Photo and press release from Albion Central School

ALBION – Students from Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School have joined forces in an inspiring campaign for Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund.

On May 30, elementary students and staff collected $1,500.23 to donate to the Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund to help cancer patients and their families with the costs of medical bills, food, transportation, and living expenses.

In addition, the elementary Student Leadership Council made and donated twenty lap sized blankets that will be added to patient-care bags given by Knights Kaderli.

Melissa Knights Bertrand came to visit the students, accept the donation, and talk about the importance of continuing the efforts of the memorial fund. The event not only served as a means to raise funds but also provided valuable lessons in empathy, teamwork, and community service for the young participants. Students learned about the importance of giving back and the impact that their collective efforts can have on the lives of others.

All of the funds donated to Knights-Kaderli go to patients and families affected by cancer within Orleans County.

The annual initiative at the elementary school, organized by the school’s Student Leadership Council, has not only showcased their philanthropic spirit but also their commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

Throughout the month of March, students diligently collected spare change from family, friends, and staff. Their efforts were fueled by a desire to help those in Orleans County battling cancer and to honor loved ones affected by the disease.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for their enthusiasm and dedication,” said Angela Conway, elementary school principal. “Our students have demonstrated that even the smallest contributions can make a significant difference. Their empathy and generosity have truly shone through during this campaign.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Mike and Faith Smith get a ride in Brad Shelp’s Bell Air convertible from 1954. The Smiths were grand marshals in the parade for Albion’s Strawberry Festival.

The Smiths lead the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen at Harvest Christian Fellowship on Route 31. The kitchen has served about 45,000 meals in its first two years, and served just over 800 on Thursday.

The weather for most of today’s festival had sunshine with temperatures around 70 in the afternoon, following a soggy start to the two-day festival on Friday.

Some of the dancers from Dance Reflections by Miss Heather greet people around the parade route, which started at the high school driveway off Route 31, headed west on 31 and then north on Main Street to Bank Street. From left include Ava Woolston, Violet Rivera and Julianna Newbould.

There were 54 different units in the parade, which lasted over an hour and was a highlight of the 36th annual Strawberry Festival.

Jeff Gifaldi, a chief deputy with the Sheriff’s Office, wears the Safety Pup costume in the parade. His daughter Anna is next to him.

Safety Pup will be attending other community events around the county and visiting schools next year.

Jason Tarnowski served as emcee of the parade and Becky Karls headed the Strawberry Festival Committee. They are on a stand on Main Street near State Street. They saw many familiar faces in the parade and in the crowd.

Drum Major Jason Anstey took a short break from leading the band to playing his trumpet. Anstey is one of several seniors who performed with the marching band for the last time as a student today.

Dawn Spencer of the Eye of Oden tosses glitter into the air on Main Street. Spencer and about a dozen people from Eye of Oden walked with dogs in the parade.

Abigail Kinkaid walks with her mother Jami Allport, right, who is director of the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern. They had an inflatable alien with their float. The theme for the festival was “Out of this World.” The festival committee wanted to highlight the recent solar eclipse on April 8.

The queens of the festival, Lucy Rivers (left) and Julia Button, enjoy a ride in style in the parade.

One girl snags some candy in the parade. She is in front of Sheryl Watts of Air Raising Events, who created a bird out of balloons. Watts has made several characters for recent parades in Albion for the Strawberry Festival and near Christmas.

Watts is just ahead of a big group of Little Leaguers.

Lucas Jones leads the Holley-Kendall Marching Band as drum major. The band performed “Decades of Pop” during the parade. The band will close out its season 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday in Holley at the Hawk Stadium.

A group from Arc GLOW marched in the parade with signs celebrating diversity and people with disabilities.

Santa enjoys a sweet ride in the back of a classic truck from Panek Farms.

Bradeen Erakare waves and holds the banner for Cycling Without Age in Orleans County. Her mother, Susan Walders, is the pilot for a tri-shaw, a three-wheeled bike. Her passengers are Kae Wilbert and Walders’ mother, Janet Ridley, left.

Walders started Cycling Without Age last year. She and other pilots give rides to residents at nursing homes and other care facilities.

Girl Scouts in Troops 82007 and 82261 embraced the “Out of this World” theme. One of the troop leaders, Pauline Kehlenbeck Bachorski, walks with the scouts.

Panek’s Pickin’ Patch celebrated their “Stellar Strawberries” and passed out treats along the parade route.

Both sides of Main Street were lined with people from the Route 98 intersection to Bank Street.

Brian Payne, left, of Medina and Jeremy Weakland of Barker both head to the finish in this morning’s Strawberry Festival 5k/8k. The two carried the America flag for the longer 8K race. They said they are both proud veterans.

There were 190 participants in the race today.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Turtles are off on a brisk pace in the Amazing Turtle Race this afternoon in the Erie Canal during the Strawberry Festival. The windy weather had 1,000 turtles on the move much quicker than in the past.

The event is a fundraiser for the festival, raising about $3,500 with another $1,025 distributed in prizes. The turtles are all numbered. It costs $5 to get one turtle and five are $20.

The top five finishers win money. The winners include: first place, $500 for Deb Boyer; second place, $300 for Charlene Walsh; third place, $100 for Jarred Saj; fourth place, $75 for Kathy Fantasia; fifth place, $50 for Deb Boyer.

The turtles are dumped into the canal from the Sheriff’s Marine Patrol boat. The turtles are usually launched from the Main Street lift bridge, but the bridge has been closed and under repair since November 2022.

The launchers include, from left: Albion Police Chief David Mogle, marine patrol deputy Shawn O’Mara in back, County Legislator John Fitzak, top ticket seller Jarred Saj, Albion Mayor Angel Javier Jr., and Mickey Edwards, superintendent of Albion Central School.

Jarred Saj of Medina is congratulated by festival chairwoman Becky Karls on setting a new record for most turtle tickets sold. Saj sold 400 of the tickets, breaking his previous record of 345.

Saj started selling the tickets in February to family and friends. When he was selling some of the tickets, other people decided they wanted to take a chance at winning some of the money and also support the festival.

Saj said he is now gearing up to sell taste of Hospice tickets for an event in August.

He is holding a certificate of merit from State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, in recognition of Saj “for his continuing support and dedication to the Albion Strawberry Festival. Jarred has continuously been the top seller of the Turtle Race tickets.”

Jay Kovaleski, an Albion physical education teacher and the swim coach, helps collect the turtles after they reached the end of a chute in the water. Clara Bolton also helped corral the turtles.

Josh Mitchell served as the emcee for the event.

Today’s schedule is packed with no rain until night

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Ryan Klatt, left, and Steve Keenan perform as the Ryan Klatt Duo on Friday evening at the Marti’s on Main art gallery. They are singing “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash.

Klatt and his full band, The Brick Band, will be back at the Strawberry Festival today from noon to 3 p.m.

Bill Pileggi, right, and Jim Booden sing “I Feel Good” by James Brown during Friday’s concert on East Bank Street. Tim Hess, not pictured, is the drummer in the group, Triple Play.

The musicians kept playing on Friday, despite some rain on and off throughout the day.

Today’s forecast is partly sunny with a high near 72, with no rain during the day. There is a 40 percent chance of rain at 9 p.m.

Many food vendors are available on East Bank Street.

The Strawberry Festival schedule for today includes:

• 8 a.m. – 32^nd annual 5k/8k race (registration 7 to 8 a.m. at Courthouse Square)
• 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. – craft booths at Courthouse Square
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Cruise-in on East State Street (sponsored by Masonic Lodge)
• 10 a.m. – Parade
• 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Food Court on East Bank Street
• 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Lions Club food by Post Office
• 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Lonesome Road band at food court
• 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Brick Band at Courthouse Square
• 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Family Fun Center with “I Got It!” and Jeff Mann Drums, face painting, bounce houses, caricature, kids’ games and other activities
• 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Car Seat Safety Check on East Park Street
• 2 p.m. – Turtle Race in Erie Canal between Main Street and Ingersoll Street lift bridges
• 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Jim Catino, music by Marti’s on Main art gallery
• 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Soul Street music at food court
• 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – The Who Dats at food court

There are still some turtles left for the race at 2 p.m. today. The turtles are $5 each or 5 for $20. The first five turtles in the race net cash: $500 for first, $300 for second, $100 for third, and $50 for fourth and fifth. Proceeds are used towards the festival.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Jay Santillo has fried dough and funnel cakes ready at the Santillo’s concessions stand at the Strawberry Festival. Santillo’s has been a vendor at the Strawberry Fest for about 15 years. They come from Prattsburgh. They also have blooming onions, sausage and lemonade.

“We love the Strawberry Fest,” Santillo said the Albion event.

He didn’t mind a little rain around noon.

“The weather doesn’t bother us,” he said. “We’re here for the people.”

Scott Mann of Mann vs. Food in Albion checks the pork belly burnt ends in the smoker. Mann started a food vendor at the Strawberry Festival in 2019. Last year he sold out of everything.

He has scaled back his events this year, but didn’t want to miss the local festival.

“It’s our hometown,” he said.

Bob Renko of Kendall has been a vendor at the Strawberry Festival for about a dozen years. He is at his concessions stand in the food court with his wife Cathy. Renko, 78, owns Renko’s Meat Processing.

He has reduced his schedule this year, but like Mann, kept the Strawberry Fest on the short list.

Today’s schedule includes:

• Food court and craft booths open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Family Fun Center open from 3 to 8 p.m. with “I Got It!” and face painting, Jeff Mann Drums, bounce houses, caricatures, trackless train and other kids’ games.
• Chicken barbecue and strawberry social from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• Sky Cats band from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at food court
• Kendall Community Band from 5 to 7 p.m. at courthouse
• Triple Play band from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at food court
• Ryan Klatt Duo from 7 to 9 p.m. on Main Street at Marti’s on Main art gallery

Click here to see the schedule for Saturday, including the parade at 10 a.m.

Albion students urged to be responsible, show care for each other during season of prom, grad parties

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Firefighters and medics tend to Alonzo Figueroa Fuentes, an Albion senior in a DWI crash simulation this morning outside the high school. Fuentes was removed from the vehicle with cutting tools and then placed on a stretcher and taken by ambulance.

The simulation was before the senior prom this evening at Hickory Ridge Country Club.

Local first responders and the high school wanted to show what could be the tragic results of driving while drunk, distracted or overly tired. The time from Memorial Day to Labor Day is considered the “100 most deadliest days” for driving, with many high schoolers and young adults out late at parties.

Jackie Santiago Garcia, an Albion senior, wore a formal gown and makeup to look bloodied. She checks on a friend in one of the smashed up vehicles.

Willem De Ruysscher, in back, checks on Gina Sidari who was splayed on the front hood.

Dominick Sidari, an Albion firefighter, checks on Jackie Santiago Garcia during the simulation. She was treated for a wound to her arm.

Albion firefighters have helped with the simulation on the day of the prom for many years. Albion firefighter Pete Sidari told students that firefighters respond to many serious car accidents each year.

Cory Martindale, a deputy with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, administers a breathalzyer to Willem De Ruysscher after he struggled to walk in a straight line.

Amy Sidari, mother of Gina Sidari, is overcome seeing her daughter lying on the car. Gina in the simulation was pronounced deceased by County Coroner Scott Schmidt, who was assisted by Paula Fuller, a funeral director with Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals.

After the accident simulation, there was a court proceeding at the LGI in the high school. About 100 students saw Willem De Ruysscher be arraigned and then sentenced by Albion Town Justice Joe Fuller to 12 to 15 years in state prison for first-degree vehicular manslaughter and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. De Ruysscher also had his license revoked and was ordered to have no contact with the Sidari family.

District Attorney Joe Cardone, standing next to De Ruysscher, said that although De Ruysscher has no prior criminal background, and has shown remorse, a fatal accident from drunk driving will affect his life forever and result in incarceration.

Assistant District Attorney Susan Howard acted as the prosecutor and said the crime warrants substantial incarceration.

“This inflicted dire consequences on everyone involved,” Howard said.

Mary Wright, a prevention education with UConnectCare (formerly GCASA), discussed “Red Watch Bands” which were given to the students to remind them about the dangers of binge drinking.

Boys (men) are in danger of losing consciousness if they have five or more alcoholic drinks in two hours, while girls (women) could suffer alcohol poisoning with four or more drinks within two hours.

Wright urged the group to look after each other, and call for help immediately if they see someone who is vomiting from alcohol, or if they don’t respond when shouted at, if they have very slow breathing, can’t stand up, have pale/bluish skin or an irregular/slow pulse.

“Have a culture of respect and care because that is someone’s child and loved one,” Wright said. “We are a community here. We love each other. We want to take care of each other.”

Press Release, Maison Albion

File photo by Tom Rivers: Maison Albion has ornaments made in the likeness of the building at 13800 County House Rd., formerly known as The Pillars.

ALBION – Maison Albion, the luxurious events venue housed in a historic Victorian mansion, today announced the launch of its first Artist in Residence program.

Beginning Feb. 1 through March 29, 2025, the program will provide an unparalleled creative retreat for professional artists across a variety of disciplines.

The Artist in Residence program welcomes applications from professional and emerging artists within literature, visual arts, music composition, performance art, film, and more. In exchange for the invaluable creative time, artists will be requested to gift one original piece of work inspired by their experience at Maison Albion.

“We are honored to open the exceptional Maison Albion estate as a creative sanctuary for artists from all nations and backgrounds,” said Kerri Glover, Maison Albion’s owner. “This program reflects our deep respect for the arts and our commitment to fostering an environment where creative brilliance can flourish.”

As long-standing patrons of the arts, the owners of Maison Albion are thrilled to support the creative process by offering residencies that provide world-class accommodations, exceptional amenities, and a richly inspiring environment. Selected artists will enjoy a transformative experience with:

• 1 to 3 week residency options in well-appointed double rooms
• Complimentary housekeeping services and grocery provisions
• 24/7 access to a historic mansion, 7 acres of gardens, an open studio/piano space
• Full use of a screening room, billiards room, library and sitting rooms
• Courtesy transportation from airports and train stations

Inclusive excellence remains a core value, and Maison Albion encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Prospective artists can find full details and apply online (click here) by Oct. 1, 2024. Questions may be directed to Kerri Glover at bonjour@maisonalbion.com.

About Maison Albion

Maison Albion is a 1878 mansion features a breathtaking ballroom and parklike grounds reminiscent of a late 19th century French estate. Close to Buffalo, Rochester, Toronto, and New York City, but located in the quaintest town of Albion, New York, you will find the most magical wedding and event venue. With elegant interiors and lush gardens, the historic estate provides an exceptional backdrop for life’s most meaningful celebrations and creative pursuits.

New basketball courts will host 3-on-3 tournament on Saturday

Photo by Tom Rivers: These two play a pickup game last month on the new basketball courts at Bullard Park. The courts have been busy since they opened last October.

ALBION – The new basketball courts at Bullard Park will host a 3-on-3 youth basketball tournament on Saturday during the Strawberry Festival.

There will be trophies for winning teams, and T-shirts for all participants. The cost is $20 per player, and the tourney is open to boys and girls ages 9 to 18. The deadline to register is 10 p.m. on Friday. Click here for more information or email Susan Oschmann, tournament organizer, at susanoschmann@gmail.com.

This is the first tournament on the new courts, which opened last October. Last year the tourney was held during the festival on a closed off section of Main Street, between Bank Street and Beaver Alley.

The tournament is part of a fundraising push for lighting and fencing for the new basketball courts, and also to add two pickleball courts. There currently is fencing on the south side facing East Avenue.

The basketball courts also were intended to be used for pickleball, with a portable net brought out. But the courts are consistently in demand for basketball, making it a challenge for pickleball players.

“The courts are always packed and hard to get on to play basketball let alone pickleball,” said Oschmann, who is chairwoman of the Bounce for Bullard effort.

The Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events, Inc., a non-profit organization, has received a grant to pay for the pickleball posts and nets. The G-ACRE group is trying to raise about $45,000 for the lights, fencing, benches and pickleball courts. It has a GoFundMe for people to donate.

Once the Bullard courts are complete, Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events wants to work to install smaller quarter courts in the “pocket parks” in the village.

“We believe that having basketball facilities in these parks is vital for the well-being and recreation of our community members,” Oschmann said. “Both children and adults can benefit from the joy and camaraderie that playing basketball brings.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Jim Aina, left, and Mike Rutkowski of the band Carlton Station opened the Village of Albion Summer Concert Series this evening at the amphitheater at Bullard Park.

Albion will have concerts 11 Wednesdays and all will be at Bullard Park this year, after some of the concerts have been by the canal and in the downtown in recent years.

The concerts are mainly funded with state arts money that is administered by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council. Bidleman Ford also is a sponsor of the concerts this year.

The events include food and beverage vendors. This evening there was the Albion Masonic Lodge, Wild Flour Deli & Bakery, and Last Call Cocktail Co.

Carlton Station’s Jim Aina and Mike Rutkowski performed on the amphitheater while people brought lawn chairs to the park. Chris Moore followed Carlton Station on the stage this evening.

The concerts are from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., except on July 3 when there are two bands performing from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The lineup for the rest of the year includes:

• June 12: Albion Jazz Band
• June 19: Triple Play
• June 26: Highway 31
• July 3: Ryan and Company from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Who Dats from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• July 10: Soul Street
• July 17: Zackstreet Boys
• July 24: Grupo IFE
• July 31: Savage Cabbage
• Aug. 7: Shot Gun Pauly
• Aug. 14: Eclipse
• Aug. 21 and Aug. 28: rain dates

The spray park was popular this evening at Bullard, providing some relief on a warm day.

Other concert series in Orleans will be getting started soon.

The Yates Community Library’s Concerts on the Lawn is on Mondays from June 24 to Aug. 26.

The Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association has concerts on Tuesdays at the Orleans County Marine Park from June 25 to July 30 (with Aug. 6 and Aug. 13 as rain dates).

Medina’s Blue Thursdays are at State Street Park on Thursdays from June 20 to Aug. 8.

The Village of Holley’s Concerts at the Gazebo are Fridays from July 5 to August. 23.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club has awarded $3,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors. Pictured, from left, include Meganne Moore and Jackie Santiago Garcia. Missing from photo is Gina Sidari, who was unable to attend last Thursday’s Rotary meeting at the Tavern on the Ridge.

Meganne Moore 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.

Meganne is the class valedictorian. She also earned her associate’s degree from Genesee Community College last month. She has been involved in student government and is the current class treasurer. She also competed in cross country, swimming and track, and has been a member of the concert band and marching band.

Meganne also is in Rotary Interact, mock trial, National Honor Society, select chorus, and has been active in 4-H. She will be attending Geneseo State College this fall working towards a career goal of becoming a wildlife veterinarian.

Gina Sidari

Gina Sidari 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.

Gina has run cross country and competed in swimming and track, while also being involved in student government as an officer, band, FFA, National Honor Society, mock trial and Rotary Interact.

Gina also is going to Geneseo with a goal to be a veterinarian working with small and large animals.

Jackie Santiago Garcia was awarded the $500 Rotary Career Advancement Prize for a senior committed to community service, school activities and work experience. Jackie has played soccer and tennis for Albion, and has been in the drama club, diversity club, National Honor Society, Latin Club, Interact and FFA. She also earned her degree from GCC last month.

She will be attending Brockport State College and working towards a career goal of becoming an immigration lawyer.

Photos by Tom Rivers

BATAVIA – Jami Allport, executive director of the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, speaks to about 130 people on Saturday night during a black tie gala for “The Agency of Last Resort.”

The Ministry of Concern started a gala benefit in 2019 to raise funds for the agency and expand its base of supporters.

The Ministry of Concern has expanded its services for people in need, including reaching out to those who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless.

GOMOC in late March moved into its new offices in the First Presbyterian Church of Albion after 15 years at the Albion Visitor’s Center on the third floor at 121 North Main St.

The Buffalo party band, Captain Tom and the Hooligans, provided high-energy music for the evening. Trevor Jennings, an Albion, is drummer for the band that plays polka, Celtic folk, folk rock and other genres.

These interns, Micky Stowell (left) and Abigail Kinkaid, pull the tickets and announce the winners for about 25 items and baskets up for auction. Jami Allport and her husband Geno are at right.

Chris Forrester was one of the keynote speakers at the event.

One of the keynote speakers during the gala, Chris Forrester, shared how GOMOC was critical in getting her through a rough patch.

“They helped hold me together,” Forrester said, noting former director Nyla Gaylord and board member Sister Delores O’Dowd. “They didn’t judge me.”

Forrester said she was living by the canal bank when GOMOC helped her secure housing, set goals and get back on track.

She is now an active volunteer with GOMOC, and makes it a personal mission to help the local homeless population.

She will drive at night looking for people who are homeless, especially during the cold weather months, and will try to connect them to the warming center or other housing.

Jami Allport, the executive director, said GOMOC assists people in unexpected emergencies, and helps people in other crises, including mental health, domestic violence and addiction.

“We are here to fight alongside people,” Allport said. “Remember, they are people.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Sarah Thom, a member of Albion’s Class of 2024, reads 1 John 3: 1-2 during a baccalaureate service on Sunday evening at the First Baptist Church of Albion.

About 30 seniors attended the service, which is optional. There were 11 local clergy members who participated in the baccalaureate which is organized by the Albion Ministerium. About 180 people attended.

The Rev. Jason Tarnowski, pastor of Community of Hope (Albion Free Methodist Church), gives a prayer of blessing for the graduates.

He asked the students to face the crowd and for family and friends to stretch out a hand to show their support.

In his prayer, Tarnowski asked God “to love, guide and protect these graduates in everything they do. Please watch over them as they move on to new adventures.”

The Rev. Susan Boring, pastor of the Eagle Harbor United Methodist Church, stands with graduates, including Liana Flugel, as they lit candles. The students were told God’s light and love with be with them at all times, even in dark places. Graduates were also offered a cross necklace.

The Rev. Susan Thaine, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, gives a blessing to Auston Johnson.

Jason Anstey performed a trumpet solo, “The Church’s One Foundation.”

Father Mark Noonan, pastor of a family of Catholic parishes including in Albion, gave the keynote address. He said choosing positive words and encouragement builds strong and confident people.

He told the graduates that no matter what happens in their lives Jesus, the Good Shepherd, will always love them.

“Every one of you is a beloved child of God,” Noonan said. “That defines you more than anything else.”