A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 11 p.m. tonight for Orleans County and much of Western New York.

The watch also includes Genesee, Niagara, Erie, Wyoming, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.

The National Weather Service is warning that strong thunderstorms are possible this evening after 5 p.m., with a chance for an isolated tornado in Orleans, Genesee, Niagara or northern Erie counties.

The Weather Service said “a robust cold front” is crossing the Lower Great Lakes and will generate a line of moderately heavy showers and possibly some strong to severe thunderstorms between 5 and 7 p.m.

The storm could bring damaging straight line winds in excess of 60 miles per hour.

Most areas should average a quarter inch of rainfall with isolated amounts of one half inch, the Weather Service said.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MURRAY – Firefighters from Murray and Clarendon have a rescue boat in the Erie Canal as they prepare to recover a body near the Bennetts Corners Road bridge. This photo was taken at about 2:45 p.m.

Representatives from the State Police and Orleans County Sheriff’s Office also are at the scene.

First responders were dispatched to the canal at about 1 p.m.

No other information is available at this time.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced free 3D mammography screenings throughout the months of October and November.

The service celebrates October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at Community Partners.

Prevention saves lives, and the free screenings are being offered to women age 40 and older to promote early detection and education to help combat this disease.

3D mammography is a revolutionary screening tool that enhances the accuracy of breast cancer detection. Unlike traditional mammograms, this advanced technology captures multiple images of the breast, allowing radiologists to examine the breast tissue layer by layer. This results in improved detection rates, particularly for women with dense breast tissue.

Anyone with a previously scheduled mammogram or who books an appointment for October or November is eligible for this free screening offer.

“We encourage all women, especially those aged 40 and older, to take advantage of this opportunity for a potentially life-saving test,” Robinson said.

In addition to 3-D mammography, onsite ultrasounds are also available for women who require additional diagnostic screenings. Robinson said their team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing compassionate care in a comfortable environment.

Appointments may be scheduled by calling (585) 798-8055. Community members are encouraged to share this information with friends and family to help spread the word about the importance of breast cancer screening.

Good morning! Grab your favorite cup. Fill it up. And let’s start this week right… TOGETHER!!!

By Randy LeBaron

Over the past couple of weeks, I have helped with Care-Net of Orleans’ “Walk 4 Life” at Bullard Park and Hospice of Orleans’ “Memory Walk” at Holley Falls. I chose these two primarily for my involvement with each organization, I am a volunteer peer counselor at Care-Net and the Spiritual Care Counselor at Hospice, and because I believe in promoting the sanctity of human life from the very beginning to the very end.

There are many other worthy organizations who also raise funds and awareness through events like: Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run (to assist Orleans County Cancer Patients and Their Families), Friends and Family 5K to support Arc GLOW, and the Run for Wayne (Colon Cancer Awareness), among others. And what all these events have in common is that they bring together a diverse group of people affected by the same cause who are trying to move forward together literally, by walking or running, as well as figuratively in learning to adjust to a new normal due to past or current circumstances.

In my message at the beginning of the Hospice of Orleans “Memory Walk” last Sunday I referenced two passages of Scripture. The first was 2 Corinthians 1 where Paul talks about how God will give us comfort when we go through difficult situations so that when others go through similar trials we can then comfort them. The second passage was from Joshua 4 where God commanded a representative from each of the 12 Tribes of Israel to stand in the Jordan River, witness the water recede, and then after everyone else had crossed over on dry land they were to each pick up a stone from the riverbed and stack them on the other side. This was meant to be a sign for future generations to remind them that God had protected and provided for them by parting the waters.

In a similar fashion I shared that even though everyone was going down the same path, in this case dealing with grief and loss, some were further along than others and should consider leaving some stone markers along the way to encourage those coming after them. Participants then had opportunity to paint or write something on river rocks at the end of the walk which they could either choose to keep as a reminder for themselves or plan to put somewhere for someone, who just may need some encouragement in the moment, to find.

In a more conventional sense I have seen time and time again while leading the Community Grief Support Group where someone who has been coming longer is able to offer comfort and hope to a newer member simply because they have walked a similar path and can testify that as stuck as the new person may feel in their current state that there are brighter days ahead.
Friends, I love to see us come together as a community to raise funds and awareness for so many worthy causes but let’s not stop there. Attending an annual event to show our support is great and often needed but we shouldn’t overlook the impact we can have on another person’s journey simply by offering some kind words of encouragement along the way. If nothing else, offer them a cup of coffee and a listening ear.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Andrea Wilston, 7, of Albion enjoys a pony ride today during the Albion Fall Fest. KTJ Saddle Up Pony Rides had the ponies in Waterman Park on Main Street.

Albion and Kendall both have festivals today featuring scarecrows.

Kendall’s Scarecrow Festival is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with this year’s theme for the scarecrows, “Enchanted Garden.”

There will also be music by Rebels Posse, face painting, balloons by Air Raising Events, chain saw carving by Jeffrey Cook 3-D Critters and wagon rides.

Star Grosskopf, left, makes a scarecrow with assistance from Karen Conn, center, and Lynn DiBella.

Albion Merchants Association’s annual Fall Fest is today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with food and craft vendors, bounce houses and games, pumpkin painting, scarecrow decorating, face painting and music by the Who Dats (from noon to 2 p.m.).

Shamel Thomas of Medina helps his daughter Vivian Thomas make a scarecrow in Albion.

Sam Conde, 6, and his brother Shane, 4, paint pumpkins on a table on a closed off section of Main Street.

Kay Ecker, right, helps these kids at the pumpkin painting station.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Keynote speaker at For Women Only, Darlene Rich, is surrounded by old friends and former co-workers at Medina Memorial Hospital. With her, clockwise from left, are Rebecca Mannella, who headed cardiac rehab when Rich worked there; Lori Condo, assistant controller; and Cindy Perry, retired head of Community Partners, whose job included planning the For Women Only event.

LYNDONVILLE – For Women Only, the annual event sponsored by Orleans Community Health which raises funds for cancer services, took place Thursday night at White Birch Golf Course.

First on the program was recognition of cancer survivors by Lori Condo, assistant controller at Orleans Community Health and chair of For Women Only. She asked those who had been survivors of cancer to stand up as she called out the number of years – one year, five years, 10 years, 20 years and more than 20 years. Each woman standing received a carnation.

Next, was keynote speaker Darlene Rich, a cancer survivor of 18 years and clerk for the Town of Shelby, now in her 17th year. She not only shared her battle with breast cancer, but the sorrow of having her son diagnosed with brain cancer and the age of 3 and dying at age 23.

Rich has been a regular attendee of For Women Only over the years, and called it “the nicest event.”

She described how she had her mammograms regularly and wasn’t worried when it came time to schedule one in 2006. She was working in heart rehab at Medina Memorial Hospital under Rebecca Mannella when she learned her breast surgeon saw something on her X-ray and wanted a biopsy. She underwent a lumpectomy, and then was given six weeks of radiation and the choice of chemotherapy every three weeks for six treatments or a powerful dose for five days.

“I wanted to get it over with and move on, so I chose the five-day treatment,” Rich said. “That mammogram saved my life.”

On Oct. 20. 2006, she returned to work and was greeted by a mini For Women Only arranged by Mannella and Cindy Perry. Perry was head of Community Partners at the time and in charge of organizing the annual For Women Only for the community.

“They were here, along with my family, to support me all the way,” Rich said.

Her advice to the women in the room was to “Stay positive, stay focused and fight. And remember to get your mammogram.”

Condo announced the evening had grossed $6,300 to provide essential cancer services.

(Left) Cindy Perry, who worked at Community Partners for many years and planned the first For Women Only 25 years ago at the former Village Inn, was introduced and presented flowers by Lori Condo, on behalf of the hospital. (Right) Lori Condo, assistant controller at Orleans Community Health and chair of For Women Only, introduces keynote speaker Darlene Rich to guests Thursday night.

Representatives from several Orleans County agencies were on hand with tables of information and free gifts to guests.

From the Orleans County Health Department, Nola Goodrich and Laiken Ricker, a New York State Public Health Fellow with Orleans and Genesee Health departments, handed out information on rabies, lead and healthy homes.

At the Orleans County Mental Health table, director Danielle Figura and staff member Linda Karp made sure everyone knew about the suicide and crisis hotline, 988.

Denise Johnston-Burris, director of nursing at Hospice, provided information on why they temporarily closed the Martin-Linsin Residence.

“Referrals just stopped coming in,” she said.

She added they are doing everything possible to turn the situation around. She said many people have misinformation about Hospice, including the length a resident may stay there. She said they have had one individual who was there for 2 1/2 years.

A moment of recognition was given to Cindy Perry for her years at Community Partners and planning the annual For Women Only. She recalls the first event at the Village Inn at Childs, when about 30 to 40 women attended. The event has since grown steadily, usually attracting more than 100, and often a sellout.

Kim Gray, Medina Memorial Hospital’s chief nursing officer and director of surgical services, welcomes guests to the annual For Women Only.

Kim Gray, the hospital’s chief nursing officer and director of surgical services, has worked at the hospital more than 20 years.

“Our community hospital is an invaluable asset that provides accessible, personalized, cost-effective and community-focused healthcare,” Gray said. “We offer a wide range of services that are essential for the vitality of our community.”

Some of those services are a 24/7 Emergency Department, two dialysis centers (one in Medina and one in Batavia),  a podiatry clinic, a wound care center dedicated to healing chronic wounds, a cardiology clinic, a cardiac services department which offers a full array of diagnostic testing and treatment options for patients with cardiac conditions and heart disease and a radiology department which plays a crucial role in early cancer screening by using techniques to detect abnormalities that could indicate cancer at an early stage.

These include general X-rays, ultrasound, CT-scans, nuclear medicine, 3-D mammography, bone density testing and MRIs. Full-service laboratories with blood drawing stations are located at the Medina hospital, at the Albion Healthcare Center and the Middleport site.

A new pediatric nurse practitioner, Leah Brenner, has recently joined the family medicine team at the Albion Healthcare Center.

The hospital’s surgery clinic is staffed by the team of doctors Misiti, Schratz, Hodge and Huff, offering comprehensive surgical services in several specialized areas.

During the past year, the hospital began offering the primary doctors the opportunity to order pulmonary function testing by the Respiratory Department, determining how well the lungs are working.

Inpatient services included the Medical/Surgical Department and Transitional Care Unit.

A highlight being announced today is that in October and November the hospital will be offering not only free 3-D mammogram screening, but if a patient needs to receive diagnostic testing through an ultrasound, the hospital will cover the co-pay.

“This is largely thanks to our past For Women Only funding,” Gray said.

The evening concluded with drawing of winners for the basket raffle and 50/50 drawing.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Matt Hill, brother-in-law of Kwandrans Tae-Kwan-Do owner, Bob Kwandrans Jr., teaches a class in their new space at the YMCA in Medina.

MEDINA – A martial arts studio which began in 1988 on East Center Street has made a move to new quarters.

Kwandrans Tae-Kwon-Do started classes at space in the YMCA in September, said founder Bob Kwandrans Jr.

“We reached out to the YMCA, where Jesse (Cudzilo – the Y director) offered us the opportunity to work together and continue to offer a proven service to the community.”

Black Belts who teach classes at Kwandrans’ Tae-Kwon-Do are, from left, Matt Hill, Aidyn Jackson, Debby Farfaglia (who runs the school), Phoebe Kirby and Ross Tetrault.

Bob Kwandrans Jr. was 11 years old when he started karate training with Dick Borrell of Batavia. When he was a senior in high school, he started teaching Tae-Kwon-Do, and by 1988, he had opened Kwandrans Tae-Kwon-Do on East Center Street.

The family’s interest in martial arts stems from Bob Sr.’s training as a police officer in Washington, D.C. After moving back to Western New York, he and his sister started teaching Tai-Kwan-Do in Batavia.

Since 2006, he and his wife Johanna have lived near Fort Wayne, Ind., where he opened another Tae-Kwon-Do studio, and they both teach, along with their son and daughter.

A class of Tae-Kwon-Do students at Kwandrans’ Tae-Kwon-Do studio go through their routine at their new location at the YMCA. Standing at left rear is teacher Matt Hill, brother-in-law of the studio’s founder Bob Kwandrans Jr.

When he opened his first school in Medina, there was a handful of students, Bob said. Today that number has grown to 50 to 60.

His first location was a small room on East Center Street, and in 1992 Bob was able to secure a larger space at 115 East Center St.

Several years prior, Debby Farfaglia of Lockport had brought her oldest son to a class. Two years later, her youngest began lessons. Like so many students, the parents get interested because of their children, and Farfaglia began lessons herself, eventually getting her Black Belt. Today she runs the school in Medina.

What attracted her to Tae-Kwon-Do is the discipline, self-defense, balance and coordination it develops in an individual.

“I like to be busy,” she said. “I don’t like to sit around. Getting involved in Tae-Dwon-Do was one of the best moves I could make.”

Kwandrans said he has had the best people in the world on his staff, and called Farfaglia his “anchor.”

“I think the world of her and her family,” he said.

Farfaglia said they love their new space at the YMCA, where classes begin with Little Dragons. Farfaglia started the classes for children 4 to 6, and now Jess Sutch is their leader, who teaches them the basics at their level, adding fun and games.

Dylan Wood and Abigail Sutch, both 10, go to school together and are also in sports together.

“Abby didn’t want to come to Tae-Kwon-Do by herself, so she talked Dylan into it,” Jess said.

Besides teaching, Jess is also working on her double Black Stripe. The next step will be her Black Belt.

Mary Ann Wood’s children, Frankie and Dylan both take Tae-Kwon-Do and when her daughter asked her to join them, she did.

“I started because the kids wanted me to, and now I’m really into it,” she said. “I hope to get my Black Belt.”

Matt Hill, left, poses with Black Belts and other Tae-Kwon-Do instructors during classes at the YMCA. Front row, from left, are Matt Hill, Brayden Meakin, Judd Degenhardt, Sam Cammarata and Rosemary Kirby Second row, from left, are Collin Fritton, Patrick Grollmes, McKenna Fritton, Graham Kirby, Blade Moskaluk, Michael Manley and Easton Hornquist. Third row, from left, are Brody Brendlinger, Justin Kirby, Phoebe Kirby, Ross Tetrault, Debby Farfaglia (who heads the Medina facility), and Aidyn Jackson.

There are 12 levels to reach a Black Belt, beginning with white, Farfaglia said. Each level requires learning a different pattern, and that takes at least 24 classes.

Megan Johnson’s son Sam, 8, is in an Advanced Tae-Kwon-Do class and he loves it.

“He had a ton of energy as a little kid,” Johnson said. “His dad is a Black Belt, so when Sam was 5 and expressed an interest in it, we signed him up. I’ve absolutely seen a difference in his behavior. It has given his confidence a big boost.”

She said the move to the YMCA was a great thing.

“This is a wonderful place here and it is a wonderful partnership,” Johnson said.

Kwandrans’ brother-in-law Matt Hill is also a Black Belt and has taught at the studio since 2000.

“I was a late bloomer,” Hill said. “I didn’t start training until I was 33 and I’m 57 now. I enjoy fitness, but most of all, I enjoy seeing others improve and get the most out of Tae-Kwon-Do.”

(Left) Debby Farfaglia and Aidyn Jackson are both Black Belts. In the background is Jess Sutch, who just started leading the Little Dragons class and is working toward her Black Belt. (Right) A student in the Little Dragon class lands on his feet during a jump on the mat, while helper Aidyn Jackson watches in the rear.

“It’s been a great move here,” Farfaglia said. “Jesse has been wonderful to us.”

Likewise, Cudzilo is happy to have more of the community utilizing the YMCA’s facility. The space used by Tae-Kwon-Do was a multi-purpose room that had been under-utilized, he said.

“They have been having their belt ceremonies here for years, so when they reached out to see if our relationship could grow from there, I was thrilled to foster that partnership,” Cudzilo said. “Respect, perseverance and personal development fit our mission, also.”

He said welcoming Kwandrans’ studio to the YMCA allows them to offer the people of all ages in Orleans County the opportunity to grow.

“We strive to offer rich and diverse programs to the community, and this is a way to do that,” he said.

Family of God Christian Center plans first service, dedication on Sunday

(Photo by Ginny Kropf at left) The former Fundamental Baptist Church in Middleport will reopen Sunday as Family of God Christian Center under the leadership of the Rev. Ashley and pastor Jose Casanova of Lyndonville. (Provided photo at right) The Rev. Ashley and Jose Casanova said they have found the perfect place to open their new church in Middleport, where their first service will be at 11 a.m. Sunday, followed by a dedication service at 4 p.m. and a dinner.

MIDDLEPORT – A Lyndonville couple with a passion for preaching are about to realize their lifelong dream.

On Sunday, the Rev. Ashley Casanova and her husband, pastor Jose Casanova, will open their first church in the former Fundamental Baptist Church at 56 Main St., Middleport.

The new church, called Family of God Christian Center, will have its first communion service at 11 a.m., followed by a dedication service at 4 p.m. Guest speaker will be pastor Deborah Rosa-Pabon from the United Methodist Church in Middleport.

When the Casanovas came to look at the church earlier this summer, Pastor Rosa-Pabon was there to greet them and welcomed them into the community.

The Casanovas have been looking for a space to start a church for some time. They have visited store fronts in several locations, but the Rev. Ashley said she just wasn’t getting the vibe. Finally, Jose said he did not want a storefront, and suggested they put the brakes on for a while.

“We are starting out with limited funds and we don’t have a congregation,” the Rev. Ashley said. “I felt defeated.”

Then she was sent some pictures of a church from a lady she met in Medina.

“The pictures were of a beautiful church,” the Rev. Ashley said. “Where is this church? Send me the address.”

Provided images: An older postcard shows the former Trinity Church in Middleport. (Right) Developer Rollin Hellner replicated the doors of the 1869 Fundamental Baptist Church and installed them in the restored building at 56 Main St.

The church was the former Fundamental Baptist Church in Middleport, built in 1869, which Medina developer Rollin Hellner and his company Hellner Development had purchased in June and restored. He mentored Job Corps students who helped with the project, said Alex Purnell, a realtor with Berkshire-Hathaway Zambito Realtors, who the Casanovas met when they purchased their home in Lyndonville.

The work included major restoration of the masonry and original steeple and replicating the original front entry doors, which Hellner built by hand from looking at old post cards of the church.

“I just wanted to see life put back in the church,” Hellner said.

When they looked at the church, Hellner showed them the communion plate and Bibles he had saved and the Casanovas were astounded.

“I asked him how old he was, because I couldn’t believe someone that young would have the compassion to save something so sacred,” the Rev. Ashley said.

The pastors knew they wanted this church, but also realized they didn’t have a lot of money. Hellner indicated he wanted $2,000 a month and that was more than the pastors could afford.

“Rollin asked us what we could afford and I told him $1,000,” the Rev. Ashley said. “He said he liked us and was willing to accept $1,000 a month. The fact he was so concerned is a blessing.”

The couple immediately began cleaning and planning for the opening of their first church.

“We are small in number, but mighty in power,” the Rev. Ashley said. “We want to do outreach, such as community dinners, and the first will be after the 4 p.m. dedication ceremony on Sunday. It has definitely been a journey.”

The topic of her first sermon at 11 a.m. Sunday will be “Restoration,” and the Casanovas invite everyone to attend.

“Just as Rollin restored the church, God can restore us,” the Rev. Ashley said.

ALBION – Albion Healthcare Center has announced that Leah Brenner, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner with more than 20 years’ experience, will be joining their team on Nov. 4.

“Leah’s extensive expertise in pediatric emergency medicine and general pediatric practice comes at a crucial time, as our community faces a significant shortage of pediatric care providers,” said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach at Orleans Community Health.

Brenner earned her bachelor of science in nursing from Brockport State College and her master of science in nursing from the University of Rochester. Her background includes pivotal roles in both Rochester and Washington, D.C. area, making her a valuable asset to our team, Robinson added.

“We are thrilled to welcome Leah,” said Alana Palone, clinic administrator for Orleans Community Health. “Her arrival comes at a vital moment for our community, as we strive to meet the demand for pediatric services. Leah’s dedication and skills will make a real difference in the lives of children and families in Orleans County.”

Brenner is passionate about providing comprehensive, high-quality care that addresses the development, physical and mental health needs of children. Outside of work, she enjoys camping cooking and spending quality time with her husband, three stepdaughters and their pets.

“We are excited to have Leah join our team at Albion Healthcare Center,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO for Orleans Community Health. “We continue to try to increase access to excellent healthcare. Our community shouldn’t have to travel to neighboring counties for these services.”

Appointments can now be scheduled by contacting the Albion Healthcare Center at (585) 589-CARE.

For more information about pediatric care at the Albion Healthcare Center, click here.

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Holley first-graders visited Vendetti Farms this morning on Fancher Road, which has been an annual fall outing for students since 2008.

About 60 first-graders were at the farm, and were able to pick out a pumpkin to take home.

These first-graders meet “April,” a Nigerian Dwarf goat brought to the farm by Karen Gaylord, who works as an administrative assistant with the school district’s special education program.

Gaylord said the goat likes to climb, and enjoyed its perch on the stone wall.

Karen Gaylord holds a chicken that drew a crowd on kids. One of the kids exclaimed, “That’s so soft.”

Lynn Vendetti shows kids the sign at Vendetti Farms, and notes the different crops grown on about 2,500 acres. Vendettti Farms sells from a produce stand, and also through wholesale and processing markets.

The family is in its fourth generation of farming. Vendetti farms was started by Anthony Vendetti, who was followed by Albert, then Lynn’s husband Bob, and their sons, Bobby, Ryan and Andrew.

Lynn Vendetti is a retired Holley elementary teacher. She first brought a class of her fourth grade students to the farm, and it has expanded to the entire first grade. The outing ties into their curriculum of learning about the fall. She said it’s also a lot of fun for the students and the Vendetti family.

Ron Vendetti drives a tractor while the students get a hayride at the farm, including a close look at the combines and other big farm equipment.

Lynn Vendetti shows the students a pumpkin that was hit by hail by hail on Aug. 11, causing some scarring. Vendetti said the farm lost most of its pepper crop, while pumpkins and squash were damaged.

These kids play a pumpkin game, where pumpkins are bowled towards crates.

Lori Hinman, a teacher aide at Holley, cleans some mud off a pumpkin for one of the students.

Greyson Arthur, a first grader, stacks pumpkins up high in one of the pumpkin games.

Press Release, NYS Thruway Authority

LE ROY – The New York State Thruway Authority today announced the reopening of the newly renovated Ontario Service Area located on I-90 westbound between exit 46 (Rochester – Corning – I-390) and exit 47 (Rochester – LeRoy – I-490 – NY Route 19) in Genesee County.

The location is the 22nd new service area to open, and the third of four locations to undergo extensive renovations as part of the $450 million private investment to redevelop and modernize all 27 Thruway service areas.

As part of the project, all of the components inside the restaurant building were removed including the restaurants, restrooms and interior seating. The renovation includes a new floor plan, new restaurants, new restrooms, the addition of two new family assist restrooms, private nursing area, additional seating as well as customer access to electrical outlets and phone/laptop charging stations.

The opening of the Ontario Service Area signifies the completion of the modernization of service areas along the more than 200-mile stretch of I-90 from exit 29 (Canajoharie – Sharon Springs – NY Route 10) to exit 49 (Depew – Lockport – NY Route 78).

“Motorists traveling from Central New York to the Buffalo area can now enjoy the amenities and new restaurant options at every new service area along I-90,” Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare, Esq. said. “This redevelopment project is just one of several initiatives aimed at enhancing the travel experience for motorists, with a strong focus on modernization and safety.”

Additionally, the Ontario Service Area is one of five select service areas that includes an adult changing station to improve accessibility for all motorists. Adult changing stations provide those with special needs a safe and secure space for caregivers to provide assistance.

ALBION – The Village of Albion is working to submit applications that could bring millions of dollars in state funding to bolster the downtown and community.

Jay Grasso, owner of G & G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing, said there could the $15 million in potential projects from private building owners and the village.

Jay Grasso, owner of G & G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing, said Albion is a strong contender for the state programs bringing millions in funding to the downtown area. He spoke during a public meeting last week in the Village Hall.

Albion had $11 million in Restore NY projects for a grant application last year that was not approved. Grasso said those projects, plus new proposals, could be part of new applications for $10 million in funding through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative or $4.5 million through the NY Forward program.

Grasso met with property owners and village officials last week. Businesses, industry groups, cultural organizations, developers, non-profit organizations and property owners can submit a project for consideration.

Grasso said G & G will submit the application to the state for the two grants, which are both due by 4 p.m. on Oct. 18.

Potential projects could include new construction (residential, mixed use, hotel, etc.), renovation of existing buildings, facade improvements, renovation of new retail, office, co-working, commercial, industrial, recreational or cultural uses.

The state wants projects that will transform the downtown and support a vibrant and year-round economy.

“If you have a project or a building, dream big,” Grasso said.

Anchor projects that can be a catalyst for other development in the downtown area will be viewed favorable by the state, Grasso said.

He urged building owners and officials from the village and non-profits to reach out to G & G at contact@ggprocess.com to discuss potential projects, sharing a vision for the properties and cost estimates. He said he and his staff can discuss the projects by email, Zoom videoconferencing, a phone call or in person.

Nearby, Batavia has received the $10 million DRI and Medina was awarded the $4.5 million NY Forward grant last year.

Grasso said Albion is “ripe” to receive the funding through one of the programs.

Projects that stir economic activity, add upper-floor housing and show “skin in the game” with investment from the property owners will strengthen Albion’s overall application, Grasso said.

Some of the projects could also be smaller, with façade improvements, window restoration or fresh paint.

“There is no maximum or minimum for this program,” Grasso said.

This photo shows Main Street, north of the Bank Street intersection. Village officials would like to boost occupancy rates in the buildings, including the upper floors.