Submitted photo of Joy Bookmiller (right) and Joe (left).
Press Release:
For the past 31 years, the Corfu resident has been working as a direct service professional (DSP) at Arc GLOW’s Day Habilitation Center in Elba.
She helps each individual in her room with their daily person-centered goals. Bookmiller explores every chance to take individuals she supports out for community-based activities, and on nice weather days she maximizes every opportunity to help individuals to enjoy the extensive outdoor space at Elba Day Hab.
“When spending time at the site in Elba, Joy immediately stood out as one of the DSPs who truly took their role to support individuals seriously,” said Kelly Anstey, senior director of Day and Employment Services at Arc GLOW.
“A coworker pointed out to me how Joy made every person feel as included in as many activities as possible how she always went the extra mile. I could see this,” Anstey continued. “She presented at once as very serious, but also compassionate and very passionate about serving people.”
It is little wonder then that Bookmiller has been selected as one of the four recipients of The Arc New York’s 2023 Thomas A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award. This is an annual award that recognizes a DSP who consistently demonstrates excellence, creativity, and commitment to providing support to people who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
Bookmiller works at Elba Day Habilitation, a program site certified to serve up to 100 individuals. Many of the individuals have relatively high support needs, including personal care, eating, navigating Elba and community sites, and extensive physical support needs.
“While some staff might have had difficultly in such a challenging daily environment, Joy was a dynamo of positive energy and care. She took everyone into her aura of love and activities, providing each individual a variety of different opportunities and experiences,” Anthony Lewandowski, retired Day Habilitation director shared in a letter of recommendation.
Sherri Raab, Day Habilitation director at Elba, said in her nomination Bookmiller has a strong connection to the individuals she works with. Raab gave the example is Bookmiller’s ability to use manual sign or specific signing for an individual who has become very comfortable with communicating with her. This individual has been learning more signing via working with Bookmiller and his speech pathologist and has expanded on his signing vocabulary.
“As she role models for other staff, her compassion and thoroughness shines through,” Raab said. “She demonstrates that she loves what she does and that she wants that for her coworkers as well. Joy doesn’t just show by example, she also takes the extra time with new staff to really explain the importance of reading any necessary materials thoroughly, taking individuals’ personal goals into consideration and all around demonstrates an adherence to the core compentencies.”
Bookmiller will be receiving the award Oct. 27 at the Crowne Plaza Desmond Hotel in Latham.
Submitted photo of Joy Bookmiller (right) and Joe (left).
Elba crowned its 2023 Onion Queen and her court on Saturday.
The Elba Onion Queen is Adison Norton.
Her court:
1st Runner Up is Emma Pangrazio
2nd Runner Up is Halie Scouten
3rd Runner Up is Madison Thompson
From the previous press release:
Adison Norton is the daughter of Chirs and Sarah Norton and has a younger brother and sister. She is involved in volleyball, basketball, and softball. Adison participates in Multicultural Club, Yearbook Club, Student Athletic Association, and Pageturners at school. She has been the Treasurer of her class since Freshman year. She has also participated in the 4H Dairy Club for nine years. Adison enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends. After graduation, Adison plans to attend a four-year school to study journalism and communications and pursue a career in sports journalism.
"We've got a young team still trying to find their way," said OAE Head Coach Tyler Winter. "A lot of guys are playing competitive minutes of football, and it's a new experience. The loss hurts, but the goal remains the same. If we can persevere and build upon the positives, our best football is still in front of us."
UPDATE with Notre Dame's stats:
Jay Antinore, 8-12 passing for 80 yards, seven carries for 51 yards and a TD.
George Woodruff, 62 yards rushing on 23 carries, one TD. On defense, he had 8 1/2 tackles.
Gabe Castro scored a TD on three carries for two yards. On defense, he had eight tackles.
Jaden Sherwood had two receptions for 25 yards and a TD.
Submitted photo of Donald Hall sitting on a Farmall-H tractor.
Press Release:
Donald Hall of Oakfield was recently granted his wish to sit on a FARMALL-H tractor one more time in his life. As a boy, that was the tractor that he worked with on a farm in Basom. Mr. Hall mentioned his wish to LaNora Thompson at a We’ve Only Just Begun luncheon he attended. LaNora’s husband Robert knew of a tractor collector in Elba. He passed the information along to our wish-granting committee and thanks to the kindness and generosity of John Torrey - Donald’s wish came true. Not only was he able to sit on a FARMALL-H tractor but he and his family were given a personal tour of the tractor museum.
Senior Wishes’ grants wishes to lower-income seniors living independently and to those living in care facilities in Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, and Wyoming counties. Wishes have included attending sporting and cultural events, visiting a loved one not seen in years, and re-engaging a senior in a hobby. Requests for needs are also considered.
Wish recipients must be 65+ and a resident of Western New York with an annual income under $38,000 for a household of one or under $44,000 for a household of two. Permanent residents of care facilities are exempt from the income qualification.
Founded by the United Church Home Society, Senior Wishes strives to bring special moments to seniors across WNY and allow them to feel seen, important, and not forgotten.
Brandon Rebert jumps to an early lead in the GLOW Arc Friends and Family 5K in Elba on Saturday. Photos by Howard Owens.
Oakfield resident Brandon Rebert got off to another fast start in the GLOW Arc Friends and Family 5K, but was a few steps off the pace to break his own record of 18:09 set in 2021.
He won the race in 18:15 for his fourth straight win in the race, starting with a win in 2019 (there was no race in 2020).
Kim Mills of Oakfield, who has also won multiple Elba races, was again the top women's finisher with a time of 20:27, two-tenths of a second faster than her 2022 time.
She finished fifth overall.
Rebert is creeping up on the consecutive winning streak, six, held by Michael Richenberg of Pembroke, who finished fourth on Saturday with a time of 20:24.
Reuben Rivers of Albion, finished second with a time of 19:57, and Rodney Egli of Newark, was third, at 20:10.
Photos by Howard Owens.
Brandon Rebert nears the finish line. Photo by Howard Owens.
Brandon Rebert crossed the finish line in the GLOW Arc Friends and Family 5K on Saturday. Photo by Howard Owens.
Michael Richenberg finishing in fourth on Saturday. Photo by Howard Owens.
Kim Mills and Brandon Rebert. Photo by Howard Owens.
The second annual Genesee County Barn Dance is scheduled for Sept. 29 from 6 - 10 p.m. at Torrey’s barn at 7411 Oak Orchard Rd., Elba.
Tickets for the event that will benefit the Town of Batavia Republican Committee are $35 per person or $60 per couple and can be obtained by going to www.tobgop.com or by contacting Chad Zambito at chadzambito@gmail.com.
Attendees will be treated to a beef on weck dinner provided by T.F. Brown’s and music by Genesee Ted. Beer and wine will also be included, with a cash bar available. The event also will feature raffles and prizes.
The Town GOP committee is seeking corporate and individual sponsors of the dance, with full table sponsorships available. Sponsors thus far include Marchese Computer Products, Underhill Farms, Mountain Engineers, Assemblyman Steven Hawley and several individuals.
Oakfield-Alabama/Elba dominated York/Pavilion on Saturday for a 41-6 win in football.
Bodie Hyde ran 17 times for 219 yards and three touchdowns. On defense, he had eight tackles.
Shaun Alexander rushed for 42 yards on five carries and scored a TD.
Avery Watterson rushed 10 times for 102 yards and scored a TD. He had an interception on defense.
Gavin Armbrewter tossed a 15-yard pass to Carson Warner for a score.
Junior RB Jack Cianfrini - 5 Rushes, 65 Yards
On defense:
Ashton Bezon - nine tackles, four for a loss
Angelo Penna - seven tackles, two for a loss
Austin Pangrazio - six tackles, two for a loss
"Total team effort on all three sides of the ball from our squad today," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "We were thankful York/Pavilion presented moments of adversity throughout the game, as we are still looking to see what we are going to do as a team when those moments happen."
The Elba Onion Queen Crowning ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. Saturday, September 23 at Elba Park. A short "caravan" will take the four contestants down Main Street, ending at the park for the Queen's crowning.
Adison Norton
Adison Norton is the daughter of Chirs and Sarah Norton and has a younger brother and sister. She is involved in volleyball, basketball, and softball. Adison participates in Multicultural Club, Yearbook Club, Student Athletic Association, and Pageturners at school. She has been the Treasurer of her class since Freshman year. She has also participated in the 4H Dairy Club for nine years. Adison enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends. After graduation, Adison plans to attend a four-year school to study journalism and communications and pursue a career in sports journalism.
Emma Pangrazio
Emma Pangrazio is the daughter of Scott and Gail Pangrazio. She lives in Elba with her parents and brother David. She has participated in volleyball, JV softball and danced with Center Stage for 13 years. Emma has held the title of class President for several years. She is also involved in Student Council, Multicultural Club, National Honor Society and has been a high honor student. Her hobbies include reading, cooking, and spending time with family while traveling to different racetracks to cheer on her brother as he races. Emma would like to pursue becoming a professional photographer.
Halie Scouten
Halie Scouten is the daughter of Joseph and Nicole Scouten and has four brothers and two sisters, Owen, Caleb, Kyle, Liam, Morgan and Maddy. She is a part of National Honor Society, Student Athletic Assocation, Student Counsel, and has been a class officer. Halie also plays volleyball and basketball. She enjoys hiking, exploring new places, fishing, crafts, vacations with family, working at Starbucks, hanging out with her little brother, and shopping with her best friend. After high school Halie plans to attend college to study physical education and coaching while playing collegiate volleyball.
Madison Thompson
Madison Thompson is the daughter of Jeremy and Kim Thompson. She has participated in soccer and softball. Madison is also a member of Student Athletic Association, National Honor Society, and Multicultural Club. Outside of school she enjoys cooking, baking, photography, water sports, fishing and four wheeling. Madison is considering going into the field of business or becoming a radiologist/sonographer after graduation.
Senior RB/DB Shaun Alexander - 9 Rushes, 50 Yards, one touchdown
Ronald Szpylman, Austin Pangrazio, and Gavin Armbrewster all also had rushing TDs (Gavin Armbrewster also had an interception).
Senior LB Ashton Bezon - 12 Tackles, 1 Sack
Senior DL Angelo Penna - 8 Tackles, 1 Sack
Senior DL Austin Pangrazio - 8 Tackles
"It was great to see this team come out of the gate and play a style of football that we felt they were capable of playing," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "They were physical, played well at the point of attack, and they executed at a level much greater than a typical group in a week zero game. We are very pleased with the victory, but this group is more excited that they can now dive into film and begin preparations for the next challenge that awaits them."
Jerome E. Ware, 59, of New Rochelle, is charged with two counts of identity theft 1st and grand larceny third. Joel A. Rojas Perallon, 20, and Raul DeLeon DeLeon, 30, both of New York City, were charged with identity theft 1st, grand larceny 3rd, and scheme to defraud 1st. Ware's arrest came after a report on April 8, 2022, in Wyoming County, of a person misrepresenting himself as a Verizon Wireless employee. The person obtained account and credit card info and subsequently made purchases of four iPhone 13 Pro Max smartphones and had them delivered to an address in Mount Vernon. The total value of the phones was $5,599.96.
Joel A. Rojas Perallon
Ware was arrested on Sept. 26, 2022. Ware's release status was not provided. Following Ware's arrest, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office contacted Wyoming County concerning a similar case. Ware was identified as a suspect in the Genesee County case, and Perallon and DeLeon were also identified as suspects, following months of an ongoing joint investigation. DeLeon was also identified as a suspect, arrested in June, in an armed robbery of a delivery driver in Illinois. Warrants were issued for the arrests of Perallon and DeLeon. Perallon was arrested at his home in New York City on Aug. 10. DeLeon turned himself in to Wyoming County deputies on Aug. 23.
Raul DeLeon DeLeon
Both were arraigned and released in accordance with New York bail laws. Assisting with the investigation were NYPD, Homeland Security, and FedEx security.
Noemi Morales, 23, of Briant Avenue, Syracuse, is charged with grand larceny 3rd and conspiracy 5th. Morales is accused of stealing $8,000 in high-end fragrances from Ulta on Veterans Memorial Drive at 6:20 on April 4. She was arrested on Aug. 22 by Investigator Ryan DeLong.
Jamie Aaron Dutton, 31, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with tampering with physical evidence, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, and obstructing governmental administration 2nd. Dutton was arrested at 8:05 p.m. on Aug. 25 on Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, in a joint enforcement action by Batavia PD's Net Enforcement Team and the Sheriff's Office on a warrant issued by NYS Parole. It is alleged that Dutton fled from police on a bicycle and hid under the back deck of a residence. He allegedly attempted to discard narcotics in an attempt to conceal his possession of the drugs. Dutton was issued an appearance ticket and released.
Heather N. Holbrook
Heather N. Holbrook, 38, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Holbrook was allegedly found in possession of a small amount of crack cocaine on July 18 at an undisclosed location in Batavia. When Officers located and arrested her on Aug. 16, she was allegedly found in possession of a large quantity of crack cocaine. She was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail on $10,000 cash bail, $20,000 bond, and $50,000 partially secured bond.
Austin RJ O’Connell, 19, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny, criminal trespass 2nd, and criminal mischief 4th. O’Connell was arrested on Aug. 21 following an investigation into a burglary that occurred on Feb. 23. It’s alleged that O’Connell disabled a security camera, entered an apartment on Bank Street and stole property. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Adrienne S. Bechtold, 27, and Ronald J. Murray. 28, both of Batavia, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd. Bechtold and Murray were arrested after Genesee County Probation located drugs and drug paraphernalia during a home visit. Batavia Police Officers were then called to assist probation and process the arrests. Bechtold and Murray were each issued appearance tickets.
Terrance H. Riley, 35, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant issued by City Court. Riley was initially arrested on Oct. 19, 2014, on a charge of harassment 2nd and resisting arrest. Riley allegedly failed to appear in court, and a warrant was issued. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.
Sean M. Conway, 46, of Pembroke, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 3rd and uninspected motor vehicle. Conway was arrested on Aug. 9 following a traffic stop by a Batavia patrol officer on Washington Avenue. He was allegedly found in possession of an expandable baton. He was arraigned and released.
Brian M. Raphael, 35, of Batavia, is charged with trespassing. Raphael was located inside Aldi on East Main Street on Aug. 16 after previously being barred from the store due to prior alleged shoplifting incidents. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Crystal M. Bouter, 34, of Batavia, was arrested on an arrest warrant issued by City Court. Bouter was initially arrested on July 6 and charged with criminal mischief 4th after allegedly damaging another person’s cellphone. She was issued an appearance ticket. A warrant was issued after she failed to appear in court. Bouter was located on Aug. 16 while officers were investigating a separate incident. Bouter was arraigned and released.
Kyle J. Stack, no age provided, no residence provided, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd and failure to keep right (bicycle). Stack was arrested on Aug. 16 after officers attempted to stop him for riding a bicycle southbound in the northbound lane on South Spruce Street in Batavia. Stack allegedly fled on foot but was located a short distance away in a backyard. He was issued appearance tickets.
Ashton L. Mohney, 33, of Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd and criminal obstruction of breathing. Officers were called to an address on Ross Street, Batavia, for the report of a physical disturbance. It's alleged that Mohney grabbed the victim by the neck and punched her in the head. He was arraigned in City Court and released.
Ricky L. Miller, 41, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant issued by City Court. Miller was initially arrested on May 24 and charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing merchandise from Tops. He was issued an appearance ticket. A warrant was issued after he failed to appear in court. Miller was arraigned on the warrant in City Court and released.
Frank R. Cratsenberg, 63, no residence provided, was arrested on Aug. 16 on a warrant issued by City Court. Cratsenberg was arrested on June 6 for an alleged theft from Kwik Fill on Jackson Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket. A warrant was issued on July 18 after he failed to appear in court. Cratsenberg was arraigned on the warrant in City Court and released.
Ryan M. Arner, 37, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Arner was charged after an investigation into a fight that occurred at an address on State Street on Aug. 15. It's alleged that Arner pushed and headbutted another person. Arner was issued an appearance ticket.
Aaron R. Hatfield, 38, of Lockport, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Hatfield is accused of stealing merchandise from Tops on Aug. 14. During his arrest, Hatfield was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Myron D. Dupler, 76, of Batavia, is charged with public lewdness. It’s alleged that Dupler exposed himself on Aug. 14 while in the area of Austin Park. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Kelli E. Wallace, 60, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. It's alleged that on Aug. 13 Wallace stole merchandise from Tops. She was issued an appearance ticket.
James L. Brown, 40, of Albion, is charged with petit larceny. Brown was charged after allegedly stealing merchandise on Aug. 11 from 7-Eleven in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Paul Lee, 51, of Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd. Lee was arrested after he was allegedly found sleeping on Aug. 8 in a vacant house on Ellicott Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Joanna F. Larnder, 30, of Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant issued by City Court. Larnder was initially charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 3rd on March 23 after a traffic stop on Margaret Place, Batavia. She allegedly failed to appear in court and a warrant was issued on May 18. Larnder was arraigned and ordered to reappear at a later date.
Joshua J. Brower, 39, of Medina, is charged with DWI. Brower was arrested after a traffic stop on West Main Street on Aug. 12. He was issued traffic tickets.
Fawn M. Mobley, 51, of Oakfield, is charged with DWI. Mobley was arrested on Aug. 12 after officers located a vehicle driving on West Main Street, Batavia, with a flat tire. She was issued traffic tickets.
Andrew T. Williams, 20, of Jamestown, was arrested on a warrant issued by City Court. Williams was initially charged on April 22 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 3rd and operating with a suspended registration after a traffic stop on Cedar Street, Batavia. A warrant was issued after he allegedly failed to appear in court. Williams was arraigned in City Court and released.
Ashton L. Mohney, 33, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd, criminal Contempt 1st, and criminal mischief 3rd. Mohney was arrested after an investigation into a disturbance on Ross Street on Aug. 19 where he allegedly damaged property and violated an order of protection. Mohney was arraigned and remanded to the Genesee County Jail on $1,000 cash bail, $2,000 bond, and $4,000 partially secured bond.
Brian E. Daggar, 37, of Elba, was arrested on a warrant on Aug. 22. Daggar was initially charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 3rd. He was reportedly involved in a traffic accident in January 2023 in Batavia. The warrant was issued after he allegedly failed to appear in court. Daggar was arraigned and released and is due back in court at a later date.
Hunter M. Passage, 23, of Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass 2nd. It’s alleged that Passage entered a home on Washington Avenue on Aug. 22 without permission after offering to clean the house for the homeowner. Passage was issued an appearance ticket.
Lakeisha A. Gibson, 37, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on Aug. 19. Gibson was initially arrested on May 15. She was accused of failing to appear to testify at Grand Jury after being served a subpoena. She was issued an appearance ticket. Gibson failed to appear in court, and a warrant was issued on July 19. She was arraigned and ordered to reappear at a later date.
Adam Troy Shipwash, 43, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with disobeying a mandate. The Sheriff's Office provided no explanation of the charge. Shipwarsh was arrested in connection with an incident reported noon on Aug. 10 in the Town of Byron. He was jailed pending arraignment.
Jeremy John Trzecienski, 46, of Hillside Drive, Pavilion, is charged with harassment 2nd and trespass. Trzecienski is accused of entering another person's property on South Lake Road, Pavilion, at about 7 p.m. on Aug. 23, and remaining there unlawfully while fighting with another person. He was arraigned and ordered to return to court at a later date.
Rachael Marie Brown, 45, of Bethany Center Road, Bethany, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs and following too close. Brown was reportedly involved in a traffic accident at 4:36 p.m. on June 21 on Telephone Road in Pavilion. Following an investigation by Deputy Zachary Hoy, Brown was arrested on Aug. 24 and issued traffic tickets.
Michael Ford Pfenninger, 21, of Genesee Street, Alden, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Pfenninger was arrested on Aug. 23 by Deputy Ryan Mullen in connection with an incident reported at 3:57 a.m. on July 17 on Route 20 in Darien. No details on the incident were released by the Sheriff's Office. Information was not released on whether he was arraigned or issued appearance tickets. He is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 12.
Koree Rose Stephenson, no age provided, no street address provided, of Rochester, is charged with introducing prison contraband and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Stephenson was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance while being booked into the jail at 1:50 a.m. on Aug. 27. She was held pending arraignment.
William James Flack, 50, of Sandpit Road, Alexander, is charged with harassment 2nd and criminal contempt 1st. Flack allegedly violated a "refrain from" order of protection by striking another person at 2:05 a.m. on Aug.27 at a location on Sandpit Road, Alexander. He was scheduled to appear in court of arraignment later on the day of his arrest.
Markeith Deandre Lenoir, 33, of Ruleville, Miss., is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and insufficient tailamps. Lenoir was stopped at 1:35 a.m. on Aug. 29, on West Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell. He was released on traffic tickets.
Matthew J. Zon, 42, of Warsaw, is charged with aggravated criminal contempt and aggravated family offense. Zon was arrested in the Town of Byron by State Police in connection an incident reported at 3:14 p.m. on Aug 29. He was ordered held in jail. No further information was released.
David C. Stephens, 58, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Stephens was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported in Stafford at 5:42 p.m. on Aug. 23.
Amanda N. Holbrook, 36, of Bergen, is charged with DWI. Holbrook was stopped by State Police in the Town of Bergen at 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 23 and released on an appearance ticket.
Joel D. Prouty, 37, of Batavia, is charged with strangulation 2nd and assault 3rd. It’s alleged that Prouty struck the victim in the face and strangled her during a disturbance on an undisclosed date at an undisclosed location in the City of Batavia. When Police arrived on scene, Prouty allegedly jumped out of a second-story window and fled on foot. Officers were unable to locate Prouty that day. On Aug. 4, patrols were called back to the same address for another disturbance between Prouty and the same victim. When officers attempted to take him into custody, Prouty reportedly fought with them. He was additionally charged with resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration 2nd. He was arraigned in City Court and held without bail.
Owen Charles Scouten, 22, of Batavia (no street address disclosed), is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speed not reasonable and prudent, moving from lane unsafely, and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Scouten was reportedly involved in an accident at 1:16 a.m. on Aug. 20, on Lewiston Road, Batavia. Two people were injured in the accident and required transport to a hospital for treatment. Following an investigation, Scouten was arrested by Deputy Carlos Ortiz Speed. Additional charges are pending. Scouten was released on an appearance ticket.
Owen Charles Scouten, 22, of Church Street, Elba, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding and moving from lane unsafely. Scouten was stopped at 7:38 p.m. on Aug. 14 on Route 20 in Alexander by Deputy Alexander Hadsall. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Richard A Demmer, 30, of Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant issued by City Court. Demmer was initially arrested on May 29, after he allegedly attempted to rob the 7-Eleven, on East Main Street A warrant was issued on July 12 after Demmer allegedly failed to appear for a court appearance. He was arrested on that warrant on July 13. Another warrant was issued on July 27 after he again allegedly failed to appear in court. Demmer was located by Batavia Police on Aug. 3 and arrested. He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail on $10,000 cash bail, $20,000 bond, or $40,000 partially secured bond.
Crystal A. Mounts, 46, of Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant issued by City Court. Mounts was initially arrested on April 9, 2022 after allegedly stealing property from a local church. A warrant was issued on April 29, 2022 after she allegedly failed to appear in court. She was arrested on that warrant on May 14, 2022. Another warrant was issued on Sept. 19 after she again failed to appear in court. She was arrested on that warrant on July 29. She was arraigned and released.
Lance D. Beals, 53, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th and criminal tampering 3rd. Beals was arrested after an investigation into an incident on East Main Street where he allegedly damaged to an apartment building. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Kavyia A. Spencer, 24, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Spencer was arrested after an investigation into an employee theft from Kwik Fill on Jackson Street, Batavia. It’s alleged that she stole merchandise from the store on two separate occasions. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Patricia M. Anderson, 38, of Batavia, was arrested on on Aug. 9 on an arrest warrant issued by City Court. Anderson was initially arrested on April 9 after allegedly stealing merchandise from 7-Eleven on East Main Street in Batavia. A warrant was issued after Anderson allegedly failed to appear in court. Anderson was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance.
Edmund J. Sobresky, 54, of Batavia, is charged with DWAI Drugs. Sobresky’s arrest is the result of a traffic stop on April 11. He was charged on Aug. 8 following an investigation. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Patricia A. McCarthy, 29, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and public lewdness. McCarthy was arrested after patrols responded to Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, on Aug. 6 for a report of two people fighting. It’s alleged that McCarthy engaged in a fight with another person. During the fight, McCarthy became disrobed. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Jason Howard Heerdt, 27, of Hilltop Drive Elma, Ryan Thomas Budziszewski, 32, of Northseine Drive, Cheektowaga, and Carlie Marie Budziszewski, 25, of Northseine Drive, Cheektowaga, are charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle. Heerdt is accused of taking a golf cart at Darien Lake Theme Park without permission on Aug. 6 at 9:25 p.m.. They were issued appearance tickets.
Joseph David Johnson, 53, of State Street, Mumford, is charged with robbery 3rd and harassment 2nd. Johnson is accused of using force to steal property from an elderly victim while inside Batavia Downs Casino at 1:26 on Aug. 10. He was held pending arraignment.
Christopher James Parker, 34, of Batavia Elba Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Parker is accused of violating an order of protection at 10:37 a.m. on Aug. 11. He was held pending arraignment.
Steven Albert Barraco, 53, of Edgewood Drive, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Barraco is accused of shoving another person by the throat during an altercation on Aug. 10 at 5:31 p.m. at a location on Edgewood Drive. He was held pending arraignment.
Brian Michael Tracy, 35, of Horseshoe Lake Road, Stafford, is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, criminal contempt 2nd, criminal mischief 4th, and harassment 2nd. Tracy is accused of getting out of a car and striking another person in front of two children on Aug. 11 at 4:10 p.m. at a location on Horseshoe Lake Road. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and held pending arraignment.
Jason Michael Babbitt, 49, of Perry Road, Pavilion, is charged with 46 counts of aggravated harassment 2nd. Babbitt is accused of calling the Emergency Dispatch Center 46 times, including calls after he was instructed to stop. According to the Sheriff's Office, his calls were not placed to request the services of police, fire, or EMS. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Jose Efrain Velz-Torres, 42, of Sobieski Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, speeding, aggravated unlicensed operation, operating a vehicle with improper plates, and driving without insurance. Velz-Torres was stopped at 1:19 a.m. on Aug. 14 on Clinton Street Road, Bergen, by Deputy Ryan Mullen. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Mark Louis Frongetta, 53, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. At 6:14 p.m. on Aug. 14, Deputies responded to the Best Western Inn Suites on Park Road after receiving a report of a disturbance. Frongetta is accused of standing in the lobby yelling obscenities and of throwing the hotel's phone. Frongetta was held pending arraignment.
Dennis Edward Biggins, 48, of Franklin Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and driving too slow (impeding traffic). Biggins was stopped at 4:15 p.m. on Aug. 14 on Route 237 in Stafford by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Lorriance Marie Nelson, 61, of Hillcrest Street, Newfane, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, speed not reasonable and prudent, and moving from lane unsafely. Nelson was reportedly involved in an accident at 12:51 a.m. on May 25 on Ellicott Street. She was arrested on Aug. 18 following an investigation by Deputy Mason Schultz. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Joseph Albert Boisclair, 58, of Knowlesville Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, speeding, driving left of pavement markings, and failure to keep right. Boisclair was stopped at 1:35 a.m. on Aug. 19 on Lewiston Road, Batavia by Sgt. Mathew Clor. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Angel Eliseo Colon, 41, of Grant Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with harassment 2nd. Colon is accused of spitting on another person while at the Genesee County Jail at 7:02 p.m. on Aug. 16. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Akeem Rashaad Gibson, 33, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with reckless endangerment and unlawful fleeing a police officer 3rd. Gibson is accused of fleeing from a deputy in the Town of Byron at 3:31 p.m. on July 30. He was arrested on the charge on Aug. 15. He was held pending arraignment.
Joseph Jerome Kostanciak, 33, of Genesee Street, Pembroke, and Shannon Leah Smith, 46, of Genesee Street, Pembroke, are charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Kostanciak and Smith are accused of possession of drug paraphernalia at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 18 at a location on Genesee Street, Pembroke, including an uncapped needle that was accessible to children who are under the age of 17. Both were held pending arraignment.
John Joseph Wojtkowiak, 56, of Attica Road, Attica, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and drinking in a motor vehicle. Wojtkowiak was reportedly involved in an accident at 6:44 a.m. on Aug. 1 at the Totempole Gas and Smoke Shop on Ledge Road, Basom. He was arrested following an investigation by Deputy Kevin McCarthy. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Brandon Rebert took a quick, long lead in the 2022 GLOW Arc Friends and Family 5K in Elba. Photo by Howard Owens.
Press Release:
Come down to Arc GLOW’s Day Habilitation Center in Elba to walk, run, skip, or jump to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Arc GLOW is hosting its 19th annual Friends & Family 5K and Fun Walk on September 16. It's an event that 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 its 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 an award ceremony.
Submitted photo of 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 this event help support education through the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship program. Scholarships are presented to area high school seniors planning to further their studies in human services, special education, or related fields. The money also goes toward helping fund various programs and services Arc GLOW offers for individuals with IDD.
Submitted photo of 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.
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.
Submitted photo of Dr. Ramon M. Rocha
The Friends & Family 5K will take place September 16 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 September 7 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. 21. Walkers and runners wishing to register can do so online at ArcGLOW.org or by contacting Konfederath.
Walkers in the GLOW ARC Friends and Family 5k in 2022. Photo by Howard Owens.
Jeremiah L. Hayes, 29, of Le Roy, is charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd and speeding. Hayes was stopped by Batavia PD on July 26 on West Main Street, Batavia. During the traffic stop, he allegedly refused to identify himself or provide police with a driver's license. He allegedly refused to exit his vehicle. He was removed from his vehicle by patrol officers. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Francisco Antonio Quiones, 32, of Buffalo, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 5th. He was allegedly found in possession of cocaine at 12:21 p.m. on Aug. 7 following a complaint at Darien Lake Theme Park. He was held for arraignment.
Bleyke Z. Culver, 27, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for burglary 2nd and two counts of criminal contempt 2nd. Culver is accused of violating an order of protection on June 23. He allegedly entered the residence of the protected party. An arrest warrant was issued on July 7. On July 24, Culver was located by Batavia PD in Austin Park. He allegedly attempted to flee but was taken into custody a short distance away. Culver was allegedly with the protected party in violation of the order protection. Culver was arraigned and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.
Zakara R. Jackson, 19, of Batavia, was arrested on two arrest warrants issued by City Court. The first warrant charges Jackson with bail jumping 2nd. It’s alleged that Jackson had been previously charged with a separate count of bail jumping 2nd. She was arraigned and released but failed to appear back in court. The second warrant charges her with bail jumping 3rd, in relation to a charge of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. She was arraigned on that charge and released, but failed to appear back in court. Jackson was arraigned on the warrants and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.
Robert D. Griffin, 45, of Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, open container in a vehicle, and criminal mischief 4th. Griffin was arrested by Batavia PD following a report of a disturbance on Summit Street at Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia on July 19. An investigation indicated he drove while intoxicated. While being processed at police headquarters, Griffin allegedly damaged a wall. He was arraigned and jailed.
Heather N. Holbrook, 38, of Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant issued by City Court. Holbrook was initially arrested on May 17 on charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd with Intent to sell, a Class B felony, and criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th, a Class C felony). She was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance. Holbrook allegedly failed to appear at her next court date, and a warrant was issued on July 10. On July 18, Holbrook was located and arrested on the warrant. She was arraigned and released.
Kimberly L. Bue, 34, of Batavia, is charged with bail jumping 3rd. Bue was previously arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Bue was arraigned and released. She allegedly failed to appear at a scheduled court appearance. On July 20, she was arrested at the Genesee County Jail, where she was incarcerated on an unrelated matter.
Zachary J. Sauberan, 28, of Lakewood, was arrested on a warrant issued by City Court. Sauberan was previously arrested on Jan. 14 and charged with harassment 2nd. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He allegedly failed to appear in court, and a warrant was issued on April 5. On July 19, Sauberan was arrested. He was arraigned in City Court, where the case was resolved.
Sheri A. Jansen, 45, of Corfu, is charged with DWI. Jansen's vehicle was located and stopped after police received a complaint of an erratic driver on Clinton Street on July 22. She was issued traffic tickets and released.
Andrew D. Beedham, 37, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. He was arrested following a report of a disturbance on July 23 at an undisclosed location in the City of Batavia. He allegedly violated an order of protection. He was arraigned and released.
Michelle L. Preston, 57, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Preston is accused of using another person's debit card without permission to make several online purchases. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Tyler J. Mills, 23, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Mills is accused of shoving another person and throwing an item at her during a disturbance on Washington Avenue, Batavia, on July 22. He was arraigned and released.
Frank H. Williams III, 40, of Batavia, has a warrant issued in Pennsylvania related to a drug possession charge. He was located on July 20 by Batavia PD during a traffic stop on Main Street in Batavia. He was arraigned as a fugitive from justice and ordered held pending extradition.
Niyoki T. Simmons, 51, of Rochester, is charged with aggravated DWI. Shortly before 7:30 p.m. on July 17, Batavia PD was dispatched to a report of a disturbance on Park Road in a parking lot. Simmons was allegedly found operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Shannon M. Armstead, 30, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Armstead was arrested after an investigation into a disturbance on July 18 where she allegedly damaged numerous items inside a residence in an undisclosed part of Batavia. Armstead was arraigned and released on her own recognizance.
Christine M. Caplis, 43, of Elba, is charged with petit larceny. Caplis is accused of stealing another person's mobile phone on July 21. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Andrew J. Draper, 44, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant issued by City Court. Draper was initially arrested on Aug. 24, 2022, on a charge of criminal contempt 1st, after allegedly violating an order of protection. He was issued an appearance ticket, but failed to appear in court. The warrant was issued on Sept 22, 2022. On July 29, Draper was located and arrested. He was arraigned in City Court. His release status is unknown.
George J. Budzinack, 43, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th. On June 17, Budzinack was allegedly found in possession of a stolen mobile phone. He was arrested on Aug. 3 following an investigation. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Kayla M. Geissler, 31, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She is accused of stealing merchandise from Tops in Batavia on Aug. 1. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Weldon J. Ervin, 31, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and obstruction of governmental administration 2nd. On Aug. 1, Batavia PD responded to Richmond Avenue and North Lyon Street in Batavia to investigate a report of a suspicious vehicle. During the investigation, Ervin was identified as the front-seat passenger, and officers found that there was an order of protection in place in respect to the driver of the vehicle. When police attempted to arrest Ervin, he reportedly fled on foot. He was taken into custody a short time later at a residence on Oak Street. He was arraigned and jailed on $5,000 bail, $10,000 bond, or $20,000 partially secured bond.
Matthew P. Parker, 33, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Parker is accused of shoplifting from Tops in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Amber L. Turner, 30, and Angela M. Samson, 42, both of Batavia, are both charged with making graffiti. Turner and Samson are accused of spray painting a sidewalk on South Main Street, Batavia. They were issued appearance tickets.
Jason T. Knickerbocker, 32, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant issued by City Court. Knickerbocker was initially arrested on April 23, 2022, after an investigation into an incident on Feb. 7, 2022, where he was allegedly found to be operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs. A warrant was issued on April 12 after Knickerbocker allegedly failed to appear for a court appearance. He was arrested on July 29. He was arraigned and ordered to reappear in court at a later date.
Savannah T. Parsons, 19, of Groveland, was arrested on a warrant issued by City Court. Parsons was initially charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 2nd, along with several other traffic offenses, following a traffic stop at Center Street and Main Street on March 4. The warrant was issued after Parsons allegedly failed to appear in court. She was arraigned in City Court. A plea agreement was reached, and Parsons was released.
Jarrod A. Grimmelt, 27, of Attica, was arrested on a warrant issued by City Court. Grimmelt was initially charged on July 26 and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 3rd following a traffic stop on Law Street, Batavia. The warrant was issued after Grimmelt allegedly failed to appear in court. He was arraigned in City Court, fined and released.
Bonjier M. Albaram, 27, of Rochester, is arrested on a warrant issued by City Court. Albaram was initially charged on Feb. 18 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 3rd and speeding following a traffic stop on Ellicott Street. The warrant was issued after Albaram allegedly failed to appear in court. He was arrested on July 24 and arraigned in City Court, where he was fined and released.
Crystal A. Mounts, 46, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant issued by City Court. Mounts was initially arrested in April of 2022. She was accused of stealing a package off a porch on Ross Street. She allegedly failed to appear in court, and a warrant was issued on Sept 29. Mounts was arraigned and ordered to return to court at a later date.
Shawn Michael Blanc, 29, of Warsaw, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and parked on a highway. Blanc was stopped by Deputy Austin Herberlein on Colby Road on Aug. 2 at 12:03 a.m. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Karli P. Teitsch, 31, of Cedarvale Road, Syracuse, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, circumventing an interlock device, and unlicensed operation. Teitsch was stopped at 12:50 a.m. on July 18 on Route 77 in Darien by Deputy Jeremy McClellan. Teitsch was released on an appearance ticket.
Thomas Michael Tacito, 63, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with arson 5th. Tacito is accused of starting a fire at 1:02 p.m. on July 28 that burned items owned by the Relax Inn at 8212 Park Road, Batavia. He was arraigned and ordered held.
Duane E. Andrews, 47, of Niagara Falls, is charged with criminal contempt 1st and aggravated family offense. Andrews allegedly struck another person violating an order of protection at 10:47 p.m. on Aug. 1 at a location on Park Road, Batavia. He was arraigned and ordered to reappear at a later date.
Marcus Christopher Taylor, 33, of Viking Way, Brockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and speeding. Taylor was stopped at 2:05 a.m. on Aug. 3 on Route 33 in the Town of Stafford by Deputy Ryan Mullen.
Katherine Frances Donohue, 29, of Mercer Avenue, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of pavement markings, moving lane unsafely, and following too close. Donohue was stopped at 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 4 on Genesee Street in Pembroke by Jacob Kipler. She was released on appearance tickets.
Brandon Michael Poth, 29, of Regal Street, Depew, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Poth was stopped by Sgt. Mathew Clor at 11:32 p.m. on Aug. 4 outside the Darien Lake Amphitheater following a citizen complaint. Poth was released on appearance tickets.
Christopher James Parker, 34, of Batavia Elba Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment 2nd. Parker is accused of shoving a woman in front of their children during a disturbance reported at 11:50 a.m. on Aug. 8 at a location on Batavia Elba Townline Road. He was held pending arraignment.
Adam C. Gilley, 32, of West Seneca, is charged with driving with a BAC of .08 or higher. Gilley was stopped by State Police at 10:35 a.m. on Aug. 3 in the Town of Darien. He was issued an appearance ticket.
205 students from Genesee Community College named to President's List. Students honored on the President's List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.
243 students from Genesee Community College named to Provost's List. Students honored on the Provost's List have maintained part-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.
Rochester Institute of Technology(RIT) conferred more than 4,800 degrees at all of its campuses in the 2022-2023 academic year. RIT's academic convocation celebration was held in May and featured remarks by Thomas Zurbuchen, astrophysicist and the longest continually serving associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate in NASA's history.
The following local residents received degrees:
Nicholas Kelly of Byron received a degree in software engineering (BS)
Andrew Pickard of Batavia received a degree in software engineering (BS)
Sophia Zwolinski of Corfu received a degree in mechanical engineering (BS)
Maddi Howard of Elba received a degree in psychology (BS)
Megan Conibear of Corfu received a degree in global business management (BS)
Jacob Gualtieri of Le Roy received a degree in computer engineering (BS)
Kyle Tezanos of Batavia received a degree in materials science and engineering (MS)
Rachel Schauf of Batavia received a degree in secondary education of students who are deaf or hard of hearing (MS)
Ella Llewellyn of Batavia received a degree in medical illustration (BFA)
Will Palmer of Batavia received a degree in new media design (BFA)
Callee Norton of Elba received a degree in biomedical sciences (BS)
Chase Roth of Alexander received a degree in web and mobile computing (BS)
Colin Hunt of Batavia received a degree in packaging science (BS)
Michaela Mesiti of Le Roy received a degree in science, technology and public policy (MS)
