Albion

‘Purses with purpose’ given in memory of Angela English

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 August 2024 at 9:10 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A ministry continues that was started by the late Angela English, who filled purses with personal care kits and offered to pray with people.

Eddie and Rose English, Angela’s parents, on Saturday were joined by friends in making 87 purses available for free. They were at the courthouse lawn for about six hours, giving away the purses and praying with people.

Eddie and Rose are leaders of The Lord’s House, a church in Waterport.

Angela was 37 when she passed away on Oct. 19, 2020. She was diagnosed with cancer on Dec. 27, 2019. Angela started the “Purses with a Purpose” ministry in 2018. She would give purses with toiletries to women in the Albion community.

There were 87 purses available on Saturday. They were filled with soaps, lotions, conditioners, a mirror and earrings. The purses also included messages from Angela’s children, Omar and Olivia Peterson, and information on the HPV vaccine that can help prevent cervical cancer.

Yolanda Rice, center in back, and Evelyn Brady pray with a group of young people.

Rose English said many in the community helped to acquire the purses and fill them, especially the women’s ministry group at the Oak Orchard Assembly of God in Medina.

Albion and Gaines both approve joint fire district in low-turnout vote

Photo by Tom Rivers: Orleans County election commissioners Mike Mele and Janice Grabowski review results from today’s vote for a joint fire district in Albion and Gaines. Mele and Grabowski reviewed the tapes from the machines for both towns and signed off on the results.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 August 2024 at 8:49 pm

ALBION – Voters in both the towns of Albion and Gaines approved a joint fire district in a referendum today.

The turnout was low, and both towns passed the district by about a 2-to-1 margin. Albion voted 125 yes, 61 no, while the results in Gaines were 70 yes, 43 no.

In Albion, 186 voted out of 3,798 registered voters or 4.9 percent. In Gaines, 5.4 percent voted or 113 out of 2,083 eligible.

The new fire district should become official on Jan. 1, with the Albion Fire Department moving out of the village budget and into its own governing structure with five commissioners. The district will also have its own tax rate that will be in the town and county tax bills.

Five commissioners will be appointed to the district until there is an election in December. The Albion Village Board has one commissioner to appoint, while the Town Boards in Albion and Gianes each have two appointments.

The Village Board has appointed Dave Buczek, a former village trustee, to be the village representative. The Albion and Gaines tow boards are expected to discuss their appointments for commissioner during their board meetings on Monday.

Albion and Gaines follow Lyndonville and Yates, and Fancher-Hulberton-Murray and Holley which have moved their fire protection to fire districts.

Albion and Gaines officials say the district will allow commissioners to be focused on the needs for fire protection while also being directly responsible to taxpayers. Right now the Village Board sets the fire department budget as part of the village budget, with the two towns paying a fire protection contract to the village.

Albion and Gaines vote on joint fire district on Tuesday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 August 2024 at 2:31 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Albion fire hall on North Platt Street is shown in April during an open house and recruitment effort for the Albion Fire Department.

ALBION – Voters in the towns of Albion and Gaines will decide on Tuesday whether a joint fire district will be created to oversee fire protection in the two towns, which also include the village of Albion.

The Village Board and the town Town Boards voted to create the fire district, but a referendum was forced after enough petitions were turned in to bring the issue to a public vote.

Both Albion and Gaines will vote from noon to 8 p.m. at Hoag Library, 134 South Main St.

Voters will be asked whether a joint fire district encompassing the village and the two towns shall be approved.

The elected officials for the two towns and village support the joint fire district, which would take the fire department out of the village budget. The two towns currently pay the village a fire protection contract.

With the current $350,000 budget, the village pays $113,456 (32 percent), the Town of Gaines contributes $120,422 (35 percent) and the Town of Albion pays $116,122 (33 percent).

The fire district would have its own commissioners to oversee and manage fire protection, and set the budget.

Albion Fire Department officials say the fire department’s current budget of $350,000 is far too short. The department has advised the budget will need to be increased to about $750,000.

The culprit for a bigger budget is the need to soon replace two fire trucks: a ladder truck and an engine.

A new ladder truck (to replace one that is 27 years old) is expected to cost $2.2 million. It would likely be bonded over 20 years at a 7 percent interest rate with an annual payment of $208,000.

A new fire engine (to replace one 32 years old) would likely have a purchase price of $1.1 million. It would be bonded over 20 years with an annual payment of $104,000 a year.

Albion Fire Department officials said the budget needs to increase for the new trucks and equipment whether there is a fire district or if the department remains in the village budget with the towns paying the village in a fire protection contract.

The local officials favor having the board of commissioners to focus solely on the fire protection needs, and also spread out the budget fairly over the tax base in the municipalities.

Holley and Fancher-Hulberton-Murray have formed a joint fire district, and Lyndonville also recently moved to a fire district, taking the fire department out of the village budget.

1,000 attend Rock the Park over 2 days

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 August 2024 at 2:07 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The band Tryst from Rochester closed out the Rock the Park 9 music festival at Bullard Park on Saturday night.

The band is performing “Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind.

Tryst opened with “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon.

The concert by Tryst capped two days of music at Bullard Park, which has been hosting the music festival as a fundraiser for the park and also to bring people to the park and Albion for a music-filled experience.

Tryst, shown singing “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” by Luke Bryan, made its debut at the Albion Summer Music Festival. Nine different bands performed on Saturday and three bands were on the stage for Friday.

Ron Albertson, one of the committee members, estimated 1,000 people attended the festival over the two days. Some rainy weather earlier on Friday may have deterred some people from attending, but Albertson said overall the weather was very ideal for the outdoor performances.

Ron Albertson, left, is joined on the stage by Scott Ryan, father of the late Dan Ryan, a long-time supporter of Rock the Park. This year’s festival’s is dedicated to Dan Ryan, who passed away at age 39 on June 23.

Scott Ryan pulled the ticket for the winner of a guitar and starter kit. Dan Ryan donated several refurbished guitars for previous Rock the Park events. Scott Ryan said the family will continue to donate a guitar for Rock the Park in the future.

The Zackstreet Boys performed early afternoon on Saturday. The band includes Zack Burgess, center, on guitar and vocals; Kole Moore on guitar, left; Mike Whiting on guitar, right; and Brian Domenick on drums.

Other performers on Saturday included Chris Moore, Ryan & Company, Distant View, Shotgun Pauly, driVen, The Who Dats, 7th Heaven and Tryst.

On Friday, the bands included Triple Play, Lonesome Road and Highway 31.

Bill Pileggi plays guitar and sings for Triple Play, which made its first appearance at Rock the Park. Pileggi, a retired Holley school principal, said he liked how the sound was all set up for the musicians and they were able to easily follow one another on the stage, with most of the concerts about an hour.

“We enjoy listening to each other,” Pileggi said about the showcase for so many bands. “For a small town we have a lot of talent.”

The crowd was close to the stage for Tryst, while many also enjoyed the music from under the tent.

Tryst had the crowd fired up for the show.

Mountain dulcimer musician performs in Hoag series

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 August 2024 at 8:12 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Big Futch sings and plays the mountain dulcimer during a concert a Hoag Library in Albion today. Futch is shown singing, “John Henry was a Steel Drivin’ Man.”

Futch has been a professional musician for more than 30 years. He tours nationally and lives in Orlando, Fla.

About 50 people attended today’s concert at Hoag.

Jim Doyle, a librarian at Hoag and the music series coordinator, introduces Futch, who Doyle called “a super cool musician.”

Hoag started the concert series last year and Doyle has tried to line up musicians who haven’t performed in Orleans County before.

A state arts grant administered by GO Art! makes the concert series possible.

The concerts are free and begin at noon. The remainder of the lineup this year includes:

Rochester Recorder Society on Aug. 17
Alyssa Rodriguez on Sept. 14
Muriel Anderson on Oct. 12
Duo Tufekčić & Conant on Nov. 9
Rochester Ukulele Orchestra on Dec. 7

Smoke shop opens on Main Street in Albion

Photo by Tom Rivers: Mohammed “Mo” Ayash is shown today at D-R Smoke Shop, which he opened on July 22 at 139 South Main St.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 August 2024 at 5:31 pm

ALBION – The D-R Smoke Shop has opened on South Main Street, selling tobacco, CBD gummies, cigars, non-nicotine vapes, creatine supplements, lighters and glass bongs.

Mohammed “Mo” Ayash was ready to open the business in early June but the opening was pushed back until July 22. The Village of Albion wanted Ayash to show seven dedicated parking spaces for the business, which is located in a former flower shop with apartments.

The Village Planning Board said Ayash would need a parking variance without the seven spots, but he was able to show seven marked spots for the business during the July 18 meeting. With that in order, the board and code enforcement officer approved the opening, Ayash said.

He has worked in different businesses with his family the past 15 years in Buffalo. He wanted to start his own enterprise and is happy with Albion, which he called “a beautiful town.”

The business is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Ayash said he is listening to customers and will build up the inventory in the store.

“We are here for the people,” he said. “We are trying to give them what they want.”

Rain stops, bands get rocking at Bullard for music festival

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 August 2024 at 8:20 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Highway 31 performed on Friday night from the amphitheater stage at Bullard Park. It rained hard earlier in the day on Friday, but the drizzle stopped in time for the bands at Bullard. This photo is taken looking through from under a big tent.

Highway 31 followed Lonesome Road and Triple Play. Today is the second day of Albion Summer Music Festival/Rock the Park 9. Musicians will be on stage from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The lineup includes Chris Moore and Ryan & Company, followed by bands Distant View, Zackstreet Boys, Shotgun Pauly, driVen, The Who Dats, 7th Heaven and Tryst.

Highway 31 includes Rich Nolan as the lead singer, Aaron Clark of Holley and Tim LaPorte Sr. on guitar, Clinton LaPorte on bass, and Timmy LaPorte on drums.

Rich Nolan, lead singer for Highway 31, kept the crowd entertained with ’90s music, contemporary country and some rock. Here he is singing “Something Like That” by Tim McGraw.

Sheri McIlvene, left, and Susan Oschmann are selling $5 tcikets for a chance to win beer and wine packages. Oschmann has been selling the tickets this summer as a fundraiser for pickleball courts at Bullard Park.

The winning tickets will be announced at about 8:45 p.m. today in between the performances by 7^th Heaven and Tryst.

Jill Albertson is selling tickets for a chance to win a guitar and starter kit. This year’s Rock the Park is dedicated in memory of Dan Ryan, who was a key promoter of the event.

Ryan passed away at age 39 on June 23. He donated refurbished guitars as a fundraiser for past Rock the Park events. Ryan also helped with the sound, worked security and played drums in bands that performed at the music festival.

Savage Cabbage brings rocking tunes to Bullard Park

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 August 2024 at 9:15 am

‘Rock the Park’ returns Friday and Saturday

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Frank Starowitz, left, the lead singer for Savage Cabbage and bassist Mike “Thunder” Warren give an energetic start to “TNT” by AC/DC.

Savage Cabbage performed on the amphitheater stage at Bullard Park on Wednesday evening. The band has been playing locally since 1979 and includes cabbage farmers – Frank, John and Andrew Starowitz, as well as other musicians.

Frank Starowitz, center, sings “Lick It Up” by Kiss. From left include Mike “Grinder” Moore, John Starowitz, Frank Starowitz and Mike “Thunder” Warren.

Bullard Park will host the Albion Summer Music Festival/Rock the Park 9 on Friday and Saturday.

The lineup on Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. includes Lonesome Road, Triple Play and Highway 31.

Then on Saturday, the longer schedule from 11 a.m., to 11 p.m. includes Chris Moore and Ryan & Company to start the music, followed by bands Distant View, Zackstreet Boys, Shotgun Pauly, driVen, The Who Dats, 7th Heaven and Tryst.

The Rochester band Tryst will close out the festival on Saturday. Organizers of the event picked a new band to conclude the music on Saturday, after two years of having Nerds Gone Wild for the finale.

“We’re trying to mix it up,” said Ron Albertson, one of the committee members for Rock the Park. “We had real good turnout the past two years with Nerds.”

Albertson said about 1,200 people attended the festival last year. Proceeds go towards upgrading Bullard Park.

The event also will include food, and arts and crafts vendors.

Class of ’72 in Albion has reunion in honor of turning 70 this year

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Members of the Class of 1972 at Albion High School had a reunion Saturday at Bullard Park of all the members who turn 70 this year.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 31 July 2024 at 8:34 am

ALBION – The Class of 1972 at Albion High School was a close group during high school, and the friendships they formed have continued throughout the years.

In addition to reunions to celebrate special anniversaries, such as the 50th held at the White Birch in Lyndonville, members of the class have continued to meet for lunches and chicken barbecues.

Their most recent get-together was a gathering Saturday at Bullard Park of all the class members who will be 70 this year.

The committee planning Saturday’s event included Eileen Williams, who has organized lunches; fellow classmate Howard Ward, who has done chicken barbecues, including cooking the chicken for Saturday’s outing; Marita DeLuca Dumrese and Joanie Neri Millis.

The planning committee for the Class of 1972 get-together Saturday at Bullard Park are, from left, Eileen Williams, Howard Ward, Marita DeLuca Dumrese and Joanie Neri Miller.

After enjoying lunch Colleen Murphy McKenna, Vickie Murphy McKenna, Vickie Condoluci Wheeler, Rex Hults, Margaret Colonna Burgio and Marita DeLuca Dumrese cut a birthday cake in honor of the celebration.

Officers for the class in their senior year were Anne Eddy, president; Ron Billingsley, vice president; Joanie Neri Millis, secretary; and Judy Bielicki, treasurer.

“We all really got along and worked together,” said Joanie Peters of West Barre. “We always had fun together, especially getting ready for proms.”

The class was celebrating their 50th reunion at the White Birch when someone said they should have a 70th birthday party. Twenty-six of the original 181 members and their significant others attended the party on Saturday.

Classmates who traveled the farthest were Vickie Pratt from Texas and Marilee Tokotch Flugel from Arizona.

Class of 1972 members getting ready to cut the cake are Colleen Murphy McKenna, Vickie Condoluci Wheeler, Rex Hults, Margaret Colonna Burgio and Marita DeLuca Dumrese. At far left is Jim Frasier.

Blood drive in Albion today has big turnout in honor of Jared Ostrander

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 July 2024 at 3:23 pm

Kendall boy, 16, needed blood transfusions when he was a baby

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Kristen Ostrander, center, is shown giving blood today at the Elks Lodge in Albion with Connie from the Red Cross and Kristen’s son Jared.

Ostrander helped rally blood donors for today’s drive and the result has been 58 appointments, the most in several years. There is room for more walk-ins before the drive ends at 7 p.m.

The blood drive at the Elk’s Lodge usually attracts about 40 blood donors. Today there are 14 first-time donors and many who haven’t given in a while are back, said Wendy Evenden, accounts manager for the American Red Cross.

Jared was born nearly 17 years ago on July 25, 2007. He was born three weeks early and was diagnosed with Patent Ductus Arteriosus and persistent pulmonary hypertension of a newborn. One of his ducts didn’t close properly and his blood was flowing backwards, his mother said.

Jared needed two blood transfusions, and he was able to rebound at the NICU at Strong Memorial Hospital and went home after 17 days. He has not be affected by the issues since then. Jared is going into his senior year at Kendall. He is on the wrestling and track teams at Kendall.

Ostrander said she was looking for a way to give back to the community and knew summer tends to be a time when the Red Cross needs blood. The is currently a critical need for the blood supply.

The current donor base is the lowest since Sept. 11, 2001, Evenden said.

The Red Cross welcomes more drives in honor of people who have received transfusions. Evenden said some drives can be in memory of someone, and the Red Cross welcomes challenge drives pitting organizations, fire departments and other groups. For more information, contact here at wendy.evenden@redcross.org or call (716) 260-6899.

There are other upcoming drive sin Orleans County:

Monday, July 29:

Orleans County YMCA

306 Pearl St.

Medina, NY 14103

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 9:

Orleans County Administration Building

14016 Route 31

Albion, NY 14411

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 13:

Sacred Heart Club

189 N Gravel Rd.

Medina, NY 14103

1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 24:

Hoag Library

134 South Main St.

Albion, NY 14411

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information on Red Cross blood drives, click here.