Pavilion

Image: A first-place Graphic Arts creation, grades 10 to 12, by Michelle Jefferson from Dansville Central Schools called "Neon Lights."

Submitted image and press release:

The DIGIES is an annual digital media conference and festival run by the School Library Service, a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership.

The mission of The DIGIES is to strengthen the digital media continuum between Pre-K-12 schools, higher education and professional institutions. The DIGIES recognizes student potential in an annual festival format and draws student entries from throughout the region and the Upstate New York area.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this in-person awards’ ceremony was canceled. Emilee Williamson and Andrea Fetterly, library technologies’ specialists, coordinate this conference. Fetterly said despite the pandemic, this year’s festival drew a number of entries.

“We are excited to celebrate the amazing creativity and skill demonstrated by the participants in this year's DIGIES festival," Fetterly said. "Despite a much different school year with remote learning and other extraordinary circumstances, students continue to achieve great success."

Congratulations to these imaginative students!

Audio

Seventh-ninth Grades

• First Place: Gadge Savastano -- "Irregular Time" -- Mount Morris Central School
• Second Place: Harper Antonucci -- "Right Side Up" -- Geneseo Central School

10th-12th Grades

• First Place: Matt Sullivan -- "The Digies Beat" -- Wildwood Education Center GST BOCES
• Second Place: Desinee Woodworth -- "Fade Out" -- Dansville Central School
• Third Place: Benjamin Scoins, Devon Vaughn, Ainsley Czechowicz -- "Shooting for a Cure" -- Pembroke Central School

Graphic Arts

Pre-K-third Grades

• FIRST PLACE: Aiden Palmer -- "Aiden Catches the Rainbow" -- Pavilion Central School

Fourth-sixth Grades

• First Place: Mrs. Sylor’s 5th Grade Class -- "Class Portrait" -- Livonia Central School
• Second Place: Madelyn Burnett -- "Burning Bush" -- Southwestern Central School
• Second Place: Avery Boor -- "Stitch Digital Drawing" -- Avon Central School
• Third Place: Evie Walters -- "Comfortable Cat" -- Livonia Central School
• Third Place: Zuli Mayer -- "Shy Smile" -- Lancaster William Street Central School

Seventh-ninth Grades

• First Place: Aniya Ellsworth -- "Digital Mosaic" -- Eden Middle/High School
• Second Place: Gregory Martin -- "Virtual Gallery" -- Rush-Henrietta Central School
• Third Place: Parker Baldwin -- "Virtual Gallery" -- Rush-Henrietta Central School

10th-12th Grades

• First Place: Michelle Jefferson -- "Neon Lights" -- Dansville Central School
• Second Place: Anna Wojtas – "Bridge" -- Brockport Central School
• Third Place: DezaRay Burley -- "New World" -- Wildwood Education Center GST BOCES

Interactive

Pre-K-third Grades

• First Place: Mrs. Leanord’s first-grade class (Ace Friday, Brianna Gilmore, Kylie Greenway, Tyler Hanvey, Evelyn Holmes, Isabella Jackson, Aubrie Jordan, Michaela MacPherson, Kate Rehberg, Gavin Rubert, Atticus Salogar, Luna Santangelo and Frankie Tirabassi) – "Animal Adaptations" – Avon Central School
• Second Place: Caydence Chappius, Maggie Driscoll, Adelyn Duryea, Callaghan George, Reed Jaros, Charlie Chesnes, Ruby Kyle, Nora Lane, Kenna MacPherson, Conlan McLaughlin, Emma Moran, Donivan Welch, Isabella Tumminelli, Jeremiah Jordan) – "Animal Habitats" – Avon Central School
• Third Place: Morgan Arber, Briella Bailey, Brooke Clinton, Logan Gaczynski, Evan Hill, Madelyn Hindle, Malcolm Lincourt, Annalisa Murphy, Connor O'Dea, Emily Oyler, Patrick Powers, Layla Price, Kaiden Kellman – "Habitats" – Avon Central School

Fourth-sixth Grades

• First Place: Julianna Lawson, Annabelle Bajus, Adeline Timothy – "All About Dogs" – Keshequa Central School
• Second Place: Emerson Currin, Reese Koukides, Cora Weaver – "Snoop Pups" – Le Roy Central School
• Third Place: Mrs. Dorey’s Fourth Grade Class – "Museum of Invention" – Livonia Central School

10th-12th Grades

• First Place: Dylan Lewis – "Minecraft World" – Cassadaga Central School
• Second Place: Anna Burkhartzmeyer, Madeline Cherwonik, Samuel Coyle, Patrick Farrell, Abigail Foley, Dia Gauthier, Eliza Gonzalez, Claire Gratto, Nicholas Nealon, Samantha Place, Laine Ramsay, Colby Reixinger, Natalie Smith, Leia Thibaut – "The Pandemic Publication" – Brockport Central School
• Third Place – Sean Pies – "High Flyin Vinyl" – Batavia City School

Video

Pre-K-third Grades

• First Place: Cooper Clark – "Jellyfish" – Livonia Central School
• Second Place: James McMahon – "Commercial for an Electric Scooter" – Geneseo Central School
• Third Place: Ethan McMahon – "Commercial for Roller Blades" – Geneseo Central School

Fourth-sixth Grades

• First Place: Emilia McMahan – “Rainbow Bird” Claymation – Avon Central School
• Second Place: Sunny Quinn, Lilianna Pragle – "How NOT to Wear a Mask" – Livonia Central School
• Third Place: Halie Hassell – "Changing the World" – Le Roy Central School

Seventh-ninth Grades

• First Place: Adam Dolph – "Insane Trick Shots" – Alexander Central School
• Second Place: Anna Holt, Zoey Wallace, Chloe Hennings – "Roasty Toasty Toaster" – Alexander Central School
• Third Place: Andrew Lindboom – "Travel Video Paris" – Southwestern Central School

10th-12th Grades

• First Place: Jacob French – Cookie Jar – Geneseo Central School
• Second Place: Ashlyn Kreiss – Two’s a Pair – Pittsford Sutherland Central School
• Third Place: Charlotte Raith – Study Break – Pittsford Sutherland Central School

About the School Library Service

It is a program of the Genesee Valley BOCES. GV BOCES 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.

John Huenemoerder, of Pavilion, shared this photo he took on Walker Road of yesterday morning's solar eclipse.

Pavilion Fire Police are responding for traffic control at a two-vehicle accident that is blocking traffic at Big Tree Road and Route 19.

UPDATE 4:30 p.m.: The Pavilion assignment is back in service.

From Laura A. Wadhams, P.E., assistant county engineer:

Here are updates for construction and road work that will be happening in Genesee County in the next few weeks.

• The Tower Hill Road Bridge west of Searls Road in Byron will be closing June 1 for a bridge replacement project. This project is expected to take three and a half months. The road will not be passable to regular traffic or emergency vehicles.
• The County Highway Department will be doing work on June 1^st and June 2^nd on Swamp Road in Bergen between West Sweden Road and the Village line. The road will be closed during the day and reopened at night.
• On June 3^nd and 4^th the Highway Department will be doing work on Cook Road in Pavilion between Route 63 and Route 20. The road will be closed during the day and reopened at night.

Joseph David Ayer, 39, of Smith Street, Buffalo, and Maris Lynn Lenk, 32, of Nancy Place, Cheektowaga, are charged with second-degree burglary -- illegal entry into a dwelling; and fourth-degree grand larceny -- of property with a value greater that $1,000. Both defendants were arrested at 4:23 p.m. on River Road in Pavilion. It is alleged that Ayer and Lenk unlawfully entered a house by forcing the door open and then they stole items with a total value estimated at more than $1,000. They were virtually arraigned in Pavilion Town Court. Lenk was released on her own recognizance and is to appear in Genesee County Court June 3. Ayer was put in jail without bail and is due in county court June 9. Both cases were handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Jacob Gauthier.

Jessica Thomas-Heizyk, 33, was arrested at 3:28 p.m. May 10 on Davis Avenue in the City of Batavia. It is alleged that she threatened the victim with a screwdriver while in the presence of several juveniles. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court then released on her own recognizance. The defendant is due to reappear in city court June 17.

Kyle Samuel Barnhart, 30, of North Road, Le Roy, is a registered Level 2 sex offender charged with failure to register internet accounts as part of his conditions from a prior charge. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Le Roy Town Court on June 15. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jenna Ferrando.

Adam Altobelli, 40, was arrested on West Main Street in the city on a Batavia City Court bench warrant at 11:25 a.m. May 6, arraigned in city court, then released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is charged with: criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree; endangering the welfare of a child; and second-degree menacing. Altobelli is due back in city court on June 17.

Thomas Tacito, 61, was arrested at 2:04 p.m. May 7 on a warrant for aggravated harassment and fourth-degree stalking. It is alleged that Tacito repeatedly called a person without having a legitimate purpose to do so and despite being advised to stop multiple times. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court via Skype and released on his own recognizance. Tacito is due to return to city court June 17.

Jonathan Golden, 34, was arrested at 10:35 a.m., May 10, on West Main Street in the city after turning himself in on an active arrest warrant out of Batavia City Court. It is alleged that while employed at a local car dealership, Golden took a vehicle and kept it for an extended period of time without the vehicle owners' knowledge or consent. He was arraigned in city court, then released on his own recognizance.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley will host a series of town hall meetings in Genesee County in the towns of Pavilion, Le Roy and Bergen on May 22.

Residents are encouraged to attend to discuss local issues and share any questions or concerns they have with Hawley. Social distancing and other health and safety protocols will be followed during this event.

“After having to suspend last year’s town halls due to COVID-19, I am excited to have the opportunity to speak with residents and discuss their concerns directly,” Hawley said. “The budget that passed recently is the largest and possibly the most consequential in our state’s history, though frankly I fear those consequences will be negative, so I am eager to hear from people in the district in regard to how they feel about it and how it affects their lives.”

TOWN HALL MEETING SCHEDULE for Saturday, May 22

• Town of Pavilion -- 10 to 10:45 a.m. / Pavilion Town Hall, 1 Woodrow Drive
• Village/Town of Le Roy -- 11 to 11:45 a.m. / Le Roy Village Hall, 3 W. Main St.
• Village/Town of Bergen -- 12 to 12:45 p.m. / Bergen Village Hall, 11 N. Lake Ave.

Submitted photo and press release:

New York State Senator Sean Ryan (NY 60th) has announced Josselyn Borowiec (photo above), director of the Hollwedel Memorial Library in Pavilion, as a winner of one of the 2021 NYS Outstanding Librarian Awards.

To mark National Library Week, Senator Ryan solicited nominations from across New York for librarians who go above and beyond to serve their communities. Nominations came in from every corner of the state, and a total of 11 winners were chosen. As an award winner, Borowiec received a framed New York State Senate Proclamation, which will be on display at the Hollwedel Memorial Library, located a 5 Woodrow Drive. 

Specifically, Senator Ryan recognized her leadership in growing the library’s innovative programming, improving technology use and knowledge, effective use of the library’s social media presence, and connecting with the Pavilion community. In addition, Senator Ryan noted that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, she has worked tirelessly to maintain services for patrons.

National Library Week took place from April 4-10 this year in libraries all across the country. This annual celebration was first sponsored in 1958 by the American Library Association (ALA). 

The ALA’s theme for 2021 is “Welcome to Your Library,” and it promotes the idea that libraries extend beyond the four walls of a building – and that everyone is welcome to use their services. Whether people visit in person or virtually, libraries offer opportunities for everyone to explore new worlds and become their best selves through access to technology, multimedia content, and educational programs.

According to the Senator, “Libraries are pillars of our communities and our librarians are dedicated public servants who work every day to keep all of us informed, educate young people, and ensure our libraries are centers of knowledge and learning. During the past year, being a librarian has been especially difficult.”

“I feel this award is a reflection on our great community and our Board of Trustees. It also speaks to what a terrific community treasure the Hollwedel Memorial Library really is. I am happy to be a part of it,” says Borowiec. 

“Senator Ryan’s recognition of the dedication of our library staff throughout the COVID-19 pandemic is a wonderful thank you for all of their efforts,” says Joan Gray, president of the Board of Trustees. “But it is the community that inspires us."

Residents can find more information about the Hollwedel Memorial Library’s programs and services on the library’s website at www.HollwedelLibrary.org  or contact the library by phone at (585) 584-8843. 

Current library hours are: Monday and Wednesday 2 to 7 p.m. / Friday 1 to 5 p.m. / Saturday 10 a.m. to noon / Closed Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Wearing masks all day while at school is a drag for kids, and some parents in Pavilion brought their concerns to this week's meeting of the Pavilion Central School District Board of Trustees.

Amanda Holley started an online petition that, at the time of the meeting, had been signed by 183 people (it's now at 200) stating that with Pavilion maintaining a six-feet social distancing rule, all-day masking shouldn't be necessary.

The all-day masking rule is in compliance with recently implemented guidance from the NYS Department of Health. The guidance doesn't draw a distinction from schools maintaining six-feet social distancing and three-feet social distancing.

Superintendent Mary Kate Hoffman said area superintendents all share the same concern, they've discussed it in meetings and have raised the issue with the local health department, but the word back from local health officials is that the state is showing little interest in addressing the issue.

 Hoffman suggested that parents concerned about the issue might do better to contact state leaders.

"I would love to see 183 letters go out to our local senators, our representatives, to share those points of view because you're not alone," Hoffman said. "All of the districts in New York State are feeling the same."

The first speaker, of two, at Tuesday's meeting (whose name wasn't clear on the recording), said on that day her eighth-grader had been required to wear a mask for 10-straight hours, including his time on a bus, except for a lunch break.

"That seems like a long time," she said. "These kids are getting no break."

Holley said she was representing parents who shared a similar concern and questioned why the all-day mask mandate was necessary. She noted that Pavilion has been doing a great job of protecting the kids during the coronavirus pandemic.

"I can't speak for everyone's kids but my kids have been the healthiest -- they haven't been sick, not a sniffle, not a cough," she said.  "I attribute that to Pavilion School. I think the school has done an amazing job. I don't see why we have to fix something that isn't broken."

One trustee, who can't be identified from the recording, sympathized with the parents but said there isn't anything the district can do on its own to change the policy.

"We all wish we could do something," she said. "We have to obey the rules or we face financial penalties or a financial punishment, plus we don't want anybody to get stick. We've been super lucky to keep our school open."

Another trustee noted that the teachers don't like the mask policy, either. It's hard to talk all day in a mask. It's hard to hear students.

Another speaker mentioned that teachers have the discretion to allow mask breaks but many teachers are not providing for mask breaks.

Hoffman said more mask breaks would be encouraged.

"It's pretty easy for us to say for teachers to offer a mask break each period," she said.

From the Village of Le Roy Police Department:

Jared S. McDonald, 27, of South Street Road, Pavilion, was arrested by the Le Roy Police Department on April 23, following the execution of a Search Warrant.

McDonald was charged with grand larceny in the second degree, a Class C felony, and coercion in the first degree, a Class D Felony.

As a result of the Search Warrant, McDonald is also facing several from the Genesee County Drug Task Force, including: multiple counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell in the fifth degree; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the in the seventh degree; criminal possession of an assault weapon in the third degree; criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree; and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.

On April 19 the Le Roy Police Department received a complaint of property taken by means of extortion on April 14. It is alleged that the defendant placed the victim in fear of physical injury if the victim did not sign various items of property over to him. 

During the investigation, it was allegedly discovered that the stolen property was still in McDonald’s possession at his residence in Pavilion. Further investigation led officers to believe that McDonald was selling controlled substances out of his residence and was also in possession of firearms.

A Search Warrant was executed on April 23 at McDonald’s residence, due to items McDonald was believed to be possession of. The Le Roy Police Department was assisted by the New York State Police Special Operations Response Team, members of the Genesee County Drug Task Force, and members of the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team.

McDonald was found to allegedly be in possession of a quantity suspected methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms ('shrooms), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), other controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, firearms, and the property that was previously reported taken from the victim.

Some of the offenses McDonald was charged with did qualify for prearraignment detention under the NYS Justice Reform Act. The District Attorney’s Office was contacted for a bail recommendation due to the level of the offenses. It was advised that McDonald should be jailed on $2,500 cash bail, $5,000 bond, or $20,000 partially secured bond.

McDonald was arraigned in court (unspecified) by Justice Randy Baker then released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is to return to court on June 16 to answer to the charges.

For more infomation on these listings, please click the links below. To see all listings, click here.
For more info on 8699 Haven Lane Le Roy, click here.
For more info on 210 Ross St., Batavia, click here.
For more info on 7235 Telephone Road, Pavilion, click here.

Andre Roberts, 28, of School Street, Batavia, is charged with theft of services. He was arrested at 8:13 p.m. April 13 after he patronized a bar in the City of Batavia, then allegedly left without paying his tab. Roberts was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court April 20.

Johnny Earl Anthony, 30, of Knapp Road, Akron, is charged with driving while intoxicated -- first offense; operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more -- first offense; moving from lane unsafely; and unlicensed operator. Anthony was arrested at 8:53 p.m. April 17 on West Main Street Road in Batavia after being involved in a collision. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on May 24. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Kyle Tower.

Sundae Jade Whitney Grambeck, 27, of Junction Road, Pavilion, is charged with driving while intoxicated -- first offense, and DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or more. At 3:15 a.m. April 19, Grambeck was arrested on Ellicott Street Road in Bethany following a motor-vehicle accident. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in Bethany Town Road on May 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

Caleb Richard Swendsen, 26, of Akron Road, Pembroke, is charged with second-degree criminal trespass. Following a report of a domestic incident at 6:36 p.m. April 13 on Maple Avenue in Oakfield, Swendsen was arrested. He was arraigned on the charge virtually in Oakfield Town Court, then released on an appearance ticket. He is due back in court June11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Kyle Krzemien.

Lisa Fox, 49, of East Avenue, Batavia, was arrested after a traffic stop on East Avenue at 12:08 p.m. April 14 during which she was identified as the operator, and there was a bench warrant for her arrest out of Batavia City Court. Following her arraignment in city court, she was released under supervision. Fox is due to return to court May 25.

Press release:

Residents of the Pavilion Central School District are invited to attend either one of two information sessions to be held at the Hollwedel Memorial Library on its decision to pursue becoming a school district public library.

The one-on-one meetings will take place on Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and on Monday, April 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the library, located at 5 Woodrow Drive in Pavilion. 

The meetings were announced in a mailing sent to Pavilion Central School District residents earlier this month.

They will be hosted by the Board President Joan Gray and Board Vice President Stephen Gould.

As a school district public library, the library would have a service area that aligns with the boundaries of the Pavilion Central School District.

The library’s budget and the board of trustees would be determined by a public vote. The library itself would remain housed in the same building and be staffed by the same professionals.

The school district would collect tax money for the library and turn the funds over to the Library Board. The school district would have no direct control over the operations of the library.

All recommended COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed for the meetings at the library. Please wear a mask for your visit.

Residents can find more information on the library’s website; ask questions via email at:  hollwedellibrary@gmail.com, or contact the library by phone at (585) 584-8843. 

Current library hours are: Monday and Wednesday 2 to 7 p.m. / Friday 1 to 5 p.m. / Saturday 10 a.m. to noon / Closed Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Submitted photo and press release:

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit #576 of Le Roy has selected four girls who are local high school juniors to attend this year's New York Girls State Week, held virtually the week of June 28^th.

Evelyn Babcock and Allison Privatera, both of Le Roy High School, have been selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) New York Girls State. Selected as alternates are Samantha Sikora and Alexa Wolcott, both of Pavilion High School.

As part of the premier ALA program, the girls will study local, county and state government processes during this five-day nonpartisan political learning experience. 

The girls were selected to attend Girls State based on selection criteria through Auxiliary unit and/or high school, which includes being in the top third of her class, along with consideration given to scholastic achievements, leadership, character, honesty and physical fitness.  

Representing Genesee County

Allison Privatera is the daughter of Patrick and Maureen Privatera, of Le Roy. Allison is involved in the National Honor Society, Scholastic Bowl, school musicals, Marching Band, Bioinformatics, DECA, Mock Trial, National Flight Academy, and the tennis team. She participates in many clubs, helped multiple times doing community service, and assists at the New Start Kitty Shelter.

Representing Le Roy Unit #576

Evelyn Babcock, of Le Roy High School, is the daughter of Sue Babcock Collier and Mark Babcock. She participates in National Honor Society, Scholastic Bowl, Mathletes, Student Council, Sports Med, Pride and Allies, DECA, Cross County, Volleyball, Indoor & Outdoor Track, Swimming, school musicals, Chorus, and, along with her twin brother, created Knights Academic Access Program. She also participates in Spanish Club and Chess Club as well as helping multiple times doing community service projects.

ALA Girls State attendees, known as “citizens,” receive special instruction in parliamentary procedure and organize themselves into two mock political parties. The young women then campaign, hold rallies, debate, and ultimately vote to elect city, county, and state officials. Once elected to office, delegates are sworn in and perform their prescribed duties. Attendees not elected to office are given appointments and visit the offices of those elected to share their viewpoints as citizens.

Every spring, approximately 25,000 young women across the country are selected to attend ALA Girls State programs in their respective states. Two outstanding citizens from each of the 50 ALA Girls State programs are then chosen to represent their state as “senators” at ALA Girls Nation held in Washington, D.C., in July.

Congratulations Girls!

Photo, from left: Samantha Sikora, of Pavilion High School -- alternate selection; Alexa Wolcott, of Pavilion High School -- alternate selection; Allison Privatera, of Le Roy High School --representing Genesee County; and Evelyn Babcock, of Le Roy High School, representing Le Roy American Legion Auxiliary Unit #576.

Daniel William Knauss Jr., 51, of West Park Street, Pavilion, is charged with third-degree menacing. On March 29, Knauss turned himself into the Genesee County Jail. The charge stems from an incident at 7:10 p.m. on March 25 in which Knauss allegedly chased a person around a yard on West Park Street while conveying verbal threats, causing the person to fear physical injury from the defendant. Knauss was processed at the jail and released on an appearance ticket to be in Town of Pavilion Court on April 6. The case was handled by Deputy Andrew Mullen, assisted by jail Corporal Chaya and jail deputies Bartholomew and Strumpf.

Ian Robert Standinger, 24, of Brookview Road, Rochester, is charged with: false personation; speeding -- doing 76 mph in a 30-mph zone; unregistered motorcycle; uninspected motorcycle; operating a motor vehicle without insurance. At 3:57 p.m. on March 30 on Ford Road in Elba, Standinger was stopped for allegedly speeding. Upon interviewing him, he allegedly identified himself with a false name. He was also charged with operating an unregistered, uninspected motorcycle without insurance. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.