Local News

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is adding the legalization of marijuana to her campaign issues as she runs for governor of New York.
She released a statement  in which she claims while marijuana has been effectively legalized for white people, blacks and Latinos continue to face arrest:

Nixon also says legalizing weed will generate millions in tax dollars and create agricultural opportunities throughout the state.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is offering advice on how a small business can deal with an active shooter situation.
Two Genesee county Sheriff’s Deputies will host the workshop a week from today at the chamber office on Park Road.
Chamber President Tom Turnbull says the workshop will help businesses form a plan they hope never to use.

The state DOT has begun construction on the $1.4 million replacement of the bridge carrying Bethany Center Road over U.S. Route 20.
The project will replace the 86 year old bridge with upgraded guiderails, pavement markings, and signage.
An average 15-hundred vehicles use the bridge every day.
Bethany Center Road will close for approximately five months during the construction which is scheduled to be completed this fall.

Mark Zuckerberg is coming face to face with Congressman Chris Collins.
Zuckerberg testified today before the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Collins, who represents Genesee County and much of Western New York, serves on that committee.
The social media CEO again explained Facebook doesn’t sell user data.

Orleans Community Health is entering into an affiliation with Rochester Regional Health. Through the agreement, Orleans Community Health will contract select health care services from Rochester Regional Health and its hospital in Batavia, United Memorial Medical Center.

“We’re excited about this new affiliation,” remarked Dawn Meland, board chair of Orleans Community Health. “It gives us more attractive options when we decide how to bring new services to the area, which is a great thing for our patients. Additionally, as we identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve efficiency and make health care more sustainable in this part of the region; we now have a partner ready to help us better take advantage of those opportunities.”

Shortly after the start of the new year, Rochester Regional Health began to expand its primary care offerings through this agreement. Market research has identified a shortage of primary care providers in Medina and Orleans County. In January, a full-time primary care office began to operate at the United Memorial Medical Center Medina location. Orleans Community Health is also looking to expand this office space to support future growth.

Orleans Community Health will remain its own independent organization under the terms of this agreement.

“Orleans Community Health is a critical asset to our community and they share our commitment to delivering great care close to where people live and work. It’s a natural partnership,” remarked United Memorial Medical Center President Dan Ireland. “It’s also an important partnership for the future. Together, we’re making care more accessible in a model that can adapt as the needs of patients continue to evolve.”

Press Release:

Bridge Closing to Traffic April 8; Detours to be Posted

New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Paul A. Karas today announced that construction has begun on a $1.4 million project to replace the bridge carrying Bethany Center Road (County Road 15) over U.S. Route 20 in the Town of Bethany, Genesee County. The project will replace the 86-year-old bridge and improve safety for both motorists and pedestrians with upgraded guiderails, pavement markings, and signage. The bridge carries an average of more 1,500 vehicles each day.

“Governor Cuomo has made smart investments in transportation a priority across New York State, modernizing bridges and highways to support mobility and commerce, Acting Commissioner Karas said. “This bridge in Genesee County will provide safe, reliable passage for motorists and pedestrians for generations to come.”

The existing bridge will close on April 8th and traffic will be detoured. Construction is scheduled to be completed this fall.

The bridge, first constructed in 1932, will be replaced with a single-span steel structure. The two piers that support the bridge will be removed, eliminating the potential for falling concrete.

The new bridge will facilitate the movement of freight and support emergency service vehicles.

Senator Michael Ranzenhofer said, “The condition of the Bethany Center Road Bridge has been deteriorating for years, and I have been advocating for replacing the 86-year-old bridge. That is why I am pleased that this project is moving forward. This infrastructure improvement project will ensure the safety of the more than 1,500 vehicles driving over the bridge each and every day.”

Assemblyman Stephen Hawley said, “Residents shouldn’t have to worry about their safety when crossing one of our area’s local bridges, and the Bethany Center Road Bridge replacement gives piece of mind to our families and businesses that use this route each day. Bridges are not only a means of travel from one place to the next, but a means of security for our citizens making the morning commute, our children taking the bus to school, our emergency, fire and police vehicles responding to an accident and our business owners transporting goods to market. Projects like this are crucial to the vitality of our economy and community, and I am pleased to see it moving forward.”

Consistent with Governor Cuomo’s Drivers First initiative, this bridge project was designed to minimize impacts to the traveling public. The bridge is being closed to all traffic so that work can be completed most efficiently. Two types of detours will be put in place.

During the replacement of the bridge, Bethany Center Road will close for approximately five months. A southbound detour will be posted for motorists to use Old Telephone Road, Route 20, East Road, and Raymond Road. Local traffic will be maintained, but not over the bridge.

Additional temporary detours will be posted to reroute traffic from Route 20 onto Old Telephone Road, which runs parallel to it, for safety purposes during the demolition of the existing structure and placement of the new bridge. This detour will be in effect for the following dates:

• April 9 to April 22 from 7 a.m. to 7 a.m.
• June 5 to June 8 from 7 a.m. to 7 a.m.
• July 10 to July 12 from 5 a.m. to 5 a.m.

Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver’s license.

For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org, or the mobile site at m.511ny.org.

News Release: Genesee County Chamber of Commerce

“Active Shooter in the Workplace – It Can Happen to You” will be the subject of a small business workshop to be hosted the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce on April 18.

This is the one of a series of business workshops held in conjunction with the United States Small Business Administration and the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce. The workshops are open to all Chamber and non-Chamber businesses and their employees and will offer expert advice from experienced professionals designed to help small businesses succeed and grow.

“Unfortunately in today’s world dealing with an active shooter in the workplace is a possibility that everyone faces,” said Tom Turnbull, Chamber President. “This workshop will offer tips on how to make a plan to deal with this horrific situation. It’s a plan we hope no one ever has to use.”

Deputies Rich Schildwaster and Joe Loftus of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department will conduct the workshop.

The workshop will be held at the Chamber of Commerce office, 8276 Park Rd., Batavia. The session will run from 7:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and includes a question and answer period. Cost for non-Chamber members is $10 for each attendee. Chamber members and Batavia Business Improvement District members may attend all small business workshops free of charge but should make reservations to insure space.

To reserve a seat in any workshop or for more information, contact Kelly Bermingham at 585-343-7440 or by email at kbermingham@geneseeny.com.

News Release: GCSO

In 1991, a formal Congressional resolution acknowledged the vital role that telecommunicators play in emergency situations by proclaiming the second week in April as a week of annual recognition in their honor. National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week is a time to thank these men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving the public. The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office recognizes and commends the County’s 9-1-1 Dispatchers for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to public service.

9-1-1 Dispatchers are there 24/7, 365 days a year for first responders and the public in time of need. Many people do not think about these seemingly nameless, faceless individuals until they experience actual emergencies themselves. In many instances, 9-1-1 Dispatchers make the difference between life and death. Over 93,000 events were dispatched in 2017, a daily average of 255, and over 120,000 telephone calls were handled last year which is an average of 329 calls per day. The Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center (Public Safety Answering Point-PSAP) is comprised of 24 men and women who dispatch to 5 local police agencies/New York State Police; 19 fire departments/Emergency Management Service; 3 ambulance services; as well as 41 other local, county, regional, state, and federal agencies.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office recognizes these public safety professionals who have worked so hard during this past year. Everyday citizens depend on the skill, expertise and commitment of the 9-1-1 Dispatchers. They are the first to take that phone call; the first to provide basic life support in a medical emergency; and also the first to dispatch needed fire, police or EMS responders for the call. They are to be recognized and commended.

Press Release:

On Tuesday, May 1, 2018 along with thousands of programs across the United States, Genesee Community College will recognize National Law Day with a full day of mock trials, receptions and speakers, and an Honor Society Induction Ceremony into the Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX) Chapter.

National Law Day, celebrated annually on May 1, is designed to shed light on how laws protect liberties and the process by which the legal system strives to achieve justice. Every year since 1958 the President of the United States has issued a Law Day Proclamation recognizing the importance of the rule of the law. This year, President Donald J. Trump’s proclamation will address The Separation of Powers: Framework for Freedom as a basic tenet of our U.S. Constitution and studied by all legal students.

GCC’s Paralegal Studies students and the Criminal Justice students along with the Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) students from Justice Academy invite the general public to witness mock trials they developed as part of their studies. The students and faculty have spent over 20 hours developing statements, preparing witnesses and planning arguments to mimic actual legal proceedings that simulate courtroom experiences. The mock trials will last approximately 90 minutes each and will be held at the Old County Courthouse in downtown Batavia from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. All are welcome to come observe.

This year’s mock trials will feature a murder case torn from the headlines – college hazing, drinking and death.

A photograph Benjamin J. Bonarigo Sr., courtesy of GCC

Following the courtroom mock trials, the Paralegal Studies students will attend an Alumni Reception at GCC and hear keynote speaker, Benjamin J. Bonarigo, Sr. Bonarigo is a member of GCC’s Board of Trustees and a practicing lawyer in the community for over 30 years. He began his education at GCC with a degree in Business Administration and later went on to the University of Buffalo where he earned a bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctorate degree. He has been appointed a member of the NYS Bar Association House of Delegates, NYS Appellate Division Grievance Committee for the Fourth Department, is past president of the Genesee County Bar Association and a former Independent Judicial Qualification Commission member. He has served 25 years as a board member for the Batavia Youth Football League and was honored with the Notre Dame Service and Volunteer Award for having served in various positions on the Notre Dame High School Board of Trustees for ten years.

A photograph Karyn Bryson, courtesy of GCC

GCC’s Law Day recognition culminates in the William W. Stuart Forum with the Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX) Honor Society Induction emceed by GCC’s Director of Paralegal Studies Karyn S. Bryson, who will induct 16 new Honor Society members. Bryson received her Juris Doctorate degree from Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles, California and has been part of the Paralegal Studies Program at GCC since 2007.

The complete list of inductees including their hometowns can be viewed at http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/LEX_HonorSocietyInductees2018.pdf.

Membership in the Honor Society requires a 3.25 overall GPA and a 3.5 GPA specifically for Legal Specialty Courses. The GCC Lambda Chi (LEX) Chapter is newly chartered in 2018.

For more information, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or via email: dsutherland@genesee.edu.

Press Release:

Guardians of the Globe – Earth Day Celebration!
At DeWitt Recreation Area

Batavia, NY – Earth Day is your chance to take care of your planet and your wild neighbors! Join us at DeWitt Recreation Area in Batavia for our “Earth Day Celebration” on Saturday, April 21st from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Help clean up the park to keep the habitat safe and healthy for wildlife! Learn to make cool stuff from recycled materials. Enjoy wild games and a naturalist-guided hike to see where animals live and discover what good things you can do for them! Scouts can earn badge requirements and service hours! Help keep the community ecologically healthy and undeniably beautiful! Meet at Pavilion 2 for all activities. Celebration is FREE and open to the public. Please pre-register for activities by calling 585-344-1122!

Earth Day Night Hike!
At the Genesee County Park & Forest

East Bethany, NY – Celebrate the magic of spring with our Earth Day Night Hike at the Genesee County Park & Forest from 7:00 to 8:30 pm on Saturday April 21st! Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center and explore the forest by moonlight as we search for animals, hear nature folklore and listen to the wild chorus of the night. Visit the headwaters of Black Creek and find out why April’s moon is called the Fish Moon. Create a memory this Earth Day! Cost is $5/person, $10/family. All ages welcome. Preregistration
is required, call 585-344-1122 to register!

Call (585) 344-1122 to register. For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

https://www.facebook.com/Genesee-County-Parks-Recreation-Forestry-465144840306572/?ref=hl

Children at the Child Care Center playing in the quad

Press Release:

Did you know Genesee Community College offers a complete child care center for students, staff, faculty AND THE COMMUNITY? You don’t have to be a student at GCC for your child to attend the College’s state-of-the-art Child Care Center! Operated by the Genesee Community College Association, the Child Care Center features extensive developmental resources for children ages six weeks to five years old.

The Child Care Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday – including over the summer according to GCC’s academic calendar. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are included in the tuition rates. All of the food provided to the children is regulated through CACFP (Child Adult Care Food Program), which is a food program that adheres to all nutritional standards and values recommended for young, developing children. The Center also has safe sleeping equipment and spaces for a comforting naptime for the little ones!

The trained and dedicated staff at the Child Care Center provides age appropriate activities such as kindergarten readiness lessons, fine and gross motor activities, and socialization. In addition to the center’s outdoor playground which provides great exercise and fresh air all summer long, the facilities available at the College’s Batavia Campus provide creative and active programming, such as visiting the library, going to the theater to see a show, running in the gym, playing in the clock tower quad and enjoying the physical therapy obstacle course. For convenience, the College provides designated drop-off and pick-up parking spots right up front by the Stuart Steiner Theatre entrance.

In addition, all teachers are CPR, First Aid and AED trained. All of the lead teachers hold degrees in education and all staff complete at least 30 hours of training every two years to guarantee that they stay up to date on early childhood best practices.

“We take great pride in offering our children the best care and developmentally appropriate education,” Staci Williams, director of the Child Care Center said. “We strive to immerse the children into the College environment and allow them to enjoy and appreciate these beautiful facilities that surround us as much as possible. From letting the children ride tricycles in the gym on a snowy day, to getting them outside to the playground in the summer-our children really benefit from GCC, like so many other students and staff.”

Registration for the GCCA Child Care Center is simple, the application is available online at https://www.genesee.edu/home/campus-life/child-care/register/ and can be mailed or dropped off to the Child Care Center at GCC’s Batavia Campus located at One College Road in Batavia.

Child Care Center rates are based on the number of days the child attends and the age of the child. The U.S. Department of Education and SUNY awards grant funds for child care tuition subsidies for income eligible GCC students. Please contact the Child Care Office if you would like specific pricing. GCC makes it easy to make child care tuition payments with an online payment center – no more having to remember your checkbook!

For more information, contact Child Care Center Director Staci Williams at (585) 345-6833 or via email: slwilliams@genesee.edu.

Press Release:

Medina, NY ~ The Orleans County Heritage Heroes Awards recognize the work and dedication of those who give their time and resources to preserve and protect the history of Orleans County for future generations.

The Heritage Heroes Awards will be bestowed upon the 2018 winners at a special ceremony on Friday, April 27, 2018 at 7 p.m. at Genesee Community College’s Albion Campus Center in Albion, NY. The awards are co-sponsored by SUNY GCC and the Orleans Hub. The entire community is invited to come and help honor these important individuals.

“The Heritage Heroes Awards serve not only to honor deserving community members and thank them for their invaluable efforts, but to remind us all that the responsibility of preserving our heritage is incumbent upon the living generations,” says Derek Maxfield, associate professor of history at GCC and member of the Heritage Heroes executive committee. “It is an important undertaking that we all should share in.”

The 2018 Orleans County Heritage Heroes are:

Aaron Grabowski

Organist and director of Music at St. Mary’s Church in Medina, Aaron Grabowski has always had a passion for making music. However, Grabowski is more than a musician, he also builds organs. Prior to moving to Medina, he acquired a circa 1890s Barkhoff pipe organ, which was originally installed in Annunciation RC Church in Buffalo, built just a few years before St. Mary’s. When he joined St. Mary’s Church, it was evident to him that the church’s ailing electronic organ needed to be replaced. Although the original pipe organ was removed from the balcony many years ago, the organ facade (consisting of exposed pipes and oak millwork) remained intact. Upon inspection of the organ loft, Grabowski knew a proper pipe organ, befitting of the church’s history and space could be installed. Grabowski and several other interested parishioners worked together and decided he would install his Barkhoff organ in at St. Mary’s, and do the work himself! The Barkhoff was a perfect fit, given its age (built within a decade of St. Mary’s), classical voicing and having been designed by the same architect, Albert A Post. Grabowski’s dedication and hard work will fill the nave of St. Mary’s for generations to come.

Diane Palmer

Diane Palmer has always been a historian at heart and has long lent her talents and dedicated her time serving the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Cobblestone Society & Museum. Currently a member of the Board of Trustees at the Cobblestone Society & Museum, Palmer recently coordinated two very successful historic tours – one of Cobblestone homes and the other a holiday tour of prominent local homes and churches. The December 2017 Holiday Tour included eight historical sites in Orleans County: the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church, the Orleans Chapter DAR House and six residences entailing architecture ranging from Greek and Gothic Revival to Cobblestone.

Arthur Barnes

Noted local artist for over 30 years and constant advocate for the community, Arthur Barnes uses his artwork to celebrate Orleans County and its rich history. Barnes created a series of four large-scale murals depicting the Erie Canal which can be enjoyed in Medina, Knowlesville, Albion and Holley. Both a photographer and artist, Barnes highlights local tourism landmarks, such as the County Courthouse, the Culvert in Ridgeway and Mount Albion Tower. However, most of his work pays homage to the houses, barns and beautiful rural landscape of the area. These pieces serve to document Orleans County history as several of the houses and barns in his paintings are no longer standing. In 2000, Barnes bought a cobblestone building in Millville originally built as a Quaker meeting house in 1841. Barnes has repaired the roof and spent countless hours on additional improvements to spare what would have been an inevitable collapse of the building.

Roy Bubb

Teacher and historian, Roy Bubb added author to his resume when he penned Memories of Manning Corners: History of the Bubb Family and its Neighborhood 1931-1942, which is a retrospective on growing up in Orleans County. In 1986, Bubb retired from The SUNY College of Brockport after 25 years of service providing the best possible learning environment to future educators. In the late ’60s, Bubb co-created a simulation program that received recognition from the National College Association. Since then, Bubb has published nearly a half dozen books including his 2017 work, The Family Scrapbook, An Era in Clarendon and Holley-Murray’s History. Proceeds from Bubb’s many works benefit both the Madison Historical Society in Madison, NH, and the Clarendon Historical Society in Clarendon, NY.

Receiving the Bill Latin Municipal Historian Award – Lysbeth “Betsy” Hoffman

Since 1980, Lysbeth “Betsy” Hoffman has served her community researching information, collecting names and dates, archiving and cataloging, and writing as the Town of Carlton Historian. Former Orleans County Historian Bill Lattin knew Hoffman as an invaluable resource, one who would always have the answer. For many years Hoffman was a regular columnist for the Medina Journal-Register reporting the “goings on” in Lakeside. She developed special displays in the Carlton Town Hall and was an avid collector of archival material that continues to aid and educate future generations.

Receiving the Bob Waters Lifetime Achievement Award – Marsha DeFillips

One of the longest servicing municipal historians in Orleans County, Marsha DeFillips has been the Holley-Murray Town historian for over 40 years. Very active in the Holley-Murray Historical Society, DeFillips was influential in establishing the Murray-Holley Historical Society Museum in the old train depot and has led multiple talks and workshops and helped many residents trace their own familial roots. Recently DeFillips teamed with Melissa Ierlan to present “Digging up your ancestors online” which is a public workshop designed to encourage and guide individuals down their own genealogy path. One of the signature accomplishments during her term as town historian has been her creation of an Index of personal names in Landmarks of Orleans County. To do this, DeFillips spent many months combing through and extracting every name mentioned in Isaac Signor’s 1894 publication, developing a permanent record of history.

The award ceremony on Friday, April 27, 2018 at 7 p.m. will be held in GCC’s Albion Campus Center located at 456 West Avenue, Albion, NY 14411. The event is free to attend and open to the public, but seating is limited. A reception will follow the ceremony featuring light refreshments.

For more information on the awards or the ceremony, contact Jim Simon at jsimon@genesee.edu or Prof. Derek Maxfield at ddmaxfield@genesee.edu or by calling the Albion Campus Center at 585-589-4936.

View Online: http://genesee.meritpages.com/news/2018-orleans-county-heritage-heroes-announced/3216

News Release

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is holding his next round of office hours for Genesee and Monroe county residents starting tomorrow. The office hours will be attended by Hawley’s staff. The 139th Assembly District, represented by Hawley, includes all of Genesee County and portions of western Monroe County.

“These office hours offer local residents an opportunity to share their thoughts, concerns and ideas regarding the issues facing state government,” said Hawley. “I strongly encourage those who are able to attend to come and make their voices heard.”

To schedule an individual appointment with Hawley, please contact his office at hawleys@nyassembly.gov or by calling 585-356-0686 for the Monroe County office hours, or 585-813-1608 for the Genesee County office hours.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley
April Office Hours:

Monroe County:
Ellwanger Room
Seymour Library
161 East Avenue, Brockport
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Ellwanger Room
Seymour Library
161 East Avenue, Brockport
Friday, April 27, 2018
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Genesee County:
Genesee Community College
Conable Technology Building, Room T124
Assemblyman R. Stephen Hawley Drive (1 College Road), Batavia
Friday, April 13, 2018
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Genesee Community College
Conable Technology Building, Room T124
Assemblyman R. Stephen Hawley Drive (1 College Road), Batavia
Friday, April 27, 2018
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Health Department handles Hypothetical Hepatitis Outbreak.
Members of the Genesee County Health Department dealt with an outbreak of Hepatitis A at the Genesee Community College, or at least that was the drill.
The exercise which is required by New York State of all Health Departments statewide was performed yesterday to practice administering a vaccine as a result of a Hepatitis A exposure.
The Health Department’s Mari Hamilton runs down the procedure…

The state sent out a fictitious scenario notifying the Health Department of a grocery store employee who had handled produce after contracting the contagious virus.
The Health Department Hepatitis A exercise played out yesterday at Genesee Community College and again, it was only a drill.

Alleged impersonator arrested by Sheriff’s Deputies in Batavia.
Following investigation into a traffic stop on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia in February, deputies arrested 36 year old Amber Klimczak of Main Street in York.
Klimczak charged with Criminal Impersonation and Aggravated Unauthorized Operation after she allegedly provided another person’s identity to law enforcement after being stopped for a headlight violation.
She is expected to appear in Batavia Town Court on May 17th.

Mark Zuckerberg is coming face to face with Congressman Chris Collins today.
The Facebook CEO appeared in front of members of the U.S. Senate yesterday, apologizing for the social network not doing more to protect users’ data.
Zuckerberg is set to testify today before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which Collins is on.
Collins said this is an apology tour and expects Zuckerberg to say he’s sorry, again, admit mistakes were made, again; and promise to do better, again.

Governor Cuomo is proposing legislation that would ban employers from asking prospective employees about their salary history.
The move is in response to a state report on the gender wage gap.
Cuomo has already prohibited New York State from asking job seekers about their wage history.

Buffalo Bills guard Ritchie Incognito says he’s done.
Yesterday he told the “Buffalo News” that he would be retiring for medical reasons.
The 34 year old lineman said his doctor told him the stress is killing him.
Incognito says there’s absolutely no chance of him coming back next season.

The State Comptroller’s Office wants the Batavia City Council to take greater financial control over the downtown Business Improvement District, known as BID.
The city had been critical of BID’s budgeting procedures for the past few years.
Interim City Manager Matt Worth said a formal contract will be drawn up between the city and BID to address the issues raised in the audit.

Governor Cuomo is proposing legislation that would ban employers from asking prospective employees about their salary history.
The move is in response to a state report on the gender wage gap.
Cuomo has already prohibited New York State from asking job seekers about their wage history.

The Genesee County Health Department put in some important practice today.
It was all just an exercise, a drill, to administer vaccine as a result of a Hepatitis A exposure.
The Health Department’s Mari Hamilton laid out the scenario:

Today’s Health Department Hepatitis A exercise played out at Genesee Community College and again, it was only a drill.

The Rochester woman who started a fire that killed four of her children is out of prison.
Bobbie Kugler pleaded guilty in 2012 to arson and four counts of manslaughter.
She was sentenced to seven to 15-years in prison but has been released from Albion Correctional.
Officials said Kugler’s release was based on her remorse and good disciplinary record.
She’s going to be living in Dutchess County.

Press Release:

Sleep Insights, an established, local sleep medicine practice, recently expanded and moved to 47A Batavia City Centre in downtown Batavia. For people who struggle to regularly get a good night’s sleep, Sleep Insights provides a welcoming approach to help people sleep better: as an integrated practice, they diagnose and treat over 80 types of sleep disorders, provide physician appointments (ages 5+), offer home sleep apnea testing, overnight sleep testing and CPAP services—all at one site.

“This is the same clinical model we use at our Rochester site,” noted Dr. Jacob Dominik, Sleep Insights’ Medical Director, who sees patients at the Batavia site. “It’s really a game changer when it comes to providing continuity of care, since we manage patients from start to finish. I personally meet with patients to determine the cause of their sleep problems as well as the appropriate next steps, which we can also provide.”

“If people have problems sleeping or staying awake, testing isn’t always needed,” explained Dr. Dominik, “so that definitely shouldn’t deter people from seeking help.” Patients are seen at Sleep Insights for a variety of sleep disorders affecting their sleep quality and ability to function. Some of the most common conditions impacting sleep include snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia, daytime sleepiness and fatigue, restless legs syndrome, shift work disorder, narcolepsy and parasomnias (abnormal behavior during sleep).
“Sleep is critical to emotional and physical health,” Dr. Dominik added. “We’re here to help anyone who isn’t regularly waking up and feeling refreshed. Our focus is on helping each patient as soon as we can, the best we can.”

Sleep Insights moved from 653 E. Main Street, Batavia, to 47A Batavia City Centre, earlier this year. Their new location provides a soothing, upscale environment with expanded room for CPAP supplies and support from a Registered Respiratory Therapist. In addition, three bedrooms for overnight testing are slated to be added in mid-2018. Their phone number remains the same: 585.219.4330. New patient appointments are available and no healthcare provider referral is needed.

Press Release:

If you’re looking for great food and warm hospitality close to home, then Wyoming County Restaurant week is for you. The Wyoming County Chamber and Tourism has again partnered with the Warsaw Country Courier; Arcade Herald, and WCJW Radio to host the third annual restaurant week in Wyoming County. The event runs from April 29 thru May 5 at restaurants from every corner of Wyoming County.

Participating restaurants will offer a unique dish throughout “restaurant week” at the special price of $20.18. Each restaurant will create its own unique menu, which could include anything from a single entrée to a multi-course meal.

“We’re very excited to be partnering again on this fun event and thank the restaurants for being involved. What better way for our restaurants to showcase all of the great menu items that they have available,” said Scott Gardner, Chamber President. “We have some of the best restaurants in Western New York right here in our backyard, and this is a great way to celebrate all that they have to offer and encourage diners to try something new. Thanks to all the event partners and everyone who works to makes this event a success.”

More information, weekly specials, and the full list of participating restaurants can be found by visiting the website www.wyomingcountyrestaurantweek.com or www.gowyomingcountyny.com or by calling the Wyoming County Chamber at (585) 786-0307. Restaurant specials can also be found on facebook by searching Wyoming County Restaurant Week.

The 2018 GCC Fashion Show graphic, designed by GCC’s Graphic Arts student, Yuki Lai

Press Release:

What: 37th Annual Fashion Show at Genesee Community College

When: Saturday, April 28, 2018 beginning at 7 p.m.

Where: Genesee Community College, One College Road, Batavia ~ In the brand new Richard C. Call Arena!

Who: All are welcome!

Background: The Fashion Program students at Genesee Community College are almost ready for the 37th Annual Fashion Show taking place on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 7 p.m. in the new Richard C. Call Arena. Get your tickets now!

Each scene in the show, themed “Ascendant” is designed and coordinated by a student in the Fashion program. “Ascendant” highlights the rising power GCC has in communicating fashion and simultaneously represents the astrological sign under which a person is born. The students are using “Ascendant” to move beyond recognizing astrologically assigned character trait differences and are using fashion to make statements about appreciating those differences as potential contributions to creative teamwork.

“Ascendant” will completely transform the field house in the new Richard C. Call Arena into a dreamlike space with a powerful runway! Tickets to attend the show are available in advance for $5 per person until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25, 2018. Tickets will also be available at the door for $8 per person. To purchase tickets in advance, email fashionshow@genesee.edu today.

The Fashion Show will include a vendor fair giving local businesses a chance to showcase their products and services. There are still a few tables available for additional vendors. Interested businesses should email fashionshow@genesee.edu. Tables are only $25 and are an excellent marketing opportunity, given the fashion show attendance of nearly 2,000 local consumers.

Be sure to follow @trendygcc_ on Instagram and @trendygcc on Twitter for more about the 37th Annual Fashion Show.

For more information, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or via email: dsutherland@genesee.edu.

Additional Details: http://news.genesee.edu/news/2018/03/27/zodiac-signs-dictate-fashion-gcc-s-ascendant

The City has been directed to increase their oversight of BID.
City Council has been mandated to assume a greater control of the Batavia Improvement District’s finances following an audit by a New York State Comptroller into the relationship between the BID and the City.
Interim Manager Matt Worth said the audit addresses several procedural issues, particularly in the areas of budget oversight and retention of the BID’s funds.
Council President Eugene Jankowski said the state is now supporting what Council members have previously pushed for which is more City oversight of the BID.
Contentions arose towards the end of 2016 between the City and the BID over the size of the agencies budget and how it was being disclosed publically.
Worth said that more specific ground rules such as how the funds should be monitored more carefully and who will take possession of the funds will be established in a formal contract between the city and the BID.

Possible Life in Prison for a Greece couple accused of producing child porn.
Following a complaint earlier this year, Bonnie Hughes and John Kohlmeier, Jr. both of Greece, were arrested for allegedly engaging in sexual conduct with the a 10 year old female victim.
It was alleged that Kohlmeier was having sexually explicit cellphone conversations with the 10 year old and that at his request, Hughes had allegedly taken two sexually explicit photographs of the minor victim.
The couple was arrested and charged with production, receipt, and possession of child pornography, along with coercing and enticing a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity.
Both Hughes and Kohlmeier are currently being held in state custody and are facing a possible 15 years to life in prison if found guilty on the charges.

An Altercation in Aldi’s parking lot in Clarence leads to charges for an Amherst man.
Troopers responded to a report of a fight in the Aldi’s parking lot in Clarence on Saturday.
A verbal altercation arose between defendant Raed Saleh and a couple who were walking in front of the store when Saleh allegedly approached in a vehicle and drove to close to the pedestrian.
Saleh then allegedly bumped the pedestrian with his vehicle and as the altercation came to a head he was accused of exiting his vehicle and striking the pedestrian with a baseball bat.
Saleh was arrested and charged with a felony count of Assault, Criminal Mischief, Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Criminal Possession of a Weapon.
He was released with a return court date to Clarence Town Court.

Governor Cuomo is warning medical centers throughout the state about a serious concern with synthetic marijuana going around.
Some states are reporting synthetic marijuana users having severe and life-threatening bleeding.
The drug is usually sold in colorful packets with names like K2, Spice and AK-47.
They think it could be cut with rat poison.
Health care professionals are urged to watch for unexplained bleeding, especially if they suspect the use of synthetic marijuana.

Press release:

On Monday, businessman Nick Stankevich suspended his grassroots Congressional campaign against Chris Collins.

“Eight months ago, I announced my candidacy to represent our community in Congress,” Stankevich said, “standing for issues that put people first has always been the heart and soul of my campaign: healthcare for a healthier society, good education for our children’s future, job creation by investing in rural infrastructure and a renewable economy.

“Growing up in Western New York, learning from this great country, and seeing our communities for what they could be, there is a need to push for a new direction with fresh ideas. I ran for Congress out of an obligation to give back to a community that gave me so much. I have been the beneficiary of some of the hardest working people in Western New York and thank them for the time and effort they put into this campaign.

“My family, friends and everyone who supported me have shown me, once again, that we live in a unique place. Having traveled throughout our rural towns to meet with farmers, veterans and small business owners, I am reminded that we live in a place where it does not matter where you have been, what you look like, or how much money you make. It only matters that the contents of your character are pure and that you long for a future where our children are better off than we are.

“After careful consideration and with a heavy heart, I am suspending my campaign for Congress. I’m proud of the campaign I ran and proud of my team. I will take the lessons learned and the warmth from our neighbors who yearn for a better tomorrow, to continue fighting to make our community better. As always, I encourage every decision you make to have people at the heart of it, along with humility, compassion and kindness. The people of Western New York deserve that in their representative.

“I want to remind everyone, Republican or Democrat, of the strength that you hold in your hands. Your vote won’t just affect change for two years, but it will be a symbol of hope for generations to come. The promise of America is not only that your vote will count, but also that it will mean something. It assures you that we are a part of something bigger than right now.

“Our decision at the ballot box will be judged in the history books, and our children and grandchildren count on us to give them a better future than we could ever imagine. May God bless the United States of America.”

Jason Chiodo netted seven points and five goals against No. 3 Howard in a 16-6 win photo credit GCC Athletics Curtis Kreutter

Press Release:

No. 4 Cougars Record Double-Digit Men’s Lacrosse Win Over No. 3 Howard

The No. 4 Genesee Community College men’s lacrosse team turned their game up a notch in the second half to beat No. 3 Howard Community College with a double-digit 16-6 victory April 8. The win almost assures that the Cougars will move up in the national rankings after several weeks at No. 4.

Genesee got off to a quick start and never looked back. Jason Chiodo, Alex Mack and Evan Hollfelder put Genesee ahead 3-0 in the first quarter, respectively, and the Dragons were never able to catch up. Howard got its first in the final three minutes of the opening quarter to make it a 3-1 game after the initial 15 minutes.

The Dragons played their best quarter in the second and although they matched Genesee with three second-quarter goals, the closest they would come then was at 4-3 after nearly four minutes into the second, but Chiodo and Mack responded with a pair of goals in a minute span late in the second quarter to restore Genesee’s three-goal lead.

Howard closed the gap to single goal to start the second half at 6-5, but that was as close as they would come as Genesee scored 10 of the game’s remaining 11 goals for the win.

In the faceoff battle, Andrew Forte out-battled Howard’s top faceoff man – T.J. Atrill – and came away with 17 wins on 24 attempts that ultimately led to a 35-23 shooting advantage for Genesee. The Cougars also won the groundball game 32-8.

Chiodo led the team in goals with five that included the game winner while also leading the team in points with seven. His nine shots were also tops for the team and co-led with shots on net with Mack with six apiece.

Evan Hollfelder (left) had as many points as the opposition had goals in a 16-6 win over No. 3 Howard CC photo credit GCC Athletics Curtis Kreutter

Hollfelder once again led the team in assists with five and also added a goal. Mack finished the game with four goals, while Jordan Brennan and Kevin McParlene added a pair of goals each. Patrick Bilbrey and Forte had single tallies.

After Hollfelder’s five helpers, Brennan and Chiodo each had a pair with a single assist from McParlene. In all, five Cougars registered multi-point performances. After Chiodo’s seven points, Hollfelder finished with six, Brennan and Mack each had four while McParlene finished with three.

Garrett Lazore recorded six saves in the win and the Cougars also went 3-for-8 in man-up opportunities.

Although Howard entered the game ranked at No. 3 that ranking could have been higher had they held on to a fourth-quarter lead over current No. 2 Nassau in their season-opening 9-8 loss. It took No. 2 Nassau the entire game to net nine goals on the Dragons, while the Cougars needed just a half to rack up 10 goals against the current No. 3 team.

The Cougars’ next three games are on the road starting with a regional matchup against Broome Community College April 11 at 4 p.m.

Mark Jagord

GCC Sports Information

Bogus Benjamin leads to lock up for a Pair of Perry residents.
Perry Police arrested two residents following investigation into a complaint of a phony 100 dollar bill being passed at a local restaurant.
31 year old Amber Ellis and John Mann both of South Main Street in Perry were taken into custody.
After the duo reportedly ordered food from a local restaurant last Monday evening then are accused of paying with a phony 100 dollar bill and leaving with change.
Police traced the call back to Mann who claimed to have no knowledge of the fake currency.
Officers still arrested him for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Pot Possession and Parole Violation.
Ellis was later taken into custody and charged with first degree Forgery, Possession of a Forged Instrument, Criminal Simulation of a Government Instrument and two counts of Petit Larceny.
Both Mann and Ellis were remanded to the Wyoming County Jail.

Rochester resident arrested under Leandra’s Law after crashing in Pavilion.
23 year old Rachael Lochner of Rochester was arrested and charged with two Aggravated counts of DWI, for recording a Blood Alcohol Content over twice the legal limit and for allegedly driving drunk with a child.
Deputies responded to a motor vehicle accident on South Street Road in Pavilion on Wednesday afternoon where they found Lochner who had apparently crashed her vehicle while intoxicated.
She reportedly failed to keep right and moved from a lane unsafely then struck two fences and a building.
Lochner was given an appearance ticket for Pavilion Town Court on May 15th.

Another false fire alarm pulled by a repeat offender in Batavia.
41 year old Jonathan Balaz a resident of the DePaul Properties on East Main Street in Batavia was arrested and charged with Falsely Reporting an Incident on Friday.
Balaz was accused of pulling the fire alarm at the housing complex, knowing that there was no actual fire or other emergency.
Balaz was jailed just last month for falsely pulling the fire alarm twice in one week.
He was given an appearance ticket for tomorrow in Batavia City Court.

Investigators still searching for answers after a Monroe County mother is accused of murdering her son.
The horrifying incident allegedly occurred Thursday night at a South Lake Road residence in Sweden where several Monroe County Deputies were called to the scene for a report of a suicidal woman with a knife.
They found 36 year old Hanane Mouhib who had to be pepper sprayed and tased by officers in order to be subdued.
Deputies then made the gruesome discovery of her decapitated 7 year old son Abraham Cardenas.
There was no evidence of a struggle between the boy and his mother and investigators are finding it difficult to pin down a motive.
Mouhib has brief a recorded history of mental health issues and has been jailed without bail.
her next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday April 11th.

Rochester resident jailed without bail for trying to swipe with someone else’s credit card.
33 year old Rueben Walker of Ellicott Street in Rochester was accused of attempting to make a purchase using someone’s credit card he was not permitted too.
Walker was remanded to the Genesee County Jail without bail.

Democratic Candidate in Batavia drops out of race.
Businessman Nick Stankevich who began and ran his grassroots campaign against incumbent Republican Congressman Chris Collins right here in Batavia has come to an end.
In a press release, Stankevich said “After careful consideration and with a heavy heart I am suspending my campaign for congress”.
Stankevich wants to remind people of all parties they hold the strength for change in their hands.

Katline Cartwright scoops up a groundball for Genesee

Press Release:

Lady Cougars Match Season-High Goal Performance in Lacrosse Win

The Genesee Community College women’s lacrosse team matched a season-high goal total in a 19-2 win over visiting Mohawk Valley Community College April 7. The Cougars improved to 2-2 on the season and rebounded nicely after a loss earlier in the week to No. 3 Onondaga – that was the team’s first game action in almost a month.

Between groundballs and shots, Genesee accounted for over one hundred in total, with 52 shots and 51 groundballs. The Cougars also held the edge in draw controls by a 14-9 advantage with five players registering four points or better on the afternoon.

Molly Barden led the way across the board with six goals and four assists for a 10-point performance. Her 17 shots were tops on the team with 11 finding the target and she also led the team in groundballs with nine. In addition, she picked up three of her four assists in the first half in less than a three-minute span on goals 5-7.

Kali Wright, Rachel Ladd, Ashley Barclay and Olivia Steedman all recorded four-point efforts, with the latter trio compiling three goals each. Rounding out the scorers was Bri Heers and Miko Yamashita, while Sara Zakes had a pair of saves at the opposite end.

Genesee got four goals via free position that came from Yamashita, Steedman, Barclay and Wright, with the latter earning the game-winning goal less than four minutes into the contest.

In addition to Barden’s nine groundballs, Leah Herman and Allison Duhow each snagged a half-dozen apiece. Four groundballs came from Julie Kommer, Barclay and Heers; while Paige Biggins, Ladd and Wright all added three each.

The Cougars will next host Erie Community College April 11 at 4 p.m. The game was originally scheduled at Erie, but had to be changed to the Cougars’ turf field after the Kats’ grass field was deemed in too poor of a condition for competition.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Phony C note lands two Perry residents in lock up.
Following investigation by the Perry Police Department into a complaint of a faked 100 dollar bill being circulated at a local restaurant, police arrested 31 year old Amber Ellis and John Mann both of South Main Street in Perry.
The pair had apparently called and ordered food from a local restaurant Monday evening then allegedly payed with a phony 100 dollar bill and left with change.
The phone call was traced back to Mann who claimed to have no knowledge of the fake currency, however he was arrested for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Pot Possession and Parole Violation.
Ellis was later taken into custody and charged with first degree Forgery, Possession of a Forged Instrument, Criminal Simulation of a Government Instrument and two counts of Petit Larceny.
Both Mann and Ellis were remanded to the Wyoming County Jail.

Gruesome murder in Monroe County stuns investigators.
36 year old Hanane Mouhib of South Lake Road in Sweden has been arrested and charged with the murder and decapitation of her 7 year old son Abraham Cardenas.
The horrifying incident allegedly occurred Thursday night at the South Lake Road residence and investigators are still searching for a possible motive.
Monroe County Deputies were called to the scene for a report of a suicidal woman with a knife and after arriving Mouhib was reportedly pepper sprayed and tased by officers in order to subdue her.
Mouhib has brief a recorded history of mental health issues however investigators are still trying to make sense of the unexplained murder.
Mouhib is jailed without bail and her next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday April 11th.

Crash in Pavilion leads to arrest under Leandra’s Law.
Genesee County Deputies were called to respond to a motor vehicle accident on South Street Road in Pavilion on Wednesday afternoon.
They discovered that the driver 23 year old Rachael Lochner of Rochester had allegedly crashed her vehicle while intoxicated and was accompanied by a child less than 16 years old.
Apparently Lochner had failed to keep right and moved from a lane unsafely then struck two fences and a building.
She was charged with two Aggravated counts of DWI, one for recording a Blood Alcohol Content over twice the legal limit and another under Leandra’a Law for driving drunk with a child.
Lochner was given an appearance ticket for May 15th in Pavilion Town Court.

The 5th Annual Genesee county Chamber of Commerce Home Show continues today at the Falleti Ice Arena.
Today is the final day of the Home Show and your last chance to check out the impressive displays and prizes being offered by local vendors.
The show will be open today from 10a.m. to 3p.m.

Press Release:

Clarence, N.Y. – Bryan Piligra, campaign spokesman for Congressman Chris Collins, released the following statement on tomorrow’s Democrat-organized “gun forum” being held and coordinated by known progressive groups.

“If ever NY-27 residents needed proof of just how political and manipulated this event has become, they should look no further than the guest list handpicked by Brian Higgins, Jeremy Zellner, the Erie County Democratic Committee and their partisan allies like Indivisible.Org and MoveOn.org,” said Bryan Piligra, campaign spokesman. “For such proud Democrats, they refuse to even invite all the Democrat candidates running for their parties’ nomination. While these partisans are participating in poorly disguised campaign rallies, Chris Collins is working on actual solutions, like passing the FIX NICS Act, supporting President Trump’s ban on bump stocks and passing the Stop School Violence Act.”

Piligra’s statement comes after MoveOn.org sent unsolicited text messages to local NY-27 residents promoting their forum. In addition to MoveOn’s blatant politicization of the rally, McMurray and his cronies also failed to invite all of the NY-27 candidates to participate – claiming they would not contribute to the “diversity of thought” they’re trying to achieve.

A photograph illustrating the wide selection of bridal wear that was donated to students in preparation of a recent Fashion 

Press Release:

Officials at Genesee Community College announced this week the addition of a new one-year Fashion Design Certificate program which is open for enrollment this fall! Throughout New York State, there is a shortage of skilled alteration sewers and individuals trained and qualified to use fashion design software. The new certificate program will provide an opportunity for individuals to take GCC’s core Fashion Design classes enabling them to start working in the fashion industry, start a small business or work from home in a fashion related capacity.

GCC’s mission statement includes a commitment “to providing educational experiences which promote intellectual and social growth, workforce and economic development and global citizenship.” The creation of this Fashion Design Certificate provides workforce and economic development in Western New York through the training and education of individuals in the burgeoning fashion design field which is a multi-billion dollar trade.

The new certificate is designed to be completed in two semesters and provides students with the basic principles of fashion design, sewing fundamentals and building an independent fashion business. Courses include topics and skills on basic sewing, draping and fashion technology, principles of fashion design, creative design drawing principles and entrepreneurship. The inclusion of the Entrepreneurship and Professional Sales courses help ensure students are prepared not only for the elements of fashion design, but also to work independently and potentially establish a new business or expand an existing one.

With steady enrollment in GCC’s two-year Fashion Business Merchandising/Design Concentrations (FBM), students have gained individualized instruction to bolster their confidence resulting in graduates who are equipped to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year program. The new one-year Fashion Design Certificate, which is comprised entirely of existing courses that are required for the FBM program, positions students to easily apply certificate credits towards an associate in applied science in FBM at GCC. The College also has several articulation agreements with other institutions including the most recently added agreement with LIM and Cazenovia College. Many GCC students transfer to Buffalo State College and Fashion Institute Technology. In addition, GCC offers an innovative program that allows a student to complete their first two years at GCC, third year at Buffalo State and then move onto their final year at F.I.T. Anyone interested in taking advantage of these transfer opportunities is encouraged to contact GCC’s Student Success Center at (585) 345-6805 or via email at transfer@genesee.edu.

“The Fashion Design Certificate is the continuation of GCC’s very successful, 40-year, signature Fashion program,” Professor of Fashion Business Donna J. Ehrhart said. “Fashion Design is a field that draws in diverse individuals from a variety of backgrounds, ethnicities, traditions and customs-all contributing to its richness. This new one-year certificate creates an opportunity for even more individuals to take a solid first step into the multi-billion dollar global industry.”

The new Fashion Design Certificate adds fourth dimension to the GCC’s line-up of fashion-related degrees which also includes Fashion Merchandising Management AAS, Fashion Design AAS and two Fashion Business concentrations in E-Commerce and Event Planning. At this time, federal financial aid for the Fashion Design Certificate is still pending.

GCC Fashion Design students taking measurements in class

Anyone interested in exploring GCC’s Fashion Business programs should attend the 37th Annual Fashion Show, “Ascendant,” scheduled Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 7 p.m. in the new Richard C. Call Arena.

Advance tickets to the show are $5 per person and are available through Wednesday, April 25, 2018 by emailing fashionshow@genesee.edu. Tickets at the door are $8 per person. For an inside look at the 37th Annual Fashion Show, follow @trendygcc_ on Instagram or Twitter. You can also read GCC student blogs at https://geneseeedu.wordpress.com/blog/ for details.

Additional information about the Fashion Business Program and other degree programs is available at https://www.genesee.edu/academics/programs/business/fashion-design/.

For more information, contact Professor of Business & Computer Information Systems Donna Ehrhart at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6335, or via email: djehrhart@genesee.edu.

Training Video provided by BPD Officer Marc Lawrence

Local Police train to respond to an active shooter situation.
Lawmen from across Genesee County came together in Batavia to train for a situation they hope never to face.
Officers from multiple local agencies are training at the State School for the Blind to deal with an active shooter.
Batavia Police spokesman Marc Lawrence says the training is as real as it gets

The training was spaced out over a two week period and involved Batavia and LeRoy Police, Sheriff’s Deputies, Probation Officers and State Troopers.

The financially troubled Genesee County YWCA is making some progress.
It has been learned that the YW will resume its after-school programs at all of its regular sites beginning on Monday.
Calls to the YW’s Crisis Care Hotline are being answered by the Niagara County program which also helpedin getting the local after school programs back up and running.

The 5th Annual Genesee county Chamber of Commerce Home Show continues today at the Falleti Ice Arena.
The show is open today from 10a.m. to 5p.m. and Sunday from 10a.m. to 3p.m.

New York State is now requiring all new or recently renovated public restrooms to have diaper-changing stations.
Governor Cuomo says the law supports equal parenting and ensures all New Yorkers can give their children the care they need.
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul says she never forgets the stress of being out in public in desperate need of a changing area for her children and not being able to find one.

Photo Courtesy: The Batavian (see more photos)

Lawmen from across Genesee County are in Batavia this afternoon training for a situation they hope never to face.
Officers from multiple local agencies are training at the State School for the Blind to deal with an active shooter.
Batavia Police spokesman Marc Lawrence says the training is as real as it gets

The training has been going on for the past two weeks.

National Grid reports just a handful of customers, fewer than 11, still have no power in Genesee County. The utility says the lights should be back on for everyone in the county by early evening.
Our of National Grid’s 1.6-million customers across New York State, 8-thosuand are still without power from this week’s wind storm.

The financially troubled Genesee County YWCA is making some progress.
It has been learned that the YW will resume its after-school programs at all of its regular sites beginning on Monday.
Calls to the YW’s Crisis Care Hotline are being answered by the Niagara County program which also helped in getting the local after school programs back up and running.

New York State is now requiring all new or recently renovated public restrooms to have diaper-changing stations.
Governor Cuomo says the law supports equal parenting and ensures all New Yorkers can give their children the care they need.
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul says she never forgets the stress of being out in public in desperate need of a changing area for her children and not being able to find one.

Please Don’t Eat the Daisies
Health Departments Hosting Mock Exercise to Practice
Administering Vaccine to the Public in the Event of an Emergency

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are inviting all to join in making this exercise a realistic one as the departments test their ability to dispense the necessary
vaccinations if a Hepatitis A outbreak occurs locally. If such an event occurs where many people are exposed or at risk, the local Public Health Departments are required to distribute no-cost vaccine within 48 hours and the location(s) offering vaccinations are called PODs (Point of Distribution sites).This 2 hour exercise is a shortened simulation of a 48 hour period of mass medication dispensing.

Hepatitis A POD
Genesee Community College, Batavia Campus Forum

Tuesday, April, 10th from 11:00am — 1:00pm
Participate at any time and enjoy Lunch on us!

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. To pre-register visit HERE . Volunteers are able and encouraged to participate more than once to receive additional tickets for a slice of pizza and a bottle of water. No actual medication will be given.

Due to the exercise, both the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments will be closed from 10am — 2pm.

Please contact your local Health Department for more information,
Genesee 585-344-2580 x 5555 /
Orleans 585-589-3278

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

Law Enforcement from the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and Probation Department, State Police Troop A, along with both LeRoy and Batavia Police Departments have been taking part in an intense two week long Active Shooter Training.

Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said the training is sadly a necessity for all law enforcement in today’s day and age.

The Chief says the exercises are vastly different than other types of police training…

The Active Shooter Training has been on-going all week at the State School for the Blind’s Hamilton Hall in Batavia.

Officers were armed with plastic replica firearms and thrown into active shooter and bomb threat scenarios.

The collaboration of law enforcement entities has allowed officers to exchange techniques and coordinate responses to address the unfortunately growing concern of an active shooter threat.

Story provided by our news partner The Batavian.

Press Release:

Now that spring is here, many homeowners, business owners, schools and communities are planning outdoor landscaping projects. National Fuel reminds individuals and professionals to Call Before You Dig.

New York state law requires residents to call 811 – a free service – prior to digging in order to prevent accidental damage to underground utility lines. Before starting any landscaping, gardening or outdoor improvement projects this year, call 811, a toll-free national phone number, or visit www.call811.com.

The national 811 phone number connects callers with local One Call Centers. Operators record the excavation locations and notify National Fuel of callers’ plans. National Fuel then dispatches professional locators to mark the approximate positioning of lines for free. It’s a fast, easy way to be safe and protect those within the vicinity of the project.

New York homeowners and contractors should call 811 at least two and no more than 10 business days in advance of the start of their projects.

“All excavation projects – even small or shallow digging projects like planting trees and shrubs, or installing a fence or mailbox require a call,” said Emily Ciraolo, spokesperson for National Fuel. “Many of the pipeline leaks and emergencies we respond to each year occur when homeowners and businesses dig on their properties without knowing the location of underground utility lines. These types of accidents can be easily avoided by calling 811 before you dig – anywhere on your property.”

The Common Ground Alliance (CGA), a national association representing the utility industry and committed to saving lives and preventing damage to underground infrastructure, states that:

• There are more than 20 million miles of underground utilities in the United States.
• Every six minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first calling 811.
• When you make the call to 811, damage occurs less than 1 percent of the time.
• Thirty six percent of homeowners who plan to dig this year for projects will put themselves and their communities at risk by not calling 811 prior to digging.

As always, if you smell gas, leave fast! If a rotten-egg natural gas odor is present, leave the premises immediately without turning on or off any electrical appliances and call National Fuel’s emergency line (1-800-444-3130) from a different location. If you smell an odor of gas outdoors, please call National Fuel’s emergency number and provide the address nearest to the site of the odor.

Radiation Emergency Drill part of the Global Nuclear Awareness Program 

Press Release:

Medina, NY– Genesee Community College’s Responding to Emergencies adjunct instructor Patrick Seidel brings a wealth of expertise to his students. But when emergency response topic involve two exceptionally well-informed guest speakers and a topic of great public interest, the Medina Campus Center decided to expand the classroom roster to include the general public for the informative presentation. This classroom event is free and open to the public.

Dr. Linda Redfield-Shakoor and Paul Zimmerman will present information about the types of nuclear incidents which could occur in Western New York. Their lecture is scheduled Monday, April 16, 2018, from 7:00 – 8:30pm at the Medina Campus Center located at 11470 Maple Ridge Road in Medina. What challenges first responders may encounter and what basic protective steps first-responders should consider will be among the topics.

Dr. Redfield-Shakoor recently completed dissertation research at Niagara University focused on Western New York nursing students and the medical community, as well as first responders regarding their perceptions of risk, willingness to respond and emergency self-efficacy related to radiation emergencies. Paul Zimmerman is a researcher, educator and author with over 30 years of experience working on nuclear issues. He was a lecturer in World Life Institute’s Radiation Emergency Management (REM) seminars for first responders and medical personnel from 1989 to 1993. He subsequently served from 1993 to 2010 as a researcher at the Uranium Medical Research Center. Both Dr. Redfield-Shakoor and Mr. Zimmerman are associates in the Global Nuclear Awareness Program of World Life Institute’s Center of Excellence in Medina, NY.

The special classroom presentation is offered in association with the Global Nuclear Awareness Program, World Life Institute.

For more information on the celebration, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or via email: dsutherland@genesee.edu.

Clue Cast Members 

Press Release:

The Forum Players at Genesee Community College have been hard at work preparing a celebratory production recognizing 50 years of theatre with a compilation of spectacular songs, dances and dramatic highlights from the past. From Chicago to Peter Pan, audiences will marvel at the sights and sounds of great theatre.

GCC’s 50th Anniversary Celebration of Theatre will be performed on Thursday, April 26, 2018, Friday, April 27, 2018 and Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. and again on Sunday, April 29, 2018 from 2 p.m. for everyone’s convenience.

“There has always been a vibrant culture of performing art in this community. When the Stuart Steiner Theatre opened in 1992, GCC upped the ante even further, presenting an enormous volume and incredible quality of great theatrical work performed by students, faculty, staff and community members. From Chicago to Cabaret, One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest to Peter Pan and so much more,” Maryanne Arena, GCC director of Fine and Performing Arts, said. “It has been a thrill providing the community with great shows and our students with great experiences. This medley of great theatre is not to be missed!”

Tickets to see GCC’s 50th Anniversary Celebration of Theatre are available now and are $8 for adults, $5 for seniors (55+) and GCC faculty/staff. Students and children are $3, and GCC alumni with ID will receive a $2 discount on an adult ticket. To reserve seats, contact the GCC box office at boxoffice@genesee.edu or (585) 345-6814.

The anniversary medley is comprised of numerous musical numbers, monologues and excerpts from plays performed in the theatre’s past. Cast members are listed below according to their performances.

Peter Pan Cast

The musical numbers will feature:

• Pippin – “Corner of the Sky” by Cody Taylor of Medina, NY – “With You” by Pedro Pires de Araujo of Brazil
• A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum – “Comedy Tonight” by Marissa Carbonell of Batavia, NY – “Love, I Hear” by Gregory Rojo-Hallock of Batavia, NY – “Lovely” by Taylor Wilson of Cheektowaga, NY
• HMS Pinafore – “Sorry Her Lot” by Jessica Pierce of Batavia, NY
• Singin’ in the Rain – “Singin’ in the Rain” by Gregory Rojo-Hallock of Batavia, NY
• You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown by Becka Naber (soloist) of Hamburg, NY
• Peter Pan – “I Won’t Grow Up” by Alannah Gross of East Bethany, NY, Branden Simmons of Syracuse, NY, and Michael Busch of Medina, NY – “Hook’s Waltz” by Rob Reiss of Elba, NY, and Benjamin Martis of Curacao
• Chicago – “Funny Honey” by Liliam Montilla of Bronx, NY – “When You’re Good to Mama” by Khalisah Muhammad of Harlem, NY – “Mr. Cellophane” by Rob Reiss of Elba, NY – “All That Jazz” by Natsumi Sasabe of Tokyo, Japan
• The Mystery of Edwin Drood – “There You Are” by Norm Gayford (lead soloist) of Warsaw, NY, Marissa Carbonell of Batavia, NY, Alannah Gross of East Bethany, NY, Pedro Pires de Araujo of Brazil, Cody Taylor of Medina, NY, and Maki Ishikawa of Saitama, Japan – “Moonfall” by Maki Ishikawa of Saitama, Japan – “Both Sides of the Coin” by Norm Gayford of Warsaw, NY, and Rob Reiss of Elba, NY – “Off to the Races” by Pedro Pires de Araujo of Brazil, Benjamin Martis of Curacao, and Spencer Henley of Akron, NY
• Black History Month – “What a Wonderful World” by Chris Canty of Rochester, NY

Additional dancers and ensemble members include: Max Peters of Arcade, NY, Marissa MacLeod of Perry, NY and Jennifer Schreiber of Rochester, NY

The celebratory medley will also feature the following monologues:

• For Colored Girls Who’ve Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf by Tori Ogunsanya of Brooklyn, NY, Tatiana Breland of Syracuse, NY and Kamm Turner of Syracuse, NY
• Clue the Musical by Cody Taylor of Medina, NY, Chris Canty of Rochester, NY, Alannah Gross of East Bethany, NY, Jessica Pierce of Batavia, NY, Branden Simmons of Syracuse, NY, Spencer Henley of Akron, NY and Pedro Pires de Araujo of Brazil
• Lives of the Great Waitresses by Taylor Wilson of Cheektowaga, NY, Emily Carey of Middleport, NY and Marissa Carbonell of Batavia, NY
• God’s Favorite by Josh Erb of Fillmore, NY and Jacob Natalizia of Oakfield, NY
• Death Knocks by Rob Reiss of Elba, NY and Josh Erb of Fillmore, NY
• Vampire Lesbians of Sodom by Cody Taylor of Medina, NY, Kayla Lander of Mayfield, NY, Chris Canty of Rochester, NY and Benjamin Martis of Curacao
• Colored Museum by Khalisah Muhammad of Harlem, NY
• Chicago by Liliam Montilla of Bronx, NY

For more information, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or via email: dsutherland@genesee.edu.

Press Release:

The GENESEE IT, SAY IT initiative continues at Genesee Community College with a special performance of “The Script” by Tim Collins on Thursday, April 12, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. in the Batavia Campus gymnasium.

GENESEE IT, SAY IT is a powerful campaign the College launched to encourage and empower individuals to speak up if or when they witness, or learn of, a sexual assault. One of the key components of this initiative includes opportunities to educate students, faculty and staff on the power of reporting incidents they are aware of. The initiative is jointly sponsored by GCC’s Dean of Students Office, Human Resources Office and the Title IX Coordinator.

Tim Collins will perform his award-winning one-man show entitled “The Script” about sexual assault prevention, toxic masculinity and bystander intervention.

“It is crucial that we continually encourage students, staff and faculty to speak up and report incidents of sexual assault,” said Dean of Students Patricia Chaya. “One of the ways to empower individuals is to teach them bystander intervention strategies and to reiterate the avenues of support available to not only victims of these kinds of assaults, but to those reporting it as well.”

This event is free and open to the public. Bleacher seating is available on a first come, first served basis.

For more information, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or via email: dsutherland@genesee.edu.

Programs pick up at the YWCA with a little help from friends.
The Genesee County YWCA has announced that on Monday its afterschool child care program will resume at its normal time and location.
The news was revealed yesterday evening after our News Partner The Batavian spoke with YW Board members who indicated that help was received by the YWCA of Niagara County.
The YWCA which is under the new leadership of Millie Tomidy-Pepper announced Earlier this week that because of financial difficulties, all programs and services were being terminated immediately.
Now with the assistance of the Niagara County agency the Children’s Center at the County Courthouse will remain open and calls to the Crisis Care Hotline that were handled locally will be transferred to the Crisis Care hotline in Niagara County.

National Grid Crews continue to work to bring back power in Western New York.
Damaging windstorms knocked out power for tens of thousands of homes across Upstate this week with National Grid showing 8 thousand customers still waiting for power to be restored.
There were approximately 130 Genesee County residents who remain in the dark, at last check.
The Village of LeRoy is currently the most affected area locally with around 60 customers still waiting for power.
The estimated restoration time for all of Genesee County has been pushed back by National Grid to 5 p.m. this evening.

The City of Batavia is now in the mall management business.
City Hall has taken over maintenance of the mall concourse in a deal that settled a years old dispute with the mall merchants.
Interim City Manager Matt Worth says the mall entrances will be the first focus…

On WBTA’s Main and Center program Worth said the city is looking for a full time maintenance manager for the mall.

Two suspects tracked down following one car crash in Byron.
Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputies were notified by Livingston County Lawmen of a vehicle pursuit involving two suspects that allegedly stole merchandise from a department store in Geneseo.
The suspect’s fled on foot after crashing their vehicle on route 262 in Byron.
Deputies arrived on scene and K9 Destro was called in to assist in the apprehension of 45 year old Michael Collier of Rochester and 44 year old Gary Weese of Medina.
Both men received medical treatment from dog bites.
Collier was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Unlawful Fleeing of a police officer in a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident and speeding and was remanded to Genesee jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.
Weese has been charged with criminal possession of stolen property is still being treated at UMMC for an unrelated medical condition.

A North Java man is accused of killing a puppy.
Arcade police say last month 20 year old Tyler Cummins killed the animal by slapping it in the head for urinating at a local business.
Investigators say the puppy died from trauma injuries.
Cummins is due back in court at a later date.

The YWCA of Genesee county will resume its after-school child care program on Monday, the agency revealed Thursday afternoon. The Children’s Center at the County Courthouse will also remain open.
YWCA officials said the after school program will operate under a normal schedule at all locations.
Earlier this week, the YW announced that because of financial difficulties, all programs and services were being terminated immediately.
Board members interviewed by WBTA News Partner The Batavian said help was received by the YWCA of Niagara County that made the continuation of the programs possible.
Calls to the The Crisis Care Hotline, that were handled locally, are being transferred to the Crisis Care hotline in Niagara County.

As of 8:30p.m. Thursday night there were still 327 National Grid customers without power in Genesee County. Almost half of those homes are in the towns of LeRoy, Darien and Pavilion.
National Grid predicts most customers should be restored by late this evening although complete power restoration could be as late as Friday evening.
The outages were caused by hurricane force winds that blew through the area yesterday ripping down power lines and trees ad knocking over tractor trailer trucks.

The City of Batavia is now in the mall management business.
City Hall has taken over maintenance of the mall concourse in a deal that settled a years old dispute with the mall merchants.
Interim City Manager Matt Worth says the mall entrances are first will be dealt with first

On WBTA’s Main and Center program today Worth said the city is looking for a full time maintenance manager for the mall.

Genesee County Sheriff’s Office K9 “Destro” has taken a bite outta crime – literally.
Two suspects led lawmen on a chase early Thursday morning that began in Livingston County and ended in a one-car crash in Byron.
Two suspects fled the car and pursued by officers including K-9 Deputy Chris Erion and Destro. Destro managed to take down both suspects who suffered minor bite wounds.
One of the suspects was identified as 45 year old Michael Collier of Rochester was charged with possession of stolen property anbd fleeing a police officer.
Charges are expected to be filed against the second suspect, who was not identified.

The City has officially taken over operations of the City Centre Mall Concourse which was effective April 1st.

Speaking on WBTA’s Main and Center program this morning, Interim City Manager and Public Works Director Matt Worth updated the progress of repairing the City Centre concourse.

Matt Worth said several cleaners have been hired and are currently being trained. He said there will no longer be a Mall Manager position but the City is in the process of hiring a full time Maintenance Manager who will focus on keeping the concourse in good shape.

Worth said the first step is to focus on the easy fixes…

Worth is hopeful to complete a small capital project to address the silo shaped entrances. He said the entrances may end up with a different, more inviting look with peaked roofs, a fresh coat of paint, all new doors and no buckets.

Row one (kneeling): Casey Swartz of Horsehead, NY; Laura Whitcroft of Batavia, NY; Brenda Castaneda of Batavia, NY; Xochitl Rosario of Albion, NY; Amanda Pahuta of Warsaw, NY; and Anna Adams of Holley, NY.
Row Two (standing): Miranda Schiller of Alexander, NY; Kasey Edgerton of Oakfield, NY; Professor Michael Gosselin (accepting award for Airi Hayasaka of Japan;) Associate Professor Joe Zioklowski (accepting award for: David Fenn of Perry, Timothy Frew of Bliss, NY; Gaia Fukuzato of Japan; Andrea Kirsch of Varysburg; Stacy Mullett of Caldonia, NY; Anthony Nickel of Hilton, NY; Kera Pfeiffer of Perry, NY; Christian Pierre-Louis of Brooklyn, NY; Meghan Potter of Arcade, MY; Maura Rogers of LeRoy, NY; Jacy Sero of Alden, NY; Timothy Slivinski of LeRoy, NY; Summer Storms of Perry, NY; and Javin Williams of Spring Valley, NY;) Professor JoNelle Toriseva (accepting award for: Alexis Hackmer of Alexander, NY and Brock Nahalka of Leicester, NY;) Cole Rogers of Delevan, NY; Jamie Englerth of Leroy and Cameron Bennage both of Holley, NY.

Press Release:

It was a day of when professors, administrators, staff and many special guests are in the seats watching, listening and discovering what lessons have been learned, and what kinds of information, research, knowledge and creativity inspires students at Genesee Community College. It was also a day when the Haudenosaunee Indian nation, the early residents of the region, could proudly revisit their original name for Batavia which meant “the grand hearing place.”

At the third annual Scholars Symposium this past Thursday, March 29, 2018, GCC students, faculty, staff, community leaders and friends showcased some of their most poignant work. Presented by the Genesee Community College Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities (CURCA) Committee, the full-day event included presentations, performances, exhibits and guest speakers-all focused on the most inventive and bright the minds of the College community. This year, more than 125 students, faculty, staff and community judges participated, with all events being free and open to the public.

“Started several years ago through a GCC President’s Innovative Award, the Scholars Symposium is now a campus-wide celebration of creative and innovative work accomplished by our students, faculty and friends of the College,” said JoNelle Toriseva, director of GCC’s English, Communications and Media Arts, who continues to organize the event. “Together, the College community and our many supporters come together to take stock in the many bright and creative minds that circulate around us each day, and we marvel at the professional and personal growth that predominates within this institution.”

Dr. Deborah Nawoczenski gave the event’s keynote address, “Curiosity Does Not (always) Kill the Cat Extending Discovery Beyond ‘Ok Google.’ “She is currently an adjunct professor with the University of Rochester’s Department of Orthopedics, and also retired from Ithaca College’s Department of Physical Therapy where she was professor and co-director of the Movement Analysis Laboratory and Center for Foot and Ankle Research. Dr. Nawoczenski spoke about the myriad surprises that is intrinsic in research and the rich connections a person makes during careful studies. She shared many personal stories that showed that one can never predict where the journey of research will take a person.

The event culminated with an Awards Ceremony in the Stuart Steiner Theatre which included a Poetry Slam performance by award winners Alysa Brenhock, Julien Tuast, Xochitl Rosario and Emily Carey, who is president of GCC’s Creative Writing Club. The award winners of the Third Annual Scholars Symposium included:

• Excellence in Computer Science Award: Cameron Bennage, “In a Game of Battleship, Can the Computer Be Better Than You?”
• Most Global in Perspective Award: Airi Hayasaka, “Otaku–The Differences in Otaku Culture Between Japan and the U.S.”
• Most Global in Perspective Award: Miranda Schiller “What Is Home?”
• Excellence in Sustainability Award: “Sustainable Still Life” with David Fenn, Timothy Frew, Gaia Fukuzato, Andrea Kirsch, Stacy Mullett, Anthony Nickel, Kera Pfeiffer, Christian Pierre-Louis, Meghan Potter, Maura Rogers, Jacy Sero, Timothy Slivinski, Summer Storms and Javin Williams
• Photographic Artistic Excellence Award: Kasey Edgerton “Visions of You”
• Excellence in Mental Health Award: Amanda Pahuta “Unflattening My Prison”
• Excellence in Teaching & Education Award: Xochitl Rosario “Communication with Infants, Toddlers, and Adolescents”
• Best Poster Award: “Back Pain? Maybe Your Backpack is to Blame” Breda Castaneda, Norbert Ortiz-Perez, Casey M. Swartz and Laura Whitcroft
• GSA Award: Cole Rogers, “I __You; My Generation”
• Excellence in Creativity Award: Cole Rogers “I __You; My Generation”
• Best Oral Presentation Award: Cameron Bennage “In a Game of Battleship, Can the Computer Be Better Than You?”
• Overall Academic Excellence Award: Cameron Bennage “In a Game of Battleship, Can the Computer Be Better Than You?”
• Excellence in Criminal Justice Award: Jamie E. Englerth “Solitary Confinement: Is it a Necessary Evil?”
• John Gardner Literary Award: Alexis Hackmer “A Dark Light”
• Excellence in Literary Arts Award: Brock Nahalka “Luck of the Draw”
• Excellence in Poetry Award: Cole Rogers “I __You; My Generation”
• Excellence in Narrative Award: Kasey Edgerton “Visions of You”
• Excellence in Craft & Form Award: Anna Lena Adams “What is Art”
• Judges’ Choice Award: Amanda Pahuta “Unflattening My Prison”
• Scholars’ Symposium Award for Forwarding Artistic Excellence: Emily Carey
• Scholars’ Symposium Award for Artistic Achievement: Julien Tuast, Celeste Cowie and Lucas R. Cook
• Scholars’ Symposium Award for Forwarding Academic Excellence: Liliam Montilla, Preston R. Herrmann

For specific information about the Scholars’ Symposium contact Director of English, Communications and Media Arts JoNelle Toriseva. Her email address is: jrtoriseva@genesee.edu, and her telephone: 585-343-0055 ext. 6627.

For general College information, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or via email: dsutherland@genesee.edu.

Genesee lacrosse players congratulate Jake D’Agostino after his shot traveled the entire length of the field for a goal as time expired to end the game with the Cougars’ 27th goal

Press Release:

No. 4 Men’s Lacrosse Team Blasts Cannoneers 27-1

The No. 4 Genesee Community College men’s lacrosse team battled two oppositions April 4 with the first being a fierce wind and the second being the visiting Jefferson Community College Cannoneers.

Genesee scored the first 16 goals, but with about a minute to go in the second quarter Jefferson got on the board with a man-up tally.

The Cougars would add six goals in the third and five in the fourth for the 27-1 final, with Jake D’Agostino sending a shot the length of the field that found the back of the Cannoneer net as time expired.

Four different Cougars took turns each quarter defending the goal, while up front four players accounted for 17 of the 27 goals.

Leading the way in goals was Jason Chiodo with five – including the official game winner. Kevin McParlene, Alex Mack, and Jordan Brennan each scored four, while a pair of goals came from both Joshua Shields and Evan Hollfelder – with the latter adding five assists to co-lead the team in points with seven.

Brennan added three helpers to equal Hollfelder’s seven points, while Mack had a pair of assists for a six-point day.

Andrew Forte tries to get good footing before unleashing this shot. Forte had a dozen wins in the faceoff circle at a winning percentage of 86.

Single goals were scored by Josh Bernas, Samuel Koczwara, Patrick Bilbrey, D’Agostino, Robert Middlebrook and Andrew Forte, who had nearly half of Genesee’s 26 faceoff wins with a dozen wins at a winning percentage of about 86.

The Cougars peppered 66 shots at the Jefferson net and held a considerable edge in groundballs at 34-9.

Garrett Lazore, Lincoln Potter, Max Henchbarger and Troi Benedict all saw 15 minutes of action in the cage with Benedict getting the start.

The Cougars next host No. 3 Howard Community College (Md.) in a battle of top-four nationally-ranked teams April 8 at 1 p.m.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Police Pursuit in Byron leads to Missing Gun Alert.
Two suspects have been taken via ambulance to the United Memorial Medical Center following a police chase that ended in the area of Route 262 and Bank Street Road in Byron.
Law Enforcement were on the scene this morning looking for a suspect who fled on foot following a car chase.
Officers issued a missing “gun alert” after discovering an ammunition clip in the suspect’s vehicle without a corresponding firearm.
According to our news partner the Batavian, one of the suspects was reported to have been throwing up blood apparently from several stomach surgeries.
Just before 4:30 this morning Medics were called to the scene to evaluate the first suspect and a second patient who had been bitten by a dog.
Both were taken to the hospital for injuries and the two suspects are in believed to be custody.
Currently it isn’t known what prompted the initial chase.

The windstorms across Western New York knocked out power for tens of thousands of households.
The windstorms rocked Upstate New Yorkers yesterday with gusts as high as 65 miles per hour in Rochester.
Batavia had the highest recorded wind in the state with a 75-mile-per-hour gust.
As of early this morning, there were still around 50-thousand National Grid customers without power.
Crews are out in force working to restore power.

Hutchins Place resident arrested for harassment.
31 year old Patrick Rumble of Batavia was arrested yesterday afternoon following an alleged incident where he repeatedly pushed an individual, prevented them from leaving his residence and from calling emergency services for help.
Rumble was charged with Harassment, Unlawful Imprisonment and Criminal Mischief and was issued an appearance ticket for this morning in Batavia City Court.
Around 10 minutes before Rumble was arrested a 17 year old female was taken into custody in the same area on Hutchins for allegedly Trespassing.
The unnamed teenager is expected in City Court on April 10th.

Senate Democrats in New York are reuniting after a seven year split.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says he hopes Democrats will now be able to pass reforms.
A number of moderate Democrats had broken away and conferenced with Republicans for the past seven years.
Unless they can pick up two more seats in upcoming special elections the Democrats will remain in the minority in the senate.

The High Wind Warning for Genesee County is no longer in effect, but nearly 1,000 customers of National Grid remain without power.

National Grid Power Outage Map

The utility reports that it could be as late as 10 o’clock tonight before all power in the county is restored.
Yesterday’s hurricane-force winds toppled trees, ripped down power lines and overturned tractor-trailer trucks.
A peak wind gust of 75 miles per hour was recorded by the weather station at GCC’s Batavia campus.
Route 77 was closed for several hours by big rigs that were swept off their wheels.
Downed trees crashed onto a home in Oakfield and a front porch of an East Main Street home in Batavia was damaged by another uprooted tree.
The storm and the winds moved eastward by early evening.
There were no reports of serious storm related injuries.

Press Release:

In anticipation of extremely strong winds and heavy rains across much of its upstate New York service area, National Grid has more than 1,700 line, service and tree crews on alert, including additional support from 240 contractor crews from as far away as Indiana. The additional resources began arriving yesterday. Crews are being deployed across upstate as needed, particularly in the company’s western and central divisions where winds are expected to be the most severe today and tonight.

In the event of power outages resulting from the weather, the company offers the following safety information for customers and the general public:

Electricity & Generator Safety

•  If a power outage occurs, customers should call National Grid’s at 1-800-867-5222 to
  expedite restoration.
• Generators used to supply power during an outage, must be operated outdoors. Before
  operating a generator, be sure to disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the
  main breaker, located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could endanger our
  crews and your neighbors.
• Never touch downed power lines; always assume they are carrying live electricity. Downed
  lines should be immediately reported to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or to your local
  emergency response organization.
• Customers who depend on electrically powered life support equipment, such as a
  respirator, should register as a life support customer by calling National Grid at 1-800-642-
  4272. (In a medical emergency, always dial 911.)
• Keep a number of working flashlights, at least one battery-operated radio and an extra
  supply of batteries in your home.
• Please drive carefully and use caution when driving near any repair crews working to
  restore power.
• Be sure to check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need
  assistance during an outage.

National Grid also advises staying tuned to local media for important announcements from
emergency officials about possible evacuations or other emergency procedures. In most areas,
information on storm shelter locations is available by calling 211.

Stay Connected

National Grid offers several ways to stay informed and safe – before, during and after a storm:

• For real-time power outage information, online outage reporting, and in-depth storm safety
  information, visit the Outage Central section of www.nationalgridus.com. Customers who
  create an online profile on our website can also sign up for email alerts.
• To receive text message alerts and updates from National Grid, text the word STORM to
  NGRID (64743).
• Online and text alert services can be started and stopped at the customer’s request.
• Other ways to stay in touch: – Visit our website: www.nationalgridus.com.
  – Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/nationalgridus
  – Friend us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/nationalgrid

Katline Cartwright goes against defenders from one of the top NJCAA schools in the country

Press Release:

Lady Cougars Fall in Lacrosse to No. 3 Onondaga Community College

It’s been more than three weeks since the last time Genesee Community College has seen any game action, and when they finally did it was against one of the top teams in the country in Onondaga Community College.

The Cougars played the nationally-ranked No. 3 Lazers even in the second half’s opening 15 minutes of the 30-minute frame. Onondaga would eventually get the upper hand in the second with a 5-1 edge and that combined with an opening-half 17-2 lead gave Onondaga a 22-3 win.

Onondaga turned it up out of the gate with the game’s first seven goals and the last eight of the first, but Genesee had a nice four-minute run in the middle of the first half where the teams played even at 2-2.

Rachel Ladd got the team’s first goal from free position and Molly Braden added a marker less than four minutes later to round out the Cougars’ first-half scoring.

Bri Heers took a nice feed from Olivia Steedman just 3:20 into the second for Genesee’s lone second-half tally.

Baseball Cougars Drop Pair to FLCC

The Genesee Community College baseball team lost a pair of road games to Finger Lakes Community College in the team’s first game action in almost three weeks. In the opening game the Cougars couldn’t hold their 3-1 lead before falling 6-3, and in the matinee the team produced a nice rally that got the teams even before giving up the deciding run in a 7-6 contest.

Justin Taveras tied the game at 1-1 with a home run in the third, as one of three hitters and the only player to record a batted-in run, a hit, and score a run.

Shannon Folkes upped Genesee’s lead to 2-1 before Jakob MacLeod crossed the plate for a 3-1 lead. Other Cougar hitters included Nate Darwin and Justin Baly, while Bryant Fontabez also had an RBI.

The Cougars didn’t display their finest play in the field where three different players were charged with a pair of errors apiece. Zachery Zink was solid from the hill in allowing just three runs – two unearned – with eight strikeouts and only allowing three hits as the starter.

Heading into the next to last inning of the second game, Finger Lakes appeared to be in control with a 6-2 lead. The Cougars plated four runs in the sixth to tie the game at 6-6, before a single run in the bottom of the sixth proved to be the game winner for Finger Lakes.

Genesee’s top players offensively were Harrison Lourens with a pair of hits, and Jayson Libert with a pair of RBI.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Criticism from former YWCA Director over decision to end grant funded programs.
Former Executive Director of the Genesee County YWCA Jeanne Walton has released a statement defending her past leadership and criticizing the current decision by the organization to immediately cease all operations including grant funded programs.
Under the leadership of New Executive Director Millie Tomidy – Peppper the Genesee County YWCA announced late Monday night that it would be shutting down services and terminating 36 employees due to financial difficulties.
Walton claims that nothing about the YWCA’s financial situation changed for the worse during her years of service.
She said the financial struggles experienced by the YWCA predated her tenure as Executive Director and that she learned to manage the organization living from “paycheck to paycheck”, just to remain solvent.
After Walton shirked any responsibility for the cash crisis she then criticized the move to end programs which she emphasized were 100% grant funded.
Walton said she was shocked by the news and she knows that it was an extreme decision that could have been avoided.

Police alert residents of funny money finding its way into the area.
The Batavia Police Department is currently investigating reports of counterfeit $50 bills being passed locally
They encourage checking the authenticity if you happen to receive a $50 bill.
Police say the counterfeits are very convicting and will pass at most businesses simple marker tests.
Some fraudulent features to look for are a penciled in security strip on the reverse and a faintly penciled in face on the right side of the note with the head of Grant.
They are also missing the microprint security features due to blurring.
If anyone receives a counterfeit or suspected counterfeit bill you can call the confidential tip line at 585-345-6370.

Serious windstorms for Much of Western New York.
Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties will be under high wind warnings through tonight.
Forecasters say wind gusts of up to 65 miles per hour are possible.
The windstorms could down trees, knock out power and cause lakeshore flooding.

Deputies say Rochester City Court Judge Leticia Astacio tried to buy a gun at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Deputies say the employees at the Henrietta store refused to sell Astacio a shotgun Monday.
Employees said they didn’t feel comfortable selling her the gun and turned her away based on store policy.
It isn’t known if owning a gun would violate terms of her probation.

The Buffalo Bills are suing Republican candidate for governor of Rhode Island Giovanni Feroce for nearly one-million-dollars.
The NFL team claims Feroce made a promotional deal to be the official timepiece of the Buffalo Bills.
Giant clocks were installed around New Era Field and the company paid the first installment of $87,000.
The Bills later learned that Feroce didn’t have the rights to the watch company’s trademark when the deal was cut in 2014.

The abrupt closing of the Genesee County YWCA sets off a rush to replace child care and other services once provided by the agency.
The YW announced yesterday that the non-profit was out of cash and was forced to immediately cease operations.
The news left parents scrambling to replace child care services.
Already, the YMCA has stepped up to offer its child care programs.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s office notes that its Genesee Justice program offers assistance to victims of Domestic Violence.

Genesee County YMCA

Genesee Justice

A high wind warning has been issued for early tomorrow morning in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
The warning will in effect until 8 p.m. tomorrow night in Genesee and Wyoming Counties, and 11 p.m. tomorrow night in Orleans County.
Winds of 30 to 40 mph are expected with gusts up to 65 mph.

Six people rounded up in a State Street drug raid.
The bad boys and two women were collared at 133 State Street last Thursday. Local residents busted were: 48 year old Donna Fidanza, 47 year old Joseph Marranco and 32 year old Madalyn Muntz.
The other three suspects were from Erie and Monroe counties.
A Canandaigua police officer involved in a deadly shooting will not face charges.

A grand jury has cleared Sergeant Scott Kaiden saying he was justified shooting an off duty parole officer.
He says he was checking on her at her apartment when she allegedly fired a shot at him. The family of the victim says Kaiden shouldn’t have been there in the first place and they plan to sue.

Press Release:

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr. would like to remind the public that one of the many roles of Genesee Justice, a division of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, is to provide assistance to crime victims, including domestic violence victims. For more information, please contact Genesee Justice, located at 14 West Main Street in the City of Batavia, (585) 815-7821.

Information from the Genesee Justice Web Page:

Becoming a victim of a criminal act is often a traumatic and disorienting experience for individuals. Victims are faced with an increased sense of vulnerability and threat to their personal autonomy and independence. Victims can also question their beliefs on safety and the order that they have come to expect from the community that they live in.

Genesee Justice works with victims to help them attain a more personal sense of justice. The investigation and prosecution of offenders within the criminal justice system is complex and foreign to most people, particularly as to how it impacts victims. Dignity doesn’t often come easy within the courtroom or the community. We encourage victims to empower themselves, which is critical to the healing process.
We will keep victims informed of what is happening with the investigation of the accused and guide them through any role they may need to play; we will take the time to explain to victims what they can expect during the proceedings of a case when it goes into court; we will accompany victims to any process and court proceedings; and we will assist victims in seeking counseling services; we will also help to address financial losses incurred as a result of the crime, including assisting victims in filling out applications for the New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS), if they are eligible. The OVS helps victims with unexpected or unaffordable medical or funeral expenses, loss of work and counseling services.

A victim may be referred to Genesee Justice by the District Attorney’s Office, Family Court, or Law Enforcement. Our door is always open for victims to walk in themselves.

Victim Assistance Services include:
• Assistance in filing Office of Victim Services application
• Provide information on VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) and assist victim with VINE registration, if interested
• Provide updates on status of court case
• Assistance in preparing pre-sentence investigation packet:
– Restitution information
– Victim impact statement
• Provide home visits
• Refer clients to appropriate agencies for further assistance
• Assistance in preparing right of allocution (the victim’s right to speak in front of the Court at sentencing)
• Assistance in preparing application for orders of protection
• Assistance in filing paperwork with surrogates court
• Accompaniment to court appearances
• Provide referrals for counseling
• Provide referrals for emergency items if needed by victims
• Assistance in writing letters to parole board
• Offer opportunity for victim/offender conference if desired by the victim

Press Release:

Cold Case Tuesday: Troop A continues to investigate the 1991 discovery of skeletal remains in Niagara County.

New York State Police in Niagara continue to investigate the discovery of skeletal remains of an unidentified man 26 years ago in Niagara County.

On Saturday, June 22, 1991 at 5:04 pm, skeletal remains of an unknown male were found by two teens in the Town of Lewiston. The teens were picking berries in a wooded area off Black Nose Spring Road, located on the Tuscarora Indian Reservation in Niagara County. The body was found about 30 feet from the road’s edge, in an 11 foot ravine.

The man was bound with cord and his mouth had been gagged with a washcloth. The manner of death of the man’s death is unknown.

The victim is believed to be an African American male, 30 to 45 years old, and was between 5’7 to 5’10. The victim was found to have sustained broken ribs, as well as facial fractures which had healed prior to his death, and may have been the result of the sport of boxing.

The victim was wearing a white-short sleeve V-Neck undershirt (Fruit of the Loom- size 42-44) and long, light colored underwear (Hanes- medium).

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Senior Investigator John Dipasquale of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Lockport at (716) 434-5589.

Please refer to SJS # 1197767.

Sketch rendering of remains

1991 scene photo

Money troubles lead to shut down at The Genesee County YWCA.
New Executive Director for the YWCA Millie Tomidy-Pepper said the cash position of the agency is such that it cannot continue to operate.
The news was released in a statement late yesterday just two weeks after disclosing the agency was facing “serious financial challenges” and in the process of auditing their financial dealings
All operations at the YW will cease effective immediately including programs such as domestic violence, before and after school child care, food program for home daycare providers along with crisis helpline services.
36 YW employees are being terminated in the restructuring and according to the current Executive Director, unemployment benefits may not be available to them because payments to the unemployment insurance fund were not kept up to date.
Tomidy-Pepper took over for Jeanne Walton as executive director on February 5th.
Walton resigned after seven years as head of the agency.

State Street sweep in Batavia leads to arrest of six on drug related charges.
The Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force conducted a raid at 133 State Street Thursday night where they allegedly found 6 individuals involved in various drug activity.
Two were charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell.
26 year old Keith Kendrick AKA “sosa” of North Chili and 25 year old Denzel Hall of Rochester were both charged with felony counts of Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance.
48 year old Donna Fidanza of State Street in Batavia was charged with Criminal Nuisance for hosting the drug activity at her residence.
47 year old Heath Snyder of Orchard Park, 47 year old Joseph Marranco of Pringle Ave in Batavia and 32 year old Madalyn Muntz of Evans Street in Batavia were all charged with various drug counts.

The Batavia Police Department will be hosting two weeks of multi-agency Active Shooter Response Training with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Probation Department, Leroy Police and State Police beginning this week.
The training will be held at the New York State School for the Blind, Hamilton Hall.
The training will emphasize single and multi-officer tactical responses used to make entry into buildings and address the threats.

Batavia man jailed without bail after allegedly violating court order.
36 year old Derek Wert of Tracy Ave in the city was arrested following an incident on Holland Ave in which he was accused of violating an order of protection by contacting a protected party at their residence.
Wert was remanded to the Genesee County Jail without bail.

A Fort Bragg soldier missing more than a week is safe.
Fayetteville Police say Sergeant Carl Seeman was found in North Carolina yesterday morning after his mother helped track him down.
His family traveled from Rochester to help with the search.
Seeman was listed as AWOL and could face charges once he returns to the 82nd Airborne Division.

Papa John’s is out of Rochester.
Employees’ at all five Rochester locations were shocked to find out yesterday that they were out of a job.
A letter was posted on the doors saying they couldn’t continue to operate in Rochester because of heavy headwinds put on them by New York State.
The company says they’re grateful to customers and are working to find new franchise owners.

Just two weeks after disclosing “serious financial challenges” the Geensee County YWCA has announced it is ceasing all operations effective immediately.
“The cash position is such that we can’t continue to operate,” accordingf to Executive Director Millie Tomidy-Pepper.
All YWCA programs are going to cease immediately. Those include domestic violence, before and after school child care, courthouse daycare, a food reimbursement program for home daycare providers and crisis helpline services.
The move will mean the termination of 36 staff members. Tomidy-Pepper said it is not certain that the employees will receive unemployment benefits because payments to the unemployment insurance fund were not kept up top date.

Tomidy-Pepper has been executive director since Feb.5. During the interview process she said nothing was disclosed about the current fiscal condition of the agency. Tomidy Pepper said the agency’s financial records are in such disarray that an audit cannot be properly conducted.

Starting on April 2nd, 2018 the Batavia Police Department will be hosting two weeks of multi-agency Active Shooter Response Training with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Probation Department, Leroy Police  and the k State Police. The training will be held at the New York State School for the Blind and will emphasize singlre and multi-officertactical responses used to make entry into buildings and address the threats.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro’s campaign for governor is officially underway. Kicking his campaign off this morning in Tivoli, where he was elected the country’s youngest mayor in 1995, the Republican called for change in Albany, saying people have lost faith in their government. The 42-year-old Yonkers-born Molinaro also has a second event planned in Albany this afternoon. A primary is set for September ahead of the November 6th election.
Syracuse State Senator John DeFrancisco and lawyer Joe Holland are also seeking the Republican nomination, while, on the Democratic side, actress and activist Cynthia Nixon is challenging Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly is on the mend. Kelly went under the knife last week in New York City for oral cancer. This weekend his wife posted on Instagram that a cancerous tumor was removed and his entire upper jaw was reconstructed. Kelly is on a feeding tube and expected to be in the hospital for at least two weeks.

News Release: YWCA of Genesee County

After several weeks, nearly daily meetings with the board of directors and many sleepless nights, YWCA Executive Director Millie Tomidy-Pepper and board members made a decision Monday that will affect agency employees, programs and services.

“The cash position is such that we can’t continue to operate,” Tomidy-Pepper said. “When I was interviewed I was told that there was a first quarter cash flow problem. Ever since I began here I have uncovered that it was much more than that.”

As a result of lack of funding, all YWCA programs are going to cease immediately. Those include domestic violence, before and after school child care, courthouse daycare, a food reimbursement program for home daycare providers and crisis helpline services.

This move will put 36 YWCA staff members in the unemployment line, however, she doesn’t know if there will be anything for them when they get there.

“The history of the organization using an unemployment services trust, and the fact that it was not kept up-to-date by being paid, it’s questionable whether employees will be able to get unemployment insurance,” she said.
Tomidy-Pepper has been executive director since Feb. 5, 2018. During the interview process nothing was disclosed about the current fiscal condition of the nonprofit. The agency’s financial records are in such disarray that an audit cannot be properly conducted.

“We’re working to keep the doors open but right now we have to close, and we’re reviewing the finances,” she said. “There’s considerable longstanding debt and there’s no money on reserve to get us through this situation.”
The lack of funds is further exacerbated by a maxed out line of credit and credit card, she said.
“I was not made aware of any of this,” she said. “I thought I could get past the first quarter, but there’s a mountain of debt and this has been a longtime problem. The finances are being looked into in depth.”

A veteran executive, Tomidy-Pepper was assistant executive director of Mental Health Association in Genesee County for seven years and another 12 years as executive director. She not only ran a nonprofit with a balanced budget but one with a surplus, which demonstrated her understanding of expenses and revenue and her management skills.
“I want my reputation to exceed me,” she said.

The site at 301 North St. will remain open to accommodate current tenants and My Sister’s Closet Boutique, a women’s and children’s clothing and accessories thrift shop. The agency has been the sole provider of domestic violence services in Genesee County and has served about 650 new victims each year. The agency has also provided before and after school child care for hundreds of families and answered the call for thousands of people in crisis. It is uncertain as to how those people will be taken care of in the future.

The board, which has grown from four to 11 members since Tomidy-Pepper took the helm, will embark on a “Save the YWCA” campaign. Up to this point the new executive director has experienced open arms to welcome her.
“The community has been reaching out to help us any way they can,” she said. “We have been working day in and day out trying to figure out what happened and how to put a plan in place to move us forward.”

News Release: GCC

Genesee Community College invites homeschooled students, their parents and siblings to attend the Homeschool Information and Orientation Session on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the Batavia Campus in room T119 of the Conable Technology Building. Attendees can learn about GCC’s exciting opportunities for students who are homeschooled, and visit with key college staff members who work with homeschool students to have their specific questions answered.

Homeschooled students have extensive opportunities to advance their education through GCC. Classes are offered in many subject areas and students under age 18 may take approved ACE (Accelerated College Enrollment) courses at a reduced tuition rate. ACE Program Specialist Dan Snyder, who works with many homeschooled students currently enrolled at GCC, will be at the session to provide information. GCC Assistant Dean of Recruitment and Admissions Lindsay Gerhardt will also share information about the admissions process, as will Joe Bailey, GCC’s director of Student Financial Assistance and Veteran Services.

The session will include an overview on how to obtain a New York State high school diploma through college credit earned, placement testing, the registration process, financial aid, online learning, campus tours and a Q & A session. The overall program includes the following schedule:

• Orientation (10 – 11 a.m.)
• Information Sessions (11 a.m. – 12 p.m.) including Admissions, Financial Aid Eligibility, and Online Learning Technical Orientation
• Lunch and Campus Tours (12 – 1 p.m.)
• Closing Q & A and Campus Tours (1 – 2 p.m.)

“GCC is enjoying a growing population of homeschooled students,” Snyder said. “It’s a great opportunity for students to continue with a quality, home-based education and get a head start on college for a fraction of the cost.”

Through the ACE Program at GCC, homeschooled students are exposed to small classroom environments with extraordinary one-on-one attention to ensure students receive a quality education that is focused on individual success. GCC’s homeschooled students enjoy the use of all of the College facilities, including the Transfer Center, Alfred O’Connell Library, Fitness Center and computer labs. Students can explore and expand their career aspirations through GCC’s Career Center. GCC’s newest facilities, the Richard C. Call Arena and the Student Success Center that are both scheduled to open this summer, will provide even more exciting new opportunities at GCC’s Batavia Campus.

Participants are strongly encouraged to register in advance by April 20, 2018 by contacting contact Dan Snyder at desnyder@genesee.edu or by calling (585) 343-0055 ext. 6393.

Press Release:

What: GCC to Host: Idea Pitch Preparation
(This workshop is part of the Business Idea Pitch Competition Workshop series)

When: Thursday, April 12, 2018 from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: Genesee Community College ~ Batavia Campus ~ Room T121, Conable Technology Building

Who: Entrepreneurs of all industries! Highly recommended for Business Idea Pitch Competitors!

Background: Every solid business venture starts with one thing – a pitch! Whether making a sale or convincing an investor, your idea pitch has to be organized, well-thought out, powerful and convincing! GCC is here to help get you prepared! On April 12, 2018, GCC will host a special workshop called Idea Pitch Preparation led by Sam Campanella of the Small Business Development Center.

Idea Pitch Preparation will take place on Thursday, April 12, 2018 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. in room T121 of the Conable Technology Building at GCC’s Batavia Campus.
This workshop is free and open to the public; you do not have to be participating in the Business Idea Pitch Competition to attend these workshops. To sign up, please contact Amy Conley at avconley@genesee.edu.

Do you have a passion you’d like to turn into a business but you aren’t sure if anyone else will think it’s a good idea? Consider participating in a Business Idea Pitch Competition! You could even earn a cash prize!

The first-ever local Business Idea Pitch Competition will be held Thursday, April 19, 2018 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Conable Technology Building at the Genesee Community College’s Batavia Campus.

The GCEDC has donated cash prizes which will be awarded at the pitch competition on April 19, 2018. Pitches will be judged by members of the Startup Genesee Committee.

Participants in the Business Idea Pitch Competition are strongly encouraged to attend the Pitch Idea Preparation workshop in order to prepare for the competition on April 19, 2018. For additional details on the competition, please visit https://www.genesee.edu/home/events/businesspitch/.

Press Release:

Starting on April 2nd, 2018 the Batavia Police Department will be hosting two weeks of multi-agency Active Shooter Response Training with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Genesee County Probation Department, Leroy Police Department and the New York State Police – Troop A. The training will be held at the New York State School for the Blind, Hamilton Hall building located at 2A Richmond Avenue in the City if Batavia. The training will emphasize multi-officer and single officer tactical responses used to make entry into buildings and address the threats. Training Instructors from all four agencies will be instructing during this multi-agency event.

Local media is invited to attend the training on Thursday, April 5th from 10:00 am – 11:00 am to observe the officers train.

The Departments wish to thank the NYS School for the Blind for providing the space for the Departments to complete this important training.

Anyone with questions may contact Officer Marc Lawrence at 585-483-1428.

State Police arrested 33 year old Erica Raphael of Batavia on Route 31 in the Town of Albion minutes before 8 p.m. on Easter Sunday.

Raphael was charged with a felony count of third degree Burglary for illegally entering an Albion address with the intent to commit a crime along with Petit Larceny and Trespassing.

She was released with an appearance ticket for Albion Town Court.

Byron-Bergen sixth-graders consider air pressure and lift while using a CAD program to design blades for their model wind turbines. Designs were later printed with the Learning Lab’s new 3D printers.

Press Release:

Byron-Bergen Elementary School expands and grows its Inquiry-Based Learning Lab

Since winning the New York State School Boards Association’s Be the Change for Kids innovation Award in 2016, Byron-Bergen Elementary School’s Inquiry-Based Learning Lab has been busy growing, and increasing opportunities for students. The Learning Lab, which focuses on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) activities, has moved from special interest class to integral part of the K-6 curriculum at the school.

“The NYSSBA award of $5,000 helped us jumpstart the Learning Lab,” said Principal Brian Meister. “We were able to fully commit to the project-based learning program, purchase our first robotics and other materials, and offer the class to all of our students.”

“The Lab is very student-driven,” said Meister. “Our young people are thoroughly and deeply engaged in learning; we are finding that the curriculum is evolving based on student ideas.”

In September 2017, the district was awarded $85,000 in educational funding with the help of State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer. The funding will be used to further develop the Lab into a cutting-edge center for STEAM, and to explore expanding the program to the Jr./Sr. High School.

Learning Lab teacher Craig Schroth is excited about the enthusiasm students have shown for the program. He can usually be found in the classroom, working with inquiring minds—helping fourth-graders learn block programming with Dash™ robots, or guiding sixth-graders in using a CAD program and LEGOs™ to design and build model wind turbines.

“All of our students, boys and girls, kindergarten through sixth grade, have the same level of excitement about the projects,” said Schroth. “Our little ones begin by learning basic math and science, logic, and collaboration skills with simple tools, like Bee-Bots®. Older students quickly progress to more involved projects like designing video games, satellites, or energy efficiency systems. They use teamwork, design trials, geometry, environmental science, and programming in JavaScript. Recent additions, like our 3D printers, are opening new avenues of exploration.”

“We are excited about the new resources we have been able to secure thanks to the new grant,” he said. “In the first year of this program, we used materials like cereal boxes, popsicle sticks, and tape. Now, students are able to create more sophisticated prototypes.”

“My favorite part of the class, however, is that the focus remains on facilitating ‘design thinking’ that is not device specific. The most important resource for us lies in student ideas and creativity.”

As students utilize the engineering design process of using data and collaboration to continually improve their results, they learn life-long problem-solving skills that will help them in whatever fields they may find themselves. Said Meister, “They learn how to work together, how to think creatively and embrace change, how to trial-and-fail until they find solutions.”

The spirit of inquiry rules for fourth-graders who are learning how to program robots to travel in geometric shapes, such as squares and acute triangles.

Red Wings defend their name after being dragged through the Muck.
The harsh criticism lobbed by the New General Manager of the Batavia Muckdogs toward the Rochester Red Wings and their previous management of the team has been met by some push back from the Rochester organization.
President of the Red Wings Naomi Silver said they are disappointed over the comments made by new GM Dave Chase regarding the previous management of the field and the front office at Dwyer Stadium
Chase said they basically left everything a mess.
The Redwings operated the Muckdogs for the past 10 years with many crediting them for keeping the team afloat for the past decade.
Silver said Major league Baseball inspected the field a year ago and found nothing wrong. She said the Red Wings only took office furnishings that belonged to them.
Chase who was brought in by the NYP league to run the Muckdogs this year, said Friday the field was not up to professional standards.

False alarms send an East Main Street man into lock up.
DePaul Housing Complex resident, 41 year old Jonathan Balaz is accused of intentionally pulling a fire alarm at the apartment building last Wednesday afternoon and again late Friday night.
The Batavia Fire Department were dispatched to the East Main Street address in an emergency response on both false occasions.
Balaz was arrested and charged with two counts of Falsely Reporting an incident for the two separate instances and was remanded to jail in lieu of bail after the second false alarm.
He is expected to appear in Batavia City Court this afternoon.

Steuben County woman picked up in Pembroke for unstamped smokes.
48 year old Cathleen Mills of Campbell in Steuben County was stopped by deputies on Route 77 in Pembroke following a complaint of an individual purchasing a large quantity of unstamped cigarettes.
She was arrested and charged with the Possession, Transport and intent to sell over 10,000 unstamped cigarettes.
Mills was released with an appearance ticket for April 26th in Pembroke Town Court.

New York has passed legislation to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers.
Governor Cuomo announced this weekend that those convicted of serious misdemeanor offenses would have to surrender their firearms and have their gun licenses revoked.
A loophole was also closed to prevent those wanted by police on an arrest warrant from getting a firearm license.

Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly is on the mend.
Kelly went under the knife Wednesday in New York City for oral cancer.
This weekend his wife posted on Instagram that a cancerous tumor was removed and his entire upper jaw was reconstructed.
Kelly is on a feeding tube and expected to be in the hospital for at least two weeks.

The Rochester Red Wings say they are disappointed over the comments from the new manager of the Batavia Muckdogs that the previous management left the field and the front office at Dwyer Stadium in a mess.
Naomi Silver, President of the Red Wings, operated the Muckdogs for the past 10 years. Without their involvement, most local baseball observers believe the team would have folded a decade ago.
She said Major league Baseball inspected the field a year ago and found nothing wrong. She said the Red Wings only took office furnishings that belonged to them.
Dave Chase, the man brought in by the NYP league to run the Muckdogs this year, said Friday the field was not up to professional standards.

Today is Easter Sunday, the day Christians worldwide remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is one of the oldest celebrations on the church calendar. It’s the traditional day in which Christ’s resurrection is celebrated. Christians believe God sacrificed his only son so their sins would be forgiven. Unlike Christmas, Easter isn’t celebrated on a fixed day. Instead, Easter falls on the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox. That could be anywhere from March 22nd until the end of April in a given year.

Genesee County’s Economic Development Center continues to handout tax payer funded incentives to spur new business.
The EDC approved incentives for two projects that would result in $1.3 million in capital investment, the creation of 10 new jobs and retention of 29.
Genesee Lumber Company will get $57,000 in sales and mortgage tax exemptions. The company plans to build a new seven-thousand sq. ft. warehouse in the City of Batavia.
$77,000 in sales, property and mortgage tax exemptions were approved for a new grocery store in Corfu.

New York has the most opioid-related deaths in the country.
According to the newest numbers from the CDC, New York has one of the lowest rates of opioid prescriptions, but the highest total number of overdose deaths.

Superintendent of Schools Christopher J. Dailey

News Release

THE BATAVIA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS A WINNER OF THE ROCHESTER 2018 TOP WORKPLACES AWARD

The Batavia City School District has been awarded a 2018 Top Workplaces honor by The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. The award is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by research partner Energage, LLC (formerly WorkplaceDynamics), a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools. The anonymous survey measures several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.

“Top Workplaces is more than just recognition,” said Doug Claffey, CEO of Energage. “Our research shows organizations that earn the award attract better talent, experience lower turnover, and are better equipped to deliver bottom-line results. Their leaders prioritize and carefully craft a healthy workplace culture that supports employee engagement.”

For Superintendent of Schools Christopher J. Dailey, the anonymous survey confirmed what he already believed to be true: “Our administration, faculty, and staff are second to none, “ he said. “They are dedicated to improving all students in every aspect of their growth while enrolled at BCSD. In addition, our Board of Education, backed by our community, supports the administration in creating a positive environment for our students and staff to work, learn, and grow.”
The future, he noted, will hold more of the same.

“This independent survey of all of our employees is an excellent recognition that defines our district as a great place to have a career that makes a difference in our world,” said Dailey. “We offer outstanding benefits to our employees and excellent professional development opportunities for continued improvement in all aspects of our district. BCSD also has tremendous facilities for our employees to impact the lives of our students. Our 2020 Vision Capital Project will enhance all aspects of our employee and student lives.”

Claffey said, “Becoming a Top Workplace isn’t something organizations can buy. It’s an achievement organizations have worked for and a distinction that gives them a competitive advantage. It’s a big deal.”

News Release

The New York State Senate has completed approval of the 2018-19 New York State Budget. State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R-C-I, Amherst) has issued the following statement:

“New York will have a final budget in place before the start of the new fiscal year. The budget rejects new taxes and fees, proposed by the Governor, including a new internet sales tax and a new health insurance tax. It restrains state spending, while making key investments in our community.

“The final plan secures our fair share of state funding for our school districts in Western New York, and restores funding– initially cut under the Executive Budget proposal– to our local public libraries. Additionally, the new budget invests in the state’s top economic industry, agriculture, by restoring funding for vital research and development programs.

“This year’s budget process has been a challenging one, and a $4.5 billion budget deficit has made it even more difficult. I am disappointed that additional tax relief– by lowering taxes for property, income, retirement, energy– was not included in the final budget. I will continue the fight to make New York more affordable, in an effort to help individuals, small businesses, manufacturers, and seniors stay and thrive in Western New York. I am also disappointed that the final budget does not level the tax playing field for Batavia Downs, and I will forge ahead with my legislation to establish tax parity for the oldest nighttime harness track in the country.”

News Release

A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)

“Although the budget process was rife with secrecy and failed to include much-needed ethics reform, we did secure funding for many programs crucial to Western New York.

“I am pleased we were able to restore Gov. Cuomo’s proposed cuts to Library Aid – providing millions in additional funding. We secured hundreds of millions in CHIPS to repair local infrastructure, programs to support up and coming farmers, a record amount of education aid and ensured protections for our valiant veterans.

“I am concerned that we once again increased spending, failed to curb our bloated Medicaid program and must absorb tax increases handed down by New York City politicians.

“Going forward with the rest of session I am confident we can work toward making New York more affordable for all and protecting upstate values from radical special interests.”

The Muckdogs’ GM says front office is a mess.
Opening day of professional baseball in Batavia is about 2 and a half months away, but the new manager says, the organization is way behind where it should be.
Dave Chase is the veteran baseball guy brought in by the NYP league to manager the Muckdogs in what could well be the team’s final year in Batavia.
Without naming the Rochester Red Wings, Chase had nothing good to say about the previous management.

Opening day at Dwyer Stadium is June 13th.
Chase says the playing field is in very rough shape and not up to professional baseball standards.

Genesee County’s Economic Development Center continues to handout tax payer funded incentives to spur new business.
The EDC approved incentives for two projects that would result in $1.3 million in capital investment, the creation of 10 new jobs and retention of 29.
Genesee Lumber Company will get $57,000 in sales and mortgage tax exemptions. The company plans to build a new seven-thousand sq. ft. warehouse in the City of Batavia.
$77,000 in sales, property and mortgage tax exemptions were approved for a new grocery store in Corfu.

High Wind Warning posted for this holiday weekend.
The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind WARNING for Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
The Warning will be effect from this afternoon through Easter morning with forecasters calling for Southwest winds from 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.

New York has the most opioid-related deaths in the country.
According to the newest numbers from the CDC, New York has one of the lowest rates of opioid prescriptions, but the highest total number of overdose deaths.

Muckdogs GM Dave Chase

Opening day of professional baseball in Batavia is about 2 and a half months away, but the new manager says, the organization is way behind where it should be.
Dave Chase is the veteran baseball man brought in by the NYP league to manager the Muckdogs in what could well be the team’s final year in Batavia.
Without naming the Rochester Red Wings, Chase had nothing good to say about the previous management

Opening day at Dwyer Stadium is June 13th.
Chase says the playing field is in very rough shape and not up to professional baseball standards.

Genesee County’s Economic Development Center continues to handout tax payer funded incentives to spur new business.
The EDC approved incentives for two projects that would result in $1.3 million in capital investment, the creation of 10 new jobs and retention of 29.
Genesee Lumber Company will get $57,000 in sales and mortgage tax exemptions. The company plans to build a new seven-thousand sq. ft. warehouse in the City of Batavia.
$77,000 in sales, property and mortgage tax exemptions were approved for a new grocery store in Corfu.

High Wind Watch for this holiday weekend.
The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind WARNING including Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming counties.
The Watch will be effect from Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning with forecasters calling for Southwest winds from 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.

New York has the most opioid-related deaths in the country.
According to the newest numbers from the CDC, New York has one of the lowest rates of opioid prescriptions, but the highest total number of overdose deaths.

HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM SATURDAY TO 8 AM EDT
SUNDAY…

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a High Wind
Warning, which is in effect from 5 PM Saturday to 8 AM EDT
Sunday. The High Wind Watch is no longer in effect.

* LOCATIONS…Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Erie, Genesee,
Wyoming, and Chautauqua counties, mainly along the lakeshore
along Lake Erie and South of Lake Ontario to about the Thruway.

* TIMING…From late Saturday afternoon through early Sunday
morning. Winds will be strongest overnight.

* WINDS…Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.

* IMPACTS…Strong to potentially damaging winds will be
possible and could bring down trees and power lines, resulting
in scattered power outages. Travel may also become hazardous
for high profile vehicles.