ALBION â Not only did lifelong Albion resident Charles Howard play Santa Claus at the Macyâs Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City for 18 years, he taught others how to portray Saint Nick. Partly for this reason, state Route 31 between Transit and Wood roads was dedicated to his memory Monday. Before the ceremony got underway, Joe Gehl, co-director of the Albion Betterment Committee, said the effort to rename the highway began with the committee. State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, and state Sen. Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, sponsored a bill based on what the committee presented. âThe governor signed the bill, I believe it was in September,â Gehl said. âSteve Hawley said heâd like to have a ceremony unveiling the sign before Christmas. Thatâs why weâre here today.â