Daniel Riggs and his mother, Jane Riggs. Photo by Howard Owens.
When Daniel Riggs was nine years old, he helped Joanne Olson dig up her gladiola bulbs just before winter cold set it so they could be replanted in the spring.
That started the Elba resident's passion for flowers, particularly gladiolas.
"I guess the entrepreneurship in me was instilled at a young age," Riggs said. "I discovered at that time I could grow and raise Gladiolus and sell them at a market. At that time, I was also selling vegetables we planted on our land, and the gladiolas seemed to be a hit right off the bat, so I grew them and sold them at the market until I was 29."
Then he moved to California, working in Palm Springs as a real estate broker for 20 years.
"Throughout that 20 years, I missed the farm," Riggs said. "I missed gardening and being home in the summers."
A year ago, he returned to Elba and started a new business this year. Flours Market, a name he says hints at the idea that a bakery and flower shop might be a good pairing someday.
He planted 60,000 bulbs this spring and has been selling them from a flower stand on the family's property on Batavia Elba Townline Road, as well as other locations.
"It's kind of come full circle, and there are a lot of exciting plans that I have ahead," Riggs said.
An accident involving an ambulance with a patient aboard has been reported at Route 98 and Batavia Elba Townline Road, Elba.
The ambulance is reportedly the vehicle that rolled over.
Elba Fire, Town of Batavia Fire, and Mercy EMS dispatched.
UPDATE 3:08 p.m. by Joanne Beck: Mercy Flight is being dispatched and a landing zone is being set up.
UPDATE: Preliminary information available at the scene: The ambulance was northbound, and the sedan was eastbound. No information yet on how the collision occurred. There were two people in the sedan (it had Canadian plates). One was transported to Strong by Mercy Flight. One was transported by ground ambulance. The driver and medic in the ambulance were treated at the scene (at the time, possible transport for one of them was pending). The patient in the ambulance may not have sustained injuries and be transported by another ambulance to the patient's original destination.
Runners gave a friendly wave as they enjoy the Elba scenic route.
Press Release:
Walk or run along rolling country hills and past corn and hayfields to help support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Arc GLOW will be hosting its 20th annual Friends & Family 5K and Fun Walk on September 21. It is an event which gives people of all ages and skill levels an opportunity to participate. It also welcomes and embraces the participation of the people Arc GLOW serves, aligning with their mission to support people with disabilities in partnership with their families and community.
Taste of Country, the signature event within the Friends and Family 5K, features a wonderful display of fruits and vegetables donated by area farmers. Runners, walkers, sponsors and volunteers each have the opportunity to take some home with them.
Arc GLOW expects over 300 runners and walkers this year. The event’s post party features live music by The Buffalo Road Show with Jim and Babe Catino, kid’s activities, food, beverages and award ceremony.
Sandy Konfederath has been the race director since the event began. It originally started in Batavia, but due to planned road reconstruction, the event was moved to the country in 2008.
“It was our best decision ever,” Konfederath said. “Because along with the country route, we incorporated the country theme.”
Mary Anne Graney
The Friends and Family 5K began as a memorial to Mary Anne Graney, a parent, educator, advocate and friend to Arc GLOW who died in 2004. Her dedication to people with IDD and their families enriches countless lives. The Bluebonnet sponsorship is in honor of Graney’s Texas roots.
The Graney family is pleased funds raised in the 5K help support education through the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship program, which is presented to area high school seniors planning to further their studies in human services, special education or related fields. The event also helps fund various programs and services Arc GLOW offers for individuals with IDD.
Terri Carr Krieger
In 2017, the Friends and Family 5K combined forces with the former 5K held in memory of Arc staff member Terri Carr Krieger. Krieger was a longtime employee who lost her battle with cancer in 1997. The Blue Spruce sponsor level is in Krieger’s honor.
Dr. Ramon M. Rocha
Finally, for many years the Livingston-Wyoming 5K was held in memory of Dr. Ramon M. Rocha. He passionately believed in the possibilities of life, and has been an endless source of inspiration for people of all ages and abilities.
A beloved family man and enthusiastic volunteer, the Blue Knight sponsorship connects Dr. Rocha to SUNY Geneseo where he was a respected professor.
“We’ve had sponsors and donors support us in this event since day one,” Konfederath said. “It’s an inclusive event for people of all abilities, and we’re so incredibly thankful for the continued support we receive to make sure this can happen every year.”
The Friends & Family 5K will take place Sept. 21 where check-in begins at 8:45 a.m. and the race beings at 10 a.m. Race t-shirts will be guaranteed for all participants who register by Sept. 10 and until quantities last for walk-ins. It will be held at the Arc Day Habilitation Center, located at 4603 Barrville Road in Elba.
For anyone who wishes to sponsor the 5K, contact Sandy Konfederath at (585) 343-1123 ext. 1715 or skonfederath@arcglow.org by Aug. 26.
Walkers and runners wishing to pre-register and save can do so online at ArcGLOW.org/Event/Friends-Family-5K-and-Fun-Walk or by contacting Konfederath. Runners cost $25 and walkers are $20.
Submitted photos.
Runners and walkers register for the 2023 Friends & Family 5K.
Friends & Family 5K’s Taste of Country offers free vegetables to participants courtesy of local farmers.
The Elba Betterment Committee will be presenting our fifth and final concert of our summer series in a setting that only Elba can create. August 8, The Elba Village Park, Genesee Ted and our annual kids bash with Torrey Farms and Good Tymes Party rentals.
The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. with music at 6:30 p.m. There will be bounce houses and games, and whatever fun the Torreys are planning – we know it will be delicious!
The 50/50 that night will be to benefit the Jordyn Torrey Augello Foundation, providing monies towards Strong Hospital and the new gym floor at the YMCA.
The music will be all of our favorites from our local boys, and the food will be outstanding with The Original Red Osier and Islands Hawaiian, the fun foods from Good Tymes, Ice Cream and Chill and Circle B Winery.
And if that’s not enough, we will be drawing the winner of our giant 50/50 raffle that night. You will not want to miss this one!
All concerts are made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the NYS Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the NYS Legislature and administered by GoArt.
The Elba Betterment Committee is coming up on week 4 of our summer concerts in our beautiful Village Park. Up next on August 1, is the Batavia Swing Band. A professional 17 piece jazz/swing band, they will be bringing us everything from standard jazz and swing tunes to more modern and contemporary sounds.
We love our local musicians, and we know you will too. And perhaps there will be dancing!
The fun begins with food and beverages from Agatina’s Italian Restaurant, More Than A Mouthful, Ice Cream and Chill and Circle B Winery starting at 5:30 p.m. with the music starting at 6:30 p.m.
The 50/50 Raffle that night will help to provide a scholarship to Go Art’s Creative Art Camp to help support underprivileged children who may not be able to afford it.
All concerts are made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the NYS Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the NYS Legislature and administered by GO Art.
As always, we are collecting non perishable food and hygiene items and selling raffle tickets for your chance to win up to $5000. This is gonna be such a fun time – you know you gotta be there!
Bobby is Back! The Elba Betterment Committee is so looking forward to local musician Bobby and the Pedestrians back to the Village Park for our summer concert series on Thursday, July 25. The music starts at 6:30 p.m.
Bobby and the boys perform “high energy cosmic rock born around a fire that smelled faintly of onions”.
Starting at 5:30 p.m., you can enjoy food and beverages from Islands Hawaiian Grill, Agatina’s Italian Restaurant, Lizzies Ice Cream Truck and Circle B Winery.
At the band’s request, we will be holding a 50/50 to benefit the PAWS Amimal Shelter in Albion. We continue to collect items for the Open Hearts Club Food Pantry at every concert.
All concerts are made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the NYS Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the NYS Legislature and administered by GO Art.
In a joint venture with Elba Central School, the Elba Betterment Committee is pleased to announce the crowning of the 2024 Elba Onion Queen at our second concert in the Elba Village Park.
Thursday, July 18 the Elba Onion Queen crowning will be at 6 p.m. with a concert following at 6:30 p.m. with music by It’s My Party. What better way to enjoy a summer evening than by celebrating the amazing Onion Queen contestants and taking a stroll down a musical Memory Lane with the all-female singing ensemble of It’s My Party. We guarantee you won’t be crying!
Food and beverages by More Than A Mouthful, Agatina’s Italian Restaurant, Ice Cream and Chill, Blue Groove Coffee, and Circle B Winery will only make the experience more enjoyable.
The 50/50 this week will benefit Volunteers for Animals in Batavia, and you are still invited to bring your non-perishable food and hygiene items to support the Open Hearts Club Food Pantry. And in case you have forgotten, you can still purchase tickets on our Big A$$$ 50/50 Raffle for your chance to earn up to $5000.
All concerts are made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the NYS Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the NYS Legislature and administered by GO Art.
Something for everyone is promised for those who gather at Veterans Memorial Park on Main Street in the Village of Elba. The event, Music in the Park, will take place on Saturday, July 13, and serves as a scholarship fundraiser.
The event will take place from 3-7 p.m. where there will be a bounce house and face painting for the little ones, as well as a Chinese Auction, 50-50 raffles, food trucks, and live music for all to enjoy. The music will be provided by several of the local favorite bands including GumShoe, Savage Cabbage, and The Royal Halls.
The event is sponsored by the Jared Lee Diehl Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc. which has been established to benefit local high school students with a scholarship award, to promote an interest in music and to encourage respect and compassion for one another.
Jared Lee Diehl tragically passed away before his 34th birthday in 2023. He will always be remembered for his contagious smile and positive, welcoming personality.
The Elba Onion Queen Crowning ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 18 at the Elba Veteran’s Park. This will take place during the Elba Betterment Committee’s Concert in the Park. The band, It’s My Party will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The six Onion Queen contestants this year include:
Jillian Brewer
Jillian Brewer
Hello, my name is Jillian, and I am the daughter of Richard and Joy Brewer. I am 17 years old and will be a senior this year at Elba Central School. My family has been in Elba for many generations. I live on the family's dairy farm, Post Dairy Farm, LLC here in Elba. I participate in many activities in and out of school, including 4-H, FFA, New York Jr. Holstein Association, Cornell Junior Dairy leaders, National Honor Society, volleyball, indoor and outdoor track, and Yearbook Club. After high school my future plans are attending an agriculture school and focusing on agriculture science with a concentration in horticulture. I am very excited to run for Onion Queen because it is a long-standing tradition in Elba. It is a great opportunity that allows me to get deeper into the community and really listen and advocate for them. I really hope to gain more knowledge and experience with people in our community.
Aerianna Cintorino
Aerianna Cintorino
Aerianna lives with parents Michael and Suzanne Cintorino and her two brothers, Jaxon and Evan. She is involved in Volleyball and Gold. She has also participated in Drama Club, Envirothon, Page Turners, Masterminds, Scholastic Bowl and is in the Senior National Honor Society.
Sadee Dillon
Sadee Dillon
Sadee will be a Senior at Elba Central School. Her parents are Heather and Michael Dillon. She is active in the school’s music and arts programs, mainly Drama Club and high-school band. She also plays varsity volleyball and is a thrower on the OAE track and field team in the spring. Sadee is President of her class, Drama Club, and Pride and Allies. She also holds the title of Section Leader in her high school band. Sadee wants to be Onion Queen because Elba is her home and where she has all of her best memories and best people. She wants to go the extra step to show the town how much she cares and how much she is willing to do for their community.
Alexa Ocampo
Alexa Ocampo
Hi! My name is Alexa, I am 16 years old and the daughter of Alejandro and Esmeralda Ocampo. I participate in two sports, volleyball and tennis. I am a member of the Multicultural Club as well as the National Honor Society. I enjoy traveling with my family, playing volleyball with my friends and shopping.
Sydney Reilly
Sydney Reilly
My name is Sydney, and I am the oldest of two and the daughter of Todd and Deb Reilly. I am involved in volley and basketball. I am in the National Honor Society, Student Athletic Association and Principal Cabinet. I have been a class office since freshman year and will be their Vice President for Senior year. I have been involved with 4-H Beef Club for nine years. I enjoy going on walks and hanging with my friends and family.
Abigail Jay Russell
Abigail Jay Russell
Abigail is the daughter of Jennifer Cardinali (Stepdad, Tim Hoffarth) and Brian Russell. Brother; Michael Pfendler (Aprile) and nephew Jason. In the past at school Abby has participated in Page Turners, Drama Club, High School Chorus and Band, and Basketball (7). She currently participates in Student Council, SAA, Volleyball (5), Softball (8), and Basketball Cheerleading (1). Abby’s hobbies include camping with family, attending tractor pulls, taking vacations, spending time with family and friends and volunteering with the Elba Joint Fire District. She is still trying to decide her plans after graduation but is leaning towards something with EMS and/or dog grooming.
The Elba Betterment Committee is pleased to announce the first of our 5 summer concerts in The Elba Village Park.
On July 11, come on down and listen to Trolls 2.0. Calvin Nichols, of the original Trolls is back with 2 of his sons and a family friend to bring a variety of classic rock, alternative and pop with a little metal sprinkled in. There will be something for everyone!
Islands Hawaiian Grill, The Original Red Osier Restaurant, Ice Cream and Chill, and Circle B Winery will be providing food and beverages starting at 5:30. The music starts at 6:30, so come and pick out a good spot on the lawn to enjoy it all.
The 50/50 raffle will benefit the Open Hearts Club Food Pantry at ECS. Please bring a non-perishable food or hygiene item to support this cause.
All concerts are made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the NYS Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the NYS Legislature and administered by GO Art.
The New York Lottery today announced one top-prize winning ticket was sold for the Jun 24 TAKE 5 EVENING drawing.
The ticket was sold at:
• CROSBY'S located at 64 SOUTH MAIN ST in ELBA, which sold one prize-winning ticket worth $32,520
TAKE 5 numbers are drawn from a field of one through 39. The drawing is televised twice daily at 2:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. A Lottery draw game prize of any amount may be claimed up to one year from the date of the drawing.
1 Carolwood Drive, Batavia-City. Why build when you can buy the Builders home? Solid and gracious this 4 bedroom brick Contemporary has a lot to offer with possibility of adding so much more once you acquire it! Location is fantastic and the .55 acre lawn is parklike and when you step inside you will immediately feel welcomed with the inviting pretty foyer! The home has amazing space is nicely designed and laid out with cozy front library and formal dining room leading to beautiful open custom kitchen with walk in pantry and cozy family room w/ brick fireplace. There is an oversized bright and beautiful living room with cathedral ceilings and striking wood beams and built ins and also large first floor primary bedroom suite with fabulous bath AS WELL as a custom office and exercise room and handy oversized laundry room !! 3 large bedrooms and full bath upstairs with 2 additional unfinished bonus rooms ready for you to add more space if you could possibly need it! Functionality is no issue with a whole house generator and multi zoned furnace and central air PLUS an outside drilled well for irrigation system to keep up with all landscaping wants! Definitely worth the price of admission-come see for yourself!!
Call Reliant Real Estate today, call 585-344-HOME (4663)
29 N Main Street, Elba.This home just begs you to come relax and enjoy! Solid and lovingly cared for this home will surprise you as soon as you step in-from the cozy livingroom with wood burning fireplace encased by pretty wooden built ins, gorgeous hardwood floors and beamed ceiling all give you that timeless feeling of days gone by! Stepping further in there is dinette area leading to updated open step saver kitchen with plenty of cupboards and island opening up to large bright family/dining/entertaining space-you decide! This room is lined with all windows and sliding glass doors showing off prettiest of views! There are two first floor bedrooms first floor laundry and beautifully remodeled first floor bath. There is also cozy bedroom upstairs as well. Hidden from road the backyard is something special! Beautiful plantings and greenery encase this backyard as well as double pond with wooden bridge and beautiful field backdrop. Yard also has cute red shed and your very own greenhouse! From enjoying the oversized covered front porch, enjoying the park like yard and being within walking distance to park school dining and ice cream this Village home is the epitome of classic rural living! Call Reliant Real Estate today, call 585-344-HOME (4663).
Youth basketball players will have the opportunity to build their skills at the upcoming Building Champions basketball camp, set to take place from August 5 - 8 at Elba Central School gymnasium.
Registration for the camp will kick off at Elba High School on Saturday, June 8, from 10 - 11 a.m.
The camp will be divided into two sessions for different age groups. Students in grades 1 to 3 will have sessions from 9 to 11 a.m., while those in grades 4 to 6 will have theirs from 1 to 3 p.m.
Building Champions will focus on essential basketball skills including handling, passing, shooting, and defense. Both boys and girls in grades 1 to 6 are encouraged to participate and hone their abilities on the court.
Campers can expect a range of amenities throughout the camp, including access to a daily hydration station, healthy snacks, a pizza party, a commemorative t-shirt, and the exciting opportunity to compete for the "MVP" of the week trophy.
The cost of enrollment stands at $100 per camper. For those unable to attend the registration event, inquiries and registrations can be made by contacting Coach Zambito at 585-813-8592 or via email at ciaci4zambito@gmail.com.
For young athletes seeking to elevate their basketball skills in a supportive and engaging environment, Building Champions promises a rewarding experience.
Elba Fire, with assistance from Mercy Flight/EMS, the Sheriff's Office, Emergency Dispatch, Byron Fire, H.E. Turner Funeral Homes, and the Office of Emergency Services, staged the annual pre-prom DWI drill for seniors at Elba High School on Wednesday morning.
The drill stages the scene of a DWI-related fatal accident. The purpose is to give students a realistic view of what happens at a serious injury/fatal accident scene and how it impacts family, friends, and community members.
