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My son, Tommy Manzella, passed away in a bad car accident in March. As a way to honor his memory, we are having a Chinese Auction to raise money for Oakfield-Alabama High School sports, which he was very passionate about.

My husband and I are asking if you or your company if you would like to make a donation or donate a basket. All proceeds will be going to Oakfield sports -- baseball, basketball and football.

The inaugural Thomas Manzella Memorial Benefit is scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, at Oakfield Fire Hall. It is located at 20 Albert St. in Oakfield.

As his mom, I want everyone to continue to love him. Tommy was always at school every free time he had. He was a kid who loved helping other kids and pushing them to the best they can be.

He spent his school breaks helping out and even after he graduated college he was at school, practicing with the kids.

It has been a very hard, long six months without him. We decided to continue to do what Tommy would be doing, which is helping kids achieve their goals in sports.

Thank you for your consideration.

(For the obituary of Thomas John "Tommy" Manzella, click here.)

(Submitted photo of Zonta Holiday Festival Committee members. See names below.)

Press release:

Members of the Zonta Club of Batavia-Genesee County are preparing for their sixth annual Zonta Holiday Festival on the weekend of Nov. 10 and 11 at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel.

It is located at 8315 Park Road, Batavia. The event is open to the public, admission is free, and it runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

The Zonta Holiday Festival brings in a diverse group of fantastic vendors and artisans from Western New York and beyond to display/sell their products. The facility uses both floors to accommodate the 130-plus vendors and artisans.

Besides the products available for purchase, there will be photo opportunities with Santa (Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and several princesses in costume; as well as a face-painting booth and caricature artist. Food can be purchased during the event at the Homestretch Grill.

Funds pay for service projects to help women

Funds raised by the event will be used to cover the club's local and international service projects – such as scholarships for high school girls, toiletry bags for the YWCA domestic violence victims and women in the military, and items to create birthing kits that are sent to clinics in developing countries where births generally take place at homes instead of hospitals.

Funds are also sent on to the International Service Projects. For example, during the 2018-2020 Biennium, two projects are being supported by the International Service Fund: Let Us Learn Madagascar: An Integrated Program for Adolescent Girls and Eid bi Eid (Hand in Hand): Support to the resilience and empowerment of Syrian refugee and vulnerable Jordanian women.

The club members will have assistance during the event by students in the Z-Club at Batavia High School. The students are a very active group and are known for collecting food for The Salvation Army Food Bank, assisting at school events, and raising funds for Zonta International Service projects. In April the students held a 5K Walk/Run to raise funds for the Let Us Learn Madagascar project.

After the Zonta Holiday Festival the members will turn their focus to the 16 Days of Activism campaign. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. The campaign runs every year from Nov. 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to Dec. 10, Human Rights Day.

Developing ways to celebrate Zonta's centennial next year

Members will also develop ways to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the founding of Zonta in 1919, the many service projects completed during the 100 years, and the wonderful women who have been members of the international organization. They will attend the Oct. 14 event in Le Roy when the Le Roy Historical Society celebrates the anniversary of the creation of the Donald Woodward Airport and its connection to Amelia Earhart (a member of Zonta) and her flight in The Friendship airplane across the Atlantic in 1928 (the plane was owned by Woodward).

To honor Amelia, Zonta International offers several Fellowships to women pursuing doctoral degrees in aerospace-related sciences or aerospace-related engineering around the globe. Women of any nationality pursuing a doctoral degree, who demonstrate a superior academic record in the field of aerospace-related sciences or aerospace-related engineering, are eligible and encouraged to apply at www.zonta.org  or use the following link https://www.zonta.org/Global-Impact/Education/Amelia-Earhart-Fellowship.

The Zonta Club of Batavia-Genesee County recently celebrated the 60^th anniversary of receiving their Charter in the Zonta International organization. Founded in Buffalo in November 1919, Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.

It envisions a world in which women's rights are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential. In such a world, women have access to all resources and are represented in decision making positions on an equal basis with men. In such a world, no woman lives in fear of violence.

(Photo -- front: Mary Yunker, Jill Smith, and Lucille DiSanto. Back: Sue Tabone, Carla Wahls, Teresa Tamfer, Kimberly Yunker, and Heather Parker. Committee members NOT in photo are: Marianne Sernoffsky, Karen Crittenden, Betty O’Brien, Connie Ferris, Lisa Paul and Angie Knisley.)

Press release:

According to a leading taxpayer protection and small business group, Unshackle Upstate, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) was one of only two members of the entire Assembly to receive a 100-percent score based on a number of key legislative votes and sponsorship of bills during this year’s session.

The legislation considered covers a wide array of topics, including universal health care, business regulations, budgetary spending and environmental issues.

“I am honored to be named the state’s top assembly member when it comes to protecting taxpayer money, supporting small businesses and championing initiatives to grow the economy and create jobs,” Hawley said. “This is an issue dear to my heart and one I take seriously due to years spent operating our family farm and now my own small business.

“One thing has become abundantly clear over the past several years – Gov. Cuomo’s policies have yet to open New York for business and continue to drive too many residents to more tax-friendly states. Upstate businesses and tax dollars are the lifeblood of our state, and I will continue to fight against reckless spending, overregulation and oppressive taxes.”

City fire is dispatched to Center Street, just north of Ellicott Street, for a report of wires sparking.

The 1460 Legion Riders, from Machias, stopped by the PTSD clinic at the VA Hospital in Batavia today with a $2,600 check for the clinic.

The members raised the money this year with a dice run and a 9/11 memorial service.

"We have members in the club who have PTSD and we know what they go through and we know what the other veterans go through so when we first became a club we wanted to make PTSD what our money would go to," said Director Tom Ploetz.

Danielle Bergman, assistant director at the VA in Batavia, said the money will be used for recreation therapy, such as the purchase of bikes and kayaks.

Photo: Danielle Bergman, assistant director at the VA in Batavia, Tom Ploetz, director 1460 Legion Riders, Amy Ploetz, secretary, Bob Ponton, member, David Ramsey, nurse manager for the PTSD program, Jim Perkins, treasurer, Joan Perkins, member.

The recent success of the Genesee County Fair is encouraging organizers to push for even more growth, including adding two days to the fair schedule in 2019.

One more day at the start of the week and one more day at the end would give parents two more weekend days to bring their families to the fairgrounds.

It's worked for Wyoming County, Sue Duyssen (the one speaking in the photo), a member of the Ag Society's Board of Directors, told the Human Services Committee during an annual review of the agencies efforts at Monday's meeting.

"We think that's why Wyoming County has such good attendance, when patrons can come out, spend those extra days together," Duyssen said. "We'll try it and see if it works and if it doesn't we can go back to the old schedule."

The fair is one of the few in the state that has managed to increase revenue over the past couple of years, Duyssen said. This year leaders of Downstate county fairs visited Genesee County to see how the Genesee County Fair was doing it.

The final attendence count for 2018 was 35,000.

So impressed are fair officials from throughout the state with the success of Genesee County that the annual conference of the state's fair managers will be at Batavia Downs this weekend. From 60 to 75 people will attend, staying in local hotels.

It's possible, Duyssen conceded in answering a question from Legislator Shelly Stein, that some of the local fair's success is tied to the end of other annual carnivals in the area, such as Stafford and St. Joe's.

At the same time, the combination of the fair's growth and number of fewer festivals through out the state, has prompted a vendor that is considered among the top ones in the industry to contact the local fair to see about participating in 2019.

Duyssen didn't name the vendor or say what kind of service it provides, but she said it is one that board members have wanted to attract for years.

Off-season activities continue to be an important source of revenue for the fairgrounds, including dog shows, horse shoes and competitions.

A perhaps little known source of revenue is the use of buildings on the fairgrounds as winter storage for RVs, boats, and golf carts. The Ag Society charges $10 per foot plus a set-up fee of $100 if you bring our vehicle or craft to the storage within a specific four-day window. The fee is $200 if you want an appointment outside of those four days.

That's a bargain, Duyssen said, over what storage facilities in Buffalo charge.

Stein also asked if there was a chance of making the fair parade a "real parade" again by running it on Route 5. Duyssen said Assemblyman Steve Hawley has said he will work with the fair board to make that happen.

A 55-year-old male is stuck under a piece of equipment at 6544 Alleghany Road, Alabama. Mercy Flight's availability is being checked. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. The location is between Lewiston Road and Church Street.

UPDATE 2:48 p.m.: The man was pinned under a vehicle; is now out.

(File photo of the Sweet Life Country Store.)

The Grand Opening of the Sweet Life Country Store & Oliver's Candy Factory in Elba will take place Friday and Saturday, Oct. 19-20, with tours, vendors, live music, giveaways and more.

The completely refurbished building is located at 100 S. Main St. (Route 98) in Elba.

On Friday, Oct. 19, there will be candy factory tours and plenty of giveaways, starting at 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Then on Saturday, Oct. 20, also from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a trio of vendors will be on site selling their products: Jackie's Jams; Peg's Produce; and Vicki Price Jewelry.

Circle B Winery will offer wine and chocolate tasting. There will be giveaways galore and candy factory tours will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony with representatives of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will take place that Saturday at noon.

Josh Hawkins will perform live music Oct. 20 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Everybody is welcome and encouraged to attend.

In an exclusive interview with The Batavian on June 14, Oliver's Candies co-owner and Vice President Jeremy Liles shared the 80-year-old company's plans to triple its confectionary manufacturing capacity by moving its kitchen operation entirely to the newly acquired Elba facility. (Here's that story.)

Those plans also included the 1,000-square-foot retail store at the front of the property that offers candy, ice cream, Oliver's custom-roasted coffee, country-style Americana crafts, and more.

(Below is a file photo of the new candy kitchen in Elba where all of Oliver's Candies are now made.)

The staff and volunteers at the Office of the Aging continue to keep busy, Director Ruth Spink told members of the Human Services Committee on Monday and one thing that keeps them busy is helping clients navigate an increasingly complex health care system.

The rules and regulations around Medicare, the primary insurer of many people over age 65, change annually and often clients are unsure if a recent doctor's visit or new medication is covered and Spink and her staff help clients navigate that system, she said.

Other challenges facing the office include finding enough volunteers to drive clients to and from medical appointments, particularly those seeing physicians in Rochester and Buffalo.

"We desperately need more volunteer medical transporation drivers," Spink said.

An anticipated challenge for the office is the demographic changes in Genesee County. An aging population is going to mean Spink's office is providing more services to more people, which will put a strain on the county budget, and there will be an increased need for facilities and personnel to care for older retirees.

There remains a shortage of housing for upper-middle-income retirees in Genesee County.

Spink said there are a couple of developers considering local projects but neither has made a commitment yet. They might be hesitant, despite market studies recognizing the need, that the market will support the rental rates needed to make such a project profitable.

"They've started the process but they haven't gone as far as I thought they would go," Spink said. "I think if it were successful for those two, then maybe word gets out and they (other developers) will see that the demand is there and they'll find it is cost effective."

There continues to be a shortage of in-home care professionals as well as care providers for nursing homes, Spink said.

Spink also worries about the elderly who keep themselves isolated. When people are isolated, they have more health problems and it's hard to keep them connected to the community.

"We’re still trying to make connections to let them know we’re there for them and that we care for them and that we will help as much as we can," Spink said. "Sometimes it is something as simple as sending little notes to them."

Several bowlers cracked the 700 mark in league bowling action around the Genesee Region last week -- including four left-handers who led the way in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday night league at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.

Southpaws Rich Wagner (289--787), Brian Green (276--733), Jason Gallo (258--719) and Tom Baker (257--717) topped the list of high scores in the 14-team, five-person league.

Others hitting the 700 mark were Curtis Foss and Robbie Hanks at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, and Caycee Landers, Jeff Parton and Frank Jarkiewicz at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.

For the list of high rollers, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

A shed fire is reported at 5222 Broadway, Bethany.

Bethany fire dispatched.

Mutual aid requested from Pavilion, Le Roy, Town of Batavia, and City Fire's FAST Team.

"Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone," Joni Mitchell told us in "Big Yellow Taxi."

The Stumblin' Inn is gone and Sunday, for seven hours, bands, fans, friends, and family gathered in Elba to celebrate a bar that was more than a watering hole, it became a community icon and second home for nearly every local musician.

"We didn't have a clue until the day of the fire," said Jim Goff, manager of the Stumblin'. "The day of the fire it's like we started to realize, with all the stories and people crying that we meant a lot to these people. We never thought about it or knew and then the day of the fire and then ever since then it's just been love."

The event at the Elba Fire Hall, with a tent and stage behind the fire hall and another stage in side, was a fundraiser for Jim and his brother Stork Goff, owner of the Stumblin' Inn. The funds will help them defray clean-up costs of the building site and any extra will help with any of their personal expenses.

The most recent count available from event organizers was $21,000 raised but that was an hour before the event ended.

"The support is unbelievable," Jim Goff said. "The love. It's a love fest. You know, it's awesome, the talking all day, hugging, kissing. It's been a really enjoyable day and hopefully we gave the folks some good music."

Savage Cabbage was there, a band that played the Stumblin' dozens and dozens of times over the past 20 years.

"There are people here I haven't seen in 20 years, some of the ones from the earlier days of the band," said Savage Cabbage member Frank Starowitz. "To see this kind of turnout today, you know, the sadness of losing the Stumblin', it's heartfelt. It almost brings a tear to your eye just seeing the melted the sign and the paint from the bathroom wall with the guys and all the stuff, the memories, and the times, it's like, you know, it's so sad it hurts. But, you know, we all come together for beers to support Jim and Stork."

The first hotel built at what became 1 S. Main St., Elba, was erected in 1815. It burned down in 1874. The next hotel opened its doors in 1875. It was known over the years as the Elba Hotel or Swartz Hotel. Steve Goff purchased the building in 1979 from the Zambito family and opened the Stumblin' Inn.

Jim ran the bar and as a music fan, he soon established what amounted to an open-door policy for bands and musicians to play in the bar, making the Stumblin' a haven for local muscians.

The Stumblin' Inn was destroyed by fire July 8.

The bar was also a community gathering place. Many people had their first beer there, including Starowitz.

"That was when I first turned 18 I started drinking at the Stumblin'," Starowitz said. "I'll be 55 tomorrow. So many years of good times drinking and having fun at the Stumblin' Inn."

Frank Zambito pretty much grew up in the Stumblin' Inn. His father was one of the owners. He and his wife gave framed prints of a picture by local artist Pat Burr of the 19th century version of the Swartz Hotel.

"I used to walk home from school with my cousin Chuckie Ajello," Zambito said. "We always stopped and walked in and my father would give us a grape pop and send us on our way. There's a lot of good memories. There's the time the Rochester Royals were there -- the basketball team in Rochester -- I remember going to see them. My father was friends with the owner."

Music was a big part of life at the Elba Hotel when the Zambitos owned it, Frank said, just as it was with the Goffs, but it was also always a place to meet up with friends.

"It was always a landmark," Zambito said. "You would always go by and look to see if you recognized any cars and if you recognized a car you might stop and have a drink with them. On Sunday mornings, we used to have  a fantasy football league. We'd always stop and then submit our teams. It was always a social place people could go and have a good time."

Zambito wasn't surprised by the turnout at the fundraiser. So many people had so many memories of the great old place, and such fondness for the Goffs, that of course they would show up.

"You know, they just want to be a part of it again," Zambito said. "I'm just sad that the place is gone but I'm glad that no one got hurt. And, Jim and Stork, they'll be all right. Everybody will be alright. It'll be worked out that way."

Top photo: Jim Goff with his daughter Jess Kertman and his granddaughter, Cali, age 5.

Peggy Zambito, Jim Goff, Frank Zambito.

Press release:

Nate McMurray, the Democratic and Working Families Party Candidate for New York’s 27th Congressional District, today released the following statement in response to President Trump announcing a deal with Canada and Mexico to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement.

“I think President Trump deserves praise for renegotiating trade deals that have hurt people of this region for decades. I believe in fair trade. My own life experience helping open markets to U.S. farmers and manufacturers shows me that trade creates opportunities. But I’m opposed to trade deals that only help the most powerful, where the true benefits of trade don’t come to the laborers and farmers who do the work. Remember that NAFTA was hailed when it was signed but ended up hurting people of this region.

“I don’t want to celebrate this deal until we see the full details, but I’m encouraged by President Trump’s commitment to dairy farmers. As we learn more details, I will evaluate its effectiveness based on what this means for workers in Lockport and farmers in Livingston County.”

In 2003, Nate was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study the development of democracy in the Constitutional Court of Korea. He worked to represent U.S. farmers and U.S. manufactures ensuring that they had an opportunity to feature their products in Korean stories helping create jobs back here at home.

A 29-year-old Darien Center man, Alexander Seegar, has been arrested by federal authorities and charged with receipt and possession of child pornography.

According to a press release from the office of U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Seegar posed as a 16- or 17-year-old boy and sexted 10- to 12-year-old female students in a school in Niagara County. The defendant used the Instagram profile “davidlissachi” to communicate with the girls and ask them for sexually explicit photos.

The complaint also states that Seegar was found in possession of numerous photos containing child pornography.

The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.

Seegar appeared in Federal Court before U.S. Magistrate Michael J. Roemer today to answer the charges and enter a not guilty plea.

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in Charge Gary Loeffert, and the Lewiston Police Department, under the direction of Chief Frank Previte.

KISS THIS photo from Batavia Downs.

KISS THIS -- the East Coast's premiere KISS tribute band, based in Buffalo, will be the stars of a meet-and-greet photo op in full regalia at Foxprowl Collectables on Tuesday (Oct. 2).

Its members are Kevin Blakita - Paul Stanley (Starchild), John Jeffrey - Ace Frehley (Spaceman), Julius Giambelluca - Eric Carr (the Fox), Bradley Heath - Eric Singer (The Catman), Taylor Stursa - Gene Simmons (The Demon).

Fans are welcome to do some "KISSmas" shopping early since all KISS collectibles will be 10 percent off during the band's brief store visit -- from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Foxprowl relocated to its old digs, at 440 Ellicott St. in the City of Batavia.

Also, KISS THIS will appear in concert Saturday Oct. 13 at Batavia Downs. Tickets are $10. Doors open at 7 p.m.; concert starts at 8. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

For concert tickets, click here.

Photo: Alexander High School JV and Varsity Volleyball players are looking forward to an Oct.10th fundraiser game to benefit Breast Cancer Network of Western New York.                 

Submitted photo and press release:

The Alexander Volleyball Booster Club is hosting its seventh annual fundraising game on Wednesday, Oct. 10, when the Lady Trojans take on the Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Hornets.

The fun begins at 5 p.m. with the JV game, followed by the Varsity game at 6:30 p.m. Alexander Central School is located at 3314 Buffalo St. in Alexander.

The event features theme baskets, a pizza and bake sale and a serving contest for a chance to win prizes donated by area businesses and volleyball families.

Fundraiser co-chairs Colette Yax and Laura Marzolf announce the charity selected to receive proceeds from the 2018 event is the Breast Cancer Network of Western New York.

“This is an organization that supports, educates and advocates for people with breast cancer and breast cancer survivors,” Marzolf said.

“A breast cancer diagnosis is devastating for an individual and their loved ones,” Yax said. “We are happy to support an organization committed to helping people through this difficult time.”

In addition to the theme baskets and serving contests, co-chair Marzolf said a special prize is being raffled off at the event.

“We have a Sabres ticket package for two 200–level seats, including a parking pass for the October 30th game against the Calgary Flames,” Marzoff said.

Community members wishing to donate to the Alexander event may contact Colette Yax at 716-400-3628 or Laura Marzolf at 585-322-3748.

NOTICE

The Justice for Children GLOW Foundation Lip Sync Battle scheduled for this Saturday, Oct. 6, at Center Street Smoke House in Batavia has been cancelled.

Please visit the website at www.justiceforchildrenadvocacycenter.org to learn more about Child Advocacy Centers and for information on upcoming events. 

New York State Police based out of Troop A, Zone I, conducted a Sobriety Checkpoint in the Town of Darien as well as a dedicated DWI patrol in Genesee County, Friday night Sept. 28, into Saturday morning, Sept. 29. Two people were arrested for DWI during the detail and are to appear in the Town of Darien court at a later date: Sarah E. Convis, 32, of New Woodstock; and Pamela S. Bradshaw, 46, of Pennsylvania. In addition, Daryl L. Ford, 31, of Niagara Falls, was arrested for fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana after being stopped for traffic infraction. He was also charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. He was issued an appearance ticket to return at a later date. Also, Jerard L. Cramer, 31, of Buffalo, was arrested for: felony first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation; unlawful possession of marijuana; driving without required ignition interlock device, and numerous other vehicle and traffic infractions. He was arraigned and released to appear in court at another date.

Melody J. McMaster, 47, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with trespass. At 10:15 a.m. on Sept. 23, McMaster was arrested on Harvester Avenue in the City of Batavia. She had previously been advised not to be on the property by police prior to this incident. She is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Darryle Streeter.

Rachel Britanny Soloman, 26, of North Lake Road, Pembroke, is charged with: criminal contempt in the second degree; endangering the welfare of a child; obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree; and resisting arrest. Solomon was arrested as a result of an investigation into a reported violation of a court order. It is alleged that she violated an order of protection by being at the residence of the protected party on Meadville Road on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation at 11:15 a.m. on Sept. 29. She allegedly became uncooperative during the investigation and her actions place a child in danger. She was arrested, arraigned in Town of Alabama Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash bail. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster, assisted by Deputy Jeremy McClellan.

Michael L. Jennings, 54, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with owning an unlicensed dog. He was arrested at 6:41 p.m. on Sept. 21 and issued an appearance ticket. He is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha.

Marc C. Cook, 28, of Church Street, Basom, is charged with failure to appear. He was arrested and arraigned on Sept. 29 in Batavia City Court on two arrest warrants for failure to appear in city court. He was jailed in lieu of $1,000 cash bail or bond. He was due in city court today (Oct. 1). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Jaequele M. Tomlin, 23, of Main Street, Le Roy, and Darazian W. Williams, 25, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, are both charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Tomlin and Williams were arrested for allegedly possessing marijuana during an investigation following a traffic stop. This occurred at 6:18 p.m. on Sept. 28 on Ellicott Street in Batavia. The defendants are due in city court on Oct. 9 to answer the charge. The cases were handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Volunteer drivers are needed throughout Genesee County.

The Volunteer Transportation Center Inc. (VTC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing transportation to non-emergent medical appointments through a network of volunteer drivers. Transportation is provided specifically to those who have Medicaid through a partnership with Medicaid Answering Services, the local Medicaid transportation broker.

“Becoming a volunteer driver is extremely rewarding,” says Luanne VanBrocklin, New Program Implementation director. “What better way to give back to the community than to give a few hours of your time ensuring someone in need receives the medical care they deserve.”

All volunteer drivers must complete an application process which includes a background check, and extensive training. Volunteers are then issued a tablet on which trips are assigned to them to serve local residents. For each trip completed, there is mileage reimbursement of $0.545 per mile for miles driven. However, there is no cost to the client for the transportation.

“Our goal is to make a difference in people’s lives by giving access to the health care they need,” says VanBrocklin.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer driver, call the Volunteer Transportation Center at (585) 250-5030 or visit www.VolunteerTransportationCenter.org to complete an application today.

The Volunteer Transportation Center Inc. (VTC), was established in 1991 in Northern New York. Over the last 20 years this essential nonprofit organization has provided rides to medical destinations. The staff, Board of Directors and volunteer drivers look forward to a time when transportation to services is accessible to all regardless of economic or special needs.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Kid Rock/Brantley Gilbert Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday:

Scott F. Parsons, 30, of Wilelen Road, Chili, was arrested for disorderly conduct after allegedly engaging in a fight in the parking lot after the concert. Parsons was also arrested on an outstanding Family Court Warrant and turned over to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office. 

Frank J. Colosimo, 30, of Stone Road, Greece, was arrested for disorderly conduct after allegedly engaging in a fight in the parking lot after the concert. Colosimo was also arrested on an outstanding criminal mischief warrant and turned over to Irondequoit Police.

James F. Colosimo Jr., 31, of Pardee Road, Rochester, was arrested for disorderly conduct after allegedly engaging in a fight in the parking lot after the concert.

Chelea C. Richardson, 19, of Wilelen Road, Chili, was arrested for obstruction of governmental administration, 2nd, after allegedly interfering with deputies breaking up a fight in the parking lot.

Doria L. Gerew, 32, of Georgetown Drive, Rochester, was arrested for harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching another patron in the face while exiting the concert venue.

Richard J. Moran, 40, of West Sobieski Street, Cheektowaga, was arrested for harassment, 2nd, after allegedly threating to harm a Live Nation Security Officer. 

Cory A. House, 21, of Hartland Street, Middleport, was arrested for trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Dirk D. Brown, 39, of Ford Street, Ogdensburg, was arrested for trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Michael A. Wheaton, 33, of Burt Hill Road, Canisteo, was arrested for trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.