Photos by Tom Rivers: Everett “Frenchy” Downey is shown in May 11, 2024 when he was close to retiring after selling and repairing televisions and appliances for 60 years in Albion. He retired on May 25, 2024, his 94th birthday.

Today is Election Day, when many people go to the polls believing it is a strong sense of citizenship duty. Yes, it is. It’s a good thing to vote, especially if people research candidates and issues, and make an informed choice.

But the great acts of citizenship are in how we conduct our daily lives, being a good neighbor and using our talents and resources to build a stronger community.

Orleans County in the past week lost two amazing citizens, generous gentleman who were very active well into their 90s.

Everett “Frenchy” Downey died at age 96 on Oct. 28. His friend, Brad Shelp, was 94 and died on Oct. 31. These two may be the best examples of the power of showing up, day after day for decades. They were both people you could count on.

Downey worked up until his 94^th birthday at Frenchy’s TV & Appliance on Ridge Road in Gaines. He sold and repaired televisions and appliances for 60 years. He had a remarkable work ethic and an ability to connect with everyone.

He was slowed at age 93 when he hurt his back moving a freezer. But Frenchy continued to be a steady presence at his showroom and to make some house calls to give extra life to a stove, refrigerator, washing machine or another appliance.

“I have loved what I’ve been doing every day,” Downey said during a 2024 interview at his business at 13576 Ridge Rd. “I got to know a lot of people. I always have thought of my customers as my friends. I want to help them if I can.”

Frenchy Downey is shown in May 2024 with a 1946 Taylorcraft airplane, which he has had since 1968. Downey also built his own plane. He earned his pilot’s license in 1968 after his barbershop quartet broke up and he had more free time. He pursued a love of flying that he kept up until age 93.

Frenchy was fascinated by aviation and built his own airplanes. He was active in the Albion Rotary Club and received Rotary’s highest award, the Paul Harris Fellow. He also sang in a barbershop quartet that won national awards.

He and his wife Dorothy raised three children. Dorothy worked with Frenchy for about 40 years, until her passing in 2005. She was the bookkeeper. After her death, Frenchy took on the dreaded task of doing all the paperwork for his business. That was one part of the business he despised.

Brad Shelp drives his Bell Air convertible from 1954 in the Albion Strawberry Festival on June 8, 2024. He gave a ride to Mike and Faith Smith, who were grand marshals in the parade.

Brad Shelp was a fixture in the community for many decades. He was a well-known car salesman, working part-time through his 80s and early 90s. He took great pride in his classic cars, and he often drove his 1954 Bell Air convertible in the Albion Strawberry Festival parade.

Shelp served as the parade chairman, even in his 90s. It was a daunting challenge to organize about 50 parade entries, and space them out so the marching bands weren’t too close together.

Shelp was a key member of the Albion Rotary Club and maintained perfect attendance for well over 65 years. If he was on vacation or couldn’t make the Albion meeting, he found clubs in other communities to make up and keep that attendance streak alive.

He did more than show up for meetings. Shelp was active in the club’s fundraisers and service projects, whether preparing food for the St. Patrick’s Day ham dinner or hauling away bags of garbage during the spring cleanup day. He was integral member of the Rotary fishing derby for many years, an event that brought in nearly 1,000 participants and raised about $5,000 for community projects.

Brad joined the Army in 1954 and served in Korea. When he returned home, he joined his father at the Albion Motor Company, a General Motors dealership. He met his wife when she was looking for a car in 1956. Brad proved a persuasive salesman.

Brad and Pat were married for 63 years and had two sons. Pat was a beloved teacher and school librarian at Albion. She was 86 when she passed away in 2021.

Brad Shelp and his wife Pat are shown in 2012 during Halloween. The Shelps had a big display at their home on Meadowbrook Drive, and they welcomed kids and their parents to a take a break with hot cider and doughnuts.

Many Albion people may best know Brad and his late wife Pat as the best stop for trick or treating. The Shelps had an elaborate setup on Meadowbrook Drive, with orange lights up their driveway. They turned their garage into a welcome center, offering parents a chance to sit down for a few minutes and enjoy some hot cider and doughnuts. The kids received bags that were stuffed with treats.

The lives of Frenchy Downey and Brad Shelp are examples for how to make a difference in our community by showing up every day. These two men were very dependable, anchors in the Albion community for many decades.

Voters go to polls today for governor, many other positions on double-sided ballot

It’s election day in Orleans County and across the state with several contested races for some of the leading offices of the state, including governor.

Locally, the state legislators representing Orleans County also have rare competition with State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley both facing challengers.

Among the county and town positions on the ballot, only one of seven county legislators features a contested race with Marlene Seielstad running against incumbent Don Allport for an at-large position (countywide).

None of the candidate for town positions have challengers on the ballot, although two candidates are mounting write-in campaigns: Kathy Harnischfeger in Clarendon against Fred Seeman and Steve Colon in Yates against Susan Hrovat.

There are two public referendums in Shelby. The town is asking voters if the elected town clerk and elected highway superintendent shall be abolished with an appointed or hired town clerk and highway superintendent, commencing Jan. 1, 2028 with four-year terms.

Here are the candidates on the ballot:

Federal

• Representative to Congress 24th District – Alissa J. Ellman (Dem, Wor) against Claudia Tenney (Rep, Con)

State

• Governor and Lt. Governor – Kathy Hochul and Adrienne Adams (Dem, Wor) against Bruce Blakeman and Todd Hood (Rep, Con, Vote Affordable)
• Comptroller – Thomas DiNapoli (Dem, Wor) against Joseph Hernandez (Rep, Con)
• Attorney General – Letitia James (Dem, Wor) against Saritha Komatireddy (Rep, Con)
• State Senate 62nd District – Thomas Arida (Dem, Wor) against Robert Ortt (Rep, Con)
• Member of State Assembly 139th District – Sarah Wolcott (Dem) against Stephen Hawley (Rep, Con)
• Justices of the Supreme Court, 8th JD (4 positions available) – Craig Bucki (Dem, Wor), Anne Joynt (Dem, Wor), Michael Amodeo (Dem, Rep, Wor), Robert Richardson (Dem, Rep, Con), Deanne Tripi (Rep, Con), Jonathan Hickey (Rep, Con) and Robert Vario (Con)

Orleans County

• County Legislator at Large West – Merle “Skip” Draper (Rep)
• Legislator at Large Central – Marlene Seielstad (Dem) against Donald Allport (Rep)
• Legislator at Large East – Edward Morgan (Rep)
• Legislator District 1 – William Eick (Rep)
• Legislator District 2 – Lynne M. Johnson (Rep)
• Legislator District 3 – Fred Miller (Dem)
• Legislator District 4 – John Fitzak (Rep)

Towns

• Albion Supervisor – F. Richard Remley (Rep)
• Albion Town Justice (vote for up to 2) – Joseph Fuller (Rep) and Gary Moore (Rep)
• Barre Supervisor – Stephen Coville, II (Rep)
• Clarendon Supervisor – Frederick Seeman (Rep, Lawn Life) against Kathy Harnischfeger as write-in
• Gaines Supervisor – Tyler James Allport (Rep)
• Gaines Superintendent of Highways 1 yr to fill vacancy – Robert Verhagen (Rep)
• Kendall Supervisor – Anthony Cammarata (Rep)
• Kendall Superintendent of Highways – Eric Maxon (Rep)
• Murray Supervisor – Gerald Rightmyer (Rep)
• Shelby Supervisor – Jim Heminway (Rep)
• Yates Supervisor – Susan Hrovat (Rep) against Steven Colon as write-in

Click here to see the polling sites throughout the county.

Village of Medina, Western Orleans Senior Citizens presented ‘Heritage Award’ for upkeep of railroad depot

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Village of Medina and Senior Citizens of Western Orleans were presented with the “Heritage Award” from the Medina Sandstone Society on Oct. 22 for their work keeping the railroad depot as a bustling site in good condition. Pictured from left include Deputy Mayor Scott Bieliski, Mayor Debbie Padoleski, Senior Citizens of Western Orleans board member Jean Wetherbee, director Kelly Shaw, and Sandstone Society board members Jim Hancock, and Reinhard Rogowski.

MEDINA – The Medina Sandstone Society inducted three more members in the Medina Sandstone hall of Fame on Oct. 22, bringing the total inductees to 49 since the Hall of Fame was established in 2013. The Hall of Fame is located at City Hall in Medina.

The new inductees include the Belhurst Castle in Geneva, the Genesee County Jail in Batavia and the Titusville Presbyterian Church in Titusville, Pa.

The Sandstone Society also will be presenting a Heritage Award to the Medina Village Board and Western Orleans Senor Center for their ongoing commitment to maintain the New York Central railroad depot, a Medina Sandstone building constructed in 1908.

Representatives from Genesee County accept the Hall of Fame plaque for the Genesee County Jail. They also received citations from State Assemblyman Steve Hawley and the Orleans County Legislature. Pictured from left include Justin Gerace, assistant county engineer; DJ Snyder, deputy highway commissioner, parks and facilities for the Genesee County DPW; Laura Wadhams, commissioner of public works for Genesee County; and Genesee County Legislator Gordon Dibble, a retired Genesee County chief deputy.

Belhurst Castle – Geneva, NY

Belhurst Castle in Geneva was built as a private three-story, nine-bay-wide mansion over four years from 1885 to 1889. It sits along the shores of Seneca Lake. It was built with a rich brown Medina Sandstone. The site was a speakeasy and illegal gambling casino during the 1930s.

It was converted into a hotel, winery and spa in 1952, and offers overnight lodgings, dining, and event spaces. It has two restaurants, including one named the Stonecutters Tavern.

This historic 3-story Romanesque Revival stone mansion now hosts weddings and other major events. It has been named a “World’s Best Wine Hotel” by Wine Enthusiast, voted number three in USA TODAY’s Top 10 Wine Country Hotels, and voted one of the “Most Romantic Places” in New York State.

Belhurst was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

Genesee County Jail – Batavia, NY

The Genesee County Jail in Batavia was built from 1902-1903 in a Victorian Gothic and fortress-like structure made of Medina Sandstone. In the early days it served as the sheriff’s residence. It later was the offices for the Sheriff’s Department.

The jail on West Main Street features five turrets, quoins, and rusticated sandstone. The building was designed by Poughkeepsie architect William J. Beardsley, who also designed Attica State Prison.

The Genesee County Jail sits as a focal point in the Genesee County Courthouse Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

The county sheriff and his family used to live in the front portion of the jail building until the 1970s. The jail originally had 10 to 15 cells. The county put a brick addition on the jail in 1985, increasing the capacity for 97 inmates.

The county built a new jail in 2024 at 3839 West Main Street Rd., but hasn’t neglected the sandstone site. The county in 2022-23 did a $2 million restoration on the old jail with lots of repointing and work on the sandstone and brick. The county repaired crumbling and deteriorated sandstone blocks, which were meticulously deconstructed, labeled and safely restored.

Workers then rebuilt the underlying foundation, concrete slab, and front porch walls before placing the historic sandstone back in position.

Titusville First Presbyterian Church – Titusville, Pennsylvania

Photo courtesy of David Miller

Titusville is the birthplace of modern American petroleum industry. Edwin Drake successfully struck oil on Aug. 27, 1859. The city’s population surged after the world’s first commercial oil well was drilled.

The earliest religious association in the Titus settlement was begun by the Presbyterians, and the congregation increased over the years, outgrowing four buildings before the current one was built of Medina red sandstone from 1887 to 1888 in the Richardsonian Romanesque style.

Rather than the conventional spire, the design called for a distinctive main tower topped by a belfry and dome. The wood of the interior is oak, and the pews are in a semicircular arrangement. The south-facing Emerson Chapel was added in 1907. The church contains a pipe organ and historic art glass windows designed by J & R Lamb Studios of New York City.

This church at 216 N. Franklin Street in Titusville is part of the Titusville Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

Heritage Award – Village of Medina, Western Orleans Senior Citizens

The Sandstone Society honored the Village of Medina and the Senior Citizens of Western Orleans for their stewardship of the NY Central Depot, a Medina Sandstone building constructed in 1908, a site that continues as a social hub for older adults and other community events.

The site has been used as the Senior Citizens of Western Orleans since 1968. It started when a group of seniors got to thinking there should be a place in Medina for seniors to gather and enjoy camaraderie.

The village was approached about using the New York Central railroad depot on West Avenue, and an agreement was reached to allow use of the building.

The group at one time had 600 members. The Senior Center of Western Orleans now has about 250 members, and the center is still very active with euchre games, pinochle and luncheons.

There also are exercise classes on Wednesday mornings and one can expect to find a jigsaw puzzle in the works any time.

The center has a gift shop which is always full of unique gift items, puzzles, clothing, jewelry and hand-knitted and crocheted items.

The building has seen recent improvements with a new air-conditioner, exterior painting, and other upgrades.

For more on the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame, click here.

There will be polling sites open in all 10 towns in Orleans County from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday. There are 25,899 registered voters in the county.

The county already had 2,665 people cast ballots through nine days of early voting. That site was at the Board of Elections in Albion.

On Tuesday, there will be polling sites throughout the county. Most of the polling sites are at town halls, although Albion votes at Hoag Library, part of Ridgeway uses the Volunteer Fire Company, and Carlton uses the Fire Company Rec Hall.

Here is a list of the polling sites:

• Albion – Districts 1 through 6 – Hoag Library, 134 South Main St.
• Barre – Districts 1 and 2 – Town Hall, 14317 West Barre Rd.
• Carlton – Districts 1 through 3 – Carlton Fire Co. Rec Hall, 1853 Oak Orchard Rd.
• Clarendon – Districts 1 through 3 – Town Hall, 16385 Church St.
• Gaines – Districts 1 through 4 – Town Hall, 14087 Ridge Rd.
• Kendall – Districts 1 through 3 – Town Hall, 1873 Kendall Rd.
• Murray – Districts 1 through 6 – Town Hall/Highway Garage, 3840 Fancher Rd.
• Ridgeway – Districts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 – Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company, 11392 Ridge Rd.
• Ridgeway – Districts 4, 5 – Town Hall, 410 West Ave.
• Shelby – Districts 1 through 4 – Town Hall, 4062 Salt Works Rd.
• Yates – Districts 1 and 2 – Town Hall, 8 South Main St.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the State is now accepting applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), helping eligible New Yorkers save on the cost of heating their homes this winter amid rising energy costs.

The program could provide up to $1,086 this winter to help low- and middle-income households and older adults, depending on how they heat their home.

“No New Yorker should have to choose between heating their homes this winter and keeping food on the table,” Governor Hochul said. “As President Trump’s war in Iran drives up energy prices across the country, programs like the Home Energy Assistance Program will deliver relief to New Yorkers who need it most.”

 Households that do not automatically receive assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can begin applying today, Monday, November 2.

Applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services and can be submitted online, through the mail or in person. New Yorkers can visit ny.gov/HEAP to learn more and apply. Additionally, older adults needing assistance with HEAP applications can contact their local office for the aging or contact the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871.

Editor’s Note: In Orleans County, people can inquire about HEAP at the Department of Social Services, 14016 Route 31 West, Albion, NY, 14411. The phone number is 585-589-3182. The office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The benefit amounts vary based on income, household size, heating source, and if the household includes a vulnerable member. A family of four can have a gross monthly income up to $6,852, or an annual gross income of up to $82,230, and still qualify for assistance.

In response to the rising cost of heating oil and kerosene stemming from President Trump’s war in Iran, New York State has increased base HEAP benefit amounts for recipients who have their heating fuel delivered to enable them to purchase a minimum delivery of fuel. The benefit amount for those who heat with oil, kerosene, or propane has been increased by $90, to $990, and the amount for those who heat with wood, pellets, and coal increased by $65 to $700.

Eligible households can receive one Regular HEAP benefit per season and could also be eligible for an Emergency HEAP benefit if they are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility services shut off. Applications for the additional emergency benefits will be accepted beginning January 4, 2027.

HEAP benefits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible low- and middle-income households in need of assistance are encouraged to apply for HEAP benefits as soon as possible.

Beyond helping to defray energy costs, HEAP will also support New Yorkers whose equipment is in need of cleaning and/or repairs. Eligible homeowners can also now apply to have their primary heating equipment inspected and cleaned through the HEAP Heating Equipment Clean and Tune benefit.

Homeowners with inoperable heating equipment can also apply to have their heating equipment repaired or replaced through HEAP’s Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement program. Applicants for these benefits should contact their local department of social services for more information.

Photos courtesy of Medina Band Boosters: The Medina Marching Band performs on Sunday at the former Carrier Dome, now known as the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse.

The Medina Marching Band took a close second during the championships on Sunday in Syracuse for the New York State Field Band Conference.

Oswego edged Medina for the title in the Small School 2 Division.

The scores for the nine marching bands in the division include: Oswego, first at 89.550; Medina, second at 88.300; Mohonasen, third at 86.975; Le Roy, fourth at 86.800; Jordan-Elbridge, fifth at 84.900; Horseheads, sixth at 83.250; Westmoreland, seventh at 82.750; Johnson City, eighth at 81.175; and Vestal, ninth at 80.600.

The state champions include Walt Whitman in Large School 3, Greece in Large School 2, Norwich in Small School 3, Oswego in Small School 2, Mineola in Small School 1, and Arlington in National.

Medina was one of 50 bands in 6 classes that performed during the championships.

Medina’s show is called “We The People” and celebrates the nation’s  250th anniversary with the music of Aaron Copeland.

The band consists of 90 students and is directed by Kyla Leno-Denise and Andrea Busch.  The band is led on the field by drum major Sophia Lopez. The group performed in new uniforms this year.

John A. Christopher (1917-1943) and Joseph F. Christopher (1919-1943) are two of the 10 Fancher area soldiers who died in World War II. The two gold stars on the flag indicate that two service members in the family died in action.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian 

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 30

FANCHER – While preparing his late aunt’s home for sale, John W. Long of Albion discovered a V-mail letter under a blotter on her desk.

Dated April 22, 1943, it was a friendly and encouraging letter to a former student and family friend then serving abroad, filled with local news and details of life on the home front. Undelivered, it was returned to her after he was listed as missing in action. Mr. Long recently shared the letter with the Orleans County Department of History.

Dear Joe:

Have been thinking about you, so decided to send a note. Here it is Easter time. We have had a very cold wet spring. Very little spring work has been started. Orleans County has got to be a very wild old place. The hunters have killed three to four wolves and several foxes.

Bob H.* brought a large wolf (48 lbs.) up to school so the children might see it. They were thrilled. Everything is okay here at home and also at your home. I see the boys often**. There doesn’t seem to be many fellows around. I guess those that aren’t in the service are doing defense work.

Everyone seems so busy. We have been having a big bond drive, also a defense stamp drive. A jeep called at school*** and explained and showed the children. They thought it was great. Maybe you will get to see some local boys over there, for many are there. If possible, take pictures and make notes so you can tell us when you get back.

I saw the picture of yourself which you sent home. You look fine. (Fat -Ha). When we were studying geography about that section, you had no idea you would ever see it, did you? Neither did I. Take care of yourself.

Sincerely,

John and Mary Long

Their nephew, John W. Long, recently provided the following explanations for the starred items:

* Bob H. was Bob Harling, a neighbor on Transit Road. The wolf story was big news, and was even mentioned in local newspapers.

** “Seeing the boys often” referred to Joe’s brothers.

*** An Army representative visited country schools to demonstrate a jeep to students.

This letter unleashed a flood of memories for Mr. Long. Now in his 90s, he remembers the flag which hung in the living room window of the Christopher home in Fancher during World War II. Then just eight years old, he remembers that at first it featured one blue star, then two, and then three. Then, two of the blue stars were replaced with gold stars. John still remembers the hushed adult conversations, the worry and the sadness which overcame the family.

Nicholas and Mary Christopher farmed on Transit Road in Fancher. They had ten children. John’s aunt, Mrs. Mary (Gavigan) Long was a teacher at the district school, known as the Yellow Schoolhouse, which was directly across from the Christopher home. She taught nine of the ten Christopher children and was a close family friend.

Three of the Christopher boys – Michael, Joseph and John enlisted at the beginning of the war. Michael, who had trained as a barber, was assigned to a military base in Arizona, where he worked as a military barber for the duration of the War.

Joseph F. Christopher served with the Army Air Forces as a Technical Sergeant with the 512th Bomb Squadron, 376th Bomb Group. He and the entire crew of the plane they were traveling in were killed when the plane exploded outside Naples, Italy April 28, 1943. He was listed as Missing in Action over the Mediterranean Sea.

John A. Christopher served as a Private First-Class with the Army Air Forces, 853rd Aviation Engineer Battalion. The transport ship carrying his unit was struck by a German glider bomb off the coast of Algeria on November 26, 1943. His family received a telegram from the War Dept. on Dec. 30, 1943, informing them that he was missing. The Christophers were the first Orleans County family to have two sons reported missing at the same time. John’s death was not confirmed until April 4, 1944. He was survived by his wife, Dorothy, and a 20-month-old son, Robert John. Pfc Christopher was awarded a Purple Heart.

John Christopher was 24 at the time of his death, Joseph was 22. They are both memorialized at the North Africa American Cemetery in Carthage, Tunisia. Nicholas and Mary Christopher, the Gold Star parents who lost two sons in 1943, are buried at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Albion.

A total of ten young men from the small hamlet of Fancher were killed in WWII, among them another set of brothers, Leonard and Martin Licursi. A memorial stone in their honor was dedicated in Fancher in 1949.

A new historical marker was unveiled at the site in May 2023. For additional information and photos see: https://townofmurrayny.gov/world-war-ii-monument/

File photo by Tom Rivers: The memorial at the “Fancher Curve” on Route 31 was rededicated on Aug. 14, 2021. The monument was originally dedicated on Aug. 14, 1949 as a tribute to 10 young men from the Fancher community who were killed in World War II.

Those men include John Christopher, Joseph Christopher, Cosmo Coccitti, John Kettle, Jr., Leonard Licursi, Martin Licursi, Richard Merritt, Camille Nenni, Floyd Valentine and Richard Vendetta.

The photo shows Richard Christopher of Albion placing a commemorative wreath by the monument. Richard is the son John Christopher, who was killed on November 26, 1943 when the transport ship carrying his unit was struck by a German glider bomb and sunk off the coast of Algeria. He was laid to rest at the North Africa American Cemetery in Tunis, Tunisia.

ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office will be getting four new vehicles at a government discount rate. The Orleans County Legislature approved the purchase last week.

Two 2027 Dodge Durangos will be going to animal control officers at a cost of $106,980 to Bob Johnson Ford in Avon. This includes an upfitting with specialized communication and safety equipment.

The county also is buying two 2027 Dodge Durangos from Bob Johnson for $147,100 for the Sheriff’s Office patrol fleet. This cost also includes upfitting with specialized communication, emergency and safety equipment.

The Legislature on Oct. 27 also approved purchasing ammunition for the SWAT team with the Jurek Brothers in Greenfield, Mass. to be paid $29,630.

The county also approved spending $44,767 for 20 tactical vest carriers and 40 omega plates for the SWAT team.  The county is paying Federal Eastern International in Jacksonville, Fla. for the items.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature is asking the governor and State Legislature to enact legislation, allowing county probation officers across the state to be able to retire after 25 years like most other law enforcement officers and first responders in the state.

County probation officers are currently in the standard tier plans through the New York State Retirement and Social Security Law, requiring them to work until age 62 or 63 to retire with full benefits, creating an inequity between probation officers and other law enforcement personnel, Orleans County legislators stated in a resolution last week.

“State support of the existing 25-year retirement plans for County Probation Officers would significantly enhance recruitment, improve retention of experienced personnel, support officer wellness, and ensure the long-term stability of County Probation Departments,” county legislators stated in their resolution approved last Tuesday.

Legislators said the probation officers are an integral part of the criminal justice system.

“The physically demanding and emotionally taxing nature of probation work exposes these officers to heightened safety risks and chronic occupational stress over the course of a long career,” the resolution states.

Probation officers are required to complete rigorous peace officer training, conduct field investigations, execute warrants, conduct home searches, monitor high-risk offenders, partner with police agencies in various state supported violence reduction measures, and respond to unpredictable, violent situations on a daily basis, legislators said.

“County probation officers perform critical, high-stress law enforcement duties that directly ensure public safety, rehabilitate justice-involved individuals, and support crime victims across New York State’s 62 counties,” legislators stated.

The County Legislature also said the state, if it includes probation officers in the 25-year retirement plan, should provide additional funding to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services to alleviate financial pressure on counties.

Press Release, Carlton Heart & Soul

CARLTON – All who live, work, or play in the Town of Carlton are invited to a Bonfire Night on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the town highway department on Waterport Carlton Road.

The event is hosted by the Carlton Community Heart & Soul committee along with the Town of Carlton.

The town brush pile will be lit, and community members are invited to enjoy a relaxing, low-key evening of fire and friendship. This is a tailgate-style event. Bring a chair, snacks, cooler, or whatever else may provide a safe, fun atmosphere. The Carlton Fire Company will be on hand, including a fire truck that guests can take a closer look at.

Bring a non-perishable food item to receive a free reusable tote bag. Items gathered as part of the food drive will go directly to community members in need.

In the case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled with notification on the Community Heart and Soul Facebook event page.

Community Heart & Soul is a resident driven process that engages the entire population of a town in identifying what they love most about their community, what future they want for it, and how to achieve it.

The town of Carlton was selected by the Rochester Area Community Foundation and Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo to be the first community to implement the Community Heart & Soul model in Orleans County, fully funded with grant support from Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation.

Nationwide, there are only 145 communities designated as a Heart & Soul Community.

For more information on Carlton Community Heart & Soul, go to CarltonHeartandSoul.org.

Julio Doval

MEDINA – A Medina man has charged with two felonies after an investigation into the sale and distribution of crack cocaine in the Village of Medina.

Julio Doval, 21, of Glenwood Avenue on Oct. 28 was charged with one count each of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree with intent to sell, which are Class B felonies, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported.

Doval was issued appearance tickets for Ridgeway Town Court on Nov. 7.

Assisting in the investigation were Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard, the Medina Police Department and New York State Department of Corrections Office of Special Investigations.

Further arrests and charges are pending in this investigation, the Task Force said.

Tom Gardner returns to a church of his childhood as pastor

Provided photos: Volunteers at the food pantry at Faith United Methodist Church in Barker are, at left, Joan Morgan, Peggy Lane, Richard McCanty and Kista Atwater. At right, in front, are Charlene McCanty, Vernetta Kenyon and Dexter McCanty. The church, pastored by the Rev. Tom Gardner of Knowlesville, recently celebrated 35 years of serving the community.

BARKER – Serving Faith United Methodist Church is a trip back to his childhood, for the Rev. Tom Gardner of Knowlesville.

“While I never lived in Barker, we visited our grandparents there so often growing up that it always felt like a second home,” the Rev. Gardner said. “When I first came to the church, I sat in the section of the church where I thought my grandparents sat. This was confirmed by a woman who sat behind me, who it turned out was a second cousin I had never met. I since have met her siblings and have been blessed by their presence in my life.”

Before his call to the Barker Church, the Rev. Gardner had retired from the Holley Presbyterian Church in the spring of 2021. He then agreed to serve the Barre Center Presbyterian Church as pulpit supply and moderator of the session. He had begun attending Faith United Methodist Church when,; in the summer of 2024, he was called to be pastor of the church.

“I have found everything about the church and community life to be the way you might hope for,” he said. “The congregation is generous and mindful of the needs of others, partnering with several groups, including the Barker School District. The church was conceived and built as a community center, and I believe we are living true to the original vision. The Food and Clothing pantry is an example.”

The Rev. Tom Gardner, pastor of Faith United Methodist Church in Barker, center, stands with Dexter and Charlene McCanty and Vernetta and Gordon Kenyon. The McCantys and Kenyons share duties overseeing the Barker Food Pantry, which recently celebrated 35 years.

The Food Pantry began in the early 1990s after a suggestion by Jean Stisser, when Faith United Methodist Church was looking for a mission to support.

The FUMC Food Pantry celebrated 35 years on Oct. 18. During worship the Rev. Gardner praised the food pantry and its volunteers and likened it to the Bible story in which 5,000 people had no food and Jesus gave them two loaves of bread and two fishes, and fed the entire crowd.

A fellowship hour followed in which volunteers enjoyed camaraderie and fellowship as they shared their experiences and importance of this mission.

At its start, Steve Haight chaired responsibilities of running the food pantry for at least half a dozen years. Gordon and Vernetta Kenyon had recently retired when Haight suggested they should take over the food pantry. They have run it ever since with the help of a handful of volunteers and a lot of community support.

The food pantry supplies food to families in the Barker School District who meet income guidelines. Food comes from FeedMore WNY, paid for by grants, food drives by the Boy Scouts, Barker Lions Club, Barker and Appleton post offices, various clubs at Barker Central School and churches throughout the community.

Vernetta said the Barker Central School’s food drive resulted in two giant pickup trucks full of food. She also praised the community, who she says are very generous with their donations of food and money.

Grants allow them to buy meat and poultry.

The pantry serves 120 families a month, Vernetta said. A family is allowed nine free meals a month. At Thanksgiving and Christmas time, they are able to pack holiday meals for the families, a turkey for Thanksgiving and a ham for Christmas.

Once a month the pantry is able to give out dog and cat food, donated by St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Burt.

“We couldn’t do it without community support and our volunteers,” Vernetta said. “They come in no matter what the weather conditions.”

Regular volunteers are Dexter and Charlene McCanty who share directing duties with Vernetta and Gordon, Andy and Krista Atwater, Cheryl Blacklock, Judy Brunishcheider, Roy Anderson and Deal Kempf.

The FUNC Food pantry is open from 8:30 to 11:15 on Mondays and from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

Faith United Methodist Church is located at 1449 Quaker Rd., and the Rev. Gardner invites everyone to join them in worship at 10 a.m. Sundays.

Photos courtesy of Georgia Thomas: Kerry Panek plays the organ during worship at Church of the Abundant Harvest in Millville. Pastor Mike Stephenson is seated at right. Panek and pianist Diane Stephanson will perform a musical Night of Inspiration at 6 p.m. Nov. 15.

MILLVILLE – Music will be in the air at the Church of the Abundant Harvest on Nov. 15, when the church’s organist Kerry Panek and pianist Diane Stephenson perform an evening of music. The program will begin at 6 p.m.

Diane Stephenson , wife of Abundant Harvest’s pastor Mike Stephenson, plays the piano during worship at the Millville church.

“A Night of Inspiration” will feature the musicians, who regularly play during worship at the church, formerly the Millville United Methodist Church.

The two musicians have combined decades of playing organ and piano. Panek, who has played organ for 33 years, comes from a family of musicians. Three of her sisters also play organ for their churches – Darryl at Christ Church in Albion, Naomi Caldwell at the West Barre United Methodist Church and Pam Farwell at her church in Pennsylvania. Farwell also formerly played at the Yates Baptist Church.

Stephenson is a talented pianist, who plays for the choir, musicals and special programs at Medina Central School.

“Listening to them play is phenomenal,” said church member Georgia Thomas of Medina. “When they play together, the music rises up to the rafters and fills you with joy. I look forward to every Sunday.”

The idea for a combined concert was that of Peter Beach, who has attended the church since he was a child. The church wanted to do something to help a local organization and chose to give proceeds from the evening to CareNet Center of Greater Orleans.