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The Village of Bergen will be holding its 28th annual Bergen Park Festival on Saturday, June 10th, at Bergen Park. It's located at 15 Church St.

• Car show, vendors, and family fun starts -- 11 a.m.
• Parade down Lake Avenue -- noon
• Bergen’s Got Talent -- 3 p.m.
• Chicken Barbecue -- 4 p.m.
• Live Music -- 4  to 10 p.m.
• Fireworks at 10 p.m.

In conjunction with June Dairy Month, the Genesee County Dairy Princess honored the first baby born in Genesee County. 

Isaac, a baby boy, was born to Hannah Gimlin and Matthew Guiste at 6:13 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, at United Memorial Medical Center. Isaac weighed 7lbs. 8oz., measured 19 ¾ inches long and was delivered by Patricia Beverly, CNM.

The Genesee County Dairy Princess, Rebecca Slattery, presented the family with a gift basket of items including dairy products coupons, infant toys and a number of other items.

June is National Dairy Month, which honors traditions and celebrates the contributions of the dairy industry by promoting nutrient-rich dairy foods.

Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School hosted more than 30 colleges and organizations at the Genesee Regional College Fair for area students in grades nine through 11.

Submitted photo and press release:

With the help of the New York State Association for College Admissions Counseling (NYSACAC), Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School hosted more than 30 colleges and universities on May 18 for the new Genesee Regional College Fair.

The school’s gymnasium was filled with students from grades nine through 11 from Byron-Bergen, Oakfield-Alabama Middle-High School, Rochester Preparatory High School, Keshequa Middle-High School, and the Western New York Tech Academy. Colleges traveled to the event from all over New York State, and from as far away as the University of Alabama, University of Guelph in Canada, and Quinnipiac University in Connecticut.

"Our goal is to host this event every year and continue to expose students to all of the opportunities that exist after high school," said Byron-Bergen College and Career counselor Rob Kaercher. "I know it is a busy time of year for colleges and high schools, but it would be impossible to host a large event without the support of every employee at Byron-Bergen and the NYSACAC.

"They are instrumental in providing professional development opportunities for school counselors and college admissions professionals from across the state, as well as opportunities for many college-bound students.”

Many area high school students attend the NYSACAC college fair in March at the Rochester Convention Center and in Buffalo at the First Niagara Center. Now, the Genesee Regional College Fair will give students exposure to colleges in a more intimate setting, right in their own backyard.

"Next year we plan to have even more colleges and branches of the armed services, and we will invite more high schools to experience this event," Kaercher said.

The following colleges and organizations attended the NYSACAC Regional College Fair at Byron-Bergen: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Canisius College, Daemen College, Elmira College, Genesee Community College, Hartwick College, Ithaca College, Jamestown Community College, Keuka College, La Roche College, Le Moyne College, Monroe Community College, Morrisville State College, New York State Higher Education Services Corp, Niagara University, Mercyhurst University, Quinnipiac University, Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester Institute of Technology, St. John Fisher College, SUNY - Alfred State College, SUNY Brockport, SUNY - Buffalo State College, SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Delhi, SUNY Geneseo, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, The University of Alabama, University of Guelph, University of Rochester, the Army, and Wells College.

The odor of smoke in the building is reported at Kohl's Department Store on Veterans Memorial Drive. Lights inside the store are flickering. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

A two-vehicle accident with injuries, abd blocking traffic, is reported at the intersection of Galloway and Kelsey roads. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics.

UPDATE 1:28 p.m.: Command reports that shovels and brooms will be needed to clean up the debris. No fluids are leaking.

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce Katherine (Kate) Trombley as the new director of the Adult Education Opportunity Center (AEOC).

Trombley joins GCC with a wealth of experience and is excited to work with and support adults in Allegany, Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties as they begin, resume or continue their educational objectives, goals and dreams.

"I am extremely passionate about education and learning," Trombley said. "Through this position, I will be able to assist adults who would like to attend college, obtain vocational training or change careers through the support of the services that AEOC offers to the region.

"I am very excited to share the resources and opportunities with potential students from Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming, Cattaraugus, Allegheny and Livingston counties."

The AEOC at GCC strives to assist adult students in connection with the appropriate resources that will help them to meet their individual goals.

With locations in Batavia, Arcade, Albion, Geneseo, Warsaw, Belmont and Basom, adults receive assistance with the admissions and financial aid forms and processing, as well exploring academic and career options, scholarships, and sorting through different academic scheduling that can include evening, weekend and online learning opportunities.

Trombley's prior position was with Western New York Independent Living in Buffalo where she served as director of outreach and community engagement and as the director of the Medicaid Application Assistance Program since 2012. At Western New York Independent Living, she was responsible for community engagement, education and outreach efforts.

These included community presentations, training about Medicaid, and community events to broaden the general understanding about programs and services which assist individuals with disabilities to achieve goals surrounding education, employment, housing, or other personal and professional growth through the Independent Living Center.

Trombley also taught Business Technology as an adjunct instructor at Bryant and Stratton College from 2012 – 2015, and was an adult educator of Strategic Planning/Business/Marketing at ITT Technical Institute in 2010.

She earned a master's degree in Executive Leadership and Change from Daemen College, a master's degree in Adult and Continuing Education and a bachelor's degree in Public Communications from the University at Buffalo. She is a resident of Lockport.

For further information on the AEOC, including available resources, locations, and contact information, visit the Center's website at http://www.genesee.edu/home/resources/adult-educational-opportunity-center/ or contact Kate Trombley directly by calling 585-345-6836 or emailing kbtrombley@genesee.edu.

There's a two-vehicle collision reported at Wortendyke Road and Route 5, Batavia. One person is complaining of shoulder pain. One vehicle is in a ditch. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:39 a.m.: A trooper said a car was turning onto Wortendyke, and so was another car behind it when a white pickup struck the second vehicle; the truck driver told the trooper he did not see the second car.

City police are responding to the VA Medical Center at 222 Richmond Ave. after the security police on site called about a raccoon that is "acting strange" near the ambulance entrance.

"Apparently it charged three people," says a dispatcher.

Submitted photo and press release:

A Memorial Day Parade is a proud tradition of the Botts-Fiorito American Legion Post 576 in Le Roy. Families typically gather along with other Legion families at the Post for their annual cookout. A special Brick Dedication, new to this year’s activities, also took place at the Post's Veterans Memorial after the ceremonial parade.

The Veterans Memorial Brick Program is a great way to honor a special veteran in your life by engraving a brick with their name.

This practice of pride provides a place of honor and reflection for veterans, their family and friends, and those who desire to show their respects to those service men and women who have and continue to boldly serve our county.

A 4-inch-by-8-inch engraved brick costs $50 (with wording space for 40 characters); an 8-ich-by-8-inch engraved brick costs $100 (with wording space for 60 characters).

Ladies Auxiliary Member Barb Schlonski, in photo on far left, is holding a brick in honor of her father’s Army military service, World War II TEC 4, Charles E. Birge. When returning home, the American Legion was of special significance to Charles and Helen Birge, where they enjoyed a lifetime of social and community events.

Mary Birge, second from left, also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, is holding a brick in observance of their mother, Helen M. Birge, for her years of Auxiliary Services.

Barbara Howard, third from left, and American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Public Relations Representative Jeanice Howard, proudly share a brick in admiration of their father, Henry, who stood on “Red Alert” during the Cuban Missile Crisis. PFC Howard served in the Army from 1961 to 1963. The sisters have also dedicated a brick to deceased uncle Michael T. Howard, who courageously served in Vietnam.

Le Roy's American Legion Post has been host to numerous events through the years, such as card games, bingo, breakfasts, holiday celebrations, bowling and the site is available to the community for wedding parties and local churches in time of need.

To visit Le Roy's Post 576 online, click here:

To view a copy of the order form to buy a Veterans Memorial Brick from the Botts-Fiorito American Legion Post 576, click here.

You can print it out, fill in the blanks, then mail it with your check to the Legion in Le Roy. Checks should be made payable to American Legion Post 576. All the details, including the address, are on the form.

Pictured in uniform representing Servicemen's Club of the Botts-Fiorito American Legion Post #576 in Le Roy are, from left: Past Commander Don Schafer, Vice Commander Jerry Diskin and present Post CommanderJohn "Chip" Graney. Pictured standing below them are members of the Post's Ladies Auxiliary, from left, Barb Schlonski, Mary Birge, Barbara Howard and Jeanice Howard.

This little black and white cutie was found wandering on Jackson Street in the city this afternoon and is now en route to the county animal shelter.

He doesn't have tags. We don't know if he's a French bulldog or a pug.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation’s Outstanding Italian American awards and scholarship event for Spring 2017 will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 14^th at Terry Hills Restaurant in Batavia.

This honor is awarded to a man and/or woman who has given exemplary service to their community.

This year the awards are being presented to Rick Mancuso and Peppina (Peppi) Palmer. These honorees have left a special mark on their communities. Youth groups, veterans, seniors and those lonely, ill and nearing the end of their lives have experienced their love and thoughtfulness.

The Foundation is proud of these Italian American heroes for their representation of the Italian American community.

Tickets for the dinner are available from any board member, at Giambroni Appliance and the VJ Gautieri offices on Liberty Street.

About Rick Mancuso

Rick Mancuso was born in Batavia to Benjamin Jr. and Mercedes Mahoney Mancuso. He is graduate of Notre Dame High School and Niagara University.

Rick’s Nana and Nanu Mancuso immigrated to the United States from Vallelunga, Sicily, and Rick was raised living and working the “American Dream” alongside his grandfather. Upon graduation from Niagara University with a BS in Management, Rick returned to work full time at Batavia Plumbing Supply. Following the sale of that company he began at Mancuso Real Estate & Mancuso Restaurant.

In 1995, he opened T.F. Brown’s Restaurant along with continuing the Mancuso Bowling Center and he remains there as president/owner today, as well as the president/broker of Main and Ellicott Properties (Mancuso Real Estate). He has exemplified the morals and values of hard work, family first and supporting his community for all his adult years in the Batavia area.

Rick has served many community organizations over the years, including leadership roles in the Batavia Area Jaycees, Batavia Rotary Club, The Batavia Club, Children’s Home Association, Genesee County United Way, Batavia Improvement District, Batavia Area YMCA, and the Genesee County Planning Board. He has also held positions on the Advisory Board for Genesee County Stop DWI and as a Coalition Member for Drug Free Communities.

Through his strong faith, he is committed to his church and Catholic education. Rick was President of the Lady of Loretto Society for several years through St. Anthony’s Church (an Italian heritage organization), and was a long-standing member of the Board of Directors for Notre Dame High School. Rick is a member of Resurrection Parish and is often found at daily mass.

Locally and regionally, Rick has been well known as a coach of youth sports since his return to Batavia following college. Perhaps most noteworthy, for 20-plus years as a football coach at Notre Dame High School. Under his leadership as the ND Girls Varsity Softball coach, his teams­­­ also attended state playoffs for several years with Rick being honored as both the Section V Coach of the Year and the New York State Coach of the Year for Girls Softball.

Rick has been coaching the youth of Genesee County for over 36 years! He has coached a wide variety of sports including Batavia Minor & Little League Baseball, Batavia Youth Football (also serving on the board and as board president) Genesee Amateur Soccer and YMCA Youth Basketball.

Perhaps one of the most notable contributions Rick has made as a community volunteer is his continued support of the T.F. Brown’s Community Christmas Dinner. Along with the Lion’s Club, Rick and his family have hosted this event on Christmas Day for the past 25 years! His support can also be seen regularly throughout the community as Rick and T.F. Brown’s are frequent sponsors of sporting teams, and just about ANYTHING youth oriented.

Naturally, Rick Mancuso has been honored by several local organizations for his accomplishments. However, when asked, Rick shares enthusiastically that his greatest accomplishment is found in the five children he shares with his wife of 34 years, Julie:

Morgan (Doug) Sicheri, Alexandra (Don) DiLaura, Rick Jr., Patrick, Madelyn and his dearest pride and joy – grandsons Vincent and Benjamin DiLaura.

Rick is a proud Italian American who states that “I never really considered the affects of growing up in a family strongly rooted in Italian traditions. Knowing no differently, I just thought everyone went to mass on Sunday and then to Nana’s house, and holidays and specials occasions always involved too much amazing food, tons of family time and great memories. All of which I intend to continue for generations to come.”

About Peppina (Peppi) Palmer

Peppina (Peppi) Palmer will be honored this year with the Paolo Busti Award for positive achievements and contributions to her community.

Born on Dec. 16, 1949, she was named Peppina in honor of her recently deceased paternal grandmother, Giuseppina Palmer. Her name was not Americanized to be Josephine. She was and always will be Peppi, someone who has demonstrated in her life, in her work and in her faith all that it means to be an outstanding Italian American.

Her parents, John Palmer and Anna Tresco Palmer, were born and raised in Batavia, first generation Italian Americans. Her maternal grandfather, Joseph Tresco, like many Italian immigrants, worked for the New York Central Railroad. Her paternal grandfather founded and was the proprietor of a successful Italian restaurant located on Ellicott Street in the heart of the Southside, mainly Italian district, of Batavia.

Peppi attended St. Mary’s School through eighth grade and then attended Batavia High School.

During her high school years Peppi became interested in nursing. She decided to enroll in the BHS BOCES course in nursing assistance. Upon graduating from BHS in 1968, she secured a nursing assistance position at the Veterans Hospital.

Devotion to her family was matched only by her devotion to “her” vets. “It’s not a job,” she would say. “It is a privilege to be in the company of heroes every day.” In addition to providing nursing assistance, she enjoyed socializing with the vets. She prepared the food, hosted and served an annual spaghetti supper for them. On Sundays she could be found transporting patients back and forth to the chapel so they could attend Mass. It was a much-anticipated event at the hospital when Peppi would bring in her therapy shih tzus, "Lottie," "Jelly Bean" and "Tinkie." The patients greatly enjoyed holding and petting the sweet, tiny dogs. Even after her retirement in 2014 she spent time at the hospital visiting patients and volunteering in the physical therapy department.

In 2006, she was recognized for her service to patients. Planetree, the nonprofit patient-centered care organization, honored her with a Designation Award. The award is given annually to those persons within the healthcare system who demonstrate the highest level of patient/person centered care based on evidence and standards.

Her volunteer work did not end at the NYS Veterans Hospital. She has volunteered for almost 20 years at Crossroads House; for 10 years with the Michael Napoleon Foundation; for the Ricky Palermo Golf Tournament and with the Batavia Peace Garden. For the past seven years she has been active in Our Lady of Mercy parish in Le Roy. She is a Eucharistic Minister, participates in the Parish Outreach program and leads the efforts of the parish to provide Mercy Meals for bereaved families.

Her life will always be centered on the three Fs of Italian heritage – Faith, Family and Food.

Peppi wants it to be known, in accepting this award with deepest gratitude and humility, that none of her accomplishments, whether personal or professional, would be possible without the love and encouragement she receives from her daughters, Andrea Schoenberger Casey and Sarah Schoenberger; daughter-in-law, Colleen Schoenberger; son-in-law, Ryan Casey; grandsons Luke, Caleb and Brooks Casey; and her many friends.

Peppi will forever be indebted to her mother, Anna, who was the best role model for what it means to be an outstanding Italian American.

The Holland Land Office is proud to present the Rochester area historian Rose O'Keefe. At noon on Saturday, June 24, she will be speaking on the life and times of Frederick Douglass and his family while living in Rochester.

This is a free event and the public is invited.

O'Keefe is a well-known authority on many of Rochester's more famous citizen and is responsible for many of the tours of Mt. Hope Cemetery in the city.

Frederick Douglass — famed author, orator and former slave — spent 25 years with his family in Rochester, beginning in 1848. Despite living through one of our nation’s most bitter and terrifying times, Frederick and his wife, Anna, raised five children in a loving home with flower, fruit and vegetable gardens.

While Frederick traveled widely, fighting for the freedom and rights of his brethren, Anna cared for their home and their family and extended circle. Their house was open to fugitives on the Underground Railroad, visiting abolitionists and houseguests who stayed for weeks, months and years at a time.

Local author O’Keefe weaves together the story of the Douglass’ experience in Rochester and the indelible mark they left on the Flower City.

Those interested can RSVP if they wish by calling the museum at 585-343-4727, emailing at hollandlandoffice@gmail.com, or by coming to the museum at 131 W. Main St., Batavia.

"Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have the exact measure of the injustice and wrong which will be imposed on them."

-- Frederick Douglass

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) addresses the Oakfield-Alabama High School Social Studies class.

Submitted photo and press release:

Yesterday, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) visited a Social Studies class at Oakfield-Alabama High School to discuss his duties as an elected official and explain his views on current and local issues.

This experience gave students an opportunity to learn valuable information about politics from a valued member of the State Assembly. Hawley enjoyed his time with the students and hopes that many of them will be inspired to take part in politics in the future.

Press release:

The Section V Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for longtime Batavia High School Baseball Coach Pep Johnson will take place before the Rochester Red Wings game at Frontier Field on Sunday, June 25. The game itself starts at 1:35 p.m. and a special induction ceremony will take place beforehand.

Here's the schedule for the day, provided by organizer Pat Mee.

The stadium gates will be open at 11:15 a.m. for admittance of the inductees, their guests, friends and supporters. There will be a table set up at the stadium entrance where these attendees can pick up their reserved tickets.

The program will begin in The Nest, which is beyond right field at 11:45 a.m. All of the inductees or their representatives will by introduced, and each will have a short time to speak if they would like to. Honorees will get a plaque permanently placed on a wall at Frontier Field, and a plaque will be given to each honoree to keep.

 At 12:45 p.m., the group will proceed to the baseball field. The on-field ceremony will take place at 1:10. Dan Mason will read each inductee’s bio, and will present them with their plaque, once again, on the field. Each inductee will be throwing out a ceremonial first pitch.

After the ceremony, the honorees and their guests will return to The Nest for lunch. Members of this group are free to proceed to their seat and the Wings game at any time. Hopefully attendees will enjoy a Red Wing win!

Honorees and their invited guests will be the guests of the Section V Baseball Hall of Fame Committee for the afternoon. The cost for others who would like to attend the induction ceremony at The Nest will be $30 per person. Children under 4 are free and ages 5-12 are $18. This will include hot dogs, hamburgers, salad, soda, and a game ticket.

Please contact Pat Mee to make your reservations for the afternoon.

You can contact Pat by phoning (585) 704-3214, emailing to:  omee@rochester.rr.com, or mailing to: Pat Mee, 295 Peck Road, Hilton, NY 14468

The committee would appreciate reservations by Saturday, June 10^st. Checks should be made payable to Section V Baseball Hall of Fame and sent to the above address.

The committee is looking forward to honoring Pep Johnson for his extraordinary contributions to baseball. It will surely be a great afternoon!

Sincerely,

Ory Mee

The Section V Baseball of Hall of Fame Committee

Questions? Email: omee@rochester.rr.com

Press release:

Mothertime Marketplace, a semi-annual consignment event in the Western New York area for the past 12 years, is bringing their brand-new venture, S.H.E. Boutique, to Batavia next week.

For the first time ever, Mothertime Marketplace is holding a pop-up consignment sale for all the ladies in this area. S.H.E. Boutique will be held at the Dibble Family Center from 5 to 9 p.m. on Monday, June 5, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6.

A cash bar will be available on June 5 only (Monday night, 5-9 p.m.) for those 21 years or older.

The Dibble Family Center is located at 2120 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

Organizers highly encourage you to make this a fun ladies-only event with your girlfriends!

A 50-percent off sale will take place from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday.

The sale will feature like new, brand-name women’s clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, accessories, athletic wear and sports gear.

Shoppers can expect to find stylish items priced 50 to 75 percent below retail prices. The best part is that everything is organized by category and size, just like a high-end boutique shop.

Consignors at the sale can earn up to 60 percent of their sales. Other options to sell are available including a buy-out option on June 5.

Jennifer Ford Berry, one of the coordinators and also a professional organizer, says “this is the perfect reason for women to go through their closets and clear out anything they no longer love or feel good in.”

S.H.E. Boutique is also the perfect opportunity to update your wardrobe for much less then you would pay at the mall.

Admission is free for women. There will be promotional items and coupons from local businesses.

All unsold items, not picked up by consignors will be donated to My Sister’s Closet in Batavia.

For more information or to register to be a consignor please visit online at www.mothertimemarketplace.com or call 585-219-4266.

Very limited consignment spots available. So if you know you have great stuff to sell, grab your spot today. This is a great excuse to clean out your closet! Like-new, wrinkle-free, in-style items only! Items should be no more then 5 years old unless true vintage. All items will go through a check-in process on June 5th.

PLEASE NOTE: All bathrooms and dressing rooms in the building will be for LADIES ONLY.

A car vs. pedestrian accident occured at Main Street and Jackson Street downtown. Minor injuries. City fire and Mercy medics are on scene.

UPDATE 3:28 p.m.: This was a bicycle vs. car accident, not a pedestrian, and the bicyclist declined medical attention.

UPDATE: This is a photo of the actual truck.

Batavia farmer George Putt woke up this morning, early as usual, and found his 2014 blue Ford F250 super duty crew cab pickup truck had been stolen from Offhaus Farms sometime between 9 p.m. Thursday night and 5 a.m. today, June 2.

Offhaus Farms is located at 7892 Oak Orchard Road in the Town of Batavia.

It has a Dale Earnhardt Jr. license plate frame(s) and is desparately needed because it's the only transportation Putt has to take his sick girlfriend back and forth from regular, ongoing medical treatments at Rochester General Hospital.

The Genessee County Sheriff's Office confirmed this afternoon that the truck was stolen.

If you have seen this truck or have any information about it, please contact Deputy Andrew Hale at the Sheriff's Office by calling 343-5000.