Albion

3 boards vote to form Albion Joint Fire District

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 April 2024 at 10:15 pm

Fire Department leaders say Albion FD has long been underfunded; bigger budget needed for equipment

Photos by Tom Rivers: Albion Fire Department Deputy Chief John Papponetti, standing at lower right, goes over the current budget issues and challenges facing the Albion Fire Department. He presented benefits of a new Albion Joint Fire District to about 80 people this evening during a public hearing about the joint fire district. The hearing was held in the LGI room at Albion High School.

ALBION – The Town Boards for Albion and Gaines, as well as the Albion Village Board were unanimous this evening in voting to form a new Albion Joint Fire District.

The new joint district will be its own taxing entity, with its own elected fire commissioners. It will replace the current setup where the Albion Fire Department is part of the Albion village budget, with the Albion Village Board serving as a commissioners overseeing the department and determining its funding.

The towns of Albion and Gaines both provide funding through fire protection contracts with the village.

The new joint fire protection district would likely have an annual budget of about $750,000 to $850,000. That is more than double the current $350,000 for the fire department.

That amount is much too low and doesn’t include any money for reserve funds to help pay for fire trucks and equipment, said John Papponetti, the deputy fire chief.

He went over slide and information for more than a half hour during a public hearing at the LGI of the high school. The hearing went for about 50 minutes.

“The village realizes that the funding for the fire department is insufficient to meet current standards of today and the future, and that the department is not adequately equipped and needs better equipment, vehicles and facilities,” Papponetti said.

Deputy Fire Chief John Papponetti said the fire department needs more funding to meet the demands for new equipment, from trucks to turnout gear. The current budget of $350,000 is less than half of what the fire department needs, he said. The map on the screen shows Orleans County with Albion Joint Fire District in the red outline.

With an $850,000 budget the tax rates for fire protection would change from the current 93 cents per $1,000 in Albion and 80 cents in Gaines to about $2.00 for the two towns and village, according to the presentation from Papponetti.

The new joint fire district is pending a permissive referendum. If there is a petition submitted by enough registered voters in Albion and Gaines, the joint district would go to a public vote. (The attorneys didn’t have all the details on a referendum this evening, but it typically requires a petition with at least 5 percent of the registered voters in the last gubernatorial election. The petition would need to be submitted within 30 days of today’s vote.)

If the joint district stands – with or without a referendum – it would take effect on Jan. 1. That’s when it would start with its own budget, and the joint district would own the fire trucks and equipment. The village is keeping the fire hall on Platt Street and will lease the space to the fire district.

The first five commissioners were appointed this evening and they will serve terms from July 1 to Dec. 31. Al Cheverie and Gary Mumford represent the Town of Gaines. The Village of Albion has one representative, former village trustee David Buczek. The Town of Albion has two appointees, Chuck Nesbitt and Jeremy Babcock. Cheverie and Babcock are current members of the Albion Fire Department.

If the joint fire district goes forward, there will be an election for five fire commissioners in December. In that first election, the candidate with the most votes gets a five-year term, then the fourth most gets four years, down to the candidate with the fifth-most votes getting a one-year term.

After that first election, there will be an election for just one position for a five-year term in the following years.

Doug Heath, attorney for the Town of Gaines, welcomes the public to ask questions during the hearing. He was joined at the table by the Town Boards for Albion and Gaines, and the Albion Village Board, as well as the attorneys for each municipality and advisor Raymond DiRaddo who has provided legal advice to fire districts for 40 years.

Papponetti said residents will have a greater say in the department through the election of commissioners. Any bonding or establishment of reserve accounts by the joint district will also need voter approval.

The fire department faces a need for a new ladder truck and an engine in the not-too-distant future. The cost of the fire trucks has more than doubled since 2011. Papponetti said ladder trucks in 2024 are now about $2.2 million with a fire engine at about $1.2 million.

The Village Board hasn’t established reserve funds to prepare for these big purchases, he said. Papponetti said the fire department currently competes for funds in the village budget with other departments – police, DPW, cemetery, clerk’s office, recreation and other needs.

The fire department currently operates on about a $350,000 budget, with the village paying $113,456 (32 percent), the Town of Gaines at $120,422 (35 percent) and the Town of Albion at $116,122 (33 percent).

Papponetti said the fire department would come out of the village budget with its own tax bill in January. It should result in a lower village tax bill, although village residents would pay the new fire district tax.

Pete Sidari, an Albion firefighter and former Albion Village Board member, asked if the village is keeping the fire hall and leasing it to the joint fire district. Other new joint fire districts have had villages just transfer the fire halls to the new district. None of the questions asked at the hearing were answered during the meeting.

The villages of Holley and Lyndonville both recently moved the fire department out of their budgets and into fire districts. Raymond DiRaddeo, a Rochester attorney, has worked with fire districts for about 40 years. He said more communities are putting the fire service in fire districts to ensure there is proper funding.

One resident, Jake Walter, said he didn’t like that the annual elections are in December, which he said is a busy time for people who haven’t gone south. He said the timing of the vote seemed to discourage voters.

Laura Bentley also said the fire protection taxes would more than double with a joint fire district.

Papponetti said the fire department budget would need to go up significantly, even if the joint district doesn’t go through. He said there isn’t enough money right now to run the department and have money set aside for new trucks and equipment.

“It’s very difficult to operate in this current environment,” he said about having the department in the village budget. “It’s like living paycheck to paycheck. There are no reserve accounts. The funding is inefficient.”

Albion Rotary welcomes 2 new members

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 April 2024 at 7:28 am

Photos courtesy of Kelly Kiebala: Pictured from left include Albion Rotary Club secretary and sponsor Bonnie Malakie, new Club Member Taryn Moyle, Rotary District 7090 Governor Scott Marcin, Albion Club President & sponsor Doug Farley, and new club member Bill Lattin.

ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club welcomed two new members to the service organization last week, when the club was also addressed by District Governor Scott Marcin, a member of the Amherst South Rotary Club.

The new Albion members include Taryn Moyle and Bill Lattin. Moyle works as manager of the Child Care Resource & Referral program for Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Inc.

Lattin is retired as county historian and director of the Cobblestone Museum. He remains active at the museum and the Orleans County Historical Association.

The two were inducted at the Rotary meeting last Thursday at The Tavern on the Ridge, the former Village Inn on Ridge Road.

At left, Rotary Club of Albion President Doug Farley and at right, Rotary District 7090 Governor Scott Marcin.

Terry Anderson, Albion native held hostage, dies at 76

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 April 2024 at 9:48 pm

Anderson was captive for 2,545 days before his release on Dec. 4, 1991

Photo by Tom Rivers: This historical marker in Albion is on main Street by the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church and notes Terry Anderson, a journalist from Albion, was held hostage for almost seven years.

Terry Anderson, one of the most famous people from Albion, died today at age 76.

Anderson spent several years of his childhood in Albion before moving to Batavia and graduating from high school there in 1965.

Terry Anderson is on the cover of Time magazine on Dec. 16, 1991 after being released after nearly seven years as a hostage. Part of his glasses are missing.

He worked as a newspaper reporter for the Associated Press and was the AP’s bureau chief in Lebanon when he was taken hostage by Islamic militants on March 16, 1985. His sister Peggy Say fought for his freedom, meeting with the Pope, Mother Teresa and President Ronald Reagan. Say died in 2015.

Many prayer vigils were held in Western New York, and his status as one of the longest-held American hostages was frequently in the news in Western New York and nationally. He finally gained his release on Dec. 4, 1991, and met his daughter Sulome for the first time. She was 6 ½ when she finally could hug her father in person.

Anderson chronicled the ordeal of being kept captive in a book, “Den of Lions.” Anderson died at his home in Greenwood Lake in Orange County, NY, his daughter Sulome Anderson told the AP.

Anderson made an appearance in Albion in the late 1990s in the fundraiser for Community Action, a rare local event for him.

“Though my father’s life was marked by extreme suffering during his time as a hostage in captivity, he found a quiet, comfortable peace in recent years. I know he would choose to be remembered not by his very worst experience, but through his humanitarian work with the Vietnam Children’s Fund, the Committee to Protect Journalists, homeless veterans and many other incredible causes,” Sulome Anderson said in a statement.

After his release and return to the United States, Anderson taught journalism at prominent universities, ran for Congress, operated a blues bar, Cajun restaurant, horse ranch and gourmet restaurant, the AP reported today.

The Orleans County Department of History erected a historical marker for Anderson on Main Street in Albion near the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church. The marker notes Anderson grew up in this neighborhood in the 1950s, and would later be taken hostage and held prisoner for 2,545 days.

Frances Pierce posted this comment on the Orleans Hub Facebook page: “Terry was actually born in Ohio. His family moved to Albion when Terry was still a child. His family lived in the upstairs of the big house that sits on the corner of Clarendon and East State Street, directly across from what was then Guido’s. Terry was a lot of fun and super smart. We hung around in the same group including Lynn Miller, Terry’s then best friend. His family moved to Batavia a year or so before graduation from High School. He was one of a kind, one that you never forget.”

Dorothy Boyer of Albion sent in this childhood memory of Terry Anderson: “When I knew Terry Anderson in the ’50s he lived where Bloom’s Flower Shop used to be on Main Street. As far as I know they had the whole house. We used to go over on a Friday night when his mom got home from Marti’s (Supper Club) and help her count all of her tips. It was so much fun as a child to do. We used to play canasta together and yes, he was Lynn Miller’s best friend. We had a bamboo fort behind his house with a lot of patches. It was always fun.”

The Committee to Protect Journalists is an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes press freedom worldwide. CPJ defends the right of journalists to report the news safely and without fear of reprisal.

CPJ issued this statement:

“The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply saddened by the death of Terry Anderson, journalist and CPJ’s former vice chair and honorary chairman.”

Anderson, a former Associated Press journalist who was kidnapped and held hostage in Lebanon for six years, knew firsthand the threats that faced journalists seeking to report freely, and was an outspoken and dedicated advocate for press freedom.

“Terry was part of the CPJ family for over 25 years,” said Jacob Weisberg, CPJ chair. “He took that responsibility seriously – joining CPJ to advocate on behalf of journalists at risk around the world at the highest levels. Our thoughts are with his family and especially with his daughter Sulome, herself a journalist.”

In 1998, Anderson was part of a CPJ delegation that met with then Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz to press for an end to the jailing of journalists in the country. A year later, he and CPJ colleagues traveled to Yemen to ask Prime Minister Abdel Karim al-Iryani to halt the arrests and harassment of editors and reporters there.

“Terry Anderson’s public advocacy was instrumental in freeing journalists from jail and protecting them against the worst abuses,” said former CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon, who worked closely with Anderson during the years that Simon led CPJ. “But what distinguished Terry was his personal and often private interventions on behalf of journalists held hostage around the world. Terry counseled many families experiencing helplessness and trauma. His deep compassion helped them understand they were not alone and bolstered their spirits in the darkest times.”

Anderson accepted an Emmy in 2006 on behalf of CPJ for its work in defense of press freedom. His words then resonate more than ever today, with record numbers of journalists in jail, near record levels of killings and threats against journalists in all corners of the globe:

“CPJ began its work…and continues it today, not because we believe journalists deserve more protection than anyone else, but because we believe that journalists are the first to be attacked by those who wish to oppress, to deny the basic human rights and human dignity of all,” he said. “Journalists are on the front line, the first casualties in the constant fight to preserve freedom.”

2 friends, Thom Jennings and Jack Burris, share wisdom and wit in new podcast

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 April 2024 at 9:29 am

Provided photo: Thom Jennings, left, and Jack Burris share their thoughts in a weekly podcast, “What to Do with Your Old Explicit Content.”

Two people who say they are unlikely friends, Thom Jennings and Jack Burris, have joined in a podcast where they share their wisdom and wit in touching on a range of topics, from saying goodbye to a beloved family dog to dissecting the intricacies of love and betrayal in romantic relationships.

Jennings and Burris team in a podcast they call “What to Do with Your Old Explicit Content.” It is available on Caronia Media Podcast Network.

Jennings, a former Albion resident who now lives in Oakfield, is a special education teacher in Buffalo and music writer. He was inducted into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame Class in 2023.

Burris owns Burris Cleaning and is the founder of the Hands 4 Hope Street Ministry.

Jennings said his perspective is molded by the school of hard knocks while Burris brings a deeply introspective and religious soul.

“We may not have all the answers, but we know how to spin a yarn and share a chuckle,” Jennings said. “Join us on this journey as we tackle life’s conundrums with a twinkle in our eyes and a touch of irreverence.”

Each week, the two share their unique perspectives on life’s challenges, accompanied by stories from their own lives. Listeners can expect an engaging blend of wisdom, humor, and storytelling that promises to entertain and enlighten.

“What to Do with Your Old Explicit Content” is now available for streaming on the Caronia Media Podcast Network and is available on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Spotify.

Hoag Library adds magnifying shield to computer to help patrons with impaired vision

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Adult services librarian Michael Magnuson watches Carrie Heise use a computer at Hoag Library which has been fitted with a magnifying shield for those with vision problems.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 19 April 2024 at 12:58 pm

ALBION – Carrie Heise often goes to Hoag Library to use their computers, but with developing vision problems, found it difficult to see the screen.

She had heard about a shield which magnifies letters and one day mentioned the idea to librarian Betty Sue Miller.

Carrie Heise of Albion is delighted with the addition of a magnifying shield to one of the computers at Hoag Library. She suggested the idea and librarian Betty Sue Miller wasted no time ordering one.

Miller immediately said, “Let’s see what we can do about this.”

Miller contacted Lions International who suggested she reach out to Advantage Tech Support Company in regard to which model to buy.

She ordered the shield they suggested and it was fitted on one of the library’s computers, which are available for the public to use.

“I thought of putting it on a computer in the teen room, but realized that would be an invitation for kids to play on it, then someone who really needed it wouldn’t be able to use it,” Miller said.

The shield also comes with a special keyboard with larger keys, making it easier for a person with impaired vision to use.

Miller said more and more people are using their computers at the library rather than replace their own equipment at home.

That was the case with Carrie and her husband Bud. When the cost of their internet service kept going up, they decided to cancel it and take advantage of the library’s computers.

Miller said several people have mentioned having the magnifying shield on one of the computers will be a huge benefit to them.

Miller has also ordered a foldable privacy screen which will fit on either side of the computer, ensuring the user’s privacy. In addition, the new magnifying shield is designed so what is on the screen is only visible to the person sitting right in front of it.

“When people ask if we would consider something new, we are happy to do it,” Miller said.

Assessments in Albion, Gaines show big jump

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 April 2024 at 8:46 am

(The 2024 numbers are preliminary. The tax rolls will be filed on May 1. Property owners have the option of challenging those assessed values through the grievance process.)

ALBION – The new assessment notices arrived in the mail last week for property owners in Albion and Gaines, and most people are seeing a significant increase.

The two towns and village of Albion last did community-wide reassessments five years ago in 2019. The town boards decide when to do the reassessments and Albion and Gaines contract with the county Real Property Tax Services for the job.

Usually the town-wide reassessments are done every three years. But Albion and Gaines officials pushed it back when real estate sales started to surge in the Covid-19 pandemic, first in 2020. But the real estate sales haven’t come down, said Dawn Allen, the county’s real property tax services director.

The median sale price in Orleans County is up nearly 50 percent from 2019 to 2023, going from $104,900 to $155,000, according to the NYS Association of REALTORS

Orleans County median home prices

2019: $104,900
2020: $117,011 (up 11.5%)
2021: $139,000 (up 18.8%)
2022: $145,200 (up 4.5%)
2023: $155,000 (up 6.7%)

Percent change from 2019 to 2023: (up 47.8%)

Source: NYS Association of REALTORS

Allen and Coleen Pahura, the Albion and Gaines assessor, said home prices have been on the rise in Albion and Gaines, with an even larger percentage increase in the village. And that’s after many years of stagnant prices in the village.

The average prices for single-family homes outside the village in the towns of Albion and Gaines is up 55.5 percent from 2019 to 2023 – from $143,731 to $223,443.

The average prices in the village, while a much lower sales amount, saw a larger percentage increase. The average single-family price was $77,081 in 2019, and that jumped by 80.5 percent in four years to $139,136 in 2023.

Average sales price outside village in Albion & Gaines (single-family homes)

2019: $143,731
2020: $181,378 (up 26.2%)
2021: $181,221 (down 0.1%)
2022: $220,537 (up 21.7%)
2023: $223,443 (up 1.3%)

Total change: up 55.5%

Average sales price inside village (single-family homes)

2019: $77,081
2020: $88,904 (up 15.3%)
2021: $113,808 (up 28.0%)
2022: $135,683 (up 19.2%)
2023: $139,136 (up 2.6 %)

Total change: up 80.5%

The higher sales prices are driving the higher assessments. Pahura and Allen said the assessments need to reflect the market rate for the properties.

They have fielded many calls in the past week from Albion and Gaines property owners, who are concerned about such a dramatic rise in their assessments.

Allen and Pahura explain the assessed value should reflect what the property would sell for on the market today. And the reality is the houses are selling for far more than just a few years ago, whether a small house or a larger one in immaculate condition.

Bigger assessments don’t mean bigger tax bills

Higher assessments don’t necessarily mean taxes are going up, Allen and Pahura noted. For example, Shelby and Ridgeway completed community reassessments last year. When the school tax bills came out in September, the Medina tax rates dropped more than 30 percent in those two towns.

Ridgeway was down from $21.67 to $14.03, while Shelby decreased from $20.59 to $14.03.

Albion Central School is presenting a school budget that keeps the tax levy the same for 2024-25. The district will see lower tax rates due to the bigger tax base when the tax bills come out in September.

Village finally sees some sizable growth in the tax base

The higher assessments will boost a village tax base that has been shrinking in recent years.

The tax base went down 1.08 percent or by $1,663,794 – from $154,457,302 in 2022-23 to $152,723,508 in 2023-24. Most of the loss in tax base was from the assessed value be lowered at the plaza at 318 West Ave. That plaza includes Save-A-Lot, Pro Hardware, Dollar Tree and the vacant spot formerly for Gordman’s.

Going back to 2014, the village tax base was $140,751,091. The number went up 8.5 percent in the following nine years, an average of less than a percent a year. With the new assessments, the tax base is up 40 percent.

The Albion Village Board is working on the 2024-25 budget, but the new assessments won’t take effect until the following year for the village. The new assessments first will be used for the school taxes in September.

Village of Albion Tax Base

2022: $154,457,302

2023: $152,723,508

2024 (before new assessments): $152,793,508

2024 (with preliminary assessments): $214,805,983

Difference: up 40.7 percent or $62,082,475 since 2023

The taxable value for the towns of Gaines and Albion are both up about 40 percent. The increase is a little more in Albion, 41.5 percent, compared to the 37.2 percent in Gaines.

Town of Gaines (county taxable value)

2023: $134,379,190

2024: $184,351,498

Difference: up 37.2 percent or $49,972,308

Town of Albion (county taxable value)

2023: $233,211,567

2024: $330,015,604

Difference: up 41.5 percent or $96,804,037

The new assessments aren’t final numbers. They may be tweaked before the May 1 filing deadline, and could see more changes if people go through the grievance process, meeting with the assessor and a Board of Assessment Review.

“It’s going to be a moving target for a while,” Allen said about the final numbers.

Warming Center at Albion church provided shelter for 63 on cold nights

Posted 17 April 2024 at 1:19 pm

131 nights met ‘Code Blue’ threshold

Photo by Tom Rivers: Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health, speaks during a celebration for a new warming center at Christ Church on Dec. 20. The site offered cots, coffee, tea, soup and hygiene kits when the temperature dropped below 32 degrees at night.

Press Release, Orleans County Legislature

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature today acknowledged the partnership of several agencies in providing a warming center for homeless individuals at Christ Church in Albion during this past winter.

“In response to the urgent need for shelter and support during harsh weather conditions, Oak Orchard Health in partnership with Orleans County announced the opening of its Warming Center in November of 2023,” said Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature Chairman. “This crucial initiative provided refuge and assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness, ensuring their safety and well-being during extreme cold.”

State law requires that a Code Blue alert go into effect when temperatures are expected to fall below 32˚F with wind chill for at least two consecutive hours and that emergency shelter for the homeless be provided.

The warming center was open to serve individuals in need on 131 code blue nights this past season and a total of 63 individuals, including repeat individuals, took advantage of the center. In addition, the Hoag Library was open to serve individuals during their normal business hours.

“Now that winter conditions are hopefully behind us, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to the volunteers and organizations who have contributed their time, resources, and compassion to make the warming center possible,” Johnson said. “The success of this effort is a testament to our community’s incredible compassion and generosity.

Johnson recognized the invaluable collaboration of local partners, including but not limited to, the Department of Social Services, Christ Episcopal Church, Oak Orchard Health, Orleans United Way, HOAG Library, Community Action, Ministry of Concern, Independent Living, Medina Area Association of Churches, Orleans County Emergency Management and Hands 4 Hope.

“The cooperation of these organization was instrumental in establishing and operating the Warming Center and together, we worked to ensure that every community member has a warm and safe place to seek refuge during inclement conditions,” Johnson said.

Public hearing set for April 24 for joint fire district serving Albion and Gaines

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 April 2024 at 9:37 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Albion fire hall on North Platt Street is shown on Sunday during an open house and recruitment effort for the Albion Fire Department.

ALBION – The Albion and Gaines community is moving towards a new joint fire district that would have its own fire commissioners, and own budget and taxing authority.

There will be a public hearing at 6 p.m. on April 24 at the LGI room in the high school for the community to hear details about the district and to ask questions.

The Albion Town Board, Gaines Town Board and Albion Village Board held a joint meeting on March 27 at the Gaines Town Hall. The three boards all voted in favor of establishing the joint fire district.

The fire department’s budget is currently part of the Albion village budget, with the Village Board functioning as the commissioners overseeing the fire department budget. The two towns currently contract with the village for fire protection. In 2024, Gaines will pay $116,390 and the Town of Albion will pay $115,362.

Albion village officials have long felt the village bears an undue financial cost for the fire department budget. With the joint fire district, the costs will be based on the taxable values of each municipality, which village officials see as a better way to fund the department, especially with new fire truck purchases in the near future, including a ladder truck.

The joint fire district should also better identify the true costs of providing fire protection in the community by taking the department out of the village budget.

Fire Chief Jeremy Graham and Deputy John Papponetti both will give presentations during the public hearing on April 24.

Graham said he favors the joint district. Local residents will have a bigger voice in the fire service by electing commissioners and voting on any bonding for trucks and other equipment.

“The taxpayers will have a say,” Graham said. “They will have a vote.”

Holley and Lyndonville both recently moved the fire department out of the village budget and into their own fire districts. That lowered the village taxes, but there is a new fire district tax in January.

The Albion Fire Department had activities for children during the open house on Sunday, including giveaways of plastic firefighter helmets.

Albion PD releases name of man, age 68, who died in fire

Photo by Tom Rivers: Firefighters are on the scene of a fire at 30 North St. last night in Albion.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 April 2024 at 10:53 am

ALBION – The man who died in a fire at Oak Orchard Estates last night has been identified as William E. Christy, age 68.

He was home at 30 North St. when his trailer became engulfed in flames. Christy did not get out of his trailer despite efforts from his neighbors, firefighters and responding law enforcement officers to get inside and help him.

First responders were dispatched to the site at 11:42 p.m. for a reported house fire with one person trapped inside.

Upon arrival, neighbors were observed attempting to gain entry into the trailer, Police Chief David Mogle stated in a news release.

Albion police officers along with the Albion Fire Department and Orleans County Sheriff’s Office also attempted to gain entry into the residence, but were unsuccessful.

Minutes later it became unsafe for all involved emergency responders and civilians to attempt to get into the residence, which was fully engulfed in flames, Mogle said.

The fire was contained at approximately 12:10 a.m. State fire investigators are trying to determine the cause of the fire.

The Albion Police Department and Albion Fire Department were assisted by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, the Orleans County Emergency Management Office, Critical Incident Stress Management team, state fire investigators and firefighters from Barre, Ridgeway, Carlton, Kendall, Medina and Shelby.

300 pack house for concert at Pratt Opera House

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 April 2024 at 9:41 am

Largest crowd in about a century fills the third floor of historic venue in Albion

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Musicians performed at the Pratt Opera House to a full house for the first time in likely a century on Sunday.

There were 22 musicians on stage in the “Live at the Pratt” event in an opera house built in 1882 at 118 North Main St.

Erin Moody closes out a 2 1/2-hour show with “American Pie” by Don McLean. Moody and 21 other musicians played to a capacity crowd.

The 300 people at the performance on Sunday was biggest crowd to attend an event at the Pratt since at least 1930, when the theater closed, a victim of the Great Depression and emergence of movie theaters. The Pratt building was built in 1882.

Michael Bonafede, co-owner of the Pratt with his wife Judith Koehler, welcomes the crowd to Sunday’s performance. Bonafede also played the drums for more than two hours on Sunday.

The husband and wife purchased the Pratt and Day building in 2005. They have put on a new roof and made a series of other interior and exterior improvements to the building, which has several tenants on the first and second floors.

Just in the past few weeks they added 235 chairs that they bought at an auction from Holley Central School, and last week purchased 43 sets of double-auditorium chairs from Wells College. Those seats date back to the 1800s, Koehler said.

The Pratt was sold out on Sunday for the concert in the historic opera house. This photo shows people waiting to enter the building on Main Street.

There was a concert last June in a “test run” to see how the musicians liked the acoustics. They loved them and most of that group was back performing on Sunday, offering their services for free.

“It’s a nice place to play,” said trumpeter Brian Wilkins. “The acoustics are great.”

Bonafede said the Pratt performance venue can be used to promote Albion and the many other historic resources in the community, form the downtown business district, Courthouse Square, Mount Albion Cemetery, Cobblestone Museum and Erie Canal – all of which are either on the National Register of Historic Places. (The Erie Canal and Cobblestone Museum also are designated National Historic Landmarks.)

“We want to create a sense of vibrancy here,” Bonafede said. “We have a lot of unique assets to offer folks.”

The musicians played rhythm and blues, and many rock and roll classics.

From left in front include Brian Wilkins on trumpet, Michael Bonafede on drums, John Borello on Stratocaster guitar and Rich Simbari on Fender P bass guitar.

Bonafede also played with two of his bandmates from Black Sheep. Larry (Rose) Crozier played the piano and Don Mancuso is on the guitar.

Black Sheep, with also included legendary lead singer Lou Gramm before he went to Foreigner. Black Sheep broke up in 1976. But before that they performed in front of tens of thousands of people.

Black Sheep recorded two albums for Capital Records and shared the stage with Kiss, Aerosmith, REO Speedwagon, and Hall and Oates.

Ron Albertson gets a turn at the mic and sings, “Shake.”

Don Mancuso, a Rochester guitar legend, welcomed the chance to perform in Albion on Sunday with his Black Sheep band mate Michael Bonafede.

The Pratt is working on hosting another concert on June 23.

Man dies in fire in trailer at Oak Orchard Estates

Photo by Tom Rivers: Albion Fire Chief Jeremy Graham and firefighters from several departments responded to a fire at Oak Orchard Estates just before midnight.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 April 2024 at 2:08 am

ALBION – A 68-year-old man who lived at Oak Orchard Estates died on Sunday night when his trailer became fully engulfed in flames.

Albion firefighters were dispatched at about 11:45 p.m. to North Street for a trailer on fire with a person trapped inside.

Two neighbors tried desperately to kick in doors, and break into the back window to try to help the man get out. Albion Fire Chief Jeremy Graham, two Albion police officers and an Orleans County Sheriff’s deputy also tried to break into the trailer to get the man out but were unable to get inside in time.

The trailer was quickly consumed with fire and the man was in his bedroom.

The man lived alone with his cats. He was described by neighbors as a “nice guy” who was always happy to chat with people.

Albion Police Chief David Mogle said the department is trying to notify the man’s family members. He expects the man’s name will be released on Monday.

A state fire investigator, Rick Cary of Holley, is on scene to try to determine the cause of the fire.

The Albion Fire Department was assisted at the scene by firefighters form Barre, Ridgeway, Carlton, Kendall, Medina and Shelby.

Provided photo: Flames shoot out of the trailer on North Street just before midnight.

Albion FD sets open house for Sunday to welcome potential new members

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Courthouse dome is illumined in red as part of a “Fire Up NY Red” public awareness campaign about the need for more volunteer firefighters.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 April 2024 at 2:17 pm

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.

Albion HS inducts 23 into National Honor Society

Photo from Albion Central School: The new National Honor Society inductees were recognized during a ceremony on Thursday evening at the Albion Middle School.

Posted 12 April 2024 at 11:10 am

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.

Thrift Store in Albion again offering prom dresses for free

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 April 2024 at 9:39 pm

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.

Albion Village Board honors Faith Smith for her efforts at OK Kitchen

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 April 2024 at 3:48 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Albion Village Trustee Tim McMurray presents a “Community Service Award” to Faith Smith at Wednesday’s board meeting for her efforts leading the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen.

Smith has built many partnerships in the community to serve several hundred meals each week from the kitchen at the Harvest Christian Fellowship church on Route 31.

The past six weeks the kitchen has averaged about 600 meals each week. The kitchen serves dine-in and take-outs on Thursdays at the church, and also has meals for people over the weekend.

“These aren’t peanut butter and jelly sandwiches,” McMurray said. “These are meals.”

Smith said many volunteers, including her husband Mike, are key contributors in the OK Kitchen serving so many people each week.

“I don’t do this for any recognition,” she said. “It’s because the community needs it.”

The Albion Village Board and employees have twice helped serve meals from the kitchen. Smith said more community organizations are always welcome to help prepare and serve food, or make donations.

Smith is the second village resident to receive a Community Service Award. The board is trying to do them quarterly. Susan Oschmann was the first recipient for her efforts spearheading new basketball courts at Bullard Park.