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Pavilion

Local volunteer firefighters train and hone their skills to save lives and help in dangerous situations

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Fifteen area firefighers successfully completed the Basic Exterior Firefighter Operations (BEFO) training program held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center. Also, an eight-hour Trench Rescue Awareness course was recently conducted at the Genesee County Fire Training Center. Twenty-two members of the County’s volunteer fire service completed this program on Nov. 9.

BASIC EXTERIOR FIREFIGHTER OPERATIONS TRAINING PROGRAM

BEFO is an entry-level program requiring 79 hours of classroom instruction and skill development. This course is designed to prepare students to respond to emergencies as exterior firefighters. BEFO prepares new firefighters to operate under direct supervision in the exterior or IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) areas of the fire scene.

Students participated in training covering: firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE); self-contained breathing apparatus inspection and cylinder changing; fire department communications; building construction and fire behavior; modern fire control research; portable fire extinguishers; rope and knot tying; ground ladders; forcible entry; tactical ventilation theory; water supply; hose and fire streams; loss control; orientation to fire origin and cause determination; fire prevention and life safety initiatives; confined space awareness; overview of first aid and buddy care; and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations. 

Genesee County BEFO training participants included: 

Alexander Fire Department

  • Matthew F. Grimes                    
  • Adam F. Meier                 
  • Douglas G. Mess                 
  • Heidi L. Richmond                    

Bethany Volunteer Fire Department

  • Timothy J. McCabe                    

Darien Center Chemical Fire Company

  • Megan R. Brown                    

East Pembroke Fire Department

  • Lloyd J. Casselbury

Pavilion Fire Department

  • Amanda A. Goodwin                    
  • Sean P. Vogt Jr.                    
  • Timothy R. Zipfel Jr.                     

South Byron Fire Department

  • Aaron N. Belluscio                 
  • Theresa E. Hammer                 
  • Andew L. Konieczny                 
  • Vitorrio J. Muoio                    

Stafford Volunteer Fire Department

  • Samantha S. Call                  

TRENCH RESCUE AWARENESS COURSE

Problems that can and do occur in trench rescue incidents were discussed. Safety techniques, shoring techniques, proper procedures, team operations and hazard assessment were addressed.

Trench Rescue Awareness participants included:

Town of Batavia Fire Department

  • Joshua K. Boyle
  • Clayton A. Gorski                 

Bethany Volunteer Fire Department

  • Christopher M. Page
  • Kyle L. Rombaut

Corfu Rescue Hook & Ladder Co.

  • Mitchell D. Bates
  • Gregory S. Lang
  • Matthew P. Lenhard
  • Steven D. Rodland
  • Jeffrey D. Luker

Darien Center Chemical Fire Company inc.

  • Joe T. Marino
  • David W. McGreevy
  • Mark R. Starczewski Sr.
  • Paul C. Redden

Elba Fire Department

  • Nickolas J. Esten
  • John D. Mudrzynski
  • Jason R. Pallister
  • Michael J. Schad Jr.
  • George M. Underhill
  • Caitlin E. Zipfel                    

Pembroke Fire District

  • James Reinhardt
  • Tera L. Reinhardt

Stafford Volunteer Fire Department

  • Timothy E. Eckdahl

Hunter heading to hunting party strikes a deer

By Billie Owens

"A hunter on his way to a hunting party, struck a deer," says a dispatcher. A sheriff's deputy is heading to the vehicle vs. deer accident, on Transit Road south of Hawks Road, Pavilion. 

Rollover accident on Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

A rollover accident with entrapment is reported in the area of 6690 Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion.

A responder warns of slick roads.

The vehicle is on its side. Minor injuries reported.

Pavilion fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of breaking into Elba home, threatening residents

By Howard B. Owens
      Adam Gill

Adam J. Gill, 29, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, two counts of burglary, and menacing, 2nd. At 1:31 a.m. Tuesday, Gill allegedly entered a residence in the Village of Elba and displayed a knife. After a brief struggle with the occupants, the intruder was disarmed and he left the residence without further incident. Gill was known to the residents. They did not sustain any injuries. Gill was located on Oak Street in Batavia and charged with DWI. He was jailed on $50,000 bail, $10,000 bond.

Lamar Iteef Randall, 32, of Walnut Place, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, obstructed license plate, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Randall was stopped at 4:35 p.m. Monday on Veterans Memorial Drive by Sgt. Ron Welker.

Shaun Michael Brennan, 23, of Brookedge Drive, of Hamlin, is charged with DWI, refusal to breath test, and speeding. Brennan was stopped at 7:18 p.m. Monday on North Lake Road, Bergen, by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Jeremy John Schraufstetter, 40, of Leroy Street, Cheektowaga, is charged with felony DWI and felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Schraufstetter was stopped at 1:43 a.m. Oct. 28 on Route 20, Darien, by Investigator Chris Parker.

David S. Rigoni, 38, of Pavilion, is charged with operator impaired by drugs and moving from lane unsafely. Rigoni was stopped by State Police at 3:41 p.m. Tuesday in Le Roy.

Pavilion boys volleyball advances to semifinal

By Howard B. Owens

Pavilion's boys volleyball team is off to a strong start in sectional play with two wins and a Class B semifinal match against Spencerport at 2 p.m., tomorrow.

Yesterday the Gophers beat Canandaigua three matches to two.

Photo submitted by Sarah Kingdon.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley will hold four Town Hall meetings in Genesee County on Saturday

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is pleased he will be holding several open town hall meetings this Saturday at varying locations around Genesee County. All residents are welcome to attend to discuss local issues and to express any questions or concerns they might have.
 
“I always look forward to these town hall meetings as a way to provide access and transparency about what is going on in Albany and as a vehicle for my office to assist residents with local matters,” Hawley said. “Gathering questions and concerns about the needs and desires of the residents I represent is central to being an effective lawmaker, and I encourage all those who are free to attend one of these town hall meetings.”
 

Hawley's Town Hall Meeting Schedule

Town of Bethany Meeting
9:30 - 10:15 a.m.
Bethany Town Hall
10510 Bethany Center Road

Town of Pavilion Meeting
10:30 - 11:15 a.m.
Pavilion Town Hall
1 Woodrow Drive

Village of Le Roy/Town of Le Roy Meeting

11:30 a.m - 12:15 p.m.
Le Roy Town Hall
48 Main St.

Village of Bergen/Town of Bergen Meeting
12:45 -1:30 p.m.

Bergen Town Hall
10 Hunter St.

Collision with injuries reported at routes 19 and 63, Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A two-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at the intersection of routes 19 and 63. Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 1:15 p.m.: A first responder at the scene reports one patient, a pregnant female, who suffered a bump on the head and has lower back pain. Her vehicle was rear-ended.

UPDATE: The patient was transported to Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw.

Law and Order: 'Destro' helps find alleged drunken driver who fled accident

By Howard B. Owens

Michael Alan Shelter, 27, of Lewiston Road, Alabama, is charged with: DWI; driving with a BAC of .08 or greater; criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th; aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd; and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. At 2:23 p.m., deputies responded to a report of a motor-vehicle accident on Maple Road, Alabama, where the driver had fled the scene. Deputy Chris Erion and K9 "Destro" were dispatched and Shelter was located not far from the scene of the accident. The incident was investigated by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Aaron Robert Webb, 21, of West Combe Park, West Henrietta, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, failure to stop at stop sign and insufficient tail lamp. Webb was stopped at 11:57 p.m., Thursday, on Telephone Road, Pavilion, by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Joshua A. Aughenbaugh, 23, of Junction Road, Pavilion, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment. Aughenbaugh is accused of holding a child behind a running vehicle in an attempt to prevent the child's mother from putting the vehicle in reverse. Aughenbaugh is also accused of butting heads with the woman and shoving her. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Leaha RaeAnne Wimmer, 25, of Allen Road, Albion, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Wimmer allegedly stole a debit card and made purchases with it.

Landmark Award 2017: 11129 River Street, Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

Article by Cleo Mullins

This cobblestone home is the only one in Pavilion. William Henry purchased the land in 1829 and in a book about Pavilion it listed William Henry as a stone mason so it is likely he built this home. With its rectangular form, simple lines and ornamentation and the use of cobblestones, it is presumed that this residence was built shortly after 1829.

Over the years additions were added. Ten years ago Dave and Noreen Tillotson bought the house, barn and 160 acres as they owned a farm within a mile of the place and needed the land and barn. One of the first jobs on the house and barn was to clean up and make the barn ready for cattle. This is a present-day picture of the barn. Note the new roof, paint job and landscaping. Before there were only a few trees. This is a later picture but I wanted you to see the shape of the build. The larger cobblestones with less precision arrangement were used on the sides and back of the house.

The Gillard Construction Company of Berger was the contractor of this project. The roof was torn off and new rafters were put up in the house. This is the 2 story part of the house.

This is the one story part of the house where the kitchen will be. Note the square opening that they found in the house and retained it.

Now with the new roof the next year job was to replace all the windows (six over six) by Anderson.

The front door has been uncovered and now has a glass storm door to protect the original door. Notice the uniformed size cobblestones that were used on the front of the house. Note the original quoins, lintels, and windowsills that are cut from limestone. They had been painted over with white paint so it was removed.

This shows the addition to the house that have bedrooms, bath and entrance to the house.

Pictures of outside landscaping and the rail fence that is a type that would have been used in colony times. 21-22 They have added a garage and created a welcoming entrance.

When Noreen saw the living room of the house that featured the original mantel, original wood floors of old growth pine and the full original woodwork of the interior of this room she knew she wanted the home.

The fireplace uses carved limestone to line the front of the fireplace opening.

In this room, Noreen did all the removal of paint from the woodwork and then repainted them. She also stenciled the walls.

This is a picture of the original door and doorknob.

This is the room right of the entrance across from the living room.

In the kitchen they have left the original cobblestone walls exposed at the peak of both ends of the room and the beams that are exposed and running horizontally are original and part of the structure. It is a nice place to display crocks and other items. Note the square opening that we mentioned earlier, this was left so when you can see into the kitchen from upstairs. This is above the door leading to the upstairs. The steps were replaced to code and the upstairs has the old growth pine floors.

Note the deep windowsill due to the walls being over two feet thick.

This is pictures of the other end of the kitchen with the doorway going into the family room.

When the family room was added on, they left the original wall of cobblestone of the house as a wonderful work of art that could be appreciated and enjoyed each day.

A picture of this lovely home in winter.

The Landmark Society of Genesee County is giving the preservation award of restoration to Dave and Noreen Tillotson for breathing new life into a 1830 cobblestone home. 

National Weather Service seeks volunteer observer in Pavilion to take daily measurements at 7-ish each morning

By Billie Owens

From the National Weather Service in Buffalo:

The National Weather Service office in Buffalo is looking for a volunteer weather observer, to take over the observing station in or within about four miles of Pavilion.

This observing station would be a part of the National Weather Service Cooperative Observer Network or Coop Network. The Coop Network comprises nearly 10,000 volunteer weather observers nationwide who report high/low temperatures, rainfall, snowfall and snow depth to the National Weather Service on a daily basis. The data from Coop Observers helps scientists to define the long-term climate of the United States.

Observers would take daily measurements of a 24-hour high/low temperatures, precipitation, snowfall and snow depth, each morning around 7 a.m. These measurements would be relayed daily to the National Weather Service, either via the Internet or a toll-free phone number. These weather observations will be archived and use by future climate and research studies.

The Observer will be provided with an electronic thermometer, a rain gauge and a snow measuring stick.

These observations will assist the National Weather Service in its forecast and warning efforts, is vital to climatologists who are defining the climate of the United States and will help to predict drought conditions, agricultural planning and assessment, and more.

If you are interested in helping us out, or have any questions about the duties of a Coop Observer, please contact us at the address below, or you may call us at 716-565-0204, or send an email to Dan.Kelly@noaa.gov.

National Weather Service

Buffalo Office
587 Aero Drive
Cheektowaga, NY 14225

Three local student graduate from University at Albany

By Billie Owens

The University at Albany congratulates the more than 3,300 students who graduated at its 173rd Commencement from May 19-21.

Anthony Misisco, of Pavilion, graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in Spring 2017.

James Pisaturo, of Bergen, graduated with a Master of Science in Curriculum Development & Instructional Technology in Spring 2017.

Jessica Dudek, of Batavia, graduated with a Master of Science in Professional Accountancy in Spring 2017.

Ranzenhofer announces $167K in grants for educational programs in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer today has announced $167,000 in state funding for student programs throughout Genesee County.  

“As a State Senator, I am committed to delivering state dollars to ensure our students are successful inside and outside the classroom,” Ranzenhofer said. “As another academic year begins, this funding will help to support existing tools and create new tools for students across Genesee County. Each one of these programs will help to develop student achievement in high school and beyond.”

School districts and organizations receiving funding are as follows:

Byron-Bergen School District: $85,000 to Expand Existing STEM Program
The funding will be used to further develop the District’s Inquiry-Based STEM Program to include a STEM Robotics and Programming Career Exploration Lab. The program utilizes engineering, robotics and coding to develop solutions to real-world science problems and exposes students to skills and careers in the STEM fields.

“It is projected that 65% of today’s students will be employed in jobs that don’t yet exist, and STEM programs will help our youth to become future innovative creators of programs, apps and inventions,” said Byron-Bergen Superintendent Mickey Edwards. “On behalf of the children of Byron-Bergen Central School District, I am overjoyed to express our thanks to Senator Ranzenhofer for obtaining state funding to expand our STEM program.” 

Pavilion Central School District: $55,000 for a New Ag Education Program
The funding will be used to purchase equipment and supplies for a new Ag education program being offered to students for the first time this academic year. The program consists of classroom instruction, supervised work experiences, and integrated student leadership development activities through FFA.

“The Pavilion Central School District and Board of Education deeply appreciate Senator Ranzenhofer's strong support of our Ag program. This state-of-the-art program will benefit Pavilion students in many areas of college and career readiness,” said Pavilion Superintendent Kenneth Ellison. 

Agriculture and its related industries are the number one economic driver for Genesee County and New York State.

Genesee County Youth Bureau: $17,000 for Afterschool Programs
The funding will be used to support programs throughout the county to provide safe, structured and healthy afterschool programming for youth.

“The Youth Bureau’s main mission is to support programs in Genesee County for the betterment of our children, youth, and families. We appreciate the additional funds to help us achieve our goals,” said Genesee-Orleans & City of Batavia Youth Bureaus Executive Director Jocelyn Sikorski. 

Learning Center at Gillam-Grant: $10,000 to Support Afterschool Enrichment Programs
The funding will be used to support tutoring services, afterschool homework help, and educational enhancement classes for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

“With the support of Senator Ranzenhofer, there are so many benefits for students at the Learning Center. Students can get involved in new interests– art, computer classes, robotics– and receive additional support to help them excel in their studies,” said Gillam-Grant Community Center Executive Director Peggy Swapceinski. 

The Learning Center at Gillam-Grant is the first nonprofit tutoring center in Genesee County. Services are available to students in area school districts in Genesee and Monroe counties.

Perry beats Pavilion in volleyball, 3-0

By Howard B. Owens
Perry won all three matches against Perry in volleyball on Friday night by scores of 25-21, 25-7, and 25-17.

For Pavilion, Alissa Cianci had 6 kills with Lexi Eighmey contributing 12 digs as the libero. Pavilion is now 0-3.

For Perry, Maleena Stickley had a consistent, strong serve with 4 aces as well as great defense with 7 digs. Lydia Boyd led the offense with 4 kills with Ashley Page close behind, contributing 3 kills of her own. Perry is now 3-2.

Sleds of Stafford Snowmobile Club presents 11th annual Vintage Snowmobile/Outdoor Show on Sunday

By Billie Owens

The Sleds of Stafford Snowmobile Club will present the 11th annual Vintage Snowmobile/Outdoor Show starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17, at BW's Restaurant/DC Meadows.

The venue is located at 11070 Perry Road in Pavilion.

Entrance fee is $3 per person.

There will be new and used equipment, accessories and trailers.

Refreshments, breakfast and lunch available for purchase.

Door prizes to be awarded at 2 p.m. There will be progressive 50/50 raffle tickets sold ($5 donation); the winner will be drawn at the steak dinner at the end of the day. You can also buy steak dinner tickets.

Genesee County DMV personnel will be on hand from noon to 3 p.m. for sled registrations only license renewals. Sleds of Stafford membership renewals will also be available. Payments by check only!

For more information contact, Kelly Cordell at 356-9150.

37th annual Stefani-Costa family reunion held July 30 at Wildwood Park, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

(Photo above: Dorothy (Stefani) Bater, of Le Roy, and sisters Dolores (Stefani) Lathan, of Le Roy, and Ruth (Stefani) Tracy, of Rochester, were the oldest in attendance at this year's Stefani-Costa family reunion.)

Submitted photos and press release:

The families of the late Baptist and Christina (Costa) Stefani, and Dominic and Johanna (Rigoni) Costa gathered for their 37th consecutive annual family reunion at Le Roy’s Wildwood Park on Sunday, July 30, 2017. Wildwood Park is located on Munson Street Extension near the Le Roy Community Swimming Pool. Both founding families made their homes in Lime Rock (New York).

Linda (Orlando) Totten, of Elba, Carol (Orlando) Panepento, of Pavilion, Gloria (Orlando) Oliver, of Le Roy, and Amy Panepento, of Le Roy, hosted the event.

After a potluck buffet and cookout, followed by selections from a sweets table, the family held a short business meeting.  A review of family news since last year included the following:

  • Dorothy (Stefani) Bater, of Le Roy, was the oldest person in attendance at age 90, followed closely by Dolores (Stefani) Lathan of Le Roy, who is one day younger. 
  • The youngest family member to attend was 14-month-old Ryder Christopher Barclay, of Byron. He is the son of Samantha Blake and Joe Barclay. Ryder’s proud parents are expecting another addition to their family in April.
  • The only new member of the family is Abby Grace Aradine, born on on Oct. 17, 2016. She is the daughter of Jeffrey and Bethany (Pocock) Aradine, of Bergen. Her older sister, Kate, was last year’s youngest reunion participant.
  • Michelle Goldstin and Tim Sisson, of Piffard, have recently become engaged to be married.
  • Rena C. Wagner, 90, of Batavia, passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2017. She was born Dec. 17, 1926 in Asiago, Italy, and was a daughter of the late Peter and Battastina Dalle Ave Costa. She is survived by her brother, Victor (Jean) Costa, of Le Roy, and her sister, Mary Regone, of Virginia.

Next year’s event chairs are Marilyn (Costa) Pocock, of Bergen, Darlyn (Costa) Hawkins, of Le Roy, and Richard Costa, of Stafford.

(Photo below: Jennifer (Slane) Blake, of Elba, enjoyed the reunion's beautiful weather with grandson Ryder Barclay.)

Kiwanis honors Dick and Betty Rung for donations to fight Lyme disease

By Howard B. Owens

Dick and Betty Rung were honored Saturday night at the District Council meeting of Kiwanis at B.W.'s Restaurant in Pavilion for their support of the Lyme Disease Foundation.

Their monetary donations were recognized with the Brittany Fellowship Award and an Emerald Fellowship Award.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by deer ticks. The disease affects the brain and can cause severe symptoms. The treatments are expensive and often not covered by insurance. The foundation assists those afflicted by Lyme disease.

Presenting the awards were Peter and Doreen Pellittieri, board members for the New York Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation.

Photos: Vehicle crash site found in Pavilion this afternoon

By Billie Owens

These are photos from the accident scene discovered after-the-fact in Pavilion this afternoon. A deceased male victim, who is not from Genesee County, was found inside the wreckage.

It remains unknown when the accident occurred. The Genesee County Sheriff's Office expects to put out a press release on the incident later. The family has already been notified.

UPDATE 9:50 p.m.: The victim is identified as Gregory A. Walters, 29, of Marilla. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. The accident was reported at 2:58 p.m. The time of the accident remains unknown. The accident investigation is being conducted by Deputy Ryan DeLong, Deputy Richard Schildwaster and Investigator Chad Minuto. Assisting at the scene were State Police, Pavilion fire, Mercy EMS, Coroner Tom Douglas.

Investigators at Pavilion scene of car that crashed, unknown when, body still inside

By Billie Owens

A farmer working in his field in Pavilion spotted a car wrapped around a tree this afternoon and approached it. He saw a body inside and found it was cold to the touch. He called 9-1-1.

Now Pavilion Fire Department, troopers, and investigators for the Genesee County Sheriff's Office are on scene.

It is unknown at this point when the accident happened. The location is near Route 20 and South Road. The vehicle is not readily visible from the roadway. It is down a ravine, off the north shoulder of the roadway.

UPDATE 4:23 p.m. (By Howard): At the scene. We'll need to confirm a farmer or other passerby found the wreck. The victim is a male who is not from Genesee County. 

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