By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 December 2023 at 12:14 pm
ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Board has backed a 2.25 megawatt solar project in Albion and 525-foot-long screening berm for Barre Stone Products.
Planners met last Thursday and recommended the Town of Albion approve a special use permit and the site plan for a solar project with 5,048 panels at 12811 Route 31, on land owned by Rachael Murray near the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. The project is an extension of the solar array on Long Bridge Road, but they are separate facilities with their own interconnections to the grid, planners said.
USLE/West Albion Community Solar of Latham, NY is the applicant for the new solar project. The panels will be connected to a single-axis tracker racking system. The system will encompass 16 acres of a 63-acre site. The solar array will be surrounded by a fence with a vegetative buffer. There won’t be a battery-storage system. Construction of the project will take 6-8 months.
Planners also recommended the Town of Barre approve a special use modification for a 525-foot-long screening buffer berm by a mine at 4412 Oak Orchard Rd.
Keeler Construction and Barre Stone Products will provide a visual shield and sound barrier for the mine. The berm will be 12 feet high with a base width of 112 feet, allowing for a 1:3 slope that will be easy to maintain with a mowable grass cover.
Barre Stone officials estimated the berm will take about two weeks to construct.
Photos courtesy of Liz Groat: The Coleman brothers film an installment of their horror serial, Merry Christmas Harold and Mabel” at the Downtown Drowsery. The film was released today on YouTube. Michael Ciesla is Harold dressed as Santa and Stephanie Harlowe is Mabel.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 December 2023 at 1:08 pm
ALBION – The Coleman brothers have released the latest installment in their short horror films, and this one was shot in Albion, starring Santa. Click here to see “Merry Christmas Harold and Mabel” which is 8 minutes, 50 seconds.
Harold, a serial killer played by Michael Ciesla, plays a department store Santa at the Downtown Browsery. He is filling in for Nicholas, another Santa who is out sick. When Nicholas returns, Harold isn’t happy to give up a job he enjoys.
Stephanie Harlowe plays the role of Mabel who dresses as an elf and is very friendly with Harold. She creates a job opening for Harold by disposing of Nicholas. Harlowe has several millions views on her YouTube channel several million views on her YouTube channel exploring true crime and mysteries.
Liz Groat, one of the vendors at the Browsery, was impressed by brothers James and Vincent Coleman and their production.
“It is amazing to watch the process of creating the appearance of such murder and mayhem,” she said. “They wash off the fake blood, look to see if they needed another take, and then on to the next scene.”
The short film also includes a scene at the home of Charles W. Howard, a founder of a school for Santa Claus. Harold is shown by the historic marker about Howard, and walking to the front door of Howard’s former home now owned by John Kurtz and Brian Quinn. Harold also is shown taking a smoke break on Beaver Alley.
The Downtown Browsery provided the setting in a new short horror film by the Coleman brothers from Rochester.
About the Coleman Brothers
Coleman Brothers Films was started in 2013 by James and Vincent Coleman. They began their journey as filmmakers at the young age of 9 and 10 making numerous short experimental horror films. They went on to study cinematography through school and numerous film sets. This led to their fan film “Halloween Inferno” eclipsing over 1 million views and gaining them 10,000 new subscribers on YouTube. With the success of “Halloween Inferno” the Coleman Brothers wrote and directed the feature film “The Burned Over District.”
They took home multiple awards in several different categories including Best Feature and Best Cinematography at Horrorhound, Days Of The Dead and The Thing In the Basement film festivals in 2023.
James Coleman and Vincent Coleman, known professionally as the Coleman Brothers are Americans who write and direct horror, thriller, and short films. The brothers were raised in Rochester. They began making films in the second grade using a borrowed VHS camera which then turned into a Hi8 video camera gifted by their parents.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 December 2023 at 12:43 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A fire in the living room of a house at 450 East State St. caused smoke damage to the home.
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 11:34 p.m. Collin Aquina, the owner of the house, had just returned from working the second shift. He came home to a house with lots of smoke.
Aquina, 22, just bought the house in October.
Albion Fire Chief Jeremy Graham said firefighters were able to knock the fire down quickly and keep it from spreading. Graham said there is a lot of smoke damage. The photo shows fans in the doorways and open windows to try to ventilate the building.
Albion code enforcement officer Chris Kinter was on the scene at about 12:30 a.m. to assess the condition of the house.
Provided photo: Bonnie Reigle, administrative assistant at Hospice of Orleans County, stands with boxes full of Christmas ornaments, painted and donated by Carol Culhane for the staff at Hospice. These are in addition to the 45 ornaments Culhane painted and donated for Hospice’s annual Light a Life fundraiser.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 22 December 2023 at 8:53 pm
ALBION – After painting and donating 45 Christmas ornaments for Hospice of Orleans’ annual Light a Life fundraiser, local artist Carol Culhane wanted to do something for the staff at Hospice.
Early in her career, Culhane worked in the nursing field and continues to have a lot of compassion for those who are ailing and their caregivers, especially at Hospice.
This year Culhane decided to paint enough ornaments for the entire staff at Hospice, and she delivered them on Wednesday.
“I’m hopeful this will encourage people to consider a donation to Hospice, perhaps when a loved one dies, instead of sending flowers, send a donation to Hospice or purchase an ornament in their loved one’s name,” Culhane said. “This is a nice way to remember a loved one and help a worthy organization.”
Reigle said Hospice is very grateful for what Culhane does for them.
“She is so generous to our organization,” Reigle said. “When one gentleman in Florida got the ornament he ordered, it was broken, and Carol came here and painted another for him. But to do this for all our staff is amazing.”
Culhane explained painting the ornaments is a labor of love. She said she lines them up like a production line and it takes her about 30 minutes to paint each ornament.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 December 2023 at 4:58 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Olivia and Omar Peterson hug after not seeing each other in nearly a year since he left to begin a four-year commitment with the Marine Corps. Their grandparents, Eddie and Rose English, are in back.
ALBION – Olivia Peterson was called down to the high school office at 2 p.m. today. It was the last day of school before Christmas break.
Olivia, a freshman at Charles D’Amico High School in Albion, made the trek through the hallways and down the stairs.
When she was near the office, she caught a glimpse of a familiar person outside. She took off running and bolted outside to hug her brother.
Omar Peterson, 21, has been gone since February. He was first at the Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island in South Carolina. Since boot camp he has been stationed at Camp Pendleton near San Diego in California. The private first class is a data administrator.
Olivia has missed her brother in the 10 months he has been gone. She sends him text messages throughout the day, and he stays in touch, and tries to pump her up with encouraging words.
“She is my only sister and she is my best friend,” Omar said. “I text her every day.”
Olivia and Omar Peterson are looking forward to the holidays. Omar is on leave until just after New Year’s Day.
The two have been through a lot together. They cared for their late mother Angela while she battled cancer. She passed away from cancer on Oct. 19, 2020.
Omar said he is proud of his sister for keeping good grades. When he was at Albion, he was the goalie for the soccer team and a swimmer.
“She is way smarter than I was in school,” Omar said.
“Except for science,” Olivia interjects.
Olivia said she had a feeling her brother might be coming home for the holidays. She saw some clues in his text messages.
She is glad he stopped by the school instead of waiting until she got home.
Omar said the Marine Corps has been a great fit for him.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 December 2023 at 1:43 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Elliott Michki, the high school chorus teacher at Albion, directs the Select Choir in singing “Jingle Bells” today at the Albion Walmart.
The choir and the brass ensemble stopped at several stores, the Hoag Library and downtown area on its annual caroling day, the last day of school before Christmas break.
The brass ensemble, led by high school band teacher Mike Thaine, performs “O Come All Ye Faithful” in one of the Albion entrance ways.
The students added some merry music to Walmart at about 10:20 this morning. They made several stops in the Albion community.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 December 2023 at 9:47 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health, speaks during a celebration for a new warming center at Christ Church, an Episcopal congregation at 26 S. Main St., Albion.
The site has cots, coffee, tea, soup and hygiene kits when the temperature drops below 32 degrees at night.
Oak Orchard Health is taking the lead on the warming center, in a collaboration with other churches, organizations and the county Department of Social Services.
Kinter noted Oak Orchard provides medical, dental and behavioral health services, and pushed to have the warming center for people in a housing crisis because of the impact on their health.
Hoag Library in Albion is a designated warming center from Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The site at Christ Church will open when needed during the hours when Hoag is not open.
For information on the warming center, call (585) 895-4090.
Julie Carasone, warming center coordinator, is in a room at Christ Church with cots, meals ready to eat, hygiene kits and other supplies. She praised religious organizations and non-profits for donating the materials to get the warming center going.
A state grant also is helping to cover the cost of per diem staff. David Starkweather will be the supervisor and will have two other paid staff. At least one will stay overnight when the center is open. It had a person stay overnight on Tuesday and Wednesday nights so far this week.
“We saw a need in unhoused people who needed a place to stay,” Carasone said. “We are officially open and people are welcome here. We do it without judgement. We accept people with open arms.”
The staff doesn’t pry into why people are in a predicament without housing. Carasone said Oak Orchard and the collaboration of others just want to make sure people are not out in the cold.
The Rev. Joseph Kozlowski, the Episcopal priest in charge at Christ Church and also St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Holley, offered a blessing during the official opening. He prayed for those who will take shelter at the warming center and those providing hospitality.
Kozlowski said the church leadership embraced making space available for the warming center. It is in the fellowship hall which for many years was the community kitchen until about two years ago.
“We have the space,” said Kevin Doherty, one of Christ Church’s leaders. “It is God-given space so we should use it for something good.”
Oak Orchard is providing the staff for the warming center, as well as the insurance.
This group, led by Karen Kinter, cuts the ribbon on the new warming center. There are representatives from Oak Orchard Health, the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, United Way of Orleans County, Orleans County government leaders, the Medina Area Association of Churches, Christ Church, Hoag Library, Assemblyman Steve Hawley and a representative from State Sen. Rob Ortt.
Holli Nenni, commissioner of the Orleans County Department of Social Services, said more than 100 people are currently in emergency housing, often in hotel rooms locally or in nearby counties. The warming center is another option for people without a place to stay.
Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature, presented certificates of achievement of Oak Orchard Health and Christ Church for their efforts in opening the warming center.
Johnson noted the county has been in a state of emergency for several months due to the rising number of people in emergency housing.
“We have never in the history of Orleans County had as many homeless as we do now,” she said. “The need is great and they (Oak Orchard Health and Christ Church) rose to the occasion.”
Nyla Gaylord, executive director of the United Way of Orleans County, helped bring the different organizations together to work on the warming center, which she said is part of a bigger overall housing crisis in the county.
A shortage of stable housing has negative health impacts for many in the community, she said.
The United Way convened the first housing meeting in February, and a warming center was among the issues. Gaylord said the United Way just secured a grant to hire a consultant to help develop a plan for more housing in general, as well as emergency and low-income options.
That consultant will gather input from developers, agencies, and local government officials.
Gaylord praised the faith community, government leaders, and non-profit agencies for making the warming center a reality.
“This is a triumph of the community collectively,” she said. “And we’re going to do so much more.”
Photo courtesy of Albion Central School: Leaders of the Albion Fire Department presented a “Friend of Fire Prevention Award” to kindergarten teacher Angie Wolfe. Pictured form left include: Angela Conway, elementary school principal; Fred Piano, second lieutenant; Angie Wolfe; past fire chief Rob Conner; current fire chief Jeremy Graham; Rebecca Manfreda, assistant superintendent for instruction; and Mickey Edwards, district superintendent.
Posted 21 December 2023 at 9:56 am
Press Release, Albion Central School
ALBION – Angie Wolfe, a kindergarten teacher at the Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School, has been recognized by the Albion Fire Department for her dedication to Fire Safety Week at the school
On Monday, AFD’s Fire Chief Jeremy Graham, Second Lieutenant Fred Piano, and former Fire Chief Robert Conner presented Wolfe with the Friend of Fire Prevention Award for her dedication to keeping students and their families safe.
As a kindergarten intervention teacher, Wolfe feels that it is important for students to be introduced to these skills beginning at a young age.
“I feel like this [the program] is very important thing that we need to cover with our students because really it could happen at any time,” she said. “I really appreciate these guys and what they do, we’ve got it [the program] down to a science.”
Piano has been working on this program with Wolfe for the last decade.
“I’ve been helping with this Fire Prevention program for at least 10 years and she’s always been all in,” Piano said. “[Angie] does a great job and really puts a lot into it.”
Fire Safety/ Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of Oct. 9 to commemorate the devastation of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. During this week, firefighters partner with schools to help provide our youngest students with the tools they need to stay safe.
File photo by Tom Rivers: Fred Piano of the Albion Fire Department gives students a tour of the ladder truck on Oct. 10, 2019. The students were able to climb inside the truck. The Carlton rescue boat is in back. Barre, Albion and Carlton firefighters team up during the fire prevention week, going into classrooms and then having several stations outside to learn about the different equipment, tools and apparatus firefighters use to respond to emergency calls.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 December 2023 at 9:09 pm
‘Have Fun, Return When Done’
Provided photos
ALBION – A new “Sled Library” is now available at Bullard Park where people can borrow a sled to go down the big hill. There is a rack to hold the sleds when people are done.
Susan Oschmann presented the idea to the Albion Village Board about a year ago after Erin Smith of Albion saw a Facebook post about one in Buffalo.
The rack was made by the Albion DPW with the Lake Country Pennysaver and Orleans Hub providing the signage. The Albion Recreation Department also supported the effort. The first sleds have been donated by Brad London, Mike Schuck and Dan DeCarlo.
The sign urges people to “Have Fun, Return When Done.”
Susan Oschmann is happy with the new sled library. She said the sleds should allow more kids and families to enjoy sledding on the hill this winter.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 December 2023 at 6:33 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A group of Christmas carolers sang from the Orleans County Courthouse lawn in Albion on Monday evening. Karen Conn, an Albion music teacher and owner of a real estate business, has been leading the carolers.
They first met on Dec. 6 in Meadowbrook Drive and went down South Main Street. Last Tuesday on Dec. 12, they sang at Hazard Parkway, South Clinton Street and other busy corners in the village.
They will have one more caroling outing before Christmas. They welcome singers on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Hospice of Orleans in Albion.
The caroling is part of an effort to “Bring Christmas Back to Albion.” Many local residents and businesses have decorated about 40 street poles on Main Street and in the downtown. There also are a dozen Christmas trees lighted up on the Courthouse lawn by the group.
Lori Laine, one of the group’s leaders, said they are planning more activities next year.
Provided photo: These cookie bakers are shown from left: Caitlyn Elliott, Tabitha Howes and Debbie Thies.
The “Bring Christmas Back to Albion” group also had a holiday bakeoff on Saturday at the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen. The event was organized by Karen Conn and Faith Smith.
There were six contestants in the contest. Tabitha Howes won first place and $100 for her red velvet chocolate chip cookies.
Each baker had one hour to make, bake and plate their creations. The judges included Sarah Brigham and her husband Tim from SnL Sweet Escapes, Brian and Dawn Ettinger from Country Punkin’ Bakery and Lori Laine, organizer of Bring Christmas Back to Albion.
The following people participated: Debbie Thies with a peppermint sugar cookie, Madelyn Elliot with a honeybun cookie, Caitlyn Elliott with a chocolate peanut butter snickerdoodle cookie, Kim Martillotta Muscarella with Meltaway drops, Josey Conn with a chocolate toffee chunk cookie, and Tabitha Howes with a red velvet chocolate chip cookie.
The bakers were judged on taste and presentation. The contestants donated $80 with entry fees to the OK Kitchen. Conn said the group wants to make the bakeoff a yearly tradition.
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.
