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Photo: A reflective moment in Elba

By Howard B. Owens

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Tristine Vanice submitted this photo and said, "I love little moments that give me a sense of unity in our country, towns, villages.  I had this view whilst sitting on a park bench in Elba this afternoon.  There is so much about it that just made me smile. Small town charm, neighbors, the innocence of a children's bicycle, and the colors of a vibrant summer day.  My 10-year-old is the one who initially noticed the flags stating, 'Mommy look at those flags. They love our country I bet.'

"Everywhere and everything we put on the TV, radio, newspapers ... it all tends to diminish a sense of pride and love for our country.   There is a lot of turmoil in our world, but I appreciate a need to also always look for the good. It's there. It's here." 

Solar company hosted open house in Elba

By Press Release

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Press release:

Hecate Energy, a leading developer, owner, and operator of renewable power projects and energy storage solutions in the United States, held an informational open house on August 25. Located under a pavilion at the Elba Village Park, the event was designed to inform members of the community about the proposed Cider Solar Farm. More than 50 attendees were present to learn about the scope of the project and the ways in which the local community and environment are expected to benefit.

Due to health and safety concerns related to the coronavirus, Hecate has held three prior informational open houses in a virtual format. In this in-person event, Hecate’s first relating to the Cider Solar Farm since the outset of the pandemic, guests were able to visit educational stations while enjoying refreshments catered by Chap’s Diner, a local restaurant. Representatives from Hecate Energy were on hand to discuss the information and answer questions.

“I think the people in this area were really happy to be able to come out and see why we’re so excited about this project,” said Harrison Luna, Cider Solar Farm’s project developer. “It was also an opportunity to hear some specific concerns from residents and how we can improve the project to address them. In most of these cases, we are able to refine our design to address such concerns.

The proposed Cider Solar Farm is expected to create over 500 construction jobs and will be capable of supplying 920,000 megawatt-hours of renewable electricity per year – enough to power over 120,000 average New York households

Picnic with music and food at Elba Village Park

By Howard B. Owens

Music, music, and more music, along with food and refreshments (some of the adult kind), are in store for those two make their way to the Village of Elba and its charming central park on Sunday.

The fun sets off at noon with Elba's own Front Porch Pickers plucking out old favorites.

Then the Simon Fletcher Trio takes the stage, starting at 1:30.  Simon Fletcher is a substitute teacher at Elba Central School and the trio plays jazz and bebop.

Event Date and Time
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Sunday in the park with musicians and food coming up in Elba

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
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Music, music, and more music, along with food and refreshments (some of the adult kind), are in store for those who make their way to the Village of Elba and its charming central park on Sunday.

The fun sets off at noon with Elba's own Front Porch Pickers plucking out old favorites.

Then the Simon Fletcher Trio takes the stage, starting at 1:30.  Simon Fletcher is a substitute teacher at Elba Central School and the trio plays jazz and bebop.

At 3 p.m., the Old Hippies, featuring Bill and Kay McDonald, will stroll down memory lane with Vinny Pastore along with Liam and Emma Raines on guitar, violin, banjo, and vocals.  There might even be a surprise artist or two joining the Old Hippies.

There will be food and drink vendors such as Lori's Delectable Edibles, Center Street Smokehouse, Los Compadres (besides tacos, margaritas!), and Pub Coffee Hub. Cirlcle B Winery and Eli Fish Brewing Company are bringing the wine and beer. For dessert: Lori's Delectable Edibles and Ice Cream and Chill. 

"In all, this is going to be more music, food and fun than should be legal in NYS!!," said co-organizer Pauli Miano.

Keep in mind, the Village Park is a no-alcohol park.  You can't bring in your own adult beverages but can consume what is available from licensed vendors.  

These concerts are made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a re-grant program of the NYS Council on the Arts with the support of the NYS Legislature and administered by GO ART.

VIDEO: A Elba Village Park picnic earlier this summer.

Sponsored Post: New listing from Reliant Real Estate; 7335 Whitney Mill Road

By Lisa Ace


New listing: 7335 Whitney Mill Road. Here's your chance to get a sweet little ranch on a quiet country road. This home is centrally located to everything -within minutes to schools shopping and thruway! Home is located in Elba school system. There has been many upgrades to the property including a new metal in 2020, all blown in insulation 2020, hot water tank 2020 and furnace is 10 years young! Newly hooked to public water and all plumbing is brand new! Inside is neat as a pin and everything is conveniently placed-great use of space!! First floor laundry and all appliances are staying. Home is located on 1.5 acres. Newly blacktopped double wide drive leading to large 2 car attached garage for all your extras! With some work this house is a real gem! Click here for more information or call Lynn bezon at Reliant Real Estate today, call 585-344-home (4663)

Driver accused of creating 'grave risk of death' in high speed pursuit through Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

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A Batavia resident figures he missed being involved in a serious accident by one second with a car "easily going 100 mph" on Bank Street Road yesterday.

"(The car) had to swerve towards college road," David Austin told The Batavian in an email. "I thought for sure he was going to wipe out but he corrected and I could hear him accelerate. Scared me more than I have ever been. If I would have made that turn 1 second later I probably wouldn't be here."

The alleged driver of that car was James Matthew Lepore, 23, of Rio Grande Drive, North Chili.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Lepore failed to stop for a deputy who spotted his car exceeding the 55 mph speed limit on Route 33 in Stafford.  The deputy pursued and the car continued into the Town of Batavia and then into the city before heading north on Route 98.  There law enforcement successfully deployed a spike strip and the car was forced to a halt.

According to the arrest report, Lepore "recklessly engaged in conduct that created a grave risk of death by unlawfully fleeing a deputy in a motor vehicle and intentionally went into the opposite lane of travel causing other motorists to swerve out of the way to avoid a head-on collision, all while traveling at speeds in excess of 90 to 100 mph."

After the stop, Lepore was allegedly found in possession of an unregistered firearm and a controlled substance. 

Lepore is charged with:

  • Reckless endangerment in the first degree
  • Criminal possession of a firearm
  • Unlawful fleeing a police officer in the third degree
  • Criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th
  • Speed in excess of 55 mph
  • Plus, 21 traffic offenses.

Lepore was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and under terms of bail reform released on his own recognizance.

The lead investigators in the case are Deputy Travis DeMuth and Investigator Kevin Forsyth.  Assisting in the incident were Sgt. Andrew Hale, Investigator Howard Carlson, Investigator Joseph Loftus, Investigator Ryan DeLong, Deputy Kyle Krzemien, Deputy Josh Brabon, Deputy Kyle Tower, Deputy Andrew Mullen with K-9 "Frankie," members of Batavia PD and the State Police.

Seven GC students received baccalaureate degrees from Buffalo State in Spring 2021

By Billie Owens

 Buffalo State College is pleased to congratulate the students from Genesee County who completed the requirements to earn their baccalaureate degrees in Spring 2021.

  • Carli Bogue, of Elba

  • Jenna Huntington, of Elba

  • Michelle McEwen, of Stafford

  • Angelina Miconi, of Batavia

  • Miranda Schiller, of Alexander

  • Samantha Tatarski, of Corfu 

  • Alysa Urbanczyk, of Oakfield

Buffalo State is a State University of New York (SUNY) college located in Buffalo. It offers 79 undergraduate majors as well as many minors and certificate programs. Every year, thousands of students benefit from Buffalo State's community engagement, hands-on learning opportunities, and affordable SUNY tuition. Buffalo State also offers more than 60 graduate programs.

Accident with injuries reported in Village of Elba

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident is reported on Main Street between Church Street and Oak Orchard Road in Elba.

Injuries are reported.

Elba fire dispatched. Mercy EMS, including a second ambulance requested to the scene.

UPDATE 6:57 p.m.: A first responder reports no vehicles blocking traffic. Two vehicles are parked in the driveway of a house.

UPDATE 6:58 p.m.: Only one vehicle had people in it. A third ambulance requested to the scene because three children were involved.

UPDATE 6:59 p.m.: Mercy Flight is not available.

UPDATE 7:03 p.m.: Darien Byron ambulance requested to the scene.

UPDATE 7:04 p.m.: Route 98 from Church Street to Oak Orchard is being shut down.

UPDATE 7:10 p.m.: An officer informs dispatch there was a single vehicle "occupied times five" struck a parked vehicle.

UPDATE 7:20 p.m.: Three children are being transported in three separate ambulances to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 8:14 p.m.: Elba assignment back in service. The roadway is reopened.

Sponsored Post: Reliant Real Estate offers an exceptional & one-of-kind home in Elba

By Lisa Ace


43 S. Main Street, ElbaStately home that took 2+years to build! CENTRALLY LOCATED- this amazing home is MINUTES from thruway, CLOSE to airport and short distance to LAKE ONTARIO and half hour to BUFFALO or ROCHESTER!

Home boasts large beautiful rooms, gorgeous woodwork, wide pegged hardwoods and intricate crown moldings. Sunken living room has 3 sets of French doors leading to beautiful yard and covered patio. Upstairs has master bedroom with fireplace leading to beautiful white tiled bath. 4 additional bedrooms boasting walk-in closets. 3rd floor ballroom has 4 built in benches and spring loaded hardwood floor -- AWESOME BONUS RECREATIONAL SPACE!

Well kept and MODERNIZED THROUGHOUT THE YEARS with NEW gas boiler 2019 as well as H2O tank, painting of exterior in 2020, kitchen and baths have all been modernized, updated electrical panel, some new carpeting upstairs as well as most hardwood on 2nd floor refinished AND an AMAZING SLATE ROOF! So many neat architectural gems spread throughout this amazing home.

There’s also a 24x48 POLE BARN on this well maintained 1.3 acre lot. Think outside the box-could be amazing Air BNB or perfect IN LAW situation! OWNERS WILLING TO ENTERTAIN ALL SERIOUS OFFERS! Click here to view the full listing and call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today -- call 344-HOME (4663)

Elba's Kyley Pascarella earns bachelor's degree of Business Administration in Management from SUNY Canton

By Billie Owens

Kyley Pascarella, of Elba, earned their Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from SUNY Canton. Pascarella was among the graduates recognized as part of the Class of 2021.

President Zvi Szafran urged graduates to use their knowledge to help their communities rebound after the COVID-19 pandemic at the college's in-person Commencement Ceremony held May 15.

"Think about your strengths and how they can be used to enact positive change in your communities as we heal from the past year," he said. "You have a once in a generation chance to have a seat at the table as the country continues to implement its collective reset, breaking out from old thinking patterns and seeking new ideas.

"As a SUNY Canton graduate, you've been taught to analyze and to problem solve. These skills won't just be helpful to you in your career but to society as a whole."

Nearly 800 students were eligible to graduate from the college. The top three bachelor's degrees awarded, in order of popularity, were Health Care Management, Criminal Investigation and Management. The top three associate degrees awarded were Nursing, Veterinary Science Technology and Criminal Justice.

The college captured a video of the 2021 Commencement Ceremony and also created a special virtual commencement video. A complete list of all graduates also runs on www.canton.edu.

About SUNY Canton

As Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs, SUNY Canton delivers quality hands-on programs in digital design, engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials.

As SUNY's leader in online education, SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as 22 online degree programs. The college placed first in 14 categories in a SUNY-Wide Student Opinion Survey, most notably in career services, tutoring, library resources, and classroom facilities.

The SUNY Canton Kangaroos 15 traditional athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level as part of the North Atlantic Conference. SUNY Canton also features varsity esports and cheerleading.

Severe thunderstorm warning in effect till 5:15 p.m., roadway to be closed at Route 98 and Lockport

By Press Release

From the National Weather Service office in Buffalo:

A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until 5:15 p.m. EDT for Southeastern Orleans and Central Genesee counties.

At 4:30 p.m. EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Oakfield, or near Batavia, moving east at 35 mph.

Up to 70 mph wind gusts pose a hazard, according to radar. Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings. Locations impacted also includes Darien Lakes State Park, Attica, Corfu, Elba, Alexander, East Bethany, and Interstate 90 near exit 48.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

UPDATE 4:54 p.m.: A low-hanging cable wire and possibly a tree are reported down in the roadway in Elba in the area of 4119 Lockport Road. A first responder says the roadway is partially blocked. The roadway will be shut down at Route 98 and Lockport Road. Spectrum is notified; no ETA.

UPDATE 5 p.m.: The Elba chief says the cable line has been cleared; now removing other debris before reopening roadway.

Summer Concert Saturday at Elba Village Park with lots of music, food, beer, wine and more

By Press Release

From Pauli Miano:

The Elba Betterment Committee is pleased to announce the first concert in their summer concert series -- EBC Music and More 2.0 this Saturday, July 10 at the Elba Village Park.

Rockin' the Gazebo at Elba Village Park

It is located in the center of the Village on east side of Main Street.

Music starts at noon with Bobby and the Pedestrians, a local Reggae rock and roll band that will introduce listeners to a didgeridoo while they combine their original style with familiar tunes that will have you singing along and asking for more.

Second in the lineup (at about 2 o'clock) is the ever popular Genesee Ted who will be bringing the '60s and '70s rock we all love with a mix of old-school country.

Closing the day (at about 4 p.m.) will be the hard-rocking Savage Cabbage. Expect some Grand Funk Railroad and Bad Company mixed with a little Marshall Tucker, and of course, Johnny Be Good.

Tying it all together on our smaller stage will be the acoustic stylings of The Elba Guys -- John, Tom and Lee, who will be familiar to most from their long local music past. This is our first venture into the "festival" business, and after the raging, but unfortunately, restricted response we had last summer, we expect this to be a fun, musical event for the whole family.

Bring Your Own Lawn Chair, Lots of Food and Drinks to Purchase

Bring your lawn chair, and have lunch and maybe even dinner in beautiful Elba. BEST (Building Elba School Together) will be serving Andy's Pizza and and ice cream from Zuber Farms; Mac Daddy's Ultimate Mac 'n' Cheese; Center Street Smokehouse and Pub Coffee Hub will be there with their trucks as well.

Eli Fish Brewing Co. will be bringing the beer, and Circle B Winery the wine -- what more do you need? And last but not least (sometimes it's OK to eat dessert first) will be Lori's Delectable Edibles (think cake bites, brownies and cookies) and her delicious Bubble Tea.

Get Yours! Onion Capital of the World T-shirts

The Betterment will be selling their Onion Capital of the World T-shirts and conducting a 50/50 raffle and invites other nonprofits to contact us if you would like to have a booth or stand at any of our events.

Taking a Free Will Donation for the Down Syndrome Parent Support Group

There is never a charge for all of this great music, but we will be taking a free will donation to the Down Syndrome Parent Support Group of Genesee County. This wonderful organization provides support and encouragement to individuals with with Down Syndrome who reside in the GLOW area. Representatives will be at the park to talk to anyone who is interested in joining or assisting this group.

This and all of our summer concerts is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the NYS Council on the Arts with the Support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Legislature, and administered by GOART!

Our second show will be in August. Look for more information to come.

Elba Jr./Sr. High principal 'humbled and excited' to be chosen district superintendent

By Press Release

Submitted photo and press release:

On Tuesday, the Elba Central School District’s Board of Education (BOE) announced it has named Gretchen Rosales as the district’s next superintendent. Rosales is expected to begin in her new post mid-August.  

“I am thrilled to continue my service to the Elba Central School District in the new role of Superintendent," Rosales said. "I feel a great responsibility to the school and community, as my roots are here.

"I am looking forward to collaborating with other schools in the area to further the needs of rural schools, while focusing on the traditions of the Elba community. Now is an exceptional time to be a leader in education; I am humbled and excited to take on this position."

School Board President Michael Augello said Rosales possesses the key qualities that the board is seeking in a superintendent. 

“As a visible and engaged leader, we are confident that Gretchen Rosales is the best choice for our district. We look forward to working with Gretchen as we deliver the best education possible for our students,” Augello said. 

Rosales is the principal of Elba Junior/Senior High School, a position she has held since 2019. Previously, she was the assistant principal of Alexander Middle/High School. From 2015-2017, she served as an instructional support specialist and middle school department chair at the Kendall Central schools.

Rosales began her career in education in 1998 as an English as a Second Language Teaching Assistant/Long-term Spanish Substitute for Elba Central schools. Her teaching experience is extensive in both the private and public-school systems.

Along with teaching at Elba Central Schools, she has taught at St. Anthony’s School, El Campo High School in Texas, and Kendall Central Schools. Rosales also taught at the college level and was an adjunct instructor at Genesee Community College.

Her specialized training includes restorative practices in instruction and discipline, and creating inclusive schools and trauma-informed teaching.

Rosales has many honors and awards including as the two-time recipient of the Kendall Junior/Senior High School Teacher of the Year Award. She earned the HEB Excellence in Education Award while teaching in Texas. 

Rosales earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, as well as, a Master of Science in Spanish and Secondary Education from SUNY Geneseo. She holds two Master of Science degrees from SUNY Stony Brook, one in Higher Education Administration and another in Educational Leadership and Administration. She holds New York State Certifications in Spanish 7-12 and as a School District Administrator. Rosales also earned her teaching certifications in Texas in Spanish 6-12 and English as a Second Language K-12. 

Kevin MacDonald, District superintendent of Genesee Valley BOCES, acted as the search consultant and noted that the search process was a true collaboration between the Board of Education, district staff and community.

Photo: Four dads from the Class of 1991 in Elba and four daughters from the Class of 2021

By Howard B. Owens

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Among the highlights of Elba's graduation, this past weekend were four fathers from the Class of 1991 (that's 30 years ago for those of you counting) who shared in watching their daughters graduate with the rest of the Class of 2021.

Michael Augello, school board president, handed a diploma to his daughter Taylor.

Pictured from left: Madison Harrington and her father Aaron. Miah Werth and her father Steve. Leah Bezon and her dad Steven, and Taylor Augello and her dad Michael.

Photo by Laura Luft.

Four students named 2021 recipients of Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarships

By Press Release

Submitted photos and press release:

Four top 10 seniors from Alexander, Elba, Pembroke and Notre Dame high schools are the recipients of the 2021 Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarships administered by the Arc of Genesee Orleans.

The $1,000 scholarship award winners, Annie Kochmanski, Taylor Augello, Lauren Filter and Isabelle Cooper are planning to pursue careers related to healthcare or working with those with a disability.  

Annie Kochmanski (top inset photo right) -- Alexander Central, will begin her studies in the teacher education transfer program at Genesee Community College, transferring to Keuka College to study Special Education and American Sign Language.

The Darien resident plans to become a teacher for individuals who are deaf/hearing impaired. In 2020, before school closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Annie was involved in Alexander’s Big Buddy program, paired with a student in the elementary school, and was also an intern/teacher assistant for the second and third grades.

This experience solidified Annie’s decision to become and educator.

“I know that helping special needs students is where my heart lies,” Annie said in her scholarship application.

Taylor Augello (inset photo at left) -- Elba Central, will attend Genesee Community College for nursing and plans to one day become a Nurse Practitioner.

A scholar/athlete at Elba, Taylor said she has chosen nursing as her career path, because she has seen how individuals, especially those with disabilities can struggle.

“Knowing that I can help people with disabilities will fulfill my childhood dreams of helping others,” Taylor said.  

Lauren Filter (inset photo below right)-- Pembroke Central, has been accepted to Daemen College and plans to study Nursing, setting her sights on one day becoming a Certified Registered Nurse anesthetist (CRNA). “In a hospital, I will be working with people of all abilities,” Lauren said, adding, “There needs to be compassion, empathy and understanding that individuals (with disabilities) have complex communication needs.” As a certified lifeguard, Lauren has taught swimming lessons to children with a variety of swimming skills, special needs and learning disorders.  

Isabelle Cooper (below left inset photo) -- Notre Dame High School, is from the Town of Pavilion.

In the fall, she will be attending Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pa., in the Physician Assistant program.

In her scholarship application, Isabelle said, “I hope to one day work in a neurology practice with children with developmental delays.”

Isabelle has more than five years’ experience in the YMCA’s Challenger Sports program, volunteering with children with special needs.

In 2019, she took on the leadership role of running the Challenger Tennis program.

About the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship

Now in its 16th year, the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship is presented to area high school seniors planning to further their studies in human services, special education or related fields.

It is in honor of Mary Anne Graney, a special education teacher, who died in 2004.

The scholarship is funded by the Friends & Family 5K, scheduled this year for Sept. 18 in Elba.

Elba crowns 2020 Onion Queen, 2021 Queen to be crowned in September

By Howard B. Owens

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Taylor Augello was crowned the 2020 Onion Queen in a ceremony in the Elba Village Park on Friday evening.

The 2021 Onion Queen will be crowned in September.

  • Madison Harrington was first runner-up.
  • Lily Thompson was second runner-up.
  • Fanny Venegas was third runner-up.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

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Elba takes run at softball title, falls to Friendship 10-0

By Howard B. Owens

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The Elba Lancers softball team came into the post-season as the #6 seed in the Class D2 Section V tournament and put together a string of wins carrying them to the championship game yesterday against Friendship.

Nice run but it came to an end with a 10-0 loss.

The Lancers finish the season with a record of 7-11.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

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