Thursday News Brief
Written by Mitch Ernst on June 4, 2025
GCC Faculty Honored with SUNY Chancellor Awards
Five Genesee Community College faculty and staff members have earned SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence for the 2024–2025 academic year.
Paul Brew was honored for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching for his engaging approach to history education. Amy Westfall received recognition in the Classified Service for her outstanding support in the library. Barry Chow earned the award for Faculty Service for his decades of curriculum leadership and student mentorship. Kelly Starchok was recognized for Professional Service, leading student engagement and inclusion initiatives. And Heather Jones won for Excellence in Teaching, blending creative instruction with global collaboration.
GCC President Dr. Craig Lamb praised their innovation and dedication as examples of the college’s commitment to student success.
Free Pizza Party for Teens
It’s pizza time at the Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia! Today from 3 to 4 p.m., tweens and teens are invited to the monthly Pizza Party in the Teen Corner. No registration is required—just show up, grab a slice, and hang out. It’s all part of the library’s fun and free teen programming held on the first Thursday of each month. That’s today at 19 Ross Street in Batavia!
Rochester Teen Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter
13WHAM News reports, an 18-year-old is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to manslaughter in a deadly hit-and-run crash on the city’s west side last year.
Police say Anthony Barnes was driving a stolen car erratically on Bloss Street on May 3, 2024, with several people hanging out of the windows. He lost control, causing the car to fishtail and flip into a yard.
Fourteen-year-old Jazzmeir Mouzon-Henton was trapped under the vehicle and later died at Strong Memorial Hospital. The other passengers fled the scene.
Barnes now faces 5 to 15 years in prison. Sentencing is set for August 14.
Prosecutors say his actions were reckless and preventable — and that accountability is essential.
Pembroke Staff Raises Money for Good Cause
The Pembroke Teachers’ Federation and School Related Professionals joined forces for a great cause this spring.
From February to May, staff and community members dropped off cans and bottles at CanJam Redemption in Corfu, raising money for mental health services in Genesee County.
This year, they collected $316.79 — a big jump from last year’s total of $205.
It’s a small act with a big impact, showing what community support can do.
Assemblyman Hawley Announces New Chief of Staff
Assemblyman Steve Hawley is congratulating his longtime Chief of Staff, Eileen Banker, on her retirement after 19 years of dedicated service to the 139th Assembly District.
Banker began working with Hawley in 2006 and has been a key part of his team ever since. In addition to her role in the Assembly office, she also served as mayor of Albion and a village trustee. Hawley says her deep community ties and commitment to public service have left a lasting impact.
“Eileen Banker is a model of what public service should look like,” said Hawley. “I’m grateful for her tireless work and proud to congratulate her on this well-earned retirement.”
Hawley also announced staffing changes in his office. Former executive assistant Jayleen Carney will now serve as Chief of Staff, and Jacki Tarricone joins the team as the new executive assistant.
Hawley says his office remains committed to serving the people of Western New York.
Dog Hike
Happening today — it’s the Tail-Blazer Hike at Darien Lake State Park from 10 a.m. to noon.
Dog lovers are invited to bring their furry friends for a free, 2 to 3 mile hike through nature.
Pets must be leashed, vaccinated, and friendly with others.
The group meets at the Sumner Road entrance — it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get your pup some exercise!
Coach Boeheim Visits Rochester
Legendary Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim paid a special visit to Rochester Regional Health on Wednesday, offering encouragement to patients and staff.
Speaking at the Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Center, Boeheim shared stories of perseverance and teamwork, drawing from his 47-year career — and his time coaching Olympic athletes like Kobe Bryant.
Though he joked that he couldn’t fix heart conditions, Boeheim said he hoped his message could lift spirits.
The specialized heart center is the only one of its kind in the region, offering personalized care and advanced therapies.
