Stafford

Paul Robert Hoffman, 43, of South Knowlesville Road, Alabama, is charged with assault, 2nd, strangulation, 2nd, and unlawful imprisonment. Hoffman allegedly struck another person with a hammer during a fight at a location on Knowlesville Road, Alabama, at 8:30 p.m. Friday. He then reportedly choked the person to the point of unconsciousness and prevented the person from leaving. Following the incident, Hoffman allegedly called 9-1-1 requesting assistance for medical attention due to an unknown medical condition. An investigation led to the charges against Hoffman. He was jailed on $75,000 bail. The victim was treated at an area hospital for injuries sustained during the incident and released.

Frank H. McEwan, 18, of Batavia, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, failure to obey a police officer, unsafe turn, unlicensed operation, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, depositing refuse on a public highway, obstructing governmental administration, and criminal nuisance. Cramer J. D'Andre, 18, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and open container. McEwan was stopped at 1 a.m. Oct. 21 on Keeney Road, Warsaw, by State Police for an alleged traffic violation. Troopers alleged that McEwan did not have a driver's license and was violating conditions of his parole. D'Andre was a passenger in the vehicle.

Sarah Ann Malone, 35, of Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Malone is accused of driving on Verona Avenue, Batavia, at 6:04 a.m. Sunday while intoxicated. She was arrested by Arick Perkins.

Dwayne L. Sheffield, 24, of Thorpe Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. Sheffield allegedly did more than $250 damage to property during a fight at 11:10 p.m. Tuesday. He was jailed without bail.

Randy G. Leach, 31, of Torrey Road, Stafford, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and unlicensed operation. Leach was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 9:13 p.m. Oct. 31 on East Avenue, Batavia, by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Jeffrey D. Anderson, 22, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Anderson is accused of failing to provide adequate supervision of a child.

John J. Caez-Gonzalez, 30, of Cunningham Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass. Caez-Gonzalez allegedly entered a dwelling on State Street without permission and after being advised to stay away. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Minnie Marie Henry, 29, no permanent address, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. At 4:51 p.m., Oct. 29, police were flagged down to investigate a disturbance on State Street involving multiple individuals. During the course of the investigation, Henry was allegedly found in possession of narcotics. She was issued an appearance ticket and turned over to State Police on unrelated charges.

Jared M. Adamski, 21, of Krieger Road, Webster, is charged with criminal mischief. Adamski allegedly damaged the property of another person at a location on Bank Street, Batavia, at 6 p.m. Oct. 28. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Julia A. Calzaretta, of Eustis, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and illegal signal. Calzaretta was stopped by State Police at 7:57 p.m. Friday on West Main Street Road, Batavia.

Stephen J. Tomidy, 58, of Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and inadequate plate lamp. Tomidy was stopped at 11:49 p.m. Tuesday by State Police on Route 33, Stafford.

The biggest Christmas lights display in Genesee County is going dark for 2017.

Jim and Connie DiSalvo, who live at 9180 Fargo Road in Stafford, are simply taking a break.

"We're going on hiatus, this would have been our 20th year," Jim DiSalvo said. "We usually start preparing in late September and early October. We're planning on having them back next year -- bigger and better."

That's quite a statement considering that over the years they have ramped up the spectacle to include more than one million light bulbs, more than 300 characters, and an underground network of electrical cables crisscrossing the property that, if stretched out end to end, would span two miles. 

Not long after making their decision, wouldn't you know it, the national limelight beckoned.

Producers for the seasonal ABC network TV show "The Great Christmas Light Fight" contacted the DiSalvos months ago about being featured on the popular reality series of Christmas lighting one-upmanship. In it, select families across America are followed as they turn their properties into illuminated beacons of all things Christmas. The winner gets a lot of money.

Nonetheless, the DiSalvos stuck to their plans.

Maybe they'll get another shot at the show another time, maybe not.

But fleeting fame, fierce competition, and certainly not the lure of prize money, have ever been the point.

People, particularly littles ones, are why they've kept it going all these years.

"Last year was the biggest ever, some nights more than a thousand came here," Jim DiSalvo said. 

Families meandered for an hour or two around all the displays, walked along the lit paths, across the bridges spanning the streams, and down the illuminated hillsides.

And Kids' Night is held on the second Tuesday in December. The couple's son, Sam DiSalvo, serves on a Boy Scout committee that organizes hundreds of Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cubs and Brownies to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus there, in person. Every child receives a toy.

"It's a lot of fun," Jim said in a 2008 wintertime interview with The Batavian. "There is nothing I enjoy more than walking outside on a night like this and seeing the cars and the people. It was all for the kids."

It's also a lot of work.

All of the planning, implementation, maintenance, storage, organization takes great time and effort.

As they begin to gear up for the year's light show early each fall, they unpack all the precisely stored strings of lights, which are tested before being put away at the end of each season. 

By Oct. 24, the lights are all out and retested. Electrical outlets are staked by boulders and nearly every tree.

"This would have been an easy year, we have a great fall," Jim noted.

Between four and six men are put to work setting things up.

The crew gets busy decorating a half-mile of acreage from the top of one hill along the little valley to the opposite hilltop, which is named "like English houses are named" -- in this case "Swallowvale" after the swarms of insect-eating swallows that descend on the DiSalvos' 160 acres of land a couple of months each spring like clockwork.

An ambulance is requested for a possible injury after a car has hit a deer on Clinton Street Road near Ivison Road, Byron. 

There was airbag deployment. 

Byron Fire, South Byron and Mercy EMS responding. 

Tatiana C. Lugo, 22, no permanent address, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree harassment;third-degree robbery; endangering the welfare of a child; tampering with physical evidence; and criminal mischief, 4th. Lugo was allegedly involved in a fight with a male on Bank Street at 1:02 p.m. Sunday in the presence of two young children. During the course of the investigation by officers Kevin DeFelice and James Prusak, Lugo allegedly stole property from the victim. Lugo was ordered held without bail.

Patrick Ervin Say, 57, of Nesbitt Road, Attica, is charged with DWI, driving left of pavement markings, and failure to keep right. Say was allegedly involved in a single-car accident on Molasses Hill Road, Bethany, at 5:43 p.m. Sunday. The accident was investigated by Deputy Ryan Delong and Sgt. Jason Saile. (Initial Report)

Shane Lee Hoehn, 43, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or higher, failure to notify DMV of address change, and driving over the divide on a divided highway. Hoehn was stopped at 2:16 a.m. Sunday on East Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Clifford W. Matthews, 43, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Matthews was allegedly involved in an accident on Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Stafford, at 4:43 p.m. Friday. The accident was investigated by Deputy Jenna Ferrando and Sgt. Eric Seppala.

Shawn Micheal Koegl, 30, of Alleghany Road, Attica, is charged with: DWI; driver view obstructed; possession of an open container; failure to keep right; and uninspected motor vehicle. Koegle was arrested following an investigation by deputies Mathew Clor and Eric Meyer into an accident at 2:02 a.m. Saturday on Route 77, Darien.

Passiona C. McConnell, 39, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with a curfew violation under the Batavia Municipal Code. McConnell was charged after her underage son was located in public after curfew. The youth was located at 12:59 a.m., Oct. 7, in the area of 20 Main St., Batavia, by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Michael J. Henry, 50, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Henry allegedly refused a lawful order by police to disperse at 10:45 p.m. Saturday while at Van Detta Stadium. Henry was arrested by officers Frank Klimjack and Stephen Cronmiller.

Joseph R. Paner, 37, of Cheekwood Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. Paner's vehicle was located after a complaint at 9:27 p.m. Saturday on Genesee Street, Pembroke, of a vehicle being operated erratically. Deputy Ryan DeLong initiated a traffic stop. Assisting in the investigation was Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello and Deputy Eric Meyer.

(name redacted upon request), 42, of Bethany, is charged with DWI. xxxx was stopped by State Police in the City of Batavia at 9 a.m. Friday. No further details released. 

Derek Meister, of The Meister Consultant's Group Inc., and trainer for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, spoke in Stafford on Thursday night for the town's committee studying the impact of potential solar farms.

Meister provided details on the implementation of the Unified Solar Law. The law is a template for local jurisdictions who wish to approve regulations for large-scale industrial solar plants on farmland.

This was the third in a series of talks sponsored by the solar committee. The committee is gathering all the information it can on solar farms, including community, environmental and economic impacts.

The town is halfway through a six-month moratorium on new industrial solar installations in Stafford, giving the committee time to complete its work.

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at the intersection of East Bethany -- Le Roy Road and Clipnock Road. One subject is said to be unresponsive. Stafford and Bethany fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics.

UPDATE 10:22 p.m.: Command at the scene says responders can continue in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 10:36 p.m.: The person who called the dispatch center about the accident probably called out to a presumed occupant inside; hearing no response, the caller said the occupant was unresponsive and a dispatcher noted that when the accident was initially toned out to emergency personnel. Actually, the driver -- and anyone else -- in the vehicle, fled as soon as the accident occurred. No one was on the scene when first responders arrived. There's no description of a driver. The vehicle involved is a dark blue Chevy Silverado Z71 extended cab pickup truck with custom wheels and chrome running boards.

UPDATE 10:49 p.m.: It's confirmed that a resident near the accident site approached the vehicle while his wife was inside the house calling 9-1-1 and he yelled out "Hello! Hello! Are you OK?" and he told his wife there was no response, so that's what she relayed to the dispatch center. A deputy on scene said it appears the driver failed to negotiate a right-hand turn at the T-intersection and the vehicle went down into a drainage ditch and collided with some rocks. The pickup truck is registered to a resident of Pavilion.

Press release:

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer today has announced $415,000 in state funding for three fire departments in Genesee County. 

“Today’s announced state investment will assist local fire departments and defray a major portion of expenses for important capital projects, while preventing a higher property tax burden for local homeowners,” Ranzenhofer said.

Oct. 8th marks the start of Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme is "Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!"

“Our volunteer firefighters are dedicated, and they are working tirelessly to protect and serve our communities each and every day,” Ranzenhofer said. “This financial support will ensure that life-saving services will continue to be available for Genesee County residents, businesses and visitors.”

Fire departments receiving grants include:

Alabama Fire Department: $165,000
The Alabama Fire Department will use the funds for a major capital project to upgrade the fire hall and build an addition for storage requirements. The project includes structure repairs, new insulation and windows, replacing a 31-year-old furnace, upgrading outdated plumbing and reworking electrical systems. 

The upgrades will make the department compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and National Fire Prevention Association recommendations for personal protection equipment storage. The improvements are estimated to save thousands of dollars per year due to lower energy bills and maintenance expenses.

“Our Fire Department faces challenges – from potential emergencies from the ever increasing trucks carrying chemicals, gasoline, and ethanol through our area to anticipated growth from the WNY STAMP Project. Senator Ranzenhofer’s grant will help to update our aging infrastructure. This state funding allows our volunteer firefighters to be better prepared, without passing additional costs to local property taxpayers,” said Alabama Fire Department President Robert Crossen.

The total cost is projected to be $236,000. A groundbreaking is tentatively planned for January. The project should be completed in six months.

Stafford Volunteer Fire Department: $150,000
The funding will be used for facility upgrades at Stafford Fire Department, including:

• Replacement of the original fire station roof;

• Improvements to damaged blacktop; and

• New energy-saving LED exterior lighting.

“Stafford Fire Department is very appreciative of the efforts of Senator Ranzenhofer in securing these much needed funds. We have been a financially secure organization for many decades with low town taxes due to our very successful antique car raffle. Supposed changes to the enforcement of charitable gaming laws have brought that to an abrupt end, burdening our local taxpayers. These funds will help our organization’s ability to respond at peak levels,” said Stafford Fire Department President James Call. 

The project is expected to start in April and be completed by next September. The project’s total cost is estimated at $225,000. 

Le Roy Fire District: $100,000
The Le Roy Fire District is planning to acquire land to expand parking and storage areas for fire safety equipment. The existing fire station – located at the intersection of routes 5 and 19 in the Village of Le Roy– is virtually landlocked, limiting the District’s capabilities. The existing parking area lacks enough spaces for firefighters to park their personal vehicles during an emergency response call.

“By acquiring property, the opportunity for future expansion will be assured, while meeting the immediate safety needs by providing zones for both emergency personnel accessing apparatus and the general public during operations from the station. Receiving this grant will allow us to complete the preliminary work and provide the needed additional financing to extend a purchase offer on the property,” said Le Roy Fire District Commissioner Gerald Diskin.

A Perry woman accused of recklessly causing serious physical injury to a male victim by means of a motor vehicle on Fargo Road, Stafford, in June 2016, entered a guilty plea in Genesee County Court today one count of attempted assault in the second degree.

Nicole Sullivan, 31, appeared in court today for an evidentiary hearing in advance of a criminal trial, but before the hearing agreed to the plea deal, which has no sentencing cap. Since she has no prior felonies, the Class E felony conviction carries of a possible prison sentence of one-and-a-half to four years, or one to three years with up to five years probation.

Sullivan was arrested 10 months after the June 10, 2016, accident in which she ran her car into a tree on Fargo Road with a disabled person as a passenger. She was also charged with endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person.

While out of jail awaiting further legal proceedings Sullivan was arrested again and accused of taking part in a scheme to steal $700 in phone cases from Walmart.

Today's plea satisfies the charges from the 2016 crash and the theft from Walmart.

With her arrest, Sullivan's release status was revoked and she was ordered held on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond. Judge Charles Zambito agreed to reduce her bond to $5,000, but not without a warning.

"I don't know if I'm going to sentence you to prison," Zambito said. "I have to read the pre-sentence report. If you make it out on bail and don't come back for your sentencing, you're going to get the maximum prison sentence."

Sullivan said she understood.

A car is reported off the road on Morganville Rosd near Randell Rosd, Stafford. 

Unknown injuries. 

Stafford Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched  

Press release:

On Thursday, Sept. 28, at approximately 12:14 p.m., State Police were dispatched to investigate a serious injury tractor-trailer accident on I-90, westbound near exits 47 and 48, in the Town of Stafford.

The investigation at the scene revealed that the driver of the tractor-trailer William W. Frank, age 46, of Alden, was traveling westbound on I-90, in the Town of Stafford and for an unknown reason drove off the right shoulder of the roadway and into a heavily wooded area. The driver of the tractor-trailer was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The accident is being investigated by New York State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit (CVEU). No other vehicles were involved in the accident, no other injuries were reported.

David Alan Leach, 23, of Morganville Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to stop at stop sign, and driving a motor vehicle on a sidewalk. Leach was charged following the report of a property damage accident at 12:18 a.m. Thursday at 337 Bank St., Batavia. The accident was investigated by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Brian Thomas Resch, 29, of Buffalo Road, Bergen, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, criminal possession of marijuana, 5th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. At 5:33 p.m. Saturday, the Sheriff's Office received a complaint on Buffalo Road of man who had disabled a phone to prevent a person from seeking emergency assistance. Upon investigation by deputies Ryan DeLong and Richard Schildwaster, Resch was allegedly found in possession of a quantity of marijuana and he was accused of smoking marijuana in a public place.

Derek James Wert, 35, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Wert is accused of pushing another person during an argument at noon Sept. 18 at a location on North Street, Batavia. Wert was also charged with second-degree criminal contempt related to an incident at 7:02 p.m. Wednesday in Austin Park. Wert is accused of violating an order of protection.

Markeda D. Starks, 26, of Highland Park, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Starks posted bail and was released.

Adam Ross Atkinson, 29, of Kent Road, Stow, Ohio, is charged with under the influence of narcotics in public. Atkinson was arrested after deputies responded to multiple calls at 6:35 p.m. Friday of a disruptive male at a convenience store in Byron.

Brian R. Barnard, 53, of Leicester, is charged with burglary, 3rd, burglary, 2nd, and criminal mischief. The alleged burglary was reported at 3:08 p.m. Thursday in Le Roy. This is a State Police case. No further information released.

Brandon A. Brott, 20, Jacey L. McGregor, 19, and Jessica H. Shepard, 26, all three of Lockport, are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Brott, McGregor, and Shepard were arrested at 3:36 a.m. in the Town of Alabama by State Police.

There's no more benefit of the doubt for Nicole Kimberly Sullivan in Judge Charles Zambito's courtroom.

The 32-year-old Perry resident, already charged with assault, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person, was arrested on allegations this week that she and a partner concocted a scheme to steal more than $700 in phone cases from Walmart. She's also been accused of continuing to use drugs while in a residential treatment facility.

Zambito canceled her release under supervision contract Wednesday afternoon and ordered her held on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond. 

While Assistant District Attorney Shirley Gorman argued that Sullivan should be considered a flight risk, her attorney, David Silverberg, argued that she wasn't a flight risk but clearly is having difficulty complying with her release terms pending her trial. He asked for reasonable bail.

Sullivan is accused of fleeing the scene of an accident on Fargo Road in the Town of Stafford on June 10, 2016, and leaving behind a seriously injured person who also had a disability.

Marquis Rashod Brown, 20, of Victor Lane, Hamlin, is charged with burglary, 3rd, criminal mischief, 2nd, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and petit larceny. Brown allegedly entered a building on South Lake Road, Bergen, at 6 p.m. Aug. 3 without the owner's permission, left and drove the owner's vehicle without permission, and then caused more than $1,500 damage to the vehicle by overheating and ruining the engine.

Garl Lyn Fields, 33, of LaGrange Avenue, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. Fields was stopped by Irondequoit PD. He posted bail and was released to Gates PD on a warrant. He was issued an appearance ticket and released to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on a warrant out of Town of Stafford Court. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released on an order to appear in Town of Stafford Court at 9 a.m., Oct. 3.

Kristi Marie Stoughton, 41, of Woodhill, Newark, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and driving left of pavement markings. Stoughton was stopped at 11:40 p.m. Monday on Genesee Street, Pembroke, by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Crystal Marie Bouter, 28, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, and Nicole Kimberly Sullivan, 31, of Covington Street, Perry, are charged with petit larceny and conspiracy, 6th. Bouter and Sullivan are accused of stealing several mobile phone cases valued at $785.77 from Walmart. It's alleged that they agreed to coordinate their efforts to steal the cases. Both were jailed on $1,000 bail each.

Clarence J. Carithers, 32, of West Academy Street, Albion, is charged with: unlawful fleeing a police officer; three counts of endangering the welfare of a child; reckless driving- speeding (86 in 55-mph zone); failure to stop at blinking red light; unsafe turn without signaling, speed in excess of 55 mph (111 mph); and inadequate lights. Carithers allegedly drove his vehicle past a Sheriff's patrol at an excessive speed on Lewiston Road, Alabama, at 12:44 a.m. and then failed to stop at a blinking red light at the intersection of Lewiston and Alleghany roads, continuing southbound on Route 77 at a high rate of speed. Carithers then allegedly turned onto Bloomingdale Road and failed to signal. He is accused of driving in excess of 55 mph on Bloomingdale before stopping at a gas mart located on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. He was arrested by Deputy Eric Meyer, arraigned in Town of Alabama Court and jailed without bail. Assisting were Sgt. John Baiocco, Sgt. Jason Saile, Deputy Ryan Young, and Deputy Howard Wilson.

Devan Dashaun Hazel, 23, of St. Mary's Street, NYC, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 5th. He was arrested on a warrant out of Town of Stafford Court and jailed on $250 bail.

Kalil T. Walker, 23, of Isabelle Street, Rochester, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear in City Court. Walker posted bail and was released.

Timothy J. Wood, 28, no permanent address, was arrested on a warrant upon release from the Niagara County Correctional Facility. He was turned over to Batavia PD, arraigned in City Court and sentenced to 15 days in jail.

Nicholas D. Martino, 37, of Main Street, Alexander, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. 

Darryl Robinson, 53, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Robinson was taken into custody during an investigation into an unrelated incident. Robinson allegedly failed to appear in City Court on charges of harassment, 2nd, and unnecessary noise.

Robin A. Pickering, 33, of Electric Avenue, Lackawanna, was arrested on a warrant. Pickering allegedly failed to comply with terms of DWI conviction in 2015. She was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Shuvon J. Williams, 41, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Williams was allegedly involved in an altercation in the Dollar General parking lot on East Main Street, Batavia, at 6:10 p.m. Friday.

Kelly A. Morrison, 44, of Skyline Drive, Lady Lake, Fla., is charged with menacing, 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal possession of a weapon (prior conviction). Morrison allegedly brandished a large pocket knife during an altercation at 6:10 p.m. Friday in the parking lot of Dollar General in Batavia. Morrison was jailed without bail.

A 17-year-old resident of Edward Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 2nd, resisting arrest, and unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth allegedly damaged a parked vehicle in the area of Bank Street and Washington Avenue, Batavia, and then resisted when officers attempted to place him under arrest. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Maria Katriliotis, 35, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Katriliotis allegedly kicked another person at 3:40 p.m. Saturday.

Brandon C. Smart, 40, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Smart was arrested after police responded to a location on Hutchins Street to investigate a noise complaint.

A 17-year-old resident of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was allegedly found in possession of marijuana at a location on Cedar Street, Batavia.

Dora L. Poodry, 23, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear on a petit larceny charge. Poodry is in custody on an unrelated charge.

Meredith H. Cutro, 40, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and criminal trespass. Cutro allegedly entered the home of another person at 4:44 p.m. Aug. 22and refused to leave when told to leave. Cutro allegedly pushed another person when that person was trying to get her to leave.

Dustin L. Landin, 38, of James Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for an alleged violation of his release under supervision contract. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Traci Lynn Abrams, 19, of Skye Road, Alabama, is charged with possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. Abrams was arrested by Batavia PD and turned over to the Sheriff's Office on a warrant.

Rudy P. Bail, 23, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Bail was charged by State Police at 8:36 a.m. Thursday in the Town of Bethany.

Kelly Leigh Stanton, 23, Sparksboro Drive, Camillus, is charged with forgery, 2nd. Stanton allegedly claimed to be her sister during an arrest at 12:18 a.m. on Aug. 5. She is accused of signing her sister's name on a fingerprint card. She was jailed on $15,000 cash bail or $25,000 bond.

Joelle Marie Devincetis, 34, of Weston Road, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and inadequate plate lamp. Devincetis was arrested on a warrant out of Town of Stafford Court and jailed on $200 cash bail or $2,500 bond.

The Morganville United Church of Christ in Stafford is celebrating its 200th anniversary this fall, inviting members of the community to take part in the festivities.

On Oct. 14, there will be a spaghetti dinner for the community and the 200th anniversary service will be on Oct. 22. The church is located at 8466 Morganville Road. 

“The service will go back 200 years,” Pastor James Morasco said. “We’re going to dress the part. We want to capture the time period.”

According to a history compiled by Grace Woodworth in 2003, on Oct. 20, 1817, Elders Levi Hathaway and Joseph Badger, traveling ministers, organized “The Church of God in Stafford, New York.” The church started off with 11 members, but grew to 50 in a couple months.

The church has around 70 members now. Morasco said the church is slowly growing.

“It’s a nice place to be,” Morasco said. “It’s very welcoming. People say when they come here that it’s a warm church. They feel the warmth from everybody.”

Marianne Garigen was baptized in 1952 at Morganville UCC and became a member 13 years later. Her mother was a member of the church.

“When I first started, [the church] was very active,” Garigen said. “Sunday School had 80 children. Back then, the church was your social network.”

She currently serves as the financial secretary, but has held many other positions with the church.

“I moved away for seven years and then moved back to the area,” Garigen said. “I’ve been here ever since. It’s a part of me.”

Her husband, Barry Garigen, has been a friend of the church for 45 years and recently became a member, but currently is the church moderator. He runs the quarterly and annual meetings, and serves as an ambassador for the church, speaking on behalf of the congregation.

“We got married in this church,” Barry said. “All our kids were baptized here, so it’s been a part of their lives since the beginning.”

Marianne said the future is looking better for the church, but she would like to see younger families join the church to keep it going.

“We would like to continue being a part of the community and reaching out,” Marianne said. “We want to let them know we are here and that anyone is welcome.”

The church organizes a food link once a month, serving hundreds of people. Barry said it is a way to reach out to the community.

“Anybody that needs it, gets it,” Barry said. “The volunteers from the church set up. People come through, sign in and they can help themselves to the provided food.”

Barry said people line up hours ahead of time and they are very thankful.

In celebration of 200 years, the congregation is attempting to perform 200 random acts of kindness by the end of the year. A member can do anything from welcoming a new neighbor, cook a meal for someone, or leave notes of encouragement on cars.

“It’s an opportunity to show the community that we’re here,” Morasco said.

The Morganville UCC has a Facebook page located here and Morasco said they’re currently working on a website.

After the 200th service, there will be a hymn sing at 2 p.m. with the organist, Carin Wade.  

“We have an outstanding organist who will be very entertaining for the hymn sing,” Barry said. “Music is a big part of our service here and she’s added to it.” 

A poem written by Pastor James Morasco for the 200th anniversary.