Marquis Rashod Brown, 20, of Victor Lane, Hamlin, is charged with burglary, 3rd, criminal mischief, 2nd, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and petit larceny. Brown allegedly entered a building on South Lake Road, Bergen, at 6 p.m. Aug. 3 without the owner's permission, left and drove the owner's vehicle without permission, and then caused more than $1,500 damage to the vehicle by overheating and ruining the engine.

Garl Lyn Fields, 33, of LaGrange Avenue, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. Fields was stopped by Irondequoit PD. He posted bail and was released to Gates PD on a warrant. He was issued an appearance ticket and released to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on a warrant out of Town of Stafford Court. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released on an order to appear in Town of Stafford Court at 9 a.m., Oct. 3.

Kristi Marie Stoughton, 41, of Woodhill, Newark, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and driving left of pavement markings. Stoughton was stopped at 11:40 p.m. Monday on Genesee Street, Pembroke, by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Crystal Marie Bouter, 28, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, and Nicole Kimberly Sullivan, 31, of Covington Street, Perry, are charged with petit larceny and conspiracy, 6th. Bouter and Sullivan are accused of stealing several mobile phone cases valued at $785.77 from Walmart. It's alleged that they agreed to coordinate their efforts to steal the cases. Both were jailed on $1,000 bail each.

Press release:

The Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation will gather on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at Terry Hills Restaurant to honor two Outstanding Italian American Men of the Genesee County Region. The Honorary recipients are Thomas Cecere and Justin Calarco-Smith.  They are two of many Italian American volunteers, who have given their time to help others.

This event will please your palate with fabulous Italian cuisine and great entertainment from the St. Joe's Reunion Brass Ensemble. October is National Italian American Heritage Month. This is a great time to celebrate the Italian heritage and our outstanding recipients, Tom and Justin.

Tickets are available at Ben's Appliance and V.J. Gaultieri & Sons Construction and Paolo Busti Board members. All proceeds are directed to the Paolo Busti Scholarship Fund.  

Any questions and reserved seating please contact Michele Fuller (585) 768-7016.

Justin Calarco Smith

Justin was born in Batavia, a son of James and Mary Calarco Smith, of Batavia. His paternal great-grandparents, the Calarco family, were born in Varapadio, Italy, which is in the province of Reggio Calabira. His maternal great-grandparents, the Tessitore family, were born in Naples, Italy. Both families immigrated to the United States.

A 1991 graduate of Batavia High School, Justin graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in Psychology from SUNY Geneseo in 1995. While at Geneseo, he was a member, founding brother, chaplain and president of Tau Kappa Epsilon International Fraternity. During his college career, he made the decision to enter in his family business, and work alongside his father in the funeral industry.

Upon his graduation from Geneseo, he entered Simmons Institute of Funeral Service, where he graduated with an associates degree in Funeral Service in 1996. He graduated from Simmons with high honors and received the Mu Sigma Alpha Award and a Certificate of Merit in Mortuary Sciences at graduation.

He has been a licensed funeral director since 1997; caring and guiding the families in Genesee County during some of their most difficult times. In 2012, along with his brother Joshua and Randy McIntire, he assumed ownership of H.E. Turner & Co. Inc., where their main focus continues to provide the family and friends they serve with exceptional and personalized service.

His spirit of volunteerism was instilled at a young age as he watched both his parents generously give their time and talent to their community. Upon his return home from college, Justin has been involved with the Batavia Area Jaycees, where he served as the treasurer in 1998 and was honored as the treasurer of the year in New York State in 1998. A member of the inaugural class of Leadership Genesee in 2001, he served on the Board of Directors for CASA, United Memorial Medical Center Foundation, Genesee Cancer Assistance and the YMCA. Justin served on the board of directors, foundation board, finance committee, development committee and chaired the annual awards dinner committee for GCASA.

Justin married Elizabeth Allen, of Elba, on Sept. 15, 2007 and they have three children, Noah, Nicolas and Lucia. Residents of Elba since 2009, Justin is a member of Padre Pio Parish where he is a member of the church’s parish council, The Men’s Group and serves as a lector of the church. Justin currently serves as a commissioner for the Elba Joint Fire District. A 3rd degree member of Monsignor Kirby Council, Knights of Columbus, he has been a member of the Batavia Rotary Club since 1998. He has served on their board of directors for six years, co-chaired the annual pancake breakfast for five years, worked on the stage crew during the annual Rotary Show and was stage manager during the production of Beauty and the Beast. Justin also served on The Rotary Club Memorial Foundation for three years. He has served on Board of Trustees for The Jerome Foundation since 1999, vice-president from 2005-2007 and has been the acting president since 2007.

He is grateful to his parents for providing him with a strong work ethic and responsibility to give back to your community. A strong devotion to his family and deep sense of pride for his Italian American heritage, Justin acknowledges that his accomplishments, whether personal or professional would not be possible without the love and support given to him by his wife, Elizabeth and his three children.

Thomas Cecere

Thomas Anthony Cecere was born in Batavia, to Louis and Mary (Glannan) Cecere. He was the oldest of seven children. He has a son Thomas, a daughter-in-law Sandy and three grandchildren, Taylor, Thomas and Tori. He has been married to his wife Felicia for 22 years.

 His paternal grandparents both immigrated to the United States, his grandfather, Angelo Michael Cecere, at 5, in 1880 from Valva, Italy, and his grandmother in 1890 from Lithuania. They were married in 1900 and had 14 children. His parents met during World War II in England and after the war were married in Batavia. His mom was a “War Bride.”

Growing up as a member of one of Batavia’s largest families was very special. Every Sunday all his aunts and uncles and their families started out by going to church, then home for a real Italian meal.

Tommy says, “four things were very instrumental in molding me into what I am today. They are my family, my Catholic upbringing, the time that I spent in the Navy, and the many years that I spent in St. Joseph’s Drum and Bugle Corps. Being a member of “Mighty St. Joe’s of Batavia is an honor and a privilege.”

In 1966, he enlisted in the Navy. He served four years and spent two and a half years in Vietnam, all of which he is very proud of. He worked at Doehler Jarvis, Eastman Kodak Co., and Rochester Products. He retired in 2008.

When he retired he gave back to the community. He joined the “Genesee County Joint Veterans Honor Guard. They provide an Honor Guard, a Firing Squad and a live Bugler for Military Funerals and Memorial Services.”

“It is such an honor to play Taps for these Veterans that gave so much for all of us,” he said.

He’s played Taps for many years. In 196I playing for Batavia’s first Vietnam Casualty. He’s been the Bugler for the “Vietnam Traveling Wall” every time it’s come to Genesee County. He is a member of “Buglers Across America.” They accept assignments to cover funerals and memorial services covering a 100-mile radius. Since 2009, he’s averaged playing Taps 104 times per year and averaged driving 3,201 miles per year.

Currently, he belongs to “The St. Joe’s of Batavia Brass Ensemble.” Its sole purpose is to give back to the community. They do fund-raisers for “Crossroads House,” school band programs, concerts for veterans and for hospitals and nursing homes. They’ve even gone to private homes of individuals who were in the last weeks of their lives and played out on their lawns for them.

His accomplishments include: the 1965 New York Canadian Individual Soprano Bugle Player. While on board the USS Princeton, recovered the Apollo 10 Space Capsule, made all of the ships PA announcements and played the “Boatswain's Pipe," all of which were heard on worldwide television. In 1987 while competing in the “Unlimited A Class” against pistol shooters from all over the world, won first place in the “Metallic Silhouette International Pistol Championships.” In 1991 along with Robert “Sully” Sullivan co-founded the St. Joe’s Alumni Corps of Le Roy. Also in 1991 ran 26.2 miles in the Boston Marathon. In 2013 was part of the Ghost Riders Mini Drum and Bugle Corps from Batavia that won first place in the “World Mini Corps Championships” in Annapolis, Md. In 2014 was one of four people from all over the world who was inducted into the “Buglers Hall of Fame” in Bridgeport, Conn.

He thanks God for the opportunity of growing up in Batavia as part of such a wonderful Italian Family and for being born in the United States of America.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Thursday Sept. 14 from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the general area west of Bank Street and north of West Main Street. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants Monday –Wednesday, Sept. 18 – 20 from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the general area west of Jackson Street and south of West Main Street. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.

Press release:

Today the House unanimously passed legislation introduced by Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) that would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop and maintain a registry to collect data regarding the incidence of cancer in firefighters. H.R. 931, the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, is the first step in addressing the detrimental health effects firefighters may experience when responding to fire emergencies.

“Sixteen years ago yesterday, on September 11th, 2001, we witnessed a horrible tragedy that will leave an impression on generations of Americans forever,” Congressman Collins said. “Through this tragedy, we witnessed the heroic actions of America’s brave first responders working and volunteering in the days and weeks to come. We lost many first responders during those attacks of 9/11 and we continue to lose more every year from ongoing health effects."

“Passage of the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act is a major step towards improving the health and safety of our brave firefighters across the nation who head into danger despite the risks and keep our communities safe," said Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-09), who co-authored the bill. "The least we can do is seek to better understand the connections between the job firefighters do and risk of cancer, so we can then help mitigate those risks.”

A 2015 study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) determined that U.S. firefighters had a greater number of cancer diagnoses and related deaths than the general population. This study’s findings were determined by a small sample size, reflecting the enormous gap in research when it comes to the incidence of cancer in these men and women. Collins’ Firefighter Cancer Registry Act would ensure greater and more specific data was collected by establishing a comprehensive database.

“After NIOSH’s 2015 study, it was clear something needed to be done to ensure our nation’s firefighters had the best resources and equipment available to mitigate potential future health risks. This bill will help us study this deadly trend and the information we gather will determine what needs to be done to improve safety protocols for these brave men and women," added Collins.

If signed into law, the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act would authorize $2 million in federal funds to the CDC from FY2018 to FY2022. Data gathered would include a number of potential risk factors, including but not limited to the status of the firefighter (volunteer, paid-on-call, or career), number of years on the job, the number of incidents attended, and the type of incidence. The collection of this data would allow for improved equipment, enhanced safety protocols and preventative techniques for our firefighters.

Earlier today, Congressman Collins spoke to the importance of the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act on the House Floor

“This registry will go a long way towards improving quality of life for the men and women who devote themselves to saving lives,” said Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (OR-02). “Coming from a region of the country currently being ravaged by wildfires, I am constantly appreciative of the men and women who go into these dangerous situations of fire and smoke to protect others. This national registry is another way for us to do more to protect them.” 

"The IAFC thanks Representatives Collins and Pascrell for their leadership in securing passage of H.R. 931, the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act of 2017,” said Chief Thomas Jenkins, International Association of Fire Chiefs president and chairman of the board. “This legislation will help researchers to better understand the link between firefighting and cancer and help the nation’s fire service fight this significant health threat."

The Firefighter Cancer Registry Act was advanced out of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health on June 29, 2017 and was passed out of full committee on July 27, 2017. The next step in advancing this legislation is passage in the Senate.

For more information on H.R. 931, Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, click here.

Press release:

Tracy Avenue in the City of Batavia will be temporarily closed to traffic from Washington Avenue to North Street, Wednesday, Sept. 13th, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for sewer repair. Motorists are asked to seek alternate routes.

Genesee Community College holds a special place in the heart of Charles Zambito, the Genesee County Court judge said today during the 50th-anniversary convocation in the Stuart Steiner Theatre.

It's not that Zambito, who also served on the county legislature and as county attorney, graduated from the two-year college. He didn't even attend a class there. It was the role his father, Anthony Zambito, played in the development and success of the campus that makes the place special to him.

Anthony Zambito, a scientist who worked on the Manhatten Project, a farmer, and a community leader, served on the Board of Trustees for nearly 40 years, one of the longest such tenures in the nation. The college's gym is named after him.

"He believed deeply in the value of education and service to others," Charles Zambito said.

Charles Zambito, who was a teenager when his father became involved with the community college effort, witnessed firsthand the college's growth, and said during his keynote address today that the examples set by those early leaders offer lessons to new generations of leaders, which they can learn from, and they demonstrate values which are still deeply embedded in the spirit of GCC.

"Another factor that contributed to the early success of the college was the strong dedicated leadership beginning with the first board of trustees," Zambito said. "They deserve much credit for not only getting the college started on its early and rapid growth, but more importantly, helping instill a philosophy and culture of success and excellence as well as a special sense of loyalty and belonging. It was present on the very first day of classes and has remained a constant part of the college since."

The college almost didn't get off the ground, Zambito recalled. When Mike Ryan and the Batavia Area Jaycees first brought forth the idea of starting a community college in Batavia, the Board of Supervisors (the county's governing body then) rejected the idea. They weren't even willing to support a study of the proposal. Ryan and the other Jaycees had to convince the board that the study would cost them nothing and not commit them to supporting it once the study was completed.

Eventually, Ryan and his team produced a 75-page study recommending the creation of a community college.

By state law, all the board had to do was pass a resolution to create a community college, but a motion to take that step failed on a 9-10 vote. One of the opponents of the college idea then proposed a public referendum on the collage idea. That motion passed 14-6, with all of the opponents of the college voting yes and the six no votes coming from supporters of the college.

"It was everyone's belief that the chances of passage of this referendum were slim," Zambito said. "Defeat at the polls would effectively close the matter for the foreseeable future."

Opponents said there weren't more than 50 people in the whole county who would want to attend college and the county would be better off creating a vocational school, which would help put people to work and keep them off public assistance.

The referendum was scheduled for November 1965 and for more than a year prior to the vote, the college issue became the most widely debated and discussed issue in the history of the county, Zambito said. He said you couldn't walk down the street without somebody stopping you and asking you what you thought of the college proposal.

When the vote came, the referendum passed 7,730 to 6,670.

Two supervisors, the board president, and its treasurer, who opposed the college prior to the vote, made a crucial decision in the fate of the college at that point.

"They publicly announced that if the county was going to sponsor a community college, they wanted it to be the best in the state," Zambito said.

Among the values and principles embodied in GCC that were important to his father, Zambito said, were that the school be a place where concern for the welfare of students goes beyond what happens in the classroom. That tradition continues, he said.

"Going forward, I think if my father were here, he would be comforted by the fact that the GCC Board of Trustees and this administration and faculty and staff continues to be guided by the same principles and ideals to move forward, reaching new heights," Zambito said.

A three-car accident with unknown injuries is reported at the Le Roy Park & Ride, 7855 Lake Street Road, Le Roy. Le Roy fire and ambulance responding, along with a Mercy medic unit.

The Sleds of Stafford Snowmobile Club will present the 11th annual Vintage Snowmobile/Outdoor Show starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17, at BW's Restaurant/DC Meadows.

The venue is located at 11070 Perry Road in Pavilion.

Entrance fee is $3 per person.

There will be new and used equipment, accessories and trailers.

Refreshments, breakfast and lunch available for purchase.

Door prizes to be awarded at 2 p.m. There will be progressive 50/50 raffle tickets sold ($5 donation); the winner will be drawn at the steak dinner at the end of the day. You can also buy steak dinner tickets.

Genesee County DMV personnel will be on hand from noon to 3 p.m. for sled registrations only license renewals. Sleds of Stafford membership renewals will also be available. Payments by check only!

For more information contact, Kelly Cordell at 356-9150.

Press release:

Kimberly Brodsky, 26, of Bank Street in Batavia, was granted a one-year conditional discharge by Batavia Town Justice Michael Cleveland on Monday, Sept. 11, as a result of her guilty plea to one count of petit larceny.

She had originally been charged in Batavia Town Court in June with one count of fourth-degree grand larceny and one count of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree. She agreed to plead guilty to petit larceny as part of a plea deal.

The original charges were filed after a Social Services investigation revealed Brodsky failed to list wages she was receiving on applications she submitted to the Genesee County Department of Social Services. By submitting the falsified documents to the Department of Social Services, Brodsky received $2,423.50 in benefits to which she was not entitled.

In addition to the conditional discharge Brodsky made restitution of $2,423.50 and received a lifetime disqualification from SNAP -- the Food Stamp program.

Anyone wishing to report suspected cases of welfare fraud in Genesee County can contact the Genesee County Department of Social Services Fraud Investigation Unit at (585) 344-2580, ext. 6417, or 6416. All calls are confidential.

Press release:

Genesee County Legislator Gregg Torrey is being honored by the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) for graduating from the NYSAC County Government Institute. The ceremony will be held at the NYSAC Fall Seminar in Syracuse on Wednesday.

The County Government Institute is an educational collaboration between NYSAC and Cornell University to provide training to county leaders. Curriculum includes required courses on building consensus, financial management, ethics, management, and the foundations of county government.

“The NYSAC County Government Institute has been a great platform to meet with County Leaders throughout the State to discuss the issues that we all face,” Torrey said.

William E. Cherry, NYSAC president and Schoharie County treasurer, hopes for experiences such as Torrey’s.

“The County Government Institute equips county officials with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to address the challenges and opportunities of leadership, and to engage in civil dialogue with constituents as well as fellow leaders,” Cherry said.

Torrey is currently serving his second term as a Genesee County legislator. He also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation, and on the Public Service Committee. In addition to his work with the county, Torrey works as a commercial real estate agent and licensed real estate appraiser across New York State and is the is the managing partner of Springbrooke Properties LLC.

“The Institute’s vigorous curriculum prepares county leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the increasing demands of local government leadership in now and in the future,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario.

CGI courses are offered at NYSAC’s upcoming Fall Seminar in addition to an annual Legislative Conference in February, and Finance School in May. Courses are also offered regionally throughout the year, and enable county leaders to stay up-to-date on timely issues and opportunities in local government.

“This [Institute] has allowed me to bring new information and ideas back to Genesee County and has made me a more effective legislator,” Torrey said.

For more information about the County Government Institute, visit www.nysac.org/cgi.

The New York State Association of Counties is a bipartisan municipal association serving the counties of New York State including the City of New York. Organized in 1925, NYSAC’s mission is to represent, educate and advocate for Member Counties and the thousands of elected and appointed county officials who serve the public.

Press release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County will hold its Annual Meeting and Centennial Celebration at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Terry Hills. The meeting is free to attend and all are welcome.

Light refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Venue size is limited; RSVP by Oct. 10 to Samantha at 585-343-3040 *123 or sls428@cornell.edu if you plan to attend.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Matchbox 20 concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Monday:

Getchen L. Demeo, 52, of Coachmans Lane, Hamburg, is charged with trespass after allegedly opening an emergency exit and entering the Seagrams viewing deck where she had no right to be.

Press release:

The consequences of domestic violence can last a lifetime. It is an epidemic that affects individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race or religion. It takes place in many forms – physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse – and the results are devastating. For that reason, the Assembly Minority Conference Steering Committee has been tasked to address the complex issues involved in the prevention of, and response to, domestic violence in New York communities.

The committee will hold regional forums focused on identifying gaps in services and programs for domestic violence victims, enhancing and creating pathways which ensure greater safety for victims and ensuring law enforcement measures are in place to hold abusers accountable. The third event will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the YWCA of Genesee County, 301 North St., Batavia.

“Domestic violence is a scourge that affects the lives of its victims forever. We must employ every tool to combat its devastating impact and protect those who have suffered under its oppressive grasp,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia). ”By hosting this event, those impacted by domestic violence and those who work to prevent it can open up a dialogue and search together for new, innovative ways to mitigate domestic violence for its countless victims.”

Representatives from nonprofit service providers, community-based domestic violence experts, law enforcement and the criminal justice system have been invited to attend and provide testimony. Additionally, the committee will welcome written and/or oral testimony from families and those with firsthand experience of the tragic devastation domestic violence can inflict. 

“Domestic violence continues to tragically impact families across the state. As a former police officer, I have seen firsthand the toll these incidents can cause,” said Assemblyman Al Graf (R,C,I,Ref-Holbrook). “We must remain committed to a comprehensive approach which provides victims with the necessary tools and support to escape dangerous situations and holds abusers accountable for their gross actions.”

“Every day, victims of domestic abuse are forced to live in fear, suffer debilitating anxiety and face uncertainty about the well-being of themselves and their loved ones. This is simply unacceptable,” said Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio (R,C,I-Gowanda) Steering Committee Chairman.

“These forums will provide an opportunity to gather information about what is and isn’t working from all stakeholders involved, including those in law enforcement, the criminal justice system and community support programs. We want to help make our communities safer by providing greater protections for victims of domestic abuse and enacting policies that further prevent these situations from occurring.”

Martin Jones is indicted on two counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, and two counts of offering a false instrument for filing. Jones is accused of presenting a document, a forged Medical Examination for Employability report, to officials at the Department of Social Services on Feb. 23 for the purpose of fraudulently claiming benefits. He also allegedly presented a forged Medical Qualifications/Work Status report.

Daniel J. Difrancesco is indicted on a count of felony DWI and of refusing a breath test. Difrancesco is accused of driving drunk April 18 in the Town of Batavia on Route 5. It's alleged he has a prior DWI conviction within the past 10 years, in May 2007.

Gail M. Williams is indicted on a count of third-degree grand larceny. Williams is accused of stealing property with a value in excess of $3,000 from a location in the Town of Le Roy, between late 2014 and early 2017.

Calling it his “dream job,” Batavia native Cody Mulcahy began his career Monday night as a Batavia City Police officer.

The 2010 Batavia High School graduate was sworn in as the department’s newest recruit at last night’s City Council meeting.

Mulcahy, 25, will be attending the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy at Niagara University over the next several months before embarking upon four months of field training. After that, he will join the Batavia force on road patrols.

“This really is my dream job,” Mulcahy said. “I live in the City of Batavia and it gives me an opportunity to be a positive role model.”

The son of Tim and Pam Mulcahy, he studied at Genesee Community College and Brockport State College, obtaining a degree in Criminal Justice.

Mulcahy is the third resident of Batavia to be enlisted for duty in his hometown in recent months, joining Matthew Dispenza and Ryan Shea.

In other action last night:

-- Council passed a pair of resolutions to accept grants for the police department.

The first is an $11,374 grant from the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to fund overtime patrols over the next 12 months designed to increase seat belt usage and reduce dangerous driving behaviors.

“The grant period is Oct. 1, 2017 through Sept. 30, 2018, during which we will set up checkpoints, singular patrols and dedicated patrols – such as Main Street pedestrian safety,” Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said.

The second grant is for $10,000 from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services to offset the purchase of body cameras.

“This was a surprise,” Heubusch said, noting that around $27,000 was spent per last year’s budget on body cameras for officers.

-- Councilman Paul Viele commented on renovations being made at Falleti Ice Arena on Evans Street.

“I would like to thank (DPW Director) Matt (Worth) and (City Manager) Jason (Molino) for the improvements at the rink,” said Viele, who brought several issues to light earlier this year.

Viele ran the meeting in place of President Eugene Jankowski, who, along with Councilman Al McGinnis, was absent.

-- Molino reported that he continues to wait for word about the city’s attempt to receive a $10 million state downtown revitalization grant for the Finger Lakes Region.

Communities in seven of the state’s 10 regions have yet to hear of the results, Molino said. Batavia submitted its proposal about three months ago.

-- Council approved a liquor license for Batavia Brewing Company LLC, which will be opening on Main Street in the near future, and plans for the Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter Walk on Sept. 23 and the John Kennedy Intermediate School Color Run on Oct. 21.

At top, Cody Mulcahy is sworn in as a Batavia City Police officer by Deputy Clerk Aimslee Cassidy. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Press release:

If you’re in Genesee, Orleans or Wyoming counties, and have issues with dealing constructively with your anger, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) will soon begin a series of FREE 12-week Anger Management workshops.

The group will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. every Tuesday from Sept. 19^th to Dec. 5^th, at ILGR’s office, 113 Main St. at Center Street, Suite 5, in Batavia.

Facilitated by Independent Living specialist Debra McKnight, the purpose of this group is to help individuals with anger Issues using different Conflict Resolution Strategies to better manage and resolve conflicts in their lives.

It is open to individuals who are mandated by the courts or boards of parole, as well as the general public, and Completion Certificates will be issued to those attending all 12 sessions.

Participants MUST preregister to attend; to RSVP or get more information, please call Debra McKnight at (585) 815-8501, ext. 408, or email her at dmcknight@wnyil.org.  

ILGR is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

As summer comes to an end, Darien Lake is preparing for its third annual Harvest Festival by bringing in local performers, food trucks, crafters and more throughout the park amidst the fall foliage.

Harvest Festival will run the last three weekends in September including these dates 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and Oct. 1, when the park will close for the season. 

Harvest Festival activities that are included with park admission:

• Local Food Trucks including Lloyd’s Taco Truck, Meat the Press and Cheesy Chick
• Stage Entertainment including international bands, local performers and dance groups
• Regional Arts and Craft Vendors
• Ignite the Night Laser show on the lawn Saturdays at 8 p.m.
• Keg Tap and Beer Slides (for ages 21 and up)
• Haymazing Adventure – a fun kids' maze
• Fall-themed food in the park
• Harvest Fest Express hayrides

Vacations guests will have access to special harvest themed activities on Friday evenings before the Festival including: Magical Pumpkin Forest, in which guests will plant seeds at night and then “harvest” their pumpkins in the morning. There will be fall-themed crafts in the hotel, and the movie “Little Rascals” will play on the lawn at 9 p.m.

For more information about participating artists and vendors and to find the lowest rates on Fall Getaway Packages, visithttp://www.darienlake.com/harvest-festival. 

WHEN: Sept. 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and Oct. 1

Saturdays: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.           

Sundays: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About Darien Lake

Darien Lake’s wide variety of entertainment has made it “destination fun” since 1964. Located 45 minutes from Niagara Falls between Buffalo and Rochester, today the park boasts more than 50 rides, including six world-class roller coasters; dozens of family-friendly rides and entertainment; the region’s largest water park complete with wave pool; and a 20,000-seat, world-class performing arts center, operated by Live Nation.

The park is open until Oct. 1^st, and welcomes overnight guests in a wide range of accommodations – from a full-service hotel and modern cabins to rental RVs and campsites. For more information or to order season passes, visit www.DarienLake.com

The Western New York Perinatal Bereavement Network Inc. presents the fourth annual "Ride to Remember" this Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Oakfield Alabama Baptist Church. But due to local road construction, there will be a chicken BBQ instead of a ride this year.

Doors open at 11 a.m. and chicken BBQ will be served starting at noon until sold out (300 dinners available). The church is located at 2210 Judge Road in Oakfield.

To purchase presale BBQ tickets for $10 each, go online to www.wnypbn.org

Tickets will be $12 on the day of the event.

There will also be a basket raffle. Prizes include Disney tickets, Seaworld tickets, Southwest Airline tickets, and a "Jim Kelly autographed mini."

All proceeds benefit the network and the "Remembering Love in a Heartbeat" Project.

For questions, more information or to make a donation, contact John J. Ritter Jr. at John.Ritter@irco.com

Press release:

What: Genesee Community College's 50th Anniversary Convocation and Special Lecture with Heather Ann Thompson, Ph.D.

When: Tuesday, Sept. 12

• Convocation: 1 p.m. (Stuart Steiner Theatre)
• Lecture: 7 p.m. (T102)

Where: Genesee Community College, One College Road, Batavia

Who: College Community, Special Guests and Visitors

Background:

• Convocation / 1 p.m., Genesee Center for the Art in the Stuart Steiner Theatre

​This formal academic ceremony marks another milestone in the life of Genesee Community College. Afternoon classes will be cancelled allowing more than 100 current or retired GCC faculty and staff members, and many other honored guests and community members to join in the solemn ceremony that recognizes the College's 50th Anniversary and also its promising future.

The keynote address will be given by the Honorable Charles Zambito, Genesee County Court judge, whose father Anthony T. Zambito served as a College Trustee from 1966-2000. A reception with light refreshments and a viewing of the "GCC Timeline: 50 Years" follows the Convocation in the William W. Stuart Forum. GCC's last convocation was in 2006 recognizing the College's 40th Anniversary.

• Presentation and Lecture by Heather Ann Thompson, Ph.D. / 7 p.m., Conable Technology Building, T102

​As part of the Historical Horizons lecture series, Pulitzer Prize and Bancroft Prize winning author Heather Ann Thompson, Ph.D., will cap off the College's special Convocation Day, delivering a presentation, "Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and its Legacy," based on her award-winning book.

Attica State Prison is part of GCC's history with inmate education, a part of its programming in the 1980s. Thompson's book provides a definitive account of the prison uprising in 1971. She used sources available to no other researchers to write a reliable tome that upends the myths and exposes cover-ups of that violent event that captured international attention.