Medina Lions organizes event which featured 212 scarecrows last year

Photo by Tom Rivers: Shea Hill of Albion and her granddaughter Lily, 4, work on a scarecrow at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds during last year’s Scarecrow Festival.

MEDINA – The annual Scarecrow Festival sponsored by Medina Lions is scheduled for Saturday at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to Jim Hancock, who chairs the Scarecrow Festival with Jason Cogovan.

The Scarecrow Festival, which has been a major fundraiser for Medina Lions for more than 15 years, involves a lot of people and a lot of planning. Prior to the event, Lions Club members visit the MAAC Thrift Shop and acquire a huge supply of clothing, including dresses, pants, shirts, blouses, neckties, hats and belts.

T-posts for scarecrow bodies were made and donated by Barden Homes, and Jen Scott’s art class at Medina High School painted 180 faces for cloth heads. Straw for the scarecrows’ bodies was donated by Ed Neal of Albion and Dunham Farms of Knowlesville. Last year, a record 212 youngsters made scarecrows to take home.

The day of the event, youngsters choose a post, face and clothing, and after stuffing their scarecrow, they take it to the “surgeons” who sew it together.

The cost to build a scarecrow is $12, and arrangements have been made this year by the Lions to accept credit cards.

Hancock said the event attracts not only children who build a scarecrow, but their parents, grandparents and friends, who love to watch the activity.

“Everybody loves it,” he said.

As an added attraction this year, the Master Gardeners are having a “Pumpkinpalooza” event, with pumpkin decorating and pumpkin-themed activities.

 Also, the 4-H rabbit youth will have some rabbits at the Scarecrow Festival.

“Kids love to pet rabbits,” Hancock said.

Food will be available to purchase, including hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chips and soft drinks.

“The Scarecrow Festival is a lot of work, but it’s worth it when you see the joy on kids’ faces,” Hancock said. “All the money we raise goes back into the community. The Lions give $10,000 to $12,000 annually to charities, such as Seeing Eye Dogs and School for the Blind in Batavia.”

Press Release, Medina Sandstone Society

MEDINA – The Sandstone Trust of Medina is accepting grant applications from not-for-profit organizations and/or programs in Orleans County, which benefit the residents of Medina, Ridgeway and Shelby.

The community endowment program will make several thousand dollars available in December; funding is intended for purposes that clearly benefit the community. Grants generally range from $500 to $1,000.

Grant application forms can be obtained: in person at Michael Zelazny CPA, 511 Main St.; by regular mail request sent to Sandstone Trust, P O Box 25, Medina, NY 14103; or electronically by clicking here.

Completed applications are due by Nov. 7. They should be mailed to Sandstone Trust, PO Box 25, Medina, NY 14103.

For more information, email sandstonesociety@gmail.org or call Michael Zelazny at 585-798-1006.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Midha and Jaotin are co-presidents of the Voice Gavel Club from Oakville, Ontario, Canada. They performed a free concert titled “Leaves of Summer” at World Life Institute in Medina. (Right) The Voice Gavel Club member Hana sings “Dream a Little Dream of Me” during a concert Saturday at World Life Institute.

MEDINA – World Life Institute sponsored a free concert at their headquarters on West Center Street, titled “Leaves of Summer” and featuring the Voice Gavel Club from Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Coordinator of the Club is Lubna Zaidi.

World Life Institute member Deborah Wilson said she has seen the group before, and they are a young version of Toastmasters.

“They have adopted World Life Institute as a project,” she said.

Wendy Zhou, a member of the Voice Gavel Club, was unable to attend World Life Institute on Saturday, so a video was shown of her playing a pipa.

Most of the young performers were known only by their first names and presented a musical program of song, poetry and instrumental offerings. This was their ninth annual concert.

Jaotin Ling is president and Midha Siddiqui is vice-president of the group. Midha said their performance was a celebration of music and talent.

The program included performances by Raheem on clarinet; Tatiana and her student on piano; Ekansh on guitar; Emma, Aman and Greig on flutes; Noah on violin;  Carol on a Gujheng (a zither-like instrument); and Wendy on a pipa, sometimes called a Chinese lute.

Also part of the program was Hana singing “Dream me a Little Dream” and “The Leaves of Summer,” and a poetry reading from “The Harvest” by Zehra.

A student named James paid a tribute to the late Dr. Asaf Durakovic, a doctor, professor of Nuclear Medicine and Radiology, writer of poetry, a Colonel in the Army Reserves and founder of World Life Institute.

“He was generous with his time, wisdom and passion,” said James.

Bruce Carter, building superintendent at 229 West Center St. who hosted the concert, gave the young entertainers this advice, “Use your talent to take you as far as you can.”

Photo by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Miriam Ajrond and her son Ahmed Cherif are pictured at the World Life Institute prior to a “Leaves of Summer” concert last Saturday featuring The Voice Gavel Club from Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Miriam brought Ahmed to America, with aid from Project Life, an initiative administered by World Life Institute, to seek medical attention for multiple health problems. (Provided photo – Right) Ahmed Cherif lays in the bubble on the play gym at the YMCA during a recent fundraiser for his medical care. He overlooks the gymnasium floor, where numerous activities were set up for adults and children.

MEDINA – When Miriam Ajrond brought her son Ahmed Cherif to America, he was suffering from multiple major health problems. They were brought here by World Life Institute hoping the medical attention he needed would be available here.

Since then, World Life Institute’s Project Life has provided funds for his ongoing medical care.

When Ahmed, age 10, arrived here from Tunisa in January 1924, he weighed 35 pounds club feet, intellectual disability, severe digestive problems and a rare genetic condition. He also is on the autism spectrum.

Since then, he has seen significant growth, thanks to ongoing treatment from a dedicated team of doctors, specialists and therapists. Over the past two years he has gained more than 11 pounds, grown nearly 2.5 inches and continues to make daily strides at the Aspire Center for Learning in Buffalo, where he receives occupational, speech, physical and vision therapy. His mother has also made incredible progress, growing more independent and active engaging in Ahmed’s care in their new life in Medina.

Deborah Wilson, Project Life’s deputy director and finance manager, talked about a recent fundraiser for Ahmed at the YMCA in Medina.

“The fundraiser was not just about raising money, it was about rallying around a family who continues to face extraordinary challenges with grace and determination,” Wilson said. “Every dollar raised goes directly toward essential services for Ahmed and his mother Miriam, including a monthly food, clothing and shelter allowance, transportation to multiple medical appointments, medications and home health supplies, educational resources and supplies and more.”

The Family “FUNraiser” focused on family friendly activities, including paint on canvas sessions for adults and children; face painting; henna art; and a bargain boutique. By popular demand, there was a bake sale and an international food section, which sold out at last year’s fundraiser.

During the afternoon, Project Life did a presentation on their decades-long history of involvement with international war orphans and children with rare health conditions.

Those who could not attend the fundraiser, but would like to donate to Ahmed’s care can donate directly to Project Life. Click here for more information or reach out to Shareefah Sabur at (216) 496-2986.

Photos and information courtesy of Medina Marching Band

WEBSTER – The Medina Mustang Marching Band traveled to Webster on Saturday for the band’s fourth competition this season. It was a large enthusiastic crowd and the weather was perfect with no wind and a full moon.

There were 12 schools all from within NYS, broken down into six classifications. Medina was the only school in the SS1 class and they scored 76.80.

The National class had two competitors and their scores were very close: Victor with 85.875 and Webster at 85.05.

In SS3, Jordan Elbridge took 1st place with75.50. In LS3, Rochester was a sole competitor with 67.50 and Horseheads a sole competitor in SS2 class with 77.70.  The LS2 class had five competitors and Lancaster earned 1st place with 83.0.

You really need to see a show to appreciate how complicated these performance are for the bands. There are students playing various instruments while marching around an entire field in choreographed patterns along with other students performing with flags, sabres and rifles (props not real).

Next Saturday, the Mustangs will travel to Victor and then to Orchard Park on Oct. 18. The championships are on Sunday, Oct 26, at the JMA Wireless Dome (formerly the Carrier Dome) in Syracuse.

This map shows where Medina Memorial Hospital plans to put a new parking lot with 56 spaces at 517, 521 and 525 Eagle St. The hospital will demolish a house for a new parking lot.

MEDINA – The Medina Village Board has approved a change in the village zoning map, expanding the Medical Overlay District on Eagle Street.

Medina Memorial Hospital will be demolishing a house at 525 Eagle St. and putting in a new parking lot with 56 spaces, which is across from the main entrance of the hospital on Ohio Street. The parking lot also includes 517 and 521 Eagle St.

The project also will include sidewalk improvements to the hospital’s main entrance. The new lot would be on a parcel that is .81 acre. The new lot will ease parking pressure in the main lot next to the hospital that is often congested.

The new parking lot will be for hospital employees, with patients and visitors parking on the other side of the street closer to the hospital. The project is expected to be complete next year.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans Renaissance Group wants to give the Canal Village Farmers’ Market a dramatic new look and make the site usable year-round as a market.

MEDINA – A high-profile corner in Medina is poised for its first major upgrade in more than 50 years.

The Orleans Renaissance Group is working on a major capital project at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market at 127 West Center St. This project was approved for $675,000 from the NY Forward grant.

But the ORG needs more funding to make the transformation of the site a reality.

The farmers’ market previously was used by a bank and also a gas station. The building will be expanded and remodeled to allow for year-round use, according to the ORG plan.

The improvements include a new standing seam metal roof, new painted steel structure, glazed overhead doors, cementitious siding, concrete base, windows, aluminum storefront entry doors, metal canopies, complementary brick masonry and new rooftop signs.

Rendering by Alderman Architect: The Canal Village Farmers’ Market would get a new metal roof and canopies, and other exterior work.

ORG announced a public appeal to help with the overall anticipated costs of $1.2 million. Chris Busch, the ORG chairman, said the organization will be seeking grants through foundations and welcomes donations from the public. The contributions are tax deductible.

“We’re moving forward on several fronts to secure some substantial amounts of money,” Busch said. “No donation is too small if people want to be a part of turning that corner into a community asset.”

The site has been used for an outdoor farmers’ market from June through October on Saturdays during the past decade. The improvement project will allow for a year-round market with indoor space.

Busch said it would open the possibility to the market being open two to three days a week, and also potentially could allow for other community uses.

The market building would be expanded going towards West Center Street.

The Orleans Renaissance Group is developing a business plan to make the site “a thriving agri-tourism venue.”

“The new construction and amenities will allow the site to become a year-round hub within historic downtown, hosting the market along with farm-to-table and agri-tourism related community and private events,” ORG states on its website about the project. “It will be a unique venue among farmer’s markets in WNY, further enhancing Downtown Medina’s reputation as a destination.”

Busch said he is hopeful construction could start in 6 to 8 months if the funding comes through with the improvements ready by 2027.

For more information, click here.

Provided photo

MEDINA – Medina’s Class of 1970 recently gathered at the Medina Theatre for their 55^th anniversary reunion.

Pictured include first row: Pat Howe and Dominic Cardone.

Second row: Pam Misiti, Shirley Newman, Bev Fackler, Mike Duckworth, Kim Houseman, Mary Catherine Ricota and Maureen Ritter.

Third row: Diana Fackler, Charlie Smith, Mike Blount, Sally Grimm, Karen Wu and Sue Motten.

Fourth row: Dan Kyle, Dave Malopsey, Scott Grimm and Scott Hagood.

Fifth row: Jonathan Incho and Bill Miranda.

Last row: Mike Flower, Brad Nudd, Bill Hungerford and Bill Vosteen.

‘Let us recognize 100 years of doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers who have walked these halls, dedicating themselves to the well-being of others’

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Guests enjoy cake celebrating Medina Memorial Hospital’s 100th anniversary. At left in photo is Jeanne Crane, a long-time nurse at the hospital. At right, staff from dietary cut the cake. (Right) Peggy Thomas of Holley took time to look over a timeline of pictures from the hospital’s 100 years.

MEDINA – For the past year, Medina Memorial Hospital has been celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding.

On Tuesday morning, the hospital had a final gathering with cake for invited guests in the hospital lobby.

(Left) Orleans Community Health CEO Marc Shurtz welcomes guests at a gathering on Tuesday to celebrate the hospital’s 100th anniversary. (Right) Lynne Johnson, chair of the Orleans County Legislature, praised Medina Memorial Hospital and said it was an honor to be there as the hospital celebrated a century of care, compassion and community.

Sharing special remarks were Lynne Johnson, chair of the Orleans County Legislature; Jacob G. Mahoney on behalf of Governor Kathy Hochul; and Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman.

Orleans Community Health CEO Marc Shurtz welcomed guests, which included dedicated team members, special guests and community supporters.

“For more than 100 years, this institution has been more than just a hospital – it has been a cornerstone of hope, healing and resilience for the people of Orleans County and beyond,” Johnson said. “Yet, as a member of the board of trustees, I know all too well the undeniable challenge this institution continually faces. Only through the hard work of our clinical staff that provides exceptional care to our residents, and the vision of administration that somehow finds a way to navigate through the constantly evolving healthcare industry, are we able to stand here today and celebrate this milestone.”

Johnson concluded by saying, “Let us recognize 100 years of doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers who have walked these halls, dedicating themselves to the well-being of others. And as we honor the past, let us look to the future – with renewed commitment to innovation, excellence and the same spirit of service that has defined Medina Memorial Hospital for a century.”

Johnson then presented Shurtz with a proclamation from the Orleans County Legislature.

“Healthcare, as we know, is not without its challenges,” Shurtz said. “But what makes this organization strong is the spirit of collaboration – the willingness of our staff, our partners and our community to come together. That collective effort has not only allowed us to persevere, but to grow and to expand the care we provide right here close to home.”

Shurtz explained over the last three years they have been able to strengthen and expand critical services. Surgical, cardiac, GI and ENT care have all been either expanded or introduced, helping us meet more of our patients’ needs locally.

“And just as important, we’ve invested in expanding access to primary care, from pediatrics to adult medicine, right here in Medina,” Shurtz said. “Our Medina Healthcare Center recently received a $1.9 million grant to support this mission – an achievement that reflects both the need in our community and trust placed in us to meet it.”

The front page of The Medina Daily Journal from September 30, 1925 celebrates the opening of a hospital in Medina.

“Today, as we mark 100 years of Medina Memorial Hospital, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and we look ahead with a drive to continue building on that legacy,” Shurtz continued. “A century strong, we remain committed to providing the very best care we can to our neighbors, our families and our friends. Thank you again for being here, and thank you for believing in Orleans Community Health. Together, we’ll ensure the next century is just as strong as the last.”

Governor Kathy Hochel was represented by Jacob G. Mahoney, who reiterated the governor’s support of Medina Memorial Hospital with the $1.9 million grant.

He said Orleans County has faced enormous challenges, and stated how fortunate they were having this facility in their backyard for 100 years.

Next was Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman, who said, “In the village of Medina, we remain thankful to have Orleans Community Health and Medina Memorial Hospital in our community. Mark Shurtz spoke about collaboration, and that is what we represent in the village of Medina. Hopefully, we can all continue to work together so as to provide these much-needed services in our village and county. I have previously served on the Orleans Community Health Foundation and have seen first-hand all of the work that goes into making this hospital thrive.”

The morning concluded with guests enjoying an anniversary cake.

Photos courtesy of ReLeaf Medina: West Center Street in Medina is one of several tree-lined streets in the village with recently planted trees getting more mature.

MEDINA – Autumn leaves with rich hues of orange, red and yellow lighting up the landscape bring warm thoughts of hot chocolate, flannel and fall fun.

But for others who are in the business of overseeing municipal trees, thoughts turn to planning for spring planting.

The village of Medina has a Municipal Tree Board and a Forestry Coordinator (all volunteer), as well as well-trained DPW personnel, all of whom play a role in planting and maintaining the village’s “urban forest.”

But there is another vital group that works to support those efforts financially: ReLeaf Medina.

ReLeaf Medina was formed a few years back to raise money for the village to replace dying trees – something the Tree Board is not allowed to do.

According to Medina’s Forestry Coordinator, Chris Busch, the cost of plant material has risen exponentially in the past ten years, costing an average of $3,000-plus more per year.

“From the very beginning, the Mayor and Trustees have absolutely been on board and continue to be fully supportive of Medina’s planting program. We are incredibly grateful for the funds they budget annually given that municipal budgets are very, very tight.” said Busch. “In light of that, we’ve had to be creative with supplemental funding solutions.  Thankfully, there are a growing number of citizens who have noticed how amazing our tree-lined streets look and have been happy to support our efforts. Their financial gifts result in a living legacy that will be enjoyed by an entire community for years to come.”

Annually, the Village removes 50-60 trees and replants about 50. Removing dying trees is an unending task and replacing them has become increasingly more costly.

“What used to buy 50 trees now buys 30 or less,” Busch said.

“We continue to plant diversely with a wide variety of trees that are proven urban environments,” said Mary Lewis, Tree Board chair. “We take great care in selecting the right tree for the conditions that exist on any given site. There’s a great deal of urban forestry science that goes into the planning and selection of trees.”

Once again, ReLeaf Medina is asking citizens to contribute to the amazing living legacy of trees by making a monetary gift.

Lewis, a Medina business owner, has also issued an invitation to local businesses to consider becoming a corporate sponsor.

This photo shows trees along Gwinn Street in Medina.

“Several letters were recently sent out to local businesses and we’re hoping they’ll see the benefit of corporate sponsorship,” she said.

ReLeaf Medina states businesses becoming a corporate sponsor not only engage with their employees and investors but also build community through the support of grassroots public environmental stewardship.

“It is a chance to make a tangible difference in a highly visible way that will stand for generations and leave a positive, beneficial living legacy for the future that will be seen every day,” Lewis said.

All gifts to ReLeaf Medina are tax-deductible and can be made in three ways.

As a General Donation, the money helps replace street trees in neighborhoods throughout the village. Suggested amounts are $25 to $199 (Good Citizen); $200 to $299 (Silver); $300 to $499 (Gold); $500 and up (Platinum).

Gifts In Memory cost $300. They will fund trees placed in one of Medina’s six parks and will be identified with a granite marker honoring a loved one or in recognition of the donor’s family or organization. Memorial trees can be located on streets without a granite marker and cost $275.

To designate a tree On Your Street, the cost is $250. If the village determines a tree or trees are needed on that street, the donor may request a specific location.

Checks for tree donations should be made payable to the Orleans Renaissance Group, Inc. – Notation: ‘ReLeaf Medina’ and mailed to PO Box 543, Medina, NY.

“As you walk or drive around our village this fall and you like what you see and how the beautiful canopy makes you feel, please help us continue planting to make Medina an attractive place to live, work and grow,” Lewis said.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Members of Medina Area Partnership who volunteered at Medina Senior Center to check in participants of Ale in Autumn, posed for a picture after the crowds had thinned out. There were 565 people who purchased tickets for Ale in Autumn.

MEDINA – Those who bought tickets for the annual Ale in Autumn, sponsored by Medina Area Partnership, enjoyed a beautiful day Saturday walking through the streets of town, and enjoying a different ale at nearly two dozen participating businesses.

Taylor Sugar and Erin Taylor of Albion check in with Ann Fisher-Bale, head organizer of Ale in Autumn. Sugar has attended the event before and had a lot of fun, she said. But his was Taylor’s first time.

Deana Dena Anderson pours beer at The Walsh for Matt Corser of Middleport during Ale in Autumn on Saturday. This was Corser’s first time at the event, and he attended with friends from Canada.

Sarah Fisher said one lady came dressed as a cow.

A different feature this year for participants was getting their picture taken at Alexandra Peracciny Photography. They could choose from themed props and got to take their picture home in a card-like frame.

Dawn Borchet, director of Orleans County Tourism, provided juice and water bottles for the goodie bags each ticket holder received. The bags also contain their glass, pretzels, a pen, Koozie and a program.

Participants checked in at the Medina Senior Center,  where Patrick Weissend checked their ID. The head of Tompkins/Bank of Castile in Medina, Weissend has had the same duties for at least 10 years, he said.

At The Walsh, Deana Dena Andersen poured ale from a small kiosk outside. The area is roped off for entertainment with chairs and a big screen TV. At the end, the band Darrel Brown and the Chill Factor provided music.

Fisher-Bale said this event brings in people from all over the area, including Canada.

Funds from this event and other fundraisers has allowed MAP to purchase the sound system downtown.

“The money we make goes toward improvements and promoting our member businesses,” Fisher-Bale said.

Ann Fisher-Bale, right, checks in Taylor Sugar and Erin Taylor at Medina Senior Center. Participants of Ale in Autumn checked in there, where they were ID’d and received a goodie bag.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Angela Rogers of Batavia and Karl Dionne of Toronto try a beer poured by Randy Huslor, co-owner of The Print Shop, which was one of the stops for Ale in Autumn.

At Modern Mercantile, beer tastings from Talking Cursive in Syracuse were served by Holly Lederhouse, left, and Bekah Osher.

A commemorative glass has a light beer, Oktoberfest, from Meier’s Creek Brewing Company in Cazenovia. This photo is inside the Medina Triennial Hub in the former NAPA building on Main Street.

Matt Hollenback pours a tasting of beer for Victoria Schicker of Medina at the Medina Triennial site.

The Medina Hemp House put out a sign celebrating a festive day in Medina.

Photo and information courtesy of Medina Mustang Band

The Medina Mustang Marching Band traveled to Oswego on Saturday for their third competition this season. It was a large crowd and the weather was perfect.

Medina competed in the SS1 division and was one of six schools in that class. Phoenix earned 1st place with a score of 84.15 while Medina came in 6th with a score 76.10.

In SS2, Oswego earned 1st place with a score of 78.275 and in LS3, Syracuse earned 1st place with 73.6

This coming Saturday on Oct. 4^th, the Medina band travels to Webster for their fourth competition of the season.

More important than the scores are watching the students each week as their routine progresses and their skills and confidence improve.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Walkers start out from State Street Park on the annual Walk for Alzheimer’s Saturday morning. An estimated 200 participated.

MEDINA – The annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s took place Saturday morning in State Street Park, with an estimated 200 participants.

Volunteers arrived early to get ready for the 9.m. registration, set up the basket raffle and provide refreshments for the walkers.

 Medina Mayor Marguerite opened the morning’s activity, saying it was a great day.

“We are all touched by Alzheimer’s, me included,” Sherman said, sharing that her mother Doris Fuller died of the disease.

A group of walkers from Park Avenue Therapy posed for a picture in the Promise Garden. They also had a booth at the Walk for Alzheimer’s on Saturday.

Retired disc jockey from WKBW, Randy Bushover, was master of ceremonies for the event for the 13th year, he said.

“I get to use my old communication skills,” Bushover said.

Walk manager was Lynn Hughes from the Alzheimer’s Association, who greeted volunteers and oversaw their duties.

UB Neurology had a table with information on screening, assessment and other services for patients and their families dealing with Alzheimer’s.

Beth Schmidt of Albion plants a flower in the Promise Garden in memory of her mother Joanne Welch, who died of Alzheimer’s six years ago.

At one tent, manned by Carolyn Walker, flowers could be purchased in a variety of colors, to be “planted” in the Promise Garden. Each color signified different stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. Blue meant you have the disease; yellow meant you are a caregiver; purple signifies you have lost someone from the disease; orange indicates you support the vision of a world without Alzheimer’s; and white is the Hope for a Cure – the hope there will some day be a survivor of Alzheimer’s.

Mollie Radzinski was chosen to set the pace for walk, and led the estimated 200 on their way, over the Horan Road bridge, along the canal to the lift bridge and back by the Canal Basin to State Street Park.

Radzinski said when she learned they were looking for volunteers, it would be a great thing to do.

The annual walk is the biggest fundraiser locally for the Alzheimer’s Association.

(Left) Mollie Radzinski and Beth Schmidt of Albion pose with Orly the Ox on his first visit to an Alzheimer’s Walk, Saturday morning in State Street Park. Orly is the Orleans County mascot for this year’s bicentennial celebration. (Right) Randy Bushover, right, retired disc jockey from WBEN, holds the microphone for Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman, as she speaks during opening ceremonies of the annual Walk for Alzheimer’s in Medina.

Orly the Ox poses with four ladies holding a different colored flower. Each color symbolizes a different aspect of Alzheimer’s. From left, after Orly, are Kailea Lalka, Pamela Allen, Martha Meyers and Carolyn Wagner.

Nicole Tuohey, left, her mother Mary Lou Tuohey and Mary Lou’s sister Amy Murray have actively supported Alzheimer’s for years, as both Mary Lou’s and Amy’s grandparents died from the disease.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Two people walk along the north wall in Medina this afternoon with the Horan Road canal bridge in the background. The local foliage is still mainly green, but the more colors are starting to spread with each passing week.

Some parts of the state are getting in the beginning of peak fall foliage. That’s in the Adirondacks and Catskills.

Locally, I Love NY reports most of the GLOW region is in the “just changing” stage.

A spotter for I Love NY reports “10% change in Albion with average to bright red, orange and yellow leaves.”

I Love NY provided this update on Wednesday of fall foliage around the state.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Sherry Tuohey Sipple, left, enjoys coffee and conversation with the new pastor of the Grove United Methodist Church in Medina, Barb Brewer.

MEDINA – The new pastor of the Grove United Methodist Church brings a bushel of energy and a ton of new ideas to the congregation.

Pastor Barb Brewer grew up in Lockport and graduated from Penn State with a degree in civil engineering.

“I spent 25 years as a civil engineer,” Brewer said. “Then I retired and opened a coffee house and café in Lockport.”

During that time, she said God was calling her and putting people in her way who led her to the ministry. She enrolled in United Theological Seminary.

Brewer grew up in the Lutheran church and attended regularly with her family. As a teenager, she became involved with Lockport Alliance Church.

“That’s when I accepted Christ in my heart and have carried on as a Christian all of my life,” Brewer said.

She started her duties at the Grove on Aug. 1, and since has instituted several new activities, including Christian Conversation and Coffee Thursday mornings at the Coffee Pot Café. She issues an open invitation for anyone to join from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The sessions feature small devotions and conversation.

“I was hired half-time, but am working full time,” she said. “I’m here to serve and I visit the sick and take them communion.”

In addition to several new activities at the church, she has more planned. Last Saturday they had a campfire at the church, with s’mores.

“Basically, I put fun into worship,” the pastor said. “I put humor into all my sermons.”

Before coming to Medina, Brewer served the Alden United Methodist Church and Brocton Tri-Church Parish, made up of two Methodist churches and an Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Brocton church suffered a devastating fire which leveled the church.

When the District Superintendent contacted Brewer, she told her, “Have I got an assignment for you.”

Brewer took to her new assignment in Brocton and put her engineering degree to good use, designing a new church and negotiated with the insurance company to get the money to rebuild.

Some of the things coming up at the Grove are a Tailgate Party after worship on Oct. 26; Trivia Night with a potluck supper on Nov. 15; and the Lunch Bunch from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, featuring cheese and crackers and dessert.

“I’m just feeling my way now,” Brewer said. “I believe if we show the community how active we are, the community will want to join us. God made a perfect fit when I came here. I needed this church as much as they needed me, and we are stronger than ever because of it.”

In addition to welcoming their new pastor, member Sherry Tuohey Sipple and Brewer want to take this opportunity to thank the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company for their response to several potential crises at the church.

At the back of the church property are motel units, which are now used for storage. In May, it had been very rainy and the motel basement flooded. The church called Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company and they responded, pumping 30,000 gallons of water out of the basement.

Tuohey said the motel units date back to the 1960s when the restaurant was open, and the church is considering other options for the building.

Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company responded again on several occasions when the motel’s fire alarms went off – sometimes in the middle of the night, for no apparent reason.

“We are thankful they were false alarms,” Sipple said. “We are blessed to have these volunteer firemen dedicated to service in our community.”

Ridgeway will be responding again soon with Medina and other volunteer fire companies to deliver the red barrels for the annual Christmas drive.