elba

Among the highlights of Elba's graduation, this past weekend were four fathers from the Class of 1991 (that's 30 years ago for those of you counting) who shared in watching their daughters graduate with the rest of the Class of 2021.

Michael Augello, school board president, handed a diploma to his daughter Taylor.

Pictured from left: Madison Harrington and her father Aaron. Miah Werth and her father Steve. Leah Bezon and her dad Steven, and Taylor Augello and her dad Michael.

Photo by Laura Luft.

Submitted photos and press release:

Four top 10 seniors from Alexander, Elba, Pembroke and Notre Dame high schools are the recipients of the 2021 Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarships administered by the Arc of Genesee Orleans.

The $1,000 scholarship award winners, Annie Kochmanski, Taylor Augello, Lauren Filter and Isabelle Cooper are planning to pursue careers related to healthcare or working with those with a disability.  

Annie Kochmanski (top inset photo right) -- Alexander Central, will begin her studies in the teacher education transfer program at Genesee Community College, transferring to Keuka College to study Special Education and American Sign Language.

The Darien resident plans to become a teacher for individuals who are deaf/hearing impaired. In 2020, before school closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Annie was involved in Alexander’s Big Buddy program, paired with a student in the elementary school, and was also an intern/teacher assistant for the second and third grades.

This experience solidified Annie’s decision to become and educator.

“I know that helping special needs students is where my heart lies,” Annie said in her scholarship application.

Taylor Augello (inset photo at left) -- Elba Central, will attend Genesee Community College for nursing and plans to one day become a Nurse Practitioner.

A scholar/athlete at Elba, Taylor said she has chosen nursing as her career path, because she has seen how individuals, especially those with disabilities can struggle.

“Knowing that I can help people with disabilities will fulfill my childhood dreams of helping others,” Taylor said.  

Lauren Filter (inset photo below right)-- Pembroke Central, has been accepted to Daemen College and plans to study Nursing, setting her sights on one day becoming a Certified Registered Nurse anesthetist (CRNA). “In a hospital, I will be working with people of all abilities,” Lauren said, adding, “There needs to be compassion, empathy and understanding that individuals (with disabilities) have complex communication needs.” As a certified lifeguard, Lauren has taught swimming lessons to children with a variety of swimming skills, special needs and learning disorders.  

Isabelle Cooper (below left inset photo) -- Notre Dame High School, is from the Town of Pavilion.

In the fall, she will be attending Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pa., in the Physician Assistant program.

In her scholarship application, Isabelle said, “I hope to one day work in a neurology practice with children with developmental delays.”

Isabelle has more than five years’ experience in the YMCA’s Challenger Sports program, volunteering with children with special needs.

In 2019, she took on the leadership role of running the Challenger Tennis program.

About the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship

Now in its 16th year, the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship is presented to area high school seniors planning to further their studies in human services, special education or related fields.

It is in honor of Mary Anne Graney, a special education teacher, who died in 2004.

The scholarship is funded by the Friends & Family 5K, scheduled this year for Sept. 18 in Elba.

Taylor Augello was crowned the 2020 Onion Queen in a ceremony in the Elba Village Park on Friday evening.

The 2021 Onion Queen will be crowned in September.

• Madison Harrington was first runner-up.
• Lily Thompson was second runner-up.
• Fanny Venegas was third runner-up.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

The Elba Lancers softball team came into the post-season as the #6 seed in the Class D2 Section V tournament and put together a string of wins carrying them to the championship game yesterday against Friendship.

Nice run but it came to an end with a 10-0 loss.

The Lancers finish the season with a record of 7-11.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

A motor-vehicle accident involving two passenger vehicles and a tractor-trailer is reported in front of the Village Park in Elba, 40 S. Main St. Unknown injuries. The location is between West Avenue and Drake Street Road.

A first responder says one of the vehicle ended up at 18 S. Main Street. Elba Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 3:27 p.m.: Some Speedy Dry is needed to soak up a spill. One of the vehicles involved is a black SUV.

UPDATE 3:28 p.m.: A first responder says to "back it down" -- only minor injuries. Medics are on scene. A tow company is called.

UPDATE 3:30 p.m.: Command calls for traffic to be shut off at Mechanic Street.

UPDATE 4:08 p.m.: Mechanic Street and South Main are being reopened.

Jim Goff, an icon of the local music scene for decades, passed away this weekend, according to an announcement by his family on The Stumblin' Inn's Facebook page.

Goff and his brother Stephen "Stork" Goff owned and operated the famous bar and music venue for nearly four decades, until a fire destroyed the 150-year-old building in Elba in July 2018.

Stork passed away in March.

An obituary about Jim Goff is not yet available.

According to his family's statement, Goff succumbed to cancer.

It reads, in part, "The Goff family has suffered so much loss this year but this one is the hardest to swallow. My dad was so incredibly kind, caring, compassionate, and selfless. He supported so many local bands and charities, he brought together so many friends and families, creating unforgettable memories for all of us."

Photos: File photos from a 2018 benefit for the Goffs. 

Press release:

The Elba/OA Lancers Golf Team completed the perfect season Friday, winning their third Section V Class C Golf Team Championship in the last five golf seasons.

In the new Sectional format, the Lancers started their day at Caledonia Country Club defeating the Kendall Eagles by a score of 173-238. CJ Gottler, the 2021 Individual Sectional Champion, was the medalist with a three-over round of 38 on the par 35 front 9. Brayden Smith (43), Jake Walczak (45), and Travis Wiedrich (47) were the other scoring golfers for the Lancers. Lilly Tobin was the Eagles low golfer.

As the Lancers stayed loose following their semifinal match, they awaited the winners of Byron-Bergen and Gananda. Byron-Bergen was able to knock off the top seeded Gananda by a score of 190-203.

The Lancers and the Bees then were set to square off in the all Genesee Region Class C Final. CJ Gottler and Travis Wiedrich dominated with a 1-under 36 and a 43, respectively, on the par 37 back 9. Brayden Smith (46) and Jake Walczak (47) rounded out the scoring group for the Lancers, while Peyton Yasses and Cooper Colantonio also shot well with tying scores of 52.

The Lancers finished the season at a perfect 13-0 overall (10-0 League) while winning their fourth Genesee Region Division Title in five years and their third sectional title in that same time frame. CJ Gottler was also back to back individual Section V Class C champion.

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more photos, click here.

4608 Bridge Road, Elba. Open House - THIS SUNDAY 1 - 3 p.m. Sitting on seven acres, this three bedroom, two bathroom property is located in the Elba Central School District. Enjoy the view from the above Trex deck, which leads you down to the concrete patio via spiral staircase. The finished walk-out basement has a sliding glass door leading to the pond, barn and the beautiful gazebo!

The gas-starter fireplace is perfect for cozy winters by the fire. The spacious kitchen is fully updated, including quartz countertops, oak cabinets, and a deep pantry. The staircases are extra wide and the flooring throughout the house has been updated. The septic system is brand new as of May 2021.

This house is a perfect balance of country living but conveniently located within 10 minutes of all amenities! Click here for more information & photos.

43 S. Main St., Elba. All the perks of quiet living on an ACRE plus lot with all the amenities of public water and sewer AND a barn to work in! You could not possibly duplicate this OVER 5,500-square-foot home in todays market! Bring out your inner designer, come with your Pinterest boards and let your imagination run wild! Call Lynn Bezon today (585) 344-HOME (4663) or click here for more information on this listing.

Press release:

Elba bowed out of the Class D2 Section V tournament, losing a pitcher's duel 3-1 in boys varsity baseball action Wednesday night.

Senior hurler Andrew Hare was spectacular for the Lancers, striking out 14 while allowing just three hits but it wasn't enough.

Trailing 1-0 for most of the game, Elba finally managed a run in the top half of the sixth inning. Junior Caden Muehlig drew a lead-off walk and then moved to second on a perfect sacrifice bunt by sophomore Jake Engle. Muehlig would move to third on a passed ball on the next pitch. After an attempted suicide squeeze didn't work out, junior Connor Scott smacked a two-out double to deep right-center field to plate Muehlig with the tying run. Scio got out of the inning when pitcher Cam Loucks induced Hare into a short groundout.

In the bottom half of the sixth, Scio, who had been held hitless all day, suddenly got hot at the plate. Three straight hits by the Tigers, including a double to deep right-center by Cory Bolzan that scored the go-ahead run, highlighted the inning. The Tigers would add an insurance run shortly after when an infield hit by Loucks was misplayed by Elba.

Loucks went the distance for Scio, striking out five and walking three while surrendering just the one hit.

The Lancers finish the season at 4-9 while Scio will play Northstar Christian in the semifinals on Friday.

Submitted photos and press release:

There are 10 contestants seeking the crown of 2020 (yes, 2020) Elba Onion Queen. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the annual pageant was cancelled last year. The organizers are excited to bring this back to the community with an incredible slate of young ladies who will graduate at the end of this month.

The 2020 Onion Queen will be crowned at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 18th at the Elba Park gazebo. At 6 p.m., a short "caravan" will take place with the contestants riding down Main Street and to the gazebo to begin the crowning at 6:30.

Please stay tuned toward the end of the summer, early fall for details regarding the 2021 Onion Queen contest.

Taylor Augello

Taylor is the daughter of Michael and Tracy Augello. She has resided in the Town of Elba for many years, along with the rest of the Augellos. She cherishes family moments and spending holidays together.

Taylor is proud of the relationships she has built with her family. She enjoys playing basketball, reading, going on walks with her Mom, hunting and shooting trap with her Dad and going on leisure rides with her sister.

Taylor has participated in National Honor Society, basketball, volleyball, Conservation Club and Student Athletic Association.

After graduation Taylor plans on attending Geneee Community College for the Nursing Program in order to obtain her RN and she would ultimately like to become an NP.

Leah Bezon

Leah is the daughter of Candy and Steven Bezon. She wrote that she comes from a long line of farmers in Elba. Her father, Steven, is a third-generation farmer who continues to run their family farm.

Leah says that her parents have instilled their work ethic and dedication into her and her siblings.

Leah enjoys being a three sport athlete at Elba Central School. She was thrilled to score her 1,000th point at a home basketball game and have the community celebrate with her.

She also has been a member of the Genesee County 4-H Beef Club for several years. Leah plans to go into the criminal justice field and will attend Genesee Community College for her first two years then plans to transfer to SUNY Brockport.

Madison Cline

Madison is the daughter of Nicole Scouten. She said her Mom and Stepdad are very hard working and she has three sisters and four brothers who are all very unique.

Madison enjoys baking desserts, she says it is very peaceful and always fun to try making things she has not tried before. Madison also enjoys taking her little brother on walks while watching after him.

During high school she was on the cheer and softball teams, Student Athletic Association, and in the National Honor Society. Madison plans to attend Daemen College for four years to earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and then continue on for her Ph.D in Psychology and work as a psychologist.

Madison Harrington

Madison is the daughter of Aaron and Danielle Harrington. She has participated in Student Athletic Association, Student Council, National Honor Society, Masterminds, SADD, Multicultural Club, FFA, soccer, volleyball and tennis.

Madison is also heavily involved with 4H, Fur and Feather Club, Dog Club, Teen Club, Market Poultry and holds office in many of the clubs. She is also a member of ARBA and National Belgian Hare Club.

Madison enjoys spending time at her “funny farm” and taking care of all her different animals. She will attend Alfred State College for four years, with hopes of earning a Veterinary Technology bachelor’s degree. Madison will also play on the women’s soccer team at Alfred State.

Madison Muehlig

Madison is the daughter of Drew and Erika Muehlig. She wrote that her family loves Elba and she is very prideful of the learning environment at Elba Central School.

She is a three-sport athlete and the Valedictorian of the Class of 2021. Madison participates in basketball, soccer, softball, Student Athletic Association, National Honor Society, Principal’s Cabinet, all while playing travel basketball year-round.

She also enjoys runs around the village, drawing freehand, going out to eat with family and friends and attending local sporting events.

Madison has been admitted to the Physical Therapy program at Daemen College where she plans to study for her Doctorate.

Kiah Rosendale

Kiah is the daughter of Heather Rosendale. She enjoys going on hikes, walks and going to museums.

Kiah wrote that her Grandma has taught her how to bake, cook and even shared new art techniques with her. She also says one of her hobbies is art and her Dad showed her many sculpting techniques.

She loves outdoor activities such as camping, archery and fishing.

In school, she is the Senior class and Yearbook Club treasurer, and has participated in Trivia Team, Masterminds, Student Council, National Honor Society, Future Teachers and HOBY Leadership Conference.

Kiah plans to attend Genesee Community College for two years then seek further education to achieve a Bachelor of Secondary Education degree in Science.

Lilliana Thompson

Lilliana is the daughter of Jeremy and Kim Thompson. She along with her parents and three siblings are very sports oriented. She says that supporting the community is a big part of who they are.

Liliana participates in soccer, basketball, softball, volleyball, Chorus and school plays. She also competes at Divine Dance Studio on the competition team. Liliana enjoys drawing, singing, going to church and adventures with her family at the lake.

She plans to play lacrosse during her off season. Liliana will attend Geneee Community College in the fall where she will continue her soccer career and study Elementary Education.

Fanny Venegas

Fanny is the daughter of Sandra Salcido and Jose Venegas. She says that the Elba community and especially the Elba Central School have been a great place to live and go to school. Fanny cannot imagine living anywhere as special as Elba.

She has enjoyed studying Graphic Arts at BOCES and has been a student athlete participating in many sports. Good health is important to Fanny and she enjoys cross-country, soccer, indoor and outdoor track.

After graduation Fanny will attend RIT, she plans to be a member of their cross-country and track teams. Her goal is to some day help her family buy a house in Elba that will be their home.

Brynn Walczak

Brynn is this daughter of Brian and Kim Walczak. She has been a three-sport athlete and high honor student at Elba Central School. Brynn wrote that her parents and twin brothers have been her number one supporters.

She has enjoyed playing soccer, basketball and softball and is proud of being a part of Elba’s five back to back sectional titles. Brynn scored her 1,000^th point in basketball this year and was named the 2021 GR All-Star in basketball and soccer.

She has also participated in National Honor Society, Student Athletic Association, Genesee County Youth Bureau Leadership Conference and several basketball and soccer camps.

After graduation she plans to attend Daemen College to major in Physical Therapy and possibly participate in a sport.

Miah Werth

Miah is the daughter of Steven and Trisha Werth. She is currently a senior at Elba Central School where she is an active member of the FFA and serves as the chapter President.

Miah was also selected as the 2020 Genesee County Dairy Princess.

During her high school career she taken part in volleyball, basketball, track, Student Athletic Association and the 4H Beef Club.

Miah says that her favorite activity is volleyball and she enjoys spending time with her friends.

After high school Miah will attend Genesee Community College for Humanities and Social Science. Her passion is to help people feel better about themselves and she hopes to become a mental health counselor.

Elba Central School along with the Elba Betterment Committee held a Memorial Day Ceremony today at Maple Lawn Cemetery.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

A structure fire is reported at 4092 Lockport Road, Elba.

Elba fire dispatched.

A first responder reports smoke showing.

Fire police are blocking Lockport Road at Route 98.

UPDATE 5:53 p.m.: Oakfield fire requested to the scene.

UPDATE 6:21 p.m.: Byron to stand by at Elba's hall.

On Monday, the Old Hippies -- Bill and Kay McDonald -- announced a series of four free afternoon concerts in Genesee County this summer.

The Old Hippies, a renowed local band specializing in Americana roots music, will perform the "Home to Home Concert Series: For the Common Good":

• Saturday, July 3 at 1 p.m. in Jackson Square
• Sunday, Aug. 8 at 1 p.m. in Jackson Square
• Sunday, Aug. 22 at 3 p.m. in Elba Town Park
• Sunday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. in Jackson Square​

These dates are in addition to the 7 p.m. Friday concert July 2 in Downtown's Jackson Square.*

There will​ also be live performances by the Ghostriders, Deanna Spiotta and other talented musicians.

Food vendors will be available along with displays from local businesses.

All are welcome to:

• Enjoy the music live and in person. Bring your own chair;
• Listen in on FM radio as they broadcast near the concert venue;
• Interact with livestream over the internet via Facebook from wherever you may be;
• View the recorded concert on YouTube at a time and place you choose.

For updates and info, visit:

• oldhippiesmusic.com​
• Facebook.com/oldhippiesmusic
• or contact Bill McDonald at (585) 250-2269 or email billmcdonald50@gmail.com

​The performances are possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the NYS Council on the Arts, with support from Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Legislature, administered by GO ART! They are sponsored by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

*Previously:  Here's the lineup for the free concert series on Friday nights in Jackson Square starting June 25

Terry Eugene Gamble Jr., 25, of Onslow Drive, Columbus, Ohio, is charged with: criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree -- a vehicle (except a motorcycle); criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second degree; operation of a motor vehicle by an unlicensed driver; criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree -- an ammunition feeding device. On May 18, Gamble was arrested on the charges. It is alleged that on South Main Street in Elba at 3:18 p.m. on May 12 that he operated a vehicle stolen out of Columbus, Ohio, and possessed a .556 magazine capable of holding more than 10 rounds. He was arraigned virtually in Elba Town Court and jailed with $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. Gamble is due in Genesee County Court on June 9. A passenger in the vehicle, Abralee D. Maynard (no age or address provided) was also arrested for criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree -- a vehicle (except a motorcycle). Maynard was released with appearance tickets and is due in Elba Town Court on June 2.

Patrick Lyn Waite, 53, of Alexander Road, Alexander, is charged with disorderly conduct. At 11:51 p.m. on May 19, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to 9746 Alexander Road in Alexander for a complaint of loud music. Following an investigation, Waite was arrested. It is alleged that he intentionally caused public inconvenience and annoyance by playing loud music after several phone call complaints from nearby residents were made to the county dispatch center. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Alexander Town Court on June 8. Deputy Zachary Hoy handled by case, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

Kyle John Gugel, 35, of Genesee Street, Le Roy, is charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to take a breath test. At 1:52 a.m. on May 18, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies conducted a traffic stop on Clinton Street Road in the Town of Stafford for a vehicle speeding over 55 mph. Gugel was subsequently arrested and issued appearance tickets to be in Town of Stafford Court June 1. Deputy Zachary Hoy handled by case, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

A garage fire is reported at 6163 Quaker Hill Road, Elba.

Flames have been seen going through the roof.

Elba fire is responding.

UPDATE 6:42 p.m.: Elba can proceed nonemergency. The fire is out.

From Pauli Miano:

The Elba Betterment Committee will hold a chicken BBQ at the Village Park on Sunday, June 13 to earn money for a trio of concerts this summer at the park.

Tickets for the chicken BBQ are $12 and limited in number. Some will be sold the day of the BBQ, but the bulk must be ordered by June 1.

You can order tickets via the committee's Facebook page or they can be bought at:

• Chap's Elba Diner, 5 S. Main St., Elba
• Sweet Life Country Store, 100 S. Main St., Elba
• The Village Office, 4 S. Main St., Elba
• The Town Office, 7 Maple Ave., Elba
• Elba Central School District Office, 57 S. Main St., Elba

The three music "festivals" will feature EBS Music and More 2.0. Details for that will be coming soon.

Contact Pauli Miano at pmiano@rochester.rr.com with questions or to order tickets.

New Listing Alert: 43 S. Main St., Elba. ​True Craftsman home known as the "Porter Mansion of Elba."

This stately home took more than two years to build! It boasts large beautiful rooms, gorgeous woodwork, wide-pegged hardwoods and features intricate crown moldings. Dining room has two arched built-in must-see glassed china cabinets. Sunken living room has three sets of French doors leading to beautiful yard and covered patio.

Upstairs has master bedroom with fireplace leading to a beautiful white-tiled bath. There are four additional bedrooms boasting walk-in closets. Third floor known to locals as "the ballroom" has four built-in benches and a spring-loaded hardwood floor; it's now used as game room. There is also a full bath there.

Well kept and modernized throughout the years with new gas boiler in the fall of 2019 as well as H2O tank, painting of exterior in 2020, kitchen and baths have all been modernized, updated electrical panel, some new carpeting upstairs as well as most hardwood on second floor refinished AND an amazing slate roof!

So many neat architectural gems spread throughout this amazing home AND if that is not enough room there's a 40' X 60' pole barn on this well-maintained 1.3 acre Village lot. Delayed negotiations until May 22 at noon.

Click here for more information on this listing. Call Reliant Real Estate today, call (585) 344-HOME (4663).