Press release:

When Genesee Community College hosts its second annual Scholars' Symposium on Thursday, March 30, students, faculty, staff, community leaders and friends will showcase some of their most inspired work.

Presented by the Genesee Community College Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities (CURCA) Committee, the full-day event includes presentations, performances, exhibits and guest speakers -- all focused on the most inventive and bright the minds of our community. All events are free and open to the public.

"We're looking forward to exploring the creative and innovative work accomplished by our students, faculty and friends of the College," said JoNelle Toriseva, director of GCC's English, Communications and Media Arts, who is organizing the event. "The Scholars' Symposium is a day to catch your breath from the rigors of academia, and enjoy expanding the possibilities for professional and personal growth."

John Covach will deliver the event's keynote address on "The History of Rock and Roll." He is professor of Music Theory at the Eastman School of Music, as well as the chair of the College Department of Music, director of the Institute for Popular Music and a Mercer Brugler Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Rochester. He has published dozens of articles on topics dealing with popular music, 12-tone music, and the philosophy and aesthetics of music. As a guitarist, Professor Covach has performed throughout the United States and Europe. He remains an active performer with the progressive-rock band, Land of Chocolate.

Another highlight to the Symposium will be sharing GCC's Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) partnerships. Two Latin American Academy Fellows for the USA-Mexico Multistate COIL Program (MCP) are giving presentations after the keynote address in the Stuart Steiner Theatre. Under the leadership of the COIL Center, the Latin America Academy (LAA) is developing course-based partnerships between SUNY (State University of New York) campuses and universities in Latin America, which are members of the growing Global Partnership Network (GPN). The COIL Center selected GCC and its faculty to develop and pilot equitable, team-taught coursework to emphasize experiential and collaborative student learning and help sustain long-term international teaching and learning partnerships. Through COIL, students from different countries use web-based technology to gain a new cultural lens for an enriching intercultural experience.

GCC's Assistant Professor of Photography and Art, Joe Ziolkowski, has been working with Carlos Flores, Ph.D., from the University of Colima, while Toriseva has joined with Luis Marin-Urias, Ph.D., from the University of Veracruzana for her English 102 course. Both Flores and Marin-Urias will meet with faculty, students and administrators in addition to delivering academic talks in the afternoon.

The full schedule of events for GCC's Second Annual Scholars' Symposium is as followed:

• 8:30 – 11 a.m.: Registration (William W. Stuart Forum)

• 9 – 10 a.m.: Oral Presentation Session A (Conable Technology Building, T102, T122, T121, T119 A & B)

• 10 – 11 a.m.: Oral Presentation Session B (Conable Technology Building, T102, T122, T121, T119 A & B)

• 11 a.m. – Noon: Poster Session (William W. Stuart Forum)

• Noon – 1 p.m.: Lunch (Cafeteria or Subway) and Visit various art exhibits in the Steiner Theatre Lobby; Media Center of the Alfred C. O'Connell Library; and Penumbra Exhibition Space – second floor hallway between B205 and B207. 

• 1 – 2 p.m.: Professor John Covach, Keynote Address, "The History of Rock and Roll" (Stuart Steiner Theatre)

• 2:15 – 2:45 p.m.: "The Internet of Things: Past and Present Challenges" presented by Dr. Carlos Flores, University of Colima (Stuart Steiner Theatre) 

• 2:45 – 3:15 p.m.: "Merging Artificial Intelligence and Writing in COIL" presented by Dr. Luis Marin-Urias, University Veracruzana (Stuart Steiner Theater)

• 3:15 – 4 p.m.: Award Ceremony (Stuart Steiner Theatre)

The event is sponsored, in part, by a President's Innovation Award (PIA) which provides funding for innovative activities and projects that promote community involvement in the life of the College, stimulate student and community pride, or help establish pilot programs and initiatives with the potential for positive long-term impact. For further information on the Scholars' Symposium, visit: http://www.genesee.edu/events/scholars-symposium/

For specific information about the Scholars' Symposium contact Director of English, Communications and Media Arts JoNelle Toriseva. Her email address is:  jrtoriseva@genesee.edu, and her telephone: 585-343-0055 ext. 6627.

Press release:

Press release:

The Elba Central School Board of Education has moved its April 2017 meeting to Monday, April 3 at 7 p.m. in the Library Media Center.

Also, District residents interested in running for membership on the Board of Education can pick up candidate petitions in the District Office on any business day between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Each petition must be signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District. There are two seats available, each for five-year terms. Petitions nominating candidates for the office of Board of Education member must be filed with Donna Harris, Clerk of the Board, in the District Office of Elba Central School, 57 S. Main St., Elba, NY 14058 no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, April 17.

Deb Meier, who has taught art in the Batavia City School District for 31 years and is about to retire, provided the governing board with an annual overview of activities in the Art Department at last night's trustees' meeting.

Students are exposed to art at all grade levels and instruction, she said, isn't just about visual presentation. The courses hit on history, writing, culture, critical thinking, science, and math, providing cross-curriculum lessons.

"You can see throughout, we take a lot of elements of art -- the line, shape, color, texture, value, space -- and we teach the kids now to build on it each year," Meier said.

They also learn how to create art in various mediums, from basic drawing to watercolors, animation, multimedia and video.

"One of the things we try to teach in class is if you make a mistake, just like in life, you work your way through it," Meier said. "You don’t just give up."

Each year, students also create self-portraits, which helps them visualize their own growth as people and artists.

"The portraits this year just blew me away," Meier said. "I’ll always remember them."

Two Batavia High School students had their work selected this year for the Finger Lakes Art Show, which is juried, so not all pieces submitted are accepted. The students were Angie Macconi and Melissa Mountain.

"It’s important at all grade levels (that) we talk about art, we write about art, we critique and encourage communication," Meier said. "We try to keep to the positive. I would rather hear from a child, ‘I like this one best because,’ and then give me a reason, and say it in a way, ‘I like how the artist used line in this one,' 'that it curls and swoops through the picture and leads your eye through’ rather than, ‘it’s pretty.’ ”

By Cora Beal

By Tyler Budzinak

By Leo Burg

By Sophia Dinehart

Submitted photos and information.

Six students from Oakfield-Alabama had the opportunity to spend a week in Washington DC learning about how their government works.  Students spent time meeting with Rep. Chis Collins’ staffers, spent time on Capitol Hill, and even had a tour of the White House.  Students participated in debates with students from across the country and held a Mock Congress to learn the procedure for getting a bill passed. They also had some time to explore the Library of Congress and going to the International Spy Museum.  The students participating were John Igoe, Justina Pruski, Kylie Schlagenhauf, Haily Davis, Brianna Greene, and Hannah Scarborough. 

John Kennedy School received the Outstanding School Award at last night's City Schools Board meeting. The school has been recognized as a school that boosts achievement for economically disadvantaged students by Better Outcomes, an educational research and consulting company in Hartsdale.  The selection was made based on demographic data and ELA Assessment results. Accepting the award, presented by Board President Pat Burk and Superintendent Chris Dailey, was Principal Paul Kesler.

Kristina Clark received the outstanding staff award. Clark was honored for her many years of dedicated teaching at Jackson School, especially her use of distance learning technology, which has taken kids to the Mariner's Museum in Virginia and a kindergarten class in Texas. She also volunteers on various school committees.

Kristen Fix received an outstanding staff award. Fix was honored for her strong ability to communicate and collaborate with parents as a kindergarten teacher at Jackson School. She also volunteers for school events, activities and committees.

Joe Husssar received an outstanding staff award. Hussar was recognized for his ability to work with at-risk students, including home visits to assist students and their guardians. Recently, he assisted a co-worker who had fallen, He rode with her to the hospital and stayed with her until her family members arrived.

Press release:

Friedrich Nietzche once said, "We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once." With great music, fine lighting, a diverse cast of more than a dozen practiced dancers and a range of choreographic styles by Tara Pocock, a Genesee Community College faculty member, "The Night of Dance" promises to be a great day found and fully appreciated. The one-show only event is scheduled Saturday, March 25 at 7 p.m. in the Stuart Steiner Theatre at the Batavia Campus. All proceeds will benefit the GCC Forum Players Theatre Group.

"This fun and family-friendly event will feature varying dance styles from jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical, and tap," Pocock said. "It combines the talent of many and will even include an optional audience participation opportunity."

Music for "The Night of Dance" will range from Michael Jackson to Skrillex, the 90's hip hop hits to contemporary "rise up" and some "guillotine" music scores to complement multiple styles of movement. The cast includes: Tara Pocock of Batavia, Erin Korn of Brockport,

Katie Luttrell, Nicole Pritchard, Sam Hunt, Remiah Sundine, Alexis Moore, Alex Dowd,

Madison Dowd, Amanda ball and Riley McPherson-all from Churchville, Makayla Spence from Rochester, Rebecca Phelps of Bergen and members of the GCC Dance Club

Tickets prices are: General admission $8; Seniors (55+), students (16+), GCC faculty and staff $5; GCC students with a valid ID $3 and all GCC alumni with the Alumni card receive $2 off regular priced tickets. Doors open at 6:30 and there will be a 15 minute intermission during the 90 minute program.

Photos by Howard Owens

Press release:

“The phone lines at Cornell Cooperative Extension Genesee County have been down since Thursday, March 16 as we await repair of the line by the utility company. If you need to reach our office, please contact us at genesee@cornell.edu or feel free to stop by our office at 420 East Main St, Batavia during our office hours, from 8:30 am- 5 pm. Our Master Gardener walk-in hours remain the same, Monday-Friday, 10 am – 12 pm. We apologize for any inconvenience.”

Batavia High Schools annual Mr. Batavia contest is at 7 p.m., March 31, in the school auditorium.

Contestants have been in rehearsals for weeks for the annual event.

This year's contestants and their charities they are competing for: 

• Jerry Reinhart, Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation
• Dominic Brown, Iroquois Trail Council, BSA
• Campbell Anderson, Red Cross
• Casey Radka, Genesee Cancer Assistance
• Cody Dioguardi, Ricky Palermo Foundation
• Sam Bartz, Batavia VA
• Quentin Branciforte, Anna's Wish
• Ryan Bieniek, All Babies Cherished
• Casey Austin, Collin Crane Memorial
• Joe Allegue, Community Action
• Freddie Cunningham, Volunteers for Animals
• John Currier, Habitat for Humanity

Below, a few shots from rehearsal for the "swimsuit" competition.

Press release:

Darien Lake, Western New York’s largest theme park, is expanding benefits for season pass holders by increasing its free concert offerings through its partnership with Live Nation.

Season pass holders will have exclusive eligibility for a limited number of free lawn tickets to three Live Nation concerts during the 2017 season, including Third Eye Blind on June 29, OneRepublic on July 25 and Goo Goo Dolls on August 12.

“We are always looking for ways to reward our most loyal guests and increase the experience value,” said General Manager Chris Thorpe.  “What better way to do that than to increase our free concert offerings for season pass holders?”

Season pass holders will present their processed season pass at Darien Lake’s Live Nation Portal located in the park next to the Grizzly Run attraction only on the day of the concert to receive their free lawn ticket. This benefit is first-come, first-served, and only a limited number of tickets will be given out. As these concerts are Live Nation events, all Live Nation restrictions apply.

Paying for itself in just two visits, a Darien Lake 2017 season pass remains the best value available to park guests. In addition to unlimited admission all season long, season pass holders will enjoy a free souvenir mug, free tickets for friends, free parking, free concerts and other benefits if they purchase and process their pass by May 29.

For more information on season passes, concerts or accommodations, visit www.DarienLake.com.

Brian Fiorella became the first Batavia resident with TV service from Empire Access today when a work crew completed the addition of the service to his home network.

It's been a long process for Empire to get the agreements and approvals in place with the city and state to start providing TV service to Batavia residents, so Empire executive Bob R. VanDelinder was on hand for the installation.

"It's exciting for us," VanDeinder said.

Dozens of people have already signed up to start getting TV service from Empire, even though the company just started advertising its availability.

The service is entirely digital and combined with broadband service gives customers the opportunity to access the full array of home entertainment services available online and from TV networks.

"Given that it's all digital, you have great quality," VanDeinder said. "There are still systems out there that are analog, cable-type systems, so you don't have the same quality.

"Being on fiber optics allows us to provide better service uptime," VanDeinder added. "With this service we're able to provide amazing digital TV service, HD service, DVR -- whole-home DVR, and we have a watch-TV-anywhere feature, which allows you to watch TV from anywhere in the world with an internet connection."

Empire is also the only community-based cable or broadband provider in the area, which VanDeinder said helps the company provide better service. You always reach a live operator when you call customer service.

For more on local service, visit the website for Empire Access.

Erik Rindell, a technician with Empire, making the final connection for the TV service at the home of Brian Fiorella.

Justin Wing, an employee of Brian Fiorella, Steven DeWitt, Empire Access, Brian Fiorella, Bob VanDeinder, and Tom Hare, Empire access.

Fiorella owns Fiorella's Technical Services, based in Batavia. The company provides service and installation for home entertainment systems.

Kristopher Martin Driffill, 37, of Norwich Drive, Rochester, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. Driffill was arrested at 2:46 a.m. on March 11 on Park Road in Batavia following an investigation into an incident in the Town of Batavia. The defendant allegegedly stole an amount of money exceeding $1,000 from another person at a local establishment. He was jailed in lieu of $5K cash or $10K bond and is due in Town of Batavia Court on April 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Michael Lute.

Todd F. Smith, 51, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Smith was arrested at 10:05 p.m. on March 13 at 122 Bank St., upper rear apartment, Batavia, following an investigation into an incident wherein he allegedly threatened a neighbor. He was issued an appearance ticket for March 21 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Cory Robert Lapp, 24, of Main Street, Attica, is charged with: DWI; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or higher -- first offense; failure to yield the right of way when entering a roadway; and failure to use turn signal. At 2:18 a.m. on Union Street in Batavia, Lapp was arrested for DWI and the others charges. He was issued an appearance ticket for April 5 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Howard Wilson.

Samual D. Saxman, 19, of Sackett Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment and stalking in the fourth degree. At noon on March 19, Saxman was arrested for allegedly harassing and stalking another person on East Main Street Road, Batavia. He was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court and released on his onw recognizance. He is due in Town of Batavia Court on April 6. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jenna Ferrando, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Mark James Salven, 55, of Keeney Road, Le Roy, is charged with: DWI; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or higher; operating a motor vehicle without inspection certificate; and driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone. At 4:57 p.m. on March 18, following a traffic stop on Keeney Road in the Town of Le Roy, Slaven was arrested for DWI. He was issued an appearance ticket for April 20 in Town of Le Roy Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Le Roy Police Officer Cameron Leight.

Zachary James Walsh, 23, of Route 237, Byron, is charged with operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more, DWI, and failure to keep right. Walsh was arrested at 2:07 a.m. on March 18 on Walnut Street in Batavia following a traffic stop. He was allegedly found to have a BAC of .10 percent and subsequently was issued several appearance tickets for Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Hale.

George John Budzinack Jr., 37, of Augustine Street, Rochester, is charged with: first-degree aggravated operation; DWI; refusal to take breath test; consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle; moving from lane unsafely; and unlawful possession of marijuana. At 9:19 p.m. on March 14, following the investigation of a single-car accident on Route 33 in the Town of Stafford, Budzinack was arrested for DWI and charged with offenses cited. He was issued an appearance ticket for March 21 in Stafford Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth, assisted by Deputy Cassidy Longhini.

Antonio Javier Santiago, 20, of Transit Road, Pavilion, is charged with second-degree harassment. The defendant was arrested at 11:33 a.m. on March 18 after a domestic dispute on Ellicott Street Road in Pavilion in which he allegedly grabbed a former girlfriend during an argument. He was issued an appearance ticket for April 11 in Pavilion Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Erion, assisted by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Richard L. Mosher, 50, of Zingarra Road, Conyers, Ga., is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol. He was arrested at 9:58 p.m. on March 14 on Alleghany Road, Pembroke, following a domestic incident on Route 77. He was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court, then released on his own recognizance. He is due in Town of Pembroke Court on April 11. The case has handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Carlton L. Beardsley, 22, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 1:54 a.m. on March 10 on West Main Street, Batavia, following a shoplifting complaint at Tops Friendly Market where several alcoholic beverages were stolen. He was arrested on scene, then released on an appearance ticket for March 21 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Eric Bolles.

A 17-year-old resident of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. The youth was arrested following a complaint at Speedway, located at 204 W. Main St., Batavia, about an incident at 11:40 p.m. on Feb. 7. The youth was released on an appearance ticket for April 14 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Rajea S. Thomas, 28, of Sutorius Drive, Rochester, turned himself in at Rochester Police Dpeartment on a Batavia City Court bench warrant for failing to appear on a charge of third-degree aggravated unlicensed operator. The defendant was released on an appearance ticket for March 22 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Ahdeosun R. Aiken, 18, of Ellicott Avenue, Batavia, had an active bench warrant out of City of Batavia Court for failure to pay a fine. The fine stemmed from an incident on Feb. 9, 2016 wherein it is alleged that Aiken damaged glass at the Batavia Centre City shopping mall. The defendant was arrested without incident on March 13. After arraignment, Aiken was released after paying part of his restitution at Genesee County Probation Department. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Ghislaine Pena, 25, of Highland Park, Batavia, was arrested at 3:18 a.m. on March 11 on a bench warrant for failure to appear on an unspecified incident that occured on July 16. Pena posted $300 cash bail and was released on an appearance ticket for March 22 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels.

A driver who initially claimed she wasn't the one who struck a pedestrian in Stafford, causing the woman serious injuries, was issued traffic tickets related to the accident on Route 33 at 12:28 p.m., Sunday.

Cited was Katelyn Brown, 23, of Falling Leaf Trail, Brockport. She was also arrested on an unrelated warrant and turned over to Ogden PD.

Brown was issued tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, moving from lane unsafely and failure to use due care approaching a pedestrian.

The name of the woman who was injured was not released, but she reportedly suffered serious injuries and was transported by Mercy EMS to University of Rochester Medical Center. 

The original report was for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle with the vehicle leaving the scene, followed by a report of a car leaving the roadway, traveling into a ditch and striking a utility pole.

Brown reportedly told deputies when they first arrived that another car had struck the pedestrian and that she drove off the road when she became scared after seeing the accident.

Upon further investigation, deputies determined that Brown was the alleged driver who struck the woman with her vehicle.

The accident is being investigated by Deputy Andrew Hale, Investigator Joseph Graff and members of the Crash Management Team. 

Stafford fire assisted at the scene.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) today announced that bids for infrastructure work at STAMP -- Science, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park -- have been released. A legal notice announcing the bids will be published March 20.

The GCEDC also will host a pre-bid conference on March 29 at 10 a.m. at the MedTech Centre’s Innovation Zone so that interested parties can ask questions about specifications for the bids and other relevant information, including MWBE requirements and the Project Labor Agreement (PLA).

“We are extremely aware of the fact that the funding for the infrastructure work involves taxpayer money and as such this is going to be an extremely transparent process,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC. “We fully anticipate having shovels in the ground in a couple of months.”

Clark Patterson Lee is issuing the bids and will manage construction inspection for Phase I work for water infrastructure, including enhancements to the Town of Alabama water system. The engineering firm will also be issuing bids in the near future and managing construction inspection on roadways within the STAMP site and the main entrance off of routes 63 and 77. 

The firm will review the bids for the road and water infrastructure work and make recommendations to the GCEDC Board for approval.

Press release:

On behalf of the Jackson Primary School staff and students,  we would like to extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Father David Glassmire and Ascension Parish.

On Wednesday, March 8th, the school needed to evacuate all students quickly due to a serious house fire, across the street from the school. It was a very cold and windy morning as 350 primary students walked to the Ascension Parish parking lot in evacuation protocol.

Within minutes, students were able to enter the Sacred Heart reception hall and knew they were safe and warm. Father David welcomed us immediately and quickly supported our needs in order for the school to operate an efficient evacuation dismissal plan.   

Additionally, we would like to thank Sherry Otto who saw us coming and quickly communicated this to Father Glassmire, Dave Fasano, and the City Police Department for assisting us that morning.

The overall support from Ascension Parish is a true reflection of the wonderful and compassionate people that make up  Batavia’s community.

Diane Bonarigo/Principal

A fire alarm sounded at Woodward Memorial Library in Le Roy. No signs of smoke or fire. The library, located at 7 Wolcott St. was evacuated as well as Wolcott School. Le Roy and Pavilion firefighters are on scene. The alarm was tripped by an electrician working at the library. Pavilion is going back in service. The schoolchildren are being allowed to return to school. Le Roy will remain on scene a few more minutes.

Press release:

The Genesee County Fair announces today that 10 scholarship of $1,000 each will be awarded to current New York State high school seniors and also students enrolled in college. The New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs (NYSAAF) and the New York State Showpeople’s Association (NYSSA) sponsor the scholarships.

Qualifying students must be active at the Genesee County Fair or The New York State Showpeople’s Association. All applicants from Genesee County must submit their applications through the Genesee County Fair or the New York State Showpleople’s Association no later than Friday, April 10.

Information is available through the Genesee County Fair at (585) 344-2424, through Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, and from local high school offices. Applications must be printed and completed from the Web at www.nysfairs.org.

For more information, contact the Genesee County Fair Office at (585) 344-2424 or visiting www.gcfair.com