Friday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on June 20, 2025
Alexander Senior Recieves First Annual Martha Spinnegan Scholarship
The Jerome Foundation has announced the creation of a new scholarship honoring the late Martha M. Spinnegan — a longtime trustee and administrator of the Foundation and the former Director of the Richmond Memorial Library, where she served the Genesee County community for over three decades.
The Martha M. Spinnegan Memorial Nursing Scholarship is a $1,000 annual award, renewable for up to four years, totaling $4,000. It will be given each year to a graduating senior from a Genesee County school who plans to pursue a career in nursing.
The first recipient of the award is Emily Pietrzykowski, a senior at Alexander Central School. Emily will attend Ramapo College of New Jersey to study nursing, with the goal of becoming a trauma nurse practitioner. She says, “I’ve always felt a strong calling to help others, especially during times of crisis. Nursing allows me to combine my compassion with my desire to serve in high-pressure environments where I can make a direct impact.”
Motorcycle Ride
Get ready to ride—Genesee County ABATE is hosting its Summer Fun Run on Saturday, June 21st! Riders will start and finish at Stan’s Harley Davidson in Batavia. Registration opens at 9 a.m., and kickstands go up at 11.
The 121-mile route includes stops at the Dansville TA and Tom Whal’s, where lunch will be available for purchase. It’s $20 per bike, and all bikes are welcome.
For more details, email GeneseeCountyAbate@gmail.com.
Arc Glow Names New Director of Quality Assurance
Pembroke native Marianne “Mare” Lampart has joined Arc GLOW as director of quality assurance, bringing 28 years of experience in residential supports and services.
Lampart says the new role offers a chance to grow professionally while continuing her advocacy for people with disabilities. She holds degrees from Genesee Community College, Husson University, and SUNY Brockport.
Arc GLOW serves individuals with developmental disabilities across Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. Learn more at ArcGLOW.org.
Start Rockin’ the Downs Tonight
Tonight marks the kickoff of the Rockin’ the Downs summer concert series at Batavia Downs, with legendary rock band Queensrÿche hitting the stage on the first official day of summer.
Crews have been putting the finishing touches on the venue, and Batavia Downs President and CEO Byron Brown says they’re ready to roll. “We’ve got legendary groups this year—The Commodores, Kansas, Lou Gramm—and we’re starting strong with Queensrÿche, who’ve sold over 20 million albums worldwide.”
Ticket sales for the eight-show series are more than double what they were last year. Vice President Ryan Hasenauer says this is the best lineup they’ve ever had, with only limited VIP and Premium tickets remaining.
Gates open at 4 p.m., with opening bands starting at 5:30, and the main act taking the stage at 8:30. Drink tickets will be required outside, and food trucks will offer meals and snacks. Sponsor booths will have samples available, and the night wraps up with DJ Jickster inside 34 Rush.
For more info, visit BataviaConcerts.com.
Thunder in the Sticks
Get ready for Thunder in the Sticks this Saturday, June 21st, in Alexander as the WNY Gas & Steam Engine Association celebrates 20 years of horsepower and pulling action!
The event takes place at the WNYG&SEA Pulling Track on Gillate Road, with gates opening at 2 p.m. Bonus pulls begin at 3, featuring Street Legal 4x4s, Outlaw Pullers, and semis. Empire State Pullers take over at 6:30 with six thrilling classes.
Admission is $20 at the gate—free parking, food, drinks, and a chicken BBQ at 5 p.m.
Portage Man Faces Animal Cruelty Charges
13WHAM News reports, a Livingston County man is facing a felony charge of aggravated cruelty to animals after allegedly shooting and killing a Rottweiler.
Deputies say 39-year-old Zachary Pruonto of Portage was arrested Tuesday morning after the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report and found evidence at a home on Stilson Road.
Pruonto was taken to the Livingston County Jail, where he was processed and released with an appearance ticket. Under New York State’s Bail Reform Act, the charge does not qualify for bail.
He’s scheduled to appear in Portage Town Court at a later date.
