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Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

In light of last weekend’s horrific terrorist attacks across Europe, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has called on Gov. Cuomo to increase New York’s screening process for allowing Syrian refugees into the state. Hawley expressed the urgency of this matter as authorities are investigating a Syrian Passport found near one of the French bombing sites after the weekend’s terrorist attacks.

Twenty-five governors across the country have vowed to block Syrian refugees from entering their states as of this morning.

“This is a matter of New York State security,” Hawley said. “I am concerned that Syrian refugees sympathetic to the terrorist attacks could already be living among us, and we have a duty to protect our citizens from future threats. New York’s highly populated cities are easy targets for terrorists who are now more frequently attacking innocent civilians.

"The groundswell of support for this measure is growing by the hour, and 25 governors, including several moderate presidential candidates, already have pledged to close their borders until security is increased. I am officially calling on Gov. Cuomo to close our borders to Syrian refugees until we can properly ascertain threats inside our state and the remaining attackers have been apprehended.”

John E. Tejada, 19, of Cherry Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree assault, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, endangering the welfare of a child, and second-degree menacing. On Nov. 10 at 10:01 p.m., at 300 Ellicott St., Tejada allegedly pulled out a BB gun, pointed it in the direction of several individuals, two of whom are under age 17, and shot several times, injuring one person. He was jailed without bail and ordered to return to City Court last Friday, Nov. 13. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

A 17-year-old male who resides on Route 237, Byron, was arrested and charged with forcible touching for allegedly touching a female's intimate body parts on the afternoon of Nov. 6 in Bergen. He was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Bergen Town Court on Dec. 16. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Matthew Butler.

Kathryn M. Yark, 18, of Roosevelt Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant issued for the alleged unauthorized use of a vehicle on July 18. After her arraignment Saturday in Town of Batavia Court, she was jailed in lieu of $1,000 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

James P. Colantonio Jr., 27, of South Swan Street, Batavia, was arrested Saturday on a bench warrant issued following his alleged failure to pay a fine last December. He is scheduled to appear in City Court on Wednesday, Nov. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Leo Richard Brown, 19, of West Main Street, Batavia, was arrested today on a bench warrant issued for allegedly failing to appear in court on April 7. He was turned over to Batavia PD by Albion PD. He was released and scheduled to return to City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

A 17-year-old who lives on Liberty Street in Batavia was arrested today and charged with attempted petit larceny, stemming from an incident which occurred at 3:15 p.m. on Nov. 15 on East Main Street, Batavia. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

This beautiful, sleek indoor boy (betcha it's a Bombay) is named "Ted" and he is missing from his house on Osterhout Avenue in the City of Batavia. You've no doubt heard of TED talks. Well, we can assure you this Ted talks, he just doesn't speak English. A real chatterbox -- when he's not napping or noshing.

He made his stealthy escape Sunday night, well camouflaged in the cloak of darkness. His family (Greg Carney, Alicia Hale and their 5-year-old daughter) pines for him most acutely.

Please contact Alicia Hale at 585-300-9669 if you have any information about Ted. If you see him, try to engage him in a conversation, then call his mom. Hopefully, he'll hold forth until she can arrange for his safe return.

Submitted photos. Top -- newest Athletic Hall of Fame inductees: Alex Sepi, Lisa Dwyer Lenhart, Dawn Sherwood Norton and Walter Szczesny; middle -- retired teacher and coach Bill Sutherland; above -- and John and Tom Borrelli, who accepted an award on behalf of their father, Nicholas.

Press release:

On Saturday, Nov. 14, friends and supporters of Notre Dame High School enjoyed a “Tailgate Party” themed event as they celebrated Sports Night at Slomba Hall in Batavia. They also honored people newly chosen to be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

The night started with a welcome from the school’s new principal, Wade Bianco, who spoke about all the exciting things going on at Notre Dame High School.

Athletic Director Mike Rapone introduced the Athletic Hall of Fame inductees who included:

• Alex Sepi -- ’84
• Lisa Dwyer Lenhart -- '83
• Dawn Sherwood Norton -- ’79
• Walter Szczesny -- ’76

Retired teacher and coach Bill Sutherland, was also honored for his 41 years of service to Notre Dame.

Nicholas Borrelli was inducted for his contributions to Notre Dame High School and his award was accepted by his sons, John Borrelli, who is the current chairman of the Notre Dame High School Board of Trustees, and Tom Borrelli.

All honorees spoke of their appreciation of Notre Dame High School and their educational and athletic experiences there.

Notre Dame High School of Batavia has been ranked #1 among private schools in Western New York for the past eight years by Buffalo Business First. In addition, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Interscholastic Athletic programs also ranked #1 in Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at the intersection of Colby and Sumner roads. Mercy Flight is called to the scene. Darien fire and Mercy medics are responding. Sheriff's deputies are on scene.

A car vs. pole accident with air-bag deployment and possible injuries is reported by a passerby at 8122 Byron Road. Stafford Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 7:41 p.m.: The male driver is being transported to UMMC for injuries sustained after his vehicle struck the pole while going "approximately 50 miles an hour."

A car vs. deer accident with injuries is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 377.8. Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding.

UPDATE 6:29 p.m.: State troopers are also responding. The Thruway Authority spoke with the driver who told them they could not get out of the vehicle.

UPDATE 7:14 p.m.: The assignment is back in service. Le Roy medics went back in service without transporting anyone.

Press release:

"Timing is everything" according to pundits, politicians and song writers, and also from the officials at the New York State Education Department, who just approved Genesee Community College's Nanotechnology associate in Applied Science degree.

The approval of the new two-year degree continues the community-wide excitement following Governor Andrew Cuomo's visit to GCC's Batavia campus last month, and his announcement of the anchor tenant, 1366 Technologies for the new WNY Science and Technology Manufacturing Park (STAMP) projected to open in 2017 in Alabama.

Nanotechnology is the fascinating microscopic world seen at the atomic level and applied to an enormous variety of industries and new career opportunities. From biopharmaceuticals to biotechnology, electronics to semiconductor fabrication, material and environmental sciences to biochemistry, as well as information storage, medicine, security, and so much more -- today's nanotech students are at the cutting-edge of tomorrow's high-end careers.

GCC is not alone in preparing tomorrow's nanotechnology workforce. The four-semester Nanotechnology AAS program includes the first three semesters at GCC, and the fourth and final semester will be taken at Erie Community College's North Campus through a new GCC-ECC partnership that underscores the SUNY (State University of New York) seamless transfer initiative.

In addition, officials at area high schools are already excited about the prospects for their students, and in fact, a special Open House and announcement is planned on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the WNY Tech Academy at the Byron-Bergen Junior and Senior High School at 6917 W. Bergen Road in Bergen. (Contact wnytechacademy@gmail.com for details.)

GCC's Nanotechnology students will study electronic device and circuit behavior, basic chemistry, biology and physics, as well as the fabrication techniques used to create micron and submicron scale structures. Techniques covered include reactive ion etching, metallization, thick and thin film deposition and photolithography. This skill set will lead nanotech graduates to jobs as technologists in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medical and clinical laboratories, and information technology.

They will have the option of working in private industry, public government agencies, the military, and aggressive young start-up companies. It is no surprise that 9,000 new jobs are estimated over the next 20 years at the new STAMP facility in Alabama.

"Rapid growth in nanotechnology is creating a strong demand for technicians with training in microscopic fabrication techniques with experience using clean room procedures. We will provide our students with necessary experience to succeed in this burgeoning new industry, and be ready for the new jobs that are nearly in our own backyards," said Rafael Alicea-Maldonado, Ph.D., dean of GCC's Math, Science and Career Education. "And of course, any student who wants to continue his or her education to the next level will have a globally recognized and highly transferrable SUNY degree."

Flames are reportedly coming from inside a house at 6524 Main Road, Stafford. The location is east of Roanoke Road. Stafford Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Le Roy and Pavilion.

UPDATE 6:36 p.m.: Command reports the fire is out. The house has been cleared. Now working to ventilate the structure.

Wayne A. Draper, 56, of Bacon Road, Albion, is charged with third-degree sexual abuse -- forcible touching, according to a press release issued this afternoon by Batavia PD.

He is in jail with $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

The defendant has been working on-and-off as an exterminator for various companies over the past 20 years. Due to the nature of the offenses, there is a concern that this may not be the first time a vulnerable female has been victimized in this manner. The defendant worked as an exterminator in Genesee, Orleans and Monroe counties during this time period. 

The Batavia Police Department is requesting any other person(s) who may have been abused to contact the department, their local law enforcement agency, or Det. Kevin Czora at 585-345-6311.    

The Batavia Police Department will not be releasing any information pertaining to the current or past employers of the defendant, nor any further victim information.

UPDATED Saturday, Nov. 14: The Batavia Police Department has learned that Wayne Draper had also worked in the Ontario County area.

Alfred B. Ranzenbach III was arrested Nov. 11 in Bergen by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and charged with felony grand larceny, 3rd. No further information was released.

Macy Fay Paladino, 34, of Clay St., Le Roy, was arrested Nov. 11 at 2:22 p.m. and charged with petit larceny and criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd, following a shoplifting incident at Target. Paladino allegedly stole merchandise from Target and during her apprehension, she was allegedly found with narcotic paraphernalia in her possession. She was put in jail in lieu of $500 cash or $1,000 bond. She is to reappear in Town of Batavia Court on Nov. 30. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute, assisted by Deputy Christopher Parker.

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

“Gov. Cuomo’s decision to increase the state employee minimum wage to $15 per hour is misguided and wrong for New York. The minimum wage was never meant to be a living wage and by raising it over 50 percent we are essentially killing the motivation of state employees to work hard, take advantage of their opportunities and find better paying employment.

"In a state where our budget is already stretched thin and we have trouble providing funding for deteriorating upstate infrastructure and paying down the Gap Elimination Adjustment education cuts, we simply can’t afford this added expenditure. Our residents already pay the highest taxes in the nation and asking them to absorb more of a burden is wrong.

“It is autocratic and disconcerting to the democratic process for Gov. Cuomo to sidestep the Legislature and unilaterally pass this minimum wage increase. Just as the case with the increase for fast-food workers, all laws should go through an appropriate legislative process that includes vetting and discussion. Any other way is irresponsible governing.

"What we need is a more fertile business environment that provides better paying opportunities for state workers, not dependence on the state for higher wages.”

Press release:

On Saturday, Nov. 14th, Crossroads House will be having its Annual Fall Basket Raffle. We call it “Race to the Finish” because it is our last public fundraiser of 2015.

In keeping with Batavia’s harness racing history, one of the featured items will be a large vintage Horse and Sulky figurine. The raffle will also include porcelain dolls, wine and liquor baskets, Christmas baskets, handmade afghans and much more. Over 100 baskets will be featured. In addition there will be side raffles for a $100 Money Tree, Fresh Meat Trays, Shop Around Town gift cards, and a handmade quilt.

A $5 entry gets you your first sheet of raffle tickets, complimentary desserts and McCullagh coffee products furnished by Ralph Marsocci. Lunch will be available for purchase including hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries and Gail's famous stuffed pepper soup.

The raffle takes place at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia. It runs from 12 to 4 p.m. with baskets being drawn at 3 p.m. Winners need not be present to win so you can stop by, get your tickets in, have some lunch then visit some or all of the other great area events in Batavia. Check the events calendar and make an entire day of shopping, eating, and entertainment without ever leaving Downtown!

Crossroads House would like to thank the community for all their support this year. As an organization that relies 100 percent on the support of the area we serve, we are blessed to be able to continue to offer our services free of charge. We are a Gift to the Community, made possible by the Community.

Press release:

Come to the 13^th annual Worldwide Christmas Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 14th, at the First Presbyterian Church, located at 300 E. Main St., Batavia. Admission is free.

Join the hundreds of people in the community who have attended our fairs over the past 12 years and see why supporting fair trade businesses and local and regional not-for-profit organizations has such a positive influence in our community and the world!

Our fair is unique in that all of our vendors have one thing in common -- they help other people in need here in Batavia, in Western NY and around the world through their sales.

We have three types of vendors at our fair:

1. Local and regional not-for-profit organizations raising money for their programs or projects.

• The Artisans at North Street (www.ywcagenesee.org ), located at the YWCA in Batavia, will have hand crafted items from more than 30 local artisans. Your purchases support both the artisans and the work of the YWCA.
• Deborah Wilson Pottery will be available and supports Project Life in Waterport (www.projectlife-wli.org ). Project Life brings orphans, ages 9-12, from war-torn countries and areas such Chechnya, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Southeast Asia to Western New York for three months during the summer to provide peace, support, rest and recuperation for the children, to improve their physical and mental health, and to give them the opportunity to just be kids.
• Healthy Sisters Soup and Bean Works (www.healthysisters.org ) from Catholic Family Services in Rochester. This organization provides women in Rochester the opportunity to learn about running a business and enables them to obtain the experience needed to be successful in the work force. Their product is everything you need to make a pot of bean soup – the beans and spices, all neatly packaged with the recipe attached. They also have dip mixes for sale.
• Guatemala Missions – Members of the First Presbyterian Church will have handmade items for sale that support The Garden’s Edge (www.gardensedge.org), an organization that works to revitalize local culture and economy in Guatemala through projects in sustainable agriculture and environmental education.
• NEW!  Coffee Connection (http://ourcoffeeconnection.org/) is a Rochester-based company that provides employment training and job creation for women in recovery from addiction and sells fair trade, organic coffee to retail and wholesale customers. In partnership with Project Empower, they provide comprehensive, continuous support for women on their journey toward sustainable recovery. 

      2. Home businesses. We have representatives from Kitcheneez and Avon. These women donate all proceeds from sales made at the fair to a local charity of their choice.

      3. Vendors who promote and follow fair trade practices.

What are Fair Trade Practices?

Let’s look at one of our vendors to illustrate the concepts of fair trade: One World Projects (www.oneworldprojects.com ) is a fair trade company located on Harvester Avenue in Batavia. One World Projects was started in 1992 by Phil Smith. The mission of the company is to provide people in developing countries with the opportunity for economic sustainability and self-determination.

• They do this by building open and respectful relationships with the people they work with around the world;
• One World Projects purchases high-quality products that have positive social impacts and environmental benefits;
• They pay artisans fair wages for their work allowing them to provide for their basic needs such as: food, shelter, clothing, education, and health-care for their families;
• They provide financial and technical support to artisans by working with the artisans, suggesting product designs, improving artistic and technical skills, educating group leaders about the demands of the market;
• The support a safe and healthy work environment;
• They ensure the rights of children by not supporting exploitive child labor;
• They cultivate environmentally sustainable practices;
• And they reinvest in artisan groups and communities through economic programs and/or donations.

This is what it means to practice fair trade. One World Projects works with more than 80 artisan groups in more than 20 countries throughout Latin America, Africa and Asia. They sell hundreds of products and each item tells the story of the people who make them.

Other vendors who practice fair trade:

One World Goods (www.owgoods.org) from Rochester will have items from all over the world – jewelry, scarfs, handbags, mittens, toys, Christmas ornaments, decorative items, candles, and much more.

• Equal Exchange Coffee (www.equalexchange.coop) is a co-op from Massachusetts that sells coffee, tea and chocolate from around the globe.  
• Dounya Kele, which means One World in the language of Burkina Faso in Africa – will have jewelry made of recycled glass by women in Ghana and Burkina Faso.
• In the Basket will have hand woven grass baskets in beautiful vibrant colors available. The baskets are woven by women in Swaziland and other countries in Africa. They are imported by a former Peace Corps Volunteer who continues to work to help alleviate poverty in Africa and improve the quality of life in the community she served.

Our fair provides the opportunity to purchase quality gifts and support all of these worthwhile causes.

This is not a fund-raising event for the church. We do not charge admission and we do not charge our vendors to participate.

Enjoy a delicious lunch of soups and sandwiches provided by our Presbyterian Women’s group and purchase wonderful baked goods provided by our youth and congregation. Again, all proceeds from food purchases are donated to charity.

Get your Christmas shopping started early and purchase gifts that make a difference!

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum's 14th Annual Wonderland of Trees is just over one week away!

The Opening Gala will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20th. General admission is $25 per person or $20 for Museum members.

There will be live Christmas music, a 50/50 raffle, silent aucition, basket raffle, catering by D&R Depot, and nearly 40 Christmas trees and displays thanks to the generosity of you, our community. Tickets can be purchased in advance in our Gift Shop or the night of the Gala.

It is not too late to participate in the Wonderland of Trees as a sponsor! If you or your business are interested in decorating a tree or donating items for our basket raffle, please call the Museum at 585-343-4727.

Each year the Wonderland of Trees is viewed by hundreds of visitors at the Holland Land Office Museum and all proceeds from the event help fund the educational and historical programs and exhibits at the museum.

We look forward to seeing you on for our Opening Gala! If you are unable to attend, the Wonderland of Trees will be on display at the Holland Land Office Museum until Saturday, Jan. 2nd. Stay tuned for more Christmas events at the Holland Land Office!