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.

ALBION – Albion Healthcare Center has announced that Leah Brenner, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner with more than 20 years’ experience, will be joining their team on Nov. 4.

“Leah’s extensive expertise in pediatric emergency medicine and general pediatric practice comes at a crucial time, as our community faces a significant shortage of pediatric care providers,” said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach at Orleans Community Health.

Brenner earned her bachelor of science in nursing from Brockport State College and her master of science in nursing from the University of Rochester. Her background includes pivotal roles in both Rochester and Washington, D.C. area, making her a valuable asset to our team, Robinson added.

“We are thrilled to welcome Leah,” said Alana Palone, clinic administrator for Orleans Community Health. “Her arrival comes at a vital moment for our community, as we strive to meet the demand for pediatric services. Leah’s dedication and skills will make a real difference in the lives of children and families in Orleans County.”

Brenner is passionate about providing comprehensive, high-quality care that addresses the development, physical and mental health needs of children. Outside of work, she enjoys camping cooking and spending quality time with her husband, three stepdaughters and their pets.

“We are excited to have Leah join our team at Albion Healthcare Center,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO for Orleans Community Health. “We continue to try to increase access to excellent healthcare. Our community shouldn’t have to travel to neighboring counties for these services.”

Appointments can now be scheduled by contacting the Albion Healthcare Center at (585) 589-CARE.

For more information about pediatric care at the Albion Healthcare Center, click here.

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Holley first-graders visited Vendetti Farms this morning on Fancher Road, which has been an annual fall outing for students since 2008.

About 60 first-graders were at the farm, and were able to pick out a pumpkin to take home.

These first-graders meet “April,” a Nigerian Dwarf goat brought to the farm by Karen Gaylord, who works as an administrative assistant with the school district’s special education program.

Gaylord said the goat likes to climb, and enjoyed its perch on the stone wall.

Karen Gaylord holds a chicken that drew a crowd on kids. One of the kids exclaimed, “That’s so soft.”

Lynn Vendetti shows kids the sign at Vendetti Farms, and notes the different crops grown on about 2,500 acres. Vendettti Farms sells from a produce stand, and also through wholesale and processing markets.

The family is in its fourth generation of farming. Vendetti farms was started by Anthony Vendetti, who was followed by Albert, then Lynn’s husband Bob, and their sons, Bobby, Ryan and Andrew.

Lynn Vendetti is a retired Holley elementary teacher. She first brought a class of her fourth grade students to the farm, and it has expanded to the entire first grade. The outing ties into their curriculum of learning about the fall. She said it’s also a lot of fun for the students and the Vendetti family.

Ron Vendetti drives a tractor while the students get a hayride at the farm, including a close look at the combines and other big farm equipment.

Lynn Vendetti shows the students a pumpkin that was hit by hail by hail on Aug. 11, causing some scarring. Vendetti said the farm lost most of its pepper crop, while pumpkins and squash were damaged.

These kids play a pumpkin game, where pumpkins are bowled towards crates.

Lori Hinman, a teacher aide at Holley, cleans some mud off a pumpkin for one of the students.

Greyson Arthur, a first grader, stacks pumpkins up high in one of the pumpkin games.

Press Release, NYS Thruway Authority

LE ROY – The New York State Thruway Authority today announced the reopening of the newly renovated Ontario Service Area located on I-90 westbound between exit 46 (Rochester – Corning – I-390) and exit 47 (Rochester – LeRoy – I-490 – NY Route 19) in Genesee County.

The location is the 22nd new service area to open, and the third of four locations to undergo extensive renovations as part of the $450 million private investment to redevelop and modernize all 27 Thruway service areas.

As part of the project, all of the components inside the restaurant building were removed including the restaurants, restrooms and interior seating. The renovation includes a new floor plan, new restaurants, new restrooms, the addition of two new family assist restrooms, private nursing area, additional seating as well as customer access to electrical outlets and phone/laptop charging stations.

The opening of the Ontario Service Area signifies the completion of the modernization of service areas along the more than 200-mile stretch of I-90 from exit 29 (Canajoharie – Sharon Springs – NY Route 10) to exit 49 (Depew – Lockport – NY Route 78).

“Motorists traveling from Central New York to the Buffalo area can now enjoy the amenities and new restaurant options at every new service area along I-90,” Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare, Esq. said. “This redevelopment project is just one of several initiatives aimed at enhancing the travel experience for motorists, with a strong focus on modernization and safety.”

Additionally, the Ontario Service Area is one of five select service areas that includes an adult changing station to improve accessibility for all motorists. Adult changing stations provide those with special needs a safe and secure space for caregivers to provide assistance.

ALBION – The Village of Albion is working to submit applications that could bring millions of dollars in state funding to bolster the downtown and community.

Jay Grasso, owner of G & G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing, said there could the $15 million in potential projects from private building owners and the village.

Jay Grasso, owner of G & G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing, said Albion is a strong contender for the state programs bringing millions in funding to the downtown area. He spoke during a public meeting last week in the Village Hall.

Albion had $11 million in Restore NY projects for a grant application last year that was not approved. Grasso said those projects, plus new proposals, could be part of new applications for $10 million in funding through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative or $4.5 million through the NY Forward program.

Grasso met with property owners and village officials last week. Businesses, industry groups, cultural organizations, developers, non-profit organizations and property owners can submit a project for consideration.

Grasso said G & G will submit the application to the state for the two grants, which are both due by 4 p.m. on Oct. 18.

Potential projects could include new construction (residential, mixed use, hotel, etc.), renovation of existing buildings, facade improvements, renovation of new retail, office, co-working, commercial, industrial, recreational or cultural uses.

The state wants projects that will transform the downtown and support a vibrant and year-round economy.

“If you have a project or a building, dream big,” Grasso said.

Anchor projects that can be a catalyst for other development in the downtown area will be viewed favorable by the state, Grasso said.

He urged building owners and officials from the village and non-profits to reach out to G & G at contact@ggprocess.com to discuss potential projects, sharing a vision for the properties and cost estimates. He said he and his staff can discuss the projects by email, Zoom videoconferencing, a phone call or in person.

Nearby, Batavia has received the $10 million DRI and Medina was awarded the $4.5 million NY Forward grant last year.

Grasso said Albion is “ripe” to receive the funding through one of the programs.

Projects that stir economic activity, add upper-floor housing and show “skin in the game” with investment from the property owners will strengthen Albion’s overall application, Grasso said.

Some of the projects could also be smaller, with façade improvements, window restoration or fresh paint.

“There is no maximum or minimum for this program,” Grasso said.

This photo shows Main Street, north of the Bank Street intersection. Village officials would like to boost occupancy rates in the buildings, including the upper floors.

Press Release, Arc GLOW

BATAVIA — Arc GLOW will be holding its second annual meeting and awards banquet at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 9 at Batavia Downs.

Rebecca Leclair, the President of Rebecca Leclair Communications, LLC and former anchor and reporter from WHEC-TV (Channel 10), will be the emcee. Individuals will also be providing entertainment. For a month, Arc GLOW nominated staff, individuals and community members for a variety of different awards.

The award winners are the following:

• Self-Advocate of the Year – Nathan Johnidas, Albion

Award goes to a person served by Arc GLOW who has grown and is meeting their personal outcomes. They also have positively influenced the lives of others.

• Supported Employment Person of the Year – Elizabeth Padilla, Walnut Street, Batavia

The award honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who has demonstrated a strong work ethic, dedication to their job, ability to learn new community employment skills and maintain successful employment.

• Pre-Vocational Person of the Year – Tammy Reimels, Hilltop

The honor goes to a person supported by Arc GLOW with a dedication to learning about the world of work including new job skills, striving to complete quality work and showing attention to the task of learning.

• Residential Person of the Year – Monica Mineo, Garfield IRA in Batavia

The award honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who resides in residential services, grew in their independence and learned life skills.

• Day Habilitation Person of the Year – James Gibbs, WOW Day Hab in Batavia

The recognition goes to a person supported by Arc GLOW who participates in day habilitation activities, strives to learn, and demonstrates effort and commitment to be included in their own communities.

• Community Services and Self Direction Person of the Year – Brittany Murphy, Genesee County

Honors a person served by Arc GLOW who shows outstanding participation and contribution to their community. Shows the initiative in trying new activities and gain leadership potential through community involvement.

• KidStart Employee of the Year – Maggie Putman

Goes to an employee who demonstrates exceptional support to children and families, and is committed to assist in all areas of their growth and education.

• Direct Support Professional Person of the Year (DSP) – Heather Taft, residential manager at Avon IRA in Avon

The award honors a DSP who provides a variety of activities to adults with developmental disabilities within a home setting, day programs or recreational activities in the community. Provides excellence in support in living skills, personalized goals, arts and crafts, sensory activities, and facilitates our individuals to take their active role in the community.

• Employee of the Year – Heidi Wyant, transportation manager

Recognizes an employee of Arc GLOW who is committed to the mission and vision. They demonstrate the values of diversity, respect, integrity, visionary, equality, empowerment and excellence.

• Friend of the Year – Hoffman Hanafin & Associates, LLC

Recognizes a community friend and supporter of Arc GLOW’s mission and vision.

• Business Partner of the Year – Aunt Cookie’s Sub Shop in Geneseo

Honors a partner who supports our mission and vision through excellent customer service or providing work opportunities for employment.

• Volunteers of the Year – Kevin and Dawn Fisher

The award goes to people committed to Arc GLOW, volunteering their time by serving the local community and supporting the Arc GLOWs mission and vision.

Reservations are open until Sept. 30. at ArcGLOW.org/event/awards-banquet-and-annual-meeting. For any questions, contact Tracey Jones at (585) 343-1123 ext. 1735 or TJones@ArcGLOW.org.

Press Release, Orleans County government

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature, in conjunction with the county Youth Bureau, will be hosting its 10th annual “Family Game Night” on Thursday, Oct. 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Dubby’s Tailgate, located at 165 South Platt Avenue in Albion.  The event is free but residents are asked to register in advance as seating is limited.

The event will feature free pizza, board games, prize drawings and other activities and promotions. There also will be several display booths with county departments who will be providing information on various programs and services available to Orleans County families. Each family will also be given a board game to take home to start their own game night.

“This has always been a well-attended event and we hope to see that again this year,” said Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson.  “As we always say, turn off the television, put your phone down, log off the internet and come join families from across the community for an old-fashioned evening of fun.”

Supporters of this event include Dubby’s Tailgate, Subway, Medina Railroad Museum, Evan’s ACE Hardware & Building Supplies, the Lyndonville Lions Club and Singelyn Enterprises – McDonald’s of Albion.

For more information or to register for the event call the Legislative Office at 585-589-7053 or send an email to Lisa.Stenshorn@orleanscountyny.gov with your name, phone number, address and number of people attending.

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today released the following statement underscoring the importance of maintaining the tax cuts introduced under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), commonly known as the Trump Tax Cuts.

In 2017, with Tenney’s strong support, Republicans enacted the TCJA which reduced taxes on middle-income families and small businesses and created nearly five million domestic jobs in just the two years after its passage. In 2022, Tenney supported the TCJA Permanency Act to make permanent the tax cuts for individuals and small businesses originally enacted as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017.

However, these tax cuts are set to expire on December 31, 2025, which could mean significant tax increases for the 440,200 taxpayers in New York’s 24th District. The average taxpayer in NY-24 could face a 25% tax hike if the cuts are not extended. A family of four with a median income of $69,878 in NY-24 would experience a $1,373 tax increase, equivalent to about seven weeks’ worth of groceries for a typical family.

Impact on NY-24 by the numbers:

• 78,990 families would see their Child Tax Credit cut in half.
• 92% of taxpayers would see their Standard Deduction reduced by nearly 50%.
• 40,720 small businesses would pay an effective 43.4% tax rate if the 199A Qualified Business Income Deduction expires.
• 14,827 taxpayers would be affected by the return of the individual Alternative Minimum Tax.
• The current death tax exemption will be cut in half, affecting 6,804 family-owned farms in NY-24.

“Since its passage in 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has delivered financially for families, small businesses, and hardworking Americans across the country,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Millions of Americans have seen their tax burdens reduced, but if these cuts expire, hardworking families in our community could face a 25% tax hike. We must preserve the TCJA provisions that have provided much-needed relief to taxpayers in New York. As a strong advocate for pro-growth policies, I will continue working to ensure the benefits of the Trump Tax Cuts remain in place for future generations.”

Randall and characters will perform at Golden Hill on Oct. 13 during Christmas at Lighthouse fundraiser

Provided photo: Mike Randall, retired reporter from WKBW-TV, is pursuing a new career as a ventriloquist. He is pictured here with one of his favorite characters, Gordon the Groundhog. He will entertain visitors at noon Oct. 13 during Christmas at the Lighthouse at Golden Hill State Park.

BARKER – The annual Christmas at the Lighthouse at Golden Hill State Park, scheduled Oct. 13, will feature extra-special entertainment this year, with the appearance of retired WKBW-TV feature reporter Mike Randall.

Many are familiar with Randall as Mark Twain and Charles Dickens, and now we can laugh as he brings “Mike Randall and Friends” to Golden Hill State Park.

Randall has been in love with puppetry, making them and performing with them since he was a child.

“When I was 7 years old and in Kenmore Mercy Hospital for three months after a car accident, my grandmother gave me a bunch of puppets, and I was hooked,” Randall said. “I made hand puppets, marionettes and eventually tried to build a ventriloquist dummy, but that didn’t go so well. When I was 30 and got my first good-paying job on TV, I bought a professionally made dummy. My family thought I was nuts. It was carved out of wood and I started working on talking without moving my lips.”

He says he never met a puppet he didn’t like, and admits to not being a great ventriloquist. But, he says a lot of magic performing with puppets is in making the characters believable and fun.

“I have steered away from those wooden type dummies that are kind of scary and use soft animal type puppets,” Randall said. “Some I have made myself and some I have had professionally made.”

Randall has received rave reviews for his fun-filled, entertaining shows, as he travels to festivals and family events across the area. A popular family entertainer, Randall has appeared at Springville Dairy/Ag Festival,  Cattaraugus County Fair, M&T Plaza, Eastern Hills Mall Children’s Theatre Series, the Toy Festival in East Aurora, Lewiston’s Wildlife Festival at the NY Power Authority and Cuba Garlic Festival, as well as schools and libraries throughout Western New York.

As a weather-caster and award-winning feature reporter for 40 years at WKBW-TV, Randall has interviewed celebrities such as John Candy, Steve Allen, Red Skelton, Gregory Peck, Willie Nelson and Robert Goulet. He was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2017.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Mark Keller of Potsdam, a member of Friends of the Lighthouse, stands next to a sled in the kitchen decorated for Christmas at the Lighthouse on Oct. 13. (Right) Golden Hill State Park employee Barb Larson walks up the new path recently completed to allow visitors a closer look at the lighthouse from the lake side.

Randall’s performance is scheduled at noon Oct. 13 at the lighthouse. It includes puppets, magic, comedy, ventriloquism, audience participation and tons of family fun.

Christmas at the Lighthouse is their biggest fundraiser of the year, said Barb Lawson, a park employee for the last 15 years. Meeting people from all over the world who want to learn about lighthouses is the best part of the job, she said.

Mark and Kim Keller of Potsdam have been a member of Friends of the Lighthouse since 2015, after visiting Golden Hill while touring lighthouses across the country and the Seaway Trail. They spend the last three weeks of every camping season at Golden Hill, to help out and decorate for Christmas at the Lighthouse.

Oct. 13’s event begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. In addition to Randall’s performance, features include a pulled pork dinner, chili, hotdogs, beverages, a basket raffle, free tours to the top of the lighthouse, a farmers’ market, wineries and vendors, one of whom is Mike Dreyfus of Medina.

Mike and Kathy Dreyfus first became familiar with the lighthouse when their daughter was married there in 2012. Since then they have continued to support Friends of the Lighthouse by Mike making and donating buttons and refrigerator magnets for sale in the gift shop and at Christmas at the Lighthouse.

For children, there will be face painting, kids’ tattoos and a visit from Santa.

Other entertainment will be provided by the Lock City Sound men’s glee club from Lockport.

Larson said another great feature is the ability to stay in the lighthouse during the camping season.

She also pointed out a new walkway between the lake and the lighthouse. Boulders have been added to reinforce the breakwall and a path with fence was built so visitors can get closer to the lake and see the lighthouse from back side.

As a special reminder, Larson also said next year will be the 150th anniversary of the lighthouse.

Golden Hill State Park is managed by Renee Campbell.

ALBION – An organization which exists to help people in challenging situations is being honored by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce with their Community Service Award.

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee is under the leadership of Renee Hungerford, who the organization appreciates being recognized.

Renee Hungerford serves as executive director of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.

“I feel privileged to lead an agency that makes such a positive difference for our community,” Hungerford said. “Our dedicated staff truly care about the people we assist and are focused on giving people the hope, support and services they need to become self-sufficient and overcome the ravages of poverty. We are grateful to the volunteers and donors who support our agency and make what we do possible. I am thrilled that our agency is being recognized by the Orleans Chamber of Commerce and has given us the opportunity to inform the community about the important work we do.”

Community Action began 60 years ago, and has continued to grow and add programs and services to help needy families, while focusing on helping them become independent and self-sufficient.

Programs include ACT (helping youth ACT responsibly), Stone Soup Success/Food Rx (educating to prepare healthy meals), Child Care Resource and Referral, Early Head Start and Head Start, Weatherization and Energy Services, Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More store, a Credit Recovery Program for Albion seniors, Emergency Services, holiday meals and gifts and the Eastern Orleans Community Center, which provides daily meals, a clothing depot and food giveaway.

At the agency’s annual in-service day this summer, officials reported that during the previous year Community Action served 4,021 individuals, a 28% increase over the previous year and 75% more than 2021. In their goal to fight hunger, 1,541 individuals utilized one of their three food pantries, 914 individuals utilized a pop-up pantry distribution, 314 individuals received 5,405 prepared meals at the Eastern Orleans Community Center in Holley and 657 households received holiday meals.

In housing, another 311 individuals received assistance to avoid eviction and 129 individuals received assistance to avoid utility shut-off.

Head Start had 149 children enrolled, while 81 were in Early Head Start.

During the in-service event, Hungerford shared their goals looking ahead. She said their agency will make major improvements in many areas going forward, while continuing to focus on helping people become self-sufficient.

ALBION – Two financial institutions in Orleans County have announced a merger to better serve the community.

The Albion School Employees Federal Credit Union’s merger with Cobblestone Country Federal Credit Union became effective Tuesday, according to CCFCU’s manager Christine Ranallo.

Christine Ranallo is manager of the Cobblestone Country Federal Credit Union.

She explained the reason for the merger was because the school’s credit union was very small, with 380 members and very limited services, while the CCFCU is much larger with 2,400 members and more services.

“We’re small, but we have most all the services the big banks have,” Ranallo said.

She said her credit union had discussed a merger with the credit union at school over the years, but the school employees weren’t ready at the time.

“Then about a year ago we approached them again and they thought it was a good idea,” Ranallo said.

The idea for a merger was first came up at the beginning of 2023 at CCFCU’s strategic planning session.

“The facilitator suggested a way to grow was to merge with another credit union, and the only logical choice was the Albion School Employees FCU,” Ranallo said.

The CCFCU exists because of a series of mergers throughout the years. Ranallo has compiled a timeline of events leading up to the current day.

The first to form was the Albion School Employees FCU on Jan. 1, 1963.

On May 10, 1965, the CCFCU had its beginning with the first meeting of the Lipton Federal Credit Union.

Then followed the Albion Correctional Facility Federal Credit Union on Oct. 17, 1974.

Next, the Orleans Municipal FCU was formed Sept. 11, 1979. A year later, on Oct. 14, 1980, the National Credit Union Association approved a name change to Central Orleans Federal Credit Union.

On Nov. 30, 1982, Albion Correctional Facility FCU merged with Central Orleans FCU.

The NCUA on Dec. 14, 1990 approved the merger of Orleans Municipal FCU with Central Orleans FCU.

The name was changed to Cobblestone Country Federal Credit Union in 2002 in anticipation of a change in the charter, Ranallo said.

In June 2005 a charter was applied for and received to change from a Central Orleans-focused FCU to one which included all of Orleans County, hence, the name Cobblestone Country FCU. Today, membership is open to anyone living, working, going to school or worshiping in Orleans County.

CCFCU operated next to COVA in the Arnold Gregory complex until June 2014, when it moved to 299 West Ave.

Like Ranallo, CCFCU employees are loyal and dedicated to serving their customers. Ranallo has been there for 25 years, having started as an accountant and moving up to manager in 2020. Audrey Christopher recently retired after 31 years, while Teresa Radka has been a loan officer for 30 years and three others have worked there five years each.

“When you come in here, you’re going to do business with the same person you did business with last month,” Ranallo said.

CCFCU offers savings and checking accounts, teen checking, Visa ATM cards, Share certificates and Christmas, Tax and Vacation Club accounts; a variety of loan products, including home equity loans; overdraft protection; direct deposit/payroll deduction; mobile deposit; 24/7 ATM; a drive-thru and much more.

There is access to a night deposit box and customers can buy stamps and money orders at the credit union.

CCFCU is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. They are closed Wednesday.

Stormsong Hollow Minerals celebrates opening day on Main Street in Albion

Photos by Tom Rivers: Chris Atwell and Trish Marciszewski celebrate the opening of their business, Stormsong Hollow Minerals, in downtown Albion today. Marciszewski has been collecting minerals since she was a kid when she won a chance to go to the Herkimer Diamond Mines and found a diamond. She has turned her passion for minerals into a new business.

ALBION – Trish Marciszewski jokingly blames her earth science teacher Steve McKenna for her passion for minerals.

When she was a student at Albion, she won a contest and a chance to go to the Herkimer Mines. She went and was the only one to find a diamond that day.

It kicked off a passion and deep appreciation for minerals, and their many colors and textures.

“I’ve been on fire for it ever since,” Marciszewski said today at her business, Stormsong Hollow Minerals.

Stormsong has many different minerals available, including Chalcopyrite “Peacock Ore” from Zacatecas, Mexico at left, and Amethyst from Veracruz, Mexico at right.

She celebrated opening day today for the business at 49 North Main St. Marciszewski, a former public safety dispatcher for the county for 10 years, outgrew the space at her garage and home. The business has grown since she started a TikTok page last November. She has 2,100 followers on TikTok for stormhollowminerals with live shows every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Marciszewski runs the business with Chris Atwell, who worked as a local EMT for 16 years. The TikTok customers will order some of the minerals in the videos and they are packaged and shipped by Marciszewski and Atwell.

They also have attended many local shows to build up the business. The demand has grown, overwhelming their home. They welcomed the chance to move the business to Main Street in Albion, where there is more space and gives them a chance to give the downtown district a boost.

“There’s a lot of really good businesses down here working hard to make it work,” she said.

Village of Albion Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley, right, presents a certificate of recognition to Chris Atwell and Trish Marciszewski during opening day for Stormsong Hollow Minerals.

Marciszewski said McKenna, her former earth science teacher, shared a love for minerals. He said each crystal or mineral is born in a storm within the earth.

Marciszewski said she has been passionate about minerals for the past 34 years.

“I’m just fascinated by science and that the earth makes these things,” she said.

None of the Crystal Buddies are exactly alike.

Marciszewski has amassed her own collection, and loves to help other people discover minerals. She said the popularity has grown as people embrace minerals for healing properties,  energy, good luck or simply to beautify a mantel.

Stormsong Hollow sells crystals and minerals in raw and polished forms. They are available in necklaces, pendants and bracelets, and as “Crystal Buddies.” Those buddies have faces, with eyes of Obsidian volcanic glass.

Storm Hollow has relationships with suppliers all over the world. The minerals have cards telling where they are from. Marciszewski and Atwell work with suppliers and miners all over the United States, and from China, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, France, Peru, Russia, Bolivia, India, South Africa, Egypt and other countries.

Marciszewski said mineral collecting used to be primarily for science buffs, but it has become far more mainstream. The internet has helped people learn about minerals. Storm Hollow is happy to help connect them to their favorites.

Storm Hollow is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.

Furious Robinson, Trish Marciszewski’s son, holds some of the Crystal Buddies for $10 that are very popular with customers.

Friendly competition for ‘Best Decorated’ and ‘Best Carved’ pumpkins

Contributed by Katie Oakes, Orleans County CCE Master Gardener Coordinator

KNOWLESVILLE – Master Gardeners will once again offer a fun pumpkin-themed event to coincide with the popular annual Lion’s Club Scarecrow Festival fundraiser on Saturday, October 12. The event is called “Pumpkinpalooza” and is free to the public.

The idea started last year with Master Gardeners Lisa Lancaster and Erica Joan Wanecski brainstorming ways for the public to showcase their pumpkin creations.

This pumpkin was the winner of the “Best Carved” category from Pumpkinpalooza 2023.

“This came out of a love for autumn, and wanting new ways to celebrate it,” Lancaster said. “We started thinking about the Scarecrow Fest and wondered if we could tie in a pumpkin centered event to the existing festival since the themes were so similar.”

The original Pumpkinpalooza event last year included a “Biggest Pumpkin” competition, but logistics of getting extra-large pumpkins to the event proved difficult.

This year’s event will host a friendly competition with prizes awarded for “Best Decorated” and “Best Carved” pumpkins. Anyone in the community can enter as many pumpkins as they’d like. Pumpkin entries can be dropped off at the Lartz Building of the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds on Oct. 12 between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., and Master Gardener Volunteers will select a winner in each category by noon. Winners need not be present to win, however, all pumpkins must be collected at the end of the event at 3 p.m. that day.

Lancaster is the chairperson for the Master Gardener event, and she and the other MG Volunteers on the Pumpkinpalooza Committee wanted to enhance their event this year to include other fun activities beyond the competitions. So, new to Pumpkinpalooza this year, there will be a pumpkin carving demonstration ongoing throughout the event, free pumpkin painting for the first 30 children (while supplies last), and pumpkin-based food recipes available for people to take home. There is no pre-registration required for the Pumpkinpalooza event, and Master Gardeners are hoping that the free event will draw more people to the already popular Scarecrow Fest.

“We really just wanted to expand what the Scarecrow Festival was offering,” Wanecski said. “We are hoping that the Pumpkinpalooza activities will appeal to people who might want something new and different in addition to the traditional activities offered at the Scarecrow Fest.”

The Scarecrow Festival and Pumpkinpalooza events will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 12 at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 State Rt 31 in Albion.  For questions about Pumpkinpalooza or other Master Gardener events, call 585-798-4265 ext. 125 or email klo54@cornell.edu.