Photos courtesy of Albion Central School: Four Albion first-graders joined teacher Joan Mrzywka, back center, in presenting about 1,000 items collected by students to Community Action in Albion. In back from Community Action include case manager Jeanette Worley, left, and Katrina Chaffee, director of community services and reporting.
Posted 19 December 2023 at 11:24 am
Press Release, Albion Central School
ALBION – Students in Mrs. Mrzywka’s first grade class sorted, packed and delivered over 1,000 items to donate to Community Action in time for the holidays.
This is the third year that some of our youngest Purple Eagles have been involved with the Giving Tree Drive, the second year for our first graders, and the first year the class is leading the drive themselves.
There were 1,007 donated items collected, including personal care items, canned foods, winter clothes, and Kleenex.
All in all, the crew gathered 165 tubes of toothpaste, 279 toothbrushes, 8 cans of food, 102 bars of soap, 160 razors, 25 bottles of dish soap, 11 can openers, 10 cans of shaving cream, 59 articles of winter clothing, 75 “miscellaneous” items and 30 boxes of Kleenex. A group of students made the trip over to Community Action to donate the items on Friday.
“We contacted Community Action and knew that they were specifically running low on personal care items this year,” Mrzywka said. “The smaller items are easier for my students to bring in, which is what helped us collect so many.”
Community Action of Orleans and Genesee’s mission is to provide services, with dignity and respect, that help people become self-sufficient.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 December 2023 at 4:18 pm
Group also gives to Boots on the Group which sends care packages to vets
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Jeff Brien, commander of the Marine Corps League Detachment No. 1271, accepts a check from Roger Ettinger with the Sons of the American Legion for Toys for Tots, while Legion commander Brad Rouse presents a check to Ray Ettinger for Toys for Tots.
ALBION – Christmas came early to several veterans’ groups in Albion on Friday, with the donation of checks from the Sheret American Legion Post 35, Sheret Post Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion.
The first presentation was checks for $500 each from the Post and Auxiliary to the Veterans’ Van Service. Dave Kusmierczak of Medina, president of the Orleans County Joint Veterans’ Council, which runs the van service, accepted the check toward purchase of a new van.
“We have two vans that need replacing, and this donation is much appreciated,” Kusmierczak said.
In presenting the check, Post Commander Brad Rouse said, “The Orleans County Joint Veterans Council has a great service they provide to our veterans throughout Orleans County by providing transportation to and from medical appointments to Buffalo, Rochester and Canandaigua.”
Jeff Brien, commander of the Marine Corps League Detachment No. 1271, accepts a check from Pam Taylor, president of the Sheret Post Auxiliary, for the Marines’ Toys for Tots project. At rear is Post commander Brad Rouse and Auxiliary members Wendy Hinkley, Carolyn Gibson and Shirley Smith, and Ray Madigan, treasurer of the Marine Corps League.
Next was a check for $500 from the Post to the Auxiliary to support their project of sending care packages to veterans serving overseas.
“The American Legion Sheret Post 35 is proud to partner with the Auxiliary in support of their two-year commitment to sending care packages to our troops with Boots on the Ground,” Rouse said. “These troops are still in small numbers in countries like Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.”
This is the second year the Auxiliary has sent care packages to Boots on the Ground, but the first year the Post has assisted them.
“Under my leadership as commander, I am committed to unifying all groups in our post,” Rouse said. “We have become stronger as a group and I commit to continuing to strengthen our relationship and the support one another.”
Members of the Sheret American Legion Post 35 in Albion presented a check for $1,000 on Friday to Dave Kusmierczak, president of the Orleans Veterans Council, toward the purchase of a new van. From left are Shirley Smith, 25-year member of the Sheret American Legion Auxiliary; Brad Rouse, commander of the post; Kusmierczak; Pam Taylor, Auxiliary president; Wendy Hinkley, Auxiliary vice president; and Carolyn Gibson, Auxiliary secretary.
A third donation came from the Auxiliary to the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots.
Auxiliary president Pam Taylor gave a check for $100 to Jeff Brien, commander of the Marine Corps League Detachment No. 1271.
“Upholding the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary, ‘For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth and promote patriotism good citizenship, peace and security,’” Taylor said. “The American Legion Auxiliary is proud to present this check for $100 as a donation for a great cause.”
The final donation was a check for $150, which Rouse presented on behalf of the Post to Ray Madigan, treasurer of the Marine Corps League Detachment, for Toys for Tots. An additional $25 was acknowledged from Joe Gehl of Albion.
The Marines stated the donations will be held and used for Christmas gifts for children of Marines next year.
The Post and Auxiliary said they are constantly trying to raise money through raffles and drawings to support causes such as these in the community. The Auxiliary also holds an annual golf tournament, which although small, Taylor said helps fund their causes.
Brad Rouse, left, commander of the Sheret American Legion Post, presents a check to the Auxiliary to support their Boots on the Ground project for those serving in countries, such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. From the Auxiliary, at left, are president Pam Taylor, vice president Wendy Hinkley, secretary Carolyn Gibson and 25-year member Shirley Smith.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 December 2023 at 5:59 pm
Provided photos
ALBION – Dr. Satya “Kash” Sahukar, left, is shown with his wife Mary Janet on Tuesday evening when he was honored for 50 years of service as a member of the Albion Lions Club.
Sahukar is retired after working 44 years as a pediatrician in the Albion community.
His wife has also been a long-time member of the Lions Club, which celebrated its holiday party on Tuesday at the Tavern on the Ridge, the former Village Inn which isn’t yet open to general public.
Dr. Sahukar is shown with his grandson Ben Lennox, who is also a member of the Lions Club.
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Brown Street canal bridge has been closed in the village of Albion since July 18, 2012 by the state Department of Transportation after an inspection showed serious deterioration of major elements of the steel truss floor system.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 December 2023 at 3:19 pm
ALBION – A canal bridge that has been closed for more the decade hasn’t been forgotten about by village officials.
The Brown Street bridge was closed to vehicular traffic on July 18, 2012 by the state Department of Transportation after an inspection showed serious deterioration of major elements of the steel truss floor system. A pedestrian walkway has remained open.
At a minimum, village officials want the DOT to paint the bridge, put in some lighting and make sure the pedestrian access stays open.
The bridge was constructed in 1912. When it was closed it was among many canal bridges in Orleans County that needed attention.
The state has since paid $10.7 million for major rehabilitations of seven single-lane truss bridges that were constructed between 1909 and 1914. Those bridges were fixed in 2019 and 2020.
They include:
Bennetts Corners Road in the Town of Murray
Telegraph Road in the Town of Murray
Transit Road in the Town of Murray
Densmore Road in the Town of Albion
Gaines Basin Road in the Town of Gaines
Bates Road in the Village of Medina
Marshall Road in the Town of Ridgeway
The DOT also is working a major rehab of the Main Street lift bridge in Albion, as well as the Main Street lift bridge in Brockport, Monroe County.
Joyce Riley, the Albion deputy mayor, said with all those canal bridge projects either done or being worked on, she thinks it’s a good time to ask the state to look at the Brown Street bridge.
The Village Board voted on Wednesday to have Riley do the paperwork, requesting DOT or the Canal Corp. to pursue Bridge NY grant funding or other money through the state for a major rehab of the Brown Street bridge.
The Village Board also authorized Mayor Angel Javier to send a letter to the DOT to have the bridge at least be painted with lighting added.
The board members don’t want to see the bridge continue to deteriorate. Riley said it’s ugly and a detriment to the east side of the village.
If the state won’t fix it, the bridge should be torn down and removed, Riley said.
Riley said an initial estimate would be $3.7 million to repair the structure to maintain as a safe pedestrian crossing, and another $2 million-plus to reopen for vehicular traffic.
Tearing it down could be a similar overall expense, she said.
“It costs as much to tear it down as it does to fix it, so why not fix it?” she said.
Riley said she was meeting with DOT officials today to see how the village can best present its case for the bridge to be repaired.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Ron Albertson sings “One Way Out” by the Allman Brothers on June 19, 2021 during an open mic at the new amphitheater for Bullard Park. This was the debut event at the amphitheater.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 December 2023 at 11:07 am
ALBION – A group that has been working for more than a decade to upgrade Bullard Park announced its next goal for the site on Route 31: a new lodge.
The committee that initially formed as “Rebuild Bullard” has helped push the first two phases of improvements at Bullard.
Phase one included swapping out old playground equipment with new. That was complete in 2016.
In 2020 and 2021, the village was able to get phase two done with a new splash pad, amphitheater, pavilion with bathrooms and a walking trail.
This year saw the completion of new basketball courts, a disc golf course as well as a scoreboard for the youth football program.
Ron Albertson, has been one of the leaders of the effort to upgrade Bullard. He said the group is now ready to work on getting a lodge in the park that could be rented out year-round. He said other communities, including Spencerport and the Town of Sweden, have lodges that are popular for events and activities.
The Village Board gave its permission for the Bullard group to reach out to an architectural firm to propose renderings of the lodge and possible locations.
Albertson and John Grillo, the village’s recreation director, said it’s in the beginning stages of collecting information and a design for the site.
The group would like to pursue a state grant to help pay for the project.
Grillo said other communities with lodges at their parks charge to rent them out, and that pays for the facilities to be cleaned and other expenses.
The Bullard group likes having the lodge on the west side of Bullard back where there used to be pavilions. But a professional engineer and architect will be consulted for their opinions.
Village Board members thanked the group for pushing upgrades at Bullard. The board would like to see improvements at some of the pocket parks too, especially on the west side of the village.
Grillo said the village has applied for a grant to put new fencing on Lafayette Park on West State and West Park streets, and would like a half court basketball court there. Albertson said St. Joseph’s Park on Clinton Street is limited with parking, but he could see that site as a potential dog park in addition to the current playground.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 December 2023 at 9:42 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Susan Oschmann accepts a “Community Service Award” from Albion mayor Angel Javier Jr. It was presented during Wednesday’s Village Board meeting.
ALBION – Susan Oschmann made it a mission two years ago to get new basketball courts at Bullard Park.
Oschmann rallied the community, including basketball legend Roosevelt Bouie, in getting two new courts complete. They opened on Oct. 26.
The Albion Village Board on Wednesday presented its first “Community Service Award” to Oschmann in appreciation for her efforts leading the charge for the new courts.
“The Village of Albion presents this award in acknowledgement of your commitment to serving others and your community,” states the award which is signed by Mayor Angel Javier and Tracy VanSkiver, the village clerk/treasurer.
The previous court was back further in the park and the surface wasn’t level with asphalt heaving in sports. The hoops were missing nets and were seldom used.
Oschmann pushed for the project not long after moving to Albion from Kendall. She wanted kids, including her grandchildren, to have a place to shoot basketballs with friends.
She has been friends with Bouie since they were kids. Bouie was a big star at Syracuse University and he helped secure $40,000 in funding from the James and Juli Boeheim Foundation.
The village and Bounce for Bullard so far have raised $98,000 for the project with another $10,000 in in-kind services.
Judge Sanford Church donated money to pay for two of the basketball hoops. The Albion United Methodist Church donated $45,000 towards the project. The Wendel engineering firm did designs and renderings for the basketball courts that helped Albion pursue grant funding. The Orleans County United Way also helped pursue grants and set up a non-profit organization to advance projects at Bullard.
Oschmann said there is still more to do – about $50,000 is needed for more fencing as well as benches for spectators in a shaded area and working outdoor lights.
Two donors have offered to pay for two of the benches, Oschmann told the board on Wednesday. Those donors would like a memorial plaque to be on the stainless steel benches.
Oschmann also was a key organizer for “Santa’s Hometown Parade” this past Saturday in Albion.
Albion boys and girls basketball players play on the new courts at Bullard Park on Oct. 26, when the new paint was dry and the courts were made available for the first time to the community.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 December 2023 at 8:57 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Dr. Lynn McGrath, a professor at the Eastman School of Music, performs a concert with her guitar on Saturday at Hoag Library. That concluded the first Hoag Music Series, which started in July and at least once a month featured musicians who hadn’t performed in Orleans County before.
Jim Doyle, an adult reference librarian at Hoag, worked out many of the details to bring in the performers who played the fingerstyle guitar, harp, African dance and drumming, Chinese Zither, “Pipa” and other instruments that don’t typically get highlighted in Orleans County.
The concerts have been free to the public with support from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council and Friends of Hoag Library.
About 50 people attended Saturday’s concert with Lynn McGrath.
The series will take a break and be back in March. Doyle is waiting to hear from GO Art! about funding for 2024.
Doyle said he is pleased by the turnout for the series in the first year.
“It’s about elevating the community and bringing in different music,” he said.
Many of the performers in the Hoag Music Series are graduates of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, which Doyle said is a world-level conservatory drawing top students from around the globe.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 December 2023 at 2:39 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Ava Jurs was a dancing Grinch in a float promoting The Parlour in Albion. It was one of many floats and enthusiastic parade participants on Saturday during “Santa’s Hometown Parade.”
Albion hosted a lighted parade for the third year on Saturday. This time the route was officially closed to non-parade traffic and there were judges, with a big after-party at Dubby’s Tailgate. There were many people along the route from East Avenue to Main Street, then on East Bank Street to Platt Street, ending at Dubby’s.
It was unseasonably warm for the parade with temperatures near 60 degrees.
Sheryl Watts (left), owner and artistic designer of Air Raising Events, created two gnomes out of balloons. She was joined in the parade by Roger Ragan.
Aubrey Gannon carries the American flag to lead off the parade. She was followed by Girl Scouts who created a Polar Express float.
Santa and Mrs. Claus wave to the crowd. They are in a boat on a trailer. It was a float by Susie’s Boat-tique.
Susie’s owner Susan Oschmann organized the parade.
“I loved the turnout,” she said today. “It more than doubled in size from last year in parade entries and onlookers.”
She said she is grateful for help from Michael Bonafede, Judith Koehler and others who helped make the event a success, including judges Matt Holland, Tim Archer and Susan Howard with Joe Martillotta the emcee. The event was part of a big day with many activities by the Albion Merchants Association.
The winning entries in the parade included Wild Flour Deli and Bakery in first place. This photo shows Wild Flour owner Beth Miller walking by the float that created a baking scene. There was a baking fight in front of the judges with some dough being tossed around.
This youngster works hard on a creation as part of the Wild Flour float.
Eye of Oden K9 Training was awarded second place for its “Blue Christmas” themed entry.
Bloom’s Flower Shop won third place. The businesses also announced it would be moving to East Bank Street.
This vendor sold lighted toys for the parade.
The 3D Trio from the Who Dats performed some Christmas classics. The group includes Lonnie Froman, John Borello and Todd Graham.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 December 2023 at 10:31 pm
Albion and Barre both host procession of illuminated vehicles
Photos by Tom Rivers
Albion and Barre both hosted lighted parades this evening with Barre having its annual tractor parade down Route 98 at 5:30 p.m., and Albion having “Santa’s Hometown Parade” at 6:30 p.m.
Santa waves in the top photo while sitting on a trailer adorned with lights in the Barre parade.
It was a balmy 60 degrees for the parades, at a time of year when it is often snowing with high winds in a deep freeze.
Many of the people watching the parade didn’t even have a coat on, with some people in short sleeve shirts.
The Albion Fire Department was led Brantley Conner in the battery-operated car. He was joined by his brother Lucas Conner and mother Amber. AJ Fisher is at left.
Mike and Cyndy Van Lie Shout ride in a tractor wishing “A Barre Merry Christmas To All.” The parade in Barre started at the Van Lie Shout farm on East Barre Road near Route 98 and then headed north.
Dawn Spencer of the Eye of Oden gives an enthusiastic greeting on Main Street in Albion. She and the other dog trainers led dogs which wore blue light-up sweathers. Eye of Oden had a “Blue Christmas” theme to express their sadness on the death of a beloved dog, George’s Legend.
This tractor heads north on Route 98 in the tractor parade.
The middle school chorus, led by teacher Karen Conn, sings “Feliz Navidad” while walking down Platt Street in the Albion parade.
These tractor are lined up at the Van Lieshout farm before the start of the Barre parade. The inflatable boot is for A.L. Bennett & Sons, which sells boots and other supplies.
Photo by Marsha Rivers: Santa rode on a boat to close out Albion’s parade. The boat was part of a float decorated by Susie’s Boat-tique.
Orleans Hub will post more pictures from the two parades on Sunday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 December 2023 at 12:41 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries is serving 2,000 chicken barbecue dinners today for free from the Masonic Lodge on Platt Street in Albion.
Christina Ruffin, left, and John Hollenbeck are in the kitchen putting the chicken and macaroni salad in the take-out containers.
This is the third year the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries has made a big effort serving the chicken barbecues on Albion’s “Hometown Holiday.” Two years ago there were 1,000 dinners served for free. Last year and today the goal is 2,000.
Pastor Al Wilson, right, welcomes people to get a chicken dinner. He thanked the volunteers from the church, the Masonic Lodge and Job Corps students for serving the meals.
“What a blessing,” Wilson said. “We have everything we need.”
Lisa DeCarlo, center, and other volunteers kept up a frantic pace serving the dinners which are available until they are all gone.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 December 2023 at 11:36 am
25 organizations will share in the bounty
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion FFA program delivered 37,000 pounds of produce and food to Community Action of Orleans & Genesee this morning. Mickey Edwards (center), the district superintendent, helps out unloading the trucks and trailers. He is carrying a box of ham donated by the Orleans County Farm Bureau. Adele Mathes, an FFA member in the middle school, also helped unload the truck and trailer.
FFA member Abby Ferris holds a thank you sign in appreciation for the local farms and ag businesses that donated.
The donors include Haylett Farm Enterprises, Stymus Farms, Lynn-Ette and Sons, Panek’s, Orleans County Farm Bureau, Kreher’s, Torrey Farms, Brightly’s, Kludt Brothers, Rush’s, Lake Ontario Fruit, Orchard Dale Fruit, Root Brothers, Martin Farms, My-T Acres, Poverty Hill farms, Nesbitt’s, Triple G and Starowitz Farms.
Lyla Neal carries a box of ham that will be stored in a cooler and given out in holiday food baskets.
The FFA started the food drive in 2010 with 3,000 pounds in the first effort. The food drive record is 53,000 pounds in 2020.
Josh Zayac uses a pallet jack to move the produce with some assistance from Rick Standish, the facilities manager for Community Action.
Katrina Chaffee, left, is director of community services and reporting for Community Action and Jeanette Worsley is a case manager.
They said the food drive from the FFA is a big help not only for Community Action but 25 other food pantries and organizations in the area.
Community Action will use some of the produce and items from the FFA for food baskets. Community Action is collecting food baskets and toys for 60 households and 136 children just in Albion this Christmas.
Scott Oldenburg, left, is the Albion FFA advisor. Kaitlynn Basinait, second from left, is the FFA president.
Kaitlynn, a sophomore, said the FFA looks forward to the food drive every year.
“It helps the community out,” she said.
She and other FFA members called the farms and businesses to see if they would donate, and then checked in again to help schedule a drop off at the school or arrange for the food to be picked up.
Kaitlynn said the farms are very gracious in setting aside for the annual collection.
FFA member Oliver Beach helps unload heavy bags of cabbage from a tractor trailer truck.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 December 2023 at 6:27 pm
Site includes 9 Christmas trees on tour of mansion
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Maison Albion is decorated for the holidays, including nine Christmas trees set up in the historic mansion at 13800 W County House Rd.
The site is hosting a holiday market this weekend with 25 vendors from Western New York, specializing in baked goods, flowers, handmade goods and antiques.
Cindy Eibl from the Corner Gift Boutique made three trips to Maison Albion, bringing vintage, hand-crafted and new products for this weekend’s show. She is shown setting up today with help from Jeff Witkop in the ballroom.
Eibl is usually based at the Arnold Gregory Memorial Office Complex in Albion. She has done previous winter and spring market shows at Maison, which she said brings customers from all over WNY.
Jaclyn Eichas, venue manager for Maison and a partner with Mixologie, is shown with one of the nine Christmas trees decorated on a tour of the mansion. Those tickets are $15 each and includes beverages and refreshments served by Mixologie as well as access to the vendors.
The market is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Karyn Papponetti of Barre and Steve Marciszewski of Elba set up for the show this weekend in the patio. Papponetti has wood décor, signs and many Christmas-themed items. Marciszewski is a woodworker with cutting boards, bread knives, T light holders and some Christmas themed creations, including reindeer.
Papponetti’s daughter Jenna also will have artwork for sale, and copies of her children’s book, “The Little Bird Who Wanted to Fly.”
Maureen Bennett of Albion sets up for the market. She sells upcycled or refurbished items. She usually is based out of the Modern Mercantile in Medina and Red Check in Albion.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Christ Church at 26 South Main St. in Albion will be a designated warming center when temperatures drop below freezing.
Press Release, Oak Orchard Health
ALBION – Oak Orchard Health is pleased to be a part of a community collaboration that addresses the needs of people without housing when the temperature is below 32 degrees (referred to as “Code Blue”).
This collaboration resulted in the opening of the Orleans County Warming Center at Christ Church, 26 S. Main Street, Albion. If an individual needs evening shelter during Code Blue, they can call (585) 895-4090 and they will be provided with a warm place to stay at Christ Church.
During the daytime, people can keep warm at the Hoag Library, 134 S. Main Street in Albion. Their hours of operation are Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. When they are not open, the Orleans County Warming Center is available for shelter when needed.
“After several years of planning, our vision of a local warming center has become a reality,” said Holli Nenni, commissioner of the Orleans County Department of Social Services. “This was made possible through the collaboration of many community partners whose goal is to ensure that no one is left without protection from harsh winter weather conditions.”
New York State mandates that if the weather gets below 32 degrees, it’s considered “Code Blue” and the community needs to provide shelter.
“Oak Orchard Health is pleased to be a part of this collaboration and to take the lead on the administration of the Warming Center,” said Karen Kinter, CEO at Oak Orchard Health. “We are responsible for staffing and coordinating the opening of this valuable asset to the region.”
In addition to shelter, hot beverages and on-site food will be available.
“This represents an amazing community collaboration,” said Nyla Gaylord, executive director of United Way of Orleans County. “The United Way of Orleans County was happy to convene the community collaborative to discuss this issue. We want to thank all the local partners that made this a reality. A special thanks to Oak Orchard Health and Karen Kinter for taking the lead role and establishing the administrative framework for this program.”
In addition to Oak Orchard Health and the Orleans County Department of Social Services, Gaylord said the community partners include Community Action of Orleans and Genesee County, Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern, Christ Church, Medina Area Association of Churches, Independent Living of the Genesee Region, and the Orleans County Emergency Management Office.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 December 2023 at 5:22 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: A new project at Community Action’s Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More store is a Wishing Tree, set up at the back of the store. Customers and community members are invited to make out a wish and hang it on the tree for others to see and grant the wish.
ALBION – Community Action’s Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More store has come up with a creative idea to help people at Christmas time.
Store manager Cassie Healy has announced the addition of a Wishing Tree, which is on display in a homey setting at the back of the store. The Wishing Tree will be available during the entire month of December.
“This is the first time we are doing this, but during the time I have been the manager here at the store, I have met so many great people in our community,” Healy said. “I think the Wishing Tree is a fantastic way to bring the community together during this holiday season and foster a sense of generosity and kindness toward each other.”
Customers and community members are invited to come into the front register at the store and ask to fill out a wish. Their anonymous wish ticket will be hung on the tree, where other members of the community can see it. If someone sees a wish they are willing to grant, they remove the wish and inform a store associate, who will tell them the process for granting the wish.
Once the wish is granted, the store will contact the individual to come in and pick up the gift.
For those who would like to help, but do not see a wish they can grant, the store has coupons at the front register which can be purchased. These coupons will be hung on the tree for those in need to choose. These coupons can be redeemed for socks, hats, gloves, winter jackets in the store or for money toward gifts or clothing they may need.
In addition to the Wishing Tree, the store will have cookies with Santa and a craft for children at noon on Dec. 16.
Photos and information courtesy of Susan Starkweather Miller
ALBION – Oliver Smith, left, and his brother Lucas performed “Joy to the World” on Sunday during the the annual Christmas in the Neighborhood holiday concert. This year’s theme was “Merry & Bright.”
The First Presbyterian Church hosted the concert that was attended by more than 200 people.
The concert is coordinated by the Albion High School Alumni Foundation and the First Presbyterian Church. It spotlights talented Albion alumni and community members.
Pastor Sue Thaine welcomed attendees and encouraged them to enjoy the exceptional and unique level of musical talent in the Albion community.
Steve Hicks, Alumni Foundation President, thanked the audience and donors for sponsoring the annual community event.
Bradeen Walders Erakare and her husband Sebastian Erakare sing “Christmas Valentine.” They also performed “Sankta Lucia” with Clarisonus Ensemble that also included Marrit Vaga and Darryl Smith.
The Community Christmas Choir performed “Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah.
Albion High School Clarinet Choir directed by Mike Thaine performed “Wonderful Christmas Time.”
Men’s Christmas Choir sang “Deck the Halls”
(Left) Elliott Michki sang “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” while accompanied by Gary Simboli. (Right) Mike Grammatico and his grandson Nate Grammatico performed a saxophone duet “Angels We Have Heard on High.”
From left include Kailey Winans who sang “White Christmas”; Alec Sherman who sang “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm”; and Erin Moody who sang “Go Tell It On The Mountain.”
From left include Ron Albertson who performed “Wasn’t His Child”; Gwen Ferchen who sang “The Manger”; and Lonnie Froman who sang “Please Come Home for Christmas.”
The Albion Presbyterian Choir sang “Christmas is Coming.”
Some other performers included Gary and Jim Simboli who sang “Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth”; Denise Thomas who performed a piano solo to “Away in a Manger”; the Albion High School Select Choir which sang “Snow”; Gary Simboli who sang “Christmas Vacation Theme Song”; and Sarah Hill who sang “Love is Christmas.”
More than 200 people attended the concert at the First Presbyterian Church.
Every year the Alumni Foundation gives scholarships to graduating seniors during Class Night. In 2023 the Foundation handed out $140,000 in scholarships. In 2024 the Foundation will distribute over $160,000. This is made possible by the generosity of the Albion community.
If you are interested in learning more about the Albion Alumni Foundation or how to create a scholarship, please contact Steve Hicks at steve@albionalumni.org.
