Photo by Tom Rivers: Connor Jurs, 13, of Kent holds one of the fish he caught last year during the Danny Spierdowis Memorial Kids’ Fishing Derby. There were 67 participants last year. Prizes go to kids who catch the most fish by cumulative weight and also for the longest fish. There are different age divisions.
Press Release, Albion Sportsmen’s Association
ALBION – Free fishing. Free food and drinks. Lots of prizes.
What better way to spend a Saturday.
The 30th Annual Danny Spierdowis Memorial Kids’ Fishing Derby will be from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 1 at Albion Sportsmen’s Association on Keitel Road. Pre-registration begins at 8:30.
The derby is open to Orleans County residents only, ages 16 and under, with prizes given to all entrants and special prizes awarded to the winners in all age groups and categories. Last year, 18 children won fishing poles and all entrants received gift bags of tackle and candy.
The not-for-profit club provides drinks and lunch to all the children and parents.
The derby is named in honor of Danny Spierdowis, who died at age 19 in a car crash Jan. 20, 1990.
Anyone wishing to participate in the derby must register by July 28 by calling or texting Scott DeSmit at 585-815-5150. You can also email him at desmitmail@yahoo.com. Please provide the names and ages of the children and the number of adults attending.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2026 at 9:00 am
Photo by Natalie Baron: Kids have fun at the bounce houses last year on July 16 during a countywide rec day at Bullard Park. The event returns tomorrow and kids can use the bounce houses and play other games for free.
ALBION – A big group of kids is expected on Wednesday for the annual County Wide Recreation Day at Bullard Park in Albion.
The park will have food, bounce houses, splash pad, games and other activities available for free from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be appearances by Hamburglar and Grimace, the McDonald’s mascots, and Patrick the Magician will perform at 11 a.m.
The Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern, Knights of Columbus and Salvation Army all covering the cost of the food for the children. The bounce houses, pony rides, face painting and magic show are all covered by the Village of Albion Parks and Recreation.
Last year 500 kids attended the Countywide Rec Day.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 July 2026 at 10:38 am
Communities welcome riders in annual trek along canal towpath
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A group of cyclists are reflected in the Erie Canal in Albion this morning. About 600 cyclists left Medina this morning and are headed east, going 62 miles to Fairport.
Today is day 2 of an 8-day journey from Buffalo to Albany.
This is the 28th annual Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour. There are riders ages 8 to 86, and they hail from 37 states and Canada. The ride is organized by Parks & Trails New York.
The cyclists met Santa, portrayed by Joe Martillotta, a member of the Albion Betterment Committee. The committee is working to open a Santa School museum on Main Street to highlight Albion’s home to the Charles W. Howard Santa School from 1937 to 1966.
This rider wanted a photo with Santa. Many of the cyclists make frequent stops to get photos of local landmarks.
Kay Ecker was up early to welcome the cyclists. Ecker, Anita Finley and Natasha Wasuck were up early and had orange slices, bananas, granola bars and water for the riders. Albion isn’t an official rest stop for the waters, but the Albion trio wants to welcome the cyclists. Holley is an official rest stop with snacks 10 miles farther in the journey today.
“It’s fun,” Ecker said about greeting the cyclists. “You meet a lot of nice people.”
Natsha Wasuck, second from right, and Anita Finley, right, chat with some of the cyclists. Wasuck owns Tinsel next door while Finley owns Oak Orchard Canoe and Kayak.
“We want to introduce them to Albion and Santa,” Wasuck said.
Finley said the cyclists appreciate the unofficial rest stop in Albion.
Wasuck’s daughter Ephy served complimentary ice cream from Tinsel for the cyclists.
A rider checks traffic on the Main Street lift bridge before crossing Route 98/Main Street.
These cyclists approach the tugboat tied up in Albion.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2026 at 2:56 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Kurt Hobart of Medina sprays water from a fire hose with assistance from Barre firefighter Jerry Bentley this afternoon at Hoag Library.
Today was Fire Truck Day at the library and there was apparatus from the Albion Fire Department, Barre Volunteer Fire Company, Carlton Volunteer Fire Company and Murray Joint Fire District, as well as an ambulance from Mercy Flight EMS.
Kara Bentley, a Barre firefighter, lets her daughter Adalynn, 3, sit in an Albion fire truck.
To see a schedule for the summer reading program at Hoag, click here.
ALBION – The Albion school district is pleased to introduce a new addition to its athletics program. Dylan Jay will assume the role of Athletic Trainer ahead of the fall 2026 season. He was appointed by the Albion Board of Education at the July 7 meeting.
Jay is a certified athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist with UBMD Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. He joins Albion with plenty of high school level experience, previously serving as an athletic trainer for five years at Medina Central School and four years at Cheektowaga.
Jay grew up in East Aurora and earned his undergraduate degree from SUNY Brockport. Growing up, he played soccer, ran track at the collegiate level, and trained for the Winter Olympic sport of Skeleton post college.
He looks forward to familiarizing himself with the Albion community, building strong relationships and serving as a trusted confidant for athletes, parents and coaches. He is excited to support athletes in pursuit of their goals and hopes to help teams challenge league, section or state titles in the coming seasons.
“We are beyond excited to welcome Dylan aboard,” said Lauren Kinard, Albion athletic director. “He will be a great asset to our program and we are confident our athletes and coaches will benefit greatly from his expertise, presence and guidance.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 July 2026 at 4:35 pm
Linda Weller re-elected to continue as board president
Photos by Tom Rivers: Jaime Allport signs the oath of office this morning at the beginning of the annual Albion Board of Education reorganizational meeting. Cindy Ishmael, the district clerk, administers the oath. Allport works as a court clerk for the Town of Albion.
ALBION – Three new members of the Board of Education were sworn in and took their spots this morning on Albion’s nine-member board.
Jaime Allport, Kaitlyn Panek and Michelle Waters are all the new board members. They replace Trellis Pore, Kurt Schmitt and David Sidari, who all didn’t seek re-election in May to the volunteer positions.
The board this morning also re-elected Linda Weller as its president, with John Kast continuing as vice president.
Kaitlyn Panek signs the oath of office. She works as a farm office manager at the family farm, Panek Farms.
Michelle Waters signs the oath of office. She is the owner of the Tree House School of Play in Albion
Weller just finished her first year as the board president. She is the president of Info Advantage in Rochester. She was recognized as a 2025 Women of Excellence Honoree by the Rochester Business Journal. Weller was praised by the RBJ her leadership, community impact, and commitment to excellence in IT and cybersecurity.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 July 2026 at 9:45 am
Union seeks mediator to help reach new labor agreement
Photo by Tom Rivers: Some members of the Albion Teachers Association are pictured this morning at the elementary school after the Board of Education went into executive session. The ATA has been working without a contract the past year.
ALBION – The Albion Teachers Association has declared an impasse with the school district after a year has gone by without a new contract in place for the ATA and its 172 members.
The union on Nov. 26, by a 2-to-1 vote, rejected a tentative agreement that was reached between the ATA and district’s negotiating teams, said Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent.
The ATA and the district have been unable to reach an agreement on a new five-year contract, said Roxanne Bieler, the ATA president and a high school English teacher.
The union last month declared an impasse, and will seek an outside mediator to help resolve the issues. Bieler said the ATA and district have been negotiating for the past 18 months.
Edwards said the district hasn’t received written notice of an impasse. He declined to comment publicly until receiving a formal notice.
The Board of Education meet this morning for its annual reorganizational meeting, when it picks the board leadership, swears in new members, appoints officials and makes other designations.
About a dozen ATA members were at the meeting, wearing black T-shirts that said: “ATA – It’s a beautiful day to demand fair pay” and “ATA – Union Strong.”
Bieler said the main issues are how to fairly compensate teachers for an additional school days and more time in the classroom.
Teachers currently work 185 days. Bieler said the district would like to add more to the schedule.
The ATA also wants to see more of school resources spent on educating children, from new textbooks in the elementary school to better compensation for teacher aides.
One ATA member, Chris Keller, noted the district has been cited by the state comptroller’s office to whittle down its reserves. A comptroller’s audit from 2022 said Albion’s fund balances were far in excess – by $17 million – of the statutory limit for a school district.
Keller said the fund balances have grown partly because the district is not properly funding the education for the children in the district.
The Board of Education sets a budget and underspends by several millions of dollars, depriving children of much-needed resources, he said.
The district’s budget for 2026-27 totals $45,615,036. Albion for the 18th time in the past 20 years did not increase property taxes. The tax levy stayed at $8,449,039, which is $359,906 under the district’s tax cap.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 July 2026 at 10:02 am
Center in response to students with limited access to shower, laundry facilities
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Pictured from left include Mark Hungerford, Cassie Healy, program director of Community Action’s Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More store, and Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action and Mark’s wife. They stand by the new shower installed in the Fresh Start Care Center, due to open soon for disadvantaged youth in the area who have limited access to shower and laundry facilities.
ALBION – A new service developed out of the Health Leadership Fellows Program is about to be launched at Community Action’s Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More store at 131 South Main St.
Community Action’s director Renee Hungerford took part in the Health Leadership Fellows Program last fall, during which their team was required to execute a health-enhancing project.
The result was developing a program, which Hungerford described as “a groundbreaking initiative,” designed to address hygiene insecurity among disadvantaged youth in Orleans County.
Mark Hungerford and Cassie Healy demonstrate the new washer/dryer installed in the Fresh Start Care Center at Community Action’s Main Street store. Youths can come in and wash their clothes and/or shower.
After months of planning and facing cuts in program financing, Hungerford has announced the Fresh Start Care Center will be up and running by the time school starts this fall.
The Fresh Start Care Center is in response to alarming data showing that up to 39% of students in Orleans County live in poverty, and Hungerford said some places lack basic plumbing. Cassie Healy, program manager at the Main Street store, is also manager of the Credit Recovery program which COAG runs in the store. During their sessions, Healy learned that children were standing in line to shower in the nurse’s office at Albion school. She also learned there were many homeless children living in the Albion area.
Since acquiring the former American Legion building, Community Action has continued to add programs and services for the community, including the main attraction, a thrift store; a free prom giveaway, which has spread to include more than half a dozen schools in the area; the credit recovery program, in which as many as 30 teens at a session have participated; a private booth for veterans to use the internet; and now the Fresh Start Care Center, located in what was once the men’s restroom.
The first phase of the Care Center project was completed with funding from the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York, and the work and dedication of volunteers, including Mark Hungerford and Dan and Cassie Healy, who spent weekends installing plumbing, electrical wiring and setting up the space. Jim Babcock was contacted to install the shower.
At lunch one day, Hungerford was talking to Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health, about how their agencies could partner. She mentioned the need for a shower, and shortly after, Shurtz announced he and his wife were excited to help, however, they could. One thing led to another and they agreed to purchase the shower.
“We are grateful we could be a part of something so much needed,” Shurtz said.
Also, Ryan and Blake Halstead donated a hot water tank.
Students from Brockport State College came and painted the wall to the Care Center.
Hungerford also offered thanks to Suburban Electric and Albion Ace Hardware for affordable pricing of materials.
“This project is about more than clean clothes—it’s about restoring dignity, improving mental health, and helping students stay in school,” Hungerford said. “Our community has once again shown what is possible when people come together to support a meaningful project.
“Although we had applied for grant funding to complete Phase 2 and were disappointed when we did not receive it, that setback quickly became an opportunity for local generosity to shine. We are deeply grateful to our donors and community partners for their generosity, commitment and continued support.”
She added Community Action was proud to offer a safe, supportive space where teens could take care of their basic needs without shame or judgement.
“We need these programs,” Hungerford said. “The community needs these programs. We have services for adults, but nothing for students. That’s where Cassie and the Fresh Start Care Center come in.”
“This instills in students that somebody cares,” Healy said.
The Fresh Start Care Center will continue to need towels, personal hygiene items and laundry supplies. Any donations may be made by messaging Healy on Facebook, calling (585) 640-1329 or stopping at the Main Street store.
Cassie Healy stands by the wall to the Fresh Start Care Center, which was painted by students at Brockport State College.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2026 at 8:40 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Fireworks light up the sky over Bullard Park during the finale of a fireworks show. A 1967 Ford is in the foreground. The car was there for a cruise-in, one of the many activities at the park as part of a July 3rdIndependence Day celebration.
The Village of Albion and Great Albion Community Recreation & Events, Inc. (G-ACRE) organized the event which included fireworks for the second year in a row.
Some kids watched the fireworks from the playground at Bullard.
The Who Dats played for about two hours before the fireworks, including “867-5309/Jenny.” They were joined at the amphitheater stage by the Who Dat Dancers.
Kids enjoyed the swings and the playground while the fireworks went off.
Some kids were shooting hoops at the basketball courts while the fireworks went off at the park.
These kids gathered on the basketball court at the start of the fireworks show.
A crowd watches the Who Dats perform at Bullard. There were about 40 vendors.
The activities started at 4 p.m. and included bounce houses, food vendors, artisans, a chicken barbecue, carriage rides, a car cruise-in and fireworks to cap the day.
People lined up at night for food. The vendors were busy throughout the day, especially at night before the fireworks.
The Citrus Circus Crew and Albion Masonic Lodge were popular spots for Friday night food.
Ed Hilfiker and The Who Dats kept the crowd entertained. Other bands also played for about six hours total.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2026 at 8:15 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Ryan & Company, led by Ryan Klatt (center), performed at Bullard Park this afternoon as part of a July 3rd Independence Day celebration at Albion.
The community has been throwing the big party a day before July 4th. For the second year in a row, the day will be capped with fireworks at 10 p.m.
There are other musical performers, including The Who Dats beginning at 8 p.m. on the amphitheater stage.
There are numerous artisan vendors at the park.
Nick Holler of the Citrus Circus Crew has red, white and blue kettle corn, as well as lemonade and snow cones for sale.
Confection Connection in Albion has cookies, brownies and craft sodas. MyKayla Deyarmin, left, is helping Confection owner Becky Harris at her booth.
Volunteers prepared 533 chicken barbecue dinners. Tom O’Hearn, left, led the group that includes from left in back John Sacco, Dan Conrad and Gary Moore. Gary Van Wyke, Ray Stefani and Dusty DeCarlo also were part of the crew.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 July 2026 at 9:46 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: A fireworks show returned to Bullard Park last year on July 3rd.
ALBION – The Albion community is planning a July 3rd bash to celebrate Independence Day – a day early.
The event starts at 4 p.m. and will include live music, children’s activities, food vendors, artisans, a chicken barbecue, carriage rides, a car cruise-in and fireworks at 10 p.m. to cap the day.
The event will be held by Bullard Park and is organized by the Village of Albion Recreation Committee and the Greater Albion Community Recreation & Events, Inc. (G-ACRE).
The bands performing at the amphitheater include:
4 p.m. – Ryan & Company
6 p.m. – Feedback/Side Doors/Tax Road Less Traveled
8 p.m. Who Dats
The chicken barbecue will be from 4 to 6 p.m. and is hosted by G-ACRE.
Last year was the first time there was a fireworks show at Bullard in many years. John Grillo, the village’s recreation director, wants to make it an annual event on July 3. He thanked the many sponsors for contributing to the event on Friday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 June 2026 at 3:10 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Kids keep a close eye on an armadillo that visited Hoag Library today with other creatures from the Wildlife Rockstars in Farmington.
There were about 100 people at the presentation at the library, which kicked off its summer reading program. Click here to see a schedule of events as part of the program which has a theme of “Unearth a Story.”
Steve, an ambassador with Wildlife Rockstars shows a ball python to kids and adults at the presentation.
Twin sisters Mileena and Adalyn were able to pet a chinchilla.
Rosie, an ambassador from Wildlife Rockstars, lets people get a close look at a hissing cockroach.
This tortoise seemed eager to meet the crowd at the library.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 June 2026 at 2:52 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Becky Patterson, an artist from North Tonawanda, puts dinosaur-themed line art on the sidewalk in front of Hoag Library today.
Children will be encouraged to color the inside the lines with chalk throughout the summer as part of the summer reading program, which has a theme of “Unearth a Story.” Patterson used a water-based temper paint for the outline which should last throughout the summer.
Patterson also expected to work on chalk mural today, showing a three-dimensional T-Rex, and another dinosaur-themed chalk mural on Thursday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 June 2026 at 11:19 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Village of Albion summer park program kicked off today for six weeks with a full slate of programs as well as free food for children every day. The season ends on Aug. 7.
The top photo shows kids and park supervisor Wes Olles playing Gaga Ball.
There will be park counselors at Bullard from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Monday through Friday. They will lead children in games, arts and crafts and other activities. The summer program is free.
The first couple days of the park program include registration. Children should have a list of their immunization records.
These kids enjoy some relief from the heat at the splash pad.
The playground was put to use at the start of the park day.
Some highlights in the season include:
July 3rd celebration later in the day, including fireworks
Tennis clinic from July 6 to July 10 at Albion High School tennis courts
July 8 soccer clinic at Bullard Park
Wrestling camp from July 13-17 at Albion High School gym
Volleyball camp from July 13-17 at Albion High School gym
County Park Fun Day on July 15 with bounce houses, food vendors
Tennis camp from July 20-24 at Albion High School tennis courts
Baseball camp from July 27-31 at Albion High School
