Skip to main content

Jacobs introduces bill, Federal Assault Weapons Licensing Act

By Press Release

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) introduced the Federal Assault Weapons Licensing Act, legislation designed to put in place additional protections on accessing high-powered weapons.

“We saw firsthand in Buffalo, Uvalde, and countless other communities around our nation that high-powered semi-automatic weapons have the capacity to cause an extreme amount of destruction in a very short amount of time. While the overwhelming majority of Americans who own these weapons are law-abiding, responsible gun owners - the increasing trend of mass shootings with these weapons shows additional safeguards must be placed upon obtaining them. My bill will better ensure these guns do not fall into the wrong hands, while still protecting Americans’ ability to exercise their Second Amendment rights,” Jacobs said.

The Federal Assault Weapons Licensing Act would create a new licensing system for any American seeking to purchase a new assault weapon – anyone who already owns an assault weapon at the time of enactment would be grandfathered in. The licensing process would require an individual to take a mandatory safety course, pass an FBI background check, submit fingerprints, and provide proof of identity. This license would need to be renewed every five years if an individual wants to purchase or obtain additional assault weapons.

If an individual fails to pass a background check at the time of purchase, disqualifying information becomes available, or DOJ finds an individual poses a threat to themselves or others, their license can be withdrawn. Importantly, this bill will also increase the availability of information on criminals that the FBI draws from when conducting a background check. The bill also contains protections for the privacy and constitutional rights of license holders.
The bill also incorporates reasonable exemptions. Like individuals who already own an assault weapon, active-duty military and law enforcement officers would not need a license. Additionally, the legislation allows an individual without a license to use an assault weapon at a shooting range, or for the purposes of hunting, if a license holder supervises. It also allows non-license holders to assume a weapon if it is necessary to prevent imminent death or serious harm to another person.

“My legislation is common sense and provides a straightforward licensing process to ensure those who are purchasing and taking ownership of assault weapons are responsible law-abiding Americans,” Jacobs said. “We can honor and protect our Second Amendment, while also ensuring that dangerous weapons do not fall into the wrong hands. We must do more to ensure the safety of our schools and communities, and I urge my colleagues to join me in sponsoring this legislation."
 

Citizen alerts police to suspicious activity, two men accused of trying to steal heavy equipment

By Howard B. Owens
hardy_mugsep2022.jpg
Raymond Hardy Chris Monfort

A citizen alerted law enforcement early Friday morning to suspicious activity on a property on Oak Orchard Road, Elba, leading to the arrest of a pair of Rochester-area men on suspicion of attempted grand larceny in the second degree.

Raymond M. Hardy, 41, of Alpine Road, Rochester, and Chris H. Monfort, 50, of Cave Hollow, Henrietta, are accused of trying to steal heavy equipment from the location.

Dispatchers took the call at 7:11 a.m.  The caller stated he didn't believe the people nor their vehicle should have been on the property they were on.

Deputies responded and investigated.

Besides the grand larceny charges, Hardy is also charged with criminal mischief 4th, and criminal possession of stolen property 5th. 

Monfort was ordered held because of two prior felony convictions. Hardy was released on his own recognizance.

The Road Patrol Division and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Sheriff's Office conducted the investigation.

CCE board meeting set for Sept. 27

By Press Release

Press Release

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County Board of Directors meeting will be held
at 5:30 p.m. on September 27, 2022. The meeting will be held at the Association at 420 E. Main St. in
Batavia and is open to the public.

Any questions should be directed to Yvonne Peck at 585-343-3040, ext. 123.

Blue Devils Hall of Fame dinner Oct. 1, deadline for tickets is Friday

By Press Release

bcsd_blue_devil.jpeg

Press Release

Any community members who would like to attend the 2022 Batavia Blue Devil Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner can purchase tickets in the Athletic Office at Batavia High School or send a check payable to The Batavia Coaches Association (260 State St. Batavia, NY 14020) by Friday, September 23.

Tickets are $40 per adult and $20 for children under 10. 

The 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees will be introduced at halftime of the Batavia vs Pal-Mac homecoming football game on Friday, September 30th. Game time is 7:00 pm.

On Saturday, October 1, 2022, the committee will host the Hall of Fame Dinner at the Batavia Downs Banquet Facility. A social hour will begin at 5:00 pm with dinner served at 6:00 pm and the ceremony immediately following dinner.

The 2022 Inductees are:

  • Benjamin Martino (1959): Football, Wrestling
  • Paul Blossom (1968): Football, Swimming, Track & Field
  • Richard Saunders (1971):Athlete: Swimming, Football, Baseball, Bowling; Coach: Swimming, Wrestling, Baseball
  • Sandy (Samiec) Reeg (1979): Tennis
  • Kristie (DuRei) DeFreze (2005): Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Track & Field
  • Michael Chmielowiec (2005): Basketball
  • Boys Basketball Team (2005): State Semi-Finalist
  • Jermaine Henderson (2006): Football, Track & Field

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Athletic Director’s Office (585) 343-2480 ext. 2003.

 

From rivalry to success story, GC Chamber of Commerce celebrates merger of Batavia and Le Roy 50 years ago

By Joanne Beck

chamber50thredosier.jpg

Monroe Davidson, manufacturer of woolen shirts and jackets under the label of Melton Shirts, began on Liberty Street, Genesee Community College moved to a brand new campus on College Road northeast of the city, and the P. W. Minor Company moved its shoe-making business from Jefferson Avenue to the Industrial Park off Pearl Street.

All of those events happened in 1972, also the year that the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce was established. Chamber folks have been celebrating all year long, culminating with a 50th anniversary gala Saturday evening at The Red Osier Landmark Restaurant in Stafford.

Hosted by Chamber staff Tom Turnbull, interim president, and Kelly Bermingham, director of Member Relations and Events, the gala drew 100 local business, municipal, and community members for a year-end celebration.

John Dwyer was the first Chamber president, and he shared a story of how the rivalry between Batavia and Le Roy began in 1947. Dwyer was playing with the Blue Devils, and one particular game pitted the two foes, ending in a questionable touchdown called by the referee. The crowd had veiled the quarterback's catch as people encroached the endzone with wild enthusiasm. Fights broke out, and it was the epitome of mayhem amongst both teams -- and municipalities -- he said.

As a leader of the Batavia Area Chamber two dozen years later, Dwyer recalled having driven past that game location on the way to a meeting at Le Roy Country Club. Despite the odds of merging, Dwyer was charged with making it happen, though he hadn't forgotten his memories of that game and ensuing discord.

Many others before him had failed already, but apparently, enough people felt that it was the right thing to do. 

"And some people understood that we had to make some changes here ... the county level is the one place where you have political input, you can be listened to.  But we needed a plan because we were in desperate need of something, some representation," he said, noting what the sentiment was at the time. "We have to speak with one voice. We have a need for professional help. And the first step, of course, would have been a County Chamber of Commerce, where the businesses had a voice, and tourism, and a political voice and input as the voice of business." 

A historic vote was taken that changed the course of each smaller entity, he said. The rivalry would soon give way to cooperation.

"So anyway, it all finally came together and the night was a snowy night ... I had no idea how this was going to work out. But the editor of the Le Roy paper, he already said he had written an editorial suggesting that this was the right path to take. And he was affirmative about my actions and my intentions," Dwyer said. "And so, as it worked out, on a snowy night at the Le Roy Country Club, the vote was yea. And we ended up at that point with the County Chamber of Commerce." 

chamber50thredosier-6.jpg

Le Roy and Batavia merged, also folding in the remaining towns and villages for a countywide Chamber of Commerce.

The 70s also signaled another path for the city, as it was swept up in urban renewal funding that tore down the heart and soul of downtown. Genesee Country Mall was built, many businesses have come and gone, visions for the city have adjusted to current times, and the Chamber’s role has not only adapted, but expanded, to meet those needs over the years, Bermingham said.

chamber50thredosier-2.jpg

“When I started I was 29 years old, I was young and naive in everything back in 1995. That's when I started. As everyone knows, there was no social media, there was no internet, there was nothing like that. So everything was face-to-face, we had a lot of committee meetings, and we did things … it was more face-to-face, snail mail, things like that. So going from 1995 to 2022, as I look back and I'm like, wow, you know, everything now is social media and Internet. So that's been a huge, huge change,” she said to The Batavian. “I’ve been through … six bosses, so to speak, you know, that I've gone through and right now, waiting to get another one. Right. So let it change. And I will admit, I'm not good at it. But I've learned that usually, on the other side, it's a good thing.”

She admitted to being a little more old-fashioned in the face of texts flying back and forth to communicate. Bermingham would rather pick up the phone and talk to someone, she said. But those are mere details compared to the services offered by the agency, she said, beginning with health insurance and cell phone plans 30 years ago.

As those offerings eroded due to higher technology and other providers, the Chamber took on a higher level of service: providing whatever was needed. Whether that was to get up to speed with a business website, connect to others in the area, or better promote a merchant, the Chamber rises to the challenge, she said.

chamber50thredosier-4.jpg

“I think we really have expanded, I think that we have become the place to go for businesses. We're not your grandfather's chamber, and we're there to do whatever you need. If you have an HR issue, boom. You don't know people, we'll connect you. That's why our promote, support and connect tagline has done so well, because you join, and remember, then we can get you with other team members to support you in any way we possibly can. One of my past co-workers would always say we bend over backward, and we really do. We'll do anything. We'll try to find the answer and we'll try to connect you any way we can.”

Former and now Interim President Tom Turnbull began in 2013, left in March 2021, and returned temporarily as another candidate is chosen. No matter whether the Chamber deals with big or small businesses, he recognizes the biggest one in Genesee County is agriculture. Those farms that people drive by every day are sources for not only ag products, but also for various administrative and food chain jobs besides the obvious ones of tending to the land and livestock, he said.

“Our whole mission is to promote and support business,” he said. “We take a stance on local business; there’s strength in numbers. You can see it happening, it’s on an upswing. Things are happening; it’s headed in the right direction.”

While the national retail market has changed with the prevalence of websites and social media, Turnbull sees success locally of niche retailers, those merchants that are selling products and services that don’t exist quite the same elsewhere. And the more people around, the more they are apt to shop locally, he said.

“Getting those apartments downtown is a good thing,” he said. “When you have more people, you have a need for more services.”

chamber50thredosier-3.jpg

Connecting the dots is important when assessing the business scene, he said. For example, building a Main Street theater means more than just providing entertainment. During rehearsals, actors are downtown, parents are downtown waiting to pick up their children, and all of them create a more dynamic scene, and one in need of places to eat, drink and shop, he said.

The presence of online sites prompted the addition of a related position to take care of e-newsletters, social media posts and related efforts to promote businesses. That job was “a great addition,” Turnbull said. He credits Dwyer — former owner of the famed Thomas & Dwyer shoe store downtown — for being “very visionary” to see the need of a cohesive Chamber that embraced both the Batavia and Le Roy branches.

chamber50thredosier-5.jpg

As for Turnbull’s own record, he is especially proud of three accomplishments during his time: reviving the home show (a good, old-fashioned dose of putting people right in front of businesses); moving to Park Road with offices and space for tourism and a Visitors Center; and working hard during the pandemic to shore up losses felt by merchants, so that they could shift to sell more take-out meals, and understand and navigate pandemic protocols to keep making revenue.

He doesn’t see the Chamber’s role changing much; just the way in which staff does it.

“Our role is to support and promote local business in any way we can,” he said. “As long as we continue to support business, it won’t matter the way we do it.”

chamber50thredosier-7.jpg

Top Photo: Chamber Committee President Mickey Hyde, left, with Chamber Interim President Tom Turnbull, raise a glass and toast 50 years of the agency's existence Saturday evening during the Chamber's gala at Red Osier in Stafford; Founding member John Dwyer shares some thoughts and memories about when the Chamber of Commerce was established countywide; Chamber member and supporter Craig Yunker, left, Director of Member Relations and Events Kelly Bermingham, and John Dwyer enjoy some time on the patio of Red Osier during the Chamber's 50th gala; former Chamber webmaster and online manager Steven Falitico -- who Interim President Tom Turnbull credits for having taken the position to "another level,"  joins other guests at the buffet during the gala Saturday; a book for guests to leave comments for the occasion includes all sorts of praise for the Chamber's success; Tom Turnbull shows off the fancy cake created by Buttercrumbs Bakery in Corfu; and live music entertained attendees during the evening. Photos by Howard Owens.

Five-car accident reported on Thruway in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

A five-car accident with injuries is reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 404.7, Pembroke in the westbound lane.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments along with Mercy EMS dispatched.

There is a second call, a medical call, in the district at the same time and Le Roy Ambulance is requested to respond.

UPDATE 2:05 p.m.: One caller reports a person is trapped.  Mercy Flight out of Olean is on ground standby.

UPDATE 2:07 p.m.: Alabama requested to respond to the high school.

UPDATE 2:08 p.m.: Thruway westbound is totally stopped, according to a first responder.

UPDATE 2:09 p.m.: Alabama is setting up a landing zone.  A chief on scene now reports, however, that it's only a two-vehicle accident, three injuries, no entrapment.

UPDATE 2:14 p.m.: Mercy Flight was en route but is canceled.

Batavia Downs hosts fundraiser for Breast Cancer Coalition

By Howard B. Owens

bdownsbreastcancer2021.jpg

The Grandstands at Batavia Downs was a sellout Friday night in support of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester with officials expecting the event to raise a record $20,000.

Melisande Bianchi, a board member with the coalition, said the coalition funds research, offers seminars, and offers services to breast cancer patients such as book clubs, yoga, and meditation.

"We just serve our community," Bianchi said.

Photos by Howard Owens.

bdownsbreastcancer2021-2.jpg

bdownsbreastcancer2021-3.jpg

bdownsbreastcancer2021-4.jpg

bdownsbreastcancer2021-5.jpg

bdownsbreastcancer2021-6.jpg

Le Roy comes back in fourth quarter, forces three OTs, wins 27-20

By Howard B. Owens

7727_24_-_calkoukides.jpg

On a night when a local football legend was honored, the Le Roy Oatkan Knights opened their home schedule for the 2022 season with a 27-20 in triple overtime.

Le Roy scored all of their points in the final seven minutes of regulation time and in overtime.

Down 14-0 entering the fourth quarter, Drew Strollo scored in a nine-yard run and then Adrian Stephens scored on an 11-yard run.

Attica struck first in OT, scoring on a Samuel Strezelec 10-yard run.  

The Knights tied the score on a Drew Strollo one-yard dive into the endzone and capped the scoring in the third overtime with Adrian Stephens scored from two yards out.

The game was dedicated to Robert F. 'Sully' Sullivan.

Offense:

  • Rushing: Drew Strollo 10 carries for 71 yards and two TDs, Adrian Stephens 17 carries for 71 yards and two TDs
  • Passing: Tommy Condidorio 4-5 for 63 yards, Adrian Stephens 3-11 for 78 yards
  • Receiving: Cal Koukides two receptions for 61 yards, Tony Piazza two receptions for 46 yards
Defense:
  • Jack Tonzi, nine tackles and two fumble recoveries
  • Tony Piazza, seven tackles
  • Jackson Fix, five tackles, a fumble recovery
  • Ryan Murphy, four tackles
  • Ryan Higgins, four tackles

Photos by Ed Henry.  Top photo: LeRoy WR Cal Koukides hauls in a long pass to spark the Knights early in the 4th quarter.

7817_3_-_adrianstephens.jpg

 LeRoy QB Adrian Stephens cuts toward the end zone to score a TD to get the Knights within one.

7840_40_-_andrewpocock.jpg

Le Roy's placekicker connects on the game-tying PAT kick to tie the contest at 14.

7955_58_-_higgins.jpg

Le Roy lineman Ryan Higgins (58) and teammates rejoice a turnover fumble by the Blue Devils in OT play. 

8015_33_-_jacktonzi.jpg

Le Roy TE Jack Tonzi extends for a near completion.

8029_24_-_calkoukides.jpg

Le Roy WR Cal Koukides collides with the Attica defensive player.

8235_x-man_jacksonfix.jpg

Xavien Waker (left arrow) and Jackson Fix (right arrow) knock away the last Attica pass attempt on 4th down to secure the win for the Knights.

8251_tonzi_brycelathan.jpg

Jack Tonzi, left, and Bryce Lathan bump up high to celebrate the Knights’ comeback win.

Head-on collision reported in Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

A head-on, two-vehicle collision, believed to be with injuries, is reported at Bloomingdale Road and Purdy Road, Alabama.

Alabama Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Notre Dame beats Cuba-Rushford 26-7

By Howard B. Owens

Notre Dame's offense more than doubled the total offensive yards of Cuba-Rushford for a Friday-night road win, 26-7.

James Fanara scored on runs of 10 yards and 9 yards in first half and closed out the scoring in the fourth quarter with a two-yard touchdown.  He carried the ball 13 times for 98 yards.

Fanara was 6-12 passing for 102 yards.

Hayden Groff rushed for 82 yards on 18 carries and scored a touchdown.

Jay Antinore and Ryan Fitzpatrick each had two receptions for 37 and 32 yards respectively.  Jaden Sherwood had a 30-yard reception.

On defense, Hayden Groff had four tackles.  Bryceton Berry had 3.5 tackles and a sack. 

Pembroke beats Myderse 60-0

By Howard B. Owens

img-8486pembrokegamesept19.jpg

The Pembroke Dragons beat Mynderse Academy 60-0 in eight-man football.

Pembroke amassed more than 500 yards total offense behind the blocking of Chase Guzdek, Nate Duttweiler, Jayden Mast, Ben Steinberg and Jayden Bridge. 

Tyson Totten rushed 14 times for 186 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also had two receptions for 50 yards and another TD. He has 463 yards in total offense on the season after 3 games.

Cayden Pfalzer added 75 yards rushing on six carries with 81 yards and two touchdowns through the air, one to Totten and one to tight end Chase Guzdek.

Sean Pustkulla was 4-4 on extra point attempts while freshman Madden Perry added the last score.

Defensively, Jacob Dulski had two fumble recoveries and one interception with Jayden Bridge blocking a punt.  Nate Duttweiler, Octavius Martin, Vijay Dhanda and Tyson Totten each had five or more tackles. 

The Dragons play next Friday at 7 p.m. home vs two-time defending Section V champions Red Jacket.

Submitted photos.

CORRECTION: The photos that were originally posted with this story were from a previous game.

img-8492pembrokegamesept19.jpg

img-8485pembrokegamesept19.jpg

pembrokegamesept19.png

 

 

 

 

 

Allis, Jarkiewicz open with 300 games; Gray Jr. 299

By Mike Pettinella

Genesee Region USBC bowlers wasted no time putting up honor scores this season -- rolling a pair of perfect games and a 299 over the past week and a half.

Alex Allis of Medina opened the Thursday Firefighters League at Medina Lanes with a bang on Sept. 8 by posting 300 in the first game. He added 262 and 198 for a 758 series.

Ironically, his father, Mike, did the same thing -- roll a 300 game in the first game -- of the same league about 20 years ago.

At Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, Frank Jarkiewicz of Byron and Kevin Gray Jr. of Warsaw rolled 300 and 299, respectively, with bowling coming within a few pins of hitting the 800 mark.

Jarkiewicz, on lanes 5-6, recorded 247-244-300--791 and Gray, on lanes 7-8, spun 299-239-259--796.

William Yates wasn't far behind with a 289 game and 764 series.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Loss of Nancy Nickerson means losing a little 'je ne sais quoi' at D&R Depot

By Joanne Beck

nancy_restaurant.jpeg

Throughout her 90 years, Nancy Nickerson built a network of friends, appreciative customers and loyal staff at the place where she could always be found since owning D&R Depot in Le Roy.

Words such as sweet, welcoming, intelligent, and inspirational seem to flow easily from those who describe her. However, her steadfast spirit may best be defined by how she reacted after a minor stroke in February. Not only did the nonagenarian come back from that, but she actually rebounded mightily, son Jay says.

“She took exercise class and she would do extra reps of the exercise. She kept getting stronger,” he said during an interview Friday. “I’m still working on wrapping my head around … she began to work in that restaurant two years older than I am. I’m taking that as I can still figure out what I want to be when I grow up, I can start a whole new career.”

He and others marvel at the tenacity of Nancy Nickerson, who died Aug. 16, five days after having a massive stroke. Jay tends to believe that she died “getting ready to go to work,” and her body, strengthened from that exercise, kept going awhile longer. Long enough, in fact, to give family and friends time to see her and gain some closure, he said.

It wasn’t easy to talk about his mom without tears, another testament to the impact she made on people. Her countless customers and partners, Sean Valdes and his wife and head chef Jennifer, and restaurant staff will carry on at the restaurant, he said. But there will be a palpable shift.

“I think it’s just going to lose a little,” he said, pausing to find the right word. “Je ne sais quoi.”

nancy_w_wine.jpeg

A quality that cannot be described or named easily seems to fit Nancy well, as those who tried to describe her captured her essence more than nailing down adjectives. For example, her greatest skill, Jay said, was in finding the right people for the job. He named Sean Valdes as one of them; someone who began as a dishwasher at the restaurant and worked his way up.

Sean was just 14, and has worked with Nancy for 30 years, becoming a part owner for the last 20. As time marched on, he grew to admire this woman who — at 60 years old — decided to go into the restaurant business with husband Don. They revamped the entire place, installed a commercial kitchen, and “she was here literally every day,” Valdes said.

“Seven days a week she was here to greet you and visit each table, and chit-chat,” he said. “She loved her customers, she loved the industry. It wasn’t a job, it was her calling.”

Nancy had prior experience, having worked at Red Osier for 24 years. Don died in 2000, and she kept forging ahead, and “genuinely loved everyone who walked through the front door,” Valdes said. Not that they were always agreeable about every facet of the business,  he said — Valdes was about profit margins and Nancy was about pleasing customers. Her focus on patrons as the bottom line served Nancy well, as did her concern for the community and charity. She began a Community Mondays program that donated a portion of one’s bill to a favorite charity each Monday during a three-month period, and that's just one of her many efforts.

If she was at the end of a 16-hour shift and someone needed ketchup, Nancy would be the one to go and get some from the kitchen, Valdes said. She was a believer in the saying “a rising tide lifts all boats,” versus each man for himself.

“There’s something about Nancy’s drive, intelligence and commitment to customers,” Valdes said. “It will not be the same.”

In the vein of, "if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it," the restaurant itself will continue on status quo, he said. There will be no changes to the menu, hours or staff, as all of those things have worked well, he said. Patti Rubino is part of the serving staff, and she has been there for 21 years. Though strict at first and wanting things to run a certain way, Nancy was “a very good boss,” Rubino said. And she will be missed.

“She loved everybody, and she will be remembered,” Rubino said, listing some of the things that her beloved boss would do: handing out wooden nickels when the train came by for a free dessert at the next visit; creating potpies that were personally served tableside and initiating the onion soup with scissors. (The scissors were to cut through the thick melted layer of cheese.)

nancy_n.jpg

Nancy was also known as an avid gardener, often out in the restaurant yard deadheading her prized roses. She was actually more than a boss to Rubino, and a pretty special restaurateur as well, given the response when she died. More than 3,000 people posted comments online and sent flowers and sympathy cards and made donations in her name. Some online comments included “I am so sorry for everyone’s loss. She was a wonderful person who always made you feel welcome,” “Sweetheart of a woman and she will be greatly missed,” and “Such a nice lady with a beautiful personality and smile. May she RIP.”

“She was family,” Rubino said. “She was always there to help somebody out.”

Keeping busy at her livelihood, plus immersing herself in books may have been why Nancy retained a great memory for most of her life. She and her husband would take their kids on excursions that surpassed the typical, such as going to Florida and including museums, botanical gardens and other sites with a trip to Disney World. There were always a lot of experiences like that, Jay said. He credits the restaurant for keeping her sharp and her independent nature for helping to define his own character.

Jay, whose siblings include Judy, Jon, Jeff, Jim and David, was proud to note that out of that entire two dozen years at Red Osier — going from waitress to office manager — his mom only took one sick day, and earned a reputation for a terrific work ethic. Whether or not she had aches or pains, you never heard her complain about anything, he said. She was a true optimist and someone with intrinsic gifts who ended up knowing a lot of people. He would often say to strangers he’d just met, I bet there’s a 50 percent chance that you know my mother. And they usually would.

“Nancy had a way of making you feel welcome. I don’t know how she did that,” he said. “I was always impressed with how she could talk with anybody.”

A Celebration of Life will be held at the D & R Depot from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday.  All who knew her are invited. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make memorials to the Jell-O Museum, 23 East Main St., LeRoy, NY, 14482, or the Woodward Memorial Library at 7 Wolcott St., LeRoy, NY, 14482.

Top File Photo of Nancy Nickerson, right, with Sean and Jennifer Valdes at the D&R Depot restaurant; Nancy and Sean promoting their New York-only wine offerings, both photos by Howard Owens. Photo of a birthday celebration for Nancy, submitted by Sean Valdes.

Sponsored Post: Affordable options from Reliant Real Estate. Call us today

By Lisa Ace


4 East Avenue, Batavia. Nice city starter or down-sizer right in the heart of town, close to schools, library, hospital and shopping! There's a lot to appreciate here for someone on a budget-the furnace hot water tank and ductwork new in 2015 and central air new in 2020! Utilities are inexpensive and owner to leave appliances! Downstairs is open and spacious and has nice parquet floors. There is a great back entranceway mud room and 1/2 bath. Upstairs has 2 very large bedrooms and full bath. This one is affordably priced clean freshly painted and ready to move in! Click here for more information on this listing!

Town of Alabama seeking applicants for Town Justice position

By Press Release

Press release:

At their Sept. 12 regular meeting, the Alabama Town Board accepted the resignation of Town Justice Pamela Thurber.

Ms. Thurber served as Court Clerk and subsequently Town Justice for a total of nearly thirteen years.  Ms. Thurber was required to resign due to a change in residence outside of the town.

The Town Board anticipates appointing a qualified resident to the position of Town Justice and is accepting applications.  Interested residents are encouraged to submit a letter of interest and current resume to Alabama Town Clerk, 2218 Judge Road, Oakfield, NY 14125 or alabamaclerk@rochester.rr.com by Sept. 29, 2022.

The Town Board anticipates making an appointment at their Nov. 14 meeting.

Visit our website at alabamany.com for more information.

Youth volunteers needed to help decorate trick-or-treat bags

By Press Release

Press release:

The Genesee County Youth Bureau and the Office for the Aging are coming together to help complete our Halloween Costume Kit project.

The Youth Bureau creates costume kits for youth in the community who may otherwise not be able to afford a Halloween Costume. These kits include two or three pieces that make up various popular Halloween Costumes such as a “princess” and a “fireman.” Along with the costume kit, there will be a trick-or-treat bag for each child.

This is where we need your help!

On Monday, Oct. 3 we are looking for youth volunteers from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at 2 Bank St., Batavia. During this time we want you to bring out your creative side to decorate these bags. A light dinner will be provided.

If you are interested in volunteering please contact the Youth Bureau at 585-344-3960 by Sept. 26.

Batavia defeats Monroe 28-6 with team effort

By Howard Owens

a76y8174.jpg

The Batavia Blue Devils improved to 3-0 on the 2022 season with a 28-6 win at home on Thursday night against Monroe.

Javin McFollins was 7-10 behind center for 88 yards and a TD.

Cole Grazioplane made that 27-yard TD reception.

Cam McClinic scored once on 10 carries for 73 yards.

Garret Schmidt had 10 tackles.

To view or purchase prints, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

a76y8062.jpg

a76y8068.jpg

a76y8085.jpg

a76y8103.jpg

a76y8177.jpg

a76y8130.jpg

a76y8163.jpg

a76y8164.jpg

a76y8194.jpg

a76y8202.jpg

Former Le Roy resident pleads guilty in welfare fraud case

By Press Release

Press release from Department of Social Services:

Kristin Forte, 34, formerly of Le Roy, was sentenced to a 1-year conditional discharge after pleading guilty to one count of Disorderly Conduct in Batavia Town Court on July 26, 2022.

Forte was originally charged with eight counts of  1st degree offering a false instrument for filing, five counts of 2nd-degree forgery and one count of 3rd degree grand larceny after an investigation by the Genesee County Department of Social Services Investigations Unit revealed that she failed to correctly report her income and forged signatures of her employers.  She subsequently received $3,767 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to.

Forte has made full restitution of $3,767 to the Department of Social Services.  She will also be disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for one year.

Anyone wishing to report suspected cases of Welfare Fraud in Genesee County can contact the Genesee County Department of Social Services Investigations Unit at (585) 344-2580, ext 6417 or 6541

Top Items on Batavia's List

Tourism Marketing Assistant Position The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, serving as the official tourism promotion agency for Genesee County, NY is seeking an experienced marketing professional to assist in the overall Chamber tourism and marketing initiatives for Genesee County. https://visitgeneseeny.com/about/join-our-team
Tags: Jobs offered
Town of Batavia Court Department is seeking a part time as needed Court Officer. Court Officers are responsible for maintaining order in the court room and court facility during proceedings. Please send resume to Town of Batavia, Attention Hiedi Librock, 3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. Complete job description is available on the Town web site or at the Town Hall Application deadline is April 15, 2024.
Tags: Jobs offered

Authentically Local