The Batavia Bulldawgs youth football and cheer program captured the 2016 NOFA championship in the Mini (8-9-year-old) Division by virtue of a 12-0 victory over top-seeded Newfane.

The Bulldawgs ended the season with a 7-1 record, with the only loss coming at the hands of the Holley Hawks. The Batavia team avenged that defeat, however, in the playoffs with a 13-12 win.

The team is led by Head Coach Brian Mruczek and assistants coaches Shawn Bigsby, Kenny Griffin, Al White and Scott Lazarony.

Mruczek said an all-for-one and one-for-all mentality powered the team to victory.

 “The kids knew exactly what needed to be done in the championship game,” he said. “They proved all year that if we stick together as a family, play with heart and emotion, nothing could stop us.”

Mruczek thanked the team’s corporate sponsors, City of Batavia community leaders and Batavia City School District for their support.

The season concludes at 10 a.m. this Saturday (Nov. 5) with the CheerDawgs competing in the 2016 NOFA Cheer Zone at Attica High School.

Press release:

BATAVIA, NY– Proving that a minute can matter, Tompkins Bank of Castile is kicking off the second round of the Community Minute Challenge, a contest that invites participants to vote on the bank’s Facebook page and rewards local not-for-profits with a total of $10,000 in much-needed funds.

The second round will take place November 7 through 21, and the public is invited to watch one-minute videos produced by participating non-profits in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Monroe and Orleans counties, and then vote for their favorite. Each video explains how the non-profit will use the awarded funds. The contest will run in four different quarters and will award $2,500 to each quarterly winner.

Competing in this round are ARC of Genesee and Orleans County, Arts Council of Wyoming County, Big Springs Historical Society, Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing, GCASA, and Mercy Flight Central. To show support, participants should “like” Tompkins Bank of Castile’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TompkinsBankofCastile), click on the Community Minute Challenge app and then select their favorite non-profit. Each individual can vote once per day during the contest period.

The winner from the first round was Going to the Dogs Rescue in Wyoming County, an organization dedicated to helping homeless pets find loving forever homes. They are involved in not only assisting dogs in the local community but all over as needed. Their rescue operates solely on generous donations, both in time and money, from individuals and corporations.

“We’re honored to present Going to the Dogs Rescue with the $2,500 prize,” said John McKenna, Bank President and CEO.  “The support the organization received during the Community Minute Challenge is indicative of how the community values the services it provides.”

A third round of this contest will launch in early 2017 with details posted to Tompkins Bank of Castile’s Facebook page.

John McKenna, president and CEO of Tompkins Bank of Castile, presents the $2,500 check to Melissa Nichols, president of Going to the Dogs Rescue.  

Press release:

The Genesee County Republican Committee and the Genesee County Women's Republican are urging anyone looking for a "Trump for President" lawn sign to visit campaign headquarters located at 440 Ellicott St. in Batavia.

One hundred fifty new Trump lawn signs were dropped off today.

Headquarters will be open until 6 tonight, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday. Please come down to headquarters and pick up your Republican signs and campaign material for this year's election.

If you would like to volunteer please stop by election headquarters at 9 a.m. Saturday for a City-wide literature blitz.

This year's Republican victory celebration hosted by the Genesee County Republican Committee will begin at 8 p.m. Nov. 8 at Terry Hills 5122 Clinton St. Rd., Batavia.

The "Benefit for Bob" chicken BBQ to benefit Bob Yungfleisch, former chief of the all-volunteer East Pembroke Fire District, will be held on Sunday, Nov. 6.

This is a take-out-only dinner and Chinese auction at the East Pembroke Fire Hall. Cost is $10 per person. Pick up is from noon till sold out.

Advance ticket sales are strongly desired.

It is important to contact the fire hall or organizer Don Newton IN ADVANCE about buying tickets and/or making a donation so people know how many chicken dinners to buy. They don't want to buy too many unnecessarily or not have enough for those who show up.

The East Pembroke Fire Hall is located at 2623 Main Road in East Pembroke. Phone is (585) 762-9044. Email:    epfd@rochester.rr.com

The Darien Town Board on Wednesday night approved a $3 million preliminary budget that keeps tax rates for its sewer and water districts in check and also renewed a contract with the Darien Chemical Volunteer Fire Company that keeps the tax rate the same as last year.

"I'm pleased to say that we will not need a public hearing to override the tax cap," Supervisor David Hagelberger said as about a dozen people looked on at the Town Hall. "The tax rate for fire protection will be held to this year's cap adjusted value of .68 percent."

Town residents will pay $1.05 per $1,000 of assessed valuation ($105 per year on a home assessed at $100,000) per terms of the $267,713 one-year pact with the fire company.  The town is obligated to pay $253,160 to the fire company by March 15. The additional $14,553 will be derived from revenues generated by Genesee County's revamping of its workers compensation program from assessment based to employee based.

Once again, there is no town tax in the general fund or the highway fund, while taxes to residents in the sewer district and various water districts either remain the same or decrease for 2017.

In sewer district No. 1, which takes in the hamlet of Darien Center, the levy is $395 per unit -- down 1.8 percent from last year.

In water district No. 3, the rate is $1.60 per $1,000 of assessed valuation -- down 9 percent -- and in water district No. 5, the rate is $284 per unit -- down 11 percent, Hagelberger said.

All told, the budget is $3,057,479, with the town contributing $539,249 from its unexpended fund balance and the residents contributing $346,857 hrough taxes.

"Last year, we used $4,000 short of $800,000 to put on a highway garage addition, wilth four new bays," the supervisor said. "Even with this year's amount, we're OK, having about $1.9 million in reserves (accumulated through savings and sales tax surplus)."

Hagelberger said Darien, like most towns and villages, is "heavily dependent upon sharing sales tax revenue with Genesee County" -- funds that enable the town to operate.  

The budget reflects minimal (1-2 percent) increases to elected officials.  The highest paid is the full-time highway superintendent at $58,687, one of seven full-time town employees who receive health insurance through the town.

On another front, Hagelberger reported that 482 of 869 postcards sent out by the town to gauge the community's feelings about a proposed new water district have been returned. The early results show that most property owners are against the measure.

Thus far, the tally has 294 opposed, 183 in favor, five undecided and 387 not yet returned.

While 60 percent of the cards returned reflect opposition to the water district -- which would cost property owners around $1,275 annually in debt service and water usage -- Hagelberger said it's too early to make a valid determination of the outcome.

"We're still collecting information from property owners," he said, adding that the board doesn't want to put a deadline on returning the postcards. "It's not a vote. The real purpose is to find out if we should proceed or not. If we had a tremendous amount opposed, we wouldn't proceed. If we had a lot for it, then we would. Right now, I would say it's a mixture."

He did acknowledge that a town resident, Trina Goodman, is circulating a petition seeking signatures from those opposed to creating the water district. The project to deliver public water to those who currently have wells calls for taking out an $18 million loan for 38 years to cover the debt service, with the overall cost being reduced by a $6.8 million grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development.

"She has the right to circulate the petition, but I don't see how that provides any more information than we will get from the postcards," he said.

Goodman contends that the project is "simply too expensive" and that Genesee County could be putting pressure on the town to make this happen, which Hagelberger emphatically denied.

On November 8 there is an important local election happening in Batavia. Batavia residents, don’t forget to vote for Adam Tabelski.

Adam Tabelski has brought professionalism and integrity to Council, not to mention the experience of having been a trustee and mayor. He has worked extensively in the public and private sector, and he values common sense decision-making. On the campaign trail, Adam has heard the message from City residents: they want roads and sidewalks repaired, they want safe and healthy neighborhoods, they want an active downtown core. Those are broad objectives he will keep fighting for on City Council.

Oh, and although not a “lifelong resident,” Adam Tabelski is a Batavian by choice… and that’s more important! Exercise your right to vote. Vote Adam Tabelski for City Council-At-Large on November 8!

Press Release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is planning its 16^th annual Wonderland of Trees – a holiday tradition that brings more meaning and happiness to the holiday season.

Last year, more than 50 organizations, businesses, schools, children and church groups participated and more than 500 visitors enjoyed viewing the trees, wreaths and holiday décor throughout the museum.

The trees will be on display until Jan. 4. There will also be special events during “Christmas in the City” on Dec. 2.

An opening gala is set for 7 p.m. on Nov. 18 at the museum, 131 W. Main St., Batavia, It will include holiday decorations, food and music plus a premium basket raffle and silent auction.

The cost is $25 per person or $45 per couple. Tickets can be purchased at the museum or online at www.dailynewstickets.com.

 All proceeds will go to support the Holland Land Office Museum.

Representatives of businesses or groups interested in setting up a tree are asked to call 343-4727 or go to the museum’s Facebook page. Businesses pay a sponsor fee of $50 but there is no charge for nonprofit organizations.

Bernice Yunker, in photo below, and Terry Weber, in bottom photo, are the featured artists this month at the Richmond Memorial Library. Bernice is exhibiting a retrospective of her work. Terry is exhibiting work inspired by her recent trip to the Eastern Seaboard and Maine fishing villages.

When you get a chance stop by the library’s Gallery Room to see the 34 works currently on exhibit. 

Press release:

The 14^th annual World Wide Christmas Fair is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 12 at the First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia.

There is no admission charge.

The event features three types of vendors:

-- Local and regional not-for-profit organizations raising money for their programs or projects:

Healthy Sisters Soup and Bean Works (www.healthysisters.org ) from Catholic Family Services in Rochester. This organization provides women in Rochester the opportunity to learn about running a business and enables them to obtain the experience needed to be successful in the workforce. Their product is everything you need to make a pot of bean soup – the beans and spices, all neatly packaged with the recipe attached. They also have dip mixes for sale.

Guatemala Missions – Members of the First Presbyterian Church will have handmade items for sale that support The Garden’s Edge (www.gardensedge.org ), an organization that works to revitalize local culture and economy in Guatemala through projects in sustainable agriculture and environmental education.

-- Home businesses and craft people:

Representatives from several home business companies and members of the community with hand-crafted goods for sale will be on hand. All proceeds from sales made at the fair will be given to a charity chosen by each participant,

-- Vendors who promote and follow fair trade practices.

What are Fair Trade Practices?

One World Projects (www.oneworldprojects.com ), is a fair trade company located on Harvester Avenue  in Batavia. One World Projects was started in 1992 by Phil Smith. The mission of the company is to provide people in developing countries with the opportunity for economic sustainability and self-determination. 

• They do this by building open and respectful relationships with the people they work with around the world.
• One World Projects purchases high-quality products that have positive social impacts and environmental benefits.
• They pay artisans fair wages for their work allowing them to provide for their basic needs such as: food, shelter, clothing, education and health-care for their families.
• They provide financial and technical support to artisans by working with the artisans, suggesting product designs, improving artistic and technical skills, educating group leaders about the demands of the market.
• They support a safe and healthy work environment.
• They ensure the rights of children by not supporting exploitive child labor.
• They cultivate environmentally sustainable practices.
• And they reinvest in artisan groups and communities through economic programs and/or donations.

This is what it means to practice fair trade. One World Projects works with more than 80 artisan groups in more than 20 countries throughout Latin America, Africa and Asia. They sell hundreds of products and each item tells the story of the people who make them.

Other vendors who practice fair trade:

One World Goods (www.owgoods.org  ) from Rochester will have items from all over the world – jewelry, scarves, handbags, mittens, toys, Christmas ornaments, decorative items, candles and much more.

Equal Exchange Coffee (www.equalexchange.coop) is a co-op from Massachusetts that sells coffee, tea, chocolate and olive oil from around the globe. 

The fair provides the opportunity to purchase quality gifts and support all of these worthwhile causes. This is not a fund-raising event for the church as there is no admission charge and vendors are not charged to participate.

Soups and sandwiches will be provided by the Presbyterian Women’s group and baked goods provided by the church’s youth and congregation. All proceeds from food purchases are donated to charity.

Merchandise available for purchase include home décor items, toys, candles, baskets, handbags, scarves, pottery, fairly traded coffee and chocolate, olive oil and jewelry. In addition, Christmas decorations, ornaments, and nativity sets will be sold.

A fire is reported in a smokestack at Baskin Livestock on Creek Road, Bethany.

Bethany fire, Town of Batavia and Stafford requested to the scene.

UPDATE 8:39 a.m.: The fire is in the cyclone.

UPDATE 8:51 a.m.: Le Roy to stand by in quarters with ladder truck. 

UPDATE 10:30 a.m.: Batavia firefighters, with their hook-and-ladder truck, were able to get up to the top of the cyclone while others worked below. The fire was brought under control at 10:30 a.m.

Photos by Glenn Adams, Bethany FD.

Press release:

Over the past several months, the Deer Management Committee has met and discussed how to best obtain information from the community in connection with the deer population.

As a result, a survey has been created to gauge the public’s interest in the topic and opinions regarding the local deer population. The committee would like you to participate and provide feedback on actual issues surrounding the deer population in our community.

There will be several ways to obtain the Deer Management Survey. The survey will be available on the City website: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3NRD7Z3 or a hard copy of the survey may be obtained at the City Clerk’s Office, City Manager’s office, Richmond Memorial Library or Senior Center.

Please complete and return all survey’s to the City Manager’s Office, One Batavia City Centre (City Hall) no later than Nov. 16.

If you have any questions or concerns about the survey please feel free to contact Jason Molino, City Manager at 345-6330 or jmolino@batavianewyork.com

Survey questions include:

-- Have you experienced landscape or garden damage from deer -- and how would you describe it?
-- Have you tried any of the following deer management methods (it lists several methods) -- and have they been effective?
-- Have you or anyone in your immediate family hit a deer with a motor vehicle in the City of Batavia?
-- Are you concerned about tick-borne diseases transmitted by deer?

The new, privately owned Hotel at Batavia Downs has "reinvented" the destination landscape in Batavia and Genesee County, the leader of the 84-room, luxury facility's investment group said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception on Wednesday night at Batavia Downs Gaming on Park Road -- and there could be more to come in the near future.

"This is a proud day for Batavia and Western New York. With this hotel, we have reinvented the hotel industry in Batavia," said Anthony Baynes, managing partner for ADK Hospitality, a Buffalo-based development team that purchased land from Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. in March 2015 and spent $7.5 million to build what it hopes becomes the county's first AAA four-diamond hotel. 

Baynes went on to thank Michael Kane, former WROTB president and CEO, for his efforts in forging what he called a "unique partnership" between private investors and a public corporation, and Hart Hotels, a highly respected firm that has been hired to manage the hotel.

Buffalo TV personality Laurie Lisowski Frey, WROTB President Henry Wojtaszek, Congressman Chris Collins and Dr. Laszlo Mechtler also spoke briefly to the estimated 400 people at the event before the investors cut the ribbon officially opening the hotel, which was nearly sold out for the evening.

"This is an extremely exciting time for our company, and for our region," Wojtaszek said. "This collaboration takes our organization to a new level and certainly strengthens our brand."

Collins said he was glad to say this was a "bipartisan" gathering.

"We have both Republicans and Democrats here, but when it comes to supporting worthwhile ventures (we're in agreement)," he said. "These entrepreneurs are risking their own capital ... and it's great to see the entrepreneurial spirit serving Genesee County and Batavia.

Rick Likus, hotel general manager, while leading tours for the invited guests, said the Hotel at Batavia Downs is "truly a destination that nobody else in this market can offer."

He said there are 40 rooms with double queen beds and 40 with king beds, as well as four two-room suites on the fourth floor that face the harness horse-racing track. He said extra "perks" for guests include specially made goose down pillows and mattresses, refrigerators and coffeemakers, Belgian chocolates and an early evening "turn-down service" where the rooms are spruced up by housekeeping staff.

Kane, who is acting as advisor to the WROTB board and management, said the hotel became "a priority" after the gaming facility completed its capital project downstairs. He said he is confident the hotel will succeed, thanks in part to the professionalism of Hart Hotels.

"Hart is the single-most capable organization in my opinion," he said. "They manage a five-star hotel in Watkins Glen (actually three four-diamond properties in Watkins Glen, 1000 Islands and Portland, Maine). The hotel here is very well appointed, and one more piece that will drive revenue to our municipalities."

Kane provided some insight into the Downs' future plans, stating that as more property becomes available, a banquet hall big enough to accommodate a couple thousand people could be added.

"That would be beneficial," he said. "In a constantly changing industry, you need to stay ahead (of the curve)."

IT'S OFFICIAL: ADK Hospitality investment partners and Congressman Chris Collins, right, surround Henry Wojtaszek, president of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp., during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday night to mark the opening of the upscale Hotel at Batavia Downs. From left are Jim Basil, John Basil, Anthony Baynes, Wojtaszek, Kent Frey, Dr. Laszlo Mechtler, David McNamara and Collins. 

Other photos -- Congressman Chris Collins, with WROTB executives Scott Kiedrowski​, Michael Nolan and Jacquelyne Leach in background; Thurman Thomas (former Buffalo Bills running back and Batavia Downs spokeman) speaking to Bills fan Jon Detwiler and Nolan, and posing with Connie Penkszyk of Batavia. Photos by Mike Pettinella.

A concerned resident reached out to The Batavian with a report that the Genesee County Board of Elections did not have her as a registered voter in the county after she had allegedly filled out a new voter registration form at the DMV.

She reported that she was still registered in Monroe County after moving from Rochester to Batavia in July and registering at the DMV.  

Republican Election Commissioner Dick Siebert said the DMV discrepancy has been an issue of concern for the past few years.

Siebert said “Our main purpose is that everyone who claims that they registered through the DMV has an opportunity to vote that night, and what we do is provide them an affidavit ballot so that they're not turned away just because we say we can't find a registration for you...They can cast an affidavit ballot, which is the same ballot that everyone else gets, and then we have to sort it out later, each case by itself as to what happened -- why they're are not showing up registered with us.”

Siebert added that their main focus is first making sure everyone has the chance to vote and, second, ensuring that there is no voter fraud.

Duane Preston and Adam Tabelski are running for the Councilman-at-Large seat on the Batavia City Council, a position that became open when former Council Member John Deleo left to run (successfully) for a seat on the Genesee County Legislature.

Preston, a longtime Batavian, is running on the Democrat and Conservative lines, while Tabelski, a former mayor of his native Medina who moved to the city a couple years ago, is running on the Republican, Independence and Reform ticket.

Tabelski has been serving as the Councilman-at-Large after his appointment in January, per city rules that the position had to be filled by a Republican.

Preston owns and manages about 70 apartments in the city and is chairman of the Batavia Planning & Development Committee. Tabelski is an account manager for Wendel Engineering.

Leading up to next Tuesday’s election, The Batavian posed four questions to the candidates (listed in alphabetical order).

What is the most important city issue you would like the next City Council to tackle? (Examples: vacant housing, business development, attracting residents back to the city/downtown, finances/spending, etc.)

Preston: The most important city issue to me is reducing city taxes. In  2006-2009, the city of Batavia residents took some very hefty tax increases in the amounts 12.6 percent, 20 percent, 9.7 percent and 4.2 perent change over the previous years. The city taxes that were levied on us got our city out of debt but never went away.

Those increased taxes are still built into our taxes today. At that time, the tax increases were greatly needed as we had a large debt. But times have changed; we have paid off a lot of old debt and are funding 12 reserve funds. We need to challenge old ways and stop taking the easy way out by raising taxes. We can still contribute to our reserve funds and reduce taxes. 

Tabelski: In the face of stagnant or reduced sales tax revenue, which is the largest single revenue source for the City, we must craft a responsible budget plan that makes critical investments in our personnel and infrastructure while generally living within our means in other areas.

Adopting a good budget is always Council's most important annual task.

What three additional issues would you like to see the next city council focus upon?

Preston: Downtown business development. Batavia could do a better job capturing foot traffic downtown. We have a Thruway that brings thousands of people to our doorstep daily, and we need to monopolize more on that fact. Even our very successful soccer program detours hundreds of people out to the town daily, six months out of the year.

The council needs to work together and develop a plan that brings people downtown and creates more foot traffic. There are many ways to bring people to our downtown, for example -- expanding the ice arena to a three-rink arena is an idea that would foster out of town tournament play. This would bring in additional tax dollars from restaurants, retail and hotel stays. Batavia is in a great location for Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse tournaments. Get the foot traffic in the city! For every 1 percent in sales tax revenue generated, we can reduce our property taxes by 1.5 percent.

Mall/city center revitalization plan. Ultimately Council will need to figure out what the long-term plan for the mall will be. Is it a city support center or will it be used for retail? Either way, we need to turn this space from a liability to an asset. An expanded City Centre can harbor all support services for the city: Police Services, City Hall, Office for the Aging, Pathstone, Rural Opportunities and light medical use. Even partnering with GVEP (Genesee Valley Education Partnership) or GCC (Genesee Community College) to hold a few satellite classes in this facility for added foot traffic can only benefit downtown businesses.

Another consideration would be support for a mixed use retail plan. Whichever decision is made, it is imperative City Council cleans up the concourse issues with the mall association. Let’s put this behind us and move on to the future use of this facility. 

Volunteer group. I would have Council look at the possibility of a volunteer group to continue the efforts of the former Vibrant Batavia. We would need to set up Ward member groups to keep the open lines of communication going. There are many citizens in Batavia that would love to volunteer a few hours a month to hold informational neighborhood meetings and discuss hot topics that are plaguing our neighborhoods. Safety in our neighborhoods is paramount! 

Tabelski: A) Renewed sales tax sharing and water/wastewater agreements with the County. These agreements, which are interrelated, are set to expire after next year. They have established steady revenue streams that, if changed, could significantly impact the City's finances. I am confident we can sit down with our partners in local government to find a good solution for all.

B) Explore reducing operating expenses through energy efficiency measures. This is a way for the City to reduce our costs without eliminating a service or personnel.  First, we need to conduct a review to see where the best opportunities for energy efficiency may be. As just one example, conversion to LED street lighting could save substantially on our electric bill.

C) Reaching an accord to allow redevelopment at the Mall and support of other downtown economic development projects such as Ellicott Station. Unfortunately, the public doesn't see the work that Council and our legal team puts into the Mall because it involves real estate and litigation -- matters best discussed in executive session. But Council and City staff agree that finding and bringing new investment to the Mall is near the top of our priority list.

What do you believe is the best option when it comes to the city’s police headquarters?

Preston: Adaptive reuse of the City Centre is the best bang for our buck. The city is currently holding storefronts that combined with other parcels may possibly be the key to a police station reconstruction. Why would we want to spend $7-$10 million on a new site? Similar to the City Hall expansion on the mall, we can clean up a section of the mall and take care of our police station needs all at the same time and for less money than building new.

Tabelski: This is not a simple question but suffice it say that an 1850s Italianate residence -- despite its good location near the center of the City -- is ill-suited to be a 21st century police department headquarters. Our government is actively trying to address the situation by investigating a preferred site for a new facility that was identified by an ad hoc citizen task force. If this option does not pan out, we have other options to pursue, including renovations to the current facility. The public should understand that there real estate negotiations underway so the situation is fluid. No matter what, we will keep the long-term cost impact to taxpayers at the top of mind.

What three books published within the last 250 years have most influenced you?

Preston: The books that have influenced me the most are the ones that have made me who I am today -- "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie, "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki and "Building Real Estate Wealth in a Changing Market" by John Schaub.

Tabelski: "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau, "1776" by David McCullough, and "The Collected Poems" by Stanley Kunitz.

Over the next few days, Billie and I have some personal matters that will disrupt our normal routines. We'll be in and out of town. Nothing serious, just things that will pull us away from 100 percent focus on The Batavian.

We've planned for this and have arranged with Mike Pettinella, Jim Burns, Steve Ognibene, Rob Henry, Rick Franclemont and our news partners at WBTA and 13WHAM to help with coverage.

Timothy Mark Brady, 53, of Jerico Road, Bergen, is charged with resisting arrest. Deputies attempted to arrest Brady on a warrant stemming from charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful growing of cannabis and unlawful possession of marijuana. Brady was confronted outside his residence and allegedly attempted to flee on foot and was taken into custody after a short chase. He was jailed on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond.

Rosemary R. Jackson, 30, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Jackson is accused of shoplifting from Walmart.

Shannon Laurer and Jennifer Goss have started Catty Shack, a neighborhood cat rescue and release program serving Genesee County. Yesterday, City Slickers hosted a fundraiser to help cover the costs of dealing with stray cats locally.

Catty Shack is primarily a TNR (trap, neuter and release) program, but tame cats may be adopted to appriopriate homes.

Catty Shack has already captured, neutered and released 16 cats, will trap 18 more next week and have 20 kittens that will soon be ready for adoption.

To find out more, visit the Catty Shack page on Facebook.

Paulie Guglieamo, owner of Guglieamo's Pasta Sauce and a radio personality in Rochester, was the celebrity chef at the Culinary Arts Program at BOCES yesterday.

Guglieamo shared with students how he started his business and talked about some of the challenges and pleasures of starting and owning your own business. He then took the students into the kitchen and showed him how he makes his pasta sauces, which are based on recipes developed by his grandmother during the Great Depression and use garden-fresh ingredients.

He encouraged students to follow their passions as they set themselves on a path toward their eventual careers.

"If you have passion and you truly love it, you can do it," Guglieamo said.

Guglieamo's sauce is now sold in Wegmans, Tops and other retail outlets throughout the northeast. He said he's succeeded because of the passion he has for his product.

"When you actually have something that is an extension of you -- that's my brand, that's me, that's my actual phone number, I put my cell phone number on every jar we sell -- you can't possibly fail," Guglieamo said. "I cannot not sell this jar of sauce. I can't walk into a store and not sell it."

When Guglieamo was first starting his radio career, he was in sales.

"I was very, very, very bad (at sales)," he said.

If a customer offered an objection, he didn't have an answer, but now, selling his own product, he has all the answers.

"I have the answers to everything because this is my life, this is my baby right here," he said.

Le Roy's junior high students participated in the school district's second annual Class Up the Community day on Tuesday.

"I cannot thank our students and staff enough for the hard work and positive attitude they showed all day in our community," said Principal Tim McArdle. "The day represents an amazing learning opportunity about service and helping others, which is the backbone of our country. Now more than every we have to take any opportunity possible to pass on these values to our students!"

Students and staff worked at the following locations: Le Roy Historical Society, Machpelah Cemetery, St. Francis Cemetery, Le Roy Ambulance Base, Methodist Church, Police Station and nine private residences. After the work was done, students enjoyed their lunch outdoors at school and had time for outdoor games and to play on the Le Roy Town Rec huge inflatable. 

To end the event, students watched a video of the pictures that were taken throughout the day! 

McArdle thanked Lynda Lowe, who was the event director, and the junior high staff, bus drivers, cafeteria staff and buildings and grounds staff, "for all of their hard work and efforts to make this day a reality."

Community members donated rakes or loaned rakes for the projects.

"This is a wonderful learning experience for our students, a huge thank you to the community as well as our students and staff for making today a big success," Lowe said.

There were 197 students in the seventh and eighth grades participating, along with 24 staff members as well as bus drivers and building and grounds crew members.

Photos and information courtesy Tim McArdle.