pembroke

Submitted photo and press release:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Pembroke High School Girls' Varsity Basketball Team

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

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

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

About Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

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

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

Last night, the Lady Dragons and the Pembroke community raised $32,468.20 for research at Roswell Cancer Institute. The total the community has raised now exceeds $152,000.

In the basketball game, Pembroke beat Oakfield-Alabama 50-47 to move to 11-1 on the season.

In Wednesday's Scholastic Bowl matches, Pembroke and Alden came out on top.

In the first match, Alden scored 240 points to 230 for Le Roy and 140 for Pavilion.

In the second match, Pembroke scored 260 points to 160 for Alexander and 110 for Akron.

Renee Suzanne Symonds, 51, of Cedar Cove Trail, Rochester, is charged with third-degree assault and second-degree harassment. Symonds was arrested after an investigation at Batavia Downs Casino & Hotel on Park Road in Batavia. She allegedly attacked two security guards at 4:58 p.m. on Jan. 13 after refusing to leave the property. She is due in Batavia Town Court at 1 p.m. on Jan. 30. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

Marissa Nicole Lehto, 30, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny. She was arrested and is due to answer the charge today (Jan. 14) in Batavia City Court. She is accused of taking a wallet containing a credit card from a purse that did not belong to her at 6:10 p.m. on Jan. 27, 2019, on Main Street in Batavia. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

David James Leroy, 27, of Gabbey Road, Pembroke, is charged with second-degree harassment. At 6:17 p.m. on Jan. 12 he was arrested on West Main Street Road in Batavia. Leroy allegedly responded to another person's place of employment in the Town of Batavia after being told to cease contact with that person. He was released on an appearance ticket for Jan. 16 in Town of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

John Frederick Macintyre, 67, of Linwood Road, Le Roy, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; speed not reasonable and prudent; failure to keep right; and DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or more. He was arrested at 8:13 p.m. on Linwood Road in Le Roy after the investigation of a property damage accident. Macintyre was issued traffic tickets and is due in Le Roy Town Court on Feb. 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jared Swimline, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Michael Todd Swiatowy, 48, of Hartshorn Road, Batavia, is charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to take a breath test. Following an investigation at the scene of a domestic incident, Swiatowy was arrested and arraigned in Batavia City Court. He is due to return to court on Feb. 18. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Brock Cummins, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Michael Andrew Coleman, 44, of Post Avenue, Rochester, is charged with third-degree bail jumping and aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree. At 2:30 a.m. on Jan. 11, Coleman was turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office by Monroe County County deputies. He was arrested for having an outstanding arrest and bench warrant out of Town of Alabama Court, where he was arraigned then released on his own recognizance. Coleman is due there again on Jan. 15. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jordan Alejandro.

Among the awards handed out Friday night by the East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department was a plaque and gold-plated ax for Donald Newton Sr., for his 50 years of service to the department.

In those 50 years, Newton has been a fire chief, a commissioner, a president of the fire district board, a captain, lieutenant, assistant chief, vice president and a member of the board of directors.

In the photo above, he's hugged by his son, Don Newton Jr., while 1st Assistant Chief Charles Chatley and 2nd Assistant Chief Stephen Smelski hold the award.

Other awards Friday included Dan Vania, who served for 27 years as district treasurer. Charles Chately and Paul Kirch both received Firefighter of the Year. (Kirch was unable to attend the dinner.) 

Five years of service: Kenny Marble, Ryan Worthington, Joycelyn Perry, Jennifer Henning, and Paul Kirch; 15 years of service: Don Norway; 20 years of service: Dave Winters and James Gayton.

The department responded to 318 calls in 2019, which came to 1,200 manhours on calls for service.

Firematic officers for 2020: Don Newton Jr., chief; Charles Chatley, 1st assistant chief; Stephen Smelski, 2nd assistant chief; Paul Kirch, captain; Kenny Marble, lieutenant; Joycelyn Perry, EMS captain; Jen Groff, EMS lieutenant; Dale Lewter, fire police captain; Matt Allen, Rick Groff and Justin Nye, training officers.

Charles Chatley, Kenny Marble, Don Newton Sr., Don Newton Jr., and Stephen Smelski

Charles Chatley, Don Newton Sr., Kenny Marble, Dan Vania, Don Newton Jr., and Stephen Smelski

Don Newton Jr., Charles Chatley, Stephen Smelski

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Pembroke High School Girls' Varsity Basketball Team.*

Submitted photo and press release:

The Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School Girls’ Basketball Team will host its ninth annual Shooting For A Cure! event versus Oakfield-Alabama on Thursday, Jan. 16, at 5 p.m. at the high school gymnasium located at the corner of routes 5 and 77 (8750 Alleghany Road) in Pembroke.

The JV basketball game begins at 5:30, while the Varsity game begins at 7 o'clock.

To date, Shooting For A Cure! has raised more than $119,000 and has become one of Roswell Park Comprehensice Cancer Center's largest community-based fundraising events.

This year, the team hopes to raise another $30,000 for the cause. The team is accepting online donations in support of Shooting For A Cure! To make a donation, click here.

There are several other ways to support the cause. Attendees can contribute through various raffles and auctions, purchase food and beverages from the concession stand, and buy merchandise during the event.

The basket raffle includes 100 baskets and gift cards. A sheet of 25 tickets costs $5. There is also a big-item pink ticket raffle. A handful of these tickets remain and cost $5 each or 5 for $20.

One winner will be selected for each of the following prizes: a one-year supply of pizza logs from Original Pizza Logs; an Apple Watch Series 5; an autographed Sam Reinhart jersey; a pair of 200-level Sabres tickets for the March 9th game versus the Washington Capitals; and an autographed Josh Allen football.

The silent auction offers attendees the chance to bid on several high-value items such as: 12 Park Hopper passes to Walt Disney World; two round-trip plane tickets from Southwest; two round-trip plane tickets from JetBlue; a catered dinner party for eight guests; and handcrafted Adirondack chairs made by Pembroke students.

At the concession stand, there will be pizza from Batavia’s Original, pizza logs from Original Pizza Logs, taco in a bag from Clarence Deli, ice cream from Hershey’s, and drinks from Coca-Cola of Rochester and Crickler Vending. Pink ribbons and a variety of Shooting For A Cure! apparel items will also be available for purchase.

Shooting For A Cure! coordinator Mike Wilson would like to give special thanks to community member and former Western Region Vice President of NYSCOPBA (New York State Corrections Officer and Police Benevolent Association) Joe Miano.

According to Wilson, “Over the past four seasons, NYSCOPBA has donated a total of $10,000 to our cause, and I cannot express how grateful we are for the continued community support. I am overwhelmed by their generosity.”

Miano stated, “It’s been a pleasure working with Pembroke’s Shooting For A Cure! over the last four years, watching the endless work all the volunteers put into this great cause for Roswell Park.”

The 2019-2020 Shooting For A Cure! business and organization donors list includes: 26Shirts, ACES Foundation, ADPRO Sports, Batavia Country Club, Batavia’s Original, Buttercrumbs Bakery, Clarence Deli, Coca-Cola of Rochester, Crickler Vending Company, Darien Lake, Dollar General, Dollars for Scholars, Dry Creek Group, Fava Brothers Lawn Care, Five Guys, Genesee Feeds, Hershey’s Ice Cream, Insty-Prints, JetBlue Airways, Kingdom Bound, Knockaround Sunglasses, Linda’s Family Diner, Maple Ridge Landscaping, Mosquito Hunters of Buffalo, Northtown Automotive, Oliver’s Candies, OnCore Golf, Original Pizza Logs, Pesci’s Pizza and Wings, Pillar Real Estate Investors, Platinum Fitness, Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Sincerely Kayla, Southwest Airlines, Spa at Artemis, Terry Hills, Tim Hortons, Walt Disney World, West Herr Chevy of Orchard Park, Yancey’s Fancy, and YMCA of Batavia.

Businesses or organizations wishing to donate to this year’s event should contact Mike Wilson by calling 716.949.0523.

The event itself began nine years ago when the Pembroke Girls’ Varsity Basketball team approached then Head Coach Mike Wilson with an idea to show their support for Toni Funke, wife of beloved coach and Pembroke teacher Ron Funke in her battle against breast cancer.

They wanted to play a game in her honor to raise money for cancer research. Since then, Shooting For A Cure! has blossomed into a huge community event attracting supporters from throughout Western New York.

Regardless of how large the event has grown, the goal remains the same: show support for community members in the fight against cancer. To make this night special for cancer survivors, current patients, and families, the varsity halftime program is dedicated to recognizing people from all of these groups.

As part of the halftime program, members of the varsity and junior varsity teams give each honoree a flower and a hug. It is a great way to show love and support to those who have been touched by this far-reaching disease.

Anyone who would like to support this noble cause is encouraged to do so by coming to the event or visiting the Shooting For A Cure! donation page here.

About Pembroke High School Girls' Varsity Basketball Team

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

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

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

About Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

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

Ambrose E. Robinson Jr., of Corwin Avenue, Rochester, is charged with speeding, driving while intoxicated and refusal to take a breath test. Robinson was arrested at 1:40 a.m. on Jan. 7 following a traffic stop on West Main Street in Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Brad Lee Ohlson, 42, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with a probation violation. Ohlson was arrested at 5:18  p.m. on Jan. 9 on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court for allegedly violating probation (unspecified) on Alleghany Road in Pembroke. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court on the city court warrant. He is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 16. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jared Swimline, assisted by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

Brian N. Miles, 24, of Sixth Street, Rochester, was arrested by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Jan. 7 on a bench warrant (unspecified) out of Batavia City Court. He was turned over to the custody of Batavia Police Department and arraigned in Batavia Town Court. He is due to be back in city court on Jan. 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens.

New York State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has introduced a bill (S.7012) that will designate State Route 77 between Pembroke Town Park and the intersection of Indian Falls Road in the Town of Pembroke, County of Genesee, as the "Specialist Four Clarence 'C. Jay' Hall Memorial Highway.”

“I am pleased to introduce this bill that will honor Specialist Four Clarence ‘C. Jay,’ Hall,” said Senator Ranzenhofer. “Specialist Hall served our country most honorably, giving the ultimate sacrifice. His bravery, dedication, and commitment to our nation is a wonderful example to all.”

Specialist Four Clarence "C. Jay" Hall served as a rifleman in the Army in Binh Duong, Vietnam. He was mortally wounded on Oct. 7, 1969, during an intense attack by enemy forces.

Specialist Hall earned the NYS Conspicuous Service Cross, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Silver Star, which is the nation's third-highest award for valor. 

The Veteran’s Outreach Club and the Government classes of the Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School requested this legislation.

The bill was introduced on Jan. 8th and is in the Senate Committee on Transportation for consideration.

**********************************

Assemblyman Steve Hawley sent the following press release about the proposed legislation:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that he has introduced legislation in the State Assembly that designates State Route 77 between Pembroke Town Park and the intersection of Indian Falls Road in the town of Pembroke as the "Specialist Four Clarence 'C. Jay' Hall Memorial Highway."

Specialist Four Clarence ‘C. Jay’ Hall served as a rifleman in the United States Army in Binh Duong, Vietnam. On Oct. 7, 1969, he was on a reconnaissance patrol in an area of known enemy activity. He and his group were suddenly subjected to an intense attack from enemy forces. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Specialist Hall exposed himself to hostile fire while his comrades were able to obtain cover.

During this action, he was mortally wounded. Specialist Hall earned the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Star, the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Silver Star, which is the nation's third highest award for valor.

“I am honored to introduce this legislation posthumously on behalf of one of our state’s most heroic veterans who gave up his life during the Vietnam War in order to save others,” Hawley said. “It is inspiring stories like these that we must cherish and recognize so that they are not forgotten throughout history.

"Clarence Hall is a hero in every sense of the word and I am confident that this bill will pass this year, forever enshrining him in glory as part of State Route 77.”

Hawley is a member of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee and himself a veteran, serving in the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves.

The Notre Dame Girls Basketball Team, ranked number 19 in the state in Class D, upset the Pembroke Lady Dragons, ranked #4 in Class C, in a first-round Rotary Championship game at Genesee Community College on Thursday night.

The Lady Irish won 33-28.

Amelia McCulley (top photo) scored 20 points for ND. Morgan Rhodes scored six.

For Pembroke, Serene Calderon, MacKenna Johnson, and Emily Peters, all scored six points each.

Photos by Philip Casper.

Mackenna Johnson

Serene Calderon

Dekari Moss

Montana Weedman

A reader submitted this photo of a car off the road and into a creek in Corfu, off of Main Road near Back Street, at about 3 a.m.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments responded. 

The driver was reportedly not seriously hurt. No further information is available at this time.

Photos and story by Faith DesRoches.

Mackenna Johnson, a senior at Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School, has committed to attend Niagara County Community College.

She plans to play girls basketball and girls softball and she will be coached by Nate Beutel.

The signing by NCCC is a result of Johnson's accomplishments at Pembroke in both basketball and softball.

Johnson has been a starter on her basketball team for the last four years and a team captain for three of those seasons.

During Johnson's career in basketball, she ranks sixth all-time in points (529), 11th in rebounds (338), second in assists (233), and third in steals (203).

She is the only second Lady Dragon to be ranked in the top five in all four categories. The first person to do it was her sister Breanna Johnson.

As a softball player, Johnson has also been a four-year starter and a captain for three seasons. Johnson has been a Genesee Region All-Star.

Johnson said she's eager to begin her basketball and softball career with the Thunderwolves.

Top photo: Pembroke basketball coach Ron Funke, Mackenna Johnson, and Nate Beutel, NCCC coach.

The Johnson family: sisters Sydney Johnson and Aralyse Johnson, mother Shannon Johnson, father Jamie Johnson, McKenna, her sister Breanna Johnson, and grandparents Darlene and Dwayne Johnson.

The varsity girls' basketball team: Nicole von Kramer, Dekari Moss, Emily Peters, Serene Calderone, Casey Wurtz, Allie Schwerthoffer,  Isabel Breeden, Megan Conibear, and Brianna Rindell.

Press release:

Corfu —The Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School Girls’ Basketball Team will host its ninth annual "Shooting For A Cure!" event versus Oakfield-Alabama at 7 p.m. on Jan. 16 at the high school gym, located at the corner of routes 5 and 77 (8717 Alleghany Road).

Admission is free.

The team asks that attendees make a donation of any amount as they enter the facility, and all donations go to Roswell Park to support cancer reearch efforts.

In addition to donations at the door, all proceeds from basket auctions, concession sales, apparel sales, and raffles for various big-ticket items also go to Roswell Park.

To date, "Shooting For A Cure!" has raised more than $119,000 and has become one of Roswell Park’s largest community-based fundraising events.

The event began nearly a decade ago when the team approached then Head Coach Mike Wilson with an idea; they wanted to show their support for Toni Funke, wife of this beloved coach and Pembroke teacher Ron Funke, in her battle against breast cancer.

They believed that by hosting a game in her honor, it would bring the community together to raise awareness and help fund cancer research at Roswell Park.

This season, the team hopes to raise another $30,000 to add to the nearly $120,000 the event has generated and donated since 2011.

Direct online donations are now being accepted in support of this year’s "Shooting For A Cure!" here.

In addition, the team is seeking donations from the community in the form of items to include in various raffles, as well as food, beverages, and merchandise that can be offered for sale during the event. Again, all of the proceeds will benefit cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The 2019-2020 "Shooting For A Cure!" donors list already contains many businesses and organizations, including: 26Shirts, ADPRO Sports, Buffalo Bandits, Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Buttercrumbs Bakery, Clarence Deli, Dixon Ticonderoga, Genesee County YMCA, Hershey's Ice Cream, Holiday Valley, Linda's Family Diner, National Grid, Original Pizza Logs, Pesci's Pizza, Pillar Real Estate Investors, Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Southwest Airlines, Terry Hills, Tim Hortons, Five Guys, Knockaround Sunglasses, Walt Disney World, Batavia's Original, Coca-Cola of Rochester, Crickler Vending, Fava Brothers Lawn Care Services, and Fenton's Produce.

Businesses and organizations wishing to make a donation for this year’s event should contact the fundraiser's coordinator Mike Wilson at the Pembroke school, by calling (716) 949-0523.

About Pembroke High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team: The Pembroke High School Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team is comprised of 11 young women. This season’s captains are Megan Conibear, Mackenna Johnson, Casey Wurtz, and Serene Calderón. The Lady Dragons are coached by Ron Funke and Guy Gabbey. The team colors are green, white, and black.

About Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center: All donations made to Roswell Park are managed by the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that ensures that every donation is put to the best possible use. The Alliance Foundation has been recognized numerous times for these efforts. For more information about giving, go to its website --Roswell Park -- and click “Donate.”

Photo: James Childs, 9, left, and Charles Stringham, 9, are shepherds posing with sheep belonging to Ed and Julie Keller, of Corfu, during the Living Manger Saturday night in Pembroke Town Park.

CORFU – For the third year, several churches in the Corfu/Pembroke area have combined their efforts to enact a live nativity scene in the Pembroke Town Park.

From 5 to 7 Saturday night, members of the Indian Falls United Methodist Church, High Point Community Church and North Darien Bible Church donned Biblical attire and took up their roles as shepherds, angels, Wise Men and Mary and Joseph.

Corfu Presbyterian Church also provided assistance, said Meagan Stringham, who helped organize the event with Celinda McQuistion.

There was no charge to drive through the displays, but donations were accepted for the Corfu Presbyterian Church food pantry.

Bales of straw were piled high along the driveway and a variety of live animals, including sheep, goats and a donkey nibbled at the bales.

Dan Spoth, of Clarence, said the Phelps family brought in a goat and the donkey, while two sheep came from Ed and Julie Keller, of Corfu.

After driving past all the stations set up, drivers could stop at the last tent to enjoy a hot beverage and cookies.

Photos by Virginia Kropf.

Below, Christina Sosnowski, rear, Allie Stringham and Jessica Soskowski are three angels.

Bottom, Sisters Makena (kneeling), Brooke and Josie Reding watch two goats eat in one of the scenes of the nativity.

The Pembroke Corfu Darien Kiwanis Club is hosting breakfast with some special friends on Sunday and you're invited.

Santa Claus and his seasonally intermittent chums Cindy Lou and The Grinch (left to right, inset photo) will be there as guests, so bring the kids and cameras! There is a free gift for each child, too!

Breakfast will be served from 9 a.m. to noon in East Pembroke at the St. Maximillian Kolbe Parish Hall, located at 8656 Church St.

There will be pancakes, sausage, applesauce and a beverage.

Cost is $6 for adults; $5 for children age 6 to 12; children 5 and under eat free.

The Kiwanis Club is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and community at a time. For more information about the PCD Kiwanis, call Pat at 762-8429.

FWIW: The Grinch might not be too thrilled about attending, but he said he'd be there, albeit begrudgingly. (Not much of a smiler, that guy.) Miss Cindy Lou Who, of Whoville, on the other hand is perked up by the prospect and the chance to show off her distinctive coiffure with yuletide touches. Santa, of course, is an old pro at these kinds of photo ops and doesn't mind sharing the limelight.

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported in the area of 1439 Phelps Road, Pembroke.

The vehicle is on its side. Unknown injuries though dispatchers have spoken with the driver.

Pembroke fire and Indian Falls fire along with Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 8:04 a.m.: The driver is out of the vehicle. Minor complaint of pain.

Press release:

Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, Randy Reeves along with other VA National Cemetery Administration officials visited Western New York yesterday, meeting with Veterans, Contractors, Federal, State Veterans and County representatives reviewing progress on the new Western New York National Cemetery.

“I am pleased to see work on this moving forward,” said Randy Reeves, under secretary Memorial Affairs. “The team of VA staff, Service-Disabled Veteran-owned Small Business contractors and the community are working together to ensure Western New York Veterans and their families will have access to this benefit, as soon as possible, close to home.”

VA operates 139 national cemeteries and 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites in 41 states and Puerto Rico. For Veterans not buried in a VA national cemetery, VA provides headstones, markers or medallions to commemorate their service.

Information on VA burial benefits is available from local VA national cemetery offices, online at https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/ or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 800-827-1000.

To make burial arrangements at any open VA national cemetery at the time of need, call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117.

The photography of Rob Gibson has been seen by millions of people in such movies as "Gettysburg," "Cold Mountain," "National Treasure," and the just-released "Harriet."

His skills are in demand by producers and directors looking for authentic, period-correct photos of actors in films covering historic topics.

He now lives in Gettysburg, Pa., and is originally from Lockport. He was in Pembroke on Tuesday night to give a public demonstration on his tintype photography techniques in the jr./sr. high school library. 

A world-renowned photographer who specializes in tintype artistry and who is a Civil War historian will be the special guest at Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School tomorrow (Dec. 3).

Rob J. Gibson will give a presentation to teacher Eric Johnson's Photography classes in the school's Visual Arts Department as well as to Johnson's Social Studies classes.

In the evening from 6:30 to 9 in the school library, Gibson will speak and give a demonstration at a special, free community event entitled "Recreating the Past: The Vintage Photography of Rob Gibson."

Gibson describes himself as an Ansel Adams meets Easy Rider kind of guy -- a Renaissance man who is on a crusade to save at least some of forgotten America.

This passion for historical investigation fuels him to seek out vintage roadside attractions, abandoned buildings, industrial sites and significant historic locales. He travels wherever necessary to create art that tells the story of the nation's past, one photographic plate at a time.

He rides U.S. backroads on his 1950 panhead Harley-Davidson motorcycle replete with a working 1938 package truck sidecar that has been converted to a darkroom -- in fact, "The World's Fastest Darkroom."

His cameras capture forgotten icons as well as those who keep these relics alive, forming a mosaic of Americana that is distinctive and ingenuous.

The result is awe-inspiring tintype images captured with his primitive cameras and developed into photographs on site, as was done in the demanding 19th century process of tintype photography.

Hollywood movies have made use of his skills and he has made contributions to "Gettysburg," "Cold Mountain," "National Treasure," and the just-released "Harriet."

Gibson's artwork has also been featured on television, in magazines, Internet blogs and articles and it hangs on the walls of clients worldwide. Thousands of people, including the White House Press Corps and visitors to the Smithsonian Institution, have seen his demonstrations.

While on the road, Gibson gets sidetracked, beckoned by unexpected sights. It is during these extraneous excursions that his McGiver-like resourcefulness becomes particularly useful to keep his bike running and his equipment functioning.

Long ago Gibson, who grew up in Lockport, says he learned that the journey is just as important as the destination.

He's come a long way from the machinist job he left at General Motors to open an 1860s-style photography studio in Gettysburg, Pa.

How did he cross paths with a teacher in Pembroke?

"I met Rob at the Newfane Bike Night this past August, a charity event that raises money for a local not-for-profit organization," Johnson wrote The Batavian in an email. "I saw his Harley sidecar darkroom, and as a photography teacher and artist myself, I struck up a conversation with Rob."

The "art teacher/biker" says the encounter was quite unexpected, a quirky coincidence.

Fortunately for people in Genesee County, it has turned into what promises to be an interesting opportunity to learn about a unique talent tomorrow evening.

Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School is located at 58 Alleghany Road (routes 5 and 77) in Corfu.

Gibson is available for commissioned custom work and can be reached at: tintypeartist@gmail.com

Top photo of Rob Gibson and his 1950 panhead Harley-Davidson with the sidecar that's "The World's Fastest Darkroom," courtesy of Eric Johnson.

Bottom photos made by Rob Gibson on the movie set of "Harriet," courtesy of Eric Johnson, showing actress Cynthia Erivo as the iconic slave-turned-abolishionist Harriet Tubman.

When Oakfield resident Erik Olsen founded the East Shelby Community Bible Church, barely a mile north of the Genesee County line, he couldn’t have imagined how it would grow or how popular their Old Tyme Day in July and Old Fashioned Christmas events would become.

(Correction) Old Fashioned Christmas Day is next Sunday (Dec. 8) at the church (5278 E. Shelby Road, Medina), beginning at noon and featuring a variety of old-fashioned holiday traditions. 

Ange Pillo, also of Oakfield, started the church’s Band of Renown, which will present a Christmas concert beginning at 12:30 p.m. in the historic miniature village of West Jackson Corners. The village, across from the church, takes it name from what East Shelby was called in the 1800s.

The annual event includes activities such as swag making, Dickens-style yuletide caroling, horse and buggy rides and enjoying hot chocolate and other Christmas treats. They have also been known to cook a goose over an open fire.

The church also welcomes guests to come in and see their giant Christmas tree in the sanctuary.

As always, the afternoon will conclude with a visit from Santa Claus.

New this year is a large parking lot to accommodate all of the guests, typically hundreds of people. This will allow visitors to park closer to all of the festivities. 

Submitted photos.Top: Lorna Klotzbach, of Pembroke, drives her team of horses, giving buggy rides at East Shelby Community Bible Church’s Old Fashioned Christmas. This year’s celebration is scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8.

Below: Pastor Erik Olsen from Oakfield leads a group of carolers in singing Christmas carols during last year’s Old Fashioned Christmas at East Shelby Community Bible Church.