Steve Foster and Tim Adams, owners of the Red Osier restaurant, dedicated the month of November to charity for the local community.

The restaurant has always been closed on Thanksgiving, but this year, they opened for business, with many staff members donating their time to work; all the proceeds from meals served that day were donated to local charities.

During the month, the restaurant also raised $7,965 for Genesee Cancer Assistance. Foster and Adams added their own money to the pot and today turned over a $10,000 check.

Red Osier also donated two truckloads of food to the Le Roy Food Pantry.

Above, Red Osier staff members with some of the clothing items, including socks and underwear, collected for local donation.

Submitted photo.

Students, along with teachers and staff, from Batavia Middle School, made their annual field trip today, visiting some of the local organizations and businesses that supported the school over the past year.

The students handed out gift bags with presents that they made.

The photo above is from their visit to Batavia PD, and below, at WBTA with Jerry Warner.

Thomas Eugene Nudo Jr., 37, of Edgemont Circle, Panama, Fla., is charged with petit larceny and criminal mischief, 4th. Nudo allegedly stole cologne from Kohl's Department Store. He also is accused of damaging the packaging. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Brian David Draper, 27, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with sex offender failure to register Internet account. 

Jamall George Mikel O'Neil, 19, of Trumbull Parkway, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. O'Neil was stopped for an alleged traffic violation in the City of Batavia by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Randall Arthur Bennett, 70, of Bennett Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Bennett was arrested following a report of a driving complaint in the Village of Oakfield at 9:02 p.m., Monday. He was stopped on Bennett Avenue by Deputy Matthew Clor.

Peter Robert Brounscheidei, 23, of Henskee Road, Alden, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding, failure to stop and moving from lane unsafely. Brounscheidei was stopped at 3:18 a.m. Monday on Route 77, Alabama, by Deputy Ryan Young.

An Alexander man is facing numerous drug dealing charges after being arrested on a sealed indictment, obtained following an investigation by the Local Drug Task Force.

Michael C. Schulz, 34, of Buffalo Street, allegedly sold cocaine to an agent working for the task force.

He was arrested after being observed driving on North Lyon Street by members of the task force and Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Schulz allegedly committed several traffic violations and was found driving on a suspended driver's license.

He is charged with six counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and four counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd.

At the time of his arrest, he was allegedly found in possession of cocaine.

The discovery led to two more counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd.

Schulz was jailed pending arraignment in County Court.

The Orleans County Major Felony Unit assisted in the investigation along with the Genesee County District Attorney's Office.

Batavia running back and linebacker Ray Leach is the only sophomore to be named to the All Greater Rochester First Team in football.

Leach finished the season with 1,888 yards rushing. He scored 28 touchdowns. He made 62 tackles as a linebacker.

Leach isn't alone on the first team. Also named from Batavia Anthony Ray, a junior, who was Section V Class B Defensive Player of the Year and has been on all three of Batavia's Section V championship teams. He made 82 tackles and nine sacks.

Named to the second team was quarterback Jerry Reinhart.

The other top honor for a Genesee County athlete went to Maggie Cecere, Batavia, who was named to second team in girls soccer.

Dozens of families turned out to the YWCA on Thursday evening to receive a Christmas tote bag filled with everything they need, along with a turkey, to create a full holiday meal. The children also got a visit with Santa.

The participating families were identified with the help of Batavia City Schools.

The event was organized by the Kiwanis Club of Batavia.

Also, participating was the Richmond Memorial Library with its GRO program, which takes donated children's books and distributes through 17 partner locations.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, a member of Kiwanis and past president of the Batavia Club, carries out a tote for a family.

Batavia City School District’s Jackson Primary School teacher, Melissa Mattice, was presented with an Outstanding Employee Award by Board of Education President Patrick Burk at the Dec. 20 Board meeting.

She was nominated by Jackson Principal Diane Bonarigo, who wrote, “Mrs. Mattice is a kindergarten teacher at Jackson School. She is a teacher leader and serves Jackson Primary School in many different ways year after year. She has volunteered her time on the School Improvement Team, PARP (Parents as Reading Partners) Committee, Parent Home School events and works closely with administration and staff to promote a positive and collaborative culture in the building as well as on the APPR District committee.

"Mrs. Mattice sets high academic standards and builds strong relationships with her students. She has earned a great deal of respect in the community as evidenced by the number of parent requests we receive each year, asking for Mrs. Mattice to be their child’s teacher.”

Batavia City School District’s Jackson Primary School teacher, Marie Bigsby, was presented with an Outstanding Employee Award by Board of Education President Patrick Burk at the Dec. 20 Board meeting.

She was nominated by Jackson Principal Diane Bonarigo, who wrote, “Mrs. Bigsby continues to serve the students and families of Jackson Primary with great enthusiasm and dedication. Mrs. Bigsby is a standing volunteer member on many Jackson committees. Over the past several years, however, she has also dedicated a great deal of her time as a Jackson Teacher Representative and meets monthly with our parent group volunteers and the Parent Co-Presidents to support the school with evening and weekend events.

"You can always find Mrs. Bigsby volunteering to get the school ready for Fall Carnival, Breakfast with Santa, and Family Learning Nights. She works closely with staff to create a strong partnership with our families and is able to initiate great school support throughout the year. We appreciate her hard work and am thankful for her continued contribution to Jackson School.”

Photos and info submitted by Kathy Scott, Batavia City Schools.

Press release:

Genesee County Deputy Sheriff Andrew B. Hale was honored by the Western New York Chapter of American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) International at its Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon held on Dec. 1 at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens.   

Sheriff Gary Maha nominated Deputy Hale for his heroism, dedication, valor, and for performing “above and beyond” the call of duty. Deputy Hale was hired on June 17, 2013, and has since been involved in two very notable incidents where he demonstrated great courage and leadership. He utilized exceptional self-restraint and judgment in order to resolve the situations without harm to himself, fellow officers or the public.

“Deputy Hale is an outstanding police officer and is most deserving of this recognition,” Sheriff Maha said.

Standing with Deputy Hale, from left, are Sheriff-elect William A. Sheron Jr. and Sheriff Maha.

A dog fell through the ice and is in the freezing water of the creek at Indian Falls. East Pembroke Fire Departmen's water rescue unit is called to the scene and all of its available manpower is called to the fire hall. The address is 1663 Indian Falls Road.

UPDATE 1:59 p.m.: The dog was successfully rescued.

UPDATE: Reader-submitted photos added. A bystander praised the caring and professionalism and efficiency of the volunteers in their response and actions.

A car fire has become a garage fire at 2093 Lewiston Road, Alabama.

Alabama fire and an engine from Oakfield fire, along with Mercy EMS, requested to the scene.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 1:37 p.m.: This is a two-car garage. A person has third-degree burns on the right hand.

UPDATE 10:10 p.m.: Alabama Fire dispatched for a rekindle. 

UPDATE 10:14 p.m.: Chief on scene, nothing showing. Engine can respond non-emergency. 

Press release:

On Wednesday afternoon of this week, Josh and Justin Smith from H.E. Turner & Co, Bohm-Calarco-Smith, Burdett & Sanford Funeral Homes along with their kids -- Gabriella, Brendan, Noah, Nicolas and Caleb -- stopped by the Sheriff’s Office to deliver platters of submarine sandwiches for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office to say thank you for all the service provided to the community throughout the year. Pictured with the kids are Deputy Howard Wilson, Investigator James Diehl and Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

This morning, students from Batavia Middle School stopped by the Sheriff’s Office with gifts of hot chocolate for the deputies to say thank you for all they do.

The Sheriff’s Office employees would like to express their sincere appreciation for these thoughtful gestures.

Press release:

At Tompkins Bank of Castile, we recognize that decades of service characterize our stability and loyalty as an organization. We are pleased to honor our longtime employees who have contributed so much to the Tompkins Bank of Castile. Our customers have benefited from their knowledge and experience, and our company values these great employees.

Diana Williams, assistant vice president of the Avon branch, is celebrating 35 years with the bank. She began her banking career in 1977 as a part-time teller at the American Express branch in Augsburg, Germany. When she moved to the United States, she stayed with the financial services industry and began working for Chase at the East Avon branch, which was purchased by The Bank of Castile in 1994. Diana and her husband, Richard, live in Livonia. They have three children and four grandchildren. She is active in the Avon Rotary and Junior Achievement.

The following employees are celebrating 25 years of service:

Theresa Nicastro is the assistant manager of Commercial Loan Operations. She is active in planning, organizing and coordinating efficient service of commercial loans for Tompkins Bank of Castile as well as the three other banks of Tompkins Financial Corp. She began her career as a teller in the Perry branch and has held numerous positions ranging from administrative assistant to branch manager. She says being a part of the Tompkins family is a special blessing and loves being a part of such a wonderful organization. She and her partner, Steve, reside in Silver Springs along with their two rescue dogs.

Annette Granger started in the Proof Department and was working as a commercial credit Services Associate at our Operations Center in Perry until she retired this past year. We appreciate her years of dedicated service, and wish her well in retirement!

Debbie James, vice president – Consumer Product Manager, works to ensure a superior customer experience and that our products are competitive and customer-friendly. Her first job was as a teller in the Perry branch. She has continued to grow within our company, serving several years as the Castile Branch Manager. Based at our Operations Center in Perry, her current responsibilities encompass all of Tompkins Financial Corporation. Debbie and her husband, Brad, have two children, Erika and Michael. They live in Silver Springs.

Carolyn Francis, assistant vice president, Small Business Credit officer, joined the bank in 1986 and has held various positions. She started in the Proofing Department, went to the mortgage department and finally landed in the commercial department working specifically with small businesses in the community. Carolyn left the bank for a brief time, but said she came back because she loves all the great people that she works with and they are like family to her. Carolyn resides in Fillmore with her husband, Greg. They have two children and two grandchildren.

"Our employees are truly what differentiate our company, delivering superior customer service every day,” said John McKenna, president & CEO of Tompkins Bank of Castile.“We work hard to provide a rewarding and engaging workplace which helps us attract the best talent and results in extraordinary consistency of our employee base."

Tompkins Bank of Castile values the commitment and service these employees have given our company. We would like to thank them for their years of service and congratulations!

Press release:

Tompkins Bank of Castile prides itself on being a community bank, and one of our core values is our commitment to the communities we serve. During the holiday season, our staff in each branch selects local organizations to receive special contributions to make the holidays brighter. Our Le Roy branch selected the Le Roy Food Pantry to receive a $500 donation. The Le Roy Food Pantry has provided for people in need, free of charge, without question for several years. It is maintained by volunteers and is an effort among the local churches in the Le Roy community.

Mickey Hyde, Le Roy branch manager; Christine Orto, teller in the Le Roy branch; and Danielle Clark, Tompkins Insurance account manager, present checks to Judy Riley (second from left) of the Le Roy Food Pantry.

The process of replacing the crumbling Bethany Center Road bridge over Route 20 will begin soon, according to Lori Maher, spokeswoman for the NYS Department of Transportation.

The project has long been on the DOT's capital program list but it wasn't scheduled to begin until October, however when asked about a report that the DOT was moving the project up, Maher said, "yes."

Maher said in an email, "Our engineering team will be advancing the contract plans and will be implementing a public outreach component to keep the community informed of the project."

While the original completion date was fall of 2018, the new completion date isn't available yet.

Previously:

• Photos: The decaying state of the Bethany Center Road bridge
• Photos: Bethany Center Bridge suffers more visible damage over the winter
• Statements from officials on the status of the Bethany Center Road bridge
• Ranzenhofer asks DOT for faster action on deteriorating Bethany Center Road bridge

Photo: FIle photo.

The Town of Alabama is looking for applicants for positions on the planning board (the chairman position is open) and zoning board (including chairman).

Interested town residents should send a letter to the Town Board, 2218 Judge Road, Oakfield, NY 14125; or drop them off at the Town Clerk’s Office. All letters must be received no later than Jan. 5.

Lawley Genesee staff members Sherri Wahr, Beth George, Lori Crandall and Lisa Barie deliver a bounty of gifts to YWCA of Genesee County as a yearly effort to add some joy to a family affected by domestic violence that served by YWCA. The nonprofit has served more than 680 new domestic violence victims so far this year and is extremely thankful for the generosity of Lawley Genesee to brighten the lives of those impacted by domestic abuse, Executive Director Jeanne Walton says.

Photo and info submitted by Joanne Beck, YWCA.

As students at Oakfield-Alabama Elementary left school yesterday, they were given a "High-Five Goodbye" from six NYS Troopers and K-9 "Paris."

Photo and info submitted by Lynn Gehlert.

Press release:

A sell-out crowd of 320 guests enjoyed a celebratory night at Encore 2016 last week, Genesee Community College Foundation's annual holiday fundraising event featuring a holiday concert by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. The Dec. 13th celebration continued the long-standing tradition of a fun and festive evening with new and old friends coming together in the spirit of raising funds for the College's numerous scholarship programs. More than $50,000 was raised.

Following the theme, "A Star Shines On," the event recognized both the 25th anniversary of Encore together with the Genesee Community College's 50th anniversary. This year, Encore was organized by a chairing committee featuring the two sisters who organized the first of the Encore events in 1991, and their multigenerational families. The co-chairs included Glenn and Rosalie Maguire Simon, joined by Rosalie's sister, Lucy Barnett and her husband, Timothy; daughter Jessica Maguire Tomidy and her husband, Alan; as well as son, Andrew Maguire and his fiancée, Jamie Beswick. In addition, Encore included special programming just for children the first time this year, allowing the children and grandchildren to attend as well.

"Planning the first Encore is a very fond memory for me and my sister Lucy. We were delighted to bring in the next generation for this significant milestone and also give children a chance to experience the arts and this incredible event," Rosalie Maguire Simon said. "We specifically revisited the theme from 25 years ago, 'A Star Shines,' and featured the star logo and artwork designed by GCC's late art instructor, Michael Powers from many years ago."

The evening featured four segments: the Prelude in the Genesee Center for the Arts; Dinner with numerous food stations set up in the central William W. Stuart Forum; the BPO concert in the Stuart Steiner Theatre featuring soprano soloist Emily Helenbrook; and finally desserts in the Wolcott J. Humphrey III Student Union.

The Genesee Community College Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to providing volunteer and philanthropic support to Genesee Community College. Formed in 1986, the Foundation has been instrumental in providing thousands of scholarships over the last decade, and assisting with the funding of numerous capital projects including the Student Success Center and the Richard C. Call Arena currently under construction and scheduled to open in the summer at GCC's Batavia Campus. The Foundation also supported the construction of the Conable Technology Building, the Humphrey Student Union, and the expansion of College Village, Genesee's student residence.

Top photo: The event's co-chairs; bottom photo: Roseann and James Sunser, and Emily Helenbrook.