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Le Roy FD honors its own, and those who helped in 2015, at annual dinner

By Howard B. Owens

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Jerry Diskin was named Le Roy Fire Department's Firefighter of the Year at the department's annual installation and awards dinner. Diskin, center, sets an example by his energy and commitment, said Chief Tim Hogle, left. Joining in the award presentation is 1st Assistant Chief Tom Wood.

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On Dec. 1, the fire department faced a situation that firefighters are typically not trained to deal with -- a person firing a gun at them as they roll up to a fire scene. The first four volunteers on scene were Joe Orlando, Bergen Chief Kevin Finucane, 1st Assistant Chief Tom Wood and Chief Tim Hogle. Saturday night, each man received a Medal of Valor.

When the men arrived on scene and were fired on, they remained calm, returned to their vehicles and established a safety zone, informing other responders not to come to the scene. The Medal of Valor is awarded to public safety officers who have exhibited actions above and beyond the call of duty, who showed exceptional courage, decisiveness and a presence of mind or unusual purpose of action to effect the protection of human life.

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Joe Orlando receiving the Chief's Award from Chief Tim Hogle.

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Hogle, Orlando, Diskin and Wood.

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Representatives from various agencies who assisted at the scene on Dec. 1 on Selden Road were recognized by the department, including Emergency Management, Bergen Fire, Town of Batavia Fire, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Le Roy PD and State Police (not all agencies are represented in this picture and the one below).

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Installation of Officers.

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The top 10 responders of 2015.

The department conducted 50 training sessions, resulting in 1,570 man-hours of total training for the volunteers. The volunteers also responded to 296 alarms, resulting in 1,273 man-hours on assignment.

In Corfu, winter is celebrated on a 50-degree day

By Howard B. Owens

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There was still enough ice on the rink behind the Corfu Village Hall for a bit of hockey today during the annual Winterfest, despite the temperature hitting 50 degrees.

Nobody was complaining about the warm weather as they enjoyed food, vendors, music and a basket raffle.

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Put one foot in front of the other and keep going: College clerical worker retired Friday after more than four decades

By Billie Owens

Photo provided by Maxine (Palmer) Koberg taken early on the job in 1969 as a Civil Service clerical worker for Genesee Community College.

In October, 1969, Maxine Koberg (nee Palmer), was excited to start her new job as a clerical worker at the fledgling Genesee Community College.

The Batavia native had graduated from high school five years earlier and worked steadily since turning 18. When she found an opportunity to take a Civil Service test, she didn't hesitate and was subsequently delighted to learn she'd passed the clerical exam and was eligible for employment. After landing a job at the college, she said she liked it and was capable of performing the duties and she planned to stick with it.

And stick with it, she did, for more than 46 years.

"You don't think about it," Koberg said. "The years go by. You know you'll retire someday, but you don't really think about it. And now here I am."

It dawned on her recently that the familiar route commuting to and from the college and her home in Elba would no longer be part of her daily itinerary after Friday, which was her last day.

The original route was different in the beginning of her employment at GCC.

The campus at One College Road off Stephen R. Hawley Drive in the Town of Batavia did not yet exist.

The college was chartered in 1966 and its first digs were in 56,000 square feet of space in the "Valu Tech Center" on West Main Street in Batavia, which was home to the Valu department store. The first class of 378 full-time and 243 part-time students began their studies the following fall semester. 

"In the beginning, I was working with students," Koberg said. "You tried to be helpful and they were fun and polite and you got to stay with them a couple of years. There were plenty 'please' and 'thank-yous'."

Koberg recalled the library was in front and there were a couple of offices in the back. Her department consisted of two clerks, including herself, a secretary and a Librarian David Brewster. Things were not computerized then. Keeping track of orders, payments, inventory, book loans, etc., was done manually.

In 1972, The Big Move to the new campus came. Boxing up the books and hauling them to the new location and organizing them -- "It was quite a big job," Koberg said. Staff supervised college students in the work/study program who did the bulk of the heavy lifting.

"When we first went to the new building, I was at the circulation desk. That's where you signed out books, reserved materials for students, and supervised the work/study students. And you greet everybody."

There was a growing population of international students, who could sometimes be difficult to understand because of the language barrier, Koberg said, but throughout the years, the 'please' and 'thank-yous' were abundantly offered. Although, as always, she noted some students have better manners than others. A noticeable difference campus-wide, of course, is the proliferation of electronic gadgets that students appear glued to.

At some point, she was asked if she wanted to leave the front desk and the students, and work on library's clerical staff ordering books and doing related tasks. She decided to take the challenge, which eventually included learning daunting new computer skills and paying bills.

"There was never a time when I didn't like working with books. I knew my programs and how to get books ordered and get them on the shelf. As courses changed, books changed -- like for our Allied Health Program -- but it's all office work."

Which means paying attention to details.

"Be careful about what you're doing, get the right books ordered, received and processed. Get the bills paid, in the right amount. Live within your budget. We have a good system and we work together."

After more than four decades on the job, her coworkers were like a second family and the workplace, a sort of home away from home. She says her colleagues held down the fort while she took two maternity leaves, helped her through some rough patches on the road of life, and she has appreciated their supportiveness, assistance and the camaraderie along the way.

The staff meshed at the Alfred C. O'Connell Library, named after the college's first president.

"We did work well together."

As for her newly retired status, it'll take some getting used to. No big plans afoot. No vacation in the works.

"I'm just going to take it day by day and see how it goes," Koberg said.

Sheriff Maha elected chairman of Executive Committee of NY State Sheriffs' Association

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo: Genesee County Sheriff Gary Maha (right) is sworn in as chairman of the Executive Committee of the NYS Sheriffs' Association by Herkimer County Judge John Brennan at the installation of officers at the Association's 82nd Annual Winter Training Conference at the Desmond in Albany this week.

Press release:

The New York State Sheriffs' Association elected its Executive Committee at the 82nd Annual Winter Training Conference this week at the Desmond Hotel in Albany.

Members elected Genesee County Sheriff Gary Maha Chairman of the Executive Committee. Sheriff Maha will work with the newly elected President of the Association, Herkimer County Sheriff Chris Farber, and sheriffs around the state, to further the efforts of the Sheriffs' Association to enhance public safety in New York State through professional training and accreditation programs, public safety programs, and advocacy.

The New York State Sheriffs' Association, Inc., is a not-for-profit corporation, formed in 1934, for the purpose of assisting sheriffs in the efficient and effective delivery of services to the public. It comprises all of the elected and appointed sheriffs of New York State.

Muckdogs' Hot Stove Dinner planned for Saturday, Feb. 20

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Baseball Club will hold its annual Batavia Muckdogs Hot Stove Dinner and Auction from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20th at the Sacred Heart Church Hall at 17 Sumner St. in Batavia. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour followed by a buffet dinner at 5:30. The Hot Stove Dinner is a time for good food, friendship and baseball talk. The night also features a live and Chinese auction of baseball-related memorabilia (including signed bats and balls), work by local artists, and gift certificates from a variety of local businesses.

Tickets may be purchased in Batavia at Dwyer Stadium, Gerace’s Hair Care, the Williams Law Firm and the office of Dr. Alan Barcomb.

Christina Volpe remembered at Notre Dame as a legend and a special person

By Howard B. Owens

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In her basketball career at Notre Dame High School, Christina Volpe was a prolific scorer and a leader who helped her team to a state championship, but it was more than just her athletic success that left a lasting impact on the school, said Athletic Director Mike Rapone during a ceremony Friday to retire her number.

"She always had a quick smile, was always kind and found a great pleasure in helping others," Rapone said. "As special a basketball player as Christy was, she may have been a more special person. She will always be remembered fondly here at Notre Dame."

Volpe died of an apparent heart attack at age 34 in her home in South Carolina in October.

During her playing career at Notre Dame, Volpe scored 2,392 points, grabbed 1,365 rebounds and amassed an 83-consecutive game streak of double-doubles.  She was named to the Section V Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011. With Volpe on the court, Notre Dame won three consecutive Class DD Section V championships, and in 1999, the team won both the state championship and the federation championship and Volpe was named MVP of both tournaments.

Bill Wade, who coached Volpe's team, said the Notre Dame team is the only girls basketball team in Section V history to win a federation championship.

Rapone said Volpe inaugurated a tradition of excellence in girls basketball at Notre Dame that continues to this day. She inspired the next generation of girls to take up the game and play hard and work hard, leading to a second state championship under Head Coach Dave Pero in 2013.

"Along with the talent, she had an amazing work ethic," Rapone said. "She had a burning desire to realize her potential. As talented as she was, she constantly worked to get better. She spent countless hours in the Notre Dame and St. Joe's gyms fine-tuning her game."

Volpe taught her teammates that hard work wasn't just something you brought to the game, you brought it to the gym for every practice, Wade said. She came early, stayed late and made every drill count.

"That's how she became our leader," Wade said. "She led our team to greatness."

Through her example, she not only made her team better, she made her teammates better, both in the game of basketball and in life.

"You compete to beat your own numbers," Wade said. "That's what made us better and that's what made us cherish Christina Volpe. She taught her teammates so much and made her teammates lives better. She made her coach and her coaches better because of the person she was. Christina Volpe is not just a legendary player, she was a treasure because she made all of our lives richer."

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Bill Wade.

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Joining Rapone and Wade next to the lectern were members of Volpe's family and her former Notre Dame teammates.

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Prior to Notre Dame's game with Elba, the players wore T-shirts with Volpe's number and name.

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This tribute to Volpe will be hung in the entry hall of Notre Dame.

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Volpe's jersey will hang, framed, next to the scoreboard the rest of this season and next season.

Lost dogs, looking for home

By Howard B. Owens

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The employees at Castilone Chrysler Dodge and Jeep took in these two handsome canines they found wandering and lost near the dealership.

"They are both very nice and want to go home," Sara Stockwell said.

She's hoping the owner will claim the dogs by 5:30 p.m.

UPDATE 4:30 p.m.: The owner has picked up the dogs.

Caller reports solicitor trying to sell picture of house from the air

By Howard B. Owens

A caller on Town Line Road, Bergen, reports that a white male came to his door offering to sell a picture of his house from the air for $349.

The subject is now apparently across the street from the house attempting to do the same.

There is a second person in a red Dodge Stratus.

A deputy is dispatched to check it out.

Law and Order: Le Roy PD warns of thefts from unlocked cars

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy PD reports a series of thefts from unlocked vehicles during the night and early morning hours in the area of Munson and Gilbert streets. The pattern began about Dec. 15 and has continued. Multiple cars have been entered and items stolen. Le Roy PD reminds people to lock their vehicles and call 9-1-1 immediately if a suspicious person is seen.

Andrea Harrington, 22, of Pleasant Street, Le Roy, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Harrington was by a Le Roy police officer allegedly walking with an unsteady gate and apparently intoxicated at 4:44 p.m. Jan. 25 on Bacon Street while carrying a 2-year-old child.

GSO performs original composition by Batavia student

By Howard B. Owens

Anytime we cover an entertainment event at Batavia High School, we wind up with a picture of Ross Chua performing. He's very talented and very motivated. This is a photo from a talent show in June.

Besides being a performer, Chua is also a songwriter and composer. On Monday, the Genesee Symphony Orchestra played one of his compositions so it could be recorded to include with his college auditions and interviews.

This may be the first time the GSO performed a composition by a local high school student.

Here's the video:

Sponsored Post: The YMCA waives half of the join fee. Sign up now!

By Lisa Ace

YMCA Waives half its joining fee to jump start your January! Are you ready to shed those extra holiday pounds? Looking for a fresh start in 2016? Has cabin fever already started setting in? Join the Y during our membership campaign and save! Between 1/11/16 and 1/31/16 we will waive HALF the joining fee on any membership category. Up to $37.50 in savings!

YMCA Membership entitles you and your loved ones the chance to become part of an organization that believes in and promotes active and healthy lifestyles, progressive skill development, fair play, family, and character development. The YMCA is not just another gym. When you join the Y, you join a family and what’s more you join a place where people are looking for changes to their overall health. The Genesee County YMCA offers a wide array of programs and services to meet the interests and needs of the entire family from memberships for youth, college students, families and seniors. From swimming lessons and sports, to childcare and summer camping, there is truly something for everyone at the Genesee County YMCA. 

If you feel like you cannot afford a YMCA membership, it is the policy of the YMCA that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. Financial assistance for membership and programs is available through the annual Strong Communities Campaign. The application process is easy and confidential. Please call or visit our member service desk to obtain an application. For more information on membership or programs offered at the Genesee County YMCA, please call (585)344­-1664 or log on to our Web site at www.glowymca.org

Rollover accident, but driver apparently OK

By Howard B. Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported on Batavia Elba Townline Road.

The driver is reportedly conscious and alert and standing up inside the vehicle.

The roadway is blocked

Town of Batavia fire dispatched.

New precision machining and CNC fundamentals training program offered to help meet industry demand

By Billie Owens

Press release:

In today’s economy, advanced manufacturers require skilled workers. The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, in conjunction with the Workforce Development Institute and eight area companies, have created a precision machining program to prepare qualified individuals for entry-level positions and a career path in CNC Precision Machining.

This Adult Education Program consists of 425 hours of classroom instruction at either the Mount Morris or Batavia Career and Technical Education Centers and 160 hours of on-site training and experience with our partnering companies. In addition, participants who successfully complete the program may be offered a two-week internship at a partnering company at the conclusion of the program. The deadline to apply is Feb. 24.

The eight partnering companies are D.P. Tool, Liberty Pumps, Amada Tool, SR Tool, Brach Machine, Inc., FTT Manufacturing, B&B Precision Manufacturing, Inc., and Chassix.

Classroom instruction will consist of lecture and hands-on instruction covering the general use of the basic components of a mill and lathe. Common fixtures, cutting tools, and tool holders will be covered. Students will study blueprint reading and use precision measuring devices. Introduction to Computer Control Programming and operation of machine tooling through HAAS Programming System control panels will provide the necessary skills for entry-level machine operator positions. 

Individuals who are 18 years of age by April 1, 2016 and have earned a high school diploma, GED or who can demonstrate successful experience in a manufacturing environment are eligible to apply. Funding is available for eligible candidates.

The curriculum covered in this class includes the following:

Introduction to Machining                       
Shop Safety
Technical Shop Math
Precision Measurement
Blueprint Reading
Layout Work
Fasteners
Fixtures
Cutting Fluids
Drills and Drilling Machines

Grinding
Sawing and Cutoff Machines
Cutting Tapers and Screw Threads on the Lathe
Lathe Operations
Milling Machine Operations
Precision Grinding
Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
Quality Control
Metallurgy
Heat Treatment of Metals
Occupations in Machining Technology

For more information about this program, contact Chuck DiPasquale, director of Programs, at (585) 344-7552. Applications may be downloaded at http://www.gvboces.org/adulted.cfm?subpage=1216002 and are due by Feb. 24.  

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The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York State. 

Hawley to host free business start-up training workshop at GCC for vets and military family members

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) recently announced that he will host Operation Entrepreneurship, free business start-up training for veterans and military family members. The event will take place on Thursday, Feb. 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Genesee Community College in Room T119.

**To register, contact Greg Lindberg at 716-551-5670 or visit www.events.sba.gov**

“As a veteran and small-business owner, I know firsthand the challenges and dedication it takes to succeed in both of these fields,” Hawley said. “I built my business from the ground up and am constantly evolving, evaluating and challenging myself to succeed in New York’s lackluster and competitive business climate.

"I look forward to meeting and working with veterans and their families who have an interest in starting and owning their own business because the American dream is alive and well, and I want to help people realize it.”

The event is being sponsored by the Small Business Association (SBA) and topics covered will include introduction to business ownership, finding the right idea, introduction to business planning, understanding market research, choosing the correct legal entity and other issues. SBA Buffalo District Office Director, Franklin J. Sciortino, also praised the event’s merits.

“The SBA supports our veterans, service members and military families through a number of initiatives,” Sciortino said. “The Operation Entrepreneurship program creates an opportunity for our veterans to learn how to start up in a day, discover resources available to support their business success, and network with other like-minded entrepreneurs.”

WHAT:           Operation Entrepreneurship – Free entrepreneurship training for veterans and military family members

WHO:             Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)                      

WHEN:           Thursday, Feb. 4

                        8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

WHERE:        Genesee Community College 

                        Room T119, 

                        1 College Road

                        Batavia, NY 14020

GCC College trustees welcome new Legislative Liaison and hear campus news

By Billie Owens

Press release:

At this month's Board of Trustees meeting, Chair Diane Torcello opened the meeting by first welcoming Genesee Community College's new Genesee County Legislative Liaison, Marianne Clattenberg, who represents District 8 and Wards 1 and 6. 

Kathleen Schiefen, Ed.D., GCC provost and executive vice president of Academic Affairs, continued her ongoing reports to the Board of Trustees regarding the review and modifications of academic programs in alignment with the State University of New York's seamless transfer initiative. The latest programs to undergo careful review and subsequent minor program adjustments include: 

o Communications and Media Arts, AS 

o Computer Repair Technology Certificate

o Computer Support and Operations AAS

o Criminal Justice AAS and AS

o Help Desk Certificate 

o Musical Theatre Certificate

In other matters, the Board of Trustees: 

Approved the renewal of continuing appointments for the following GCC employees: Shawn Adamson, assistant professor of English (Batavia); Meredith Altman, professor of Mathematics (Churchville); Maryanne Arena, director of Fine and Performing Arts (Le Roy); Vicky Aubert, technical assistant, Warsaw Campus Center (Warsaw); Valerie Bello, assistant professor of Communications and Media Arts (Lancaster); Christine Belongia, professor of Teacher Education (Oakfield); Marjorie Blondell, associate professor of Nursing (Buffalo); Charley Boyd, professor of English (Batavia); Bill Brewer, assistant professor of Economics (Castile); Jeannie Burdick, counselor (Corfu); Chris Caputi, associate professor / clinical education coordinator (Tonawanda); Jean Chenu, associate professor of Office Technology (Cheektowaga); Kris Dassinger, assistant professor of English (Batavia); Rick Dudkowski, professor of Fashion Merchandising Management (Williamsville); Cindy Francis, professor / collection development librarian (Batavia); Patti Furness, technical assistant, GCC at Albion (Kent); Barry Garigen, professor of Criminal Justice (LeRoy); Norm Gayford, professor of English (Warsaw); Kathy Gurak, associate professor of Health and Physical Education (Groveland); Jim Habermas, professor of Computer Information Systems (Rochester); Ed Hallborg, theater technician (Cowlesville); Tim Hinz, associate professor of Computer Information Systems (Batavia); Heather Jones, assistant professor of Art (Conesus); Josephine Kearney, assistant professor of Sociology / Human Services (Lockport); Mary Knappen, professor of Mathematics (Rochester); Amy Masters, technical specialist, Financial Aid (Batavia); Christie McGee-Ross, technical assistant, Women's Basketball / Intramural Programming (Cheektowaga) Kathy Palumbo, director of Nursing (Corfu); Susan Ryan, technical specialist, Admissions (Batavia); Amy Schnettler-Zak, assistant professor of Nursing (Alden); Charles Scruggs, associate professor of History / Political Science; Amy Slusser, professor of Tourism and Hospitality Management (Warsaw); Catherine Wall, assistant professor of Nursing (Hilton); Nina Warren, director of Library Services (Churchville) and Karen Wicka, assistant professor of Criminal Justice (Hamburg).

Approved the initial continuing appointment of the following GCC employees: Lourdes Abaunza, technical specialist, Student Financial Services (Batavia); Debbie Allen, technical assistant, GCC at Dansville (Avon); Rachel Blecha, technical specialist for Enrollment Services (East Bethany); Michele Bokman, director of Operations, GCC at Albion and Medina (Medina); Debbie Dunlevy, director, Career Pathways (Batavia); Melissa Dussault, technical specialist, GCC at Lima (Lima); Josh Escudero, director of Respiratory Care / assistant professor (Victor); Maxine Fearrington, instructor of Nursing (Attica); Becky Green, technical specialist, Recruitment Publications (Stafford); Cindy Hagelberger, instructor / reference services librarian (Darien Center); Jessica Hibbard, technical specialist, GCC at Warsaw (Castile); Bruce Ingersoll, instructor of Veterinary Technology (Rochester); John McGowan, director of Business and Employee Skills Training (Batavia); Paul Schwartz, instructor of Chemistry / Mathematics (Webster); Robert Swinarski, instructor of Computer Systems / Network Technology (Batavia); Tim Tomczak, director of Social Sciences / professor and Joe Ziolkowski, instructor of Photography and Art (Batavia).

Catered Italian St. Joseph Table Feast set for March 13 at Ascension Parish, Batavia

By Billie Owens

Press release:

A traditional Italian feast catered by Bing's Restaurant, of Amherst, will be available for a St. Joseph Table event at Ascension Parish beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 13.

Proceeds will aid ministry and outreach to area veterans, elderly and youth in the City of Batavia.

Space is limited to 250!

Cost is $25 per person if you buy tickets in advance at the Parish Office. Cash or check only. Make checks payable to Ascension Parish. If you pre-pay and buy online, there is a $1.75 service fee added to the price, so those tickets are $26.75 apiece. To buy tickets online, go to: https://ascensionrcc.weshareonline.org

There will be no sales the day of the event or at the door. 

The seven-course meal will be served family style in the parish's Slomba Hall, located at 17 Sumner St. in the City of Batavia.

The menu includes: antipasto, artichokes, frittata, lentil soup, caesar salad, lemon sorbet, pasta con sardi, pasta & peas, baked fish, greens, bread & butter, coffee/tea and homemade Italian desserts. Cash Bar and wine available for your table.

Music and entertainment by Steve Balestreri.

Theme baskets and 50/50 split will be offered for your enjoyment, too.

Save the date for third annual Creativity Conference April 13th at GCC

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Enhance your creativity and creative problem solving skills with insightful and inspiring presentations at the third annual Creativity Conference at Genesee Community College. Save the date for this one-day only event on Wednesday, April 13, from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The day features a keynote speaker and numerous 50-minute workshops. Cost is $99 which includes lunch. Registration is available online at http://www.genesee.edu/events/creativity-conference/.

Under the continued leadership of GCC Director of Business Programs Dr. Lina LaMattina is coordinating the successful conference again this year. The featured keynote address will be given by Sandra Turner, CEO of Viggi Kids, a business dedicated to the "whole child approach" that is based on design thinking in the creation of stimulating play environments. http://www.viggikids.com/

Anyone who attended GCC's Creativity Conferences in the past shouldn't hesitate to enroll again, particularly for professional development engagements.

"Creativity is a skill that needs to be continually nurtured and developed," LaMattina, Ph.D., said. "This year, we will have three specific creativity tracks for participants to explore and engage in: Community, Business and Education (kindergarten through higher education)."

Planning is under way for the dynamic workshops that are offered throughout the day, and proposals for 50-minute presentations that broadly or specifically teach and reinforce design thinking and creativity/creative problem solving are being accepted through March 25. To submit a proposal online go to: http://www.genesee.edu/home/events/creativity-conference/submit-your-proposal/.

"To successfully compete in the 21st century, we all need to enhance our ability to think and solve difficult problems creatively. Design thinking helps us all to deliberately focus on our end user, our customer, our patient, our client, those individuals that we are most trying to reach and impact. Design thinking builds on creative thinking and adds power to our work." LaMattina said. "Don't miss this chance to get out of the office and recharge your creative battery so you can you be more deliberately creative in all aspects of your life!"

Woman cited for failure to yield right of way following investigation into Sunday afternoon head-on collision

By Billie Owens

The driver of a Nissan Rogue who was involved in an accident shortly before 2 p.m. on Sunday at Oak Street and Park Road in Batavia has been cited for failure to yield the right of way on a left turn.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Department issued a press release stating that Marilea Greean, 39, was issued a traffic ticket following an investigation of the accident and she is to appear in City Court at 9 a.m. on Feb. 10.

Greean was southbound on State Route 98 (Oak Street) when she attempted to turn eastbound onto the Thruway as Kathy Birge, 69, was headed northbound the same road in a Chevrolet Cruze. The vehicles collided head on in the middle of the intersection and Greean's Rogue overturned.

Greean was extricated by city firefighters and taked by ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Birge was transported to UMMC for evaluation.

The case was investigated by Batavia PoliceOfficer James DeFreze, assisted by Officer Daniel Coffey.

Corfu-Pembroke Community Winterfest is Saturday at the community center

By Billie Owens

The Corfu-Pembroke Community Winterfest will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Pembroke Community Center. It's located at 116 E. Main St. in Corfu.

Music, entertainment, food, prizes, raffles and more are in store so join your friends and neighbors for a good time. Bring canned goods and non-perishables for door prize tickets to benefit the Pembroke-area food/meals programs. Admission is free to this family-friendly event.

In the morning, there will be breakfast sandwiches and baked goods for sale. In the afternoon, hamburgers and hot dogs will be available, plus chicken BBQ offered by the Corfu Free Library. For BBQ pre-sale tickets, call 599-3321.

The Corfu Fire District will sponsor a Kids' Korner and there will be a roomful of youth-based activities and giveaways. The Genesee County Sheriff's Department will offer the Safe Child ID Program.

Here's a lineup of what to expect:

  • Al Starkweather -- Historian: "Music History in Our Backyard"
  • Magic by Larry Kohorst (in the courtroom) -- 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Outside events, including ice rink skating/sledding/bonfire -- weather permitting
  • Balloons by Paul Schuler
  • K-9 Demo featuring canine "Destro" and Sheriff's Deputy Erion -- at noon

Under the Big Top:

  • Corfu-Pembroke Community Band -- 10 to 11:30 a.m.
  • DPS Jazz Trio -- noon to 1 p.m.
  • Pembroke Central School Ensemble -- 1:15 to 3:15 p.m.
  • Alexander Central School Ensemble -- 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Other fun things include:

  • PYA Basket Raffle
  • Dozens of vendors and crafters
  • Pembroke Art CLub Show (on display in the conference room)

Sponsored Post: St. Joe's annual open house is this Sunday at 10 a.m.

By Lisa Ace


Is St. Joseph School right for you and your family? Find out at our annual open house this Sunday, Jan. 31st at 10 a.m. at the school, located at 2 Summit St. in Batavia. Learn more about STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math), our extended day programs and our Pre-K program. Families of all faiths are welcome and financial aid may be available. Registration is suggested but not required. Call 343-6154 or visit www.sjsbatavia.org to find out more.

Top Items on Batavia's List

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