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Lady Dragons hope another $10K will be slam dunk at 6th Annual Shooting for a Cure

By Howard B. Owens

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Press release:

During the last five seasons, The Pembroke High School Girls’ Basketball Team has focused on winning—not just league games, but the battle against breast cancer.  It’s a cause that is personal to the team and their school district because of the number of faculty and family members who have been affected by the disease.  Yet according to Senior Captain, Shelby Turner, this year’s fundraiser (7pm, Thursday, January 12th vs. Notre Dame) is particularly important as it marks the final season this group of four seniors will be able to play in the event.

“I was only in 7th grade when the first varsity team came up with the idea to host the first Shooting For A Cure! game in support of Toni Funke’s battle with breast cancer,” Turner said.  The team spent that season seeking support from the community and local businesses in hopes of funding research efforts at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) in honor of Mrs. Funke.  “Although I was a young player on the modified team it was amazing to see our community come together the way they did in support of her,” Turner stated. “This fundraiser means so much to our team because it gives us an opportunity to give back to the community, especially those battling cancer. This game is our identity and we take tremendous pride in that,” Turner said.

The 2017 Shooting For A Cure! donors list numbers more than 65 merchants and individuals such as ADPRO Sports, AdWorks, the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, Buffalo Bisons, Carly’s Club, Chef’s, Chestnut Hill Country Club, Darien Lake, Fava Brothers Lawn Care, Insty-Prints, Maple Ridge Landscaping, M&T Bank, NFL Films, Original Pizza Logs, Party City, Perry’s Ice Cream, Target, Tops, Save-A-Lot and the YMCA to name a few.  Many of the product donations will become game night auction baskets and raffle prizes. Monies will also be raised from apparel sales and food sales with the generous support of local pizzerias and vending companies.  Additionally, online donations are being accepted at the team’s online fundraising site: (https://www.crowdrise.com/shooting4acure).

The team hopes Shooting For A Cure! will continue its tradition of topping the previous years’ fundraising total.  According to team member Sammi Tatarski, the event succeeds because of the format. “All of the money raised that evening goes directly to support cancer research at Roswell Park,” Tatarski said. “Playing for this team is not just about basketball, it’s about giving back to the community and showing our support for those in need any way we can.”  Tatarski added, “This game is personal to me because in 2013 my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Seeing what she went through was difficult and no one wants to see a family member go through that. It inspired me to want to do whatever I could to help find a cure for this disease.  That 2013 season I was just a young kid on the JV team.  This game has had a special meaning to me ever since that day and I truly believe in what it stands for.”

Roswell Park has officially sanctioned Shooting For A Cure! as a Team Cure fundraiser and as a valuable example of the way that young people can make a difference. “We continue to be impressed by the Pembroke Girls’ Basketball Team each season. They push themselves, not only on the court, but off the court as well going above and beyond for the benefit of others.  It’s inspirational to have a group of teens who are so passionate about raising funds for cancer research at Roswell Park.  These girls continue to demonstrate an incredible amount of compassion,” said Julia Harvey, Team Cure coordinator.  “This team is special and their community is amazing.  Although the players may change each season, Shooting For A Cure! has remained constant, with the girls leading the charge, for five consecutive seasons,” Harvey added.  “To think that they’ve has raised over $40,000 in five seasons with this game is a testament to benevolence of these girls and the entire Pembroke community.” 

Truck, trailer and four wheelers stolen in Darien

By Howard B. Owens

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A new Ford F-350 pickup truck, along with a double-axle tilt trailer carrying two brand new Polaris 450 four-wheelers, was stolen sometime overnight from a location on Route 77 in Darien.

The pickup truck is white.

The only lead at this time is footprints in the snow, said Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster, Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies were dispatched at 6 a.m. to take the report, Brewster said.

People with information that may assist in the investigation are asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 343-5000.

UPDATE: A picture of the truck added. Investigators are asking that if you saw this truck with a trailer out on the road anytime after, say, 4 a.m., or maybe earlier, call the Sheriff's Office.

Shade Zajac's family provides new podium to Genesee Symphony Orchestra

By Howard B. Owens

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St. Mary's yesterday held a capacity audience for the annual Genesee Symphony Orchestra holiday show, which featured performances by Emily Helenbrook, of Alexander, and Young Artist Competition winner Amelia Snyder.

The family of conductor Shade Zajac also dedicated a new podium his grandfather made and donated to the GSO.

When it came time for the orchestra to play "Sleigh Bells," Zajac invited a young member of the audience to step onto the podium to conduct the orchestra. Shannon Campbell stepped forward (photo below provided by her mother).

The GSO's next concert is at 4 p.m., March 12, at Genesee Community College, and will feature pianist Brian Preston. Music will include Brahms, Concerto No. 1 in D Minor and Marquez, Danzon No. 2.

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Law and Order: Second person charged in theft of $1,500 from Walmart

By Howard B. Owens

Serena Lynn Snyder, 31, of East Shelby Road, Oakfield, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Snyder is accused of assisting a cashier at Walmart in the theft of $1,500 from the store. Previously chargedBrittani Louise Diaz, 18, of East Shelby Road, Oakfield.

Christianna Maria Vicaretti, 26, of Silent Meadows Drive, Spencerport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Vicaretti was allegedly found in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia during at traffic stop at 4:45 p.m. Saturday on Townline Road, Bergen, by Deputy Chris Erion.

Russell Fields Jr., of 27 W. Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Fields is accused of violating an order of protection. He was jailed on $3,500 bail or $7,000 bond.

Introducing our new Shop Local site for Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

When we launched our Deal of the Day program, I shared that this was the first step toward my intention to write code, to create a series of programs that I hope will better serve local residents and local businesses.

Today, we announce the next big step along this path -- launching a new site to help promote local businesses, ShopLocal.TheBatavian.com.

I built this, no vendor, no open source software, because none of the options really did what I think a site like this should do for local businesses and local residents. What ShopLocal.TheBatavian.com is today is not what it will be a year or even two years from now. This is just the foundation, a framework. I will add more and more services and functions as time permits.

And stay tuned, in the next day or two we will announce the first in a series of contests tied into this new site.

Meanwhile, visit ShopLocal.TheBatavian.com and email me with any feedback, suggestions or errors you find: howard@thebatavian.com.

Also, if you own a local business and it's not listed, call our office at (585) 250-4118 and ask for Dawn Puleo. She can assist you.

Rollover accident reported on Route 33 in Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported on Clinton Street Road at Griswold Road, Stafford.

There are reportedly injuries.

Stafford fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 9 p.m.: South Byron requested to assist with traffic control, closing traffic in both directions on Route 33.

Photos: Shop with a Cop day at Walmart

By Howard B. Owens

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At least 55 local children were able to shop at Walmart for free today, with the help of police officers from three local agencies, so they could find Christmas presents to give to family members.

This is the second straight year Walmart has hosted the event, which is designed to help children from families who might not otherwise be able to afford Christmas presents for parents, grandparents and brothers and sisters.

In all, about nine police officers from Batavia PD, along with 19 deputies from the Sheriff's Office and more than a dozen troopers participated in the event.

Photos courtesy Investigator John Dehm, Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

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Accident reported on Ford Road, Elba

By Howard B. Owens

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A vehicle reportedly struck a tree, flipped over and is now on its wheels in the roadway in the area of 4619 Ford Road, Elba.

Unknown injuries.

Elba fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATED: Reader-submitted photo added. Only minor injuries reported.

Photo: Santa at Adam Miller Toy and Bicycles

By Howard B. Owens

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Emerson, 2, and Avalon, 6, were among the dozens of kids who stopped in at Adam Miller Toy and Bicycles today to share their Christmas wishes with Santa.

Apartment in Le Roy filling up with gasoline fumes

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy fire is requested to 18 Genesee St., Le Roy, for an apartment that is filling up with gasoline fumes.

UPDATE 2:03 p.m.: Le Roy Ambulance now requested to the scene to check on a female who may have breathed in fumes.

GSO will perform Christmas carols and other holiday favorites at St. Mary's on Sunday

By Howard B. Owens

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Emily Helenbrook, of Alexander and a soprano, a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, who has performed from Buffalo to California, will be a featured artist tomorrow during the Genesee Symphony Orchestra's annual holiday concert at St. Mary's Church.

For more about Helenbrook, see our previous story: Emily Helenbrook dreams big, works hard as she seeks career as opera singer

Also featured will be Amelia Snyder, on alto saxophone, and one of GSO's Young Artist Competition winners.

The program includes:

  • Ukrainian Bell Chorale, arrangement by Nancy Strelau
  • Fanfare from La Perri, Dukas
  • Concerto for Saxophone and Strings, Glazonov
  • Christ at the Movies, arranged by Krogstag
  • Emily Helenbrook singing several selections
  • Canadian Brass, arrangement by Custer
  • Sleigh Ride, Leroy Anderson
  • Christmas Festival, Anderson.

The concert begins at 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. To purchase tickets online, please make your purchase by 1 p.m. tomorrow. Visit GeneseeSymphony.com

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Lady Devils win home opener 54-36

By Howard B. Owens

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The Batavia Lady Devils picked up their first win of the season in their home opener on Friday night, beating Eastridge 54-36.

Ryann Stefaniak led all scorers with 14 points. Mackenzie Reigle hit three three-pointers on her way to an 11-point game and Taylor Stefaniak also scored 11.

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Elba hosts 'Meet the Principals' night

By Howard B. Owens

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Article and photo submitted by Drew Muehlig.

President-elect Donald Trump isn’t the only one putting a transition team together. Elba Central School has worked diligently over the last year and a half to get its administrative team together. Friday night, the school hosted a “Meet the Principal’s Night,” giving the community an opportunity to meet the new “team” face-to-face.

First there was new Superintendent Keith Palmer who came over from his post as high school principal at Pembroke Central School. Palmer was hired prior to the 2015-16 school year.

“As a fairly new superintendent, it is fortunate to be in a position to hire your administrative team,” Palmer said.

That team is made up of Elementary Principal Carol Bush and Junior-Senior High School Principal Mike Langridge.

“Both bring unique strengths to the District that will have a direct and immediate impact on learning,” Palmer continued. “Carol’s knowledge and experience with literacy along with her ability to speak Spanish has already benefited our most needy students at the elementary level. As an Elba alumnus, Mike brings established relationships and credibility with the faculty and community. His focus on rigorous and challenging coursework for all students will continue to prepare our high-schoolers for both college and career.”

Bush, former coordinator of the Center for School Improvement and Professional Development at Orleans/Niagara BOCES, boasts 14 years in the field of education with time as a Spanish teacher, literacy specialist and coordinator of student services and curriculum. Providing ECS students with the best possible learning experience is her top priority.

“Creating an environment that is conducive to learning and meets the needs of all students is critical,” Bush explained. Each day, teachers and students enter our school building with an array of personalities, interests, expectations, skills and talents. As the instructional leader, it is my job to recognize these unique attributes and nurture them so they may grow to their full potential.”

Langridge, former principal at the O’Connor Academy at Monroe #1 BOCES, plans to continue that same effort at the high school level.

“We will provide the opportunities and support for all students to be ready to take on their post-secondary life with the skills, abilities and character necessary to find success,” Langridge said.

Those opportunities that Langridge speaks of are far more numerous than they were when he graduated from Elba Central School in 1998.

“Students have greater access to Advanced Placement courses, ACE (Genesee Community) courses, BOCES, small class sizes, a family atmosphere in which we take care of one another, and, thanks to mergers with local districts, extracurricular options my friends and I only dreamt of as students,” Langridge added.

Many of those former students now make up the core community in Elba, fueling the growth and success of the school.

“There is a great sense of pride that exists in Elba, not only as a strong school community but also as a family,” Bush said. “Everyone is truly invested in the academic, social and emotional well-being of our students and provide a remarkable support system for one another. I continue to be amazed by their dedication and commitment.”

It seems that with their respective backgrounds and skills, Palmer, Bush and Langridge are poised to lead Elba Central School into the future.

“Carol and Mike are strong leaders and I look forward to the progress we will make in providing our students with the best education in Western New York,” Palmer said.

Photo: Mike Langridge,Carol Bush and Keith Palmer (photo credit, Michael Augello).

Kitchen fire reported on Summit Street

By Howard B. Owens

City Fire is responding to the 100 block of Summit Street., Batavia, for a kitchen fire.

The fire reportedly started in the oven but has spread to the sink.

UPDATE 5:12 a.m.: Fire is reportedly out.

Law and Order: Walmart cashier accused of stealing $1,500 from store

By Howard B. Owens

Brittani Louise Diaz, 18, of East Shelby Road, Oakfield, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Diaz is accused of stealing from her employer, Walmart. Diaz, with the assistance of another employee, allegedly stole $1,500 from the store while employed as a cashier. 

Dylan James Maychoss, 20, of Snipery Road, Corfu, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and inadequate exhaust. Maychoss was stopped at 2:43 a.m. on East Main Street, Corfu, by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Christopher R. Stowell, no age or residence provided, is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol, unsafe lane change, unreasonable speed, operating in violation of restrictions and aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st. Stowell was charged in connection with an accident Sept. 6 in Pavilion. Stowell reportedly lost control of his motorcycle. He and a passenger were hospitalized for several days as a result.

Bradley Scott Baldwin, 20, of Peacefield Road, Pine City, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Baldwin's vehicle was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 2:37 a.m. Thursday on Bank Street, Batavia, by Deputy Andrew Hale.

Clint Jacob Reed, 19, Peart Avenue, Rochester, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs and inadequate headlamps. Reed was stopped at 9:55 p.m. Tuesday on East Saile Drive, Batavia, by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Photos: Salvation Army Toy Drive

By Howard B. Owens

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The Salvation Army Toy Drive is underway today at Ken Barrett Chevrolet on West Main Street, Batavia.

The event is hosted by Ken Barrett and WBTA and sponsored by several local businesses.

Top photo: Lt. Rachel Moore, Colton Moore, Joan Stevens and firefighters Jerry Yoder and Adam Palumbo.

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Pete Zeliff dropped off a barrel of toys.

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Ken Barrett and Dan Fischer.

Photos: Pembroke beats Alexander, 44-42

By Howard B. Owens

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Pembroke pulled out a tight 44-42 win Thursday night over Alexander at Alexander.

Ried Miano scored 14 points for the Dragons. Ryan Carsdale scored 12 and Lucas Kohurst added 10.

For Alexander, Eric Scharlau scored eight and Brian George added six.

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Photos: Opening of winter show for Batavia Society of Artists

By Howard B. Owens

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The Batavia Society of Artists opened its winter show last night at the Richmond Memorial Library.  

Brian Kemp, above, received the Best of Show award.  

In the photo below, Kevin Feary, of Batavia, explains the technique behind his second-place photo.

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Service at Grace Baptist offers families a chance to remember loved ones

By Howard B. Owens

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H.E. Turner Funeral Homes held its annual Service of Remembrance last night at Grace Baptist Church in Batavia. The candlelight service is a chance for members of the community to come together and reflect on loved ones who have passed in the previous year.

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