terry hills

Jim Kelly wasn't at Terry Hills today for the 28th annual charity tournament that carries his name because he's weakened by chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer.

At the start of the tournament his brother Dan had his head shaved both to honor his brother and to raise money for the Kelly for Kids Foundation. He challenged all of the golfers -- donors, athletes and celebrities to follow his example and over the course of the day, many of them did. (Cutting his hair, above, Michelle Napierala).

The Hall of Fame quarterback may not have been at his event this year, but he was there in spirit. Blue "Kelly Tough" T-shirts were everywhere and friends, such as ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman, spoke of Kelly's toughness and said that toughness is why he'll beat cancer and be back at Terry Hills next year to host his tournament. 

Former Bill and CBS Sports broadcaster Steve Tasker said much the same thing.

“We miss Jim being here,” he said, “but at the same token, it’s because of Jim’s presence and the quality of this event and what this event means – this is more than just a bunch of guys getting together for another event; this is like a reunion, not just a team reunion, but a family reunion for a lot of guys who’ve known each other for a couple of decades. The tournament’s been going on for 28 years and these guys are lifelong friends. The fact that Jim can’t be here today won’t change that.”

A fan gets her picture taken with the Bills 2014 #1 draft pick Sammy Watkins.

Former NBA star Gus Williams stops for a free brownie on the ninth hole, where a group of Batavia residents hang out every year to hand out treats to the stars and maybe get an autograph or picture.

Tasker talking with the media.

Bills Head Coach Doug Marrone with a group of Bills fans.

Berman talks with the media.

Actor Dan Baldwin, center, with his group on the first tee.

Tasker teeing off to start the tournament.

Mike Ziegler, a professional golfer and long-drive champion, would, for a donation, hit the drive for golfers on one of the back holes.

Today at Terry Hills the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation hosted its annual Derby Day Gala fundraiser.

As expected, there were lots of fancy hats.

Above, Dave Pero.

Emily Branche.

Barb Pierce.

Kevin Carlson created formal portraits of guests.

Anthony Nemi.

Donna Kabel.

The hat of Linda Klips.

Ann Marie Suttell and Nancy Chapman.

Terry Hills hosted the 5th Annual Hackers for Helicopter golf tournament today to benefit Mercy Flight.

The event served as a tribute to first responders. Mercy Flight pilot Brian Smith spoke of the dedication and sacrifice of first responders on behalf of their communities and said that all first responders consider it an honor to serve. Joining him were crew members William Hockenberry and Susan Thompson.

Skydivers also parachuted onto the ninth fairway to help kick off the event.

The skydiving team of Mike Maly, Bob McEvoy, Tim Allen, Bill Zipfel, with Nichols and Anthony Maly holding the flag. Mike Maly is a Buffalo firefighter and Zipfel is a member of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. Both wore their uniforms for their dive.

Press release:

Club Championships were held on Saturday, Aug. 24 and Sunday, Aug. 25. The Championship Flight winner was Bob Chmielowiec. Runner-up was Matt Lee, who made a dramatic charge on Sunday to shoot a 76, but fell one shot short. “B” Flight winner was Jim Dommer, followed by Ray Valtin. Congratulations to all the golfers.

The Ladies Championship was also held. This year’s Club Champion is Danielle Rotondo.  This is a repeat Championship for Danielle. Runner-up is Jean Berry, followed by Nancy Bachulak and Terry Starowitz. Congratulations to all the golfers who took part in this year’s Club Championship. Thank you for a great season.

The Fall Golf League begins Wednesday, Sept. 4.

Terry Hills Restaurant Invites You to Dinner, Dance and a Swinging Sunset! Thursday, July 11th. Dinner seatings 5-5:30 p.m., and 6 p.m. Serendipity Swing will be playing from 6 to 8 p.m. We will be offering a special menu that includes: Chicken Cordon Bleu, Seafood Stuffed Haddock, Prime Rib, Vegetarian Pasta Capri and Stuffed Pork Tenderloin. Reservations required -- Last call.

Serendipity Swing: “A Little Big Band,” is an Eight-Musician Ensemble with a female and male vocalist from Buffalo that performs music associated with the Golden Age of Glamorous Ballrooms, Classy Supper Clubs, the Most Elegant of Private Parties, and the Great American Songbook.

The music library, with more than 300 titles, contains selections which explore and mirror the beauty of the music elements; melody, harmony and rhythm. It is music that is artful, graceful, whimsical and listenable. The melodies are memorable. The harmonies are soothing and rich in texture. The tempos, rhythms, are danceable and toe-tapping.

Leadership Genesee held its annual golf tournament and its bocce ball tournament today. Here are three shots from bocce ball.

The Jim Kelly Celebrity Golf Classic was held at Terry Hills Golf Course today and as usual, a group of Batavia residents were positioned near the ninth fairway with free brownies for the golfers.

Above, Bills receiver Andre Reed with Kate Martin, Jean Woodcock, Diana Burroughs, Skip Bartz, Margaret Peri, Donna Gillard, Anne Barone and Kathy Leffel.

Prior to the tee-off, Kelly announced that he has cancer in his upper jaw.

Kelly told the Buffalo News that cancer is just another challenge on life's rollercoaster.

“I know I’ll beat it," he said.

The event raises money for the Kelly for Kids Foundation. Kelly for Kids serves disadvantaged and disabled youth in WNY. Past receiptents of funds have been The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation and Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.

Once again, hundreds of Genesee County residents came out to Terry Hills today for Derby Day, one of the annual major fundraisers for the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation.

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Today was the third annual Bridal Show at Terry Hills. Unfortunately, I got there later in the afternoon and most of the big crowd that had been there when the doors opened had moved on, but organizers said the show was a another big success.  Above, models showing off gowns from Stella's Bridal Boutique in Le Roy.

For music lovers, the best place to be in Batavia this afternoon was Terry Hills, where Serendipity Swing serenaded a lunch crowd of more than 100 people.

Chef Gene Hewitt (pictured below) prepared a lavish buffet lunch that featured fish, roast beaf, soups (including Terry Hill's famous seafood bisque) and salad.

Come have lunch with SERENDIPITY SWING! SOUP, SALAD & SWING! Thursday, December 6th • 12:00 p.m. – 1:30pm

Serendipity Swing: “A Little Big Band,” is an Eight-Musician Ensemble with a female and male vocalist from Buffalo, New York, that performs music associated with the Golden Age of Glamorous Ballrooms, Classy Supper Clubs, the Most Elegant of Private Parties, and the Great American Songbook. The music library, with over 300 titles, contains selections which explore and mirror the beauty of the music elements; melody, harmony and rhythm. It is music that is artful, graceful, whimsical, and listenable. The melodies are memorable. The harmonies are soothing and rich in texture. The tempos, rhythms, are danceable and toe-tapping.

Lunch Menu offered from 11 am – 2 pm

Lunch Reservations Required – (585) 343-0642; dine@terryhills.com

Terry Hills Restaurant, 5122 Clinton St. Road, Batavia

Visit us online at: www.terryhills.com

Joe Maiorano (top) and Charlie Hamilton (bottom) tie off during the annual Ricky Palermo Foundation charity tournament at Terry Hills today. Maiorano came from Danbury, Conn., and Hamilton from Tampa, Fla., for the tournament.

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation held its annual Kentucky Derby Party at Terry Hills on Saturday afternoon.

The party is a major fundraiser and supports research for curing childhood cancer and provides assistance to victms' families.

A big tradition with the Kentucky Derby is women wearing fancy hats, and that's also part of the tradition of the foundation's party.

Above, Christen Napoleone, Andrea Suttell and Ashley Napoleone.

Jennifer Houseknecht and Lori Reinhardt

Jody McCulley

Peggy Sacheli

Trish Pero and Peg Pietzykowski-Gorecki (Peg created both hats)

The snowmobilers are pretty unhappy with winter in 2012 so far, but the golfers don't mind.

About 80 people showed up at Terry Hills today to get in a round on a course that is usually covered inches deep or more in snow this time of year.

"It's amazing," said Brandon Seifert, of Buffalo. "I can't believe it."

Seifert, above right, was with Matthew Olsen, in the cart, and Olsen said he was dubious when Seifert told him he got an email saying the course was open today.

"We golfed here in November and the conditions were a lot worse," Olsen said.

Colin Castile, of Amherst, was also golfing and enjoying the break from snowboarding while getting the chance to tune up his game before spring.

"It’s nice to have a place that’s relatively local that’s open right now," Castile said.

Rather than mob a mall, golf enthusiasts mobbed local golf courses the day after Thanksgiving to take advantage of unseasonably warm weather.

Lisa Fickel, director of marketing for Terry Hills, said the course buzzed like a spring day this morning with golf carts zipping all over the place.

Above, Tim Braunscheidel watches his shot fly down the first fairway at Terry Hills. Braunscheidel was out for a round of golf with his father, Dave and their friends Scott Gibson and Dan Grefreth.

That's QB legend Dan Marino in the midst of a group of some of Batavia's loveliest ladies. The women made it to the edge of the sixth fairway at Terry Hills for the sixth straight year during the Jim Kelly Celebrity Golf Tournament. As always, the ladies had brownies ready to lure celebraties so they could meet them, get some autographs and snap a few pictures.

I came across the group while searching for Jamie Farr.  

When I finally did meet up with Farr, after he finished the fifth hole, I introduced myself and all he seemed to hear was "web site" and started telling me all about his site. Dashed was my chance to chit-chat about MASH a little and part with, "See you in the funny papers."

Pictured above are (in no particular order) Margaret Perry, Kathy Leffel, Kate Martin, Barb Thurber, Donna Gillard, Joan Torres, Diane Burroughs, Jean Woodcook, Carrie Jones and Anne Barone.

Among the more than dozen celebs they met today were Marino, Jim Kelly, Ben Rothelisberger, Archie Manning and Chris Berman.

Lisa Nistico with Farr.

Organizers were pleased with the early turn out at the debut Bridal Show at Terry Hills today. Vendors from Genesee County were on hand to display for prospective brides, grooms and their parents what they offer to ensure the special day remains special.

The show continues until 4 p.m. For more information, click here.

Above, Steve Valle talks with customers about what Valle Jewelers has to offer.

More pictures after the jump:

Cathy Saile, The Enchanted Florist.

Dave Howe, Charles Men's Shop.

Jeremy Liles, Oliver's Candies.

If you or someone you know is planning a wedding or even thinking about it, Terry Hills is showcasing all things bridal at a premiere extravaganza this Sunday.

Six months in the making, organizers have pulled together all local vendors to offer would-be brides, grooms, and their families, the opportunity to check out a wide array of products and services in one location.

From gorgeous gowns, modeled live, to sparkling jewelry, from scrumptious cakes made right here in Batavia to professionals who can make you look and feel your best -- they will be there.

There's no admission fee. It starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. in the banquet room. There will be lots of door prizes, too. Terry Hills is located at 5122 Clinton St. Road in Batavia.

Sample catering selections, get personal consultations from experts, see the many choices available for creating a wedding that is memorable and beautiful, regardless of its size or your budget.

There will be 28 vendors, mostly from Genesee County, but also from Orleans and Wyoming counties.

"You're not just going to be a number," said Terry Hills Marketing Director Lisa Fickel, who co-created the event along with Tonisha Price, who owns East Bethany-based Sweet Ecstasy Bakery.

Both women are particularly proud to offer this new event in Batavia, which they hope will grow annually.

"I'm so proud of the fact that it is all local businesses participating and I'm thrilled for Terry Hills," Fickel said.

The idea for a centralized bridal marketing show came about when Price contacted Fickel about having one at Terry Hills, a restaurant/banquet/golfing venue which has seen an increase in wedding bookings.

Last year, 33 wedding events were held there, Fickel said, noting that the banquet room can accommodate up to 200 people.

Preparing for Sunday took Fickel back to her days at AAA, doing trade shows built around a central theme, say like a trip to Mexico. And for the wedding show, she already had a stack of contacts, thanks in part to those who booked wedding parties at Terry Hills and asked about a needed service.

Do you know who can make a chocolate ganache wedding cake? Who would you go to for unique flower arrangements? We haven't chosen rings yet, any recommendations?

On Sunday, there's sure to be some matches made in heaven.

Find out more online at www.BataviaBridalShow.com

(As Price points out in a comment to this story, you can register online and thereby avoid waiting in line at the door.)