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Le Roy

Women in Small Business to be celebrated Oct. 25 at Moon Java Cafe, come learn their secrets

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
October is Women's Small Business Month.
 
Please join the Mancuso Business Development Group as we celebrate some of our Women in Small Business on Thursday, Oct. 25 at Moon Java Cafe.
 
The evening will feature: Renee Smart from Moon Java Cafe; Lori Trader from Le Roy’s No Finer Diner and No Better Bed & Breakfast; Judy Hysek from Eden Café and Bakeshop in Batavia; and Kimberly Argenta, who is celebrating her 10th anniversary with Art Ah La Carte in Batavia.
 
Come learn about the experience of these women as they each took their small business from concept to reality, and maybe find out how you, too, might become a successful woman in small business.
 
The event begins at 5:30 p.m.
 
Moon Java Café is located at 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia.
 
Please RSVP to bev@mancusogroup.com or 585-343-2800 by Oct. 23.
 
Thank you to all successful women entrepreneurs!

Car vs. tree accident reported off eastbound Route 490

By Billie Owens

A car crashed into a tree off eastbound Route 490 near mile marker 2.4. Injuries are reported.

Bergen fire and Le Roy fire are called to respond along with Le Roy Ambulance Service.

UPDATE 3:39 p.m.: Injuries were said to be minor; but one victim is said to be losing consciousness. Mercy medics are called.

UPDATE 3:52 p.m.: A patient has been extricated.

UPDATE 3:57 p.m.: A second patient has been extricated.

Le Roy math teacher selected for Master Teacher program

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Le Roy Central School is proud to announce that Jr.-Sr. High School Math teacher Taryn Nole was one of the 275 educators from across the state selected to join the New York State Master Teacher Program.

Mrs. Nole is in her 17th year teaching at Le Roy and has taught eighth-grade Math, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and AP Calculus over her years with the Oatkan Knights. For the last five years, she has served as the 7-12 grade Math Department chair. 

Taryn Nole
"When I learned of the work the NYS Master Teacher program was doing I made it a professional goal of mine to become a part of the program. Through collaborations with other teachers, I will be able to strengthen my pedagogical skills and deepen my math content knowledge. This opportunity will allow me to share best practices with other educators as I continue to look for ways to improve my students' experiences in the classroom."

Merritt Holly, Superintendent -- Le Roy Central School
"Congratulations to Taryn Nole on being selected to join an elite group of educators in the New York State Master Teacher Program! Taryn's dedication to teaching, especially in the area of mathematics, has been a great resource for our District as she continues to encourage more students to pursue STEM studies and careers. To join a list of 275 new members and 980 total Master Teachers across New York State is a great individual honor for Taryn and for our Le Roy Central School District students."   

Tim McArdle, Principal -- Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School
"We are beyond excited to have Taryn be selected for the NYS Master Teacher Program. Taryn's willingness to grow as an educator and as a lifelong learner has allowed her to continue to expand her instructional skill set and serve our students at a high level every day. She is also a teacher leader willing to work with colleagues to enhance educational practices both in our district and regionally. Taryn positively impacts students in a myriad of ways in and out of the classroom year in and year out. Congratulations to Taryn and her family!"

Law and order: Troopers arrest four people during Darien sobriety checkpoint detail

By Billie Owens

New York State Police based out of Troop A, Zone I, conducted a Sobriety Checkpoint in the Town of Darien as well as a dedicated DWI patrol in Genesee County, Friday night Sept. 28, into Saturday morning, Sept. 29. Two people were arrested for DWI during the detail and are to appear in the Town of Darien court at a later date: Sarah E. Convis, 32, of New Woodstock; and Pamela S. Bradshaw, 46, of Pennsylvania. In addition, Daryl L. Ford, 31, of Niagara Falls, was arrested for fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana after being stopped for traffic infraction. He was also charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. He was issued an appearance ticket to return at a later date. Also, Jerard L. Cramer, 31, of Buffalo, was arrested for: felony first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation; unlawful possession of marijuana; driving without required ignition interlock device, and numerous other vehicle and traffic infractions. He was arraigned and released to appear in court at another date.

Melody J. McMaster, 47, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with trespass. At 10:15 a.m. on Sept. 23, McMaster was arrested on Harvester Avenue in the City of Batavia. She had previously been advised not to be on the property by police prior to this incident. She is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Darryle Streeter.

Rachel Britanny Soloman, 26, of North Lake Road, Pembroke, is charged with: criminal contempt in the second degree; endangering the welfare of a child; obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree; and resisting arrest. Solomon was arrested as a result of an investigation into a reported violation of a court order. It is alleged that she violated an order of protection by being at the residence of the protected party on Meadville Road on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation at 11:15 a.m. on Sept. 29. She allegedly became uncooperative during the investigation and her actions place a child in danger. She was arrested, arraigned in Town of Alabama Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash bail. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster, assisted by Deputy Jeremy McClellan.

Michael L. Jennings, 54, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with owning an unlicensed dog. He was arrested at 6:41 p.m. on Sept. 21 and issued an appearance ticket. He is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha.

Marc C. Cook, 28, of Church Street, Basom, is charged with failure to appear. He was arrested and arraigned on Sept. 29 in Batavia City Court on two arrest warrants for failure to appear in city court. He was jailed in lieu of $1,000 cash bail or bond. He was due in city court today (Oct. 1). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Jaequele M. Tomlin, 23, of Main Street, Le Roy, and Darazian W. Williams, 25, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, are both charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Tomlin and Williams were arrested for allegedly possessing marijuana during an investigation following a traffic stop. This occurred at 6:18 p.m. on Sept. 28 on Ellicott Street in Batavia. The defendants are due in city court on Oct. 9 to answer the charge. The cases were handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Bicyclist struck on Main Street, Le Roy, in front of Post Office

By Billie Owens

A bicyclist was struck and injured by a vehicle at 20 Main St. in Le Roy -- in front of the U.S. Post Office. The bicyclist and driver are now in the parking lot of the old Bank of America building nearby. Le Roy Ambulance Service is on scene. Le Roy Fire Department is called to respond.

UPDATE 3:03 p.m.: A 19-year-old male is being transported with minor injuries to UMMC. He is conscious and alert and has a small cut on his ear and shoulder abrasions.

Law and Order: Hutchins Place woman suspected of illegal dumping on State Street

By Billie Owens

Christine M. Jones, 31, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with illegally disposing of items (unspecified) at 9:45 a.m. on Sept. 26 on State Street. She was arrested and given an appearance ticket for illegal dumping. She is due in City Court on Oct. 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kyle Krtanik, assisted by Officer Frank Klimjack.

Jeremy J. Alwardt, 29, of Church Street, Le Roy, is charged with second-degree criminal trespass and second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 7:50 p.m. on Sept. 26 after a disturbance during which he allegedly forced entrance into an individual's porch and struck the person. He  was arraigned and jailed in lieu of unspecified bail and was due in Batavia City Court on Thursday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Adam A. Alwardt, 30, of Willow Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested at 7:06 p.m. on Sept. 24 on Willow Street in Batavia after a domestic incident wherein he allegedly damaged property belonging to another person. He was arraigned and jailed on $1,500 cash or bond and was due to return to City Court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

A male who lives on Chick Road in Darien, no other information provided, was arrested at 8:20 p.m. on Sept. 26 on Chick Road following a domestic incident. The household member is charged with third-degree menacing and second-degree harassment. He is scheduled to appear in Darien Town Court on Oct. 23 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Megan Elizabeth King, 24, of Fisher Road, Alabama, is charged with driving with a BAC of .08 percent or more and DWI -- first offense. She was arrrested at 9:39 p.m. on Sept. 26 on Main Road in Pembroke following an investigation into a motor-vehicle accident that occured on Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke on July 26. It is alleged that King was operating the vehicle with a BAC greater than .08 percent. She was issued an appearance ticket for Pembroke Town Court and is due there on Oct. 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Chad Minuto.

Kevin J. Fickel, 37, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 7:15 p.m. on Sept. 23 at Tops market after he allegedly exited the store without paying for several items. He is due in City Court on Oct. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

PETA offering up to $5,000 reward in case of Le Roy cat left to suffocate in duct-taped bin

By Billie Owens

Press release from PETA:

At around 8:30 on Saturday morning, a passerby discovered a cat inside a plastic bin—which was taped shut with duct tape and had no holes or other means of ventilation—abandoned on the side of the road at the intersection of Munson and Gilbert streets in Le Roy.

Officers believe that the male long-haired cat had been left there for approximately 20 minutes, and surveillance footage shows a white pickup truck at the scene.

The cat, now named Munson, is currently at the Genesee County Animal Shelter, but police have yet to determine who's responsible for abandoning him and leaving him to suffocate.

That's why PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction on cruelty-to-animals charges of the person or persons responsible for this crime.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to abuse in any way"—is also asking residents in the area to help spread the word and put up free downloadable posters (available here) in businesses and schools, on bulletin boards, and anywhere else that they're allowed to display them.

Someone may recognize this cat, and it might be the only way to apprehend those responsible for this cruel act.

If someone hadn't found him in time, this frightened cat would almost certainly have died inside that plastic box," says PETA Vice President Colleen O'Brien.

"PETA is calling on anyone who recognizes this cat to come forward immediately so that whoever shut him in this container and left him to suffocate can be held accountable and stopped from hurting anyone else."

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the Le Roy Police Department at 585-345-6350.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Photos courtesy of the Le Roy Police Department.

Botts-Fiorito American Legion Auxiliary Unit names 2018-19 officers

By Billie Owens
Submitted photo and press release:
 
Officers for 2018-19 of the Botts-Fiorito American Legion Auxiliary Unit #576 have been selected.
 
They are pictured from left in the photo above: Ellen Harris -- Treasurer; Donna Mills -- Sgt. at Arms; Linda Horgan -- Historian; Deb Feneran -- Chaplain;
Marlene McCumiskey -- President; Roberta Graney -- 1st Vice President; Pat Moore -- Secretary; and Regina Diskin -- Membership Chairperson.

Le Roy Fire District corrects misinformation spread about tax increase for ambulance

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Recent articles in the local media announced a proposal to create an ambulance district to provide emergency medical service to residents in the Town and Village of Le Roy.

One point in an article is misleading. The statement that funding to support this ambulance service would be arrived at by an increase in the “fire tax” is not correct.

The Le Roy Fire District is not in any way involved in the raising of funds or a tax increase in support of this effort. The Fire District is the only agency that can raise “fire tax.” The article states otherwise.

The Fire District is not opposed to, or in favor of, the formation of this entity. The Fire District relies heavily on professional and well trained EMS service and transport services and works daily in harmony with the Le Roy Ambulance Service ambulance and EMS personnel.

Publisher's Note: It was NOT The Batavian that incorrectly reported an increase in the "fire tax." Our coverage explicitly stated there is a proposal to create a separate ambulance district in Le Roy.

Law and Order: Vine Street woman charged with DWI, criminal possession of a controlled substance

By Billie Owens

Angela M. McIntyre, 46, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with: uninspected motor vehicle; driving while intoxicated -- impaired by drugs -- first offense; and criminal possession of a controlled substance (unspecified). McIntyre was arrested at 10:52 a.m. on Sept. 14 on East Main Street in Batavia following an investigation at Eastown Plaza. She was released to Genesee Justice and is due in City Court Sept. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Kyle Krtanik.

Aaron L. Klein, 47, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 1:12 p.m. on Sept. 19 for violating a stay-away order of protection. Klein was allegedly caught hiding in the protected party's house within hours of being served with the stay-away order. He was jailed on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison, assisted by Officer Frank Klimjack.

Jeremiah T. Jones, 45, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 1:40 p.m. on Sept. 17 on West Main Street, Batavia, after he violated a stay-away order of protection. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in city court on Oct. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

A 17-year-old who lives on Liberty Street in Batavia was arrested at 8:05 p.m. on Sept. 17 following a disturbance on Ross Street in the city wherein the youth is accused of punching another person in the face. The defendant was due in city court this afternoon to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Jeremy C. Goodell, 44, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, was arrested Sept. 21 on a bench warrant for failure to appear in city court. He had been charged with third-degree criminal mischief stemming from an incident that occurred at 444 W. Main St., Batavia. Following his arraignment, he was jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash or $5,000 bond. He is due in coty court on Thursday (Sept. 27). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kyle Krtanik, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

David L. Newton, 59, of Lewiston Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was apprehended by Tops market employees after allegedly being observed concealing several items on his person and exiting the store. He was arrested at 10:55 p.m. on Sept. 20 and released on an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on Oct. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Ronnie Joe Flinchum, 59, of Mill Street, Le Roy, was arrested on Sept. 21 on a Batavia City Court bench warrant for failure to appear. Flinchum was arraigned and jailed on $1,000 cash or bond. The defendant was due in city court this morning. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Julia L. Tombari, 24, of Roanoke Road, Pavilion, is charged with violation of probation. She was arrested on Sept. 24 on a bench warrant out of city court for violating probation. She was arraigned and jailed on $5,000 cash or bond and is due in city court on Thursday (Spet. 27). The case was handled by Batavia Police Sgt. Dan Coffey, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Isaiah J.A. Munroe, 28, of Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. On Sept. 22 at 6:19 p.m. while on a traffic stop on Bank Street in Batavia, Munroe was arrested for allegedly possessing marijuana. He was issued a computer-generated appearance ticket and is due in city court on Oct. 2 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Law and Order: Watson Street, Batavia, woman charged with felony driving while ability impaired by drugs, has two prior convictions

By Billie Owens

Brenda Yvette Colon-Cruz, 45, of Watson Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs, as a felony, with two prior convictions within the last 10 years; holding more than one driver's license; and operating an unregistered motor vehicle on a highway. On Sept. 13 at 4:06 a.m., she was arrested following a complaint in the area of Lake Street Road in the Town of Le Roy. She was arraigned then released under supervision of Genesee Justice. She was due back in Le Roy Town Court on Sept. 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Austin Heberlein.

Charles Kibicho Kairu, 37, of South Valley Lane, Springfield, Mo., was arrested at 6:25 p.m. on Sept. 22 on Main Road in Pembroke following a traffic stop. He allegedly operated a commercial vehicle while intoxicated. He is charged with: unregistered motor vehicle; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree; DWI -- first offense; aggravated DWI -- having a BAC of .18 percent or more; drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle; and operating with brakes out of service. Kairu was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond. He is due back in Town of Pembroke Court on Oct. 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Mathew Clor.

Nicholas F. Kerwin, 18, of Route 77, North Java, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief and fifth-degree conspiracy. Following a property damage complaint of damage to a motor vehicle on Molasses Hill Road in Alexander at 1:30 a.m. on June 10, Kerwin was arrested and released on an appearance ticket. He is due back in Town of Alexander Court on Oct. 9. He allegedly caused damage to the vehicle in excess of $250. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan, assisted by Deputy Christopher Parker.

Three youths were arrested by the Le Roy Police Department in connection with a nighttime residential burglary in the village on Sept. 10. It was reported by the homeowner that unknown an unknown or persons entered the residence during the late night or early morning hours and stole multiple packs of cigarettes while the resident was sleeping. A follow-up investigation allegedly determined three youths ages 16, 13 and 12 were involved and some of the cigarettes were recovered as evidence. The 16-year-old, who was already on a court-ordered, 24-hour curfew due to unrelated prior criminal conduct, was charged in Le Roy Town Court with one count each of second-degree burglary, a Class C felony, and petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor. The 16-year-old was jailed and an undisclosed amount of bail was set. The two younger suspects were "petitioned to the Genesee County Youth Court."

Kevin M. Fossum, 52, of Batavia, was arrested by State Police from the Warsaw barracks on Sept. 15 and charged with driving while ability impaired and unlawful possession of marijuana. During a traffic stop on Route 246 in the Village of Perry, troopers detected an odor of marijuana coming from Fossum while being interviwed. Field sobriety tests were issued and he was taken to Warsaw for processing, then issued an appearance ticket for Village of Perry Court at a later date. He was released to a sober third party.

Le Roy PD find cat in duct-taped bin, seek public's help in finding suspect and/or owner

By Billie Owens

Photos and information from the Le Roy Police Department:

The Le Roy Police Department is currently investigating a case of animal cruelty. Early this morning (Sept. 22) patrols located a cat enclosed in a plastic bin. The cat was inside the bin and the lid was duct-taped closed; there were no holes cut in the lid or anyway for air to enter the bin.

The cat appears to be in good health and is being cared for at this time.

The cat is an unneutered male tiger cat and appears to be well fed and taken care of (pictures posted below). 

We are asking for the public’s assistance with any information that could lead to a possible suspect or suspects as well as locating the owner of the cat. 

The Le Roy Police Department takes Animal Cruelty seriously and appreciates the public’s assistance in this matter. 

If you have any information, please contact the Le Roy Police Department at (585) 345 6350.

Le Roy tops Cal-Mum/BB, 15-7

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy overcame its own mistakes and capitalized on the mistakes of the Red Raiders in a 15-7 win over their archrivals Friday night.

The Oatkan Nights limited Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen to 146 total yards on offense and snagged four interceptions, which helped negate Le Roy's own turnovers and opportunities squashed by penalties.

Kyler LaCarte rushed for 59 yards and a TD on 23 carries. Jake Hill gained 29 yards on nine carries, and Cineque Robinson scored a TD on three yards. Jake Hill was 12-16 passing for 97 yards. Reece Tresco caught four passes for 34 yards and Cody Lytle caught three for 43.

Anthony Leitten had six tackles and Bobby Locke had five tackles. Lytle had two interceptions. Tresco and Robinson (top photo) pulled down the other two interceptions.

For the Red Raiders, Bryce Yockel gained 106 yards.

To purchase prints of photos, click here.

LeRoyans return to the home of their ancestors in Asiago, Italy

By Billie Owens

Photo, from left: Pat Stefani Iamon, Chris Stella, Dar Costa Hawkins and Bob Stefani stand in the piazza of Asiago, Italy. Photos provided by Pat Iamon.

By Pat Iamon

On the last day of a two-week trip to Italy a group of LeRoyans were able to visit their family’s homeland, Asiago, Veneto, Italy. The Go2Italy trip the group was part of was organized by Jim Frascati, owner of Capish! Pizza-ristorante on Main Street in Le Roy.

Frascati has been organizing trips to Italy for more than 20 years. He is an Italian American, a retired police officer from Rochester who came from Sicily as a teenager. Frascati speaks perfect Italian and escorts his trips with his partner, Frank Cordiddi, and their wives.

The trip began on Sep. 5th on the doorstep of Capish! where the group of 46 boarded a bus to Toronto Pearson Airport. Their Alitalia flight dropped them off in Rome where they quickly boarded their connecting flight to Catania, Sicily. Once there, Go2Italy had a bus waiting with their personal driver of more than 10 years, Luigi.

A ferry, then "harrowing bus ride"

Over the two weeks the group toured Savoca, Mt. Etna, Taormina, Cefalu, and then left the island of Sicily in a ferry at Messina. The ferry took about 30 minutes to cross the couple mile Strait of Messina landing at Naples. The bus headed north along scenic highways up and around the mountains and through many tunnels.

The next few days the tour group took in Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, and the Isle of Capri which included a harrowing bus ride through narrow mountain roads. The next stop was Rome where the group toured the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Cathedral. The next day they took in most of the other tourist sites in Rome.

The last hotel stop on the tour was Venice where the group took a water taxi to walk to St. Mark’s Square.

Before the final day of the tour Frascati tried in vain to rent a car and drive the group up to Asiago. However, it was Sunday and all the car rental companies were closed and not answering their phone. Frascati then helped the group hire a car and driver to take them up into the mountains to Asiago.

Rising up very early on Sept. 17, the group left their Venice hotel and boarded their van at 5:45 a.m. for the 90-minute drive to Asiago. Pat (Stefani) Iamon, her brother, Bob Stefani, and Chris Stella, who are from Lime Rock, along with Dar (Costa) Hawkins and her husband Ron, of Le Roy, rode along the three-lane highway to the two-lane mountain road.

Foothills of the Alps

That mountain road had many switch backs. As their van approached the foothills of the Alps the group anxiously awaited the sign announcing the little town of Asiago. The Stefanis' grandmother, Catherine Stella, came from Asiago with her family as child, her 4-year-old brother got sick and died before reaching the United States; their great-grandfather Stefani came as a young man.

Stella, whose grandparents were from Asiago, and Dar (Costa) Hawkins' grandparents also originated from there. Asiago at 3284-foot elevation is framed by Northern Italy’s picturesque limestone mountains.

“It looks just like a little Alpine village,” Iamon said.

The population today is about 6,500. There is a beautiful church in the heart of the village.

“It is such a quaint and welcoming little place,” said Dar Hawkins. The group stopped first at the piazza (village square), which is surrounded by many little restaurants and shops and town buildings that at the early hour were all closed.  In the piazza there was a stage with a colorful banner that seemed to welcome the group. The words on the upper left side of the banner, when translated to English, say: “Asiago a jewel in the midst of green.”

The group posed for photos that were taken by their driver, Allesandro, and a polite young man that was sitting on a bench there.

Cheese, green meadows, and graves

Asiago is famous for their soft cheese; as was evident by signage along the way and the cows grazing on the beautiful green meadows.

“It is the green mountain grasses the cows feed on that make the milk that make such delicious cheese!” Bob Stefani said.

The group headed into the countryside for a five-minute drive to the town’s beautifully kept country cemetery to look for their family names. At first it seemed like the gates of the cemetery were closed, however, there was an open door to the left of the gate that led to the main part of the cemetery.

The group spread out searching for graves with their surnames. It did not take long before they were able to find not only the graves of their families, but also other familiar Le Roy surnames such as Regoni, Bennetti and Forte.

No one in the group was certain what lured their ancestors from Asiago to the little town of Le Roy; however, rumors were that the stone crusher on Circular Hill Road sent for them to work at crushing and loading the limestone. Many in the group had ancestors; grandfathers, fathers, or cousins that worked at that facility, some retired from stone crushing at the plant.

“None of our family members ever returned to the village of Asiago or to Italy for that matter, which seems very sad," Iamon said. "I wore a locket containing my dad’s ashes that my son made for me. So, in a way I brought him with me. On our way back to Venice, we all felt quite nostalgic seeing and walking the same land that our ancestors spoke about and called home.

"We were all very happy that we had made the trip. Our ancestors must have really missed this beautiful scenery and rolling hills in this lovely town. I would certainly like to visit here again!”

Volunteers needed to lead Alzheimer's support groups in Batavia and Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Press release:

People who really listen to others are gifted with compassion and empathy, and the Alzheimer’s Association Western New York is looking for volunteers willing to share those gifts!

Every month, the Association’s Western New York Chapter oversees close to three dozen support groups for caregivers of individuals with dementia, including four such meetings across Genesee County.

These groups are led by Chapter-trained facilitators who provide a vital service by encouraging caregivers to share their concerns, find support among their peers and hear advice about providing the best care they can from others in a similar situation.

The Chapter is looking to provide free training for volunteers to lead monthly support group meetings in Batavia and Le Roy. If you are interested in sharing your time in a meaningful, rewarding and vital way, please call Marie Baun at the WNY Chapter between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday Through Friday at (716) 626-0600, ext. 8994. She can also be reached via email at MBaun@alz.org.

About the Alzheimer’s Association WNY

 The Alzheimer’s Association is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization for care, support and research of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The elimination of the disease through advancements in research, providing and enhancing care and support for all impacted, and reducing the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health define  the organization’s mission.

The WNY Chapter is located at 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6, in Williamsville and offers a 24/7 Helpline for services and support at 1.800.272.3900. The Association also offers online resources, including secure sites for caregivers, training for professional care partners and information about local support services at alz.org/WNY.

Free educational programs about dementia to be offered at Le Roy Village Green this fall

By Billie Owens

The Alzheimer’s Association® Western New York Chapter is partnership with Le Roy Village Green in Le Roy to offer a series of free educational programs this fall.

All classes will begin at 7 p.m. in The Greens facility at 10 Munson St. in Le Roy.

"Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia" kicks off the three-part series on Oct. 2. This educational program covers the basics about the disease and related dementias.

On Nov. 6, the second program, "Effective Communication Strategies," will help care partners of those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia identify verbal and non-verbal strategies to more effectively understand and communicate.

The final program, "Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors," is set for Dec. 4. The program helps care partners recognize that behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the primary ways for people with Alzheimer’s disease to communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language is lost. However, some behaviors can present realchallenges for caregivers to manage. It will cover some common struggles and offer sound strategies to address them.

Additionally, the Chapter trains facilitators to lead several monthly caregiver support groups across the county, which allow caregivers to connect with others facing similar challenges and hear advice for overcoming them:

  • 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. – Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St. in Batavia
  • 3rd Thursday at 1 p.m. – Genesee County Office for the Aging, 12 Bank St. in Batavia
  • 2nd Monday at 2 p.m. – The Greens of Le Roy, 1 West Ave. in Le Roy

Telephone Support Group:

  • 2nd Wednesday from 12:10-12:55 p.m. – For more information, call the Genesee County Office for the Aging at (585) 343-1611.

Respite Available for Caregivers:

A community social program, or respite, is also available every month in Corfu. This program provides relief to those who care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia and offers them some time to refresh and recharge, while their loved one is engaged in social activities in a safe environment.

Indian Falls United Methodist Church at 7908 Allegany Road offers a respite service on the third Wednesday of every month. For more information, call Celinda McQuiston at (585) 762-9105.

To learn more about other Alzheimer’s Association programs and services, contact the WNY Chapter office at 1.800.272.3900.

Car hits tree on Thwing Road, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A car has reportedly hit a tree and rolled over in the area of 6845 Thwing Road, Le Roy.

The initial call reported entrapment but the driver is now reportedly out of the car.

Le Roy fire and Mercy EMS responding.

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