Skip to main content

byron

Byron Bergen Public Library's 2009 Summer Reading Program Kick-Off!

By Susan Brownell

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 at 2:00pm, join us for the 2009 Summer Reading Program Kick-off with The Wondermakers performing their show "World of Wonders.".   The theme this year is "Be Creative at Your Library".


"World of Wonders" is a 45 minute long, interactive story theatre show for children ages 3 - 10 and their families.  Travel with The Wondermakers and explore other cultures.  Join Captain Stormalong as he battles the Sea Monster on a voyage across the Atlantic Ocean!  Be creative as you help us act out an Eastern European folktale which reminds us to be happy with what we've got!  Learn Spanish words and a song with a funny folktale from Mexico. 

The Wondermakers have given over 4,000 performances in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Rochester, Syracuse, Corning, Cleveland, Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers and Orlando. 

For more information about this event, you can call the library at 494-1120.  We are located at 13 South Lake Avenue in Bergen.

This program is made possible with funds from the Decentralization program.  A regrant program of the New York State Council of the Arts, administered by the Genesee -Orleans Council of the Arts.

The Libraries in Bergen are in trouble

By Susan Brownell

Recently the Gilliam-Grant Community Center Board presented information to the Byron-Bergen Public Library Board and to representative of the Towns of Bergen and Byron concerning their current financial situation.  Due to the economic impact on the Gilliam-Grant Community Center's endowment, the Gilliam-Grant Community Center is forced to severely cut their operating budget and reduce overhead costs to preserve their future within the community.  Gilliam-Grant Community Center  inquired whether the Byron-Bergen Public Library and the Towns would consider library consolidation as an option.

 The Library Board is, in concert with Board officials from Bergen and Byron, researching the financial aspects, location possibilities, and public support of options in response to this financial challenge as presented by the Gilliam-Grant Community Center.  Please contact Gilliam-Grant Community Center for further information about their financial situation.

 

Public forums in Bergen and Byron will be conducted for the residents to
voice their support or concerns will be held at the following locations and times....

Wednesday, June 17th 2009 - 7:00pm at the Byron Town Hall
Thursday, June 18th - 7:00 pm at the Bergen Town Hall

For more information, you can go to either library and pick up an information packet.

 

 


***************************************************************************


***************************************************************************

I work at the Byron Bergen Public Library, part time----now here is my opinion.

Keep the library in the village of Bergen. 

So many people enjoy walking to the village library, whether it's summer or winter, it makes no difference.  Where is the sense of taking our village library and moving it out to the boonies?  Not just that...but move our library out there, and it will loose it's identity.  People won't call it the Byron Bergen Public Library any more...  it will become, by nickname, the Gillliam Grant Library, even though we'd be paying rent and not funded by them.   And to move it to the Gilliam Grant will cost the tax payers even more money than to just move some book from the Gilliam Grant Library.  Not all of the Gilliam Grant Library books will be moved, some will be sold and the monies will go back to Byron.  The relationship betewen the two librearies is as such...

The Gilliam Grant Library is a contracting library under the auspices of the Byron Bergen Public Library.  This means that the charter to maintain and provide services for both libraries is held by the Byron Bergen Public Library.  Funds from the towns of Bergen and Byron and from Genesee County are used to pay the operating costs (saleries, rent, books, materials, etc.) of the library located in the Village of Bergen.  A portion of the Byron funds is designated to Gilliam Grant Library to purchase books and materials and provide programs.  Beyond that, the overhead and general operating costs of the contracting library, located at the Gilliam Grant, are included in the Gilliam Grant Library's budget

This is why people of Byron and Bergen NEED to come to these meetings.  They need to hear both sides.  So far, to me, the information packet is one sided... the Gilliam Grant Library's side.  Not once does it mention how the Library benefits from being where it is..... in the Village of Bergen

So people..... PLEASE GET INVOLVED!

WNY Gold Prospectors Metal Detecting Hunt June 13 in Bergen

By Shari Loewke

WNY Gold Prospectors is sponsoring a Metal Detecting Hunt on Saturday June 13, 2009 in Bergen, NY.  $50 entry fee includes entrance in two hunts (10:30 and 1:30). 
Over fifty prizes for each hunt.  Lunch will be available as well as chances on a lottery tree and 50/50 drawing.  Hunt will be at 6681 North Lake Road (accross from Bergen Fire Hall).  Sign in starts at 9 am.  email Shari for more information or for registration form.

 

sloewke@yahoo.com

Event Date and Time
-

Memorial Day Activities in Byron

By James Renfrew

Memorial Day in Byron, Monday May 25th.

9:00 AM - Plant Sale at the Byron Presbyterian Church on Rt. 262. 

All Day - Food concession

All Day - Vendor tables with crafts and rummage

11:00 AM - Town Parade (begins on Terry Street and proceeds east on Rt. 262, concluding with a ceremony at the Byron Cemetery).

Event Date and Time
-

Memorial Day in Byron

By James Renfrew

Memorial Day in Byron, Monday May 25th.

9:00 AM - Plant Sale at the Byron Presbyterian Church on Rt. 262. 

All Day - Food concession

All Day - Vendor tables with crafts and rummage

11:00 AM - Town Parade (begins on Terry Street and proceeds east on Rt. 262, concluding with a ceremony at the Byron Cemetery).

Noon - Free games for children in the park next to the Presbyterian Church on Rt. 262, also featuring "Mr. Squiggles" (Mr. Squiggles is sponsored by the Byron-Bergen Library through a grant from the NYS Council on the Arts Decentralization Program).

1:00 PM - Big Auction on the lawn of the Presbyterian Church, Rt. 262.  Antiques and furniture are included. 

3:00 PM - Duck Race, sponsored by the Byron Town park Committtee - purchase your chances throughout the day at the park next to the church.  Watch the thrilling finish on the Trestle park Bridge, a short walk from the Presbyterian Church.

For more information, please call the Presbyterian Church, 548-2800.  For vendor table space, please call Laura at 548-2245.

Local scholar Manhatten bound this summer

By Billie Owens

Kathryn Mucica, 17, is one of 36 students nationwide selected to attend this year's Seidenberg Summer Scholars Program in Manhatten. It is offered by Pace University, with all expenses paid except transporation to and from the city.

Kathryn is a junior at Byron-Bergen High School and she also takes four college courses at Genesee Community College.

She was selected for Seidenberg in part because of her academic profile. She scored 31 on the ACT college admission and placement exam. A score of 36 is the highest possible and the national averege of test-takers last year was 21.

The three dozen summer scholars will be put into teams and will do a project about renewable energy. They will visit Microsoft and IBM, Chinatown, Broadway, Central Park, and other places of interest.

Police Beat: Marijuana ticket issued in Byron

By Howard B. Owens

Jeffery Vanslyke, 27, of Elba, was issued an appearance ticket Monday around 10:20 p.m. for alleged unlawful possession of marijuana. The marijuana was reportedly found following a traffic stop in Byron.

Police Beat: Man accused of stealing ex-girlfriend's cell phone

By Howard B. Owens

Brian P. Griffin, 24, of Batavia, is charged with grand theft and endangering the welfare of a child after he allegedly forced his way into the car of an ex-girlfriend, climbed over her children and grabbed a cell phone from her hand. The alleged incident took place Saturday around 7:20 p.m.  Griffin is being held without bail.

John C. Townley, 33, of Alexander, is charged with criminal mischief. Townley allegedly got involved in a verbal argument with another patron at MY Saloon early Saturday morning. Because of the disturbance, an employee reportedly asked Townley to leave the bar. Once outside, Townley reportedly punched a window of the building and broke it.

Cory J. Rigdon, 22, of Holley, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or higher and unlicensed operation of a vehicle. Rigdon was arrested after reportedly driving off the end of Hessenthaler Road in Byron on Sunday evening. Upon further investigation, deputies found he had a prior DWI conviction.

John Tullar, 30, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana following a traffic stop on Pratt Road.

Jeffery S. Leonard, 22, of Tonawanda, is charged with DWI, a BAC of .08 or greater and ticked for failure to stop at a stop sign. He was cited early Sunday morning on Pearl Street in Batavia.

Police Beat: Attica teen accused of stealing ATV from Stafford home

By Howard B. Owens

Steven Peckenpaugh, 17, of Attica, is accused of stealing a 2004 Polaris H.O. Four-Wheel ATV from behind a residence on Seven Springs Road in Stafford. The alleged theft took place March 11. Peckenpaugh is charged with grand larceny.

Derek Leach, 29, of Byron is charged with possession of stolen property. Leach is accused of having three stolen New York State vehicle inspection stickers.

Spring Into Nature at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

By Dorothy Gerhart

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Alabama, NY, will be holding its Spring Into Nature celebration on Saturday, April 25 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Admission and parking are Free.

 Located at the refuge headquarters on Casey Road the event offers activities for the whole family with over 20 nature related exhibits plus live birds of prey, retriever demonstrations, guided bird walks and door prize drawings. For the kids there will be crafts, face painting and nature activities. Guest speakers include: Wendi Pencille on wildlife rehabilitation (more are being finalized). In addition, spotting scopes will be set up at Cayuga Overlook with volunteers on hand to help identify birds in the area, including bald eagles. 

Planned exhibits include: Ducks Unlimited, the Lower Great Lakes Fisheries Resources Office, Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners, the New York State Bluebird Society, Ron Pastor – custom flies, Erie Canalway Heritage Corridor, Niagara County Trappers (NYSTA) the Historical Club of the Tonawanda Reservation, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation, the Buffalo Audubon Society and more.

Please contact refuge staff at 585.948.5445 or visit our web site at http://www.fws.gov/northeast/iroquoisfor further information.

Iroquois NWR is located midway between Buffalo and Rochester, NY and is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Individuals with disabilities and any other person who may need special assistance to participate in this program should contact the Refuge at 585/948-5445 or at the Federal Relay No. 1-800-877-8339.

 
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
 

Free Nature Programs at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

By Dorothy Gerhart

 

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge invites everyone to “Go Outside” and enjoy nature. As spring arrives office hours for Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge will be expanded to include weekends 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from Saturday, March 28 through May 9. This is in addition to our regular office hours of Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm, except holidays. The refuge office/visitor contact station, located at 1101 Casey Road, Alabama, NY has maps and other information about the refuge as well as exhibits of native wildlife. Be sure to stop by the Flyway Nature Store, operated by the Friends of Iroquois NWR, Inc., for unique gift ideas for yourself or the nature lover in your life.
            Weekend hours will coincide with the spring schedule of “Iroquois Observations”, a series of free nature programs which are presented in partnership with the Buffalo Audubon Society. On March 28 the season opens with a bald eagle watch and an owl prowl. Visitors are invited to join knowledgeable volunteers at Cayuga Overlook for the bald eagle watch, 1 pm – 4 pm to view one of our two nesting pairs of bald eagles. Spotting scopes are provided. That evening bring a flashlight and join the nocturnal trek to look for owls, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm. Pre-registration is required for the owl prowl. Please, contact refuge staff at 585-948-5445 to register. Programs are free and open to the public. 
            The refuge’s nature trails, overlooks and fishing areas are open sunrise to sunset, seven days a week, year-round and provide many opportunities to view wildlife or just relax and take in the natural beauty the refuge has to offer.
            For further information or a schedule of nature programs contact refuge staff at
585-948-5445 or visit our website http://www.fws.gov/northeast/iroquois and click on the link for “annual calendar” and scroll down to “Iroquois Observations”.
            Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is located midway between Rochester and Buffalo, NY and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
 
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
 

Players of the Week

By Brian Hillabush

Batavia point guard Marcus Hoy was named Monroe County League Division III Player of the Week this week.

The senior scored nine points while handing out 15 assists with five steals in Batavia's 68-46 win over Lackawanna of Section 6 on Friday.

Byron-Bergen's Tyler Sass earned the honor for Genesee Region League Division I after a week in which he averaged 16.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and three assists per game over three contests. 

The Bees beat Holley while losing to Alexander and Barker.

Andy Lund from Wheatland-Chili picked up the award for Division II after scoring 18 points with eight rebounds in a win over Lyndonville and 11 points with nine boards in a loss to Kendall.

Alexander's foreign exchange student from Finland, Anni Lehtola, was the girls Player of the Week for Division I.

She scored a whopping 35 points with 21 rebounds and six assists in wins over Attica and Byron-Bergen.

Elba's Cassy Engle won the award in Division II after scoring 23 points in wins over Notre Dame and Lyndonville, helping the Lancers wrap up an undefeated league season.

Genesee Region/Niagara-Orleans Showdown live blogging - Byron-Bergen/Barker

By Brian Hillabush

- I've seen Ray Paul play football a few times. The GR all-star from Barker is a load as a fullback. He's an even bigger load on the basketball court. The 6-foot-2 big man blocked three shots in the first quarter and scored five points as the Raiders jumped out to a 7-0 lead. The Bees could not hit a shot and missed two free throws with three seconds left in the period. 

- When two small schools get together to play a basketball game, sometimes the games can be ugly if the teams do not play well. Here is one of those examples.

Byron-Bergen did not score its first basket until 10 minutes into the game when Tyler Sass hit a 3-pointer.  Barker struggled to hit a shot and so did the Bees. The Raiders had a 12-3 lead with two minutes left in the first half when Sass hit his second 3-pointer of the period. He made it six-straight points when he hit his third 3-pointer with 12 seconds left. As ugly as the half was, the game is tight with Barker leading 12-9.

1:42 p.m. - Finally, some action. Paul and Sass both scored five points and the Bees took a 27-26 lead after three periods of play.

Trevor Laurie got the game within three points with a 3 before Sass tied things up with 4:20 left in the third with another trifecta.

After exchanging points, Byron-Bergen took its first lead of the game on a bucket by Sass. A Laurie basket gave the Bees a 3-point lead, but Greg Brown scored for Barker with six seconds left.

2:10 p.m. - It wound up being the Ray Paul show.

Barker won the game 43-38 and Paul - a three year varsity starter - was the star, scoring a team-high 22 points and blocking five shots. The game was briefly stopped with 3 1/2 minutes left when Paul forced his way to the basket and banged in a layup. It was his 18th point of the game and the 1,000th of his career.

The Raiders scored eight straight points to eliminate a five point Byron-Bergen lead and Paul's basket gave Barker a 33-32 lead with 3 1/2 minutes left in the game. Xavier Mann scored to make it a three point game and it was never closer than that.

Barker had expanded the lead to 41-33 when Paul hit a pair of free throws and 32 seconds on the clock, but Kurtis Fannon drained a 3 for the Bees and Barker couldn't hit foul shots as B-B was forced to foul. Sass knocked in a pair of free throws to cut the lead to three again, but an intentional foul was called and Brown went to the line, hitting one-of-two attempts. Barker got the ball back and Brown was fouled again, missing both. 

Sass missed a 3-point attempt with a second left and Paul went to the line to cap off his big game, hitting one of two.

The Niagara-Orleans League now has a 3-1 advantage in the Showdown with four games left to be played today. CSAT and Alexander is coming up next.

HS girls highlights for Thursday

By Brian Hillabush

Byron-Bergen nearly pulled off a major upset Thursday night in a game against Alexander, having a 9-1 advantage in the fourth quarter.

But the Trojans held on and won the game 51-49 to improve to 15-4.

Katie Kochmanski scored 12 points with Anni Lehtola adding 11 and Chelsea Turcer pitching in nine.

Kizzy Heale had 15 points and Rori Partridge added 12 for the Bees (9-10).

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Trisha Pike scored a team-high 15 points to lead Notre Dame to a 69-31 thumping of host Lima Christian.

Nichole Hart had 14 points and Liz Geandreau pitched in 12. Brittany Morelli finished with 10 points.

Laurel Clark had 17 for LC.

Notre Dame is 15-4.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Meghan Fahy nearly dropped in 25 points as Kendall downed Wheatland-Chili 56-41.

Fahy ended up with 24 points with Samantha D'Agostino finished the game with 19 points.

Lauren Drago had 24 points to lead the Wildcats (4-13).

Kendall is 5-12.

HS boys highlights for Wednesday

By Brian Hillabush

Notre Dame jumped out to a 27-6 lead in the first quarter at home Wednesday night. That meant that the Fighting Irish simply had to fend off the Elba boys basketball team to get a 77-43 win.

Kevin Francis is still scoring like crazy as he lead all scorers with 27 points to help ND improve to 14-3.

Tommy Rapone had 10 points and six rebounds with Gianni Zambito, Greg Barr and Nick Bochicchio getting seven points apiece.

Matt Thompson and Nick Wetherwax had six points each.

Elba was led by Sonny Giuliano's 13 points, with Phil Ostroski scoring12 points and Dan Ramsey pitching in 11.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Byron-Bergen hasn't done a lot of winning this year, but improved to 4-13 with a 55-52 victory over visiting Holley

David Garnish was the star for the Bees, getting his first carrier double-double with 14 points and 10 boards. Tyler Sass had a team-high 15 points with Trevor Laurie pitching in seven points.

Brian Mitchell had 18 points and Chad Barhydt added 17 for the Hawks (4-17).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wheatland-Chili's Rick Agosto scored 20 points with 10 boards in a 61-54 win over Lyndonville.

Andy Lund had 18 points with seven boards and Garhett Varin pitched in seven points.

Erik Van Wycke had 12 points and eight rebounds for Lyndonville (1-16).

Wheatland-Chili is now 4-13.

 

HS girls highlights for Wednesday

By Brian Hillabush

Nichole Hart and Liz Geandreau had big games in Monday's win over Pavilion and duo continued its hot play in a 61-49 win over Lyndonville Wednesday.

Hart dropped in 18 points and Geandreau had a double-dobule, scoring 12 points while pulling down 10 rebounds.

Brittany Morelli also scored 12 points for the Fighting Irish (13-3) and Trisha Pike added seven points.

Ashleigh Mahoke scored 12 points and Taylor Hrovat added 11 points for the Tigers (7-9). 

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Anna Dominick and Anni Lehtola split up the scoring duties in Alexander's 53-30 win over Holley.

Each scored 14 points to lead the Trojans, who improve to 10-4 and hold on to the top spot in Class C.

Rachel Pettys had a solid all-around game with seven points, six rebounds, eight steals and four assists.

Julie Brooks had 14 points and Emily Troupe added 12 for the Hawks (5-10).

--------------------------------------------------------------

As always, Elba spread the scoring around and picked up a victory. The Lancers were actually outscored 12-4 in the first quarter, but had a 20-7 run in the second and never looked back in picking up a 51-33 win over Kendall.

Meg Stucko led the Lancers with eight points and 13 rebounds with Katie Newton scoring seven points and Sarah Schwartzmeyer and Racheal Cook getting six points apiece.

Meghan Fahy led the Eagles (5-10) with 10 points.

The Lancers improve to 14-2.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Nicole Sharick scored a game-high 13 points to lead Pembroke to a 43-31 win over Attica.

Laura Moser pitched in eight points, six rebounds and two steals as the Dragons improve to 9-7.

Jackie Algier and Margaret LaFleur had eight points apiece for the Blue Devils.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Le Roy falls to 1-15 after Geneseo outscored the Oatkan Knights 15-0 in the first period and cruised to a 40-31 victory.

Allison Macomber had 13 points with 12 rebounds to lead Le Roy, with Jenna Merica scoring eight points and Megan Lowe grabbing 13 boards with five assists. 

--------------------------------------------------------------

Byron-Bergen and Oakfield-Alabama evened up records as the Bees walked into Oakfield and left with a 43-40 win.

Both squads are now 8-8.

HS boys highlights for Wednesday

By Brian Hillabush

In the spotlight match in all of Section 5 today, Greece Olympia's John Veltre upped his season record to 49-0 with a pin over Batavia's Ryan Darch in 3:12 at 160 pounds.

Olympia went on to win the dual meet at Batavia 35-21.

Anthony D'Aurizio pinned Zack Beauregard in just 1:02 for the Blue Devils with Josh Mase getting a tech fall victory over D.J. Bentley in 5:30 at 103.

Troy Ireland also had a win for Batavia (18-6).

------------------------------------------------------------------

Jordan Kiessling picked up his 100th career win as Byron-Bergen beat Alexander 58-24.

The 171-pounder topped Dustin Say 11-1 in leading the Bees.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Kendall's Devin Iqbal had a quick pin to lead Kendall to a 48-39 win over Pembroke.

Iqbal pinned Dean Culinan in just 37 seconds at 96 pounds.

Subscribe to byron

Authentically Local