Ellie Dambra of Le Roy graduated Cum Laude with a degree(s) in Public Administration - BS from James Madison University during commencement exercises in May 2024.

Dambra was among more than 4,482 students who received undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Congratulations to all graduates and their families!

Madisonation, an annual golf tournament dedicated to raising awareness and funds for children battling cancer, announces its 13th annual tournament on Saturday, August 10, at the LeRoy Country Club located at 7759 E. Main Rd, LeRoy.

Initiated by Kevin Muckle in 2011, Madisonation serves as a testament to the resilience and triumph over adversity, inspired by his daughter Madison Marie Muckle's battle with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia cancer. Madison, diagnosed just after her 3rd birthday in 2010, endured relentless treatments for 2 ½ years until her last chemotherapy session in April 2013. Now 16 years old and cancer-free, Madison seeks to extend a helping hand to others grappling with this relentless disease.

Madisonation, affectionately termed, embodies a community's collective effort in rallying behind those affected by childhood cancer. Over the past 12 years, the tournament has raised over $85,000 in donations, benefitting families and organizations dedicated to alleviating the burdens faced by cancer-stricken children. 

Beneficiaries have included prominent institutions such as Golisano Children's Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Make A Wish Foundation, and Michael Napoleone Foundation, as well as numerous families confronting the harsh realities of pediatric cancer.

This year, Madisonation pledges its support to the family of Ellie Porter, a brave soul battling Hepatoblastoma, a form of liver cancer. Diagnosed at the tender age of 2 in October 2023, Ellie's journey has been arduous, with the cancer spreading to her lungs necessitating urgent treatment and a liver transplant. 

Madisonation aims to alleviate the financial strain on Ellie's family, led by her parents Jackie and Jeffrey, who have been tirelessly seeking treatment in Pittsburgh.

In a bid to raise funds, Madisonation appeals to the community for support through donations of signed memorabilia, tickets, items, or services for raffle during the tournament. Contributors will be duly acknowledged in the tournament brochure, website, and social media campaign.

For those interested in contributing or seeking further information, please contact Kevin Muckle at 585-300-7499. Donations can be mailed to Madisonation at 30 Lake St., LeRoy.

Madisonation stands as a beacon of hope, symbolizing solidarity in the fight against childhood cancer, underscoring the power of collective action in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected. Join us in our quest to turn adversity into triumph and support warriors like Madison and Ellie in their battle against cancer.

The Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation 40th Scholarship Awards Dinner will be held on Tuesday, June 4 at 6 p.m. The Foundation is excited to be able to celebrate their heritage together. It promises to be a wonderful evening of friendship, pride and of course, delicious Italian food being hosted at Batavia Downs. Tickets are $35.00 and may be purchased from Board members and Ben’s Appliance, East Main St. Rd. Batavia. The Foundation will also have tickets available to purchase for our Spring 50/50 Raffle which helps supports our Senior Scholarships. 

The Foundation is pleased to dedicate the evening to one of our Foundation’s Founders, Vito Gautieri. Together, with the first board of directors worked diligently to create the Batavia chapter of the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation. Through many fundraisers the Paolo Busti Park alongside the Holland Land Office Museum was created. A monument engraved with the founding founders can be visited.

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See also: Batavia businessman shares humble beginnings, dedication to local roots

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Andrew David Strollo

Andrew Strollo is a student at Le Roy High School and is the son of Jeff and Jessica Strollo. He will graduate this spring Summa Cumm Laude. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Deca, Knight Media, and the Scholastic Bowl. 

Andrew will be majoring in finance at the University of Rochester and will be playing football for the Yellow Jackets. Playing football at the collegiate level has been a dream since childhood.

Andrew participated in football, indoor track, outdoor track, and baseball. He has volunteered as a Pier Counselor and aided students in learning the skills of bowling and basketball. He has volunteered in the community kitchen, youth football, Little League Knights Closet, and Genesee County Fair as well.

Andrew received the Citizen Award for assisting students with Special Needs, Earth Science, Above and Beyond, Knowledgeable Knight Award, and Mock Trail.

"Growing up in an Italian household comes with faith," Andrew stated. 

A bible verse he lives by is Proverbs Chapter 16 Verse 3 – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and he will establish your plan.” 

Andrew believes the values he has acquired in his 17 years will continue to guide him through College and adulthood. This will be the driving force in all that he does when raising a family, to keep memories and this beautiful Italian culture present and thriving.

Julia Clark

Julia Clark is a graduating Senior at Batavia Senior High School and is the daughter of Paul and Patricia Clark. She plans to attend Mercyhurst University, with a double major in Business and Intelligence studies. Julia will also be playing softball for Mercyhurst.

A member of the National Honor Society, student government, National Art Honor Society, Key Club, Lend Crew, Genesee Youth Lead, and a hostess in the Mr. Batavia Challenge.

Julia has been awarded the Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglas Award from the University of Rochester. She has also received Scholastic Scholarship Awards for all four years of High School, Athletic Awards in softball, basketball, flag football, travel baseball, and the Chic-fil-a Player of the Week for Flag football. 

Community service is a big part of Julia’s life. She serves at the Soup Kitchen at Ascension Parish, Youth softball camp, the concession stand for football, and Genesee Youth Lead.

Julia states, "Growing up Italian American, one often acquires a rich tapestry of values that are deeply woven into the cultural fabric!" 

She believes the family serves as the cornerstone of life. She expresses that the Italian American work ethics are often coupled with a zest for life embodies the Italian concept of “La Dolce Vita.”

In a town hall meeting at the American Legion Botts-Fiorito Post #576 in Le Roy on Thursday, Sen. George Borrello drew a clear distinction between upstate interests, represented chiefly by Republicans, and downstate interests, represented mainly by progressive Democrats.

Paul Smith's College is pleased to announce the students who have been named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2024 semester.

Congratulations to these distinguished scholars on earning this academic achievement.

• Ashley Carli of Le Roy
• Luke Geiger of Batavia
• Michael Marchese of Batavia 

Paul Smith's College is pleased to announce that Ashley Carli of Le Roy has been named to the Spring 2024 Adirondack Scholars list.

Congratulations on earning this academic achievement, Ashley!

Bryce Bordonaro, a Le Roy High School graduate and son of the late Deputy Frank Bordonaro, graduated on Wednesday from the New York State Police Academy.

Bordonaro begins field training in Lockport on Friday.

Frank Bordonaro, 44, suffered a line-of-duty death in July 2014. Within a 24-hour period, the 19-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office was the responding officer to a fatal accident involving a pea harvester and a major house fire on North Road in Le Roy.  He died of an apparent heart attack at home after ending his last duty shift.

Press Release:

Congratulations to the Confirmation candidates of Resurrection, Ascension, and Our Lady of Mercy Parishes who were confirmed land sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit by Bishop Michael Fisher of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo on May 13 at Our Lady of Mercy in Le Roy.

The Code of Canon Law for the Catholic Church summarizes Confirmation as follows:

"The sacrament of confirmation strengthens the baptized and obliges them more firmly to be witnesses of Christ by word and deed and to spread and defend the faith."

Confirmation candidates engaged in a year long preparation program sponsored by, which included studying the teaching of the Catholic Church, reflecting on their baptismal promises, and the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit.

The State University of New York at Potsdam will recognize the Class of 2024 during the College's 204th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 18.

During Commencement, SUNY Potsdam honors students who have either earned their degree or are eligible to graduate during that calendar year. To learn more about Commencement at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/commencement.

Local graduates include:

• Lydia Geiger of Batavia, who is set to graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and Music Performance
• Erin Parnapy of Byron, who is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre
• Megan Privatera of Le Roy, who is set to graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education
   

Roy Fire and Le Roy PD are on scene.

Stafford Requested the scene mutual aid.

A maintenance worker from Le Roy High School has been requested to the same. 

School bus drivers are advised to avoid the area.

Fire police arrest to shut down traffic at Harris Road  

UPDATE 9:30 a.m.: The scene is turned over to RG&E and school district. Fire companies back in service. Road is open.