Skip to main content

east pembroke

Three GC students named Outstanding Undergraduate Scholars at RIT -- in top 1 percent

By Billie Owens

More than 100 Rochester Institute of Technology students were named as Outstanding Undergraduate Scholars for the 2020-2021 year.

Since 1976, RIT has honored the top 1 percent of undergraduate students who are able to maintain a high standard of academic excellence while also giving back to their community through civic or volunteer work, conducting research, or being engaged in co-op or work in their field of study.

Award recipients, including the following, were honored during a virtual celebration earlier this year:

  • Triton Adamski, of Corfu
  • Lucas Kohorst, of East Pembroke
  • Celia Mercovich, of Bergen

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 18,600 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.

The university is internationally recognized and ranked for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. RIT also offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Global partnerships include campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo.

Urban family thanks firefighters, friends, family, coworkers, neighbors and community for their help after garage fire

By Press Release

From Brittany Urban:

Our family wants to express our sincere gratitude and thanks to our friends, family, coworkers, neighbors and community. A couple of weeks (Dec. 15) ago we lost so many of our personal belongings that were stored in our garage to a fire.

We never would have imagined in a million years this would happen to us and were completely shocked, heartbroken and devastated.

After the incident, so many people reached out to us to provide comfort, support, kind words, prayers, donations, their time, and to check in on us.

We found so much comfort in knowing we weren't going through this experience alone and we cannot express in words how much we appreciate each and every one of you.

We also would like to specifically thank the following: Pembroke & Indian Falls fire departments, Alabama, Town & City of Batavia fire departments, Corfu, Darien & East Pembroke fire departments, along with Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Young, who was the law enforcement officer on scene.

The hard work of all these firefighters prevented us from losing our house in the fire as well. We are so thankful that didn't happen and that our family was not hurt.

Also, a special thanks to Officer Young who stayed by our side the entire time and helped us stay as calm as possible and went above and beyond for us.

Thank you to each and every one of you who risk your lives every day to help others and do everything you can to keep them safe.

In such a dark, uncertain, negative world these days it's nice to know that there are still good, kind people out there who are willing to come together and support one another in times of tragedy.

We wish each and every one of you a very happy and healthy new year.

Warmest regards,

-- The Urban Family

Patron causes scene at Crosby's in East Pembroke over mask-wearing

By Howard B. Owens

A deputy has been dispatched to East Pembroke to try and locate a male subject who became upset at an employee over the issue of wearing a mask inside the store.

The man walked away but has repeatedly called her on the phone, according to dispatch, cussing at her and threatening her.

Vehicle rollover accident reported on eastbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 394.7. The occupants are out of the vehicle and walking around. Mercy medics are responding along with East Pembroke Fire Department.

UPDATE 4:28 p.m.: One person may have a concussion.

UPDATE 4:41 p.m.: Command requests a second ambulance to the scene in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 5:01p.m.: Mercy medics are en route to ECMC with one patient.

UPDATE 5:06 p.m.: The East Pembroke fire assignment is back in service.

Multiple vehicle accident reported on the Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 395.

There are multiple callers. It may involve two semi-trucks and a passenger vehicle.

East Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 8:57 a.m.: Westbound traffic is blocked. The East Pembroke chief requests that traffic be diverted at the Batavia exit.

UPDATE 8:58 a.m.: Extrication will be required according to an Indian Falls chief who responded. Confirmed, two tractor-trailers, possibly a car.

UPDATE: One person was transported by ground ambulance to ECMC with a possible serious injury.

East Pembroke's David Colby welcomed to St. Lawrence University's Class of 2024

By Billie Owens

St. Lawrence University welcomed David O. Colby as a member of the Class of 2024. Colby attended Pembroke Junior-Senior High School.

St. Lawrence University welcomed nearly 625 new students to the community this fall, including 596 members of the Class of 2024. The newest Laurentians comprise one of the most diverse classes in St. Lawrence history. First-year students come from 32 states, Washington, D.C., and 33 countries, while 14 percent of the class are U.S. students of color and 10 percent are international students. First-generation college students comprise nearly 20 percent of the Class of 2024.

The defining characteristics of St. Lawrence students-inquisitive, supportive, and passionate-are already evident in the new cohort. With 81 percent having participated in community service and 79 percent taking part in leadership activities, this class has already demonstrated they prioritize others and are eager to step up, take action, and tackle the big issues facing local and global communities.

At St. Lawrence, each first-year student participates in the University's nationally-recognized First-Year Program (FYP), one of the oldest living-learning programs in the country. The FYP helps students make successful transitions from high school to college. Students live together as a cohort and are taught by faculty teams, developing the writing, speaking and research skills needed to be successful in college and beyond. Students continue to hone these skills in a spring First-Year Seminar.

Fall semester classes began on Aug. 26.

Possible brush fire reported in East Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A possible brush fire is reported at 2349 Main Road (Route 5), just east of Indian Falls Road, in East Pembroke. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding.

Field fire reported on Main Road in East Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A field fire is reported at 1611 Main Road in East Pembroke. East Pembroke and Corfu fire departments are responding. The location is between Boyce and Cleveland roads.

UPDATE 4:18 p.m.: Town of Batavia, Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments dispatched as mutual aid to fight the grass fire.

Total of 28 GC students named to fall 2019 dean's list at RIT

By Billie Owens

The following local residents made the dean's list at Rochester Institute of Technology for the 2019 Fall Semester:

Nicholas Kelly, of Byron (14422), who is in the software engineering program.

Celia Mercovich, of Bergen (14416), who is in the physics program.

Erik Scharlau, of Alexander (14005), who is in the physician assistant program.

Nicholas Johnson, of Batavia (14020), who is in the computing and information technologies program.

Ava Vescovi, of Le Roy (14482), who is in the business administration-marketing program.

Bethany Zwolinski, of Corfu (14036), who is in the biomedical sciences program.

Sophia Zwolinski, of Corfu (14036), who is in the mechanical engineering program.

Tyler Henry, of Bergen (14416), who is in the illustration program.

Taylor Schofield, of Pavilion (14525), who is in the biomedical engineering program.

Lauren Burke, of Bergen (14416), who is in the physician assistant program.

Amelia Pestillo, of Batavia (14020), who is in the management information systems program.

Maddi Howard, of Elba (14058), who is in the diagnostic medical sonography program.

Jessie Abrams, of Corfu (14036), who is in the medical illustration program.

Triton Adamski, of Corfu (14036), who is in the game design and development program.

Lucas Kohorst, of East Pembroke (14056), who is in the web and mobile computing program.

Bria Brade, of Batavia (14020), who is in the applied arts and sciences program.

Sarah Nati, of Corfu (14036), who is in the applied arts and sciences program.

Jeremy Boyle, of Batavia (14020), who is in the supply chain management program.

Melissa Mountain, of Batavia (14020), who is in the interior design program.

Bailey Russo, of Batavia (14020), who is in the game design and development program.

Ryan Missel, of Corfu (14036), who is in the computer science program.

Jay Lewis, of Batavia (14020), who is in the mechanical engineering technology program.

Kiera Gross, of East Bethany (14054), who is in the computational mathematics program.

Katelyn Hersee, of Batavia (14020), who is in the business administration-accounting program.

Chase Roth, of Alexander (14005), who is in the mobile app development program.

Ethan Stone, of Batavia (14020), who is in the computer engineering program.

Michelle Miller, of East Bethany (14054), who is in the industrial design program.

Allen Snyder, of Darien Center (14040), who is in the mechanical engineering program.

Degree-seeking undergraduate students are eligible for dean's list if their term GPA is greater than or equal to 3.400; they do not have any grades of "Incomplete", "D" or "F"; and they have registered for, and completed, at least 12 credit hours.

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 19,000 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the United States.

The university is internationally recognized and ranked for academic leadership in Business, Computing, Engineering, Imaging Science, Liberal Arts, Sustainability, and Fine and Applied Arts. RIT also offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

The cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Global partnerships include campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo.

East Pembroke's Kim Dorman joins HR Works as director of Business Development

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

FAIRPORT -- HR Works is pleased to announce that Kim Dorman, who lives in East Pembroke, has joined the company as director of Business Development.

Dorman will work with clients in a variety of industries to analyze HR and benefits processes, identify inefficiencies and exposures, and recommend solutions to streamline, eliminate profit leaks and ensure compliance.

 

She will be responsible for increasing HR Works’ presence in the Buffalo market.

“What attracted me to HR Works was that they are a locally based company positioned for growth, with strong leadership and solution-based offerings,” says Dorman.

Dorman brings more than 30 years of business development experience, and a strong background in building customer relationships with a consultative approach. Her previous role included leading a high performing team, while overseeing the entire Buffalo market.

Dorman’s expertise in designing customized solutions to fit client needs, coupled with her knowledge of the area, will help HR Works further penetrate the Buffalo market.

HR Works is a human resource consulting and outsourcing firm. HR Works provides scalable strategic human resource management and consulting services, including: affirmative action programs; benefits administration outsourcing; HRMS technology consulting; full-time, part-time and interim on-site HR managers; HR audits; legally reviewed employee handbooks; talent management and recruiting services; and training of managers and HR professionals.

To learn more about HR Works, which is based in the Rochester suburb of Fairport, and their services visit www.hrworks-inc.com or call 1-877-219-9062.

53 local students named to fall 2019 Provost's List at GCC

By Billie Owens

A total of 248 students from Genesee Community College were named to Provost's List for fall 2019, including 53 who reside in Genesee County.

Students honored on the Provost's List have maintained part-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

Jacob Farnsworth of Alexander (14005)

Naomi LaDuke of Alexander (14005)

Morgan Woodhouse of Alexander (14005)

Jessica Lennon of Alexander (14005)

Julia Lennon of Alexander (14005)

Melanie Snyder of Basom (14013)

Catherine Bilodeau-Redeye of Basom (14013)

Elizabeth Rindell of Batavia (14020)

Mikala Phillips of Batavia (14020)

Elizabeth Grosskopf of Batavia (14020)

Andrew Lin of Batavia (14020)

Bernard Skalny of Batavia (14020)

Samuel Sallome of Batavia (14020)

Erik Kesler of Batavia (14020)

Justin Scott of Batavia (14020)

Brian Wheeler of Batavia (14020)

Janelle DiMartino of Batavia (14020)

Tammy Kingdollar of Batavia (14020)

Margaret Richardson of Batavia (14020)

Carolyn Logsdon of Batavia (14020)

Kyla Phillips of Batavia (14020)

Alexis Balduf of Batavia (14020)

Cassandra Dembik of Batavia (14020)

Robert Tripp of Batavia (14020)

Gabriella Rindell of Batavia (14020)

Janae Meister of Batavia (14020)

Bailey Gavenda of Batavia (14020)

Alexandria Tarbell of Corfu (14036)

Jeffrey Fischer of Corfu (14036)

Nicole Alvord of Darien Center (14040)

Lauren Carli of East Bethany (14054)

Brian Wlazlak of East Bethany (14054)

Angelique Newton of East Bethany (14054)

Kimberly McCullough of E Pembroke (14056)

Robert Stabler of Elba (14058)

Racheal Cook of Elba (14058)

Jamie Lippold of Oakfield (14125)

Shannon Pohl of Oakfield (14125)

Patrick Puccio of Stafford (14143)

Kathryn Long of Stafford (14143)

Kelly Kruppner of Bergen (14416)

Kristina Bird of Bergen (14416)

Anna Morrill of Bergen (14416)

Grace Morrill of Bergen (14416)

Siomara Caballero of Byron (14422)

John Boyle of Le Roy (14482)

Nicole Roth of Le Roy (14482)

Marshall Schultz of Le Roy (14482)

Jacob Eggleston of Le Roy (14482)

Morgan Luce of Le Roy (14482)

Jared Carlson of Le Roy (14482)

Cassandra Hirsch of Pavilion (14525)

Katelyn Barnes of Pavilion (14525)

Genesee Community College serves more than 5,000 students with more than 65 academic programs and certificates. Among the many options are the Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, Food Processing Technology, Theater Arts, and six different healthcare programs including the new Health Studies, A.S.

Each GCC student is assigned a success coach at the College's Student Success Center. The coach provides academic and career guidance from the first steps of the admissions process through to graduation or transferring credits to other institutions. The College's robust athletic program is housed in the state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena featuring a fieldhouse, fitness center, Human Performance Lab, press box, as well as coaches' offices and classrooms.

GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, a significant online program, and student housing is available at College Village, just a three minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and innovative technology inside and out of the classroom, SUNY GCC is known for being "high tech" and "high touch."

Driver of car struck head-on in East Pembroke accident dies at ECMC

By Howard B. Owens

A woman who was driving an SUV struck head-on on Route 5 in East Pembroke yesterday morning has died, according to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

Patricia L. Dzienciol, 50, of Akron, succumbed to her injuries at the Erie County Medical Center.

Dzienciol was driving a 2015 Nissan Rogue westbound in the area of 2700 Main Road at 7:14 a.m. when 1997 Mercury sedan crossed over from the eastbound lane and struck her vehicle. The Rogue traveled off the north shoulder and overturned in a roadside ditch.

The driver of the Mercury, Kathleen Swanekamp, 84, of Roswell Avenue, Tonawanda, was cited for allegedly driving at a speed that was not safe nor prudent and for failure to stay in the right lane.

At the time of the accident, snow was falling and roadways were wet and slushy. East Pembroke Chief Don Newton said the conditions made it difficult for volunteers to respond to the scene both quickly and cautiously.  

UPDATE: Audio on the video (finally) fixed.

Crash with possible ejection reported on West Main Street Road, East Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A crash involving two vehicles is reported in front of Jim's Saloon in East Pembroke, 2677 W. Main Street Road. One of the vehicles rolled over and it's possible that a person was ejected.

East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding and mutual aid from Town of Batavia is called for extrication equipment.

Also, Town of Batavia Fire Police are asked to shut down Route 5 at Powers Road and Corfu Fire Police are asked to shut down eastbound Route 5 at Read Road. Alexander's ambulance is called to the scene, too.

UPDATE 8:34 a.m.: A gray sedan and a white minivan collided head on and all were transported to trauma centers with non-life-threatening injuries; at least two of them were taken to Erie County Medical Center. There was only a driver in the minivan. The sedan had three adults in it, including an elderly person. One occupant of the sedan was ejected. Due to the severity of the crash, a member of the county's Crash Management Team was called to the scene.

Don Newton Sr. honored for 50 years of service in East Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

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

If you like our community coverage and want more of it, become a patron. Click the supporter button below.

Volunteers, donors from tri-county region hold Appeal 2020 Workshop Wednesday for Catholic Charities

By Billie Owens

Information from Catholic Charities of Buffalo (serving all of WNY):

The Appeal 2020 workshop for the tri-county region -- Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties --is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church in East Pembroke. The workshop will be held in the Parish Hall behind the church, located at 8656 Church St.

In attendance will be:

  • Deacon Steve Schumer, president and CEO, Catholic Charities of Buffalo;
  • Meichle Latham, chief operating officer, Catholic Charities of Buffalo;
  • Rick Cronin, Appeal 2020 general chair;
  • Richard Suchan, executive director, Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo;
  • Kelly Grimaldi, tri-county district director, Catholic Charities;
  • Hero of Hope Partner Award Recipient June Seager, county coordinator, Orleans County Office of Children and Family Services;
  • Approximately 40 community volunteers, clergy, lay leaders and donors, as well as Catholic Charities staff.

This volunteer training workshop kicks off Appeal 2020 in support of Catholic Charities and the Fund for the Faith in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

In addition, a Hero of Hope Partner award will be given to June Seager, county coordinator of the Orleans County Office of Children and Family Services, for her support of Catholic Charities and strong investment in area families, youths and individuals.

Members of the Appeal leadership team and staff will present information about Appeal 2020, including what has changed, how to run a successful parish effort, and ideas for gaining new donors and renewing previous donors.

Donors in parishes from the tri-county region contributed $418,727 to the 2019 Appeal. 

This year’s Appeal week will take place March 28-April 5 throughout the eight counties of Western New York to celebrate the support of those who have made contributions to the Appeal, and to encourage those who have not already donated to do so. 

The funds raised for Appeal 2020 will help support the 51 programs and services Catholic Charities offers across 43 sites, along with a number of ministries through the Fund for the Faith. Catholic Charities provides assistance to people of all ages, races, faiths and walks of life.

Of the 160,000 individuals reached by Catholic Charities last year, the lives of more than 3,600 were impacted in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

For more information, please contact Catholic Charities of Western New York at (716) 218-1400, or visit ccwny.org.

PCD Kiwanis host breakfast with Santa Claus, Cindy Lou and The Grinch tomorrow at St. Maximillian Kolbe Hall

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and (most of the) information:

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.

Rollover accident reported on eastbound Interstate 90

By Billie Owens

A vehicle reportedly rolled over several times on eastbound Interstate 90, landing at mile marker 395. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:44 a.m.: The occupant is out of the vehicle; up and walking.

Tractor-trailer vs. car accident reported on westbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A tractor-trailer vs. car accident with unknown injuries is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 325.7. Smoke and/or fire is reportedly coming from the big rig. East Pembroke and Indian Falls fire department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 2:44 p.m.: Traffic lanes were closed due to the accident but one lane of traffic is now reopened.

UPDATE 2:49 p.m.: Lanes reopened; assignment is back in service.

Authentically Local