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Press release:

The Genesee County Office of Emergency Management Services was the host of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) FLASHOVER training. 

The FLASHOVER training was held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center on State Street Road, Batavia, on Sept. 10-11, where forty-three firefighters from around the region attended.

Seasoned instructors with years of experience teaching with a simulator, taught this program. The program included a one-hour classroom lecture, followed by two hours of intense live fire hands-on training evolutions in NYSAFC's mobile flashover simulator.

The FLASHOVER training allowed participants to experience fire development from the incipient stage all the way to flashover.  Participants completing the training are now able to identify the signs of the event before being part of the flashover. It is said that if you are more than five feet from the doorway, your chance of survival in a flashover is minimal.

Participants of the FLASHOVER training Included:

AKRON

• Hillery Dennies
• Michael Dennies

ALABAMA

• Gary Patnode
• Michelle Patnode
• Ryan Thompson

CITY OF BATAVIA

• Ryan Darch
• Nathan Flint
• Allison Hubert
• Jennifer Kirkum
• Dalton Major
• Benjamin Pickard

BOWMANSVILLE

• Mike  Andrzewski
• Evan MacPeek

CALEDONIA

• Andrew Carpino
• Samuel D'Agostino
• RJ Kantowski
• John Kellen
• Michael Lubitow
• Aaron Rychlicki
• Nathan Sherlock

EAST BLOOMFIELD

• Alex Brown
• Bill Gasser
• Abigail Miller

EAST PEMBROKE

• Stephen Smelski

PERRY CENTER

• David  Parfitt
• Chuck Wright

PITTSFORD

• Ron DeCamelia
• Brian Garber
• Matt Garber
• Marc Krieger
• Chris Otero

RANSOMVILLE

• Jim Harbison
• Chris Lederhouse
• Justin Stoelting
• Matt Wedge

SOUTH BYRON

• Nicole Boldt
• Vito Muoio
• Jeremie Rassel
• Jeffrey Starowitz

SPRINGWATER

• Brian Nadeau
• Zackery Ryan

WENDELVILLE

• Thomas Braunscheidel
• Benjamin Kalbfliesch

Behold, and Blush is a comprehensive telling of the 1779 Sullivan Expedition as it wound its way through western New York. We begin with the legend behind the creation of the Seneca Nation, the "Great Peacemaker," and Hiawatha, and the formation of the Haudenosaunee (League of Five Nations). Next, the book segues the French-led invasion of Seneca territory in 1687. Finally, it touches on the French and Indian War and the deeds committed by British General Jefferey Amherst, for whom Amherst New York is named. Behold and Blush reviews chronologically and introduces the readers to the campaigns of "Goose," Van Schaick, and Daniel Brodhead, culminating with Sullivan and Clinton. Thompson's research expands upon the expedition's little-

known members, which significantly adds to the story of the Sullivan Expedition. The book introduces the reader to Joseph Brant, Mary Jemison, Daniel Shays, Timothy Murphy, Lt. Thomas Boyd, and Sgt. Michael Parker. The book concludes with the discussion of genocide as it may or may not relate to Sullivan's Expedition. "If a reader expects to find this book treating the men of Sullivan's Expedition as barbarians and a book where the Seneca are treated as victims, they may be disappointed in what they find.”

Release date October 9:

Presentation and signing:

• Sat. Oct. 22 – Simply Positive 23 Main St. Livonia NY 10-1 p.m., (585) 204-0441
• Sat. Oct. 29 – Holland Land Office Museum 131 W. Main St Batavia NY, 1-3 p.m. 585-343-4727.

Press release:

Notre Dame has announced the newest members of its Athletic Hall of Fame who will be inducted on Saturday Nov. 12 in a ceremony held at the school.  Contact Kate Edwards at 343-2783 ext. 144 or email her kate.edwards@ndhsbatavia.com for ticket information.

Aaron Fix Class of 1992:  Aaron excelled in football, basketball and Baseball. He started on Notre Dame’s first State title the 1992 Boys Basketball Team. The basketball teams he played on posted a record of 40-9 (38-4 in GR) and won GR titles in 1991 & 1992.  He was a 2-time GR All-Star in both football and baseball with his teams winning GR championships in baseball in1990 &1991. He went on to play football collegiately at Canisius where he set a record for TD punt returns in a game (3), in a season (4) and was a D-1 AA All-American as a punt returner.

Christi Moskal Ganie Class of 2003:  Christi played volleyball, basketball and softball during her ND years. Her Volleyball teams won Section V titles in 2001 & 2002 advancing to State finals in ’02. She was selected as a multiple GR and Section V Volleyball All-Star. Christi’s basketball squads were Section V Champs in 2002 when she was named MVP and 2003 when she was a tournament All-Star. Christi was a 3-time GR Basketball All-Star on teams that won 3 GR titles. Her prowess as a student-athlete led to her selection as Notre Dame’s Outstanding Scholar-Athlete in 2003.

Kevin Smith Class of 1987: Kevin was a standout athlete in football, basketball and baseball.  He was a GR All-Star in football in 1986 when his team won the GR title and advanced to the Sectional Finals.  Kevin’s basketball teams won 32 and lost 9 winning GR Championships in ’86 & ’87 while advancing to Sectional Championship game in ’87 where they lost by 1 on a buzzer beater. In ’87, he earned GR All-Star recognition. He was a 2-time GR All-Star on Baseball teams that posted a record of 50-9 winning GR & Sectional Championships in ’86 & ’87. He was the recipient of the Rogowski Trophy one of the most prestigious ND Awards.

Jack Waggoner Class of 1989:  Jack played football, basketball and golf. He was Athlete of the Year in 1988 as well as the Batavia Lions Club Bill Cook Outstanding Scholar-Athlete Award in 1989. His football squads had a 2-year record of 12-4 winning a GR title and he was a GR All-Star in ‘87 & ’88. Jack’s basketball teams went 37-10 winning a Batavia Lions Club championship as well as a GR title in ’89 when they advanced to the Sectional Championship game. Arguably the most successful golfer in school history, Jack was  a 6-time Sectional qualifier, 3-time medalist of the GR qualifying event, twice advanced to the state championships and his 4-times as team MVP is a school record.

1973 Baseball:  The 1973 Baseball team went 16-4 winning the Smith League championship. They advanced to the Georgetown Cup Championship game losing 3-1 to Canisius HS. This team was coached by Hall of Famers Fr. John Zeitler and Bill Sutherland while the roster included HOF athletes Bob Carragher, Andy Vogl, and Mark Francis.

1992 Boys Basketball:  The 1992 Boys Basketball team earned the name “The Fab 5” as they posted a record of 26-1 winning the NYSPHSAA State title as well as Section V and GR championships. They set a school record for wins (26), win percentage (96.3%) and put ND back in the spotlight at a time when enrollment had dropped below 100 for the first and only time. HOF inductees affiliated with the team include Coaches Mike Rapone and Dave Pero as well as athletes Tom McCulley and Aaron Fix.

Press release:

Arc GLOW’s Meadowcrest Drive home received some help with fall spruce up and clean Wednesday afternoon from a group of hard-working volunteers representing Five Star Bank.

Five Star’s First Vice President Territory Director Jacqueline Lavoie shared a company statement about the bank’s Volunteering is a Work of HEART Day, that explained as part of this company-wide community service event, most branches and offices closed early to allow the team to come together and dedicate time and talent to better the communities they serve.  According to the statement, “More than 300 associates signed up to volunteer with over 30 non-profit organizations throughout our footprint to complete projects that make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

Stacey Vandetta, branch manager for Batavia and Attica, said her team was excited and honored to spend the afternoon at one of Arc GLOW’s Batavia homes.  “We brought our gloves, rakes and we are ready to work!!!” she said.

Meadowcrest Residential Manager Molly Smith was thrilled with the offer to help with a few major projects, including raking the backyard and painting the front porch.  “They had the porch painted in no time, and twelve bags of leaves raked,” Molly said.  “We’re thrilled – the porch looks great and the backyard has never looked better.” 

Five Star volunteers had the opportunity to work with John, one of the residents who lives at the Meadowcrest home.  “John quickly became the team leader,” Molly said, making sure everyone was hydrated and had all the supplies they needed.  “I can’t thank them enough for what they were able to do in such a short period of time,” the manager stated, with a smile.  “Their goal was to make a difference, and they did. We are so grateful!”

Five Star Bank employees participating in the Volunteering is a Work of HEART Day were: Jeff Westerman (LeRoy and Caledonia Manager), Stacy Vandetta (Batavia and Attica Manager), Mary Ann Gallo, Carrie Laney, Christine Adamczak, Sandy Smart, Amy Meisner, Makayla Hilchey-Richthammer, Michelle Vollmer, Cassandra Anderson and Lisa Gautieri.  Team member who wanted to volunteer for Arc GLOW but offered to work to keep the LeRoy branch open were Ty Ozkaynak, Cassidy Bratcher and Jen Lambert.

The Meadowcrest home is one of thirty residences operated by the Arc GLOW throughout its four-county service area.  Arc GLOW was created in October of 2021 as a result of a merger between Arc of Genesee Orleans and The Arc Livingston-Wyoming. The human service agency employs nearly 1,000 staff across 2,400 square miles and serves 2,000 people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families.

Submitted photos.

Press release:

Join GLOW OUT! in uplifting LGBTQ+ youth as they head back to school at their first-ever Back-to-School BBQ this Saturday, September 24 from 12:30-3:30 pm at DeWitt Park in Batavia. This all-age event is free, open to the public, and will be hosted by the fabulous Vanessa Leroux who is returning from the 2022 Pride Festival to entertain and wow participants again!

The afternoon will also feature Act Out!, GLOW OUT’s youth league led by Lilly Fiscus of Caledonia-Mumford HS, Abigail Merkley of Holley HS, Ruth Metzgar of GCC (formerly of Attica HS), Ayden Carlson of Batavia HS, and Judith Newton of Batavia HS. Learn about upcoming youth-related events and their efforts to combat bullying with the launch of their campaign “Fail the F-Slur!”. Targeting the need for family support, the group will also promote the start of their PFLAG/parent group which will begin in October.  

GLOW OUT! would like to pay a special thank you to Lynda Battaglia, Director of Mental Health and Community Services of Genesee County, whose generous time and stellar performance as a “Celebrity Bartender” helped to raise the funds for this event to be free for the community. This organization and the LGBTQ+ youth uplifted by this work are grateful to live in a community with such inclusive and dedicated leaders. More information about the event can be found on their website http://www.glowout.org/. If you are bringing a larger group or if you have questions, please email Sara Vacin at saravacin@gmail.com. Families, friends, and clubs are welcome!

Photo: Submitted photo.  Ayden Carlsen, Judith Newton, Sara Vacin, Abby Merkley, and Lilly Fiscus

Press release:

Did you know that radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that is released in rock, soil and water? Radon has no smell, taste or color and kills more than 21,000 people each year. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

Radon can build up to dangerous levels in your home, which can occur in new homes or older homes. “Radon can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, cracks in basement walls, holes, joints, dirt floors, sump pump holes, suspended floors and in the well-water supply,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Any house that has contact to the ground has the potential for radon to enter the home.”

Both the EPA and New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) have identified Genesee County as having a high average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter). “Testing your home for radon is the only way to know if high levels are present and corrective action is needed,” stated Brodie. When radon tests are completed, they should be performed in the lowest primary living area of the home.

GO Health encourages residents to test for radon when buying a home, doing a major renovation, every 2 years if there is a mitigation system installed or every 5 years otherwise. You can purchase a short-term radon test kit from your local hardware store or through a radon-testing laboratory. For more information on radon or other GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org

Press release:

Due to popular demand, we have added a second tomato canning class on Sept. 28, 6 to 8 p.m.  This is a hands-on class that will show you all the basics of hot water bath canning.  The Master Food Preserver will demonstrate both the hot and cold pack methods of canning.  There will also be a discussion on canning jams and jellies.

Recipes and handouts will be provided.  When the class is done, you will have a quart of tomatoes, but they will be too hot to take home that night.  You will be able to pick them up at the CCE office the next day.

The class will be held at the Stafford Methodist Church, 6134 Main St., Stafford, Wednesday, Sept. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.  Pre-registration is required as class size is limited.  No walk-in participants, please.  The cost for the class is $20 per person.  Registration and payment are due by September 26.  Contact Mandy at (585) 343-3040, ext. 101 or stop by our office to register.  You can also register and pay online by going to our event page athttps://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events.

Press release:

On Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., law enforcement agencies across Genesee County and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will provide the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.

There will be three locations across the county where citizens can dispose of their medications. Sharps will only be accepted at the Batavia location.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

• The Batavia Police Department, in conjunction with United Memorial Medical Center, will be accepting prescription drugs and sharps in the Alva Place parking lot across the street from Batavia Showtime (located in the Genesee County Mall), Batavia.
• The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will be accepting prescription drugs ONLY at the Pembroke Town Hall, 1145 Main Road, Corfu.
• The Le Roy Police Department will be accepting prescription drugs ONLY at their headquarters located at 3 West Main Street, Le Roy.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. 

In addition to DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, there are many other ways to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs every day, including the 11,000 authorized collectors that are available all year long.

The Batavia Police Department Headquarters has one for everyday collection of drugs located in the rear vestibule at 10 West Main St., Batavia, NY.

Containers are also located at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office on Park Rd, Batavia, and at the Le Roy Police Department. Sharps are accepted at United Memorial Medical Center, 127 North St., Batavia.

The FDA also provides information on how to properly dispose of prescription drugs. More information is available here.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the October 29th Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com.

File Photo: Officer Stephen Quider, K-9 Batu, and Detective Jason Ivison in 2021.

Press release:

The Genesee County Highway Department will be paving on Morganville Road between Horseshoe Lake Road and Route 237 and East Morganville Road between Morganville Road and 237 in Stafford on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week, weather permitting. The road will be closed to thru traffic during the paving operations.

To all motorists, businesses, and property owners along Lovers Lane in the Town of Batavia:

Lovers Lane between Route 33/Pearl Street Road and South Main Street Road will be closed to all through traffic during paving operations scheduled for Tuesday, Sept 27.  Paving Operations will occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.   Residents of Lovers Lane will have access to their property, but anticipate delays.  This is a weather dependent operation.  If postponed due to inclement weather the work will be rescheduled for the next workday.

Press release:

In support of the Genesee County STOP-DWI program, the STOP-DWI Board invites all sixth- through 12th-grade students to submit a poster design that reflects the dangers of drinking and driving.

Designs should focus on the affects drinking and driving have on an individual, their family and the community.

The theme for the 2022 poster contest is, "Don’t risk it, drunk driving is always a losing game.”

 Guidelines:

• Contestants must be enrolled as a  sixth- through 12^th-grader in a Genesee County School;
• Poster should be no larger than 9’’ x 12” and must include the theme of: "Don’t risk it, drunk driving is always a losing game”;
• Please submit your artwork in landscape (horizontal) orientation;
• Each submission should be the original student’s work. Submissions should be mailed or dropped off to the address below;
• Each entry must include the artist’s full name, address, phone number, grade, age and school on the back of the poster (no personal information should be on the illustration).

Designs can be in any medium, including computer-generated. However, we strongly recommend that students create strong, simple and colorful designs that will deliver the most visual impact for their message.

Grand Prize Winner -- gift card, poster, sweet treat and their artwork on a billboard in Genesee County. They will also be honored at the STOP DWI luncheon banquet in December.

First-  through third-place winners from each category (sixth - eighth grade; ninth - 12th grade; and graphic art) will receive a gift card, commendation, poster and a sweet treat. They will also be recognized at the STOP-DWI luncheon banquet in December.

DEADLINE: Entries must be received in person or by mail by 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7.

Press release:

The OACS Alumni Hall of Fame Committee will be honoring the Class of 2022 during an Alumni Hall of Fame weekend on Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. in the OACS High school Cafeteria.  The 2022 OA HOF Inductees are:

• Daniel Gilbert - Class of ‘87
• Dr. Cory Merkel - Class of ‘05
• Gary Nanni - Class of ‘73

On Saturday, October 15, 2022 there will be a community dinner and ceremony (held in the OACS High School Cafeteria) to induct our newest members.  Doors will open at 5:30pm.  The event will begin at 6:00pm.

Tickets are on sale through Oct. 1 and are available at the following:

• Oakfield-Alabama Elementary School (7001 Lewiston Road, Oakfield  NY 14125)
• Oakfield-Alabama Middle and High School (7001 Lewiston Road, Oakfield  NY 14125)
• Oakfield Family Pharmacy (40 Main Street, Oakfield NY 14125)
• By contacting committee member Liz Conway at: conwayej@frontiernet.net
• By mailing a check (made payable to “Dollars for Scholars”) to:
  OA Hall of Fame, PO Box 35, Oakfield NY 14125
  Note: Please be sure to add “HOF Tickets” in the memo line of your check and include   your email address so confirmation of your order can be sent. 

Ticket Prices:  $30 for Adults (ages 11 and up), $15 for Children (ages 4-10) and no charge for ages 3 and under.

The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding OACS alumni who have achieved distinction in their lives and chosen field after high school through significant contributions to their career, community or through personal achievements; providing incentive for current and future students.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, October 15, 2022!

Daniel Gilbert ‘87:
Dan was a leader, coach, and teacher, on the playing fields, in the classroom, and in the community.

Joining the faculty of his alma mater in 1998, he preached "confidence, not cockiness" in making the Hornets a dynastic force on the baseball diamond.  His teams won 12 Genesee Region League baseball titles, and Section V championships in 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2009.  In each of those sectional title years, he was also honored as Section V Coach of the Year.

When Hornet softball needed a coach in 2011, Dan stepped up and led that team to a sectional title, and was honored as Genesee Region Coach of the Year.

Dan amassed a 284-58 record coaching baseball, softball, JV and varsity football, and modified basketball.

At Oakfield, he taught health and physical education, creating and shaping the district's Adaptive PE program for students with special needs.

In the community he coached Little League baseball and youth football.

Dan's memory lives on in his players, students, wife, and children, and in Dan Gilbert Field, the OACS baseball diamond.

Dr. Cory Merkel – Class of ‘05:
Cory is an internationally-recognized figure in brain-inspired computing research.

After earning his PhD in Microsystems Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology where he also earned his Master's and Bachelor's, Cory spent three years at the Air Force Research Lab before joining the RIT faculty in a research and teaching position.

His RIT research lab focuses on "brain applications" - Artificial Intelligence security, improved accessibility for "smart assistants" like Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa, etc. for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals; and designing integrated circuits that replicate the functionality and behavior of the human brain.  Cory chairs the Computer Engineering department's Social and Awards committee, which recognizes promising students for their above-and-beyond academic excellence and teaching and other support for the department.  He also teaches courses in the areas of digital integrated circuit design and brain-inspired computing.

He has been involved in a number of outreach programs such as the Project Fibonacci STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) conference, which engages students from middle school through college, in intensive workshops to foster and cultivate interest in STEAM disciplines.

At the time of his induction, Cory held three US patents, published over 50 peer-reviewed research articles, and advised dozens of students on their MS or PhD research.

Cory met his future wife while he was at OACS; they married in 2012.  In his spare time he continues his passion for percussion - he has been in musical groups since he was 12 - and sports, including rank achievement in kung fu and karate.

Gary Nanni – Class of ‘73:
Gary started his working career mowing and doing grounds at Carl Petronio Construction in Albion, where his father worked.  By the time of his retirement, he was president of Allied Builders, the $35 million company Petronio had grown into, with Gary playing a major role in its successes and expansion.

The capping project of his career was the $21 million Richard C. Call Athletic Facility and Student Success Center at Genesee Community College.  The firm's accomplishments, even just in Western NY, are too numerous to cite, but include the tennis courts and other renovations at OACS, the Oakfield Wastewater Treatment Plant, several projects for US Gypsum; plus Western Region Off-Track Betting Casino and Thurman Thomas Sports Bar in Batavia, Roberts Wesleyan's Life Fitness Center, RIT's Imaging Science Center, and at least 14 school districts in Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming, and Monroe Counties.

Under Gary's leadership, in 2002 Allied was ranked #2 in the Rochester Business Alliance/Democrat and Chronicle list of fastest growing companies, and Buffalo Business First's list of Top Ten Private Companies.

Press Release:

The Friends of the Rink organization will be sponsoring a Community Scrap Metal Drive Fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena (rear parking lot), 22 Evans St., Batavia, New York.

All proceeds will be used to fund needed ice rink improvement projects.

Unacceptable items include – refrigerators, vehicle wheel rims with tires attached, items containing mercury, items with fluids inside or out – gas, oil, hydraulic oil, tar, etc.

This event held in cooperation with Ed Arnold Scrap Processors, Corfu, New York.

Press release:

All motorists please be aware that Bank Street, Chandler Avenue and Ross Street will experience traffic delays on Sep. 26 and 27 and Oct. 3 and 4 between the hours of 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for resurfacing operations.

While work is being performed in this area, local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence/property but should plan accordingly for delays.

All residents/businesses within the work area are asked not to park on the roadway during the operation.

This is weather dependent work; if work is postponed it shall progress the next workday.

Please contact the Bureau of Maintenance at (585) 345-6400 Option 1 if there are any questions.

Press release:

Work for the replacement of the South Lyon Street Bridge over the Tonawanda Creek will begin Monday, September 26th. The bridge was closed in September of 2021 due to structural deficiencies that warranted a replacement. The existing bridge is a modernized version of a “Bailey Bridge” that was installed nearly forty years ago. A New York State Department of Transportation inspection revealed it did not meet the 3-ton minimum load requirement for vehicles to cross safely.

The project includes a new steel truss bridge that was built to meet current structural standards with increased service life and minimized maintenance costs. The bridge consists of two 11-foot lanes with 2- foot shoulders and a 5-foot sidewalk on the east side of the truss. The alignment of South Lyon Street will be modified to improve the intersection with South Main Street and approach work will include a seamless transition to the relocated intersection, existing roadway, and sidewalks.

A small portion of South Main Street will be closed to traffic beginning Monday, September 26th with detours clearly marked. The area of closure and the multiple options for vehicular and pedestrian traffic to avoid the area are visible in the included graphic. Current plans include closing this area of South Main Street during work in the fall, re-opening it to traffic in the winter, and then closing it back down in the spring to finish the bridge replacement work. 

Press Release:

Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion, Le Roy, would like to announce with great pride and pleasure Martha Bailey as its selection for the 2022 “LeRoyan of the Year Award."

The “LeRoyan of the Year” is to recognize people who demonstrate the following qualifications and attributes:

• The man, woman 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 the community – signified by excellence in a life of purpose and accomplishment.

Martha has been a resident of Le Roy for the past 39 years along with her husband Russell. 

She has two children Jaime (David Fetzer) and a son Christopher Bailey, along with seven grandchildren. 

Martha is currently employed as an office manager by SmartDESIGN Architecture in Batavia, with past employment at WBTA Radio and Tompkins Insurance. 

Martha is well known as the owner of  Martha’s Smoke Shop, which was on Main St in LeRoy for many years.

Martha’s long list of volunteer work includes being a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, a Past member of the YWCA of Batavia, chairperson for the Le Roy Board of Assessment Review, Le Roy Business Council (where she chairs the annual golf tournament along with the Le Roy’s First Night (New Year's Eve). 

Martha is very involved with the Le Roy Rotary, where she was past president, past assistant governor, Rotary Institute chairperson, past Milne board member, as well as a two-time Paul Harris recipient.   She has chaired many Rotary functions as well as the implementation of Rent-A-Rotarian, REAL (Rotary Excited About Literature), RAMP (Rotary Assistance Music Program), Rotary backpack and Knights Closet.

As a Lifetime member of the Women of the Moose, she was a past winner of Moose of the Year, she is now the first woman elected to a three-year term on the Le Roy Moose board of trustees.  She is the chairperson for many events that benefit many different organizations including, winter coats and accessories for the needs of Wolcott Street School students, Le Roy Jr. Sr High School’s Knights Closet, Crossroads House, The YWCA Safe House and various small club activities.

Martha is a MASTER ticket seller and a PRO at gathering door prizes for all of her events.  If you see Martha coming get your wallet out its going you cost money (always for a great cause).  

To honor Martha, the 53rd Annual LeRoyan of the Year Award Dinner will be held on Oct. 15.  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 23, 2022, at the American Legion Tue through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., or by calling Joan (585) 721-7801.   The cost is $25.00 per ticket (check or cash only).

Photo: Martha Bailey on Friday evening at the Chamber of Commerce 50th Anniversary Celebration. Photo by Howard Owens.

Press release:

Sheriffs’ Week celebrates the significant contributions made by the Office of Sheriff as an integral part of the criminal justice system in New York State and in Genesee County throughout our history.  Having been established in the State’s first constitution in 1777, and having been continued in every succeeding constitution, it is one of the original constitutional offices of Genesee County first established in 1802.

The Office of Sheriff is currently held by William A. Sheron, Jr.  He was elected Sheriff in 2017 and has worked for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for the past 45 years.  Sheriff Sheron is also a member of the Executive Committee for the New York State Sheriffs’ Association.

The Office of Sheriff has evolved into a modern, professionally accredited, full-service law enforcement and public safety agency, manned by fully trained police and peace officers, as well as civilians using state-of-the-art technology and applying the latest and most-advanced theories and practices in the criminal justice field.

The Office of Sheriff is unique in the community, and the duties of the Office go far beyond the traditional role of “Keeper of the Peace,” and extend into many facets of public service, including maintaining the county jail, providing security in our schools, dispatching emergency services, communication systems, animal control, community service and victim assistance, and serving/executing civil process and victim protection orders for our courts.

As a constitutionally empowered Office directly responsible to the people, the ancient Office of Sheriff remains, even today, responsive and accountable to the public it serves.  This week, we celebrate the historical and current contributions of the Office of Sheriff and the significant role that the Sheriff’s Office plays in our modern criminal justice system.

Photo: Submitted photo. Undersheriff Brad Mazer, Legislator Marianne Clattenburg, and Sheriff William Sheron.

Press release:

The Town of Alabama Republican Committee is seeking candidates for recommendations to the Town of Alabama Board. The following positions are open. Town Justice, Town Assessor and the Assessment Review Board. Please send your letter of interest to Earl LaGrou 7420 Macomber Road, Oakfield, NY 14125. Please submit no later than Oct. 7. If you have any questions, you may call Earl LaGrou at (716) 912.8195 or send an email to earl@lwemail.com.

Richmond Memorial Library is gearing up for a month of programs in anticipation of the 2022 Richmond Reads Author Visit on Thursday, October 20 at 7 pm. This year’s program features a review contest, book discussions, a film screening and the main event with author Brendan Slocumb and his book The Violin Conspiracy. After two years of virtual programs, the committee is excited to host this year’s author in person!

The review contest has become a popular part of Richmond Reads. Each year, readers are invited to write a review of the chosen book and submit it for a chance to win a prize. This year’s contest runs from September 1- October 8. After anonymous review by the Richmond Reads committee, two winners will be chosen. This year’s prize? Dinner with the author and the Richmond Reads committee at a local restaurant prior to the author event on Thursday, October 20!

• Read "The Violin Conspiracy" by Brendan Slocumb
• Write a review of the book of 200 words or fewer.
• Submit your entry by 5:00 pm on Saturday, October 8.

 Instead of simply summarizing the book, consider the following as you write your review:

• How did this book impact you? Were you able to relate to any characters or situations?
• What were the most significant moments in the plot?
• What truths do you think were expressed through the ending?
• How does the setting affect the story?

Reviews will be judged on creativity, originality, and writing quality.

Entries must follow all contest rules and use contest entry forms, which can be found at the library or on the library’s website at batavialibrary.org/richmond-reads. Contest sponsored by the Friends of Richmond Memorial Library.

Other programs and events:

Book Discussions: Read "The Violin Conspiracy" and join a community discussion on Monday, October 3 at 6:30 pm, Wednesday, October 12 at 9 am or Saturday, October 15 at 10 am. The only requirement to attend is to read the book!

Reel Discussions: Thursday, October 6 at 6:30 pm. Watch the PBS Documentary "Violin Masters: Two Gentlemen of Cremona" and join the discussion to follow. “Everyone has heard of Antonio Stradivari, but few know the name Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù. Through interviews with historians, experts, luthiers, and virtuosos, this documentary tells the story of these two masters of violinmaking and why today their stringed instruments are worth millions of dollars to musicians and collectors the world over.”

Author Visit: "The Violin Conspiracy" author Brendan Slocumb will be at Richmond Memorial Library on Thursday, October 20 at 7 pm for a reading, talk and signing. All are welcome. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Copies of the book will be available to purchase at the event for $20, cash or check.

Copies of the book are available to borrow from the library in regular print and large print, as well as in eBook or audiobook format on the Libby app. Copies are available to purchase at the library for $20, cash or check. The book was chosen with older teen and adult readers in mind.

Richmond Reads is sponsored by the Richmond Memorial Library and the Friends of Richmond Memorial Library. Visit batavialibrary.org/richmond-reads for all information. Questions may be directed to program coordinator Samantha Basile.