reis family

What if you could enjoy Vegas-style casino games without having to leave Genesee County, for only a small fraction of the cost, without risking any money, and all for a great cause?

Friends and relatives of the Reis family, who lost their lives in a tragic fire at their home in Byron in 2008, invite you to "Reis Family Memorial Casino Night" on Saturday, Nov. 9.

The event will be held at Polish Falcons, at 123 Swan St. in Batavia. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the casino will be open from 7 until 9:30 p.m. Drinks and hors d'oevres will be included.

Games such as blackjack, craps, and Texas hold 'em will be played. If you don't know how to play, the dealers will teach you.

Players will be "cashing in" for Chinese auction tickets instead of money. The Chinese auction will take place at the end of the night and include baskets donated mostly by local restaurants -- although there are some surprises as well, such as a flight for two around Letchworth State Park.

"That's one of our high-roller gifts," event organizer Brendan Lougheed said. "We're hoping for others as well."

Lougheed said there are about 60 tickets left. People can buy them at the door, but are encouraged to pre-order.

Tickets are $65 each. While this seems like a lot, Lougheed puts the cost in perspective.

"You can learn and play new games that would cost a lot more at a casino," he said. "You get to enjoy all you would enjoy in Vegas for less money and without having to worry about losing your money."

Proceeds will be used to fund the scholarship created by the Reis kids' grandparents in honor of the family. It is awarded each year to multiple Byron-Bergen High School students who plan on attending two- or four-year colleges, are involved in the community, and are in need of financial assistance.

Unfortunately, the funds for the scholarship have diminished. That's where "Reis Family Memorial Casino Night" comes in.

Lougheed was a classmate of Emily Reis, one of the children. Through her and her younger brother, he became close with the family.

"They were wonderful people all around," he said. "They worked very hard (since they were raised by a single mother). And their grandparents are the sweetest people in the world."

To pre-order tickets or request more information, contact Lougheed at 721-8955 or e-mail loughebf@gmail.com.

Photo courtesy of Brendan Lougheed.

In the Tuesday, May 27 Daily News, coverage centers on weekend activity, including the Reis family funeral of Saturday, Monday's Memorial Day activities and Saturday's Pageant of the Bands.

The Reis Family story was written by Matt Surtel and features comments from many speakers at the memorial service. Childhood friend of Sherry Reis, 51, was a search with esoteric reading tastes, such as the Bhagavad Gita. "She always had an inner faith and she was humble when she shared herself," Wellborne is quoted as saying. "She was strong. She had strength. She stood tall, laughed hard and nobody can replace her."

Ginny Reis, 21, was remembered by kate Dermody as a great sister, wonderful daughter and best friend.  Jim Darocha and Trisha Williasm described Emily Reis, 19, as a tiny blonde girl who was a gifted athlete with a passion for stargazing. "Whenever the night was clear, you could count on her eyes to be fixed on the sky."  Tim Reis was described as mischievous by friends.

From page A3: On the agenda for tonight's City Council meeting in Batavia is a proposal to charge contractors a $2,500 fee for plans review.

In the Police Blotter:

• Denis N. Pirincci, 20, of Garden Drive, was charged with seventh-degree criminal possion of a controlled substance after deputies found in his car what is believed to be cocaine during a routine traffic stop.
• Justin D. Chaddock, 30, of Roosevelt Ave. was charged with DWI after he was apprehended driving an apparently unregisterd ATV on Wilkinson Road.
• William G. Horner, 56, of Bank Street Road, is being cahrged iwth felony criminal contempt for allegedly violating a restraining order.  He arrested a week ago for allegedly chasing a person with a knife, which resulted in the restraining order. Allegedly, he harrassed the same person Monday.
• Thomas W. Fisher, Jr., 55, of Ellicott Street, was held on a felony DWI charge Saturday night.

 The Daily News is available on local news stands and you can also subscribe online.

BataviaFuneralHomes.com contains the following message to the media:

To the Media:

The Byron-Bergen community has again experienced a great tragedy. Our community grieves over the loss of the Reis Family. On behalf of the surviving Reis family, I would like to present you with a few requests.

The memorial service is to be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Byron-Bergen High School in the Gymnasium. The family has asked that no video cameras or flash photography be used inside the building before, durring or after the service.

For your advance information, there will be no casketed remains present at the service.

They've also posted the following obituaries:

• Cheryl Reis
• Timothy Reis
• Emily Reis
• Virginia Reis