east pembroke

Trains and landmarks throughout the country are among the subjects photographed by Tim Dusen, of East Pembroke. His exhibit, "Cornucopia of Photography," is on display through Nov. 30 at Richmond Memorial Library.

A lake ferry. A cow. A rusted automobile.

Everything catches Tim Dusen’s eye, although his favorite subjects are trains and lighthouses.

Dusen’s work of more than 100 photographs, titled "Cornucopia of Photography," is on exhibit at Richmond Memorial Library through Nov. 30.

Dusen, a native of East Pembroke, has been smitten with photography since 1976, when he was 9 and his parents took him to Disney World. He had been given his first camera, a Brownie 127, with which he captured his first images – that of the monorail and train.

In 1977, his family went on a three-week trip out West and he took so many pictures his father told him to stop.

“You had to put your film in a mailer back then and send it away to be developed,” Dusen said. “Dad said we wouldn’t be able to afford to have them developed.”

Both his parents and grandparents loved to travel, and Dusen inherited their love.

“Grandpa always said if there was a jingle in your pocket, you had gas money,” Dusen said.

Pembroke was one of the few schools with a darkroom at the time, and Dusen jumped into photography courses there. After he graduated in 1986, he went to Genesee Community College, where he majored in Commercial Art and History.

He was at a Batavia baseball game when Harold Kiltau, who sat down beside him, asked him if he knew there was a Photography Club in Batavia.

He hadn’t known, but in 1992, he joined. There he learned about filters and polarizing, and used his new knowledge in his photography.

Batavia Photography Club attended conventions of the Niagara Frontier Regional Camera Clubs, and there Dusen learned a lot more about taking pictures, he said.

One of Dusen’s favorite works is a window light photograph of a cup and bowl said to have been used by Wild Bill Cody. Dusen took the picture at Cody’s hunting cabin in North Platte, Neb. The photo won him “Best Color Digital and Image of the Year” by the Batavia Photography Club.

Dusen said his photography is mostly for pleasure, although he has sold a few pieces. All the photos in his exhibit are priced reasonably, he said.

It’s safe to say, Dusen never leaves home without his camera.

Anyone interested in any of his work may e-mail him at tld1967_gcc1991@yahoo.com

Photos by Virginia Kropf.

Below, Dusen with one of his favorite works -- a window light photograph of a cup and bowl said to have been used by Wild Bill Cody.

Below, Dusen tweaks a photograph of the historic Portageville bridge taken from Letchworth State Park.

Two cars and a fuel truck collided at Pearl Street Road and Wortendyke Road. The fuel truck is leaking. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics #1 and #2 are responding.

UPDATE 12:40 p.m.: Injuries are reported. The tanker rolled over. Town of Batavia Fire Police are called to shut down Route 33 east of Wortendyke; Corfu Fire Police are to close 33 west of Wortendyke.

UPDATE 12:44 p.m.: The county's Hazmat Team is called to stand by at county facilities.

UPDATE 12:49 p.m.: Alexander Fire Department is asked to shut down northbound Wortendyke Road at Rose Road.

UPDATE 1:15 p.m.: Preliminary indications are that a gray vehicle and a white van were involved in an accident on Pearl Street Road west of Wortendyke and the driver of a semi-truck hauling gasoline tried to avoid the accident by swerving. The tanker overturned. It is leaking its own fuel, but not the cargo of gasoline. One person was transported to UMMC with non-life-threatening injuries; two others were sign-offs.

For decades, the former Presbyterian church in East Pembroke has looked weathered and beaten and neglected but owner Wes Winters had decided it's time to restore the exterior.

So far he's removed the old siding, painted the trim and the bell tower and installed some windows. This week he will start installing new clapboards (wood, not vinyl). 

He described the project as "weatherizing."

"It was pretty sad," Winters said. "We needed a new roof on the tower and the clapboards had long since seen their paint go away. It was just time."

His father bought the building in the 1970s and converted the basement into two apartments and divided the sanctuary into two floors as storage for his construction business.  

His son David is assisting with the restoration project.

The sanctuary was built in about 1854 and the bell tower was added in 1857.

The original bell -- cast in the 1870s in Troy -- still hands in the tower. The last time it was rung was just a few weeks ago. A friend of his son's got married nearby in East Pembroke. At the start of the service, Winters' son texted him and he rang the bell five times and then when the couple was pronounced husband and wife, he rang it again five times.

The stained glass was apparently removed when the congregation left the church.

Winters doesn't have immediate plans for the sanctuary but said it might be appropriate for apartments or retail.

"We're not going to sell it," he said, adding that the building will stay in the family.

This is a commemorative plate found in the church building. The inscription on the back says the church was built for $3,200. Rev. D.C. Houghton was the first pastor. A tornado Sept. 30, 1921, tore off the spire and it was replaced by a dome. The Baptists and Presbyterians of East Pembroke merged in 1962 and formed the East Pembroke Federated Church. Photo submitted by David Winters.

Public Notice

Board of Fire Commissioners - East Pembroke Fire District: Resolution to Sell Equipment Subject to Permissive Referendum

Whereas, the Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Pembroke Fire District has determined that the 1991 Pierce Fire Truck is deemed surplus

Whereas, the vehicle is valued at $5,000; and

Now therefore be it resolved, the Board of Fire Commissioners has determined that the 1991 Pierce Fire Truck is deemed surplus and it shall be sold to the highest bidder.

This resolution is subject to permissive referendum of the qualified voters of the East Pembroke Fire District. The resolution shall take effect 30 days from the publication hereof unless a petition requiring a referendum is filed within said 30-day period, pursuant to section 6(g)(7) of the General Municipal Law.

William R. Joyce, Secretary

East Pembroke Fire District

Summer isn’t over yet, and what better way to enjoy those final weeks of warmth than getting outside and soaking up the sun? We’ve rounded up some great places in Genesee County to enjoy the outdoors, get on the water, and take in everything summer has to offer.

Explore Nature, Wildlife, and the Outdoors

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

Described as “one of the best kept secrets in Western New York," the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is the largest in the state. With more than 10,000 acres, there’s plenty here to explore. This Wildlife Refuge is home to more than 42 species of mammals, plus reptiles, fish, amphibians and insects. It’s a favorite of birdwatchers thanks to its 6,000 acres of swampland. Created at the end of the last Ice Age, the swamp is all that remains of the prehistoric Lake Tonawanda that once stretched from Niagara Falls to Rochester. It supports in excess of 266 species of bird, including bald eagles. 

What to do: Avid birdwatchers can find their favorite species using the eBird Trail Tracker. Find what birds have been sighted on the refuge in the last 30 days, and where the best places to see them are. Non-birders and outdoor explorers can enjoy the outdoors year-round with activities like hunting, fishing, canoeing and cross-country skiing. The refuge also hosts a variety of educational activities, including owl prowls, bird walks, fishing derbies, stargazing and more. While there, don’t forget to browse the gift shop area and stop into the Visitors Center, open year-round from Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Bergen Swamp

While visiting a swamp may sound odd at first, one visit to the Bergen Swamp and you’ll be hooked! Home to 2,000 acres of wetlands, the swamp is a National Natural Landmark and the country’s first private environmental land trust chartered as a New York State Living Museum. Best known for its flowers, the swamp is home to 36 native orchids that flourish in the wet conditions. It’s also the perfect habitat for ferns, cedars and riparian floodplains.

What to do: Visitors to the swamp can explore on their own or take one of the many guided tours offered by the Bergen Swamp Preservation Society. Bring the camera and the sketchbook -- you never know what may inspire you along the trail.

Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Center

Welcome to oldest county forest in New York State! Explore 430 acres of rolling hills, hiking trails, playgrounds, ball fields, a sledding hill and more. Ten miles of trails and five ponds put you up close and personal with nature and our woodland friends. The park in East Bethany is also home to the Interpretive Nature Center, where guests can play their way through the activity room, display rooms and Discovery Zone. The rear porch is known for being a prime place for wildlife spotting.

What to do: What can’t you do here? Visitors love playing on the playground, exploring the trails, sledding, and everything in between. The Park and Interpretive Center also host education seminars and events throughout the year, including owl prowls, crafts, introduction to orienteering and stargazing.

DeWitt Recreation Area

Four seasons of fun! Enjoy 64 acres of outdoors, where the kids can run off all their energy and the adults can join in on the fun. Prior to 1935, DeWitt Recreation Area was used as a sand and gravel quarry, which was later abandoned and adopted as a recreation area for residents. In 1992, the land was donated to Genesee County, and restored to its natural setting. It now operates as an outdoor home for family fun and recreation, year-round.

What to do: Walk the quarter-mile paved trail loop or explore marked dirt trails. Enjoy hiking and biking, as well as canoeing and fishing on the pond during the spring, summer and fall. In the winter, bundle up and try cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing on the trails, or ice skating and pickup hockey games. DeWitt Recreation Area also hosts special events, so keep an eye on the calendar for the next one. 

Play in the Water and Soak up the Sun

Angry Apple Disc Golf Course

Established in 2017, play your way through this 18-hole course as it weaves its way across an old apple orchard. Designed for both finesse and accuracy, you’ll need to get your throwing arm warmed up and ready to go if you want to win.

Oatka Paddle Company

Grab your friends and head for the water! The newly opened (as of July 2018) Oatka Paddle Company offers paddle boat rentals for up to five people per boat, as well as single kayak rentals. Head down to the creek to enjoy an afternoon on the water.

Kayak and Canoe

Genesee County has several great kayak and canoe launch sites, including Harlow Lake at Darien Lake State Park, Oak Orchard River at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, John T. O'Brien Canoe Launch at Kiwanis Park, East Pembroke Genesee County Boat Launch, and the Red Bridge Area in Le Roy – just to name a few.

Explore more opportunities to get in touch with nature on the Genesee County Website, outdoor section, at www.visitgeneseeny.com.

A house fire, with flames shooting from an electrical panel, is reported in East Pembroke at 1911 Cleveland Road. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Corfu. Town of Batavia Fire Department is asked to stand by in their quarters.

UPDATE 11:22 a.m.: A first responder on scene says smoke is showing. Command calls for Oakfield Fire Police to shut down Cleveland at Indian Falls Road. Indian Falls Fire Police are to shut down Main Road at Cleveland. Command says the goal is to get a quick knockdown; flames are not showing but there's a lot of smoke.

UPDATE 11:45 a.m.: Alexander is asked to stand by in their quarters to cover East Pembroke's fire district.

UPDATE 12:05 p.m.: Mercy BLS #1 is going to the scene for rehab of firefighters. 

Robert A. Boyce, age 51 and a resident of East Pembroke, who was involved in an ATV accident at 8:16 p.m. yesterday has succumbed to his injuries at ECMC.

The investigation is ongoing but the Sheriff's Office states that both alcohol and speed are being considered contributing factors in the crash.

Boyce was riding his ATV on a trail near National Grid transmission lines about 200 yards off Hartshorn Road when he apparently failed to negotiate a turn.

Previously: East Pembroke resident seriously injured in ATV accident

The Sheriff's Office is investigating an ATV accident reported at 8:16 p.m. Sunday in the area of 8706 Hartshorn Road, Batavia; it seriously injured the rider.

Robert A. Boyce, 51, of East Pembroke, was transported via Mercy Flight to ECMC with unknown injuries.

The preliminary investigation indicates Boyce was traveling east on the trail along National Grid power lines about 200 yards from Hartshorn Road when he failed to negotiate a turn, rolling his ATV. 

Assisting at the scene were Mercy EMS and East Pembroke fire.

The investigation is being conducted by Sgt. Andrew Hale, Investigator Christopher Parker, and Deputy Travis Demuth.

(Initial Post)

An ATV accident with possible serious injuries is reported in the area of 8172 Hartshorn Road, Batavia.

Two subjects in and out of consciousness.

Mercy Flight #7 out of Batavia is on a ground standby

East Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

The location is about 200 yards from Hartshorn.

UPDATE 8:23 p.m.: The location is apparently behind the East Pembroke Fire Hall.

UPDATE 8:27 p.m.: Mercy Flight will not be required.

UPDATE 8:28 p.m.: Now there is only mention of one patient. East Pembroke will use its ATV to transport the patient to the ambulance at the road.

UPDATE 8:34 p.m.: Mercy Flight is now requested to the scene.

UPDATE 9:08 p.m.: East Pembroke is in process of clearing the scene.

A man inside outside a silo on West Main Street Road, Batavia has reportedly fallen approximately 40 feet and suffered a leg injury.

He is conscious and alert.

Mercy Flight #7 out of Batavia is in route.

East Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS on scene.

CORRECTION: The patient fell outside of the silo.

A tree has fallen into a house at 2392 Killian Road, East Pembroke.

There are wires involved but there is no arcing or sparking.

No injuries reported.

East Pembroke fire dispatched.

A vehicle reportedly struck a tree and rolled over in the area of 1677 Main Road, East Pembroke.

There is heavy damage to the vehicle, according to a first responder, but the occupant is reported out and walking around.

East Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Monday night is training night for most volunteer fire departments but last night in East Pembroke it was gear inspection night.

For the first time, the annual inspection was conducted in the department's new $3.5 million fire hall.

East Pembroke isn't running calls out of the hall yet. They're not quite settled in. The Internet was just hooked up today. The emergency radio has yet to be installed. And there is a lot of equipment yet to move over from the old hall. Chief Don Newton expects the new hall to be in service in about three weeks.

The department will host an open house in the early spring.

Gear inspection is all about ensuring there are no holes, tears or worn spots in any of the three layers of a firefighter's suit that provides thermal protection.  

Newton explained that East Pembroke buys three sets of gear -- boots, hat, jacket, pants and gloves -- every year. That's an annual cost of up to $17,000.  

But it's got to be done. Worn and damaged gear is a danger to firefighters and state regulations require interior firefighters to use gear that is less than 10 years old.

East Pembroke is starting to rotate interior gear every eight years. That leaves two years of life left on the old gear. It can by used by new volunteers while they go through training and it provides back up gear for a firefighter who might wind up with damaged gear before new gear is purchased.

Monday, members also brought in their Class A uniforms for inspection and inventory.

An example of a hole torn in a layer of thermal protection. This suit was being taken out of service.

The new hall has six bays, with two additional backdoors. Those two longer bays can potentially hold two trucks, giving the hall the capability of parking eight trucks.

The developer of a proposed Dollar General Store in East Pembroke was willing to do a little trading with the Town of Batavia Planning Board on Tuesday night.

If the town will let him reduce the number of parking spaces from 47 to something closer to 30 he would ensure there is a sidewalk installed along Route 5 in front of the store.

"I would be more than willing to remove the parking spaces, whether it gets down to 30 or some number down there that makes sense based on the layout," said Todd Hamula of the Zaremba Group. "Then I'd stripe across here to a sidewalk that I would build either on the property or just in the DOT right of way."

Quickly, plans were made then for Hamula to rework is the site plan and get it before the County Planning Board again -- which last week recommended a sidewalk be included in the project -- and then in front of the town's Zoning Board of Appeals before coming back to the town planning board again in a month.

The ZBA would need to approve a variance for the reduced parking because the current zoning code requires a building of the type and size of the proposed Dollar General to have at least 47 parking spaces.

Hamula said that anybody who has frequently driven past a Dollar General knows there's usually only an average of five or six cars parked out front most of the time.

The Town of Batavia is in the process of reworking its comprehensive plan and adopting a planning philosophy known as form-based code. 

One of the goals of the process is to make East Pembroke a more walkable community, which means sidewalks are needed.

Paul McCullough, board member and East Pembroke resident, spoke up in favor of making the hamlet more walkable and argued in favor of a sidewalk installed with the construction of the Dollar General.

He expressed concern that the presence of the store would cause people to walk on Route 5, which is busy with fast moving traffic and isn't well lit at night.

"Let's at least get that section in and then figure out how to get that extra 100 feet in," McCullough said.

At that point, Hamula said he was amenable to working something out.

The store will be 7,100 square feet and will become the seventh Dollar General in Genesee County.

McCullough said in his informal survey of East Pembroke residents, people are excited about the potential of the store opening.

A proposed new Dollar General store for East Pembroke should meet the goal of making the hamlet more walkable, according to county planners.

That would mean removing parking from the front of the building and bringing the structure closer to the sidewalk.

Last night, the County Planning Board approved the site review with that recommendation. It will be up to the Town of Batavia's Planning Board to decide whether to implement the recommendation.

Planning Director Felipe A. Oltramari explained that the Town of Batavia is adopting form-based planning as part of its comprehensive plan and has already adopted a policy that should help the town, which includes East Pembroke, become a walkable community. 

East Pembroke currently scores a 15 at WalkScore.com and is considered car-dependent.

Since the policy is not yet part of the town's codes, the Planning Board could only make a recommendation and not take a stronger stand.

There are already six Dollar General stores in Genesee County.

This location will be on Main Road at Barrett Drive.

The developer is Zarembra Group Inc., based in Cleveland, Ohio.

The single-story building will be 9,100 square feet.