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Fire hydrant flushing on Northside Wednesday

By Press Release

Press Release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Wednesday, Oct. 25 from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the general area of North of West Main Street and West of Bank Street. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area.  As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored.  If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about 5 minutes or until clear.

This annual testing is essential to maintain the communities class III Insurance Services Office (ISO) public protection classification, and to assure that fire hydrants are operating efficiently for fire protection purposes. Along with maintaining the fire rating, the test monitors the health of the city's water system, identifies weak areas in the system, and removes material that settle in the water lines. Checking each hydrant improves fire department personnel knowledge of the hydrant locations.

If you have any questions, or should notice a hydrant in need of repair, please contact the fire department at 585-345-6375.

Cocaine use locally contributing to fatal fentanyl overdoses

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) have identified a concerning trend of elevated cocaine use locally that is causing fatal fentanyl overdoses. Fortunately, these deaths are preventable, and resources are available locally to help. 

Since 2021, there have been 29 fatal fentanyl overdoses confirmed in Genesee County, and at least 72% of these deaths have also involved cocaine.

In some instances, bystanders reported that the person who died of a fentanyl overdose thought they were taking only powder cocaine or crack cocaine. In Orleans County, there were 10 fatal fentanyl overdoses during this same time period, of which 40% involved cocaine.

GO Health has also identified through wastewater analysis that cocaine consumption is very high in Batavia and Le Roy compared to other areas nationally. GO Health regularly analyzes wastewater samples from wastewater treatment plants throughout Genesee and Orleans Counties for high-risk substances to better understand local patterns in drug consumption and these trends are compared to upwards of 160 sites nationally by the wastewater epidemiology company Biobot Analytics. 

In August, the estimated cocaine consumption in Batavia was higher than 94% of other tested sites in the United States, and in Le Roy it was higher than 95% of other tested sites. Substance use is estimated in each sewershed by taking the amount of the metabolite found in the wastewater and dividing by the size of the population served by the wastewater treatment plant.

“For the last several years, Genesee County’s opioid overdose death rates have surpassed the state’s average, and been higher than neighboring counties too,” stated Paul Pettit, the Public Health Director for GO Health. “Unfortunately, what we are seeing here are indications of a relatively high amount of cocaine use locally, and when that cocaine is contaminated with fentanyl, it is causing preventable overdoses and deaths,” Pettit explained.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that can be prescribed by physicians to treat patients’ severe pain that is not responsive to other medications, such as in cases of advanced-stage cancer.

Because it is 50 times stronger than heroin, illegally-made fentanyl has largely replaced heroin and other opioids in the U.S. drug supply, and is commonly mixed with other drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Many people who use street drugs like cocaine or counterfeit pills are unaware that what they are taking may contain a lethal dose of fentanyl.

Individuals who are aware of the risks of fentanyl overdose when using cocaine are empowered to make safer choices that could save their life or the life of a loved one, and a number of resources are available:

  • Narcan (naloxone) nasal spray can be used to reverse an opioid overdose, and should be administered to anyone who is showing signs of having difficulty breathing or who is not breathing at all, regardless of whether the person is known to have taken an opioid. Narcan is available for free from the Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Opioid Task Force simply by texting “KIT” to 1-877-535-2461.
  • Fentanyl test strips, which can be used to check for fentanyl in drugs, are available for free from the MATTERS Network at mattersnetwork.org/individual-request. 
  • People who use cocaine or other drugs can reduce their risk by never using alone, taking turns when using drugs with others, or calling the Never Use Alone Hotline at 1-800-484-3731.
  • Treatment for substance use disorders is available locally from Hope Haven at 585-922-9900, from Horizon Health Services at 585-815-0247, and from UConnectCare (formerly GCASA) at 585-343-1124 (Genesee County) or 585-589-0055 (Orleans County).
  • Entry points to treatment are also available in person 24 hours a day at the City of Batavia Fire Department, the City of Batavia Police Department, the Genesee County Sheriff, and the Le Roy Police Department through the Public Safety Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (PAARI).

For information on Health Department programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at:

  • Genesee County Health Department: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
  • Orleans County Health Department: 585-589-3278

Follow GO Health on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at GOHealthNY.

Oakfield Alabama CSD announces all school meals served at no charge

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Oakfield Alabama CSD today announced an amendment to its policy for serving meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the 2023-2024 school year, which would allow for all children at all schools/sites to be served meals at no charge. 

For additional information, please contact the following person:

Mary Della Penna, Food Service Director, Oakfield Alabama Central School District at 7001 Lewiston St. Road Oakfield, calling 585-948-5211 ext. 4234, or by email at MDellapenna@oahornets.org.

Coach's Corner: Rest not an option in Workforce Development

By Chris Suozzi
faa 4-h at fair
William Muoio, from Graham Corp., supervises Justin Deleo, a Byron-Bergen student, during the FFA/4-H welding competition at the Genesee County Fair in July 2023. The competition is another aspect of workforce development in Genesee County.
File Photo by Howard Owens
Chris "Coach Swazz" Suozzi

I’ve never been a fan of load management in basketball. I see the value in taking a breather mid-game, but taking yourself out of the competition or a great opportunity never made sense to me.

Challenging yourself in new ways is how you grow as an athlete, as a person, and as a professional. 

Did the 1,100 students who participated in GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing need a breather? Absolutely. There was so much for them to learn in one day – about themselves and all the skilled trades, manufacturing, food production, and agricultural careers in their backyard.

But meeting with 65 employers in the GLOW Region and testing out dozens of careers was energizing, not exhausting.

We once again saw how Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming county kids are ready for this unique challenge.

  • They hammered with precision and power at Camp Hard Hat’s nail-driving competition.
  • They jumped into the controls of construction vehicles and welding simulators.
  • They scaled power poles, raced wheelbarrows weighted down by cinder blocks, and grasped the lessons taught through GV BOCES’ mechatronics lab equipment.

Through it all, our GLOW With Your Hands participants showed a passion that we need to continually embrace. That’s a big reason I am excited to have a new placement on the workforce development calendar for our next big event. It keeps the momentum going!

Cornell in High School takes the wide-scale career exposure concept from GLOW With Your Hands and focuses it on a group of career-focused students in the Class of 2024 from Nov. 7 - 9.

Over three days of Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences-led training at SUNY Genesee Community College, students get hands-on experiences in food production, plant safety, and the financial benefits of a career in the food industry.

Employers like Nortera in Oakfield and Bergen, Upstate Niagara Cooperative in Batavia, and Yancey’s Fancy in Pembroke have welcomed this opportunity. Our students are going to connect with them in the classroom and in facility tours.

Participating students will earn a Food Processing certificate from Cornell University’s Department of Food Science, giving them a free head-start for careers that offer great lives with no college debt – and they do this all while they are still in high school!

Know a student who would fit this program? Registration is at tinyurl.com/CornellBootcamp and I’m a call (585-409-1301) or an email (csuozzi@gcedc.com) away when it comes to connecting kids to careers.

I worked with Cornell to launch this program in 2022 because of the potential it had in Genesee County. Our strong base of food and beverage companies is the largest employer within our region. Continued investment in this industry results in ample and rewarding job opportunities.

There are great futures ahead for our students at Nortera, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Yancey’s Fancy, and across many food and beverage employers in our region.

I’m not taking a game off, or letting an opportunity pass by for our kids to succeed.

Looking ahead, there are matching days for this year’s Youth Apprenticeships in December, a Senior Job Fair, and the Youth Apprenticeship internships and co-ops early in 2024.

Chris "Coach Swazz" Suozzi is VP of Business Development for the Genesee County Economic Development Center.

Tops honors veterans and active military with discount

By Press Release

Press Release:

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and Vermont, announced today that the company will once again offer military personnel and their immediate families an 11 percent discount off of their grocery bill this Veterans Day. 

This marks the 11th year Tops has been extending this discount to military personnel and their families. Since its inception, the Veteran’s Day discount has saved Veterans and their families over $781,000.

On Saturday, Nov. 11 Tops Markets will honor an 11 percent discount off of a total order to all veterans and immediate family members in the same household, who shop at any Tops location. 

Customers should present proof of service that they, or an immediate family member are a U.S. Veteran, active duty, reserve, or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11 percent discount off of their total purchase that day.

“The respect and gratitude we have for the people who serve and have served in the military is immeasurable, and for that, we are forever grateful,” said Ron Ferri, president, of Tops Friendly Markets. “We wanted to support local military personnel by giving back to our associates and customers who have courageously defended our country and made many sacrifices through their military service.”

Tops is a longtime supporter of military associates and customers. The company’s support of military organizations includes, but is not limited to, support of the Wall that Heals, American Veterans Tribute Traveling Wall, Honor Flight Missions and golf tournaments, sending care packages for troops serving domestically and overseas, VA hospital visits, participation in veteran job fairs, parades and expo, and Tops Stars for Our Troops program by which stars from embroidered US Flags slated for retirement are presented to Veterans, active duty personnel, and first responders.

Reps Tenney, Kildee introduce bill to help small businesses offer retirement benefits

By Press Release

Press Release:

Rep. Claudia Tenney (NY-24), alongside Rep. Dan Kildee (MI-8), introduced H.R. 6007, the Retirement Investment in Small Employers Act (RISE Act) to incentivize micro-businesses with fewer than 10 employees to adopt retirement plans, helping more workers save for retirement.

The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 enhanced the retirement plan startup tax credits for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees to create incentives to adopt new plans. SECURE 2.0 allows for 100 percent of retirement plan administrative and startup costs to be covered for new plans, up to $5,000 per year. However, the law did not amend the formula relied upon to determine the amount an employer may claim in retirement plan startup tax credits, leaving the smallest micro-businesses and their employees unable to take full advantage of the credit. The RISE Act rectifies this issue, ensuring that micro-businesses benefit in the same manner as larger businesses.

"Congress must empower and reaffirm our commitment to small businesses across the country by taking steps to grant them a competitive edge in our economy," said Congresswoman Tenney. "I introduced the Retirement Investment in Small Employers Act along with Congressman Kildee today to enable micro-businesses across NY-24 and the nation to offer their employees robust retirement plans and allow their employees to save for the future. I remain committed to advocating for tax policies that work in favor of our small businesses and hardworking families."

“In mid-Michigan, small businesses support thousands of good-paying jobs and fuel our local economy,” said Congressman Kildee. “I am proud to work introduce legislation with Congresswoman Tenney to help more employers set up retirement plans, ensuring more Michigan workers can save for retirement. This bipartisan bill is a win for small business owners and workers alike.”

“All businesses, regardless of size, deserve the same opportunity and access to tax credits to help offset the costs of offering a retirement plan to their employees,” said Michael Majors, Paychex vice president of HR Solutions. “Paychex is proud to endorse Rep. Claudia Tenney’s and Rep. Dan. Kildee’s legislation to expand tax credits for micro-sized businesses which give incentives to offer retirement plans to help their employees save for the future.”  

City, Genesee County races uncontested but one newcomer and three propositions

By Joanne Beck
Derek Geib
File photo of Derek Geib in 2019, when he first opened The Coffee Press on Jackson Street in Batavia.
Photo by Howard Owens.

It’s not a very exciting election year in Genesee County, as the two largest jurisdictions — the City of Batavia and Genesee County — are marked by uncontested races for every seat up for a vote on both City Council and County Legislature.

However, there is a new City Council candidate and three propositions on November's ballot.

The City Council election features incumbents Paul Viele for Ward 1, Alfred McGinnis for Ward 4, Kathy Briggs for Ward 5 and Tammy Schmidt for Ward 6, all who are running unopposed for re-election. 

David Twichell, who filled the seat of Patti Pacino for Ward 2 earlier this year, is running for his first full term unopposed. 

Newcomer Derek Geib is running to fill the seat vacated by John Canale, who opted not to run again for Ward 3. 

Geib, a city business owner, president of the downtown Business Improvement District and member of the city’s Planning and Development Committee, is also running unopposed. 

Unfortunately, voters won’t have an opportunity to learn why he’s running for a seat on council or why he would like to represent his section of the city, because Geib declined an interview with The Batavian.

“I don’t have interest in doing interviews ever for anything honestly,” he said.

These are the uncontested races for Genesee County positions:

  • Genesee County Clerk  - Michael Cianfrini
  • Genesee County Coroner - Wade Schwab
  • Genesee County Coroner (unexpired term) - Donald Newton Jr.
  • Genesee County Legislator, District 2 Towns of Bergen, Byron, and Elba - Christian Yunker
  • Genesee County Legislator, District 4 Towns of Batavia, and Stafford - Brooks Hawley
  • Genesee County Legislator, District 6 Towns of Alexander, Bethany, and Pavilion - Gregg Torrey
  • Genesee County Legislator District 8 City of Batavia, Wards 2 & 3 - Marianne Clattenburg

Three propositions are on the ballot this year:

Proposal One: Removal of Small City School District from Special Constitutional Debt Limitation.

The proposed amendment to Article 8, section 4 of the Constitution removes the special constitutional debt limitation now placed on small city school districts, so they will be treated the same as all other school districts. Shall the proposed amendment be approved? Yes or No.

Batavia City Schools administrators are in favor of this amendment, because it would allow the district to borrow more money for projects in the future. As is, the limit means Batavia can only borrow up to five percent of its debt limit, versus other school districts that can borrow up to 10 percent.

This measure does not include the current $45 million capital project that’s on the table, Superintendent Jason Smith said, as it would take effect after that project vote. 

Proposal Two is to extend sewage project debt exclusion from the debt limit. The proposed amendment to Article 8, section 5 of the Constitution extends for 10 years the authority of counties, cities, towns, and villages to remove from their constitutional debt limits debt for the construction of sewage facilities. Shall the proposed amendment be approved? Yes or No. 

Proposal Three is for voters in the towns of Byron and Bergen only: Shall the Town of Bergen  (Town of Byron) establish an annual tax in the amount of $0.55/$1,000 (fifty-five cents per one thousand dollars) of assessed value in order to support the operation of the Byron-Bergen Public Library, commencing in the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2024. Yes or No.

Library board President Sally Capurso recently explained why she and board trustees are asking town voters to approve this measure. 

New fire truck on its way to Batavia, 20-year payment plan

By Joanne Beck

 

josh grahm batavia fire chief
2022 File Photo of City of Batavia Fire Chief Josh Graham, who is anticipating delivery of the department's latest fire truck in November.
Photo by Howard Owens 

As Batavia’s city fire department prepares to welcome a shiny new, customized fire truck into a bay at the renovated Evans Street site, City Council dealt with details of the $800,000 purchase Monday evening at City Hall.

Council voted on three resolutions:

  • Approve the purchase of the fire truck project completion;
  • Authorize and provide for the “incurrence of indebtedness” for the purpose of providing a portion of the cost of acquiring, constructing, enlarging, improving and or extending its new fire truck facility to serve an area lawfully within its jurisdiction to serve; and 
  • Authorize a general bond to finance the acquisition.

The city will pay for Engine 12 with a $665,000 loan at 2.5 percent interest for 20 years, a $100,000 grant and city fire reserves of $36,681.

Councilman-at-large Bob Bialkowski wanted to know more about the second resolution regarding the incurrence of indebtedness for the purpose of acquiring, constructing and enlarging the truck’s new facility in Batavia. Does that mean there will be more work done at the first station, which has recently been updated with a new driveway apron and other interior upgrades?

There’s no extension of the building, City Attorney George Van Nest said.

“This is draft language from USDA. This is a standard USDA resolution that they require;  it’s part of the closing package,” Van Nest said. “The entire statement says resolution of the City Council of the City of Batavia authorizing and providing for the incurrence of indebtedness for the purpose of providing a portion of the cost of acquiring construction, enlarging, improving and/or extending its fire trucks. So, in that case, cross everything out except for acquiring fire trucks, and we're good to go.”

Engine 12 will put Engine 11 into reserve, and the current reserve will go to surplus, Fire Chief Joshua Graham said. 

“They’re out there right now to do the final inspection, which they’ve been doing all day and tomorrow at the factory,” he said. “Once they finish the inspection, we’re estimating it to be shipped to Colden Enterprises in Kenmore sometime around the first of November, and they’ll have it outfitted with tools and accessories. And then sometime in mid-November, it’ll be delivered to us, and the only thing we’ll have to do with it is the detailing.”

City Manager Rachael Tabelski, who reviewed the financial plan, said that she appreciated the interest rate the city was able to get as part of the deal.

“I'm just very glad we were able to get a 2.5 percent interest rate because we do have almost enough in reserves to pay this off. But at this point, the funding and reserves is making more interest being there than what we pay out,” Tabelski said. “And with the help of (City Clerk/Treasurer) Heidi, who does a really nice job with all of our investments, looks at each of these opportunities, and we're actually able to make a little bit more on our investments in our reserve funds.”

Council members, all of whom had previously voted for the purchase of the fire truck, approved the resolutions. 

“I hope it lasts us many, many years,” Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. said. 

After the meeting, Graham said that the current reserve engine dates back to 2002, and its age means “it’s starting to have a lot of maintenance issues.”

“So moving the current first-run engine back to reserve, and then implementing this new version first,” was his primary reason for necessitating a new truck purchase, he said. “The truck itself is completely built in the factory, and the crews are out there now going over it with a fine toothcomb. The only thing they're doing when it comes up here is that it doesn't come with the mounts for our tools and things to put the tools on it. So they install those on the truck up here. Then it'll come over to us, and then the city actually makes the decals.”

He plans to take the new pumper on a little cruise through the city to show the citizens the new vehicle, most likely sometime in mid- to late November. 

History comes alive in annual Batavia Cemetery Ghost Walk

By Howard B. Owens
Michael Gosselin as Rev. John Yates.
Michael Gosselin as Rev. John Yates.
Photo by Howard Owens

The Batavia Cemetery Association sold 160 tickets -- a sellout -- for the 2023 Ghost Walk on Saturday, which is the third or fourth straight sellout for the association's major fundraiser, said President Sharon Burkel. 

"The money goes for the upkeep of the cemetery," Burkel said. "We have some small investments, but we mostly survive on fundraisers and donations."

Beyond raising money, the 10 stops on the walk help tell the story of early Batavia, from Joseph Ellicott to Dean and Mary Richmond, William Morgan, and John Yates.

"It also brings awareness of the cemetery so people realize that it's here," Burkel said. "They can come and walk through and enjoy the architecture and the genealogy and the history.  There's some very impressive people in here."

Michael Gosselin as Rev. John Yates.
Michael Gosselin as Rev. John Yates.
Photo by Howard Owens
batavia cemetery ghost walk
Connie and Charley Boyd as Mary and Dean Richmond in the Richmond Mausoleum.
Photo by Howard Owens.
dean richmond
Patrick Weissend as Joseph Ellicott.
Photo by Howard Owens
brisbane
Dan Snyder as Albert Brisbane.
Photo by Howard Owens
william morgan ghost
Joshua Pacino as William Morgan.
Photo by Howard Owens

Alexander's homecoming a 42-0 win; sectional schedule announced

By Howard B. Owens
alexander football
Photo by Philip Casper.

Alexander football players got to step onto their own field for the first time this year on Saturday for a homecoming game, and the combined Attica/Alexander squad improved to 7-1 on the season beating Hornell 42-0.

No stats were submitted for the game.

Here is the sectional playoff schedule:

  • Class B: #3 Batavia hosts #6 Geneva at 7 p.m. on Friday
  • Class C: #1 Le Roy hosts #8 Penn Yan/Dundee at 7 p.m. on Friday
  • Class C: #2 Attica/Alexander hosts #7 Livonia at 7 p.m. on Friday
  • Class D: #1 York/Pavilion has a bye
  • Class D: #4 Oakfield-Alabama hosts #5 Notre Dame at 3 p.m. on Saturday
  • Eight-Man: #1 Pembroke hosts #4 Red Jacket at 7 p.m. on Friday
alexander football
Braden Allein
Photo by Philip Casper.
#22 Tyler Marino, Senior
Tyler Marino
Photo by Philip Casper.
#3 Landyn Thomas, Senior
Landyn Thomas
Photo by Philip Casper.
#22 Tyler Marino, Senior
Tyler Marino
Photo by Philip Casper.
#3 Landyn Thomas, Senior
Landyn Thomas
Photo by Philip Casper.
alexander football
Photo by Philip Casper.
#26 Sam Strzelec, Senior
Sam Strzelec
Photo by Philip Casper.
#85 Joe Parkhurst, Senior
Joe Parkhurst
Photo by Philip Casper.
#2 Trent Woods, Senior
Trent Woods
Photo by Philip Casper.

Photos: More treats than tricks at Dwyer Stadium

By Joanne Beck
Dwyer trick or treat 2023
A line of costumed trick-or-treaters make their way through the gate of Dwyer Stadium Saturday. 
Photo by Nick Serrata

The ever-popular trick-or-treat event at Dwyer Stadium drew hundreds again this year as part of a yearly Halloween tradition at the Bank Street facility that's home to Batavia Muckdogs.

The October event is just one of several that Muckdogs owner Robbie Nichols and staff host at the site, but it's definitely the sweetest. Businesses an organizations also participate with booths at the field, and hand out candy to the onslaught of little ghosts, goblins and whatever cartoon character may be trending. 

Photos by Nick Serrata

Dwyer trick or treat-2 2023
Trick or treat at Dwyer 2023
Trick or treaters at Dwyer 2023

A 2004 Honda CRV without much gas reportedly stolen in Bergen

By Howard B. Owens
2004 crv
A gray 2004 Honda CRV (not the actual vehicle).

The Sheriff's Office has received a report of a stolen gray 2004 Honda CRV from a residence on West Bergen Road in Bergen.

The vehicle was last seen heading west. 

The caller states there isn't much gas in the car, "so he shouldn't make it very far."

Patrols in the area have been alerted.

Week #3 Buff Rice Basketball League

By Staff Writer
buff rice basketball league notre dame

Submitted by Michael Rapone:

Results from week #3 at the Buff Rice Remix League:

 Warriors 29 vs Heat 28
|The Warriors have kept their momentum going and won their third straight to remain undefeated.  The Heat came back late in the second half but couldn’t get any closer.  Patrick Casey hit a layup with 2 seconds left to make it a one-point game, but the Warriors let the time run out, and it was over.  Drew Schultz led the Warriors with 10 points. Ethan Thom chipped in 7 with 8 rebounds, and Teigan Porter had 6 points and 5 dimes.  Vin DiLaura scored a bucket and Saywer George had 4 points.  Patrick Casey finished with 15 in the loss, Harlan Campbell had 8, and Lincoln Metz had 5 for the Heat.

Celtics 16  vs Lakers 32
The Lakers got their first win of the season as they spread the scoring around with 5 players in the scoring column. Liam McAlister led the Lakers with 10 points and 10 rebounds.  Lilian Thompson had a great game as well with 9 points, and 7 rebounds.  Also getting in the scoring column for the Lakeshow was Noah DeLong with 6, Vin LaBarbara with 4 and Brody Arroyo with 3.  The Celtics playing shorthanded for the second week without the likes of Jack Hilchey, were led by Noah Radam and Brody Wilson with 5 points each. 

Standings:

  • Warriors 3-0
  • Celtics 1-2
  • Lakers 1-2
  • Heat 1-2

Carolina 21 vs Duke 20
The undefeated Tar Heels were able to fend off the charging Duke Blue Devils and grab the one-point win.  Luke Hungerford once again led Carolina with 10 points.  Benny DiLaura back off the injured reserve, popped in 6 points and mainlined the defensive mentality into the veins of the Tar Heels.  Denny Crowley and Amaeus Barclay also showed up in the scorebook for the Heels.  Duke was led by Barrett Jones, who paced them with 12 points.  Also chipping in were Junior Thompson and Alex Tomidy with 3 each, and Mateo Spink with 2.

Duke 25 vs Syracuse 22
Duke was able to shake off the one-point loss in the early game and come back to get a three-point win in the second game.  Jones was again the leader for them as he pumped in 11.  Mateo Spink had a great second game with 7, and Junior Thompson had 5.  Gino Fava rounded out the scoring with a bucket!  For Syracuse, Jackson Therrien led the way with 13.  Charlie Rapone had a career-high 5, and Parker Davis chipped in with 4. 

Standings:

  • Carolina 4 - 0
  • Duke 2 -2
  • Syracuse 0 - 4

Submitted photos.

buff rice basketball league notre dame
buff rice basketball league notre dame
buff rice basketball league notre dame

Sponsored Post: New Listing from Reliant Real Estate - 8976 Wilkinson Road, Batavia

By Lisa Ace
Reliant

8976 Wilkinson Road Batavia-Town. Solid country home that packs in a lot of value! This 3 bedroom home has been updated and modernized throughout the years and offers a lot! Perfect for the starters and the down-sizers! There is a first floor bedroom and full bath on the first floor for those that need, and an additional larger two bedrooms up as well as a convenient upstairs laundry-washer and dryer to stay! First floor has open floor plan with eat in kitchen and large pantry closet as well as a large open back room for tons of storage needs or even office/playroom possibilities! Starting with the inviting full open porch and the awesome HUGE COVERED back porch leading to pool, the yard is just perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities! The back is fully fenced and has two large utility sheds AND an awesome fully insulated hobby or "play" shed ideal for so much, everyone will argue over who gets it!! The lot is just over an acre located in Pembroke School District and perfectly situated to town for shopping and thruway entrances and all major routes! Call Reliant Real Estate today! 585-344-HOME (4663).

Photo: The Sea of Tranquility

By Howard B. Owens
half moon sea of tranquility
Frank Capuano submitted a photo of last night's half-moon showing the Sea of Tranquility, where Apollo 11 landed in 1969, the Sea Serenity above it, and below it, the Sea of Fertility and the Sea of Nectar. 

 

'Ah, Sweet Music!' on Saturday in memory of David Lange

By Press Release

Press Release:

On Saturday, October 28, St. James Episcopal Church will be hosting “Ah, Sweet Music!”, a concert and dessert tasting in Memory of David Lange to benefit the church’s organ chamber preservation. David served as the organist at St. James from 1995 until 2022.

The evening will feature a variety of music by many who knew and loved David. Appearing will be Emily Helenbrook, soprano; John Novak, piano and organ; David Hirsch, alto saxophone; The Genesee Chorale Select Ensemble with Ric Jones, conductor and Doug Hanson, piano; Brass Quintet and Percussion with John Novak, organ, Brandon Luce, trumpet, Dakota Hirsch, trumpet, Jessica Gottschall, horn, Peter Celentano, trombone, Jason Decker, tuba, and Dustin Woodard, percussion; and the St. James Choir.

In homage to David Lange’s infamous sweet tooth, a selection of St. James’ dessert specialties will be available for tasting. The event is sponsored in part by the Buffalo Chapter, American Guild of Organists; H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Homes; and an anonymous donor. Tickets are $25 for Dessert and Concert, $20 for Concert only.

Dessert Buffet 6:30-7:15 p.m., Concert at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at St. James, 405 East Main Street, Batavia, or the Genesee Chorale Box office: www.GeneseeChorale.com/box-office. For more information, call 585-343-6802.

Notre Dame's modified football team completes undefeated season filled with big wins

By Howard B. Owens
Notre Dame modified football

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish modified football team played its final game of the season on Saturday, winning 48-0 over Pavilion/York/Wyoming to complete a 6-0 run for the year.

The Irish squad typically won by 50 points or close to it in each game.

On Saturday, Chase Antinore and Bradley Gabehart each scored two touchdowns. T.J. Cepheus, Jr., Matthew McCulley, and Timmy Bartz each scored one TD each.

The head coach is Brett Hall.

Photos by Pete Welker

Notre Dame modified football
Notre Dame modified football
Notre Dame modified football
Notre Dame modified football
Notre Dame modified football
Notre Dame modified football

Legendary ND coach Mike Rapone selected to NYS basketball hall of fame

By Press Release
Remote video URL

Press Release:

Notre Dame High School boys basketball Coach Mike Rapone (NDHS 1971) has not coached a game in well over a year, but that has not stopped the accolades from rolling in on his record-breaking career. 

The school was informed that the Basketball Coaches Association of New York Executive Board has selected Rapone for induction into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame. Rapone was previously inducted into the Notre Dame High School Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Section V Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. 

During his 42-year career at Notre Dame, he amassed a record of 728-212 with an eye-popping winning percentage of over 78%. To put that in perspective an average season over the entire span of his ND career ended with 17 wins and only 5 losses. 

He began his varsity career in the 1980-1981 season and promptly won his first Genesee Region Title and the school’s first-ever Section V Championship in Boys Basketball. The rest would be New York State basketball history as his teams would go on to win 17 consecutive Genesee Region titles to begin his career and 32 out of his first 34 seasons in total. 

During an 11-year span from 1992-2002, his teams would accumulate a record of 225-44 (84%), win 10 GR titles, appear in 9 Section V Championship Games, win 5 Section V titles, and 2 New York State Championships.

In addition to the 728 victories, Rapone’s career totals include 34 Genesee Region Titles, 10 Section V Championships, 5 NYS Far West Regional victories, and 2 New York State Championships (1992 and 2001). He is the current holder of Section V records in wins (728), championship game appearances (19), Section V Championships (10), Section V Tournament #1 Seeds (19), and championships in 4 different classifications (B, C, D, and DD).

The New York State Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place in March 2024, and more details will be provided as they are made available. 

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Pembroke Veterans Outreach Club announces Wreaths Across America ceremony

By Press Release
wreaths across america 2022
File photo by Howard Owens

Press Release:

On Dec. 16, the Wreaths Across America Day Ceremony will be held at the Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke, on Route 77 and Indian Falls Road. The event begins at 12 p.m. with a short ceremony that includes the Presentation of Colors, National Anthem, and Ceremonial Laying of Wreaths by each military branch. Following the ceremony, family members who have loved ones buried there will be able to lay wreaths on the headstones first. 

This year, there are over 1,600 headstones, with a goal to have a wreath placed on each one. If we sell more than 1,600, we are credited with wreaths for next year. The WNY National Cemetery is growing at an extraordinary rate, last year there were just 750 headstones.

The Wreaths Across Ceremony is run by the WNY National Cemetery Memorial Council. The Council is a non-profit that runs many of the events at the National Cemetery such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies. The council also supports the honor guard and installs and maintains the Avenue of Flags. $5 from the sale of each wreath is given to the Memorial Council if purchased through the Memorial Council’s link on Wreaths Across America.

The Pembroke Veterans Outreach Club, which is a student organization at the Pembroke Jr./Sr High School is selling the wreaths on behalf of the Memorial Council. This is the third year the club has done so. Last year the club was responsible for selling or collecting donations for almost 500 wreaths! 

Veterans Outreach Club members are selling them throughout the community and you can also send a check made out to the Pembroke Veterans Outreach Club for the number of wreaths you would like to purchase and the club will do the rest of the ordering for you. 

The Veterans Outreach Club and Pembroke Schools also play a major role in helping the council facilitate the Wreaths Across America Day event. Beyond selling the wreaths the kids set up, stage the wreaths, pass them out, direct participants to the proper rows, clean up, and help break down the event. 

They later collect the wreaths at the end of the season. It is truly a community-wide event. Last year there were well over a hundred and fifty attendees helping to lay wreaths on our veterans' headstones. Local fire departments help with parking, sheriff's work traffic control, and the Pembroke bus garage shuttles attendees to different sections of the cemetery.

The Veterans Outreach Club is led by Junior Club President Lilly Senko. Lilly has been an active member since 7th grade. She had led many of our club activities including, dinners with the Eagle Star House, collection drives, patriotic activities with the elementary school, an opening ceremony for Pembroke Veterans Wall of Honor, helping run the Purple Heart ceremony, and helping to coordinate our club's recent trip to Alaska. Lilly is also a talented artist who designed our Alaska trip t-shirts. Lilly will play a major role in organizing this year's Wreaths Across America Day events.

We would truly appreciate your support for both honoring our local veterans during the holiday season and helping support the good work of the WNY Memorial Council. Your purchase of a wreath through the Memorial Council will do both! Wreaths are $17 and can be purchased through:

  • The Council link at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ny0368p 
  • Checks, made out to the Pembroke Veterans Outreach Club, mailed to - Pembroke Jr./Sr. High, P.O. BOX 308, Corfu, NY 14036.

We hope to see you at Wreath Across America at 12 p.m. on Dec. 16. 

File photo by Howard Owens
File photo by Howard Owens
File photo by Howard Owens
File photo by Howard Owens
File photo by Howard Owens
File photo by Howard Owens

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