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“I had to hit every note and look presentable … he groomed me,” McWilson said during a phone interview from her home in Niagara Falls. “It hit me when I picked up the mic, and everyone started clapping.”
That prep in St. John’s AME Church paved a musical path for her to follow, she said. She attributes the 100-voice choir, led by Kathy Jordan Sharpton (former wife of Al Sharpton), and pianist Bruce Parker, and related teachings for her gradual rise in the music industry.
McWilson plans to dazzle spectators during her first appearance at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel. The show goes on at 7 p.m., Oct. 14 at 8315 Park Road.
Expect glitz, glamour, a combination of jazzy blues, country, and Motown, plus assorted diva costumes. A full band, backup singers, and everything from Etta James and Tina Turner to Patsy Cline and Aretha Franklin will be featured.
“I’m bringing Vegas to Batavia,” she said. “Tell ‘em just get ready.”
The licensed beauty salon owner knows many facets of the industry, so the audience will get the full package of presentation, she said. Is there a connection between her beauty business and entertaining? Well of course there is, she said.
“That’s the biggest part of everything; I have the foundation already,” she said, adding a bit of snap to her voice. “I am the total package. I sing, write, produce, do hair, make-up and pick the clothes.”
The concert will be dedicated to her sister Vanessa, who succumbed to COVID, and to her high school music teacher and longtime friend, Marva Frails, for whom McWilson just sang during her funeral this past Thursday. Frails taught her young student the ABCs in music, which are the words Every Boy Does Fine and FACE to cover the musical notes on a staff. Frails also instilled the importance of being on time and not complaining, which McWilson intends to honor.
“She taught me so many things,” McWilson said. “I’m going to stop complaining.”
After losing many friends and family members to COVID, the energetic vocalist penned a song, “Rona Mae Blues,” which can be heard on her website. Accompanied by son Cameron Connor, she genuinely sings the blues with lines such as “If only I knew it was going to be the last time I saw you” and “You tore our lives apart.” Of all the uncertainties of the pandemic, she knows one thing for sure: “You won’t believe about coronavirus until your family dies,” she said. “My sister died Christmas Day. She didn’t think she had the virus.”
“It’s not about the money; the message I have is to uplift them,” she said.
McWilson recalled seeing her brother Larry on the living room floor after he had died from a heart attack. Her brother Maurice tried to nudge her into reality.
“He said that if I didn’t change my life, it could be me,” she said, noting that other siblings had died of heart attacks. “I prayed, and I walked. I called it the mind, body, and soul program. I began to get up every day and walk around Hyde Park and I prayed that God would help me.”
She prayed for help to lose weight, gain inspiration to write and sing songs and forge a path toward a successful musical career. Two hundred pounds lighter, she hit a local pinnacle as the first black female inductee for the 2020 Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame and has performed in jazz and blues festivals, at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, fundraisers and for a yearly 10-day Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage cruise.
Had she not lost weight, McWilson knows she would have missed out on so much, including flying because she couldn’t squeeze into an airplane seat and giving birth to long-awaited “miracle” children. As one of a dozen siblings, she had a tight-knit family, though McWilson has been determined to do the work all by herself, she said. She was told that her gospel couldn’t be played on the radio and that she would never be able to fly in an aircraft. She found a way.
“I’m morphing through the pain … pain is what gets us through life,” she said. “My mother inspired me to go after what I want. She had 12 kids and none of them got in trouble. She’s my role model.”
Her favorite genre is Gospel, though she admits “the blues is getting me to the green.” She has appeared in three movies and sees herself doing more television work. Actually, her visual is much more specific than that.
“I see myself winning Grammys and Emmys … being so wealthy that I’ll be a blessing to help someone else,” she said.
For more about McWilson, check out her website at www.marshamcwilson.com. Concert tickets are $10 and may be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marsha-mcwilson-tribute-performance-at-batavia-downs-gaming-hotel-tickets-170476676328
Photos submitted by Marsha McWilson.
Pembroke defeated Finney on Saturday in eight-man football 22-12.
Cayden Pfalzer was 5-8 passing for 63 yards. He also rushed for 65 yards on 11 carries and scored a TD. Tyson Totten ran for 109 yards and a TD on 17 carries. He also caught a 4-yard pass for a TD. Caleb Felski rushed 10 times for 58 yards, completed a 9-yard pass, and had a 90-yard kick return for a TD.
On defense, Chase Guzdek, 16 tackle, Cayden Pfalzer, seven tackles, Giovanni Smart had a sack.
Photos by Elizabeth Gabbey
It seems as though Batavian Devon Leach has made it all the way back from injuries sustained in a car accident last November.
The 27-year-old right-hander registered his first United States Bowling Congress-certified 800 series earlier this week in the Mancuso Realty Monday Doubles League at Mancuso Bowling Center -- coming through with two strikes and 9 pins in the 10th frame for an 802.
His games were 279 (with the front nine strikes), 245 and 278 (with the front six strikes).
Leach, an employee of Immaculate Cleaning and Removal in Batavia, suffered shoulder and back injuries in the accident just before Thanksgiving and had to sit out the rest of the bowling season.
He's making up for lost time, averaging 221 over the first several weeks, using a Roto Grip UFO Alert bowling ball.
Elsewhere around the Genesee Region USBC, Naomi Hyde rolled a 277 game and 636 series in the Tompkins Insurance Monday NFL League at Mancuso's, while Harris Busmire had a 297 game and 767 series in the Wednesday Men's Handicap League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.
For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.
The Alexander Trojans raised their Section V football record to 5-1 this afternoon with a 49-6 victory over Class D rival Notre Dame.
The visitors wasted little time in exerting their dominance when junior Christian Kissel fielded a punt at his own 22-yard line, broke a tackle and raced 78 yards untouched into the end zone with 8:31 left in the opening quarter (photo at top).
Kissel’s play was the first time the Trojans touched the ball after forcing the Irish to punt from their own 47.
Kicker Eric Cline converted the point after touchdown – he was successful on all seven attempts for the game – to give Alexander a 7-0 lead.
Alexander went up 14-0 about a minute later when, following an interception by defensive back Ricky Townley, quarterback Nick Kramer broke through the line off left tackle for a 61-yard touchdown run.
Ben Merrill’s interception on ND’s next possession set up a three-yard run by Brayden Woods, capping a six-play, 61-yard drive to make it 21-0 late in the period.
Another turnover, this time a fumble after a sack, gave the ball back to Alexander at the ND 24, and seven plays later the score ballooned to 28-0 on a 13-yard screen pass from Kramer to 6-2, 230-pound sophomore fullback Clayton Bezon.
The next three possessions for ND, 1-5, resulted in a fumble, punt and interception – the last turnover setting up a two-yard TD run by Woods to make it 35-0 at halftime.
The Trojans scored again on their opening possession after intermission on a 16-yard pass from Kramer to Merrill, and went up 49-0 midway through the fourth quarter on a 13-yard run by Tyler Marino.
The Irish, victimized by four interceptions and two lost fumbles, scored with 2:46 remaining on a two-yard run by quarterback Jimmy Fanara. The touchdown was set up by an 18-yard pass to C.J. Thornley and 40-yard completion to Evan Cummings.
Cummings, who recovered a fumble in the end zone to thwart the Trojans early in the fourth quarter, prevented another touchdown when he ran down Ricky Townley after a long run deep into ND territory inside of a minute to play.
Leading rushers for Alexander were Kramer with 79 yards on eight carries and Townley with 73 yards on five carries. Kramer was 4-for-8 passing for 47 yards and two TDs.
Defensively, Townley and Merrill each had two interceptions while Andrew Pulliam and Chase Graham recovered fumbles.
For the Irish, gained 46 yards on the ground, while Fanara completed five of 17 passes for 95 yards. On defense, Anthony Edwards was in on 14 tackles, while Anthony Fiorentino and Conner McWilliams had nine each and Vin DiRisio had eight.
Both teams play again on Friday night. Alexander hosts York/Pavilion while Notre Dame travels to Cuba-Rushford/Hinsdale.
Bezon is brought down by ND's Ryan Fitzpatrick but not before crossing the goal line for a touchdown. No. 52 is Cole Dean.
Eric Klein converts one of his seven point-after-touchdown kicks.
Photos by Howard Owens.
Anyone even vaguely familiar with Notre Dame High School’s athletic and academic excellence over the past six decades surely has heard of Bill “Sudsy” Sutherland, a graduate of the Union Street school who went on to become one of the area’s finest coaches and educators.
The legacy of “Sudsy,” as he was affectionally known, grew to new heights this afternoon when the Notre Dame community named its football field as Bill Sutherland Field.
Speaking before a large crowd at halftime of the Section V Class D game between the Fighting Irish and visiting Alexander Trojans, ND Athletic Director Mike Rapone called it a “fitting tribute.”
“… The Notre Dame Board of Trustees, administration, athletic department and, most importantly, our Notre Dame school community and alumni recognize that the naming of our football field is a fitting tribute to Bill Sutherland, who dedicated so much of his life to Notre Dame and its students – and much of that time was spent on this field,” Rapone said.
He then presented a plaque commemorating the occasion to Sutherland’s wife, Melanie, a 1970 ND graduate, and his children, Billy (1996) and Jennifer (2000), who were supported by the coach’s brothers, sisters, grandchildren and many members of the Sutherland family (photo at top).
Sutherland compiled a tremendous record as a coach – not just in football, but also in baseball and golf, a record so impressive that he made it into the Section V Hall of Fame. A star athlete at ND, he also is the only person inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame as a player and coach.
He passed away on Aug. 23, 2020 at the age of 71.
“The name Bill Sutherland and his famous nickname, Sudsy, was synonymous with Notre Dame for 41 years and he was recognized by the Genesee Region, Section V and the Monsignor Martin Association for his coaching prowess, the preparation of his teams and the way his teams competed,” Rapone said.
His teams won seven Genesee Region football titles, 13 baseball titles, two Bishop Smith baseball championships, four Section V titles in football, seven in baseball and three consecutive golf championships. In 16 championship game appearances, his teams won 14 times.
Rapone said Sutherland “helped shape the hearts and minds of Notre Dame students as a coach, teacher and administrator.”
“As a coach, Bill was known for his love of players and desire to see them excel on the field, in the classroom and, most importantly, in life,” he stated. “Coach Sutherland would be known for his fiery intensity and his ability to motivate his players like few coaches could.”
Off the field, Sutherland was an excellent teacher and mentor, Rapone said, with a special gift in “in identifying where his students were struggling and (finding) ways to help and understand to improve their performance level.”
ND Principal Wade Bianco thanked the school’s Class of 1967 for its “relentless effort” to make this dedication possible.
“Their (Sutherland’s classmates) tenacity and their passion to get this done almost matched Bill’s,” he quipped.
A reception was hosted by the Sutherland family after the game at T.F. Brown’s Restaurant in Batavia.
From left, Notre Dame High School Principal Wade Bianco, Athletic Director Mike Rapone, Billy Sutherland, Jennifer Sutherland Forsyth, Melanie Sutherland, Pat Becker (Class of 1967) and David O'Connor (Class of 1967).
Photos by Howard Owens.
Oakfield-Alabama/Elba notched a convincing win over Avon on Friday, 24-7.
Bodie Hyde was 7-10 passing for 91 yards and a TD. Gaige Armbrewster ran 21 times for 74 yards and a TD. Noah Currier made three receptions for 52 yards and a TD. He also had an 80-yard kickoff return for a TD. K. Max DeMare struck a 25-yard field goal.
On defense, Connor Scott had 12 tackles, Kameron Cusmano, nine, Kaden Cusmano, eight, and CJ Gottler, eight.
"This was a huge win for our team," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "We knew beating Avon was going to take a full 4 quarter battle. They're a very strong team and we needed to play mistake-free football to get the win tonight. Hats off to them. This could be just the first meeting between the two of us. Also want to shout out Defensive Coordinator Corey Winter and Special Teams Coordinator Andrew Boyce for the game plans they put together for tonight. Those two sides of the ball came up big for us. If we are going to be a good football program, these are the games we need to persevere in and get the job done on the scoreboard. We are proud of our boys for doing exactly that."
Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.
A lawsuit filed by the Tonawanda Seneca Nation challenging the Genesee County Economic Development Center’s State Environmental Quality Review determination in connection with the Plug Power, Inc., project has been dismissed by Genesee County Acting Supreme Court Justice Charles Zambito.
The nation contended that the liquid hydrogen facility, which is in line to become operational sometime next year at the Western New York Science, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park in the Town of Alabama, would infringe upon its “Big Woods” sacred ground that is situated near the western end of STAMP.
As plaintiff in the legal action, the nation also sought to prove the GCEDC did not provide notification prior to the completion of the environmental review process.
Zambito, in his decision released on Sept. 28, ruled that the Seneca Nation failed to add Plug Power, Inc., as a defendant prior to the statute of limitations.
GCEDC reported its environmental impact determination on Feb. 4, giving the nation four months to amend its original suit of June 4 that listed only the GCEDC two top officers and board chair and vice chair as defendants.
The nation eventually added Plug Power, Inc., as a defendant on June 18 – two weeks after the deadline. Furthermore, it did so without “leave of the Court,” Zambito wrote, causing a delay in the amended petition’s filing until July 26.
In his analysis, Zambito wrote that “the proposed amended petition is untimely as it relates to Plug Power, Inc. (deemed a “necessary party”) and the individual GCEDC respondents. The motion to amend is denied accordingly and the amended petition is dismissed.”
He also dismissed the original petition for failure to include Plug Power, Inc., ruling that while the original petition was filed in a timely fashion, “the failure to join such a necessary party can result in the dismissal of the action.”
According to the GCEDC, Plug Power, Inc., plans to build the $232.7 million green energy technology facility at a 29.884-acre site at STAMP, with a proposed initial operation creating 68 new jobs at an average salary of approximately $70,000.
The Latham-based company also will invest $55 million to help build a 345/115KV electric substation in partnership with the New York Power Authority and National Grid. The substation will support future expansion and growth opportunities at STAMP’s 1,250-acre mega-site.
The GCEDC board of directors have approved the following incentives to Plug Power, Inc.:
The Blue Devils suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of #1 ranked Honeoye Falls Lima, 27 to 26.
Batavia is now 5-1 and HFL is 6-0. Both are in Class B in Section V and could meet again in the post-season.
Jesse Reinhart was 14-10 passing for 123 yards and a TD. He also ran for 68 yards on eight carries.
Aidan Anderson gained 162 yards on 12 carries and scored twice.
Javin McFollins had three receptions for 91 yards and a TD. Carter McFollins gained 31 yards on five catches.
Kaden Marucci had 13 tackles and an interception. Vincent Arroyo had eight tackles, Matt McWethhy, seven, and Javin McFollins, seven along with a fumble recovery.
Photos by Steve Ognibene
To view or purchase photos, click here.
The Batavia Police department is looking for 64-year-old Michael C. Jackson who left the Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing facility located at 257 State St. He was last seen at approximately 5:30 pm, wearing a red sweatsuit. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Batavia Police Department at 345-6350.
Photo By Howard Owens: Helicopter searching the Thruway corridor in Batavia.
The Stumblin' Inn is gone but not forgotten, and neither are Steve "Stork" Goff and Jim Goff, who both passed away this year. The brothers are commemorated with this Halloween Display at the former location of the Stumblin' Inn in Elba.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
To help celebrate its 100th Anniversary, the Stafford Country Club invited members of the Batavia Society of Artists to paint pictures of the club grounds, and tonight those paintings were sold to members. Twenty percent of the proceeds go to the club's scholarship fund with the remainder of the sale price going to the individual artist.
Top photo: Teresa Tamfer, one of the BSA's organizers of the event, with one of the paintings by a BSA member
It's Fire Prevention Week at Jackson Primary with students learning about fire safety, including fire drills, kitchen safety, fire alarms, and stop, drop and roll.
Captain Greg Ireland, Batavia Fire, has made instructional videos for the children.
Today, the fire department visited the school. Other activities include a coloring contest, a get "spotted" making good choices contest (the winners get a ride in the fire truck), and a list of fire safety rules to discuss at home.
Click here for more information on this listing.
Press release:
The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors approved a final resolution for financial assistance for a mixed-use development which will include six market-rate units in the town of Pembroke at its board meeting on Thursday, October 7, 2021.
The $1.7 million project by J&R Fancher Property Holdings LLC includes the construction a 14,000 sq. ft. two-story building on 2.6 acres at the 67-acre Buffalo East Technology Park. There will be a 7,000 sq. ft. flexible layout for commercial tenants on the first floor and the six 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments on the second floor. The project is located adjacent to Yancey’s Fancy’s facilities on Brickhouse Drive.
J&R Fancher Property Holdings LLC will receive $254,336 of financial assistance that includes sales, mortgage, and property tax abatements. The project is estimated to create a $4-to-$1 return on investment for Genesee County in addition to increased commercial and residential benefits in the town of Pembroke. A public hearing on the proposed agreement was held on October 5, 2021.
“We continue to build a critical mass of infrastructure, including housing at the intersection of Routes 5 and 77 in Pembroke which is an important thoroughfare in Genesee County with easy access to the New York State Thruway,” said GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde. “This growth in turn is generating new jobs, private sector capital investment and revenues for our local government partners.”
Byron-Bergen Central School will be getting major structural upgrades thanks to the 182 district residents who voted to approve a $17 million capital project Thursday.
District Superintendent Patrick McGee expressed his appreciation for those 226 people that took the time to vote. The final tally was 182 yes to 44 no.
“We are all very proud of this district and the work completed on this project will reflect that pride,” McGee said in a news release issued later Thursday night.
The project’s total tab of $17,107,802 is to cover improvements to the Elementary and Junior-Senior High schools, the natatorium and bus garage. A capital reserve fund and debt service payments will finance the plan and are not to cost district taxpayers anything in a “tax neutral” strategy.
State building aid accounts for 74.1 percent of the cost, with 8.5 percent in capital reserve funds and 17.4 percent in debt service.
Work is to include swimming pool locker room renovations, boiler plant replacement, domestic water upgrades and pool equipment upgrades; athletic field improvements, track restoration, soccer stadium lighting replacement and roofing replacements at the Junior-Senior High School; and a new boiler plant and domestic water system upgrades at the Elementary School.
Work on the project is estimated to begin in 2023. For details, go to www.bbschools.org/CapitalImprovementProject.aspx
Press release:
Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden prepare for their annual Basket Raffle fundraiser to be held on Saturday, October 23rd during the FALL FESTIVAL sponsored by All Babies Cherished. The event with taking place at the Batavia City Center. All proceeds from the Basket Raffle will benefit the Batavia Peace Garden. Barb Toal, President of the Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden “we have assembled a fantastic line up of over sixty gifts and gift baskets just in time for the holidays. There is something for everyone. Many unique gifts, multi-generational, designer handbags, artwork, jewelry, pet friendly, handmade & seasonal, toys, and fine collectibles. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and admission is free. There will be more than 70 vendors present throughout the mall. The festival will feature food and entertainment. Bring the whole family.”
Submitted Photo: Dona Tiberio, Barb Toal, Ida Monachino, Berneds Scoins, Louise Wallace, Carol Grosso, MaryJo Dumuhosky, Dianna Bogue, Paula Savage
Press release:
Now in its third year, Richmond Reads is the community one-book program for the Richmond Memorial Library community. Meant to bring the community together through a shared reading experience, this year’s selection is The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin.
The 2021 Richmond Reads program is in full swing with a busy schedule of events and discussions centered on this year’s selection. A story of hope, found family and reconciliation, The Music of Bees is Eileen Garvin’s first novel and was published in April of 2021. When three strangers find themselves thrown together by chance on a honeybee farm, they discover more than they ever expected- in the bees and in each other.
Copies of the book can be borrowed through Richmond Memorial Library or accessed through the library’s OverDrive app as an eBook or audiobook. Copies are also available to purchase at the library for $15, cash or check.
Programs and events:
The Music of Bees Book Discussions- Wednesday, October 13 at 9 am, Saturday, October 16 at 10 am or Monday, October 18 at 6:30 pm: Join us for a discussion of The Music of Bees! The only requirement to attend a book discussion is to read the book! All discussions will take place at the library. No registration required.
Richmond Reads Reel Discussions- Thursday, October 14 at 6 pm: Join us at the library for a screening of The Vanishing of the Bees (2009), followed by a discussion. This documentary “takes a piercing investigative look at the economic, political and ecological implications of the worldwide disappearance of the honeybee.” (imdb.com) No registration is required.
Virtual Author Visit! Thursday, October 21 at 7 pm: Author Eileen Garvin will visit from Oregon via Zoom. She will present a book talk and answer questions! Those who are unable to access Zoom from home are invited to watch the program at the library. Please register for either viewing option by calling 585-343-9550 x3 or at batavialibrary.org. Three winners will be randomly chosen from registered attendees to win a signed copy of the book! Winners or a representative must be able to pick up their prize from the library. Registration is required.
Richmond Reads Review Contest: Write a review of The Music of Bees for a chance to win a copy of the book signed by the author and $50 to a local restaurant! All rules, information, and the review form can be found at batavialibrary.org/richmond-reads or at the reference desk at the library. Firm submission deadline: Monday, October 18 at 5 pm. Submissions will be reviewed anonymously by the Richmond Reads Committee and two winners will be chosen. Winners or a representative must be able to pick up their prize from the library.
Richmond Reads is sponsored by The Friends of Richmond Memorial Library. For more, visit batavialibrary.org/richmond-reads. Questions about the program can be directed to Community and Adult Services Librarian and Richmond Reads coordinator Samantha Basile at 585-343-9550 x8.
Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St in the city of Batavia. For more events and information, visit batavialibrary.org or find us on Facebook at Richmond Memorial Library or Instagram @batavialibrary.
Article and photos by Glenn Adams
The Honor Guard was established to provide Military Honors in funeral services for veterans from any of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Western New York National Cemetery Honor Guard for Genesee County is looking for volunteers to help with that important task.
The National Cemetery, located in Pembroke, has become the final resting place for over 600 veterans so far this year. Opened late last year, it provides a place where loved ones can say their final farewells, and thereafter, visit the grave as often as they desire.
They average about 3 funerals a day there, Monday through Friday, and occasionally have one on Saturday. An Honor Guard is there in the summer heat, wintery blasts, and everything in between, honoring those who have given at least a part of their lives for their country.
I witnessed my first funeral there last week. The Honor Guard was on hand to do their part in making a difficult time a little easier for family and friends. John Case was there then, an ex-Marine He was laid to rest his father, who had served in the Air Force. The ritual flag folding, gun salutes, taps, and expressions of gratitude for his father’s service from a grateful nation, lent an air of gravity to the proceedings.
The Genesee County detail, which takes the Monday services, is made up of 47 volunteers, although the numbers dwindle as snowbirds leave for the south each fall, and other commitments take volunteers away from week to week. Tuesday’s Honor Guard is from Orleans County, Wednesday, from Wyoming County, Thursday from Erie County, and Friday’s Honor Guard is made up of Vets from the various surrounding counties served by the Cemetery. Carl Hyde, a Navy Veteran and in charge of the Genesee County Guard, tells me that the last Monday of each month is a service for unclaimed Vets.
But they need help from Veterans in the area who can give a little time to help the families of their fellow soldiers. Who can help out? Anyone with an honorable discharge from the military is eligible. You don’t need to be a part of any Veteran’s organization. There is no requirement for attendance each week. Some vets are only available once or twice a month. Right now they’re stretched pretty thin on some days, for the south is calling some for the winter, and none are getting any younger.
For more information on how you can help, stop by the Batavia American Legion, 8969 Alexander Rd on Saturday, October 9th from 1-4 pm or call Carl Hyde at 585.356.2658. If you are from another county, he can put you in touch with a person from your county to contact.
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