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Joe Marchese wins Mr. Batavia competition at BHS

By Steve Ognibene

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The sixth annual Mr. Batavia brought a nearly sold-out crowd last evening to Batavia High School, and raised an estimated $4,400 for charity.

Since its inception in 2013, more than $20,000 has been raised, said Lisa Robinson, Mr. Batavia advisor and co-advisor of student government. Each contestant performs their best in different catagories like group dance, talent, swimsuit, lip sync, tux walk, question and answer.

Crossroads House will receive 50 percent of the money raised by the winner of the event, Joe Marchese.

"Going into the show I felt really confident," Joe said, "then about 30 minutes before the show, I felt like I was going to have a nervous breakdown, literary choking up and said to myself 'I cannot do this.'

"I went to get some water, got out there, did the group dance and feeling good, then took the momentum all the way through the night and had a such great time."

Joe continued "I have wanted to do Mr. Batavia since my freshman year. Working with these group of guys was so amazing, which made my senior year come full euphoria and (I) have no words to describe the feeling at this moment."

His mom, Sandra, said "What stands out for me is Joseph's confidence and creativity in public speaking and performance. You are amazing, Joe! All the time and effort over the years that you have put into your personal development and leadership skills is shining through!"

Anand Patel was first runner-up. His charity was Golisano’s Children’s Hospital. Cameron Hardy was second runner-up and he raised funds for Genesee Cancer Assistance.

Charles Men’s Shop donated use of tuxedos, Reed Eye Associates provided the sunglasses. Many other members of staff, volunteers, students and additional sponsors also contributed to this annual event.

Local Judges were: Peter Cecere, VP of Batavia City School District BOE; James DeFreeze, City of Batavia Police Department; Matt Morasco, City of Batavia Fire Department; and Shellye Dale-Hall, Prevention Education, GCASA.

Other contestantants were Nichalas Neid, Chase Monachino, Brandon Buck, Valentino Zinni, Jon Liciaga, Nate Loria, John Kindig, Julio Vazquez and Evan Bellavia.

To view photos or purchase prints click here.

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Pictured above are hostesses Paige Wasilewski, Lauren Leone and Michal Lullo.

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Photo: Little Free Library reopens on Main Street, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

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A few years ago, Brian Kemp, co-owner of T-Shirts Etc., set up a Little Free Library on Main Street near his former location then this past summer, it got vandalized. This week with the help of Espe Hernandez, Myloh, and Aslan Kemp, he fixed it back up and got it restocked with books.

He said book donations, when there isn't enough space in the Little Library, can also be brought to his shop at 37 Center St., Batavia. The current location of this Little Free Library is front of the Independent Living Center -- Genesee Region.

Three-car crash reported on Clinton Street Road, Batavia, one male injured

By Billie Owens

A three-vehicle collision is reported at 5215 Clinton Street Road, Batavia. One male is requesting EMS. Town of Batavia fire and Mercy medics are responding. The location is in the area of Crystal Lane.

UPDATE 3:45 p.m.: A 30-year-old male who was not wearing a seatbelt is being transported to UMMC with neck pain. There was "window spidering" in the vehicle he was riding in as a result of the impact.

Former Pavilion resident accuses priest at St. Mary's of molesting him in 1980

By Howard B. Owens

A former Pavilion resident held a press conference in Buffalo today and said that he was abused by a priest at St. Mary's in Pavilion when he was 16 years old in 1980.

Wayne Bortles said that Father Robert P. Conlin, who was appointed pastor of St. Mary's in 1977, abused him in a basement of the rectory recreation room where youth gatherings were sometimes held, according to WBEN.

"He touched me all over, and he wouldn't stop," Bortles said.

Conlin died in 1997 and is one of at least four Catholic priests with ties to Genesee County who have been accused of sexual misconduct.

This week the Diocese of Buffalo released a list of 42 priests who served in Western New York who have been accused of sexual misconduct.

Included on the list were Father Donald W. Becker, who served two terms at St. Mary's and has denied any wrongdoing, Father Fred Ingalls, who served at St. Joseph's from 1974 to 1982 and from 1990 to 1996, and Father Richard Keppeler, who was appointed to St. Brigid in Bergen in 1973, became pastor there in 1974 and served until his retirement in 2003. He died in 2011.

Ingalls admitted in Federal Court in 2004 to the acquisition of child pornography.

Conlin's name is not on the list released by the Diocese, which only includes names of those who were removed from the ministry as a result of allegations, were retired or left the ministry after being accused of sexual misconduct. It also includes the names of priests who died with two or more allegations against them.

Before today, Bortles had not made a public allegation against Conlin.

Today, Bishop Richard J. Malone issued a videotaped apology for the sexual misconduct of priests in the diocese (embedded below).

Bortles said an apology wasn't enough.

 "I don't know how an apology would impact me," Bortles said. "I mean, the sentiment is nice, but there is more, obviously, that needs to be done." 

Bortles said the parish social hall in Pavilion is named after Conlin and there is a large picture of him in the hall. He thinks the hall should be renamed and the picture removed.

He believes there were other victims of Conlin in Pavilion and that they should come forward.

Here's a PDF of the list released by the Diocese.

GO ART! announces grand opening of Tavern 2.o.1 in historic Seymour Place building

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council has announced plans to reopen the former Batavia Club Bar in the historic Seymour building located at 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia.

GO ART! members and special guests are invited to a private prelude opening at the newly named Tavern 2.o.1, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 6.

Guests will be treated to hors d'oeuvres from the Red Osier Landmark Restaurant. Specially priced tasting of the selection of wine, cider and beers being served at Tavern 2.o.1 will also be available.

The doors officially open to the public immediately following the private prelude -- at 7 p.m. on April 6. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, door prizes and raffles.  

Tavern 2.o.1 will be serving a selection of wines, ciders and beers (many of which are locally created within the GLOW region).

Staff and Board members will be on site for the opening reception to promote and describe the delicious libations.

"Our bar has the capability to offer events that people are traveling to Rochester or Buffalo to attend," said GO ART! Board President Tammy Hathaway. "After numerous requests from groups to partner and hold festivities, we made the commitment to open the space as a tavern and to begin scheduling some fun evening experiences for the community.’’

Currently, Tavern 2.o.1 will be open for both public and private events held at GO ART!’s headquarters, the Seymour building. However, there is talk of the bar being open for regular hours in the future.

For more information on events at GO ART! visit our website at www.goart.org

GCC professor pens first novel, inspired by Genesee Valley history

By Maria Pericozzi

Melissa Ostrom, an English literature professor at Genesee Community College, describes the Genesee Valley as having a big sky and rich soil.

She is originally from Jamestown but learned to love the area where she taught, which inspired the location for her first historical fiction novel. “The Beloved Wild” will be hitting the shelves on Tuesday, March 27.

“I think it’s beautiful here,” Ostrom said. “I had a beautiful teaching experience here. I love the landscape.”

In 1807, Harriet Winter, a 16-year-old headstrong girl, disguises herself as a boy in order to escape her overbearing parents. Her mother died during childbirth, and she is raised by her stepmother and father. She questions things around her, and travels to Western New York with her stepbrother, where she disguises herself as a boy. She uses the opportunity to see what she would normally be denied of, because of her gender.

“It’s not a fairy-tale with a bad situation,” Ostrom said. “She is cognitive of how the one path available for women is really not just narrow but comes with risk.”

Ostrom did research about the area, discovering information about Holland Land Company and the Genesee Valley.

“That was in my mind, wanting to tribute this place,” Ostrom said. “Conversations with friends in local history inspired me.”

Ostrom previously taught at Kendall High School for 11 years but decided to teach part time when her daughter was born, which gave her an opportunity to explore writing.

“I had done quite a bit of poetry writing in college,” Ostrom said. “I was interested in trying other forms and I started experimenting in fiction and that’s what I’ve been doing. Teaching a little bit and writing a lot.”

Although Ostrom had no connections in the publishing world, she built up her resume by publishing short stories, establishing her credibility. When it was time to send her novel, it gathered a lot of interest, Ostrom said.

“I think I had prepared myself with failure before that I wouldn’t go anywhere with it,” Ostrom said. “I got immediate request for manuscripts, and the agent I went with was the most enthusiastic.”

Ostrom will be celebrating the launch of her first novel at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 14, at Lift Bridge Bookshop, located at 45 Main St. in Brockport.

Macmillan Publishers gave Ostrom a two-book deal, so she is currently working on a contemporary book with serious subject matter but is set on Lake Ontario. The novel will be coming out next year.

Mr. Batavia at BHS tonight nearly sold out

By Howard B. Owens

There are only 150 tickets left for Mr. Batavia at Batavia High School tonight.

Tickets can be purchased at the school, located at 260 State St. in the City of Batavia.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for the annual competition of Batavia HS seniors, which helps raise money for local charities. 

Ranzenhofer backs plan to help agribusiness in New York

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer today announced his support for the 2018 “Growing Strong” Plan. The “Growing Strong” plan will help strengthen agribusiness and create new jobs in the agriculture industry by expanding markets, reducing production costs, and investing in the state’s leading industry.

“Family farms are a major contributor to our state and local economies. Implementing these initiatives will help the agriculture industry thrive and expand a workforce of more than 100,000 men and women. This new plan will help make it more affordable for New York’s 35,000 farms,” Ranzenhofer said.

The comprehensive legislative package of initiatives includes:

• Examine burdensome regulations: Direct state regulators to study existing state regulations that are harmful to farming, unnecessarily increase costs, and prevent farm success.
• Repeal the Highway Use Tax for farm-registered trucks, and exempt farmers from any proposal to add new “tolling” to enter New York City, as a way to bring more New York-grown products into the nation’s largest consumer market. New York is one of just four states that still imposes such a tax.
• Help farmers invest in facilities and buy equipment: S7851 provides a tax credit for dairy farmers to encourage investment in facilities and equipment that will allow them to take advantage of a growing demand for “value-added” dairy products, like flavored drinks, yogurts, and other products that can satisfy existing demand.
• Help farmers by giving them access to IDAs: S2388 authorizes industrial development agencies (IDAs) to provide technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers that grow, harvest, or produce agricultural products in this state. 
• Create a “Lifeline Dairy Energy Assistance Program” for dairy farmers struggling with a prolonged slump in milk prices, directing $10 million in existing NYSERDA funds to install high-efficiency lighting, pumping and cooling equipment, and to promote investment in energy-producing biomass generators and digesters. 
• Expand agricultural P-Tech education programs that help prepare students for increasing technology demands of farming careers, restore funding for Beginning Farmer Grants that was cut from the Executive Budget, and increase support to establish new chapters of school-based Future Farmers of America programs in response to growing interest in agriculture. In addition, the proposal expands opportunities for success in agriculture by creating a specialized education certificate to acknowledge student achievement and training in the field.
• Encouraging more women to pursue farming careers: S7843 authorizes the Department of Agriculture and Markets to conduct a study to identify obstacles and impediments that prevent more women from pursuing agricultural careers. Attracting new farmers to pursue farming careers in New York is critical, and continuing to focus the state’s efforts on encouraging growing sectors of the agricultural economy, like women-owned farm businesses, is a very important step in that direction.

Corfu student on college team that took second place at Northeast Cyber Defense Competition

By Billie Owens

Kyle Carretto, of Corfu, is in the back row, third from the right.

Submitted photo and press release:

A team of Rochester Institute of Technology students, including Kyle Carretto, of Corfu, took second place at the annual Northeast Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition held March 16-18 in New Hampshire.

University at Buffalo took first at the 2018 regional competition. RIT placed second and Northeastern University placed third.

The annual event is part of the nation's largest college-level cyber defense competition, an extracurricular event that helps to train the next generation of cybersecurity experts. The competition gives student teams the opportunity to assume responsibility for the information technology operations of a simulated organization, allowing them to apply cyber defense skills in a real-world scenario.

For the competition, a group of industry professionals from government and companies-called the red team-is assigned to break into computer networks to exploit information from a mock company. Teams of students are "hired" by the company to prevent that information theft from occurring.

In this year's scenario, teams were brought into a fictitious security company called "Wild Eagle" and were expected to secure the network after members of their previous team left the company. Students had the opportunity to test their skills securing and defending widely deployed technologies, including Windows and Linux servers and workstations, next-generation firewalls, and cloud services.

Teams were scored on their ability to detect and respond to outside threats, maintain existing services, respond to business requests such as the addition or removal of services and balance security needs with business needs.

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 19,000 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.

The university is internationally recognized and ranked for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. RIT also offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Global partnerships include campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo.

Grand Jury: Man indicted for allegedly burglarizing two convenience stores in Pavilion on the same day

By Billie Owens

Phillips S. Muzzy Jr. is indicted for the crime of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 22 at about 12:45 a.m. that he knowingly unlawfully entered  the Pavilion Farms gas station on South Lake Road in Pavilion with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, he is accused of second-degree criminal mischief, also a Class D felony, for allegedly intentionally damaging property belonging to others. Muzzy allegedly damaged a glass door, computerized cash register system and cash drawer, in an amount exceeding $1,500. In count three, the defendant is accused of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly stealing property from Pavilion Farms. In count four, Muzzy is accused of another count of third-degree burglary on the same day. He is accused of knowingly and unlawfully entering another gas station, Crosby's on Telephone Road in Pavilion, with the intent to commit a crime. In count five, he is accused of third-degree criminal mischief, a Class E felony, for allegedly intentionally damaging the property belonging to another. He is accused of damaging a glass door in an amount exceeding $250. In count six, Muzzy is accused of fourth-degree grand larceny, another Class E felony, for allegedly stealing property from Crosby's having a value exceeding $1,000.

Karaya D. Cummings is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 8 in the Town of Le Roy that Cummings knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- heroin -- with the intent to sell it. In count two, she is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a Class E felony, for operating a 2006 Hyundai on Route 490 while her privilege to drive in New York was revoked by authorities. The indictment states the defendant had 10 or more suspensions in effect, imposed on at least 10 different dates, for failure to answer, appear or pay a fine in Monroe County in the City of Rochester from Feb. 4, 2014 through Oct. 23, 2016, and on Christmas Day (Dec. 25) 2013 in the Town of Ogden.

Sponsored Post: YMCA Summer camp 2018 registration is underway

By Lisa Ace


YMCA Summer Camp 2018 -- Registration is underway! Registration now open for YMCA Kinder Camp or traditional Day Camp. Spaces are limited and programs fill up fast. This summer’s dates are from June 25th – Aug. 24th. You can register for a week or as many as you’d like. 

  • Kinder Camp is for children ages 3 to 5 and is ideal for families looking for safe, structured play this summer. Kinder Camp fosters social development, problem solving, teambuilding and self-esteem. With three options to choose from, 5-day, 3- day or a half-day program, we have something to fit the needs of all parents.
  • Traditional Day Camp is for ages 6 – 12 and is the perfect place for children to have a fun and safe summer. Day Camp allows children to grow and thrive while working with peer groups and enjoying a variety of both indoor and outdoor games and activities. Each week is based around a special theme and we offer age appropriate activities like sports and games, arts and crafts, weekly fieldtrips, swimming and more.

​Our caring and nurturing staff are carefully selected based on their previous experience and schooling. This ensures that our staff is the perfect fit for making your families summer experience one you will never forget.

YMCA summer camps are certified by the New York State Health Department and we adhere to strict safety regulations. Register for one week or join us for all nine.

The YMCA offers flexible enrollment and payment plans to fit the needs of any family. The Y also provides scholarships to those who qualify which makes YMCA summer camp one of the most affordable options around.

For more information on the YMCA’s summer camp programs or to register, contact the YMCA at 585-344-1664 today.

City, County youth bureaus recognize outstanding volunteers at annual dinner

By Howard B. Owens

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The youth bureau boards of Genesee County and Batavia held their 22nd Annual Youth Recognition Banquet at Terry Hills on Thursday night.

Arron Brown, top, received the Adult Youth Worker Award. Adult youth volunteers honored were Laura Luft and Stan Kaus. Sixteen students received youth recognition awards.

Information on each winner after the jump.

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Photo by Michelle Witherow.

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Text from the awards program:

Arron Brown -- Adult Youth Worker Award: Arron is currently a fourth-grade teacher at Pembroke Intermediate School. As a teacher, Arron continues to go above and beyond for his students and families alike. He is always willing to go the extra mile and do whatever he can to help. During Arron’s 12 years at the school, he has served as the SADD Club Advisor where he is constantly helping students make positive decisions and guiding them to help their families make healthy decisions as well.

This December, Arron took on the additional role of Student Council Advisor. As the advisor, he has planned numerous events for the school. He has helped organize multiple food drives to benefit the Buffalo City Mission and the Corfu United Presbyterian Church. Arron has taken students to the City Mission to personally deliver the food and donated items. Arron has reached out to multiple athletes such as Lorenzo Alexander and Preston Brown of the Buffalo

Bills asking them to come in and talk about dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Both players have since sponsored reading contests to motivate students. Arron is also instrumental in planning and executing Pembroke’s Annual “Shooting For A Cure” Pink Game, an event held to support Roswell Park (Comprehensive Cancer Center). He goes above and beyond securing donations from the community. Pembroke is fortunate to have Arron as a teacher and community member. 

Stan Kaus -- Adult Youth Volunteer: Stan first became involved with coaching girls fast pitch softball when his daughters were eligible to play. He coached the former Tonawanda Valley Fast Pitch Softball League until his daughters aged out and then turned his attention to umping. But as he umped, Stan grew increasingly discouraged by what he saw happening to the softball program. He decided to do something about that and formed an independent Girls 12 and Under Fast Pitch Softball Team called the Batavia Stingers. He made sure these young ladies had “real” uniforms and a coach that provided a consistent, structured practice schedule while teaching them the fundamentals of the game. Stan is terrific at relating to situations that occur on the field and turning them into valuable lessons for the girls. He will take a loss as an opportunity to explain to the ladies why it is so important to never give up.

When Stan discovered that the other local softball organization in Batavia disbanded, he instantly was on the phone with parents who wanted their daughters to play for the Stingers. He organized a meeting with the parents to discuss what would be needed to expand the league and was critical in forming a nonprofit called the Batavia Girls Fast Pitch Softball, which now has a seven-person board, and successfully fielded a 10-year-old team, two 12-year-olds teams, and a 15-year-old team. In February, Stan was nominated to fill a recently vacated board seat. He is considered to be the founder of the league and it could honestly be said that there would not be fast pitch softball in Batavia today if not for Stan Kaus. 

Laura Luft -- Adult Youth Volunteer: Some words that are used to describe Laura are passionate, engaged, involved, selfless, leader, caring, organized, giver, humorous and focused. These words came from several of the MANY people who Laura influences on a daily basis. Laura devotes countless hours to making sure the lives of the young people in Elba and Genesee County are better. Several avenues she uses to do this are through Helping Hands Community as a liaison. Laura serves in the leadership role for the organization at Elba Central School, an organization that collects donations and volunteers to support families in need. She also serves on the Elba Hall of Fame Committee in which she fundraises and hosts an annual dinner to honor past ECS grads as well as setting up scholarships for future grads.

Another big way Laura is involved in the community is through the Elba Volunteer Fire Department. While she doesn't directly fight fires, she plays an integral role in the planning and organizing of fundraisers for the Department. She is also involved in the Elba Onion Queen pageant, which helps supply scholarship opportunities to local girls. This also leads us to talk about her role with the Elba Betterment Committee where she is always there to help organize the Elba “staples” such as the Kiddie Parade and the Annual Pig Roast. Laura continually spreads her sense of love for her community and its residents. She helped organize a mail campaign for her next door neighbor who recently lost her battle with Leukemia. While Laura does not ask for recognition or limelight, her good deeds do not go unnoticed. She is definitely a great role model for her daughter and is hoping to pass on that sense of community to future generations.

Youth Recognition Award Winners

Evan Amberger, 14, Pavilion Central School

Evan has a track record of extraordinary community service. Evan is a member of Boy Scouts of America, where he volunteers at least 10 hours a year. He recently worked with younger scouts showing them how to tie knots, cleaning a cemetery, and visiting a nursing home as well as the Veterans' home. He also volunteers through his church. Evan is an accomplished musician and was asked to perform at his church’s Christmas Eve mass this year. He also volunteers behind the scenes setting up and taking down after events as well as helping with food service. Evan’s service extends to his school as well. He spent two hours digging post holes for the trail of Pavilion’s outdoor classroom. Evan goes above and beyond in all aspects of his life, both personal and academic, and that is why he is being recognized for this extraordinary service to his community.

Nominator: Ann Pursel, School Counselor. Parent(s): Mr. and Mrs. John Amberger 

Camryn Arthur, 19, Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School

Camryn is a caring young woman who empathizes with her fellow students. Cam holds several leadership roles, through student government, sports, and Le Roy’s peer mentoring programs. She goes out of her way to make students feel included, valued and accepted. As a senior, Cam has taken it upon herself to seek out younger students who are more timid and take them under her wing. In doing this she has formed amazing friendships with these younger classmen, all the while mentoring them to become leaders in the school once she graduates. Cam is making a lasting impact on these girls’ lives. What freshman wouldn’t want to be befriended by a senior? Cam does not do this for the recognition but instead for the friendship and that is why she is so deserving of this award.

Nominator: Kelly Ronan, School Counselor. Parent(s): Justine & Robert Arthur 

Madalynn Augello, 16, Elba Central School 

The unique thing about Elba is that the students are together in the same building from pre-K all the way to 12th grade. That being said, Maddie is a student that you will often see volunteering her time with the younger students. Recently she volunteered her time at the elementary skating party and provided child care for parents attending various parent meetings. Maddie has volunteered for two food drives this school year. Elba is a close-knit community and relies on student volunteers for many events. Maddie is not shy about offering her time to outside events. She worked to clean up at the Annual Pig Roast and the lighting of the Christmas Tree. Maddie is academically busy as well, as she is a member of student council and SADD. She is a great role model to her peers and very deserving of this award.

Nominator: Alison Riner, School Counselor. Parent(s): Charles Augello & Tamara La Pierre 

Ryan Bowen, 15, Batavia High School 

Ryan is eager to help his community. Ryan has been volunteering at the St. Joseph School’s Mammoth Sale for many years. He started when he was very young. He would volunteer with his dad and help move hundreds of boxes and set up the tables. As Ryan has grown so have his responsibilities. He now helps pick up donated furniture, lifting heavy bureaus and dressers for the other volunteers. Ryan spends many hours going through box after box as well as pricing and checking for damage before the sale. This process usually takes up most of Ryan’s Easter vacation, but he does not mind; he is always eager to help wherever he can. This includes cleanup, which is a huge ordeal. The volunteers and parents are very thankful for all of Ryan’s help at this event, saying he is invaluable to this function.

Nominator: Kathy Stefani, Mammoth Sale Chair. Parent(s): John & Wendy Bowen 

Lydia Daley, 14, Alexander Central School 

Lydia has a diverse history of volunteering already. She stays busy by volunteering her musical abilities at the nursing home, playing the flute and singing for the residents. She also volunteers at her church, helping out with Vacation Bible School and going on a mission’s trip to Tennessee to help parents who couldn’t afford childcare during the summer. Not only does Lydia give of her time, but also she gives her heart. Lydia has befriended a girl from her school who has had a hard time making friends. School can be tough for anyone but for some, it can also be lonely. Lydia noticed a girl sitting alone at lunch and approached her and, out of this act of kindness, she gained an amazing friend. Lydia’s choice to show kindness has inspired others to do the same and that is the sign of a true role model.

Nominator: Ashley Cangialosi, School Counselor. Parent(s): Steve & Julie Dailey 

Summer Jeschke-Dean, 16, Alexander Central School 

Summer says volunteering has been relatively new to her these past few years. You would not know this if you looked at her community service career. Summer and her mom have organized the VFW’s seasonal parties (Halloween and Christmas) for the past four years. This has meant many late hours of decorating and cleaning up afterward. Summer volunteers in school as well. She joined the SADD and Donate Life Clubs last year and has since been a part of several blood drives and special events like Red Ribbon and Donate Life weeks. This year Summer joined Genesee County Youth Court, which has taught her the power and importance of restorative justice. She is thankful for the opportunities and takes pride in helping her community.

Nominator: Ashley Cangialosi, School Counselor. Parent(s): Cindy Jeschke & Gary Dean 

Sheron Perez-Fuentes, 17, Elba Central School

Sheron is a standout student who has found time to volunteer her time in the community even with a host of responsibilities she undertakes at home. Over the past several years, both of Sheron’s parents have undergone several surgeries for medical conditions. Since taking care of them post surgery it has become a goal for Sheron to enter the medical field as a career. Even though she is busy at home and with her academics, Sheron still finds time to give back to her community. She has volunteered to work Open Houses at the school, Darto night through the Parent Teacher Association, as well as volunteering for several food drives at the school. Sheron is a caring, kind, hardworking and responsible young lady who is very deserving of this award tonight.

Nominator: Alison Riner, School Counselor. Parent(s): Edgar & Aminda Fuentes-Perez 

Connlan Hotnich, 16, Alexander Central School

Connlan has been an active member of his community in various organizations for a while now. He started volunteering four years ago at his church. Connlan is part of the tech team, meaning he is in charge of changing the lyrics on the projector, helping with the band and the lights. He also helps out with the youth group and has been a leader for the middle school group for two years now. Connlan had the opportunity to be a junior counselor for his church’s youth retreat this winter. Connlan is also active in his school assisting with the PTA’s production of "Sherlock Holmes." He was a junior director for the younger actors. He is also an active member of the Boy Scouts of America and is considered a Senior Patrol Leader.

Nominator: Ashley Cangialosi, School Counselor. Parent(s): Julie & EJ Nichols, Sean Hotnich 

Camden King, 13, St. Joseph School

Camden has already been making extraordinary contributions to his community at such a young age. Camden plays his part by volunteering at various functions throughout the year. He has been an altar server for St. Joe’s and Resurrection Parish for the past five years. He always arrives early on weekends to assist Father Ivan or the Deacons during Mass. Every year, Camden not only assists with the St. Joe’s Penny Carnival but also spends time setting up and cleaning up after the event. Camden completes all his tasks with a smile on his face. These are just some of the things that make him an extraordinary young man.

Nominator: Alicia Palmer, Teacher. Parent(s): Stephanie & Edward King 

Nathan Knickerbocker, 18, Byron-Bergen High School

Nathan has been a member of Youth Court since 2016 after attendinging an intense nine-week training and passing a bar exam. The Youth Court Coordinator is impressed with Nathan’s ability to always show up on time or even early to every case he is able to attend. He is one of the only members that can take on any role in the courtroom, including Chief Judge. All of the Youth Court members look up to Nathan in the courtroom. This year he went to Albany on behalf of the County Youth Bureau to advocate for funding. While in Albany, Nathan was looked at as a leader not only within the small group he attended with but by the 150 youth who were at the conference. Nathan is truly a well respected Youth Court member and a great asset to the Youth Bureau system.

Nominator: Chelsea Elliott, Youth Court Coordinator. Parent(s): Stefanie & Kevin Knickerbocker 

Jillian Menzie, 15, Byron-Bergen High School

Jillian is being honored with this year’s award due to her dedication to the Arc of Genesee Orleans County Bowl-A-Thon. Jillian and her sister have been involved in the Bowl-A-Thon since they were young. It has been a family affair as their grandmother was one of the original organizers of this event. This year with Jillian’s help the Bowl-A-Thon raised more than $3,400. Over the past three years, Jillian has helped raise $8,716 for the Arc. Besides her volunteering, Jillian is a model student. She is involved in Girl Scouts, Young Life, and the Bergen Explorers.

Nominator: Patrick McGee, High School Principal. Parent(s): Tammy & Gerry Menzie 

Julia Menzie,17, Byron-Bergen High School

Julia is being honored with this year’s award due to her dedication to the Arc of Genesee Orleans County Bowl-A-Thon. Julia and her sister have been involved in the Bowl-A-Thon since they were young. It has been a family affair as their grandmother was one of the original organizers of this event. This year with Julia’s help, the Bowl-A- Thon raised over $3,400. Over the past three years, Julia has helped raise $8,716 for the Arc. Besides her volunteering, Julia is a model student. She also plays soccer and golf. Julia also participates in horseback riding and is involved in the Bergen Explorers Program.

Nominator: Patrick McGee, High School Principal. Parent(s): Tammy & Gerry Menzie 

Benjamin Slenker, 18, Alexander Central School

Benjamin is very involved in his school and community. His first experience with community service began when he participated in the pit band for the Drama Club. After giving his time, Benjamin discovered he wanted to do more, so for the next three years he continued to volunteer in various capacities with the Alexander Drama Club. Through Drama Club, he met friends who would inspire him to look for other opportunities in the community to reach out. It was there that he found bell ringing. He and a group of friends decided they would go to several locations and bell ring for the Salvation Army. They even took that up a notch by greeting shoppers with instrumentals and song. The opportunity Benjamin has enjoyed the most, is his involvement with the Big Buddy Program with the elementary school. He enjoys hanging out with the young students several days per week acting as a role model to them as they come up through his school and community.

Nominator: Ashley Cangialosi, School Counselor. Parent(s): John & Jennifer Slenker 

Justina Pruski, 17, Oakfield Alabama High School

Justina is being honored for her dedication and service to her church. Justina is enthusiastic, dependable, knowledgeable, and is a great role model for the children with whom she works. The Parish community has been enriched by the efforts of Justina each week as she volunteers to assist with the Faith Formation classes. She has always been a very active young person at the parish, participating in many events and activities including choir. She’s the first one to step forward when the need arises for an extra set of hands. Justina is also a member of Genesee County Youth Court and can be counted on to fill many roles within the courtroom.

Nominator: Rev. Thaddeus Bocianowski, Parish Priest. Parent(s): Daniel & Anna Pruski 

Eric Stroud, 17, Alexander Central School

Eric uses his time in and out of school to help his community at large. Eric is a great swimmer who uses his personal motivation to do well and to inspire others in the pool. Eric has always strived to succeed whether it be academically or athletically. Eric had a realization this year that it wasn’t so much about his success as it was about helping others be successful. With that attitude, he now spends his time helping the modified swim team. You can also find him in the booth announcing the meets. Outside of school, Eric is very involved with his church. He spends his Sundays preparing food and drinks for after service, saying this service makes him humble, thankful and compassionate.

Nominator: Ashley Cangialosi, School Counselor. Parent(s): Matthew & Joelle Stroud 

Isabella Riner, 15, Elba Central School

Isabella challenges herself both academically and socially. While taking accelerated classes in school, Isabella is also involved in many extracurricular activities and programs such as National Honor Society, Mock Trial Team, Student Council, varsity soccer, basketball, and tennis team. Even with all these activities going on, Isabella is often one of the first to sign up when a new volunteering opportunity becomes available whether she is providing school tours to ECS alumni, helping with alumni annual dinners, assisting with the JV Girls’ Basketball Team or supervising elementary students during both National Walk to School Day and Santa’s Secret Shop. Isabella is an intelligent young woman who serves both her school and community faithfully and is very deserving of the recognition she is receiving tonight.

Nominator: Lauren Kent, Teacher/NHS Advisor. Parent(s): Michael & Alison Riner

Debut of 'Geezer Radio' airs on WGCC

By Howard B. Owens

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Batavia resident Richard Beatty kicked off his new show, "Geezer Radio," on GCC's college station, WGCC, with guest Bill Kauffman, who helped select the music for the evening, digging deep into the station's archives to pull out little-known treasures from the '50s, '60s and '70s.

Geezer Radio airs Thursday nights from 8 to 10.

Previously: Batavia retiree and student team up for new weekly 'Geezer Radio' show airing on WGCC

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Le Roy HS inducts 32 students into National Honor Society

By Howard B. Owens

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Statement and photos by Le Roy HS Principal Tim McArdle:

On Thursday we inducted 32 new members into National Honor Society. This is a wonderful honor and accomplishment for our students and their families.

These students have maintained an overall GPA of 90 percent and possess the five qualities that make a model student: scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship.

Sr. High ELA teacher Mr. Crowe was the guest speaker and shared wonderful advice to our Knights including: “No matter what job you choose, choose it because it will touch lives; it will make a difference not just to yourself but to others around you.”

Current members participated in the evening by running the ceremony and reading the new inductees’ biographies.

I would like to thank rookie advisor Mrs. Curtis and the NHS officers for organizing a quality program for our students.

I challenge these students to use their talents and reach out to other students who need a boost or support to make our school the best it can be!

We would like to congratulate the families of our new members. We all know it takes a team to be successful!

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K-Kids ready for Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt

By Howard B. Owens

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Students at St. Joe's, members of K-Kids, put 8,000 pieces of chocolate into 4,000 plastic Easter Eggs this week to help the Kiwanis Club of Batavia prepare for its annual Easter Egg Hunt at Centennial Park on March 31.

There will also be a total of nine large chocolate Easter bunnies from Oliver's Candies given away as prizes.

The Easter Egg Hunt begins at precisely 9 a.m.

Eli Fish Brewing Company ready for grand opening tomorrow

By Howard B. Owens

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There have been some nice surprises along the way in getting Eli Fish Brewing open over the past couple of weeks for owners Matt Gray and Jon Mager, not the least of which is the crush of people crowding into the large bar and dining area that was once the retail store space of J.J. Newberry.

There's also the quality of the staff they've been able to hire; how well the brewery is working out as a workspace for Mager; the quality of the New York brews and spirits they've been serving; and the overwhelmingly positive feedback they've been getting in person and on social media from customers throughout Western New York.

Now, it's time for the grand opening, which is Saturday and will highlight the launch of the first two new beers from Eli Fish. There will be a ribbon cutting at 2 p.m. with food samples served until midafternoon and $5 drafts all day long.

"Our nighttime crowds have been pretty surprising," Gray said. "Our Friday and Saturday nights have been very good. We’re serving a lot of guests and everybody seems to be happy with it."

For those visitors who get out and about often in the community, there has been a common observation as they wade through the large crowds on a Friday or Saturday night -- a lot of unfamiliar faces.  When you are out and about often enough in a small community, you get used to seeing the same people. There's a lot of new faces showing up at Eli Fish.

Gray, who also owns Alex's Place, has noticed the same thing.

"I'm noticing two different things," Gray said. "The crowd that is here that I do know and is local I don't see at Alex's, so they're not dining at that establishment. And then there are the ones I don't know at all, and there's a lot of them."

One of the goals of the City and Batavia Development Corp. has been to encourage more restaurants and bars downtown to help capture the estimated $2 million local residents spend in Rochester and Buffalo rather than Batavia. Of course, bringing people from Rochester and Buffalo and the other surrounding counties to Batavia would be a good thing, too.

Gray said one of the things they'll do with the grand opening is hold drawings, which include a registration that captures the zip code of entrants so they can get a better feel of where their new customers are coming from.

Mager said several posts on social media have indicated people are driving from the two metro areas to Batavia to visit Eli Fish.

But a common theme in the reviews is also that once people are inside the building they don't feel like they're in Batavia. They feel like they're in Rochester or Boston or somewhere else.

"That leads me to believe that there are a lot of people from Batavia who are coming and have been looking for something different, so it’s cool," Gray said.

Getting people to come into a new restaurant is one thing. Getting them to come back, especially to fill a space as large as Eli Fish, is another thing.

The positive reviews of the booze and food so far are a good indication people will come back, and there are trends in the first two weeks of the soft open that indicate people will come back. Gray noted that a number of people have come in expecting just a brewery but during the visit also learned there are menus with hearty entrees and a fully staffed and stocked kitchen. There's already a trend, he said, of people coming back for a second visit for lunch or dinner.

To help provide reasons for people to visit Eli Fish regularly, Gray and Mager installed an indoor bocce court. They plan to sponsor bocce leagues and tournaments. They are also considering euchre and bridge tournaments, as well as other games suitable to the space.

"Jon and I, right from the get-go, have looked at Eli Fish as a community space, a place where people go to meet, whether it’s family, friends, business meetings, events, and so on," Gray said. "We're very surprised at the number of calls that we’ve gotten to book larger events, 30 to 50 people. We have a lot of those already scheduled."

Another attraction for customers, of course, will be the two food stands inside the building that will be occupied by winners of the FreshLABs restaurant startup competition. EDEN Vegan has already been selected for one of the spaces and is expected to open April 22.

Mager said he's also been pleased with the brewery they built in the basement of the century-old building.

"We did a good job making it a functional space," Mager said. "We’re not too cramped. We’re not tripping over ourselves, so brewing down there is enjoyable and so far it’s gone very, very well."

While the light has shone the first two weeks on the restaurant and bar, Saturday is Mager's big day when his first two beers from the brewery make their debut.

There will be an IPA called "First Draft" and a blonde that didn't have a name as of Thursday afternoon but will be christened by Saturday.

"Saturday is going to be a pretty fun day," Mager said.

One unique feature of the bar is that all of the beers and spirits are brewed or distilled in New York. There are no mass produced brews or liquors. Everything is handcrafted.

That means some of the labels can be pretty unfamiliar to most customers when they first come in, that puts pressure on servers to have good palates, experience and knowledge of what they're serving.

"One of biggest, pleasant surprises we had was the quality of the people that applied for our serving and bartending jobs," Gray said. "They are experienced. They know their stuff and they are open about learning new things."

New customers, new beers (20 on tap) and new spirits, and new staff have meshed nicely together so far, Mager said.

"It is a learning experience on what to recommend to somebody who comes in and says 'I like Coors light, what would you recommend?' and I think everybody’s been picking it up pretty well that, yeah, it is a craft beer, but it doesn’t mean that it’s super hoppy and super alcoholic. We have light craft beers and the few that we have that fit that bill have been the highest sellers."

Both Gray and Mager have been surprised to discover just how good New York's spirits can be, as well.

"Most people don’t think that New York is going to produce like excellent world-class gin,' Mager said. "We’ve got gins back there that I would put against Beefeater and everything else all day.

"There is a vodka out of Clarence," he added, "that me and Matt sampled together. It was fantastic. It’s not like you're making a concession. It’s not like you’re settling for something less than premium."

With Gray quickly adding, "They’re premium."

Gray likes Irish whiskey, but he enjoys all whiskey and it's been an adventure sampling what New York has to offer.

"I like trying them all," he said.

"That’s pretty much my outlook on craft beer," Mager added. "I don’t like going to a bar with a specific beer in mind. I like trying them all. Sometimes they’re not my favorite but I like the adventure of trying them all."

Eli Fish is someplace not like Batavia, is the feedback, someplace that offers a bit of an adventure, someplace to bring the community together, and it seems that so far Eli Fish is off to a good start.

But it's not complicated, said Gray, who got his start in the food business a couple of decades ago with Matty's Pizzeria. The basics remain the same.

"A lot of things have changed (since Matty's) but it's all the same thing," Gray said. "There are only two people you’re trying to make happy, and that’s your guest walking in the door and your staff.

"You want to make sure everyone working with you wants to be there and is happy to be there, and then you want to make sure they are also making sure that every guest who walks in is happy with what you’re putting out and the service you’re getting. Whether it’s a round pizza or a square plate, it’s pretty much the same thing."

Byron-Bergen National Jr. Honor Society welcomes 24 new inductees

By Billie Owens

(The Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School 2018 National Junior Honor Society.)

Submitted photos and press release: 

Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School celebrated the new membership of two dozen middle school students to the school’s National Junior Honor Society in a ceremony on March 21.

The inductees are:

  • Eighth-grade: Aidan Clark, Leanna Curts, Angelique Heick;
  • Seventh-grade: Cassidy Ball, David Brumsted, Dayanara Caballero, Cameron Carlson, Caris Carlson, Evan Cuba, Kendan Dressler, Frank Hersom, Ryan Muscarella, Valerie Pastore, Kendall Phillips, Austin Salmonds, Emily Salmonds, MacKenzie Senf, Zoey Shepard, Ava Wagoner, Lillian Walker, Leyna Wheeler, Hannah Wies, Nicholas Zwerka. 

The NJHS program highlights the well-rounded students at Byron-Bergen. Inductees are selected based on their high standards of scholarship, citizenship, service, leadership, and character. All members are required to demonstrate their achievements in each of these areas. New members join 40 standing members to round out the Byron-Bergen chapter

The evening began with a welcome from faculty advisors Ken Gropp and Kerri Smith. NJHS Vice President Alayna Streeter led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The ceremony continued with opening remarks from Superintendent Mickey Edwards and Principal Patrick McGee.

(The traditional lighting of the candles symbolizing the tenets of the NJHS: character, service, leadership, scholarship and citizenship.)

Students Hope Hersom and Kelly Ireland led the traditional candle-lighting ceremony, that centers on the five qualities all members work to embody. Alaura Rehwaldt lit the candle symbolizing Character; Elli Schelemanow, Leadership; Grace Huhn, Service; Colby Leggo, Scholarship; and Corden Zimmerman ended with Citizenship.  

NJHS President Sarah Sue Streeter spoke about working hard for everything you want. She shared her story of not qualifying for membership in the society when she expected that she would. She was extremely disappointed, and determined to do better the next year.

“I worked and worked and worked,” she said. “And all the hard work paid off. When you really want something, you have to be willing to work hard to get it.”

The induction ceremony featured two guest speakers who were chosen by NJHS members: Byron-Bergen teachers Roxanne Wood and Peter Spence. They each spoke about the five qualities NJHS members must embody and how they are part of a successful life.

Wood challenged students to “set your goals higher than you think you can reach.”

As part of the induction ceremony, each new inductee received a certificate and pin, and the distinct honor to be a part of the National Junior Honor Society.

More than a million students participate in NJHS:https://www.njhs.us/. Membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but also challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.

(All new inductees received a certificate and pin, and were acknowledged by the school’s administrators. Below, Ava Wagoner is congratulated by Ken Gropp.)

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