Skip to main content

American Legion Botts-Fiorito Post #576

John E. Johnson II named 2024 'Le Royan of the Year' by Botts-Fiorito Post #576

By Press Release

Press Release:

john-johnson.jpg

Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion, Le Roy, would like to announce with great pride and pleasure John E Johnson II as its selection for the 2024 “Le Royan of the Year Award”.

The “Le Royan of the Year” is to recognize people who demonstrate the following qualifications and attributes:

  • The man, woman, or child who exemplifies the true spirit of Americanism, its ideals, and love of the flag and country, regardless of race, creed, or color. 
  • Good citizenship – by carrying out these principles, often beyond that expected of him or her.
  • Service to community – signified by excellence in life of purpose and accomplishment.

John, a dedicated lifelong resident of Le Roy, has shared 39 years of marriage with Wendy and raised two children, Jennifer (Scott) Pellett and Craig (Lindsey) Johnson, and is proud grandfather to Ellison and Josie Pellett. 

As a Le Roy Jr. Sr High School alumnus, John has demonstrated unwavering commitment to LeRoy United Methodist Church, serving as Church Council President and past Trustee, and currently assisting in the church's pursuit of National Registry Status. 

He is currently in his second term on the Le Roy Town Board and has assumed leadership roles in numerous community organizations, includes acting as Commissioner Le Roy Fire District, Le Roy Fire Police, Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company, Le Roy Volunteer Ambulance, Le Roy Moose Family Center, Oatka Fish and Game, Son of the American Legion, and Northwoods Sportsmans Club.

To honor John, the 55th annual Le Royan of the Year Award Dinner will be held on October 19. Social hour is at 6 p.m. with dinner served at 6:45 p.m., at the American Legion at 53 West Main St Le Roy. A limited number of tickets will be available starting on September 20 at the American Legion Tuesday - Saturday from 5 p.m. - 11 p.m., or by calling Joan Fernaays 585-721-7801. Cost is $35 per ticket (check or cash).

For area veterans, when Old Glory loses its glory, a proper retirement is a ceremonial burning

By Howard B. Owens
le-roy-flag-burning

When flags start to fade in color or, especially, when they become torn and tattered, they are no longer serviceable and should be replaced, said Jerry Diskin, post adjutant for the American Legion Botts-Fiorito Post #576 in Le Roy.

The proper way to retire a flag that is no longer serviceable, he said, is to burn it.

"Some people have a little concern about, 'why are you burning a flag? That's sacrilegious.' But it's the only proper way to dispose of an American flag, in a ceremonial burn.

The Legion, along with participating veterans organizations, held a ceremonial flag burning on Sunday afternoon at the Northwoods Sportsman's Club on Gulf Road in Le Roy.

Congress approved ceremonial flag burning as the proper way to dispose of old flags in 1949.

"No one wants to see a flag in a landfill or a garbage truck or anything like that," Diskin said. "Unfortunately, you do see that sometimes. We will try to advertise (the flag disposal), and we'll start gathering again right now for next year."

Diskin estimates that more than 3,000 flags, from small cemetery flags to giant flags that flew outside of corporate offices in Le Roy, were piled on the pyre at the sportsman's club.

Diskin encourages businesses and residents to regularly replace flags that have lost their glory.

"Look at the cost of a new flag -- $20, $30 for a three-by-five flag," he said. "It's not a huge investment, and you can get a very decent flag for that price."

Photos by Howard Owens.

le-roy-flag-burning
le-roy-flag-burning
le-roy-flag-burning
le-roy-flag-burning

Le Roy American Legion seeks nominations for 55th annual Le Royan of the Year

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Le Roy American Legion, Botts-Fiorito Post 576 is seeking nominees for selection as the 2024 “LeRoyan of the Year Award”.  This year will mark the 55th year in which the Award has been presented.

The award is sponsored as part of the four pillars of the American Legion ”Americanism” program and recognizes people who demonstrate the following qualities:

  • A man or woman who exemplifies the true spirit of Americanism, its ideals, love of flag and country, regardless of race, color or creed
  • Good citizenship by carrying out these principles, often beyond what is expected
  • Service to the community, signified by excellence in life of purpose and accomplishment

The deadline for submission of nominations is Friday, August 23. Award Banquet will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7:00 p.m.

Submission forms may be picked up at the American Legion 53 West Main Street. You may also submit your own version but must include as a minimum the individual’s service to the community, church, or volunteer organization(s). In addition, service may include volunteer time in schools, hospitals, church; any position the individual may have or held and length of service. 

Mail or drop off sealed submissions to American Legion, Botts-Fiorito Post 576 Attn: Jerry Diskin, LeRoyan of the Year Award Committee 53 West Main Street LeRoy OR e-mail to gdiskin@rochester.rr.com

American Legion's flag disposal ceremony returns to Northwoods Sportsman Club for the 9th annual event

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion announces the 9th Annual “Flag Disposal Ceremony” to be held at Northwoods Sportsman Club.

This years Flag Disposal day is on Sunday, August 11 at the Northwoods Sportsman Club starting at 1 p.m.

Old flags or flags that are torn or damaged beyond service life may be dropped off at the American Legion, 53 West Main Street, Le Roy or at the Northwoods Sportsman Club, 8402 Gulf Rd. Le Roy the day of the Ceremonial burn.

ALL are invited to attend and participate.

Refreshments and light lunch provided courtesy of the Northwoods Sportsman Club. Our thanks to all involved in making this event possible and for hosting this much anticipated program.

Le Roy resident honored by American Legion Auxiliary Botts-Fiorito

By Press Release
sundae.JPG
Submitted photo.

Press Release:

Members of the American Legion Auxiliary Botts-Fiorito Unit 576 proudly presented the American Legion Auxiliary Youth Good Deed Award to Le Roy resident and high school senior Sundae Duyssen.

Duyssen is known locally for her charitable work, including a highly successful toy drive for Golisano Children’s Hospital, along with fundraisers and other support for the Le Roy Village Green, Genesee County Animal Shelter, LeRoy Food Pantry and the Salvation Army.

An advocate for inclusivity, Duyssen recently wrote a children’s book titled, “Willow’s Wheel Life”.

Good Deed Award winners must be nominated by American Legion Auxiliary members and demonstrate a leadership role in community service. The National Committee for Children and Youth of the American Legion Auxiliary reviews nominations and issues a certificate to those who qualify.

Borrello paints stark difference between downstate and upstate elected officials at Le Roy Town Hall meeting

By Howard B. Owens
Sen. George Borrello Le Roy American Legion

In a town hall meeting at the American Legion Botts-Fiorito Post #576 in Le Roy on Thursday, Sen. George Borrello drew a clear distinction between upstate interests, represented chiefly by Republicans, and downstate interests, represented mainly by progressive Democrats.

"These are not the Kennedy Democrats," Borrello said during an opening statement. "These are not like my father and my grandfather, who were Democrats because that was the party of the working class, right? This is no longer the party of the working class. These are folks who truly believe that we should be pushing toward socialism. And that's no joke. We have committed socialists in our New York State Legislature, people who are endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, the DSA. We have people who truly believe that, quite frankly, none of us are smart enough or enlightened enough to understand what's good for the greater good."

He covered a range of topics in the evening, from the push to ban natural gas, crime, the shortage of healthcare workers, Thruway revenue and MTA revenue, the safety of elections, climate change and solar farms.

The first question to Borrello was about assisted suicide for terminally ill patients.  Borrello said he is against it because it represents a slippery slope toward a lack of respect for the sanctity of life.

The natural gas ban and climate change are examples, Borrello said, of radicals pushing an agenda that is unrealistic. He thinks the push for solar panels across the state isn't about climate change but about profits.

"They've become so desperate to try to virtue signal that we're going to cure climate change here in New York State that they've created so many lucrative incentives that have resulted in a glut of projects and an inability for those projects to really be fed into the system," Borrello said. 

The revenue from these projects is the result of public support, he said.

"Unfortunately, the only profit comes from taxpayer subsidies," Borrello said. "If there weren't state and federal taxpayer subsidies of renewable energy, there would never be another industrial wind or solar installation ever built anywhere in the country, period."

While he disagreed with renewable energy subsidies, he expressed support for the Genesee County Economic Development Center.

"I believe those incentives are good when you're doing something like some of the great projects that have come to Genesee County under the great economic development organization you have here," Borrello said. "You want to give incentives to ensure that we get some some great new jobs and economic activity that's great, but not for a solar installation."

Helen Hanes asked about the shortage of healthcare workers, and Borrello tied part of the problem to the $2.5 billion New York is reportedly spending on migrants in New York City (Borrello called them "illegal immigrants" but the migrants in NYC are mostly asylum seekers in the country legally), and Hanes pushed back on that assertion. 

Borrello made two points that he thinks directly tie into fewer healthcare workers -- nurses who lost their jobs because of their refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and the fact they haven't been hired back, and the need for more young people to be encouraged to seek out the medical field as a career option.  He also suggested that poorly regulated Medicaid spending creates greater expense and burden on hospitals.

"One of the biggest challenges that (hospitals) face is that people on Medicaid using the emergency room as if it's the primary care physician for non-emergency situations," Borrello said. "Talk to any health care professional, they will tell you that that's the problem."

In response to a question, he said there is a longstanding problem -- not just with the current administration -- of governors taking money from the profitable Thruway Authority and giving it to the money-losing Transit Authority in NYC.  He said one of the problems with the MTA is the city's unwillingness to deal with toll avoiders.

As for elections, Borrello said voters said citizens should have confidence in New York's elections and that there is very little fraud, certainly not enough to sway a presidential or statewide election, but there are areas of concern, such as "ballot harvesting," which he said allows third parties to pick up completed ballots from residents and deliver them to election commissioners. He's also concerned about a Democratic push to make voter registration automatic when people get a new driver's license, which has no check on citizenship.

On crime, he said progressive reforms are creating more crime, and it's hurting most of the people they say they most want to help -- marginalized populations in urban communities.

"It's unfortunate that the people that they say that they want to help the most, you know, the people that are low income, people that are who are members of minority communities, the people they claim to have in mind whenever they make these ridiculous laws and regulations, they are actually the ones that are probably hurt the most by spiraling crime," Borrello said.

An agenda of smaller government and greater freedom is what most New Yorkers want, Borrello said.

"New York needs to be safer, more affordable, and ultimately a better place to live because we need less government, not more government," Borrello said. "That's the fundamental difference between the way I think, and I think most of you think, and what my colleagues downstate think. They think the government is the answer for everything."

Sen. George Borrello Le Roy American Legion
Sen. George Borrello Le Roy American Legion
Sen. George Borrello Le Roy American Legion

National Vietnam War veterans recognition day ceremony March 29 in Le Roy

By Press Release

Press Release:

Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion will observe the National Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Day Ceremony on Friday, March 29. The ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. at the Post #576 Veteran’s Memorial Park (flagpole), 53 West Main Street, Le Roy.

As part of the ceremony, we will again remember the memory of three area servicemen who gave the ultimate sacrifice:

  • Gary Scott
  • Harry VanAlst
  • George Fry

After a brief program, all are invited to the Post for coffee and refreshments.

About the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Day:

  • On March 29, Americans will come together to commemorate the service and sacrifices made by the nearly 3 million service members who served in Vietnam.
  • In 2012, President Barack Obama signed a presidential proclamation, designating March 29 as the annual observance of Vietnam War Veterans Day The signing of the proclamation marked the 50th anniversary of the departure of the last American troops from Vietnam - March 29, 1973. 
  • Only U.S. embassy personnel and support staff remained in South Vietnam until the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975 More than 58,000 Americans were killed and many thousands more were wounded and injured or determined to be missing.

Le Roy Auxiliary member Klaiber guest speaker at Empire Girls State

By Press Release
girls-state-katy.jpg
Submitted photo of Kathleen McCann Klaiber speaking at opening ceremonies at Empire Girls State.

Press Release:

On July 2 Kathleen McCann Klaiber served as a guest speaker during the opening ceremonies at this year's Empire Girls State hosted at Brockport College. Klaiber also trained staff on the subject of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Approximately 300 people attended the ceremonies.

Klaiber is an American Legion Auxiliary Botts-Fiorito Unit 576 of LeRoy member and a professor at GCC. Klaiber is also an alumna of Girls State along with her daughter Maureen. 

American Legion announces Memorial Day Celebrations in Le Roy

By Press Release

Press Release:

The following is the schedule of events and activities being conducted this Memorial Day, Monday, May 29 by Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion:

7 a.m. -  Placement of flags on Main Street (Commander and small work detail)

7:30 a.m. - Memorial ceremony for deceased veterans at St. Francis Cemetery (Color Guard only participates with the Knights of Columbus at Mass).

8 a.m. - Memorial ceremony for deceased veterans at Machpelah Cemetery (Color Guard and Firing Squad)

8:45 a.m. - Firing Squad join the Color Guard at St. Francis Cemetery for Ceremony at Veteran's Monument in Cemetery.

9:45 a.m. - Form up at the American Legion parking lot for Annual Memorial Parade.

10:30 a.m. - Parade "Steps off"

11 a.m. - Memorial Day program at the Trigon Park Memorial

  • Introduction and Welcome by Commander David A. Rumsey
  • Invocation by Post Chaplain Gary Bassett
  • National Anthem sung by Mrs. Mary Brady
  • Introduction of the 2023 “Poppy Girl”- Ms. Quincey Williams
  • Speaker: Rev. Jim Ruddy, Pastor Living Waters Church
  • Reading of list of deceased veterans who have passed away in the past year with the placement of Memorial flag for each veteran.
  • Playing of "Taps" followed by Firing Squad volley
  • Benediction and closing by Post Chaplain Gary Bassett
  • Singing of “God Bless America” led by Mary Brady and the combined LeRoy High School bands.

11:45 a.m. - DISMISS

Hot dogs (Zweigles) and soft drinks free to all after Parade at the Legion Post Home, 53 West Main St., Le Roy, immediately following the parade.

Quincey Williams is newest Le Roy Botts-Fiorito member, 2023 Poppy Girl

By Press Release

Press Release:

poppy girl
Quincey Williams

The Le Roy Botts-Fiorito American Legion Unit #576 welcomes Quincey Williams as the newest Junior Member and our 2023 Poppy Girl.

Quincey is 8 years old and in 2nd grade at The Wolcott St. School in Le Roy. She is the daughter of David and Mindy Williams and the granddaughter of David and Beverly Hyde and Jim and Peggy Williams.

Quincey plays softball and participates in wrestling, takes piano and violin lessons and loves listening to music. Quincey also enjoys fashion and designing and making clothes. Her favorite time is spent with her family, camping and going on vacation and especially spending time with her brothers and sisters and her dogs.  

Photo: Submitted by Deb Feneran

Byron-Bergen student selected to attend American Legion's Girls State

By Press Release

Press release:

Press Release:

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit #576 of Le Roy has selected a local High School Junior girl to attend this year's Empire Girls State the week of July 3rd at SUNY Brockport.

Victoria Rogoyski of Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School has been selected to attend. As part of the premier ALA program, citizens of the New York Girls State will study local, county, and state government processes during this five-day nonpartisan political learning experience.

Victoria was selected to attend Girls State based on selection criteria through the Auxiliary unit and/or high school, which includes being in the top 1/3 of her class, along with consideration given to scholastic achievements, leadership, character, honesty and physical fitness. Her mother, Brandie Rogoyski, works for Le Roy Central School District. The Botts-Fiorito unit is happy to be sponsoring a girl with a local connection.

ALA Girls State attendees, known as “citizens,” receive special instruction in parliamentary procedure and organize themselves into two mock political parties. The young women then campaign, hold rallies, debate, and ultimately vote to elect city, county, and state officials. Once elected to office, delegates are sworn in and perform their prescribed duties. Attendees not elected to office are given appointments and visit the offices of those elected to share their viewpoints as citizens.

Every spring, approximately 25,000 young women across the country are selected to attend ALA Girls State programs in their respective states. Two outstanding citizens from each of the 50 ALA Girls State programs are then chosen to represent their state as “senators” at ALA Girls Nation held in Washington, D.C. in July.

Student art display included in Botts-Fiorito American Legion open house on Saturday

By Press Release

Press release:

The American Legion Auxiliary will be displaying artwork by Wolcott Street School 4th through 6th graders during the Botts-Fiorito American Legion Post #576 open house.

It will be the kick off to our Poppy Program and the center of the auxiliary's outreach to the public to see what the Legion has to offer.

The posters will be on display at the Legion from March 25 until Memorial Day.

Applications open for 2022 LeRoyan of the Year Award

By Press Release

Press release:

The Le Roy American Legion, Botts-Fiorito Post 576 is seeking nominees for selection as the 2022 “LeRoyan of the Year Award”.  This year will mark the 53rd year in which the Award has been presented.

The award is sponsored as part of the four pillars of the American Legion ”Americanism” program and recognizes people who demonstrate the following qualities:

  • A man or woman who exemplifies the true spirit of Americanism, its ideals, love of flag and country, regardless of race, color or creed;
  • Good citizenship by carrying out these principles, often beyond what is expected;
  • Service to the community, signified by excellence in life of purpose and accomplishments;

The deadline for submission of nominations is Saturday, Sept. 3.

Award Banquet will be held Saturday, Oct. 15 at 7:00 p.m.

Submission forms may be picked up at the American Legion 53 West Main Street.  Or you may submit your own version but must include as a minimum:

Individual’s service to the community, church, or volunteer organization(s). In addition, service may include volunteer time in schools, hospitals, church; any position the individual may have or held and length of service

Mail or drop off sealed submissions to:

American Legion, Botts-Fiorito Post 576
Attn: Jerry Diskin, LeRoyan of the Year Award Committee
53 West Main Street
LeRoy, New York 14482-1426

OR e-mail to gdiskin@rochester.rr.com

American Legion announces Memorial Day parade in Le Roy

By Press Release

Press Release:

The American Legion Post 576 Memorial Day Monday, May 30 Parade forms at 9:45 a.m. in the Legion parking lot. The parade starts at 10:30 a.m. and proceeds to Trigon Park.

Refreshments at the Legion after the ceremony. Hot dogs and soda

Photo: File photo by Rob Radley from 2917

Botts-Fiorito Post to hold Vietnam War memorial ceremony on Tuesday

By Press Release

Press release:

This Tuesday, March 29 is “National Vietnam War Veterans Day”, it recognizes veterans who served in the U.S. Military during the Vietnam War.

Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion will again this year, be recognizing those who served by conducting a brief, but a meaningful ceremony at the Post, 53 West Main St. on Tuesday, March 29 at 5 p.m. sharp.

ALL are encouraged to attend and participate-acknowledging this significant event.

There will be refreshments served at the Post immediately following the ceremony.

Local students selected to attend American Legion's Girls State

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit #576 of Le Roy has selected five local High School Juniors girls to attend this year's New York Girls State the week of July 3rd at SUNY Brockport.

Madison Spink, Maureen Klaiber, and Allie Ingles of Le Roy High School have been selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) New York Girls State. Selected as alternates are Carol Graves and Isabelle Blankenship of Pavilion High School.   As part of the premier ALA program, the girls will study local, county, and state government processes during this five-day nonpartisan political learning experience.

The Girls were selected to attend Girls State based on selection criteria through the Auxiliary unit and/or high school, which includes being in the top 1/3 of her class, along with consideration given to scholastic achievements, leadership, character, honesty and physical fitness. 

Representing Genesee County
Maureen Klaiber, a Junior at Le Roy High School, is the daughter of Kurt and Kate Klaiber.  She is involved in the National Honor Society, school musicals, Marching Band,  DECA, Mock Trial, Math team, and the tennis team. She has also received honors in multiple honor bands for her skills as a vocalist, percussionist, and pianist, along with recognition from the Stars of Tomorrow theater program.

Representing LeRoy Unit #576
Allie Ingles a Junior at Le Roy High School, is the daughter of  Tom and Shannon Ingles.  She participates in National Honor Society, Math team, Secretary of Student Council, Mock Trial, Metagenomics, plays and earned many honors as part of the LeRoy High School Varsity Volleyball Team and plays Varsity Tennis.  Allies is also an active member of the Jr American Legion Auxiliary for Unit #576, as well be active in the community volunteering on several service projects.

Madison Spink a Junior at Le Roy High School is the daughter of Derek and Sarah Spink.  She participates in National Honor Society, Knowledgeable Knights, Emerging Knights, Math team, Mock Trial and plays on the Le Roy High School Varsity Softball team. Outside of school is active with the Batavia Youth Bureau, Rotary Inner Act, and Our Lady of Mercy Church.

ALA Girls State attendees, known as “citizens,” receive special instruction in parliamentary procedure and organize themselves into two mock political parties. The young women then campaign, hold rallies, debate, and ultimately vote to elect city, county, and state officials. Once elected to office, delegates are sworn in and perform their prescribed duties. Attendees not elected to office are given appointments and visit the offices of those elected to share their viewpoints as citizens.

Every spring, approximately 25,000 young women across the country are selected to attend ALA Girls State programs in their respective states. Two outstanding citizens from each of the 50 ALA Girls State programs are then chosen to represent their state as “senators” at ALA Girls Nation held in Washington, D.C. in July.

Congratulations Girls.

Le Roy American Legion hosts Four Chaplains ceremony on Sunday

By Press Release

Press release:

Sunday, February 6th, 2022 the Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion will host the 78th Annual Commemoration Ceremony to be conducted with a brief program at Trigon Park, in Le Roy at 1 p.m.

Four Chaplains Day is celebrated every year in recognition of four military chaplains who acted in the spirit of heroic sacrifice and humanitarianism onboard a sinking ship.

Due to COVID considerations, this years program will consist of an outside remembrance program and placement of the wreath at the Monument of the “Four Chaplains” in Trigon Park

At 1 p.m., the opening ceremony begins

  • Placement of “Colors”
  • Brief history of the event
  • Ceremonial remembrance
  • Closing and retrieval of the “Colors”

All are welcome to a Reception and refreshments immediately following the ceremony at the Botts-Fiorito Post #576, 53 West Main St., Le Roy.

Ed Henry named Le Royan of the Year

By Press Release

Press Release:

Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion, LeRoy, would like to announce with great pride and pleasure, Ed Henry as its selection for the 2021 “LeRoyan of the Year Award.” The award recognizes people who demonstrate the following qualifications and attributes:

  • The man, woman, or child who exemplifies the true spirit of Americanism, its ideals, love of the flag, and country, regardless of race, creed, or color.
  • Good citizenship – by carrying out these principles, often beyond that expected of him or her.
  • Service to the community – signified by excellence in the life of purpose and accomplishment.

Ed, a longtime resident of LeRoy, currently lives in Williamsville, NY with his wife, Karen. He’s a member of the LeRoy High School Class of 1976 and earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education at nearby SUNY Brockport in 1980 and 1983, respectively.  Ed is now retired after 38 years at Eastman Kodak.

Ed started his long list of volunteering for the LeRoy Jr.-Sr. High School by doing Stats for the Varsity Football team, and started the Leroyfootball.com website.  Currently you can often see Ed at many sporting events of LeRoy Jr-Sr. High School photographing, from football, basketball, wrestling, softball, baseball, track, and cheerleading.  You can then find all those pictures on the “Le Roy Oatkan Knights Football” Facebook page (with some 850 members), the “Le Roy Oatkan Knights Basketball” Facebook page, and the “LeRoy N.Y. Then and Now” Facebook page (with some 6000 members), which he started and maintains.  Ed is also active with the LeRoy Sports Hall of Fame where he actively manages it website. 

Ed opened his a garage to athletes for off-season weight training, offering supervised lifting sessions 4 days a week.  He helped the athletes learn to stay on task, help one another, mature and give back to the LeRoy community. In seeing a need in the new weight room at school donated dumbbells, kettlebells, and standalone and safe modular equipment to the LeRoy Jr. Sr. High School to improve its weight room. 

Ed’s digital footprint is seen by thousands every time he posts positive stories, images, and videos of the high school students and community.

If you are wondering what Ed does in his spare time, he is very active working at the Machpelah Cemetery in LeRoy. He can be found March through November, cleaning the 25 acres of the cemetery, this involves leaf blowing, raking, pitchforking, weed-whacking, branch removal, and the subsequent dumping of this tremendous amount of debris. He has utilized family, friends, and high school athletes to help in these cleaning projects, teaching youngsters to show respect for the lost lives and to freely give back to the community. 

Ed is also a valued helper and supporter of the LeRoy Historical Society, busily scanning and shooting photos from the Society’s archives (LeRoy Gazette and LeRoy in 1940 collection) to create retro features to share with LeRoyans around the globe.

To honor Ed, the 52nd annual LeRoyan of the Year Award Dinner will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021. Social hour is at 6:00 PM with dinner served at 6:45 PM, at the American Legion at 53 West Main St, LeRoy.

A limited number of tickets will be available starting on Oct 1, 2021, at the American Legion after 4:00 PM, at Mickel’s Nickels at 80 Lake Street, LeRoy, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Mon - Sat. or by calling Joan 585-721-7801. The cost is $25.00 per ticket (check or cash only).
 

Batavia VFW Post 1602 announces 9/11 remembrance

By Mike Pettinella

VFW Veness-Strollo Post 1602 is planning a solemn ceremony in remembrance of those lost on Sept. 11, 2001 – 9/11 – beginning at 8 a.m. this Saturday at the facility’s grounds at 25 Edward St.

Post Junior Vice Commander John Woodworth said the event will be marked by a variety of tributes, including:

  • Speeches by Assemblyman Steven Hawley, Batavia City Council member Robert Bialkowski, representatives of Batavia’s police and fire departments and Woodworth;
  • Bell ringing followed by moments of silence corresponding to key times of the terrorist attack on that fateful morning (8:46, 9:03, 9:37 and 10:03);
  • A 21-gun salute around 10:30 a.m. commemorating the fall of the last tower of the World Trade Center;
  • An “Echo Taps” salute performed by two buglers.

The ceremony will commence with a meet-and-greet with free coffee and donuts at 8 o’clock, with Hawley delivering his address at 8:30.

Following the observance, a jamboree is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with live music by Bill Pitcher, Julia Morales Jr., Front Porch Pickers and Old State Roadhouse. Pizza will be provided.

An information fair with representatives from various veterans’ services organizations is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those include the Genesee County Veterans Service Agency, WNY Heroes, Inc., Department of Veterans Affairs, Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. and the Veterans Outreach Center at the VA Medical Center.

In Le Roy, American Legion Botts-Fiorito Post 576 at 53 West Main St. will observe a moment of silence in memory of 9/11 during its special dinner event from 2-6 p.m. Saturday. Steamed corn, sausage and salt potato dinners will be available for purchase for $12.

The Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on U.S. soil (New York City, the Pentagon and plane crash in Pennsylvania) by the militant Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda resulted in the deaths of 2,996 people (2,977 victims plus 19 al-Qaeda terrorists) and injuries to an estimated 25,000 more.

It remains the deadliest terrorist attack in human history and the single deadliest incident for firefighters and law enforcement officers in the history of the U.S., with 340 and 72 killed, respectively.

Authentically Local