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Time to reiterate The Batavian's comment policy

By Howard B. Owens

It seems like a good idea to reiterate our comment policy, especially since some things might not be apparent since we now use Facebook's comment plug-in to manage comments: 

  • Even with Facebook registration, we still require real names. If we see a name we suspect is fictitious, we will check it against public databases. With Facebook, however, we also can now look at your profile. Fake accounts are usually easy to spot. We ban people from making comments with names we do not believe are the person's true identity. Interestingly, the way it works with Facebook, the person doesn't even appear to know they've been banned. I can still see their comments in our comment moderation tool even though the comments are not appearing on the website.
  • Attacks on public officials are a special case. The higher up in office, and the less directly connected to our local community, the more leeway is allowed, but name-calling and personal attacks rarely illuminate or add to a worthwhile discussion. We reserve the right in our sole judgment to hide comments that we find offensive or inappropriate.
  • Racism is never tolerated. 
  • We still do not allow personal insults. Some insults are obvious, others are more subtle, and we don't always catch them. Any comment we suspect of containing a personal insult, we hide. Only the person who made the comment and their Facebook-connected friends will see the comment. 
  • We don't allow profanity.  
  • We expect civil discourse and obvious trolls get their comments hidden and are subject to potential bans.
  • Comments that stray off topic are also subject to being hidden.

No comment is ever hidden because of the content of the comment. All opinions are welcome so long as the comments are within our guidelines.

Law and Order: Man accused of filching from Walmart then attempting to pawn the loot

By Billie Owens

Thomas J. Leonard, 36, no permanent address, is charged with falsifying business records in the first degree, petit larceny, and conspiracy in the sixth degree. Leonard was arrested at 6 p.m. on Feb. 13 on an arrest warrant out of Town of Batavia Court. The warrant stems from an investigation into a larceny that occurred at Walmart. It is alleged that Leonard stole property from Walmart, then attempted to pawn the property at Pawn King Pawn Shop and falsified business records in the process. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court, then released on his own recognizance. He is due to return to court on March 17. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien. The arrest was made by Deputy Erik Andre with the assistance of Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Christopher Michael Sims, 31, of Manhattan Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated, with a prior conviction within 10 years; parking on a highway; having an uninspected motor vehicle; and refusing to take a breath test. Sims was arrested at 5:46 a.m. this morning (Feb. 14) on Dubline Road in Bethany after a traffic complaint. It is alleged that Sims was driving a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol after being found unresponsive parked in the roadway. He was processed at the jail and released on appearance tickets. He is due in Bethany Town Court on Feb. 25. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Jordan Alejandro.

Kyle Christopher Madden, 26, of Lake Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Madden was arrested at 12:18 p.m. on Feb. 13 at an apartment on Lake Street Road in Le Roy during an investigation of an unrelated matter. He was released with an appearance ticket and is due in Le Roy Town Court on Feb. 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Christopher Parker.

Photos: Old truck off Route 262

By Howard B. Owens

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Driving down Route 262 in Byron this morning, I spotted this old, snow-covered truck, in a yard off the roadway.

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Democratic chairs take legal step to name Nate McMurray NY-27 special election candidate

By Howard B. Owens

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As part of the legal process required by the state for a special election, the eight-county chairs that comprise the NY-27 met last night and officially named Nate McMurray as their candidate in the April 28 election.

The chairs are Michael Plitt, Judith Hunter, Jeanne Crane, Jerry Zeller, Brittany Wells, Francine Del Monte, John Hurley (who attended via phone), and Cynthia Appleton.

The meeting was held at the Holiday Inn in Batavia.

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UPDATE: Press release from Nate McMurray:

Nate McMurray, the Democratic candidate in NY-27, issued the following statement in response:

“I am putting my full heart into this race. We all know this election is critical because we aren’t just sending a message to New York, we are sending a message to the entire country to say that we don’t want ‘politics as usual’. We don’t need another ‘Rich Chris’ using this position to make deals for themselves and their companies. We need representation and a message that includes everyone. We need to give the people of NY-27 a voice,” said Nate McMurray.

“Nate was our person from the start,” said Michael Plitt, Chair of the Genesee County Democrats. “His platform shows that he knows exactly what our district needs. He’s going to protect social security. He’s going to improve healthcare. After years of not having someone who represented our interests, Nate is someone who finally can.”

“I can tell you that Nate McMurray has created a grassroots movement here and has demonstrated understanding and concern for the residents of Wyoming County and beyond.  But it's more than that. He has reminded all of us that Liberty is a precious thing, not to be buried but held up to the light every day of our lives and when Nate McMurray goes to Washington, we know he will do that very thing," said Cindy Appleton, County Chair of Wyoming County Democrats. 

"Last night we ratified what we have known for a very long time: Nate McMurray is our candidate. We've been united behind him for over two years because he works like no one else we've ever seen to bring true representation to NY 27,” said Judith Hunter, County Chair of Livingston County Democrats.

“Unbelievably, the Republican powers that be have decided for the third time in the last dozen years that what this district needs is a rich guy named Chris who can't possibly understand what life is like for the ordinary voters of the 27th, despite the fact that the previous two times ended very badly. Unlike his opponent, Nate McMurray gets it.”

“A tough and well-deserving candidate,” said Brittaney Wells, County Chair of Monroe County Democrats, “Nate McMurray was officially designated last night by the Monroe County Democratic Committee for the Special Election in NY-27. The MCDC has complete faith that Nate will uphold his values as a fighter for families and a defender of the United States and the communities he will represent.” 

Jay Zona, County Chair of Niagara County Democrats, said, “Niagara County was one of the first counties to get on board with Nate for this special election.  He performed very well here in the 2018 election as a new name and we are looking forward to getting his message out.”

Tickets available for annual Celebrate Ag Dinner April 18, a feast for locavores

By Billie Owens

Press release:

This spring come and celebrate Genesee County’s No. 1 industry -- agriculture!

Tickets are still available for the 18th annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner. It will take place Saturday, April 18, at 6 p.m. at the Alexander Firemen's Recreation Hall, located at 10708 Alexander Road in Alexander.

The highlight of the night is a delicious meal using locally produced foods impeccably prepared by Penna’s Catering. The farm-to-fork feast is open to the public.

Tickets can be purchased at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce (8276 Park Road, Batavia) for $30 each or a table of 10 for $275.

Sponsorships are also available which help support agricultural educational events in Genesee County, such as Kinderfarmin’. Order your tickets now as they will not be available at the door.

The Celebrate Ag Dinner is coordinated by the following partners: Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District, and the Genesee County Farm Bureau. Many local farms and businesses sponsor or donate products to this event.

For ticket information contact the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce at 585-343-7440 or kbermingham@geneseeny.com.

ND Basketball Coach Rapone to be honored after Section V playoff game Feb. 25

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Notre Dame High School family will be honoring the legacy of excellence of Notre Dame Basketball Coach Mike Rapone (Class of ’71) with a reception in the school cafeteria following the boys Section V playoff game on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

Coach Rapone currently has 697 career victories as he coaches in his 40th season here at Notre Dame. The 697 wins make him the all-time leader in Section V coaching victories with the second place coach more than 150 wins behind.  

He began his coaching career at his grade school alma mater, Holy Family School in Le Roy in the 1972-73 season. During his four years at Holy Family, he guided the team to four straight Parochial School League championships.

Hired as the JV coach at Notre Dame at the beginning 1976-77 season, he led his teams to three winning seasons including the only undefeated season ever produced during our time in the Bishop Smith League in Buffalo.

Rapone took over the varsity team for the 1981-82 season and promptly won the first of his record nine Section V Titles in his opening year.

As impressive as Rapone’s coaching resume is, what is even more impressive is his love for Notre Dame and all its students. This is evident through his daily commitment to our school, and his constant effort to ensure that each student has the best possible high school experience.

We hope that you can all join in the celebration on Feb. 25 at Notre Dame, 73 Union St. in Batavia.

Highlights of Mike Rapone's 40-year Varsity Basketball Career:

  • #1 in NYS active coaching victories – 697;
  • #1 in Section V coaching victories – 697;
  • #1 in Section V coaching championships – 9;
  • Has guided ND to the highest winning percentage in all classification of Section V since 1975;
  • Only coach in Section V history to win championships in 4 different classifications;
  • 2 New York State Championships 1992 & 2001;
  • 31 Genesee Region League Championships;
  • 18 Section V title game appearances with 9 championships;
  • Section V Tournament #1 seed 17 times;
  • 5 NYS Far West Regional Championships;
  • 81 percent career winning percentage;
  • Averaging 17.5 per year wins over 40 seasons;
  • 18 of 20 teams have earned NYS Scholar Athlete recognition;
  • Has coached 21 of the Top 25 Scorers in ND history;
  • 2013 Team was Board 60 Sportsmanship Award Winner;
  • 1996 Inducted into Notre Dame High School Athletic Hall of Fame;
  • 2016 Inducted into Section V Basketball Hall of Fame.

Basketball Coaching Timeline of Mike Rapone                   

  • 12/05/1980                  First Coaching Victory vs. Attica
  • 03/07/1981                  First Section V Championship vs. Romulus
  • 01/07/1986                  Victory #100 vs. Holley
  • 01/15/1992                  Victory #200 vs. Pembroke
  • 03/21/1992                  First New York State Championship vs. Bishop Grimes
  • 03/16/1996                  Inducted into Notre Dame High School Hall of Fame
  • 12/18/1996                  Victory #300 vs. Kendall
  • 03/17/2001                  Second New York State Championship vs. Hamilton
  • 04/06/2001                  Named Section V All-Greater Rochester Coach of the Year
  • 12/19/2001                  Victory #400 vs. Elba
  • 01/14/2008                  Victory #500 vs. Kendall
  • 03/03/2010                  Victory #546 Breaking Section V Record vs. Arkport.
  • 01/29/2013                  Victory #600 vs. Kendall
  • 11/05/2016                  Inducted into Section V Basketball Hall of Fame
  • ??/??/2020                  Victory #700

(File photo of Notre Dame Coach Mike Rapone taken in January 2017 by Jim Burns.)

Manor House executive to chair this year's Genesee/Wyoming Walk to End Alzheimer's

By Billie Owens

Photo: Kim Arnold, left, and her daughter Brooke.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds forcare and support for all impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and research to find ways to prevent, treat and end the disease.

On Oct. 3, 2020, the Genesee/Wyoming Walk to End Alzheimer’s will bring more than 600 people to Batavia who have touched in some way by dementia, and leading the effort is an executive with The Manor House in Batavia.

The Manor House Sales and Marketing Director Kim Arnold will chair this year’s event in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter, which oversees five other Walks across the region.

In 2019, the Batavia Walk raised more than $64,000. Corporate sponsorship and peer-to-peer fundraising for the Walk fund the Chapter’s local outreach, which includes free education and supportive services, as well as critical research.

“I am honored to be leading the volunteer team for the Batavia Walk," Arnold said. "Our committee is very dedicated to organizing a fun and inspiring event and raising the funds that will help us end this terrible disease.

"One of the things I am most proud about is that our Walk is one of the leaders across the nation for returning Walk teams, and I think that is a reflection of the wonderful community we have here across Genesee and Wyoming counties."

Individual, family and friend and corporate teams raise funds for the Walk through various means, including yard sales, raffles, dress down days and the sales of various purple items such as bracelets and paper flowers. 

Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter Executive Director Jill Horner welcomes Arnold to the Walk leadership group.

“I am delighted that Kim hasthis critical leadership role to support families in her community and across Western New York," Horner said. "Her dedication and ongoing support of chapter work is never ending and I can’t thank Kim enough for her commitment."

Other Walks set for this year are set for: Buffalo on Sept. 12; the Southern Tier and Orleans County on Sept. 26; Niagara County on Oct. 3; and Chautauqua County on Oct. 10.

All Walk locations are currently recruiting volunteers to serve on organizing committees. Roles include marketing, recruitment, sponsorship and logistics.

To volunteer, call the WNY Chapter office at (716) 626-0600. To learn more about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and to start a fundraising team, visit alz.org/Walk.

About Kim Arnold

She joined The Manor House in 2016 after working in sales and marketing in Monroe County, including serve as the chair of Development for Camp HACCAMO for developmentally disabled children in Penfield. Her affiliation with the Alzheimer’s Association began seven years ago when she volunteered to work as a community educator.

Arnold has been volunteering with the Association and the Walk since she began working in Batavia. She and her husband, Tom, reside in Avon with their daughter Brooke, who also volunteers at the Walk.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

It is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

About the Western New York Chapter

The local Chapter provides programs, services and other resources for those living with dementia, their care partners, healthcare professionals and others across eight counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming.

You can learn more by calling (716) 626-0600 during traditional business hours, or 24/7 at 800-272-3900 or alz.org/WNY.

20th annual winter guard competition 'Fantasic Vision' is at BHS Saturday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia City School District winter guard will host its 20th annual Fantastic Vision winter guard competition on Saturday, Feb. 15, in the Batavia High School gymnasium. Performances begin at 5:15 p.m.

Winter guard performances consist of choreographed dance moves that typically incorporate flags or prop rifles.

This competition will include 18 guards from Western New York and Canada, ranging in skill and age level. It will include two senior guards, four guards in the cadet class that includes Batavia’s junior varsity guard, and three in the Scholastic-A level, to which Batavia’s varsity winter guard was recently elevated. Other guards from this region include two from Medina and two from Gates Chili.

In addition, the Batavia Winter Guards and Boosters in conjunction with the District’s music department,will open the competition with a brief ceremony to honor Batavia’s athletic director, Michael Bromley, for his continued support throughout the 20 years. During his tenure, the Batavia guards grew from one team in the Regional A class to two teams – one junior varsity cadet guard, and one varsity guard that won the Northeast color guard circuit last year and moved up from the A1 class to the Scholastic A class.

Admission for adults is $7, for seniors 65 and older is $6, and for children under 5 is free.

Birthday present purchased in Elba turns into $1 million prize

By Howard B. Owens

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Here's a birthday present that paid off in a big way -- a lottery scratcher purchased at a convenience store in Elba for Nichole Williams turned out to be worth $1 million.

Williams, a mother of three, and a cancer survivor, and resident of Knowlesville, said the money will help pay off her medical bills and she will start a college fund for her children.

“It’s definitely a blessing,” Williams said. “It’s definitely a huge weight lifted off my shoulders that I can provide college for my kids or if they don’t want to go to college we can put it towards a tech school or whatever else they want to do.”

Photo and information courtesy OrleansHub. For more on this story, click here.

Women who want to live like God is real converge at Northgate church March 27-28

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Tens of thousands of women worldwide participated in the IF:Gathering, either in person at the sold-out event in Dallas Feb. 7-8 or via livestream to locations like Northgate Free Methodist Church in Batavia. Representing a variety of cultures and denominations, these women hold one thing in common: they want to live like God is real.

The IF:Gathering provides space for women to wrestle with essential questions of faith, to dream, and to connect with one another. In Batavia, local leaders are hosting a delayed airing of the IF:Gathering on March 27 and 28 at Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia (North Campus).

Join the women of Northgate, Batavia and the surrounding areas for two days of amazing speakers via telecast, including IF:Gathering founder Jennie Allen, plus Jo Saxton, Jada Edwards and Beth Moore. There will be live worship, and refreshments.

Ticket cost is $15 for both days.

Time is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday March 27; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28.

For more information about the local IF:Gathering and to register, click here.

Allen, the author of "Restless" and "Nothing to Prove," created the nonprofit organization with the intention of providing a pure, honest space for this generation of women to wrestle with the essential question: IF God is real, THEN what?

To date, IF:Gathering has reached more than 1.2 million women in more than 179 countries. By partnering with the organization Days for Girls, Northgate is coming alongside women around the world, fostering relationships, and using women’s God-given gifts to not only transform hearts but also leave a tangible impact on the entire world.

"We have a grand desire to see an entire generation discipled and unleashed to then go and make more disciples of Jesus. We believe with God it’s possible," according to their website.

Blue Devils' football standout signs with Mercyhurst on scholarship

By Howard B. Owens

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Camden White checked off a big life goal yesterday when he signed a letter of intent to attend Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pa., on a football scholarship.

"Just growing up, I fell in love with football," White said. "The main dream was being able to go to college for free. I always wanted to get a scholarship and Mercyhurst gave me a pretty good offer. I'm almost going to college for free so the dream came true."

White will study sports medicine, strength, and conditioning.

Mercyhurst is a Division II program.

It's no surprise to Batavia's head football coach, Brennan Briggs, that White landed a football scholarship.

"He's a product of hard work," Briggs said. "He came and played football with us when he was younger and he was a little smaller and he just dedicated himself to the weight room. He decided he was going to put his mind toward playing college football. His worth ethic and effort paid off and I just know he's going to have a great career at Mercyhurst."

His father, Al White, said he's glad Cam picked a school close to home.

"It was a good option," he said. "He could have gone further away but academically and athletically, it was the right choice for him."

Top photo: Front row, Caeden White, Al White, Camden White, Tina White, and Gavin White. Back row: Ted Stevens, Buddy Brasky, Brennan Briggs, Chris Harloff, and Javaughn Johnson.

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Pembroke and Alden pick up Scholastic Bowl wins

By Howard B. Owens

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Pembroke scored 300 points in Wednesday's second match of the Scholastic Bowl at Genesee Community College to beat out Pavilion, 140 points, and Oakfield-Alabama, 130.

Alden won the first match, beating Akron and Elba, 340 to 220 to 70.

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Possible minor injury accident reported in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

A car is on its side in a one-vehicle accident at Lewiston and Fisher roads in Oakfield.

A person reportedly has a minor head injury.

Mercy EMS requested to the scene for patient evalutaion.

Oakfield fire responding.

'Try Hockey For Free' clinic to be held at Falleti Ice Rink Feb. 22

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee Amateur Hockey Association invites children to the Falleti Ice Rink on Evans Street in Batavia on Saturday, Feb. 22, for a Try Hockey For Free clinic as part of "Hockey Week Across America."

Starting at 11:50 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. local youth, ages 4 to 9, are encouraged to experience ice hockey for the first time and learn the basic skills in a fun, safe environment.

“We look forward to welcoming families to Falleti Ice Rink to try our great sport of ice hockey” said Dale Hutchins, president of GAHA. “Our goal is for these families to enjoy watching their kids learn new skills with big smiles on their faces.”

USA Hockey’s Try Hockey program, with the support of the National Hockey League and NHL member clubs, among others, is designed to provide youth hockey associations with a national platform for introducing children to the sport, free of charge.  

All your youngster needs is a helmet (bike or sports) and winter gloves. Skates are available at the Rink. The GAHA organization does have some used hockey helmets available for the event as well as a few hockey sticks.

Players in attendance will be given a free hockey jersey to take home.

To register for this Try Hockey For Free event, please visit:   www.TryHockeyForFree.com

For more information, please contact Sharon, the coordinator for Try Hockey For Free, at:   svgray@rochester.rr.com or 585-344-2248.

NY-27 candidate Mychajliw calls Jacobs a 'RINO', says he'll debate McMurray if Jacobs won't

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Congressional candidate Stefan I. Mychajliw Jr. has announced he will accept a debate challenge from Democrat Nate McMurray, if Chris Jacobs refuses McMurray’s challenge to eight proposed debates across NY-27.

Mychajliw agreed to debate McMurray in all eight counties across NY-27 if Chris Jacobs declines the Democrat’s open debate invitation.

“Someone has to stand up for Republican values," Mychajliw said. "If ‘Republican in Name Only’ Chris Jacobs won’t, I will. Since RINO Chris Jacobs has a record similar to Nate McMurray, he is clearly afraid to debate him.

"Unlike Mitt Romney donor Chris Jacobs, I never said I supported abortion rights, favored gay marriage and opposed the death penalty. While Chris Jacobs is scared to stand up for his RINO, moderate record, I have no issue debating Nate McMurray.

If this proposal is accepted by the McMurray campaign, and Jacobs refuses to debate McMurray, Mychajliw will accept the challenge to eight debates.

“Voters should hear Chris Jacobs defend his record of increasing his own pay by $50,000 and his vote to fund Planned Parenthood," Mychajliw said. "RINO Chris Jacobs’ core values are very similar to Nate McMurray’s. Do we want to send an Albany moderate to Washington that is afraid to debate Nate McMurray? How are you going to take the fight to radical progressives like Nancy Pelosi and AOC when you’re afraid to engage Nate McMurray here at home?”

GC Democratic Committee endorses nine people to represent local voters in 2020 elections

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
The Genesee County Democratic Committee is proud to announce the following endorsements made during their meeting on Feb. 11th:
  • Nate McMurray for Congress in NY27
  • Kim Smith for NYS Senate District 61
  • David Krzemien for Genesee County Sheriff
  • Sammy DiSalvo for City Council at Large
  • Terry Thompson for Alabama Town Board
  • Vicki Almquist for Village of Bergen Trustee
  • Greg Rogers for Village of Le Roy Mayor
  • Ray Yacuzzo for Village of Le Roy Trustee
  • Jim Bonaquisti for Village of Le Roy Trustee

Congratulations to all of our fantastic 2020 Democratic candidates!

Of the endorsements, Committee Chair Michael Plitt said, "Democrats in Genesee County are expressing more enthusiasm and engagement that we have seen in a long time. Our party is excited to get to work for our dedicated and qualified candidates."

GLOW Region Tech Wars to rage at GCC March 12 -- 'Lumber Labyrinth' is new this year

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The 13th GLOW Region Tech Wars will be held Thursday, March 12, at Genesee Community College's Batavia Campus. The annual Tech Wars brings middle and high school students from all 24 of the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming (GLOW) region's school districts together in teams to work collaboratively to demonstrate their technical expertise through innovative, mind-expanding competitions.

Each year, with a forward vision and new developments in technology, Tech Wars introduces new events. 2020 is no different. This year's competitors (students) have chosen from close to 30 available competitions to showcase -- and put to the test -- some basic and some extremely intricate and innovative technology. Regardless of the event, all of the students enjoy the opportunity to see their hard work come to fruition.

Tech Wars event details, rules and competition descriptions are available at techwarsgccny.org.

Tech Wars 2020 events brings back some favorites such as: Battlebot Soccer; the Regatta; Bridge; CO2 Cars; King of the Hill; Logo Design; Sculpture; Onsite CAD Drawing and Reverse Engineering CAD; Skimmer Cars; Sumo Bots; Tractor Pull and Trebuchet; and will introduce the all new, Lumber Labyrinth.

In addition to Lumber Labyrinth, Tech Wars 2020 also introduces Skimmer Cars and Technical Drawing for the middle schoolers as well as other legacy events such as Catapult; Paper Airplane; Rube Goldberg; and Sculpture. Back by popular demand for all participants is the Mystery Event, which allows students to use their creativity and skills in an on-demand, timed situation.

For the second year, Tech Wars also features STEAM Jam @ Tech Wars, an event held simultaneously for third- to fifth-grade students from GLOW region schools. More than 100 students will participate in various team building and mind-stimulating activities that foster skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM). As an educational precursor to a future in technology, STEAM Jam participants will have the opportunity to observe the fun and exciting Tech Wars 2020 competitions.

Educational support for Tech Wars and STEAM Jam comes from the dedication, state-of-the art facilities and quality instruction in the GLOW region schools. Teachers share ideas and explore new technology and developments through both a Regional STEAM Teachers' cohort and a Regional Tech Teachers' Cohort.

Focused on local economic development, the newly established Regional Tech Teachers' Cohort collaboratively cultivates relationships between the schools and local professionals to provide information sessions, field trips, school to work opportunities, and more to enhance student learning experiences. Through these experiences and relationships students begin to form goals and a vision for their own futures.

The efforts of programs like Tech Wars, STEAM Jam and the Cohorts are already making a difference with many thanks to community support. Tech Wars 2020 has been presented with a record number of sponsors Gold Sponsors: Liberty Pumps, Northeast Industrial Tech Inc., Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning, Graham Corporation, Amada Tool America Inc., and Glow with Your Hands. Silver and Bronze Sponsors: LandPro Equipment, Oxbo International, Takeform, DWB Enterprises and the Varysburg Lions Club.

"The support of local businesses and organizations in this region is second to none," Ann Valento, ACE program specialist said. "Without these organizations and other generous local donors, Tech Wars would not be possible.

"Our local sponsors also serve as volunteers, judges, and spend their valuable time talking with students and inspiring entrepreneurial spirit. In addition, the businesses that participate in these events get an exclusive opportunity to meet and network with the future workforce in our community."

Tech Wars is also proudly sponsored and hosted by Genesee Community College and its ACE (Accelerated College Enrollment) program. The ACE team and the entire GCC community work diligently to provide a safe and appropriately-equipped environment to showcase the students' technological skills and creativity.

Tech Wars is among several dynamic programs giving students the opportunity to learn hands-on, often in business settings and with industry professionals. The ACE Program's Career Pathways is committed to helping students explore career options and make a smooth transition from high school to further education and/or a career.

For more information about the Career Pathways programs, please contact Ann Valento, Genesee Community College Career Pathways Specialist at 585-3430055, ext. 6316, or amvalento@genesee.edu.

Up to five inches of snow expected overnight

By Howard B. Owens

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A winter weather advisory is in effect for 12 hours, from 10 p.m. until 10 a.m. with three to five inches of snow expected in Genesee County, according to the National Weather Service

Residents can also expect very cold air to hit the region Thursday night through Friday night with wind chills dropping below zero.

Graphic: Accuweather

Top Items on Batavia's List

Gas stove, dryer, queen bed and boxspring, books, bikes, legos, mens and womens clothing and much more. Cash and Venmo accepted. May 24-26 8am-? 5050 Batavia Elba Townline rd Batavia 14020
Tags: garage sales

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