Skip to main content

Stories from

April is Sexually Transmitted Disease Awareness Month

By Billie Owens

Press release from Kristine Voos, Public Health educator for Genesee County Health Department:

April is STD Awareness Month. Do you know your STD status? If not, you need to GYT!

The annual GYT: Get Yourself Tested campaign is under way during Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Awareness Month, with online and on-the-ground activities across the country. GYT is a national campaign designed to promote sexual health and address the disproportionately high rates of STDs among young people.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 19 million new STD infections occur each year in the United States with almost half of them occurring in young people 15-24 years of age. In fact, one in two sexually active young people in the United States will contract an STD by the time they’re 25 — and most won’t know it. This is why it is important to GYT at least annually and more often if you or your partner participate in risky behaviors.

This month the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, along with community partners want you to know where to get tested locally. If you are sexually active, GYT is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. Make sure you have open and honest conversations about your sexual history and STD testing with your doctor and ask whether you should be tested. If you are not comfortable talking with your regular health care provider about STDs, there are other locations that provide confidential testing.

STD Testing Locations -- Call for details

To make getting tested more convenient Planned Parenthood now has an online appointment scheduling system. Visit www.plannedparenthood.org/healthcenter and enter your zip code to find the health center nearest to you.

 · WorkFit Medical, 178 Washington Ave., Batavia, (585) 343-0334

· Batavia Family Care Center, 16 Bank St. (UMMC Jerome Center), Batavia, (585) 815-6760

Some of the consequences of not receiving timely testing and treatment can include infertility, loss of pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, compromised immune system, and damage to organs. It is also important to reduce your risk of contracting STDs through responsible behaviors.

· Abstinence: The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have sex.

· Get Vaccinated: Vaccines are safe, effective, and recommended ways to prevent Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV vaccines for males and females can protect against some of the most common types of HPV. HPV vaccine is important because it protects against cancers caused by HPV infection. About 14 million people, including teens, become infected with HPV each year. HPV vaccines are recommended for youth starting at age 11 and adults through age 26. You should also get vaccinated for Hepatitis B if you were not vaccinated when you were younger.

· Reduce Number of Sexual Partners: Reducing your number of sex partners can decrease your risk for STDs. It is still important that you and your partner get tested, and that you share your test results with one another.

· Mutual Monogamy: This means that you agree to be sexually active with only one person, who has agreed to be sexually active only with you. Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner is one of the most reliable ways to avoid STDs. But you must both be certain you are not infected with STDs. It is important to have an open and honest conversation with your partner.

· Use Condoms: Correct and consistent use of a condom is highly effective in reducing STD transmission. Use a condom every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex. If you have latex allergies, synthetic non-latex condoms can be used. But it is important to note that these condoms have higher breakage rates than latex condoms. Natural membrane condoms are not recommended for STD prevention.Contact your local Health Department (Genesee: 344-2580, ext. 5555 / Orleans 589-3278) to receive free condoms.

· Sterile Needles and Syringes: Persons who inject drugs can substantially reduce their risk of getting and transmitting HIV, viral hepatitis and other blood-borne infections by using a sterile needle and syringe for every injection.

For information on STDs contact your primary care provider, local health department or other STD testing location. You can also access accurate information online via NYS Department of Health, CDC and Planned Parenthood.

GCC's Sheriff's Office recognizes National Public Safety Telecommunicators' Week

By Billie Owens

Press release:

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 Telecommunicator 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.

More than 82,000 events were dispatched in 2015, a daily average of 224, and 134,937 telephone calls were handled last year, which is an average of 369 calls per day. The Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center (Public Safety Answering Point-PSAP) is comprised of 24 men and women who dispatch to five local police agencies/New York State Police; 19 fire departments/Emergency Management Service; three ambulance services; as well as 41 other local, county, state, regional, and federal agencies.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office recognizes these public safety professionals who have worked so hard during this past year. Every day, 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.

Founding Day at GCC's Batavia Campus is Friday, cake-cutting ceremony will mark 50 years

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Founding a college is no simple task. Establishing Genesee Community College in the mid-1960s involved more than a decade of planning with hundreds of community members working hard in support of the innovative idea that Genesee and surrounding counties would benefit from having a college. As GCC recognizes its 50th Anniversary, numerous historical dates are being celebrated, as are the pioneering efforts and vision of its founding citizens.

Friday, April 15, 2016 is Founding Day at GCC's Batavia Campus, which will celebrate the exact date 50 years prior that the State University of New York officially approved and recognized the interests of the Genesee County Board of Supervisors to establish and sponsor a two-year college in Genesee County. It is one of many important dates in the College's history, and also the first event in the coming 18 months where GCC will reflect on its unique past while planning ahead for the future.

At 11 a.m. on Founding Day, the College community including students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and friends will gather in the William W. Stuart Forum for a cake-cutting ceremony. In addition, a specially prepared historical photo show will run continuously until 2 p.m., and all visitors will have the chance to be part of a pending time capsule by briefly answer the inquiry: "What I found at GCC." Edited responses to this inquiry will be added to the soon to be launched 50th Anniversary Web site.

WGCC, the College's radio station will be broadcasting live, and the GCC Cougar mascot will pose for numerous photo ops. Lastly, the College will officially release the new 50th Anniversary logo featuring a creative blue and gold flame matching the College's colors that date back to the late 1960s with the insignia "The True-Blue Past – Our Golden Future." 

"This is the 'soft opening' to the College's Anniversary program," President James Sunser, Ed.D., said at a recent planning meeting. "It gives us the opportunity to publish and promote our calendar of upcoming events and the many opportunities we are looking forward to, including the new logo with a few surprises."

The next big College event is the official Groundbreaking Ceremony on Thursday, April 28, at 4 p.m. for the new Student Success Center and the Event Center. College and community leaders will gather to recognize the start of construction for these two new facilities, collectively valued at more than $21 million and totaling 75,000 square feet. In addition, the program includes the opportunity to officially kickoff GCC's 50th Anniversary Celebration, paying homage to the community leaders 50 years ago whose vision gave rise to Genesee Community College's long term success. Final plans for Groundbreaking Ceremony are in development and details will be available soon.

Law and Order: Sex offender arrested for allegedly failing to register change of address, Oakfield woman charged with DWI

By Billie Owens

Kevin C. Greene, 61, of Bloomingdale Road, Akron, is a convicted sex offender who is charged with failure to notify an address change within 10 days. He was arrested March 11 at noon for allegedly moving out of his residence in February 2015 and not filing an address change within 10 days. He was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Batavia City Court on April 26. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Det. Eric Hill.

Carmelina Munoz Chavez, 48, of Sunrise Parkway, Oakfield, is charged with driving while intoxicated. She was arrested at 12:40 a.m. on April 10 following a complaint of a motor-vehicle accident in the Town of Byron. The defendant's vehicle was located and upon investigation, the defendant was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated. She was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Oakfield Town Court on May 9. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Man bailed out in drug case back in jail for petty theft: 'Refund, please'

By Billie Owens

The person who bailed Joseph M. Platten out of Genesee County Jail wants his or her money back -- sooner rather than later. And Genesee County Acting Court Judge Michael F. Pietruszka agreed this morning to release the funds.

Platten, 32, who lives on Warren Street in Batavia, pled guilty on April 4 to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree.

He was one of six people arrested in January after an investigation into illicit drug sales by the Drug Enforcement Task Force. At that time, he was jailed without bail.

Originally, he was charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 5th, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th. Platten allegedly sold a quantity of a controlled substance to an agent of the Drug Task Force while in the City of Batavia.

After accepting a plea deal on the single charge, bail was set at $1,000 and someone bailed him out.

While out on bail and awaiting sentencing, which had been set for May 31, Platten was arrested in the City of Batavia for petit larceny and he was sentenced to six months in jail.

Now he's serving that time and the person who posted bail in the drug case is requesting that the bail money be returned ASAP, said Platten's public defense attorney Lisa Kroemer. 

She also asked Judge Pietruszka to speed up sentencing on the drug charge.

"I hate to have him sitting there doing dead time on this file," she said.

"I think that can be done," replied the judge.

Platten, shackled and wearing an orange inmate jumpsuit, appeared in court with a razor-thin beard and shaved head, a tattoo visible on his neck. He is to return to court at 9:30 a.m. on May 6 for sentencing on criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree.

Batavia man sentenced to one to three years in prison for strangulation

By Billie Owens

A Batavia man who pled guilty to second-degree strangulation was sentenced to one to three years in state prison today by Acting Genesee County Court Judge Michael F. Pietruszka.

Joshua M. Gaudioso was arrested following a domestic incident Dec. 6 on Galloway Road wherein he strangled a female and threatened to kill her along with several family members.

"I can clearly see the gravity of my client's previous contacts in the criminal justice system," said his public defense attorney, Lisa Kroemer, who went on to tout the progress "Josh" seemed to be making in his treatment program and how well his counselor thinks he's doing.

"Josh got a lot out of it," Kroemer said.

She recommended a plan of intensive outpatient treatment until a bed in an in-patient facility becomes available. She asked the judge to consider allowing Gaudioso to be screened for acceptance into Drug Treatment Court with clinical supervision and a probationary sentence. She asked that today's sentencing be postponed until a screening and determination could be accomplished.

But Pietruszka was not swayed to grant her requests based on her client's previous behavior. The judge noted that Gaudioso has been on probation three times in the last 10 years and probation was revoked in each case. He was also on parole once and that, too, was revoked.

The judge issued four no-contact orders of protection, with the exception of minimal contact in one case for the purposes of facilitating visitation with his children. The victim's stay-away order will be in effect until April 12, 2027; the other three until April 12, 2024.

Gaudioso, who is about 5'8" tall and has strawberry-blond hair, wore a short-sleeved plaid shirt and khaki pants, wire-rimmed glasses and had a well-trimmed beard. He looked over at his parents in the gallery several times and repeatedly pushed his glasses up on his nose. He was very soft-spoken and when the judge asked him if he had anything to say before sentencing, he mumbled something about his progress in treatment.

Two-car accident, unknown injuries, blocking traffic in Bergen

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with unknown injuries is reported at North Bergen Road and West Sweden Road. It is blocking traffic. Bergen fire and medics are responding.

UPDATE 6:18 p.m.: Responders are told to come in non-emergency mode.

Darien Town Justice honored to take part in wreath ceremony at 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier'

By Billie Owens

(Submitted photo. Darien Town Justice Gary Graber is helping present the wreath to a sentinel guarding the "Tomb of the Unknown Solider.")

Press release:

On April 7 the New York State Magistrates Association had the honor to place a wreath at the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" at one of the nation’s most sacred shrines honoring veterans and their families who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. The Tomb of the Unknowns is in the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Hon. Gary Graber, who serves as Town Justice in Darien, Hon. Tanja Sirago, Hon. Harold Bauman and Hon. Dennis Quinn placed the wreath on behalf of the New York State Magistrates Association. They acknowleged that it was an honor and a humbling experience to be able participate in this ceremony honoring our NYSMA members who have served as well as all of those who serve in the Armed Forces both past and present.

The "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" includes the remains of unknown service members from World War I, World II and the Korean War. Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (AKA "The Old Guard") keep a 24-hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year vigil at the Tomb. The wreath ceremony is memorial in purpose and patriotic in nature, dedicated to the memory of all those interred in the cemetery and to all those dying in the military service of the United States.

Goat on the lam in the Town of Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A goat was seen running loose on and near the Thruway and was last viewed hoofing it down Vallance Road in the Town of Le Roy, which parallels Route 90. When a dispatcher asked if anyone knows the owner, the reply was "That's a negatory on the goat owner."

James N. Grodem

By Billie Owens

James N. Grodem died unexpectedly, April 8, 2016, age 24; beloved son of Peter and Robin (nee Bish) Grodem; loving brother of Samantha Grodem; cherished grandson of Charles and Dorothy (nee Kula) Bish and Jane (nee Sugg) and the late Thomas Grodem; James will be sadly missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends.

The family will be present on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. at the (Harris Hill Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 8440 Main St. (near Harris Hill Road), Buffalo, where a funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m.. Interment to immediately follow in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu. Friends invited.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in James's memory to the Genesee County Mental Health Services at 5130 E. Main Street Road, Suite 2, Batavia, New York 14020. Share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com.

4-H Paper Clover Fundraiser Campaign at Tractor Supply Store in Batavia is April 13-24

By Billie Owens

Press release:

National 4-H Council has announced the launch of the spring 2016 4-H Paper Clover Campaign in partnership with Tractor Supply Company (TSC).

Stop by Batavia Tractor Supply Company Store (4974 E. Main Street Road, Batavia) April 13 – 24 and support Genesee Co. 4-H Youth Development Programming by purchasing a paper clover for a $1 at checkout.

Funds donated during the national campaign will be tracked online and recorded by state and by store. Visit www.tractorsupply.com/4-H for more information on the spring 2016 4-H Paper Clover Campaign and to view the donation tracker.

This event marks the sixth year of collaboration between the organizations on the national in-store fundraiser, benefiting state and local 4‑H programming in each of the communities where a TSC store is located.

Last year, across 49 states, the TSC 4-H Paper Clover Campaign provided more than $1.8 million to 4-H across the country. All proceeds raised directly benefit 4-H, with 70 percent of funds being returned to state and local 4-H programs.

The effort has provided direct support for local camps, after-school programs and other activities, and has granted scholarships to these events where youth can explore their interests in everything from animal science to robotics.

GO ART! seeks to exhibit works that evoke all that is GREEN

By Billie Owens
Press release:

For a Members Challenge Show at GO ART! we are looking to exhibit artwork that evokes the idea, feeling, meaning, or experience of the word GREEN.

Artists are encouraged to submit works that interpret this theme in any way they choose. This will be the unveiling of our newest gallery here at GO ART!, located in the bar at Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia.

One piece per artist requested. No media restrictions. Entries must be no larger than 3' x 3'.

This will be a juried show with an opening reception on Thursday, June 2nd. The show will run from May 11th through Aug. 31st.

Entries must be physically received between May 5th and May 7th. The deadline for entries is 1:50 p.m. on Saturday, May 7.

UPDATE: According to GO ART!'s Web site "Through this exhibit, we hope to offer a unique opportunity for GO ART! members to showcase a small selection of their works in a professional setting, allowing for increased visibility and networking with fellow artists. In turn, we hope to provide you, the viewer, with a unique opportunity to celebrate the remarkable talent and creativity of our local artists, and perhaps to even purchase one of these exceptional pieces to enjoy in your home!

To contact the organization about membership:

Phone: (585) 343-9313

FAX: (585) 345-1608

E-mail: INFO@GOART.ORG

GCC's Toriseva named 2015 award winner in contest on 'Winter in Variations' poetry, photography

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Finding beauty in a Western New York winter is not always an easy thing to do. For Genesee Community College's JoNelle Toriseva, director of English, Communications and Media Arts and assistant professor of English, channeling the sometimes treacherous outside conditions into works of poetry and photography recently earned her recognition from the public charity Writers Rising Up.

It named her the Winter in Variations: Bill Holm Witness Poetry Contest Winner, Writers Rising Up to Defend Place, Natural Habitat, Wetlands for 2015.

The contest required a submission of six original, unpublished poems about witnessing some everyday occurrence in winter and additional photography, which is not Toriseva's strong suit.

"When I received the email that I had won, I was surprised," Toriseva said. "I was also very happy; however, they told me that I needed to take pictures of what I considered winter and I am more apt to be the person who gets a photograph of someone's feet or the back of their head, so I sought help."

Toriseva called on Joseph "Joe Z" Ziolkowski, GCC instructor of Photography, who guided her through taking shots outdoors with surroundings that included freshly fallen snow. The photographs, candid's of crab apple trees on the GCC Batavia Campus and a few of brush in the Bergen Swamp at dusk, were accepted by the organization as part of her winning submission.

Writers Rising Up is a public charity that focuses on nature education and writing through the literary arts at community events, contests, workshops, literary performances interpretive installations and publications. The organization hosts numerous poetry and literary contests, competitions and events for writers to submit and perform literary interpretations related to place, natural habitat and wetlands.

Toriseva's award-winning work included original poems titled "Perceive," "Dart," "Talking in Snow: A Short History of Sound," "The Benchmark of Winter," "Crossing" and "Winter, December #73," and can be viewed online at http://www.writersrisingup.org/all-contests/essay-winners/j-r-toriseva-bill-holm-winner.

A native of rural Minnesota, the home state of the award-honoree Bill Holm, Toriseva grew up an admirer of the author of nine books of both poetry and essays.

"I have known about Bill Holm for a long time. He is a staunch supporter of nature, which greatly interests me," Toriseva explained. "The fact that the Writer's Rising Up organization and the award raise awareness about wetlands and natural habitat makes this very special to me."

For further information about Writer's Rising Up and to view Toriseva's award-winning work, including her photography, visit the organization's Web site: http://www.writersrisingup.org/.

Rebecca Schwan of Le Roy garners Liberty League Track and Field honors

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Rebecca Schwan of the RIT women's track and field team was named Liberty League Field Rookie of the Week for the week ending April 3. It is her third honor of the year.

Schwan placed second in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:24.53 and was part of the 4 x 400-meter relay team that was also second in a time of 4:16.38, as RIT opened its outdoor season at the Geneseo Early Season Invitational on Wednesday.

Rochester Institute of Technology offers 24 intercollegiate varsity sports, including 22 at the Division III level and Division I men's and women's ice hockey. For three decades, U.S. News & World Report has ranked RIT among the nation's leading comprehensive universities. RIT's student-athletes are no exception, combining to post a 3.26 grade-point average during the 2014-15 academic year. For complete RIT Athletics news, features, stats, photos, and coverage, visit www.ritathletics.com.

Oakfield resident meets Lycoming College challenge for Habitat for Humanity

By Billie Owens

(Submitted photo: Erin Hale, of Oakfield, enjoys the North Carolina scenery during a hike.)

Press release:

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. -- Four homes, four families, countless smiles: that’s the sum of the hard work provided by 25 Lycoming College students, including Erin Hale, of Oakfield, and college staff during the Habitat for Humanity’s Collegiate Challenge held over spring break last month.

After traveling to Winston-Salem, N.C., the Lycoming group teamed up with the Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County affiliate to lay subflooring and roofing, install vinyl siding, put up patio railing, and clean at four houses.

“Signing up on a whim for my first Habitat for Humanity trip turned out to be one of my best experiences at Lycoming,” said Hale, a senior Biology major who participated in the challenge all four years at Lycoming, and who organized the last two as a leadership development opportunity.

“The trips remind me that a lot of people are struggling with more extreme conditions than a typical college student. The new homeowners are very thankful and the other volunteers, including the construction site leaders and retired people who contribute regularly, have made a big impact on me. These role models have inspired me to continue to give back in the best way that I can."

NY-Penn League Charitable Foundation announces 2016 scholarship contest

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League and its member clubs are proud to announce that the league's philanthropic arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation, will once again award more than $10,000 in scholarships this summer to deserving high school graduates from the league's 14 markets.

Now in its eighth year, the 2016 NYPL Scholarship Contest is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league's footprint. Any student who has been accepted at a two- or four-year college or university, vocational school, or technical education institution is eligible. Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.

The scholarship contest will consist of two stages - a local round and a league round. In the local stage, students will apply directly to their local NYPL team, with one applicant chosen by each of the 14 teams to advance to the league/final round. The 14 finalists will then be judged by league representatives. Three applicants will be selected to receive the top prize of a $2,500 scholarship. All other finalists will receive a $250 book award.

“The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation and our 14 member clubs are pleased to have the opportunity to assist outstanding high school seniors within our league’s footprint for the eighth consecutive season,” said Ben J. Hayes, president of the New York-Penn League.

“This program will again recognize those seniors who not only meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, but demonstrate the positive community impact and lifelong memories fostered by their local NYPL clubs throughout the year.”

High school seniors interested in entering the 2016 Scholarship Contest can obtain the official application at Dwyer Stadium or by visiting Muckdogs.com. The deadline to submit applications is May 20.

Each club's winner, including the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in mid-June.

The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c) (3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its clubs, and their staff.

Mark Your Calendar: Celebrity impersonator Lucine Kauffman will read at special library story time April 26.

By Billie Owens

The Richmond Memorial Library is proud to announce Dolly Parton's Imagination Library!

The Imagination Library brings the excitement of books to every child, from birth to age 5, by mailing an age-appropriate book to directly to them, in their home, in their very own name, to keep, forever! Playing with books in the home at a very young age is the best preparation to have for a lifetime of reading and learning.

So join us for a special story time at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26. Celebrity impersonator Lucine Kauffman will read, entertain and delight children of all ages, while library staff register kids up to age 5 for the book delivery service. Refreshments will be served.

Rochester pair arrested by Local Drug Task Force, including man charged with possessing crack cocaine

By Billie Owens

    Jerry Riley III

Press release:

The Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, comprised of police officers from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Batavia Police NET officers, and the Le Roy Village Police Department, concluded an investigation into the illegal possession and sales of narcotics from a Bank Street residence in the City of Batavia with the arrest of a man and woman from Rochester on Thursday afternoon.

Jerry Riley III, 38, of Jay Street, is charged with: two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, a Class B felony; criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd, a Class A misdemeanor; and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Brianna L. Meacham, 26, of Dewey Avenue, is charged with criminally using drug paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

The defendants were arrested Thursday afternoon following the execution of a search warrant at a Bank Street residence. Members of the Batavia PD Emergency Response Team and the Genesee County Drug Task Force executed the warrant and allegedly uncovered a quantity of "crack" cocaine, cocaine hydrochloride, heroin, marijuana and U.S. currency.

Riley was jailed without bail. Meacham was issued appearance tickets and turned over to the Cheektowaga Police Department on an outstanding warrant.

The investigation is continuing and further charges are pending.

Task Force members were also assisted in the investigation by the Genesee County DA's Office and uniform members of Batavia PD.

City water service on Oak Street north of Union Street shut down due to repair work

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Due to a private problem with the water service at the Monsignor Kirby apartments off of Oak Street, the City Water Department had to shut down water service on Oak Street north of Union Street at approximately 3 p.m. today. Water service will be restored as quickly as possible once the repair is complete.

UPDATE 4:38 p.m.: Water service has been restored.

Genesee Chorale to perform 'Carmina Burana' based on medieval poems, featuring renowned Alexander soprano

By Billie Owens

(Submitted photo: Alexander native Emily Helenbrook, soprano.)

Press release:

The Genesee Chorale is excited to offer two performances of Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” on Friday April 22nd and Friday April 29th. The April 22nd performance will take place at 7 p.m. in Kilbourne Hall at the renowned Eastman School of Music in Rochester. The April 29th performance will be at 7 p.m. in the beautiful sanctuary of St. James Episcopal Church, located at 405 E. Main St. in Batavia.

“Performing this amazing work will truly be a memorable experience for us and for the audience,” said Ric Jones, director of the large, Batavia-based community chorus. “This performance will run the gamut of human emotion; excitement, intrigue, humor, and love all rolled into one amazing work."

“Carmina Burana” is a scenic cantata based on a collection of 24 of the 254 poems found in the medieval collection "Carmina Burana" -- a manuscript composed of 11th – 13th century poems and dramatic texts, believed to be written by clergy in Italy and Western Europe for traveling scholars, universities and theologians. The collection of texts was discovered in 1803 in the Benedictine monastery of Benediktbeuern in Bavaria (Germany).

You might recognize the exciting “O Fortuna” which was first introduced to mainstream media in the 1981 John Boorman film "Excalibur." Other appearances in movies include "Glory" (1989), "The Hunt for Red October" (1990), "The Doors" (1991), "Natural Born Killers" (1994), and "The General’s Daughter" (1999).

The Chorale will be accompanied by three outstanding soloists: Emily Helenbrook, soprano; John Clayton, tenor; Joe Finetti, baritone.

Alexander native Hellenbrook is a senior at the Eastman School of Music, studying with Carol Webber. Helenbrook has performed several times as a featured soloist with the Buffalo Philharmonic and in several appearances with Ars Nova Musicians in the Viva Vivaldi Festival. She also appeared twice on the nationally acclaimed show "From the Top," recorded at the Chautauqua Amphitheatre and Kodak Hall at Eastman.

Clayton is a tenor based in Buffalo. He has been described as “One of Buffalo’s top vocalists” who performs “gallantly.” He studied music and voice at SUNY College at Buffalo and has worked with vocal coaches from across America and Europe. Clayton is a frequent soloist with choral ensembles in Western New York. He has also been featured in concert with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Nickel City Opera. He has sung the National Anthem for Buffalo Bills home games and is a current member of the Harmonia Chamber Singers.

Finetti, bass – baritone, enjoys various performing opportunities in the Rochester area. He recently appeared as the beleaguered Herr Schlendrian in Bach’s "Coffee Cantata" at Nazareth College, interpreted the Bass role of Haydn’s "Creation" several performances with the Finger Lakes Chorale, and sang Broadway favorites as a guest of the Irondequcit Chorale. A longtime member of the baroque ensemble The Publick Musick, he has sung solo roles in numerous Bach cantatas and masses as well as period performances of Handel’s "Messiah." Finetti performs regularly with the Renaissance group Musica Spei, the annual sponsor of the Rochester Early Music Festival as well as the well-known local chamber choir Madrigalia. He has a practice of family medicine in Greece, NY, and lives with his wife Maria Mastrosimone, also a family physician, in the Highland Park neighborhood of Rochester.

The performances will also feature two talented pianists, Doug Hanson and Howard Spindler. Five percussionists from the Batavia and Rochester area will accompany the work.

Tickets for the performance in Kilbourn Hall at eastmantheatre.org/events/genessee-chorale.

Tickets for the performance at St. James are available on the Genesee Chorale Web site, www.GeneseeChorale.com, from any Chorale member, or at the door. For more information please contact the Chorale president, Heather Lovelace at (716) 531-8986.

Genesee Chorale Director Ric Jones is the owner of Imagine Music Publishing. In addition to being the musical director of the Genesee Chorale, he serves as musical director of the Brighton Symphony Orchestra and The Middleport Community Choir. He is also the organist at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in Medina and Trinity Lutheran Church in Wolcottsville.

The Genesee Chorale is a community choir comprised of singers from all walks of life. It draws membership from Genesee County and seven surrounding counties. The repertory of the Genesee Chorale encompasses a wide variety of music in various styles from motets and madrigals of the Renaissance, to folk, musicals, and jazz. Over the years, the Chorale has championed contemporary works for choir as well as larger liturgical settings.

The upcoming performances are made possible in part with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Genesee Regional Arts Council.

Authentically Local