The Batavia Blue Devils played hard but came up short, letting a five-point lead slip away in the closing minutes of play against Wilson in a Section V semi-final to lose 57-55.

"My guys fought," said Head Coach Buddy Brasky. "They fought. We could have folded and they fought."

They fought on even after star guard Tee Sean Ayala fouled out with more than a minute left in the third quarter, putting him and his game-high 24 points on the bench the rest of the way.

That isn't the reason Batavia lost, though. Jonathon Liciaga in particular stepped up to fill the void, finding ways, even at 5' 9", to slip in behind Wilson's big center, 6' 7" Patrick Phillips, for easy baskets. He scored six points in the final quarter.

"I give a lot of credit to our guys," Brasky said. "After Tee Sean went out, they could have folded. They didn’t. Some other guys stepped up, but it just wasn’t enough."

Liciaga, who scored 11 points total, has become a bigger factor in Batavia's offense as the season has worn on as his talent for finding open space on the court has become more apparent.

"Guys figured out as the year went on, he’s open and he can put the ball in the basket," Brasky said. "As the year went on they started finding him more and more."

In the final minute, the Blue Devils didn't score and Brasky said that was the result of some bad decisions.

"The initial pressure (from Wilson) didn’t hurt us," Brasky said. "On the back end, we had some turnovers down the stretch. We made some bad decisions. We missed some open guys. That’s what young teams do, I guess."

Brasky and every player on the team certainly wanted to end the season with a Section V trophy. That, after all, is kind of a Blue Devil's tradition under Brasky, but as Brasky noted, this is a young team (only three seniors). The team has come a long way over the course of the season from a rather disorganized, mistake-prone group to being more disciplined on offense and defense.

"We preach at beginning of the year, especially this year, that it’s going to be a journey," Brasky said. "We had to keep trying to improve and we wanted to try and peak at the end.

"We went through some tough stretches and at the end of the year, we started playing some pretty good basketball. I thought we played, for the most part, tonight, we had stretches of really good basketball from a lot of guys, but again, it wasn’t enough."

To purchase prints, click here.

Continuing with our series, take a peak inside the Pembroke Museum located in the town offices at 1145 Main Road, Corfu (NY 14036).

Your visit is always welcome - call 585-599-4892 to schedule a visit!

Visit www.VisitGeneseeNY.com to learn more about Genesee County's unique attractions.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) has released the following statement after President Trump’s address to Congress.

“Americans across the country tonight witnessed a leader committed to restoring American greatness,” Congressman Collins said. “This past November, voters elected a change agent. In his first 40 days in office, President Trump is already delivering the results Americans, especially those in my district of Western New York, have demanded. Whether it’s fighting to return American jobs stolen by countries like Mexico and China, or securing our porous borders, President Trump has shown the world he is a president of action.

“If we are going to restore the hope of the American Dream for our children and grandchildren, tough choices need to be made. Unlike our last president, President Trump acknowledged that reality, and outlined a clear vision for us to overcome the challenges we will face. We are going to fight for the American worker, respect the rule of law, and harness the endless potential all Americans possess.

“I look forward to President Trump implementing the change Western New Yorkers voted for, and will continue to fight here in Congress for policies that improve the lives of my constituents.”

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) has released the following statement on President Trump’s executive action regarding the Obama administration’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.

“President Trump is delivering on his promises to end the crippling regulations that have devastated Western New York’s farming communities,” Congressman Collins said. “The waters of the United States rule is a prime example of harmful federal government overreach. I applaud the Trump Administration’s decision to review this harmful rule and fully expect them to free our nation’s farmers from this onerous regulation once and for all.”

UPDATE: The word "overturn" has been removed from the headline because that word turns out to have been inaccurate. The executive order requires the EPA to review the rule.

Press release:

The family of Patrick J. Pedro is pleased to announce the establishment of a scholarship in his name to be awarded to a high school senior at Oakfield-Alabama Central School. Patrick was a graduate of the school and a highly accomplished person. He passed away in May after a very difficult battle with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS).

Press release:

Genesee Community College will host a Job and Transfer Fair dedicated to careers in the health care industry from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 9 at the College's centrally located William Stuart Forum.

The event is designed to introduce potential new employees to employers, and also provides health care businesses an opportunity to present their trade and services to the local community. Local and regional health care companies will be available to answer questions, accept resumes and distribute material relating to their company. Area colleges will also be present to discuss transfer opportunities within their programs.

The following employers and colleges will be available to distribute career information and other printed materials, answer questions and receive resumes (this list is subject to change):

Employers:

ACM Global Laboratories

Ardda Animal Hospital

Crossroads House

Erie Canal Animal Hospital

Fidelis Care

Finger Lakes DDSO

Heritage Christian Services

Highland Hospital

HomeCare & Hospice

Livingston County Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation

Maple City Physical Therapy

Maxim Healthcare Services

Rehab Resources

Rochester Psychiatric Center

Tender Loving Family Care

Thompson Health

Army National Guard

Marine Corps

Navy

Colleges:

SUNY Alfred State

Chamberlain College of Nursing

The College at Brockport (SUNY) Army ROTC

The College at Brockport (SUNY) – Department of Nursing

Daemen College

Roberts Wesleyan College

SUNY Empire State College

St. John Fisher College – Wegmans School of Nursing

Positions being recruited include: Veterinary Technology, Medical Administrative Assistant, Registered Nurse, Physical Therapist Assistant, Respiratory Care and Polysomnographic Technology.

The job fair is FREE and open to the general public. For the most current listing of registered employers, please visit the Career Services Web page at www.genesee.edu.career/events. Employers interested in attending the fair should contact the Career Services office at 585-345-6888 to register for this event.

Press release:

The City of Batavia is currently seeking nominations for the 2016 Recognition Awards.

If you know of someone that you would like to nominate please complete the nomination form and submit to Lisa Casey by Friday, March 3.

The awards will be presented by City Council at a future City Council Meeting.

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

An outstanding individual in the community that demonstrates excellence in volunteerism. This individual goes above and beyond normal responsibilities creating a lasting and beneficial impact.

HOMEOWNER OF THE YEAR

An engaged resident who has given extra effort to go above and beyond in maintaining their home and enhance their neighborhood.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

A business that has demonstrated community involvement and represents entrepreneurial spirit while providing exceptional customer service, professionalism and integrity.

Nomination forms available by the following:

• City website: www.batavianewyork.com under the home page
• Can be picked up at the City Manager’s Office
• Call (585) 345-6333 to have form emailed to you
• Email at Lcasey@batavianewyork.com
• Mail nominations to: Lisa Casey, City of Batavia, One Batavia City Centre, Batavia, NY 14020
• Fax nominations to (585) 343-8182 request to send nomination form

Submitted photo of Assemblyman Stephen Hawley with youth representing the Batavia City Youth Bureau, the Genesee County Youth Bureau and the Orleans County Youth Bureau along with staff from the Batavia City Youth Bureau and the Genesee-Orleans County Youth Bureau.

Press release:

Earlier this month, local youth from Genesee and Orleans County met with Senator Ranzenhofer, Senator Ortt and Assemblyman Hawley to get supprt by investing money in the Youth Bureau System. The youth asked for help in urging the $1.7 million to be restored for the 2017-2018 Youth Bureau Development Program.

The Youth Development Program allows youth bureaus, along with many other community based organizations to operate after school prevention programs, which help youth succeed. The youth all shared their experiences being involved with the Youth Bureau System and how it has positively impacted their lives.

Press release:

Hélène Biandudi turned a fascination with the game 20 Questions and family dinners into an award-winning career. Her desire to be a journalist began at the age of 8 in her makeshift production studio in her childhood home, and on Wednesday, March 8 she will visit Genesee Community College as part of the Fashion Business Program Speaker Series.

Biandudi is an acclaimed journalist, documentary filmmaker and the host and producer of the PBS weekly news magazine show, "Need to Know" on WXXI Television in Rochester. Her desire is to shed light issues affecting the underserved and to connect cultures and communities through the power of story, and her work includes covering the first inauguration of Barack Obama, the death of music icon Michael Jackson, and the CBS/Vogue Fashion's Night Out program. She previously worked at the CBS Primetime show "48 Hours Mystery" in New York City where she contributed to several documentary specials for the network.

Among her current projects is "The Empty Hanger," an original series created by Biandudi, which uncovers and reveals the untold and often overlooked stories of the people who design, manufacture, tailor, study, wear, talk about and claim to be forever changed by clothing. The goal of the series is to challenge and expand how consumers view fashion choices and everyday dress by examining the varying degrees of impact and influence of clothing on our culture.

Don't miss the chance to listen to Hélène Biandudi on Wednesday, March 8, from 1 – 2:30 p.m. in room T102 of the Conable Technology Building at the GCC Batavia Campus. The event is free and open to the public; however, seating will be limited. Those wishing to attend can RSVP by calling (585) 345-6830.

For further information on Biandudi's work and projects, visit her website at www.helenebiandudihofer.com.

The 23rd annual Lenten Fish Fry will be held each Friday beginning March 3 and running through April 7 at St. James Episcopal Church. It is located at 405 E. Main St. in Batavia.

Choose baked or fried fish, French fries or baked potato, coleslaw or apple sauce, and enjoy homemade desserts.

Cost is $9 fish fry; $4 for dessert; $1 per beverage.

Take-outs available starting at 4:30; Eat-in starting at 5 p.m.

St. James congregants are especially pleased to welcome St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Le Roy and St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Stafford as their partners.

All are welcome!

Press release:

Artwork and creations from Fine Arts majors at Genesee Community College as well as non-majors registered in arts courses will soon be showcased at the Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery when Artists Taking Flight, GCC's annual Fine Arts Student Exhibition, is on display beginning on Wednesday, March 1.

The exhibition is held annually to showcase the artistic achievements of Genesee Community College students. An opening reception is planned for Thursday, March 2, from 12 – 2 p.m. and again from 5 – 7 p.m.

"Each year, this exhibit gives us a chance to highlight the many talents of our students," said GCC Professor of Ceramics and 3-D Design Moi Dugan. "Whether they are students in our Fine Arts program or just taking one of our many offered arts classes here at the College, the work will show how hard-working and talented our students really are."

The exhibited artwork will reflect a diverse range of coursework from drawing, painting, 2D & 3D design and ceramics. All of the artwork is created within the perimeters of a specific project assigned from the curriculum established for each individual Fine Arts class. The assignments range from projects aimed at refining technical skills and learning basic fundamentals, to challenging students to use aesthetics as a means to convey conceptually sound ideas.

While stressing the importance of visual communication and expression, courses in Fine Arts provide students the opportunities to develop a range of highly creative skills, knowledge and values relating to careers as professional artists.

The exhibit will be on display in the Roz Steiner Art Gallery through March 31. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information on all upcoming events at the Roz Steiner Art Gallery visit www.genesee.edu/gallery or www.facebook.com/gccgallery.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins today released the following statement announcing this year’s Congressional Art Competition and encouraging local high school students in New York’s 27th district to participate.

“The Congressional Art Competition is a great opportunity for hardworking high school students to showcase their work to the hundreds of thousands of people who visit the Capitol each year,” said Congressman Collins. “There are incredibly talented artists throughout NY-27. I look forward to seeing this year’s submissions and the opportunity to welcome the winning artist to our nation’s capital.”

Now in its 35th year, the Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students who reside in New York’s 27th Congressional District. Last year there were more than 90 submissions. The winning artist will receive a round trip flight to Washington, D.C., to see their artwork in the U.S. Capitol, where it will be on display for one year.

Submissions are due to either of Congressman Collins’ two district offices no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4. A reception and award ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 8th, at the Roz Steiner Art Gallery, located on the Genesee Community College campus in Batavia. Local high schools have been notified regarding contest rules and submission guidelines.

Interested students should see their art teacher for details or contact Chris Catt from Congressman Collins’ office at (585) 519-4002.

Jonathan E. Seiger is indicted on 18 counts, 17 of which are Class E felonies and one is a Class A misdemeanor. In count one, he is accused of the crime of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony. It is alleged that between Aug. 5 and Nov. 15 in the Town of Le Roy, Seiger stole property -- U.S. currency -- with a value exceeding $1,000. In counts two through nine, the defendant is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree for allegedly knowingly possessing stolen property with intent to benefit himself or a person other than the owner, or to impede the recovery of the property -- in this case, an ATM card -- by an owner of it. In counts 10 through 17, Seiger is accused of the crime of identity theft in the third degree. It is alleged in counts 10 through 17 that on various dates in August and in November, the defendant knowingly and with intent to defraud, Seiger assumed the identity of another person by presenting himself as that person, or by acting as that person by using personal identifying information of that person, and thereby obtained goods, money, property or services or used credit in the name of the person, causing financial loss to the person. In count 18, Seiger is accused of the misdemeanor crime of fifth-degree conspiracy for intentional conduct that constituted a felony to be performed, and he agreed with one or more people to engage in or cause the perfomance of such conduct.

Scott H. Spencer is indicted on 18 counts, 17 of which are Class E felonies and one is a Class A misdemeanor. In count one, he is accused of the crime of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony. It is alleged that between Aug. 5 and Nov. 15 in the Town of Le Roy, Spencer stole property -- U.S. currency -- with a value exceeding $1,000. In counts two through nine, the defendant is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree for allegedly knowingly possessing stolen property with intent to benefit himself or a person other than the owner, or to impede the recovery of the property -- in this case, an ATM card -- by an owner of it. In counts 10 through 17, Spencer is accused of the crime of identity theft in the third degree. It is alleged in counts 10 through 17 that on various dates in August and in November, the defendant knowingly and with intent to defraud, Spencer assumed the identity of another person by presenting himself as that person, or by acting as that person by using personal identifying information of that person, and thereby obtained goods, money, property or services or used credit in the name of the person, causing financial loss to the person. In count 18, Spencer is accused of the misdemeanor crime of fifth-degree conspiracy for intentional conduct that constituted a felony to be performed, and he agreed with one or more people to engage in or cause the perfomance of such conduct.

Kayleigh J. Allen is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 26 in Town of Batavia that Allen drove a 2012 Chevrolet on Route 98 while in an intoxicated condition. In count two, she is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for the same crime while having a BAC of .08 percent.

Press release:

The expanding campus at GCC in Batavia has taken shape, and the College welcomes prospective students and their families to the Batavia Campus Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1. Although not completed, visitors can view from the outside the progress of the new Student Success Center and Richard C. Call Arena, and learn about academic and career options that the College has to offer, as well as the application process and financial aid opportunities.

In addition to a comprehensive selection of over 70 degree and certificate programs, including courses in the areas of Creative Arts, Health Care, Criminal Justice and our Business Administration concentration in Marketing and Social Media, GCC is introducing a new student success coaching model to its campus community. It will provide efficient enrollment and student services through a new level of intentional engagement that will foster students' academic and personal success. The College's team of professionally trained success coaches will be assigned students in areas of targeted academic interest and demographic populations. They will follow their students from the first stages of admissions, through advisement, enrollment and registration, financial aid and also assist with student accounts right through to graduation and commencement.

Representatives from the GCC Student Services departments will be on hand to answer all questions about admissions, financial aid, career and transfer services, student activities, opportunities at the Center for Academic Progress, athletics and more. Tours of the campus will be available, including a tour of College Village – GCC's residential housing. Those interested in attending the Batavia Campus Open House on are encouraged to pre-register at www.genesee.edu/OpenHouse or by calling 866-CALL-GCC.

Genesee Community College is located at One College Road, Batavia, NY 14020. The College also offers convenient learning options at six campus centers in Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw, as well as online.

For more information about the Open House, contact GCC's Admissions Office at 585-345-6800 or email Admissions@genesee.edu. For online, door-to-door driving directions go to: 

http://www.genesee.edu/about/visit/maps/

The City is hosting a comprehensive plan open house from now until 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.

The open house consists of multiple stations that ask residents and business owners for their thoughts and ideas about the future of Batavia.

The feedback will be used in drafting the city's new comprehensive plan.

Winds of 20 to 35 mph with gusts of 50 mph are expected starting about 6 p.m., Wednesday, and lasting until 4 a.m., Thursday.

Give and it will be given unto you.

“When we took over operations in Thanksgiving of 2015, we had one goal – to give back to the local community,” said Steve Foster who, along with business partner Tim Adams, has successfully tied charitable giving with quality food and service to make the Red Osier® Restaurant in Stafford a premier dining destination of Western New York.

“Genesee County has been forgotten over the years here,” Adams said. “We believe that the more we support local organizations, the more success we will have.”

Foster, an Alexander native, and Adams, who grew up in East Bethany, officially took ownership of the restaurant – known throughout WNY for its prime rib – on April 20 of last year, and have displayed a large measure of generosity to the people of Genesee County through event sponsorships, donations and employee-supported fundraising.

As a result, the Red Osier® Restaurant has been selected as the Special Service Recognition of the Year award from the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

Foster and Adams, who also own Adams’ Welding & Fabrication in Stafford, will be honored at the 45^th annual Awards Ceremony on March 4 at Quality Inn & Suites on Park Road.

In her nomination letter, Lynette Skelton of Starowitz Farms in Byron praised Foster and Adams for purchasing the restaurant – possibly saving it from closing for good and saving the jobs of around 60 employees.

“The two men decided to take the chance, and the opportunity to save the local landmark and the local jobs in their community,” Skelton wrote.

Foster, a Red Osier® employee since 1998, said he was hesitant about buying the business – “it needed a lot of help,” he said – but finally agreed. Since then, and he and Adams have moved full speed ahead.

The list of the duo’s Genesee County civic contributions over the past 18 months is impressive, to say the least:

-- The Genesee County 4H program. Tim is a former Geneseean of the Year for his service to 4H and Cornell Cooperative Extension, and he is continuing his support by purchasing two pigs (which have been processed for special dishes at the restaurant).

-- GO ART!’s Picnic in the Park. The restaurant was the major sponsor for the July 4^th event last year, coming to the forefront at the last minute to prevent the event from being canceled.

-- Genesee Cancer Assistance. A joint venture between the restaurant and welding shop last Thanksgiving resulted in the presentation of $10,000 to GCA – money derived from proceeds of diners that day and a contribution from the welding shop.

-- Le Roy Food Pantry, Genesee County Animal Shelter, Crossroads House, Michael Napoleone Foundation. The two men contributed to fundraisers supporting these causes.

-- Oatka Festival, American Warrior Event at Frost Ridge, Le Roy Youth Football.  The restaurant signed on as major sponsors for these events, and also has sponsored individuals participating in horse shows, cheerleading contests, and other endeavors.

-- Spirits & Skivvies. An employee-led initiative, more than 600 pairs of socks and underwear were donated to the homeless.

“Our staff is right with us every step of the way,” Foster said. “They are on board with our donation program.”

On the business side, the owners said they have “broken every record” for sales – seeing repeat and new customer and raising the average per capita bill from about $25 to around $45.

“Everything here is made from scratch – the meals, desserts, salad, bread; it’s all fresh,” Foster said.

While prime rib is the main attraction, the menu includes a variety of dishes, and much of the food and some of the spirits and liquors are purchased from local vendors.

The owners also reported that, upon their return from a recent trip to Nashville, they have purchased a custom-built, 24-foot food trailer with a full kitchen “to take our chefs out on the road.”

They said they will be able to cater weddings, parties, graduations and other gatherings, and hope to get that started in May.

“It’s a replica of our kitchen,” Foster said.

The Red Osier® opens at 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and at 1 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, check out its website – www.redosier.com.

Press release:

When members of the Class of 2018 graduate from Byron-Bergen and Le Roy Central school districts next June, their high school transcripts will include a certificate, endorsed by the Genesee County Economic Development Center, indicating completion of a training program in professional skills.

With support from the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation and the America’s Best Communities grant, a timely program is being developed in the two districts to provide graduating seniors with a repertoire of skills that employers perceive as lacking in the majority of first-time job applicants.

“We are constantly looking for strategies to develop our local workforce in preparation for emerging career opportunities,” said John Jakubowski, GCEDC Workforce Development consultant. “Honing professional skills gives our students the edge in a competitive market.”

Professional skills, sometimes referred to as “soft” skills, include effective communication, teamwork and collaboration, problem solving, critical observation, and conflict resolution. While they may be difficult to quantify, their absence is obvious and problematic for conducting business efficiently and professionally.

“Our students are developing a growth mindset as early as elementary school,” said Byron-Bergen Superintendent Mickey Edwards. “We reinforce the belief throughout all grades that intelligence and character can be developed and that human potential really is without limits.

"With this new program for seniors on their way out our doors to higher education, the service or employment, we are equipping them with a refinement of skills to position them for success in whatever route they take.”

The professional skills training will rely on the expertise of school counseling staff, the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership Business Education coordinator, and local employers as guest presenters. 

“When our students can interact with a company president or a human resources manager from our geographical area, they not only learn the importance of professional skills, they also get a feel for the wide variety of opportunities that exist close to home," said incoming Le Roy Superintendent Merritt Holly.

"With the exciting initiatives transpiring in projects like the Le Roy Food & Tech Park, we want our graduates to be ready to take advantage of any career path that presents itself. But professional skills are universally in demand and will serve our children well for a lifetime.” 

While the professional skills training program is being designed specifically for Byron-Bergen and Le Roy high school seniors, the model is highly replicable and can be adapted easily in other districts.