Le Roy

It's April Fools Day, which of course is when the "flame-ously" bright flamingos return to Le Roy Village Green Residential Healthcare Facility each year.

It's a goofy tradition, quite unlike, say, the swallows returning to Mission San Juan Capistrano, Calif., annually on March 19. They set out from Goya, Argentina, on their 6,000-mile journey and visitors the world over have, um, flocked to see the miracle at least since the early 1930s.

In his book "Capistrano Nights," Father St. John O’Sullivan, pastor of the Mission from 1910 to 1933, tells how this came to be. A shopkeeper, tired of the messy avians, took a broomstick and began knocking down their cone-shaped mud nests from the eaves of his shop, when who should happen to show up? Father O'Sullivan, who told the swallows: “Come on swallows, I’ll give you shelter. Come to the Mission. There’s room enough there for all.” And the rest is folklore history. (Now why would he go and make up a thing like that?)

In Le Roy, there were never real flamingos -- just the plastic kind with spindly metal legs that stick in the ground -- but they do add that certain je ne sais quois? N'est pas?

But, hey, it's the fulgent and cheery spirit that counts, especially on the first of this month, when opportunists take advantage of a general inclination to eschew taking some things too seriously.

Take, for example, Activities Director Kate Flint (left) and Director Sam Vagg of Le Roy Village Green, in the top photo. Veritable poster children for this sort of stuff, and they have at least one ally, prolly more.

Like Lynne Belluscio, who not only aided and abetted them, she took the photos and sent them to "the media" -- The Batavian!

Belluscio, with an eagle eye for the obvious, pointed out dryly that Flint and Vagg "are dressed to welcome the flamingos back to LeRoy." (Let's hope that's the case and they did not don their standard workday wear.)

They, too, unmistakably add, we know not what, to the photo, as evidenced by the other picture below with them not in it -- before and after.

The yard sign -- in the shape of a cautionary yield sign -- is also a nice touch. It lets people know to watch out for flamingos, for which the collective noun is a “flamboyance.” No kiddin'. Can't make this stuff up.

That's an appropriate term for these colorfully feathered creatures who descend by the thousands on salt flats, lagoons, lakes and swamps around the world, where they filter-feed for shrimp, algae and insects.

The food supply delivers beta carotene, a red-orange pigment that results in the birds' unique vivid hue, which has made them a tropical icon, and for us in Genesee County, a happy harbinger of warm weather ahead.

Nice thought on an afternoon that has had some snow flurries.

Jenna Read and Ally Scofield will host a charity event with the Easter Bunny on Saturday in Le Roy.

All proceeds will benefit the family that suffered catastrophic loss of all that they owned, not to mention their beloved pets, in a house fire Tuesday on Maple Street in the City of Batavia.

So if you'd like to help them out and have a moment of socially distanced springtime fun, there will be a photo op with the Bewhiskered One from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the gazebo on Wolcott Street across from the elementary school.

All are welcome to come and take pictures and make a donation for this family of six in a time of great need.

Previously: Fundraising effort underway to assist family who lost everything in house fire

Previously: Family loses everything, including three dogs and six cats, in house fire on Maple Street

Previously: Working house fire on Maple Street in the city

Press release:

The patience of thousands of New York seniors and their families has finally been rewarded with relaxed visitation and communal activities now being authorized by the New York State Department of Health, the regulating agency. 

The Department of Health’s new guidelines, issued on March 25^th, has essentially opened the doors again for over 50,000 residents who call the assisted living community their home. This long-awaited guidance is based on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMC) guidelines and allows for visitation more widely and for residents to go on outings without the heavy burden of having to quarantine for 14 days upon return.

“Assisted living residents, family members, providers and staff have been through an extraordinarily difficult year," said Lisa Newcomb, executive director of the Empire State Association of Assisted Living, which includes the Manor House LLC in Le Roy.

"For providers, keeping COVID-19 out of buildings has been the core focus, but the human and emotional costs cannot be overstated. The new guidance will allow more frequent and meaningful interactions between residents and their loved ones.” 

Newcomb makes note of some particularly significant changes that the new guidance makes, including that visitation and other activities will no longer need to be shut down for 14 days for all residents if there is a new positive resident or staff case. In addition, standards for group activities and communal dining have been relaxed.

These changes mean that residents will be able to enjoy time with their fellow residents, that they call friends, and enjoy all the wonderful amenities and activities provided by their assisted living community.

“The vaccine is the game changer," Newcomb said. "The overwhelming majority of our residents are fully vaccinated. Due to the pronounced efficacy of the vaccines in preventing COVID-19, the NYS Department of Health has given residents and providers the much-needed green light to reopen their doors and provide for a more active lifestyle for the seniors in our care."

About Empire State Association of Assisted Living

It's a not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening New York State's assisted living sector and promoting the best interests of providers and residents.

Le Roy won its home opener in volleyball last night over Dansville in four sets, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20 & 25-10.

Allie Ingles had 12 kills. Abbie Woodworth had 23 assists and Hailey Johnson had 15. Riley Wood led with 12 digs.

The Knights are now 3-0 on the season.

Photos and info courtesy Tim McArdle.

A caller reports hearing an explosion and seeing flames at a residence, or behind a residence, on Stanley Place near Wolcott Street in Le Roy.

A first responder reports seeing a lot of smoke but no flames.

Le Roy fire dispatched along with law enforcement.

UPDATE 9:42 p.m.: The assignment is being held to Le Roy Ladder 65, which can proceed nonemergency.

UPDATE 9:44 p.m.: Le Roy 65 can go back in service.

Chief Greg Kellogg and Le Roy PD hosted drivers education students from Le Roy High School yesterday for a class on law enforcement and driving topics such as vehicle inspection and registration, what to do if pulled over or involved in an accident, and DWI.

Photos and info submitted by Tim McArdle.

Pandemic restrictions won't disrupt one of the most important traditions at Le Roy High School: the annual musical.

This year, music and drama students at Le Roy are presenting a virtual performance of "The Theory of Relativity" by Neil Bartram and Brian Hill.

Streaming tickets are available at leroycsd.org with performances at 7 p.m., April 8, 9 and 10.

The video above explains how the students brought the production together and the new technology skills they learned in the process.

A two-vehicle accident is reported at Randall Road and West Bergen Road, Le Roy.

Minor injuries are reported but one person is trapped in a vehicle.

Two ambulances requested to the scene.

Traffic is not blocked.

Le Roy fire and Pavilion fire dispatched.

Spring is in the air and so are footballs with several of them tossed last night at Cal-Mum by Alex Penepento to lead the Le Roy Oatkan Knights to a 19-0 win over Dansville to open the pandemic-shifted 2021 season.

Penepento was 11-17 passing for 151 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 63 yards on 14 carries.

Nate Andres carried the ball 11 times for 26 yards and a TD. Andrews also caught four passes for 65 yards.  

Cody Lytle caught three passes for 46 yards and two TDs.

Cole Rauscher led the defense with six tackles.

The Knights gained 228 offensive yards to 103 for Dansville. The Knights also led in first downs 15 to 6.

Charles Lewis Hull Jr., 63, of 9460 Warsaw Road, Le Roy, is charged with allowing his dogs to bark loudly habitually, in violation of Le Roy Town Code Section 63-11 sub 3, according to a report from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. Deputies responded to his home at 12:13 p.m. March 13 for an animal complaint, which alleges he allows his dogs to bark habitually thereby disrupting other citizens in the neighborhood. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Le Roy Town Court at 1 p.m. on April 6. The case was handled by Deputy Zachary Hoy, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Christine Michelle Jones, 33, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with third-degree grand larceny and offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree. She was arrested and arraigned in Genesee County Court on March 16, then released on her own recognizance. She is accused of filing an application for SNAP benefits on May 1, 2018 that either contained false information or omitted information, and as a result she received $17,197 in benefits that she was not eligible for. The investigation was completed by Genesee County Department of Social Services Investigator Robert Riggi and she was arrested by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, assisted by Deputy Chad Cummings.

Trina Leigh Grimmer, 49, of Townline Road, Byron, is charged with third-degree grand larceny and six counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree. She was arrested and arraigned in Genesee County Court on March 17, then released on her own recognizance. She is accused of filing applications for SNAP benefits that either contained false information or omitted information, and as a result she received $8,104 in benefits that she was not eligible for. The investigation was completed by Genesee County Department of Social Services Investigator Dakota Nicholson and she was arrested by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

Dawn Marie Puleo, 54, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree grand larceny and four counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree. She was arrested and arraigned in Genesee County Court on March 16, then released on her own recognizance. She is accused of filing applications for SNAP benefits on Nov. 1, 2018 that either contained false information or omitted information, and as a result she received $4,555 in benefits that she was not eligible for. The investigation was completed by Genesee County Department of Social Services Investigator Robert Riggi and she was arrested by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, assisted by Deputy Chad Cummings.

Erin Marie Rutoskey, 34, of Columbia Avenue, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree criminal mischief, and fifth-degree conspiracy. At 7:52 p.m. on March 3, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to Walmart in Batavia. After an investigation, Rutoskey was arrested for allegedly stealing property valued in excess of $1,000 and allegedly damaging property. She is due in Batavia Town Court on April 8. The case was handled by Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Angeline Ella Lorreine Escudero, 28, of Columbia Avenue, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree criminal mischief, and fifth-degree conspiracy. At 7:52 p.m. on March 3, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to Walmart in Batavia. After an investigation, Escudero was arrested for allegedly stealing property valued in excess of $1,000 and allegedly damaging property. She is due in Batavia Town Court on April 8. The case was handled by Deputy Zachary Hoy, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Press release:

Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship, a volunteer-based nonprofit organization located in Le Roy, is in need of additional volunteers to help in its expanding program.

The mission of Purple Pony is to improve the physical and emotional well-being of special needs riders through horseback riding and equine assisted activities.

Purple Pony is currently seeking volunteers to assist with riding lessons for the Spring 2021 session, from May 4^st to June 18^th. Forty-five minute lessons will be offered Tuesday and Friday at 4:45, 6 and 7:15 p.m. at the KD Ranch in Le Roy.

The  ranch is located at 8321 Lake Street Road.

Volunteers are needed for rider assistance as a horse leader or side walking. Training is provided on April 13 and 16 at 6 p.m.

To participate, or for more information, please contact Gail at (585) 721-9080 or e-mail:  gail@purplepony.org

Two Le Roy wrestlers came away from the Section V tournament on Saturday with championship titles.

Brock Flint won at 160 pounds and Joey Brennan won at 162 pounds.

Coming in second at 138 pounds, Cole Rauscher, and at 152 pounds, Nate Andrews.

Photos by Tim McArdle.

Brock Flint

Joey Brennan

Le Roy Central School District kindergarten registration for the 2021-22 academic year begins Wednesday, March 10.

Pick up a registration packet at the Wolcott Street School Main Office, located at 2 Trigon Park in the Village of Le Roy, on Wednesday between the hours of 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. AND 4 to 6 p.m., OR Thursday, March 11, between the hours of 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

A working horse barn fire is reported at 7147 Thwing Road, Le Roy, between West Bergen and Warner roads. Le Roy Fire Department is responding, along with a ladder truck from Bergen, a city engine and Le Roy EMS.

UPDATE 3:18 p.m.: Command reports fire is out. Holding responders to Le Roy apparatus only.

UPDATE 3:20 p.m.: National Grid is called to the scene.

UPDATE 3:25 p.m.: An emergency coordinator is called to investigate.

UPDATE 3:36 p.m.: Thwing Road was closed in the vicinity of the barn, but is being reopened.

Jennifer D. Abrams and Tarus O. Fluitt are indicted for third-degree burglary, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 16 in the Town of Le Roy that the defendants unlawfully entered the Kwik Fill on West Main Street Road intending to commit a crime. In count two, they are accused of third-degree criminal mischief for alllegedly intentionally damaging the property of another person in an amount exceeding $250 -- the front glass door of the Kwik Fill. In count three, Abrams and Fluitt are accused of fifth-degree conspiracy, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly intentionally agreeing to engage in conduct that constituted a felony.

Alex S. Dumbleton is indicted for the crime of first-degree criminal contempt, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 11 Dumbleton violated an order of protection while at a residence on Pearl Street in the City of Batavia. It is alleged that on that day he acted to intentionally harass, annoy, threaten or alarm a person protected from him by a court order and did this by striking, kicking, shoving or subjecting the victim to physical contact, or threatening to do so. In count two, the defendant is accused of second-degree criminal contempt, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that Dumbleton intentionally disobeyed an order of protection issued on April 26 by Batavia City Court. In count three, he is accused of endangering the welfare of a child for allegedly acting that day in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child under age 17. In count four, Dumbleton is accused of fourth-degree attempted criminal mischief, a Class B misdemeanor. It is alleged in count four that the defendant attempted to damage another person's property -- the driver's side door of the victim's vehicle. In count five, Dumbleton is accused of second-degree harassment for allegedly intentionally harassing, annoying or alarming another person by striking, shoving, kicking or otherwise subjecting a person to physical contact.

Cody A. Bush is indicted for the crime of third-degree assault, a Class A misdemeanor. On Feb. 14 in the City of Batavia he accused of intentionally causing physical injury to a person. In counts two and three, Bush is accused of fourth-degree criminal mischief, for allegedly intentionally damaging another person's property -- a bedroom door and a cell phone, respectively. In count four, the defendant is accused of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony, for allegedly taking a cell phone from a person. In count five, he is accused of a third count of fourth-degree criminal mischief for allegedly intentionally damaging an entryway door. In count six, he is accused of first-degree burglary, a Class B violent felony, for entering a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime and then allegedly causing physical injury to a second victim. In count seven, Bush is accused of third-degree assault, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly intentionally causing physical injury to the second victim.

Warren D. Post is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on May 24 in the Town of Batavia that Post drove a 2003 Chevrolet on Pearl Street while his license to drive was suspended or revoked by authorities and while he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In Special Information filed by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, Post is accused of having been convicted of driving while ability impaired by consumption of alcohol on June 18, 2018 in Town of Coxsackie Court. That conviction forms the basis for the license revocation referred to in count one of the current indictment.

Roy A. Newton is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 30 in the Village of Le Roy that Newton drove a 2009 Hyundai on Main Street while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of DWI, per se, also a Class E felony, for having a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time. In Special Information filed by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, Newton is accused of having been convicted of driving while ability impaired by drugs, as a misdemeanor, on Nov. 22, 2017 in Town of Perry Court. The convicted was within 10 years of the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

Interview with Merritt Holly, superintendent, Le Roy Central schools, about going back to full-time in-class teaching and the school's capital project.