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.

Provided photo: The Canal Village Farmers’ Market will be based at 339 North Main St. for the winter season, beginning this Saturday.

MEDINA – Medina’s Canal Village Farmers’ Market will be moving to 339 North Main St. on Saturday, where it has found its home for the winter, according to Chris Busch, president of Orleans Renaissance Group, which sponsors the market. The new location is adjacent to the former NAPA store.

The space is owned by Mark Zambito and currently houses Phantom Cutz and Schon Haus hair salon, both in the front suites. Customers may access the market through the center doors on North Main Street. Hours will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

“We are incredibly grateful to Mark for allowing us to use this space for the winter,” Busch said. “Without it, there’d be no winter market.”

Busch shared exciting news about redevelopment at the current site of the summer market at West Center Street and West Avenue.

In 2024, a successful grant of $4.5 million was awarded by New York State to the village of Medina, of which $725,000 was allotted for this exciting and transformative redevelopment of the entire market site, Busch said.

“With luck, we may not need to move for winter next year,” said Gail Miller, manager of the market. “While we have a few things left to do, we’re hoping to see construction start next year.”

The site was once a drive-in bank. Once completed, the new facility will provide the market with year-round conditioned space and the ability for expanded hours and offerings.

“We’re very lucky to have Canal Village Farmers’ Market year-round,” Busch said. “To make that happen, it takes generous volunteers and benefactors who believe in its importance to the community.”

In addition to a dedicated core of volunteers, Busch said the market also benefits from generous community sponsorship from Takeform, WSM Elder Law, Gardner’s Citgo and Berkshire Hathaway-Zambito Realtors, who lend financial support to the operation.

The market has operated at its summer site on West Center Street and West Avenue since 2015, under the auspices of the Orleans Renaissance Group.

“When the new facility is complete, it will usher in a new chapter on that corner, not only for the market, but for the site, downtown and the community,” Busch said. “A bigger, better expanded market with a site than supports community activities, will be a new hub for downtown.”

The winter market will continue to have its usual core vendors, offering local meat, vegetables, honey, baked goods, micro greens and a variety of crats and art merchandise. Weekly market updates can be found on Facebook at “Canal Village Farmers’ Market.”

Additional information about the market or any of its features is available by e-mailing Miller at canalvillagemarket@gmail.com.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Signs at the driveway to the County Office Building on Route 31 let people know there was early voting today. There was one polling location open in the county for early voting at the Orleans County Board of Elections Office, 14016 Route 31 in Albion.

ALBION – It was busy the past nine days for early voting in Orleans County. There were 2,665 people who cast ballots through early voting from Oct. 24 to today.

That is double the total of 1,333 early voters from four years ago during the last gubernatorial election, when Kathy Hohcul faced Lee Zeldin. This time, it’s Hochul against Bruce Blakeman.

There are other contested races for state-wide offices, Congress, the State Legislature. The ballots also include many positions at the county and town levels.

The early voting totals by day include:

• 381 on Saturday, Oct. 24
• 282 on Sunday, Oct. 25
• 333 on Monday, Oct. 26
• 326 on Tuesday, Oct. 27
• 301 on Wednesday, Oct. 28
• 237 on Thursday, Oct. 29
• 289 on Friday, Oct. 30
• 291 on Saturday, Oct. 31
• 225 on Sunday, Nov. 1

The 2,665 voters represent 10.3 percent of the total registered voters in Orleans County – 25,899.

The early voting record for Orleans County was two years ago during the presidential election with 4,539 votes. The 2020 presidential election had 3,753 early voters.

The polls will be open on Tuesday throughout the county with polling locations at each of the 10 towns, with voting from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Natalie Barnard, 18, of Albion gets her face painted by Mary Jo Whitman during today’s Day of the Dead celebration at the Orleans County 4-H fairgrounds.

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council organized the event which celebrated Mexican culture and traditions for a Día de los Muertos.

Jodi Fisher of GO Art! was busy in the kitchen as soon as the doors opened for the festival at 11 a.m. She is serving chicken tinga tostadas with crisp corn tortillas layered with spicy shredded chicken.

There was an ofrenda, which is an altar. People were encouraged to leave notes or mementoes for departed loved ones.

People left messages for family members and other loved ones who have passed away.

This note was left in honor of Dolores Huerta, who died on Oct. 28 in Bakersfield, Calif. at age 96. She was an iconic leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers union. She was also known for her enduring rallying cry “Sí, se puede!” — which translates to “Yes, it can be done!”

Diana Bueno wore calavera makeup. The Day of the Dead isn’t a sad representation of death. Instead calaveras and other displays are brightly colored and decorated to show that life and memory continue past death.

The festival was free to attend. Participants were welcome to create colorful works inspired by Mexican art and Día de los Muertos traditions, including tissue-paper marigolds, La Catrina dolls, Mexican-inspired tile art, monarch butterfly art, calavera (sugar skull) masks and alebrije-inspired creatures.

A La Catrina doll is on display next to a screen that showed previously produced videos highlighting the holiday’s traditions and cultural significance. The Day of Dead last year was held at the Medina Triennial and previously was at the YMCA in Medina.

Giant puppets were part of the celebration for Día de los Muertos.

Press Release, Orleans County Veteran Services Agency

ALBION – The Orleans County Veteran Services Agency is highlighting its partnership with WNY Heroes to administer the county’s funding for the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program. This state-funded initiative provides peer-to-peer support services to military veterans, helping them transition to civilian life, connect with fellow veterans, and address challenges related to mental health, housing, employment, and overall well-being.  The partnership was rolled out earlier this year.

“Each county receives funding for the Dwyer program and by teaming up with WNY Heroes, we are able to expand and enhance our services for local veterans, including more events and outings,” said Nick Mroz, Director of the Orleans County Veterans Service Agency.  “This partnership also allows our staff to better focus on our core function of helping veterans and their families navigate through VA requirement to access services and benefits they have earned.”

Mroz said WNY Heroes administers the Dwyer Program for several other counties and has proven successful. As such, veterans should know they will need to verify some basic information like address to ensure Orleans County funding is directed to providing benefits to our local veteran community.

Information about upcoming events is always posted on the county Veterans Facebook page as well as at veterans’ posts within the county and the Veterans Service Agency office in Albion. Any veterans with questions or concerns should contact the Orleans County VSA at 585-589-3219.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A disc golf course at Bullard that opened about three years ago recently added some finishing touches. There are now concrete tee boxes for players to launch their frisbees on first throws of each of the nine holes.

There are also colorful signs that note the hole, distance and a layout. The baskets in the distance are mounted in small concrete foundations – 8 inches wide by 20 inches deep.

The course is known as the Albion Purple Drift DGC (Disc Golf Course). It opened in 2023 and was funded through a grant by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. The Orleans County YMCA secured the grant which also funded a disc golf course in Medina at Gulf Street Park.

The Albion course is a par 28 and totals 2,423 feet. It has a 3.6 rating among 68 respondents on udisc.com.

The most recent reviewer on Oct. 10 was complimentary of the course, which is on the west side of the park, including one very close to Sandy Creek.

“Really nice 9 hole course. Low ceilings on a few holes are tough, but fair enough. Recommend trying this one out,” the reviewer wrote on Oct. 10.

The holes range in distance from 201 feet as the shortest to the 412-foot hole 9, the longest and the only par 4.

Village Board approves hiring 2 new firefighters/EMTs

Michael Young

MEDINA – A 20-year veterans of the Medina Fire Department announced he will be retiring on Nov. 26.

Captain Michael Young submitted a letter to the Village Board, thanking the board for a rewarding career where he was able to serve the public and create life-long friendships.

Mayor Debbie Padoleski said Young has been a very dedicated employee for Medina.

The board accepted his retirement, and also appointed two new full-time career firefighters who are also EMTs on Monday.

The Medina FD will be welcoming Justin McMillion of the Murray Joint Fire District and Gabrielle DePetres of Hilton.

They will both be on a 78-week probation and will have a starting salary of $47,754. Fire Chief Steve Cooley said the two will be headed to the fire academy.

Provided photo: Medina Memorial Hospital will participate in National Lung Cancer Screening Day on Nov. 14. Here, Erica Chutko, director of imaging, does a CT scan of a patient’s lungs.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced that Medina Memorial Hospital will once again participate in National Lung Cancer Screening Day on Nov. 14.

The nationwide initiative, held during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, aims to increase awareness of the importance of early detection and expand access to potentially lifesaving lung cancer screenings, according to information provided by Scott Robinson, director of marketing for OCH.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. While the disease often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, screening with low-dose computed tomography can help detect lung cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment is more likely to be successful. Despite the benefits of early detection, many individuals who qualify for screening have never been screened.

“Early detection can make a tremendous difference in the treatment and outcomes of lung cancer,” Robinson said. “By participating in National Lung Cancer Screening Day, we’re helping remove barriers to preventive care and encouraging members of our community to take an important step toward protecting their health.”

On Nov. 14, Medina Memorial Hospital will offer low-dose CT lung cancer screenings to eligible patients. The screening is quick, painless and non-invasive, using a low dose of radiation to create detailed images of the lungs. The test can identify abnormalities that may require further evaluation, often before symptoms develop.

Individuals may qualify for annual low-dose CT lung cancer screening if they meet the following criteria:

• Are between 50 and 80 years old.
• Have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (equivalent to smoking one pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years).
• Currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years.
• Have no signs of symptoms of lung cancer.
• Have a physician’s order for the screening.
• Obtain prior authorization if required by their insurance provider.

Insurance coverage requirements may vary, including different age eligibility criteria for Medicare beneficiaries. Patients are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider to determine whether lung cancer screening is appropriate for them.

In taking the first step toward early detection, Orleans Community Health encourages community members who meet the screening criteria to speak with their primary care provider and consider scheduling a screening. Individuals with a history of smoking who have never undergone lung cancer screening are especially encouraged to learn more about their eligibility.

Individuals should call Medina Memorial Hospital at (585) 798-8054 to learn more about eligibility or to schedule a lung cancer screening.

Provided photos: This cornhole boards include two of the sponsors, Zacher Construction and the Crusaders Motorcycle Club.

Press Release, Operation Honor

MEDINA – Operation Honor is hosting its second annual cornhole tournament and basket raffle fundraiser on November 14th to raise money for local veterans.

The organization switched from doing a 5K near Veterans Day to the cornhole tournament. The event takes place at the Knights of Columbus in Medina. The tournament begins at 1 p.m. and baskets will be drawn 4 p.m.

The doors will open at noon for practice and basket entries. There will be food and drinks available for purchase all day. K of C staff will be running food specials in support of the event. Guests are welcome to watch the tournament and the basket raffle is open to the public. You will not need to be present to win.

Operation Honor is still looking for basket donations, and participants for the tournament.

Basket Raffle donations are appreciated and can be dropped off at 415 West Ave., Suite 2.

Cornhole Registration is $60 per team with a t-shirt included for a chance to win the final prizes.

To register, contact Jenn Thom, Operation Honor director, at 585-356-9596 or operationhonor18@gmail.com.

Operation Honor is a non-profit organization in Orleans County that provides financial assistance and support to local military veterans and their families. It has helped with veterans’ utility bills, car payments, and heating pellets. The organization has also helped with disaster relief and supports veterans in other ways such as donations to the local van service for medical appointments and other veteran-focused initiatives.

Photo by Tom Rivers: This photo shows the top of the 90-foot-high bell tower at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Jamestown. The tower was hit by lightning on Sept. 1, 2013, causing a chunk of a turret in the tower to fall on the sidewalk. It has since been repaired.

Clocks should be turned back an hour tonight with the with the end of Daylight Savings Time and a return to standard time at 2 a.m.

AAA is advising drivers that although they can get an extra hour of sleep tonight with clocks going back an hour, the time change can cause potential distractions to their normal routine.

An earlier sunset and darkness can lead to an increase in the number of pedestrians killed or seriously injured by vehicles, AAA said.

Drivers, pedestrians, joggers, walkers and bicyclists are advised to take added safety measures so they are seen on the roads.

AAA recommends the following:

Drivers

Always watch out for pedestrians when backing up in parking lots or driveways. Use headlights to be visible.

Leave more following room. In the morning, when the sun is in your eyes it can be hard to see what the car ahead is doing. Use sunglasses and your sun visor.

Be mindful of children and others who are outdoors in the afternoon and evening as it gets dark earlier.

Pay attention and eliminate all distractions including cell phones and car clocks that are off by an hour.

Scan the road for wild animals, mainly deer. Be especially vigilant for deer and other wildlife. New York reported 36,743 animal-related crashes in 2024, averaging one crash approximately every 15 minutes, many occurring during dawn, dusk and nighttime hours.

Pedestrians

Be visible. This is especially important in dark places or poor weather. Remember to stay in well-lit areas and to wear light or reflective clothing. Never assume drivers see you just because you see them.

Use sidewalks and pathways. If a sidewalk is not available, stay to the far side of the road and always face traffic.

Headlights

With 50% of crashes occurring at night, drivers should check their headlights for signs of deterioration and invest in new headlights or, at a minimum, try a low-cost headlight cleaning and restoration to boost the safety of driving after dark. Headlights can show signs of deterioration after three years but most commonly by year five.

AAA suggests drivers check their headlights for changes in appearance such as yellowing or clouding. If the bulb is difficult to see, it is time to have the lens replaced or restored as soon as possible. Replacement and restoration services are available at most repair shops.

School Safety

Moving clocks back one hour means it will be darker in the late afternoon. It is important to remember that children will be on their way home from school during this time, so drivers must remain vigilant.

Slow Down. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed than a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.

“As we fall back, drivers need to stay especially alert during the evening commute as darkness arrives earlier and more people are out walking, exercising or traveling home from school and work,” said AAA Western and Central New York Director of Public Relations and Corporate Communications Elizabeth Carey. “Now is a good time to eliminate distractions, slow down and be prepared for changing road conditions.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Beggar’s Nite was a big event in downtown Medina this evening with more than 1,000 kids in costume descending on the downtown, including these two kids dressed as inflatable characters.

Many of the business owners were stocked with candy to give out to the kids. Beggar’s Nite is held the Friday before Halloween.

This group crosses on North Main Street with Medina police officer Alex Villegas keeping an eye on the traffic.

Dave Burd doles out candy from The Vintage Cigar, where he is co-owner.

Byron Hill, 10, dressed as Abraham Lincoln and recited the Gettysburg Address while walking the downtown with his little brother, Joshua, who was Rubble from Paw Patrol.

This group from A Kut Above gave out treats. From left include Addyson Ruppel, Jessica Ickowski, Addison Reale, Adriana Ruppel and Tina Ossterling, who is co-owner.

Medina Police Chief Corey Black stands in the intersection of Main Street and Center Street, directing traffic. A group of kids are in the back by the Bent’s Opera House.

The staff at The Fringe again dressed up in characters, this time in a theme of famed musicians. From left include Amanda Mank as Michael Jackson, her daughter Chloe as Stitch, Vanessa Lhommendieu (owner) as Sia and holding a Frenchie dog dressed in tribute to Dolly Parton, Jennifer Printup as Prince, and Leah Printup as Elvis Presley.

Mary Lewis of Creekside Floral serves up lots of candy from her store on Main Street.

Marci Fulwell, a vendor at the Downtown Browsery passes out the treats. She also works as a teacher’s aide for pre-K and kindergarten in Medina and was warmly greeted by many of the kids.

Colby Blake, left, and his father Joe gave out candy from their business, Cuppa Joe.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Teachers Association handed put lots of candy this evening during Beggar’s Nite. Many businesses and organizations were set up in the downtown business district given out treats to hundreds of kids in costume.

Kyle Holz, pastor of Community of Hope, formerly known as the Albion Free Methodist Church, dressed up as a hamburger. The church had eight different stations with glow sticks, treats, Bibles and crosses. There were also inflatable games, popcorn and hot chocolate.

Canalside Community Church also passed out goodies and materials.

Ava Waters passes out candy The Tree House, which is owned by her mother, Michelle Waters. That preschool is at the Arnold Gregory Office Complex and was part of Beggar’s Nite for the first time. Businesses and organizations that aren’t in the downtown are welcome to give out candy for Beggar’s Nite.

Stephanie Stinson, left, and Stephanie Ward greeted children and gave them candy when they stopped by Albion Agencies.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office had bags of candy ready for the kids. Sheriff Chris Bourke was there, and so was Chief Deputy Torry Tooley, Amy Sherman (Sheriff’s Account manager) and Sherman’s daughter, Savannah who passed out most of the candy.

Albion mayor Tim McMurray dressed up as a scary inflatable character outside the Village Office, which was one of the stops for candy.

Lions Club members Marie Snyder and Kevin Howard were happy to disburse treats.

Tara Thom and Brenda Radzinski had a big pot of candy outside the Town and Country Quilt Shop on East Bank Street.

Rose Friedl and other staff at the Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern kept pace with lines of children.

The Dancing Fireside Witches performed some broom dances on Main Street.

Lori Laine, one of the Dancing Fireside Witches, gets a video of the broom-dance troupe.