Gary and Maggie Roberts and their children run fruit and vegetable farm, cider press and farm market

Photos by Ginny Kropf: The Roberts family poses in front of their farm market on Maple Ridge Road in Medina. Maggie and Gary Roberts, center, are flanked by son Patrick at left, and daughter Jenna Bruning, right, all of whom are involved in running some aspect of their farm, which has been honored as the Agricultural Business of the Year by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.

MEDINA – Farming is not an easy job. The work is hard and the hours are long, but Gary and Maggie Roberts wouldn’t have it any other way.

The couple run the family farm on Freeman Road and the farm market on Maple Ridge Road with daughter Jenna Bruning and son Patrick Roberts.

They are honored and delighted to have been honored by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce as Agricultural Business of the Year.

The farm began when Gary’s grandparents, Justin and Lorraine Roberts, purchased their home and 166 acres of land on Maple Ridge Road in 1931, just across from the farm market. Gary’s sister Linda and her husband Steve Fuller live there today.

Gary and Maggie Roberts look at some of the crates of apples used to make cider at Roberts Farm Market.

Gary’s dad Orren and uncle Lee Roberts eventually took over and carried on the Roberts Farm, joined by Gary and Lee’s son Todd as the boys grew.

In 1974, Orren and Lee purchased the property on Maple Ridge Road which was H.J. Heinz pea vinery. It would become Roberts Farm Market. The first order of business was to purchase a cider press. At some point, Gary said his dad started growing plants. Gary’s sister Linda managed the operation for a long time, until around 2,000, when she decided to get into horses and a riding stable.

In the early 1990s, Gary and Todd decided to focus their main interests in different areas, and in 1996 Gary and his dad took over the fruit growing, while Todd and Lee concentrated on crops, namely corn and soy beans.

Orren eventually transitioned from growing processing fruit to high-density fresh fruit trees. From 90 acres, they expanded to 180 acres of fresh fruit trees now. Varieties include Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, Snapdragon (a  New York apple), Ruby Frost (also a New York apple developed and mostly grown in New York), as well as some standard old favorites, such as Cortland.

“Everything I learned was from my dad and the Cornell fruit team” Gary said.

Gary and the former Maggie Hall met in high school during their senior year in 1986. They were married in 1987 and had three children, Christopher, who lives in Durham, N.C., Jenna and Patrick. Gary and Maggie have eight grandchildren.

Jenna, who married Gabe Bruning and lives just down Freeman Road from her parents, has five children and is running the farm now with her dad.

Maggie said Patrick was born in 1996, and she started working at the farm market when Patrick went to school. Eventually she became manager and began to expand the market’s offerings.

A new cider press was installed and the cider room upgraded; they built new greenhouses; and added new products and services.

“I tried to gradually enlarge it without drastically changing anything,” Maggie said.

They grow most of their own vegetables, all their own pumpkins and raspberries, strawberries and blueberries. Maggie buys as much as she can in Orleans County, and the rest from Niagara, Monroe and Genesee counties.

Five years ago, she added a very popular apple cider slushie machine.

Gifts, garden décor, locally made baked goods, locally grown beef and mushroom, Gardner’s jam, cheese curds, honey and maple syrup are other items they sell.

“I tried to keep all Linda had here,” Maggie said.

Gary and Maggie Roberts stand among the many shelves of produce and gifts for sale at Roberts Farm Market.

In 2007, due to a large shortage of labor, Orren and his dad built their first labor camp to house Jamaicans they bring in to harvest the apple crop every year. In 2020, a second camp was built to expand their work force, which now numbers 37. Twelve arrive in March and 25 by the end of August. All are gone by the middle of November.

Their average harvest produces 175,000 bushels of apples annually. They use 20,000 bushels at the market for cider and sales.

As Jenna and Patrick take over more responsibility, Gary and Maggie plan to do some traveling, but not get out totally.

“The farm has been wonderful,” Maggie said. “It gives you the freedom and space to raise kids and you’re not stuck in an office all day. I enjoy meeting the customers, many of whom I know by their first name.”

“I couldn’t do any of this without our team,” Gary said. “It’s hard work, but it’s very rewarding at the end.”

He said the day Chamber director Darlene Hartway came in and told him of their award, he was making cider.

“We were surprised and grateful,” Maggie said.

Gary and Maggie thank the community for their support.

“Without them we wouldn’t be here,” she said.

Forecast shows highs around 60 most of the week

Triena Christ sent in this photo from Murray of a double-rainbow that emerged in a bright sky.

The forecast for the rest of the week shows highs around 60, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo. Today will be mostly cloudy with a high near 61.

Tuesday there is a chance for showers with a high near 60, followed by showers and partly sunny Wednesday with a high near 59.

Thursday will be mostly sunny with a high near 56, followed by 66 on a mostly sunny Friday. Saturday is forecast to be mostly sunny and reach 68 degrees.

Tina Wolfe sent in this photo of the double-rainbow on Powerline Road in Holley this morning.

MEDINA – Brian and Lisa Chriastiaansen’s journey to owning their own pizza shop began when he met Mark Crane of Fairport, owner of the chain of Mark’s Pizzerias.

“The only job I’d had since I was 16 was working in a restaurant in Fairport,” said Brian, who is 53 now. “Mark asked me if I wanted to be manager of a store. That was in 1992, and within a year he asked me if I wanted to own my own store.”

He opened his first pizzeria in Hamlin, followed by Bushnell’s Basin and then Brockport. He now has stores in Medina, Albion and Newfane.

He met his wife Lisa in Medina when she worked at a bank. He opened the Albion store when their first child was born, followed a few years later by Newfane and Medina in 1997.

In 2019 the pizzeria needed remodeling and at one point he was looking at moving outside the village on Maple Ridge Road.

“But our customers liked us on Main Street,” he said. “Lance Mark owned the whole building here, with six store fronts, and I asked if he was interested in selling.”

He was, and the Christiaasens purchased it.

Brian wanted to have a space for his customers to sit down and dine and he and Lisa had always wanted a bar. They decided to combine a bar with the pizzeria, but first had to get permission from the franchise’s owner.

“Tapped Main at Mark’s Pizzeria was given permission with Mark Crane’s blessing,” Brian said.

Brian and Linda Christiaansen stand in front of Tapped On Main, the bar and game room they opened next to their existing pizza shop, Mark’s Pizzeria.

The Medina location became the only one of Mark’s franchises to serve beer and wine.

Tapped on Main opened in December 2019, then Covid hit in March 2020.

“It was slow at first,” Brian said. “We had to close the bar for a year. When we could finally open in 2021, we started to hit our stride.”

In 2023, they added a party and game room to the bar, which can accommodate private parties of 50 or less. The space is perfect for birthday parties or sports teams.

Brian said the renovation was done by Chris Marquart of Medina and his dad Dave.

Lisa had the inspiration for everything on the bar side, Brian said. They tried to keep everything original that they could, including the ceiling and a brick wall.

“Lisa, me and Chris planned it all and I’m pretty proud of that,” Brian said.

 He said they have great managers in the pizzeria, which allowed him and Lisa to concentrate on getting the bar going.

Brian said Chamber director Darlene Hartway came in to tell them about their award, and he was honored.

“It’s great to get acknowledged for the work we’ve done,” he said. “We take pride in our building and our bar business and it’s nice to be recognized for it.”

Tapped on Main at Mark’s Pizzeria is open from 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. In addition to beer, wine and cocktails, they offer Mark’s Pizzeria menu and bar food.

EAST SHELBY – The 36th annual Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run was a resounding success Saturday at the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.

According to Mary Kaderli Zelazny, the event raised more than $30,000 for cancer patients and their families in Orleans County.

Stacey Knights Pellegrino, daughter of the late Richard Knights, said so many organizations and individuals support the fund during the years, including her dad Richard Knights’ Class of 1964. Many benefits are held annually and the profits donated to the Knights-Kaderli Fund, such as the David Millis golf tournament, Liz Monell golf tournament, Kathy Vicnair’s former Pink Crystal Ball, the family of Bruce Williams, the Zinkievich family and Angela Waldriff when she had Ashlee’s Place.

This year’s event drew 150 walkers and runners, in addition to many more who came just to take part in the basket raffle, said Stacey Knights Pellegrino. Many push strollers and participate with family members, such as the McAdoos.

Walkers and runners wait in the parking lot of East Shelby Volunteer Fire Hall for the Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run to begin Saturday morning. About 150 participated in the event, which raised a whopping $30,000.

Kristin McAdoo came with her son and said they have supported the event for more than 20 years.

“They helped us when my father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer,” she said. “I sell 31 bags (insulated lunch bags) and my customers donate them to the McAdoo family.  Then I give them to Knights-Kaderli, and Mary gives them to cancer patients.”

Another of McAdoo’s customers donates Comfort Care Bags, which she also gives to cancer patients.

Tish McAdoo said she had walked other years, but couldn’t this year because of a bad knee. However, she still came to buy basket raffle tickets and support the event.

“I came with my best friend Pat Vader, whose husband and father were both helped by the Knights-Kaderli Fund.

Tish McAdoo buys basket raffle tickets from Mary Zelazny at the 36th annual Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run Saturday at East Shelby Volunteer Fire Hall. Other ticket sellers are Zelazny’s nephew Jay Hanna and her sister-in-law, Laura Kaderli.

Leslie and Mike Green, who grew up in Medina, married and moved to Plattsburgh, used to come home to participate in the walk/run. In February, they moved back home and came to walk on Saturday.

“The fund did a lot of both our moms,” Leslie said. “We walk in honor of them.”

The race began with a welcome from Aaron Knights, son of the late Richard Knights, for whom the race is named. He asked for a moment of silence those lost and those who are battling cancer now.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A group gathers in the chapel at Boxwood Cemetery on Saturday evening for the third annual Boxwood at Night event.

The Friends of Boxwood Cemetery lighted up many of the monuments, trees and other parts of the cemetery, inviting the public to “see the cemetery in a new light.” More than 200 people attended.

Sandra and Tom Philbrick portray Susan and John Bland at the Bland family plot. The Philbricks now live in the Bland family home on West Center Street.

Mr. Bland owned several businesses in Medina, while Mrs. Bland was known for keeping a beautiful garden and maintaining an active social life. She gave Medina Memorial Hospital a good deal to acquire 10 acres for the hospital.

The event included nine different docents who portrayed people buried in the cemetery.

Miranda Starr portrays George Beach, who was born in 1842 and died in 1902. He was active in a pharmaceutical business and manufactured iron goods in Medina.

Catherine Cooper, Orleans County historian and retired director of the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, shares the story of Mary Lee-Whedon whose father left money for the community to a public library in the 1920s. Cooper said the library has been a gift of knowledge and has helped strengthen our democracy.

Jessica George of Albion and her daughter Harper, 8, check out the extra large Lite Bright that was part of the event.

The street on the south side of the cemetery was lined with torches to help illumine the path when it got dark.

The cemetery took on a different feel with the colorful display of lights.

Reinhard Rogowski portrays the late Robert Waters, who was an active community booster and the publisher of The Journal-Register. Waters died at age 90 on July 29, 2015. He led the Medina Sandstone Society and helped find a new use for the Medina Armory, among his many community efforts. He also loved to wear a bow tie.

One of the stops included a display with a list of the 107 people buried in the potter’s field. Of those 107, only 28 have head stones. The Friends of Boxwood Cemetery would like to install a plaque in the cemetery listing all 107 people.

Frank Ferri portrayed Robert H. Newell who ran a high-end shirt business in Medina on West Center Street. The business at one time had 100 employees on three floors. Ferri displayed scissors, a thimble and one of the shirts from the factory.

The Orleans County String Band played Appalachian music while people strolled on the north side of the historic cemetery on North Gravel Road.

Shawna Baldwin portrays Harriett Davey and reads a passage from Edgar Allan Poe, the famous writer who died in 1849, the year Boxwood opened.

MURRAY – A body has been recovered from the Erie Canal and transported to the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death, said Jeff Gifaldi, chief deputy of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office was called at 12:37 p.m. for a report of a body floating in the Erie Canal near Bennetts Corners Road in the Town of Murray.

Upon arrival, deputies located a body east of the Bennetts Corners Road bridge.

“At this time, the death is not considered suspicious,” Gilfaldi said in a news release.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Holley Police Department, State Police, Murray Fire District, Clarendon Fire Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office dive team and Orleans County Coroner Rocco Sidari.

Law enforcement are on the Bennetts Corners Road canal bridge near where a body was located in the canal today. This photo was taken about 2:45 p.m.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 11 p.m. tonight for Orleans County and much of Western New York.

The watch also includes Genesee, Niagara, Erie, Wyoming, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.

The National Weather Service is warning that strong thunderstorms are possible this evening after 5 p.m., with a chance for an isolated tornado in Orleans, Genesee, Niagara or northern Erie counties.

The Weather Service said “a robust cold front” is crossing the Lower Great Lakes and will generate a line of moderately heavy showers and possibly some strong to severe thunderstorms between 5 and 7 p.m.

The storm could bring damaging straight line winds in excess of 60 miles per hour.

Most areas should average a quarter inch of rainfall with isolated amounts of one half inch, the Weather Service said.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MURRAY – Firefighters from Murray and Clarendon have a rescue boat in the Erie Canal as they prepare to recover a body near the Bennetts Corners Road bridge. This photo was taken at about 2:45 p.m.

Representatives from the State Police and Orleans County Sheriff’s Office also are at the scene.

First responders were dispatched to the canal at about 1 p.m.

No other information is available at this time.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced free 3D mammography screenings throughout the months of October and November.

The service celebrates October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at Community Partners.

Prevention saves lives, and the free screenings are being offered to women age 40 and older to promote early detection and education to help combat this disease.

3D mammography is a revolutionary screening tool that enhances the accuracy of breast cancer detection. Unlike traditional mammograms, this advanced technology captures multiple images of the breast, allowing radiologists to examine the breast tissue layer by layer. This results in improved detection rates, particularly for women with dense breast tissue.

Anyone with a previously scheduled mammogram or who books an appointment for October or November is eligible for this free screening offer.

“We encourage all women, especially those aged 40 and older, to take advantage of this opportunity for a potentially life-saving test,” Robinson said.

In addition to 3-D mammography, onsite ultrasounds are also available for women who require additional diagnostic screenings. Robinson said their team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing compassionate care in a comfortable environment.

Appointments may be scheduled by calling (585) 798-8055. Community members are encouraged to share this information with friends and family to help spread the word about the importance of breast cancer screening.

Good morning! Grab your favorite cup. Fill it up. And let’s start this week right… TOGETHER!!!

By Randy LeBaron

Over the past couple of weeks, I have helped with Care-Net of Orleans’ “Walk 4 Life” at Bullard Park and Hospice of Orleans’ “Memory Walk” at Holley Falls. I chose these two primarily for my involvement with each organization, I am a volunteer peer counselor at Care-Net and the Spiritual Care Counselor at Hospice, and because I believe in promoting the sanctity of human life from the very beginning to the very end.

There are many other worthy organizations who also raise funds and awareness through events like: Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run (to assist Orleans County Cancer Patients and Their Families), Friends and Family 5K to support Arc GLOW, and the Run for Wayne (Colon Cancer Awareness), among others. And what all these events have in common is that they bring together a diverse group of people affected by the same cause who are trying to move forward together literally, by walking or running, as well as figuratively in learning to adjust to a new normal due to past or current circumstances.

In my message at the beginning of the Hospice of Orleans “Memory Walk” last Sunday I referenced two passages of Scripture. The first was 2 Corinthians 1 where Paul talks about how God will give us comfort when we go through difficult situations so that when others go through similar trials we can then comfort them. The second passage was from Joshua 4 where God commanded a representative from each of the 12 Tribes of Israel to stand in the Jordan River, witness the water recede, and then after everyone else had crossed over on dry land they were to each pick up a stone from the riverbed and stack them on the other side. This was meant to be a sign for future generations to remind them that God had protected and provided for them by parting the waters.

In a similar fashion I shared that even though everyone was going down the same path, in this case dealing with grief and loss, some were further along than others and should consider leaving some stone markers along the way to encourage those coming after them. Participants then had opportunity to paint or write something on river rocks at the end of the walk which they could either choose to keep as a reminder for themselves or plan to put somewhere for someone, who just may need some encouragement in the moment, to find.

In a more conventional sense I have seen time and time again while leading the Community Grief Support Group where someone who has been coming longer is able to offer comfort and hope to a newer member simply because they have walked a similar path and can testify that as stuck as the new person may feel in their current state that there are brighter days ahead.
Friends, I love to see us come together as a community to raise funds and awareness for so many worthy causes but let’s not stop there. Attending an annual event to show our support is great and often needed but we shouldn’t overlook the impact we can have on another person’s journey simply by offering some kind words of encouragement along the way. If nothing else, offer them a cup of coffee and a listening ear.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Andrea Wilston, 7, of Albion enjoys a pony ride today during the Albion Fall Fest. KTJ Saddle Up Pony Rides had the ponies in Waterman Park on Main Street.

Albion and Kendall both have festivals today featuring scarecrows.

Kendall’s Scarecrow Festival is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with this year’s theme for the scarecrows, “Enchanted Garden.”

There will also be music by Rebels Posse, face painting, balloons by Air Raising Events, chain saw carving by Jeffrey Cook 3-D Critters and wagon rides.

Star Grosskopf, left, makes a scarecrow with assistance from Karen Conn, center, and Lynn DiBella.

Albion Merchants Association’s annual Fall Fest is today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with food and craft vendors, bounce houses and games, pumpkin painting, scarecrow decorating, face painting and music by the Who Dats (from noon to 2 p.m.).

Shamel Thomas of Medina helps his daughter Vivian Thomas make a scarecrow in Albion.

Sam Conde, 6, and his brother Shane, 4, paint pumpkins on a table on a closed off section of Main Street.

Kay Ecker, right, helps these kids at the pumpkin painting station.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Keynote speaker at For Women Only, Darlene Rich, is surrounded by old friends and former co-workers at Medina Memorial Hospital. With her, clockwise from left, are Rebecca Mannella, who headed cardiac rehab when Rich worked there; Lori Condo, assistant controller; and Cindy Perry, retired head of Community Partners, whose job included planning the For Women Only event.

LYNDONVILLE – For Women Only, the annual event sponsored by Orleans Community Health which raises funds for cancer services, took place Thursday night at White Birch Golf Course.

First on the program was recognition of cancer survivors by Lori Condo, assistant controller at Orleans Community Health and chair of For Women Only. She asked those who had been survivors of cancer to stand up as she called out the number of years – one year, five years, 10 years, 20 years and more than 20 years. Each woman standing received a carnation.

Next, was keynote speaker Darlene Rich, a cancer survivor of 18 years and clerk for the Town of Shelby, now in her 17th year. She not only shared her battle with breast cancer, but the sorrow of having her son diagnosed with brain cancer and the age of 3 and dying at age 23.

Rich has been a regular attendee of For Women Only over the years, and called it “the nicest event.”

She described how she had her mammograms regularly and wasn’t worried when it came time to schedule one in 2006. She was working in heart rehab at Medina Memorial Hospital under Rebecca Mannella when she learned her breast surgeon saw something on her X-ray and wanted a biopsy. She underwent a lumpectomy, and then was given six weeks of radiation and the choice of chemotherapy every three weeks for six treatments or a powerful dose for five days.

“I wanted to get it over with and move on, so I chose the five-day treatment,” Rich said. “That mammogram saved my life.”

On Oct. 20. 2006, she returned to work and was greeted by a mini For Women Only arranged by Mannella and Cindy Perry. Perry was head of Community Partners at the time and in charge of organizing the annual For Women Only for the community.

“They were here, along with my family, to support me all the way,” Rich said.

Her advice to the women in the room was to “Stay positive, stay focused and fight. And remember to get your mammogram.”

Condo announced the evening had grossed $6,300 to provide essential cancer services.

(Left) Cindy Perry, who worked at Community Partners for many years and planned the first For Women Only 25 years ago at the former Village Inn, was introduced and presented flowers by Lori Condo, on behalf of the hospital. (Right) Lori Condo, assistant controller at Orleans Community Health and chair of For Women Only, introduces keynote speaker Darlene Rich to guests Thursday night.

Representatives from several Orleans County agencies were on hand with tables of information and free gifts to guests.

From the Orleans County Health Department, Nola Goodrich and Laiken Ricker, a New York State Public Health Fellow with Orleans and Genesee Health departments, handed out information on rabies, lead and healthy homes.

At the Orleans County Mental Health table, director Danielle Figura and staff member Linda Karp made sure everyone knew about the suicide and crisis hotline, 988.

Denise Johnston-Burris, director of nursing at Hospice, provided information on why they temporarily closed the Martin-Linsin Residence.

“Referrals just stopped coming in,” she said.

She added they are doing everything possible to turn the situation around. She said many people have misinformation about Hospice, including the length a resident may stay there. She said they have had one individual who was there for 2 1/2 years.

A moment of recognition was given to Cindy Perry for her years at Community Partners and planning the annual For Women Only. She recalls the first event at the Village Inn at Childs, when about 30 to 40 women attended. The event has since grown steadily, usually attracting more than 100, and often a sellout.

Kim Gray, Medina Memorial Hospital’s chief nursing officer and director of surgical services, welcomes guests to the annual For Women Only.

Kim Gray, the hospital’s chief nursing officer and director of surgical services, has worked at the hospital more than 20 years.

“Our community hospital is an invaluable asset that provides accessible, personalized, cost-effective and community-focused healthcare,” Gray said. “We offer a wide range of services that are essential for the vitality of our community.”

Some of those services are a 24/7 Emergency Department, two dialysis centers (one in Medina and one in Batavia),  a podiatry clinic, a wound care center dedicated to healing chronic wounds, a cardiology clinic, a cardiac services department which offers a full array of diagnostic testing and treatment options for patients with cardiac conditions and heart disease and a radiology department which plays a crucial role in early cancer screening by using techniques to detect abnormalities that could indicate cancer at an early stage.

These include general X-rays, ultrasound, CT-scans, nuclear medicine, 3-D mammography, bone density testing and MRIs. Full-service laboratories with blood drawing stations are located at the Medina hospital, at the Albion Healthcare Center and the Middleport site.

A new pediatric nurse practitioner, Leah Brenner, has recently joined the family medicine team at the Albion Healthcare Center.

The hospital’s surgery clinic is staffed by the team of doctors Misiti, Schratz, Hodge and Huff, offering comprehensive surgical services in several specialized areas.

During the past year, the hospital began offering the primary doctors the opportunity to order pulmonary function testing by the Respiratory Department, determining how well the lungs are working.

Inpatient services included the Medical/Surgical Department and Transitional Care Unit.

A highlight being announced today is that in October and November the hospital will be offering not only free 3-D mammogram screening, but if a patient needs to receive diagnostic testing through an ultrasound, the hospital will cover the co-pay.

“This is largely thanks to our past For Women Only funding,” Gray said.

The evening concluded with drawing of winners for the basket raffle and 50/50 drawing.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Matt Hill, brother-in-law of Kwandrans Tae-Kwan-Do owner, Bob Kwandrans Jr., teaches a class in their new space at the YMCA in Medina.

MEDINA – A martial arts studio which began in 1988 on East Center Street has made a move to new quarters.

Kwandrans Tae-Kwon-Do started classes at space in the YMCA in September, said founder Bob Kwandrans Jr.

“We reached out to the YMCA, where Jesse (Cudzilo – the Y director) offered us the opportunity to work together and continue to offer a proven service to the community.”

Black Belts who teach classes at Kwandrans’ Tae-Kwon-Do are, from left, Matt Hill, Aidyn Jackson, Debby Farfaglia (who runs the school), Phoebe Kirby and Ross Tetrault.

Bob Kwandrans Jr. was 11 years old when he started karate training with Dick Borrell of Batavia. When he was a senior in high school, he started teaching Tae-Kwon-Do, and by 1988, he had opened Kwandrans Tae-Kwon-Do on East Center Street.

The family’s interest in martial arts stems from Bob Sr.’s training as a police officer in Washington, D.C. After moving back to Western New York, he and his sister started teaching Tai-Kwan-Do in Batavia.

Since 2006, he and his wife Johanna have lived near Fort Wayne, Ind., where he opened another Tae-Kwon-Do studio, and they both teach, along with their son and daughter.

A class of Tae-Kwon-Do students at Kwandrans’ Tae-Kwon-Do studio go through their routine at their new location at the YMCA. Standing at left rear is teacher Matt Hill, brother-in-law of the studio’s founder Bob Kwandrans Jr.

When he opened his first school in Medina, there was a handful of students, Bob said. Today that number has grown to 50 to 60.

His first location was a small room on East Center Street, and in 1992 Bob was able to secure a larger space at 115 East Center St.

Several years prior, Debby Farfaglia of Lockport had brought her oldest son to a class. Two years later, her youngest began lessons. Like so many students, the parents get interested because of their children, and Farfaglia began lessons herself, eventually getting her Black Belt. Today she runs the school in Medina.

What attracted her to Tae-Kwon-Do is the discipline, self-defense, balance and coordination it develops in an individual.

“I like to be busy,” she said. “I don’t like to sit around. Getting involved in Tae-Dwon-Do was one of the best moves I could make.”

Kwandrans said he has had the best people in the world on his staff, and called Farfaglia his “anchor.”

“I think the world of her and her family,” he said.

Farfaglia said they love their new space at the YMCA, where classes begin with Little Dragons. Farfaglia started the classes for children 4 to 6, and now Jess Sutch is their leader, who teaches them the basics at their level, adding fun and games.

Dylan Wood and Abigail Sutch, both 10, go to school together and are also in sports together.

“Abby didn’t want to come to Tae-Kwon-Do by herself, so she talked Dylan into it,” Jess said.

Besides teaching, Jess is also working on her double Black Stripe. The next step will be her Black Belt.

Mary Ann Wood’s children, Frankie and Dylan both take Tae-Kwon-Do and when her daughter asked her to join them, she did.

“I started because the kids wanted me to, and now I’m really into it,” she said. “I hope to get my Black Belt.”

Matt Hill, left, poses with Black Belts and other Tae-Kwon-Do instructors during classes at the YMCA. Front row, from left, are Matt Hill, Brayden Meakin, Judd Degenhardt, Sam Cammarata and Rosemary Kirby Second row, from left, are Collin Fritton, Patrick Grollmes, McKenna Fritton, Graham Kirby, Blade Moskaluk, Michael Manley and Easton Hornquist. Third row, from left, are Brody Brendlinger, Justin Kirby, Phoebe Kirby, Ross Tetrault, Debby Farfaglia (who heads the Medina facility), and Aidyn Jackson.

There are 12 levels to reach a Black Belt, beginning with white, Farfaglia said. Each level requires learning a different pattern, and that takes at least 24 classes.

Megan Johnson’s son Sam, 8, is in an Advanced Tae-Kwon-Do class and he loves it.

“He had a ton of energy as a little kid,” Johnson said. “His dad is a Black Belt, so when Sam was 5 and expressed an interest in it, we signed him up. I’ve absolutely seen a difference in his behavior. It has given his confidence a big boost.”

She said the move to the YMCA was a great thing.

“This is a wonderful place here and it is a wonderful partnership,” Johnson said.

Kwandrans’ brother-in-law Matt Hill is also a Black Belt and has taught at the studio since 2000.

“I was a late bloomer,” Hill said. “I didn’t start training until I was 33 and I’m 57 now. I enjoy fitness, but most of all, I enjoy seeing others improve and get the most out of Tae-Kwon-Do.”

(Left) Debby Farfaglia and Aidyn Jackson are both Black Belts. In the background is Jess Sutch, who just started leading the Little Dragons class and is working toward her Black Belt. (Right) A student in the Little Dragon class lands on his feet during a jump on the mat, while helper Aidyn Jackson watches in the rear.

“It’s been a great move here,” Farfaglia said. “Jesse has been wonderful to us.”

Likewise, Cudzilo is happy to have more of the community utilizing the YMCA’s facility. The space used by Tae-Kwon-Do was a multi-purpose room that had been under-utilized, he said.

“They have been having their belt ceremonies here for years, so when they reached out to see if our relationship could grow from there, I was thrilled to foster that partnership,” Cudzilo said. “Respect, perseverance and personal development fit our mission, also.”

He said welcoming Kwandrans’ studio to the YMCA allows them to offer the people of all ages in Orleans County the opportunity to grow.

“We strive to offer rich and diverse programs to the community, and this is a way to do that,” he said.

Family of God Christian Center plans first service, dedication on Sunday

(Photo by Ginny Kropf at left) The former Fundamental Baptist Church in Middleport will reopen Sunday as Family of God Christian Center under the leadership of the Rev. Ashley and pastor Jose Casanova of Lyndonville. (Provided photo at right) The Rev. Ashley and Jose Casanova said they have found the perfect place to open their new church in Middleport, where their first service will be at 11 a.m. Sunday, followed by a dedication service at 4 p.m. and a dinner.

MIDDLEPORT – A Lyndonville couple with a passion for preaching are about to realize their lifelong dream.

On Sunday, the Rev. Ashley Casanova and her husband, pastor Jose Casanova, will open their first church in the former Fundamental Baptist Church at 56 Main St., Middleport.

The new church, called Family of God Christian Center, will have its first communion service at 11 a.m., followed by a dedication service at 4 p.m. Guest speaker will be pastor Deborah Rosa-Pabon from the United Methodist Church in Middleport.

When the Casanovas came to look at the church earlier this summer, Pastor Rosa-Pabon was there to greet them and welcomed them into the community.

The Casanovas have been looking for a space to start a church for some time. They have visited store fronts in several locations, but the Rev. Ashley said she just wasn’t getting the vibe. Finally, Jose said he did not want a storefront, and suggested they put the brakes on for a while.

“We are starting out with limited funds and we don’t have a congregation,” the Rev. Ashley said. “I felt defeated.”

Then she was sent some pictures of a church from a lady she met in Medina.

“The pictures were of a beautiful church,” the Rev. Ashley said. “Where is this church? Send me the address.”

Provided images: An older postcard shows the former Trinity Church in Middleport. (Right) Developer Rollin Hellner replicated the doors of the 1869 Fundamental Baptist Church and installed them in the restored building at 56 Main St.

The church was the former Fundamental Baptist Church in Middleport, built in 1869, which Medina developer Rollin Hellner and his company Hellner Development had purchased in June and restored. He mentored Job Corps students who helped with the project, said Alex Purnell, a realtor with Berkshire-Hathaway Zambito Realtors, who the Casanovas met when they purchased their home in Lyndonville.

The work included major restoration of the masonry and original steeple and replicating the original front entry doors, which Hellner built by hand from looking at old post cards of the church.

“I just wanted to see life put back in the church,” Hellner said.

When they looked at the church, Hellner showed them the communion plate and Bibles he had saved and the Casanovas were astounded.

“I asked him how old he was, because I couldn’t believe someone that young would have the compassion to save something so sacred,” the Rev. Ashley said.

The pastors knew they wanted this church, but also realized they didn’t have a lot of money. Hellner indicated he wanted $2,000 a month and that was more than the pastors could afford.

“Rollin asked us what we could afford and I told him $1,000,” the Rev. Ashley said. “He said he liked us and was willing to accept $1,000 a month. The fact he was so concerned is a blessing.”

The couple immediately began cleaning and planning for the opening of their first church.

“We are small in number, but mighty in power,” the Rev. Ashley said. “We want to do outreach, such as community dinners, and the first will be after the 4 p.m. dedication ceremony on Sunday. It has definitely been a journey.”

The topic of her first sermon at 11 a.m. Sunday will be “Restoration,” and the Casanovas invite everyone to attend.

“Just as Rollin restored the church, God can restore us,” the Rev. Ashley said.