pembroke

Ret. Army Gen. Kenneth Chrosniak receives gifts from members of the Alexander Girls Volleyball Team prior to last night's game, which was a fundraiser to benefit cystic fibrosis research. Chrosniak's son, Christian, lost his battle against the disease last November. He is a cousin of Haley Fletcher, a member of the volleyball team. Chrosniak made the trip from Pennsylvania to attend the game played in his son's honor. 

The event included a basket chance auction as well as drawing for a Hall of Fame football signed by Jim Kelly, a Matt Anderson signed jersey, a signed jersey from Sammy Watkins and a hockey stick signed by Marcus Foligno.

In the volleyball game against Pembroke, after dropping the first set 25-22, Alexander won the next three, 25-12, 25-20 and 25-17.

Corfu Free Library Director Diana Reding adds to the wall of important people with the names of some local folks who are making Pembroke a special place to live right now.

Submitted photo and press release:

Ten of Pembroke’s important people of the past were highlighted at the Corfu Free Library over the recent summer months. Now it’s time to recognize some of the people who are making Pembroke a great place to live right now.

“Thanks to the Pembroke Historical Society, we learned about some of the interesting people that made valuable contributions to our area in the past,” says Diana Reding, director at the Corfu Free Library.

“Now, we would like to share information about the people who are making Pembroke a great place to live in the present. Anyone can submit the name of someone they think is an important person, and give a brief description of why for us to share on our wall of recognition at the library.”

Residents can submit their important person both at the library or online at the library’s website. Their important person will have a special placard added to the display of Pembroke’s Important People that is currently on the wall at the Circulation desk. 

“We know that there are so many important people in our area. Perhaps they help at church, are in the military, or are a doctor, teacher, grandmother, parent, volunteer, work for the Town or Village, and so many more, that we would like to recognize. This is a great time to celebrate the positive people that shape our community,” according to Reding.

Residents are encouraged to stop by the library to see the wall display highlighting ten of Pembroke’s “Important People of the Past” and to add their important person of the present. 

The Corfu Free Library, 7 Maple Ave. in Corfu, offers a variety of digital services and print materials. Residents are encouraged to check the library’s website at www.CorfuFreeLibrary.org or stop by for more information, or they can call the library at (585) 599-3321.

Statement from Matthew E. Calderón, superintendent, Pembroke Central School District:

It brings amazing joy to announce that the Pembroke Central School District, in partnership with the Alexander Central School District, will initiate “PALS for Healthy Lifestyles” after winning another U.S. Department of Education Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grant!

The full name of our project is “Pembroke and Alexander Schools for Healthy Lifestyles,” and only 5 percent of organizations that applied for the PEP nationwide received awards. We are super excited to report we were awarded over $1.8 million to invest over a three-year period!

PALS for Healthy Lifestyles will address the physical and nutritional needs of both districts by implementing nutrition education at the elementary level, adding hands-on practical components to nutrition education at the secondary level, shifting to a lifelong fitness-focused PE curriculum, and adopting a comprehensive school physical activity program.

Between the two districts this project will provide services to at least five project sites and nearly 1,800 students. This program will introduce new equipment, new lessons for students, enhanced education for individualized fitness plans, partnering with various community organizations to maximize services provided to students, and age appropriate nutritional education for students.

Through the implementation of PALS for Healthy Lifestyles, we plan to improve the overall health and wellness of students, starting with education at the primary level, and encouraging a continuation of the developed skills through adulthood.

We plan to implement research-based standards-aligned curriculum, to increase students’ daily physical activity levels and overall fitness, and to increase students’ consumption of recommended daily amounts of fruits and vegetables.

Press release:

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that, following his push, $36 million in federal funding for the construction phase of the newest National Veterans’ Cemetery in Western New York has been included in the final continuing resolution (CR) package.

This final appropriations bill includes the FY2017 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Bill and it is set to be signed into law by the president soon. The cemetery will be located on 132 acres on Indian Falls Road in Pembroke.

Schumer said the Veterans’ Cemetery in Genesee County will be the first and only of its kind in the Buffalo-Rochester area, and will save thousands of military families from having to travel upward of 100 miles to visit their loved ones at what is now the closest vet cemetery in Bath.

The Pembroke cemetery will provide a fitting burial option to approximately 96,000 currently underserved veterans and family members living in Western New York. Veterans with a qualifying discharge, their spouses and eligible dependent children may be buried in a VA national cemetery. Also eligible are military personnel who die on active duty, their spouses and eligible dependents. Burial benefits available for all eligible Veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker.

Additionally, with the anticipated completion of the VA’s required Environmental Review by the end of November 2016, the VA anticipates it will complete the acquisition of the two adjoining parcels, a 60-acre parcel and a 77-acre parcel, by the second quarter of FY17 (early calendar year 2017) to enlarge the area of the cemetery. Currently the VA parcel is 132 acres. The acquisitions of the two parcels would effectively double the size of the cemetery.

According to guidance provided by the VA on cemetery development timelines, it can typically take up to 24 months to complete the cemetery master planning and design process. Following the completion of that phase, the construction phase typically requires 24-30 months to compete, with early-use burial areas made available approximately 12 months after the start of construction. Now that the $36 million to fund the construction is secure, the VA anticipates it will begin solicitation of a General Contractor to award construction. Solicitation and contract award is anticipated to require approximately six months.

C.G. Finney/Northstar 36 Notre Dame of Batavia 7

Pembroke edged out Holley 34-26. (Photos by Rick Franclemont -- more here)

Alexander moved to 4-0 with a 46-0 win over Oakfield-Alabama/Elba. QB P.J. Brennan was 5-10 passing for 116 yards and three TDs. He had two carries for 20 yards and two TDs. Jacob Bykowski, 12 carries for 51 yards and one TD. Chris McClinic, six carries for 47 yards and one TD reception. Dustin Schmeider, two catches, 26 yards and one TD, and three carries for 53 yards and a TD. Derrick Busch, two receptions for 85 yards and a TD. Dan Heberlein, nine carries for 52 yards. On defense, Heberlein had one interception an three tackles. Job Smith, six tackles and a fumble recovery.

Notre Dame lost to C.G. Finney, 36-7.

Through three quarters of football, Pembroke battled Notre Dame to a draw, but when Jake Weatherwax dashed into the end zone from six yards out with five minutes left in the game, the Dragons were unable to answer and fell to 1-2 on the season, 34-27.

It was Notre Dame's first win of the season.

The Dragons and Irish were pretty evenly matched throughout the contest, with each team averaging 5.8 yards per play on offense and only being a minute apart on time of possession for the game.

Weatherwax finished with 187 yards rushing on 29 attempts (he scored four times) and Pembroke's Zach von Kramer had 187 yards on the ground on 27 attempts, and he had two TDs. 

Pembroke's Reid Miano had 13 completions on 29 attempts for 209 yards and two TDs.

Notre Dame's Brendan Klotzbach was 8-19 in the air for 126 yards. He was intercepted once.

"Pembroke’s a great team," said Notre Dame Head Coach Rick Mancuso. "They’re very well coached and they have a couple of great athletes on that team. We knew we would have our hands full. Their quarterback threw the ball fantastic and Von Kramer is just a phenomenal running back. We had our hands full. There’s no doubt."

Von Kramer also caught a TD pass and gained 74 yards on three receptions.

Mancuso thought it was a great win for his team, which struggled a bit through the first two games of the season.

"I think we're getting better each week," Mancuso said. "We're not there yet, obviously, but I think the kids had a great week of practice."

Mancuso was impressed with the game Weatherwax had.

"Jake did a fantastic job," Mancuso said. "He's a gritty, hard runner. He makes great cuts. He reads the blocks. I thought he did a terrific job."

Defensively, Notre Dame played tough, but the team still has some holes to plug.

"Defensively, we brought it," Mancuso said. "We really worked hard this week on staying diligent to our plan and working hard and I thought the kids stuck with it. I thought they did a very nice job of executing."

Caleb Wolcott had 10 tackles and a sack. Brad Misiak had 10 tackles.

"We’ve got a lot to work on," Mancuso said. "I mean, they put up 27 points. I’m not ecstatic about that, but those are things we need to clean up and each week we’ll get better."

For the Dragons on defense, von Kramer had 12 tackles.

Four Notre Dame receivers had two catches each -- Ryan Moffatt, Nico Zambito, Misiak and Jordon Weatherwax. Moffatt gained 45 yards and Zambito gained 42.

To purchase prints, click here.

A beautiful home in heart of the village! Super solid and updated throughout windows, furnace and C/A, H2O tank, kitchen, baths, flooring, carpeting and painted throughout! This home is awesomely laid out starting with the supersized back entranceway for the million shoes that clutter...to the huge walk-in pantry/laundry area, two of the best rooms in the house!  This home also features large bright airy rooms that are so pretty. Outside has 1 full acre in the village with great 2 car garage patio area also home has back wrap around porch area overlooking back patio-perfect entertaining spot! Must see! Click here to view the complete listing for 14 Maple Avenue in Corfu. Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today at 585-344-4663!

Clifford Adam Keene, 38, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with three counts of second-degree burglary. Keene was arrested following an investigation into two residential burglaries. It is alleged that Keene is responsible for a burglary in the Town of Batavia which occurred at noon on March 8 on West Main Street Road. He is accused of entering a residence and stealing a television. It is also alleged that he entered a residence on Marble Road in the Town of Pembroke on two separate occasions on March 4, stealing a crossbow and long guns. Keene was arrested and arraigned Sept. 8 and is due to return to Batavia Town Court Sept. 27 and to Pembroke Town Court Oct. 6. He is presently incarcerated in Genesee County Jail on unrelated charges. The case was handled by Sheriff's deputy Joseph Graff, assisted by Deputy Brad Mazur.

Francis W. Derenzo, 60, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with depositing trash and having an open container of alcohol. At 9:11 a.m. on Sept. 8, Derenzo was arrested on Ellicott Street for allegedly consuming an open container of Coors Light beer while walking on the sidewalk. Derenzo allegedly also threw the beer can, causing litter. Derenzo was issued two appearance tickets for City Court on Sept. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis.

Jaime B. Janiga, 55, of Bank Street Road, Elba, is charged with failure to appear in connection with an incident which occurred at 1:28 a.m. on July 10 on Vine Street in the City of Batavia. Janiga was arrested following an accident investigation into an unrelated matter. Janiga was taken to BPD headquarters, processed, arraigned in City Court, and is due to return to court on Oct. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Press release:

"Great reads at great prices!"

The Corfu Free Library's popular Book Sale will take place Saturday, Sept. 10, starting at 10 a.m. at the Brick House Corners Fair on the corner of routes 5 and 77 in the Town of Pembroke. 

The Book Sale is perfect for avid readers who want to stock up on books covering a wide variety of topics and authors at amazing prices. This fall’s large selection of used books features titles for all ages of readers and a sizeable selection of DVDs of movie titles and some on informational/educational topics as well. 

The used books and DVDs being sold are items that were donated by residents for someone else to read and enjoy, along with a small number of outdated or discarded materials from the library’s shelves.

In addition to the Used Book Sale, the Brick House Corners Fair, which is sponsored by the Pembroke Historical Association, also features children’s games, a bake sale, pie judging contest, entertainment, historical exhibits and much more. 

The Used Book Sale at the Fair is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and is held annually and is a great opportunity for readers to get some popular titles and authors at discounted prices. While residents are there, they can pick up a copy of the Library’s brochure so that they can learn more about the materials, electronic services and programs the library has to offer.

For more information about the Annual Book Sale, or any of the programs at the Corfu Free Library, please call 585-599-3321. 

The Corfu Free Library provides residents a variety of programs, events and materials that are listed on the library’s website at www.CorfuFreeLibrary.org.

A 16-year-old male, no address provided, was arrested at 11:55 p.m. on Sept. 3 following a reported burglary in progress on Ellicott Street in Batavia. The subject was located at the incident location and was subsequently involved in a foot chase with patrols. He was apprehended on Liberty Street, then transported to Batavia Police headquarters for processing. He is charged with third degree attempted burglary, third degree criminal mischief, and possession of burglar tools. He is scheduled to be in City Court today. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Lisa Marie Cordier, 32, of Castle Drive, Olean, is charged with second-degree harassment. At 5 p.m. on Sept. 4 at Darien Lake Theme Park & Resort, Cordier waas arrested for allegedly slapping and striking two people. The case was a handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

A 17-year-old who lives on Castle Drive in Olean, is charged with second-degree harassment. At 5 p.m. on Sept. 4 at Darien Lake Theme Park & Resort, the defendant was arrested for allegedly punching and pulling the hair of another person. The case was a handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

Steven Richard Holt, 40, of Castle Drive, Olean, is charged with second-degree harassment. At 5 p.m. on Sept. 4 at Darien Lake Theme Park & Resort, the defendant was arrested for allegedly slapping and pushing another person. The case was a handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

Carly Marie Fazio, 28, of Trowbridge Street, Buffalo, is charged with resisting arrest and obstructing government administration. At 11 a.m. on Sept. 4, Fazio was arrested for allegedly obstructing government administration during a domestic incident at Darien Lake Theme Park and resisting arrest. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Kevin Michael Jones, 31, of North Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with: DWI; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or higher; first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle; unlawful possession of marijuana; and driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone. At 1:39 a.m. on Sept. 4 on Route 5 in Pembroke, Jones was arrested following an investigation into an erratic driving complaint. In addition to the charges, he was ticketed for having inadequate exhaust and driving a vehicle with a broken windshield. He was issued an appearance ticket for Pembroke Town Court on Oct. 2. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer.

Michael Eugene Weichman, 21, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. At 2:40 p.m. on Aug. 31, while investigating a report of a domestic altercation, Weichman was allegedly found to be in possession of a switchblade knife, while having a prior conviction for a crime. He was arrested and jailed in lieu of $2,500 bail. He is due in Batavia Town Court on Sept. 19. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Graff, assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Michael J. Antonucci, 33, of Alexander Road, Attica, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 7:24 a.m. on Aug. 24 on Bank Street in Batavia after he allegedly violated an order of protection by having contact with the protected party. He is due in City Court on Sept. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Cowen Mitchell.

Kiha S. McNear, 18, of Walnut Street, Batavia, was arrested on Sept. 2 on two bench warrants out of City Court. McNear was located at a residence on Walnut Street and was held on bail in jail. McNear is due in City Court on Sept. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay. 

Ryan R. Hernandez, 19, of Walnut Street, Batavia, was arrested on Sept. 3 on a bench warrant out of City Court. The warrant was issued after Hernandez failed to appear in court on a misdemeanor vehicle and traffic law charge. He was released on his own recognizance and in due in City Court on Sept. 7. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Pembroke Junior/Senior High School unveiled a new logo and new sign in a brief ceremony Wednesday evening.

The new logo was designed by Matt Steinburg, a 1991 graduate of Pembroke who now lives in Corfu with his wife, Anne, and son, Benjamin. He is creative director for Visit Buffalo and won the new logo contest. Matt also created a custom font for "Pembroke." He estimated he put in more than 100 hours of volunteer time into the effort.

Pembroke has a new Head Coach, Ray Stoldt, but the only returning starting QB in the Genesee Region League.

Reid Miano will take snaps behind an experienced line, but they've got the size to protect him once they make the adjustment to the speed and technique of varsity-level football.

"I think they come around later in the year," said Stoldt, who has spent his career with Pembroke as an assistant on varsity and then coach of modified the past two seasons.

Blocking will be key because Miano, given time, can pass well and he's got some weapons at wideout, Stoldt said.

"I think every coach will always like to be a little further ahead at this point, but we’re young and we’re getting better every snap," Stoldt said.

Jacob M. Twardowski, 22, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment, endangering the welfare of a child and third-degree menacing. He was arrested at midnight on Aug. 24 following a domestic incident at his residence. He was transported to City Court, arraigned and released. He is due in City Court on Sept. 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Cassandra L. Brunea, 43, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 12:56 p.m. on State Street following a disturbance. It is alleged that during the incident Brunea subjected another person to unwanted physical contact by spitting on the person. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. She is due in City Court on Sept. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Michael S. Klotzbach, 29, of Boyce Road, Pembroke, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 23 after a physical altercation with an acquaintance. He was issued a computer-generated appearance ticket for City Court on Aug. 29. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan.

A truck driver managed to escape an accident on the eastbound Thruway earlier this evening after a tire blew out and his truck veered off the roadway and into the woods.

The accident occurred at mile marker 400.1 (which he ran over -- picture below).

The accident was reported at about 7 p.m. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire companies responded and both agencies cleared the scene shortly after 8 p.m.

Photos submitted by a reader.

Salvatore Sam Sciarpa, 19, Chili Avenue, Chili, is charged with driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or more, DWI, and failure to yield the right-of-way of approaching an intersection. At 10:26 p.m. on Aug. 19, a two-car accident was reported at the intersection of Route 98 and Lockport Road. Upon investigation, Sciarpa was arrested on these charges. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Elba Town Court on Sept. 26. The case was handled by Sheriff's deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Joseph Matthew Barnaby, 20, of Main Street, Alexander, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 10:10 p.m. on Aug. 19, upon responding to Barnaby's residence for a noise complaint, Barnaby was allegedly found to be in unlawful possession of marijuana. He was released on an appearance ticket to Alexander Town Court on Sept. 13. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Khem Bahadr Adhikari, 25, of Parkway, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The subject was allegedly in possession of a marijuana cigarette during a traffic stop in which he was a passenger in the vehicle. The traffic stop was made at 3:22 p.m. on Aug. 20 on Alleghany Road in Pembroke. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Chris Parker.

A rollover accident, unknown injuries, is reported on the westbound Thruway near mile marker 404.8.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments along with Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 11:27 p.m.: Multiple injuries reported. Darien's ambulance requested to the scene.

UPDATE 11:28 p.m.: Transmission is breaking up, but a chief reports "one vehicle off the road, four people involved, three not injured, one minor injuries."  

UPDATE 11:33 p.m.: Another report, two adults, two minors, two with minor injuries, some extrication required, conscious and alert.

UPDATE 11:50 p.m.: All patients extricated.

UPDATE 12:08 a.m.: Responding units back in service.