By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 December 2024 at 8:06 pm
Photo courtesy of Scott Robinson: Mrs. Claus poses with staff members from Medina Memorial Hospital during the annual Christmas event for children on Wednesday. Mrs. Claus was filling in for Santa, who was under the weather.
MEDINA – A tradition at Medina Memorial Hospital for many years has been a visit by Santa and holiday events to entertain children.
This year’s visit by Santa took place Wednesday afternoon, when nearly 40 children came to take part in Christmas activities, including coloring pictures, writing letters to Santa (each of which receive a response), decorating ornaments, making reindeer food and decorating sugar cookies.
The dietary team added another layer to the fun by incorporating the movie Elf into the activities, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at Orleans Community Health.
Unfortunately, Santa was under the weather this year, but sent Mrs. Claus instead.
“This is one of my favorite events of the year, and we had several employees involved to help make the event go smoothly,” Robinson said. “The Albion Healthcare Center hosted their first Santa event Saturday, and we hope to turn that into a yearly event, also.”
Santa plans to be feeling his old self before Christmas to return to Medina Memorial Hospital for his annual physical in preparation for his big trip on Christmas Eve.
“He’s been having that done at Medina Memorial Hospital since 2021,” Robinson said.
Medina Memorial Hospital is happy every year to pronounce Santa fit as a fiddle for his annual visits to all the good girls and boys.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 December 2024 at 8:34 am
Hearth & Home wins first place among 26 floats in parade
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Charles W. Howard Hometown Parade was capped with this float with Santa in a sleigh on a trailer with a band, Christmas trees and reindeer in flight.
A group of volunteers tried to create a float with the flair of the late Charles W. Howard, who ran a Santa school in Albion from 1937 until his death in 1966. Howard also was the Santa for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and operated Christmas Park in Albion.
His granddaughter Jane Holland of Williamsville attended the parade and appreciated the community’s efforts to celebrate her grandfather.
The float with Santa and the reindeer pass by the Orleans County Courthouse on Main Street.
This sleigh created by Albion contractor Jim Babcock made its debut in the parade. It will be put near the bronze statue of Santa and the 24-foot-long Santa mural at Waterman Park on Main Street.
The sleigh was built in memory of Charles Bergeman, who was the grandson of Charles Howard. He passed away at age 64 on Oct. 31, 2023. His wife Carol of Lewiston attended the parade on Saturday.
Hearth & Home, a real estate business in Albion, won first place among the 26 floats in the parade.
Hearth & Home gets its float ready for the parade while in the staging area at the municipal lot by CRFS.
Bloom’s Flower Shop was picked for second place.
Wild Flour Deli was the third place winner in the parade.
The judges gave an honorable mention to the Orleans County Bicentennial Committee for its float celebrating the county’s upcoming 200th anniversary in 2025.
The Bicentennial Committee has embraced an ox as a mascot to celebrate the 200th. The ox on the trailer was painted by artist Stacey Kirby Steward.
Robyn Watts created this ox costume, which was worn by Cordelia Rivers in the parade. The ox gave many high fives along the parade route.
Mick Tower served as grand marshal for the parade. He rides in a truck with his son Ron. Mick worked for Charles Howard, building many of the rides and attractions at Christmas Park.
Cutaia Trucking in Fairport carried an inflatable Grinch in its lighted up truck.
Eye of Oden K9 Training from Kent brought several dogs with lighted up vests.
Sheryl Watts of Air Raising Events created a Christmas tree with ornaments all made out of balloons.
The Albion Fire Department also had a Grinch character walking in the parade and the fire truck was decorated in green lights.
The Lockstone event center had a float with a bride in a wedding dress.
A Grinch character with the Village of Albion Christmas float greets people along Main Street.
The Who Dats performed Christmas music from a trailer. From left include John Borrello, Todd Graham and Lonnie Froman.
The Hitmen Brass Band also performed in the parade.
Good morning! Grab your favorite cup. Fill it up. And let’s start this week right… TOGETHER!!!
As I am writing this Christmas is only a couple of weeks away and I am eagerly looking forward to starting the day off with worship and then getting to spend the day with my family, including my oldest daughter Ashlyn and her husband Carson who will be traveling up from Kentucky.
I already have my Christmas Mix playlist going, which features songs by Burl Ives and Ella Fitzgerald as well as classics like “Christmas in Hollis” by Run DMC and “O Come All Ye Faithful” as performed by Twisted Sister (Don’t Judge Me), and as a family we have watched Elf and other essential Yuletide Classics.
Our tree is up, though most of the ornaments are down thanks to our curious new kitty Georgie, and at least some of the gifts have been purchased though most won’t be wrapped until 11:59 p.m. on December 24th.
As an adult I don’t get into the gift giving as much as I used to, or rather the gift getting, but there was a time when the anticipation of finding out what was under the tree seemed almost unbearable to me. One of those times was back in December 1980 when I was 6 years old. I was at that age where I wanted to be just like my dad who just happened be one heck of a harmonica player. I can still hear it now, the melodious sound coming out of the kitchen where my dad would often spend hours going back and forth strumming his guitar and playing the mouth organ.
One of our family traditions at the time was having all of the gifts, except for Santa’s of course, wrapped and placed under the tree in early December so that you had a chance to try and guess what you were getting. You were allowed to pick them up, shake them, smell them, etc. The only rule was that you were not allowed to open them or try to peek inside.
That year in particular I had done an excellent job of dropping hints for what I wanted, just picture Ralphie from A Christmas Story but replace BB Gun with harmonica, so I was not too surprised to look under the tree and see a small rectangular shaped box with my name on it. I picked it up and felt the weight and then I shifted the box back and forth and felt the object slide back in forth. It was definitely a harmonica!!!
For the next few weeks I would come home from school, pick it up, and gently run it across my pursed lips as I imagined what sounds would soon be flowing from it. Finally, Christmas morning came and I eagerly grabbed my gift, opened it, and held out my new, shiny… jackknife. Don’t get me wrong, a jackknife was a great gift for a 6 year old boy but after all of the anticipation I’m sure that my disappointment showed. After the rest of the presents were unwrapped, and I had managed to get over my initial let down, my dad pulled out one more present which turned out to be, you guessed it, a harmonica. In less than an hour I had gone from excited anticipation to deep disappointment to utter joy. It was a Christmas miracle! Well, not quite but it did make me think about a real pre-Christmas miracle.
In the book of Luke chapter 1 we learn that an older couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth, were considered upright and blameless. We also learn that they were unable to have children and that it really weighed on Elizabeth in particular. One day when Zechariah, who was a priest, was chosen by lot to go into the Temple to burn incense he encountered an angel who told him that he would not only have a son but that the boy would be a blessing and a joy to him and his wife and that many would rejoice because of his birth. Zechariah doubted at first, and lost his voice for 9 months because of it, but when Elizabeth eventually had the baby Zechariah sang out because of the joy in his heart. The baby of course was John the Baptist, who went on to prepare the way for his cousin Jesus fulfilling everything that the angel had prophesied about him.
I share both of these stories with you because perhaps you too are experiencing disappointment this holiday season and are feeling stuck. The good news is that what you may be feeling in this moment is not the end of the story, what you long for might be just around the corner. It may not be what you thought you needed, I ended up using the jack knife a lot more than I ever did the harmonica, or it may not come when you wanted but don’t give up hope. After all, hope is what Christmas is all about.
Speaking of Christmas, I would like to invite you to join me December 25th @7 a.m. at New Hope Community Church (203 W. Center St. Medina) for a time of celebration followed a free breakfast. All are welcome!
88 degrees set as the maximum temperature inside schools
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to require that all school districts develop plans to mitigate extreme heat in classrooms and support services spaces and to establish a maximum allowable temperature to ensure the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff.
By setting clear guidelines for extreme heat conditions, the bill will help schools ensure their spaces are conducive to student learning, reduce unnecessary disruptions, and provide for the health and safety of all those in their buildings.
“Extreme heat can significantly impact a student’s concentration, focus and ability to learn,” Governor Hochul said. “With this new law, we are continuing to make the health and safety of our kids and educators a top priority and ensuring that every New York student has access to the safe and comfortable learning environment they deserve.”
Legislation S3397-A/A9011-A establishes 88 degrees as the maximum temperature in classrooms and support services spaces. It requires a plan for the removal of students and staff from these spaces where it is practical for the school district to do so. It also creates a definition of extreme heat condition days as well as a standard to measure room temperature.
In addition to the above, school districts will be required to take action to relieve heat related discomfort when classroom temperatures reach 82 degrees. Such actions can include turning off overhead lights, pulling down shades or blinds, turning on fans, opening classroom doors and windows, turning off electronics, and providing water breaks.
The Property Maintenance Code of New York State currently requires a minimum temperature of 65 degrees in all workspaces in buildings across the state.
New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) President Melinda Person said, “Today, we celebrate a monumental step forward for the health and safety of students and educators across New York. Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to sign this bill into law reflects a commitment to ensuring our classrooms are conducive to learning—not sweltering saunas.”
New York State Parent Teacher Association Executive Director Kyle Belokopitsky said, “Our children’s health and wellness must always be of utmost importance to us all. Setting common sense rules for maximum temperatures in classrooms will protect our kids. And that is truly all of our jobs – to protect our children and ensure they are safe and supported each and every day.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 December 2024 at 10:49 am
‘I’ve always loved Orleans County but now I have a better understanding of it’
Photos by Tom Rivers: The class of the 2024 Leadership Orleans program is pictured after the graduation program on Thursday evening at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville. Pictured front row from left: Marsha Rivers, Courtney Henderson, Barbara Koert, Reita Fletcher, Melinda Daniels, Melinda Rhim, Linda Weller, Pam Rounds and Tina Bell. Second row: Lisa Stenshorn, Lisa Bors, June Robinson, Tiffany Smith, Rebecca Robinson, Stacy Silker, Mike Winter, J.T. Thomas and Darren Brodie. Back row: Liz Mastromatteo, Gregory Hallock, Betty Sue Miller, Scott Robinson and Jeffrey Pasnik. Missing from photo: Walt Breese, Justin Robinson, Brad Pritchard and Deborah Schiavone.
LYNDONVILLE – The seventh class of Leadership Orleans has completed the year-long program where 27 people learned about different sectors of the county each month.
The new class of graduates brings the total to 176 who have completed the program in its seven years.
Skip Helfrich, the program’s director since it started in 2018, commended the class for committing to learn about themselves and the local community.
“We are making people more aware of what this county is all about,” he said during the graduation program on Thursday evening at the White Birch Golf Course.
Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson addressed the group, and said their talents and commitment to the community are needed in Orleans County.
The county needs more people to serve on boards, in elected positions, as coaches and other leadership roles, she said.
Many are deterred because of the time commitment, the workload and the criticism that comes from being in a leadership position, she said.
“Our community thrives when the best and the brightest – and that includes all of you – are actively engaged, sharing ideas, challenging each other in constructive ways and ultimately offering solutions that move our community forward,” Johnson said.
The graduates include:
Tina Bell, office manager for Art Hill Excavating in Medina
Lisa Bors, public relations director for Arc GLOW
Walt Breese, president of Subway in Albion
Darren Brodie, environmental health director for Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
Melinda Daniels, executive assistant for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
Reita Fletcher, branch manager of M&T Bank in Lyndonville
Gregory Hallock, executive director of Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!)
Courtney Henderson, owner of Babe Cave Inc. in Albion
Barbara Koert, assistant director of UConnectCare (formerly GCASA) in Albion
Liz Mastromatteo, coordinator/assistant principal of Orleans/Niagara BOCES in Medina
Betty Sue Miller, director of Hoag Library in Albion
Jeffrey Pasnik, council rep for North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters in Cheektowaga
Brad Pritchard, principal of Albion Middle School
Melinda Rhim, coordinator of care management for Orleans County Mental Health Department
Marsha Rivers, pastor of First Baptist Church in Albion
Becky Robinson, partner with The Vintage Cigar in Medina
June Robinson, associate director of quality at Baxter Healthcare in Medina
Justin Robinson, dairy farmer with Poverty Hill Farms in Albion
Scott Robinson, director of marketing for Orleans Community Health
Pam Rounds, supervisor at Baxter Healthcare in Medina
Debbie Schiavone, payroll administrator for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
Stacy Silker, court clerk for Town of Ridgeway and Town of Yates
Tiffany Smith, assistant chief of nursing for Rochester Regional Health
Lisa Stenshorn, clerk of the Orleans County Legislature
JT Thomas, operations director at Iroquois Job Corps in Medina
Linda Weller of Albion, president of Info Advantage Inc. in Rochester
Mike Winter, controller for Western New York Energy in Medina
Melinda Daniels, executive assistant for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, is congratulated for completing the Leadership Orleans program. She received a certificate from the New York State Assembly and a Special Recognition Award from the Orleans County Legislature. The people offering congratulations include County Legislator Skip Draper; Eileen Banker, Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s chief of staff; Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson; Jackie Dunham, member of Leadership Orleans steering committee; and Kelly Kiebala, chairwoman of the steering committee.
The program aims to build the “citizen capital” of the community, helping develop leaders who are educated on the many facets of the community.
The class in the opening retreat did many ice-breaker activities to get to know each other. They also learned about their individual strengths and weaknesses, their personality types and how that shapes their decision-making and tendencies.
The class then met monthly, building leadership skills and gaining knowledge, experiences and meeting people from many different sectors in the community, from agriculture, non-profit organizations, government services, small and larger businesses, tourism, arts and culture, community health and economic development. Next year the program will add a day focused on law enforcement.
The program receives a stipend from the county, and there are many sponsors of programs throughout the years. The class members also pay tuition to be in Leadership Orleans.
Photo by Marsha Rivers: Michelle Kingdollar, chief financial officer for Western New York Energy and a Leadership Orleans graduate, leads a tour of the ethanol plant in March. WNY Energy won the “First Impression Award” among the host sites in the past year. Leadership Orleans visited 34 sites in the past year.
Bill Lattin, retired as Orleans County historian and director of the Cobblestone Museum, won the award as “Presenter of the Year.” He was called a master storyteller and a “local legend.” He was among 53 presenters for the program in 2024.
Lattin shared a famous quote from Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
And he shared a quote from Robert G. Ingersoll: “Life is a narrow vale between the cold and barren peaks of two eternities. We strive in vain to look beyond the heights. We cry aloud, and the only answer is the echo of our wailing cry.”
Lattin said we are all given a short time on Earth to make a difference. We need leaders with talent and vision to serve the community.
Susan Howard, a graduate from the 2022 Leadership Orleans program, was named “Alumnus of the Year.” Howard, the county’s first assistant district attorney, was elected district attorney in November and starts on Jan. 1, replacing Joe Cardone who is retiring. Howard said the program helped convince her to step up her involvement in the community and to seek being the DA, the county’s top prosecutor.
Linda Weller, president of Hoag Library and president of Info Advantage Inc., is hugged by Kelly Kiebala. Weller has lived in Orleans County for nearly 40 years. She learned many new things about the county, including its status as a “fishing mecca” drawing thousands of fishermen each year, especially for the fall tributary season.
Weller she was inspired by many of the presenters throughout the year who shared a passion for their careers.
“I learned so much about our county and the resources that we have here,” she said. “So many people are doing the best they can for our community.”
Tiffany Smith, assistant chief of nursing for Rochester Regional Health, completed the year-long Leadership Orleans.
Scott Robinson, director of marketing for Orleans Community Health, is commended for his participation in the program.
Betty Sue Miller, director of Hoag Library, was picked by the class to share reflections on the past year for the group. She said the class all learned about themselves, each other and opportunities and challenges in the county.
Miller said people bring different backgrounds, different personalities, and different ways of learning.
“As leaders, we can’t pigeon-hole our employees or volunteers,” she said.
Miller said she is the oldest person in the class this year. She learned more about the community, and saw passion from people who are often overlooked.
She highlighted a tour of the Albion sewer plant, led by chief operator Aric Albright. He has worked there for 30 years.
“It was just amazing,” she said about the tour of the plant on Densmore Road in Albion. “Aric, there is a man who loves his job.”
JT Thomas, operations director at the Iroquois Job Corps, accepts his certificates for completing the program.
Thomas was pleased to meet people from many different employment backgrounds in the class.
He feels more pride in the county after completing the program.
“I’ve always loved Orleans County but now I have a better understanding of it,” he said.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
As the holiday season approaches, many people enjoy gathering, celebrations and family traditions. It’s a time to relax and reconnect, but for some, the holidays can bring extra stress.
When people feel stressed, they often look for comfort or distractions, and this might make vaping more tempting – especially for those who already use nicotine.
Nicotine gives a short-term feeling of relief by boosting dopamine, a chemical that helps with mood. However, this can lead to dependence, making stress even worse in the long run.
“Some people use e-cigarettes to handle stress or anxiety,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “However, vaping to feel better creates a cycle of nicotine dependence, which can become another source of stress.”
This holiday season, try to take steps to stay healthy and manage stress in positive ways. By understanding your triggers and using healthy coping tools, you can enjoy the season without turning to vaping or other quick fixes.
Take the following steps to enjoy the holidays vape-free:
Start reducing your nicotine use before the holidays. Gradually cutting back ahead of time gives your body a chance to adjust and helps you prepare for extended time with family without facing withdrawal symptoms. By lowering your nicotine intake as the holidays approach, you can set yourself up for a more enjoyable and stress-free season.
Come prepared with healthier ways to cope with stress and triggers. Listening to your favorite songs, taking a walk, or practicing deep breathing techniques are great options to help distract you from cravings while supporting your body and mind in a positive way.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Staying refreshed can help reduce cravings and support your overall well-being. Keep a water bottle with you and sip regularly – using a straw can also help satisfy the oral fixation that often comes with vaping.
Stay active during the holiday season! You don’t have to run a marathon to keep moving. Simple activities like taking a daily walk, following an online yoga session, or enjoying outdoor fun like sledding or snowshoeing can go a long way in helping to manage nicotine cravings and boost your mood.
Keep your schedule packed with activities that don’t involve vaping. Plan outings with friends and family, try cooking a new recipe, make a snowman or ornaments for the tree. Staying busy helps you avoid boredom, which is one of the most common triggers for vaping.
Keep in mind that quitting isn’t easy, and it is okay to treat yourself! Set small goals, like making it through a morning, a day, or a week without vaping, and reward yourself when you achieve them. Celebrating milestones makes the process more enjoyable and helps build healthier habits over time.
Remember, the holidays do not have to be perfect, and managing stress is about progress, not perfection. Taking small steps to cope in healthier ways can make the season more enjoyable.
Get Help Today
If you are interested in quitting, or someone you know needs help quitting, help is available:
Visit the New York State Smokers’ Quitline for quit-smoking and quit-vaping programs, or call 866-NY-QUITS (866-697-8487), to apply for a free starter kit of nicotine medications and to talk to a quit coach.
Talk to your healthcare provider about medications and counseling to help you manage cravings. Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover services to help you quit.
For more information about GO Health Programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 December 2024 at 5:15 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Aubrielle Barry, a member of the U14 NY Inferno travel softball team, is shown with leaders of the Elks Lodge in Albion this morning. Mike Jenks, the Exalted Ruler of the lodge, is at left and Richard Robb Sr., the Leading Knight and President of the Elks Riders, accepted toys and gifts donated by Barry’s softball team.
Barry plays shortstop and third base for the team that includes about a dozen girls around Western New York. The team and their families all donated to the toy drive that will go to kids in Orleans County.
The Elks will work with Frosty and Friends, a bikers’ charity based in Albion, to distribute the toys to local children.
Barry’s parents, Chris and Lisa Barry, are members of the Elks Lodge. Aubrielle’s grandfather, the late John Persia, was a long-time member of the Elks.
Provided photo
The NY Inferno U14 team is shown with some of the toys they donated. From left include Savannah Durham, Kristina Rivera, Charlotte Henderson, Elise McDuffie, Gabby Bender, Aubrey Schwimmer, Lyla Morse, Arnie Sturtevant and Aubrielle Barry. Missing from photo: Gabriella Boitschenko, Ava Wilson and Olivene Infante.
The team practices two or three times a week and plays in many tournaments. The next one will be an indoor tournament in Pittsburgh Dec. 21-22.
The NY Inferno have won 10 championships the past two years, and five runner-up titles.
Barry, a ninth-grader at Albion, played varsity softball for Albion as a seventh- and eighth-grader. She wants to play softball in college after Albion.
Photos courtesy of UConnectCare: UConnectCare longevity award recipients are, seated from left, Leslie Pfalzer, Diane Hooper and Sheila Harding; standing, Dana Joy and John Bennett.
Press release, UConnectCare
BATAVIA – UConnectCare recognized 18 employees with longevity awards at its annual holiday luncheon on Tuesday at Terry Hills Restaurant in Batavia.
Among those honored was President/Chief Executive Officer John Bennett, who joined the nonprofit agency in 1999 after starting his professional career 14 years earlier as an adolescent and jail counselor.
In 2006, Bennett assumed the oversight of the Residential Services and in 2012, he was hired to be executive director and now serves as CEO.
In her introductory speech, Virginia Taylor, a former UConnectCare board president, cited Bennett’s passion and caring nature as hallmarks of his career.
“John’s passion for creating the full continuum of services so individuals don’t have to leave their community has been the driving force behind all that he has accomplished,” she said. “We are extremely proud of the organization under John’s leadership, and his commitment to our community is nothing short of exemplary.”
Bennett expressed his appreciation for all those who have dedicated their lives to helping others become sober and to live productive lives.
“As my career winds down – and some of your careers are just starting – I just hope that we continue to have people coming into this work because it is so important,” he said.
“Most of the time we’re just planting seeds, and we just want to leave the door open for these people to come back. That’s the key to the work we do. It’s never to judge people or make people feel demeaned. If you’re kind to them – if you love them – they’ll come back to see you again.”
Other UConnectCare employees recognized for longevity:
25 years – Amy Klos, customer relations manager.
20 years – Leslie Pfalzer, Information Technology director.
15 years – Diane Hooper, Batavia clinic secretary.
10 years – Dana Joy, Albion clinic supervisor; Sheila Harding, assistant director of Prevention.
5 years – Jessica Budzinack; coordinator of Outreach & Family Support; Lisa Fitzak, secretary; Mike Pettinella; media specialist; Christen Foley, Prevention Resource Center project director; Keith Lyons, driver; Lucy Sweeney, counselor; Nick Volpe, The Recovery Station operations manager; Sue Gagne; outreach RN; Jake Nadolinski, residential cleaner; Cheyenne Richardson, residential counselor; Rachel Tebor, residential technician; Rob Shields, residential technician.
Five-year longevity award recipients at UConnectCare are, seated from left, Sue Gagne, Nick Volpe and Cheyenne Richardson; standing, Mike Pettinella, Christen Foley, Jessica Budzinack, Lisa Fitzak and Lucy Sweeney. Other five-year employees are Keith Lyons, Jake Nadolinski, Rachel Tebor and Rob Shields. Photos courtesy of UConnectCare.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 December 2024 at 8:51 am
Albion Hometown Holiday includes many events throughout the day, capped by parade at 6 p.m.
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries is shown in the kitchen of the Masonic Lodge on Dec. 9, 2023 when the church served 2,000 chicken barbecue dinners for free. Christina Ruffin, left, and John Hollenbeck are in the kitchen putting the chicken and macaroni salad in the take-out containers.
ALBION – A Hometown Holiday event on Saturday includes activities throughout the day in Albion, including a church serving 2,000 chicken barbecue dinners for free beginning at noon at the Masonic Lodge on Platt Street.
This is the third year the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries is serving the 2,000 dinners for free to the community.
Many of the businesses, the Village Hall and Hoag Library will be hosting activities for the community.
There will be a parade with lighted floats beginning at 6 p.m. on Route 31, leaving from the CRFS parking lot and then going down Main Street, turning on East State Street and ending at the parking lot by Dubby’s Tailgate on Platt Street.
The parade’s name has been changed from Santa’s Hometown Parade to the Charles W. Howard Hometown Parade. It honors Howard, who ran a Santa School in Albion from 1937 to 1966. He also operated Christmas Park beginning in the mid-1950s. That site attracted about 80,000 people a year.
The Albion Merchants Association is the lead organizer of Hometown Holiday. The schedule includes:
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Letters to Santa at Bloom’s Flower Shop
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Shopping with Misfit Toys at the Downtown Browsery
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Kids craft at Town and Country Quilt Shop
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Kids craft at Village Hall with Oak Orchard Canoe and Kayak
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Coffee and donuts at Village Hall with Albion Police Department
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Crafts, presents and cupcakes at Albion Free Methodist Church
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Cookie decorating at Pretty Sweet Bakery
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Ornament kits at Red Check
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Tea with Mrs. Claus at Hoag Library
12 p.m. until gone – Free chicken dinner from Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries at Masonic Lodge
12 p.m. to 1 p.m. – Christmas caroling in the downtown
1 to 3 p.m. – Painting Rocks with “Albion Rocks” at Dubby’s Tailgate
2 to 4 p.m. – Concert by Music Makers at Pratt Opera House
3 to 4 p.m. – Fire side with Santa and kids crafts at Hearth & Home
4:30 to 6 p.m. – Hot chocolate and caroling at First Baptist Church
4 to 6 p.m. – Chicken and biscuit dinner by Albion Rotary Club at Presbyterian Church
6 p.m. – Charles W. Howard Parade (with Santa and Mrs. Claus after parade until 8 p.m. at Dubby’s Tailgate)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 December 2024 at 8:18 am
ALBION – Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $428 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure projects in the state on Thursday, including $10.2 million for the Village of Albion.
The Albion funding is a grant and financing package for several upgrades to the existing water treatment plant on Wilson Road in Carlton, including upgrading the sludge thickening system, sedimentation system and filtration system, according to a news release from Hochul’s Office.
A breakdown of how much of the funding is a grant and how much a low-interest loan hasn’t been made available yet.
The water plant supplies water to the village, as well as the central Orleans towns of Carlton, Gaines, Albion and Barre, and some to portions of Ridgeway and Murray.
“These grants and low-interest loans help protect public health and the environment, reduce pressure on communities to raise funds quickly for essential upgrades, and minimize the financial impact of these crucial projects on local ratepayers,” Hochul said.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) on Wednesday voted in favor of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025, which works to improve the lives of our servicemembers and strengthen our national security and defense capabilities.
This legislation includes two bills originally introduced by Rep. Tenney, one of her amendments, and numerous priorities for NY-24 and the surrounding area.
This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 281-140.
“While the United States faces growing threats from adversaries like China, Iran, and Russia, who continue to jeopardize our national security and international stability, this NDAA provides our servicemembers with the necessary resources to strengthen our national defense and protect our interests around the world,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The FY25 NDAA delivers a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and authorizes $569 million to build new family housing units, along with an additional $1.2 billion to renovate and construct new barracks. This reaffirms our commitment to supporting our servicemembers and their families.
“Importantly, this bill authorizes critical funding for Fort Drum, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, and the Air Force Research Lab in Rome, NY. This includes $27 million for the Fort Drum Wellfield Field Expansion Project and over $19 million in design funds for future projects at Fort Drum and Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield. Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station also received $6.6 million for their taxiway/runway extension design which is critical to supporting its mission.
Key Provisions in the FY25 NDAA:
Provide junior enlisted servicemembers with a 14.5% pay raise.
Support law enforcement operations along our southern and maritime borders.
Deter Chinese espionage in our military, supply chains, and research institutions.
Increase in U.S.-Israel military exercises and fully fund cooperative missile defense programs.
Expand funding for U.S. defense initiatives in the Indo-Pacific to bolster Taiwan’s defense and support Indo-Pacific allies.
Save taxpayers $31 billion by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapons, and bloated Pentagon bureaucracy.
Abolish the DEI bureaucracy, require merit-based promotions, and ban transgender medical treatment for minors.
Counter antisemitism by prohibiting sale of goods at DOD commissaries and exchanges from any entities that have or are engaged in a boycott of Israel.
“This bill also included two bills that I introduced, the FORKS Made in America Act and the Parity for Child Exploitation Offenders Act. Additionally, my amendment to fully fund the first new LC-130J polar airlift planes will be critical in supporting the incredible work of the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing. While I am disappointed that this bill fails to fully fund two Virginia-class submarines, and that provisions in this bill jeopardize the ability of the 222 CACS to remain in New York, this bill is still a big win for House Republicans, our military, and our national security. I am eager to see this NDAA enacted to start restoring our America First Foreign Policy Agenda and reestablishing our position as a global force through peace through strength.”
Background on Tenney’s Bills and Amendments Included in Bill:
FORKS Made in America Act – This bill will require DOD to only purchase domestically produced stainless steel flatware beginning in 2026 until 2029. This will help support American manufacturers of stainless-steel flatware, such as Sherrill Manufacturing.
Parity for Child Exploitation Offenders Act – Under current law, loopholes allow individuals charged with sexual crimes involving children under the UCMJ do not receive the same enhanced penalties that civilians receive for the same heinous crimes. This bill closes these loopholes to ensure all offenders receive these enhanced penalties for their horrific crimes.
New Polar Planes – The New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing operates the current LC-130H fleet, the only planes in the world that can land and take off in the Arctic and Antarctic. However, the current fleet is over 50 years old and is only able to operate at roughly 40% capacity at any time, posing a grave national security threat. My amendment funds the first new LC-130J, beginning the process of recapitalizing these planes to ensure that our Armed Forces can continue keeping our Nation safe in the Arctic and Antarctic.
By Randy LeBaron
As the holiday season approaches, many people enjoy gathering, celebrations and family traditions. It’s a time to relax and reconnect, but for some, the holidays can bring extra stress.
