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Press release:

We are officially 11 days away from the start of the "Rally for the Y 2020 Expresso Bike Challenge"!

If you are new to the Y or are unsure of what the Rally for the Y is, below is a quick synopsis of how the event works.

The YMCA is partnered with Expresso Interactive Fitness, a company that sells digitally interactive stationary bikes. Expresso runs an annual bike challenge called “Rally for the Y” that YMCA's all across the country can participate in.

Basically, Expresso will donate $.10 cents per mile rode for any YMCA member who commits to the one-month challenge. This will be our fourth year participating and we are hoping to have more riders and raise more money than last year!

"Rally. Ride. Raise."

Last year we as a team we rode a total of 6,455 miles and raised $5,100!

You can sign up right on the bikes you don’t even need a computer, but if you need assistance or are unsure of how to sign up please stop at the desk and we can assist you or you can ask for one of the team captains listed at the bottom of this email.

If you sign up to ride for the GLOW Genesee Area Team, you can ride an Expresso bike at any other Y or location and your miles will still count for our team! So if you go on vacation or can only ride at another facility but still want to be on our team now you can!

Our YMCA continues to hold strong across the country and Canada for donations raised and miles rode. You don’t have to wait for February to start raising money and all of your donations stay right here in Genesee County and go to support the Y’s Strong Communities Campaign.

Each day we will update the leaderboard to show rider progress. The leaderboard and progress track is located across from the Wellness Center entrance. If you have any questions please email me or see any of your team captains for this challenge. Your captains are:

• Josh Bender – Director of Membership Operations
• Jeff Townsend – Executive Director
• Christina Weston – Personal Trainer/Wellness Staff

Press release:

On Friday, Feb. 7, at 10 a.m., veterans with disabilities will be treated to a fun day of skiing as part of VA Western New York Healthcare System’s Recreation Therapy activities.

Hosted by the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program at Holiday Valley Ski Resort, the ski program will kick off from the Tannenbaum Lodge at 6787 Holiday Valley Road, Ellicottville, which is in Western New York.

Disabled veterans enrolled in VA healthcare are welcome to participate and can register by calling 716-862-6814. 

Ski passes and equipment have been generously donated by the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program at Holiday Valley. Though VA transportation to the resort will not be provided, disabled veterans can participate in stand-up or adaptive sit-down skiing at no cost.

“This is a great partnership and winter activity for our veterans,” said Pamela Kaznowski, VA Western New York Healthcare System’s Recreation Therapy supervisor. “Recreation therapy activity like this improves the quality of life of our veterans.

"This could be a veteran’s first skiing experience and a day of camaraderie with fellow veterans, giving them the inspiration to take their rehabilitation to a higher level."

Each year the Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District holds a conservation tree, shrub and perennial ground cover sale.

A variety of evergreen, fruit, softwood, and hardwood bare-root seedling trees and transplants are available for purchase.

A variety of bare-root flowering shrubs, ferns, berry vines and perennial ground covers are also available to buy.

The yearly brochure* and order form** are made available in January and orders are accepted until April 1st.

Since orders are filled first come, first serve and while supplies last, they recommend ordering early, at least by mid-March. But orders are still accepted until April 1st.

After April 1st, you are encouraged to come shop and order on pickup days to see what's still on hand. Order pickup days are held at the Genesee County Fairgrounds on East Main Street Road in Batavia in mid to late April.

New this year is the bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), which grow 100-feet tall and is long-lived. It is uncommon but a New York native species nonetheless. It tolerates very wet ground to average-moisture soils. Can handle some shade. It features showy yellow foliage in spirng; it's green in summer and orange in the fall. Needles regrow each year. It is offered as a 12- to 18-inch, 1-year-old seedling.

Another new offering is the striped maple (Acer pennsylvanicum). It grows 25 feet tall and prefers shade to semi-shade. It is adaptable to most soils. It features smooth gray/green bark with showy white/yellow striping. Its bark browns with age. The leaves look like a goose foot. Showy leaves in fall; flowers in spring. Considered a good landscape tree. Offered as a 1-year-old, 12-18 inch seedling.

Returning this year is the Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). It grows 70 to 100 feet tall and is native to the area. It prefers cool, shaded areas with moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Its finely textured foliage makes it good for screens and hedges. The species is intolerant of wind, salt, and excessively dry or wet soils. Only transplants are available, 7 to 12 inches high.

Also back for 2020 is the American mountain ash (Sorbus americana). This variety of bare-root deciduous tree seedlings is native and grows 35 to 40 feet tall. It's adaptable to most soil conditions. It is not shade tolerant. There are white flowers on it in spring. It IS resistant to the emerald ash borer. Comes as a 12- to 18-inch seedling.

New multi-species packs, created to help enhance your planting, are offered this year and they include:

• Tim's Evergreen Pack
• Windbreak Pack
• Brad's "Wet Feet" Pack
• Blossoms and Honeybees Pack
• Bob's Edible Berry Pack
• Hardwoods-for-the-Future Pack
• Wildlife Habitat Pack

Please note that no customer substitutions are allowed on packs. The district also reserves the right to substitute species and sizes in the event of a crop shortage.

Bare-root fruit tree and grape packages are a convenient way to begin wildlife-friendly planting or a homestead orchard. New this year is the peach primer pack, suitable for the beginner.

Bare-root flowering shrub seedlings are available, too, and there are a couple of new ones, the butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) and buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis).

The butterfly bush grows up to 12 feet high and prefers average-moisture, well-drained soils and full sun. Likely to die back in winter but grows again in spring. Purple, spike-like flower clusters up to 18-inches long from summer to first frost. Loved by birds, butterflies and honeybees.

The buttonbush grows up to 12-feet high and is adaptable to most soils. It prefers swampy areas, pond banks and full sun to moderate shade. Often used in rain gardens and for erosion control. White pincushion flowers bloom in spring. Highly used by birds, butterflies and honeybees.

Of the wildflower seed mixes, a native wildflower mix is available for 2020. It is intended to help restore native habitat landcaping and it's a great mixture to supply pollen and nectar for pollinators.

Bare-root berry vines and ferns are offered as well.

Please contact the district with any questions at 585-343-2362, ext. 5.

The district would also like to thank its newsletter sponsors that help make the newsletter possible. If you are interested in being a newsletter sponsor, please contact the district as it is a great way to get business information out to many people.

Remember to get your tree and shrub orders in by April 1! It is best to get in EARLY as some items are hot sellers and we do run out.

*Here's a link to peruse the latest brochure.

**Here's a link to the plant order form.

A trio of shoplifting suspects at Kohl's Department Store allegedly refused to stop for store security.

They left the store; two females were walking on foot near ESL Federal Credit Union, headed toward Home Depot. A male who was with them reportedly left in a Nissan with Georgia license plates.

Both female suspects were said to be wearing black jackets and pants. No description of merchandise allegedly taken from Kohl's.

Sheriff's deputies have the male detained by Five Guys hamburger shop.

Press release:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced last week that 61 New York State businesses, community colleges and community-based organizations will receive funding for workforce development totaling $3.4 million as part of the state's historic $175 million Workforce Development Initiative.

Professional training is expected to provide 2,464 New Yorkers with in-demand skills. Grant funds are provided by the Department of Labor, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and The State University of New York. Since launching in May, nearly $6.5 million has been awarded through the Workforce Development Initiative.

"These awards will help ensure that thousands of workers across the state are not only prepared for the jobs of today, but are ready to take on the jobs of tomorrow," Governor Cuomo said. "New York's workforce must adapt to the rapidly changing, modern economy and the Workforce Development Initiative will give our workers the edge they need to stay competitive."

"Investing in workforce development is essential to provide New Yorkers with the skills they need for the jobs of the future," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "In order to keep up with the needs of the labor market, New York must lead the way to train workers in advanced manufacturing, health care, and energy to close the skills gap and create a pipeline of talent for employers.

"This funding awarded as part of the Workforce Development Initiative targets resources to ensure job training is available in our communities for good paying jobs now and in the future that will continue to move our economy forward."

New York's Regional Economic Development Councils play a key role in recommending applications for funding, based on regional economic needs and opportunities. Businesses and organizations from eight REDC regions receiving Workforce Development awards include:

• Finger Lakes: Berry Global, Bonduelle Americas, Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic, Creative Food Ingredients, Cutco Corporation, Harbec, Lifetime Assistance, Markin Tubing, McAlpin Industries, Newark-Wayne Community Hospital, O-AT-KA Milk Products Cooperative, Optimax, Orolia, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Park Ridge Nursing Home, Pfisterer Lapp, Prestolite Electric, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester General Long Term Care, Spectracom, University of Rochester Medical Center, Unity Hospital.

The professional training projects are supported by SUNY community colleges across the state, including: Adirondack, Broome, Corning, Dutchess, Fashion Institute of Technology, Genesee, Jamestown, Monroe, Nassau, North Country, Tompkins Cortland, and Westchester. Projects funded through NYS Department of Labor include sites in the Finger Lakes, Long Island and New York City. Projects funded through NYSERDA are all located in New York City.

SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson said, "SUNY's community colleges continue to be the hubs for job training and individualized education as we prepare our students to meet the needs of New York's employers. I applaud the Governor for continuing his deep commitment to our state's workforce to ensure that any employer looking for skilled workers can look no further than right here in New York."

A motor-vehicle accident is reported in Pavilion at 6672 Telephone Road. A passenger is complaining of head and neck pain. The location is between Cook and Roanoke roads. Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 1:53 p.m.: A first responder reports a total of five occupents, but says he thinks they will all be sign-offs.

UPDATE 2:03 p.m.: The Pavilion assignment is back in service.

Jeanette Lynn Higgins, 43, of Ganson Avenue, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of  a child. She was arrested at 8:20 p.m. on Jan. 3 on Evans Street in Batavia after she allegedly encouraged a juvenile to engage in a physical altercation. Higgins was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court for arraignment on Jan. 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Cristal G. Nesbitt, 39, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or more; DWI -- common law; and failure to keep right. Nesbitt was arrested at 12:41 p.m. Nov. 27 on Chase Park in Batavia after being involved in a motor-vehicle accident. She was processed and is due for arraignment in Batavia City Court on Jan. 29. The was was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Connor Borchert.

Press release:

Genesee County Treasurer Scott D. German announced today (Jan. 20) that he will be seeking a fifth term as County Treasurer in November’s election.

German is in his 27th year in the office, the last 16 of which have been as Treasurer. Among the many accomplishments of the Treasurer’s Office is the extremely successful refinancing of county debt, which saved Genesee County taxpayers more than $1,000,000 in interest expense over six years.

German also hired the firm of Three + One to assist him in maximizing interest earnings while minimizing risk and complying with state regulations. In 2019, German earned more than $1.6 million in interest for the taxpayers. 

As Treasurer, German is the chief fiscal officer and tax enforcement officer for the County. Among a wide range of responsibilities as County Treasurer, German is responsible for: the safeguarding of all county monies; the processing of county payroll; the processing of vendor payments; collection of delinquent taxes; tax foreclosures; maintaining the financial records; overseeing of the independent audit; and working with state and federal auditors.

German hopes the voters of Genesee County return him to office this November so he can continue serving the people of this fine county.

German holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a concentration in Finance from the State University of New York, College at Brockport.

German is a past President (2012) of the New York State County Treasurers and Finance Officers Association; 2016 Finance Officer of the Year and currently serves as one of two New York State delegates to the National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers & Finance Officers.

He is also a member of the 2004 class of Leadership Genesee. German is a lifelong resident of Genesee County.

Photo courtesy of reader Mary Margaret Ripley.

A fullly involved structure fire is reported in Le Roy at 8707 Lake Street Road. It has gone to a second alarm. Le Roy fire is responding and mutual aid is dispatched from the City of Batavia, Bergen, Stafford, Pavilion and Mumford.

UPDATE 10:14 a.m.: The location is between West Bergen and Randall roads. Town of Batavia Fire Department is asked to fill in at Le Roy's fire hall.

UPDATE 10:28 a.m.: Reader Mary Margaret Ripley says in a text message to The Batavian: "A truck blew up and the back of the building caught (fire), too." The location is Weldon Service & Repair shop.

UPDATE 10:36 a.m.: The fire is out. Overhaul is underway.

UPDATE: Video posted. Chief Tom Wood said the fire appeared to start with the pickup truck parked outside the building. The cause is still under investigation. The fire spread into the building but a quick response by volunteer firefighters helped contain the fire to less than a quarter of the structure. (No interview with Chief Wood in the video due to camera operator error).

Submitted photo and press release:

It was a record-setting night at Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School on Thursday as the community came out to support the Varsity Girls’ Basketball Team’s ninth annual "Shooting For A Cure!" game.

Throughout the evening and early into Friday morning, donations continued to pour in, bringing this year’s fundraising total to $32,520.20.

That exceeds this year's goal of $30,000.

Since the event’s inception, the team has raised more than $150,000 to help with research efforts at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Head Coach Ron Funke and the Pembroke Varsity Girls’ Basketball Team presented the proceeds of "Shooting For A Cure!" to Team Roswell coordinator Mackenzie Giancarlo in the hospital lobby yesterday. It’s a post-game tradition that Coach Funke acknowledges has great meaning to the program.

When asked how much he has seen the game grow, Funke responded, “Well it started nine years ago when my wife was diagnosed (with breast cancer). And some of the girls on the team wanted to do something for her and for me. And it was $4,000 and now it's basically taking on a life of its own as shown by the $32,000 we made this year. So, growth? Wow.”

Toni Funke, wife of Coach Funke and the inspiration for the inaugural game, joined the team at Roswell for the check presentation.

“All the money we have raised in this event is going towards research and there are always new and better treatments and care for cancer patients, so it means the world to me and a lot of other people," Toni Funke said. "The support alone has grown immensely from the event inception to now. Everybody wants to be a part of this game, and for good reason, because it's helping so many people.”

Team Roswell coordinator Giancarlo met the team to receive the donation and had a few remarks to make during the check presentation.

“We are beyond impressed with 'Shooting For A Cure!' here," Giancarlo said. "It’s one of our top school fundraising events that you guys do, and you do it in a basketball game as the whole community comes together. It’s really impressive. Coming together to raise $32,000 is just more than we could ever expect.”

Following the check presentation at Roswell, the team headed to Chef’s restaurant for their annual post-event dinner.

“There are so many factors that add to the success of our 'Shooting for a Cure!' game,” said senior and captain Megan Conibear. “As a team, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish all that we have without the love and support from our community, local business owners, and the faculty and students at Pembroke.

"Getting to walk into Roswell side by side with both Mr. and Mrs. Funke is such an amazing feeling. After we present the check, we get the chance to bond over a delicious meal.”

The team knows "Shooting For A Cure!" would not be possible without the generous support of countless people, including local businesses and merchants such as:

• 26Shirts
• ACES Foundation
• ADPRO Sports
• Batavia Country Club
• Batavia’s Original
• Buttercrumbs Bakery
• Clarence Deli
• Coca-Cola of Rochester
• Crickler Vending Company
• Dollar General
• Dollars for Scholars
• Dry Creek Group
• Fava Brothers Lawn Care
• Five Guys
• Genesee Feeds
• Hershey’s Ice Cream
• Insty-Prints
• JetBlue Airways
• Kingdom Bound
• Knockaround Sunglasses
• Linda’s Family Diner
• Maple Ridge Landscaping
• Mosquito Hunters of Buffalo
• Northtown Automotive
• Oliver’s Candies
• OnCore Golf
• Original Pizza Logs
• Pesci’s Pizza and Wings
• Pillar Real Estate Investors
• Platinum Fitness
• Roswell Park Alliance Foundation
• Sincerely Kayla
• Six Flags Darien Lake
• Southwest Airlines
• Spa at Artemis
• Sweets by Shelby
• Terry Hills Restaurant & Banquet Facility
• Tim Hortons
• Walt Disney World
• West Herr Chevy of Orchard Park
• Yancey’s Fancy -- New York's Artisan Cheese
• and YMCA of Batavia

About Pembroke High School Girls' Varsity Basketball Team

It is comprised of 10 young women. The current team members, their numbers and positions are: 2 -- Serene Calderón, G; 3 -- Isabel Breede, G; 4 -- Brianna Rindell, F; 11 -- Mackenna Johnson, G; 12 -- Dekari Moss, F; 13 -- Casey Wurtz, F; 14 -- Megan Conibear, F; 21 -- Allie Schwerthoffer, G; 32 -- Emily Peters, G; 34 -- Nicole vonKramer, F.

This season’s captains are Megan Conibear, Mackenna Johnson, Casey Wurtz, and Serene Calderón. The Lady Dragons are coached by Ron Funke and Guy Gabbey.

The team colors are green, white, and black. The team began "Shooting For A Cure!" as an annual event during the 2011-2012 season, and they are committed to the hard work and dedication it will take to win the battle against breast cancer.

About Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

According to its website, “All donations made to Roswell Park are managed by the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that ensures that every donation is put to the best possible use. The Alliance Foundation has been recognized numerous times for these efforts.”

For more information about giving to Roswell Park, click here, and go to “Donate.”

The Alexander Fire Department is hosting their annual Valentine’s Steak Dinner & Dance on Saturday, Feb. 15^th, at their Recreation Hall at 10708 Alexander Road, Alexander. 

There will be an open bar from 6:30 to 9 p.m. with dinner at 7 o'clock.

Music by a favorite local band Red Creek!  

Tickets are $25 per person or $45 per couple.

Tickets are limited and must be reserved by calling Heidi at 585-813-6598.