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Sixth annual Caryville Inn 5K & Turkey Trot is Thursday, benefits Sheriff's K9 Fund

By Billie Owens

The sixth annual Caryville Inn 5K & Turkey Trot will be held on Thanksgiving Day -- Thursday, Nov. 22 -- in memory of K9 "Destro."

Registration begins at 8 a.m., with race starting at 9 at Caryville Inn, located at 25 Main St. in the Village of Oakfield.

Proceeds benefit the Genesee County Sheriff's Office K9 Fund.

Preregistration is $20, with T-shirts available for participants while supplies last.

Register via email:   caryvilleinn@gmail.com

Or in person at Caryville Inn during normal business hours.

Questions? Call 948-9780.

Ransack the mock bedroom of a sneaky teen, get Narcan training, and enjoy pizza, too

By Billie Owens

Hillside Family of Agencies welcomes you to join them for "Hidden Mischief & Narcan Training" from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday Dec. 6.

The location is 50 Batavia City Centre. 

Stop in for PIZZA and search our mock teen bedroom, link with resources in the community and gain valuable information.

Please register with Carrie St. Clair by calling 716-220-6850 or emailing her at:   cstclair@hillside.com

Event Date and Time
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Ransack the mock bedroom of a sneaky teen, get Narcan training, and enjoy pizza, too

By Billie Owens

Hillside Family of Agencies welcomes you to join them for "Hidden Mischief & Narcan Training" from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday Dec. 6.

The location is 50 Batavia City Centre. 

Stop in for PIZZA and search our mock teen bedroom, link with resources in the community and gain valuable information.

Please register with Carrie St. Clair by calling 716-220-6850 or emailing her at:   cstclair@hillside.com

"Hidden Mischief" is a program to create awareness of ways teens conceal drugs or use everyday items for drug use.

The interactive teen bedroom will give each participant an opportunity to search and find drug paraphernalia, drugs and drug references. There will be everyday items displayed that have been converted to hide or use drugs. Join us to see if you can find the hidden mischief. 

This parenting workshop, which also features Narcan training, is presented by GCASA.

Representatives from these organizations will be there: Horizon Health Services; Tobacco Free Coalition; Genesee County Sheriff's Office; and Hillside Family of Agencies.

Guided, free First Day Hike at GC Park & Forest, call to preregister

By Billie Owens

What better way to greet the New Year than with a hike in nature?

On New Year’s Day, the ACORNS (Association for Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces) are offering a First Day Hike at the Genesee County Park & Forest! This FREE guided hike is for you and friends of all ages to welcome the coming year in the outdoors while getting exercise and connecting with nature.

Event Date and Time

Chimney fire reported on Shelt Road in Byron

By Billie Owens

A chimney fire is reported at 3898 Shelt Road. The location is between Transit and Merriman roads, but closest to Transit. Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding.

New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute announces 2018 scholarship award winner

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Annually, the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute awards a $250 scholarship to deserving students enrolled in Criminal Justice, Police Science or a similar program in each of the state’s community colleges and at SUNY Canton.  

This year, Alexander Rigerman who is currently enrolled in Criminal Justice at Genesee Community College was a recipient of this scholarship. He was nominated by the college’s Criminal Justice faculty.

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. and Undersheriff Gregory H. Walker presented Alexander with a $250 check to be used to further his Criminal Justice education, along with a scholarship certificate from the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute, Friday (Nov. 16) at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Youth Bureau begins 2019 funding process

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Each year, the Genesee & Orleans County youth bureaus administer Youth Development Program (YDP) funding made available to Genesee and Orleans counties by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. In each county, the Youth Board reviews all proposals and submits funding recommendations to the County Legislature for final approval.

Funding is available to support programs for youth 0-21 that provide services, opportunities and supports designed to improve our youth and community. Developed by the NY State Council on Children and Families, the Touchstones framework is organized in six Life Areas: Economic Security; Physical and Emotional Health; Education; Citizenship; Family; and Community.

The goals and objectives are related to each other and call for comprehensive strategies to address any single aspect of children and family well-being.

The following organizations are eligible to apply for funding through the RFP: not-for-profits, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations and municipalities.

Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations and Genesee County and Orleans County municipalities that will operate to meet goals identified in the Touchstone Life Areas.

Applications are now available and can be obtained by sending an email to: youthbureau@co.genesee.ny.us

The due date for completed proposals is Wednesday, Dec.12. For additional information, please contact Jocelyn Sikorski, Youth Bureau director at 344-3960.

Holiday draw schedule for Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Horsemen racing at Batavia Downs should take note of the revised draw schedule for the upcoming Thanksgiving week.

There will be a double draw held on Tuesday (Nov. 20) for Friday (Nov. 23) and Saturday (Nov. 24). The box closes at 9 a.m. The main change to note is Saturday’s draw is moved up one day from Wednesday to Tuesday.

Driver changes for both days must be received by the judges by 3 pm on Tuesday.

Also please note that post time for Friday (Nov. 23) is early at 4:45 p.m. while post time for Saturday (Nov. 24) is the regular start time of 6 p.m.

For any inquiries about conditions or to call your entries in, please contact Race Secretary Joe Zambito at 585-344-6304.

The complete condition sheet for racing at Batavia Downs is available on the Batavia Downs website (www.bataviadownsgaming.com) under Live Racing>Horsemen>Condition Sheet and also on the USTA website (www.ustrotting.com) by clicking Horsemen>Condition Sheets.

Lucky McTrucky refused to lose Batavia feature

By Billie Owens

Lucky McTrucky with driver Drew Monti won the photo finish by a head in the year's most exciting race Saturday.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Undoubtedly the most exciting race of the year occurred at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Nov. 17) when Lucky McTrucky parked out all comers before driving home a winner in the $11,000 Open Handicap pacing feature.

I’m So Handsome (Kevin Cummings), Lucky McTrucky (Drew Monti) and Iyq Yqr (Denny Bucceri) left the gate together and paced three-deep around the clubhouse turn and up the backstretch until I’m So Handsome relented, letting Lucky McTrucky and IyqYqr continue to argue at the quarter in :26.4.

And argue they did.

Lucky McTrucky refused to let Iyq Yqr take the front and Iyq Yqr refused to take a seat behind Lucky McTrucky so the pair paced in unison to the half in :55.1. The fanatical feud continued around the third turn before Iyq Yqr said nighty-night, but there was still no rest for the weary. Go Collect N (Billy Davis Jr.) pulled from fourth and drew alongside Lucky McTrucky past the five-eighths and a new battle ensued.

Monti and Davis rocked and knocked, high-lined and bounced from the three-quarters all the way to the wire with inches between them left to right and front to back and it took a photo to call the winner. The winner was Lucky McTrucky who closed the deal by a head in 1:54.3 while the sold-out clubhouse roared in appreciation.

It was the 12th win of the year and 54th of his career for Lucky McTrucky ($4.90) who now boasts $85,815 in earnings this year. The uber-game 9-year-old gelded son of McArdle is owned by Tessa Roland and is trained by JD Perrin,

The $9,900 Open II pace was won by Upfront Countryboy (Billy Davis Jr.) who sat third to the quarter before pulling to take the lead by the half and then pulled away by four lengths in the lane to win in 1:54.3. It was the 13th win of the year for Upfront Countryboy ($6.30) who is trained by James Clouser Jr. for owner William Emmons.  

Drew Monti the top teamster on Saturday scoring a Grand Slam on the card. Besides the big win with Lucky McTrucky, Monti also had pictures taken with Hardts Or Bettor (1:55.2, $10.80), Foreign Officer (1:56.2, $4.80) and Linkjack Hanover (1:56.4, $7.40).

All four of Monti’s wins were trainees of JD Perrin that are owned by Tessa Roland.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday afternoon (Nov. 21) at 5 o'clock.

Tops Markets successfully completes financial restructuring

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Tops Friendly Markets LLC (“Tops” or the “Company”) today announced that it has successfully completed its financial restructuring and emerged from Chapter 11. The Company reorganized on a fully consensual basis, with the support of its secured creditors and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors.

The Company is emerging from Chapter 11 with a substantially stronger balance sheet, reducing its debt by approximately $445 million, and with more than $100 million in liquidity. This significantly enhanced financial flexibility will enable the Company to continue to invest in its stores and create an even more exceptional shopping experience for its customers.

The Company also emerges having resolved the labor and pension issues that it faced at the commencement of the Chapter 11 cases.

“We are moving forward as a stronger Company with an even greater ability to provide convenience, savings and friendly service to customers across our communities. We are investing in our stores and rolling out new services that make shopping with us even easier" said Frank Curci, chief executive officer of Tops.

“Some of those services include 'Tops Grocery Pick Up' which allows customers to order groceries online and select their preferred pickup times. This builds upon the 'Grocery Delivery' option that rolled out late last year. And, with Thanksgiving and the holiday season right around the corner, not only will shoppers find the best deals in town on family meals, gifts and household essentials, they will also be able to take advantage of exclusive savings opportunities like Tops Christmas Bonus.

"We thank our customers for their continued support, our Tops’ associates who provide our customers with exceptional service every day, and our vendors and partners for their ongoing support as we look forward to continuing to serve our communities for years to come."

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP served as legal counsel to Tops, Evercore Group LLC served as Investment Banker and FTI Consulting Inc. served as restructuring advisor.

About Tops

Tops Markets LLC is headquartered in Williamsville and operates 159 full-service supermarkets with five additional by franchisees under the Tops Markets banner. Tops employs more than 14,000 associates and is a leading full-service grocery retailer in Upstate New York, Northern Pennsylvania, and Vermont. For more information about Tops Markets, visit the company's website at www.topsmarkets.com.

Fourth annual Skivvies and Spirits event in Byron helped people struggling with addiction

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

Earlier this month, the fourth Annual Skivvies and Spirits event was held at the Byron Fire Hall. This unique event was started three years ago by Wendy and Tony Frongetta, in memory of their good friend, Mikel Anderson, who passed away in 2015 of an accidental drug overdose.

Although Anderson struggled with addiction, he was in recovery and dedicated his life to helping others and those who helped him. Wendy, who knew and loved Anderson, wanted to do something in his name to continue his helping spirit by helping those battling addiction, many who are homeless.

She learned that the first thing that happens when someone enters a shelter is that they are asked to shower and are given new clothes. In every instance their undergarments are tossed out. She learned that most shelters had donated clothes, but were always in need of new undergarments.

This year’s event collected baskets full of skivvies in all sizes, styles and colors. There was live entertainment by several musical groups, delicious food donated by the Red Osier Landmark Restaurant in Stafford and a live auction that included many items and gift certificates donated by local individuals, businesses and organizations.

New this year, the public was invited to learn more about Genesee County’s outreach programs that assist those struggling with addiction. GCASA’s mobile recovery van was parked outside the Byron Fire Hall and two of GCASA’s peer advocates, Gina and Sheila, were on hand to give additional information about services in our area.

The recovery van is available 24/7. It will actually come to those battling addiction who are ready to seek help. The van has the equipment necessary to immediately help an individual begin their path to recovery. The mobile recovery van will actually bring an individual to a treatment facility that is in line with their needs.

In speaking with Gina, a peer advocate and Frongetta’s daughter, she explained her duties are as a peer advocate. Gina describes her job as a community resource expert, a motivator, an ally, a supporter and a role model. Her enthusiasm about her job certainly would give anyone she interacts with a big spark of hope to start their journey to sobriety.

Also, for the first time during this year’s event, GCASA employees were on-hand to give 10 individuals training in dispensing Narcan; now in nasal form. After a 10-minute class learning about how and when to use the medication those individuals can save someone from being another overdose victim. They potentially can become first responders as many, many overdoses are in home settings.

The clothing items collected this year will again be distributed to Genesee County’s many outreach programs and Agencies including WNY Veterans Outreach, Genesee & Orleans Community Action, Hope Haven and others.

For more information or if you would like to donate to this cause, contact Wendy at 585-455-4940.

Below, peer advocate Gina Frongetta in GCASA's new mobile recovery van.

Lougazi was a monster mudder at Batavia

By Billie Owens

Photo of Lougazi with driver Ray Fisher Jr.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

On the heels of a Nor'easter that dumped significant amounts of snow, sleet and rain in western New York, the track at Batavia Downs was swampy at best. But that didn’t deter Lougazi from flexing his muscle in winning the $11,000 Open Handicap trot on Friday night (Nov. 16).

Southern Palms (Kevin Cummings) outdueled Empire Earl N (Drew Monti) for the lead and paid the price with a :28.4 quarter. Cummings then grabbed leather to give his horse a breather to the half in 1:00.1. But the party ended there as rolling up on the outside when they hit that second fraction was Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) and he wasn’t fooling around.

Lougazi hooked up with Southern Palms as they motored up the backside and the two trotted in tandem past the three-quarters and around the last turn. At the head of the stretch, Fisher gave Lougazi his head and then sat chilly in the bike as Lougazi simply walked away from the field to win by two in 2:00.1.

Definitely the hottest trotter in western New York, Lougazi ($3.90) scored his 10th win of 2018 for owner Mary Warriner who has now benefited the amount of $54,570 as a result of his performances.

The $8,800 Open II trot went to Crystal Sphere (BIlly Davis Jr.) who went gate to wire, pulling away in a romp and winning by six lengths in 2:00.1. It was the 12th win of the year for Crystal Sphere ($15.80) who is trained by James Clouser Jr. for owner William Emmons.

Billy Davis Jr. and Ray Fisher Jr. were the top reinsmen on Friday, each winning three races on the card.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday evening (Nov. 17) at 6 o'clock.

Pavilion students pony up $723 for Sheriff's Office K9 Fund

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo.

On Wednesday, students at Pavilion Central School presented a check for $721 -- plus gave two one-dollar bills in cash -- for the K9 Fund to help the Genesee County Sheriff's Office buy a crime-fighting service dog. A total of $723!

The students held a fundraiser on Nov. 5, which was designated "Hat Day." Students donated a dollar to participate in Hat Day and and staff made a donation so they could "dress down" in casual clothes that day.

Pictured at the check ceremony are: Back row, from left -- Chief Sheriff's Deputy Jerome Brewster, Kris Hoffmeister, Ashley McMaster, Sheila Eigenbrod, Charles Martell, Ken Ellison and Jon Wilson. Front row, from left -- K9 Handler / Deputy Christopher Erion, students Molly McMaster and Kennedy Quigley, and School Resource Officer / Deputy Cory Mower.

Grand Jury: Man indicted for September carjacking at Batavia Kwik-Fill

By Billie Owens

Constantine D. Murrell is indicted for the crime of second-degree robbery, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 25 at the Kwik-Fill gas station/convenience store at the intersection of Ellicott and Jackson streets in the City of Batavia that Murrell forcibly stole a 2008 automobile. In count two, he is accused of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged in count two that during the commission or attempted commission of the aforementioned felony that he cause physical injury to a person. in count three, he is accused of reckless driving, a misdemeanor, for driving the 2008 vehicle in a manner that interfered with the free and proper use of the roadways and/or unreasonably endangered users of those roadways. In count four, Murrell is accused of unlawful lfeeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count four that he attempted to flee an officer, knowing that he had been directed to stop, and that his speeds equaled or exceeded 25 miles per hour above the speed limit or he engaged in reckless driving.

Dylan J. Perry is indicted for the crime of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony. It is alleged that between Dec. 1 and Dec. 2 he knowingly entered and remained unlawfully in a building located on Broadway Road in the Town of Darien with intent to commit a crime. In count two, Perry is accused of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that Perry stole $300 in U.S. currency and a pair of work boots while inside the property on Broadway Road.

Antonio J. Goodson is indicted for the crime of criminal contempt in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 22 in the City of Batavia that he violated a duly served order of protection by being in the presence of the protected party. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Goodson is accused of having been convicted of criminal contempt in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor, on Jan. 19 in City of Rochester Court. That conviction was for a violation of a stay away family offense order of protection and was within five years of the crime alleged in the current indictment.

Thomas J. Claffey is indicted for the crime of driving while ability impaired by drugs, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on June 18 in the Town of Stafford that he drove a 2016 Chevrolet on Route 33 while his ability to do so was impaired by use of a drug. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney's Office, Claffey is accused of having been convicted for DWI, as a misdemeanor, on July 28, 2008, in Town of Irondequoit, and that conviction was within 10 years of the crime alleged in the current indictment.

Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Board launches Community Youth Grant

By Billie Owens

Press release:

BATAVIA -- The Board of Directors of the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation is excited to announce the launch of its Community Youth Grant. This grant will be awarded to charitable organizations whose primary mission is to facilitate youth activities for children up to age 18.

It supports one of three mission priorities established by the foundation -- ”to assist youth organizations and youth athletics.” The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Community Youth Grant will award funding twice annually based on the schedules below. 

Winter 2018 Funding Cycle:

  • Application form available today -- Nov. 16
  • Applications are due Jan. 18
  • Award notices will be sent to applicants by Feb. 18

Summer 2019 Funding Cycle:

  • Application form available on May 1
  • Applications are due July 1
  • Award notices will be sent to applicants by Aug. 1

The online application is available at:  https://michaelshope.org/new-grants/. There are no geographic limitations for recipients, but preference may be given to the Western New York region. Organizations may receive one grant annually. Requests for program advertising will be directed to the appropriate grant cycle.

About the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Inc.

It was established in 2007, is in memory of Michael C. Napoleone, the 8-year-old son of Mark and Laurie Napoleone from Batavia, who died from Burkitts Lymphoma/Leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer. During Michael's illness, the community rallied around the family to assist with food, gas, medical bills and other necessities. The not-for-profit foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, was created to give back to those who cared, to give forward to those in need, and to support research efforts in finding a cure for childhood cancer.

Richmond library foundation to hold Scrabble Tournament at GO-ART! Dec. 1

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
The Richmond Memorial Library Foundation will host a Scrabble Tournament for adults on Saturday, Dec. 1 at GO-ART! (201 E. Main St., Batavia) beginning at 7 p.m.! Registration is required by Nov. 26 (see link below to register).
 
Join us to support the Library Foundation and warm up after Christmas in the City at this awesome event in the cozy GO-ART! building.
 
Find more information and register online by Nov. 26 by clicking here.
 
Your $35 entry fee includes appetizers sponsored by Brighton Securities, and one beverage complements of GO-ART! Your entry fee supports the Richmond Memorial Library Foundation, and cash bar proceeds support GO-ART!
 
Doors open at 7 p.m.; bring cash or a check made out to Richmond Memorial Library Foundation. Tournament starts at 7:30 using NASPA tournament rules and "Merriam-Webster's Official Scrabble Players Dictionary."
 
Two 50-minute games will be played (against different opponents) with the following prizes:

Prizes:
First Place (highest combined scores) -- $150 / Second Place (combined scores) -- $50 / Highest-scoring word -- $35

The Richmond Memorial Library Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization which supports the Richmond Memorial Library by raising funds from generous donors to build and manage an endowment to meet the library's long-range needs.

Some raw ground turkey sold at Tops recalled for illness outbreak due to salmonella

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Please be advised that Jennie-O Turkey Sales LLC has recently issued a recall of it's raw ground turkey products that may be associated with an illness outbreak of salmonella. 

Of these products, Tops Friendly Markets ONLY carried minimal quantities of:

  • Jennie-O Italian Seasoned Ground Turkey with a use by date of 10/2/18
  • Jennie-O Taco Seasoned Turkey with a use by date of 10/2/18

This recall does NOT impact any other Jennie-O product currently carried by Tops stores.

Customers who may have purchased these items from our stores will be receiving a call alerting them of the recall. Those with questions re: the recall can contact Jennie-O Consumer Engagement Team at 1-800-621-3505.

Buffalo Community Foundation accepting GC applications for grant money

By Billie Owens

BUFFALO – The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is now accepting applications for the 2019 Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Legacy Funds competitive grant process.

Grants will support the following areas of interest:

  • Caregivers
  • Community Assets*

  • Design and Access

  • Youth Sports

Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located within the eight counties of Western New York, including: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming.

For Caregivers and Design and Access grants, government agencies also may apply.

*For Community Assets grants, only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that reside in Erie County may apply.

Applications are due Jan. 7.

For more information about deadlines and eligibility, and to apply, please visit

www.cfgb.org/nonprofits/grants/ralph-wilson-legacy/

###

About the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, a 501 (C)(3) organization, was established in 1919 to enhance and encourage long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. The Foundation’s mission is: Connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. For nearly 100 years, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to its care. For more information, visit www.cfgb.org.

About the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Legacy Funds
The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Legacy Funds were established at the Community Foundation to provide support to four areas that were important to Mr. Wilson: caregivers, community assets, design and access, and youth sports. Endowment funds, like these created to honor Mr. Wilson, are designed to grow over time and provide funding for charitable causes according to a client’s wishes.

$3,000 guaranteed Pick-5 tonight at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

 

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

As a result of no one selecting a winning combination in the early Pick-5 at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Nov. 14), there will be a $1,036 carryover and a $3,000 guaranteed early Pick-5 pool when racing resumes at 6 p.m. on Friday (Nov. 16) at the oldest lighted harness track in America.

Friday’s guaranteed pool is also part of the USTA’s Strategic Wagering Program which offers free program pages courtesy of Trackmaster for the Pick-5 races at Batavia Downs under the “Handicapping” tab at www.ustrotting.com . You can access the program pages directly by clicking here. (https://www.trackmaster.com/freeContent/usta/freeContentFiles/hpl/btv1116x.pdf )

Friday's Pick-5 is also featured as the USTA Play of the Day in the Harness Racing Fan Zone. 

The Pick-5 is a 50-cent base wager that begins in race one and runs through race five. There is no consolation payoff, meaning if no one selects all five winners, the entire pool (minus takeout) will be carried over once again.

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