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Artist Shauna Blake does demo of acrylic pouring at GO ART! on March 13

By Billie Owens

From the Batavia Society of Artists:

A hands-on demonstration of acrylic pouring on ceramic will be given by Shauna Blake for the Batavia Society of Artists from 7 to 9 p.m. on March 13 at GO ART!

It is located at 201 E. Main St. in the historic Seymour Building in Downtown Batavia.

The drop-in fee for nonmembers is $5. There is no fee for members. To join, you can pay the dues on the night of the demo or by contacting the society to make arrangements. Dues are $30 for one person; $50 per couple; and $10 for a student. The email address is bsa.BataviaSocietyofArtists@gmail.com

All are welcome.

Blake started painting in her early teens and has devoted her entire working life to her artwork. She has a love for nature and uses the energy it provides to inspire her art. In 1994, she graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh where she studied graphic design and illustration.

She worked in the graphic design field for seven years before starting a new glass art business with her husband in 2001. She expanded her artistic skill set to include creating a variety of lampwork glass beads. In 2009, Blake discovered the joy of painting on silk and formed a news business Quintessence Silk Art, which is dedicated to creating a variety of silk art products.

This artist found that painting on silk was a natural match to her watercolor painting background and she has enjoyed exploring the medium ever since.

Since 2017, Blake found the art of acrylic pouring and expanded her business to include acrylic abstacts, which she uses in several ways, creating a variety of products, including one-of-a-kind jewelry and paintings.

Her handpainted silk scarves, silk ribbons, art prints and acrylic abstracts worldwide on her website:  www.QuintessenceSilk.com and on the popular Etsy handmade crafts site online.

Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School announces 2017-18 second quarter Honor Roll

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Bergen, NY ~ The Byron-Bergen Central School District is proud to recognize the following students who have been named to the Honor Roll for the second 10-week marking period of the 2017-18 school year:

GRADE 12

  • HIGH HONOR ROLL—Larissa Ashton, Cameron Brumsted, Lauren Burke, Benjamin Chaback, Brionna DeMichel, Jean Denson, Morgan Fuller, Margaret Graney, Ethan Green, Edgardo Guzman, Tyler Henry, Alyssa Hing, Brian Ireland, Daniel Jensen, Brendon Kendall, Nathan Knickerbocker, Melanie Kulikowski, Shaun LoVerdi, Peyton Mackey, Julia Menzie, Lily Mercovich, Dillon Montgomery, Makenzie Muoio, Joshua Phelps, Garrett Sando, Austin Sharpe, Dana VanValkenburg, Catherine Weaver, Riley White. 
  • HONOR ROLL—Jerra Amesbury, Megan Brown, Jacob Burlingame, Kylar Chambry, Quinn Chapell, Shayla Dearring, Justin Hannan, Brandon Kropf, Benjamin Lathan, Paul McDermott, Ryan Niemi, Riley Sadler, Cameron Shenk, Jonathan Stumpf, Nicole Welka, Esther Wilkins, Emma Wride. 
  • EFFORT ROLL—Larissa Ashton, Lauren Burke, Benjamin Chaback, Quinn Chapell, Brionna DeMichel, Jean Denson, Morgan Fuller, Margaret Graney, Ethan Green, Justin Hannan, Tyler Henry, Alyssa Hing, Brian Ireland, Daniel Jensen, Brendon Kendall, Nathan Knickerbocker, Melanie Kulikowski, Shaun LoVerdi, Peyton Mackey, Julia Menzie, Lily Mercovich, Makenzie Muoio, Joshua Phelps, Garrett Sando, Austin Sharpe, Leah Thompson, Chaderic Toal, Dana VanValkenburg.

GRADE 11

  • HIGH HONOR ROLL—Benjamin Bowman, Adam Drake, Jared Fregoe, Annaliese Hersom, William Johnson, Hunter Leach, Janae Meister, Erin Parnapy, MacKenzie Rosse, Wade Thompson, Kyong-ae Yun.
  • HONOR ROLL—Aaron Barnum, Sarah Bleiler, Nicholas Brown, Lydia Campbell, Cole Carlson, Alissa Countryman, Anthony DiQuattro, Tabitha Fuller, Leah Gale, Emma Goodman, Jason Hoehn, Isaac Ladley, Danielle Mason, Sabastian Pawlukewicz, James Roggow, Brianna Shade, Emma Smith, Lucas Stucchio, Colby Taylor.
  • EFFORT ROLL—Sarah Bleiler, Benjamin Bowman, Lydia Campbell, Anthony DiQuattro, Adam Drake, Jared Fregoe, Leah Gale, Emma Goodman, Annaliese Hersom, William Johnson, Hunter Leach, Janae Meister, Erin Parnapy, Sabastian Pawlukewicz, MacKenzie Rosse, Colby Taylor, Wade Thompson.

GRADE 10 

  • HIGH HONOR ROLL—Caitlin Ashton, Justine Bloom, Alexander Brumsted, Siomara Caballero, Alexander Dean, Madison Farnsworth, Sara Fraser, Emily Gonyea, Amaya Gunther, Zachary Hannan, Evan Harter, Rick Hubbard, Mikaela Hubler, Cambria Kinkelaar, Chad Kupfer, Jillian Menzie, Auburn Schwartzmeyer, Caleb Sharpe, Chloe Shuskey, Isabelle Stevens, Garrett Swinter, Annabella Vurraro, Grant Williams, Nathan Zwerka.
  • HONOR ROLL—Julianna Amesbury, Ariana Bobzien, Hannah Catalino, Jacey Donahue, Elizabeth Donnelly, Kelsey Fuller, Chad Green, Rose Hubbard, Travis Lambert, Samuel Pringle, Wyatt Sando, Kevin Smith, Brandon Stefanski, Cameron Sweet, Miriam Tardy, Hannah VanSkiver. 
  • EFFORT ROLL—Julianna Amesbury, Caitlin Ashton, Justine Bloom, Alexander Brumsted, Siomara Caballero, Alexander Dean, Jacey Donahue, Elizabeth Donnelly, Madison Farnsworth, Sara Fraser, Kelsey Fuller, Chad Green, Zachary Hannan, Rick Hubbard, Cambria Kinkelaar, Melissa MacCowan, Jillian Menzie, Auburn Schwartzmeyer, Caleb Sharpe, Chloe Shuskey, Isabelle Stevens, Miriam Tardy, Annabella Vurraro, Grant Williams, Nathan Zwerka.

GRADE 9 

  • HIGH HONOR ROLL—Nicholas Baubie, Bianca Brumsted, Emily Chaback, Richard Denson, Julietta Doyle, Veronica Duell, Joshua Fleming, Eden Goff, Sara Goodman, Hope Hersom, Kelly Ireland, Carli Kirkwood, Aiden Kulikowski, Colby Leggo, John Mercovich, Alaura Rehwaldt, Skylar Sharpe, Deacon Smith, Sarah Streeter, Xavier Thomas.
  • HONOR ROLL—Carleigh Buell, Hallie Calhoun, Zoey Chambry, Jonah Clare, Tylor Coats, Matthew Gonyea, Adriana Guzman, Logan Lewis, Andrew Parnapy, Bryanne Puma, Matthew Rada, Seth Sharp, Devon Zinter.
  • EFFORT ROLL—Mya-Lyn Albanese, Nicholas Baubie, Bianca Brumsted, Carleigh Buell, Emily Chaback, Richard Denson, Veronica Duell, Joshua Fleming, Sara Goodman, Hope Hersom, Kelly Ireland, Carli Kirkwood, Colby Leggo, Logan Lewis, John Mercovich, Bryanne Puma, Alaura Rehwaldt, Skylar Sharpe, Deacon Smith, Sarah Sue Streeter, Xavier Thomas.

GRADE 8 

  • HIGH HONOR ROLL—Corin Abdella, Rachel Best, Madison Burke, Caleb Calhoun, Caleb Carlson, Aidan Clark, Sadie Cook, Leanna Curts, Makenzie Eccleston, Angelique Heick, Grace Huhn, Brooke Jarkiewicz, Johnathon Klafehn, Madelynn Pimm, Elli Schelemanow, Grace Shepard, Alayna Streeter, Ella VanValkenburg, Alexandra Vurraro, Kaitlyn Windhauser, Emily Zastrow, Corden Zimmerman.
  • HONOR ROLL—Jared Barnum, Camryn Brookhart, Destiny Colon, Alexander Donnelly, Connor Gale, Christian Haller, Sarah Hanel, Meghan Kendall, Danyel Nowatchik, Aleigha Shallenberger, Kaden Sheard, Jorie Strzelecki, Ashley Weit, Emma Will, Claire Williams, Kaitlyn Zastrocky, Joshua Zittel. 
  • EFFORT ROLL—Corin Abdella, Rachel Best, Madison Burke, Payton Buzzell, Caleb Calhoun, Caleb Carlson, Aidan Clark, Sadie Cook, Leanna Curts, Angelique Heick, Grace Huhn, Brooke Jarkiewicz, Meghan Kendall, Johnathon Klafehn, Danyel Nowatchik, Madelynn Pimm, Elli Schelemanow, Aleigha Shallenberger, Grace Shepard, Alayna Streeter, Ella VanValkenburg, Alexandra Vurraro, Kaitlyn Windhauser, Emily Zastrow, Corden Zimmerman, Joshua Zittel.

GRADE 7

  • HIGH HONOR ROLL—Cassidy Ball, Olivia Best, Jason Bleiler, David Brumsted, Fiona Burke, Dayanara Caballero, Cameron Carlson, Caris Carlson, Evan Cuba, Emma Dormann, Kendan Dressler, Frank Hersom, Sage Johnson, Alec Kulikowski, Ryan Muscarella, Matthew Olander, Victoria-Pearl Parnell, Valerie Pastore, Kendall Phillips, Elizabeth Piper, Austin Salmonds, Brianna Salmonds, Emily Salmonds, Alexandria Schuck, MacKenzie Senf, Zoey Shepard, McKenna Shuskey, Matthew Tanner, Joshua Tardy, Ava Wagoner, Lillian Walker, Leyna Wheeler, Hannah Wies, Kaya Wildschutz, Nicholas Zwerka.
  • HONOR ROLL—Alyssa Ball, Molly Belknap, Hailey Canfield, Grace Capostagno, Elizabeth Cramer, Jonny Fooks, Kailee Gurtler, Sege Kalmbacher, Ethan Lewis, Autumn Mathisen, Andrew Rimmerman, Aidan Townsend, Julia Will, Emily Yun. 
  • EFFORT ROLL—Alyssa Ball, Cassidy Ball, David Brumsted, Fiona Burke, Dayanara Caballero, Cameron Carlson, Caris Carlson, Evan Cuba, Kendan Dressler, Frank Hersom, Alec Kulikowski, Ryan Muscarella, Matthew Olander, Victoria-Pearl Parnell, Valerie Pastore, Kendall Phillips, Elizabeth Piper, Austin Salmonds, Brianna Salmonds, Emily Salmonds, MacKenzie Senf, Zoey Shepard, McKenna Shuskey, Matthew Tanner, Joshua Tardy, Ava Wagoner, Lillian Walker, Leyna Wheeler, Hannah Wies, Kaya Wildschutz, Emily Yun, Nicholas Zwerka.

Two dozen county fire personnel completed hazmat incident command training on Feb. 22

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Twenty-four Genesee County fire personnel completed the Hazardous Material Incident Command program on Feb. 22.

This 24-hour program, held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center, was presented by Fire Protection Specialist Lawrence E. Babcock. It provides the hazardous materials incident commander with the skills necessary to successfully and safely manage the incident.

The course focused on the need for an organized approach to managing hazardous materials incidents, the required elements for an employer’s emergency response plan and site-specific pre-incident emergency planning.

Incident analysis, development of site safety plans, strategic goals for hazardous materials incidents and development of a plan of action and its application and tactical objectives to accomplish the strategic goals were also addressed.

Participants included: 

Alabama

Aron Kehlenbeck

Alexander

Nathan L. Fix

Tom Green

Sean M. McPhee

Lance Scharlau

City of Batavia

Stefano Napolitano

Bethany

Kyle L. Rombaut

Corfu

Mitchell  Bates

Kristen M. Gaik

Gregory S. Lang

Lori Ann Santini

Brian D. Schollard

Daniel P. Smith

Benjamin P. Trepani

Elba

Michael J. Schad Jr.

George M. Underhill

Caitlin E. Zipfel

Pavilion

Kelly Kraft

Bryen Murrock

John P. Weis

Nick J. Wright

Stafford

Rodney B. Bobo

Stephanie E. Call

Timothy E. Eckdahl

Leadership, Accountabiity, Courage & Knowledge class attended by 37 local volunteer firefighters

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The second Leadership, Accountabiity, Courage & Knowledge (L.A.C.K.) class of 2018 was attended by 37 Genesee County volunteer firefighters.

The L.A.C.K. program held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center on Feb. 15 was a four-hour program providing  an opportunity for fire officers, training officers and chief offers to improve their personal and organizational skill set.

Ongoing eduction and training of our first responders is essention for awareness, prevention and safe and effective response.

Visit the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management FACEBOOK or department Web page for future training opportunities.

February L.A.C.K. participants in Genesee County included: 

ALABAMA FIRE DEPARTMENT 

Richard Brunea                 

Sidney N. Eick

Aron J. Kehlenbeck                 

Ryan Thompson                 

Todd M. Thompson                 

BATAVIA, TOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT

Scott T. Maloy                 

BERGEN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Scott R. Mayne                 

BETHANY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Jeff R. Fluker

Christopher M. Page

Jeff Pietrzykowski

BYRON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Justin T. Baxter                 

Robert A. Mruczek

CORFU VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Gregory S. Lang                    

Matthew R. Lenhard

Rob G. McNally

Daniel P. Smith

DARIEN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Joe T. Marino                 

David W. McGreevy                 

Timothy E. McGreevy                 

EAST PEMBROKE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Lloyd J. Casselbury                    

Destin G. Danser                 

James R. Gayton                    

Paul J. Kirsch                 

Donald E. Newton Jr.                    

Jocyelyn Perry                    

Julie Waldron                    

David A. Winters            

ELBA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Kevin W. Dart                    

Nicholas J. Esten                    

Leonard  Peterson                    

Caitlin E. Zipfel                  

INDIAN FALLS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Edwin F. Mileham Jr.                  

LE ROY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Timothy L. Hogle                          

PAVILION VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Dewey A. Murrock

Donald A. Roblee                          

SOUTH BYRON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Dean L. Bates                  

Scott A. Blossom

Reminder: GCC hosts Spring Open House March 7 and April 14

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Ready to begin your college experience? Not sure where to start? GCC is truly the place to be! At Genesee Community College, our admissions team and student success coaches, know how daunting it can be to begin a degree or certificate program. So, we're here to help!

To get started, attend a Spring Open House! The first will be on Wednesday, March 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. If evenings are difficult for you, then join us on Saturday, April 14, from 9  to 11 a.m.

Representatives from GCC's student services offices will be on hand to answer questions about admissions, career and transfer services, student activities, athletics and you can even attend a financial aid session. Tours of the campus will be available, including the new Student Success Center, Richard C. Call Arena and College Village -- GCC's apartment-style residential housing.

To register for either Open House visit www.genesee.edu/openhouse or call 1-866-CALL-GCC!

Can't make it to either session? Consider attending a Friday Visit Day! You can learn about GCC's simple application and admissions processes, financial aid opportunities, take a campus tour, and even sit in on a college class! Friday Visit Days begin at 9 a.m. and end at noon on the following dates:

  • March 2
  • March 23
  • April 20
  • May 4

You can also visit www.genesee.edu/VT for a virtual campus tour!

GCC offers a comprehensive selection of over 70 degree and certificate programs! Dedicated to student success and accessibility, GCC offers a totally FREE application process, FREE career counseling, FREE tutoring and FREE parking! With more than 100 courses available online every semester and 15 degrees that can be earned completely online, GCC is more convenient than ever.

GCC's Campus Centers located in Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw provide additional options to attend class close to home.

For more information about the Open House, contact GCC's Admissions Office at 585-345-6800 or email Admissions@genesee.edu. For online, door-to-door driving directions go to: http://www.genesee.edu/about/visit/maps/.

Pavilion Republicans seeking person to run for Town Supervisor

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Pavilion Republican Committee is seeking civic-minded individuals interested in serving as the Town Supervisor for the Town of Pavilion. The term would start in 2019. 

If you are interested in running, please send a cover letter and resume to:

Town of Pavilion Republican Committee, c/o Kevin Clary, Box 28, Pavilion, NY 14525 or email  kevron1@frontiernet.net

Republicans seek council person for the Town of Pavilion

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Pavilion Republican Committee is seeking civic-minded individuals interested in serving as a Council Person for the Town of Pavilion. The term would start in 2019.

If you have questions or if you are interested in running, please send a letter of intent and resume to:

Town of Pavilion Republican Committee, c/o Kevin Clary, Box 28, Pavilion, NY 14525 or email kevron1@frontiernet.net

Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation sponsoring St. Joseph's Table at Sunny's March 15, benefits scholarship fund

By Billie Owens

The Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation is doing a St. Joseph's Table at Sunny’s Restaurant at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 15. A traditional meatless meal will be served. Profits will go to the foundation's high school senior Scholarship Fund. 

Cost is adults $20, children $5.

Tickets are available at Sunny's Restaurant in the Centre City mall, or from Paolo Busti board members.

According to Buffalo Folklore Etc., the St. Joseph's Table is a ritual meal done by Sicilians and Sicilian-Americans in fulfillment of a promise made to St. Joseph for his assistance in a time of family or personal crises. The Table is held on or as close to his feast day of March 19th as possible.

It is a very compelling and complex celebration with meaning for the people as a whole and even more specific meaning for the particular group or family celebrating the day.

The Table includes the altar with an image of Saint Joseph, flowers, candles, fruit and bread as well as the special meal of meatless dishes served at what is traditionally an open house at the home of the person/family giving the Table. The St. Joseph's Table tradition was brought to the United States by the late 19th and early 20th century Sicilian immigrants into Louisiana, Texas, California, Colorado and New York.

For more information about St. Joseph's Table, click here.

In 1992, the executive committee of the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation published a 240-page book titled "The Legacy of Italian-Americans in Genesee County New York" (Heart of Lakes Publishing). Common terms, names and phrases are searchable online here, plus you can read this Google Book and download its contents (directions on how to do so are online), which publishers provide via Google's Library Project.

Agencies likely to encounter the homeless invited to attend 'Continuum of Care' meetings

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) has long worked to assist residents of Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties (GOW) who are dealing with homelessness, through the Homeless Alliance of Western New York (HAWNY). ILGR is pleased to announce that Dai Nguyen has joined their staff in the position of HAWNY Program Specialist.

For those who might be unaware of them, Nguyen is inviting representatives of human service or government agencies that are likely to encounter clients who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or have problems securing housing, to an ongoing series of GOW Continuum of Care meetings.

These will be held on the third Thursday of every other month, from 10 to 11 a.m., beginning March 15th.  Under HAWNY sponsorship, they take place at the Main Office of ILGR, 113 Main St. at Center Street, Suite 5, in Batavia.

While the gatherings are primarily open discussions on the needs of the homeless, likely topics include updates on:

  • The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)'s Continuum of Care (CoC), a program designed to promote community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness;
  • The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), a database that keeps track of homeless people;
  • Rapid Rehousing, HUD's model for alleviating homelessness;
  • Grant applications;
  • Housing updates in GOW;
  • Plus new events and services. 

In addition, attendees can get assistance with HMIS training, HUD procedures, and the multifaceted, non-for-profit PathStone's programs, so that their clients can access these services as soon as possible.

The third Thursday dates set for 2018 are: March 15th, May 17th, July 19th, Sept. 20th, and Nov. 15th.

While encouraged, registering in advance is NOT required to attend. To RSVP or ask questions on the event, please call Dai Nguyen, at (585) 815-8501, ext. 417

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

St. Paul Lutheran School in Batavia will hold Open House March 5, registration underway for 2018-19

By Billie Owens
Above, participants in a Western reading rodeo with a prayer partner.
 
Submitted photos and press release:
 
St. Paul Lutheran School in Batavia will hold an Open House from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 5.
 
Registrations are now being accepted for the 2018-19 school year.
 
The school is located at 31 Washington Ave. in the city.
 
If you have any questions please call the school office at (585)-343-0488.
 
About St. Paul Lutheran School
  • Pre-K through fifth grade
  • Student Body: 60
  • Average class size: 13
  • Four full-time teachers
  • Two support staff
  • One nurse
  • New York State certified teachers
  • Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapists available Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5
  • Instructional technologies: Laptops in 4th & 5th Grades, Mimeo Boards in all elementary classrooms
  • Hot Lunch Program on Wednesdays
  • Spanish classes for Kindergarten to Grade 5
  • Early drop off at 7:45 a.m. – School begins at 8:15 a.m.
  • Busing available from all 11 districts: Albion, Alexander, Attica, Batavia, Byron-Bergen, Elba, Holley, LeRoy, Oakfield, Pavilion, Pembroke & Warsaw

For more information about St. Paul Lutheran School, click here.

Below: St. Paul students during a visit last month at the school by the "super heroes of our community" -- firefighters who drove over in a truck from city fire headquarters.

East Pembroke Fire District to hold workshop Feb. 21 on insurance coverage for 2018

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Please take notice that a Workshop meeting will be conducted by the East Pembroke Fire District to be held on Wednesday, Feb. 21, between the hours of 7 and 9 p.m.

It will be held at the East Pembroke District Hall, located at 8655 Barrett Drive, Batavia.

Purpose of the meeting is review of quotes submitted for district insurance coverage for the FY-18.

By Order of the East Pembroke Fire District

William R. Joyce, Secretary

Mark Your Calendar: BHS Production Club to perform musical fairytale 'Into the Woods' March 2-4

By Billie Owens

Information from Music Theatre International and Batavia High School:

"Into the Woods" is an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make. It will be performed by the Batavia High School Production Club next month.

Book author James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim, who wrote the music and lyrics, take favorite storybook characters created by The Brothers Grimm and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece...and a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching.

The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.

One of Sondheim's most popular works, "Into the Woods" is a musically sophisticated show with the opportunity to feature actors adept at dark comedy. Designers will especially enjoy highlighting the fantastical elements of this magical word.

The production was originally directed on Broadway by author Lapine and Jonathan Tunick created the orchestrations.

The BHS performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3, with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 4.

Tickets at the door are $10 for adults; $8 for students and seniors. Presale tickets are $8 for adults and $6 students and seniors. They are available at the high school's main office, 260 State St. in the City of Batavia.

Genesee County fire personnel learn about hazards of alt fuels and new tech

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

The Alternative Fuel Vehicles & New Technologies four-hour class was offered by the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management Services in conjunction with the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control on Feb. 12 at the Fire Training Center.

It was attended by 63 fire personnel from Genesee County and the surrounding area.

Information about the hazards of the new fuels such as methanol, compressed natural gas and electric power; as well as the pressures created within fuel cylinders was addressed in addition to safety information on other possible hazards related to alternative fuel vehicles. State Fire Instructor David Harrington also addressed the changing technology of the automobile. 

Genesee County participants included: 

Alabama

Aron Kehlenbeck

Gary Patnode

William Schutt

Ryan Thompson

Todd Thompson         

Town of Batavia

Josh Boyle         

Daniel Coffey         

Paul Dibble         

Gary Diegelman         

Clayton Gorski

Stephen Kowalzyk

Scott Maloy

Ian Sanfratello

Tyler Stewart

Robert Tripp

Ray Zwolinski

Corfu

Mitchell Bates         

Cyle Felski

Kristen Gaik

James Hale

Tyler Lang

Matthew Lenhard

Rob McNally

Steve Rodland

Lori Ann Santini

Brian Schollard

Daniel Smith

Jacob Stiles

Ben Trapani

Ray Zwolinski

Darien

Joe Marino

David McGreevy

Tim McGreevy

Brandon Scott

Mark Starczewski         

Elba

Jennifer Cardinali

Michael Heale

Tim Hoffarth

John Mudrzynski

Michael Pfendler

Michael Schad

Oliver Shuknecht

Megan Tabor

Nathan Tabor

George Underhill

Bob Zipfel         

Caitlin Zipfel

Conor Wilkes        

Stafford

Rodney Bobo         

Samantha Call

Ken Collins

Ronald DeMena

Tim Eckdahl

Matt Hendershott

Randal Henning

Steve Johnson

Ashley Swatzenberg

GCC offers free College Entry Help Sessions to assist potential applicants with aid, forms, etc.

By Billie Owens

Anyone who is looking for some help in enrolling in college will get that opportunity at two upcoming College Entry Help Sessions, offered free of charge at Genesee Community College.

The first one scheduled is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, in Room T121 of the Conable Technology Building at the Batavia Campus, One College Road. The second one will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, at the same location.

Both appointment and walk-in sessions will be available on both dates. Appointments are also available on additional dates by request. To schedule any appointment, please email AEOC@genesee.edu or contact Adult Education Director Kate Trombley, M.S. at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6285.

This is a continuation of the Adult Educational Opportunity Center's yearlong schedule of open monthly sessions designed to get anyone started on their way to a college degree.

During these sessions, the AEOC's outreach specialists will help potential college applicants with a variety of services, including:

  • Financial Aid Counseling: help completing the FAFSA, understanding various financial aid options including student loans and Pell grants, retrieving transcripts, and assistance with special circumstance applications.
  • Enrollment Assistance: completing college applications or enrollment forms, ACT Test registration and completing Entrance Exam Prep through Accuplacer. 
  • Veterans Services: AEOC outreach specialists are trained to assist any veteran in navigating services available for higher education.

It is important to note that these College Entry Point Sessions are not limited to students attending or planning to attend GCC. Anyone interested in attending ANY college or in need of assistance in getting started can participate. Information regarding GCC and all other area colleges will be available at these sessions. 

Additional details and a list of the session dates for all of 2018 is available here.

Enjoy moonlight hikes and winter walks at GC Park & Forest

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the forest on a full moon night! Naturalists lead you on a peaceful Moonlight Hike and Winter Walk from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb, 24th.

Meet at Pavilion B. Hikes begin and conclude with refreshments by a warm fire in Pavilion B! For ages 18 and over. Snowshoes may be used, weather permitting, and are available for rent or you may bring your own. Snowshoeing lesson provided, no previous experience needed! Rental is included in the price, $5/person, $15 max/family. Preregistration is required, call 585-344-1122!

Make a memory this winter with your own Private Group Snowshoe Hike! A Naturalist guides your group through peaceful woodland trails and open meadows. Listen to winter’s quiet beauty and find signs of wildlife in this 431-acre park. Private hikes are available on Saturdays in February from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. by reservation only at the Interpretive Nature Center. No previous experience is needed; snowshoes provided or bring your own. Rental is included in the price, $5/person, minimum group fee is $75. Call 585-344-1122 to book your own adventure!

Snowshoe rentals are available at the Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Center 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 12 – 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays December through March, weather permitting. Snowshoes must be used in the park. Fee is $5/pair and all proceeds go to ACORNS, the nonprofit organization that supports the parks!

Call (585) 344-1122 to register. For more information visit our website here, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

St. James Episcopal Church announces Lenten Fish Fries on Fridays -- Feb. 16 through March 23

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
St. James Episcopal Church announces their annual Lenten Fish Fries beginning Fridays Feb. 16 through March 23.
 
Fried or baked fish, French fries or baked potato, coleslaw or applesauce, homemade desserts.
 
Eat-in beginning at 5 p.m. or take-out beginning at 4:30 p.m.
 
Fish Fry -- $9
Desserts -- $4
Beverage -- $1
 
St. James Episcopal Church

'The Kite Boy' -- An Acrylic Exhibit by El Salvadoran immigrant Alex Segovia now showing at GO ART!

By Billie Owens

The above work by Alex Segovia is entitled "A New Beginning."

Submitted photo and press release:

"The Kite Boy" -- An Acrylic Exhibit by Alex Segovia will be displayed in the Oliver’s Gallery in the Seymour Dining Room at GO ART! in Downtown Batavia now through April 7.

There will be an artist's reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 15.

Segovia writes: "I was born September 4th, 1970, in El Salvador, Central America. I come from a very humble poor family. We were cotton pickers. I had a wonderful childhood, in spite of having limited resources and also my country having a civil war, that lasted 12 years.

"I was good at drawing, writing and making kites. Sometimes kids would come up to buy from me drawings and kites. I do not have any education in arts, but I did finish (high school) and since I went to an American school, by 14 years old, I was already speaking English.

"The 2 most important jobs I've held in my life, (are) making furniture and being part of an NGO that did social work in poor communities. Since most people don't make much money in my country, and I wasn't the exception, I could not buy the proper materials for painting. It was until I came to the U.S. that I eventually started drawing and painting."

GO ART!  201 E.  Main St.   Batavia, NY 14020

Gallery Hours: Thursday, Friday 11-7 / Saturday 11-4 / Second Sunday 11-2

585-343-9313
www.goart.org

'Avid baseball players' wanted for startup 18U Tournament Baseball Team

By Billie Owens

Press release:

My name is Brenden von Kramer and I am starting a 18U Tournament Baseball Team that will be both affordable to all and for young men who are looking to play past high school and even potentially the next level.

We will be competing in the Darien Lake tournament and potentially a few other tournaments against top-notch teams from all over. The team will be coached by Chad Winkelman David Hall and myself as well as possibly some other high school coaches from around the area.

We are looking for avid baseball players.

If this interests you or you know someone who would be interested, please contact me as soon as possible via call/text or FB Messenger for further details.

We will be holding tryouts in the near future after the basketball season has ended, at a date to be announced later.

We hope to see you there!

Brenden von Kramer

(585) 208-8595

Jeff Donohue to discuss Ely Parker at GCC History Club March 7 in Batavia

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College's History Club is excited to announce the addition of Jeff Donohue's discussion on "Ely Parker: A Man of Two Worlds" to its Historical Horizon's Lecture Series.

Independent historian and former director of the Holland Land Office and Museum, Jeff Donahue will be at GCC's Batavia Campus on Wednesday, March 7, at 7 p.m. in room T102 if the Conable Technology Building.

Donohue's talk will examine the challenges Parker faced living in two worlds. During the Civil War, Ely Samuel Parker, a Seneca chief, struggled against prevailing prejudices to make his mark. He was so successful that he would become the man entrusted to copy the terms of surrender at Appomattox Court House.

City PD offers services to landlords to help them select best possible tenants

By Billie Owens

Press release:

As part of our continued community partnership, the Batavia Police Department offers the following services to landlords in an effort to help them choose the best possible tenants and evaluate police responses to their properties.

These services were developed in direct response to feedback the department received from landlords and directly address the concerns they had. Below are the listed services and information on both programs.

Property Owner FOIL (Freedom Of Information Law) Request – This service will tell landlords how many times the Batavia Police Department has responded to a property within the time frame requested. After the initial request, we will provide a monthly contact summary every month on the second Tuesday of the month. Landlords can have the information emailed to them at no cost. For a hard copy, a charge of $.25 per page will be assessed. Copies of actual reports will not be provided.

Tenant Background Check – This service will show landlords the times a potential tenant has been arrested. This information will only show arrests and not how many times the potential tenant has had police contact. The information provided will include arrests from the Batavia Police Department ONLY and will cover the previous five years. The potential tenant will have to submit the background check form, in person, as we must verify their identity. Cost for this service is $10 which will need to be collected from the potential tenant at the time the form is turned in. The background form cannot be turned in by the landlord.

Copies of the above request forms can be found under the “Police Department” section on the City of Batavia’s website located at http://www.batavianewyork.com/Files. Forms can also be provided via email, U.S. Mail or by stopping at Batavia Police Headquarters located at 10 W. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020. Results can be sent via email, U.S. Mail or in person.

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