NEW YORK – Sen. Patrick M. Gallivan (R,C, I – 59th District) announced the formation of his Agriculture Advisory Board today, comprised of 24 local residents from across the four counties that makeup the 59th State Senate District.

“Agriculture is a $5 billion industry in New York State. From small family farms to large cooperatives and food manufacturers – agriculture is the lifeblood of upstate New York’s economy,” Gallivan said. “This board will give me the opportunity to meet regularly with some of the leading agriculture professionals and advocates in Western New York, learn from their expertise, and ensure their interests are being served in Albany.”

Gallivan will utilize the Agriculture Advisory Board to help determine state and local agricultural policy goals, formulate specific legislative initiatives, and improve the lines of communication between elected officials in Albany and the agricultural community in Western New York.

Eight members of the board are associated in some fashion with Western New York’s largest agricultural sector, the dairy industry. Also represented are vegetable and fruit growers, maple farmers, wine producers, honey makers, seed and feed providers, Christmas tree farmers, and the specialized fields of organic farming, industrial composting, farm finance, and agri-tourism.

Furthermore, the members hail from all four counties represented by the 59th Senate District with six members each from Wyoming, Livingston and Ontario Counties, and four members from Erie County.

Livingston County members include Joanne Crosman of Log Cabin Acres in Caledonia, Bruce Dehm of Dehm Associates, LLC in Geneseo, Rob Donnan of Donnan Farms in Piffard, Tom Herlihy of Worm Power in Avon, Rob Noble of Noblehurst Farms in Linwood and Craig Phelps of Edgewood Farms in Groveland.

“The membership of this advisory board reflects the region’s diverse agricultural community, and also points towards agriculture’s bright future and potential for growth in Western New York,” Gallivan said. “Each individual brings a wealth of practical experience and I thank each of them for their willingness to lend their time and talents.”

The board will meet formally several times per year throughout the district and will add new members as circumstances dictate.

Gallivan is a member of the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and has been a leading voice for farmers and farming communities on the floor of the Senate, having toured over 20 farms and agri-business locations across the 59th Senate District. He has previously convened an Agricultural Summit in Wyoming County, and in October hosted an Agri-Business Forum in Livingston County with New York State Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman, Senator Pattie Ritchie.

Tim and Lisa (Teitsworth) Brady and their 4 children live in
Groveland and have been a part of the community for many years. 
Tim has been fighting Cystic Fibrosis his entire life, and after pursuing 
all other treatment options, he now requires a double lung transplant.
Though Tim does have health insurance, there are many additional 
costs surrounding the procedure that the family will have to pay for 
out of pocket. The procedure will take place in Pittsburgh or New 
York City and require Tim to acquire his own apartment for approximately
3 months; living in near seclusion because of his weakened immune system.
The best estimate of their total expenses for housing, co-pays and 
other expenses is close to $30,000. 100% of all donations will go to the 
Brady family. Please join our community to support this family and reach 
our goal of completely offsetting the transplant costs. We hope to see you there.
Early Auction Items Include:
Generator—8,000 watt, stand by electric
Gift certificate to Del Monte Spa in Pittsford
2 Day rental of Skid Steer Loader (with bucket or forks)
50 gallon drum of biodiesel fuel, delivery included
3 yards of mulch
Stihl grass trimmer, F45
28’ Werner Construction Grade ladder
1 day Pontoon Board Rental on Conesus Lake
3 bedroom house rental on Conesus Lake—available week of July 4, 2012
3 bedroom Florida home rental, 15 miles from Disney World
1 2-person Hot Air Balloon Ride
1 night, Ononda On the Lake Bed & Breakfast (Canandaigua)
2 nights, Barrister Bed & Breakfast (Seneca Falls)
Amish rocking chair
Amish glider
Hand quilted blue & burgundy wall hanging, 33” x 37”
Hand quilted “Lone Star” quilt, 98” x 103”, suitable for a full or queen bed
Amish oak folding table, 23” diameter
Amish oak child’s bench, 7.5” x 29.5” long, 10” high
Amish “Star Dahlia” quilt, 98” x 112”. Suitable for queen or king bed
Polaris 2 seat Go Cart
Mini-4-Wheeler
New Push Lawn Mower
2012 6'x8' Stealth Cargo Trailer
8x8 Steel Storage Building
New Kids’ 4 wheel ATV
iPod Shuffle
$50 Gift certificate to Conesus Inn
1 Night stay Chalet of Canandaigua Bed and Breakfast (Canandaigua)
2 Night Stay at A Stone's Throw Bed and Breakfast (Interlaken)
Amish Made swing and play Set
$50 Gift Card to North Shore Grill
1 (4) hour limousine rental, driver included (not valid for wedding or prom)
4 tickets to Rochester Rhino Game
4 tickets to Rochester Red Wings Game
2 New Outdoor grills
Gift Certificate to Palmers
Several items of nursery stock Variety of gift cards & products from local restaurants and shops

Schedule of events:

4:00 pm     Balloon rides, carriage rides, bounce house, and 
other family activities (Weather permitting)
4:30 pm     Chicken Bar-B-Q & Silent Auction Begin
6:45 pm     Silent Auction closes
7:00 pm     Live Auction begins

*Please RSVP for dinner. Call Roy at 585-721-9177*
If you are interested in donating to this cause, please contact Roy at 585-721-9177 or Natalie at 585-469-1120 or send the donation to Roy Teitsworth, 6502 Barber Hill Rd, Geneseo NY 14454.

All cash donations are tax deductible and a receipt can be obtained 
by making your check payable to “Christ Community Church Elder’s Fund.”
If it would be of assistance to you, we would be happy to arrange to have 
someone pick up your donated item.

MOUNT MORRIS — Three workers were injured Saturday when an apartment complex undergoing renovation work collapsed on them. 

According to Sgt Michael Dougherty from the Livingston County Sheriff's office, the 6455 Begole Road apartment complex is owned by Harold Hill.  A section was being demolished with a backhoe when the unit collapsed.

The three workers were transported by Mercy flight to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. The victims suffered broken bones, but none of the injuries were life threatening.

Livingston County EMS and Fire Coordinators were on scene to render aid and assist the fire department with incident investigation.  Deputy Robert Holt, Deputy Michael Williams (no relation to this reporter), Sgt Michael Dougherty, and Undersheriff James Szczesniak were also on scene.

AVON — An afternoon fire devastated the Potter family of Avon, as their home and possessions were completely destroyed.

The fire started shortly after 11 a.m. on Pole Bridge Road when homeowner Lou Potter was grinding some metal on the back deck, where the fire started.

"This is devastating. I feel terrible," said Cindy Gilbert, the homeowners' daughter. "At least nobody got hurt, but the home is a total loss."

According to Gilbert, all five people, and the family dog, made it out safely. The cat did not.

Fire fighters from Avon, East Avon, Livonia, Mount Morris, Lima, and Caledonia all responded to the blaze, which quickly engulfed the home.

Firefighters on the scene stated that the family is lucky to be alive, especially since the homeowners are elderly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiQUdaLXPkw

GENESEO — The Geneseo Little League Baseball program kicked off their 2012 season on a cool sunny day at Highland Park with over 300 kids participating this year.

The season concludes with a playoff at the end of the season and the two senior leagues battle for the Vic Raschi Trophy.

"The league offers players from York, Leicester, Mount Morris and Geneseo the opportunity to play baseball," said Pete Robinson a volunteer. "Little League Baseball is about communities coming together and having fun playing a great game."

Robinson also stated that Village employees donated time to help prepare the fields so that they are in their prime playing condition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7_pbJF1LZQ

PORTAGEVILLE — Three Livingston County men have made it to the fourth week of the Fifth Annual Original Music Competition at Letchworth Pines.

Len Squires of Avon, Bob Bunce of Groveland and Tyler Westcott of Hunt will return to The Pines next Friday to continue competing for the $1,000 grand prize.

The contest, which runs six consecutive Fridays until May 18, requires contestants to perform original songs in front of an audience. Contestants must be at least 18 to enter and must submit a CD of their songs before the competition starts. This insures their music is in fact original. Throughout the competition, audience members can contest a song’s originality. If a song is found to not be the artists own, the artist will be disqualified.

Last night, each of the nine contestants sang two songs. They were judged on originality of song, quality of song, quality of performance, and audience appeal. At the end of the night, one contestant was eliminated. Next week, the remaining contestants will perform another two original songs.

Tyler, who currently lives in Buffalo, and Bob competed in the competition last year, with Tyler winning second place. This is Len’s first year in the competition, but not his first time pitting his original songs up against others’. Len won the county Tourism Office’s jingle competition last year.

The other contestants who’ve made it to the next round are Rodger Chenelly of Farmington, Bruce Wayne of Rochester, Gina Holsopple of Oswego, Mark Grover of Portageville and Bill Fronefield of Palmyra.

Judges for the competition, which was founded by Larry Nugent, are Josh Wolcott, Helen Lyons, and Kelly Carson. Dan McClurg, the lead singer of the band Randsomville, is the competition’s Mcee.

In addition to the first place prize, second place receives $400, third place receives $200 and fourth place receives $100.

The competition runs every Friday night at 7 and is free to the public, though reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 468-2166. Letchworth Pines is located at 6985 Fillmore Road in Portageville.

GENESEO — The Geneseo Town Board held a public hearing on the proposed local law for tax exemption for improvements to commercial/residential real property in the Town of Geneseo at its meeting last night.

The Town modeled the law after one the Village already has. To make the two as similar as possible, the Board found a few changes needed to be made to the proposed law.

For example, in the Village law’s definition, commercial construction work is mentioned, whereas it isn’t in the Town’s. Board members decided commercial construction should be included in the proposed local law.

A sentence structural change was also made to improve the law’s clarity, as well as a correction of the Homestead’s parcel number.

At the end of the public hearing the Board approved the proposed local law.

Town Supervisor Will Wadsworth abstained from voting since he would be directly affected by the proposed law.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — One of the premier area charity fundraisers had community members buzzing over tough words.  It was this year's Catholic Charities spelling bee.

Numerous local organizations and schools entered teams in the competition, but the "New Orthographers" from the Livingston County Department of Social Services, sponsored by the Jones and Skivington lawfirm, emerged victorious.

The winning team, comprised of Andrew Timm, Alicia Andrest, and Amanda Cayouette, clinched their victory by correctly spelling the word "Powhatan," the name of an American Indian tribe. The second place team, the Avon Angels, comprised of Sr. Karen Dietz, Barbara Herman, and Ben Siragusa, lost on the word "bowdlerize".

The event included a spaghetti dinner, and is one of the major contributors to Catholic Charities' annual budget.  Co-emcees for the evening were WHAM 13 Anchor, Don Alhart, and Wes Kennison from SUNY Geneseo.

Congratulations to all the teams that participated:

FINAL ORDER OF FINISH:

1.The New Orthographers, Department of Social Services sponsored by Jones & Skivingtson, Andrew Timm, Alicia Andrest and Amanda Cayouette.

2. Avon Angels, St. Agnes & Joseph's Hammer Ministry, Sr. Karen Dietz, Barbara Herman and Ben Siragusa.

3. St. Agnes School, Victoria Rose, Melissa Savino and Catherine Dickinson.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DskrroV0YhQ

4. Livonia Rotary, Rev. Dan Finch, Ralph Parker and John Connelly

5. Dougherty's Diggers, Kevin w. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., Mike Dougherty, Alice Miller-Nation and Deacon John Hoffman.

6. Geneseo Rotary, Tim Hayes, Nancy Stewart, Sid Symington, and John Lanpher (alternate).

7. Penny Saver Fillies, Genesee Valley Pennysaver, Carole Bennett, Audrey Blount and Janet Olexy.

8. Genesee Valley Guud Spehellers, Genesee Valley Chrysler Dodge Jeep & Ford, Dom Genova, Nita Genova and Francesca Genova.

9.Dansville Rotary, Jenni Leuzzi, Madison Keogan and Christine Gunn.

10. Mighty Mighty Mustangs, Dansville High School sponsored by Main Tire, Emily Wolf, Anicasia Rosario, Sarah Dziekonski.

11. Team Cycle Craze Spinning Spellers, Meghan Bucci, Kristen Scoville and Daphne Allan.

12. American Rock Salt, Kathleen O'Hara, Katrina Loxcombe and Tricia Cutting.

13. Nunda Rotary Interact, Blaithe Donovan, Sara Link and Mariah Barranco.

14. York Central School, sponsored by Scott Padgett, Derek Dougal, Robert Mankoff and Kelsey Thompson.

15. Mt. Morris High School, sponsored by Elam Materials, Cynthia Kuehn, Alexander Matagne and Thomas Nichols.

16. Avon Rotary, Dr. Robert Hayes, Dr. Jim Tompsett and Helen Zamboni.

17.Team Toshiba, Toshiba Business Solutions, Jeff Fasoldt, Mark McDowell and Kim Mitchell.

18. Nunda Rotary, Brenda Weaver, Alex Pierce, Anita Buchinger, and Doris Marsh (alternate)

19. Geneseo Kiwanus, Holly Mullin, Ron Palmer and Jon Porter.

20. The Arc-hive's, Arc of Livingston-Wyoming, Katie Tobin, John Prospero and Chris Peterson.

21. Geneseo High School, sponsored by Bank of Castile, Kelsey Marnon, Saarah Shakeel, Ben Kelly and Kyle Fletcher (alternate).

GENESEO — The local community has rallied together to save the job of Rosko, a Belgian Malinois dog who has served three years on the Geneseo Police Department with handler Office Jason Yasso.

Mayor Richard Hatheway announced the end of the department’s K-9program at Monday’s board meeting, mentioning the possibility of auctioning off the dog, who is considered a village asset. It cost roughly $4,500 to keep Rosko in the department, a cost the mayor could not justify.

Many in the surrounding area believe Rosko, or “Officer Rosko,” as many call him, should either keep his job, or at least be allowed to stay with Officer Yasso.

“Rosko should be allowed to stay in the only home he's ever known with Officer Yasso and his family, who have taken care of him throughout his years of service,” said Cortney Farley in an email. “To auction him off to the highest bidder is absurd. It's very sad that Mayor Hatheway is looking at this situation with dollar signs in his eyes. This should not be about money or squeezing every last penny he can out of this situation, it should be about doing what's right for Rosko.”

Others echoed Farley’s concerns via email, as well as comments on Genesee Sun’s original story on the matter.

“Geneseo - Would you auction off a Police Officer or your Village Clerk? Why would you auction off a K9 Officer?” asked Mark Forrest Patrick of Rochester's Tuxedo’s K9 Training Camp. “They are trained, they breathe, they have feelings, they work, they are an asset, they are members of your community, they live and they die...So why?”

Patrick created a petition on Change.org entitled “Village Mayor of Geneseo, New York: Allow the Police Office Jason Yasso to keep the K9 Officer.” Ashleigh Herkimer created a Facebook group called “Help Save K9 Officer Roscoe [sic]” in an effort to save the now famous dog's job.

Rochester TV news station 13 WHAM reported tonight that someone has offered to pay $4,500 to keep Rosko and the Geneseo Police K9 department.

Mayor Richard Hatheway told them the Village Board will discuss it at its May 7 meeting.

GENESEO — Wegmans has announced a freeze on prices for more than 60 products families buy most during the summer months, effective April 29 through August 25.

Even if costs go up for these products, Wegmans won’t increase the retail price during the set time frame. This move follows the expiration of Wegmans’ winter list, introduced in January, with prices guaranteed through April 28.

“People are more hopeful about the economy, but gas prices remain a huge concern,” said President Colleen Wegman. “Customers have told us that it gives them peace of mind to know that prices won’t change for an extended period of time. It helps with planning and budgeting, and they are saving enough on groceries to more than offset the extra they are paying at the fuel pump.”

According to a press release from the grocery store, Wegmans’ summer list includes 62 products and reflects the change in customer shopping patterns once warmer weather hits. It includes such things as condiments, hot dog and hamburger rolls, marinated chicken breast, Italian sausage, littleneck clams, fresh salad greens, sunscreen, and over-the-counter allergy medications. The list is almost exclusively made up of Wegmans brand products, because Wegmans can be more aggressive with pricing for their own brand.

On Sunday, April 29, the list of 62 items, including prices, will be available on wegmans.com.

Wegmans shared some specific examples of prices for the summer list:
Wegmans Ketchup 40 oz.: $1.59
Wegmans Mayo 30 oz.: $2.49
Chicken Breast (club pack): $1.99/lb.
Wegmans Organic Spinach and Field Mix 11 oz.: $3.99
Seedless Cucumbers, 3-pack: $3.99
Wegmans Greek Yogurt 6 oz.: $ .89
Topcare 10 mg. 24-Hour Allergy Relief, 30 count: $3.49

“We can’t freeze prices on every product we sell, but it’s important to say that beyond this list, we will keep prices low,” said Wegman. “Our prices on the products families buy week in and out are 10 to 15% lower than other supermarkets.”

LIMA — Mayor Carl Luft presented Barry Ingalsbe an award of appreciation for 25 years of service on the Village Planning Board at the April 24 Lima Village Board meeting.

Mayor Luft conveyed thanks from both the village and town boards for Ingalsbe’s years of dedication and service to the Lima community. Starting in 1987 as a planning board member for the village, Ingalsbe recalled how he had been originally interested in serving on the town planning board, but the only opening then was with the village. For years, he had been a proponent of combining the two boards. This dream was realized in 2010 when the town and village agreed to form a joint planning board, and Barry was asked to serve as the first chairman.

Now stepping down from the local joint planning board, Ingalsbe will still serve as the Village of Lima’s representative on the Livingston County planning board where he has served for over ten years.

Ingalsbe said there are several highlights that come to mind over the past 25 years on the planning board. Two comprehensive plans were developed, with the latest one accepted by both the town and village boards. Park Place subdivision, another highlight, “was the first cluster-type subdivision in the village, which offered some flexibility in applying zoning law to make it work for both the developer and the village to keep more open space adjacent to Mark Tubbs Park,” he said. Noting there had not been much turnover in home ownership within Park Place, Ingalsbe considered this a good subdivision.

Other highlights over the years included the various projects by Elim ministries: the new church ministry center, the school’s student center and athletic building, plus two apartment structures.

Working for LeCesse Construction for 30 years has given Ingalsbe a broad range of experience which has benefited the Lima community through his planning board service.

“I started as an estimator/project manager and currently am a vice president and construction manager,” he said.

Some of the larger projects he has served on the management team for include: Blue Cross Arena renovation, Fast Ferry terminal, the Jewish Home, Geneva General Hospital, several projects at R.I.T., U of R, Cornell University, and other university and health care projects.

“There will always be change and development in our community, but what sets apart one community from another is how the process is managed,” Ingalsbe said.
According to Ingalsbe, the community has “rich resources here with agricultural farmlands” he’d like to see preserved by keeping building lot sizes smaller in the town so more farmland can be kept undeveloped.

He suggested that “variable lot sizes, with smaller lots permitted closer to the village to attract development there” and applying innovative zoning practices would help to preserve the farmland.

Ingalsbe moved to Lima in 1979 with his wife Mary soon after their wedding.

“We loved the small town atmosphere and community and the school district. It was the best place to raise our kids,” he said.

Though their three children have now left home, the couple has no plans to move away.

“We love this community – it’s a place to call home and where you’re proud to be from,” he said.

Selling a beautiful Antique Vintage Victorian Bench Seat and Chair, Both Matching, Cushions in excellent condition. Only Asking $245.00 for the set, what a steal! This item can be seen at D & Z Consignment Store located at the corner of Rt. 36 and 63 in Gregsville, NY or call 585 245 9566.

For Sale, Like New Never Used Honda 5000 Watt Generator, Was $2700.00 brand new, Asking $1200.00 or best offer. Runs Great and Puts out the power you need. This item can be seen at D & Z Consignment store located at Rt. 36 and Rt. 63 in Gregsville, NY or call 585 245 9566.

Antique Vintage Wash Table for Sale, asking $135.00 or best offer, Great Condition and a Solid Piece of Furniture. Check this item out and many others at D & Z Consignment Store located at the corner of Rt. 36 and Rt. 63 in Gregsville, NY or Call 585 245 1082.

This item is in great condition and was well taken care of, asking $150.00 OBO. Check this item out at D & Z Consignment Store at the Corner of Rt. 36 & Rt. 63 in Gregsville or Call 585-245-9566.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —  Sex, drugs, and a hostage situation were all pieces of a bizarre Livonia High School Reunion last summer.  The ensuing legal drama came to a conclusion this week after the County Court trial of James Woodruff, 40, who was accused of forcible touching, breaking and entering, and numerous other offenses.
 
Woodruff was found not guilty on all 8 charges by Judge Dennis Cohen after a whacky two-day trial in which details emerged that make the season finale of Melrose Place seem G-rated.
 
The trouble started for Woodruff, who lives in Springwater, when a scheduled reunion on Conesus Lake spun out of control after he became incredibly intoxicated and extremely annoying to other members of the party and was asked to leave.
 
"My client is guilty of being a drunken a**hole [sic].  He’s NOT guilty of these charges," said defense attorney Greg McCaffrey in his opening statements.
 
According to court testimony Woodruff’s evening began when he was picked up by his then galpal who would end the evening as one of his two accusers.  The party host and eventual second accuser was a woman friend of the first victim, who had flown in from California to host the evening’s festivities.
 
Accuser number 2, the hostess, testified that she became seriously annoyed with Woodruff after the Parrot Bay Rum he was swilling from the bottle started to kick in and he began making aggressive sexual comments towards other females at the party.
 
Woodruff at first refused to leave but after some coaxing left the party with a buddy, David Crego – who is currently in a relationship with Accuser number 2 and wanted on an arrest warrant.  The two left the party and somehow made their way to a drug house in Rochester.

Upon his return, in the wee hours of the morning, Woodruff walked into the home and went upstairs to the bedroom where the women slept together.  But as the two days’ sometimes contradictory testimony came out in court, it became clear that exactly how that came about, and what happened from the start of the party to the finish, was anything but clear.
 
Outside of court after the not guilty verdict, a relieved Woodruff claimed he was in a blackout for much of that time.  "I came out of the blackout in the city sitting in a truck.  Crego was in a drug house, and I had no idea how I got there.”
 
According to Assistant District Attorney Lindsay Quintilone, Woodruff somehow got a ride from someone inside the drug house back to the cottage where the party had been, leaving Crego there where he was being held hostage for money owed on consumed drugs.
 
When he arrived back at the cottage, Woodruff went upstairs to the room where the two friends were sleeping, in one bed, and climbed in.  He allegedly began “hooking up” with Accuser number 2 while his galpal, Accuser number 1, was passed out next to them.
 
When Accuser number 1, awoke, Accuser number 2 promptly darted outside looking for Crego, who was apparently being held at the drug house in need of $1,000 for the drugs he’d consumed.

After Accuser number 2 left the room, Woodruff then tried to hook-up with his original date, Accuser number 1, but she was pretty irate at the whole situation.  The two left and she dropped him off at his Springwater home, hoping that would be the end of it.
 
After Accuser number 2, the host of the party, drove to the city to spring Crego from the drug house, she then returned to the cottage.  After thinking over the events she decided that she had been violated, and called the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office to file a report.
 
The Livingston County District Attorney's office then charged Woodruff with 8 counts including sex abuse in the first, and sex abuse in the third on both victims, as well as criminal trespass.
 
The two alleged victims contradicted each other on direct examination and cross examination during the trial.  In addition, another witness who used the nearby upstairs bathroom during all of the alleged assaults said she heard or saw nothing that appeared forcible.
 
Judge Dennis Cohen immediately returned a "not guilty" verdict on all counts after both lawyers concluded their closing arguments.
 
Woodruff, after being asked outside court what he thought the moral of the story was, said "Watch what you do and who your friends are.”   He took a parting shot at the County legal authorities.  "I think its ridiculous that the District Attorney's office trumped up these charges against me."

UPDATE: 04/2712, The orginal version incorrectly reported Mr. Crego's first name, The correct name is David Crego.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY – Robert L. Buckman, of Rochester, was sentenced to two years in state prison today and three years post-release after being convicted of second-degree attempted burglary.

 In October 2009, Buckman broke into a residence on West Main St. in Lima, NY, and stole electronics and other property. With no suspects and no leads, the case remained unsolved for almost 2 years. Fortunately, the investigators and evidence collection team with the Livingston County Sheriff's Office had taken swabs of the burglar’s mallet, pry bar and screwdriver left at the scene.

The swabs were analyzed and DNA evidence was extracted from the tools. Somewhere in Buckman's criminal history, he had been required to give a DNA sample to the New York State DNA Databank, and the DNA taken from the tools matched his profile. A cold case, suddenly had a hot new lead. Sheriff's Investigators then interviewed the defendant, and he confessed to the crime.

Livingston County Assistant District Attorney Eric Schiener wrote in an email that the case displayed one of the many uses of DNA technology. 

The Livingston County Sheriff's Office, the NYS DNA Databank and the Livingston County District Attorney's Office combined to take Buckman off the street.

GENESEO — Geneseo mayor Richard Hatheway gave the Village Board of Trustees some sad news at last night’s meeting. Rosko, the Geneseo police dog will no longer work with the department as of June 1.

The K-9 program ends as soon as the village’s 2012-13 fiscal year budget is in effect.

Over his three years of service, Rosko, a Belgian Malinois breed, has been called on 20 times in the Geneseo area and 28 times outside of the area. Hatheway also said the dog had only been a part of two arrests last year. Rosko’s services cost about $5,000 a year to maintain.

“It really is a luxury,” said Hatheway about the program. “I hate to get rid of it, but in terms of cost effectiveness, it’s not enough.”

Office Jason Yasso, Rosko’s handler, will continue work without his K-9 companion, though he may be able to buy him if the village decides to auction him off as an asset.

Since Rosko is around five years old, he is considered mid-way through his career as a police dog, making him hard to sell to other departments who want younger dogs.

Rosko was originally obtained through funding from Senator Dale Volker and Assemblyman Daniel Burling.

Geneseo will still have access to dogs who work elsewhere in the county, if needed.

SCOTTSVILLE – The Greater Wheatland Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 21 to announce the grand opening of Barnhouse Bed & Breakfast, located at 4600 River Road in Scottsville, NY.

More than 200 people attended the open house following the ceremony, which was emceed by Carl Schoenthal, Vice President of the Greater Wheatland Area Chamber of Commerce.

Guest speakers at the event included Monroe County Legislature President Jeff Adair, Town of Wheatland Supervisor Linda Dobson and Village of Scottsville Mayor Paul Gee.

For more information about Barnhouse Bed & Breakfast, visit their Facebook page or their website at www.graceacres.net.

GENESEO — Geneseo fire chief Andrew Chanler presented this year’s call and response numbers for Geneseo fire and ambulance to the Geneseo Village Board of Trustees tonight.

Chanler reported that between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012, the Geneseo Fire Department received 284 fire calls and 1,696 ambulance calls—both higher than last year’s numbers.

The fire department responded to 143 fire calls in the Village, and 107 in the Town. They responded to 647 ambulance calls in the Village, 310 at SUNY Geneseo, and 437 in the Town, according to Chanler.

The department also responded to 110 ambulance calls in Groveland and 145 mutual aid responses in other districts.

Chanler also said that man hours increased from 35,637 in 2012-11 to 38,455 as of March 31 this year.

DANSVILLE — MacFadden Coffee Co. offers more than just a cup of coffee—it offers a place for the community to get together, relax, and even learn a few things along the way.

Owner Jennifer Howard opened up shop March 19, but will celebrate MacFadden’s grand opening all this week with special promotions and classes. Tonight from 6 to 7:30, the MacFadden Book Club meets. The meeting is open to anyone who’d like to join. Tuesday night from 6 to 7, MacFadden Coffee Co. offers a “Coffee 101” class for folks who want to learn more about the beloved beverage. The class also takes place Saturday morning from 10:30 to 11:30. Wednesday night from 5:30 to 7, the shop offers an extreme couponing class. All classes are free and open to the public.

Howard said she plans to run the extreme couponing class and the book club after the grand opening week, as well as other classes and events in order to make MacFadden Coffee Co. a place for the community to come together and hang out.

“I think it’s something Dansville needed,” said Howard. “I think the customers really enjoy having us. In the area in general, everything is commercialized. We have a Dunkin Donuts and then gas station coffee. We didn’t have someplace where you can sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee and enjoy the free Wi-Fi and read a book.”

In addition to providing a cozy place to relax, MacFadden’s keeps things local by selling coffee from Victor’s Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters, as well as pastries that are baked fresh daily in the shop.

“Our pastries change every day,” said head barista Lon Ames. “We have some favorites that we’re rotating through, but in general, we’re trying all kinds of new things.”

As they continue in business, Howard and Ames hope MacFadden Coffee Co. becomes a place for folks to come hang out and socialize regularly.

“We’re looking at the whole ‘coffee house’ philosophy of art shows and live music as it rolls out,” said Ames. “We’re looking for customer feedback for what they want to see here. We’re basically providing a service for the town and whatever they want to see.”

MacFadden Coffee Co. is located at 211 Main Street and is open Mon – Fri: 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, visit http://macfaddencoffeeco.com or https://www.facebook.com/macfaddencoffeeco.

AVON — 74 marathons and counting for local running legend Dave Coyne, 60.  But his latest, at Boston this past week, was his toughest of them all.

Coyne, who currently holds a streak of 23 consecutive Boston Marathons completed, nearly had his streak put to an and by a pulled calf muscle.

"This year's Boston Marathon was the toughest one of them all," said Coyne, who first attempted the marathon in 1969 while a student at Avon High School.  " I normally prepare for a marathon with 900 training miles, but for this one, because of my pulled calf muscle, I was only able to log 120."

If you do the math, Coyne has logged 1,938 career marathon racing miles and over 65,000 training miles, so obviously the foundation was there. He finished this year's race at 4:41:01.

"I knew I was going to start this marathon despite the injury, and i knew I was going to finish it as well." said Coyne, who is in the Greater Rochester Track Club Hall of Fame. "I went into race with the mindset that no matter what, I wasn't going to fail."

Coyne has entered 41 Boston Marathons and finished 37 of them.

"I guess my body has been able to hold up over the years because of dumb luck.  I'm just put together properly."

Coyne went through extensive physical therapy treatment, including some of the most brutal deep tissue massage treatments imaginable focused on his troublesome calf.

"I'm not done,"  Coyne said.  "I still feel that when i get healthy i can clock a sub 3:15 marathon."

Save the Date for some FREE Family Fun this Summer

Chuck E. Cheese for a family of 5 …… at least $75.00.  Red Wings Baseball game for a family of 5 …… at least $100.00.  Darien Lake for a family of 5 ….. at least $125.00 ..Celebrate! Family Church Family Fun Day …… FREE FOR EVERYONE !!!

Where could you find a totally FREE , family friendly, FUN afternoon filled with games, prizes, face painting, hot dogs, snow cones,  youth events, hair painting, car seat safety check, petting zoo, fire trucks, a bounce house ((and more)) .. And did I mention ALL FOR FREE ?

In Leicester, of course, at Celebrate! Family Church on July 28th, 2012.

 The Family Fun Day is quickly becoming a favorite for all ages in the area.
According to the Associate Pastor, Matt Drew, of Celebrate! Family Church  “It is the desire of the Church and the  planning committee to help and encourage the many families and individuals in the Genesee Valley who are in need of a message of hope.  The Family Fun Day is FREE for all who attend, and will feature food, fun and entertainment, as well as practical helps and services.”

Please save the date and plan to join the fun for this FREE Family Fun Day.  The event will take place from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  Celebrate ! Family Church is located on Route 36 in Leicester, NY.

In addition to the afternoon filled with FREE family fun, they are also scheduling a huge Community Yard Sale / Flea Market.  The sale will take place from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with wonderful treasures from your friends and neighbors.  OK … so they are going to charge you for their treasures, but it is a sale !   And it will be HUGE !!!

If you are interested in selling your treasures at the Community Yard Sale, please call Connie at (585) 330-2325 or email conniehomebiz@yahoo.com for an application.  For more information regarding the Family Fun Day, you can check get more details at www.icelebrate.org , call Connie or the Church office at (585) 382-9830.

GENESEO — The first ever Strollin' for Colon 5k was held on Saturday with over 150 runners and walkers participating in the fundraiser sponsored by the University of Rochester Medical Center's Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology.

The event included a pig roast, face painting, music and a silent auction from local businesses.

"The event today was to raise awareness and get funds for research," said Tina Cottone, who helped organize the race. "People realize that colon cancer can be treatable and beatable if you have a colonoscopy."

The festivities were hosted at the Cottone Auction House where participants enjoyed music by the band Trilogy as well after the race.

According to the AmericanCancer society they estimate that there will be 103,170 new cases of colon cancer this year.

"The rain couldn't dampen my family's spirit and resolve," said Assistant District Attorney Eric Schiener who particpated in the event with his wife and kids. "We walked in memory of my mother, Eleanor Schiener, who lost her battle with colon cancer in 2002."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehLpVKY-Llg

DANSVILLE — Over 45 garden-themed scrap metal sculptures were unveiled to the public today to kick off a fundraising event to benefit the American Red Cross.

Folks from across the county met at Dansville’s Star Theatre at 11 a.m. to meet the students in Olie Olson’s Genesee Valley Educational Partnership’s Career and Tech Center’s metal trades class—the creators of the unique sculptures housed by several Dansville businesses.

The students worked for months to create these stunning sculptures out of various scrap metal parts. Their creations will be auctioned off June 2 at 6 p.m. at Moose Lodge, with proceeds benefitting the American Red Cross.

Today, those students got to see their hard work on display outside and inside of several businesses on and around Main Street.

“It was fun,” said Chris Wixom, a senior student sculptor from Livonia Central School who helped create a flower-themed piece entitled “Petals of Life.” “Every piece was so different. Everyone really put a lot of work into it.”

Wixom said the students doubled the amount of sculptures from last year’s successful “Angels in the Village” project in Mount Morris, which this year’s project was modeled after.

The fundraiser is a collaboration between the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership’s Career and Tech Center and the Livingston County Economic Development Corporation.

The students who worked on the sculptures are Jillian Kahn, Cody Schuster, John Bartles, Ed Bell, Jeremiah Bowen, Justin Brice, Joshua Buzzard, Brett Diener, Dylan Eldridge, Tyler Flynn, Justin Forkner, Jesse Gleason, Dylan Hadfield, Corey Hale, Fred Ingalls, Coty Lee Kimbel, Donald LaDue, Troy Lischer, Jack Macauley, Joe Neeley, Tylor Parsons, Josh Pattridge, Collin Plowe, Peter Rapone, David Reed, Matthew Ridley, Bradley Scism, Alden Smith, Justin Spencer, Tony Todisco, Dakotah Thompson, James VanDeWeert, Chance Vogt, Cody Waite, Jeff Walker, Chris Wixom and Levi Wolcott.

The sculptures are on display at these businesses: AJ’s Mercantile & Craft Supply, American Legion, Andersen Jewelers, Brown & Brown of NY Inc., Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep, Clara Barton Chapter #1, Clockworks Wine & Liquor, Community Bank, Dansville Family Dental Care, Dansville Public Library, Dansville Stationers and Dogwood Trading Company, Dogwood Floral Company, Five Star Bank, Genesee Country Express, Genesee Valley Federal Credit Union, Jack’s Place Gaslight Grill, Key Bank, Laura’s Pet Grooming, Livingston Mutual Insurance Company, Logan’s Inn, MacFadden Coffee Co., Main Tire Exchange, Mill Creek Optical, Muchler Financial Services, Noyes Health, One Twenty Nine Main, Rushbottom Heights, Scovill’s Grill, Sculpture Garden, Scura Law Office, Smile by Design, Star Theatre, Sugar Bowl, Sylor Imaging and Décor, Toadally Wine, Tony’s Pizzeria, Town/Village Hall, Valley View Enterprises, WDNY, Wamp Real Estate, and Wentworth Motors.

View the slideshow below to see some of the sculptures. Maps of the sculptures’ locations are available at the businesses listed above.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_s7_ba3bvDA&

GENESEO – It took 10 innings for York and Geneseo to decide their contest Friday, and the Blue Devils capitalized on a York error to walk off with a 7-6 win.

Connor Ragan started on the mound for Geneseo, but surrendered four runs in the second inning without recording an out and was relieved by senior Taylor Semmel.

Semmel cruised through the Golden Knights’ lineup the rest of the game, allowing only two runs on one hit in nine innings. Semmel mowed down 11 York batters and walked four.

Xavier Copeland had two hits, two runs, two steals and an RBI, and Tony Belfiore added a hit, a steal and three RBIs to pace Geneseo at the plate.

York (2-5) starting pitcher Cody Harris nearly matched Semmel pitch for pitch. Harris threw a 9 2/3 inning complete game in the loss, allowing seven runs and striking out five. T.J. Coleman fished with one hit, one run and two RBIs to lead York.

Head coach Ryan Conway said his team needs work on the offense end to kick start their season.

“We’re good at taking advantage of what the defense gives us,” Conway said after the game. “But I’d like to see us be a little more aggressive at the plate and start turning some of those strikeouts into base hits.”

The Golden Knights’ will look to bounce back Monday when they visit Warsaw at 4:30 p.m., and Geneseo will try to keep rolling Monday, as they visit Caledonia-Mumford.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61tgt4CUoS0

Mixed martial arts – specifically the Ultimate Fighting Championship – is fast becoming one of the more popular spectator sports in the world. New York, like any other state, is full of mixed martial arts enthusiasts. In fact, the youngest, and current, UFC light heavyweight world champion Jon “Bones” Jones was born and raised in Rochester, N.Y., and trains out of Endicott, N.Y. Despite this, Jones and other fighters who live and train in New York are not allowed to fight professionally in the state because of a statewide ban on professional, live mixed martial arts fights.

Established in the early 90s, UFC was originally one night tournament in which fighters from different weight classes and martial arts disciplines competed to see which form of martial arts was the best and who was the ultimate fighter. The violent nature of the burgeoning sport quickly drew the attention of the U.S. authorities. Thirty-six states, including New York, enacted laws that banned “no-holds-barred” fighting. New York, set to host UFC 12, passed the ban on the fight, forcing relocation to Alabama.

Since the ban, the UFC has undergone an ownership change and is now owned and operated by Dana White and his partners. One of the new ownership’s first moves was an attempt to make the UFC more socially and politically accepted by making major adjustments to the sport’s rules and regulations. This meant the introduction of weight classes, much like boxing, as well as the banning of fish-hooking, a move that gouges the eyes, nostrils or mouth. Gradually, the UFC enacted safety measures, such as mandatory use of gloves, and stricter regulations. As a result kicks to the head of a downed opponent, strikes to the back of the neck and head, head butting, small-joint manipulations and groin strikes are all now illegal in UFC fights.

Even after the new rules were established, MMA and UFC have seen their popularity grow leaps and bounds. UFC has signed a network television deal with Fox, and its athletes have become some of the most recognizable faces in the world.

However, New York still refuses legalize MMA as a professional sports in the state. This has frustrated Dana White and New York MMA and UFC fans for years. Despite the urging of some politicians, fans and management at arenas like Madison Square Garden, New York remains one of the only states that refuses to give in on its MMA ban. Dana White has gone as far as saying it is not the violence of the sport that is stopping it from being sanctioned in New York, as critics claim, but rather that the Fertitta brothers – who own UFC’s parent company Zuffa, LLC – use nonunion employees in their casinos. To date, the closest place New Yorkers can go to see the UFC is Ohio, New Jersey or Toronto. Then on Nov. 15, 2011 the UFC filed a lawsuit against New York, making it clear they wanted to be sanctioned in the state.

As an MMA and UFC fan from New York I can see no reason why Jones’ fight this weekend against rival Rashad Evans couldn't have been held in Madison Square Garden or some other New York arena. I feel we will eventually see the UFC in New York, even if it takes the lawsuit to trigger the change. The economic impact from merchandise and tourism will allow the UFC to win this battle with New York.

You will not get an argument from me. Bagging a gobbler with a bow and arrow is no easy task. The birds have incredible eye sight, second-to-none hearing and can disappear in a heart-beat if they catch you bringing your bow to full draw. Add a small kill zone to the mix and you can have your hands full in the woods this spring trying to down a wild turkey.  

So how can you affix your tag on a long bead with archery tackle? We asked three of the country's leading bowhunters their secrets to bowhunting turkeys. Not so surprisingly, there are several common denominators that lead to their success, indicating these guys are really on to something!

LOW-POUNDAGE BOW

Michael Deck, owner of the Terminal Velocity Pro shop in Chillicothe, Ohio, has arrowed between 16 and 20 gobblers in his long career.  "You have to do your homework," says Deck. "I begin by looking for roosting areas, and then unravel a travel pattern the birds use on a more or less regular basis. Next I erect a ground blind along one of their travel routes, and fit it with a comfortable  stool.  You will spend more time sitting than walking, and a high-quality seat has become my best bowhunting partner ever. 

"Concealment is also very important. I wear lots of camo, and paint my face rather than wear a head net because it is more comfortable. I also paint my bow black, and use black and red fletching. When I am in the blind I limit all movement. When it comes time to take a shot I draw my bow from low inside the blind, and then slowly bring it to my anchor point. I shoot a low-poundage bow, about 48-pounds, so I can stop at mid stroke and hold it in that position if need be.

"I also practice shooting at 3-D turkeys from inside the blind", adds Deck, "so when it comes time to take the shot I am confident in my shooting abilities. I prefer to wait for a center body kill shot, and aim for the butt of the wing using an extra sharp fixed-blade broadhead."

BOW HUNT FROM A GOUND BLIND

Dennis Hartsell, co-owner of Cranford Manufacturing  Company, the makers of E-Z Climb Tree Steps, credits pre-season scouting and the use of ground blinds to his success. "When scouting rural areas for birds," says Hartsell, "I often ask farmers for the whereabouts of local flocks. We do a lot of sitting and listening based in part on this information to help us pinpoint roosting sites, feeding areas and travel routes. If I can find an area the birds are visiting on a regular basis, I will set up a ground blind nearby.

"Ground blinds are ideal because it is so difficult to draw down on a bird while sitting out in the open. I like to weave brush around the blind to that it fits in better with the local habitat. I wear black fleece clothing and make sure everything inside the blind is black. However, I do use green and white fletching so I can see my shot.

" I practice on 3-D turkey targets with my 68-pound bow year round," adds Hartsell, "and prefer a razor sharp cut-on-impact broadhead. When it comes time for a shot I like to have the gobbler facing directly away from me, and aim for the center of his fan. He can't see me come to full draw from this position, and the arrow passes through his vitals. If he happens to be facing me head-on, then I aim for his bear; if he is broadside I aim for the center of his body. Some bowhunters tell me they aim for the gobblers head,  but I am not that confident in my shooting skills. I like a bigger target!
 

"Finally, I build my own box calls, but only call minimally. I have used decoys on occasion, but if I can find an area where the birds are showing up on a regular basis, I will forego the decoy. My best advice however is to be patient! Hunting gobblers with archery tackle is very challenging!

WIDE WOUND CHANNEL

DEVIN SAMUELSON, owner of Sabermaxx Broadheads, scouts for large flocks of birds, maybe 40 to 50 birds hanging around together, and then zeroes in on those travel lanes and feeding areas where the birds can consistently be located during the day. "I then set up a ground blind nearby," says Samuelson.  "It need not be fancy. I will throw a black ground cloth behind a fallen tree or a blow down to take advantage of any natural scenery, and then crawl inside dressed in head-to-toe camouflage.
About 15-yards out front, I will set up two or three hen decoys facing directly away from the blind.
    "After things settle down, I will use a slate call and make clucking sounds using a circular motion and a wooded stick. I will also gobble on occasion. This is when the decoys earn their keep. The scenario must be believable when the birds approach the blind.  They must be able to see something that looks like what they are hearing or they will become especially wary."
    Samuelson also believes you need to be a crack shot to consistently bag gobblers with a bow and arrow.  "The vitals on a turkey are small so you must pick a spot before you come to full draw, and concentrate on that tiny spot. Some bowhunters prefer a head shot, but my preference is to go for a body shot. If the gobbler is broadside I aim at the front of the breast right behind the beard. If it is facing me, I aim for the top of the beard, and if it is facing away I will draw down on the base of his fan. Keep in mind that birds have a tendency to fly even if hit hard, and will glide downhill for quite a distance if given the opportunity. If they do take flight you must keep them in sight as long as you can.
    "A wide wound channel, about 3/4-inch,  will cause a bird to bleed out fast however making recovery a much easier task. I prefer a  cut-on-impact broadhead with serrated blades to help snap through all those feathers. If the wound channel is too wide however you will need a lot more kinetic energy to pass a broadhead through those feathers, meaning you will need to shoot a much higher-poundage bow than usual to achieve a complete pass-through."

GENESEO — This Tuesday, volunteers from three counties were honored for their community service.

The Volunteer Recognition event was held at the Valley Oak Event Center in Geneseo and celebrated the work of seniors who volunteer their time as tutors and mentors for children in local schools, day care centers and youth centers with the Foster Grandparent Program. Each “grandma” or “grandpa” commits to at least 15 hours per week helping children.

This year’s event included a special tribute to volunteers who have recently turned 90 or older, and also to volunteers who have served for over 10 years.

Mary Fenti, volunteer at Dansville Primary School, works with Pre-K children. She remembers former Foster Grandparent Program volunteers who were her inspiration for their long service and long lives.

“It has been my privilege and pleasure to spend 18 years in the Dansville Primary School and I hope to be there well into my 90’s,” Fenti said.

Carolyn “Ruth” Weden has been a Foster Grandparent volunteer for a total of 22 years. She volunteered for 15 years, left and re-joined again at age 83. Weden currently volunteers with 2nd graders at St. Agnes School in Avon. She loves her job with the children, as well as the challenges every day.
“The children are great – each child is different,” Weden said. “Successes make me feel good”

She attributes her staying active to having something to look forward to to the Foster Grandparent Program.

Elva Keough joined the program at 79 years old and has been a dedicated volunteer for 15 years. She currently helps out at Dansville Primary School.

“I just love all the children,” Keough said. “They are so precious, especially the little ones with special handicaps or challenges to overcome.”

Elva has helped provide support to children with special needs in the nurse’s office and with one-on-one reading help.

“Grandparents” recognized for their years of service were Virginia Crane, from Bath for 17 years at Dana Lyon Elementary School, Onnolee Moses, from Silver Springs for 12 years at Warsaw Elementary School, and Kay Schosgar, who is currently the “Sunshine Lady” and has been in the program for 13 years. Schosgar works with teens at Cooper’s Education Center in Corning.

The local Foster Grandparent Program has been sponsored through the Livingston County Office for the Aging since 1982, and since 1994 has been under Livingston County sponsorship. As part of Senior Corps under the federal Corporation for National and Community Service agency, Foster Grandparents volunteer in public and parochial schools, non-profit day care centers and youth centers as tutors and mentors. These seniors help students work on reading skills, encourage the children to stay on task, and serve as positive role models, among many other things.

The program is available to men and women, age 55 or older, and offers some transportation reimbursement, monthly trainings, and a stipend of approximately $175-$400 per month to income-eligible volunteers. This tax-free income does not affect Social Security, Section 8 housing subsidies, food stamp eligibility, H.E.A.P and some other benefits. For more information, please call the Livingston County Office for the Aging at 585-243-7520.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — Geneseo attorney Greg McCaffrey appears to be headed for a new job as Livingston County’s next District Attorney. Sources within the County Court system, who requested anonymity, said Thursday that a public announcement of the appointment by Governor Cuomo is imminent, pending completion of a background check.

 In an indication of the development, the County Courthouse was the center of an unusual level of unusual activity. Several abrupt changes were made to the Court calendar for cases in which McCaffrey is counsel, including one case that was scheduled for trial Monday. McCaffrey submitted a letter to judge Dennis Cohen that seems to have triggered the calendar changes.

McCaffrey currently is an attorney with the Geneseo law firm of Jones and Skivington, where he has practiced since 2006.  Previously, he worked for nearly five years as an Assistant District Attorney for Monroe County.
 

The position is currently held by Acting District Attorney Ronald Cicoria, who succeeded Special Assistant District Attorney Eric Schiener, who resigned recently in order to be eligible to run for election for the next term of District Attorney.  

Schiener himself was appointed to the position after the elected District Attorney, Tom Moran, was elected this year to New York State Superior Court Judge.

If the appointment is announced officially, McCaffrey will be the first Democrat to serve as District Attorney in recent memory.

The position is currently held by Acting District Attorney Ronald Cicoria, who succeeded Special Assistant District Attorney Eric Schiener, who resigned recently in order to be eligible to run for election for the next term of District Attorney.   Schiener himself was appointed to the position after the elected District Attorney, Tom Moran, was elected this year to New York State Superior Court Judge.

 If the appointment is announced officially, McCaffrey will be the first Democrat to serve as District Attorney in recent memory.

People ask me for tips on how they can lose weight and what my secret is. I have said it before. There is not a magic pill to get you where you want to be. But I do know this.

Diet alone will not do it. Exercise alone will not do it. It must be a combination of both.

When I started on my weight loss journey, I didn’t exercise for the first three months. I lost weight but I then reached a point where it stalled. I realized then that I needed to add movement and exercise into my plan if I was going to get to where I wanted to be.

When I began training for my first half-marathon, I threw my food plan out the window. I mean, I was a runner now…I didn’t need to diet. After I gained 5 pounds over my original goal weight, I realized that this was a false statement.

I have a friend who is about ten pounds from his weight goal. He is a workout machine. He works out about 2 – 2 and a half hours each day/five days a week. His eating isn’t bad…but it’s not the greatest either. I have mentioned to him before that if he really want to get rid of those last ten pounds, that he must be vigilant about his eating habits. It gets harder and harder as you get closer to the end. The last remaining pounds want to hold on for dear life and it’s up to you to make a decision of how bad you want it.

Here are my own personal top 5 fitness exercises counting down to number 1:

5. Wall sits. Want your thighs to burn? Try a wall sit. It’s quite simple, just stand with your back against the wall and sink down like you are sitting in a chair, except the only thing that is holding you up is your thighs and legs. So you are sitting with no seat under you. Talk about a burn. Start small and try to work your way up to three minutes. When it starts to burn, I take this opportunity to get on the smartphone so I don’t think about it.

4. Shoulder presses. Summer is coming up and so is halter top and tank top season. Get yourself some free weights and press those hands to the sky! In each hand, have a free weight. Your hands should be level with your shoulders, knuckles forward. Simply press the weights into the sky and then back down. You can also do this with the weights turned in instead of forward.

3. Squats. Did I hear a groan? Want a firm butt and backside? Squats will give you this. Regular squats, side squats, frog squats, jump squats, pistol squats. I would not recommend the latter until you have had plenty of practice. For a regular squat, simply bend your knees and sit back, trying to make a 90 degree angle with your butt to the floor. For an extra burn, try holding and squeezing.

2. Crunches. Abs, baby. Abs. It doesn’t matter where or how you do these…regular sit-ups, crunches on the stability ball, ab crunches with your feet in the air, bicycle crunches, reverse abs, oblique crunches. A strong core cannot be underestimated. It helps your posture which helps your back muscles.

1. Push-ups. Yea, I said it. I love push-ups! It targets so many areas: chest, back, arms and shoulders. Also, when you do the push-up, you are holding your core firm, another added benefit. Don’t be nervous if you can’t do the push-ups on your toes. Do them on your knees or use a wall and do a push-up while standing.

AVON — The visiting Livonia Bullddogs dominated the Braves behind hot hitting Sophomore Zack Kolodzieski, 13-6.

Kolodzieski went 3-4 with two opposite field triples and 5 RBI's.

"I was seeing the ball well today," said Kolodzieski. "When it's on the outside I try and take it the other way."

Avon rallied late in the game scoring 5 runs in the bottom of the sixth put couldn't close the gap.

Next up for Avon is LeRoy.

AVON — This Saturday, the 10th annual child safety fair will be held at the Avon Primary School gym from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The event’s topics include K-9 units, wheeled/traffic safety, boat and water safety, operation safe child I.D. kits and more. Prizes will be given out to the winners of the “Wheeled Sport Safety” contest. Door prizes will also be given out.

All families are welcome at the event. The fair is located at 191 Clinton Street, Avon. The event is made possible by Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Livingston County Health Department, Noyes Health, and funding by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with a grant from the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee in collaboration with the Livingston County Traffic Safety Board.

AVON — The Village Board introduced Bryan Scott, 30, as the new fire chief, replacing Jay Batzel who completed his elected term.

Scott has served with the Avon Fire Department for 16 years. He started out as an explorer and then has served 12 as a firefighter, 5 of which have been as the assistant chief.

"It is very gratifying to help people at their worst time of need because you want to be there for them,'" said Scott who lives inAvon with his family. "Being the chief means a lot of responsibility, such as overseeing day to day operations, fire personnel and public safety during any incident and fiscal responsibility while keeping your expenses with in your budget."

Mayor Tom Freeman thanked Batzel for doing an outstanding job and told Scott he is looking working with him as well.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — A double rainbow graced the skies of Livingston County Monday evening, wowing county residents and even causing drivers to pull over their vehicles.

Several people captured the rainbow with their cameras and posted their photos on Facebook for all to see and share.

The slideshow below features stunning photos of the rainbow taken by Beth Doty, Chuck Little and Josh Williams.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVAgfM-pryY&

Everyone has a list of things they want to do before their time on this earth is done – a bucket list – and recently, events in my life have made me consider my bucket list.  

A few years back, my mother was diagnosed with optical cancer. With the exception of losing vision in one eye, my mom beat cancer. Like any cancer patient who goes into remission, she is required to go to checkups roughly every six months to make sure new cancer has not developed. It was during one of these recent checkups that doctors discovered a few spots on her body could be cancerous, which lead to numerous biopsies and PET scans. As I'm sure you can guess, anyone who has had cancer or has had a loved one battle cancer, goes through a range of emotions at the prospect of its return. I have found myself thinking of my bucket list recently due to the possibility of having to face my mom having cancer again.

This column is dedicated to my sports and entertainment bucket list – the events or arenas I want experience before it's too late. It is my goal with this column to shed more light on the sports and entertainment events that I would love to attend and why I value these events enough put them on my bucket list.

The first event I would like to attend is the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), preferably, but not necessarily, in Las Vegas. I have been a fan the UFC since I was a boy and it first started. I remember in the early years, before it was shut down and forced to undergo major regulations and rules changes to become sanctioned by athletic commissions nationwide, watching names like the Gracie's and Dan “The Beast Severn.” I was hooked ever since that first time watching. I would also love to attend a UFC event because of the atmosphere. The fan base and fighters are so passionate about their sport that it comes across on television, and I would love to feel that atmosphere in person. The final reasons are I think it's the closest thing to watching a Roman gladiator fight. As for why I would want it to be in Vegas, besides that the UFC is currently not allowed to run shows in New York, is that Vegas and the UFC are synonymous with one another, and if the show is running in Vegas, it's a big fight card.

The next item on my bucket list is to go to Madison Square Garden. It really wouldn't even matter what the event was. Whether it was a New York Knicks game, a Big East tournament game or even a wrestling event, ever since I was a child, the Garden has equaled the Mecca of sports for me. Whether it was the New York Knicks versus Reggie Miller’s Pacers or the Michael Jordan-lead Bulls, some of my earliest childhood memories of the NBA are tied to the Garden, and those moments made me fall in love with the NBA. As I got older, my memories of the Garden grew and became more meaningful to me. My fondest memory is when Gerry McNamara, who was perceived by critics to be overrated, took Syracuse on his back and lead them to a Big East Tournament win, which earned them a spot in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Madison Square Garden brings me to my next bucket list item. Since I was five years old and first introduced to professional wrestling by my brothers, I've been hooked. While other kids had their favorite superhero, my superheroes were guys like Hulk Hogan and Macho Man Randy Savage. Since I've gotten older, I still have a love and passion for professional wrestling to the point where if I were physically able to, I would've pursued it as a profession. Naturally, the reasons I would want to attend WrestleMania are simple. WrestleMania is the equivalent to the Super Bowl of professional wrestling, and it doesn't get any bigger than that. Also – much like my reason for attending the UFC – I would like to be around fans who are as passionate as I am. People even come from over 30 countries every year to attend WrestleMania.

The next sporting event I would like to attend is actually a tie between the World Series at Yankee Stadium or a Super Bowl in which the Buffalo Bills played in and, unlike the in the 90s, won. I have been to the old Yankee Stadium for a Yankees versus Red Sox game, and the only thing that would top that would be being among the most \ diehard, passionate and knowledgeable fan base in baseball to see our beloved Yankees win a championship. Of all my Yankees memories, my fondest are of their World Series wins. Whether it is Jim Leyritz home run versus the Braves in 1996, the Subway Series win against the Mets in 2000 or the countless others, my most cherished moments in Yankee history always happened in the World Series at Yankee Stadium.

Anyone who knows me will tell you the only sport I am more passionate about than Yankees baseball is Buffalo Bills football, and God knows that's not always easy. Whether it is because I went through the heartbreak of all those Super Bowl runs in the 90s only to lose or the fact that they have not made the playoffs in over a decade, during all of which I've been a season ticket holder. So it’s on my bucket list that if and when the Bills make the Super Bowl, I’ll be there for two reasons – it's therapeutic value and for no better reason than I believe I have earned it and deserve the right.

The final thing on my sports and entertainment bucket list would be to attend a Lakers versus Celtics NBA Finals game. I am a Lakers fan, but even if I wasn't, I consider this rivalry the number 1 or 2 rivalry in all of sports – professional or college – possibly behind the Red Sox and Yankees rivalry. This rivalry is huge because it dates back generations, and the two teams have the most NBA championships in league history, so whether it was Magic versus Bird or modern-day Lakers versus the Celtics, the reason this rivalry is on my bucket list to see can be summed up in one word: tradition.

These are my top 5, or 5A since I couldn't choose between the Yankees World Series or Bills Super Bowl, sports events and places on my bucket list. I hope this column has encouraged you to examine and start to complete your bucket list. I invite you to share your sports and entertainment bucket lists, or any other bucket list items you may have, with me in the comment section below.

AVON — In Jim Carney's last official act as Police Chief he promoted Joe Geer to Sergeant.

Sergeant Geer was surrounded by friends and family as his new rank was pinned on his collar.

"A great legacy of Sergeants have served before you here in Avon," said Mayor Freeman. "I am sure you will continue in that tradition."

The entire Avon Police Department was on hand for the ceremony as well.

"This is a great final official act as police chief," said Chief Carney who served in Caledonia with Geer's father when he was at Caledonia.

The interim Police Chief will now become Jim Noble as the Village Board decides the next step in replacing Chief Carney.

BOSTON — Local runner Tim Chichester, 23, had a break through 2012 Boston Marathon with a time of 2:21:10 placing 11th overall in the race loaded with olympic prospects.

The Mount Morris native has been crushing regional races and this one puts him on the an elite runner. He was the second fastest american on the day.

It was one of the slower Boston Marathon races in over a decade due to unusually warm heat but Chichester held strong as those in the lead pack fell away. Chichester dug deep with a second half split of 1:12 and change, his first half was 1:08:42. His pace per mile was 5:24.

Chichester currently lives in Brockport where he is a graduate student and runs in local races. He attended SUNY Geneseo where he ran track and Cross-Country.

This performance makes Chichester, who is 23 years of age, one of the top American born distance runners.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — Fifteen aspiring entrepreneurs graduated from the FastTrac New Venture Program April 9th. This was the first time the Kauffman New Venture program has been offered in Livingston County.

Graduates attended ten sessions designed to explore the participants’ entrepreneurial ideas and then develop them into a realistic, viable business plan.

The FastTrac model requires that the course be facilitated by entrepreneurs who can share their business experience with the class in practical terms. The inaugural class was facilitated by Tom Vonglis of Hurricane Technologies and Carl Lutz of Lutz & Associates. A typical FastTrac session includes facilitated discussions and activities, networking, a guest speaker, and one-on-one coaching.

Each participant in the class worked on their own business venture throughout the program. Attendees came into the class with a specific idea, which, according to a press release on the class, often changed over the course of the program. This session’s graduates have plans for several retail shops including furniture, crafts, florist and quilting, several food businesses including wholesale and retail, a recreational business, a pet grooming business, and an engine technology company. Some have already started their business, while others are projecting startup in a year or two.

Major sponsors supporting the FastTrac New Venture program in Livingston County are: Freed Maxick, National Grid, and The Bonadio Group. The Livingston County Area Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Livingston County Development Corporation by providing the space for the class in their building. Other program sponsors are: ESL Federal Credit Union, The Bank of Castile, Steuben Trust Co., and Paychex.

The FastTrac New Venture class will again be offered in the fall starting Sept. 17. Applications are already available online at www.fasttrac.org. For more information on entrepreneurship programs in Livingston County, contact the Livingston County Development Corporation at (585) 243-7124.

April 22 is Earth Day. Started in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day is designed to create awareness of the Earth’s environment and to encourage conservation efforts. If you and your family participate in Earth Day events, such as helping clean up a local park or taking materials to a recycling center, you know the benefits of doing your part to improve your surroundings. But are you doing everything you can to upgrade your environment for investing?

Actually, as an investor, you can learn a lot from the lessons of Earth Day. Here are just a few ideas:
• Diversify. If you’re familiar with Earth Day, you know that it involves multiple activities, including educational programs and do-it-now action steps. This variety is necessary because protecting our environment is a complex challenge. Meeting your short- and long-term investment goals can be challenging, too, but you’ll have a better chance of success by diversifying your investment dollars across a range of vehicles, such as stocks, bonds, government securities and certificates of deposit (CDs). Diversification can help reduce the impact of volatility on your portfolio — and high volatility can be an obstacle for some people trying to follow an investment strategy. (Keep in mind, though, that diversification, by itself, cannot guarantee a profit or protect against loss.)
• Seek growth opportunities. Some people plant trees on Earth Day, hoping to watch them grow over the years. As an investor, you, too, need to plant “seeds” today in the hopes of growth in the future. That means, among other things, that when you purchase growth-oriented investments for the long term, you need to try to stick with them and not “uproot” them after short-term declines in price.
• Develop good habits. If you attend an Earth Day program, you will learn about many eco-friendly habits you can develop, from using energy-efficient light bulbs to recycling old computers and other electronic devices. To invest successfully, it's important to develop good habits, such as staying invested in all types of markets, seeking tax-advantaged investments and reviewing your portfolio regularly to make sure it’s still appropriate for your risk tolerance, time horizon and long-term objectives.
• Avoid “toxins.” At some Earth Day events, you can learn about “green” substitutes for toxic chemicals in common household cleaners. When you invest, you may also want to avoid “toxins” — or at least “toxic” behaviors, such as chasing after “hot” stocks that are inappropriate for your needs or trading so frequently that you run up big fees, commissions and taxes.
• Think long term. Above all else, Earth Day is a reminder to us that we all want to leave a healthy planet to future generations — which means we need to make moves that are beneficial for the environment over the long term. When you invest, you also need to focus on the future. That means following a long-term investment strategy and not getting sidetracked by short-term events, such as political crises and economic downturns.
Earth Day comes once a year, but its lessons can have a lasting impact on our environment. When you apply these same lessons to your own investment environment, you may be able to achieve some healthy results.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Rob Hayes in Avon. Feel free to call him with any financial investment questions at 585 226 3464.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — United States Congresswoman Kathy Hochul was in the Livingston County area Saturday, cutting ribbons and visiting small businesses as Democrats ramp up their presence here.

Democrats opened their new headquarters on Main Street in Geneseo, and then the Congresswoman was off to Papa Jay's restaurant, where she spoke with patrons.

"There is a lot of excitement in Livingston County for Democrats," said Hochul. "We work hard to support farmers, small businesses, and veterans."

This year’s election is shaping up to be the most active and significant election the County has seen in decades.  At least three major races are for open positions:  New York State Assembly, Livingston County District Attorney, and 25th District United States Congressional seat.

"In Livingston County there are a significant number of Republican voters, but they’re independent minded, and vote across party lines." said Hochul.

I have been given the privilege of strengthening my faith by reading through the Caring Bridge site of McKenzie Morgan Whipple.  The story below is just small excerpts of the site.  I encourage you to check out the complete story and continue to pray for the strength and peace of the family and the continued healing of this precious little girl.  Thank you to the family for allowing us the opportunity to share in your life and struggles and daily miracles of McKenzie.  

www.caringbridge.org/mckenziemorgan

All you have to do is hear one hesitation from the doctor doing your ultra sound, one glance from the Doctor to the Nurse as if to signify "do you see what I see?" to know what it's like to have your heart in your stomach.... I felt that feeling at 22 weeks pregnant. Right after they said "It's a Girl!"…. That joy was short lived by being followed by "I believe her left ventricle is smaller then the right, I need you to visit a pediatric cardiologist." After months of the unknown, an amniocentesis and multiple non stress tests, we finally had our little girl…. When she was born on 9/27/11, the doctors decided to use what was useful of the left ventricle to stem it with the right to make it functional for her to live. Her left ventricle was too small to stand alone on its own.. ….She was placed before us for about 10 seconds and then rushed off to the NICU were she was administered a drug to keep her heart duct open. Three days later, we were sitting in a tiny room with family as I handed her over to a bunch of people in blue scrubs and the next 6 hours were a blur. She pulled through like a fighter... This disease is known to have no known causes, there is nothing you could do to cause it, prevent it, help it or worsen it.. It is usually undetected until many weeks after fertilization (if at all) but has been there since the first weeks of. She has received thousands of prayers and support from family and that is all we can continue to ask for!

•    March 15, 2012
We have had one hell of a day today.. No other way to say it... Emotional roller coaster and being told heart breaking news and hearing a horrible hesitation in everyone's voices... Everyone being every nurse and doctor we are hoping will tell us "it's going to be ok..." and they're not... All I want to do is scoop her up and have my little angel look up at me and smile with those big blue eyes of hers... I want so bad to go back to Sunday and call the surgeons and say "I think we should postpone it" and have another month with her being the way she was...... Something needs to give….. Going thru this as a mother….. My mind keeps going places I don't want it to and all I can think about is ..... I can not go home without her... I can not tell her brothers she's not coming home... I can not face my house or her things...
•    March 21, 2012
I really feel that this should be a punishment for murders and other such disgusting crimes... I would take prison over this any day... 

She has now tested positive for a staff infection.. To what degree we are not sure but that's not helping our cause... I feel like all the nurses, including the ones who haven't worked on hear and the other parents are giving me 'the look'.. Of, "We know what's gonna happen and we feel bad for you"...

Everyone's telling me I need to sleep and I'm not going to be any good for her when she wakes up if I'm sick and all I can think is "what if this is the last time I can spend with her and I was sleeping through it...".... This is the most torture anyone can go thru... Trying to keep faith....
I wanted to describe what is going on a little more in detail.

They had done her second surgery called "bilateral/bidirectional Glen"... It's where they redirect her blood flow to her lungs.. But she came down with CMV which caused pneumonia and then caught a staff infection called MRSA.. They believe they may have gotten rid of the staff (hopefully) and have her on antiviral meds for the pneumonia... We have to wait for her lungs to heal to take her off the heart/lung machine... This machine has her blood coming out of her and being re-oxygenated to be put back into her...

There is a major risk of stroke and/or bleeding in the brain (blood clot).. The stroke we will not know about until after we have weaned her and woken her up to see how she acts... The blood clot will kill her almost instantly... This operation of putting her on the heart/lung machine was a "last ditch effort" to save her life... She would have not survived if we didn't do it.

•    Night before ECMO Removal
As I sit here loving on McKenzie before heading to bed..I can't help but run her foot across my face, wishing an imprint would just stay there.. I want to feel her foot across my cheek forever... Remembering, never take a moment for granted.. Which I honestly feel that I haven't... Even when we were home and everything was fine, I would just stare into her eyes, rubbing her fingers, making some silly noise to make her smile.... I can not count how many times I would get her just about asleep, thinking a break was shortly around the corner and her opening her eyes to check if I was still next to her and giving me the cutest look she could with a big grin... As much as I thought I wanted that break, I loved that moment more...

McKenzie Morgan, you will never know how much love you consume, you're just this tiny baby in a big bed and yet hundreds of people who don't even know you have fallen so in love with you... I am so proud of you for how hard you are fighting... No matter what happens, I love you with all that I have... It's in Gods' hands and I have talked to him many times, not just since we've been here but tonight especially... I pray he has mercy on our family for what we've been thru... I love you McKenzie Morgan.. I will be sitting by your side until they tell me it's time to leave.. Just know I'm with you even if I'm not in the room... I love you... Good Night Angel...
•    April 7, 2012
I have so much to say and don't even know where to begin... When we all rounded up in her room in the morning, I watched her room be transformed for a place for family to sit and visit into an operating room.. A sea of blue hats swarming everywhere... I was a balling mess, Adam was being strong... I whispered in her ear how proud i was off her but if she needed to let go and stop fighting, I would understand... Dr Alfieres walked in and saw me teary-eyed and Said "What are you crying for? She's gonna be fine!"... I felt a lot better.. And we sat in the waiting room..... 
An hour later, they were walking in saying that she was ok and that her oxygen saturation was in the low 50's but tolerating it ... 20 minutes later the surgeon and NP came in and said "She has been de-stating into the 20's.. She has a 50/50 shot buy there is a significant chance she will not be here tomorrow"... I looked at the tears welling up in both of their eyes.. "You can come back and see her"... 

I sat beside her and just cried..... I couldn't do anything but hold her hand and kiss her head... As they led me back to her room, the NP, Gina, whispered "She's not going to make it... I'm so sorry, you need to say goodbye".. She just looked like a sleeping baby... I just remember screaming "I can't do this! I can NOT do this!"... The NP pulled me to her bedside and I grabbed her hand.. They asked if I wanted to hold her which they never do with an open chest (covered) or breathing tube unless there is no hope.... They moved furniture around so I could hold her... I sat down as a huge team of people wrapped her in what seemed like 100 blankets And placed her in my arms.. It's been 26 days since I've held my daughter and it was to tell her goodbye forever.... 

I begged the doctor to tell me what to do and she said she really felt the McKenzie was going to pass very soon and that if it were her, she would most likely take her off the ventilator and have her go peacefully in her Mothers arms where she belonged... Adam and I looked at each other and decided they were probably right... 

Pictures of us holding her for the last time were being taken, everyone was giving her kisses on the head to say their goodbyes......

Moments before we turned the vent off, we looked up and her oxygen level was at 60...... The doctors were amazed and said we might want to hold off on pulling the vent just yet.. So we waited...... We saw her stats hang out around 60-65 and decided she had other plans, God had other plans and we should not be playing God.. We should not be the ones to say "Call it".... SHE will tell us when she has had enough... 

I slept with her overnight and her saturation hovered around 75 for a bit!... This child is a miracle.. There's no other words for it!,.. Her nurse said that when a doctor says "it's time"... They've never been wrong.... She made them wrong 6 times yesterday.. 


•    EASTER MIRACLE
I woke up this morning next to McKenzie and turned around to see the screen and her oxygen showed 75… McKenzie did some flutters with her eyes and amazed us all as we kept hearing how great her gases had been coming back.. Seeing the amazed faces of every doctor and nurse that passed seeing us still fighting.. Everyone of them walking away with hands up in the air as if to signify complete disbelief.. The only look I could respond with was proud happiness... 
I was told by Kristieanna , "If she makes it , she will be a blessed miracle that everyone will remember forever.... If she doesn't make it.. she will be a miracle that that everyone will remember forever.." This child has shown a true testimony of faith, power of prayers, and love... 
 We are on a healing recovery and prayers still have to keep her going.. please don't stop.. don't ever stop.. <3
•    Monday, April 9, 2012

Kristieanna said to me today.. "Destiny, we should be sitting in a church ... we should be sitting in a church crying over her casket and putting her in the ground today.. and instead, we are talking about what eye is more open because the other is more swollen and how pink her hands and feet are compared to earlier today.. we are asking ourselves which way to position her.. this has NEVER happened before..... THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN!..... I just say thank you all for caring so deeply for her..
Everyone tells me that it was me that made Kenzie gain her stats back Friday night.. while I was holding her and we did was put into my arms, she started coming back from ... literally, death.. As much as I would love to think that was true, and maybe a small part of it was.. I firmly believe it was because SO many people started praying as hard as they could and a waterfall of prayers started to speak loudly into Heaven.... I think you appreciate the power of the Lord so much more.. Doctors are pointing to the sky, saying "just look up and say thank you, because this one wasn't us..."...
The last month, (rather since the day we found out about her CHD)....I was asking God, "Why HER?!"Why does she have to go through all of this pain? Why is she one out of the hundred kids destined for this life? Why do we have to explain to our sons why we can't be home? Why is she going to be one of the ones you take back?....... Now I'm asking "Why HER?".... Why is she the child that everyone's buzzing around the hospital about? Why is she the baby that the head of Environmental Services in the hospital purposely makes reasons to come to the PICU to visit her?.... Why is family members that were having troubled relationships coming together to support her? Why do people I've never met, jump on Facebook in the middle of the night to check to make sure everything still ok?... Why is she the baby they say is the biggest miracle they've ever witnessed....”

Why her? Because relationships are being repaired.... Between family members, old friends and some with God... Because she has taught them so many things for future cases.. Because this will save others lives.. 

Our next big hurdles are getting her chest closed, off the nitric oxide, ventilator and her meds.. Still a long road ahead but with all of you behind us & God showing up personally a few times, I feel confident we can do this...
With everyone who is new to following, please take the time to read the rest of the journal updates to fully appreciate what McKenzie is doing here.. sign our guestbook and check out her slideshow at http://www.gofundme.com/McKenzieMorgan .. This allows you to donate to the family and also has some information about her as well.. 

Thank you all for caring so much about my little angel.. You can subscribe to caringbridge.org  and visit mckenziemorgan and will be able to get notifications anytime something changes on her page.
Photo provided by the family ….. taken 4/13/2012

Thelma M. (Eadie) Foster

Scottsville .  4/10/1913 – 4/9/2012.  Survived by her children Phyllis Van Duser, Doreen Lee, Thelma Luke (Don Collinge), Alexander (Mary) Eadie, Benjamin (Jane) Eadie, Theodore (Judy) Eadie and step son, Arthur Foster. She is survived by many, many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great, great grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her first husband, Alexander Eadie and second husband Charles Foster.  She was predeceased by long time friends Mary “Winnie” (Nana) Jennings, and Leonard Kintz.

“Gram” spent her years living life to the fullest, enjoying her friends and family, and having fun.  She was an inspiration to many.  In her 80’s, she, along with her best friend, spent some time country line dancing , visiting the Chippendale dancers, and the words “Gram”, “Nana” and “Alabama Slammers” seem to cross everyone’s lips.  She even took up learning to play the piano in her 90’s.

Her friends and family were very important to her and there was hardly ever an opportunity missed to be around them.  She will be sadly missed by all who knew her and loved her.  But she leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and life that very few can match.  

  Memorial Contributions can be made to Patrick Place, 99 Main St. Scottsville, NY 14546.  To leave an online condolence, please visit www.ScottsvilleFuneralHome.com

Geneseo – Livingston County Sheriff John M. York, Geneseo Police Chief Eric Osganian and Assistant District Attorney Josh Tonra announced multiple drug related arrests in the Village of Geneseo Friday afternoon. The arrests were the result of a joint investigation initiated several months ago that included members of the NYS University Police and Wyoming County Drug Task force. The investigation illustrated the working relationship necessary amongst multiple area agencies.

While conducting the arrest of Andrew Field, personnel discovered an indoor grow operation that included marijuana and mushrooms.

The investigation culminated in the arrest of the following individuals on drug charges:

Diana Yanoti, 20, of Steuben Hall, SUNY Geneseo, for two counts of fourth-degree criminal sale of marijuana and two counts of unlawful possession of marijuana.

Michael Pilosov, 19, of Allegany Hall, SUNY Geneseo, for fourth-degree criminal sale of marijuana and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Zachary Markel, 21, of 11 Court St, Geneseo, for third-degree criminal sale of marijuana and fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana and

Gerard Connolly, 21, of 86 Court St, Geneseo, for unlawful possession of marijuana.

Benjamin Shelton, 20, of 86 Court St, Geneseo, for unlawful possession of marijuana.

Andrew Field, 20 , of 5 Main Street Geneseo, for two counts of fourth-degree criminal sale of marijuana in and two counts of unlawful possession of marijuana.

AVON — Two teens have been arrested after an early morning DWI incident and a brief foot pursuit that involved K-9.

According to a Livingston County press release Deputy Brandon Salley of the Livingston County Sheriff's Office initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle that was observed traveling at a high rate of speed on Littleville Rd in the Town of Avon where allegedly the driver of the vehicle, Michael Bellew, 18, ditched the car and fled. Bellew was the then later flushed out of the woods by Deputy Martin Herkimer and K9-Oxo.

Deputy Herkimer and Deputy William Clarke investigated the four other juveniles that were in the vehicle and charged them with possession of alcohol under 21 years old.  Deputy Herkimer arrested Jakob P. Gallipeau age 17 of Avon for Resisting arrest, unlawful possession of alcohol under 21, and Criminal Mischief in the 4th degree after damage was sustained to the Sheriff's car by Gallipeau.  Deputy David Richardson also assisted in the investigation.

It was determined that one of the passengers was 15-years-old which makes the offense a Leandra's Law violation.  Bellew who was determined to be the operator of the motor vehicle was lcharged with Driving While Intoxicated, Driving While Intoxicated with .08% blood alcohol content or more, Aggravated DWI under Leandra's Law, Sidewings/Windows non-transparent, and also violation of the ABC Law unlawful possession of alcohol under 21.

 Gallipeau was arraigned in Avon Town Court and remanded to the custody of the Sheriff in lieu $500.00 cash bail or $1,000.00 secured bond.  Gallipeau is currently at the Livingston County Jail, Gallipeau is scheduled back to Avon Town Court at a later date.  Bellew was also arraigned in Avon Town Court and remanded to the custody of the Sheriff in lieu of $4,000.00 cash bail or $8,000.00 secured bond, Bellew is also scheduled to appear in Avon Town Court at a later date.

MOUNT MORRIS — Anyone who frequents the open mic nights at Theatre 101 each first Thursday of the month has heard Beth Ely Sleboda play various musical instruments and sing songs of her own as well as classics.

Now Sleboda brings her much-anticipated show YUM! to Theatre 101 this Friday the 13th at 7:30 p.m. Sleboda brings to the stage some other class acts, and offers a tasty creme-filled doughnut with admission, a chance at a slice of her “Love Cake” and other giveaways. The event also features tasty treats from Jane’s Port-a-Pantry.

Those who plan on coming are encouraged to let Theatre 101 know by emailing theatre101@live.com. Tickets are $10 at the door.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — Jimmie J. Lane, 22, who was charged with third-degree burglary along with three other Wayland men Jan. 26 in connection with thefts in southern Livingston County, asked Judge Wiggins to lower his bail in court Tuesday morning.

Lane’s attorney explained Lane’s family financial situation has changed and asked that bail be lowered from $20,000-$40,000 to $10,000-$20,000.

Judge Wiggins agreed to lower Lane’s bail, but warned him to stay out of trouble, or else he would be back in court.

GENESEO — The Chamber of Commerce surprised 2012 LCEA Distinguished Leadership Award Winner Kaaren Smith, Director of the Livingston County Office for the Aging, at the Government Center in Geneseo on April 9.

Award Committee Chairman Tim McMahon, Board member Rebecca Lawrence and chamber staff Cynthia Oswald, Deborah Cisco and Lisa Burns were in attendance. Smith will be honored publicly on May 1 at the Distinguished Leadership Luncheon at the Valley Oak Event Center in Geneseo.

For more information, or to register for the luncheon, call Jan at the Chamber at 243-2222 or visit www.livingstoncountychamber.com.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — Emmanuel Ibarrondo pleaded guilty yesterday to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 4th Degree, a Class C Drug Felony, in front of Judge Robert Wiggins.

Ibarrondo, a former inmate at the Groveland Correctional Facility, offered to provide the narcotic drug suboxone to some of the inmates he left behind. Ibarrondo took suboxone strips, cut them down to a size
that would fit under a postage stamp and mailed multiple letters from his home in the Bronx to the Groveland Correctional Facility.

The staff at the Groveland Correctional Facility and the Inspector General's Office caught on to the illegal activity.

Ibarrondo’s co-defendant, Paul Marrero, pleaded guilty to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and was sentenced to 2 years in state prison on March 13, 2012.

Ibarrondo was promised 4 years and 3 years post-release supervision. He is scheduled for sentencing on May 22.

One of the main indicators that a child will not have a substance abuse problem, with either drugs or alcohol, is their involvement in a faith based community.  

So the churches involved in the Avon Interfaith Council decided to do something about it.  The Council has taken on creating a youth group to encompass all church’s youth. They have reached out to the youth in the churches represented by the Council, as well as those not currently involved in any faith based program.

With hope and anticipation and not knowing exactly what to expect, they had their first meeting on the 31^st of March.  According to Linda Heeler, a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Avon and a representative of the council, “ We didn’t know what to expect.  We were hoping for 6 or 7 kids to show up, and we got 21! We did some ice breakers and had some fun at when 3:00 pm came it seemed no one wanted to leave!”  This youth group is for kids in grade 6 through 12 who are interested in having fun, doing service and mission projects and being in an atmosphere and safe space where adults care about them.

Jill Bryce, of St. Agnes Church and also a representative on the Council brought some information to the Council regarding the high rate of drug and alcohol use in the Avon school district and the problems families are facing.  Many insurance companies will cover drug and alcohol counseling and treatment, but most don’t pay for the $135.00 assessment required before treatment can begin.  So the Avon Interfaith Council has created a fund to help families in the Avon School District where the Council will pay for the assessment for families in need so that kids can receive the needed treatment and return to school.  According to Linda, “The fund is great, but the Council wanted to take it a step further and help in the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse.”  And that is the birth of the youth group.  

Currently, the youth group is planning meetings for the First Sunday of the month.  Each meeting will take place at a different church represented by the Council.  Meetings are 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.  The next scheduled meeting will be Sunday, May 6^th at the Central Presbyterian Church in Avon.  A picnic at the Avon Driving Park is June 3^rd.  Mark your calendars !!  Invite your friends !!  

Any questions you have can be directed to Linda Heeler at 226-9398. 

If you have a faith based story and would like to spread your good word please meail connie@geneseesun.com.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — An Avon man who was arrested after leading police on a high-speed car chase Jan. 19 from Dansville to Mount Morris waived his right to appeal in court this morning in front of Judge Robert Wiggins.

Brock Hyde, 29, pled guilty of attempted reckless endangerment in the first degree, resisting arrest, and unlawfully fleeing police in the third degree. The court accepted his plea.

“My client has accepted responsibility for his actions and has shown remorse from the beginning,” said Hyde’s attorney Kevin Van Allen.

Judge Wiggins sentenced Hyde to two to four years with the department of correctional services.

LEROY — The LeRoy Police Department requests assistance in determining who committed a forced entry commercial burglary sometime between Thursday, April 5 and Monday, April 9 at the old Jell-O Building located at 57 North Street in LeRoy. According to a press release, police believe during the Holiday weekend unknown persons entered a business inside the building and stole numerous electrical items.

Anyone with information pertaining to this burglary or who may have seen persons lingering in the area of Myrtle Street is asked to call the LeRoy Police Department at 768-2527.

If you’re relatively young, and you’ve been investing only a few years, you possess an asset that is invaluable and cannot be replaced: time. And the more time you spend contributing to tax-advantaged investments, the better off you may be.

As an investor, time is your ally for two reasons. First, the more time you give to your growth-oriented investments, the greater their growth potential. And second, the effects of market volatility have tended to decrease over time, though as you no doubt have heard, past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Clearly, it pays to put time on your side. And when you’re investing in tax-advantaged vehicles, time becomes an even more critical component of investment success, especially when you are young and have several decades ahead of you before you retire.

Suppose, for example, that you put $200 per month into an investment on which you paid taxes every year. If you earned a hypothetical 7% return on this investment, you’d end up with about $324,000 after 40 years. But if you put that same $200 per month into a tax-deferred investment, such as a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA), and you earned that same 7% return, you’d wind up with about $513,000 after 40 years. Of course, once you starting taking withdrawals, presumably when you’re retired, you’ll have to pay taxes on your earnings, so your after-tax accumulation would be about $385,000, assuming you took your IRA in a lump sum (which most people don’t) and also assuming you were in the 25% tax bracket. However, by the time you retire, you may be in a lower bracket. Plus, you have some control over how much you withdraw each year, so you may be able to affect the taxes you’ll pay. Furthermore, depending on your income level, your contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax-deductible in the years in which you make the contributions. (Keep in mind that this hypothetical example is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent a specific investment or investment strategy.)

While tax deferral is obviously a nice feature for an investment, tax-free may be even better. If you meet the income requirements, you might want to consider investing in a Roth IRA, which provides tax-free earnings withdrawals, provided you’ve held your account for at least five years and you don’t start taking withdrawals until you’re at least age 59½. This means that, in the above example, you’d have accumulated that same $513,000 — but you won’t have to pay taxes on your withdrawals. Generally speaking, the Roth IRA may make more financial sense for those who are eligible, but if you think you’ll be in a lower tax bracket when you retire, and your income level permits you to deduct some of your contributions, you may want to consider a traditional IRA. Consult with your tax advisor for guidance on the most appropriate approach for your situation.

When it comes to building resources for retirement, it’s almost impossible to save and invest “too much.” So take full advantage of both time and tax-advantaged investments. By putting these investments to work for you, and by keeping them at work, you’ll be putting time on your side as you work toward your financial goals.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Rob Hayes in Avon. Feel free to call him with any financial investment questions at 585 226 3464.

LEICESTER — Gatherings at the Depot isn’t your typical cafe.

For starters, it’s located in a historic former railroad depot. Then there’s the fact that this particular historic-railroad-depot-turned-cafe doesn’t just sell local baked goods and coffee drinks. It also sells local artisan’s wares like jewelry, photography and even local specialty foods like Nunda’s Once Again Nut Butter.

The unique shop celebrated its grand opening today and received about 50 guests during its 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. hours.

“It went great,” said owner Joni Santucci, a resident of Leicester who works in the elementary office at York Central School. “There were people here pretty much non-stop today.”

Santucci said she hopes to get more local artists to sell their pottery, paintings, photography, jewelry, knitting and other goods at the shop. She hopes to create a place where people can gather to enjoy good food, drinks and art—something her late father Felix Valentino, who owned the building for over 20 years, would have wanted the depot to be used for.

“I’ve always wanted to do something in here,” said Santucci, who runs Gatherings at the Depot with her husband Vince. “I’ve also always wanted to open a café, so we decided to go for it. We wanted it to be a family affair, and we wanted to be open to the community because my dad was very active in the community. He liked to have everyone get together. I think that he’d like this.”

Gatherings at the Depot is located at 10 South Parkway and is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays, they’re open until 9 p.m. to serve the crowd during upcoming summer concerts in the park.

Those interested in selling at the shop may stop by or contact Joni and Vince at 585-382-9000 or by emailing santvale@aol.com. To find out more information, visit www.facebook.com/ GatheringsattheDepot.

AVON — The Mark's Pizzeria cars delivering pizza all the way from Lima has proven that people are willing to wait an extra ten minutes for their favorite pizza. Mark's is now bringing their pizza brand to Avon opening up a new restaurant in the Tops plaza.

Despite the fact that there are three pizza shops in Avon you constantly see their delivery cars in Avon, with the new store people will not only get their pizza delivered faster but be able to sit down as well.

"Out of the Lima store we deliver a lot to Avon, our customers have been asking us to do this for the last few years," said Justin Jacoby, who will now own his second Mark's pizzeria in Avon. "I'm excited to be able to serve the community and help in anyway."

The new business will also mean more jobs for Avon, Jacoby plans on hiring nearly 20 employees and has already started the interviewing process.

The pizzeria hopes to open the first week of May.

Now that Kentucky has captured the national title, it's time for many college players to prepare for the NBA Draft. This one of the most controversial rules in basketball is back in the spotlight – the NBA's age limit. The rule, first established in 2003, requires American-born players to be both 19 years of age and a year removed from high school to be eligible for the draft.

When the rule was established, Commissioner David Stern said it was so potential NBA players would be encouraged to go to college, develop their game and mature. Stern also said the rule would allow them a better shot at both becoming and handling the stress of being a NBA star later in their careers. The NBA had been having an image problem at the time the age limit was instituted due to the off the court and legal trouble of its players.         

The initial reaction by fans was largely positive. They hoped the rule would lead to the creation of more college basketball stars and help the overall health of the college game. This way of thinking was quickly replaced by the one-and-done philosophy. This is where players will come to a school then bolt for the NBA after one year.

While there have been schools that have benefited from having players who played just one year – like the Syracuse Orange, who won the national championship in 2003 behind freshman Carmelo Anthony – there has also been lots of controversy surrounding potential one-and-done players. Two that come to mind are O.J. Mayo and Fab Melo.

Mayo committed and played the 2007-2008 season for the University of Southern California, and it was later discovered that he had received gifts and improper benefits while there. USC was forced to vacate all its wins from Mayo’s year and withdraw from postseason tournament consideration.

As for Fab Melo – I know what you're saying, “He was not a one-and-done player – but when he came out of high school, he was one of the McDonald's All-American top players in the country, and experts said if he was eligible, he would have foregone college and entered the NBA draft. The only thing that kept Melo around for his sophomore year was the fact that he had a horrible freshman year, was basically nonexistent and therefore received little or no draft consideration from NBA teams. While there were benefits including winning lots of games for Syracuse with Melo on the team, there were also off-the-court problems including not attending classes, which may have led to the suspension that did not allow him to play in the NCAA tournament this year.

It is because of cases like O.J. Mayo, Fab Melo and many more players just like them (there are even players who have chosen to play a year overseas rather than go to college) that the NBA should just abolish its age limit rule. Recently, Stern said he would like to increase the age limit if it could be inserted in the collective bargaining agreement with the NBA players Association.

The problem with this is the idea of the age limit is fundamentally flawed. If players don't want to be in college, they are more likely to act out and cause trouble or accept money and gifts from unsavory characters. This would be the exact opposite of what the rule was intended to do. The players’ game may mature, but the player may not. The only way you could make a player attend college so it would benefit him the NCAA and the NBA would be by creating a rule that American players must attend college for four years, but that will never happen because I'm sure some way it would violate their constitutional rights.

Players should be allowed to enter the NBA straight out of high school if they want. Many people get jobs rather than going to college after high school. Why should players who feel they are capable of playing at that level not have the NBA as an option? Will they all be Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Kevin Garnett or Lebron James? No, but we all learn from life experience, and players who don't succeed will have only themselves to blame. It was their choice not to further their education, and put all their eggs in the NBA basket.

I would love your opinions on this topic, so please feel free to leave comments at the bottom of the column.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — In honor of National Public Heath Week, the Livingston County Department of Health has put together tips on how to live longer and healthier lives. National Public Health Week occurs from April 2-8 and promotes healthy lifestyles.

According to the Livingston County Department of Health, these small changes could help people live healthier lives:
• Eat more fruits and vegetables, consume less sugar and fat, eat healthier snacks, watch portion size and eat together as a family.
• Eat less by avoiding oversized portions, make half of the plate fruits and vegetables, make at least half of the grains whole grains, switch to fat-free or low-fat (1 percent) milk, choose foods with less sodium and drink water instead of sugary drinks.
• Take part in Let's Move! activities. Let's Move!, launched by first lady Michelle Obama, is a comprehensive initiative dedicated to solving the problem of obesity within a generation.
• Engage in physical activity every day. Aim for a total of 60 minutes for children, 30 minutes for adults.
• Consider following the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations that children under 2 years old not watch any TV and that those older than 2 watch no more than one to two hours a day of quality programming.
• Supplement aerobic activities with muscle strengthening activities that involve all major muscle groups on two or more days a week.
• Support walk and bike-to-school programs and work with local governments to make decisions about selecting school sites that can promote physical activity.
• Plan family trips to parks and other outdoor locations.
• Post information about NPHW on your Facebook page, blog or Twitter account and share how you are working to live a more active and healthier life with your friends.
• Submit a letter to the editor to your local newspaper in response to a recent article that underscores the importance of active living and healthy eating during NPHW and beyond.

Some larger changes the department recommends are to:
• Create a local movement: start a farmers market, a food co-op, a community garden, a demonstration kitchen, a supper club or a canning circle.
• Lead or convene city, county and regional food policy councils to assess local community needs and expand programs (e.g., community gardens, farmer's markets) that bring healthy foods, especially locally grown fruits and vegetables, to schools, businesses and communities.
• Encourage local restaurants to provide nutrition information to customers on their menus and limit marketing of unhealthy food to children and youth.
• Work with schools to add more physical activity into the school day, including additional physical education classes, before- and after-school programs, recess and opening school facilities for student and family recreation in the late afternoon and evening.
• Mayors and community leaders can promote physical fitness by working to increase safe routes for kids to walk and ride to school; revitalizing parks, playgrounds and community centers; and providing fun and affordable sports and fitness programs.

There is much more you can do to help promote active living and healthy eating beyond these actions. By raising awareness of prevention within your community during National Public Health Week, you can help members of your community live healthier and longer lives.

Please call the Livingston County Department of Health for more information on Public Health Week at 243-7299.

AVON — The Village of Avon Police Chief, Jim Carney, has spent his last day  in uniform today, and is retiring after 23 years of service.   

Chief Carney, who has held the position for 8 years and been on the force  since July of 1993, stated that he is looking forward to retirement and  whatever the next chapter in life might be.  

 "I'm going to miss my guys and the people I work with most of all," said Carney  in his office surrounded by packed boxes. "I have really loved my time here."   

When he first joined the force, officers carried pepper spray, then mace, and  now taser guns.   "The biggest difference since when I started this job is that more and more  people that commit a crime feel they have been wronged," said Carney. "They  feel entitled to sue you for arresting them."   

It's uncommon for a police chief to live in the community in which he works,  and some people have been critical of Chief Carney, but it's something that  he is quite proud of.   

"Avon is the best community in the region," said Carney who has raised his  family in the Village. "We used to live in Caledonia but Julie and I spent  so much time here with our family we only thought it natural to live here.  It's the best decision I ever made. "   

Chief Carney stated that he will continue his volunteerism in the community,  where he is an active member of the Lions Club and the Salvation Army, and helps  his wife with the Rotary exchange program.   

"I'm looking forward to retiring," said Chief Carney. "I'm sure Julie will  put me to work at Carney's Catering."  

MOUNT MORRIS — A Nunda woman was charged with petty larceny and two counts of making a sworn false statement, both class A misdemeanors, for stealing from and elderly person in her care.

Tameka Maynard, 22, was working as a certified nursing assistant at a Mount Morris nursing faulty when she allegedly stole 2 cherished rings from a patient 85 years of age.

According to a press release from the Livingston County Sheriff's Department an investigation revealed that Maynard had stole two rings from the woman who was under her direct care. Maynard was interviewed throughout the  investigation and was also  charged with making false statement's regarding her involvement.

Maynard was arrested today in the Town of Mt Morris where she was then charged with Petit Larceny (a class A Misdemeanor) and two counts of making an apparently sworn false statement (also class A Misdemeanors).

Maynard was released and will appear back in Mt Morris Court at a later date for
further proceedings.

Deputy Chad Van Auken and Investigator Thomas Dougherty handled the investigation and arrest.

BATH – The Geneseo varsity baseball team fell to the Bath Rams 6-1 in the Blue Devils’ final game before the team heads to Myrtle Beach, S.C., for a set of spring-break scrimmages.

Geneseo’s (1-2) only run came in the fifth inning when junior Tony Belfiore plated fellow junior Devin Welch with an RBI knock. Belfiore finished the game with two hits to lead the Blue Devils, who could only muster 5 hits as a team in the loss.

Welch started the game on the mound, working his way in to, and out of, trouble several times over his four innings of work. He allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits while striking out and walking five batters a piece.

Junior Connor Ragan came out of the bullpen to pitch the final two innings, giving up two earned runs and striking out two.

Geneseo head coach Chuck Nesbitt said physical errors doomed his squad Tuesday afternoon.

“In any game, you can’t give teams more than three outs (per inning), especially Division I teams like Bath,” he said. “We have a ways to go, but we’ll get there.”

Despite the loss, Nesbitt said the team’s trip south will serve as a great measuring stick before their regular season resumes.

“We have six scrimmages in four days, so that will tell us a lot about our team,” he said. “Everybody is going to get a chance to pitch, and everybody is going to get a chance to play, so a lot of guys will get a lot of at-bats. Last year guys won starting roles in Myrtle Beach, so it may happen again. They kind of know it’s like a tryout again.”

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — Forget the West Coast Storage Wars, Livingston County has it's own cast of characters that travel to various storage auctions in the region.

This past weekend two regional storage facilities had unit auctions. Buyers paid between 5 and 700 dollars for the units at either Geneseo-York Storage or Lakeville Mini Lock-Up.

"This is by far the best turnout we have ever had," said Gary Wall who owns both facilities. "With this turn out we can have these auctions three times a year now."

Gary and his auctioneer, Gary Jr., 11, ran the show while his wife and other kids sold donuts and coffee to others as they registered.

"I am at least going to break even and probably make a little extra money," said Bo Chandler who sells used goods in Conesus. "I just enjoy doing this, you never know what you're going to come across."

To find out when the next Auction is click here for a link to their Facebook page.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ5pjchtggU

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — According to data compiled by the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, Livingston County is one of the healthiest counties in New York State.

County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a state-by-state project of the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, ranks Livingston County fifth in 2012 health outcomes, which measures mortality and morbidity in the county. Livingston County also ranked 18th in health factors, which measures health behavior, clinical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment.

In 2011, Livingston County ranked eighth in health outcomes and 12th in health factors.

For more information and to see how other area counties ranked, visit http://www.countyhealthrankings.org.

LAKEVILLE — Underage drinking in teenagers and preteens is a problem that worries many parents in Livingston County.

To help address the problem, there will be a meeting on underage drinking at the Chip Holt Nature Center on April 24 at 7 p.m. A meeting will also be held at the same time and day at the Dansville 7-12 School.

Director of the Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse Chris Taylor, Livingston County Undersheriff Jim Szczesniak, Dr. Thomas Walters and Judge Walter Purtell are scheduled to speak at the Chip Holt Nature Center meeting.

The event is open to the public and teens are welcome to join in on the discussion. For more information, call Susan Bell at 585-991-5012, or Rachel Pena at 585-748-5146.

AVON — Gray Metal received unanimous approval for their planned expansion  during Monday's Village Board meeting.

The plan will cost over 2 million dollars, add 90,000 square feet and at least 20 additional jobs at their existing location on Rochester Street.

"Business is up for us despite the economy," said Carole Gray, as she expressed her appreciation for the support from the Village. "We need more room so that we can be more efficient as well as go after more business."

Now that the Village approved the project they will begin seeking out bids for the work immediately. They are hoping to complete the project in the fall at the factory where they are currently pre-fabricating air duct and fittings.

The metal factory will be adding a night shift as well to keep up with growth.

Under the new expansion the grounds will be landscaped and the equipment will be stored in the rear of the building near the new loading docks.

GENESEO — The Village Board welcomed Trustee Ben Gajewski and Trustee Bob Wilcox, both Democrats, onto the Board at tonight’s meeting.

The Board began the meeting by swearing in the new trustees. Mayor Hatheway informed the Board that he had appointed Trustee Sandra Brennan Deputy Mayor. The Board then moved on to discuss organizational items, such as the continued plan to renovate the Geneseo Village Building, and the plans to create a dog park in Highland Park, work with Geneseo Central School students and art teachers to paint a mural in the park, and to carry out general improvements in the park.

The Board also discussed getting the Main Street improvements done using the streetscape grant. Mayor Hatheway brought up a need for more recycling during the summer festival, as well as his desire to make other “green” improvements to the Village.

The Mayor nominated Sue Richardson to continue as a member of the Village Planning Board, which the Board approved. Board members suggested Planning Board member David Woods be nominated for Chairman to possibly facilitate a merger between the Village and Town Planning Boards.

The Board moved to nominate Paul Schmied to continue on the Village Zoning Board of Appeals and that Carolyn Meisel continue as Chairman.

The Board also voted to set 8 hours as the standard Village employee work day and to approve the plan for the Geneseo Summer Festival to be held on July 13-15.

At 5:30, the Board held a public hearing on the tentative 2012-2013 budget, which included retroactive raises from last year in this year’s salary. The Board plans to vote to approve the budget at its April 23 meeting.

GENESEO — A fire at the historic Wadsworth home on South street resulted in numerous fire departments being called to the scene to save the historic home.

The home, owned by Austin Wadsworth, is undergoing extensive renovations including gutter work where the fire apparently started.

The exterior of the home and the roof of the western-facing porch were damaged as firemen tore into the side of the building to prevent the spread of the fire.

There were no visible flames coming from the exterior of the building however there was heavy smoke damage and water was used inside to extinguish the fire.

No one was injured in the fire and the cause is still be fully investigated.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCnuNRgiS7k

MOUNT MORRIS — This spring, the Mount Morris Dam’s US Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center has plenty of events to keep Livingston County active.

Visitors can take a free ranger-guided tour of Mount Morris Dam on Monday through Thursday at 2 p.m. and Friday through Sunday at 11a.m. and 2 p.m. Tours are limited to 30 people on a first come, first serve basis.

The Mount Morris Dam is open daily until Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Mount Morris Dam Visitor Center at 585-658-4790.

For families, the Mount Morris Dam’s “DooWop at the Dam” is scheduled for May 27 from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. The event features 50’s style family fun to kick-off the summer and commemorate the construction of the dam. Kids and adults can enjoy games, music, food and dancing. This event is free and open to the public.

The Mount Morris Dam is located at 6103 Visitor Center Rd in Mount Morris. Visit www.lrb.usace.army.mil/MMD/MMD-tour.html for more information.

You’ve got until April 17 to contribute to your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) for the 2011 tax year. That’s not a lot of time, but if you have some money available, and you haven’t completely funded your IRA for 2011, consider doing so before the deadline. And once you’ve “maxed out” on your IRA for last year, why not get a jump on 2012?

Actually, you could have started contributing to your 2012 IRA as early as Jan. 2. In fact, if you can get into the habit of fully funding your IRA each January, you’ll give your money 15 extra months of growth potential, as opposed to waiting until mid-April of the following year. If you factor in all the years you’ll be contributing to your IRA before you retire, those extra months of growth opportunities, repeated over decades, could end up providing you with a fair amount of extra cash when you start tapping into your IRA at retirement.

Of course, you may not find it all that easy to come up with the full IRA contribution amount at one time. (In 2012, you can put up to $5,000 into a Roth or traditional IRA, or $6,000 if you’re 50 or older.) But if you look at your entire financial picture, you may be able to think of some resources. Here are a few suggestions:
• Put your tax refund to work. In 2011, the average tax refund was about $3,000, according to the IRS. If you received that amount in 2012, and you applied it toward your IRA, you would already have met half the contribution limit (if you are 50 or older) or more than half (if you’re younger than 50).
• Take advantage of interest payments or dividends. If you own income-producing investments, you may find that they can help you fund your IRA early. For example, if you own dividend-paying stocks, and you don’t typically reinvest the dividends, consider putting some of these funds into your IRA. (Keep in mind, though, that stocks can reduce or discontinue dividends at any time). And you can do the same thing with any interest payments you receive from bonds.
• Put other “windfalls” into your IRA. If you receive a windfall, such as a bonus from your employer or a gift of cash, think about putting it into your IRA.
If none of these options present themselves, and you can’t afford to write out a big check to fund your IRA very early in the year, do the best you can to reach the contribution limit as soon as possible. To make this happen, consider setting up a monthly automatic transfer from your checking or savings account into your IRA. Even if you were to divide these transfers into 15 equal payments totaling $5,000 (or $6,000 if you’re 50 or older), you would still be funding your IRA more quickly than if you would have scrambled to contribute in the last few months before the tax filing deadline.

No matter when you do it, fully funding your IRA is a great way to help build resources for retirement. But the earlier, the better — so do whatever you can to beat that tax deadline each year.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Rob Hayes in Avon. Feel free to call him with any financial investment questions at 585 226 3464.

The Special Olympics are well known throughout our region and nationwide, but the event is often misunderstood or overlooked. By the end of this column, I hope you have a picture in your mind of what the Special Olympics are and how they have caused one particular family, the Burnetts, to become tight knit and spurred them to become community activists for the betterment of those with disabilities.

Justin Burnett is a 23-year-old man with Down syndrome. He first discovered his love for athletics while working with his adaptive physical education teacher as a child. While trying to motivate Justin to stay active and maintain his physical health, Justin and his teacher discovered he had a passion for swimming. Over time, Justin developed a reputation around the school as the little kid who could really swim. It was this reputation that led a school wide effort to get Justin involved with, and help him train for, the Special Olympics.

Justin has medaled in the Special Olympics many times in sports such as swimming, horseback riding and softball, and he has even earned gold medals at the state level. Because of his accomplishments in the Special Olympics, many in his school to encouraged the swim coach to let him try out for the school team.

Whether he’s swimming for his school team or his Special Olympics team, Justin is known as a motivator. If Justin sees someone from his team slacking on their workout or not maintaining their diets, he will take it upon himself to push them to get back on the right course.

Justin’s mother Julie said the Special Olympics have allowed him to travel and made him more comfortable advocating for himself as well as helping him maintain good health and quench his competitive appetite.

As for Justin, he said the best part of Special Olympics is being able to compete with his friends well also staying healthy and socializing with them.

Despite the Special Olympics’ positive impact, Julie and Justin both agreed seeing a fellow Special Olympian unable to participate due to medical trouble or not being able to make practice on a regular basis due to other commitments are the hardest things for them to deal with. They both equated it to losing a family member because of all the time they spend with them.

The Burnett family has taken it upon themselves to run a horseback riding program out of their horse farm for kids with disabilities. As a leader in the program, Justin has been given the responsibility of helping to pick the horses that would work best with kids with disabilities. If Justin doesn't like the horse, or how it is acting around him, it does not take part in the program. Justin also serves as a mentor for the younger kids, showing them how to maintain and ride the horses safely. This leadership and mentor role Justin has taken on can all be tied to the confidence and leadership skills he has developed through his association with Special Olympics.

I hope this column has shown you how programs like the Special Olympics and others like it can help kids with disabilities, while also opening up the eyes of others in the community like it did Justin's schoolmates. If you know of someone with a disability or have a disability yourself, I encourage you to give the Special Olympics and programs like it a try. As Justin and Julie put it, life is about always trying.

If you have any interest in getting involved in the Burnett horseback riding program, feel free to contact me, and I will set you up with the information. I would also like to thank the Burnett for their time and willingness to do this interview with me.