By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 August 2022 at 11:34 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from Aug. 14, 2016 shows people on a tour of Mount Albion Cemetery, near the chapel that was built in 1875 with a slate roof. The building and its roof could use repairs.
ALBION – The Albion Village Board wants to hear from its department heads on how the village should best spend about $150,000 remaining in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.
The village was approved for $585,812 in federal funding through ARPA. The board has given department heads until next month to submit proposals for the remaining money.
Some ideas from village officials already have been submitted, including slate roof repairs at the chapel at Mount Albion Cemetery, a new pump at the sewer plant, new picnic tables and a pavilion at Bullard Park, a panic button and handicapped accessible door at the Village Office, a utility box on an pickup truck used by the Albion Fire Department (to carry EMS supplies).
The village also will be doing a new building by its water plant to store fluoride. The village was approved for a $305,000 grant towards the building, but the low bid for the project is $388,000. Village officials are checking to see if the ARPA funds could go towards the $83,000 that isn’t covered by the grant.
Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley urged all of the departments to submit their proposals with estimated costs so the board can prioritize how to spend the money.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Albion Village Board members were addressed by Karen Sawicz and Michael Bonafede about the upcoming Main Street bridge closure. The board members include from left Chris Barry, Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley, Zack Burgess and Tim McMurray.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 August 2022 at 10:41 am
ALBION – The Albion Village Board has scheduled two community forums next month for residents, merchants and building owners to share concerns about the upcoming bridge closure on Main Street. The board also wants to hear ideas for utilizing space in the downtown while the bridge is closed for about 18 months.
The forums will start at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 7 and 6 p.m. on Sept. 14 at the Village Hall. The board is looking to form a committee to connect with the village and state Department of Transportation, and also to help coordinate projects on Main Street.
The Main Street lift bridge will close to traffic on Oct. 17 and not reopen until the spring of 2024. The bridge from 1914 will get an extensive rehabilitation.
It is part of a $28.3 million project that includes the Main Street lift bridge in Brockport. The bridge in Brockport is expected to close in April 2023 and reopen in the spring 2024.
Crane-Hogan Structural Systems in Spencerport ins the general contractor on the two bridges. Crane-Hogan did the rehab work on seven canal bridges in Orleans County from 2018 to 2021. That was a $10.8 million project for the work on the single-lane truss bridges.
Karen Sawicz, owner of Lake Country Media, and Michael Bonafede, owner of three buildings in the downtown, addressed the Village Board on Wednesday and urged the group to advocate for better sign postings in the village and nearby state roads to help drivers move around in the Albion area.
Bonafede said the board has more clout than residents in advocating for the community, to try to minimize the negative impacts of having the bridge closed for so long.
“This is going to be two years,” Bonafede said. “It could make or break us.”
Bonafede said the bridge overhaul is needed, and he said the community should appreciate the investment from the state. But the Village Board needs to be active in the process to mitigate the impact as much as possible.
“It’s going to be very disruptive to the downtown,” Bonafede said. “It is really going to change life down there for two years.”
Bonafede suggested the village encourage the contractors and DOT staff to try to avoid using public parking spaces in the downtown and to barricade off parts of the street as little as possible when there is construction.
Sawicz said traffic will shift to the Ingersoll Street lift bridge. She suggested the village put in a temporary stop sign at Ingersoll and State Street when the Main Street bridge is closed.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 August 2022 at 3:47 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Ray Smith, an employee with the Albion Department of Public Works, puts a coat of paint on a steel frame holding a new scoreboard at Bullard Park. The DPW put in concrete footers for the frame and installed an electric line for the new scoreboard.
The scoreboard was donated by Mark Cammilleri, owner of the local Burger King.
The youth football and cheerleading program also raised money for the scoreboard through many fundraisers.
The Albion DPW is working to have the scoreboard ready for this Saturday’s slate of football games at the park on Route 31. Albion has been the only team in the youth football league without a scoreboard.
Not having the scoreboard also is challenging for spectators, players and coaches who often aren’t sure of the score and how much time is left on the clock.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 August 2022 at 11:26 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Doug Egling of Albion performs a solo on his saxophone during a performance on June 27, 2019 in Albion’s Canal Concert Series. Egling and the band Cold Fusion Arts play blues, jazz/rock fusion with a pinch of funk.
ALBION – The Village of Albion is extending its summer concert series by one more week with the performance shifting from by the canal to the amphitheater stage at Bullard Park.
The band Cold Fusion Arts will perform from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the amphitheater. The band includes Grayson Krol on basses, Mike Putnam on guitars and guitar synths, Paul Goodwin on kit and percussion, Kate Egling on vocals, and Doug Egling on saxes, flutes and wind synth.
Village officials wanted to have one more concert to cap off the summer series and try it at the amphitheater, where a new stage debuted last year. Food trucks are expected for the concert. Admission is free for the music.
Albion closed out the concert series by the canal last Thursday with a performance by the Who Dats. About a 100 attended the event. There canal spot hosted six concerts on Thursday evenings from July 14 to Aug. 18.
The amphitheater hosted the Rock the Park music festival on Aug. 6 with seven bands, including Nerds Gone Wild to cap the event.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 August 2022 at 10:28 am
ALBION – A basket raffle with 50 different items as well as gift cards raised about $1,300 for the activities department at The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center on Route 31 in Albion.
“Weather turned out in our favor so everyone who took part enjoyed a day of fun, food and music,” said Kristin Bloom, the activities director. “A huge shout out to our community, friends and families of The Villages for all their support. Residents even took part in purchasing tickets and enjoying lunch from the food trucks.”
The funds will go towards bingo prizes, cookouts for the residents, craft supplies and even some bigger ticket items that can be utilized by all residents and to keep hygiene products on hand for those who may have run out, Bloom said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 August 2022 at 9:28 pm
DOT also working on Brockport’s lift bridge as part of $28.3 million rehab for 2 bridges
Photo by Tom Rivers: Traffic moves along Main Street in Albion this evening. The Main Street lift bridge will close for about 18 months as part of a major rehabilitation of the bridge from 1914.
ALBION – The Main Street lift bridge will close to traffic on Oct. 17 and not reopen for about 18 months until the spring of 2024, the state Department of Transportation said this evening during a community meeting at Hoag Library.
The bridge from 1914 will get an extensive rehabilitation. It is part of a $28.3 million project that includes the Main Street lift bridge in Brockport. The bridge in Brockport is expected to close in April 2023 and reopen in the spring 2024.
Crane-Hogan Structural Systems in Spencerport ins the general contractor on the two bridges. Crane-Hogan did the rehab work on seven canal bridges in Orleans County from 2018 to 2021. That was a $10.8 million project for the work on the single-lane truss bridges.
DOT officials said a planned closure for the two lift bridges is better than shutting down a bridge on an emergency.
“This is a planned event versus an emergency,” said DOT official said at this evening’s meeting. “We know what’s coming and everybody can plan for it.”
Michael Bonafede, owner of the Pratt and Day buildings in the downtown, speaks about the bridge project with engineer Jonathan Long.
The project includes replace the bridge deck and portions of the truss system with high-strength, galvanized steel. The lifting system’s mechanical and electrical components will be replaced and the lift towers rehabilitated. Crane-Hogan will also replace the bridge rails and repaint the bridge in the current shade of green.
“The work will modernize and fortify the internal workings of the bridge without comprising the external character that makes this bridge an iconic part of the Albion community,” the DOT in a brochure about the project.
Michael Bonafede, a downtown business and building owner, said the bridge closure for such an extended time will be a hardship on the community, especially the downtown merchants.
“It’s a huge project,” Bonafede said. “It’s going to be disruptive but the outcome is going to be worth it. It’s nice that they are saving the bridge. The Erie Canal is a tourist attraction.”
Bonafede shared concerns with DOT staff that some of the building owners will have lifts in the downtown for façade and window work as part of a Main Street initiative that was partially funded by the state.
Bonafede asked the DOT to not block off areas where some of that work will be done, including Morrison Realty which is close to the canal.
“In the end this is good for our community,” Bonafede said about a revamped bridge. “With a project this big you’re going to be inconvenienced. But for the long run, they’re going to make it better.”
Hoag Library hosted a meeting for the community to discuss the project with officials from the state Department of Transportation and Canal Corp.
Joyce Riley, the Albion deputy mayor, urged the community to make an extra effort to support the downtown merchants when the bridge is closed. She also said the closure could be a chance to hold events in the downtown that normally wouldn’t be possible because it is difficult to have the street blocked off.
She welcomes ideas from businesses and other community members for events in the downtown area while the bridge is closed.
“It’s going to affect the traffic pattern when everyone is skirting around the downtown,” Riley said.
She said the Main Street closure is the latest blow to the traffic flow in Albion, following the long-term closure of the Brown Street canal bridge about a decade ago and then the dismantling of the Clarendon Street bridge in the spring 2015.
“It’s getting harder and harder to get around in the community,” she said.
With the Main Street lift bridge closure, the DOT’s posted detour will be to utilize routes 31, 387 (Fancher Road), and 104 (Ridge Road). Most vehicles are expected to use the Ingersoll Street lift bridge in the village.
State DOT and Canal Corp. officials discuss the bridge project with community members at Hoag Library.
Brockport Mayor Margay Blackman attended the session in Albion. Brockport has been preparing for the closure of its Main Street lift bridge for the past year.
The village has a Bridging the Closure Committee with subcommittees on marketing, active transportation, vehicular traffic and events.
The groups are working on events on Main Street while the bridge is closed. Blackman said that could include having the farmers’ market right on the street and allowing restaurants to do outdoor service.
Brockport like Albion has a second lift bridge close by with the one on Park Avenue. Blackman said the village will have signs and notices to help route motorists around the community.
Brockport will also be encouraging biking and other “active transportation” during the closure. Some in the village think the closure could be an opportunity for the downtown merchants.
“We’re talking about how to market the closure and make it a positive,” Blackman said. “We want to get people interested in these bridges and how they work.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: The DOT will present information today about an upcoming project at the Main Street lift ridge in Albion. The bridge is expected to be closed about 18 months.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 August 2022 at 10:24 am
ALBION – There will be a meeting today at Hoag Library from 6 to 8 p.m. which will detail an upcoming $15 million rehabilitation of the Main Street lift bridge.
The state Department of Transportation will have displays and other information about the project, with staff present to take questions from the community. The bridge on Route 98 is expected to be closed for about 18 months.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.”
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.
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.
