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Above: "Inspiration -- Miranda the Tempest," a 9-inch by 12-inch painting in soft pastels by Linda Miranda Fix, based on the painting by John William Waterhouse.

From information provided by Holly Gordon:

Attica artist Linda Miranda Fix, 66, is proud to announce that her artwork is among 100 pieces chosen for exhibit by the Islip Arts Council and the Islip Art Museum at Historic Brookwood Hall.

Their virtual statewide art exhibit "Art at 50 Plus: New Beginnings" -- A Virtual Exhibition 2020 opened on Sept. 15 and runs through Nov. 7. It is billed as "a stunning orchestration of hope and inspiration." Click here to watch the virtual exhibit and here for the gallery exhibit.

"I have always loved the art of John William Waterhouse and this particular painting (above) is my favorite," Fix said, adding that his works are now in public domain. "I work with several different mediums; watercolor, acrylics, oil, alcohol ink, and soft pastels."

The exhibit Fix is featured in is sponsored by AARP Long Island and features a poignant and uplifting video, a unique work of art unto itself that captures this historic moment in time.

“It is times like these that organizations can help members of the public cope with social isolation and loneliness,” said Bernard Macias, AARP associate state director for Long Island. “Art and creativity can help improve or maintain our emotional wellness, while dealing with constant change.”

Holly Gordon, Islip Arts curator, has taken this exhibition to new heights to achieve an intimacy beyond expectation. She masterfully wove a cohesive visual story that includes the art and narrations of 100 juried works by New Yorkers.

These were selected from nearly 600 submissions to create a moving exhibition of art and artists' statements that awes and inspires viewers with discovery and renewed hope and a sense of unity for new beginnings.

“They really occur on a daily basis," Gordon said. "Art is a wonder drug and seniors are our country’s greatest asset.”

As Gordon planned the virtual exhibition, within her own COVID-19 isolation, the hundreds artists who planned to submit entries were experiencing similar challenges learning to adapt to new technologies.

“All are to be commended," Gordon said. "By doing so, a community of artists connected. The experience turned this virtual exhibit into an intimate and personal experience."

The inspirational video was produced by Waldo Cabrera, who set the works to music and choreographed an extraordinary show.

The subject of new beginnings took on a new meaning for the artists creating during the COVID-19 lockdown. Created by people age 50 to 94, their work encompasses New York State and all levels of artistry from beginners to lifelong artists.

Mediums used are animation, pencil drawing, painting, pastel, watercolor, mixed media assemblage and collage, fabric and felt, photography, digital painting, gouache on paper.

Overall, the exhibition represents positivity through self-challenge, transformation and renewal.

Many topics are covered by the artists, including:

• Achievement, the gift of time and awareness, optimism;
• Inspiration, keeping the creative process alive, art as a second act, enduring the pandemic and coming out with renewed vigor and determination;
• Collaboration, staying connected amid prolonged isolation;
• Symbolism, emotion, imagination, therapy, meditation and healing;
• Fear, financial insecurity;
• Faith, hope, gratitude;
• Political subject matter;
• George Floyd -- portrait and breath;
• Judaism, religion, equality, fellowship and social change for racial justice, humanity;
• Earth, nature, seasons of change -- spring and autumn landscapes, weather, trees, plants, flowers, pollination, wind, water, fire, sand, tide, light, sun and moon;
• Humor, happiness, joy, love, rhythm, dancing;
• Beauty, youth, age, wisdom, birth and rebirth, reproduction of species, ascension;
• Family, friends, future generations, and the dawn of a new day after lockdown.

This video is the antidote to anger, devastation and negativity that permeates (nearly) every media outlet. Each artists found purpose to create a response to these ills.

"Be prepared to be wowed as you watch and hear the artist's voices," Gordon says. "This production is one for the ages, intended to unite us all, the same way that 2020 connected us all.

A "Sip and See Virtual Reception" via Zoom for artists and guests will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 4. Here's the Zoom link. The meeting ID is: 465 443 2677. The password is: 122583

There will also be a virtual closing reception via Zoom hosted by of AARP Long Island Art from 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 7. During that time there will also be a meeting with authors for "Parallel Perspectives: Art of Collaboration."

For more information, contact Holly Gordon at:   Holly.isliparts@gmail.com

Press release:

• Genesee County received two new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Batavia and Elba.
  • The individuals are in their 40s and 50s.
  • The individuals were not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Four new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.
     
• Orleans County received zero new positive cases of COVID-19.
• Two new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul visited UMMC on Wednesday to announce the hospital will receive a $200,000 state workforce development grant to help people enter the nursing career. The grant is part of an $18 million statewide project announced yesterday by the governor's office as part of Workforce Development Awareness Week.  

Press release from the governor's office:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that, during Workforce Development Awareness Week, New York State has been awarded an $18 million federal grant to fund educational opportunities that train New Yorkers for in-demand jobs, support entrepreneurs, and help small businesses recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

New York was one of just eight states to receive the funding -- made available through the CARES Act -- and received the most of any state that was awarded a grant. 

"The coronavirus pandemic is far from over, and as we continue to fight against this deadly virus, we must also respond to the economic devastation it has caused," Governor Andrew Cuomo said. "With millions of Americans out of work, we must use every resource available to train New Yorkers to compete -- and succeed - in this difficult economic situation.

"Our workforce is the bedrock of our economy, and I know that this funding will help bridge the gap between education and industry, allowing us to build back better by uplifting both individuals looking for jobs and small businesses across the state."  

"We are making success accessible ensuring New Yorkers have the training and skills they need to seek new jobs and opportunities as we continue to battle this pandemic," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "Our ongoing workforce development initiative is supporting efforts to improve the economic security of women, youth and other groups that face significant barriers by making job placement more inclusive and leaving no New Yorker behind.

"We are sending a clear message to New Yorkers that they will have the training and skills they need to succeed as we build back better, smarter and stronger for the future."

The New York State Department of Labor will partner with the Office of Workforce Development, Empire State Development, New York's ten Regional Economic Development Councils, the State University of New York, and the City University of New York to allocate the federal grant funding on programs that support New York's continued economic recovery. 

Educational programs will focus on developing the skills needed to succeed in emerging growth industries like tech, logistics, and advanced manufacturing, and supporting entrepreneurs. New York's multipronged approach will include four elements:

1) Education for Hard-Hit NYC: In New York City, which was among the worst-hit COVID-19 communities, the CUNY system will assist in training residents with the digital skills needed for in-demand sectors such as data analytics, cybersecurity, advanced logistics/supply chain, digital marketing and communications, and software development. 

2) "Stay Near, Go Far" at SUNY: At 30 community colleges across the State, SUNY will leverage its existing "Stay Near, Go Far" initiative to train New Yorkers in high growth industries, including technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, and provide them with the entrepreneurial skills needed to open their own businesses.

3) Entrepreneurship Boot Camps: Building on its existing resources, Empire State Development will host a series of intensive workshops and boot camps to train entrepreneurs and small business owners on how to run their own business during - and after - the pandemic. 

4) Industry Focus, Regional Results: The Department of Labor will issue a competitive Request for Proposals and work with New York State's 10 Regional Economic Development Councils to identify industry-driven programs that either train job seekers to meet current local employment needs or are designed to address future economic and workforce development needs.

Press release:

Crossroads House will be having an "impromptu sale" in their garage at 11 Liberty St. Although much smaller than our annual garage sale due to restrictions on public gatherings, “the show must go on”!

Volunteers have been busy pricing a wide variety of treasures including glassware, collectibles, household items, and a few pieces of furniture. Garage access will be limited to a few people at a time, social distancing measures will be in place, and masks will be required.

The sale will be held on Friday, Oct. 9^th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 10^th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (No early birds, please.)

This sale is to not only help fill the funding gap left by cancelled fundraisers but also move out merchandise that would have sold at our summer sale.

We want to thank our generous community for donating items so we could have this sale. We hope to see you, at the House!

From Martha Bailey:

The Women of the Moose in Le Roy, held their pig roast and chicken BBQ event in August. The proceeds were used to buy new outerwear for K-6 students at Le Roy's Wolcott Street School. The items were delivered Wednesday.

The Women of the Moose are proud to make a difference and help our children. We would like to extend our thanks to the community for coming out and supporting our event. Due to COVID-19, it was a drive-thru event, but we made the best of it.

We would also like to recognize the Men of the Moose for their help and support as well.

The outerwear will be distributed to those in need by the school counselors and nurse. If a family is struggling and could use some help with winter wear, they should contact the school.

Photo, from left, Catherine Campbell, Martha Bailey, Wolcott Street School Assistant Principal Jamie Clark, and Shelly Nichols.

Photo courtesy of Martha Bailey.

From the Genesee County Board of Elections:

ABSENTEE VOTING, ABSENTEE DROP-BOX OPTIONS, EARLY VOTING & DEADLINES

Absentee Voting Options & Drop-Box Information
Requests for absentee ballots for the General Election can be processed over the phone at (585) 815-7804, besides mailing, emailing us at: election@co.genesee.ny.us or faxing your application to (585) 344-8562.

You have many choices as to how you wish to return your ballot after it is completed.

• You may mail your ballot -- don’t forget to sign the ballot envelope and put a stamp on the outside.
• You may hand deliver your ballot to our office at County Building 1, 15 Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.
• There will be a designated Board of Elections drop box installed on the south side of County Building 1 (Ellicott Street side), until installation is complete, you may use the secure DMV drop-box on Court Street.
• You may bring your ballot any day of Early Voting where you can drop off your ballot into a designated absentee drop-box. A poll worker will assist you. See the dates and times below.
• You can bring your absentee ballot to any polling place on Election Day where you can drop off your ballot into a designated absentee ballot drop-box. A poll worker will assist you.

Early Voting
The General Election Early Voting begins on Saturday, Oct. 24^thand will run for nine days prior to the General Election. The Early Voting location is at County Building 2, 3837 W. Main Street Road, Batavia NY 14020. The schedule for Early Voting is as follows:

• Oct. 24th   12 - 5 p.m.
• Oct. 25th   12 - 5 p.m.
• Oct. 26th   9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Oct. 27th   12 – 8 p.m.
• Oct. 28th   12 – 8 p.m.
• Oct. 29th   9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Oct. 30th   9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Oct. 31st   1 – 5 p.m.
• Nov. 1^st      12 – 5 p.m.

Registration and Absentee Application Deadlines
The last day to register in-person at the Board of Elections is Oct. 9th. The last day to post mark a registration form is Oct. 9^thand must be received by Oct. 14^th. The last day to postmark an application for an absentee ballot is Oct. 27^th and the last day to postmark an absentee ballot is Nov. 3^rd (Election Day).

Rochester Regional Health will resume lab services at its Pembroke Laboratory Service Center location effective today, Oct. 1.

With health and safety at the top of mind, we have new safety measures and processes in place to protect patients.

• A maximum of two patients will be allowed inside the facility at a time.
• Patients will need to call upon arrival to check in and be directed to enter the building when a room is ready.
• Masks will be provided to any patient who arrives without one.

While care may look different, please rest assured that we are delivering the same high-quality care we always have.

Lab services are resuming with new hours at this location:

Rochester Regional Health Laboratory Service Center – Pembroke

860 Main Road

Corfu, NY 14036

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

• 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday

• 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Closed weekend and holidays.

Rochester Regional Health Labs at 16 Bank St., Batavia, and 3 Tountas Ave., Le Roy, are also open for your convenience. Visit rochesterregional.org for office hours and more information.

Press release:

The Genesee County Health Departments will host a FREE drive thru anti-rabies immunization clinic Oct. 15.

Note that last month, Orleans County had two exposures from feral cats that tested positive for rabies and resulted in unnecessary and costly post exposure treatments. It’s important to avoid contact with unknown animals both wild and domestic – love your own, leave the rest alone. It is an important reminder that all dogs, cats and ferrets are to be updated on their rabies vaccines.

• The Genesee County clinic will be on Thursday, Oct. 15th from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia).

• To assist with crowd control, the vaccination clinics are only for county residents. The Genesee clinic will only be for Genesee County residents.

• Click here (pdf) to print out and fill in the rabies certificate for your pets. Be sure to print out TWO copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you. Masks are required when speaking to staff and when outside of your vehicle at the vaccination station.

  For more information, please contact:

Genesee County Health Department: (585) 344-2580, ext. 5555

• Health.Dept@co.genesee.ny.us

A motor-vehicle accident with minor injuries that is partially blocking traffic is reported at 1677 Main Road in Pembroke. There are two patients complaining of back, neck and knee pain. Mercy medics and East Pembroke fire are responding. A second ambulance is requested to the scene, which is located between Boyce and Cleveland roads.

City police are responding to Lewis Place for a report of "a toddler hanging out a window."

This Saturday, Oct. 3, there will be a fun motorcycle ride for a good local cause -- raising money for Genesee Cancer Assistance and supporting breast cancer victims.

Cheekily called "Save the Headlights," it will be hosted at Stan's Harley Davidson in Batavia and the run is hosted by Genesee County NY ABATE.*

Registration is from 10 to 11:45 a.m. and kickstands go up at noon. Cost is $20 per rider and $10 per passenger.

There will be 50/50 raffles, basket raffles, door prizes and special item raffles, plus food trucks and more.

Don't forget to wear pink to show your support!

Stan's is located at 4425 W. Saile Drive, Batavia.

For more information visit their Facebook page, or email:   abategenesee@gmail.com

*ABATE stands for "American Bikers Aimed Toward Education." The nonprofit organization with chapters nationwide is dedicated to the freedom of the road -- preserving motorcyclists' rights, promoting safe operating practices, and raising motorists' awareness of motorcycles they share the roadway with.

A 28-year-old Buell Street resident is charged with attempted murder in the second degree after a person showed up at UMMC's emergency room on Aug. 25 with an apparent stab wound to his chest.

Police say the victim sustained a life-threatening injury that would have resulted in his death if not for immediate medical attention.

Officers determined, using evidence obtained through an investigation and an interview with the victim, that the stabbing occurred outside the water plant on Lehigh Avenue.

Jamie Dutton was identified as the suspect. He is also charged with assault in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd. He was ordered held on $100,000 bail or $200,000 bond.

The Batavia resident is currently being held in the Orleans County Jail on unrelated charges.

Batavia PD was assisted in the investigation by the Orleans County Sheriff's Office. Also assisting were the Orleans County Probation Department and the Orleans County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing and anybody with information that may assist in the case is asked to contact Det. Jason Ivison at (585) 345-6313.

Batavia Town Supervisor Gregory Post this afternoon left the door open for a downward adjustment of a proposed $2 million tax levy in 2021, a dollar amount that would nearly double the property tax rate charged to homeowners in the municipality.

Speaking at a special meeting at the Town Hall to release the tentative budget, Post summed up an impassioned, 50-minute response to town resident Michael Shultz, who questioned such a large tax increase, by emphasizing that “this is a starting point.”

“In three weeks, it probably will be a different budget as we have more information to get,” Post said, referring primarily to a third quarter revenue distribution from Genesee County and a report on town spending for the same period.

“Whatever we can do, we’d be willing to reduce the tax rate without endangering our ability to respond to the next disaster (the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the New York State economy),” he added.

Councilwoman Patti Michalak quickly finished Post’s statement by saying, “because next year could be worse.”

Town board members – as is the case in municipal governments across the state -- are facing unprecedented tension as they attempt to balance a spending plan of $4,075,787 in the general fund and $1,033,723 in the highway fund.

General Budget Breakdown

Post’s tentative general budget for the 2021 fiscal year, which begins on Jan. 1, calls for $2 million to be raised by property taxes, while using $135,899 from the town’s unexpended fund balance. Revenue is estimated at $1,939,888.

The general budget is more than $1 million less than the 2020 budget and, not coincidentally, the town is currently experiencing a $1 million shortfall in revenue due to cuts in state aid and in sales tax and other revenue from Genesee County.

In 2020, the town board allocated $992,310 from the unexpended fund balance to balance the budget. Measures put into place to reduce the tentative tax rate for 2021 could include using more than the $135,899 currently being proposed.

Should the tentative financial plan remain as is through the budget process, the property tax rate reportedly would jump from $2.45 per $1,000 of assessed valuation to $4.61 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. On a home assessed at $80,000, for example, the tax bill would go from $196 to $368.80.

Shultz, a longtime resident of the Town of Batavia and one of four people in attendance, said when he read about a potential 89-percent increase (actually 88 percent) he was “taken aback.”

“Greg, I read your various news releases this summer and I was fully prepared for some bad news as probably my neighbors were as well,” Shultz said. “And, I expected maybe 25, 30, worst case scenario 35 percent.

Resident Said He Was Shocked

“I was totally taken aback this morning after the disastrous debate last night to read ... and (to) see a probable or potential 89-percent increase was a really shock. I’m quite frankly surprised that more of our neighbors aren’t here.”

After Post replied, “I’m sure they’ll show up eventually,” Shultz continued on, admitting that he had “very limited knowledge of how the municipal budget is established.”

“I worked for 59 years in the private sector (with a background in forest products and gypsum mining and manufacturing),” he said. “Many of those years as a plant manager at a number of facilities across the United States and Canada, and when we got into hard times like this, we got a memo – a very simple one-page memo from the corporate office -- and it said, ‘Here’s your bottom line. You do whatever you gotta do to fill it in.’ ”

Shultz surmised that putting together a budget for a town of the size of Batavia – which continues to expand its wealth through economic development and investment – has “boundaries that are much different than that.”

The resident took the approach that he didn’t understand the process, wanted to learn and “if I can, in some way, participate and help.”

He then thanked Post for his efforts.

“I don’t think you’re going to see a lot of people wanting your job. They’re not going to be running for office, so you can be comfortable with that,” he said.

Many Factors to Consider

Post said he appreciated Shultz’s “perspective,” before embarking on a monologue that touched upon topics such as: how sales tax is distributed to the City of Batavia and towns and villages in Genesee County; how state mandates make things “mindbogglingly difficult” for counties; the town’s history of zero or very low tax rates; lack of revenue from court proceedings due to the COVID-induced shutdown; town employees who are working two or three jobs; and the board’s ability thus far to cut $1.4 million in spending compared to the 2020 budget.

The supervisor said the days of relying on Genesee County’s revenue distribution likely are over.

“We have been so reliant on sales tax revenue for two or three generations .. for as long as I can remember," he said. "The biggest chunk of the Town of Batavia’s revenue has not come from property taxes, it has come from sales taxes."

He said for years he would ask, “What is the future of sales tax distribution?”

“And I never got an answer. So, that was the answer,” he said. “They don’t have a crystal ball either, and the county is in the hardest situation because they cannot bust their tax cap without losing several million dollars – maybe tens of millions of dollars in state aid. They’re no different than a school district.”

The town has received a little more than $1 million in revenue distribution from Genesee County in 2020, much less than the $2.31 million that was anticipated. He doesn’t foresee the number coming anywhere close to what was budgeted.

“Where do I get the other million dollars?” he asked. “I don’t have any other place to get it. There is no money tree in the backyard. I can’t expect the federal government or the state government to come through with anything anytime soon. They’ve had six months and they haven’t budged.”

Post said that the town has been a capable steward of its assets, boasting a five-star rating with 90 percent of its cash invested every day and utilizing friendly refinancing terms to save hundreds of thousands of dollars.

He also boasted of the town’s practice of sharing services with other towns in several areas, including assessor services, building inspection and secretarial work, and praised a full-time staff of 25 employees for “working two jobs and many of them three jobs.”

Calling Out New York State

Post, who has been in the public sector for the past 14 years, said he believes the state’s financial policies are on the brink of collapse.

“This is not a failure of the county government or mismanaging, not a failure of the town not looking far enough down the road; it’s a consequence of the failed policies of this state in supporting local communities when the s--- hits the fan.”

After Post concluded his talk -- and before taking a couple more questions about payments in lieu of taxes and whether the town receives traffic ticket revenue (the answer is a portion stays with the town) – Shultz said he appreciated his transparency.

“It was thorough and I’m sure my neighbors and I understand a little better. So, thank you for all you do and let’s carry on,” he said.

The town board will continue working on the budget with an eye on adopting a preliminary spending plan by Oct. 21. A public hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 4.

Photo: The Batavia Town Board conducted a special meeting this afternoon to talk about its 2021 tentative budget. Town resident Michael Shultz is seated in foreground. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

The initial call for an accident on Fotch Road in Batavia indicated a driver was unconscious and not breathing but shortly after first-responders arrived, the man was awake and alert.

By that time, Mercy Flight was already on the ground. 

The driver, the sole occupant of the pickup truck, did not require further medical attention.

After medics finished with him by the side of his vehicle, sitting on its wheels in a field of soybeans, the driver accompanied a deputy back to the roadway and upon reaching the shoulder he told the deputy, "I don't even know where I am."

Following a field sobriety test, the driver was taken into custody.

The Sheriff's Office is expected to release a report later tonight or in the morning with further information.

UPDATE 9:40 p.m.: In the accident report, the driver is identified as James M. Caccamise, 31, of Byron. He was driving a 1999 GMC pickup owned by Phyllis J. Caccamise. According to the report, Caccamise was northbound on Fotch Road when he failed to negotiate a curve in the road and struck a road sign before heading over an embankment. Charges are pending an investigation and the results of a blood test, but the report indicated deputies believe Caccamise was under the influence of a narcotic analgesic. The accident was investigated by Deputy Eric Andre.

Press release:

• Genesee County received one new positive case of COVID-19.
  • The new positive case resides in Elba.
  • The individual is in their 40s.
  • The individual was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Fifteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.
     
• Orleans County received zero new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • One of the previous positive individuals has recovered and has been released from isolation.
  • Six new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

A possible serious injury accident is reported at 7789 Fotch Road, Batavia. A man is said to be unconscious, slumped over the wheel, trying to breathe, according to a first responder on scene. Mercy Flight in Batavia is called to the scene.

The accident site is at a sharp curve between Byron Road and Batavia-Stafford Townline Road, in Stafford's fire district.

UPDATE 3:49 p.m.: The Genesee County Crash Management Team is called to respond. A first responder reports to dispatch that a pickup truck rolled over and went off the roadway about 20 yards and the driver and sole occupant is unresponsive.

UPDATE 3:52 p.m.: Mercy Flight is instructed to land in a soybean field.

UPDATE 3:53 p.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.

UPDATE 4:08 p.m.: Mercy Flight is back in service along with Stafford fire and the scene is turned over to law enforcement.

UPDATE 4:26 p.m.: The male driver regained consciousness once medics were on scene. He suffered no apparent injuries. After field sobriety testing, he was taken into custody. He told a deputy "I don't even know where I am."

A steady stream of cars and trucks filed into the parking lot of Hickory Park on Saturday, Sept. 26, to rid themselves of unwanted televisions, computers, monitors and more.

Mayor Anna Marie Barclay said Village of Bergen Park Committee has a list of community service projects they feel would benefit the village residents. Recycling electronic waste was one of them.

“Residents had been requesting an opportunity to dispose of these materials, and our committee took on the task,” Barclay said. “Sunnking Recycling from Brockport was able to give us a date in September. They delivered the pallets and boxes, and the committee volunteers did the rest. They set up the collection area and helped folks unload their unusable electronics.”

Barclay added the residents were very happy to be rid of their old electronics. 

The pallets and boxes were stored by the village until Monday, when a Sunnking tractor-trailer came and picked up 15 full 4-by-4-foot boxes.

The Park Committee and Tree Board shared additional news that they have just received notification they will be receiving a $1,000 New York State Urban Forestry Council Tree City USA Reward Grant. The money will be used for a tree planting project to replace five of the dead or diseased trees removed from village parks this year. 

The Village of Bergen has achieved Tree City status every year since 2011, the mayor said.

Photos by Virginia Kropf.

Top photo: Members of Bergen’s Park Committee/Tree Board stand with a row of boxes of e-waste collected on Saturday. Kneeling in front are Lynn Wilkins, Mayor Anna Marie Barclay and Debra Catalino. Standing from left are Vickie Almquist, Colleen Clarke, Todd Cargill and David Catalino.

Below, Todd Cargill, a member of Bergen’s Park Committee/Tree Board, walks across the parking lot lined with boxes of e-waste, which was collected on Saturday.

Public Notice

Judge Road between Crosby Road and Griffen Road in the Town of Alabama will be closed Oct. 12^th through approximately Dec.  31^st  for a bridge replacement project. The road will NOT be passable to regular traffic or emergency vehicles. A detour will be posted. 

The public will be notified when the road reopens.

Leah E. McCabe, 41, of Alexander, (no address provided) was arrested following a shoplifting complaint at Tops Friendly Markets in the Town of Warsaw. McCabe was allegedly captured on in store video on Sept. 22 pushing out a shopping cart full of merchandise without purchasing the items or making any attempt to do so. The value of the merchandise was $338.78. On Sept. 28, McCabe was located at her residence in the Town of Alexander where she was arrested for petit larceny. McCabe then drove herself to the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office for processing. McCabe was issued a trespass notice banning her from all Tops Friendly Markets locations, and McCabe was issued an appearance ticket scheduling her to answer the charge in the Town of Warsaw Court on Oct. 5. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Colin Reagan.

Brian Thomas Resch, 32, of Buffalo Road, Bergen, is charged with second-degree criminal trespass. At 12:32 a.m. on Sept. 30, Resch was arrested after allegedly entering a residence on South Lake Avenue in Bergen without permission. Resch was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Bergen Town Court Oct. 14. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.