The East Pembroke Grange celebrated its 90th anniversary on Saturday with a quarter carnival.
Previously: Bring your quarters to the 90th celebration of East Pembroke Junior Grange.
Photos by Howard Owens.
The Pembroke Primary School community gathered Friday to celebrate the grand opening of a new playground, a project two years in the making.
Students found it hard to contain their excitement as they anxiously waited for the big moment to take place at the entrance to the playground.
“Cut the ribbon, cut the ribbon,” they yelled out in unison while some also exclaimed that “this playground is awesome!”
Superintendent Matthew Calderon began the ceremony by reflecting on the legacy of the old playground, which was built 30 years ago with the help of the current students' parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. He also noted the assistance given to the district for the upgraded design of what they celebrated this week.
“Special thanks to everyone that helped us with the playground, especially Play By Design’s Lee Archen, SEI Design, Alleghany Services, Campus Construction," he said. "And you know you need to give it up for our Director of Facilities Jim Green and Principal (Patty) Zika."
Zika shared that the journey to the new playground began two years ago when current third graders were in first grade. Each student wrote a persuasive essay convincing her for a new playground, expressing concerns about broken equipment and safety hazards.
The students had many ideas for the new playground, and many of their suggestions were taken into consideration.
The community build took place over two weeks at the end of August, with Alleghany Services handling grading, laying stone, and mulching. Despite having only 72 volunteers, those who participated contributed significant hours to ensure the playground was completed on time.
Among the dedicated volunteers was Gordon Crosby, a retired optical technician who also helped build the previous playground. Crosby logged nearly 60 hours during the two-week project.
The new playground features not only accessible swings and bars but also sensory areas, a spinning swing, animal tracking stations, and musical components. Zika emphasized that the playground will be open to the community outside of school hours from dawn to dusk.
“Come and enjoy it, and please take care of it,” Zika said.
Looking ahead, they are planning on bringing the refurbished murals from the old playground back and installing a picnic area on the side.
Facilities Director Jim Green praised the volunteers and donors who made the project possible.
“My staff did a great job adapting to ensure we finished on time and that the schools were ready for the kids’ return,” Green said.
For prior coverage about the project, go HERE
While some granges are thought of for their social aspects of get-togethers and community activities, Jomni Tarbell regards the East Pembroke Grange for its influence on her future career in preventative medicine research, she says.
The 22-year-old University at Buffalo senior credits her membership for the additional education she has gained about rural health care.
“The grange does a lot of health awareness programs. We recently did one about educating seniors about what to expect when they go into surgery. We have a large partnership with a rural mental health organization that was founded here in New York. We have a partnership at a national level with them, and so we do a lot of work with rural health disparities, especially for seniors and other vulnerable communities,” Tarbell said during an interview with The Batavian. “So that kind of inspired me because I think that those programs are very important. So if I could do research that would benefit and help create programs like that, I think that would be really great.”
It’s fair to say Tarbell has been an active member of her grange, joining at about 7 years old, being selected as state ambassador in 2017 and now serving as leader of the Junior Grange for the three remaining members after the Covid pandemic ravaged a once-thriving membership.
She is also organizing a Quarter Carnival for this weekend to celebrate the organization’s 90th year and promote it with fingers crossed to attract more members. The group will be selling popcorn and hotdogs and having old-fashioned games and prizes — bean bag toss, drop the clothespin into the bottle — while also having members on hand to talk, provide information and answer questions.
The Junior Grange was founded in September 1934 by a group of children aged 5 to 14. The grange is an off-shoot of the 4-H organization, she said, but members don’t ever age out as they do at 4-H. There are national programs available through the grange and nonpartisan programs that also set it apart from other youth groups, she said.
Locally, East Pembroke worked with a grange in Connecticut a couple of years ago to revise health definitions for the Q fever, a rare but fatal illness that can spread especially amongst dairymen.
“Over these 90 years, we have been nationally recognized for our activities in agriculture advocacy, leadership development, cultivating creativity, developing life skills, teamwork, and community involvement,” she said.
Members go on a lot of field trips, such as to honeybee farms, recycling facilities and ecosystems, to learn more about agriculture and the environment. They also set up a booth at Genesee County Fair to spread their knowledge to visitors. Community service projects include making cards for veterans at the VA Hospital and baking cookies for a senior living housing facility in Batavia, she said.
As she has gotten older, the scope of her participation has evolved, Tarbell, of Darien, said, and she has grown more with leadership, done more public speaking and gotten involved in “Sign a Song,” using sign language. Overall, however, her participation has been about engagement with others.
“A lot of it is going to places and going on field trips, and then bringing professionals in their field, or people who are experts in their area, coming in and giving workshops to us, and then a lot of it is just playing games and just having a place to have fun,” she said. “And me, personally, as the junior leader, my main goal with my program is to have something where the kids can have fun and have a bright memory and also help them kind of build some skills that they could use, either professionally or just in their life, to make their lives easier. And then building a sense of community and learning how important community is and how much you kind of need community in your life.”
They accept residents from anywhere in Genesee County, and have even had people from outside of the county, she said. The regular East Pembroke Grange has about 60 paying members and core attendance of 30, she said. It will be a hub of activity this weekend since youth will be visiting, including the national youth ambassador, from across the state and staying at the grange.
The Quarter Carnival is from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday at 2610 School St., East Pembroke. Attendees are encouraged to bring their quarters.
Press Release:
More than 4,650 students in the Class of 2024 were celebrated during UAlbany's 180th commencement festivities. Among the graduates were an estimated 2,934 undergraduates and 1,719 graduate students, including recipients who completed their degrees during summer 2023, fall 2023 as well as winter 2024.
The graduates join the ranks of more than 200,000 UAlbany alumni worldwide.
"For 180 years - since 1844 - UAlbany has been turning talented, driven students into globally engaged citizens. This year's class is no exception," UAlbany President Havidan Rodriguez told the graduates. "Yes, we know, you are graduating into an imperfect world. But all of the things that make this class uniquely special - your resilience, your values, your empathy, your thirst for understanding - will serve you well as you work toward greatness."
An estimated 2,934 undergraduates from the Class of 2024 received degrees (including summer 2023, fall 2023 and winter 2024). The May 2024 graduates includes 34 percent who are first-generation college graduates and 27 who are veterans.
The undergraduate degree recipients range in age from 19 to 68, with an average age of 23. Women make up 55 percent of the class. The graduates hail from 21 states and 27 countries. They received degrees in 55 different majors.
Another 1,719 students from the Class of 2024 received master's degrees, doctoral degrees and graduate certificates, with 1,047 receiving their degrees in May.
These graduate students come from 18 states and 37 nations. The average age of the graduate degree recipients is 28, with the oldest graduate student set to receive a doctoral degree at age 71, and the youngest receiving a master's degree at age 20. Among them are nine veterans.
The following students have graduated from the University at Albany:
- Jeremy Arnold of Batavia, Bachelor of Arts Magna Cum Laude in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Alexandra Zanghi of East Pembroke Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude in Communication
Press Release:
Pembroke Central Schools is thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting community-driven project to upgrade the Primary School playground.
Following the successful passing of Proposition 1 in the 2023 Capital Project vote, the community will come together once again to build a new, modern playground that will serve as a cornerstone for the school and the neighborhood. The updated playground will occupy the same large footprint and incorporate the local and farm theme with touches of Pembroke Dragon flare.
Great care is being taken to restore and incorporate the original wooden mural that showcased local landmarks. It is a priority the playground reflects the unique character and pride of our community.
This project was designed and will be led by Play By Design, a renowned playground design firm. For more information on Play By Design, visit their website at https://pbdplaygrounds.com.
History and Background
The current Primary School playground, designed in 1993 and installed in 1995 as a community build project led by Leathers Playgrounds and Associates, has been a beloved fixture for nearly three decades.Over the years, it has provided countless hours of enjoyment and physical activity for our students. However, given its age and the increasing maintenance challenges, it is time for a significant upgrade to ensure safety and inclusivity for all children.
What is a Community Build?
A community build involves local residents in the organization and creation of a community project. This interactive process not only results in a unique and high-quality playground, but also fosters a sense of pride and ownership among participants. The collective effort transforms the environment into a lasting symbol of community spirit.Benefits of a Community Build Playground
- Cost Savings: By leveraging volunteer labor and donated materials, the overall cost of the playground can be reduced, allowing more funds to be allocated to high-quality equipment and innovative play elements for the kids.
- Community Pride: Bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to work on a common goal enhances community bonds and fosters a sense of accomplishment.
- Enhanced Design: Each playground is tailored to reflect the local community's cultural, historical, and aesthetic values, resulting in a unique and meaningful space for children.
- Safety and Inclusivity: The new playground will comply with ASTM International and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards, as well as ADA accessibility guidelines, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all children.
Call for Volunteers
We are calling on parents, families, and community members to join us in this monumental effort. The playground build is scheduled to take place from August 20-31, following the tear-down of the existing structure between June 26 and July 26. We need volunteers with various skills and a passion for community service to fill a variety of roles, including:
- General Laborers: At least 25 general laborers are needed, with some requiring power tool experience.
- Leadership Roles: We are seeking coordinators for playground removal, volunteer management, tools, materials, and food.
- Crew Leaders/Supervisors: Six dedicated individuals to oversee construction crews and ensure the quality of the build.
"I hear over and over that the experience of building the first playground was magical. While we can't replicate that exact moment, we aim to provide our community with another opportunity to come together to create a modern, updated playground and some amazing memories along the way," said Superintendent Calderón.
Get Involved
Interested volunteers are encouraged to complete the volunteer survey by June 3. Please join us in building a playground that will provide joy and safety for our children and stand as a testament to the strength and unity of the Pembroke community.For more information, please click and complete the volunteer survey.
Submitted photos.
It's been four years since the East Pembroke Fire Department came together for an awards and officer installation dinner, so there were a few awards to hand out on Saturday night.
Chief Don Newton recognized years of service and training hours for 2021, 2022, and 2023, as well as handing out, along with Tim Yaeger, the Service Awards and Firefighter of the Year for each year.
The Service Award for 2021 went to the Genesee County Health Department for support and assistance during the pandemic.
Jennifer Groff was named Firefighter of the Year for 2021.
For 2022, the Service Award went to the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management for all of its assistance around Christmas when Winter Storm Elliott hit.
Dave Martin, who couldn't attend the dinner, was named Firefighter of the Year for 2022.
Willie Welch received a special award for his 40 years of dedicated service to the fire department and the county. Paul Fenton also has 40 years of service but wasn't available on Saturday night.
The Service Award for 2023 went to Adam Pearce.
The Firefighter of the Year for 2023 is James Gayton, who was recognized for his dedication to the department, whether it is fixing things that are broken, cleaning what needs to be cleaned, or barbecuing at fundraisers.
Newton said, "He puts his time in and gives us the best of everything he can."
The 2024 firematic officers:
Administrative Officers:
Board of Directors: Andrew Martin, Donald Newton, Sr., Charles Chatley, Ken Marble, Stephen Smelski, Julie Waldron, Dale Lewter, Patrick Gallaway.
District Representatives:
Press Release:
The Dean's List at the University at Albany recognizes the outstanding academic achievements of full-time undergraduate students.
To qualify for the Dean's List, students must earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher in their first semester of study and a GPA of 3.50 or higher in subsequent semesters.
The following students have been named to the Fall 2023 Dean's List:
- Tania Cortes Gutierrez of Pavilion
- Carlos Melgarejo of Oakfield
- Danica Porter of Basom
- Lauren Reimer of Batavia
- Ashley Schiefer of Batavia
- Alexandra Zanghi of East Pembroke
Press Release:
The Grange is a fraternal organization based on agricultural principles with a long history of grassroots activism which has opportunities for the whole family. There are four levels of Grange: Subordinate (local), Pomona (county), State, and National. Within those levels, there are 7 degrees. The highest degree a Granger can receive is the 7th degree, which is presented at the National Convention. This year the National Convention was held in Niagara Falls.
Nine members of the Genesee County Pomona Grange earned the 7th degree. Six members from Corfu; Don Koepf, Corrine Koepf, Karen Bridge, Jan Bencic, Becky Perry, and Aurilla Putney. Three members from East Pembroke; Julie, Alexandria (Jomni), and Colton Tarbell. Jomni, East Pembroke Junior Grange Leader, also received the Agricultural Awareness Award.
For more information about the Genesee County local Granges, contact Joan Phelps, Pomona President, at 585-762-8503.
Jerremy E. Sharick of the Boy Scouts of America Troop 64 in East Pembroke was recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout.
Jerremy earned 32 merit badges earning him two Palms, also.
Jerremy's Eagle Project was building a new counter and storage table for the Corfu Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, where he has volunteered for nearly five years. The new counter replaces a folding banquet table that the pantry was using that had no storage. He also donated the leftover funds to the food pantry.
Jerremy's Eagle project consisted of 87.5 volunteer hours.
The chief of East Pembroke Fire has ordered Area 51 to shut down its motocross races.
When a first responder informed the chief, a person at the races said, "There's no way that's going to happen," the chief responded, "Tell him if he doesn't shut it down, I'm going to have him arrested."
There have been multiple calls to the dirt track today for injuries and the latest call is requiring a Mercy Flight dispatch. There are reportedly more than a couple of people currently in need of treatment for injuries.
Mercy EMS is tied up on multiple calls so Alexander's ambulance has been dispatched to the scene. Darien is being asked to staff its ambulance because of the current ambulance shortage.
Area 51 is located at 3323 Harloff Road, Batavia.
UPDATE 4:46 p.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.
Stella is only six months old and she's missing in East Pembroke.
She took off on her own at about 3:30 p.m. on Sunday while at Crosby's in East Pembroke.
Stella is a Mastiff, weighs 70 pounds, and is described as "skittish."
She is wearing a pink collar.
If you find her, call Jeff at 585-500-1436.
UPDATE June 27, 10:15 p.m.: Stella is found safe. The owners were putting up a trail cam where she was last seen, and she walked up to them at that location.
A bucket truck has reportedly flipped over on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 390.4 in the westbound lane.
Unknown injuries.
East Pembroke Fire dispatched.
UPDATE 3:33 p.m.: The truck is leaking fluids.
East Pembroke Fire District Meeting Schedule for 2023
Press release:
There will be an election for commissioner for the East Pembroke Fire District. This commissioner position is for a five (5) year term beginning Jan. 1, ending Dec. 31, 2027.
The election will be held at the East Pembroke Fire District Hall, 8655 Barrett Drive, Batavia, between the hours of 6 and 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13.
Please email maryann@eastpembrokefiredistrict.com or call (585) 813-6576 if interested in running for this position.
You will need to pick up a petition and have at least 25 signatures from persons living in the East Pembroke Fire District. All interested candidates must live in the East Pembroke Fire District. All petitions must be returned to Mary Ann Chatley by Dec. 5.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
Notice there will be a Bugdet Workshop held at the East Pembroke District Hall, at 7 pm, Tuesday August 2,2022. Workshop will be held at District Building located at 8655 Barrett Drive, Batavia NY 14020.
Publisher's Note: Legal Notices/Public Notices are published by The Batavian for free as a public service pending revision of state law that will allow digital news publications to publish legal notices that meet the legal requirements of such notices. Clerks: Email your notices to news@thebatavian.com.
A wheat field fire was reported at 2:12 p.m. at 2281 Brown Road, East Pembroke, in a back field.
East Pembroke Fire responded.
The chief requested Elba's utility transport vehicle and Alexander's UTV, because they have pumps on them, to the scene. Alexander Fire, Indian Falls, Alabama, and Darien Fire also dispatched. Alden Fire, which was on scene at the Darien accident, volunteered to bring their UTV to the fire and was dispatched. Crittenden Fire was also dispatched.
Town of Batavia Fire was placed on standby in quarters. A Mercy EMS basic life support unit was requested to the scene.
The fire was reported out at about 3:10 p.m.
A structure fire is reported at 3687 West Main Street Road, Batavia, following a possible furnace explosion.
The building is reportedly unoccupied.
Town of Batavia Fire and East Pembroke Fire responding.
UPDATE 5:03 p.m.: A second alarm requested.
UPDATE 5:08 p.m.: Route 5 is being closed to traffic in both directions, at Kelsey Road, and at Wortendyke.
UPDATE 5:20 p.m.: Corfu to fill in at East Pembroke.
UPDATE 5:25 p.m.: Mercy EMS requested to the scene to stand by. National Grid requested to the scene. The fire is knocked down. Firefighters are starting overhaul.
UPDATE 5:36 p.m.: Code enforcement and Red Cross are responding.
UPDATE 8:20 p.m. (Photos and info via Alecia Kaus/Video News Service): Whether a furnace exploded in connection with the fire is under investigation, said Don Newton, the East Pembroke fire chief. The fire appears to have started on the second floor and the furnace is in the attic, Newton said. While Newton was in route to the fire, a firefighter first on scene called Newton on his mobile phone and informed him there was heavy smoke but no visible flames. Before Newton arrived, the firefighter called back and said flames had broken through the rear of the structure. Newton called for a second alarm. There was apparently no one home when the fire started. Once firefighters confirmed the house was vacant they searched for pets and most of the pets appear to have escaped the fire, Newton said. There is heavy smoke damage throughout the structure and the structure is not habitable.
A one-vehicle accident is reported in the area of 7989 Slusser Road, East Pembroke.
The car is in a field. The driver reportedly sustained only minor injuries but extrication is required.
East Pembroke Fire on scene and Alabama Fire called to assist.
UPDATE 2:59 p.m.: Crews have managed to get the patient out through the door. Alabama can stand down and the East Pembroke engine can continue non-emergency.
Legal Notice:
Please take notice that the annual election for the East Pembroke Fire District will take place on December 14, 2021 between the hours of 6pm and 9 pm, at the District hall, located at 8655 Barrett Drive, Batavia NY.
For the purpose of electing two(2) Fire District Commissioners.
- one for a five(5) year term commencing on January 1, 2022
- one for a one(1) year term commencing on January 1, 2022
Petitions may be obtained by contacting District Secretary Mary Ann Chatley, by phone (585)-813-6576, or email chatleym@gmail.com.
Qualified candidates shall file their petitions signed by (25) registered voters of the East Pembroke Fire District.
Petitions must be filed with the District Secretary no later than November 30, 2021.
East Pembroke Fire District will be holding its 2022 Budget Hearing on Tuesday October 19,2021, at 7:00 pm. It will be held at the East Pembroke District Hall located at 8655 Barrett Drive Batavia NY 14020.
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