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Bethany issues State of Emergency for water shortage

By Joanne Beck

The Town of Bethany has declared a State of Emergency for water services during a year-end meeting on Thursday due to the town’s inability to provide water services to the affected parcels of approximately 100 residences and two dairy farms in the town.

The town’s Water District 5 had previously

Santa visits Bethany Friday morning, in the form of a water donation, as officials wait for word on district funding

By Joanne Beck
Water donation in Bethany
A donation of four pallets of drinking water by Eric Santos, second from left, of Casella Waste Systems, arrives at Bethany Town Hall Friday morning for residents who have been struggling without water.
Submitted Photo

As town officials and residents work through a water shortage brought on by drought, all of them have said it has been the worst they have ever seen since living in Bethany, many of them for decades. Fill dates are being scheduled week by week from a tanker that was provided by the state Office of Emergency Management.

Santa came early again for a visit Friday morning in the form of a donation of four pallets of bottled water all ready to be distributed to residents, Supervisor Carl Hyde Jr. said. Operations Manager Eric Santos of Casella Waste Systems had heard about Bethany's plight and showed up with his crew and the much-welcomed donation of water at town hall, Hyde said.

In the midst of drought, Bethany gets a splash of good news with $5M grant

By Joanne Beck
bethany water tanker nov. 2023
2023 File Photo of Bethany Town Supervisor Carl Hyde Jr. reviewing the town's water districts, including the latest Water District 5, which will be a go, thanks to the $5 million WIIA grant awarded to the town. 
Photo by Howard Owens

Tuesday afternoon was unexpectedly busy and gleeful for Bethany Town Supervisor Carl Hyde Jr.

And while still being embroiled in town residents’ plight of dry wells and being in need of daily water supplies, he found something to smile about, he says.

“We’re on the list,” he said about the town’s placement on the state’s Water Infrastructure Improvement Award approvals. “My phone’s been ringing off the hook. I heard from Steve Hawley and J.W. Cook from the governor’s office. He called to say congratulations, you got your grant. I’m very happy.”

'We can't manage it on our own.' Legislators ask Jacobs for countywide water assistance

By Mike Pettinella
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Genesee County legislators on Wednesday afternoon – in the clearest of terms – asked Congressman Chris Jacobs for his help in finding federal money to assist the municipality with its

Painted wool show featured in main gallery at GO ART!

By Howard B. Owens

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The main gallery at GO ART! is filled with wooly bright colors until Dec. 3 in an exclusive show for East Bethany artist Terry Webber. 

Webber's show of painted wool is unique.  The pictures are bright and vibrant but filled with texture and an element of 3D vision.

Webber, who

Environmental professor weighs in on Genesee County's 'most intense' drought conditions

By Joanne Beck
Stephen Shaw
Associate Professor Stephen Shaw
Photo from SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry website

With so much talk about global warming and climate change, that would seem to be the likely culprit for drought so extreme it has dried up dozens of wells in pockets of Genesee County.

However, Stephen Shaw, associate professor for environmental resources engineering at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, says it might be much more random than that.

Shaw has just completed a 20-year analysis and a report about dry wells across the entire northeast. He found that a drought in 2016 was “pretty intense,” especially across Western New York and Buffalo in particular. That didn’t match what these towns — the volume of households — in Genesee County have experienced, he said.

UMMC, Genesee County, team up again to provide park visitors with sunscreen

By Press Release
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Press release:

More than 4,000 New Yorkers are diagnosed with skin cancer a year.  United Memorial Medical Center and the Genesee County Parks Department are collaborating once again to

Treasurer: Gas prices fueling sales tax revenue increase

By Mike Pettinella

Genesee County sales tax revenue is trending in the right direction, County Treasurer Scott German said on Wednesday afternoon.

“Sales tax revenue is doing well,” said German, speaking at the Genesee County Legislature’s Ways & Means Committee meeting at the Old County Courthouse.

Supported by Excel spreadsheets showing fund balances

Kim Maureen McGiveron

By Joshua Smith

Riga - Kim Maureen McGiveron, 60, of Riga, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday (May 11, 2022) at her home.

She was born June 23, 1961 in Batavia, a daughter of Ronald and Mary Jane (Dillon) Heywood of East Bethany.

Kim was a graduate of Pavilion Central School, GCC, and she earned her bachelor's degree at Brockport State College. She was a bookkeeper for several local businesses, and an employee of Lenape.

She was a member and dedicated Deacon and Elder of the East Bethany Presbyterian Church, and also attended the Congregational Church of Riga. Kim was a loving, kind, thoughtful, giving person who always put others first; she will be sadly missed. We have lost a very bright light in our family, but she'll shine brightly in Heaven.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her fiance, Jerry Clark of Riga; daughter Danielle (Timothy) Dosch of Florida; son, Shawn McGiveron of Warsaw; grandchildren, McKenzie and Savannah; brothers, Doug (Peg) Heywood of East Bethany, and Richard (Melissa) Heywood of Tennessee; sisters, Bonnie (Ken) Morgan of Tennessee, and Linda (Randy) Page of Batavia. Several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. Kim's funeral service will be held on Monday (May 16) at 11 a.m. at the East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Road in East Bethany. Burial will be in East Bethany Cemetery at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to East Bethany Presbyterian Church.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Lewis Allen Rhinehart

By LaVern Falcone

East Bethany ~ Lewis Allen Rhinehart, age 78, passed away Wednesday morning (July 13, 2022) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

   

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  He was born November 29, 1943, in Rochester, NY to the late Homer and Marjorie Rhinehart.

     Lewis is survived by his daughter, Crystal; sister Ruth Parnell and special nephew, Scott Parnell.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews across the country.  Lewis was predeceased by his wife, Beverly; his brothers, William, Ronald, John, Homer Jr., Walter and sister, Doris.

     Lewis worked for many years as a carpenter for Harry Pimm, Jr., before moving on to work as a security guard for Sabin Metal until he retired in the early 2000’s.

     Lewis spent his retirement with his wife, Beverly until her passing in 2011; while also cuddling with his beloved dog, Peanut and collecting John Deere tractor models.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, July 17 from 1 ~ 4 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Graveside prayers and military honors will be held on Monday, July 18 at 11:00 AM at the Pavilion Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Bethany Volunteer Fire Dept., 10510 Bethany Ctr. Rd., East Bethany, NY 14054

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Lewis’ family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Fatal motorcycle accident reported on Route 63 at Fargo Road

By Howard B. Owens

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A motorcycle accident with injuries is reported at Route 63 and Fargo Road, Bethany.

The accident seems to have occurred moments after a deputy reported losing sight of a "crotch-rocket" that he had been pursuing. The deputy reported backing off the pursuit before the accident was discovered.

UPDATE 7:03 p.m

Ruth R. McVay

By T.J. Woodward

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  Ruth M. Alwardt McVay left her earthly home on October 19, 2022, at the age of 89 for her eternal home. Ruth was born on July 13, 1933 in Darien New York. Ruth is the daughter of the late Everett Alwardt and the late Stella Post Alwardt and the wife of the late Albert McVay.

Ruth graduated from the Alexander Central School in 1956. She was employed by JJ Newberrys, for several years. She married the love of her life Albert McVay on March 23, 1957. She was a loving mom and grandmother to her children and filled the home with joy. Not only did Ruth love jokes and pranks but enlisted her family members to engage in these adventures. This was a shared trait among her and her siblings as well. She was a Member and a Sunday school teacher at West Bethany Baptist Church. Later in life she became an AWANA secretary and Sunday school helper at the Attica First Baptist Church. She was a 4-H leader for many years and enjoyed baking, gardening, and was an avid bird watcher. Ruth took a special interest in classic cars, loved taking trips, and vacations with her family, as well as friends.

Ruth is pre-deceased by her husband Albert, her sons Dennis and Lloyd, her siblings, Mildred (Harvey) Bartz, William, Harold (Mary), Keith (Diana), and Dean Alwardt.

She is survived by her children Denise McVay, Wendy (David) Parker, Bernard McVay, Sandra (Todd) Schrauger, Duane (Vickie) McVay several grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at Marley Funeral Home, LLC., 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at West Bethany Baptist Church, 10333 W. Bethany Road, East Bethany, NY 14054. She will be laid to rest in West Bethany Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alexander Fire Department, 10505 Main Street, Alexander, NY 14005. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011

Clara R. Galliford

By Howard B. Owens
galliford obit

Clara R. Galliford, 98, of East Bethany, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2023, at Crossroads House in Batavia after a brief illness. Beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, her long life was devoted to supporting her family and her community. She was blessed by 75 years of marriage and celebrated the births of 36 direct descendants, all of whom survive her.

Clara was born May 1, 1925, in East Bethany. She was a 1942 graduate of Batavia High School. From 1951, she was a member of the East Bethany Presbyterian Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, trustee, and church elder. From 1956 to 1992, she served as Clerk and Postmaster for the United States Postal Service in East Bethany.  

Surviving are her four children: James D. Galliford Jr. of Batavia and Linda (Gerry) Fry, Jean George and Douglas (Judy) Galliford of East Bethany; ten grandchildren: J. Daniel (Kirsten) Galliford III, Laurie Fox, Julie Fry, Melissa (Allen) Iovannisci, Sarah (Tim) Lemley, Stacey (David Macdonald) George, Michael (Kristen) George, Debbie (Frank) Drazen, Brian (Becca) Galliford and Mary (Steve) Skoczylas; 22 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, J. Daniel Galliford Sr.; her brothers, Howard Raymond and Albert Raymond, and sister, Edith Nichols; and her parents, Arthur and Mabel (Cone) Raymond.

Clara’s family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Cindy Saeva at South Street Senior Care in LeRoy for the loving care she provided to Clara during her residence there.

Burial will be private with no prior calling hours. A memorial service for both Clara and her late husband Daniel will be held at a later date.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021, www.crossroadshouse.com/donate, or to the East Bethany Rural Cemetary Association, P.O. Box 117, LeRoy, NY 14482.

Arrangements for Clara were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Gerald A. Shea

By Joshua Smith

Gerald A. Shea, 79, of Batavia, passed away on March 4, 2022 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Gerald was born August 30, 1942 in Batavia, a son of the late Howard and Elizabeth (Bloor) Shea.

Surviving are his brothers William (late Marie) Shea of Bethany, Robert (Mary) Shea of Victor, Francis (Linda) Shea of Mt. Morris, John (Linda) Shea of Arvada, CO, Patrick (Vickie) Shea of Surprise, AZ; a sister, Ruth (David) Hodgins of Alexander and several nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Cudney.   

Services will be held at a later date.  Gerald will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society,www.cancer.org.  

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements for Gerald were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

Dorene Elwell

By Joshua Smith

Dorene Elwell, 78, from Bergen, New York, formerly of North Tonawanda, died peacefully and went to be with Jesus, on August 11, 2022. Born on July 25, 1944, she is predeceased by her parents William and Hilda Scoville of North Tonawanda, sister Jean Madsen, and brother William.  And is survived by her husband, Robert Elwell, Sr, of 58 years of loving marriage.

Dorene Elwell was a great mother, wife and grandmother, who loved helping others. She always saw the best in people. She worked for many years as a home health aide and retired as a CNA and an activities aide at Leroy Village Green Nursing Home. She loved her family and she loved God. She enjoyed reading and doing puzzles later in life but when she was younger, she loved crafts, including quilting. Her prized possession, besides her faith and her family, was a large quilt that hangs in her house which she made. Dorene always had a beautiful heart to help others but her fire for God and life is what people loved about her. Dorene had a song or tune to sing about everything, which the family will miss greatly about her.

Dorene is survived by her husband, Robert, Sr, her son, Robert, Jr of New Hampshire. Two daughters, Patricia Hall of Batavia, NY and Judith (Martin) Pratt of Wyoming, NY; her two grandchildren; Michaela (Tony) Baudanza of North Chili, NY and Sam Baudanza of Wyoming, NY. Three sisters, Betty Dawley, Shirley (Robert) Manning, and Finetta Musser, and her brother Charles (Sharon) Scoville and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who she loved dearly.

Visiting hours will be Monday, August 15th, 2022, from 4-7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Bergen, New York. Funeral services will be held at Brockport Free Methodist Church, Tuesday, August 16th @ 10am, Luncheon to follow. Burial will be at East Bethany Cemetery, East Bethany, NY @ 2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations to the Wilmot Cancer Center, Breast Cancer Society, or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Barbara Ann Tooley

By LaVern Falcone

Barbara A. Tooley, age 86, of Batavia, passed away peacefully Monday, July 25,2022.

    

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Her gentle, soft spoken, big hearted soul was born in Batavia to the late Kenneth and Alida (Needham) Smart of East Pembroke, where she resided all through her school years. Barbara went on graduating from Corfu High School, class of 1954. Several years later working as a Secretary until retirement for the former L. J. Groths & Sons.

     After retirement, she enjoyed spending her time shopping, crafting, quilting/sewing and having lunch with her friends, ("the girls"). Most of all, her biggest pride and joy was her family, which she loved very much.

     She leaves behind many saddened and broken hearts. Her Brother, Robert (Cathy) Smart of Corfu and sister, Vera (Robert) Newton of East Pembroke; Five children: Timothy Tooley of Medina, Jeffery Tooley of Texas, Jonathan (Charlene) Tooley of East Bethany, Ruth (Randy) Carter of Georgia, and David (Celena) Tooley of West Virginia. Nineteen Grandchildren, Twenty Four Great-Grandchildren and many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends.

     Family and Friends are invited to calling hours on Monday, August 1, 2022 from 4 ~7 PM at Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy. There will be a short church service, Tuesday, August 2,2022, 11:00 AM at The City Church, 210 E. Main St., Batavia; directly followed by her final resting place at Hillside Cemetery, East Pembroke.

     Contributions in memory of Barbara are suggested to either St. Jude Children's Hospital or to an animal shelter organization of the donor's choice.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Barbara's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

James H. Peters

By T.J. Woodward

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  James H. Peters, age 82, of Perry, passed away Sunday December 25, 2022 at the LeRoy Village Green where he had been residing. He was born in Franklinville, NY on March 26, 1940 a son to the late Ralph B. and Florence M. (Beach) Peters. Along with his parents he is preceded in death by a son: Jerry Peters who passed away in 2021

Jim was a bus driver for the Wyoming County Transit where he was known as driver #1. He was a former volunteer for the Pike Fire Department, and former Boy Scout Leader. He enjoyed trapping, hunting snowmobiling, crafting, playing cards and board games and was an avid Buffalo Bills Fan.

He survived by his companion of 36 years Andrea L. MacGonegal of LeRoy, 4 daughters: Lisa (Scott) Falkner of LeRoy, Judith (Robert) Wilson of Frenchburg, Kentucky, Ahrena Dean of Florida, Michele Garman of Webster, 2 sons: James B. Peters Sr. of Attica, James R. (Angela) Peters of Warsaw, his beloved pet dog: Toby, brother John Peters of Wisconsin, Grandchildren James B. Peters Jr., Bethany E. Peters, Abigail M. Peters, Joshua M. Peters, Shanna R. (Dave) Nieman, Kevin E. (Ashley) MacGonegal, Courtney L. MacGonegal, Robert (Wendy) Wilson, Thomas Wilson, Walter (Kashen) Wilson along with many other grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Friday December 30th at the Perry Fireman’s Building located in the Perry Village Park in Perry from 12-4PM.

For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Lorraine Susan Anderson

By Lisa Ace


Lorraine Susan Anderson, age 60, of Batavia NY, passed away on Monday, January 31st, 2022, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester after a brief and brave battle with cancer. She was born in Niagara Falls, NY on July 1, 1961. Lori was a 1979 graduate of Elba Central School and received her A.S. in Accounting from Genesee Community College in 1981. She was employed as a mail clerk at G.C.C. for the past 24 years.  Lori also was the bookkeeper for her husband’s business, Anderson’s Appliance Repair.

Lori was well known for loving butterflies and the color purple.  She was an avid crafter and talented art quilter. Lori was an active member of the Museum Quilt Guild and Art C Girlz groups of Batavia where she always looked forward to showcasing her work at their quilt shows and participating in their classes and retreats.  Lori also enjoyed photography, gardening in her backyard, researching her family genealogy, and searching for signs of bigfoot in Salt Fork, Ohio.  Her caring and thoughtful personality will be forever loved and missed by all.

She is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, William Anderson; her two children, Bethany (Benjamin) Gillard of Lancaster and Bryan (Allison) Anderson of Fairport; her beloved grandson, Luke Anderson; her parents, Lawrence Cassatt of Batavia, and Shirley Cassatt of Batavia; her siblings, Lawrence (Patricia) Cassatt of Elba and Cindy (Robert) Elliott of Batavia; as well as many other family members and friends.

Keeping with Lori’s request, a celebration of her life will be held at a park at a later date. 

The family requests that any memorial contributions be made in honor of Lori to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, P. O. Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240 or Wilmot Cancer Institute Development Office, Alumni and Advancement Center, 300 E. River Road, PO Box 278996, Rochester, NY 14627.

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