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Fall Garden Gala

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Save the date! Saturday, September 18, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, the Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Fall Garden Gala at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main Street in Batavia.

This plant sale features hardy garden perennials, most grown by Master Gardeners.  Fall is a good time to plant many perennials as there is still time for them to grow a strong root system before winter.  An interesting selection of house plants will also be available for sale.

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Mary G. Fargo

By Billie Owens

Mary G. Fargo, 92, of East Pembroke, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on July 23, 2021. She was born on March 28, 1929 and was a daughter of the late William and Agnes M. Clements Grace.

Mary worked at New York Telephone Company in Batavia and later the Amherst office where she retired. She was a lifelong resident of Batavia until moving to her niece, Marianne Smart’s home in East Pembroke.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Karen (Bob) Fargo Clement, her son James (Amy) Fargo and her sister Ann E. Smart-Perry.

Mary is survived by her two granddaughters Melissa (fiancé Gary Fore) Bowen, Kathryn (Rodney Howard) Bowen, two great-granddaughters Kayleigh (fiancé Megan Marciniak) Perez, Whitney (fiancé Alex Muckle) Athoe, one great-great-granddaughter Zoey Keith. Also, two nieces Carol Sue (Doug) Yaeger, Marianne Smart, #1 and only nephew David Smart and one great-niece Juliann Yaeger.

Mary had donated her body to science at University of Buffalo. The family will have a gathering at a later date.

Memorials can be made to Volunteers for Animals 3541 W. Main St., Batavia, NY.

Corfu Farmers Market

By Billie Owens

Come visit local farmers, vendors and artisan every Monday 4 to 7 p.m. in the parking lot of Corfu United Presbyterian Church, 63 Alleghany Road
Corfu.

The market provides fresh, homegrown produce options, crafts and food trucks to the residents of Corfu and visitors. Come join us!

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Corfu Farmers Market

By Billie Owens

Come visit local farmers, vendors and artisan every Monday 4 to 7 p.m. in the parking lot of Corfu United Presbyterian Church, 63 Alleghany Road
Corfu.

The market provides fresh, homegrown produce options, crafts and food trucks to the residents of Corfu and visitors. Come join us!

Event Date and Time
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Corfu Farmers Market

By Billie Owens

Come visit local farmers, vendors and artisan every Monday 4 to 7 p.m. in the parking lot of Corfu United Presbyterian Church, 63 Alleghany Road
Corfu.

The market provides fresh, homegrown produce options, crafts and food trucks to the residents of Corfu and visitors. Come join us!

Event Date and Time
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Corfu Farmers Market

By Billie Owens

Come visit local farmers, vendors and artisan every Monday 4 to 7 p.m. in the parking lot of Corfu United Presbyterian Church, 63 Alleghany Road
Corfu.

The market provides fresh, homegrown produce options, crafts and food trucks to the residents of Corfu and visitors. Come join us!

Event Date and Time
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Corfu Farmers Market

By Billie Owens

Come visit local farmers, vendors and artisan every Monday 4 to 7 p.m. in the parking lot of Corfu United Presbyterian Church, 63 Alleghany Road
Corfu.

The market provides fresh, homegrown produce options, crafts and food trucks to the residents of Corfu and visitors. Come join us!

Event Date and Time
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​Raymond J. Barone

By Billie Owens

Raymond J. Barone, age 74, of Penn Yan, NY passed away on July 21, 2021 of bladder cancer. 

He was born in Batavia, NY on May 21, 1947 to the late Samuel and Antoinette (Presutti) Barone.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Drum Corps and a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Viet Nam War.

He graduated from Batavia High School in 1965, Buffalo State College and Plattsburgh State College with a degree in School Psychology. He retired from the Penn Yan Central School District as a school psychologist after 31 years.

He is survived by his wife Alice (Yager), of Penn Yan; sister Carol (late Richard Sr.) Betteridge, of Orlando Fla.; brother Ronald (Sharon) Barone Sr., of Stafford NY, Samuel (Anne) Barone of Batavia, NY and sister-in-law Judy (late George) Yager, of Byron, NY. Also surviving are nieces and nephews, Richard (Rhonda) Betteridge Jr., Mark (Julie) Betteridge, Cristina (Scott) Edwards, Ronald Barone Jr., Kathleen (Robert) Johns, Mary Sanfratello, Robert (Jessica) Barone, Sheri Barone, Michael (Laura) Barone, Jeffrey (Mary) Barone, Daniel Barone, David (Mariana) Yager, Michael (Laura) Yager; many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Raymond loved living on Keuka Lake where he enjoyed boating and entertaining family and friends, traveling, and making his own wine.

Calling hours for Raymond Barone will be at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday (July 27th) at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 312 Liberty St., Penn Yan, NY. Funeral mass will immediately follow in the church at 1 p.m. A luncheon will follow services at the Penn Yan American Legion, 2001 Himrod Road, Penn Yan, NY.

Burial will be at a later date in Western New York National Cemetery.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that donations may be made in memory of Raymond J. Barone to Penn Yan School District, 1 School Drive, Penn Yan, NY 14527 or the Batavia VA Medical Center, Activity Fund, 222 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020.

Funeral arrangements by Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan, NY (WeldonFuneralHome.com)

Motorcyclist speeding through the city

By Billie Owens

A speeding motorcycle is zooming through the city and the police have determined not to engage it. It was westbound at about 80 mph, then headed up Lewiston Road going about 115 mph, an officer tells dispatch.

UPDATE 5:31 p.m.: An officer tells a dispatcher the motorcycle was last seen heading down "Townline Road."

Law and Order: Oakfield man accused of menacing and attempted assault after fighting with three victims

By Billie Owens

Michael Thomas Martinez, 37, of Church Street, Oakfield, is charged with: second-degree menacing; two counts of first-degree attempted assault; two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree; two counts of second-degree harassment; and trespass. He was arrested at 1:55 a.m. July 21. After an altercation between Martinez and two victims, it is alleged that Martinez hit both victims with a closed first. He then allegedly pulled out a knife and attempted to slash at the two victims with a knife, stating he was going to stab and kill them both. Martinez did allegedly cut the arm of one of the victims. He then left the scene and returned to his residence. A relative of a victim watched Martinez's house to make sure he did not leave before deputies arrived. Martinez allegedly came out of his house with a black metal pipe, which started a separate altercation. He then threatened to hit the third victim, the family member, with the pipe. Martinez then allegedly told the third victim he was going to get a gun from his house and shoot the third victim unless he left. Martinez returned to his house for a short time, then came outside. He was taken into custody by Genesee County Sheriff's deputies and NYS troopers. Martinez was arraigned in Oakfield Town Court and put in GC Jail on $10,000 cash bail. The incident was handled by GC Deputy Jacob Gauthier and Deputy Austin Heberlein with assistance from state police.

Ida Marie Vanorden, 35, of Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree attempteed assault and third-degree assault. She was arrested July 22 after an investigation for allegedly assaulting two people at 3 a.m. on July 14 on North Lake Road in Bergen. She was arraigned in Bergen Town Court and is due back there on Aug. 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jenna Ferrando.

Pamela A. Morrow is charged with driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or greater -- second offense within 10 years, and DWI -- second offense within 10 years. At 6:20 p.m. July 21, Morrow was arrested on Linwood Road in Le Roy. She was processed at Genesee County Jail then released on appearance tickets. She is due in Le Roy Town Court on Aug. 3. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Elizabeth Michelle Thompson, 31, of Monclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested at 12:50 p.m. July 21. It is alleged that she stole $113.28 worth of merchandise from Walmart. She is accused of walking past all points of sale without paying for the items. She was processed at Genesee County Jail, then released on an appearance ticket for Batavia Town Court Aug. 19. The case was handled by GC Sheriff's Deputy Chad Cummings.

Grass fire knocked down in Stafford

By Billie Owens

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A grass field fire covering about an acre erupted at about 11:37 a.m. in Stafford at Sweetland and Roanoke roads. It was moving toward a house.

Stafford Fire Command called for mutual aid from Le Roy, which was just wrapping up a response to a vent fire at a business and an accident in front of Le Roy's Tops. Byron also responded.

The fire was knocked down but then hot spots flared up and had to be snuffed out. 

A farmer helped by plowing a furrow around the blaze to help contain it.

Stafford and Byron went back in service at 12:56 p.m.

Photos by Glenn Adams.

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Two-car accident with injuries reported in front of Tops in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported in front of Tops market at 128 W. Main St., Le Roy. It is blocking traffic. Le Roy fire and an ambulance are responding.

UPDATE 11:16 a.m.: Medics are cancelled. A flatbed tow is called for one of the vehicles involved.

Possible structure fire reported in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A possible structure fire is reported at a business at 53 Church St. in Le Roy. Le Roy fire responding, along with city engine #11.

Village police are on scene. Possibly involves sawdust from a side vent; exterior only. Venting now; building evacuated. Caledonia is also called. All units to proceed until there's confirmation of no smoke or fire.

Orcon Industries is the business located at this address. The vent in question is on the second story.

UPDATE 11:22 a.m.: The city is returning to fire headquarters.

UPDATE 11:25 a.m.: Church Street command says a sawdust vent appears to be faulty; investigating.

UPDATE 11:36 a.m.: Firefighters located a small fire in the dust collectors. It's knocked down and responders are picking up and returning to service.

Five GC students recognized for academic achievement at SUNY Oswego

By Billie Owens

SUNY Oswego recently recognized Genesee County residents as high academic achievers on its President’s List and dean's list for the Spring 2021 semester.

President's List students are those attaining semester grade-point averages of 3.8 or higher while carrying required academic credits. Students on the President’s List include:

  • Alexis N. Begin, of Corfu, Communication

  • Collin J. Knapp, of Byron, Journalism, History 

  • Chase N. Monachino, of Batavia, History 

Dean's list students are those attaining semester grade-point averages between 3.3 and 3.79 while carrying required academic credits. Students on the dean's list include:

  • Charles T. Burton, of Batavia, Creative Writing

  • Kelsey Kasmarek, of Stafford, Criminal Justice

SUNY Oswego enrolls nearly 8,000 students in more than 110 academic majors across its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Communication, Media and the Arts; and School of Education. For more information, visit oswego.edu.

Batavia Downs chosen as one of four statewide recipients of the 2021 Arc Employer of the Year Award

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has been selected one of four statewide recipients of "The Arc New York 2021 Employer of the Year Award," acknowledging the value of employing people with disabilities in their place of business

Arc of Genesee Orleans Director of Development Shelley Falitico says Batavia Downs has been a longtime friend of the agency, hosting Arc Night at the Races and Arc’s annual awards banquet.

Batavia Downs Values the Benefits of Hiring People with Disabilities

In addition, through a partnership with Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, an onsite training on "The Benefits of Hiring a Person with a Disability" was held at the Arc Walnut Street location. Several employees from Batavia Downs HR Department were in attendance and were excited to begin collaborating with Arc’s Vocational Services team. 

“Our first request of The Downs was to allow us work with Community PreVoc participants at Batavia Downs to assess their skills,” said Arc Director of Vocational Services Melissa Cotter.

“A true partnership for employment and opportunities for people we serve was definitely developing. Unfortunately, COVID hit and Batavia Downs shut down along with some of our day services and the rest of the globe."

When Batavia Downs reopened, Arc of Genesee Orleans picked up where it left off and had a perfect candidate – Caleb Miller, for an Environmental Services technician position.

Caleb’s Mom, Debbie Miller, said in a letter supporting the award nomination, “My son is 20 years old with a diagnosis of autism. When COVID hit and shut the world down, Caleb could no longer attend college.

"He was attending Genesee Community College for Graphic Arts, but online classes did not work for him. Although he did try to find a job, Caleb also knew working directly with the public would not be easy for him. Enter Arc of Genesee Orleans and Batavia Downs,” Miller said. 

Naturally, as a mother, Miller said she had fears of how the job was going to work out, but is thankful that Batavia Downs for took a chance on her son and supported him as he landed his first job. 

“Batavia Downs has now hired Caleb directly – he is on their payroll now. And he is continuing to do well. His schedule is set, he knows the busy days of the casino and the slower days. He knows some of his ‘regular’ customers and they know who he is.

"Batavia Downs has given Caleb a sense of pride and self-worth. Caleb is a normal, working 20-year-old adult. He has his own money now. What a difference the Downs has made in Caleb’s life.”

One question in the award nomination asked how does the nominee ensure that employees with disabilities are fully integrated and supported in their company’s workforce.

Cotter said the people Arc supports at Batavia Downs Gaming are not separated by what they wear, ID badges, expectations or benefits.

“They wear the same uniforms, carry the same credentials and are expected to perform the duties that they were hired for,” she said. “The supervisors and coworkers have been very warm and welcoming to the people we support. From day one, from top managers, to security guards, to every other employee, all employees have been receptive to our presence there and offer the people we support any assistance they can to be a successful employee."

Arc of Genesee Orleans representatives will be on hand at the Downs on Thursday, July 29, at 6 p.m. for the Zoom award presentation from The Arc New York state offices. The award will be presented to Henry Wojtaszek, president & CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming.

Top photo: Caleb Miller, Environmental Services technician at Batavia Downs Gaming.

Seven GC students received baccalaureate degrees from Buffalo State in Spring 2021

By Billie Owens

 Buffalo State College is pleased to congratulate the students from Genesee County who completed the requirements to earn their baccalaureate degrees in Spring 2021.

  • Carli Bogue, of Elba

  • Jenna Huntington, of Elba

  • Michelle McEwen, of Stafford

  • Angelina Miconi, of Batavia

  • Miranda Schiller, of Alexander

  • Samantha Tatarski, of Corfu 

  • Alysa Urbanczyk, of Oakfield

Buffalo State is a State University of New York (SUNY) college located in Buffalo. It offers 79 undergraduate majors as well as many minors and certificate programs. Every year, thousands of students benefit from Buffalo State's community engagement, hands-on learning opportunities, and affordable SUNY tuition. Buffalo State also offers more than 60 graduate programs.

Free Zoom seminar on tree pests gypsy moths and emerald ash borer

By Billie Owens

The recent infestations of the gypsy moth (also known as Lymantria dispar dispar -- LDD) and emerald ash borer -- EAB (also known as Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire), along with other pests and diseases, have been the cause of a lot of concern in Western New York recently.

The adult gypsy moths are emerging. While the initial damage from their caterpillars is done for this year, now is a great time to learn about how to reduce or mitigate damage that may occur from next year’s caterpillars.

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NY ABATE GC Chapter hosts Fallen Officers Memorial Ride starting at Stan's H-D, proceeds go toward monument at Sheriff's Office

By Billie Owens

NY ABATE GC Chapter will host a Fallen Officers Memorial Ride on Saturday, Aug. 14, starting at Stan's Harley-Davidson dealership, located at 4425 W. Saile Drive, Batavia.

Registration is from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., with kickstands up at 11 o'clock.

Proceeds go to fallen officers monument at the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on Park Road in Batavia.

There will be a 50/50 and a biker's prayer quilt raffle.

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All welcome to summer picnic hosted by SCOPE at Batavia Coon Hunters club

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E -- Shooters Committee On Political Education -- announces a summer picnic Aug. 10 at “The Sportman Coon Hunters Association,” located at 8770 Hopkins Road, Batavia.

The gathering will start at 4 p.m.

Members, former members, and the public are welcome to attend.

Come out have some picnic food, and meet others interested in preserving the Second Amendment.

Picnic is FREE and you could win a FREE door prize.

Questions? Contact Dave Kaufman (585) 690-7429.

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Two Batavians named to Daemen College dean's list for Spring 2021 semester

By Billie Owens
Two students from Genesee County were named to the dean's list for the Spring 2021 semester at Daemen College. They are:
  • John Bruggman, of Batavia, is studying Illustration.
  • Briana Janes, of Batavia, is studying Physical Therapy.
Any student who attains a grade-point average of 3.30 in any one semester is eligible for dean's list recognition.

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