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Photos: STEAM Day at Batavia Middle School

By Howard B. Owens

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Photos and information submitted by Batavia City Schools:

As part of a school-wide STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) Day, all students in Batavia Middle School rotated through three grade-specific learning stations to participate in a variety of interactive STEAM-based activities.

Fifth-graders, at one station, used a Bloxel application and kit to design and build their own video game settings and characters, then upload them for virtual gaming adventures. At another, they created useful items -- such as wallets, bookmarks and lanyards -- using nothing but decorative duct tape and their imaginations. At the third, they tried different size wheels on a robotic car to determine how wheel size changed the amount of time it takes to travel a given distance.

Sixth-graders played challenging coding games at one station. At another, as part of learning about simple machines, they worked in groups to build a catapult and test its launching capabilities by hurling an eraser down a measured track. After each shot, they returned to their building table to make adjustments that would improve their machine’s performance. At their third learning station, the students made paper jack-o-lanterns lit by a small bulb that was powered by a circuit they had completed.

Seventh-graders also created circuits using copper tape and a battery laid out on a piece of paper and used the power to light a small bulb that completed a picture they had drawn on the reverse side of the paper. At another station, they simulated the popular Escape Experiences exercise and solved puzzles to discover the necessary information for unlocking a mystery box. At a third, they used several different apps to drive and design programs for driving robotic sphero balls. 

Eighth-grade students had the opportunity to program a robotic space-rover so it would move around to pick up and capture objects. At another station, the classroom became a live computer game with scenarios and situations being announced, then students determining what their next move should be. At their third station, students learned how to create a flip book out of index cards -- a book with a series of pictures that depict gradual changes from one page to the next, so that when the pages are flicked rapidly, it looks like a moving picture. 

The kits for these learning adventures were provided through the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership Library Services, which also helped to plan and facilitate the Middle School’s STEAM Day.

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Photos: St. Paul's walk-a-thon

By Howard B. Owens

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A bit of rain didn't hold back the K-5 students at St. Paul's Lutheran School today from their annual walk-a-thon to help raise money for the school's tuition assistance program. They just moved the money-raising trek inside.

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Photo: Long-awaited scoreboard repair at Dwyer Stadium

By Howard B. Owens

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It's been a few years since baseball fans at Dwyer Stadium could see the names of hitters at the plate and their batting averages, but when next spring's first "play ball" is called that will have changed.

Crews were at the stadium today making long-desired (by the fans) repairs of the outfield sign that will restore the lighting to the upper portion where players' names and averages appear.

The project is part of the city's maintenance budget for Dwyer.

Photos: Make a Difference Day for Batavia High School seniors

By Howard B. Owens

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Seniors at Batavia High School participated in Make a Difference Day by volunteering at various agencies throughout the county this morning.

Among the 20 agencies where students volunteered were the Arc of Genesee Orleans, Batavia Business Improvement District (BID), Batavia Housing Authority, Batavia Peace Garden, Crossroads House, Habitat for Humanity, the VA, YMCA and YWCA.

Rain changed the nature of many activities and cut short outdoor activities.

Above, students who volunteered at the VA, instead of doing grounds cleanup, helped around the maintenance shop, including assisting in the repair of a snowplow blade. Pictured are Ray Mlodozeniec, John Lidiaga, Tapanga Wheaton, Madison Schady and J.T. Turnbull.

Below, photos of students picking up litter on Liberty Street as part of their volunteer effort for the BID.

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Agritourism Symposium to be held Oct. 26 at GCC

By Billie Owens

A symposium on agritourism will be held at Genesee Community College on Thursday, Oct. 26.

It will take place inside Stuart Steiner Theatre and is free and open to all. It is hosted by GCC's Tourism & Hospitality Management Program.

Meet the entrepreneurial agritourism leaders in Genesee County. There will be vendor booths and samples.

Here's the day's schedule:

  • 11 a.m. to noon -- Student Session with Sophie Winter, Ph.D.
  • 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. -- Keynote Speaker: Sophie Winter, Ph.D.
  • 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. -- Panel Discussion and Question-and-Answer Session
  • 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. -- Meet, Greet & Eat Reception

The college is located at One College Road in the Town of Batavia.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Amy Slusser, professor, Tourism & Hospitality Management, at 343-0055, ext. 6332, or email   alslusser@genesee.edu

The symposium is sponsored in part by Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement.

Batavia Middle School's B-Square visits Batavia PD

By Howard B. Owens

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From Sarah Gahagan:

Yesterday's destination for B Squad was the Batavia Police Department. We ran 1.35 miles and met up with Detective Matt Wojaszczk and Assistant Police Chief Todd Crossett. Both men enjoy running and staying physically active. They spoke about how critically important it is to lead a healthy lifestyle, especially with their demanding jobs.

One of the highlights of this visit was discussing the importance of developing and maintaining a good reputation for yourself, one that you can be proud of. Remembering to surround yourself with positive individuals who are going to lift you up, rather than drag you down.

While job hunting and looking for college recommendations you want to stand out and shine. Outstanding qualities like honesty, punctuality and good decision making are all highly sought after. This starts with the choice of how you represent yourself in school, in public and even when you think no one else is watching.

Each of our B Squad boys practiced a firm handshake and graciously thanked our two local heros! It was a great opportunity!

'Git Fit' program in Alexander bringing families together for healthy activities

By Howard B. Owens

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Families in Alexander have been participating in a special fitness program sponsored by the YMCA, UMMC, County Health Department, and the school district.

The sessions are on Wednesday nights from 6:15 to 7:45 at the school. They started Sept. 27.

"The goal is to keep people moving is the best way to describe the program," said Rob Walker, CEO of the GLOW YMCA.

Photos submitted by the YMCA.

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Driver injured when struck by own car in driveway of home on Edgewood Drive

By Howard B. Owens

A 61-year-old woman suffered arm and leg injuries last night when her own car ran over her in the driveway of her home on Edgewood Drive, Batavia.

A Sheriff's Office accident report says Roxanne Winegar thought she had put her car into park before exiting her vehicle at 11:04 p.m. The vehicle was still in gear and it rolled backward. Winegar was knocked to the ground by the driver's side door then a tire ran over her arm and leg.

She was taken by Mercy EMS to UMMC.

We were not able to obtain her current medical status from UMMC.

Town of Batavia fire also responded to the scene.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Travis Demuth.

(Initial Report)

Sponsored Post: Dolce Panepinto works tirelessly to protect the rights of injured workers

By Lisa Ace


Dolce Panepinto works tirelessly to protect the rights of injured workers by making sure that those responsible are held accountable. If you or a family member are injured at work, or in your private life, contact us today for a free case evaluation at 585-815-9003.

Below are some previous litigation highlights: 

  • A $1.275 million settlement was reached during trial for a plasterer/drywall finisher who was injured while working inside of a building. Our client suffered serious injuries to his back, neck, knee and wrist as a result of a fall down a wet staircase, a condition that had been created by the building owner. 
  • A $1.25 million settlement was reached on behalf of a satellite dish Installer who suffered a herniated disc in his back. Our client was performing an installation when icy conditions at his work site caused him to fall. 
  • A $1.2 million verdict was reached on behalf of a Laborers’ Local 210 laborer who suffered serious shoulder and neck injuries as a result of a fall at a job site. Our client was performing renovation work in an existing structure when the ceiling collapsed onto him, knocking him off his ladder and down onto the ground below. 
  • A $950,000 settlement was reach on behalf of a roofer who suffered back, shoulder, and knee injuries. Our client was removing an existing roof from a commercial structure when it collapsed beneath him sending him crashing through to the concrete below. 

Please call Kristin Allen at 585-815-9003 for any of your workers’ compensation needs.

Water line repairs to affect service, traffic in Bank Street area on Thursday

By Mike Pettinella

Press release:

On Thursday, Oct. 12, the City of Batavia Water Department along with United Memorial Medical Center will be replacing valves on the main water line on Bank Street.

Water service will be interrupted on Bank Street from East Main Street to Washington Avenue. Bank Street will be closed to traffic at 6:30 a.m. from the Mall parking lot to Alva Place until repairs are complete. Please avoid the area if possible.

Every effort will be made to keep water service interruption to a minimum. This work may result in a period of discolored water in this general area after service is restored.

Residents should check to make sure water clarity has returned before resuming activities such as laundry which may be impacted.

Elderly female run over by vehicle on Edgewood Drive, Batavia

By Billie Owens

An elderly female was run over by a vehicle in the driveway in the 100 block at a double-digit address on Edgewood Drive, Batavia, and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:33 p.m.: The woman is being transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

City Council says 'no' to pay raise for Molino, receives positive report on 2016-17 audit

By Mike Pettinella

Unless the subject is brought to the table in the coming weeks – and that is a possibility – Batavia City Manager Jason Molino will not be getting a raise this year.

Tonight City Council voted 5-4 against a 2.75-percent salary increase for Molino, who has been instrumental in the community’s Downtown resurgence, which recently was punctuated by a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award from New York State.

Council members Rose Mary Christian, Kathleen Briggs, Al McGinnis, Paul Viele and Robert Bialkowski voted “no” to the raise, while Adam Tabelski, John Canale, Pattie Pacino and Council President Eugene Jankowski voted “yes.”

The 2.75-percent hike, which was in the city budget, would have upped Molino’s annual pay from $93,782 – reportedly the lowest salary for a city manager in the state – to $96,361.

Even before the resolution came up in the meeting, Christian took the floor, stating that she had “some questions” about the process because it is the “taxpayers’ money.” Jankowski cut her off, and said that everything would be covered in executive session after the public meeting.

When the matter came up again (it was the last resolution on the agenda), Bialkowski contended that the raise had not been presented in the form of a resolution as required by the City Charter. Both Jankowski and Molino countered that it was put forth as a draft resolution in July – a fact confirmed by this reporter’s check of the July Conference Meeting agenda.

Bialkowski made a motion to delay the vote again, but that was defeated 6-3, after Christian questioned whether some on the Council up for election this year wanted to wait "because if it's passed now, you won't get elected."

She also, once again, questioned the process used to determine raises.

“I don’t like the system and I don’t like the 2.75 percent,” she said. “This comes up every January, so we go to the next budget, and they say we gave Jason 2.75 percent, so we have to give the department heads the same 2.75.”

Jankowski said that January is the time to discuss that and that Council is in the “process of changing the procedure, which will be talked about in executive session.”

Following the meeting, Jankowski said he previously asked that the vote be delayed to the fall since he knew he was going to miss a meeting and “wanted to be here to vote on it because it is controversial.”

“I wanted my intentions to be known, which were to reward the city manager for his proper work over the last year – it was budgeted for in January for him getting a favorable evaluation, which he did receive,” Jankowski said. “So I felt obligated to honor that contract.”

Jankowski and Bialkowski both said they thought the issue could be presented to Council again, with the former stating that he was going to explore the options going forward.

Molino, contacted by phone after the executive session, did not want to comment on the record.

Hired in July 2006, Molino is responsible for a workforce of about 140 (full-time equivalents) and manages a $25 million budget. The city’s budget presentation was honored for the third straight year by Government Finance Officers Association (see press release below).

In other developments, Council:

-- Heard a report on the city’s audit for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017, which produced “overall positive results,” said Laura Landers, CPA, of Freed Maxick.

“The unassigned fund balances put the city in a stable position,” said Landers, who highlighted the community’s statement of net position for its general, water and sewer funds.

Landers said the city was required to have a full audit this year – and likely for the next few years – because it expended more than $750,000 in federal Department of Transportation funds.

On the general fund, she said revenues of $16.2 million were less than expenditures of $17.6 million, thus decreasing the fund balance to $7.1 million, but that was done by design.

“It was a planned use of reserves of almost $1.7 million for sidewalks, capital improvements, and equipment,” Landers said, as well as for (as Molino pointed out), a fire truck and health-care expenses.

Landers noted that actual revenues were slightly less than budgeted, sales tax revenue also came in less than budgeted and expenditures – continuing a 10-year trend – also were less than the budgeted figure.

Of the $7.1 million fund balance, $1.8 million is unassigned, meaning that it can be used for whatever City Council wishes, Landers said.

Both the water and sewer funds showed operating surpluses, and have $2.4 million and $3.5 million in funds restricted for capital improvements, Landers said.

-- Was updated by Molino on the progress of the $10 million in DRI funds that were awarded to the city last week when Gov. Andrew Cuomo was in town.

Molino said the state has selected a consultant, LaBella Associates, a Western New York firm which has done work in the past for the Town and City of Batavia, and will be choosing a steering committee in the next couple weeks with the goal of submitting projects to the governor’s office.

“It’s a rough process – similar to a Request for Proposal process with certain criteria,” he said. “I would think that less is more in order to be able to evaluate projects, but there’s really not a lot of concrete information to give you at this point.”

Still, the program is on a fast track, Molino said, as recommendations are expected to be sent to Albany by February.

-- Voted unanimously to adopt the updated Comprehensive Plan after learning that some grammatical and formatting errors in the 100-plus-page document will be rectified and that all items, particularly form-based codes, will have to be brought before Council prior to being implemented.

Bialkowski said he was dismayed that errors existed in the document in light of the fact that Council authorized spending $100,000 for outside consultants to update the plan for the first time in about 20 years.

-- Voted to release five properties sold at auction to the highest bidders as follows: 29 Brooklyn Ave., Louie Kingsbury, $4,000; 200 S. Swan St., Geib Corporation, $20,000; 1 Watson St., Justin and Yasmeen Calmes, $13,500; 46 Swan St., Justin and Yasmeen Calmes, $1,500; and 2 Willow St., Robert Fritschi, $19,000.

State trainer and expert on proposed Unified Solar Law to speak in Stafford Thursday night about big solar plants on farmland

By Billie Owens
Information from a press release:
 
Are you curious about large-scale industrial solar electric plants on farmland? A trainer for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will be speaking in Stafford on Thursday, Oct. 12. 
 
The Stafford Solar Education Committee invites all citizens and lawmakers to attend the meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church Hall, located at the southeast corner of routes 5 and 237.
 
Speaking will be Derek Meister, of The Meister Consultant's Group Inc., an international sustainability consulting firm. He is a trainer for NYSERDA and the state's suggested Unified Solar Law.
 
He will explain the template state law, intended to streamline local implementation of large-scale industrial solar electric plants on farmland.
 
Please bring your neighbors, your comments and your questions.

Local government workshop on planning for extreme weather events to be held in Batavia next month

By Billie Owens

Press release:

New York Sea Grant, the Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center, and the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council will offer a new hands-on resiliency building training at the daylong Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council Regional Local Government Workshop on Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Nov. 17, in Batavia.

Preregistration is requested by Nov. 7. It will be held at the Quality Inn & Suites on Park Road in Batavia.

Attendees will participate in interactive scenario-building and decision-making exercises and develop response strategies to better prepare for impacts on natural and built environments during extreme weather events and other community challenges.

Small group discussions will include how a community can save money on flood insurance, information about the New York State Risk Assessment Tool, and details on the Flood Smart Community and Climate Smart Community programs.

The resiliency training sessions will include representatives from the National Weather Service, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of State, and the Town of Greece.

"We are pleased to partner with New York Sea Grant, the Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center, and all the resiliency track presenters to help regional communities reduce areas of vulnerability and better prepare to preempt or manage future extreme events," said David S. Zorn, executive director of the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council.

The resiliency track is one of three distinct tracks offered at this semi-annual Regional Local Government Workshop cosponsored by the nine counties of the Genesee-Finger Lakes region.

For registration details, questions and more information, contact David S. Zorn, 585-454-0190, ext. 14dave.zorn@gflrpc.org, or visit http://www.gflrpc.org/fallworkshop.html.

New York Sea Grant is a cooperative program of Cornell University and the State University of New York, and one of 33 university-based programs under the National Sea Grant College Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

For updates on New York Sea Grant Great Lakes and marine district activities, visit www.nyseagrant.org. For more information on the NYSG Great Lakes Coastal Community Development Program, see www.nyseagrant.org/ccd.

Tour of Iroquois Indian fort offered Saturday in Oakfield, pre-sale tickets only

By Billie Owens
Submitted photos and press release:
 
On Saturday, Oct. 14, the Oakfield Historical Society is offering a repeat of last year's sold-out tour of a Native American fort. This is a narrated wagon ride plus a walk through the woods to see remnants of the fort.
 
Cost of the tour is $5 each pre-sale only, and are first come, first served. Tickets still available for 12, 12:30, 1 and 1:30 p.m. time slots by calling Laurie at 585-259-4145 and also available at Warner's Flowers.
 
Plan to arrive at the museum 15 minutes early to get wristbands. It is located at 7 Maple Ave. in Oakfield. Tours take about an hour. Please wear footwear and clothes appropriate for a woodsy hike. Must be able to walk over uneven terrain. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
 
Rain date is Oct. 21st.
 
The society is also pleased to offer its newest publication, "In Search of The Bone Fort," by Society Member Bill Chase, for $8 per book (photo below).
 

City receives budget award from association of finance officers

By Howard B. Owens

Press release: 

The City of Batavia is proud to announce that the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) announced that the City of Batavia has received the GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget presentation for the third consecutive year.

The award represents a significant achievement by the City. It reflects the commitment of the City Council and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.

In order to receive the budget award, the City had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well the City’s budget serves as:

  • A policy document

  • A financial plan

  • An operations guide

  • A communications device

Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories, and the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.

The City of Batavia is one of only three cities in the State of New York to achieve this award. In total there are only eight municipal recipients of the award in New York State. The award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting.

The Government Finance Officers Association is a major professional association servicing the needs of more than 19,000 appointed and elected local, state, and provincial-level government officials and other finance practitioners.

It provides top-quality publications, training programs, services, and products designed to enhance the skills and performance of those responsible for government finance policy and management. The association is headquartered in Chicago, with offices in Washington, D.C. The GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting. 

River Street Bridge scheduled to open by Nov. 10

By Steve Ognibene

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Photos taken over last weekend by Steve Ognibene.

According to county Highway Superintendent Tim Hens, the River Street Bridge Project will be completed next month and is scheduled to be open to traffic by Nov. 10th.

Deck concrete is curing now, he said this afternoon, and workers still have the guide rail to put up; gas line has to be attached; and the street/curb repairs near the bridge must be completed.

The contract price is still unchanged from the award at $1,419,581.

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UPDATED: Two iconic Batavia businesses to be featured on WXXI's live educational TV program

By Billie Owens

After issuing a press release yesterday, WXXI changed the air dates today. See changes below.

Oliver's Candies and P.W. Minor will be featured in upcoming segments on "Homework Hotline," WXXI’s live statewide educational television program.

It provides students in grades four through 12 with the tools needed to succeed in school and will look at four Western New York businesses, two in Genesee County. They are part of a series of video segments that show how everyday items are made.

The features will air as part of "Homework Hotline" at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Oct. 18 25 through Nov. 9 15 on WXXI-TV and online at homeworkhotline.org

On Oct. 25 (NOT the 18th) Oliver’s Candies will be featured. The segment shares how the Batavia candy company got started and how they are still making the same candy that was made in 1932. And, viewers will get a closer look to see how peanut brittle is made.

On Nov. 1 (NOT Oct. 25) P.W. Minor will be featured, offering viewers a firsthand look at how this 150-year old Batavia shoe company’s hands-on process hasn’t changed much since they first began.

These segments will be available online at homeworkhotline.org once they have aired.

Produced by WXXI in partnership with Rochester Teachers Association (RTA), "Homework Hotline" supports academic achievement across a variety of New York State Learning Standards. Teachers from the Rochester City School District host the show – teaching mini lessons in various curriculum topics to give more depth to problem solving and complex content. To learn more about "Homework Hotline," visit: homeworkhotline.org.

"Homework Hotline" is made possible with state funding provided by the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and local support from Rochester Teachers Association.

Top Items on Batavia's List

Tourism Marketing Assistant Position The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, serving as the official tourism promotion agency for Genesee County, NY is seeking an experienced marketing professional to assist in the overall Chamber tourism and marketing initiatives for Genesee County. https://visitgeneseeny.com/about/join-our-team
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Town of Batavia Court Department is seeking a part time as needed Court Officer. Court Officers are responsible for maintaining order in the court room and court facility during proceedings. Please send resume to Town of Batavia, Attention Hiedi Librock, 3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. Complete job description is available on the Town web site or at the Town Hall Application deadline is April 15, 2024.
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