
Mozart's Requiem June 9
John Christensen The Penn Yan Community Chorus, accompanied by Lucinda Loomis and Linda Payne, will perform Mozart’s Requiem on Sunday, June 9 at 2 p.m.… Login to continue reading Login…
John Christensen The Penn Yan Community Chorus, accompanied by Lucinda Loomis and Linda Payne, will perform Mozart’s Requiem on Sunday, June 9 at 2 p.m.… Login to continue reading Login…
BE THERE!
WHAT: Keuka Arts Festival
WHEN: June 8 & 9
WHERE: Outlet Park to Main Street Bridge Penn Yan
By Gwen Chamberlain June brings us graduations, weddings, celebrations, street fairs, block parties, outdoor markets, wine, brewery and distillery events, and festivals. The next two… Login to continue reading Login…
Rob Maeske The Chronicle-Express GIRLS LACROSSE May 28 Section V Class D Championships at Finger Lakes Community College (#1) Penn Yan 11, (#3) Pal-Mac 8… Login to continue reading Login…
It's been fun to see the growth in each of the 2023-24 high school athletes who have discovered talents they didn't realize they had and honed more sharply the skills they were already confident in.
In a couple of months, we will cheer about the victories and achievements of Olympic athletes who push their bodies to new heights, speeds, and strength to be able to stand on the podium. Only one competitor can reach that gold medal podium, but they never make it there alone. The achievements of youth and scholastic level athletes are the stepping stones to the podium at the ultimate level of a sport.
Each athlete deserves credit for the progress they made through the seasons, but I'm sure they will each say they share the credit with others.The stars of the games get the recognition on the sports pages, but they wouldn't achieve their victories without layers of support, some more obvious than others.
It's time to give those supporters and advocates some recognition too. Let's start with coaches.
Coaches, especially those who coach youth level sports, teach fundamentals and rules. The coaches I respect most mix their knowledge with generous helpings of fun and respect. Helping youngsters feel joy in even small successes is important, but so is demonstrating respect for teammates, opponents, and officials. Coaches who teach an athlete that mental skills and emotional resilience are just as important as physical talents and skills are coaches who set youngsters on the path to success. Thank you to all the coaches who have devoted themselves to the development of these athletes, who will use the lessons of teamwork, determination, persistence, and discipline as they become community leaders.
Have you ever thought about the officials?
Why would anyone voluntarily stand between two opponents to make decisions that will be questioned by impassioned spectators? Most likely it's because they love a particular sport and want to share it with the next generation by helping them learn the best way to play the game.
No one makes perfect decisions, especially when most of those decisions are based on a judgement from individual human observation determined in seconds. There may be video replays in professional level sports, but the brave men and women who have the physical stamina, emotional control, and keen concentration to officiate youth and scholastic sports don't have that luxury.
It's time to give thanks for the officials who also share their skills and knowledge with young athletes, and think about joining their ranks if you think you have what it takes (otherwise, be quiet and watch the game!).
Of course, the parents, grandparents, and other adults who make sure the players have the nutrition, equipment, transportation, encouragement and other support to participate in events deserve recognition too. Often these individuals are also the coaches, which means they balance the two roles, ensuring fair play and fair playtime for all team members.
But those aren't the only people who make it possible for our kids to participate and excel in sports. How about the crews who maintain the facilities and fields, and the equipment managers who take care of the pads, sticks, bats, balls, etc. And don't forget the athletic trainers who have a better understanding of the physical demands each sport makes on the human body.
Finally, there are the faithful spectators and members of the media who help memorialize the efforts, in pictures and words, on paper and in the digital world.
A team is much larger than what you see on the bench. Everyone has a role, but no one's role is to ridicule, complain, harass, or belittle. It takes the efforts of many to help athletes succeed.
I am a fan of ice hockey, especially the NHL's Boston Bruins. While I'm sad the Bruins were defeated in the quarterfinal round of post-season play this year, I'm encouraged by the progress of the younger players, in particular John Beecher of Elmira, who was brought up to Boston just a few weeks ago, and goalie Jeremy Swayman, who was outstanding all season and through the series.
After the Bruins won a critical game five to keep them in the play-off series before being eliminated by the Florida Panthers, Swayman, well-known for his composure said, "I just can't thank my mentors enough for showing me the way and replacing that word 'nervous' with 'excited' and just being me and embracing moments. That's when I find the most enjoyment, truly living it to the absolute fullest. And I couldn't be happier."
Let's do our part to help all athletes feel excited.
Do you have feedback on this or a suggestion for a future column? Feel free to email me at gchamberlain27@gmail.com.
PENN YAN - After a lengthy multi-agency investigation into 911 calls where he falsely reported emergencies, Penn Yan Police have arrested CAMERON L. MANLEY, 21, of Keuka Park. On Dec. 3, 2023, Manley allegedly used a personal safety reporting app on his phone to falsely report an active shooter situation at the Hampton Inn on Keuka Lake. He is also accused of using the safety app to falsely report an armed burglary in progress in another incident, and in a third, impersonating a Yates County Sheriff's Deputy using the same app to report a false "officer in need of assistance" call to 911. All three false reports resulted in a large law enforcement response by local law enforcement.
Manley is also accused of setting up false debt collection invoices and falsely turning in the Penn Yan Police Department to debt collectors. On April 1, the Village of Penn Yan was notified that it was being sent to collections for an overdue bill. It is alleged that Manley falsely submitted an invoice to a debt collection agency, charging the village over $1,000 for services that were never rendered. Penn Yan Police discovered that the company who submitted the false invoice was Bubble Social Media LTD, a company owned and registered with the Department of State, by Manley.
Manley is charged with three counts of 3rd degree Falsely Reporting an Incident, three counts of 2nd degree Criminal Impersonation, and one count of 4th degree Attempted Grand Larceny. He was arraigned in Penn Yan Village Court and released on his own recognizance in compliance with the N.Y. State Bail Reform Act. Penn Yan Police continue to investigate the origin of other false 911 calls made in November of 2023 targeting the same local hotel. Additional charges may be levied pending the conclusion of that investigation.
The Penn Yan Police Department was assisted in this investigation by the Ontario County Sheriff's Office, Yates County Sheriff's Office, N.Y. State Police, N.Y. State Intelligence Center, the FBI, and the Okaloosa Sheriff's Office in the State of Florida.
SHELLEY M. HAMLIN, 53, of Corry, Pa., was arrested May 13 by Penn Yan Police on an arrest warrant and a bench warrant issued out of Penn Yan Village Court after she failed to appear on several separate court dates resulting in the two warrants. Hamlin is charged with 3rd degree Bail Jumping, 2nd degree Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, and Unlicensed Operator. She was processed at PYPD and arraigned in Penn Yan Village Court.
TIMOTHY D. REXFORD, 47, of Tyrone, was arrested May 16 by N.Y. State Troopers investigating a fraud reported Feb. 16. He is charged with 4th degree Grand Larceny (class E felony) and 3rd degree Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification (class A misdemeanor), and was held for arraignment. In a separate matter, Rexford was also arrested for 7th degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (class A misdemeanor). He will answer in Tyrone Town Court.
DENISE A. AULT, 46, of Himrod, was arrested by State Troopers for drunk driving at 12:26 a.m. May 18 in the Village of Dundee. She is charged with DWI with a previous conviction within 10 years (class E felony), and was held for arraignment. She will answer in Starkey Town Court.
ERIC MAYER, 41, of New York, was arrested for drunk driving at 7:50 p.m. May 19 in the Town of Tyrone. He is charged with 1st offence DWI and DWI with a .08% BAC or greater. He was release with appearance tickets for Tyrone Town Court.
TWO-CAR CRASH - At 3:08 p.m. May 20, Yates County Deputies, State Troopers, Bento Fire Dept., and Penn Yan Ambulance Corps responded to a two-car crash on Rte. 14A near Rasmussen Road. Investigation into the crash revealed that GARY A. SHOFF, 72, of Penn Yan, was stopped in traffic waiting to turn into a farm laneway when a vehicle driven by PATRICK MISKELL, 33, of Penn Yan, struck Shoff's. Shoff was checked over by EMS at the scene and declined any medical attention. Miskell was taken by ambulance to Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital for treatment of an arm injury. Miskell was issued a traffic ticket for following too closely and will answer the charge in Benton Town Court at a later date.
JOSEPH J. COLSON, (no age given), of Canandaigua, turned himself in May 20 to Yates County Deputies for an incident that took place on May 13 in the Town of Potter. Colson allegedly engaged in a verbal altercation with another person who he threatened to kill while multiple children were present. Colson is charged with three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child and one count of 2nd degree Harassment. He was held for Arraignment Court and later released to appear in Potter Town Court at a later date.
ONE-CAR CRASH - At 4:40 a.m. May 21, Yates County Deputies, Branchport-Keuka Park Fire Dept., Penn Yan Ambulance Corps, Mercy Flight, and NYSEG responded to County House Road for a one-car crash. Preliminary investigation revealed DANIKA BAILEY, 20, of Penn Yan, was driving south on County House Road when she exited the roadway and struck a utility service. Mercy Flight flew Bailey to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester for treatment of a lower leg injury. Investigation of the crash is ongoing.
WELFARE FRAUD - Following an investigation by the Yates County Sheriff's Office, Public Assistance Fraud Unit, PABLO BACON, 26, of Geneva, was arrested and charged with Offering a False Instrument, 4th degree Grand Larceny, and 4th degree Welfare Fraud. He allegedly provided false information to the Dept. of Social Services which led to receiving benefits in excess of $1,000 that he was not entitled to. Bacon was issued an appearance ticket for Milo Town Court later.
CAR INTO BUILDING CRASH - At 11:37 a.m. May 22, Penn Yan Police and Ambulance Corps were dispatched to Rite Aid for a vehicle that had struck the building. Officers found CAROL ALEXANDER, 78, of Penn Yan, was pulling into the parking lot when she accidentally hit the gas pedal instead of the brake, causing her vehicle to jump the curb and strike the building. Alexander's vehicle suffered front end damage. There was minimal damage to the building, but the impact caused a rack inside the store to tip over. Alexander was taken to Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital by ambulance for difficulty breathing. No charges were made.
ASHLEY NEWTON, (no age given) of Potter, was arrested May 22 by Yates County Sheriff's Deputies and State Troopers on an active arrest warrant for Violation of Probation, issued out of Potter Town Court. Newton was taken to the Yates County Jail and held for Arraignment Court.
John Christensen FINGER LAKES – The N.Y. State Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will begin scheduled lampricide treatment for parasitic sea lamprey in early June… Login to continue reading Login…
KEUKA LAKE - The Yates County Legislature, by resolution, approved the donation of the 1997 Penn Yan Marine patrol boat to the Finger Lakes Boating Museum in Hammondsport for display.
This process began under the leadership of retired Yates County Sheriff Ron Spike and was finally completed last week, says current Sheriff Frank Ryan.
"It was a pleasure to bring this project to completion, and place one of the final boats that the Penn Yan Boat Company produced, into a place where it can be appreciated and seen by all who have interest in the history of Penn Yan Boats, and specifically, a marked Yates County Sheriff Patrol boat that was manufactured locally here in Penn Yan. We thank all involved in allowing this boat to proudly be displayed, including the members of the Yates County Legislature for approving this transfer and the Yates County Sheriff's Office marine patrol unit for facilitating the transfer."
PENN YAN â The Rochester & Finger Lakes Region Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association will hold a community forum and resource fair for Yates County residents living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia.
The free event will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, at the Yates County Office for the Aging, 417 Liberty St., Penn Yan. Lunch will be provided.
"No individual or family should navigate the challenges of Alzheimer's disease alone," says Arlene Wilson, senior director of programs for the RFL Chapter. "This forum is an opportunity to bring together community members affected by the disease and dedicated staff and volunteers to talk about the services available to them.
"We'll review the basics of Alzheimer's, dementia and memory loss, the services offered by the Alzheimer's Association, and how we can expand the reach of local programs and services," she says. "Bring a friend and share your thoughts on how the Alzheimer's Association can help more people in Yates County."
Interested individuals are encouraged to register as soon as possible at bit.ly/YatesForum24 or by calling 800-272-3900. To learn more about Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, call 800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org.
The Chronicle-Express: Consolidation, January 1, 1926, of the Yates County Chronicle (1824) and the Penn Yan Express (1866); the Rushville Chronicle (1905) and the Gorham New Age (1902)
The Yates County History Center's volunteers have gleaned these entries for your enjoyment from their digitized newspapers. You can access them at the free site www.nyshistoricnewspapers.com. For more information about the YCHC, visit www.yatespast.org.
150 Years Ago
June 4, 1874
Temperance County Convention - The friends of temperance of the county of Yates, without distinction of party who are in sympathy with the above cause, are requested to elect six delegates from each of the several towns in said county to meet in County Convention, at the courthouse in this village on Saturday the 20th day of June inst., at 2 o'clock PM,, to elect three delegates to represent this county in a State Convention to be held at the city of Auburn on the 23rd of June, inst., and to transact such other business as may come before the convention. The friends of temperance throughout the county are requested to be present.J.P. Bridgman, E.B. Bunnell, M.W. Eastman, S.B. Ayres
Decoration Day - Very quiet and informal were the public exercises of Decoration Day this year in Penn Yan. No notice was given in advance and the veterans of the Grand Army, sided by a committee of ladies without parade or display, did the work prescribed by the order of the day. They marched from the Post about 10 A.M. led by the tap of a single drum, and proceeded first to the Catholic cemetery where they decorated the soldiers' graves, and proceeded thence to the Lake View grounds. After the decorating ceremonies were concluded, they gathered in the shade and listened to excellent singing by a Quintette club, consisting of William Teete, Mary Ludlow, Minnie Miller, Sarah P. Miller, and John Fiero. Prayer was offered by the Rev. Wm. Laurie. A brief address was then delivered by Rev. M.S. Leet and the benediction was pronounced by Rev. G.M. Peters.
Taverns Licensed - Two tavern licenses were granted last Monday in Benton, one to John L. Bogart, at Bellona and the other to J.L. Richie, at Ferguson's Corners. A strong plea was made before the Board by the ladies and other friends of temperance against all licenses.
100 Years Ago
June 4, 1924
Goods Manufactured in Penn Yan are Being Shipped to Foreign Markets - A few days ago the Milo Carbon and Ribbon Corporation made the first shipment of its goods to a foreign market. A large wholesale house in Australia saw the advertisement in a trade journal, wrote for samples, and were so well pleased with the goods that they asked for the exclusive agency for that continent saying these goods were so far superior to those received from England. The agency was granted and the first order was received by cable last week. The Milo Carbon and Ribbon Company manufactures high grade carbon papers and typewriter ribbons for all makes of machines. The officers are all Penn Yan men and they are to be congratulated on the success they are making of this business.
Machinery - Remember A.L. Watson's Machine Shop on the corner of Liberty and Elm Streets, Penn Yan. Milling Machine Work, Lathe Work, Valve Grinding and Overhauling Cars. Experienced workmen. I will do custom work, develop new machinery, prepare drawings, and descriptions for patent attorneys. I have had many years' experience in this work.
Lake View Cemetery - Penn Yan may well be proud of the beauty of Lake View Cemetery. All who attended the services there on Decoration Day afternoon noticed the carefully graded roads and paths, bordered by closely trimmed lawns and shaded by shapely trees and the neat beds of tulips made moving masses of brilliant color by the spring breeze. This unexcelled beauty speaks well for the interest of the members of the board. But the citizens of the village, also, had paid their tributes to the loved ones of the past, for practically every grave and headstone ore a wreath or cluster of flowers. It is doubtful that any cemetery in the state shows more thoughtful care in its beauty than does the Lake View cemetery.
75 Years Ago
June 9, 1949
Marks 92nd Year as Yates Resident - When Daniel Plaisted, who lives on the Penn Yan-Dundee state highway refers to the "old homestead," it's no exaggeration for he is living today in the same house where he was born 92 years ago. Still in good health, this nonagenarian has farmed in Yates County right up until about 10 years ago most of his farming he calls "in the horse and buggy days." He attended school at Second Milo and at Penn Yan Academy and still likes to reminisce about the days when he would come into Penn Yan over the cobblestone-paved streets on his way to school. He would stop on the old wooden bridge across the outlet on Main Street to watch the canal boats as they worked their way through the locks. At that time there were two large grist mills one on each side of Main Street near the bridge Gillette's and Castner's mills.
Rushville Traffic Fines - Deputy Sheriff Homer Brown had another busy weekend in attempting to slow down the traffic at the flash in the business center of Rushville. The following drivers were brought before Justice Floyd Eggleston on charges of speeding or not stopping at the intersection John W. Seaton Castleton, fine $5; Alan Clark Tyler, Prattsburg, fine $5; Edward C. Horton Geneva, driving a truck for the Rynder Roofing company, fine $10; Elmer A. Henry, Penn Yan, fine $5.
Visiting West Point - Mrs. Theodore W. Griesinger of 105 Ogden St has been in West Point the first of this week witnessing the annual graduation ceremonies of the military academy Her son, Ted, is studying in the Academy and is a pitcher on the Army baseball nine. Mrs. Sarah Allison was also at West Point the first of this week.
50 Years Ago
June 6, 1974
Penn Yan Academy Graduate Earns BS Degree at Pharmacy College - Douglas C. Wager, son of Mr. & Mrs. Charles Wager of Penn Yan R.D. 5, graduated from the Albany College of Pharmacy, Union University, May 30 at University Heights, Albany. He was granted a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy. A member of the Dean's List, Wager appeared in the 1974 edition of Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities; was a winner of Rho Pi Beta Alumni scholarship and of Phi Delta Chi savings bond.
Marcus Whitman Historical Museum Open House- Open House will be held at the Marcus Whitman Historical Society Museum on South Street on Saturday June 8. The Society is made up of the residents of the towns of Seneca, Gorham, Potter and Middlesex (the school district). Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Stone have recently been appointed joint curators for the museum which will be open to the public every Saturday during the summer from 2 to 5 P.M. On the agenda will be an exhibit of spinning and dyeing by Mrs. Richard Melious, an exhibit of interesting quilts by Mrs. Marion Thomas, a display of historical flasks by Bill Meyers of Vine Valley, and a display of cooer's tools by Jim Makepeace of Stanley.
Penn Yan School Music Director Receives Honor - David M. Kellermeyer director of music for the Penn Yan School District and Penn Yan Academy choral conductor has been notified that he has been selected for inclusion in the forthcoming first edition of the World Who's Who of Musicians a biographical record in the international field of music. The volume will be published in England and will be housed in libraries and musical institutions throughout the world. The musicians selected will total more than 10,000 worldwide. These men and women perform in the classical and semi-classical fields.
25 Years Ago
June 9, 1999
Flying Club Flys Volunteers - The Penn Yan Flying Club wanted to participate in the recent Celebrate Serviceâ¦Celebrate Yates volunteer day in some way. The club established in 1939 and the second oldest flying club in continuous operation east of the Mississippi decided to offer a drawing for sightseeing rides in club planes to "Celebrate" volunteers. Participants received information about learning to fly and a short history of the club. Memorial Day was an interesting day for the flight. Travelling over tidy farms surrounded by freshly planted fields clusters of homes, country churches, small towns and beautiful scenery were some of the things that people in the armed forces in the conflicts the holiday commemorates were trying to protect.
Potter Store Gets a New Lease on Life - The Potter store which had been closed for more than three years has been purchased by area residents Sandy and Danny King and will open Saturday, June 5 as Kings Hitchin' Rail. The business will feature ice cream, frozen custard, snacks, hot dogs, and as Sandy puts it "a really good cup of coffee". The Kings, both N.Y. State Troopers, bought the structure from Alta Flynt nearly a year ago and have been renovating it since. Sandy said the store has a connection to a current law enforcement family in Penn Yan. Trooper Randy Newcomb's grandmother was the first owner of the store.
Rally Draws 2,000 - If you were out and about on Saturday, June 5, you probably noticed the large number of motorcycles that roared through Penn Yan. The motorcyclists met at the Branchport/Keuka Park Fire Department and were "Riding for a Reason." That reason was for the children of Camp Good Days and Special Times. There were approximately 2,000 bikes that made the ride in the annual event.