Albion

Former Catholic school, bed & breakfast in Albion now a retreat center

Photos by Tom Rivers: Courtney and Annika Kazembe have turned the former St. Mary’s Catholic School on Brown Street into a retreat center. The outdoor space has been transformed into a peaceful spot with hammocks, glamping tents and a pond with waterfalls.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 August 2022 at 2:01 pm

‘We’re inviting people to experience it with the intention of healing our hearts and humanity.’ – Courtney Kazembe

ALBION – The former St. Mary’s Catholic School on Brown Street has a new use and purpose as a retreat center.

The site was most recently used as an assisted living site with an adult daycare by Tender Loving Family Care. Tender Loving continues to operate sites in Le Roy and Irondequoit.

Annika Kazembe, president and founder of Tender Loving, opened the new retreat center with her husband Courtney Kazembe, who is the founder and chairman of the Global Institute for Transformation & Enlightenment (GIFTE).

The couple celebrated the grand opening of the center on Friday and is planning a bigger celebration in October.

“This is all about raising the human vibration,” Mr. Kazembe said. “It’s about bringing wholeness and peace. It’s about bringing forgiveness among family members and races. It’s about reconciliation.”

Courtney and Annika Kazembe celebrate the grand opening of the retreat center on Friday afternoon with Eileen Banker, chief of staff for Assemblyman Steve Hawley. Banker attended the school when she was a kid. She presented the Kazembes with a citation for opening the new business.

Mr. Kazembe said the site is perfect for a retreat center. The former school is 7,000 square feet. It was a bed and breakfast before it was purchased by Tender Loving. There are eight bedrooms, two larger communal spaces, a kitchen and a second floor auditorium with stage.

“This is a sacred space where people can come together,” Kazembe said. “Everything is designed to bring about the best in human beings. Underneath there is love in all human beings.”

Kazembe established GIFTE about a decade ago. He welcomes people looking to reconnect and learn more about their mind, body and spirit, and he will support them on their awakening journey.

The couple will offer health and wellness programs and events together to create a “unique, five-star experience” for guests, they said.

The property is close to the Erie Canal and the towpath, which offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, biking and hikes.

Courtney Kazembe is the founder and chairman of the Global Institute for Transformation & Enlightenment (GIFTE). He serves as a spiritual teacher, author and transformation coach. The retreat center in Albion will foster “healing our hearts and humanity,” he said.

Guests can stay inside or camp outside, including in “glamping” tents. Guests will have the option of participating in activities such as yoga, meditation and both sound and shamanic therapy during their stay. The retreat center will include an outdoor sweat lodge.

“We’re inviting people to experience it with the intention of healing our hearts and humanity,” Kazembe said about the retreat space. “What if we find the best in all of us?”

The retreats may be introductory sessions for a day, or longer outings over a weekend or a week. The programs will be offered year-round.

Retreats and events will be accompanied with plant-based food to accompany the healing processes that will take place on the grounds, the Kazembes said.

GIFTE teams with a sister organization, The Kazembe Foundation, to support youth on their journey towards personal power and empowerment. They provide leading life courses and workshops, investing in scholarship opportunities, providing guidance through mentoring programs.

One of those programs is YESS! or Youth Empowerment Success Seminar. They will bring that program to 1,000 people, ages 16 to 26 in Jamaica. Click here for more on YESS!

The former school was most recently used as an assisted living site with an adult daycare. Before that it was a bed and breakfast. The Kazembes painted the 7,000-square-foot site from dark brown to a beige color.

Youth fishing derby returns with 63 kids at Albion Sportsmen’s Association

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 August 2022 at 5:57 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The 26th Daniel Spierdowis Memorial Fishing Derby was held today from 9 a.m. to noon at Albion Sportsmen’s Association on Keitel Road.

The event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic. The Sportsmen’s Association brought it back this year and 63 kids tried to catch fish.

Weston Burgio of Albion holds a sunfish. He was in the 5 to 8 year old division. He won that group with a cumulative total of 7 pounds, 13 ounces. That not only was the most weight in that age group, but led all age groups.

The derby was open to kids 16 and younger.

Provided photo: Brayden Snook caught the biggest fish overall, a 20-inch largemouth bass.

Albert Allen, a member of the Sportsmen’s Association, measures a 14-inch largemouth bass caught by Adam Yanicki, 14, of Hartland.

These sisters – Chloe, Kennedy and Addison – try to catch fish in one of the former quarries at the Sportsmen’s Association.

Logan Cole, 8, of Kendall is focused on feeling a tug in his line from a fish.

Xavier Penafiel puts a worm on the hook during today’s fishing derby.

Jenna DeSmit casts out a line during today’s derby.

The derby is named in honor of Danny Spierdowis, who loved the outdoors, especially fishing in the former Peck quarries at the Sportsmen’s Association.

Spierdowis was killed in a car accident at age 19 on Jan. 20, 1990. His mother Linda remains active at the Sportsmen’s Association, tending to the flowers at the clubhouse.

Linda was at today’s derby. So was Danny’s sister, Karen Spierdowis.

Karen said she was thrilled to see so many kids fishing.

“It’s nice to be back doing it,” she said.

Tony Giaforte, a Sportsmen’s Association member, weighs fish caught during the derby.

The association provided lunch and many prizes for the participants.

Ministry in memory of Angela English giving out purses with personal care kits

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 August 2022 at 11:04 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: Pastor Eddie English and his wife Rose, leaders of The Lord’s House in Waterport, are joined by evangelist Ashley Casanova. They will be at the courthouse lawn in Albion today giving away purses with personal care kits.

ALBION – A ministry in memory of Angela English has collected more than 100 purses and filled them with personal care kits and jewelry.

Those purses will be available today for free at the courthouse lawn on Main Street in Albion. Angela’s friends and family will be there from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. as part of Angela’s Purses with Purpose.

Angela was a very active member of The Lord’s House, a church in Waterport where her father Eddie is pastor and her mother Rose is also an active leader.

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.

“Angela would walk the streets and give them away,” said her mother Rose. “She liked the chance to meet people and talk with them and pray with them.”

Angela served in the role of missionary at The Lord’s House, as well as a praise leader, pastor’s aide, sound system technician, lyrical dancer and the Toys for Tots coordinator.

The jewelry in the purses was donated by Sarah Ferguson, who sells jewelry from Paparazzi. There is also information from The Lord’s House.

Rose English said she has been collecting the purses and personal care items for about five months.

Her daughter enjoyed the purse ministry, as a way to let people know that Jesus loves them.

“She gave them hope with a smile,” Rose said.

New manager leads Main Street Thrift Store in Albion with push to offer more at site

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Teri Lester, who works at the Main Street Store, shows a rustic cabinet which was donated. (Right) Renee Hungerford, director of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, sits at her daughter’s piano that has been donated to the Main Street Store.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 12 August 2022 at 11:32 am

ALBION – The Main Street Thrift Store run by Community Action of Orleans County is much more than a thrift store.

It is a place to buy affordable and stylish clothing. It is a site to furnish a home, do gift shopping, get help for a struggling student, enroll in a credit recovery class and receive coaching in how to apply for job. With new donations and a new manager, the Main Street Store is poised to offer even more.

Cassie Eagle, who formerly taught the credit recovery classes, has assumed the role of manager after the retirement of Michelle George in late spring. While Eagle is currently on maternity leave, she has a list of plans for when she returns, said her mother, Renee Hungerford, director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee.

Hungerford set the ball rolling when she decided to donate her daughter Cheyenna Eagle’s piano to the Main Street Store. It has created quite a stir among customers in the store, especially those with musical ability.

“All kinds of people are sitting down and playing it,” Hungerford said. “Some of them are quite good.”

Hungerford bought the piano when Cheyenna was 4. She has since gone on to become a music therapist and just accepted a job in the Oncology Department of Massachusetts General Hospital.

“I had been holding on to the piano thinking some day Cheyenna would want it,” Hungerford said. “But now she has moved away and can’t take it.”

After Hungerford decided to donate it to the Main Street Store, she started getting cold feet.

“The morning they were going to pick it up, I had a hard time letting it go,” she said. “But two days later I was looking online for information about the Farmers’ Market and there were videos of people playing the piano.”

The piano is not for sale, and a sign on it says, “Play me. (Adults).”

Members of the Leadership Orleans class toured the Main Street Store at 131 South Main St. in Albion on Thursday.

The piano has prompted thoughts of giving music lessons at the Main Street Store, if a music teacher can be found. Another visitor who teaches guitar, mandolin and banjo indicated he might also be interested in giving lessons there.

Cassie Eagle would also like to start craft classes at the store.

The store is always looking for volunteers. The Leadership Orleans class stopped by the store on Thursday when their day was focused on volunteerism. A member of the class is Katrina Chaffee, director of community services (which includes volunteerism) and reporting for Community Action, and arranged for the class to tour the store. Anyone who is interested in volunteering at the store can contact Chaffee at (585) 589-5605.

The store is also experimenting with expanded hours. They are currently open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday and until 7 p.m. on selected Fridays.

Albion Alumni Foundation awards $130,000 in scholarships

Posted 11 August 2022 at 10:57 am

Photo courtesy of Kathy Winans, Albion High School teacher and Senior Class advisor: The Jonathan Doherty Legacy Award recipients include, from left: Ethan Ferchen, Ann Faery and Samantha Johnson.

Press Release, Albion Alumni Foundation

ALBION – Each year during the Albion High School Class Night ceremony, the Alumni Foundation presents scholarships to graduating seniors who meet specific scholarship criteria. These awards provide financial assistance to help seniors continue to pursue their educational goals.

This year the Foundation awarded approximately $130,000 in scholarships to Albion High School Class of 2022 graduates.

The Foundations’ scholarship committee had the task of choosing recipients of 48 academic, vocational, service, leadership, arts and athletics scholarships. They poured over numerous applications and chose students that best fit the scholarship qualifications. It wasn’t an easy decision as there were many candidates with strong applications.

Several newly created scholarships were presented this year. The Jonathan Doherty Legacy Award was presented to three students. Each received a $100 scholarship and a plaque that was inscribed: “In memory of Jonathan Doherty, a true Purple Eagle, this scholarship celebrates Jonathan’s spirit of caring, skills at making the most of opportunities available to him, and using his strengths to help build a better Albion Community.” This scholarship was created by the Foundation in memory of Jonathan who passed away in May, 2022. He was an active member and supporter of the Alumni Foundation and was often seen volunteering at various Alumni events including homecoming, the annual Christmas Concert and Class Night. These three award recipients embody Jonathan’s enduring community spirit and care for others.

Photo courtesy of Mollie Radzinski, Albion Central School District: Alumni Foundation President Steve Hicks congratulates Sawyer Braley as he receives the inaugural Hoag Skilled Trades Scholarship. Jovany Trejo also received the scholarship.

The new Hoag Skilled Trades Scholarship, as well as the Gil and Christine Pritchard Vocational Scholarship, are two important recent award additions that assist students as they continue to advance their education in vocational and skilled trades fields.

The main focus of the Alumni Foundation is a Scholarship Program that continues to grow and benefit more students each and every year. Scholarship funding is made possible through memberships and gifts from AHS Alumni and community members, as well as individuals and organizations that contact the Foundation to establish a scholarship. The Foundation manages the funds and awards the scholarships annually during the Class Night event.

The Foundation is grateful to the generous donors that work with us to create and sustain these scholarships. Our donors are making a difference for a lifetime for Albion graduates by affording them opportunities to continue their education and pursue their dreams.

To learn more about how you can create a scholarship, contact Steve Hicks at steve@albionalumni.org. If you are interested in donating to any of the Foundation’s scholarships you can go to www.albionalumni.org or write: Albion High School Alumni Foundation, P.O. Box 345, Albion, N.Y. 14411.

Congratulations to all 2022 scholarship recipients!

ALBION HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS – Reuben Rivers & Carson Bader
PAUL R. HAINES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Emily Harling
SAINT-GOBAIN ADFORS TECHNICAL FABRICS SCHOLARSHIP – Kyle Kuehne
ELIZABETH BALCOM SMITH SCHOLARSHIP – Emily Harling
GOLDEN PERFORMANCE AWARD – Rowan Ford
JIM AND SUSIE FRASER HEALTH CAREERS SCHOLARSHIP – Makiya Jones
DR. LEE N. MINIER SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP – Kenzi Hapeman
ALBION ALUMNI FOUNDATION PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIP – Leah Kania
COACH RICHARD DIMINUCO SCHOLARSHIP FOR ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE – Jahmeek Riley
HARRY W. SALCHAK SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP – Sydney Mulka
A.B. “DICK” EDDY “SERVICE ABOVE SELF” SCHOLARSHIP – Leah Kania
THE NANCY ELAINE LaGAMBA SCHOLARSHIP – Reuben Rivers
THE DR. PAUL MAHANY FAMILY SCHOLARSHIPS – Charley London, Nicolina Creasey, Olivia Bieber, Emily Graham
THE HOAG ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIPS – Belen Rosario-Soto, James Beach, Kyle Kuehne
PANEK FAMILY FARM AGRICULTURE SCHOLARSHIP – Lilian Mathes
THE HORTON SCHOLARSHIP – Nicolina Creasey
THE WAYNE A. BURLISON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Leah Kania and James Beach
GLASSNER FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP – Jahmeek Riley
JOHN PANEK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP- Alyson Knaak
RONALD L. SODOMA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Aurora Serafin
MASONIC RENOVATION LODGE #97 SCHOLARSHIP – Belen Rosario Soto

Photos by Tom Rivers: Erin and Rhiannon Moody, parents of the late Brennan Moody, present a memorial scholarship in his name to Rowan Ford and Jeffrey Brown. High School Assistant Principal Katharine Waite is at left.

EDWARD B. ARCHBALD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – James Beach
DR DAVID & ANITA LONG AGRICULTURAL SCHOLARSHIP – Leah Pritchard
D’ANDREA FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP – Carson Bader
BRANDON BRUSKI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Nicolina Creasey
THE RALPH AND PEARL POELMA GOOD NEIGHBOR/COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP – Carson Bader and Kate Beach
THE JAKE AND ANNA VREEBURG SCHOLARSHIPS – Kate Beach, Sawyer Braley
THE INGE HUME ELEMENTARY EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP – Kate Beach
THE ROBERT P. VAN DEUSEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Jeff Brown
THE MOORE FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP FUND – Elisa Bropst
THE SHERMAN AWARDS – Leah Kania, Leah Pritchard
THE BENJAMIN DENNIS KIRBY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Jeff Brown, James Beach & Rowan Ford
THE SCOTT WHITTIER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS – Kenzi Hapeman, Jahmeek Riley
BABBITT FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP – Charley London
THE MATTHEW K. GARDNER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Kenzi Hapeman
SCOTT H WARD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Leah Kania
CRAIG ANDERSON SCHOLARSHIP – Sydney Mulka
THE BRENNAN MICHAEL CARLYLE MOODY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Jeffrey Brown and Rowan Ford
THE JARED M. FEARBY SCHOLARSHIP – Sawyer Braley
EDWARD FANCHER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – James Beach
GIL AND CHRISTINE PRITCHARD VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP – Lilian Mathes
LAMONT FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP – Alicia Allen
KELLY SIDARI RICKER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Emily Harling
GWENYTH HUGHSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Carson Bader
NICHOLAS KOVALESKI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Leah Pritchard
WILLIAM J COXETER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Sydney Mulka
HOAG SKILLED TRADES SCHOLARSHIP – Sawyer Braley and Jovany Trejo
JONATHAN DOHERTY LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP – Ann Faery, Ethan Ferchen, Samantha Johnson

Karen Sodoma, wife of the late Ronald Sodoma, presents a scholarship to Aurora Serafin. Mr. Sodoma was a long-time superintendent, principal and teacher at Albion. His daughter Rebecca is in back at left.

$40K grant comes through for new basketball courts in Albion

Photos by Tom Rivers: Ron Albertson, second from left, announces that the James and Juli Boeheim Foundation have approved $40,000 towards new basketball courts at Bullard Park. Albertson shared the news during the Rock the Park – Albion Summer Music Festival on Saturday. He is joined on the amphitheater stage by Zack Burgess, left, and Nyla Gaylord from the Orleans County United Way, Susan Oschmann from the Bounce for Bullard Committee, Syracuse University Hall of Famer Roosevelt Bouie who is on the Bounce for Bullard Committee, and Tim McMurray, a Village of Albion trustee on the Bounce for Bullard Committee.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 August 2022 at 10:04 pm

ALBION – In early spring it was just an idea: building new basketball courts at Bullard Park.

The old court had cracks and heaves. The hoops didn’t even have nets.

Just a few months later, a $40,000 grant has been secured from the James and Juli Boeheim Foundation towards two new full-size courts at Bullard. There have already been several fundraisers, 3-on-3 tournaments and the backing of the Village Board to push for the new courts.

The $40,000 grant was announced on Saturday afternoon during Rock the Park – Albion Summer Music Festival.

Ron Albertson, one of the Rock the Park leaders, said grants have been critical to making improvements at the park a reality. That includes the new splash pad, amphitheater, playground equipment, and a utility building with bathrooms and a pavilion. The village Department of Public Works has also provided in-kind work with utilities and site work.

The basketball courts could be ready next year, said Village Trustee Tim McMurray, who is part of the Bounce for Bullard Committee. Village officials need to see how in-kind services from the village DPW could be used as a local share to help secure more grants. McMurray said he wants to hear from DPW Superintendent Jay Pahura on how the DPW could assist with the project and how it would fit into the DPW schedule.

The Wendel engineering firm did this rendering of the new proposed basketball courts at Bullard Park. They are eyed to be built along Route 31 at the former skate park area.

Albion also is working with the United Way of Orleans County to pursue a grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation towards the courts, which could total $150,000 to $200,000.

The $40,000 would likely cover the costs for the courts, but the Bounce for Bullard would like to have fencing, bleachers, lighting and other amenities with the project.

The village needs to get solid cost estimates on the project, and determine how much in-kind work is needed. But McMurray said he is happy with the progress so far.

The United Way not only assisted Albion in writing the grant to the Boeheim Foundation, it helped Albion set up a non-profit organization, the Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events Corporation, Inc. The organization is better able to apply for grants and has a better chance of receiving funding than a municipality.

These kids get warmed up on Saturday for a 3-on-3 basketball tournament at Bullard. About 40 kids played in the tournament using three portable basketball hoops.

Roosevelt Bouie, a Kendall graduate and Syracuse University Hall of Famer, also was a key in advocating for the funding from the Boeheim Foundation. Bouie was Boehim’s first star recruit and helped the team to a 100-18 record from 1977-1980. His number 50 has been retired by Syracuse.

Bouie said he learned to play basketball at Bullard as a kid, often with intense pickup games. Bouie was eager to help support the effort for better basketball courts at the park.

His friend Steve Mowers at CRFS connected Bouie to Nyla Gaylord at the United Way, and the organization helped pursue the grant applications and form the non-profit.

“We applied to the Boeheim Foundation and now have the start of a significant project that can really give the community something to be proud of,” Gaylord said. “So, now we are applying to the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. So, we are on the move.”

DOT to detail upcoming Main Street lift bridge project in Albion at Aug. 16 meeting

Photo by Tom Rivers: Boats pass underneath the Main Street lift bridge in Albion last week.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 August 2022 at 2:22 pm

ALBION – The state Department of Transportation will have a public meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 16 to provide details about an upcoming $15 million rehabilitation of the Main Street lift bridge.

That bridge on Route 98 is expected to be closed for about 18 months.

The DOT will have displays and other information about the project, with staff present to take questions from the community. The meeting will be at the Hoag Library, 134 South Main St.

The bridge was originally built in 1914. It typically closes a few days each year for short-term repairs. It is one of 16 lift bridges on the Erie Canal, and one of seven in Orleans County.

The DOT previously said the work includes installing high-strength galvanized steel to replace the steel floor system and select truss members. Updates will also be made to the mechanical and electrical components of the lifting mechanisms. The lift tower will also be rehabilitated.

In addition, the bridge railing and guide rail on the bridge approaches will be improved and bridge will be repainted.

Bands had Bullard Park rocking on Saturday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 August 2022 at 9:47 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The local band Eclipse performs “Stinkfist” by Tool during Saturday’s Rock the Park at Bullard Park in Albion. Erin Moody is lead singer for the band that includes Brett Zambito, left, on guitar and D.J. Button, right, on guitar, as well as Dan Ryan on the drums.

This is the seventh Rock the Park, which features several bands performing during the day in a benefit for the park. The event has expanded in recent years to the Albion Summer Festival with activities for children, and food and craft vendors. Saturday also included a 3-on-3 basketball tournament and cornhole tournament.

Rock the Park helped generate funding and momentum for the village to complete $800,000 in park upgrades, including the amphitheater, splash pad, playground equipment, new pavilion and utility building with bathrooms and a walking trail.

“I think it’s fantastic,” said Dan Ryan, the Eclipse drummer who has been a part of all the Rock the Park events. “It’s done a lot for the kids and helped get the splash pad up. That’s what it’s all about.”

D.J. Button, left, feels the music as a guitarist with Eclipse. The band of four from Albion has been performing together for about a year.

They were among seven bands on the main stage at the amphitheater on Saturday. There were also two acoustical acts under the big tent for the festival.

Paul Draper of Shotgun Pauly sings “Pride and Joy” by Stevie Ray Vaughan during Rock the Park.

Three members of the band Zero jam out to “Alive” by Pearl Jam during Rock the Park on Saturday at the new amphitheater.

From right to left include Dylan DeSmit, Zack Burgess and Mike “Thunder” Warren.

Mike “Thunder” Warren rocks out with Zero. Warren has been playing with local bands for many years.

The music stopped briefly twice on Saturday due to blasts of rain. A big rainbow appeared at about 6:30 p.m. when the Dave Viterna Group took the stage.

The Dave Viterna Group of Medina played Rock the Park for the first on Saturday. The group includes from left: Marty Hobbs, “Scooter” Scott Felice and Dave Viterna.

Provided photo: The band Vette kicked off the concerts from the main stage. Vette includes, from left: Travis Mackie, Kole Moore and Alex Fitzak with Shelby Starr the drummer.

Lonnie Froman sings “Hush” by Deep Purple as the Who Dats close out their set. The band also includes Alona Kuhns on guitar, John Borello on guitar, Alona Kuhns on guitar, Ed Hilfiker on guitar and Alex DeSmit on drums. The band has been a big part of the local music scene for the past 20 years.

Froman said he enjoyed playing for a crowd of about 500 people, from the stage set up high on a hill at the park.

“I love the whole atmosphere and being able to be up above everybody on stage,” he said about Rock the Park and the new amphitheater.

The event was capped by Nerds Gone Wild, who played more than 2 hours, singing popular party songs from the 1980s. The Buffalo-based band made its debut in Albion on Saturday.

Nerds cap busy day at Rock the Park in Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 August 2022 at 11:50 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Nerds Gone Wild, a Buffalo-based band that performs popular songs from the ’80s, closed out a day of music at Bullard Park for the annual Rock the Park summer music festival.

The top photo shows lead singer Ed Wyner aka “Milton Wild” urging the crowd to give a right fist pump while he sings, “Tainted Love.”

The band had the crowd on its feet singing well-known songs such as “Jessie’s Girl,” ‘The Power of Love,” “Don’t You Want Me,” “Footloose” and many others.

Event organizers said there were more than 500 people for the final concert. There were seven bands on the main stage and two other acoustical acts. The crowds were big throughout the day and weren’t deterred by two blasts of rain.

“It’s bringing Albion out,” said Bernie Baldwin, one of the event organizers. “I love it.”

John Gibbon plays the guitar and maintained a high energy for the performance, frequently high giving and interacting with the crowd at the new amphitheater at Bullard. The band members wore pocket protectors, taped glasses, suspenders and bright-colored shoes.

The band members include John Gibbon on bass, guitar and vocals; Ed Wyner on lead vocals and guitar; Eddy Tabone on drums and vocals; Brian Beaudry on keyboards and vocals; and Eric Rovner on lead guitar and vocals.

Walking trail at Bullard dedicated to Wayne Burlison and Judy Christopher

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 August 2022 at 6:29 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – There was a ribbon-cutting celebration today for a walking trail along the perimeter of Bullard Park. The 3,800-foot-long crusher-run path is dedicated to the late Wayne Burlison and Judy Christopher.

The Albion Running Club donated $5,000 towards the trail, which was installed last fall by the Village of Albion Department of Public Works, with assistance from a private contractor with a milling machine.

Pictured from left include Village Trustee Tim McMurray, Marc O’Hearn of the Running Club, Village Trustee Zack Burgess, Brian Krieger of the Running Club, Margy Brown of the Running Club, Gene Christopher (Judy’s husband), David Cristofaro (Judy’s son) and Lindon Morici of the Running Club.

The 5-foot-wide walking trail is part of an $800,000 improvement project at Bullard, a village park on Route 31. Other upgrades include a new splash park, amphitheater, utility building with bathrooms and a pavilion.

The trail is in memory of Wayne Burlison, an Albion elementary music teacher who died at age 36 from colon cancer on March 26, 2014. Burlison was an active member of the Albion Running Club and he promoted fitness in the community and led a Couch to 5K program called Run for God.

Christopher ran Phoenix Fitness in downtown Albion and organized the first 19 Strawberry Festival races. She started the 5k and 8k races at the festival initially to give members of the gym needed a fitness. Christopher passed away from cancer at age 70 on Aug. 3, 2013.

Her family also ran the Four C’s Marina for many years. Judy also was the first woman elected to serve on the Albion Town Board. She was a long-time member of the Albion Rotary Club and served on the Swan Library Board of Trustees.

Cristofaro recalled his mother’s famous quote to “just keep moving.” She would be thrilled people have a nice path to go for a walk or jog around Bullard.

“It’s beautiful,” Cristofaro said about the new trail. “It’s awesome.”

Krieger followed Christopher as the Strawberry Festival race director for several years. He was close friends with Burlison. The two teamed to lead the Run for God program.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for people to keep moving,” Krieger said. “It’s a great memorial to two wonderful people from Albion.”

Stage is set for Rock the Park in Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 August 2022 at 1:29 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The amphitheater at Bullard Park is set for seven bands to perform today from 2 to 11 p.m. The stage has canvas in the back, rather than the usual open air set up for the amphitheater. Susan Oschmann, owner of Susie’s Bout-tique, made the canvas which was hung up by Ron Albertson and Bernie Baldwin.

The venue will be used for the seventh Rock the Park with proceeds going to Bullard Park.

Before the bands go to the amphitheater, two acoustic acts performed under a tent by the stage. The Remediators were the first to perform with guest musician Dylan DeSmit at left, joining Keith Hambley and Todd Colegrove. They are performing “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” by AC/DC.

There are 18 craft vendors and seven food vendors for the festival. Maureen Bennett is the owner of Lil Cottage Chic which sells upcycled furniture and other repurposed items.

Tim Von Sanden of Pavilion, owner of Mountain Top Kettle Corn, is one of the food vendors.

There is a corn hole tournament as part of the festival beginning at 1 p.m.

These players warm up for a 3-on-3 basketball tournament that started at 11 a.m.

Roosevelt Bouie, a Syracuse University Hall of Famer from Kendall, is giving away T-shirts with donations accepted to upgrade the basketball courts at Bullard.

Rock the Park returns today with 9 different musical acts at Bullard Park

Photo by Tom Rivers: Mike Warren, guitarist and singer for Zero, sings “TNT” by AC/DC during an open mic on June 19, 2021, the first event at the new amphitheater at Bullard Park. Zero is one of seven bands performing today at Rock the Park, with two other acoustical acts.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 August 2022 at 8:44 am

ALBION – Rock the Park is back today with 12 hours of music of Bullard Park. The Albion Summer Festival will include the 7^th Rock the Park.

It will include seven bands, two acoustical acts, a large beer tent, food and craft vendors, and also basketball and cornhole tournaments.

“It’s another opportunity for the community to get together and have a good time,” said John Grillo, the Albion summer recreation director and member of the Rock the Park Committee.

Rock the Park started as a chance to bring several bands together to perform a Bullard, while raising funds to upgrades the park.

Organizers have met many of those initial goals of helping to bring new playground equipment, a splash pad and amphitheater to the site. There will be a ribbon-cutting today at about 3 p.m. for a new walking trail around the park in memory of Judy Christopher and Wayne Burlison.

Grillo believes the best is yet to come for Bullard. A new scoreboard for the youth football program will soon be installed. This time next year there should be two new basketball courts and a 9-hole disc golf course at the park. Grillo is pushing for a new lodge at Bullard that would be available to the community.

“I think there is more potential here,” said Zack Burgess, one of the Rock the Park organizers and a member of the band, Zero.

He expects a big crowd throughout the day for today’s event. Parking is free. There is a $5 admission charge to get in the beer tent and a fenced-in area.

There are other activities for kids for free, and the new playground and splash pad are next to the amphitheater.

Burgess said the concerts today are like a family reunion for many of the local bands. He is happy to have the Dave Viterna Group in the lineup for the first time for Rock the Park. The event will be capped by Nerds Gone Wild, another new band to Rock the Park. They play many popular party songs from the 1980s.

The lineup of events includes:

11 a.m. – Festival opens with food and craft vendors, a kids carnival, the start of a basketball tournament and the first musical performer, the Remediators on the acoustic stage.
noon – Mark Fantasia on the acoustic stage
1 p.m. – Corn hole tournament starts
2 p.m. – Beer tent opens with Vette performing on the main stage
3 p.m. – Eclipse on the main stage
4 p.m. – Zero on the main stage; craft vendors close
5 p.m. – Shotgun Pauly on the main stage
6 p.m. – Dave Viterna Group on main stage
7 p.m. – The Who Dats on main stage; food vendors close
8:30 p.m. – Nerds Gone Wild on main stage
11 p.m. – Festival closes

Organizers of Rock the Park are dedicating the event today in memory of Jonathan Doherty, who passed away at age 38 on May 5. Jonathan was on the committee for many years and was a big promoter of the event. He also introduced the band Zero and sang a song with the band, including a memorable rendition of “Achy Breaky Heart.” Jonathan set up recycle bins at the event with the proceeds donated to The Arc. The bottles collected today will be donated to The Arc GLOW.

GCASA says new 25-bed residence in Albion in response to opioid epidemic’s toll on women

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 August 2022 at 10:34 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: John Bennett, executive director for GCASA, goes over the plan for a 25-bed women and children community residence, which he said will help women in recovery. The project will primarily serve women in the four rural GLOW counties.

ALBION – The Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse’s proposed 25-bed women and children community residence on Butts Road would be the first residential program for GCASA that serves women and their children.

The agency has seen more women in recovery and addiction programs with the opioid epidemic, with the prevalence of addictive painkillers, said John Bennett, GCASA executive director.

He spoke during a public hearing on Wednesday at Albion Town Hall about the site plan for a proposed $4.6 million community residence, the first in the GLOW region for women in recovery.

About 12 years ago, women accounted for 23 percent of the GCASA census or people served by the agency. But by 2016-17, that percentage jumped to nearly 40 percent, Bennett said.

GCASA has residential programs for men, but doesn’t for women. The Albion site will allow women, 18 and older, to receive services to aid in their recovery while in a residential setting. Five of the 25 units will accommodate women with children younger than kindergarten. Up to two children can stay in those units. The property will include walking trails and a playground.

Keeping the mothers with the children eliminates a huge barrier preventing some women from going into acute recovery programs, Bennett said.

This project will be one of the few residential programs in the state that is solely for women with room for their children.

“Women have been neglected in residential programs,” Bennett said.

GCASA picked Albion for the project because many of the agency’s other residential and treatment programs are based in Batavia.

The project has been awarded a $4.6 million grant from the state Department of Health for construction of the residence. That grant doesn’t include the operation of the site, which will be staffed 24-7, including two employees at night.

GCASA will have 25 employees at the site, including mental health counselors, a nurse, peer counselors, aides, drivers, a child care coordinator, administrators and kitchen staff.

Bennett would like to break ground on construction this fall with the site opening in about a year.

Bennett said the site will be primarily self-contained, but the women will be encouraged to shop locally, and use the local library, gym and other services.

The Town of Albion Planning Board held a public hearing on the site plan on Wednesday. An environmental impact study is close to being complete. Because that isn’t done, the Planning Board voted to keep the public hearing open until Sept. 7. The board will accept comments until then.

Cassandra Irvine spoke during the hearing on Wednesday. She lives on Butts Road and said she didn’t hear about the project until recently. She said she is concerned about the site being so close to the Butts Road railroad overpass, which is often struck by trucks or vehicles will back up when they see the low clearance often using her driveway as a turnaround.

Planning Board Chairman Isaac Robinson said most traffic to the site would come off Route 31 and wouldn’t go near the bridge. (The residence would be just north of the Orleans Community Health center and south of the bridge.) Robinson said the board can’t tell people how to drive and observe signs.

He said GCASA has been meeting with town officials for about two years on the project. The meetings have been publicly posted, he said.

Albion approves agreement with Sheriff’s Office for school resource officer

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2022 at 10:50 am

ALBION – The Board of Education on Monday approved a contract with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office to have a deputy assigned to the district as a school resource officer.

The district wasn’t able to reach an agreement with the Village of Albion and opted to go with the Sheriff’s Office.

Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent, praised the work of Albion police officer Chris Glogowski, who served as the SRO since February 2019. He established great rapport with students and staff, Edwards said.

The district will continue to work closely with the Albion Police Department for lockdown drills and other issues at the school, he said.

Edwards during last month’s board meeting said the village wanted about $20,000 more annually than the previous contract, which expired on June 30. The previous contract was at $81,250 annually.

The superintendent and board also liked how the contract with the Sheriff’s Office was based on a daily rate, and not a lump sum for the school year.

An article in the Orleans Hub last week stated the district was considering having two school resource officers. But Edwards said that isn’t the plan right now. Albion may look to add a second SRO in the future.

For now the district looks forward to welcoming a deputy from the Sheriff’s Office, with a start date on Sept. 1.

Edwards said the county will be reimbursed about $91,000 as part of the first year of the contract. That includes $502.10 per day in the 2022-2023 school year and $510.26 per day the following school year.

Overtime will be $61.05 per hour the first year and $62.53 per hour the second year.

The contract runs from Sept. 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024. The deputy will be off as school resource officer in the summer and will work with the Sheriff’s Office in other duties in July and August.

The Sheriff’s Office will also provide a fully equipped patrol vehicle for the school resource officer.

Kendall and Lyndonville also contract with the Sheriff’s Office for a school resource officer, and Edwards said the Albion contract mirrors the agreements with Lyndonville and Kendall.

Albion changes athletic policy, will allow 7th graders to be on JV, varsity teams

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2022 at 10:14 am

ALBION – The Board of Education changed a school policy on Monday and will again allow select seventh-graders the chance to be on junior varsity and varsity teams.

The board in 2020 voted to keep seventh-graders at the modified levels, without a chance to be on JV or varsity. The board revisited the issue last month and on Monday voted to allow seventh-graders to be on JV or varsity.

Wayne Wadhams, the board president, said there will likely only be one or two seventh-graders a year who would move up to JV or varsity. Those students need to have strong grades, be emotionally mature and be exceptional athletes.

The district has an Athletic Placement Process (APP), a protocol for moving 7^th and 8th graders up the JV or varsity levels.

Mariah LaSpina, the athletic director, in a presentation to the board last month said the APP is aimed at a select few students who would benefit from placement because of their level of readiness. The process is not used to fill a position or roster. It can also be used when there isn’t a modified program.

With the APP, the 7^th and 8^th graders need written permission from parents and guardians to participate before there is any evaluation.

The athletic director also needs to confirm the student is suitable for consideration and there needs to be medical clearance to make sure having a 7^th– or 8^th-grader play at JV or varsity doesn’t increase the likelihood of injury.

Other steps in the process include:

Sport Skill Evaluation: sport coach will rely on past personal observations; consider input from the student’s former coaches; if coach is unfamiliar with the student, the coach may observe the student in a physical education class
Physical Fitness Testing: must be done by a certified physical education teacher
Qualification Determination: the results of the three evaluations are sent to the director of physical education/athletics
Try-Outs: student is allowed to try out for the sport and level requested or student must return to the modified level of competition.