Submitted photos and press release:

Peconic Landing and historic Brecknock Hall in Greenport, N.Y., are honored to announce the winners of the eighth Annual Veterans Day Wedding Giveback. The willing couple will receive an all-expenses paid wedding at Brecknock Hall thanks to the support of area businesses.

Air Force Technical Sgt. Trenton Todd Zanow, 27, of Batavia, (enlisted 2009) and his fiancée, Air Force Staff Sgt. Jennifer Lynn Lenzi, 23, of Ridge, N.Y., (enlisted 2012) have been named this year's winning couple.

Both are active service members who met while serving at the 106th Rescue Wing at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, N.Y.

The couple currently serves full time at the 103rd Airlift Wing, a unit of the Connecticut Air National Guard. The couple was notified they were selected during a surprise reveal Tuesday afternoon. (View the You Tube video of the announcement here.)

Trenton has served for 10 years and is currently an E6 Flight Engineer. He has received a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and National Defense Service Medal, among other medals and ribbons.

Jennifer has served for five years and is currently an E5 Airfield Manager, and was recently named "Airman of the Year" for the Connecticut Air National Guard 103rd Operations Group. She has also received an Air Force Commendation Medal in support of her service during Operation Enduring Freedom, among multiple other medals and ribbons.

The couple intends on making a 30-year career in the military and also spends time volunteering in their local community, including making care packages for members overseas and donating Thanksgiving dinners to wounded veterans, among others. Jennifer has also helped coach a youth cheerleading team.

Trenton and Jennifer were engaged Veterans Day Weekend 2017 while taking a helicopter tour in Rhode Island to celebrate Jennifer's recent promotion to Staff Sergeant. The two landed in a field at sunset where Trenton proposed.

“First and foremost I want to extend my sincerest thank you to all those who contribute to making this military wedding giveaway possible!" Jennifer said. "It's truly amazing to know that so many people in our community support military members and are willing to donate their time and resources to make our dream wedding a reality.

"We are forever grateful and equally as excited! Our military lifestyle can sometimes make seeing family and friends difficult so I am extremely thankful that this special occasion will bring everyone together and Brecknock Hall at Peconic Landing is a breathtakingly beautiful place to do so. We are truly blessed and overwhelmed with joy!"

Trenton added, "we cherish your support for military veterans and are honored to have been chosen as the winning couple. Thank you for helping make Jennifer's dream wedding become a reality. We look forward to working with all the vendors over the next few months and can't wait to see it all come together. Thank you again for your support."

The winning couple was chosen by a panel of Peconic Landing's veteran members who judge the contest based on the number of years served, special military honors, contributions to the community and each couple's personal love story. Their wedding will take place on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in celebration of Veterans Day, and will accommodate up to 80 guests.

"The Veterans Wedding Giveback Committee diligently reviewed 12 applications this year; it is always a tough job to narrow down to one couple from the list." said Ted Webb, a Navy veteran and president of the Brecknock Hall Foundation. We are delighted to congratulate Trenton and Jennifer as this year's winners."

We are indebted to all the sponsors and vendors for their generous support. What a wonderful way to say 'thank you' to those who serve our country in the armed forces."

Those wishing to contribute can contact Valerie Tirelli-Hallock, Brecknock Hall Sales & Events Coordinator at info@brecknockhall.com.

Robert J. Syron, president and CEO of Peconic Landing, delivered the good news during the surprise reveal on May 15.

“It has been some time since we had a couple actively serving at the same time, and it’s also very fitting that they have served in our local community at the 106th in Westhampton Beach," Syron said. "We wish them a future of happiness and success. Thank you, again, to all of the sponsors who make this giveaway possible."

Sponsors of the 2018 Veterans Day Wedding Giveback, so far, include: A Flippin Good Time, Allison G. Pressler at Blue Sage Day Spa, American Tent Company, Beautiful by Dina, Blue Duck Bakery, Christopher Michael Catering, East End Event Catering, Fire Monkey Hair Design, Greenporter Hotel, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company, Ivy League Flowers, Jillybean Custom Designs, Kim Jon Designs, Lisa Nicolosi Photography, Make Some Noise DJ’s, Massage Me by Sara Leonard LMT, Mattituck Environmental Services, Moments In Time Floral Designs, Moriches Main Street Florist, North Fork Bridal Shoppe, North Fork Brides, Southold Fish Market, The North Fork Box and Southold-Greenport-Mattituck ROTC. Times Review Media Group has signed on as the media sponsor.

# # #

Peconic Landing is an innovative, not-for-profit CCAC-CARF-accredited continuing care retirement community (CCRC) located on the waterfront in Greenport, N.Y., on the North Fork of Long Island. Among its long list of achievements, Peconic Landing is the only equity-based LifeCare community in the State of New York. It is a member of LeadingAge and LeadingAge New York and embraces a healthy, active lifestyle infused with a sense of exploration, creativity, and generosity of spirit.

Fire police are dispatched to Albion Road and Lockport Road and Albion Road and Bliss Road to block traffic while Oakfield fire handles a working car fire on Albion Road.

The car was fully involved with heavy black smoke when the first fire chief arrived on scene.

Today was the United Way Day of Caring.

The projects we visited included the Lion's Club annual bike repair workshop at Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle. Club members worked on bikes that were donated, provided by thrift stores, or from the police bike locker. The bikes will go out to the community through a variety of agencies, including Arc of Genesee Orleans, the American Red Cross, and a church bike program in Bergen.

Other projects pictured: Batavia Peace Garden volunteers working on the garden behind the Genesee County Courthouse, the Community Garden and the BID's chalk decorations of Downtown Batavia.

An Amateur Athletic Union youth basketball club -- WNY Rebels -- will host a golf tournament on Saturday, Aug. 11, at Batavia Country Club.

It is located at 7909 Batavia Byron Road, Batavia.

Straight Tee times starting at 9:45 a.m. until 11:15 a.m.

The first fully paid teams will be accepted this year.

Cost is $75 per golfer, or $300 per (four-person) team and includes 18 holes of golf with cart, a hot dog or hamburger with beverage at the turn, and dinner afterward. 

Dinner is a 1/2 BBQ chicken with all the fixings. Golfers also get a T-shirt.

There will also be a closet-to-the-pin challenge and a longest-drive challenge.

"This four-man scramble will be best ball."

Please join us for a day of fun!

There will also be a 50/50 and basket raffles.

If you have questions, please contact: Aaron McFollins at (585) 993-7309; or Otis Thomas at (585) 993-0244.

Mail checks to:

WNY Rebels c/o Otis Thomas 

46 Tracy Ave., Batavia NY 14020

Stylianos “Steve” Spryopoulos, a local restaurateur who loved what he did and loved his family, was lain to rest today with his funeral possession passing through the parking lots of the businesses he helped found and co-owned with his wife, Rula, and son John -- Settler's and Billy Goats.

Spryopoulos died Friday morning at age 66.

Click here for his obituary.

Press release from the American Legion Botts-Fiorito Post #576, Le Roy:

The following is the schedule of events and activities being conducted this Memorial Day, Monday, May 28:

0700 hrs. --  Placement of flags on Main Street (Commander and small work detail)

0800 hrs. --  Memorial ceremony for deceased veterans at Machpelah Cemetery (Color Guard and Firing Squad)

0845 hrs. --  Memorial ceremony for deceased veterans at St. Francis Cemetery (Color Guard participates with the Knights of Columbus at Mass) joined at ~ 0930 hrs. by Firing Squad for Ceremony at Veteran's Monument in Cemetery.

0945 hrs. -- Form up at the American Legion parking lot for Annual Memorial Parade.

1030 hrs. -- Parade "Steps off"

1100 hrs. -- Memorial Day program at the Trigon Park Memorial

• “National Anthem” by LeRoy High School Band, accompanied by Mrs. Mary Brady 
• Reading of list of deceased veterans who have passed away in the past year with the placement of Memorial flag for each veteran.
• Memorial Day speaker: Lynne Belluscio “World War I”
• Playing of "Taps" with Firing Squad volley.
• “America the Beautiful” by ALL, accompanied by Le Roy High School Band

• 1145 hrs. -- DISMISS

Coffee and donuts will be available at the Legion from 0815 hrs.

Hot dogs (Zweigle's) and soft drills free to all after Parade at the Legion Post Home at 53 W. Main St., Village of Le Roy, immediately following the parade.

The Lady Irish Summer Men's Basketball League will enjoy its second year this season, which starts July 1.

There are seven league games scheduled and a two-week playoff tournament. Referees are certified.

Cost to play is $500 per team, and the first 10 paid teams will participate. No favorites.

All games and stats will be reported to The Batavian.

All games will be played on Sundays at Notre Dame High School in Batavia.

A managers meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6 at Notre Dame. At that time, teams will pay to be in the league.

If a team manager is unable to attend the June 6 meeting, a team member should go instead.

Contact Otis Thomas for more info via email at:  otisthomas33@yahoo.com

Ruger Starowitz for his science fair project at Byron-Bergen Elementary School made maple syrup. His father said he had ot use hand tools just like his grandfather would have done.

The science fair and an art show were part of an open house at the school last night. The student art show featured a unique black light art display.

Driving into Bergen yesterday evening, I stopped for this photo of a barn, a field and clouds.

Jackson Primary School held their annual spring student art show on Tuesday night.

Arnold entered into eternal rest peacefully and with dignity Thursday May 10th, 2018 while in the care of Pumpkin Hill Veterinary Clinic. Arnold is survived by his loving parents David and Rachel Fasano, Grandmother Joan Fasano and many loving relatives and friends.

Arnold was rescued on 1-29-16 by the Last Chance Ranch Animal Rescue in Quakertown, Pennsylvania; he was one of many neglected farm animals rescued during a terrible snowstorm. Arnold was found chained to a tree in 3 ft of snow, with another storm on the way. He was malnourished, the tips of his ears were frostbit and bleeding, his teeth were broken and worn, Lyme disease positive, flea infested and filthy.

Arnold was considered a senior at 8 yrs old at the time of his unlikely adoption. His gentle soul was obviously in need of a "furever" home for his last years. Arnold could be seen at least twice a day, regardless of the weather, on his walks throughout his Southside neighborhood. Residents and staff of The Manor House also knew Arnold, as he would visit his Grandfather everyday until his passing last June.

Arnold's "Ambassador " duties also included Holy Spirits Lounge on weekends. In his last year, Arnold fought a K-9 version of ALS. With the help of Pumpkin Hill for acupuncture/chiropractic/laser therapy and Genesee Valley Vet Clinic, he was able to maintain his quality of life. Arnold will be sadly missed by all who knew him; it was an honor and our privilege to care for him.

Upon his passing, final arrangements were entrusted to Genesee Valley Farm & Crematory.

Please note: this was a paid obiturary.

State Police Troop A held their annual memorial service Tuesday honoring the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of the citizens of Western New York.

Speakers included James P. Kennedy Jr., United States attorney for Western New York, and Major Edward J. Kennedy, Troop commander. 

The event was held inside because of rain.

To purchase prints, click here.

Here are results from the elections in Genesee County's eight school districts. Voting was held today.

Alexander: 

Proposition #1, Budget: Yes: 152, No: 32
Proposition #2, Bus Purchases: Yes: 139, No: 46
Proposition #3, Equipment Capital Reserve: Yes: 132, No: 53
Proposition #4, Capital Reserve Fund: Yes: 146, No: 38
Proposition #5, Capital Reserve Fund: Yes 150, No: 34

Board of Education, Sara Fernaays: 151. Write-Ins: 8

Note: These results provided by our news partner WBTA. Alexander CSD did not respond to our request for results.

Batavia:

Budget ($52,189,152 (increase of $2,318,567 or 4.65 percent; 2.40 percent increase in tax levy): Yes: 371 (78.27 percent), No: 103 (21.73 percent)
Student Ex-Officio Board Member (non-voting): Yes: 422 (89.03 percent), No: 52  (10.97 percent) 

Board of Education positions (Three) (Top vote term is from May 15, 2018 to June 30, 2021, and the next two terms are from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021):  Zachary Korzelius, 408, Shawna Murphy, 407, Patrick Burk, 387.

Byron-Bergen:

Proposition 1 (Budget) Yes: 448, No: 125, Passed
Proposition 2 (Bus Purchase) Yes: 439, No: 128, Passed  

Board Member Elected -- Three-year Terms: William Forsyth: 480, Debi List: 429, Amy Mathisen, 165.

Elba:

Proposition #1 -- 2018-2019 Budget -- $9,720,931: Yes: 108, No: 40.
Proposition #2 – Capital Vehicle Reserve to purchase one (1) 65-passenger school bus: Yes: 116, No: 33

Board of Education, Candy Bezon (Incumbent): 133

Le Roy: 

Budget: Yes: 319, No: 65
Library Budget: Yes: 345, No: 39

School Board Members (Vote for Three): William Mackenzie: 322, Lloyd Miller: 289, Lawrence Bonacquisti: 309. Write-ins (one vote each): Mickey Mouse, Stan Barringer, Phil Mangefrida.

Woodward Memorial Library Trustee (Vote for One): Philip Weise: 342. Write-ins (receiving one vote each): Rob Currin, Porpus Rogers, Brian Manley.

Oakfield-Alabama:

Proposition #1: Budget -- Yes: 255    No: 60, Passed
Proposition #2: Buses -- Yes: 278    No:  63, Passed

BOE Members:
Timothy Edgerton: 254
Lorna Klotzbach: 217
Douglas Esten: 141

Pavilion:

Budget, Yes: 156, No: 32, Passed

Board of Education, five-year term (vote for one): Christopher Jeffres: 93, John Bannister (Incumbent): 89.

Pembroke:

Budget Yes: 301 No: 73, Passed 80.5 percent
Authorization to Purchase School Buses, Yes: 301, No: 73, Passed 80.5 percent
Authorization to Establish a Facilities Improvement Reserve Fund, Yes: 296, No: 75, Passed 79.8 percent

Running for a Five-year Term on the School Board: John A. Cima,  335 Votes

Crossroads House is having their Annual Spring Memorial Basket Raffle on Saturday, May 19th from noon to 4 p.m. It will be held at the ARC Community Center located at 38 Woodrow Road in Batavia.

If you can’t make it to the raffle on Saturday, stop in at the Community Center on Friday from 4-6 to purchase and place your tickets. We will have over 150 baskets as well as gift cards, several Mega prizes and two Special Mega’s, the classic Woody Pedal Car and the ½ Day Lake Ontario Fishing Charter.

Tickets for the Special Mega’s are available prior to the event at Crossroads House as well as at the raffle. We have baskets for all ages and for the guys, too!

Lunch, beverages and desserts will be available for purchase. Come on out for great food and prizes all while supporting comfort care right here in our community.

Press release:

Batavia, NY – The board of directors and coaching staff of the Batavia Bulldawgs Youth Football & Cheer program are excited to announce the open registration date for their upcoming 2018 season. We look forward to welcoming new and returning athletes to the Bulldawg family.

Our FINAL registration will be held on Wednesday, May 23^rd from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Liberty Street Office Complex (29 Liberty St. -- 2^nd Floor, Batavia).

Boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 14, attending Batavia area schools (or attend school that is not affiliated with another NOFA team) are eligible to participate, with no weight restrictions.

All participants must provide copy of birth certificate, proof of insurance, and physical.

Football & Cheer Registration fees can be accepted via credit/debit card, check or cash.

**A multi-athlete family discount is available as well as payment plan options. Scholarships are also available for those who apply. 

The Bulldawgs eagerly anticipate the summertime announcement of our 2018 game schedule with locally affiliated NOFA teams in the surrounding areas of Attica, Alexander, Pembroke, Oakfield/Elba, Akron, Alden, Albion, Medina, Roy-Hart & Newfane. 

All contests will take place on Saturdays from late August through October.

Every player will get the opportunity to participate in every game, where we never keep track of individual player statistics, only player participation and team records.  USA Football certified coaches, using the Heads-Up Football philosophy to reduce the risk of injury, will coach our athletes.

In addition, certified cheer coaches will help to direct and coach our cheer squads towards continued great success in the 2018 Cheerzone competition.    

All athletes will be placed in developmentally age appropriate divisions based on the following league age rules:

Football divisions (NO WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS):

Beginner (ages 6-7; must be 6 by 12/1, can’t turn 8 prior to 12/1)

Mini (ages 8-9; must be 8 by 12/1, can’t turn 10 prior to 12/1)

JV (ages 10-11; must be 10 by 12/1, can’t turn 12 prior to 12/1)

Varsity (ages 12-13; must be 12 by 12/1, can’t turn 14 prior to 12/1)

Cheer divisions:

Beginner (ages 6-7; must be 6 by 12/1)

Mini (ages 8-9; must be 8 by 12/1)

JV (ages 10-11; must be 10 by 12/1)

Varsity (ages 12-14; must be 12 by 12/1, can’t turn 15 prior to 12/1)

Press release:

Rain or shine, the Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Spring Garden Gala on Saturday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.

This annual plant sale features a variety of perennials, many of which are from the gardens of Master Gardeners. There will also be a selection of house plants and locally grown geraniums. Plant sale starts promptly at 10 a.m. No early birds please.

Step inside and visit the Basket Auction for gift certificates and a variety of themed baskets. Gently used garden books will also be for sale. Basket Auction drawing starts at 12:30 p.m.

Bring in a soil sample from your garden or lawn for a free pH test and Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions. There will also be a demonstration at 11:30 a.m. on how to divide some common perennials.

Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants, books and other interesting items. Arrive at 10 a.m. for the best plant selection. Proceeds from the sale benefit the educational outreach of the Genesee County Master Gardener Program.

For more information contact Brandie Waite at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the Extension office in Batavia.

Visit our website at: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events for more information.

Jacqueline M. Saeli is indicted for the crime of third-degree arson. It is alleged that on Jan. 6 she intentionally damaged a building and a motor vehicle -- a shed on property on North Lake Road, in the Town of Pembroke, which contained a 2008 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. She allegedly did so by starting a fire or causing an explosion.

Nicholas G. Williams is indicted for the crime of burglary in the third degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 30 he knowingly entered unlawfully into a building on Lake Street in the Town of Le Roy with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, he is accused of second-degree criminal content, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly intentionally disobeying or resisting the lawful process or other court mandate. In count three, Williams is indicted for the crime of resisting arrest, also a Class A misdemeanor, because he allegedly intentionally prevented or attempted to prevent an officer from arresting himself or another person.

Dartanyan A. Robinson is indicted for the crime of driving while ability impaired by drugs, as a Class D felony. It is alleged that on March 30 that he drove a 2004 Land Rover in the Town of Batavia on the eastbound state Thruway while his ability to do so was impaired by drugs. It count two, he is accused of the crime of driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs or of alcohol and any drug or drugs, as a Class D felony. In count three, the defendant is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count three that Robinson knew, or had reason to know, that his driver's license had been suspended or revoked for driving under the influence of alcohol or a drug when he drove the Land Rover on May 30. In count four, Robinson is accused again of first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. It is alleged in count four that the defendant knew, or had reason to know, that his driving privilege had been suspended or revoked by the commissioner for refusals on multiple occasions to submit to a chemical test: on May 27, 1998; May 26, 2000; March 2, 2009; and Nov. 12, 2013. In count five, he is accused of speeding on March 30 in the Town of Batavia. In count six, the defendant is accused of the crime of circumvention of an ignition interlock device. It is alleged in count six that on March 30, the 2004 Land Rover he was driving was not equipped with an ignition interlock device, which he was required to have. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Robinson is accused of having been convicted: of the crime of DWI, as a Class E felony, on Oct. 31, 2000 in County of Niagara Court; of the crime of DWI as a misdemeanor on Feb. 21, 2013 in County of Niagara Court; and of DWI, as a Class E felony, on Dec. 15, 2014, in Monroe County Court. These three prior convictions form the basis for the suspensions or revocations referenced in count three of the current indictment; and the latter two convictions form the basis for the felony charges in counts one and two of the current indictment.

Jerome W. Amesbury is indicted for the crime of unauthorized use of a vehicle in the second degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Jan. 26 in the Town of Bergen that Amesbury -- knowing he did not have the owner's consent -- took, operated, rode in or otherwise used a 2002 Buick Rendezvous.

Press release:

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has announced today that a record level of state funding will continue to help local governments rehabilitate area highways, roads and bridges.

“Western New York will be getting its fair share of state transportation dollars again this year," Ranzenhofer said. "With winter finally over, local highway crews will start to put these dollars to work by fixing our infrastructure.

"This state funding will help to provide safe and reliable transportation for motorists and their families,” 

A total of $603 million in statewide funding will help municipalities with infrastructure improvement projects. The 2018-19 New York State Budget allocates $438 million for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement program (CHIPS), $100 million for the Pave NY program and $65 million for the Extreme Winter Recovery program.

Genesee County