Photo and information from Albion Central School

ALBION – Students, staff and veterans celebrated Flag Day at Albion Elementary School on Friday morning.

Family members of the school’s students, who served in the armed forces, were invited to the celebration to be recognized. The honor band played during the opening procession and dismissal and each grade performed a patriotic song.

More than 200 students wrote poems with one from each grade level selected to read their composition.

Those students were Gianna Hyde, Jenna Wilson, Leilani Pescara and Mia Wilson. The top Accelerated Reader points earners for the year each recited a fact about the flag. Those students were Kaylin Gannon, Lily Brigenberg, Hazel Bringenberg and Teagan Wicker. Wyatt Ernst was recognized for designing the fifth-grade t-shirt for their Moving Up Day.

The ceremony also included other annual awards given to students. Maelynn Taylor received the Comptroller’s Award. The Triple C Award was given to Elizabeth Scroger, Lexington Pridgen, Henry Hammond, Ava Colonna, Owen Marks, Abigail Vick and Leah Warne.

The Donald Butts Award, named after the school’s former long-time principal, went to Natalie Lindsey, Quinn Pisano, Giuliana Liuzzi, Michael Madison, Lily Bringenberg and Remi Ebbs.

Elliott Pettit and Maelynn Taylor received the Tap Thy Foot band award and Nikki

Russo was honored with the Patrick Digirolamo Award for art.

After the ceremony, a reception was held for the veterans and their students.

MEDINA – Community Action of Orleans and Genesee’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs were recently visited by members of the Medina Police Department and Fire Department.

Medina policeman Jacob Reeves was accompanied by his K-9 partner, Office Phoenix, and Officer Kyle Daly.

Purpose of the visit was to educate the children on what the officers and Phoenix do and the importance of getting help when needed. The children were allowed to pet Phoenix, get into the police cars and even push the buttons for the different sirens.

Medina firefighter Tiffany Petry helps a young Head Start student direct spray from a hose during the firefighters visit to Head Start classes on Ensign Avenue.

The Medina Fire Department talked to the children about fire safety, showing them what a fireperson looks like before and after putting on the equipment, so they wouldn’t be afraid. They also got to explore the fire trucks and even spray the firehose.

Teachers wish to thank Fire Chief Matt Jackson and firefighters/EMTs Dustin Pahura, Tiffany Petry, Paul Urquhart and Andrew Cheverie for teaching the children the importance of fire safety and putting smiles on their faces.

Head Start and Early Head Start are located on Ensign Avenue in Medina.

Medina Head Start’s Classroom C poses with parent Raelee Morgan, teacher Stacey Laskey, grandparent Shirley Srock, lead teacher Carrie Moreland, Medina Police Officer Jacob Reeves, teacher assistants Maddie Meacham and Linda Scurry and parent Brandi Deyarmin.

3 new scholarships added this year, bringing total to 54 awarded by Foundation

Photos courtesy of Susan Starkweather Miller: Auston Johnson accepts the Oak Orchard Bowl/Whittier Scholarship from Alumni Foundation board member Mollie Radzinski

Press Release, Albion Alumni Foundation

ALBION – The Alumni High School Alumni Foundation awarded $172,525 in scholarships to Albion High School Class of 2024 graduates during their Class Night ceremony on Friday.

These awards provide financial assistance to seniors as they continue to pursue their educational goals.

The Foundation’s scholarship committee chose recipients for 54 academic, vocational, service, leadership, arts and athletics scholarships. The committee reviewed numerous applications and chose students that they felt best fit each scholarship’s criteria.

Three newly created scholarships were presented for the first time this year. They are:

• Alvin Smith Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship was established in the memory of Alvin Smith. The $600 award is given on Class Night to a student who has passion for the field they are pursuing.

Flynn Morrison receives the inaugural Alvin Smith Family Scholarship.

• Speradino Foundation Family Scholarship: This scholarship has been established by Robert and Jackie Sperandio and The Sperandio Family Foundation to support two students who have achieved a strong academic standing and shown good judgment, citizenship and involvement in the student body or community. The Sperandio family “always believes in creating opportunities where everyone can flourish and contribute to society.”

• Lu Johnson Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship has been established by the Albion School staff. Lu was a long-time high school teaching assistant. She was an eternal optimist who loved to help those who were most needy. Lu thrived on watching students succeed and overcoming obstacles. The scholarship goes to a member of the Class of 2024 who has financial need, has demonstrated kindness towards others, and has overcome academic challenges during High School.

The Alumni Foundation’s scholarship program continues to grow and benefit more students each and every year. Scholarship funding is made possible through memberships and gifts from AHS Alumni and community members, as well as individuals and organizations that contact the Foundation to establish a scholarship. The Foundation manages the funds and awards the scholarships annually during Albion High School’s Class Night.

The Foundation would like to thank the generous donors that work with us to create and sustain these scholarships. Our donors are helping to make a difference for a lifetime for Albion graduates. Contact Steve Hicks at steve@albionalumni.org to learn how you can create a scholarship.

If you are interested in donating to any of the scholarships you can go to our donate button on the homepage of our website (albionalumni.org) or write to us:

Albion High School Alumni Foundation

P.O. Box 345

Albion, N.Y. 14411

Sarah Thom accepts the Wayne A. Burlison Memorial Scholarship from Alumni Foundation President Steve Hicks.

Congratulations to all 2024 scholarship recipients!

• Albion High School Alumni Foundation – Lucy Rivers and Jason Anstey
• Paul R. Haines Memorial Scholarship – Jacqueline Santiago Garcia
• St. Gobain Adfors Scholarship – Jordan Marshall
• Elizabeth Balcom Smith Scholarship – Lucy Rivers
• Golden Performance Scholarship – Willem DeRuysscher
• Jim & Susie Fraser Health Careers Scholarship – Alison Gibson
• Minier Family Scholarship – Meganne Moore
• Albion Alumni Foundation Performing Arts Scholarship – Jason Anstey
• Coach Richard Diminuco Scholarship for Athletic Excellence – Finnegan McCue
• Harry W. Salchak Science Scholarship – Jonah Karnyski
• A.B. Dick Eddy Service Above Self Scholarship – Meganne Moore
• Nancy Elaine Lagamba Scholarship – Kayla Burgio
• Dr. Paul Mahany Family Scholarships – Julia Fuller, Liana Flugel, Danielle Wyant, Hailey Warren
• Hoag Engineering Scholarships – Jonah Karnyski, Finnegan McCue, Kevin He
• Panek Family Farm Agriculture Scholarship – Sarah Thom
• Horton Scholarship – Ben O’Connor
• Wayne A. Burlison Memorial Scholarship – Jason Anstey, Sarah Thom
• Glassner Family Scholarship – Natalie Printup
• John Panek Memorial Scholarship – Gina Sidari
• Ronald L. Sodoma Memorial Scholarship – Kevin He
• Masonic Renovation Lodge #97 Scholarship – Jacqueline Santiago Garcia
• Edward B. Archbald Memorial Scholarship – Gina Sidari
• Dr. David and Anita Long Scholarship – Ella Papponetti
• D’Andrea Family Scholarship – Ben O’Connor
• Brandon Bruski Memorial Scholarship – Erin Weese
• Ralph and Pearl Poelma Good Neighbor Community Scholarship – Autumn Flugel, Lucy Rivers
• Jake and Anna Vreeburg Scholarships – Jett Conn, Blake Preston
• Inge Hume Elementary Education Scholarship – Julia Fuller
• Robert P. VanDeusen Memorial Scholarship – Zoe Marat
• Moore Family Scholarship Fund – Skylar Draper
• Sherman Awards – Jason Anstey (Moses Sherman Award) & Lucy Rivers (Margaret Sherman Award)
• Benjamin Dennis Kirby Memorial Scholarship – Mark Ames, Finnegan McCue, Gina Sidari
• Oak Orchard Bowl- Whittier Scholarship – Auston Johnson, Alison Gibson
• Country Lane Veterinary Scholarship – Meganne Moore, Gina Sidari, Kayla Burgio
• Babbitt Family Scholarship – Gina Sidari
• Matthew K. Gardner Memorial Scholarship – Autumn Flugel
• Scott H. Ward Memorial Scholarship – Gabriella Dobo
• Craig Anderson Scholarship – Madison Hughson
• Brennan Michael Carlyle Moody Scholarship – Lucy Rivers, Mark Ames
• Jared M. Fearby Scholarship – Meganne Moore
• Edward Fancher Memorial Scholarship – Lucy Rivers
• Gil and Christine Pritchard Vocational Scholarship – Kayla Burgio
• Lamont Family Scholarship – Jacqueline Santiago Garcia
• Kelly Sidari Ricker Memorial Scholarship – Gina Sidari
• Gwenyth Hughson Memorial Scholarship – Mark Ames
• Nicholas Kovaleski Memorial Scholarship – Gina Sidari
• Hoag Skilled Trades Scholarship – Jace Thrash, Ella Papponetti
• Betty West Memorial Scholarship – Julia Fuller
• Stewart New Scholarship – Max Bentley
• Dick Tower Scholarship – Blake Preston
• Alvin Smith Family Scholarship – Flynn Morrison
• Sperandio Foundation Family Scholarship – Autumn Flugel, Jett Conn
• Lu Johnson Memorial Scholarship – Mason Lynch

Alumni Foundation President Steve Hicks presents the Hoag Engineering Scholarship to Jonah Karnyski. Three scholarships were awarded. Kevin He (pictured right) and Finnegan McCue were also recipients of the Hoag Scholarship.

Provided photos

KENDALL – An annual Flag Day tradition at Kendall Elementary School includes a group photo of students and teachers assembled in front of the school, with photo taken from the rooftop.

Today’s photo showed the students in the formation of a giant heart. Teachers wore blue shirts and lined up inside the heart to show the initials “AL” and “CF.”

That is in honor of two teachers who died unexpectedly within the past year.

Amy Laureano was a much-loved first grade teacher at Kendall. She passed away on July 30.

Courtney Fannon, a special education teacher at Kendall, passed away after collapsing at the school on March 8. She was in the late stages of pregnancy.

The “AL” includes Amy’s husband Justin Laureano at the top of “A.” Mr. is an elementary school physical education teacher.

Kendall’s Flag Day celebration also included an assembly that taught students about the holiday, how to properly display and dispose of a flag, and about proper use of a flag. The students sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful,” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” There also was a ukulele version of “Born in the U.S.A.”

Provided photo: John Sansone, left, has the endorsement of State Sen. Rob Ortt for Orleans County district attorney.

John Sansone has the endorsement of the Orleans County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, which includes 21 law enforcement officers in road patrol division and the criminal investigation division of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

The Deputy Sheriff’s Association announced the endorsement this afternoon for Sansone, who is running for district attorney against Susan Howard. Early voting starts on Saturday and continues until June 23 with June 25 the primary day. Sansone was endorsed by the Republican Party Committee and Howard then forced the primary. She has the Conservative Party line for the general election in November.

The Deputy Sheriff’s Association said it met with both Sansone and Howard.

“Deputy Sheriff’s Association concluded that Mr. Sansone’s extensive legal experience and strong commitment to justice make him the ideal candidate for District Attorney,” the union said in a statement. “The endorsement reflects the Deputy Sheriff’s Association’s confidence in Mr. Sansone’s ability to effectively and efficiently lead the district attorney’s office and uphold the law in Orleans County. Please join us in supporting John Sansone for Orleans County District Attorney.”

Sansone also announced he has the endorsement of State Sen. Rob Ortt, whose district includes Niagara, Orleans and part of western Monroe. Ortt is the Republican Leader in the State Senate.

“I proudly endorse John Sansone for Orleans County DA,” Ortt said. “With his extensive experience and outstanding character, he prioritizes public safety and the well-being of Orleans County families. I have known John for several years, and he is the right choice for Republicans who believe in law and order.”

Sansone said he supports Ortt’s push to change the bail reform laws and other state policies “which make it easy for dangerous people to be back on the street immediately after they are charged with crimes.”

“The endorsement by Senator Ortt is critically important to me and all who live in Orleans County,” Sansone said in a news release announcing Ortt’s endorsement. “As I have been saying throughout the campaign, we need to change the laws that endanger our citizens, and I will join the Senator to fight to do that in Albany. I also know that as one of the most respected voices in Albany, the Senator’s confidence in me to not only keep people safe, but to work as a partner to change things in Albany, is gratifying beyond explanation.  As a respected prosecutor, we share the same vision – keep all of our families safe!”

Provided photo: Georgia Thomas, president of the Orleans County Retired Teachers’ Association, left, presents an education grant in the amount of $1,000 to Kendall math teacher Allison Larter.

KENDALL – The Orleans County Retired Teachers’ Association has awarded Kendall math teacher Allison Larter with a Barrie Fleegel Education Grant.

The grant in the amount of $1,000 was presented this week by Georgia Thomas of Medina, president of the Orleans County RTA.

She explained the grant will assist Larter in furthering her education to receive her doctorate.

The award is named for Barrie Fleegel, who began his educational career as a science teacher in 1955 in Marion, during which time he was also curriculum coordinator. He became high school principal in 1971 and two years later was elevated to the position of Marion superintendent. After retiring in 1995, he immediately became a member of New York State RTA.

After joining the organization, Fleegel first served as Wayne County president and Central Western Zone vice president from 1998 to 2000. He next was elected zone president in 2000 to 2003 and immediately moved to the position of NYSRTA’s senior vice president. During his years in that position, he served on the budget and finance committee and the ad hoc resolutions committee.

In spite of his busy involvement, Fleegel also supervised student teachers from SUNY Oswego until falling ill in the fall of 2005. He died in 2006.

Thomas said the Orleans County RTA holds an annual meeting every year.

“Our main purpose is to be a watchdog to make sure teachers don’t lose their retirement,” Thomas said. “Basically, we are a social gathering.”

She said any person who works for a school system is eligible to join the Retired Teachers Association. This includes not only teachers, but bus drivers, instructional assistants and substitutes.

Press Release, Orleans County DSS and Office for the Aging

ALBION – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is this Saturday, June 15. The purpose of WEAAD is to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of elder persons by raising awareness.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day uses the color purple to honor both the victims and survivors of elder abuse.

June Seager, supervisor of Adult Protective Services in the Orleans County Department of Social Services, reminds the community that elder abuse affects people across all socioeconomic groups, cultures and races, and can occur anywhere.

“Elder Abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, financial exploitation, neglect and sexual abuse,” Seager said.  “That’s why we stress to people, don’t stand by, stand up against elder abuse!”

Report suspected abuse or mistreatment to adult protective or to law enforcement. To contact Adult Protective Services resident can:

• Make a referral to Orleans County APS by calling 585-589-7000

• Contact the Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS) Human Services Call Center for the Bureau of Adult Services Helpline at 1-844-697-3505 to leave a message for local Adult Protective Services, to obtain the phone number for local APS, or to obtain general information about APS.

Return to top

BATAVIA – Members of the Genesee/Orleans Child Care Coalition recently celebrated the dedication and hard work of child care providers from Genesee and Orleans counties at a Pineapple Paradise Gala at the CORE Learning Center in Batavia.

There were 80 enthusiastic child care providers from the region who gathered to enjoy camaraderie, a festive atmosphere and dinner provided by Main St. Pizza, according to Alishia Foss, Child Care Resource and Referral specialist and trainer with Community Acton of Orleans and Genesee.

Guest speakers for the evening featured talks from representatives of QualityStarsNY and a union representative, who shared valuable information and encouragement for child care providers, Foss said.

Members of the Child Care Coalition include in-home daycare providers, daycare center providers and employees of Community Action of Orleans’ and Genesee’s Child Care Resource and Referral and Early Head Start Child Care Partnership.

RIDGEWAY – A Lyndonville woman was killed in a car accident on Thursday afternoon on Route 104 in Ridgeway, State Police said today.

Sandra J. Gapa, 64, of Lyndonville was driving a 2021 Subaru, going northbound on Knowlesville Road at about 3 p.m. She stopped at the stop sign at the intersection on Route 104. State Police said she then entered the intersection of 104  and was struck by a 2004 GMC traveling westbound on Route 104.

Gapa was pronounced deceased at the scene by an Orleans County coroner.

The accident shut down traffic on Route 104 between Knowlesville and Culvert roads, and Knowlesville Road between Porter and Oak Orchard River roads.

The State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation assisted in this investigation.

More oxen could be around the county to help celebrate the 200^th anniversary in 2025; Creature to be named during fair next month

Photos courtesy of Robert Batt: Joan Gabalski, a summer assistant at the Cornell Cooperative extension in Orleans County, stands next to a fiberglass ox that was delivered on Thursday at the fairgrounds.

KNOWLESVILLE – An animal harking back to the Orleans County’s early days about two centuries ago is back at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds and will be given a prominent part of the upcoming fair, July 22-27.

A fiberglass ox was delivered by FedEx on Thursday afternoon, traveling from Texas. Robert Batt, the executive director of the Extension, welcomed the idea of having an oxen on display to celebrate the county’s roots.

“It’s impressive,” Batt said about the ox. “We think it’s a fantastic piece to add to the county fairgrounds.”

Joan Gabalski and the ox are shown next to the pie tin that was a world record breaker in 1977.

Orleans County officially formed on April 15, 1825. The State Legislature recognized Orleans County that day, allowing it to splinter from Genesee County. Orleans is now less than a year from its bicentennial. Batt is on the Bicentennial Committee.

The committee is considering having a public art project with fiberglass oxen around the county, and painted in different themes.

But first the committee wanted to see if the public would embrace the idea of the oxen as a public art project, and also as a symbol for the county. The ox will be painted by artist Stacey Kirby Steward during the fair from July 22-27. She is planning an agricultural theme for the ox.

If there are enough sponsors for more oxen, there could be several of them around the county in 2025.

Batt is happy to have an ox at the fairgrounds. He expects it will join the giant pie tin as a fun curiosity. That pie tie celebrates the world’s largest apple pie that was baked at the fair in 1977.

“I see a lot of people stop here to get photos with the pie plate,” Batt said.

The ox is expected to draw a crowd, too. The creature will be on display and Batt thinks it will be a hit with kids and younger adults who like to get selfies for their social media pages.

He also thinks the ox is great way to remind people of the county’s pioneer days. The animal was critical for the fledgling county, pulling wagons across rough terrain, helping to clear trees, dig the Erie Canal and provide lots of muscle for taming the land. Oxen also weren’t picky eaters. They could subsist on poor grass.

Batt would like to name the ox, and wants to see ideas on the Orleans Hub social media page. He already has heard the suggestion, “Orlo,” giving the ox an Orleans-sounding name.

The Bicentennial Committee is expected to create a short list of names to present as options. People can vote during the fair. The ballot box will likely be near the ox while it is painted by Steward, who has created many murals in Albion and Holley. The ox’s name will likely be announced on Saturday, the last day of the fair.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The D & R Smoke Shop in Albion has been stalled in opening because the site needs at least 7 dedicated parking spots for the business at 139 South Main St.

ALBION – A new smoke shop was ready to open last month at 139 South Main St., the former site for Bloom’s Flower Shop.

But D & R Smoke Shop couldn’t open because the site doesn’t have at least 7 dedicated parking spaces, which are separate from the spots for residents in the apartments at the building.

Mohammed Ayash, the D & R Smoke Shop owner, said there are at least 5 dedicated spots for the smoke shops, and he thinks he has 7.

The issue was brought before the Village of Albion Zoning Board of Appeals today. That board set a 4 p.m. public hearing for July 18 at the Village Hall to allow D & R to not have seven dedicated spots.

Ayash noted there is a large parking lot next door for a laundromat and a thrift store. Across the street in another large lot for Hoag Library.

But Ayash said the spots by D & R should be enough. The store won’t be high traffic. He expects only one or two customers at a time. The store will sell tobacco, vaping products and CBD. There won’t be any THC or Delta 9 available.

Chris Kinter, the village code enforcement officer, said he counts nine current spots, but some are dedicated to the tenants for apartments. That would leave 5 for the smoke shop, Kinter said during the ZBA meeting.

Ayash is a Buffalo resident. He said he would like to move with his family to Albion.

“This is a beautiful town,” he said after the meeting. “We try to serve the community.”

The ZBA also voted to refer the variance request to the Orleans County Planning Board for its advisory opinion. The County Planning Board meets 7 p.m. on June 27.

In another matter, the ZBA voted to deny a variance request for the owner of a house at 255-257 East State St. Sean Huff recently acquired the house, which has been a three-unit apartment. However, the previous owner died, and the site should revert back to a two-family house, which is what it is zoned for.

Huff asked the ZBA to give a variance to allow the sites to continue as a three-family dwelling.

But Craig Tuohey, the ZBA chairman, said he doesn’t support spot zoning, where there would be one multi-family zoned property in an R-2 district that allows two-family housing.

Huff said the house already has three entrances, three porches, 3 ½ bathrooms, three kitchens, and at least six on-site parking spaces. It exists as the three-unit house.

Keeping the site as three units also keeps one more housing option available in Albion, where Huff said there is currently only one available apartment being advertised.

Tuohey and the other ZBA didn’t back the variance. Tuohey suggested Huff try the Planning Board or Village Board to see if the zoning could be changed to multi-family so a variance wouldn’t be needed.

Press Release, John Sansone for District Attorney

John Sansone

ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke has endorsed John Sansone for district attorney.

“I have worked closely with John for many years and he is an exceptional example of excellence as a prosecutor,” Bourke said. “He is tremendously hard working and strives to achieve the right result in a case, no matter how difficult or complicated.”

Sansone and Susan Howard are both on the ballot in a Republican Primary on June 25. Early voting is from June 15 to June 23.

“I am honored the Orleans County Sheriff recognizes the countless hours necessary to hold people accountable for their actions, especially after the recent legal obstacles enacted by the state, such as bail reform, Raise the Age and the new discovery rules,”  Sansone stated.

“My vast experience as a prosecutor has allowed me to navigate state-mandated impediments to administering justice is Orleans County,” Sansone continued. “While offering diversion, or other plea offers, has its place in resolving cases, sometimes having to conduct a trial is the only way to truly hold people accountable for their conduct. The fact my partners in law enforcement in Orleans County appreciate my proficiency as a prosecutor and trust me to get the right results means the most to me. Their hard work should not be bargained away without justification.”

St. Mary’s at 20 Ellicott St. is made of rusticated Medina Sandstone and is the oldest Catholic church building in use in Batavia.

BATAVIA – The Buffalo Diocese on Wednesday announced more recommendations to close churches in the region, including in Elba, Batavia and Bergen.

The news followed the Diocese plan announced on Monday to close St. Mark’s in Kendall and St. Stephen’s in Middleport.

The Diocese of Buffalo proposals are recommended changes and are not final, said Joe Martone, Diocese spokesman. Parish families have the opportunity to present alternative proposals by July 15, Martone said.

The Genesee plan announced on Wednesday includes closing St. Mary’s in Batavia, Our Lady of Fatima in Elba, St. Brigid in Bergen, St. Maximilian Kolbe of Corfu and East Pembroke, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Darien and Bennington, and both locations of Mary Immaculate in East Bethany.

The Diocese will keep St. Joseph’s open on East Main Street in Batavia, Ascension parish on Sumner Street in Batavia, as well as St. Padre Pio Parish on Maple Avenue in Oakfield and Our Lady of Mercy on Lake Street in Le Roy.

The 8-county Diocese of Buffalo announced on May 28 it will work to reduce the number of parishes by 34 percent in the eight-county region, which includes Orleans and Genesee.

“The Diocese of Buffalo is facing multiple challenges including a significant priest shortage, declining Mass attendance, aging congregations and ongoing financial pressures brought about by our Chapter 11 filing,” Bishop Michael W. Fisher said on May 28. “This plan resulted from the lessons learned as we brought parishes together in the parish family model and determined rather quickly that scaling back the number of parishes would best allow us to use our limited resources to help reenergize a spiritual renewal in the diocese.”