ALBION – The Albion Fire Department will have an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday at the fire hall at 108 North Platt St.
There will be activities and information to help people see the role of the local fire department.
Applications will be available for people interesting in joining the department.
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Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Automotive Solutions in Medina uses a heavy wrecker tow truck to pull a pickup from the Erie Canal in Medina this morning at about 10 a.m.
Officials at the scene believe the truck went in the canal during the night. There is no sign of the driver at the scene, or any footprints leading from the scene.
The Medina Police Department welcomes any information from the public about the driver.
Firefighters and local police were dispatched to the scene at 8:45 a.m. Fire Chief Matt Jackson said it is unusual to have a vehicle in the canal, but it does happen once every few years.
The truck was headed south on North Gravel Road and failed to make the right turn onto the lift bridge.
These tire tracks show where the pickup, a red Chevy S-10, left the road and went towards the canal.
Automotive Solutions has the truck strapped and starts to left it out of the muddy canal.
The spot before the lift bridge on North Gravel Road has a bend just before the bridge.
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Press Release, NYS Canal Corporation
ROCHESTER – The New York State Canal Corporation on Wednesday hosted the first installment of its SUNY/Erie Canal Bicentennial Forum Series as part of New York State’s commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the original Erie Canal’s opening in 1825 and the waterway’s continued influence on the state.
The forum at Monroe Community College in Brighton focused on ways local governments, businesses and recreational service providers can make the New York State Canal system and Canalway Trail more accessible and welcoming for people with and without disabilities. Coinciding with the event’s panel discussions was a vendor expo that showcased adaptive equipment and information to further assist attendees in making Canal communities more accessible.
“Since its opening nearly 200 years ago, the Erie Canal has had a profound impact on our state and today’s focus on accessibility and inclusion is just one example of how this industrial waterway continues to evolve as it supports an incredible network of recreational activities,” said New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton. “The Canal system and Canalway Trail provide endless opportunities for adventure, fresh air, and exercise, but there are often barriers for people with disabilities.”
With more than 120 attendees present, the audience learned that according to Cornell University one in five Americans lives with a disability. Further, the buying power of people with disabilities along with their direct family members is $1 trillion, making the case for the substantial economic impact of accessible and inclusive recreation.
The forum was broken into two panel discussions – “Disability, Accessibility, and Inclusion,” moderated by New York State’s Chief Disability Officer, Kim Hill Ridley and the second panel, moderated by John Robinson, CEO of Our Ability, focused on “Implementing Accessible Opportunities – Assisting Canal Providers/Municipalities.”
The first panel served as important education on understanding ableism and culture, leading to inclusion and employment, reframing our language, reframing disability, planning from a perspective of functional ability and the importance of universal design, as well as the role of Independent Living Centers.
The second panel built on this foundation, providing specific examples of organizations focused in this space, how to incorporate inclusion in their areas and organizations, and the system view needed to make inclusion a reality.
New York State Chief Disability Officer Kimberly Hill Ridley said, “The New York State Canal system is a treasure trove of history and recreational opportunities and by making the water and trails more accessible and inclusive, we open them up to a whole new segment of the population. An accessible canalway benefits everyone, not just people with disabilities, as it creates a more vibrant and diverse community experience and leads to new partnerships and economic opportunities where everyone feels welcome.”
As part of the Canal Corporation’s continued commitment to ensuring the canal waterways and trails are accessible for all outdoor recreational enthusiasts, this season’s “On the Canals” program seeks to provide greater opportunities for accessible and inclusive outings that will allow people with and without disabilities to participate together. With more than 30,000 participants over the last four years, “On the Canals” offers a variety of free activities including kayaking, cycling, boat tours, birding, wildlife hikes, and painting.
The SUNY/Erie Canal Bicentennial Forum series is a collaboration of the Canal Corporation, the New York Power Authority, the State University of New York (SUNY), and the New York State Department of State. The series will continue through 2024 and 2025 as a component of the New York State Erie Canal Bicentennial celebration announced by Governor Hochul during the 2024 State of the State address.
Additional forums will focus on ensuring the Erie Canal and 524-mile New York State Canal system remains a vibrant economic contributor and is sustainable for the next 100 years. The Erie Canal’s Bicentennial celebration will culminate with the 2025 World Canals Conference in Buffalo.
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Photos and information courtesy of Fred Fierch
Continuing a high school experience begun in the 1990s by Anne-Marie Finger and Alexandra Peracciny, 15 Medina High School students traveled to Greece during the spring break vacation. Adding to the European event was the fact that a companion group of adults from Middleport joined them. Because of that, there were numerous multi-generational combinations.
The group photo on top includes:
Front row: Elaina Bitsas, Valeria Canales, Abigail Pratt, Malloree Rinker, Elaina Huntington, Makenzie McGrath, Adreanna McMurray and Gloria Fierch.
Middle row: Jill Westcott, Keri Pratt, Madison Pratt, Robin Watts, Ava Blount, Paisley Pasnik, Emiliana Batista, Aurora Owczarczak, Madisynn Stanton, Vonda Westcott and Alexandra Peracciny.
Back row: Renee Webber, Emilia Peracciny, Fred Fierch, Keira Walker, Michael Cavanagh, Linda Kozubal, Tyler McInally, Conor Crandall, Celeste Stahl-Balaban, Hunter Pratt, Dominic Peracciny, Matt Peracciny, Alex Balaban, Gary Watts and Richard Westcott.
Alex Balaban and his mother Celeste Stahl-Balaban.
The group enjoyed a sun-filled week visiting the Acropolis and its museum in Athens, having a Greek cooking class, a cruise in the Saronic portion of the Aegean Sea, visiting the islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina, a visit to the incredible Corinth Canal, the ruins of Mycenae, a pottery class and a wonderful visit to the gorgeous city of Nafplio. The latter included a picturesque boat ride in the blue waters and a visit to the local beach.
Dominic, Emilia, Matthew, and Alexandra Peracciny, and Fred and Gloria Fierch.
The visit was coordinated through EF Tours and its Athens and Argolida Tour. Many people on this tour went together 24 years previously, and there were four families who were traveling with children or grandchildren.
Some of the past travelers inspired Mrs. Peracciny to restart the student program. This tour was chaperoned by Mrs. Peracciny and Mr. Michael Cavanagh, Medina High School Principal. The Middleport portion was organized by Matt Peracciny.
The people who went on this adventure all share a love of travel, adventure and learning.
Dick, Vonda and Jill Westcott, Keri, Hunter, Madison and Abbie Pratt.
Gary and Robyn Watts and Makenzie McGrath.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health)
April 14-20, 2024 is STI Awareness Week. This provides an opportunity to raise awareness about sexuality transmitted infections (STIs) and how they impact our lives.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sexually transmitted infections, commonly referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are very common. STIs spread through anal, oral, and vaginal sex, and are caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite.
Sometimes, STIs only create minor symptoms, or they don’t cause any symptoms at all. As a result, it is easy to get infected without realizing it. For this reason, if you are having sex, it is important that you get tested for STIs.
Locally, according to the New York State Communicable Disease Electronic Surveillance System (CDESS), in 2023, Genesee County had an increased number of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis cases, compared to 2022. Orleans County experienced an increase in gonorrhea during this same time period.
A variety of symptoms, including none at all, may occur with STIs. As a result, STIs can be spread unknowingly and this is why it is important to get tested. Delayed treatment can cause serious health effects. STI symptoms could be:
Taking the time to learn about STIs, safe-sex practices, and how to make educated decisions is important in prevention.
Here are some ways to prevent STIs:
“As indicated or needed, make sure you routinely test for STIs,” stated Brenden Bedard, director of Community Health Services for GO Health. “Untreated STIs can have effects such as infection, miscarriage, infertility, and an increased risk of cancer. By engaging in preventative measures, you are protecting yourself and your sexual partners.”
Learn how to prevent STIs for both you and your partner(s). Get help today.
If you are interested in STI testing, or want more information:
For more information about GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced record-setting tourism numbers in New York from April 6 to April 9 as visitors arrived for the total solar eclipse.
Nearly one million people visited New York State Parks from April 6 to April 9 – an increase of 45 percent compared to last year. The New York State Thruway Authority and New York State Department of Transportation recorded significant increases in vehicle travel, and the New York Power Authority provided nearly double the charging miles for electric vehicles when compared to the previous week.
Governor Hochul was one of 45,000 visitors who experienced Monday’s celestial event at Niagara Falls State Park.
“From majestic Niagara Falls to the mighty Adirondacks, New York was one of the best places on earth to witness this once-in-a-generation celestial event,” Governor Hochul said. “We planned for more than a year to welcome a record number of visitors during the total solar eclipse, and those preparations helped this event go off safely and successfully.”
In October 2022, Governor Hochul convened an Interagency Task Force comprised of nearly two dozen state agencies and authorities to prepare to welcome the influx of visitors the state expected for this once-in-a-generation event. New York State agencies involved in the Interagency Task Force reported record services provided to residents and travelers.
New York State Parks
From April 6 to April 9, nearly one million visitors showed up to New York State Parks to witness and celebrate the total solar eclipse, an increase in attendance of more than 45 percent compared to the same days in 2023.
On April 8 alone, New York State Parks welcomed more than 326,500 visitors, an over 52 percent jump in attendance compared to last year. 12 state parks reached full capacity on April 8: Cayuga Lake (Seneca County), Chimney Bluffs (Wayne County), Crown Point (Essex County), Cumberland Bay (Clinton County), Fair Haven State Park (Cayuga County), John Brown Farm (Essex County), Point Au Roche (Clinton County), Robert Whele (Jefferson County), Selkirk (Oswego County), Seneca Lake (Seneca County), Southwick Beach (Jefferson County) and Stony Brook State Park (Steuben County).
Governor Hochul opened campgrounds at State Parks within the path of totality early to accommodate visitors for the total solar eclipse, which were 100 percent booked the night of April 7 and 93 percent booked the night of April 8.
New York Power Authority
On April 7 and April 8, the New York State Power Authority reported that EVolve Stations dispensed over 260,000 miles of driving, which is over 115,000 more miles dispensed than the same days the previous week.
New York State Department of Transportation
New York State Department of Transportation staff and resources were fully engaged up to and through the eclipse monitoring traffic conditions, responding to emergencies and helping motorists get to their destinations safely and with as few delays as possible. As expected, New York State experienced moderate to heavy traffic volumes in certain areas along the path of totality, especially in the North Country and Adirondacks, and aside from a few crashes that were addressed quickly, there were no major reported incidents.
New York State Thruway Authority
During the five-day period from Friday, April 5 to Tuesday, April 9, over 5.5 million toll transactions were recorded. The peak day was Tuesday, April 9, with more than 1.2 million toll transactions, a 21 percent surge over the previous year. Gas sales and overall sales at the service areas almost doubled during the eclipse weekend, with the peak day being Tuesday, April 9, similar to a summer travel weekend. In addition, charging sessions at the EV charging stations increased by over 111 percent compared to weekdays in March.
Acting New York State Parks Commissioner Randy Simons said, “What an incredible day it was! People from around the world came to our parks and historic sites to share a once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse. Hundreds of thousands of people enjoyed a rich, memorable experience thanks to the hard work of our staff and Park Police over a two-year period.”
Stefanie Peruzzini of Albion sent in this photo of her daughters Kendall and Kamryn Peruzzini, and their friends Jax Gotte, and Colson, Stryker and Donovan Braley. They tried to make the best of the cloudy conditions.
YATES – The notices should be in the mail soon for about 1,800 property owners in the Town of Yates.
Town Assessor Trisha Laszewski said next week she will be done with a town-wide revaluation, the town’s first in five years. Laszewski said the notices will then be printed and mailed out.
There may be some shock with higher assessments that reflect a marketplace that has been climbing about 15 to 20 percent a year.
“There’s going to be numbers that people aren’t used to seeing,” Laszewski told the Town Board during Thursday’s town meeting. “The assessments are going to go up.”
She said the assessor’s job is to have the property values match sale prices.
“I have to try to make it as equitable as possible,” she said.
The higher assessments should result in lower tax rates. The actual tax bills shouldn’t see a dramatic change for property owners, as long as the town stays within or close to the 2 percent tax cap.
Town Supervisor Jim Simon said he expects town taxes won’t see more than a minimal increase. So the town tax bills should have a smaller tax rate with the higher assessments for the 2025 town budget.
Property owners can meet with the assessor to challenge their assessed values, and also bring those disputes to a Board of Assessment Review.
Laszewski said the state says about 10 percent of properties typically go through the grievance process when there is a town-wide reassessment. She is setting aside time to meet with 150 property owners, and can do more if needed.
She also was the assessor for Shelby and Ridgeway for their reassessments last year.
Besides Yates, Gaines and Albion are also doing the revaluations this year.
Laszewski said the town hall in Yates will be a busier place in May after the assessments come out.
“Next month we will be in the thick of everything,” she told the Town Board.
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Press Release, Albion Central School
ALBION – Twenty-three students from Albion High School were inducted into the National Honor Society on Thursday evening in the middle school auditorium.
The following were inducted: Mallory Ashbery, Zackary Baron, Nicholas Baxter, Oliver Beach, Leo Bolton, Sawyer Brigham, Cassandra Brown, Kelli Dingle, Dillon DiGiulio, Samantha Dobo, Tracy Garrett, Nathan Garrett, Alexis Hand, Rori Higgins, Matthew Kania, Mallory Kozody, Seth Krenning, Madison LeBaron, Kenadie Patten, David Rosario-Soto, MacKenzie Snook, Tye Talbot and Ella Trupo.
Built on the four pillars of scholarship, service, leadership and character, the NHS requires that inductees must exhibit all four qualities and be recommended by a faculty member in order to be eligible. The 2023 inductees led the ceremony, which included recognition of outstanding high school staff members.
Mrs. Sawyer Green was the guest speaker for the ceremony and was chosen as the recipient of Albion’s NHS Excellence in Teaching Award. Mr. Eric Christiansen received recognition for exemplifying scholarship, Mr. Elton Capstick service, Mr. Mark Hryvniak leadership and Mr. William Dambra character. All faculty honorees were picked by the current NHS members.
Current members include Sophia Albanese, Jason Anstey, Joshua Bovenzi, Kayla Burgio, Jett Conn, Autumn Flugel, Liana Flugel, Kevin He, Jordan Marshall, Finnegan McCue, Meganne Moore, Ella Papponetti, Emily Richardson, Lucy Rivers, Jacqueline Santiago Garcia, Gina Sidari, Hailey Warren and Erin Weese. The advisor of Albion’s NHS is Mrs. Suzanne Newton.
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A receipt from 1873, Dr. Thomas Cushing then working in Medina, acknowledges payment of $20 for 20 home visits.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 4, No. 13
If you were a farm laborer living in Shelby in 1873 and you broke your leg or your youngest daughter was seriously ill, what would you do?
Then, as now, the cost of medical care was a matter of concern. Dr. Cushing’s fee list from 1873 illustrates the cost of his services. A visit to your Shelby home would cost $1, with mileage added. As a farm laborer, you would earn $1.25 per day, according to the History of Wages in the United States from Colonial Times to 1928.
Dr. Cushing could have set your broken bone, but even he had few weapons to fight your daughter’s dysentery. It is not surprising that home medical remedies developed. It is unlikely that they would have effectively treated cholera or dysentery, but the cough medicines and liniments would most likely have been effective.
All too often, these remedies survive as handwritten notes on fading scraps of paper. Fortunately, the Crescent Circle cookbook compiled by members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in East Shelby included a collection of home remedies. A reprint of this 1901 cookbook was included in the West Jackson Corners Cookbook published by the East Shelby Community Bible Church in 2004.
Dr. Cushing’s fee list, 1873
The instructions provided for the preparation of these remedies are very basic. Some of the ingredients and terms used may be unfamiliar, explanations are provided.
Cholera Cure (1)
*Tincture of opium, tincture of rhubarb, tincture of cayenne. Mix well together.
Dose: 15 to 30 drops in water, to be repeated in 15 or 20 minutes if necessary.
Mrs. John Brown
(*Tincture – the berries, leaves, roots or bark of a plant dissolved in alcohol or vinegar)
Cholera Cure (2)
One oz. rhubarb, 1 oz. camphor, 1 oz. laudanum*. Dose for children 5 drops, for adults 15 drops repeated once in 2 hours.
(*Laudanum – also known as opium, made from air-dried poppies could be purchased without the need of a prescription until 1915.)
Cough Medicine
Juice of 3 lemons, 1 cup loaf sugar*, 2 or 3 tablespoons castor oil.
Mrs. Ernest Hill
(* Loaf sugar or sugarloaf – refined sugar was sold in loaf form until the late 19th century.)
Croup
A teaspoon alum*, grated, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar. Give as quick as possible, keep giving until vomiting is produced.
Mrs. R. Neal
(*Alum is a mineral salt)
Diphtheria
One gallon strong apple vinegar, 1 tablespoon saltpeter*, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 piece borax size of a chestnut. Gargle every half hour.
A.L. Thurston
(*Saltpeter or potassium nitrate was mined in Kentucky as also used to make gunpowder)
Dysentery Medicine
Tincture of opium, camphor, and rhubarb in equal parts. Dose 10-15 drops.
Mrs. E.I. Hill
Kittredge Grease
One half-pound fresh butter, 1 oz. orgamin (sic) oil, 1 ounce camphor gum. Simmer all together. Grease well with it. Give ½ teaspoon every little while.
Mrs. Mary Kilner
Linament
One egg, 1 oz. turpentine, 1 oz. of camphor, ½ pint of vinegar. Shake egg and vinegar, then add the rest and shake for 10 minutes.
Mrs. Lucy Crane
Blood Remedy for Stomach, Liver, Kidneys
Bayberry leaves 2 oz., Senna leaves 2 oz., buchue*(sic) leaves 1 oz., *may-apple blossoms 1 oz., bittersweet root 2 oz., wild cherry bark 1. oz., angelica root 2 oz., culvers root 3 oz.
Directions: Put the above in 3 quarts boiling water. Boil down to two quarts and 1 pint, then strain through a piece of cheese cloth and add 1 pint of alcohol to keep from souring. Bottle and use.
Dose: One tablespoon 3 times a day before the meals ½ hour. For children from 1 to 12 years, 1 teaspoon 2 times a day.
Dr. Herman
(*Senna – a medicinal herb used as a laxative, buchu – a medicinal herb from South Africa used for kidney and urinary tract problems, the mayapple plant is a woodland rambler, it’s roots, leaves and seeds are poisonous, it was used as a purgative, Culver’s root is a wildflower, used as an emetic and analgesic.)
We have not been able to identify the Dr. Herman who provided this “Blood Remedy for Stomach, Liver and Kidneys,” but with its combination of laxative, purgative and emetic agents, it no doubt, produced memorable results.
(Please note: These remedies are presented solely for their historical interest; they are not intended as prescriptions for use.)
Return to topA wind advisory started this morning in Orleans County and continues until 2 p.m. on Saturday, the National Weather Service in Buffalo advised.
There will be westerly winds from 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 50 mph. The advisory also includes Niagara, Erie, Genesee and Chautauqua counties.
“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects,” the Weather Service stated. “Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.”
Today will have a high of 53 with showers, followed by highs of of 48 on Saturday, 56 on Sunday and 61 on Monday.
Return to topPress Release, Orleans County Youth Bureau
ALBION – The Orleans County Youth Bureau today announced it has extended the deadline for nominations for the 42nd Annual Youth Recognition awards.
The purpose of these awards is to recognize those youth who have performed outstanding service for our community and/or have assumed an extraordinary role within their families by helping to support themselves. The deadline for nominations is now April 30.
Anyone is welcome to nominate a candidate, but nominations from family members must be accompanied by a supporting recommendation from a non-family member. Nominees must reside in Orleans County and be a minimum of 14 years of age and under the age of 21 before June 30, 2024.
In addition to the youth recognition awards, the Youth Bureau also extended the deadline for nominations for the Helen Brinsmaid Award, given to an Orleans County youth-serving professional, in a paid position, whose work surpasses normal expectations, and the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Recognition Award, presented to an adult who serves the youth of Orleans County in a volunteer setting.
All nomination forms can be found by clicking here. For information about the awards, contact the Youth Bureau at 585-589-7053 or OrleansCountyYouthBureau@OrleanscountyNY.gov.
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YATES – The Yates Town Board on March 14 voted to buy 153.3 acres of land from NYSEG for $700,000. Town officials envision the site to stay undeveloped with walking trails. It is next to a 6-acre town park on Morrision Road by Lake Ontario.
But town residents Paul Lauricella, Bill Jurinich and Steve Colon want the sale to have voter approval. They submitted petitions signed by 200 residents on Thursday.
That should meet the threshold to force a public referendum, Town Supervisor Jim Simon said. The petitions are being reviewed for valid signatures, and town officials are checking the local law for how soon the referendum will be held. It may be before the Nov. 5 election day.
“This is the American way,” Simon said Thursday after the Town Board meeting, responding to the petitions filed that morning at the town hall.
Lauricella, a Yates resident and chairman of the Orleans County Conservative Party, said he wants the community to have the final say in whether the land is purchased, and to be aware there will be ongoing maintenance and costs beyond the purchase.
“We thank the people for entrusting us with their signatures,” Lauricella said after Thursday’s Town Board meeting. “This gives them a voice.”
The town’s purchase is dependent on Yates receiving grants to cover the purchase of the land, Simon said. Yates has two years to line up grants and state funding for the acquisition. The town had to put down $5,000 to hold the land, and that money will be returned if the town ultimately doesn’t go forward with the project.
Simon said there are no immediate plans for the land, except to develop nature trails and possibly add a gazebo or a pavilion. The best use for the property may be keeping in a mostly wooded state without development, Simon said.
Town officials have eyed the land for years, and wanted to use state funds through the REDI program to acquire the land and make it more accessible to the public.
The state created the Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative or REDI in response to historic flooding along the shore in 2017 and 2019. Yates received a $2.5 million grant from the state to make improvements to the 6-acre town park, including a playground, pavilion with bathrooms, a kayak launch, a crusher-run walking trail, a new parking lot with sidewalks and a pier that extends into the lake.
The town initially sought $4.5 million in REDI and that would have included buying the NYSEG land and doing some improvements, but NYSEG wasn’t ready to sell it in 2019, when the REDI funds were approved by the state.
Simon said the town’s local waterfront development plans include expanding the town park to the NYSEG site.
When the board voted March 14 to acquire the land for $700,000, there was then a 30-day window for a permissive referendum to file petitions to put the purchase to a public vote. Lauricella, Jurinich and Colon had voiced concerns about the purchase for several months.
They say it will take $25,000 in property taxes – town, county, school and fire district – off the tax rolls, and also result in increased costs for the town with maintenance and insurance.
Jurinich said he’d like to see a portion of the land be available to develop houses. That would boost the town’s tax base.
The town will have public meetings about the purchase leading up to the referendum, looking at the pros and cons, Simon said.
He sees an expanded park, open and free to the community, as a big asset for local residents that would also likely bring visitors to the community.
“This would preserve a beautiful stretch of land,” Simon said.
Return to topMEDINA – Rashawn Bloom, 19, of Medina was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment by State Police for a fatal car accident on June 25, 2023 in Albion.
State Police announced the charge on Tuesday. Bloom faces a D felony with a maximum sentence of seven years in state prison.
Gabriel J. Casanova, 19, was killed in a one-car accident at 2:37 a.m. at West Countyhouse Road. Casanova was a passenger in a 2009 Lincoln Navigator that overturned multiple times. Casanova graduated from Medina in 2022.
Three other occupants of the vehicle were treated for non-life threatening injuries at Strong Memorial Hospital and released that day.
Bloom has been issued an appearance ticket to Albion Town Court.
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Provided photo: A student from the New York State School for the Blind in Batavia models the prom dress she chose Wednesday from the selection provided by Community Action. Similar sessions are scheduled for any teen in the area on Tuesday at the Main Street store and on April 25 for Albion students at Albion High School.
ALBION – Soon after taking over as manager of Community Action’s Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More Store last year, Cassie Healy got the idea to collect prom dresses and give them away free to students who couldn’t otherwise afford one.
The program was so successful, Healy wants to make it an annual event.
“Last year we were able to provide many dresses to girls who were unable to get one,” Healy said. “I remember one girl in particular last year who was able to get a dress, shoes, accessories and have her makeup and hair done through us. She told me she had won tickets to her prom but due to her family’s financial situation she did not think she would be able to go. She expressed her appreciation many times and was very excited she would be able to experience her prom.”
She also sent the store some photos of her prom with her friends.
“This is truly one of those ‘This is why I do this’ moments,” Healy said.
This year Healy hopes to reach out to more students, including any in surrounding counties. On Wednesday, she and her helpers took dresses to the New York State School for the Blind for girls to choose from. Eighteen found a dress they could wear to their prom, Healy said.
On April 16 at the Main Street store, Healy expects to have several hundred dresses, suits, makeup and other accessories available for students to choose from, regardless of where they go to school, even outside Orleans County.
There will also be a drawing for free prom tickets, thanks to the Ministry of Concern, who has set out jars for “Pennies for Prom” in local shops. Julia Alt, development director for Hospice, will be on hand to provide students with tips on how to do their makeup on prom night.
The prom giveaway will be repeated at 1 p.m. on April 25 at Albion High School for Albion students only.
“No student should miss their prom because they can’t afford a dress,” Healy said.
The Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More store is always accepting dresses, suits, shoes, makeup, hair supplies and other accessories for these events. Healy encourages the community to check their closets for prom-appropriate attire and accessories and bring them to the store to help these youth make lasting memories.
For more information, stop in or call the Main Street store at (585) 589-1430.
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Cassie Healy, manager of Community Action’s Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More Store in Albion shows off some of the prom dresses which were available last year during the first free prom giveaway. The store is again offering free prom dresses and accessories to teens who can’t afford them.
