s son, holds some of the Crystal Buddies for $10 that are very popular with customers.
