The Batavia Blue Devils and Le Roy Oatkan Knights capped Soccer Saturday with a Girls Soccer game that ended with a 3-2 OT win for Batavia.
The boys lost their OT game to Wilson/Early College 3-2.
"It was a wonderful night for our boys and girls senior soccer players," said Roger Hume, head coach for Batavia. "Le Roy didn’t make it an easy win."
In the nightcap, Batavia started the scoring early in the first half with a breakaway run and finish by Ella Shamp, with an assist from Jaimin MacDonals.
Le Roy scored the next two goals, leaving it senior Ella Radley to tie up the game with two minutes left.
Batavia came out strong in OT, and senior Anna Varland finished the game with a goal five minutes into the first OT.
"Batavia did a fantastic job coming back from two goals to one to make this its 12th win of the season," Hume said.
The Blue Devils remain undefeated.
The Batavian did not receive scoring stats from Le Roy. Le Roy is 9-4-1 on the year.
The girls' next game is Monday away at Livonia.
In the boys' game, goals were scored by Quintin Cummings, assisted by Troy Hawley, and Troy Hawley, assisted by Rylan Bohn.
Batavia’s record is now 8 wins and 5 losses on the season.
To view more photos or purchase prints, click here.
The Buffalo Bills played a rare Sunday morning game -- because the game was in London -- and multiple bars and restaurants opened early for fans, including the Smokin' Eagle in Le Roy.
Canisteo-Greenwood beat Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, 19-12. Avery Watterson gain 172 yards on 24 carries and scored twice. Gavin Armbrewster was 7-12 passing for 83 yards. Jack Cianfrini had three receptions for 52 yards. Ashton Bezon had 14 tackles.
Lapp Insulators Co. LLC changed a decades-old process to incorporate new technology and equipment that results in energy savings, lower operating costs, and a safer work environment. The changes also earned the Le Roy-based company $27,000 in energy efficiency incentives from National Grid.
Lapp is a leading manufacturer of high-voltage insulators for electricity substations. The company recently replaced a 150-horsepower, high-pressure air compressor that had been used for 40 years with three Wilden Air diaphragm pumps to push 1.5 tons of liquid clay through its production lines. Lapp officials are pleased with the results, which include a 70 percent energy savings.
“This was a major change to our process,” said Facilities Manager Ron Richards, who worked with National Grid Energy Efficiency Specialist Jay Snyder to identify the opportunity and execute a plan to install the new pumps.
“By collaborating with Jay and sharing ideas, we significantly improved our process, which means less downtime and more productivity. The new pumps make our employees and work environment safer, and we anticipate long-term operations cost and maintenance savings. We’re making higher quality products and are doing more with less.”
Richards said that the previous production process required approximately three times as much energy. The aqua-colored, soft, squishy clay is the main ingredient that Lapp uses to shape, fire, and glaze ceramic insulators that are used at electricity substations across North America. Around 130 people work at the Le Roy facility, which dates to 1916.
“At the foundation of our energy efficiency program is the ability to collaborate and learn from our customers so that we can better understand their needs and work together to find ways to lower their costs and reduce energy use,” said National Grid Regional Director Ken Kujawa. “When costs can be lowered and kept low for companies like Lapp Insulators, it can help them to grow, keep their facilities local, and build their workforces.”
“Our ability to work with Lapp Insulators to achieve energy efficiency goals and streamline production illustrates National Grid’s commitment to them, as well as all local manufacturers,” added Snyder. “The solution that we developed with Lapp has resulted in additional discussions about future projects to improve efficiencies and reduce costs in other areas of the facility, including lighting, an air compressor, dust collector motors, and an air dryer.”
Funding for the Lapp project was provided through National Grid’s Energy Efficiency Program, which includes financial incentives for commercial and industrial customers who reduce electricity costs. Incentives are available for customers who install energy-efficient lighting, controls, HVAC equipment, motors/electronic speed controls, and other systems that reduce energy use and/or enhance productivity.
On Sep. 14, The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, along with Le Roy Town Historian Lynne Belluscio and Le Roy Historical Society Board Member Carol Wolfe, accepted an Excellence in Tourism Marketing Award for the Barn Quilt Trail of Le Roy program at the New York State Tourism Industry Association’s Annual Awards, held at the Strong Museum of Play in Rochester.
“Working together collaboratively with partners in our community, and being identified for it, creates an incredible sense of pride. The Barn Quilt Trail is an example of the countless hours of hard work, passion, and pride that our residents have in their community. Having such a vision for a fun activity that a large portion of our community contributed to is truly special. I am immensely proud of our Chamber Staff that saw all of the community’s commitment and worked tirelessly to shine a light on it,” said Brian Cousins, Chamber President.
The original 2012 Barn Quilt Trail began as a bicentennial project for the Town of Le Roy, with the first being painted in 2011 at the annual Oatka Festival. In the following 10 months, the trail surpassed its goal of 25 with over 70 barn quilts being painted and erected.
The trail features a collection of more than 100 hand-painted barn quilts along four driving tours in and around Le Roy. Explore the scenic countryside while spotting each unique barn quilt that’s displayed on an array of barns, garages, homes, and other outbuildings. Each quilt pattern has a story to tell, and these stories, along with full-size images, can be found on the new LeRoyBarnQuilt.org website.
Barn Quilts are known to drive heritage tourism for rural communities as visitors search out authentic experiences that represent the stories and people, past and present, of the area. For Genesee County, the barn quilts have come to represent the pride shared by the people of LeRoy, a town with a rich agricultural heritage, deep appreciation of its history, and immense pride in family heritage.
The Barn Quilt Trail expansion was supported through the Tourism Matching Funds program, administered by Empire State Development and I LOVE NY, New York State's Division of Tourism.
The Chamber invites everyone to explore the trail and discover the beauty and history of the area. The brochure can be requested online at LeRoyBarnQuilt.org or picked up at the Chamber’s Visitor Center at 8276 Park Road in Batavia. This, and other local brochures, can be found in our vestibule, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
A North Carolina man suspected of extremist ties and caught in Genesee County in March 2022 with an illegal firearm and subsequently charged by federal law enforcement was sentenced on Wednesday to time served.
Michael Alan Jones, who reportedly had ties to white supremacist groups, served 10 months in federal custody after his arrest in by deputies Kenneth Quackenbush and Nicholas Chamoun, who relentlessly questioned Jones and a companion during a traffic stop on School Road in Le Roy after a vehicle driven by Jones tried to make apparent evasive moves.
It turned out Jones did not have the proper license plate on the vehicle he was driving, giving the officers the authority to impound the car and inventory its contents. While compiling the inventory, they discovered an illegal AR-15.
The video of his arrest, above, is edited from body-worn camera footage obtained by The Batavian in February through a Freedom of Information Law request filed with the Sheriff's Office.
Once the FBI learned of the arrest of Jones, an agent with the Joint Terrorism Task Force responded to the Sheriff's Office on Park Road and questioned him.
The FBI took over the case and filed federal charges against Jones because he was a convicted felon -- in North Carolina -- who crossed state lines in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Jones admitted to the Federal charges in December and was eventually released under supervision, returning to his parents' home in North Carolina, pending sentencing. He was apparently released, in part, because of a serious medical condition involving his leg.
In a letter to Judge David G. Larimer, Jones said the release probably enabled him to receive the care he needed to keep his leg.
A probation officer also noted for the court record that Jones was in full compliance with the terms of his release.
In his letter, Jones admitted he had made mistakes.
"I would like to apologize for my actions that have led me to your courtroom," Jones wrote to the judge. "I have had time to reflect on what circumstances led me there and what thought processes led me to believe I was doing the right thing, and I can see now that I was simply wrong. There is no justifying it. We have laws in place for the betterment of society, and it is not up to me or anyone on my level to try and decide which ones are to be followed or not. I regret the steps I took that led to us being in my position today, but I can honestly tell you that I have learned from my mistakes, and I have no desire or intention of ever putting myself in a situation to end up in any situation like this again."
UPDATE 5:30 p.m. Since publication of this story, The Batavian has obtained a copy sentencing memo presented to the court by Federal Public Defender Steven Slawinski in support of a time-served sentence for his client. In it, Slawinski states that Jones, who had a leg injury prior to his arrest, was in danger of losing his leg and was barely able to walk because of inadequate medical care while in the custody of the Monroe County Jail. The wound had become infected, and Jones had been denied antibiotics in jail. Slawinski asked the court to consider the possibility of Jones again not receiving adequate health care if he were incarcerated again.
Slawinski also confirms that Jones was a former member of Proud Boys, which Jones joined when he was a teenager. Over time, his views changed, and Jones became a paid FBI informant. Jones infiltrated the Charlotte chapter of Proud Boys and provided the FBI with "valuable information" about the organization. He writes, "Jones has since matured and no longer harbors these views. In fact, renouncing these views was a prerequisite for his parents allowing him to come back to their home after he was released from jail."
Slawinski said Jones is considering becoming a trucker or going back to college to earn a degree in agriculture.
The Le Roy Central School District is considering a $12.5 million capital improvement project that would provide upgrades to buildings and facilities in the school district and not result in additional taxes levied on properties in the district.
The superintendent shared details of the plan with district parents in a letter last week, and the Board of Education will hear details of the plan at tonight's (Tuesday) meeting at the Jr./Sr. High School.
The board will be asked to vote on the package at its October meeting.
At the Wolcott Street School,
Rooftop replacement on the Lapp Building, which houses the cafeteria kindergarten, nursing office and main elementary school office.
Window replacements
New generator and enclosure
Roof ladder access to the small gym
Ductwork
Total: $5,147,930
At the Jr./Sr. High School, Hartwood Park, and transportation building:
New soccer stadium field lights
Multipurpose turf field at soccer field
Two 250-seat bleachers at the soccer field
New press box at soccer field
Bus garage access drive
Conduit for future EV chargers
Total: $7,368,943
The new multipurpose field is possible as a project covered by state aid because of the structure of state rules regarding the timing and scope of the work for a multipurpose field. This "reopened the door" for the district to consider a new multipurpose field, Holly said in his letter to parents.
"The multipurpose field would be used for physical education classes, sports practices (fall and spring), soccer games, and youth sports," Holly said. "Outdoor fall sports in Section V, specifically soccer and football, end with their sectional semifinals and finals playing on multipurpose turf fields. This would also be the case for regionals and states. Our district families have expressed a need to bring this proposition back to the voters."
There would be no change to the grass football field at Hartwood Park, Holly said. Modified, JV, and varsity football teams would continue to play games on the grass field unless it was deemed unplayable. The multipurpose field would be equipped with goalposts and lined for both soccer and football.
The entire project would be eligible for 91.1 percent in state aid with the balance paid for by the district's capital reserve fund, which would mean there would be no need to raise taxes specifically to pay for the project, Holly said.
If the board approves the plan at its October meeting, the community would be asked to vote on the proposal in December -- time and date to be determined. Voters must approve expenditures from the capital reserve fund.
Holly said the work is required because every five years, public school districts are required to pay for a complete a Building Conditions Survey, conducted by a certified architect. The report determines what work must be done on school buildings.
The Board of Education meeting is at 6 p.m. at the Jr./Sr. High School.
Jennifer Lynn Bobzin, 53, of West Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, attempted assault 2nd, and menacing 3rd. Bobzin is accused of attempting to grab a weapon and using it to cause injury to another person during an argument reported at 6:40 p.m. on Sept. 20 at a location on West Bergen Road, Bergen.
Michael Steven Dranichak, 61, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with failure to register a change of address. Dranichak is accused of failure to register a change of address within ten days. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Jacob William Patterson, 27, of Kilian Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. During an arrest on a separate matter, Patterson was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance by Deputy Richard Schildwaster at a location on East Main Street, Corfu, at 2:01 p.m. on Feb. 2. Patterson was issued an appearance ticket.
John James Gronowski, 46, of Cheektowaga, is charged with trespass. Gronowski is accused of entering Batavia Downs after previously being advised he was not allowed on the property. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Larry Dominic Delre, 65, of Alleghany Road, Pembroke, is charged with grand larceny 4th and issuing a bad check. Delre is accused of writing a bad check for the purchase of mulch. He was reportedly given multiple opportunities to pay for the mulch but refused. Delre was issued an appearance ticket.
Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion, Le Roy, would like to announce with great pride and pleasure Katrina (Kate) Flint as its selection for the 2023 “Le Royan of the Year Award”.
The “Le Royan of the Year” is to recognize people who demonstrate the following qualifications and attributes:
The man, women or child who exemplifies the true spirit of Americanism, its ideals, love of the flag and country, regardless of race, creed or color.
Good citizenship – by carrying out these principles, often beyond that expected of him or her.
Service to community – signified by excellence in life of purpose and accomplishment.
Kate has been a resident of Le Roy for the past 22 years along with her husband Jeremy, and three children Nathan (MaryGrace) Flint, Ally Flint, and Brock Flint. Kate completed the LPN program at Genesee Valley BOCES in 2000, She has since furthered her education in the area of Geriatrics by completing her Dementia Practitioner Certification in 2021.
Kate is currently employed as Director of Recreation at Le Roy Village Green. Prior to working at the Le Roy Village Green Kate cared for many of Le Roy’s Children in her home for almost 17 years.
Kate and her family attend the Le Roy United Methodist Church where she wears many hats acting as Chairwoman for the Church Council and Evangelism Committee, she’s also the Recording Secretary for the Board of Trustees and serves on several other committees.
In the past 17 years, Kate has served in the community in many capacities, Le Roy Youth Soccer Coach, Girl Scout Leader, PTSO, Le Roy Youth Wrestling Board from 2007 to 2015, Le Roy Youth Football Board from 2006 to 2021, serving as the Secretary 2017-2021 and has served on Genesee/Wyoming County Alzheimer’s Association Walk Committee since 2021.
As a Board member of the Le Roy Historical Society Board since 2017, Kate is the Chair of the semiannual chicken BBQ and Business Membership Committee. She is also on the Nomination Committee, Oatka Festival contact, Dinner Auction Committee, and the Mystery Dinner Theater Committee.
For several years Kate was on the highly successful Oatka Festival Committee and this past year took over as its Chairperson. The festival was a huge success! Kate is known for her kindness, compassion, positivity, inspiring and humorous outlook on life. When you meet Kate there is always a SMILE on her face.
To honor Kate, the 54th annual Le Royan of the Year Award Dinner will be held on October 14. Social hour is at 6 p.m. with dinner served at 6:45 p.m., at the American Legion at 53 West Main St. Le Roy. A limited number of tickets will be available starting on Sept 20 at the American Legion Tue – Sat from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., or by calling Joan Fernaays 585-721-7801. Cost is $35.00 per ticket (check or cash only).
The Le Roy Oatkan Knights improved to 3-0 on the season with a 36-16 win over Lyons/Sodus on Friday at Hartwood Park.
Tony Piazza rushed for 152 yards on 20 carries and a TD. Tommy Condidorio was 5-10 passing for 110 yards and a TD. Jackson Fix had four receptions for 86 yards. He also rushed for a pair of touchdowns. Holden Sullivan had two sacks and four tackles.
Also on Friday:
Batavia lost to Honeoye Falls/Lima, 21-14. Bronx Buchholz 11-24 passing for 139 yards, one TD and one interception. Mekhi Fortes had 16 carries for 155 yards and a touchdown. He had six tackles on defense. Cole Grazioplene five catches for 54 yards and a TD.
Attica/Alexander beat East Rochester/Gandada, 21-18.
Elmira College recently announced this year's recipients of its annual Key Award. This year's award was given to 783 students in 16 states. A tradition that goes back to 1935, the Key Award is presented to outstanding students in their junior year of high school or preparatory school.
This year's recipients included:
Bethany Gracie of Bergen
Brennan Royce of Pavilion
Isabella Walsh of Batavia
Loretta Sorochty of Batavia
Kaidance Kimble of Byron
Riannon Newbould of Oakfield
Austin Pangrazio of Oakfield
Ava Chatt of Oakfield
Corina Dunn of Le Roy
Ella Radley of Batavia
"This award is given to students with the potential to excel academically, serve as leaders, and go on to enjoy success in life," said Charles Lindsay, president of Elmira College. "We hope they will choose to make Elmira College their place."
The Hope Center of Le Roy is pleased to announce the appointment of Tammy Genagon to a staff position as its Senior Moments Lunch Club respite director. Respite programs offer caregivers a much-needed opportunity to take care of their own needs while their loved one, affected by memory impairment, enjoys a time of socialization, games, crafts, and lunch with trained volunteers.
Having retired after 28 years in nursing, with 10 years in geriatrics, Tammy has always had a special love and compassion for those challenged by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. After three years of grieving the loss of her husband, David, following 42 years of marriage, Tammy prayed for direction on her life’s path.
When she saw an ad for volunteering through the Alzheimer’s Association, she decided to look into volunteering as a caregiver. It was shortly thereafter, in the spring of this year, that she was approached by the Hope Center and invited to lead the program initially, as a volunteer.
“We are so blessed to have Tammy join our team as a paid staff member. It has enabled us to offer the very best in a memory-care respite program,” said Diane Sia, Director of the Hope Center. “She brings a unique thumbprint to her program, which focuses on their guests’ enjoyment, above all. There is a lot of laughter as they sometimes adapt to the desires of the group. One guest was enjoying balloon volleyball so much he didn’t want to move on to the next activity. And that was perfectly fine.”
“They are having a good time and have forgotten that they ‘forget.’ They leave their inability at the door and become an important part of the group,” says Tammy. Recently, Tammy has become the Alzheimer’s Association Community Educator for Genesee County. She conducts informational meetings open to the public addressing a variety of topics pertaining to Alzheimer’s. This role enhances her position at the Hope Center and makes her an invaluable resource for families whose loved ones are affected. “Sometimes, because they may lack the social skills of their past, loved ones with dementia can feel excluded at family gatherings. We meet families at their point of need and help them and their loved ones with things like that.”
One gentleman whose wife attends the Lunch Club appreciates having a life-enriching program for her to enjoy so he can rest; she sometimes wanders at night, so he is awake with her.
For more information about volunteering in the Senior Moments Lunch Club (because moments matter!) or to reserve a spot for your loved one, please reach out to Tammy at (585)739-2251 or tgenagon@gmail.com.
They meet on the first Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and pre-registration is required. You may also learn about this free program and others offered by the Hope Center by visiting their website at: hopecenterofleroy.org.
Dispatchers have received an iPhone crash indicator on the Thruway in the area of 379.4 in the eastbound lane.
There is no voice contact. No answer on callback.
Le Roy Fire and Le Roy Ambulance dispatched.
UPDATE 7:25 p.m.: It doesn't look like a crash. A vehicle is on the shoulder with its four-ways on. Two men are out of the vehicle, walking. The ambulance is canceled.
UPDATE 7:29 p.m.: The occupants had apparently lost a phone. They found it. Le Roy Fire is back in service.
Genesee County law enforcement agencies, including the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department, and Village of LeRoy Police Department will be participating in a coordinated effort with the STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving.
Law enforcement officers across New York State are taking to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives. The statewide STOP-DWI Campaign will start on August 18 and will end on September 4.
This event is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.
STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, however, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaigns aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.
Always remember impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning.
There are continuous fundraisers for MaryLand, a Haven for Horses to help offset the expense of sheltering, feeding, and caring for 10 horses, the future purchase of a tractor, and the goal to house 10 more horses with a new barn.
There will be a big craft fair on site from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 30 at 8132 West Bergen Road, Le Roy. Craft vendors, a food truck, and a track photographer will be available to take photos of your kids with the horses for a fee, with all proceeds going to the nonprofit.
This event will also serve as an open house for folks to see for themselves what MaryLand is all about, the nonprofit President and CEO Maryanne Arena said.
“Our mission is to provide a safe and dignified retirement to Standardbred race horses. We also want to educate the public on harness racing which is a wonderful sport,” she said. “We want to promote responsible horse ownership. These horses run their hearts out for you and deserve a great retirement.”
MaryLand has a board of directors and dedicated workers, plus trainers who work with and advise Arena, she said.
"Alana Caprio is my mentor, and she has taught me and continues teaching me about Standardbred race horses. She cares about her horses deeply and has a wealth of experience and knowledge," Arena said. "Denny Bucceri is also a trainer who I've worked with who would never put a horse in danger. I always respected Denny's love and respect for horses, and Jim McNeight is humane and ethical.
"I need to thank the board members because they work continuously for the horses. Board member Amber and her dad volunteer to help at the farm. It's all done out of love, and no one gets a salary or compensated," she said. "It's for the love of the horses and providing them a forever home."
Arena wants to share the message that people who dislike horseracing and think that it’s cruel "need to know there are some good and responsible trainers out there." She has learned from some great ones, she said.
Early in the morning, after enough stillness has set in, they can hear the hoofbeats. It's as if a train is ramming down the 15-acre field. Maryanne Arena and daughter Jaime take bets on who will finish first.
Neither Arena is surprised at the impromptu race that has become like daily clockwork at MaryLand, a Haven for Horses, on West Bergen Road in Le Roy. After all, these magnificent creatures were once fine-tuned for racing -- Standardbreds, whose job was to get on the track and win.
Now, they just do it innately amongst themselves, with nobody else calling the shots.
"It's a wonderful thing to watch the race horses race on their own," Maryanne said at her home of 15 years that now also serves as the retirement sanctuary for 10 horses.
"We bring retired Standardbred racehorses here for the rest of their lives. Once a horse is accepted at MaryLand, it has a lifetime home," she said. "This is the difference between a 'rescue' and a 'sanctuary.' A rescue retrains and then finds adoptive homes for the horse. We accept and give a lifetime home where they are safe and have a dignified retirement."
Admittedly a poor kid from Brooklyn, she always loved horses, but her parents couldn't afford to buy and keep a horse at a stable, Arena said. Some of her earliest memories, with photos to preserve them, are of Arena with ponies.
"My father introduced me to horse racing, and I've been a fan ever since," she said. "Always dreamed of having my own horse farm and racing horses. I have done both. Started with a horse farm in Saratoga County, worked as a horse ranger for Saratoga National Battlefield.
"When I got my first racehorse, I asked the trainer what happens when a horse is finished racing. She gave me several options, and I thought then that I had to get a farm to retire that horse to," Arena said. "I did, and later that farm would evolve into MaryLand, not only for my horse but for others who needed a home to retire to."
There are 10 horses that fill 10 stalls in the barn on site, with future plans and fundraising for a second barn to take on more horses. But Arena knows enough to know that "I will not take on more than we can afford at one time." And she won't allow any horses to live out in the elements 24 hours a day, she said.
So besides the crucial need for shelter, there are the other challenges of being a caretaker: "Horses are expensive, and you cannot cut corners," she said.
"They need food, clean stalls, hay, vet care, a farrier, blankets, halters, and many other things," Arena said. "Right now, I pay for most of the care myself, along with the fundraising the organization does. The goal is to become sustainable so we can continue saving horses without worrying month to month about expenses."
So let's back up; when did Arena get her very first horse?
As a police officer in Brooklyn. His name was Romeo, and he led her on a love affair that's ever strong today. She's out at the barn by 7 a.m. each morning and there to say good night, feeding the house guests "plenty of cookies" before bedtime. In between that, there are chores that Jaime helps out with, such as cleaning stalls, scrubbing buckets and giving them fresh water. She's allergic to the dust in the barn and so wears her U.S. Navy mask to better tolerate the air.
Both Jaime and Maryanne would like to have some type of program for children and veterans to be able to visit with the horses for some type of trauma therapy. There have been such programs developed using horses and other animals to assist people in therapeutic healing, and Jaime has struggled with PTSD, she said, and believes in the power of equine therapy.
"It's the dream to start a program for vets someday," she said.
Obviously, as someone who still has a horse in the race, literally -- Maryanne's Sissy just won at Batavia Downs -- she knows horses, and she knows these horses -- beginning with Slim, the first one that she took in and then never looked back.
And there's Grandmother, the 31-year-old who went running on the ice and fell, ripping her knee apart to the bone. "We almost lost her," Arena said of that winter incident, but the tough granny pulled through and is now fine.
Slim is "the man," first in charge of the group, with Rocky second in command. Each horse has its own distinctive personality, she said.
"They are flight animals and have emotions. They, if treated gently, they will be gentle. They are very smart and respond to the human they are with. I have a great respect for horses," she said. "Most of all, I agree with the great trainer Monty Roberts, who says that if a horse does something wrong, it is the human that did something wrong."
Despite the work involved, there are also rewards for the effort.
"Every day when I get up and go to the barn to feed them and turn them out I see happy and healthy horses," she said. "Horses I love to show people. Horses I want to spend time with. They are great therapy. Good for the soul and mental health. That is the reward."