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Local volunteer firefighters train and hone their skills to save lives and help in dangerous situations

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Fifteen area firefighers successfully completed the Basic Exterior Firefighter Operations (BEFO) training program held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center. Also, an eight-hour Trench Rescue Awareness course was recently conducted at the Genesee County Fire Training Center. Twenty-two members of the County’s volunteer fire service completed this program on Nov. 9.

BASIC EXTERIOR FIREFIGHTER OPERATIONS TRAINING PROGRAM

BEFO is an entry-level program requiring 79 hours of classroom instruction and skill development. This course is designed to prepare students to respond to emergencies as exterior firefighters. BEFO prepares new firefighters to operate under direct supervision in the exterior or IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) areas of the fire scene.

Students participated in training covering: firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE); self-contained breathing apparatus inspection and cylinder changing; fire department communications; building construction and fire behavior; modern fire control research; portable fire extinguishers; rope and knot tying; ground ladders; forcible entry; tactical ventilation theory; water supply; hose and fire streams; loss control; orientation to fire origin and cause determination; fire prevention and life safety initiatives; confined space awareness; overview of first aid and buddy care; and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations. 

Genesee County BEFO training participants included: 

Alexander Fire Department

  • Matthew F. Grimes                    
  • Adam F. Meier                 
  • Douglas G. Mess                 
  • Heidi L. Richmond                    

Bethany Volunteer Fire Department

  • Timothy J. McCabe                    

Darien Center Chemical Fire Company

  • Megan R. Brown                    

East Pembroke Fire Department

  • Lloyd J. Casselbury

Pavilion Fire Department

  • Amanda A. Goodwin                    
  • Sean P. Vogt Jr.                    
  • Timothy R. Zipfel Jr.                     

South Byron Fire Department

  • Aaron N. Belluscio                 
  • Theresa E. Hammer                 
  • Andew L. Konieczny                 
  • Vitorrio J. Muoio                    

Stafford Volunteer Fire Department

  • Samantha S. Call                  

TRENCH RESCUE AWARENESS COURSE

Problems that can and do occur in trench rescue incidents were discussed. Safety techniques, shoring techniques, proper procedures, team operations and hazard assessment were addressed.

Trench Rescue Awareness participants included:

Town of Batavia Fire Department

  • Joshua K. Boyle
  • Clayton A. Gorski                 

Bethany Volunteer Fire Department

  • Christopher M. Page
  • Kyle L. Rombaut

Corfu Rescue Hook & Ladder Co.

  • Mitchell D. Bates
  • Gregory S. Lang
  • Matthew P. Lenhard
  • Steven D. Rodland
  • Jeffrey D. Luker

Darien Center Chemical Fire Company inc.

  • Joe T. Marino
  • David W. McGreevy
  • Mark R. Starczewski Sr.
  • Paul C. Redden

Elba Fire Department

  • Nickolas J. Esten
  • John D. Mudrzynski
  • Jason R. Pallister
  • Michael J. Schad Jr.
  • George M. Underhill
  • Caitlin E. Zipfel                    

Pembroke Fire District

  • James Reinhardt
  • Tera L. Reinhardt

Stafford Volunteer Fire Department

  • Timothy E. Eckdahl

Margaret M. Preston

By Billie Owens

From Batavia Downs:


Avon, NY --- Western New York horsewoman Margaret M. Preston died on November 22, 2017. She was 92. 

Preston was born October 31, 1926, the daughter of the late William and Marie (Cleary) Preston. She is survived by her sister Maureen Kingston; nieces and nephew Maura (Emil) Kostraba, John (Beth) Kingston, Sheila Kingston (Wes Clements), Andrea (Jon) Bailey; several great nieces and great nephews. She was pre-deceased by her brother-in-law David Kingston. 

Ms. Preston was an avid horsewoman who raced harness horses for many years. She bred and owned several Standardbred race horses in addition to training and driving them. Her last win in the sulky came with trotter Serious Fan at the Palmyra Fair in a New York County Fair stakes in 2009 at the age 84.

Ms. Preston was a member of the United States Trotting Association and the Western New York Harness Horseman’s Association.

Besides racing horses, Ms. Preston was retired from the Dundee Central School District as a Librarian Media Specialist.

Family and friends are invited to call Sunday (Nov. 26) from 4-7 p.m. at the Stephenson-Dougherty Funeral Home Inc. 350 Genesee St, Avon, NY. Her Funeral Mass will be held Monday (Nov. 27) at 10 a.m. at St. Agnes Church, Avon, NY followed by interment at St. Agnes Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Agnes Cemetery, 96 Prospect Street Avon, NY 14414, or St. Rose Cemetery P.O. Box 8A Lima, NY 14485.

Margaret M. Preston

By Billie Owens

From Batavia Downs:


Avon, NY---Western New York horsewoman Margaret M. Preston died on November 22, 2017. She was 92. 

Preston was born October 31, 1926, the daughter of the late William and Marie (Cleary) Preston. She is survived by her sister Maureen Kingston; nieces and nephew Maura (Emil) Kostraba, John (Beth) Kingston, Sheila Kingston (Wes Clements), Andrea (Jon) Bailey; several great nieces and great nephews. She was pre-deceased by her brother-in-law David Kingston. 

Ms. Preston was an avid horsewoman who raced harness horses for many years. She bred and owned several Standardbred race horses in addition to training and driving them. Her last win in the sulky came with trotter Serious Fan at the Palmyra Fair in a New York County Fair stakes in 2009 at the age 84.

Ms. Preston was a member of the United States Trotting Association and the Western New York Harness Horseman’s Association.

Besides racing horses, Ms. Preston was retired from the Dundee Central School District as a Librarian Media Specialist.

Family and friends are invited to call Sunday (Nov. 26) from 4-7 p.m. at the Stephenson-Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc. 350 Genesee St, Avon, NY. Her Funeral Mass will be held Monday (Nov. 27) at 10 a.m. at St. Agnes Church, Avon, NY followed by interment at St. Agnes Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Agnes Cemetery, 96 Prospect Street Avon, NY 14414, or St. Rose Cemetery P.O. Box 8A Lima, NY 14485.

Crash with injuries and entrapment reported on Route 33 at Wilkinson Road, West Batavia

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries and entrapment is reported at 2745 Pearl Street Road (Route 33) at the intersection of Wilkinson Road in West Batavia. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. The availability of Mercy Flight is being checked.

"We believe the vehicle may be underneath a tractor-trailer," says a dispatcher.  "...Multiple vehicles." A BLS ambulance out of Darien is called for evaluations of patients. Fire police from Corfu are asked to shut down traffic on Route 33 at Read Road; Town of Batavia Fire Department is asked to close Route 33 at Hopkins Road.

UPDATE 1:26 p.m.: This is a fatal accident. More T/K.

Squeeze This wins tight finish at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Photo of Squeeze This with driver Billy Davis Jr.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

A heady drive by Billy Davis Jr. conserved effort for Squeeze This both early and late in the mile before he let her lunge down the lightning lane and capture the $10,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace at Batavia Downs on Wednesday evening (Nov. 22).

Voltina (Kevin Cummings) went back to her penchant of cutting the race; firing hard off the gate to take early command. She yielded briefly to Exotic Beach (Larry Stalbaum) at the quarter, but retook the front by the three-eighths pole. As they motored past the half in :57.3, Squeeze This came first up from sixth and dropped fortuitously into the two-hole in front of the now-gapping Exotic Beach and was sitting right on Voltina’s back.

As the group passed three-quarters, Hey Kobe (Ray Fisher Jr.) who had drafted up behind Squeeze This was now second on the outside and pushing the issue with the frontrunner all the way around the turn. At the top of the lane Hey Kobe made her way by Voltina who was visibly tiring, Aritzia Hanover (Drew Monti) was flying three-deep around Hey Kobe and Squeeze This, well, squeezed into the passing lane and was pacing up a storm by the pylons. When they hit the wire Squeeze This scored a head victory in 1:56.2 over Aritzia Hanover who was another head in front of Hey Kobe who finished third.

It was the seventh win of the year for Squeeze This ($14.20) and the win pushed her earnings to $54,866 for owner Garth Betchel. Jim Graham trains the 5-year-old daughter of Allamerican Native.

In the $8,000 distaff Open II, America Ferrera (Kevin Cummings) turned a two-hole trip behind Sarah Cola (Billy Davis Jr.) into a 1:56.3 seasonal best win. Owned by Henry Conradt, America Ferrera ($32.40) is trained by Mike Ohol.

The USTA Strategic Wagering Program guaranteed pool of $12,500 on the early Pick-5 wager turned out to be a boon for the night’s handle. Aided by longshots America Ferrera ($32.40) and Tinker Taxi ($80), the $2 early Pick-5 combination of 4-2-2-4-7 paid $21,020 on the strength of $18,340 new money bet. The night’s first race handled the most money ever wagered on a single race at Batavia Downs since OTB reopened it in 2002 and the overall handle for the night was up 27 percent over the same date last year with two less races on the card.

“It was a great night at the windows for Batavia Downs on Wednesday,” said Todd Haight, director/general manager of Live Racing. “We would like to thank the USTA and Chris Schick for partnering with us on the Strategic Wagering Program tonight and also Trackmaster for providing the free program pages that enhanced everyone’s handicapping enjoyment.”

Kevin Cummings remains hot and led all drivers again tonight winning three races on the card.

Batavia Downs would like to wish all our fans and patrons a very Happy Thanksgiving and look forward to seeing everyone back at the track when live racing resumes on Friday (Nov. 24) at 6 p.m.

Hawley: 'Small Business Saturday builds a stronger community'

By Billie Owens

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“As we kick off the bustling holiday season on Black Friday, it is important to consider shopping at some of our locally owned, small businesses this weekend for Small Business Saturday," Hawley said. "The dedicated men and women that own and operate these businesses take pride in the products they sell and are crucial in growing our local economy.

“As a small business owner/operator for several decades, I know firsthand the trials and tribulations of our state’s business owners and have strived to become their voice in Albany. By patronizing these tremendous companies this weekend you will undoubtedly take part in helping to create local jobs, stimulate our economy and make Western New York a fantastic place to do business.”

This 'Plaid Friday' adopt a dog or cat at half price from the GC Animal Shelter

By Billie Owens

Attention shoppers! The day after tomorrow is "Plaid Friday" at the Genesee County Animal Shelter and all adoption fees for all adult dogs and cats will be half price.

The pet sale lasts through Sunday, Nov. 26.

The animals must be at least a year old "qualify for this amazing deal." Usually, the adoption fee is $60.

If an animal is not spayed or neutered, an additional $35 deposit is required.

VFA rescue dogs are also half off the usual adoption fees of $50 to $150.

All shelter animals are current with vaccines; dogs are tested for heartworm and cats for FeLV/FIV. Most of them are also spayed or neutered.

Bring a leash for your new canine friend and a carrier for your new feline friend.

Make your holidays extra special with a new Best Friend Forever!

The Genesee County Animal Shelter is located at 3841 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

Hours are:

  • 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Friday
  • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday
  • 1-3 and 7-9 p.m., Wednesday
  • CLOSED THURSDAY

Perry man charged with DWI after early morning rollover accident in Bethany

By Billie Owens

Press release from the GC Sheriff's Office:

A 30-year-old Perry man is charged with DWI after a rollover accident early this morning on Route 63 near Fargo Road in Bethany.

Kenneth Wayne Wilson Jr., of Burke Hill Road, is also charged with: speed not reasonable and prudent; uninspected motor vehicle; moving from lane unsafely; and leaving the scene of a property damage accident.

The actual location of the single-vehicle accident was determined to be 5604 Ellicott Street Road (Route 63) and it occurred at 1:24 a.m.

Deputies responded and after an investigation they arrested Wilson.

It is alleged that he was driving while intoxicated. He was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital via ambulance. He was released on appearance tickets returnable to Bethany Town Court at 7 p.m. on Jan. 9.

The case was investigated by Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Jeremy McClellan.

For previous coverage, click here.

One-vehicle rollover reported at Route 63 near Fargo Road in Bethany

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported at Route 63 near Fargo Road, Bethany. A first responder on scene says the vehicle is off the roadway. Bethany and Stafford fire departments are responding, along with Mercy medics. Traffic control will be needed "to slow people down since we have the curve."

UPDATE 1:43 a.m.: Traffic will be slowed down at Little Canada Road and Route 63 per command.

UPDATE 1:44 a.m.: Traffic will also be slowed at Paul Road and Route 63 per command.

UPDATE 1:47 a.m.: Command confirms the roadway will remain open for now.

UPDATE 2:03 a.m.: When Dan's Towing arrives, road will be briefly shut down to facilitate the tow.

UPDATE 2:14 a.m.:  One person is being transported to Strong Memorial Hospital.

GO ART! hosts book signing and reading event featuring local author Kathryn Donahue

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
GO ART! is hosting the book signing of local author Kathryn Donahue's new book "The Dog Walker's Diary" on Tuesday, Nov. 28. It's at Seymour Place in Downtown Batavia at 201 E. Main St., Batavia.
 
She will be doing a short reading starting at 6:30 p.m. and the event runs until 8 p.m.
 
There will be a limited number of books for sale at the event ($14.99 each) so make sure you get here early before they are gone if you are looking to purchase a copy.
 
Here's the publisher's note about the book:
 
Donahue’s debut is a diverting delight from beginning to end. Combining the best of two worlds, it blends little amuse-bouche fantastical tales of lion tamers and buccaneers—as told by dogs—with sweet contemporary human romance.
 
Irish redhead Annie Doherty is not so much a dog whisperer as a dog listener. When she takes the job of walking L.A. literary agent Daniel Ashe’s dogs, she starts leaving him daily dictations of the stories that the precocious canines tell her about their other lives as circus performers or sea captains.
 
By all rights Ashe should be falling in love with the sprightly Annie, but he was frightened by a redhead when he was a child, so now he’s a confirmed gingerphobe; he pursues a tall, blond ice queen while awaiting his big professional break.
 
By the time he realizes that he does indeed love Annie, the plot takes a surprising turn and a wicked mystery ensues. Donahue packs a ton of refreshing fun into this clever take on modern romance.

Traditional Mexican Christmas fare demo at GO ART! by Orleans County chef Leonel Rosario, RSVP by Dec. 8

By Billie Owens
There will be a demonstration of preparing traditional Mexican Christmas fare by chef Leonel Rosario from noon to 2 p.m. on Second Sunday in December at GO ART!
 
Rosario is chef at Mariachi de Oro in Medina, which was named the 2017 Business of the Year by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.
 
The event is Dec. 10 and cost is $5.
 
Participants will get a chance to try their hand at techniques of making traditional Mexican Christmas food and taste samples of tamales, beverages and more.
 
Space is limited. RSVP by Dec. 8 via email at info@goart.org or by calling 585-343-9312.

GO ART! is located in historic Seymour Place in Downtown Batavia at 201 E. Main St.

Feliz navidad!

Five-band Jamboree on Dec. 3 at Stafford Fire Hall to benefit Mark Dougherty

By Billie Owens

There will be a Jamboree Benefit Fundraiser for Mark Dougherty at the Stafford Fire Hall from 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3. Admission is free; donations accepted.

Five bands will perform:

  • Scott / Ryan
  • Front Porch Pickers
  • Tonk ! Bros.
  • Rick Howe Band
  • KW Does Country

There will also be a basket raffle, 50/50 and Bell Jar tickets.

Special thanks to Bill Pitcher.

The Stafford Fire Hall is located at 6153 Main Road in Stafford.

Five-band Jamboree fundraiser at Stafford Fire Hall to benefit Mark Dougherty

By Billie Owens

There will be a Jamboree Benefit Fundraiser for Mark Dougherty at the Stafford Fire Hall from 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3. Admission is free; donations accepted.

Five bands will perform:

  • Scott / Ryan
  • Front Porch Pickers
  • Tonk ! Bros.
  • Rick Howe Band
  • KW Does Country

There will also be a basket raffle, 50/50 and Bell Jar tickets.

Special thanks to Bill Pitcher.

The Stafford Fire Hall is located at 6153 Main Road in Stafford.

Event Date and Time
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Stafford Tree Lighting Ceremony in Ilette Park, followed by music, carols, cookies and wassail

By Billie Owens
The Stafford Garden Club together with the Town of Stafford will present the Second Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:27 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 6: 27 p.m., at the gazebo in Ilette Park, corner of routes 5 and 237.
 
A procession with dancers, singers, a brass ensemble, and special presenters will march to the gazebo.
 
After the lighting ceremony, all are invited to join us across the street at St.
Event Date and Time

Stafford will hold annual tree lighting ceremony Dec. 2, followed by music, caroling, wassail and cookies

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
The Stafford Garden Club together with the Town of Stafford will present the Second Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:27 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 6: 27 p.m., at the gazebo in Ilette Park, corner of routes 5 and 237.
 
A procession with dancers, singers, a brass ensemble, and special presenters will march to the gazebo.
 
After the lighting ceremony, all are invited to join us across the street at St. Paul's Episcopal Church Parish Hall for more surprise performances: Community caroling, brass music, dance, bagpipes, wassail bowl punch and holiday cookies.
 
The public is invited. Come meet your friends and neighbors as we begin the Holiday Season.

Batavia Downs offers a $12,500 guaranteed Pick-5 Wednesday

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

As a result of no winning ticket once again on Saturday, Batavia Downs will offer a guaranteed pool of $12,500 for the early Pick-5 when racing resumes on Wednesday afternoon (Nov. 22) at the oldest lighted harness track in America. The actual carryover is $7,270.

This is the largest guaranteed pool ever offered at Batavia Downs. 

The Pick-5 is a 50-cent base wager that begins in race one and runs through race five. There is no consolation payoff, meaning if no one selects all five winners the entire pool (minus takeout) will be carried over to the next pool.

Wednesday’s guaranteed pool will once again be part of the USTA’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages courtesy of Trackmaster are available on the USTA’s website.

You can access those free program pages by clicking here.

Post time for the first race Wednesday is 5 p.m.

Tickets for annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner, to be held on St. Patrick's Day, go on sale Dec. 1

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Plans are already underway for the 16th Annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner which will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, at the Alexander Fire Hall. It is located at 10505 Main St. in Alexander.

This annual event is a celebration of Genesee County’s number one industry – Agriculture. The highlight of the night is a delicious meal using locally produced foods prepared by Penna’s Catering. The dinner is open to the public.

Tickets go on sale Dec. 1 at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce (8276 Park Road, Batavia). Tickets are $30 each or a table of 10 can be purchased for $275.  Sponsorships are also available which help support agriculture educational events in Genesee County. Only 400 tickets will be sold. Order your tickets now as they will not be available at the door.

The Celebrate Ag Dinner is coordinated by the following partners: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District and Genesee County Farm Bureau.

Sponsors of the 2017 celebration were: Alleghany Farm Services, Arctic Refrigeration, Carolina Eastern - Crocker, Clark Patterson Lee, CY Farms, Farm Credit East, Farm Family Insurance, Five Star Bank, Freed Maxick CPA, Helena Chemical Company, Lamb Farms, LandPro Equipment, My-T Acres, National Grid, Rochester Regional Health – UMMC, Scott Adams Trucking, Tompkins Bank of Castile/Insurance Agency, Torrey Farms, Wendel, William Kent, and Windy Acres Farm.

Farms and businesses that donated locally grown food or other items for the dinner included: Bonduelle, Farm Fresh First, Dairy Farmers of America, Fenton’s Produce, First Light Farm & Creamery, L-Brooke Farms, LaPoint’s Hill ‘n’ Hollow, Jeremy Neal, New York Pork Producers, O-AT-KA Milk, SJ Starowitz Farms, Torrey Farms, Upstate Niagara Cooperative and Yancey’s Fancy.

For ticket information contact the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce at 585-343-7440 or chamber@geneseeny.com

Genesee Chorale Ensemble performs at St. Mark's church, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

The Genesee Chorale Ensemble, a select group of 20 singers, will perform at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 E. Main St., Le Roy on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.

The group, under the direction of Ric Jones, will perform sacred and secular music of the season. The evening will also include a vocal quartet of Kim and Tom Cox, Jim Ellison and Pat Fussell.

Event Date and Time

Mark Your Calendar: Genesee Chorale Ensemble performs at St. Mark's church in Le Roy Dec. 21

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
The Genesee Chorale Ensemble, a select group of 20 singers, will perform at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 E. Main St., Le Roy, beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21.
 
The group, under the direction of Ric Jones, will perform sacred and secular music of the season. The evening will also include a vocal quartet of Kim and Tom Cox, Jim Ellison and Pat Fussell.
 
The concert is the final event celebrating St. Mark’s 200th anniversary. There is no charge, but a free will offering will be taken. Refreshments following. All welcome.
 

TV weatherman and actor Mike Randall portrays Charles Dickens in 'A Christmas Carol' free at Richmond library

By Billie Owens

Richmond Memorial Library is having WKBW-TV chief meteorologist and actor Mike Randall come as Charles Dickens for the telling of a classic holiday story: "Charles Dickens Presents -- A Christmas Carol" on Thursday evening, Dec 14, at 7 o'clock. The program is free to the public.

Randall will perform a live solo of the Dickens' story, acting out more than 25 characters.

Event Date and Time
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