Photo by Matt Holland

ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club today presented three scholarships to graduating seniors. Pictured from left include Tom Rivers, Albion Rotary Club president; Donovan Braley, winner of the Rotary Career Advancement Prize; David Rosario, recipient of the Edward Archbald Memorial Scholarship; and Leo Bolton, winner of the Dick Eddy “Service Above Self” Scholarship.

The Albion Rotary Club awarded the $3,000 in scholarships today during its meeting at the tavern on the Ridge.

Leo Bolton won the Dick Eddy “Service Above Self” Scholarship, a $1,250 award that is given to a student committed to community service and leadership, and who displays high potential for future accomplishment.

Bolton plans to become a pharmacist and is headed to Cedarville University in Ohio. He has been a key player on the varsity soccer, swimming and tennis teams while playing the trombone in the band and marching band. He is a member of the Interact Club and works at the Medicine Shoppe in Medina and as a lifeguard. He also went on a mission trip to Malawi in southeastern Africa to help at an orphanage.

David Rosario won the $1,250 Edward Archbald Memorial Scholarship, given to a senior who shares Archbald’s love of sports, recreational activities, community service and work experience.

Rosario has been on the soccer, wrestling and track teams, as well as the FFA, Honor Society and Diversity Club. He plans to study at the University at Buffalo to become a pediatric nurse.

Donovan Braley was awarded the $500 Rotary Career Advancement Prize for a senior committed to community service, school activities and work experience.

Braley has been on the soccer and tennis teams. He is an Eagle Scout who wants to be a physical therapist. He is headed to GCC this fall for the physical therapist assistant program.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Sandy Climenhaga was named Albion Central School’s “Educator of the Year” on Monday. Climenhaga is retiree as a high school science teacher. “This district has such great teachers,” she said. “We love our kids.”

ALBION – The school district said good bye to several retiring teachers and staff on Monday, thanking them for their dedicated service to the students and district.

Mickey Edwards, the Albion school district superintendent, presents the “Educator of the Year” award to Sandy Climenhaga.

One of those retiring teachers, Sandy Climenhaga, also was recognized as the district’s “Educator of the Year.” Climenhaga teachers the Advanced Placement biology or living environment classes. She also received the “Excellence in Teaching Award” this year from the National Honor Society.

She was called a “truly dedicated and inspiring teacher” who is a vital part of the district’s science department by Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent.

Climenhaga has maintained a high level of energy and passion throughout her career, teaching high-level science classes and showing a big heart for her students, Edwards said.

“Students describe her as being unforgettable,” he said.

Climenhaga joined Albion Central School in 1996 as a substitute teacher. She worked in the middle school as a science teacher in 2008-’09 before being hired in the high school the following year.

“She positively impacts every student who comes into her classroom,” said Jennifer Ashbery, the high school principal.

Climenhaga runs AP study groups, and connects with students through Google and Zoom meets.

Climenhaga said she is “being humbled” to be recognized as Educator of the Year.

“The district has such great teachers,” she said. “We love our kids. This district cares about every kid and not just how they do in the classroom.”

Ricky O’Kussick, who retired after 28 years as a custodian, is congratulated by Board of Education member Curt Schmitt.

Ricky O’Kussick worked 28 years as a custodian, including 20 years in the middle school and the past eight years in the elementary school. He spent most of his career as the night leader of the custodial staff.

O’Kussick was well-liked for his friendly demeanor, and many took note that he kept his original photo ID badge his entire career.

“I liked everything about it,” O’Kussick said about the job. “I didn’t mind cleaning. I wanted the kids to come into a clean building every day.”

Albion also recognized Tim Mercer, who retired after 28 years and ended his career as director of facilities at a time when Albion was doing a major capital project.

Mike Thaine, who is retiring as the high school band and music teacher, is congratulated by high school principal Jennifer Ashbery.

Michael Thaine worked at Greenwood and Plattsburgh school districts before returning to his alma in 1998 as the elementary music teacher, introducing third- and fourth-graders to musical instruments. He worked in that role for nine years before becoming the high school band and music teacher.

Thaine led multiple groups – the marching band, jazz band, pit orchestra and many smaller ensembles.

He taught students more than music, said Ashbery, the high school principal.

He exemplified kindness, humor, love, compassion and service, she said.

Thaine could have a retired a year ago but wanted one more year with the students.

“There are so many great kids here,” he said. “I’ve always felt that. The best part of the job is the relationships with the students.”

Jennifer Holman was recognized for her career as a special education teacher.

Jennifer Holman has worked a special education teacher for Albion since 1996. She boosted students’ reading and other skills, Ashbery said.

Holman created a learning environment “that is the most enriching and welcoming classroom you can imagine,” the principal said.

Jill Albertson started with Albion in 2005 as the director of the Even Start program and then was an academic intervention specialist, before working several years as an earth science teacher in the high school. She was praised for her dedication to students.

Nancy Moore has worked as a teacher’s aide for 30 years, starting in the correction room in 1995 and then in a 6:1:1 special education class in the elementary school. Most of her career has been in a 12:1:1 special education classroom in the middle school.

Brad Pritchard, the middle school principal, said Moore is well versed in many subjects and has been very supportive of many staff in her career.

“Nancy’s dedication and work ethic made a difference in students’ lives,” Pritchard said.

He also commended Theresa Christopher for her career as a foreign language teacher. Christopher didn’t just teacher a foreign language. She exposed students to cultures, running cultural diversity nights for students and their families.

Christopher wanted a mastery level form her students, and would put in the extra time to help students reach a higher level.

“What a remarkable person she is who really cares about our students,” Pritchard said.

Retirees recognized before Monday’s Board of Education meeting include, front row, from left: Ricky O’Kussick, Jennifer Holman and Jill Albertson. Back row: Mike Thaine, Nancy Moore and Sandy Climenhaga. Others retirees include Theresa Christopher and Tim Mercer.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Rev. Susan Thaine, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Albion, speaks with students on Sunday evening before they entered the church for the baccalaureate service.

Thaine gave the students a blessing before the service started.

“You and God are a hybrid,” she told them. “You are special together.”

She said the local churches are resources as they start the next chapters of their lives, whether they go to college, the military or right into the work force, whatever they decide to do. Thaine told the students they are always welcome to call her if they want someone to talk to.

“This service is a reminder that you don’t walk along,” she said. “You walk with God.”

Dillon DiGiulio lights a candle with other classmates during Sunday’s baccalaureate service. They also had the option of receiving a cross necklace and having a local clergy member prayer with them.

Father Mark Noonan, priest of One Catholic, prays with student Peyton Robinson. Many of the students asked the local pastors to pray with them.

Some of the class members posed for a group photo outside of the historic church. The service is optional for students. There were nearly 50 seniors at the service, which doubled the participation from a year ago.

The Rev. Dr. Brenda Bierdeman, a pastor at the Albion Free Methodist Church – Community of Hope, gave the keynote address. Bierdeman told the graduates that their everyday decisions, thoughts and words will determine the type of person they are and how they are known to others.

“What you do is not nearly as important as who you are,” she said.

Bierdeman urged them to be deliberate with their words, and not say whatever pops in their head. That goes for what they text and what they post on social media.

“Is it true, is it helpful, is it kind?” she asked the students.

She encouraged them to use language that lifts up others, and inspires confidence and courage.

She also urged them to seek out a relationship with God through Jesus.

“God will never turn his back on you,” she said.

Rori Higgins also shared a blessing with the class. Other classmates read scripture, including Leo Bolton, Oliver Beach and Madalyn Ashbery. Mallory Kozody also shared a prayer with the group.

About 250 people attended the service at the First Presbyterian Church.

The High School Select Choir sang, “Ave Verum Corpus.” Cassandra Brown also played a flute solo, “For The Beauty of the Earth,” and Mallory Kozody played a solo on her clarinet, “Come, Thou Fount.”

‘These organs are a treasure. The reason for these concerts is to show the public what a treasure they are.’

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Maarit Vaga presents flowers to Aaron Grabowski after his performance at the organ in Holy Family Parish during the Cobblestone Society’s fifth annual organ concert on Sunday.

ALBION – The annual progressive organ concert on Sunday to benefit the Cobblestone Museum was strongly attended, according to director Doug Farley.

“This was our fifth annual concert and 75 people registered ahead, in addition to several walk-ins,” Farley said. “We are thrilled attendance continues to be strong.”

The event began at Christ Episcopal Church, where former Orleans County historian and Cobblestone Museum director Bill Lattin welcomed guests. He explained there used to be six pipe organs in Court House Square, but now are five after one was removed at the former United Methodist Church.

“These organs are a treasure,” Lattin said. “The reason for these concerts is to show the public what a treasure they are.”

Lattin also pointed out the stained glass windows and urged the audience to notice the architecture and stained glass in each of the churches, all of which are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Doug Farley, left, director of the Cobblestone Museum, welcomes the 75 guests who attended a progressive organ concert on Sunday. The first concert was at Christ Episcopal Church, where organist Darryl Smith, visible at right,  played the 1877 Steere & Turner pipe organ.

Farley added how fortunate they were to have four very talented organists in attendance – Darryl Smith, Aaron Grabowski and Gary Simboli, who were part of Sunday’s program, and Scott Schmidt, a local organist who has participated in the progressive concerts in previous years.

Albion native Darryl Smith, who played the 1877 Steere & Turner pipe organ at Christ Episcopal Church, said she has been playing organ since high school. Her first job was as organist and choir director at the First Baptist Church of Medina. A graduate of Houghton, Smith has served in positions of music or discipleship at Brick Presbyterian Church of Perry, Barre Center Presbyterian Church and Albion Free Methodist Church.

“I love this organ because its pipes are vintage to its time,” she said.

The instrument is unique in that it maintains its original mechanical linkage, known as tracker action, between the keyboard and pipes. Lattin displayed a giant lever which youth in earlier years had to pump behind the scenes. The organ was rebuilt in the 1980s.

The Erakare family sings at Christ Episcopal Church, accompanied by organist Darryl Smith. From left are Susan Walders (mother of Bradeen Walders-Erakare, who is married to Sebastian Erakare), Maarit Vaga and her husband Jan Erakare, their son Sebastian and his wife, Bradeen Walders-Erakare.

Attendees next moved into the dining room for a wine and cheese reception, before crossing the street to Holy Family Parish (St. Joseph’s Church), where Medina organist Aaron Grabowski entertained on what was originally an 1896 Garrett House tracker organ. The console was moved to the front of the loft during changes made to the key and stop action, converting it to electro-pneumatic action in 1939-40 by Teller’s Organ Co. of Erie, Pa. The original tracker slider chests were retained. Air reservoirs were re-leathered in 1976.

House sold his company to Viner and Sons in 1898, making this original instrument of two manuals and pedal with 16 speaking stops one of his last.

The organ is currently being maintained by Parsons Pipe Organ Co. of Canandaigua, where Grabowski is employed.

According to the concert’s program, it would be safe to say pipe organs are a big part of Aaron Grabowski’s life. During the week he works full-time as a tuning foreman and organ builder for Parsons, and on weekends, he is music director and organist at St. Mary’s Church in Medina.

Grabowski began formal organ lessons at the age of 16, and after graduating from high school, he enrolled at the University of Buffalo, where he received a bachelor’s degree in organ performance.

He was music director at St. Paul’s in Kenmore, where the Rev. Paul Whitney was serving before coming to Medina. It was due to Father Whitney that Grabowski came to Medina when the priest asked him to restore the organ at St. Mary’s. Upon seeing the charming hamlet of Medina, Grabowski suggested to his wife Gayle they should consider making Medina their new home. They purchased a Victorian home there in 2005, which they are restoring.

(Left) Darryl Smith sits at the 1877 Steere & Turner pipe organ at Christ Episcopal Church in Albion. She likes the organ because of its vintage pipes which she says are authentic to their time. (Right) Final organist in Sunday’s progressive organ concert was Gary Simboli, retired chorus and musical director at Albion Central School, shown here at the 1925 Moller Opus 4132 pipe organ at the First Baptist Church of Albion.

The third and final organ in the concert was at the First Baptist Church, next door to Holy Family Parish, where Gary Simboli demonstrated the 1925 Moller Opus 4132 pipe organ. Simboli is a graduate of Geneseo State College and is the award-winning instrumental music teacher (retired) from Albion High School.

The Moller organ replaced the church’s first pipe organ from 1883, and features two separate pipe chambers and pressure driven pneumatic action. It includes three manuals and 63 registers, producing a rich, romantic sound. The organ was rebuilt in the 1980s under the pastorate of the Rev. Bob Mowatt.

“This is an amazing instrument,” Simboli said. “I am not an organist. I had one lesson when I filled in for the regular organist. I like the different instrumentation of this beautiful organ.”

He was told because he had big hands he could play the organ, as he could reach the keys with his left fingers, which produced the sounds of the foot pedals.

The pieces Simboli chose featured the sounds of flute, chimes, trumpet, clarinet, oboe, harp and the full organ.

Aaron Grabowski sits at the organ in the loft of Holy Family Parish (St. Joseph’s Church) in Albion. The original 1896 Garret House tracker organ was converted to electro-pneumatic action in 1939-40 by Teller’s Organ Co. of Erie, Pa.

After the final concert, many concert-goers drove to the Tavern on the Ridge for supper. Among them were Joe and Linda Rak of Lyndonville, who said this was their first organ concert, but they would definitely consider it again.

“We like to do things in the community,” Linda said. “The music today was absolutely amazing. These churches were all so beautiful and in such close proximity. And the organists were so talented. It was a big learning experience to hear all the sounds an organ can make.”

One special attendee who Farley introduced was Carla Maul, who drove from Ellicottville.

“I love organ concerts and I Googled it, thinking I might find one in Buffalo,” Maul said.

She teaches a drum and bugle corps and plays brass. But she likes organ concerts for their individuality, she said.

“My favorite today was Aaron’s Cannanode,” Maul said.

Kendall Community Band leads off series of 15 concerts

File photos by Tom Rivers: Savage Cabbage performed on the amphitheater stage at Bullard Park last July 31. The band has been playing locally since 1979 and includes cabbage farmers – Frank, John and Andrew Starowitz, as well as other musicians. Frank Starowitz, center, sings “Lick It Up” by Kiss. From left include Mike “Grinder” Moore, John Starowitz, Frank Starowitz and Mike “Thunder” Warren.

By Natalie Baron, Orleans Hub intern

ALBION – The Village of Albion kicks off a new summer concert series this Wednesday at Bullard Park.

The Kendall Community Band will begin the concert series, with the Albion Jazz Band and Carson and Sam playing the following Wednesday, June 11.

The concerts will take place every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., except for the Independence Day Celebration Festival on July 3rd, which is on a Thursday. The bands will play at the park’s amphitheater.

In order to organize the concert series, John Grillo, the village’s recreation director and concert organizer, stated that he reaches out to bands around New York. He aims to include many local bands. He also varies which bands play each year, with just a couple of returners. He features a wide array of genres in the concerts, such as soul, country, rock and acoustic.

There is plenty for children and adults alike to do around Bullard Park. Grillo detailed how the park contains a children’s playground, a Splash Pad, two beautiful basketball courts, a picnic area with three pavilions, a walking trail, disc golf course, updated restrooms, and soccer, football and baseball fields.

The concerts will feature food vendors, the Albion Masons and Wild Flour Deli & Bakery, as well as a vendor that sells snow cones, Grillo said. The Albion Masons will be selling hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, and drinks, and Wild Flour will be selling sweet treats, sandwiches and various pastries.

Those who are interested in being a vendor at the concerts can contact the Village Office at (585) 589-9176.

Other summer concert series tend to begin during late June or early July. On starting earlier, Grillo explained that he hopes to provide community members with the opportunity to get up and out of the house and enjoy themselves before then.

“As the director, I am very excited about this year’s lineup, and we hope that the community will take advantage of this free opportunity,” Grillo said. “I would like to thank the Village of Albion for their support. I would like to thank GO ART! for the grant received, and I would also like to thank George Bidleman of Orleans Ford Car Dealership for sponsoring the advertising.”

The concert lineup includes:

• June 4 – Kendall Community Band
• June 11 – Albion Jazz Band from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• June 11 – Carson and Sam 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• June 18 – Salvatore
• June 25 – Feedback
• July 2 – Soul Street
• July 3 – (Thursday) Ryan and Company from 4 to 6 p.m.
• July 3 – (Thursday) 104 Country from 6 to 7:45 p.m.
• July 3 – (Thursday) The Who Dats from 7:45 to 9:45 p.m.
• July 9 – Side Doors
• July 16 – Savage Cabbage
• July 23 – Groove
• July 30 – The Dave Viterna Band
• August 6 – Sky Cats
• August 13 – Highway 31
• August 20 – Rain Date
• August 27 – Rain Date

Highway 31 performed at the amphitheater of Bullard Park of Aug. 21 last year. The band played ’90s music, contemporary country and some rock. The band members include Rich Nolan of Gasport as lead singer, and the guitar trio of Aaron Clark of Holley, Clinton LaPorte of Le Roy, and Clinton’s dad Tim LaPorte Sr. of Batavia. Timmy LaPorte of Elba, Tim’s son and Clinton’s brother, is the drummer for the band.

Photos by Tom Rivers: This group put on a benefit on Sunday at Dubby’s Tailgate for Gertie Montulli of Waterport. From left include Jodi Anstey, Bryan Dimon, Tyler Nunnery, Amy Gow, Gertie Montulli, Casey Horan (Montulli’s daughter), Tauhna Mickek and Byron Gow.

ALBION – Gertie Montulli has always been eager to give towards fundraisers in the community, and even organized benefits to support organizations and people in Albion and Orleans County.

On Sunday, she was on the receiving end, and she said it was overwhelming to see about 300 people turn out for a benefit to help her.

Gertie Montulli has gone through radiation and chemotherapy for stage 4 small cell lung cancer. She said the cancer has shrunk and she has a positive outlook on life.

Montulli, 60, has stage 4 small cell lung cancer. She completed radiation and now is in chemotherapy. The cancer isn’t operable because it’s close to her pulmonary artery.

Montulli is well known in the community. She ran a business, Sweet Treats by Gertie’s, where she sells popcorn in many different flavors. She also ran Gertie’s Groovy Garments, offering dresses, blouses, shirts, pants and other clothes for girls and younger women.

She also spearheaded an effort with monthly craft sales and basket raffles to raise money for charities and non-profit organizations in the county.

Montulli said the cancer diagnosis in march was very unexpected. She didn’t feel sick at all except for complications from hip surgery on Jan. 13. That hip surgery didn’t work out and she had to do it again on Feb. 27. On march 20, she fainted and was taken to the hospital. She was diagnosed with cancer.

“I cried all day the first day,” she said about the diagnosis.

But the next day she was determined to stay upbeat, and face the disease.

“I’m a happy person,” she said.

Montulli said she is very appreciative of the effort with the benefit on Sunday, with people and businesses donating 200 baskets and 75 gift certificates. About 300 people attended the benefit at Dubby’s Tailgate.

“I’m just overwhelmed by the amount of people,” she said.

Jodi Anstey was one of the main organizers for the event. She met Montulli at a craft show. Anstey was selling wreaths and Montulli had her popcorn for sale.

“She is a very giving person,” Anstey said. “She gives so much back to the community.”

Gertie Montulli is shown on July 19, 2024 at State Street Park in Medina where she was among the food vendors at Blue Thursdays. Sweet Treats by Gertie sells popcorn in 10 different flavors. Montulli said caramel is her top seller. She said she won’t be back selling popcorn at events this year.

Anstey said she expected people would show up for Gertie during the event o Sunday.

“She is very overwhelmed by all the love,” Anstey said.

Bryan Dimon of Medina also knows Montulli from craft shows. He sells Tupperware. He went to local businesses seeking donations. When people so the flyer with Montulli’s photo, they wanted to donate to the benefit and help her with her medical bills.

“She is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet,” Dimon said. “There are so many people she’s helped.”

Jack Burris, director of the Hands 4 Hope ministry, attended the benefit. Hands 4 Hope received funds from one of the fundraisers run by Montulli a few years ago.

“She’s done a lot of good for a lot of people,” Burris said.

Bryan Dimon calls out the winning ticket numbers from a basket raffle on Sunday. There were about 200 gift baskets and 75 gift certificates up for raffle.

Photos by Tom Rivers: A group from Mississippi was in Albion this past week working on projects at the Canalside Community Church, the former United Methodist site at the corner of Platt and East State streets. The group is shown here in the fellowship hall next to a kitchen. The volunteers put a new hood on the stove, and installed a new partition at a wall at the kitchen and put in new lighting for the dining room.

ALBION – A group of missionaries from Liberty Baptist Church in Waynesboro, Mississippi made an 1,100-mile trek to Albion this past week to work on several projects at Canalside Community Church.

Canalside is in a historic building in need of repairs. It was originally used by the United Methodist Church. North Point Chapel became owner of the site and the name was changed to Canalside Community Church on Jan. 1 to better reflect its proximity to the Erie Canal. Church leaders also wanted “community” in the church name to reflect the mission that it is open and ready to serve everyone, not matter their backgrounds, in the Albion area.

Phillip Gandy, pastor of Liberty Baptist Church in Mississippi, led a group for the third straight year to the Albion church. Gandy sees progress in the building and also in the ministry. He wants to the see more people drawn to Canalside, the only church in Orleans County affiliated with the South Baptist Convention.

“We’ve tried to help get the church on better footing,” Gandy said.

The church brought a team of 17 people, from ages 15 to 79, to work on projects inside and outside of the church. They put in a new ceiling in one of the rooms, new lighting, new carpet, painted, installed a new hood on a stove in the kitchen, put in a new shower at the parsonage and did other landscaping and cleaning.

Eli McNeil, 15, sorts out microphones and other equipment for the sound system at Canalside Community Church on Saturday.

The group brought a church bus and traveled over two days to get to Albion. They stayed in two Airbnbs. They raised over $12,000 from the Liberty congregation to make the trip and pay for materials and expenses for the work.

Gandy said the church is a small town with fewer people than Albion. Liberty Baptist also took on projects last year in Knoxville, Tenn. and in the country of Chile. Gandy speaks Spanish as well as English.

“It’s just the satisfaction of helping people,” Gandy said.

Liberty has talented people for building repairs and others with a willingness to be of service, Gandy said.

Eli McNeil, 15, was back in Albion with Liberty. He was on the first trip two years ago. He said he loved being able to visit Niagara Falls with the group, and help around the church in Albion.

“I like going to the different states, and seeing all the different landscapes,” he said.

Sierra Stewart, 16, vacuums the stage area at Canalside Community Church. She has been on all three of the Liberty Baptist mission trips to Albion.

She did a lot of painting and yard work this week. She appreciated the chance to go to Niagara Falls and also try chicken wings at the famous Anchor Bar in Buffalo.

Ben Curfman, pastor of the church, appreciates the efforts from the mission groups. Another team from Georgia will be up in Albion during the Starwberry Festival on June 13-14 for outreach programs.

Curfman said Liberty Baptist has speeded up the work in the church, and made the site more accessible for ministry programs. He looks forward to making the fellowship hall available for community functions and meals for the Canalside congregation.

“They have been able to accomplish a lot of things that would have taken us years,” Curfman said.

Ben Curfman, pastor of Canalside Community Church, stands in a room by the fellowship hall that received a new floor, including joists, last year. This year Liberty Baptist put in a new ceiling and lighting.

The group from Mississippi also shares an optimistic attitude about Albion. Curfman said there is often too much pessimism in the community.

“They bring in a hopeful mindset,” she said. “We want to perpetuate that mindset.”

Liberty Baptist attended this morning’s service eat 10:30 a.m. before heading back home.

Gandy said the group may be back next year.

“We got to pray about it,” he said.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Laura Bentley, center, chats with a Bentley Brothers customer during today’s 100^th anniversary celebration for the business.

The annual customer appreciation day was turned into a bigger event with live music, food at the Fairhaven Inn & Events center, and a chance to win many prizes, including $25,000 off a Kubota tractor.

Bill Pileggi and Jimmy Aina performed in the morning, followed by Savage Cabbage in the afternoon.

Laura is the fourth generation to own the business, which has sites in Albion and Brockport. It was started in 1925 in Barre by her great-grandfather, Allen Bentley.

About 400 people attended the event today, where Bentley Brothers had many of its products and equipment on sale.

A lineup of Kubota tractors, zero-turn lawn mowers and other equipment were available for people to see at today’s celebration.

Bentley Brothers have been selling Kubota equipment since 1980.

Bentley also carries the following brands: Land Pride, Ariens, Gravely, Scag, Stihl, Echo, Terrain King, Brillion, Kubota Generators, Bush Hog, Stinger and Wallenstein.

The big party and event today was held at Fairhaven Inn & Events, which is also owned by Laura Bentley.

She joined her family at Bentley Brothers 20 years ago and also runs other local businesses in the community.

She said she is grateful for the customers, employees and her family members who have put so much into Bentley Brothers the past century.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Several service organizations have joined forces today in fundraiser for a new concessions stand at Bullard Park.

There will be a beef on weck dinner today from 2 to 8 p.m. at Albion Elks Lodge with tickets at $15.

Pictured form left include Brett Boring from the Elks Lodge; Dan Conrad from the Exempts Club; Richard Robb, the Elks leading knight and president of the Elks Riders; Ron Albertson of the Lions Club; Geno Allport, president of Albion Youth Sports Athletic Program; Jeff Holler of the Masonic Lodge; and D.J. Moore of AYSAP.

The American Legion, Albion Merchants Association and  Royal Body Shop Ministries also contributed to today’s dinner and fundraising event, which also includes a basket raffle.

Confection Connection and Pretty Sweet Bakery each made 150 chocolate chip cookies as the desserts for the dinner.

Dan Conrad, one of the coordinators for the event, said it was nice to see so many organizations come together for the new concessions stand.

The Albion Youth Sports Athletic Program (AYSAP) is pushing for a two-story building with concessions and storage in the first floor and a second-floor for a press box.

Geno Allport, AYSAP president, said the building is likely $20,000 to $30,000. The concessions stand would be available to be used by other organizations doing events at Bullard, he said.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Amy Sidari, left, congratulates Danielle Schmidt for becoming the new owner of Gotta Dance Performing Arts LLC in Albion. Sidari led the business, known as Gotta Dance by Miss Amy, for 28 years.

ALBION – A new owner will be taking over Gotta Dance in Albion, with the long-time leader staying on as a mentor the first year.

Amy Sidari is retiring as the business owner, choosing to spend more time for her family and pursue other projects. She will stay on to assist Danielle Schmidt in her first year running the dance studio and business based at 28 West Bank St.

“She has the charisma, the communication skills and the compassion,” Sidari said about Schmidt. “She has talent, talent, talent. This is a woman of confidence and a voice that belongs on Broadway.”

Besides assisting Schmidt in the transition to Gotta Dance owner, Sidari also hopes to teach a class to very young children, and be in the Thursday adult class as a participant.

Schmidt, 20, was a dancer at Gotta Dance for five years, and then studied dance for two years at Nazareth University. She is grateful for the opportunity to keep the dance studio going for the Albion community.

Schmidt was hedging whether to commit to buying the business and taking on the demands of that role. At age 20, she thought she might be too young to take on that challenge.

But she received strong feedback from those close to the studio. The April 5 dance recital, the last one for Sidari at Gotta Dance owner, sealed the deal for Schmidt. She saw more than 200 dancers get on stage and several hundred watch the recitals.

Schmidt could feel and see just how important Gotta Dance was to so many people.

“Everybody has been so loving and supportive,” Schmidt said. “I know how much this means to the community.”

Danielle Schmidt, right, has bought the Gotta Dance business at 28 West Bank St. from Amy Sidari.

Schmidt has been in the background assisting Sidari at dance recitals, cabaret shows, and benefits for people in need.

She has run the front of the house for some of the bus tours that attend cabaret shows at Gotta Dance for live music and comedians, sometimes two or three times a week. Those shows will continue with Schmidt as the owner.

Sidari in the past 28 years has gradually transformed the Gotta Dance building into three dance studios, the cabaret venue, and a piano studio. The building was used for a plumbing business before she acquired it.

The building has new wiring, insulation, a roof, three newer furnaces, thermal windows and a host of other upgrades.

Sidari is pleased Gotta Dance will enter into a new chapter, and Sidari can still be a part of it.

“It will be good for me because I love this place,” Sidari said about her continued role.

But she said ultimately she will support Schmidt as she makes Gotta Dance her own. Schmidt said nearly the entire staff has already committed to returning next season.

There will be an open house from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on June 12 at Gotta Dance for the community to meet the new owner. Schmidt will have dance registration in August, but may take sign-ups during the open house as well.

Schmidt said the studio will be a welcoming place where people can let loose, and build “confi-dance.”

Business has evolved, expanded to reach century mark

Photos by Tom Rivers: Bentley Brothers has reached 100 years in business and will have a celebration on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fairhaven Inn & Events at 14369 Ridge Rd. (the former Tillman’s Village Inn). Some of the staff are showed at Bentley’s Albion location. From left include Kevin Bentley, salesman; Lisa Ray, service advisor; Laura Bentley, owner and president; Hannah Wehling, marketing and advertising coordinator; Alex Murphy, Albion store manager and salesman; and Jim Puller, inventory control manager.

ALBION – Laura Bentley is proud of her family and employees for reaching 100 years selling tractors and other equipment.

Bentley, the owner and president of the business, is looking forward to a big celebration on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fairhaven Inn & Events at 14369 Ridge Rd. She has sent out 7,500 invitations for the event.

“It’s a huge milestone,” she said about the century mark. “It’s a celebration of my family and the people who have worked for us over the years. They’ve put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears.”

The business was started by her great-grandfather, Allen Bentley, in Barre in 1925. It was originally called J. Allen Bentley and operated out of the grange. He sold some of the tractors and Cletrac machines that drained and cleared the Elba mucklands, equipment on tracks instead of tires that would have sunk into the muddy soil.

The business became Bentley Brothers when Allen’s sons, Gerald and Walter, came back from World War II and started working there in the mid-1940s.

Allen died in 1951 and his sons continued to run the business through the late 1970s and early 1980s. They were joined by Dave, his brother Doug and cousin Donna. After Donna left in the late 1980s as a bookkeeper, Doug and David stayed on, with David as manager and Doug as mechanic. (David and Doug are Gerald’s sons, and Donna is the daughter of Walter.)

David had graduated from high school in 1974 and then worked part time at the business while attending Alfred State College. After graduating from there, he started full time at Bentley’s in 1980. He led the move from Barre in 1991 to Albion on Route 31, and also opened the Brockport location in 2010. He retired in 2020.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Laura Bentley and her dad David are shown in September 2020, while standing next to a Kubota backhoe on the lot at Bentley Brothers in Albion. This was taken when David announced he was retiring.

His daughter Laura is now the fourth generation running the business which has grown to 21 employees at two locations – 13936 Route 31 in Albion and 5605 Brockport Spencerport Rd. in Brockport.

Laura returned to the area 20 years ago after living in Ohio and earning a degree in public relations. She worked a year at the Washington Mutual when she first came back to Orleans County. When she joined Bentley Brothers she attended numerous conferences for equipment dealers, and took accounting classes at Genesee Community College.

“It’s the family tie,” she said about the desire to come back home and join Bentley’s. “When I was in Ohio, I was missing it. I wanted to put down some roots.”

The business has expanded over the years, and endured some lean times.

Whenever agriculture struggled, Bentley Brothers felt their pain. The business was very focused on selling to farmers until 1980. That’s when Bentley added Kubota equipment, with tractors, lawn mowers, backhoes and other machinery geared to hobby farmers and people with big yards to maintain. Commercial landscapers and municipalities are also big customers, with zero-turn mowers very popular.

Bentley’s also became a dealer for Stihl chainsaws and handheld equipment at its Albion location, while Brockport sells Echo handheld equipment.

The business evolved during the years, from selling Cletrac, which was bought out by Oliver, then Oliver was bought by White, and White was bought by Agco.

Bentley Brothers primary customer area includes the four counties of Genesee, Orleans, Livingston and Monroe. It has been recognized by Kubota as an “elite dealer” for many years.

Bentley carries the following brands: Kubota, Land Pride, Ariens, Gravely, Scag, Stihl, Echo, Terrain King, Brillion, Kubota Generators, Bush Hog, Stinger and Wallenstein.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Laura Bentley wanted a Kubota similar to the ones Bentley Brothers had in 1980 when the business first started selling them. Last year she hunted down this 1979 Kubota B6100E in Ohio and had it restored by her employees. The 24-horsepower tractor with 2-wheel drive is on display at the Albion location and not for sale.

Laura has been very involved in the community, serving on boards for the Orleans County United Way, Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Cobblestone Museum and the Leadership Orleans steering committee. She also is part of a business management program run by Kubota for select dealerships.

Bentley said she enjoys the camaraderie among the customers and her employees. Most of the employees live in Orleans County, including those at the Brockport store.

As part of the celebration on Saturday, there will be a $25,000 giveaway to someone who bought a tractor this month from Bentley’s. That winner will be announced at the celebration.

There will be many other discounts on equipment and machinery, as well as parts purchases.

There also will be live music with Bill Pileggi and Jimmy Aina in the morning, followed by Savage Cabbage in the afternoon. The first 500 to RSVP will get a free gift bag.

Provided photo by Isaac Robinson at cemetery in Carlton

ALBION – Members from the American Legion Sheret Post 35 and VFW Post 4635 fired salutes at 10 locations on Memorial Day morning before the parade.

The locations included the Orleans Vets Club, Veterans Park at Linwood Avenue and Brown Street, Old Saint Joseph’s Cemetery, New Saint Joseph’s Cemetery, Mount Albion, Fancher Corner Monument, Otter Creek Cemetery, Waterport Cemetery, Carlton and the American Legion Post.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A fire at 14098 Route 31 in Albion was limited to the back entrance of the house.

Albion Fire Department officials said the resident of the house and his dogs were safely able to get out.

A quick response by firefighters contained the fire to a back entrance attachment, without the fire spreading into the house.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at about 5 p.m. Albion police officers and firefighters encountered a smoky scene and called for mutual aid with Barre, Murray, Medina, Shelby, Carlton and the Orleans County Emergency Management Agency all responding.

Part of Route 31 from in between King Street an State School Road was closed to traffic for about 30 minutes.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Veterans carry the colors and march in a parade this morning on Main Street in Albion. After the parade, veterans and the community joined for a Memorial Day service in front of the middle school.

Two brothers from Albion, Benjamin Langford (left) and Zane, hold American flags while a procession of fire trucks go by.

Al Hand plays Taps during the start of the Memorial Day parade while the honor guard holds the flags.

Three generations of the Pawlak family participated in the parade with the Knights of Columbus, sending a message, “Freedom is not free.” Joe Pawlak, front left, holds that sign while his son, Julian, age 9, holds the sign to “Remember those who gave their lives.” Joe’s other sons, Michael and Noah, also were in the parade, along with their grandfather, Jerome Pawlak.

Pino Aldaco, left, and Casimer Pruski, both long-time members of the Knights of Columbus, carried American flags during the parade.

Mallory Ashbery, a drum major for the Albion marching band, helps to lead the group during today’s parade. Mallory Kozody, the other drum major, is in back.

Nick Baxter plays the baritone saxophone for the band as its makes its way down Main Street.

Stryker Braley carries the American flag with other Scouts in Troop 164 in Albion.

These veterans, including Joe Gehl in back holding the flag, promoted the Veterans Medical Transportation Service run by the Joint Veterans Council.

Nicholas Herzog, left, and Angel Aldaco carry a banner for the Knights of Columbus.