As part of their ongoing effort to recognize and make some noise about causes that matter, Genesee County legislators presented a proclamation to members of the mental health field during this week's Legislature meeting.

In honor of National Mental Health Awareness Week, Legislator Gordon Dibble read the creed stating that mental health involves "our emotional, psychological and social well-being, therefore it is crucial for the community to acquire knowledge that mental health affects the way we think, feel and act." 

The remaining portion of the proclamation states:

WHEREAS, there is stigma associated with mental health and getting help, often associated with weakness. This can be attributed to a misunderstanding regarding mental health, along with generational cultural differences, and

WHEREAS, mental health is our wealth, as we are able to forgive and be generous to ourselves in times of struggle. We are able to go “back to basics,” where it’s never too late to start again, and

WHEREAS, it is vital to provide comprehensive, coordinated, and effective mental health services for individuals and families at the community level in order to address the needs of our community, and

WHEREAS, this year’s theme is “Turn Awareness Into Action” allowing us to share knowledge and information about mental health services available to the community and what to do if mental health wellness becomes a concern, and

WHEREAS, Genesee County Mental Health is committed to ensuring that people living with mental health conditions are treated with compassion, respect and understanding and is working to ensure citizens have access to affordable, quality, evidence-based mental health care. Now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, the Genesee County Legislature wishes to acknowledge the outstanding work carried out by mental health professionals throughout Genesee County and hereby declares May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Genesee County.

There will be a free "stigma-ending" mental health awareness event with service providers, wellness activities, pizza, a ticket with entry for a self-care wellness basket drawing, and shared stories at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 28 at First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia.

Faith Goodenbury and Emily Pietrzykowski powered Alexander to a 12-7 win over Attica on Friday.

Goodenbury went 3-for-5 with a double, triple and three RBIs. Pietrzykowski finished 3-for-5 with a double and two RBIs.

“We needed this kind of team effort after a tough, close loss yesterday to Pembroke,” Alexander coach John Goodenbury said.

Alexander jumped ahead in the first with a Goodenbury double. Attica answered with three runs in the bottom half, including a two-RBI single from Haley Mills.

The Trojans responded with six runs in the second, highlighted by Pietrzykowski’s two-RBI double.

“We’re focused on staying sharp and getting ourselves ready for sectionals,” Goodenbury said.

Alexander collected 11 hits. Goodenbury and Pietrzykowski had three each. Ava Yax, Melissa Sawyer, Melanie Bump, Lilly Szymkowiak and Paige Morton each added a hit.

Paige Morton started and allowed four hits and five unearned runs over three innings. Pietrzykowski earned the win in relief, tossing four innings with one hit, three strikeouts and one earned run.

Mills pitched all seven innings for Attica, striking out six and walking four. She also went 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Cius, Jackson and Scripp each had a hit for the Blue Devils.

Alexander plays Batavia on Saturday at the Chris Martin Field of Dreams. First pitch is 2 p.m.

Photos by Kristin Smith.

Pavilion/York scored early and held off a late rally to defeat Notre Dame, 5-4, on Friday.

The team plated two runs in the first inning and two more in the third. Landen Stoddard, Evan Kingdon, and Ryan Brady each tripled, with Kingdon and Brady collecting an RBI apiece. Hayven Cordes went 1-for-3 with a single and two RBIs. Liam Ezard added an RBI single.

“We jumped on them early, scoring two in the first and two in the third,” Pavilion/York coach Tim Kingdon said.

Stoddard started on the mound, recording six strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings. Mason Parsons finished the game in relief.

“In the fifth, we had some uncharacteristic miscues on defense, which gave them all of their runs,” Kingdon said. “We knew going into tonight’s game that it was going to be a tough one, as Notre Dame has been playing great baseball of late. But our boys were ready to play and did what it took to walk away with the win.”

Photos by Kristin Smith

Elba avenged an early-season loss to Oakfield-Alabama, riding strong pitching from Mason Vigiano and a breakout night from freshman Alex Rascoe to a 7-1 victory Friday.

Vigiano worked six innings, scattering eight hits and striking out seven. Ryan Marsceill came on in relief and recorded the save.

“Mason was absolutely dealing tonight,” Elba coach Andrew Boyce said. “Anytime we needed a ground ball or a can-of-corn fly ball, he delivered on the mound. The work he puts in year-round is really showing.”

Rascoe sparked the offense, finishing 4-for-4 with two doubles, five RBIs and a run scored. Nicholas Scott went 2-for-3 with a double, two RBIs and a walk.

Mark Caparco added a double, scored three runs and walked once.

“In a game my boys had marked on the schedule since our first loss of the season came to Oakfield, they really wanted this one bad and came out and executed to perfection against one of the best-coached ball clubs in Section V,” Boyce said.

Elba improved to 11-4 and continues a busy stretch with games at Lyndonville on Saturday, Notre Dame on Monday and Pembroke on Tuesday.

“The boys are buzzing and we are getting key contributions from all 13 guys on the roster,” Boyce said. “There’s still a lot of work left to do.”

Photos by Kristin Smith.

Oakfield-Alabama’s offense sets the tone early and never lets up, powering the Lady Hornets to a 17-3 win over Notre Dame on Thursday.

The Lady Hornets score four runs in the first and six in the second, building a commanding lead. Oakfield-Alabama collects 13 hits, with seven players driving in runs.

Rylee Denny leads the way, going 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Piper Hyde finishes 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBIs. Raine Denny adds two hits and two RBIs.

Chloe Lamb chips in two hits and an RBI. Emma Moeller drives in three. Olivia Wescott and Allie Williams each add an RBI, while Ysa Schrauger goes 1-for-3.

Allison Harkness starts in the circle, allowing three hits and one earned run over four innings, striking out four. Savannah Durham closes it out, tossing three scoreless innings with two strikeouts.

Oakfield-Alabama improves to 13-1 on the season.

Photos by Kristin Smith

   Batavia’s bats broke loose in the sixth inning, powering a 24-2 victory over Attica on Senior Night, Thursday night, at Dwyer Stadium.

The Blue Devils sent 19 batters to the plate in the sixth, racking up 15 runs on 13 hits. They finished with 24 runs on 23 hits overall, with every starter collecting at least one hit and scoring a run.

“We’ve been struggling to get big hits with runners in scoring position, but tonight it clicked,” Batavia coach Michael Sputore said. “We scored 12 runs with two outs and had 11 hits with two outs.”

Jameson Motyka led the charge, going 4-for-4 with four runs, a double and an RBI. Lakoda Mruczek finished 4-for-5 with three runs, two doubles and four RBI. Brady Mazur, who also earned the win on the mound, went 3-for-4 and drove in five runs.

“Brady threw very well for us tonight, keeping the Attica hitters off balance and challenging them,” Sputore said.

Maggio Buchholz added a triple among his three hits, scoring three times and driving in three. Carter Mullen and Bronx Buchholz each had two hits, combining for five runs and four RBI.

Attica scored in the top of the first, but Mazur settled in, tossing six innings and allowing just three hits, striking out four and giving up one earned run.

“Proud of the boys tonight,” Sputore said. “It was a nice way to bounce back after a challenging week for us.”

Batavia improved to 9-8 overall and 5-3 in league play. The Blue Devils close out the regular season at Brockport on Friday at 5 p.m.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Byron-Bergen defeated Alexander 3-2 in tennis on Thursday.

• 1st singles Riley Shallenberger (BB) defeated Kendrick Ochoa (Alex) 6-3, 6-0
• 2nd singles Erron Kimble (BB) defeated Adam Dolph (Alex) due to withdrawal
• 3rd singles Simon Fuller (Alex) defeated Josiah Hiscutt (BB) 7-5, 0-6
• 1st doubles Ela Bodnarskyj/Carli Koch (Alex) defeated Sara Bishop/Addy Cumings (BB) 7-6(7-4), 6-2
• 2 doubles Noah Clare/Craig DiQuattro (BB) defeated Merrick Eisele/Mary Grimes (Alex) 6-1, 7-5

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A 33-year-old Batavia man who was on the Batavia PD wanted list for more than a year before being captured by U.S. Marshals in December appeared in Genesee County Court on Friday morning and turned down a plea offer.

The details of the plea offer were not discussed in court.

Nathan L. Royse was arrested in December and charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, stemming from an incident on April 15, 2023, in Williams Park, where he allegedly attempted to stab another person during a fight during a basketball game.

On June 2, 2023, Batavia City Court issued a warrant for his arrest on a criminal possession of a weapon charge. No information is available on the status of that charge. The police issued a "wanted" press release for the first time in September 2023.

His attorney, Fred Rarick, informed Judge Melissa Lightcap Cianfrini that Royce turned down the plea offer because there was no guarantee that his time for the charge could be served concurrently with any other charge.

At the time of the search, Royse was also on parole for burglary in the second degree and had an active parole warrant.

NOTE: This story has been modified to correct the timeline of events and location of the incident.

A 23-year-old Albion resident admitted in Genesee County Court on Friday morning to taking part in a burglary on May 27 of Batavia Marine on West Main Street in Batavia.

Nathaniel Thompson agreed to a plea agreement that capped his anticipated sentence at 2-4 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 3. If he fails to abide by court orders between now and then, he loses his sentence cap and could face 3 1/2 to seven years in prison.

He pleaded guilty to burglary in the third degree with the intent to commit grand larceny and as a second-time felony offender. In November 2022, he entered a guilty plea in Orleans County to criminal possession of stolen property.

Thompson was arrested in August and initially charged with burglary, criminal mischief, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, grand larceny in the third degree and grand larceny in the fourth degree.

In court on Friday, Thompson admitted to stealing firearms valued at more than $1,000.

Malachi J Nix, 20, of Tonawanda, was also in the case. He was arrested in February and charged with burglary in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, grand larceny in the third degree, criminal mischief in the third degree, and conspiracy in the fourth degree.

The status of his case is not available.

Thompson is currently in custody in Orleans County. 

Friends since childhood and now business partners, Donald Dylag Jr. and Curtis Gallagher say they see nothing but potential at the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant, the landmark eatery perched above Tonawanda Creek in Indian Falls. 

“This is the nicest piece of real estate in Genesee County, with the waterfall,” Dylag told The Batavian. “He’s got an eye for food. I’ve got an eye for buildings. We want to make the building and the food match the view and the property.”

The business's ownership is split between the partners in a unique way. Both Gallagher and Dylag purchased the property at 1227 Gilmore Road. Dylag owns the bar and grill, and Gallagher serves as general manager.

Dylag grew up just around the corner in Indian Falls and still lives in the house where he was raised. 

“I’ve been coming here my whole life,” he said. “It was always the first stop and the last stop on a motorcycle. We always came here for lunch after work.”

Gallagher, who’s lived in Genesee County most of his life, brings experience from his own property services business and a long history in construction, maintenance, and real estate. He also loves food, loves to cook, and will supervise the kitchen and the menu.

“We’ve both thought this place was special for years,” Gallagher said. “It’s already a landmark. People come just to take pictures of the falls.”

The partners say their goal is to elevate every aspect of the business, starting with the menu. 

“We’re going to bring better quality food,” Gallagher said. “We want to cover everything from a roast beef sandwich or burger to seafood pasta and steaks.

We want it to be a destination for a Sunday drive or a special occasion.

Recent specials have included surf and turf, mussels bucatini, and chicken Florentine. 

“We’ve hired two new chefs who have worked at top places,” Gallagher said. “We’re aiming for country club-worthy food, but in a casual, comfortable setting.”

Upgrades to the building are also in the works. 

“We want to clear out the brush and expand the view of the creek, put in new floors, bathrooms, and bars, and build a deck that wraps around for outdoor seating,” Dylag said. “In the winter, maybe even snow globes outside.”

The partners say many of the improvements will be behind the scenes at first, updating systems and infrastructure. 

“A lot of the upgrades are things people won’t see, but they’re important,” Gallagher said. “We’re putting the money back into the business.”

They’ve kept the restaurant open since taking over about two months ago, maintaining a staff of about 20 with plans to grow to 30. 

“Most of our employees are local, and they really care about this place,” Gallagher said. “Business is good, a lot of new faces, and a lot of people we know personally.”

For Dylag, owning the Log Cabin is about honoring its legacy and realizing its promise. 

“I wanted to see it go to its fullest potential,” he said. “Watching it not do that was one of the motivating factors. I could see the potential this place had.”

Built in 1946, the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant has served generations of locals and travelers, offering classic American fare, live music, and a view of the 20-foot waterfall on Tonawanda Creek -- a view that remains a draw for visitors from across Western New York.

The partners say they’re just getting started. 

“Sky’s the limit,” Gallagher said.

The restaurant will celebrate its new ownership with a party on Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m., featuring liquor, seltzer, cider, and dispensary tastings from local businesses. At 9 p.m., the Dave Viterna Band will take the stage.

As she ends her high school career and prepares again for the opportunity every theater student dreams of, Aubrey Puccio is fairly confident with equal parts of modest and sensible rolled in.

The 18-year-old Le Roy senior has been chosen as one of the Top 40 to compete in Stars of Tomorrow NYC Bound next week in Rochester. Her goal is to make the eventual cut to one of two finalists and represent the Rochester area during a trip to the Big Apple and a whirlwind of professional theater experiences as part of the Jimmy Awards.

“I didn’t start great, definitely not Top 40 material,” Puccio said to The Batavian when asked if she was always a singer. “I was more screamy than singy. My sister helped; she had the most beautiful voice I have ever heard. Then, when ‘Frozen’ came out, I sang ‘Do You Want to Build a Snowman’, I don’t know how many times. Then I took dance, then performance, in middle school and high school.”

And, as they say, a star was born. She has earned the privilege of being named a Top 40 three times so far, making the cut down to 20 last year. Being pragmatic and not overly optimistic, she has given it some thought as to how to proceed no matter what. Her plans seem solid about going to Ithaca College to major in television, photography and digital media, while also mulling the “what-if” she keeps making it onward through eliminations.

“I have been keeping the idea in the back of my mind, ‘if this were to happen, these are the songs I would perform,’” she said. “I’ve been singing bits and pieces over the year, and now I’m cleaning them up.”

First up for her preliminary tune is “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” That wouldn’t surprise anyone who saw her in Le Roy’s “Wizard of Oz” musical as Dorothy. Unlike her strong and amusing characters in other shows, such as “Chicago,” Puccio approached this from the get-go as a purposeful mission to be Dorothy in no unmistakable fashion.

“For me, I felt like this was such a big role that people know, we were in a city, and it was not just a lion, it was a washed-up rock star, and the tin man was a construction worker. It was things like that which I was so excited about. But when I was taking on this part, I’m like, I need this part to be different, this is Aubrey Puccio playing Dorothy, and with that, I need to make sure that I am different from every other person that has ever played her,” she said. “I also had the idea in my head as well, this is my senior year, this is the last time I’m going to be on this stage with my musical family, and there is nothing left to do but leave it all out there. 

"You have two choices: you can either dwell in that moment of sadness, of this closing chapter of your life, or you can really embrace it," she said. "And I feel like what I did with that is I took that emotion and I put it into the character.”

It was that role and performance that got her chosen for Stars of Tomorrow, hosted by Rochester Broadway Theatre League. Turns out, her earliest critics—a dance teacher and family members—were right when they watched and listened to her. They would say to her mom, “She’s got something.”

“I always wanted to perform as an aspect in my life,” she said. “When I’m on stage, I don’t feel nervous; off stage, I’m shaking. Being on stage, it’s almost like a second home. It’s comforting to be on stage.”

Le Roy’s Musical Director Jackie McLean agrees that this student has got something. She was chosen out of “close to 300 students that were eligible for the Top 40 this year, which is a huge number,” said McLean, who will serve as her vocal coach for this NYC Bound process.

“I think Aubrey brings experience. I mean, honestly, she's been performing since she was very little as a dancer, she then segued to singing and put all of her talents together. She is one of the most dedicated students to art, and she is dedicated to this incredible process. She also grew up watching the older kids here, and I think that inspired her to want to strive to make New York City Bound,” McLean said. “It's really incredible to see her make it again, because she's one of not very many students who get to attend three times. She was very lucky to attend this competition piece as a sophomore, when she was Madame Thenardier in ‘Les Miserables,’ and then again last year, when she was Velma Kelly in ‘Chicago.’ 

"And then this year, and I think Aubrey would tell you, this role was a challenge for her, because playing Dorothy in 'The Wizard of Oz' is a very different performance. The other two are very kind of funny characters, and she really had to find the nuances of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. I think she did a phenomenal job," McLean said. "And  she's a standout performer, and I think that's why she's in that top 40.”

Puccio has rehearsals on Saturday and her first event will be the closed session premium round on Monday in Rochester, which includes an audience and adjudication by Broadway professional and Le Roy native John Bolton (Anastasia, A Christmas Story: The Musical, Spamalot), and Rochester-based actor, director and private acting coach J. Simmons.

This will be different than the first time Bolton watched Puccio perform: she played a tree with no lines. She has appreciated his input in the past and looks forward to seeing him again, she said. If Puccio goes onto New York City, her vocal coach will attend not in a professional capacity but as a “cheerleader,” McLean said.

“We’re obviously so excited and so honored. Small schools, we work really hard to put on the caliber shows that we are able to put on. We are very lucky in Le Roy to have enormous community support, and that allows us to put on the shows that we put on. And it's just really nice to see students from our schools be recognized. I mean, the reality is, it doesn't matter how small the school is. It just matters the dedication of the students and their desire to learn and better themselves, and that can happen in a small school or a large school,” she said. “We are very proud of our students and how they push themselves. And Aubrey is; she has been pushing herself since freshman year. We always joke that in seventh grade, she was in ‘Into the Woods,’ and she played the part of a tree, and now she's playing these leads in some very large productions. And it's just inspiring to watch.”

On Thursday, the performers moving on will be announced, and a panel of judges will adjudicate the final two rounds of the competition, ultimately choosing two performers to send to the 2025 Jimmy Awards. 

This year’s judges will be SUNY Geneseo Coordinator of Musical Theatre, Don Kot, Broadway professional and Dance Captain/Background Vocalist for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Kamilah Marshall (The Lion King, Rent, Hairspray) and Broadway professional and former Jimmy Awards Vocal Coach, Eden Espinosa (Wicked, Rent, Lempicka).

Beginning Monday, you may go to rochesterfirst.com to vote for your favorite local performer.

At the National High School Musical Theater Awards competition, students will undergo 10 days of musical theater rehearsals, master classes, private coaching and interviews with theater professionals. Based on their skill level and professional goals, students are eligible for college scholarships, professional internships, career coaching and audition opportunities. 

At the end of these 10 days, the students will perform a talent showcase at the Jimmy Awards, held at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City on June 23. Judges will then select two grand prize winners for the Best Performance by an Actor and Best Performance by an Actress awards.

Batavia defeated Williamson/Sodus/Marion 25-6 Thursday night in the Section V Class C Flag Football pre-quarterfinals, jumping out to a 25-0 halftime lead and controlling the game from start to finish.

“We wanted to set the tone early,” senior linebacker Jaimin Macdonald said. “Everyone was locked in from the first snap.”

Batavia’s defense consistently set up the offense with short fields. Macdonald grabbed two interceptions and finished with five flag pulls. Junior free safety Libby Grazioplene added another interception. Senior defensive ends Kylee Brennan and Nicole Doeringer each recorded seven flag pulls, with Brennan making two tackles for loss and Doeringer three.

Doeringer opened the scoring with a 3-yard touchdown run. Macdonald went 7-for-12 passing for 54 yards and three touchdowns, all to sophomore wide receiver Leilah Manuel, who finished with four catches for 28 yards.

Macdonald also rushed for 29 yards on four carries. Grazioplene led the team with 31 rushing yards on three carries.

Batavia advanced to the Class C quarterfinals and will play the winner of Gananda vs. Rochester Prep on Monday, May 19. Game time and location are to be announced.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

More than 350 volunteers spread throughout Genesee County on a sunshine-drenched Thursday morning to help repair, clean up, or landscape properties of non-profit agencies.

Thursday was United Way's Annual Day of Caring.

The Batavian visited four of 32 sites -- the Historic Batavia Cemetery, St. Joe's, 400 Towers, and St. James.

Photos by Howard Owens.

A brick wall of a long-dilapidated building at the Harvester Center complex in Batavia collapsed Thursday night as GO ART! staff loaded a U-Haul with stored property, capping a long day of moving as part of United Way’s Day of Caring.

“It sounded like thunder,” said Courtney Henderson, GO ART!’s special events and social media director. “I said, ‘Nope, this is the start.’ The whole top part was caving in slowly, and then it was just a cloud of smoke. It was wild. I’m glad I could get out.”

The GO ART! U-Haul was parked in a courtyard-like area about 100 yards from where the wall collapsed, blocking the tunnel beneath two stories of the building that hasn’t been occupied for decades. The roof collapsed long ago, and the third floor fell onto the second floor.

No injuries were reported.

The group, which included volunteers earlier in the day, had been moving items stored in the Harvester Center in preparation for basement renovations at GO ART! The plan was to transfer everything to the former J.C. Penney building downtown.

City Manager Rachael Tabelski confirmed the city has an active code case on the Harvester Center.

“Unfortunately, that’s what happened,” Tabelski said. “It looks like a portion of this building has collapsed. Thank goodness no one got hurt, and code and fire will assess what to do with the scene.”

Code Enforcement Officer Doug Randall said the building owner will bring in heavy equipment to demolish the unstable section and clear debris, allowing the U-Haul and another rental vehicle to be safely removed.

The city applied five months ago for a Restore NY grant to help demolish parts of the Harvester Center and the old Melton Building. If awarded, the grant would provide up to $1 million for demolition and site redevelopment, with the goal of transforming the area into a mixed-use campus with new businesses, apartments, and public spaces.

“My number one question is, how does Gregory get his truck out?” Henderson said, referring to GO ART! Executive Director Gregory Hallock. “U-Haul is going to have to be super nice to Gregory Hallock because of this incident.”

It appears U-Haul will be accommodating. Hallock told Tabelski that he had already spoken with a representative from U-Haul, who told him not to worry.

Henderson also has a rental vehicle trapped on the other side of the pile of rubble.

Previously: Apparent building collapse reported at Harvester Center

Photos by Howard Owens.

An apparent building collapse has been reported in the Harvester Center Complex, 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia.

The reader who submitted the picture said she doesn't believe anybody was hurt in the collapse but two vehicles are now trapped, with the driveway now a dead end because of debris.

City Fire is on scene.

If you're a musical act playing a show in Genesee County, or a Genesee County music venue, send your press releases about your shows to Logan Music at jlogan6505@gmail.com or use the "+ Add your event" button above.

A new solar energy project is moving through the planning process in the town of Batavia. 

At a recent Batavia Town Planning Board meeting, engineers unveiled plans for a 5-megawatt solar array on Lewiston Road. 

The project, they said, promises clean power, smart land use, and a design that aims to blend into the community rather than disrupt it.
A Greener Vision for Batavia

The Batavia Solar project, proposed by Advanced Solar Power Holdings, Inc. and designed by Metzger Civil Engineering, would transform 35 acres of farmland into a solar farm. 

The plan is a scaled-back version of an earlier proposal, now focused on a single array on the northern portion of the property at 8220 Lewiston Road.

Developers emphasized that the project isn’t just about generating electricity, but it is also about doing so responsibly. 

The design keeps the solar panels well away from neighbors, preserves existing trees, and adds new plantings to screen the site from view. The number of utility poles has been trimmed, and the facility will use pollinator-friendly ground cover to support local ecosystems.

Developers said the proposal also reserves space for a future public road in a nod to Batavia's long-term needs, a move that could improve local traffic flow and connect with nearby developments. While the solar company won’t build the road, the town is actively exploring funding and design options as part of its master plan.

Proponents said the project is designed to fit seamlessly into the community: no variances are being requested, and all town setback requirements are met.

A minor subdivision will create a residential lot and leave additional land available for future development.

Developers said transparency is a top priority. They presented a detailed visual impact study showing how the array would look from homes and roads nearby. 

The planning board has launched a coordinated environmental review and scheduled a public hearing for June 3. Local residents, county agencies, and the school district will all have a chance to weigh in before any final decisions are made.

A draft Host Community Agreement and decommissioning bond are in the works. 

Press Release:

The Le Roy American Legion Auxiliary Unit 576, is pleased to announce Briar Eadie has been selected as the Poppy Girl for 2025.

Briar is the daughter of Benjamin and Andi (DeBellis) Eadie of Le Roy and the granddaughter of Ben and Maureen (Beany Zimmerman) Eadie of Le Roy and Ronald (Togo) and Cathy (Sipos) DeBellis of Lyndonville. Brair is 9 years old and a 2nd grader at Wolcott Street School in Le Roy.

Additionally, the Auxiliary is also excited to introduce, for the first time, the Poppy Ambassadors, Noah Ford and Elijah Ford. Noah is 9 years old and a 3rd grader at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in Cheektowaga. Elijah is 12 years old and is in the 7th grade at John F Kennedy High School in Cheektowaga. Noah and Elijah are the sons of Rebecca (Feneran) Ford and grandsons of the late Richard (Dick) and Deborah Feneran of Le Roy.

Notably, Deborah previously served as Chairperson of the Auxiliary Annual Poppy program for years, and Dick was a proud Vietnam Veteran.

History of the Poppy

After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe. Scientists attributed the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war. The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed by those who fought and those who continue to fight for our country following the publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields.” The poem was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. while serving on the front line in World War I, to honor soldiers killed in battle.

Proceeds from the Poppy sales can only be used to benefit the mission to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs. 

In Flanders Fields By John McCrae

In Flanders’ Fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders’ Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders’ Fields.

Members of the Auxiliary will have Poppies available Memorial Day Weekend at Tops and Save-A-Lot, and at the Memorial Day Parade or stop by the Legion at 53 West Main Street, Le Roy on Wednesdays or Fridays from 5 to 10 p.m. Stop by and pick up a Poppy and if you can give a donation. If you would like to donate, please mail to American Legion Auxiliary, 53 West Main St, Le Roy.

Congratulations, Brair, Noah and Elijah!

Press Release:

As a responsible driver, it's essential to know how to react when pulled over by the police. Following these simple steps can help ensure a safe and respectful interaction for both you and the officer. 

Stay Calm and Cooperative 

• Remain calm and composed: Avoid sudden movements, and keep your hands visible on the steering wheel or in plain sight.
• Cooperate with the officer's instructions: Follow their directions and answer their questions clearly and honestly. 

Safety Precautions 

• Pull over to a safe location: Move your vehicle to a well-lit, safe area, away from traffic, if possible. If at nighttime turn on the interior lights of your vehicle.
• Turn off your engine and keep your seatbelt on: This helps prevent any accidental movements and ensures your safety. Be sure to roll down your window to converse with the officer.
• Keep your hands visible and avoid sudden movements: This helps the officer feel more at ease and reduces the risk of misunderstandings.
• Report any firearms or weapons immediately: Do not attempt to retrieve a weapon or hand any weapon to an officer, follow the instructions given by the officer to ensure a safe interaction. 

Be Prepared and Respectful 

• Have your license, registration, and proof of insurance ready: Keep these documents easily accessible to avoid delays.
• Be respectful and courteous: Address the officer politely and avoid arguing or becoming confrontational.
• Do not argue with the officer: If you disagree with the reason for being stopped simply advise the officer of this and remain calm. If issued a traffic ticket you will granted an opportunity in court to dispute the allegations of a traffic violation. 

Remember Your Rights 

• You have the right to remain silent: If you're unsure about answering a question, you can politely decline to respond.
• You have the right to ask for a supervisor: If you feel uncomfortable or have concerns, you can request a supervisor's presence. 

By following these simple steps, you can help ensure a safe and respectful interaction when pulled over by the police. Remember to stay calm, cooperative, and respectful, and always prioritize your safety and the safety of others.