By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 October 2024 at 9:02 am
The Barre Betterment Committee presented Heritage House awards to two homeowners.
BARRE – The Barre Betterment Committee has presented two “Heritage House” awards to the owners of well-kept houses that have endured for about two centuries.
Betsy Miller, president of the BBC, presented Heritage House plaques to Willy and Joan Wraight, posthumously, and to William and Sue Bias.
The Wraight house was built in Barre Center in the early 1800s by the same gentleman who also built the Barre Center Presbyterian Church, Miller said.
The Bias house was built in 1841 by William Puzey out of fieldstone cobble.
The Barre Betterment Committee’s mission is to promote, unite, improve and enhance the quality of life for the common good and general welfare of the people of the Town of Barre. All Barre residents are welcome to join the BBC in this mission. For more information, send a message through Facebook to the Barre Betterment Committee or call (585) 590-7503.
The BBC will next be hosting a Trunk or Treat event at the Barre Town Park from 2 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 26. People are welcome to bring children dressed in costumes to receive candy and treats.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 October 2024 at 9:26 am
Barre, Shelby wanted higher share, but settle on 40 percent
Map from AES: The 200 megawatt solar project in Barre and Shelby would be along Crane, Townline and Burns roads near the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.
BARRE – A 200 megawatt solar project in Barre and Shelby will bring $900,000 annually in revenue to local governments, to be shared among two towns, three school districts and Orleans County.
The Orleans Economic Development Agency negotiated the host community agreement for the Hemlock Ridge Solar, discussions that started about 2 ½ years ago among the municipal leaders.
AES, owner of Hemlock Ridge, has agreed to pay $4,500 per megawatt to local governments or $900,000 total the first year, which is expected to be 2026. The amount will increase 2 percent after that. AES is hoping to start construction next summer on Hemlock Ridge with the project operational in 2026. The project is along Crane Road, Townline Road, and Burns Road about 5 miles southeast of Medina.
Typically, the Orleans EDA works out PILOT agreements (payment in lieu of taxes) and the local governments’ share is based on their tax rates. The school districts tend to have the highest tax rates and they get the largest amount among the towns and county in a typical PILOT.
But with Hemlock Ridge the entities agreed to not do a PILOT and base the revenue sharing on their tax rates. In that scenario, the towns would get the least of the revenue because their tax rates are less than the schools districts and county.
The host community agreement gives the two towns 40 percent of the total revenue, but Barre and Shelby wanted more.
The host community agreement hasn’t been made fully public, detailing the amounts for all the governments.
The Barre Town Board on Wednesday voted to accept its share. The project is 82 percent in the Town of Barre and 18 percent in Shelby. The towns together get 40 percent of the revenue or $360,000 the first year the project is operational.
Barre will get 82 percent of the money for the two towns or $295,200, while Shelby gets the other 18 percent or $64,800.
The two towns argued they should receive more than 40 percent because they are dealing with the impacts of the project and have done more work with the developer in siting it.
Barre with the Heritage Wind project will receive 75 percent of the local revenue through that host community agreement.
“We fought like hell but they wouldn’t budge,” Kathy Bennett, the Shelby town attorney, said about the county and school districts.
The Shelby Town Board is expected to finalize the agreement next month. The town also needs to sign a road use agreement during the construction phase of the project.
The Town of Barre also sought more funding, but town attorney Bridget O’Toole said the school districts and county wouldn’t go above 40 percent for the two towns.
“It was a very contentious negotiation with a lot of blood, sweat and tears,” she said after Wednesday’s Town Board meeting.
The County Legislature on Sept. 24 approved its share of the project, with the county amount varying on whether the solar panels are in the Albion, Medina or Oakfield-Alabama school districts.
The county will receive $1,008.90 per megawatt within the Albion school district (22.4 percent of total), $744.83 per megawatt within Oakfield-Alabama district (16.6 percent of the total), and $935.19 per megawatt for the project within Medina school district (20.8 percent).
The school districts, based on the county share and the 40 percent to the two towns, would get the following: 37.6 percent to Albion for the area in ACS; 43.4 percent of Oakfield-Alabama for the land in the project in that district; and 39.2 percent to Medina school district for the area in that district.
After 10 years, another $500 per megawatt will be added to host community agreement and that additional $100,000 a year will go to the two towns with Barre getting 82 percent, O’Toole said.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 October 2024 at 8:22 am
Proceeds come from ‘Tabletop Sales’
Provided photos: (Left) Renee Hungerford, director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, accepts a check from Sharon Miller on behalf of West Barre Church. (Right) The community donates all kind of goods to the West Barre Church, who then store it in a building across the road, where people can come and shop every Friday and Saturday from May to September and leave a donation.
WEST BARRE – For a little church located on a country road, the West Barre Church has proven itself to be a pillar in the community.
Under the leadership of the Worship Committee, the congregation plans fundraisers, serves meals to the public and runs other fundraising events, which allow them to support worthy causes in the community.
One of those causes is Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, and recently, church member Sharon Miller presented a check for $931 to CAOG’s director Renee Hungerford.
A fundraiser called Tabletop Sales grew out of an abundance of donations of all kinds of merchandise, which the public continues to give to the church. The members sort and arrange goods in a large room set aside as a shopping center, where the public can come in shop to their hearts content.
There is merchandise of all kinds, including pictures, kitchen wares, baby items, holiday decorations, toys and gifts, and more. There are no prices on any merchandise. Shoppers simply leave a donation of what they think their items are worth or what they can afford. No one is refused anything because they can’t pay for it.
Members of the community and friends of West Barre Church relax and listen to a band in Mull-Barre Park. When land across the road from West Barre Church was donated by the late Wilbur Mull, the church developed Mull-Barre Park, where they hold concerts all summer.
Money earned is donated to a different cause in the community each month. Previous donations have gone to Hands for Hope, the Cobblestone Museum, Albion’s food kitchen, Ministry of Concern, MAAC and community members.
Miler explained another fundraiser is summer concerts in the park, possible because of Mull-Barre Park.
Since 1993, when a local farmer Wilbur Mull donated land across the street to the church, they have used it for community entertainment and a playground for youth. For the last five years they had a concert in the park on Sunday afternoons. Members of the community bring their lawn chairs and sit under the trees to enjoy the music, which differs every week, from rock and roll and blues to country. An added feature is Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza which sets up a portable wood-fired oven at the edge of the park.
The church is planning a craft show on Oct. 19, chaired by Jann Davis. It will include a basket raffle from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A big part of their ministry is community dinners. They are known for their Election Day turkey dinner, which since Covid, has been drive-thru only. This year’s will be from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 5, featuring turkey and all the trimmings.
“We are a church with community in our hearts,” Miller said.
Anyone is welcome to attend worship at 9:30 on Sunday mornings.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 September 2024 at 8:29 pm
Photo courtesy of Orleans County Sheriff’s Office
BARRE – A tractor trailer tipped over on Route 98 this evening, crashing into a guard rail near the Genesee County line.
The driver was taken by ambulance to be treated for a head injury at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.
A section of Route 98 continues to be closed to traffic due to the accident, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke said.
The truck was loaded with cabbage and the weight shifted, causing the trailer to sway off the roadway and strike a guard rail near the county line, he said.
“The impact made the trailer axel become detached from the trailer,” Bourke said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 August 2024 at 10:38 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – Barre town officials and community members this evening celebrated a new playground at the town park on Route 98.
Willow Duell in red and Liberty Klein in yellow cut the ribbon during the celebration. At left is Barre Town Councilman Dave Waters with Town Supervisor Sean Pogue, second from right. Dale Brooks, the town highway superintendent, is in back at right.
Pogue said many in the town contributed to the effort that has been years in the making.
He thanked the Barre Betterment Committee for raising money for the project, including securing a $35,000 grant from the AES Corporation, which is developing a 200-megawatt solar facility in Barre and Shelby. AES is also doing a smaller solar project and is nearly done with construction on Route 98, not far from the town park.
Pogue said the Betterment Committee has been “the driving force” behind the project. The Betterment Committee purchased six new playground pieces at a deep discount for $31,500. That came from the AES money, with the remaining $3,500 to go towards topsoil and seeding near the playground.
The town also was able to keep three pieces of playground equipment – swings, a caterpillar climbing apparatus and a slide – and move them to the new spot in the park.
Town Supervisor Sean Pogue, center in back, thanks many contributors who have helped make the new playground a reality.
Pogue also commended AES for its contribution, and Barre Stone Products and Keeler Construction for supplying some materials and also donating towards new electric at the park.
Jason Foote, the town park director, also secured grants from Apex Clean Energy to move the project along and buy some of the materials.
Titan Development in Gasport assembled and installed the new playground and three older units, as well as providing expertise in the layout.
Dale Brooks, the highway superintendent, and the other highway workers did the site work, collaborated with Titan Development, and are putting the finishing touches on the site, Pogue said.
The town supervisor also commended RTO/Ambient for providing free WiFi at the park. Look for Barre Park and “guest” on the WiFi signal.
Pogue said the Town Board wants to do more at the site in the future, with a goal for restrooms.
The project thus far has cost in the $60,000 to $70,000 range with grants and donations covering most of the expense. The town spent $16,000 from its budget to hire Titan and that came from the federal ARPA funds, Pogue said.
BARRE – Heritage Wind is excited to announce four local organizations as awardees from the project’s community grant program. Launched in 2020, this program supports local community organizations throughout the Town of Barre and Orleans County working to build healthy communities, support economic development, foster environmental sustainability, and promote education.
“Heritage Wind is grateful to be able to continuously back local organizations that support Orleans County through our Community Grant Program,” said Carmen O’Keefe, Director of Development with Apex Clean Energy.
This round of grants were awarded to:
Medina Railroad Museum
The Town of Barre
Orleans County Deputy Sheriffs Association
Community Action of Orleans and Genesee
The Medina Railroad Museum has been awarded $4,000 to develop an interactive display allowing children to use virtual reality to simulate the operation of the railroad in several key positions, such as engineer, conductor, and railroad fireman.
The Town of Barre has received $4,000 for the continuous effort to upgrade the town park and the installation of new playground equipment.
“The Town of Barre is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a $4,000 grant from Apex Clean Energy and Heritage Wind’s Community Grant Program,” said Parks Department Director Jason Foote. “This funding will enhance public health through the renovation of the Town Park playground, supporting future expansion plans to create a vibrant and inclusive recreational space for all residents.”
The Orleans County Deputy Sheriff Association was awarded $4,000 for a new program benefitting their local deputies. Torry Tooley, President of the Orleans County Deputy Sheriffs Association, was thankful for the grant.
“The men and women of the Orleans County Deputy Sheriffs Association would like to thank Apex Clean Energy and Heritage Wind for awarding the association funds to further our effort to be ‘Fit for You,’” Tooley said. “This funding allows us to invest in the physical and mental well-being of our deputies. Your commitment to strengthening communities truly resonates with our mission to serve our citizens with the best possible care. This grant will be another step forward in this mission.”
Community Action of Orleans and Genesee was awarded $450 for the purchase of supplies to help the Credit Recovery Program. This program helps support local high school students working to obtain the necessary credits to complete high school.
Counting this year’s recipients, Heritage Wind has awarded over $120,000 to community causes and non-profit organizations. These grants are part of a larger community grant program by Apex Clean Energy that has awarded over $5 million in funds to local communities nationwide since 2020.
In addition to awarding grants to local community organization, Heritage Wind was a proud sponsor of the Barre Cubs little league team, who was able to clinch the midget league title this season.
Heritage Wind continues to strive to be a strong community partner to local governments, area businesses, and non-profits working to improve people’s lives across the region. The community grant program will open an additional round of grant funding this Fall to be awarded before the end of the year. To learn more or apply for a future grant, visit www.heritagewindpower.com/grant.
BARRE – The Heritage Wind Community Grant Program is now accepting applications for its Spring 2024 grant cycle.
Counting the last grant cycle’s recipients, the grant program has awarded nearly $120,000 to community causes and non-profit organizations working to build healthy communities, increase environmental sustainability, foster economic development, and promote education, since its inception in 2020.
The previous Fall Grant Cycle included the following community organizations: Orleans County Joint Veterans Council, Medina Fire Department, GLOW ARC and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association.
Local organizations working in the Town of Barre, and the broader Orleans County community are encouraged to apply. Grants are typically awarded in $250 to $4,000 increments, with priority given to proposals that demonstrate meaningful impacts to the greatest number of area residents.
The four focus areas for the community grant program are:
Building Healthy Communities – Programs that support public health or enhance the quality of life in the community.
Economic Development – Programs that support the economic wellbeing of the community.
Environmental Sustainability – Programs that support environmental revitalization, sustainability, or empower residents to be stewards of the environment.
Promoting Education – Programs that support educational institutions, especially the advancement of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). This may include curriculum development, vocational training or literacy support.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Anna Mathes at anna.mathes@apexcleanenergy.com or (585) 563-5137.
BARRE – The Town of Barre is updating its Comprehensive Plan and wants to hear from residents. The Town’s appointed Comprehensive Plan Committee will hold a public open house on Monday, April 29, at the Barre Town Hall, 14317 West Barre Rd.
Residents, landowners, and others interested in the future of the Town of Barre are invited to drop in any time between 4 and 7 p.m. The Town’s planning consultant will give a brief presentation on the Comprehensive Plan and the Community Survey at 4:15, 5:15 and 6:15 p.m.
The Town of Barre launched a Community Survey to help the Comprehensive Plan Committee better understand residents’ issues and priorities. The survey is available online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BarreCommunitySurvey.
Residents may also call the Town Clerk at (585) 589-5100 to request a paper copy of the survey. Barre residents who complete the survey by April 15 will be eligible for a drawing to win $100.
The Comprehensive Plan will set goals and recommend actions to guide town decisions regarding:
Land use and zoning
Neighborhood Preservation and Housing
Business and Economic Development
Housing and Residential Quality of Life
Agriculture & Farmland
Natural Resources & Environmental Protection
Utilities
Transportation
Government and Community Services
For more information, please contact Comprehensive Plan Committee chair George McKenna at (585) 738-4875 or planning consultant Barbara Johnston at (585) 295-6636.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 February 2024 at 8:38 am
Dirt bike driver killed in head-on collision with pickup truck
Photos by Tom Rivers: Emergency responders and law enforcement are shown at the scene of a fatal collision on McNamar Road in Barre near Angevine Road on Thursday evening.
BARRE – A person was killed on Thursday in Barre when he was struck by a pickup truck going the wrong way on McNamar Road, State Police said this morning.
Roger Kingdollar, 24, of Holley was killed while operating a dirt bike while headed westbound on the north shoulder. He was struck at about 4:05 p.m.
State Police said a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado was driven by Noah Magee, 19, of Brockport. He was driving eastbound on the north shoulder, which is the wrong way of travel, State Police said.
After the collision Magee continued eastbound on McNamar Road, leaving the scene, State Police said.
Kingdollar was driving a Honda CRF450R Dirt Bike. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
There were two uninvolved four-wheelers traveling with Kingdollar, State Police said.
Magee returned to the scene without the truck and state troopers detained him. Troopers arrested Magee on the recommendation from the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office, State Police said.
He has been charged with reckless endangerment 1st degree (D Felony), leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident (D Felony) and other vehicle and traffic infractions.
Magee was processed at the State Police barracks in Albion. He was then transported to the Orleans County Jail for centralized arraignment today.
The State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office assisted in this investigation, which State Police said is ongoing.
Quill Diesel Repair removes a Chevrolet Silverado that was involved in a fatal collision.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 December 2023 at 12:14 pm
ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Board has backed a 2.25 megawatt solar project in Albion and 525-foot-long screening berm for Barre Stone Products.
Planners met last Thursday and recommended the Town of Albion approve a special use permit and the site plan for a solar project with 5,048 panels at 12811 Route 31, on land owned by Rachael Murray near the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. The project is an extension of the solar array on Long Bridge Road, but they are separate facilities with their own interconnections to the grid, planners said.
USLE/West Albion Community Solar of Latham, NY is the applicant for the new solar project. The panels will be connected to a single-axis tracker racking system. The system will encompass 16 acres of a 63-acre site. The solar array will be surrounded by a fence with a vegetative buffer. There won’t be a battery-storage system. Construction of the project will take 6-8 months.
Planners also recommended the Town of Barre approve a special use modification for a 525-foot-long screening buffer berm by a mine at 4412 Oak Orchard Rd.
Keeler Construction and Barre Stone Products will provide a visual shield and sound barrier for the mine. The berm will be 12 feet high with a base width of 112 feet, allowing for a 1:3 slope that will be easy to maintain with a mowable grass cover.
Barre Stone officials estimated the berm will take about two weeks to construct.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 December 2023 at 8:59 pm
BARRE – A Barre woman has been charged with assault with intent to cause serious physical injury after allegedly stabbing her boyfriend several times this morning, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke said.
Nathalie Ann Smith
Nathalie Ann Smith, 57, allegedly stabbed her boyfriend, John G. Dunn, 59, multiple times at 5164 Oak Orchard Rd. The Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the scene at 7:56 a.m. with a report of a violent domestic incident involving a knife, Bourke said.
Law enforcement arrived on scene and assisted in rendering aid until medical personnel arrived. Dunn and Smith were both transported by ambulance to area hospitals where they were treated, Bourke said.
Dunn is in stable condition at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, while Smith was taken into custody after an evaluation.
Besides the assault charge, a class B felony, Smith has been charged with criminal possession of a weapon with intent to use, a class A misdemeanor.
Smith was arraigned in Orleans County CAP Court at 7:30 this evening. She is being held at the Orleans County Jail on $100,000 bail. An order of protection has been issued for the victim. Smith is to return to the Barre Town Court.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the New York State Police, the Barre Fire Department and Monroe Ambulance.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 December 2023 at 1:37 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – About 20 tractors and other farm equipment were decorated in Christmas lights for a parade on Saturday.
This was the seventh time the Barre Betterment Committee organized the event. In two prior years, the parade was cancelled due to high winds, including in 2021.
But on Saturday, the temperatures were about 60 and a threat of rain never arrived. There were many more people along Route 98 than in past parades.
Santa waves to the crowd while riding on the trailer strewn with lights. It was a fun time in Barre during the parade.
Jesse Farwell holds his young son while driving a tractor in the parade.
This chopper was brought in from Alexander by Brian Thompson Farms. It is reflected in a big puddle at the Van Lieshout farm on East Barre Road. That was a staging area for the tractors and farm equipment before then headed down Route 98 to the barre Town Park.
This boy gets a ride on the chopper from Brian Thompson Farms.
Bruce Naas of Oakfield gets his tractor lighted up for the parade.
Bruce Naas gets some lights on a wreath of his tractor. He said it was his first time being in a parade. He was invited by his friend Mike Van Lieshout.
Gallagher Hill Trucking has its truck decked out in lights for the parade.
The Basinait family made float of the North Pole Farms.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 December 2023 at 10:31 pm
Albion and Barre both host procession of illuminated vehicles
Photos by Tom Rivers
Albion and Barre both hosted lighted parades this evening with Barre having its annual tractor parade down Route 98 at 5:30 p.m., and Albion having “Santa’s Hometown Parade” at 6:30 p.m.
Santa waves in the top photo while sitting on a trailer adorned with lights in the Barre parade.
It was a balmy 60 degrees for the parades, at a time of year when it is often snowing with high winds in a deep freeze.
Many of the people watching the parade didn’t even have a coat on, with some people in short sleeve shirts.
The Albion Fire Department was led Brantley Conner in the battery-operated car. He was joined by his brother Lucas Conner and mother Amber. AJ Fisher is at left.
Mike and Cyndy Van Lie Shout ride in a tractor wishing “A Barre Merry Christmas To All.” The parade in Barre started at the Van Lie Shout farm on East Barre Road near Route 98 and then headed north.
Dawn Spencer of the Eye of Oden gives an enthusiastic greeting on Main Street in Albion. She and the other dog trainers led dogs which wore blue light-up sweathers. Eye of Oden had a “Blue Christmas” theme to express their sadness on the death of a beloved dog, George’s Legend.
This tractor heads north on Route 98 in the tractor parade.
The middle school chorus, led by teacher Karen Conn, sings “Feliz Navidad” while walking down Platt Street in the Albion parade.
These tractor are lined up at the Van Lieshout farm before the start of the Barre parade. The inflatable boot is for A.L. Bennett & Sons, which sells boots and other supplies.
Photo by Marsha Rivers: Santa rode on a boat to close out Albion’s parade. The boat was part of a float decorated by Susie’s Boat-tique.
Orleans Hub will post more pictures from the two parades on Sunday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 December 2023 at 9:25 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – Santa Claus was escorted by Barre firefighters around town today on 34 stops, visiting 147 kids. This is the 10th year the Barre Volunteer Fire Company has organized the Santa Express.
In the top photo, Santa and the Barre firefighters stop at Amanda and Joe Nash’s home on Pine Hill Road. Landon Flansburg walks up to greet Santa.
Madelyn Bell of Brockport is pleased to meet Santa. She was among the kids during Santa’s stop at the Nash home. Many family and friends were there.
The fire company welcomes people to drop off gift-wrapped presents at the firehall and those gifts are then delivered by firefighters and Santa. People are encouraged to make a donation to the fire company if they get a visit from Santa and the firefighters.
Santa meets many kids during the stop at the Nash’s.
There were about 24 Barre firefighters on the Santa Express. The split into two different groups, taking Santa by fire truck.
The firefighters say the Santa Express gives them a chance to see families for a good reason, rather than an emergency. It also helps children to meet the firefighters, who act as Santa’s elves while delivering the gifts.
“We love it just as much as they do,” said long-time Barre firefighter Jerry Bentley.
He has enjoyed seeing the kids grow up in the 10 years of the Santa Express.
Luke Flansburg gives Santa a hug, while Luke’s cousin Landon watches.
The kids are excited while holding their gifts that were delivered by Santa and Barre firefighters.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 29 November 2023 at 11:32 am
Provided photo: Mike Randall will perform his solo impersonation of Charles Dickens Presents: “A Christmas Carol” on Dec. 16 at Barre Center Presbyterian Church.
BARRE CENTER – Mike Randall, retired feature reporter for WKBW Channel 7, will present his critically acclaimed rendition of Charles Dickens in “A Christmas Carol” on Dec. 16 at the Barre Center Presbyterian Church.
The solo performance will begin at 7 p.m. and feature Randall in what has been acclaimed as “an exquisite, moving performance.”
Randall’s appearance comes from an invitation by Albion native Charles Nesbitt, who has invited Randall to the Albion area several times in recent years to do his impersonation of Mark Twain and Dickens.
Having performed his Mark Twain show for 51 years and now the Dickens show for 16 years, Randall has been to Orleans County a number of times throughout the years.
“The first time I brought Charles Dickens to Orleans County was 2009 at the Carlton Methodist Church for two performances, with a return engagement in 2021,” Randall said.
Randall is a lover of Buffalo history and when he discovered Charles Dickens performed in Buffalo in 1868, he decided to recreate Dickens presentation of his most well-known story, “A Christmas Carol.”
Randall started performing as Mark Twain in his first year of college, just to see if he could do it. His first show was May 14, 1972 at Rosary Hill College. He celebrated his 50th anniversary of the show on May 14 last year at the Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda.
“Mike Randall is a gifted performer who once again brings the spirit of Christmas to Orleans County,” Nesbitt said. “The beautifully decorated Barre Center Presbyterian Church is the perfect place to experience an evening immersed in Charles Dickens classic story.”
Randall said coming to Orleans County has always been special for him. He and his wife Kathy are avid campers and have a favorite spot at Golden Hill State Park.
“As a reporter for WKBW-TV I would always enjoy my trips to the country to cover stories,” Randall said. “And now I have family in the county. My son, his wife and my grandchildren live in Medina.”
In addition to his 40 years as an award-winning feature reporter on Channel 7, Randall also spent several years as chief meteorologist. He has also performed a variety of roles in theaters across the country, and spent time as the Marvelous Magical Burger King, where he perfected his abilities as a magician and live family entertainer. He is a member of the Puppeteers of America, and was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame in September 2017.
Tickets to see Randall as Charles Dickens at Barre Center Presbyterian Church are $20 and available at Orleans Travel Bureau at 21 East Bank St., Albion, or from church members. A limited number will be available at the door.
