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City fire and NYSP aviation to conduct training on Evans Street on Tuesday

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

On Tuesday, Nov. 8th beginning at approximately 10 a.m. the City of Batavia Fire Department and the New York State Police Aviation Unit will be conducting training in the area of Evans Street. During this training residents can expect to see and hear a low-flying helicopter in the area.

Batavia Players announced 2017 season

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Our 2017 Season will kick off with our Annual Gala on Jan. 7th and include many tremendous performances and interesting works by a varied list of playwrights and musicians. Plays and musicals will include classic literature, Shakespeare and timeless upbeat performances, thus the seasonal theme of Astonishment, Disbelief & Disclosure.”

This year’s productions range from traditional to avant-garde looks at familiar and not so familiar performances, throwing in a dash of the bizarre and horror and ending with a holiday tradition. Sure to please our theater audiences and provide a comprehensive theatrical experience for all. 

Annual Gala - Une Nuit Blanch A’ Paris (A White Night in Paris) -- Saturday, Jan.  7th @ 7:30 p.m.

This French-themed evening will pay homage to a traditional Parisian event. White dress, white lights, white decorations and all underlined by flowing champagne, basket raffles and our Annual Harvester 56 Theater Performance Awards and our most memorable performances. A sure not to miss event as we kick off the 2017 Season and celebrate the amazing 2016 Season! 

On Broadway 8 – The Magic Kingdom on Broadway – Feb. 10th, 11th, 17th & 18th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – Feb. 12th @ 2 p.m. – Directed by Amanda Melissa Taylor & Kathy White.

Sure to be a huge hit and a tremendous family event, as special performances loved by all come from that Magical Kingdom to our stage. The combination of new songs and longtime favorites are brought alive with colorful costumes, dance and song. Expertly directed by Amanda Melissa Taylor & musically directed by Kathy White, this is sure to be a great spirited start to our 2017 Season.

This Ain’t Your Mamma’s Shakespeare  – March 10th & 11th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – March 13th @ 2 p.m. – Produced by E. Jane Burk and directed by Susan Buckley, Joan Cirillo & Michele Stamp.

An irreverent look at the English Bard and his works by contemporary authors which include William Shakespeare having inspiring dreams, a community theater’s disaster with the play Hamlet and a college themed farce the night before a very special exam. Full of fun, fantasy and colorful characters, this is a great way to enjoy the themes and of Shakespeare while getting quite a few laughs.

William Shakespeare’s Hamlet – April 21st, 22nd, 28th & 29th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – April 23rd @ 2 p.m. – directed by E. Jane Burk & assisted by Michele Stamp – Shakespeare in Springtime Production.

The perils, clashes and revenge of the young Danish Prince Hamlet as he tries to avenge his father’s murder and subsequent marriage of his mother to his uncle, the play explodes on stage with all the drama of Shakespearean tragedy.  Acutely directed and conceived by E. Jane Burk, this study into love, tragedy, revenge, madness and terror is sure to be incredible.

The Last Five Years  – May 12th & 13th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – May 14th @ 2 p.m.  -- Produced by Kathy White & directed and starring Amy Martin and Joe Kusmierczak in this very special performance.

You are sure to enjoy Jason Robert Brown’s musical experience in the life of a five-year relationship from the beginning to the end. This compelling award-winning musical is told in the unique aspect of an aspiring young actress and a novelist meet, fall in and out of love. The actress’ story is told in reverse narrative from the end of the relationship to the beginning and the novelist’s story from the beginning to the end.  Only once do the characters interact in a poignant wedding scene. This is a truly amazing musical offering.

Grey Gardens – June 9th, 10th, 16th & 17th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – June 11th @ 2 p.m. – Produced, designed and directed by Patrick D. Burk with musical direction by Kathy White. 

Based on the Documentary of the same name, this is a compelling look at the lives of Edith Ewing Bovier Beale and her daughter Edith Bouvier Beale, aunt and first cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.  Once the bright lights of East Hampton, Long Island society, this musical delves into the complicated dynamics of this unique and tragic mother/daughter relationship as they diminish from the rich and polished society lovelies to their isolated and demented lives. Written by Doug Wright with Music written by Scott Frankel and Lyrics by Michael Korie this production is set at their palatial estate Grey Gardens as it too declines into disarray.

Kids Camp Presents -- A Midsummer’s Night Eve – July 21st & 22nd @ 7:30 p.m. – Kids Camp runs from July 10th -  22nd with this musical rendition of Shakespeare’s classic as the culmination of a fantastic program.

Led by trained and knowledgeable staff, our theater opens its doors to the 12 and under crowd to experience all aspects of theater work from conception to design.  This year’s program is a fun curriculum that will expand the experiences of the young actor and musician.  Included will be voice, dance, movement, design and acting.  Auditions will be held for the roles in the performance and campers will work to perfect their final performance for the public.  Lauded as “one of the best summer experiences around,” this summer staple of the Harvester 56 Theater will once again be supervised by Wendy Williams, Education Director & Musical Director, Kathy White. Camp spots are limited so watch for auditions and signs ups on our website.

21st Summer Youth Theater - FAME – The Musical – August 11th, 12th, 18th & 19th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – Aug. 13th @ 2 p.m.  Directed by Patrick D. Burk and musical direction by Kathy White. 

This high-energy musical based on the 1980’s television show was conceived and developed by David De Silva.  Book by Jose’ Fernandez, Lyrics by Jacques Levi and Music by Steve Margoshes.  Set in the famed School of the Performing Arts in New York City, this production looks at the highs and lows of the education and training aspect of a career in the arts.  Packed with memorable songs and amazing dance numbers, Fame will become a theatrical highlight for all to see.  Directed by Patrick D. Burk and Musically Directed by Kathy White along with a solid number of professionals, this will make our 21st Summer Youth Theater, a huge success.  A must see for the entire family this show is jam-packed with great characters and tremendous performances.  

The Laramie Project – Sept. 15th & 16th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance Sept. 17th @ 2 p.m.
Directed by Norm Argulski as a special 2017 Tribute Performance of this moving American masterpiece.

The Laramie Project is a true American masterpiece that abruptly and pointedly takes on the horrors of prejudice and the tribute of love and resolution. Written by Moises Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project, this play explores the aftermath of the torture and murder of a gay University of Wyoming student, Matthew Shepard, in 1998.  This memorable and moving piece of American theater is sure to be a sober and reflective piece in our theater season. Expertly directed by Norm Argulski, who appeared in the first Laramie Project performance in Batavia, this indeed is a Tribute Performance and a very special offering this year.

Frankenstein the Musical – Nov. 3rd, 4th, 10th & 11th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance Nov. 5th @ 2 p.m. Produced, directed  & designed by Patrick D. Burk and musically directed by Kathy White.

Mary Shelley’s classic story comes to life at the Harvester 56 Theater stage with a tremendous score and soaring musical numbers. Set in Europe and the Arctic in the late 1790s this spectacle of the stage, with music by Mark Baron and book and lyrics by Jeffrey Jackson was originally adapted by Gary P. Cohen. Painstakingly performed and adapted for our stage, the audience will be immersed in the horror, madness and tragedy that Shelley put on the pages of her most famous novel. Enter the world of Frankenstein as he creates his creature and realizes the impact this has on his family and all mankind. 

Whispers in the Snow – Dec. 15th & 16th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance Dec. 17th @ 2 p.m.
Written, designed and directed by Patrick D. Burk and musically directed by Kathy White.

Our magical year ends with an astonishing look at the Christmas Season. This production, written by Patrick D. Burk includes this area’s brightest and best performers, our younger artists as well as dance and song to tell a poignant tale of Christmas, community and love. It is a companion piece to last year’s The Christmas Gift. Full of the awe and wonder of the Holiday Season, Whispers in the Snow will be the performance that will put you in the spirit of joy and giving. It is indeed a wonderful and colorful way to end our 2017 Season, perfect for the entire family and kids of all ages.  

Law and Order: Man accused of driving drunk on motorcycle while on learner's permit

By Howard B. Owens

Eric Jon Merritt, 27, of Rose Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding and operating out of class. Merritt was allegedly exceeding the posted speed limit of 55 mph on Route 5 in Batavia at 2:40 a.m. Sunday while operating a motorcycle on a learner's permit when he was stopped by Deputy Ryan Young.

Dashawn Devan Hazel, 22, of Saint Mary Street, Bronx, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Hazel was arrested on a warrant during a traffic stop.

Treshaun David Perry, 21, of Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs and speeding. Perry was stopped on Prole Road, Stafford, at 3:29 p.m. Saturday by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Genesee Tourism: Foxprowl-Con returns to Batavia November 18-20th

By Genesee County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center

Genesee County’s own Comic-Con style event is making its return to Batavia on Friday, Nov. 18 through Sunday, Nov. 20th. The 2nd annual Foxprowl-Con is where the world of comics, movies, television shows come together for a wonderful celebration of fun. The event will be taking place at the Quality Inn & Suites, 8250 Park Road in Batavia.

Foxprowl-Con is produced by Foxprowl Collectibles, 97 Main St. in Batavia. The store is a major destination for fans of vintage and new toys, figurines, ceramics and collectibles.

Foxprowl owner and event producer Bill Hume said, “Foxprowl-Con is a great place where parents and children can connect over sharing their love for comic books, television shows and certain movies. There are a lot of interactive activities for people to enjoy.”

He added, “A lot of people enjoy meeting the celebrities and attending the celebrity panels, where they do Q&As and tell behind the scene stories. People love browsing the large vendors room, browsing thousands of comics, toys, crafts and costumes. There are over 60 free panel discussions, cosplay contests, live music, games and more included in your admission. There’s something for everyone.”

The celebrity appearances are a big draw of Foxprowl-Con. Attendees can meet the special guests free of charge, with there being a fee for autographs. Special celebrities include: Ari Lehman, who was “Jason” in the first “Friday the 13th” movie. Lydia Criss, photographer and ex-wife of KISS drummer Peter Criss. Steve Geiger, Marvel Comics artist, Rashaad Santiago, Season 6 winner of the TV show “FaceOff.” Hanna Hall from “Forrest Gump” and Rob Zombie’s “Halloween.” Mark Dodson, voice actor from “Star Wars.” Kurt Lehner, character designer and animation artist for Disney.

The event times and admission are as follows: Friday, Nov. 18th – 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 19th -- 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 20th -- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission for the days are: Friday $10, Saturday $20 and Sunday $15. Children 12 and under free with paid adult.

For up-to-date info, visit www.FoxprowlCon.com.

Visit www.VisitGeneseeNY.com to learn more...

Batavia Blue Devils three-peat

By James Burns

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The Batavia Blue Devils defeated the Hornell Red Raiders today in a 41 to 20 victory.

Batavia scored first five minutes into the game. Hornell quickly responded with a touchdown of their own. At the end of the first quarter, the score was Hornell 7 Batavia 6.

Batavia scored soon after the start of the second quarter with Hornell answering with a touchdown again, making the score 12 to 14. Batavia tried unsuccessfully twice for a two-point conversion after their touchdowns missing both times. Hornell went for a field goal after both of their touchdowns converting for one point both times. It looked as if the game had settled into a rhythm of both teams scoring equally with the outcome to be determined by extra points.

Midway through the second quarter, number 51 Jzon Richardson came up with a forced Hornell fumble and stopped their progress deep in Batavia territory. This play knocked the wind out of Hornell, even though late in the second Batavia fumbled with Hornell recovering the ball. Hornell never got their rhythm back and never threatened Batavia’s lead again. The second quarter ended with Batavia leading 28 to 14.

Hornell looked like they were going to come within one touchdown of Batavia in the third but Batavia’s defense stopped them. After that, it was Batavia in charge of the ground and the air, never looking back and cruising to victory. 

The standout players of the game where number 2 Jerry Reinhart, number 12 Chandler Baker, and the Sec V MVP number 34 Bubba Leach. 

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More picture of the game are here, www.jimburns.org

Law and Order: Employee accused of stealing and selling items as scrap

By Howard B. Owens

Robert Michael Markek, 39, of Clapsaddle Road, East Bethany, is charged with grand larceny 4th. Markek allegedly stole items from his employer on East Main Street , Batavia, and sold the items as scrap.

Jacklyn M. Ganzhorn, 29, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th.  Ganzhorn was located at 17 Centural Avenue during an investigation into reports of items stolen from unlocked vehicles.

Rodney A. Barber, 41, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, unlawful imprisonmeant 2nd, tampering with physical evidence, assault 2nd, menacing 2nd. Barber was arrested on a warrant.

Brian J. Dorman, 32, of Oak Orcharged Road, Albion, was arrested for alleged failure to answer a summons, Dorman is accused of failure to appear on a charged of haborboring an unlicensed dog in the city.

Joey A. Evans, 26, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen preopty 5th. Evans was allegedly found in possession of a metal detector that had been reported stolen.

Roberts M. Freeman, 24, no permanent address, is charged with failure to appear. Freeman allegedly failed to appear on a an appearance ticket.

Benjamin G. Evans, IV, 28, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Evans was arrested on four separate warrants.

Pamela M. Tiberio, 56, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with dog running at large. Tiberio responded to Batavia PD headquarters and was arrested on multiple complaints of her dog running at large.

Chelsea M. Mutter, 23, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Mutter was arrested on a warrant.

An unidentified 16-year-old is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The tenn was allegedly found in possession of marijuana on the campus of Batavia HS.

Mark Edward Snyder, 54, of School Road, Stafford, is charged with stalking 4th .Snyder alleged displayed odd and threatening behavior toward another person in Stafford over a period of time.

Joey Lee Wells, Jr., 27, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, failed to stop at stop sign and no turn signal. Wells was stopped at 5:32 a.m., Thursday, on Apple Tree Avenue, Bergen, by Deputy Jermey McClellan.

Jacqueline Bettina Jacobs, 33, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, introducing contraband into jail 1st, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Jacobs was charged with DWI and allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance while being booked into jail. Further charges possible pending completion of an investigation.

Sponsored Post: Adam Tabelski deserves to be returned to City Council in Batavia

By Lisa Ace

On November 8 there is an important local election happening in Batavia. Batavia residents, don’t forget to vote for Adam Tabelski.

Adam Tabelski has brought professionalism and integrity to Council, not to mention the experience of having been a trustee and mayor. He has worked extensively in the public and private sector, and he values common sense decision-making. On the campaign trail, Adam has heard the message from City residents: they want roads and sidewalks repaired, they want safe and healthy neighborhoods, they want an active downtown core. Those are broad objectives he will keep fighting for on City Council.

Oh, and although not a “lifelong resident,” Adam Tabelski is a Batavian by choice… and that’s more important! Exercise your right to vote. Vote Adam Tabelski for City Council-At-Large on November 8!

Yunker and Weber Art Show

By James Burns

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Bernice Yunker, in photo below, and Terry Weber, in bottom photo, are the featured artists this month at the Richmond Memorial Library. Bernice is exhibiting a retrospective of her work. Terry is exhibiting work inspired by her recent trip to the Eastern Seaboard and Maine fishing villages.

When you get a chance stop by the library’s Gallery Room to see the 34 works currently on exhibit. 

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Noise Complaint

By James Burns

A middled aged man waring a Cubs hat and driving a minivan has been reported driving around Bativia honking his horn. 

Concern over DMV voter registration addressed by Election Commissioners in Genesee County

By WBTA News

A concerned resident reached out to The Batavian with a report that the Genesee County Board of Elections did not have her as a registered voter in the county after she had allegedly filled out a new voter registration form at the DMV.

She reported that she was still registered in Monroe County after moving from Rochester to Batavia in July and registering at the DMV.  

Republican Election Commissioner Dick Siebert said the DMV discrepancy has been an issue of concern for the past few years.

Siebert said “Our main purpose is that everyone who claims that they registered through the DMV has an opportunity to vote that night, and what we do is provide them an affidavit ballot so that they're not turned away just because we say we can't find a registration for you...They can cast an affidavit ballot, which is the same ballot that everyone else gets, and then we have to sort it out later, each case by itself as to what happened -- why they're are not showing up registered with us.”

Siebert added that their main focus is first making sure everyone has the chance to vote and, second, ensuring that there is no voter fraud.

Law and Order: Drug suspect in Bergen charged with resisting arrest after foot chase

By Howard B. Owens

Timothy Mark Brady, 53, of Jerico Road, Bergen, is charged with resisting arrest. Deputies attempted to arrest Brady on a warrant stemming from charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful growing of cannabis and unlawful possession of marijuana. Brady was confronted outside his residence and allegedly attempted to flee on foot and was taken into custody after a short chase. He was jailed on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond.

Rosemary R. Jackson, 30, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Jackson is accused of shoplifting from Walmart.

Local women start Catty Shack to deal with cats in neighborhoods

By Howard B. Owens

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Shannon Laurer and Jennifer Goss have started Catty Shack, a neighborhood cat rescue and release program serving Genesee County. Yesterday, City Slickers hosted a fundraiser to help cover the costs of dealing with stray cats locally.

Catty Shack is primarily a TNR (trap, neuter and release) program, but tame cats may be adopted to appriopriate homes.

Catty Shack has already captured, neutered and released 16 cats, will trap 18 more next week and have 20 kittens that will soon be ready for adoption.

To find out more, visit the Catty Shack page on Facebook.

Chef has passion for pasta sauce

By Howard B. Owens

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Paulie Guglieamo, owner of Guglieamo's Pasta Sauce and a radio personality in Rochester, was the celebrity chef at the Culinary Arts Program at BOCES yesterday.

Guglieamo shared with students how he started his business and talked about some of the challenges and pleasures of starting and owning your own business. He then took the students into the kitchen and showed him how he makes his pasta sauces, which are based on recipes developed by his grandmother during the Great Depression and use garden-fresh ingredients.

He encouraged students to follow their passions as they set themselves on a path toward their eventual careers.

"If you have passion and you truly love it, you can do it," Guglieamo said.

Guglieamo's sauce is now sold in Wegmans, Tops and other retail outlets throughout the northeast. He said he's succeeded because of the passion he has for his product.

"When you actually have something that is an extension of you -- that's my brand, that's me, that's my actual phone number, I put my cell phone number on every jar we sell -- you can't possibly fail," Guglieamo said. "I cannot not sell this jar of sauce. I can't walk into a store and not sell it."

When Guglieamo was first starting his radio career, he was in sales.

"I was very, very, very bad (at sales)," he said.

If a customer offered an objection, he didn't have an answer, but now, selling his own product, he has all the answers.

"I have the answers to everything because this is my life, this is my baby right here," he said.

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Rancho Viejo celebrates Day of the Dead with costumes, facepaint and deals

By Robert Henry Jr.

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The owner and employees of Rancho Viejo are dressed up in celebration of The Day of the Dead, the holiday in which families pay respect and remember their family and friends who have passed away.

Guillermo Leon, owner of Rancho Viejo, says that the tradition is not one of grieving, but rather one of celebration.

"Its a very special day in Mexico where everybody goes and celebrates with their dead families. If they used to like tequila, they bring them tequila or their favorite foods. They'll have a big party."

The restaurant is running deals through Nov.  2, including 15 percent off for anyone who comes in costume, and many drink specials.

Law and Order: Albion Road resident accused of stealing bottle of booze from Batavia liquor store

By Billie Owens

Karl R. Samuelson, 62, of Albion Road, Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Samuelson was arrested at 5:27 p.m. on Oct. 27 on Lewiston Road in Batavia after he allegedly stole a bottle of liquour from Mr. Wine & Liquor in Tops Plaza. He was released with an appearance ticket for City Court on Nov. 22. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

A 16-year-old who lives on Liberty Street in Batavia is charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly engaging in a physical altercation with another student at Batavia High School at 3 p.m. on Oct. 28. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for Nov. 8 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Miracle Angel Patterson, 25, no permanent address, of Rochester, was arrested on a warrant out of Batavia City Court on Oct. 30 after being located in Rochester on an unrelated incident. Patterson is charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property stemming from an incident on Jan. 26, 2015 on Park Road Road, Batavia. Patterson was arraigned and held in Genesee County Jail without bail. Patterson was due in City Court on Oct. 31. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Joseph M. Marsceill, 31, of Central Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on Oct. 31 on a bench warrant out of Batavia Town Court. He was advised to appear in Batavia City Court at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 31 and was subsequently arraigned and put in Genesee County Jail on $350 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Richard E. Stafford, 76, of Orange Grove Drive, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear in court regarding an unspecified incident on May 9 on East Main Street, Batavia. Stafford was arrested Oct. 31 on a warrant out of Batavia Town Court after being released from UMMC. He was arraigned in City Court then put in Genesee County Jail on $500 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Ryan R. Hernandez, 19, of Albion Road, Oakfield, is charged with failure to appear on a bench warrant. During an unrelated investigation, Hernandez was located inside a residence on Walnut Street in the City of Batavia. He was subsequently arrested, posted cash bail, and was released from custody. He is scheduled to be in City Court on Nov. 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Five-week camp gives girls a good shot at success in basketball

By Howard B. Owens

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As many 50 young girls, grades 2 through 8, have just completed the new Fall Ball Training Camp run by Tom McCulley and Otis Thomas in the renovated Notre Dame High School Gym.

The camp was offered to girls attending either St. Joe's or Batavia City Schools.

"There’s not really a whole lot going on for girls this age," said McCulley, who takes over from Dave Pero as head coach at Notre Dame this season. "We thought this would be a way to get them ready for the upcoming season no matter where they may be playing."

The camp is designed to get the girls in basketball shape for the season, drill them in fundamentals and help them learn how to focus, follow directions and participate as a team member.  

McCulley said this training will help the girls as they move up to higher levels. It's a lot harder for a coach to work with an incoming freshman, say, who hasn't had this kind of experience.

The camp ran for five weeks.

This was the first year for the camp and given its success, McCulley expects it to become an annual event.

"The girls love it," McCulley said. "They’re excited about it. They show up every week, so obviously, they want to do it. It gives them a chance to compete and to learn how to compete, learn how to prepare and stay focused and take direction, so when they do get up to the higher levels, at least they have a foundation to build upon."

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Woman airlifted to hospital after accident this afternoon on West Ag Park Drive, Batavia

By Billie Owens

From our news partner WBTA:

At around 1:30 p.m. today, Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics were called to 4975 West Ag Park Drive for a reported motor vehicle accident with entrapment and the vehicle on fire.

The accident is said to have occurred at the bend behind the County Maintenance Building.  

The female victim reportedly made it out of the vehicle with the assistance of two passersby, however the truck was into the woods and on fire at last report.  

Mercy Flight was requested.

UPDATE 9:17 p.m.: Tim Hens shared this on social media:

Crazy afternoon. Sitting in my office when I hear a police call on the scanner for a single vehicle off the road with entrapment and on fire literally 1500 ft from my office.

Jumped in my car and responded with a few guys from the shop... Christopher J Klein, Rob Barone, Mike Nicolucci and Tyler Lang. Showed up to a fully engulfed vehicle. Tried to extinguish with a few small fire extinguishers with no luck. We were beside ourselves thinking there was someone inside, but two earlier passers-by luckily got there before us and managed to drag the woman to safety into the woods. They had to pry the passenger door open with the cab on fire and yank her out! Truly heroic whoever they were! Tyler Lang did an awesome job keeping the woman stabilized until police and Mercy Flight got there.

Life changes in a second. So glad she is alive.

GCC to host Veterans Career and Community Fair and Open House on Nov. 10-11

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce an expansion of its annual schedule of events for veterans at the Batavia Campus Center. Veterans of all ages, active duty, reserve or separated veterans, along with their families and friends are invited to GCC for special opportunities on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 10-11.

"We look forward to the opportunity to showcase the many offerings and opportunities we have here at GCC for veterans," Marie Giardino, program director of Adult Educational Opportunity Center (AEOC) said. "While these special events are planned around Veterans Day, our services continue throughout the year at all of our campus locations."

On Thursday, Nov. 10, from 1:45 – 3:45 p.m. in the College Forum, the Batavia campus will host a Veterans Career and Community Fair, giving veterans the opportunity to meet with potential employers and interact with numerous community agencies that offer an array of helpful services. Veterans can interact with regional service providers in higher education, vocational training, healthcare, housing and transportation. Among the organizations that will be present (subject to change):

• Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY Inc.

• Rochester Regional Health

• Bonduelle USA Inc.

• Five Star Bank

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection

• ATB Staffing Services

• National Tractor Trailer School

• NY Army National Guard

• Navient/Pioneer Credit Recovery 

• ConServe

• Darien Lake Amusement Park

• Fidelis Care New York

• United Memorial Medical Center

Veterans should plan on bringing their resumes, a copy of their DD214 forms, and if they are looking for employment -- "dress to impress!"

Prior to the Career and Community Fair from 1 – 1:45 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to listen to Purple Heart recipient Benjamin Randle Jr., director of Veterans Affairs at D'Youville College, who will speak about the life changing educational opportunities. Randle is a Vietnam War Veteran and his talk will occur in room T102 in the Conable Technology Building.

The annual Veterans Day "Faculty Connect" Open House in Batavia is scheduled from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, and it's the biggest recruitment event of the year at GCC.

Visitors have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with professors and instructors at the Academic Fair which runs from 9 to 9:45 a.m., and gain inside knowledge about GCC's many majors and long-term career projections. The admissions, financial aid and advisement staff are available to answer questions, and visitors can enjoy complete tours of the Batavia campus, College Village and the College's Nursing labs, as well as the dedicated Veterans Lounge. Those looking for a comprehensive review of the academics, admissions and the overall GCC experience should register for this event! Go towww.genesee.edu/OpenHouse or call 866-CALL-GCC.

After the Open House, a series of special Veterans Day events adds to the day, honoring the brave men and women who have defended our country. Tim Palmer, a  Navy veteran, GCC adjunct history instructor and recent SUNY Chancellor Award recipient will serve as keynote speaker for this year's event. Veterans from all eras will be recognized with the Wall of Honor photo display; a rotating photo show of veterans related to any and all GCC students, faculty and staff; a thank you board will be available and open for all to sign; and motivating music, literary readings and refreshments rounds out the day.

For a complete listing of GCC's Spring 2017 course schedule featuring hundreds of courses, go to http://www.genesee.edu/courses/schedule/

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