ALBION – The school is proposing to spend $1.8 million for an emergency classroom notification system.

This would be the first time Albion has dipped into its share of its $2,238,441 share of the state-funded Smart Schools Bond Act, a $2 billion fund approved by voters state-wide in 2014.

Those funds can be used classroom connectivity, classroom technology, community connectivity, Pre-K classroom improvements, elimination of temporary classroom or trailers as classrooms, or school security enhancements.

Albion’s Technology Committee has endorsed the proposal, Edward’s said.

Albion school officials said the district project falls under safety and security enhancements. The new emergency classroom notification would replace a PA/clock system with classroom speakers and displays. This will be a digital system with audio and display notification, said Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent.

In addition to the $1.8 million, Albion would need to spend $70,000 to upgrade the IT network to support the system with $15,000 coming from Smart Bond and $55,000 from the E-Rate federal technology fund.

There won’t be any local cost because the funding is already set aside from the state, Edwards said.

Albion residents can review the proposal online and send any comments in the next 30 days to Edwards by email at medwards@albionk12.org. There will also be a public hearing about the proposal in about a month.

If the board adopts the plan following public comments, it will go to the State Education Department for review. Edwards said the state has been spending about eight to 10 months reviewing the plans from other districts.

Albion would have about $400,000 left of its share of the Smart Schools Bond Act  that will be “evergreen funds” that could be used in the future, Edwards said.

ALBION – The school district stands to receive nearly $200,000 from a Florida-based company installing a new solar project on Gaines-Waterport Road.

DG Gaines LLC of Juno, Fla. has agreed to an Educational Contribution Agreement with the school district where ACS will receive $95,000 before the project’s commercial operation date and then another $95,000 a year later. The company will also provide the district with $500 annually for 15 years through a payment in lieu of taxes for $7,500 total in the PILOT.

That brings the total revenue to the district at $187,500.

The district opted for the Educational Contribution Agreement to avoid the PILOT impact on calculating the tax cap. With the tax cap calculation, PILOTS received in the prior year and projected in the current year are added and subtracted from the calculation, which has an impact on the district’s ability to levy taxes in the first and last year of the agreement, school officials said.

In other action during Monday’s Board of Education meeting:

• Panek Farms will continue to work 63 acres of the school district’s land in a lease at $70 per acre annually. That adds up to $4,410 for the district.

The Board of Education approved the deal on Monday evening that extends the lease for five more years.

Margy Brown, a board of education member, said the Panek family has donated to FFA in addition to maintaining the farmland.

“I’m very appreciative of Panek Farms and their support of the kids at Albion Central School,” she said.

• Accepted a $7,379.60 donation from the Xerox Corporation to support a summer camp program at the school district. The funding was secured by Elissa Nesbitt, a former Board of Education member who works at Xerox.

• Approved a new $500 memorial scholarship in memory of Francis “Fritz” Neidert, a former Albion fire chief and long-time firefighter. His family created the scholarship to be awarded to a graduate who wants to be a firefighter and has been accepted to a college program for fire science technology.

• Agreed to change the name of the High School Multicultural Club to the Diversity Club. The group said changing the name should help bring more members to the club and make more people feel included. The club’s main goal is to bring people together.

Photo by Tom Rivers: High School Principal Jenn Ashbery speaks during the commencement for the Class of 2021 on June 25, 2021. That was the first time the ceremony was held on the football field.

ALBION – The high school graduation ceremony will remain outside on the football field.

Jenn Ashbery, the high school principal, announced the plan during Monday’s Board of Education meeting.

Commencement is typically held in the high school gym but was moved to the football field last year on June 25 for the first time. In 2020, there wasn’t a live ceremony. The district compiled a video of grads receiving their diplomas individually.

Last year in the return to a live ceremony each graduate was limited to three tickets. This year there won’t be a limit on attendance and graduates can invite as many people as they want.

The ceremony at Spierdowis Field is planned for 7 p.m. on June 24. In case of rain it will be moved to June 25 at either 11 a.m. or 5 p.m., Ashbery said.

There will also be another change: the graduates won’t sit in the bleachers. Instead they will be up the front in chairs so the class president, valedictorian and salutatorian can see their faces when they give their speeches. Last year, the students were sitting behind the speakers.

Other upcoming events for the Class of 2022 include:

• May 12 – Honors Convocation, High School Gymnasium
• June 10 – Crash simulation in high school parking lot
• June 10 – Senior Prom at Hickory Ridge
• June 17 – Class Night at Middle School Auditorium
• TBD Baccalaureate

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – New Albion Mayor Angel Javier Jr. takes the oath of office this evening. June Persia is holding the Bible while Village Attorney John Gavenda administers the oath. Javier’s father Angel is in back.

Javier, 32, was elected on March 15, receiving 378 votes to 195 for Vickie Elsenheimer and 137 for Kevin Graham.

Today’s organizational meeting was the first meeting for the new Village Board. Javier is joined on the board by Tim McMurray and Joyce Riley, who were elected on March 15. They join Zack Burgess and Chris Barry. Javier appointed Barry as the deputy mayor. Burgess was elected about a year ago and Barry was appointed to the board in May 2020 and then was elected in September 2020 in a year when the election was delayed six months due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Javier and the board will be busy this month putting together the village budget that must be adopted by April 30. The board will have budget meetings April 6-8, and April 11-15 “as needed.”

The board also approved resolutions to have the village recreation director work on two or three layouts for frisbee golf at Bullard Park.

The board also voted to have DPW Superintendent Jay Pahura compile an unofficial survey of streets and sidewalks in the village, which will help prioritize repairs in the future.

The board also voted to seek out a developer for the village website and wants to begin planning use of social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

The board also wants to established a “Loved Ones” initiative at Mount Albion Cemetery with mapping of the cemetery, cleaning of grave stones and have an internal database maintained and eventually published by the village deputy clerk.

Joyce Riley takes the oath while her mother Alma holds the Bible and sister Wanda is in back.

Tim McMurray is sworn in as trustee. He is joined by his children, Kali and Bryden, and his aunt and uncle, Ron and Jill Albertson.

The board also appointed Tracy VanSkiver, the former village code officer, to serve as clerk-treasurer. She succeeds Linda Babcock, who is retiring. Mary O’Sullivan was appointed the deputy clerk-treasurer.

Other appointments include:

• Registrar – Tracy VanSkiver; Deputy Registrar – Mary O’Sullivan
• Village Attorney – John Gavenda
• Fair Housing Officer – Tracy VanSkiver
• Planning Board – Matt Hand
• Zoning Board of Appeals— Anthony Wynn
• Recreation Committee – Geno Allport, Annette Finch, Bernard Baldwin, Mike Beach, Terry Wilbert and Susan Oschmann
• Historic Preservation Committee – Loretta Tomasino and Adam Fischer
• Library trustee as mayor’s appointment – Diana Dudley
• Grievance Committee – Anthony Wynn, Kim Remley and June Persia
• Official banks for village monies – First Niagara, Bank of America, KeyBank and J.P. Morgan Chase
• Official newspaper to carry legal notices for village – The Daily News in Batavia

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Sara Flansburg of Middleport finishes the Wayne Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness 5K this morning in Albion.

The event is in memory of an Albion elementary music teacher who passed away at age 36 from colon cancer on March 26, 2014.

Jose Quiros of Medina was the first male to finish and Lindon Morici of Albion was the first woman to cross the finish line.

Martha Doody of Shortsville finished the race. She holds “Doody” a mascot she uses to raise awareness of irritable bowel syndrome. Martha said she plans to be a part of another race to promote awareness for colon cancer this fall – Strollin for the Colon “Toni’s Race” in Rochester.

She is wearing the hats that were given out to all participants today.

Kathy Jurs, right, and Colleen Dinitto of Albion finish the 3.17-mile course together. The race started on Clarendon Road near the school and went east on Route 31 to Mount Albion Cemetery and came back on 31, ending in the school parking lot.

Race director Bert Gillman, right, welcomes the runners and walkers and sends up a drone to capture footage of the race. Gallman is also the race director for the Strawberry Festival 5K/8K on June 11.

Christine Nickerson of Byron, front, and Natalie Lowes of Webster near the finish line.

Age group awards and tasty cookies awaited after the race.

Marlene Poole of Caledonia, Bib No. 75, and Michael Scherff of Le Roy, Bib No. 64, lead a group in covering the distance this morning. Scherff is Wayne Burlison’s brother-in-law. Burlison’s wife Lisa and son Adam also attended the event today.

Walk/Run in Albion is colon cancer awareness event

Photo by Tom Rivers: This portrait of Wayne Burlison was displayed on a tree along the course at Mount Albion Cemetery during the 2016 race.

ALBION – The Run for Wayne, in memory of Albion music teacher Wayne Burlison, returns on Saturday.

The event is also the Wayne Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness 5K. It starts at 10 a.m. on Clarendon Road near the Albion Elementary School parking lot and heads east along Route 31. The course then goes through Mount Albion cemetery with the walkers/runners then coming back on 31 to the elementary school parking lot.

So far 75 have preregistered for the event. The online registration ends at 5 p.m. today. People can sign up the day of the event beginning at 9 a.m. at the parking lot of the school.

Every participant will receive a custom winter beanie hat with the logo of the Wayne Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness 5K.

The 2020 race was cancelled and last year runners were released in pods of 25 every 10 minutes. The event on Saturday will be the return of a mass start.

The course is slightly longer than a 5K with the distance at 3.17 miles instead of 3.1. The 3.17 signifies 3 months and 17 days. That’s how long Burlison lived after being diagnosed with colon cancer. He passed away at age 36 from colon cancer on March 26, 2014.

Colon cancer is the second leading cancer death among men, but is often treatable if detected in the early stages.

Bert Gallmon, one of Burlison’s friends, is managing the race.

“I want to make sure his spirit lives on because of what he did for the community and for those who knew him,” Gallmon said today.

Burlison was active in several musical groups in the community and also helped start the Albion Running Club. He lost more than 150 pounds through better nutrition and exercise and completed a marathon and half-marathons.

He and his wife Lisa have a son, Adam.

Proceeds from the race support a scholarship in Burlison’s name. Some of the proceeds from the race also have supported a new walking trail at Bullard Park.

There will be a post-race celebration under the overhangs in the parking lot with chili and bagels.

Photo by Tom Rivers: This sign promotes an Easter egg hunt in Albion at the Courthouse lawn from 1 to 3 p.m. on April 9.

Albion and Medina are both planning Easter Egg hunts and activities on April 9.

Several Albion businesses will join in an Easter Hop for April 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. where children can get an Easter basket for free at Toyz n Kandy, Pretty Sweet Bakery and Bloom’s Flower Shop. From there the kids can stop at 15 different businesses that will be giving an Easter treat. DK Auto Body also is sponsoring face-painting at The Coffee Joint.

Then from 1 to 3 p.m. there will be an Easter egg hunt on the Courthouse lawn. That is being organized by the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries, a church that meets at the Arnold Gregory Office Complex.

In medina, the Medina Area Partnership will have an Easter Bunny and Golden Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Easter Bunny will also be at the Santa House in Rotary Park that day from noon to 2 p.m. giving away chocolate suckers.

There will be golden Easter eggs in the windows of several downtown businesses, as well as special eggs hidden up high in the stores.

ALBION – A volunteer fair on April 7 will give residents a chance to meet with local organizations to see where they can fit and serve to help the groups with their mission in the local community.

At least seven organizations have already committed to being at the fair at Hoag Library from 2 to 4 p.m. and more are welcome. Groups unable to be there in person can be part of a volunteering directory.

The volunteer fair is being organized by the Albion Rotary Club. There also will be a cake available celebrating the 100^th anniversary of the Rotary Club. Other service organizations are welcome to attend the volunteer fair and promote membership in their clubs.

For more information about being part of the volunteer fair, contact Albion Rotary through its Facebook page or email Robert Batt at rpb23@cornell.edu.

“So many Orleans County organizations are able to have the impact they do because our friends and neighbors are willing to volunteer and contribute,” said Batt, who is executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County. “We hope this event and the volunteer opportunity directory will be a good way to help connect those looking to help and organizations looking for a hand.”

Some of the organizations that have committed to being at the fair so far include Community Action, the Cobblestone Museum, Supportive Care of Orleans (Hospice), Cornell Cooperative Extension, American Legion, Orleans County YMCA and Albion Rotary.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Cassie Dash, left, smiles with her friend Angie Wolfe at a benefit on Saturday at the QWL building to support Dash and her family while she is unable to work due to multiple sclerosis.

Dash was working the past six years as a secretary at the Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School. Wolfe is a kindergarten teacher at the school.

“She is amazing with the kids,” Wolfe said. “She treats them as her own.”

There was a big turnout at the spaghetti dinner and basket raffle, especially among school employees, including Principal Angela Conway and Assistant Principal Kevin Beaumont.

Dash recently completed chemotherapy to try to stave off MS.

Cassie Schmoske, left, and Mindy Kenward stir the sauce and meatballs for the spaghetti dinners. In back, Matt and Rhonda Grammatico serve the spaghetti.

Dash’s brother Zach Conn and sister Brianna Daniels also helped in the kitchen.

Schmoske, Angie Wolfe and Tami Neal were the lead organizers for the benefit which included 300 spaghetti dinners and about 125 baskets up for raffle.

Dash said she appreciated the support from the community.

“To feel this amount of love and support is just incredible,” she said. “I’ve cried 50 times today.”

Grade levels throughout the district as well as many community members donated baskets for the raffle. More than 1,000 tickets were sold for the raffle.

Photo and press release, Albion Central School

ALBION – Charles D’Amico High School is once again honored to be a recipient in the Exxon Mobil Educational Alliance program.

The school received $500 from the company while the Crosby-Reid Petroleum Company matched the $500 award and presented the check to Principal Jennifer Ashbery and Superintendent of Schools Mickey Edwards this week.

The Exxon Mobil Educational Alliance funds math and science programs across the nation to promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education to schools in need.

In the past, money given through the program has been used towards Python technologies for classes working on coding and robotics.

“We are so appreciative,” Ashbery said. “Every year it is a great surprise. Those funds are put to use to promote STEM in the classroom. It is very exciting.”

ALBION – An audit form the State Comptroller’s Office is critical of Albion Central School for building a reserve or fund balance that is $17 million beyond the statutory limit.

The comptroller’s office said the district routinely underspent its budgets by $5 million to $6 million during the school years of 2017-18 to 2020-21.

The comptroller’s audit, released publicly today, said the board the district officials “did not adopt realistic budgets and did not properly manage fund balance and reserves.

The audit’s key findings for the school district also include:

• Overestimated appropriations by a total of $24 million from 2017-18 through 2020-21.
• Overfunded and did not properly use the retirement contribution reserve fund. That post-employment benefit reserve was overfunded by $11 million. That fund needs $4.8 million, but Albion has $15.8 million retained in this reserve, which is sufficient to cover more than six years of the retirement expenditures
• Could not explain how the Finance Committee participated in the budgeting process or identify what reports the Committee receives or how they are reviewed.
• The District’s budgeting practice of overestimating appropriations resulted in the District levying more real property taxes than needed and resulted in the accumulation of surplus fund balance in excess of the statutory limit by $17.3 million or 47 percentage points.

In a letter to the comptroller’s office dated Feb. 14, Board of Education President Kathy Harling said the district has only increased taxes by 0.14 percent since 2012, and has built up reserves to protect from swings in state aid. (The district hasn’t increased taxes in 13 of the past 15 years and has the lowest tax rate among the five school districts in Orleans County.)

Harling said the state covers about 80 percent of the district’s budget. Albion has also used some of the funds to pay off debt, saving millions of dollars in interest payments, she said.

“The Board of Education is committed to improving its operations and looks forward to comparable successes over the next decade,” she wrote in the letter.

She said the board accepts the report and will work to identify strategies to reduce costs and “strengthen controls in order to safeguard assets.” Implementing a corrective plan is consistent with the district values — “committed to continuous growth and improvement,” she said. “On behalf of our District, I extend our appreciation to you for your insight and recommendations.”

The district’s budget for 2020-21 was $36.8 million. The statutory limit for the fund balance is 4 percent of the budget or about $1.5 million. Albion, however, had a fund balance of $18.8 million – $17.3 million too much, the comptroller’s office said.

“Although the average tax levy increase was less than 1 percent per year during the audit period, the Board and District officials overestimated appropriations and levied taxes that were higher than necessary, which resulted in the accumulation of significant surplus fund balance,” the report states from the comptroller’s office.

The comptroller’s office identified 13 appropriation line items that were each overestimated by more than $300,000 in the four fiscal years, totaling more than $16 million.

Of these 13 line items with large variances, six appropriations (teachers’ salaries kindergarten through grade 12, hospital and medical insurance, teachers’ retirement contribution, contract transportation, operation of plant, and tuition) each had a four-year total budget variance of more than $1.5 million, according to the audit.

School officials responded to comptroller’s staff that the district budgeted for more teachers than were needed, and some teachers announced their retirements at the end of the school, after the budget was approved. They were then replaced with teachers typically at the lower end of the pay scale.

Fewer staff and teachers at lower pay also resulted in less expense for hospital and medical insurance, and teachers’ retirement contribution estimates, which are based on a certain percentage of salaries.

The transportation appropriation was overestimated by a total of $2.1 million and operation of plant by more than $1.7 million. District officials told auditors that Albion budgeted conservatively for the transportation line item to allow for significant unforeseen transportation or repair expenditures.

Albion school officials told comptroller staff that they were concerned that significantly cutting the tax levy – which is $8,449,094 for the 2021-22 school year – would not be sustainable long-term because the tax cap limits increases to about 2 percent a year. If taxes were cut in half, the district worries it wouldn’t be able to increases taxes to previous levels once the fund balance and reserve balances were paid down.

“However, district officials would be able to exceed the tax cap limit, if ever necessary, with voter authorization for a tax cap override,” the comptroller’s report said. “Additionally, when considering significant tax cuts, the Board and officials should consider that the surplus fund balance was accumulated over many years. Rather than significant one-time tax levy reductions, officials could consider incremental decreases and maintain the real property tax levy at a level which would reduce the surplus fund balance gradually.”

‘Leadership is learned. There is no born leader.’ – Frank Berger

Photos by Tom Rivers: Mary Lou Tuohey, second from right, shares about her dream of opening her own business, Case-Nic Cookies, which she has run for 27 years, giving up a career as a nurse. Her daughter Nicole is next to her at right. They were joined as panelists with Frank Berger, Trellis Pore, and Charlie Nesbitt. They shared insights about leadership with students from Albion and Holley. Many of those students are in the Interact Club sponsored by Rotary.

ALBION – A panel of community leaders offered insights to a group of Holley and Albion students during a discussion about leadership.

Put in the work, have good intentions, be well-rounded in your coursework and curiosities, and don’t expect immediate gratification were among comments shared by the panelists. They spoke to students in the Rotary Interact Clubs at Albion and Holley, and other student leaders.

Frank Berger, 87, is a retired Medina teacher who has stayed active in his retirement. He served on the Orleans County Legislature and is a big promoter of the Boy Scouts and local veterans’ groups.

Frank Berger, 87, of Medina is a Korean War veteran and retired Medina teacher. He drew the strongest reactions with some of his blunt assessments, which he offered in colorful language.

He said his experiences as an Eagle Scout, a Red Cross instructor and even his typing class made big differences for him in his career and in the military.

He said study halls are a waste of time and students should fill up their schedule with classes, even “if it’s making yo-yos” or learning other subjects that don’t pique their interest.

“Leadership is learned,” Berger said. “There is no born leader.”

Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke said he sees good in many of the people – even those who go through the court system. Many of those people have made a mistake. They’re still good and decent people, and Bourke said they shouldn’t have their lives ruined over a mistake.

He told the students the Sheriff’s Office offers programs for addiction and mental health to help people.

Bourke said he encounters some people outside of the criminal justice system who have questionable motives.

“If you’re not a good person and you don’t have a kind heart, you don’t impress me,” Bourke said.

Bourke was asked some of the advantages of living in Orleans County and he said the community is safe – and the real estate is inexpensive.

Sheriff Chris Bourke, center, shares about rising through the ranks in the Sheriff’s Office, from a corrections office to deputy and K-9 handler, to undersheriff and now the sheriff. He sees opportunities for people to grow in law enforcement careers in the county.

The sheriff graduated with Tim Archer, an Albion teacher who coordinated the leadership panel last week at Albion High School. Bourke said he feels fortunate to have grown up in a smaller community that offers opportunities, especially with a career in law enforcement. He started his career in 1984 as a corrections officer in the jail and worked his way up to undersheriff and sheriff.

Archer said the students saw that the community leaders sacrificed, and didn’t start at the top.

“History is made by those who show up,” Archer told the group. “You don’t have to famous or popular to do something significant in your community.”

Albion student Aubrey Pask shakes hands with Nicole Tuohey, thanking her for being on a leadership panel on Thursday. About 40 students from Albion and Holley attended the session, which also included insights from Nicole’s mother, Mary Lou Tuohey, owner of Case-Nic Cookies in Medina.

Mary Lou Tuohey, owner of Case-Nic Cookies for 27 years in Medina, was joined by her daughter Nicole, 31.

Nicole was born with a genetic disease called Triple X Syndrome. She has surpassed all expectations as she grew into adulthood. Doctors told Mary Lou Nicole wouldn’t be able to walk, talk, run or ride a bike. Nicole attended Rainbow Preschool where she excelled.

She is an active citizen and prolific fundraiser for the Arc and also the Alzheimers’ Association. Nicole lost both of her grandparents to the disease. Her mother used her skills as a registered nurse to care for them.

Mary Lou gave up the nursing career to pursue her dream of running a cookie business. She is grateful to the community for their support.

Mary Lou said she was bullied and made fun of by some of her classmates. She didn’t understand when they were mean to her in school, but she didn’t let it derail her dreams or her care for others.

“I got through because there were people around me who loved me,” Tuohey said.

Charlie Nesbitt speaks with Broek Ostrom of Holley after a discussion about leadership and making a difference in the local community.

Former State Assemblyman Charlie Nesbitt left college at age 20 to serve in the Vietnam War as a helicopter pilot. He flew hundreds of missions and was awarded the “Distinguished Flying Cross” based on his actions on Nov. 14, 1968.

That day Nesbitt and his crew members were told an American soldier was stranded in enemy territory in the jungles of Laos, across the border from Vietnam. Another helicopter had been hit with a rocket and crashed. The crew needed to be rescued. Nesbitt flew a helicopter in and got out everyone, except one gunman, John Grimaldi, who was separated from his crew. Nesbitt took the recovered crew members back to safety, and then returned to enemy territory to find Grimaldi.

Nesbitt served as a local Chamber of Commerce president at age 25, and sold cars before being elected to the State Assembly. He remains active with the Albion Alumni Association and other local organizations.

Technology has opened doors for people to live in rural communities and work remotely and stay connected to people far away, he said.

True leadership is influencing others to achieve a result, Nesbitt said.

“Having an idea is nice but doing something about it is leadership,” Nesbitt told the students. “You’re not a leaders if no one follows you.”

Trellis Pore, an Albion graduate, said there are plenty of ways to make an impact in the community.

Nesbitt continues to live in Orleans County. He sees a community where committed people can truly make a difference.

“If you choose to be here, then be part of the solution,” he said to the students. “We’re small enough where everyone’s individual effort really helps.”

Trellis Pore works as a corrections officer at the Albion Correctional Facility. He also is a firearms instructor, chemical agent instructor, and CPR and first aid teacher for the Department of Corrections. He also is the pastor at the Shiloh Church and member of the Albion Board of Education.

Pore, a member of Albion’s Class of 2001, said he wants to keep busy, and would rather “wear out than rust out.” Albion has been blessed with many leaders – “some known and some unknown” – over the years who pushed the community forward, Pore said.

“A true leader shows up making a difference instead of complaining about a problem,” he said.

The panelists included from left Charles Nesbitt, Trellis Pore, Sheriff Chris Bourke, Frank Berger, Mary Lou Tuohey and her daughter Nicole Tuohey. Albion teacher Tim Archer, standing at left, coordinated the event.

Press Release, Albion Central School

Photo courtesy of ACS: Damen Chraston holds his Flat Stanley which traveled to his uncle’s military base in Germany.

ALBION – Third-grader Damen Chraston was part of Mrs. Mrzywka’s classes that created and sent out Flat Stanleys earlier this school year. While most students sent their characters around the United States, Damen’s visited his uncle’s military base in Germany.

CH (CPT) Michael Scholes, Damen’s uncle, took care of Flat Stanley while he was on base and commended Damen for dressing him in a perfect military uniform. Flat Stanley was sent back to Albion with a letter and an Army Commendation Medal. The letter reads, in part:

Having received a field commission to 1LT, Flat Stanley has contributed greatly to the overall success of the 1-3 Attack Battalion in their continued and ongoing efforts to maintain readiness and deter Russian aggression.

Recognition: For exceptionally meritorious service while assigned as a Flat Stanley Paper Liaison to the 1-3 Attack Battalion. 1LT Flat Stanley’s leadership, hard work, and dedication greatly enhanced the overall success of the Battalion’s mission. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1-3 Attack Battalion, 12 Combat Aviation Brigade, 7th Army Training Command, and the United States Army. For his actions, and in acknowledgment of his service, he is sent home with an Army Commendation Medal.

Many photos and videos were sent back throughout the fall and winter of Flat Stanley on the base, helping teach all the students about the military and a different part of the world. Flat Stanley is a children’s story book that has been adapted to enrich students’ learning of different communities and cultures.

Kelly Ricker

ALBION – A community event on June 25 will celebrate the life of Kelly Ricker and also raise funds for a scholarship in her name at Albion Central School.

West Bank Street will be closed that day to traffic from Main to Liberty streets for dance performances, food trucks and other events including a live auction where people can bid on services provided by community members. People are asked to sign up for offering a talent – it could be yard work, washing a car, a photo session, a home-cooked meal, handyman repairs, babysitting or many other options, said Amy Sidari, Gotta Dance owner. (Click here for more information.)

Her studio will host a basket auction that day. Ricker for 25 years worked alongside Sidari as stage manager. Ricker was critical in making the many recitals go smoothly, Sidari said.

“She was such an important part of the community,” Sidari said. “She was so committed behind the scenes. You didn’t realize because everything was so perfect but she was right there behind the scenes.”

Ricker passed away at age 50 on Oct. 10 after a fight with cancer. A 1989 graduate of Albion, Ricker was a lifeguard at Albion for more than 30 years and was the school’s assistant swim coach.

She was an active Girt Scout leader, assisting girls including her daughter Laiken. For 15 years she was actively involved with the board for Sandstone Park. Her son Patrick played on the team for many years. She also was very involved at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Albion.

“Kelly Ricker connected people, took the time to know them, and was always willing to help,” Sidari said. “She volunteered so much of her life selflessly.”

Proceeds from the June 25 event will go to Kelly Ricker Memorial Scholarship. The first scholarship for $1,250 will be awarded in June to a graduating senior who demonstrated a passion for swimming by striving to be their best through hard work and dedication to the swim team.

Sidari said the acts of service that will be up for bid on June 25 are a fitting tribute to Ricker who was a key volunteer to many organizations in Albion.

“She was always giving of herself,” Sidari said. “She just loved people.”