The Genesee County Parks Department is excited to announce the launch of a new e-reservation system for pavilions at the DeWitt Recreation Area and the Genesee County Park and Forest. The system is now available on the county website and can be accessed directly at this link.
With the introduction of the e-reservation system, residents can enjoy the convenience of booking a specific pavilion entirely online 24/7. The system offers real-time availability, ensuring users can quickly and easily see which pavilions are available for their preferred dates and times.
“At Genesee County Parks, we are committed to modernizing our services to better meet the needs of residents," said Paul Osborn, Deputy Highway Superintendent. "The new e-reservation system is a testament to our dedication to providing convenient, user-friendly options for our community to enjoy our beautiful park facilities.”
For those who prefer the traditional method, pavilions can still be reserved by filling out a form at the Genesee County Highway Department, located at 153 Cedar St, Batavia, NY, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In-person reservations can be paid by check or cash. The new online system only accepts debit or credit card payments and charges a convenience fee of $3 for transactions up to $100 and 3% of the total if the amount is over $100. This fee is collected by the system provider, not the county.
For more information or assistance with the new e-reservation system, please contact the Genesee County Highway Department at (585) 344-8508.
Officials from Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel presented 2,250 complimentary tickets to William Joyce, Director of the Genesee County Veterans Service Agency. The tickets included 250 Tickets from each of Batavia’s Rockin’ the Downs Summer Concerts.
“This marks the 6th year in a row that Batavia Downs supported our local Veterans with free tickets to our shows, “said Batavia Downs CEO and President Henry Wojtaszek. “Giving back to our local Veterans for all they’ve done for our country is something we are proud of.”
Tickets for the concert series can be purchased at BataviaConcerts.com. Performances include:
June 21st Smashmouth
June 28th Barracuda (Heart Tribute)
July 5th April Wine & Carl Dixon
July 12th Clay Walker
July 19th Peace Frog (Doors Tribute)
July 26th Bacon Brothers
August 2nd Rumours ATL & Practically Petty (Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty Tribute)
August 9th 38 Special
August 16th Tommy DeCarlo/Jason Scheff and August Zadra (The Music of Boston, Chicago and Styx)
All eight public school district budgets in Genesee County and their related propositions — from vehicle purchases and walking distances to establishing capital reserves — were approved by voters Tuesday, although that may not have signaled the same message for everyone.
While Batavia City Schools Superintendent Jason Smith offered gratitude for a positive outcome and “your support, especially during a challenging budget season,” outspoken opponent Mark Potwora, who encouraged folks on social media to vote no, was disappointed in a poor turnout of less than 500 voters for the day.
"The actual amount of people that came out to vote was terrible. I voted at Robert Morris around 8:30 and was number 224. That is awful out of, I believe, 8,000 eligible voters. I called a few people to go vote and many weren’t even aware there was a vote going on," Potwora told The Batavian. "Such low numbers tell me that, as I said, many didn’t realize there was a vote and that those that knew didn’t go vote because they felt that even if the vote gets turned down, they would revert back to the contingency budget. Which doesn’t solve the problem of spending issues that will keep increasing at least from the few people I heard from.
“Sadly, the school board will see this as a major win and a sign that the tax-paying public supports their increased spending. Which is not true. Instead they should be looking at more ways to get more people involved in voting. Perhaps mail-in ballots might help," he said. "My No vote was to send a message that they must work harder at cutting expenses. Busing would be a big one along with what exactly is the role of a government run school system. It’s to educate and not play social worker.”
Full disclosure: Potwora is often disgruntled with government spending and generous with his opinions. He gives some food for thought about those going to the polls, though, given that the city’s population is just under 15,000 people, which means a percentage of that is still far more than the 460 who showed up to vote on Tuesday. Are people unaware of the vote, or do they not care? Or are they content enough to leave it up to others to decide?
The proposed 2024-2025 budget for the Batavia City School District, totaling $60,294,755, was approved by a vote of 305 to 155. The three incumbent board members were reelected with votes of 325 for Jennifer Lendvay and John Reigle and 322 for Korinne Anderson, followed by 235 for Mike Bromley.
"On behalf of the entire Batavia City School District, we are deeply grateful to the members of our community for their participation in this year's budget vote. Your support, especially during a challenging budget season, underscores the strength and commitment of our Batavia community,” Smith said. “I also want to extend congratulations to Jennifer, John, and Korinne on their reelection to the Board of Education. I am enthusiastic about the unique perspectives they bring and look forward to collaborating with them as we strive to further enhance the quality of education across BCSD. Together, we will continue to make our school district a place of excellence and opportunity for all our students.”
Alexander Central School’s budget was approved by 89 to 39, and purchases of two 64-passenger school buses and a small school bus to cost a maximum of $450,000 was also given the green light by 84 to 44. The district also approved expenditures of $127,910 for computer hardware, Chromebooks and a floor scrubbing machine by 92 to 36. The district will be establishing a $500,000 equipment capital reserve fund now that voters have approved it with an initial deposit of $50,000 by a vote of 78 to 46.
A school bus reserve fund was also approved by a vote of 74 to 52 for an ultimate amount of $900,000 with a deposit of $50,000. School board member Brian Paris was given 101 votes, and write-ins were cast for David Dunbar, 1; Richard Guarino, 2; John Slenker, 1; Jadriene Baldruf, 1; Dusty Williams, 1; and John Meier, 1.
Byron-Bergen Central School's Proposition #1 was the 2024-25 budget, which passed 255 yes to 105 no; Proposition #2, a school vehicle replacement, 267 yes to 92 no; Proposition #3, new repair reserve, 269 yes to 91 no; and Proposition #4 change walking distance for students was approved by 288 yes to 73 no. The Board of Education election was close, with Deb List receiving 296 votes and Lynn Smith coming in with 292.
Elba Central School's Proposition #1 for the budget of $11,950,150 was approved 113 to 13; Proposition #2 to establish a general capital reserve fund was approved 109 to 15; and Prop. #3 to withdraw from the existing capital bus and vehicle replacement reserve to purchase school passenger vehicles passed 115 to 9, and two Board of Education seats went to Ryan Hoh, with 112, and Michael Zuber, with 110 votes.
Oakfield-Alabama Central School’s budget was approved with a closer vote than most, 266 yes to 217 no.
Board member Maria Thompson was reelected to the Board of Education with 367 votes, and Malorie Benjamin received 312 votes for the second open seat.
Pavilion Central School’s budget was approved 201 yes to 55 no. School board seats went to Kirsten Galliford with 133 votes and Roxanne Holthaus with 126 votes. Rick Smith received 109 and Jack Clapper 110 votes. The library tax levy vote also passed by 191 to 65; and library trustees Kristi Jeffres, with 227, Cara Kingsley, 221, and Sharon Fuerch, 208, were voted in as library trustees.
Pembroke Central School’s budget passed by 271 to 79; and Prop. #2 for the purchase of school buses passed 261 to 87. Proposition #3 for Corfu Public Library passed 255 to 91, and the election of a five-year term for a school board member went to Arthur Ianni with 290 votes and an unexpired one-year term to Jessica Edwards with 294 votes.
Corfu Public Library Board members Patrick Weissent, with 280, and Jason Long, 279, were elected, with write-in winner Matthew Steinberg.
Batavia-Bethany Townline Rd will be paved on May 21 and 22 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The roadway will be closed to all through traffic on Batavia/Bethany Townline Road between Shepard Road and Bethany Center Road while paving operations occur. Through traffic is advised to seek alternate routes.
Residents and Property owners of Batavia/ Bethany Townline Road between Shepard Road and Bethany Center Road will have access to their property but should expect delays.
Emergency services will be permitted through. All other traffic is asked to seek alternate routes.
This work is weather-dependent. If work is delayed it will be rescheduled for the next available date.
If there are any questions concerning this work, please contact The Town of Batavia Highway Department at 585-343-1729 Ext. 218.
The town of Alabama Volunteer Fire Department announced the arrival of a donated LUCAS Chest Compression System Product.
The Woodward Family of Oakfield donated the equipment in memory of their Husband and Father Michael Woodward, a lifetime resident who was known for his philanthropy and leadership in many different organizations. As stated in his obituary; “Big Mike/Woody’ went to the great duck blind in the sky on July 11, 2023.”
The LUCAS Chest Compression System, designed and developed by the Swedish company Jolife, is a pneumatic chest compression tool that delivers CPR to a patient while maintaining a fixed and steady rate of compression. It allows EMTs to focus on other lifesaving efforts while Lucas handles the CPR.
Founded in the year 1947, the Alabama Volunteer Fire Department is a 100% volunteer, non-profit Fire Department with a primary response area that includes but is not limited to: The Town of Alabama, Basom, the Tonawanda Indian Reservation, the Iroquois Wildlife Refuge, as well as mutual aid response provided to our surrounding communities. Annually, we respond to over 350 calls for service across our response area.
Community contributions are crucial to sustaining and growing our exceptionally busy volunteer organization, which comprises highly trained and dedicated members.
The fire department will be hosting a dedication ceremony on June 29 at 10 a.m. with refreshments after. The Fire Department Recreation Hall is located at 2230 Judge Rd in the Town of Alabama. Local Government Dignitaries, State Government Dignitaries, and local Fire Departments are invited and encouraged to attend.
Students at the Electro-Mechanical Trades program at the Batavia Career & Technical Education Center were celebrated Friday as the program has already reached 100 graduates in just four years. Submitted photo.
Press Release:
As he entered his first class at the Electro-Mechanical Trades program at the Batavia Career & Technical Education Center, Tommy Condidorio did not anticipate the depth of the education he would receive.
“I was expecting to learn wiring, but instead we learned wiring, robotics, pneumatics, mechanical drives,” Condidorio said of the career-ready coursework instructor Rich Monroe teaches. “I’ve learned a lot more than I thought I was going to learn.”
As his final classes near, Condidorio’s experiences in the Genesee Valley BOCES program have shown him a path forward. He and classmate Joseph Costa have been offered positions as electro-mechanical assemblers at Gorbel in Monroe County, where they have completed extensive co-ops this spring.
“I never thought I’d come out of BOCES with a job,” Condidorio said. Students like Condidorio and Costa in a fast-growing high school mechatronics program were celebrated Friday by educational, business, and training partners to mark a milestone for a training pathway supporting the growth of skilled trades and manufacturing in Genesee County and surrounding communities.
The Electro-Mechanical Trades program at the Genesee Valley BOCES Batavia Career & Technical Education Center, now in its 4th year, has connected over 100 students to college and career pathways that include direct employment and apprenticeships in the skilled trades and manufacturing.
Instructor Rich Monroe told his electro-mechanical trades students that his current students shared the honor.
“They’re all a part of it, and they’ve all been part of the success of this program,” Monroe said. “I am, very proud of all of them that have stood the test and have done what they've needed to do to be successful in this program.”
Students are trained in a state-of-the-art mechatronics lab and participate in youth apprenticeships and paid internships completed during students’ junior and senior years at employers.
"The success of the mechatronics program at Genesee Valley BOCES shows why Genesee County and our region are attracting major expansions and new companies," said Chris Suozzi, Vice President of Business & Workforce Development at the GCEDC. "These students are well trained and ready to jump directly into a career in manufacturing or the skilled trades, an apprenticeship, or additional training, and our employers are gaining a next-generation workforce to grow their operations."
In her first year in the electro-mechanical trades program, Emma Spink, a junior from Attica, completed job shadows at Koike in Wyoming County and Nortera in Genesee County.
“I saw all the different jobs that electricians could have in one building, which is very neat. This trade can take you multiple routes,” said Spink, who can progress to a more extensive co-op with a local company in her senior year with the goal of joining an apprenticeship program with an employer while also getting college credits.
“I’m really excited about this co-op opportunity,” Spink said. “I get to go to a company and they’re really excited and willing to have you, and then they actually pay you for your time there and you get to learn all about it and do electrical work for them.”
Friday’s program closed out a week of events marking National Youth Apprenticeship Week. The job shadows and co-ops Monroe’s students participate in are part of the successful Rochester Technology & Manufacturing Association (RTMA) Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program (FLYAP). The program was created in 2018 and is the first youth apprenticeship program for students interested in manufacturing in New York State.
RTMA Director of Workforce Development Rich Turner praised the Genesee Valley BOCES program as the most active youth apprenticeship program in the region.
“For a program to have 100 graduates in four years is a huge success,” Turner said. “It’s because of the culture that’s been built here by Mr. Monroe, Chris Suozzi and his team at the GCEDC, the partner businesses … and you, the students.”
For Costa, the FLYAP-sponsored co-op has been part of a busy calendar. He is competing in track and tennis, completing his coursework at LeRoy High School, and splitting his BOCES classes between Monroe’s classroom and Gorbel. He is excited to have a career lined up without college debt.
“It’s perfect, because I’m getting paid for it and I’m coming in with experience that I’ve already gained through BOCES,” Costa said. “It helps me a ton … they don’t have to explain every little thing to me, and the learning experience just goes so much faster.”
The space left vacant by Valu Home Center for the last 20 months on the city's west side is under construction by its future occupant, Mike Conroy says.
The commercial broker for the property at 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, confirmed Monday that Ashley Home Furniture plans to move into the building at Valu Plaza that was emptied by the longtime hardware store in September 2022.
"Their target date was in June, but some things had to be addressed," Conroy told The Batavian. "It might be July."
Ashley sells room-to-room furnishings and has 37 store locations in New York, according to its website, with sites including Amherst and Henrietta.
The moldy, antiquated silo-style entrance near the former Sunny's restaurant at Batavia City Centre is the first to go Monday during demolition of the downtown property exterior site. Four silos are slated for demolition and replacement. Photo by Howard Owens.
Walls came tumbling down, finally, on Monday as workers began to overhaul the silo entrances at Batavia City Centre.
Work has been planned for several months, and equipment and crews arrived at the downtown site to begin the demolition process.
"Based on the timeline we received from the architect and project manager, we are looking at a 60 to 90 day timeline from today for completion," Assistant City Manager Erik Fix said Monday afternoon. "The demo today was a welcome site as you can imagine. We started with the Sunny’s entrance and will proceed with demolition to the three other Silo’d entrances estimated a 10 to 12 day demolition timeline for all four entrances.
"Once demo is complete they will work on concrete work/foundations and then structured steel (estimated time is another 24 days). That will be followed up with framing, roofing, and installation of the glass and other materials for the storefront entrances."
That work is scheduled to take four to five weeks. Masonry, brick and interior finishes will follow all of that, and take about two to three additional weeks, Fix said.
"Site work will wrap it up and we hope to be done by mid-August to early September. The plan is to keep contractors on and work on all four sites at one time," he said. "So rather than start one entrance, finish it and work on the next, we save time and money by doing each phase on all four pieces at the same time. Of course this is all tentative and dependent on materials and manpower, but that is the plan going forward."
Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding of about $1 million has been set aside for the silo project, with $120,000 for the design process and the remaining money for actually redesigning the silos.
Genesee County's justice system took another step forward on Monday in the prosecution of Michael J. Elmore, implicated in the March 10 death of Sgt. line-of-duty death Thomas A. Sanfratello, and co-defendant Lyndsey J. Wilcox.
Both Elmore and Wilcox appeared in County Court before Judge Donald O'Geen for the first time and their attorneys, on their behalf, entered not-guilty pleas to the criminal indictments filed against each of them.
The hearing was standard procedure, with District Attorney Kevin Finnell affirming he had supplied the defense with all available discovery material, requesting an alibis demand, and stating that the people are ready for trial.
O'Geen then outlined the case's milestone dates, including trial dates if it reaches that far in the process.
The defense attorneys—Joseph A. Lobosco for Elmore and Daniel J. Dubois for Wilcox—have until July 12 to file motions. Defense attorneys typically file motions in criminal cases challenging the admissibility of evidence, the relevance of witnesses, and the possibility of constitutional violations (though every case is different, and there's been no public discussion of what motions the attorneys might make in this case).
The prosecution has until July 26 to file an answer to the motions.
Any hearing on the motions or other pre-trial issues will be held at 9:30 a.m. on July 31.
O'Geen provided each attorney with an anticipated schedule of proceedings after initial motions.
He set Aug. 23 at 9:30 a.m. for a hearing on any pre-trial motions, a follow-up hearing date of Sept. 20, a plea cutoff (the last day for defendants to accept any pending plea offer before trial) of Oct. 16 and a hearing date on any pending issues for Nov. 15. Then, if there is a trial, jury selection on Jan. 21. Opening arguments would begin on Jan. 23, with the trial scheduled to last until Feb. 11.
When Elmore and Wilcox were first arrested, they faced the same charges and both were ordered held on $100,000 bail.
On Monday, Dubois asked that his client, Wilcox, be released under supervision given the reduction of the top charges against her to burglary and assault. Finnell argued that since the top charges include mandatory prison terms if convicted, Wilcox should be held on bail. O'Geen reduced her bail to $20,000 cash, $50,000 bond, or $100,000 partially secured bond.
Elmore was indicted by the Grand Jury on counts of:
Aggravated manslaughter in the first degree, a Class B felony. He is accused of intending to cause serious physical injury to a police officer and, as result, causing the death of a police officer;
Aggravated criminally negligent homicide, a Class C violent felony. He is accused of causing the death of Sanfratello with criminal negligence;
Assault in the first degree, a Class B violent felony. Elmore is accused of causing the death of Sanfratello while in the commission of another crime, burglary in the second degree;
Burglary in the second degree, a Class C violent felony. He is accused of knowingly entering a building unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime in the building and threatening to use or did use a dangerous instrument.
Elmore and Wilcox are indicted on counts of:
Burglary in the second degree, a Class C violent felony. Elmore and Wilcox are accused of remaining unlawfully in a building with the intent to commit a crime in the building and, while in the building, causing serious physical injury to another person;
Assault in the second degree, a Class D violent felony. Elmore and Wilcox are accused of causing physical injury to a police officer who was in the act of performing his official duties;
Obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. The pair is accused of trying to intentionally prevent a police officer from performing his official duty by means of intimidation, physical force, or interference.
Wilcox is separately charged with resisting arrest, a Class A Misdemeanor. She is accused of intentionally trying to prevent her legal arrest.
The incident that led up to Sanfratello's death began at 12:43 a.m. on March 10, a Sunday morning following a pair of events at Batavia Downs on Saturday night, when Sanfratello and Batavia Downs security responded to the Rush 34 bar for a disturbance. There, Sanfratello confronted Wilcox, 39, of Batavia and ordered Wilcox to leave the building. While being escorted out, she allegedly became combative with Sanfratello. She is accused of hitting Sanfratello several times with the intent to injure him.
As Wilcox was being arrested, Elmore became involved and was also ordered to leave. He reportedly walked out of the building and came back in with a chain in his hand (a chain he was apparently wearing that night).
During the struggle, which included assistance from Batavia Downs security, Sanfratello reportedly tried to deploy his taser in an attempt to subdue the person attacking him.
According to initial reports, Sanfratello suffered a medical emergency during the struggle and became unresponsive. There was extensive effort, according to witnesses, to revive him with CPR. He was later pronounced dead by a county coroner.
For complete prior coverage of the case and related articles, click here.
The principal talent and lead character whose name has yet to be disclosed for producer James DiLullo's upcoming film "Kitty," this feline poses like a pro. Photo submitted by James DiLullo
What can you accomplish in six and a half minutes with a photographic feline, some choice hometown architecture and a $5,000 grant?
Batavia native and film producer James DiLullo will answer that soon enough with his self-penned work, “Kitty,” which he plans to shoot in his hometown next month with a local cast and crew.
Meant to pique the curiosity and imagination of an audience, this short film is based on DiLullo’s childhood experiences with pets and how perceptions may differ from those of adults.
“I weave that into a cute thriller story featuring a child whose turn it is to watch the class pet, and what could go wrong?” the recently turned 35-year-old said from his Los Angeles home. “You know, it’s a shorter film, six minutes or so, six and a half. It’s gonna be shot entirely in Batavia this time, so that’s great, showcasing some local architecture and some scenes at some local businesses.
“So we always had a household animal and always cherished them and stuff, but sometimes our perception as children is different than the perception than that of an adult, especially with certain behaviors that pets can exhibit. As a child, you may not understand that complex of a behavior. So that’s kind of the crux of the movie.”
He was willing to elaborate on that notion. As a kid, one of his cats often licked him clean, which to him felt like something much more sinister and destructive. He’d scream out in the middle of the night that the cat was biting him, perceptions his mom, Cecelia Lullo, would have to dispel for him.
Speaking of mom, she plays a pivotal role in this film, being the pet parent of the lead character talent, whose name isn’t being disclosed as of yet. Suffice it to say, she’s a gorgeous-haired, big, round-eyed looker with a temperament that any director would kill for.
“It’s an innocuous cat in real life, tame and gentle,” he said, flinging out tidbits of the plot. “What’s the true perception? There are different viewpoints; it’s a funny story.”
All fluffy goodness aside, the cat has required some light training to keep its attention, he said, and ensure that it will remain safe and comfortable amidst a typical bustling studio filming atmosphere. Talent selection will be done through Susan Aser of Rochester-based agency Two Sues casting once DiLullo returns to Batavia for the four principal actors of two children and two adults. There will also be a crew of lighting, sound and makeup people, he said.
He has appreciated the Western New York vibe of a connection on either side of his native city, tying the Rochester and Buffalo regions together, he said. His professional needs for craft services and amenities have been met so far locally by securing a private residence and a business, a city park, a Batavia City School building, a parking lot, and tentative agreements between city administration and police to ensure everyone’s safety and freedom from filming disruptions.
“I am always looking. I come from a real estate family, so it's just the markets and financing and numbers, and film is a unique industry where success breeds attention, and a lot of times that attention is financial attention," he said. "So it's just kind of waiting and finding the right opportunities."
"Batavia, Buffalo, Rochester, and, really, all of Western New York have many ideal places for film production, he said. These include the commercial studio system type of big warehouses and soundstages, but also the communities themselves.
"They are generally quiet communities with low crime but responsive emergency services and lots of utilities. And then they have the scenics. They have the architecture and the intangible things that are very expensive to build on the studio … they have these iconic and beautiful natural locations throughout that whole region, in various ways, from Niagara Falls all the way down to, let's say, New York, is great for these things," he said. "And repurposing the architecture as well, that's cool. Big warehouses that have sat empty for two years being used again is what you're seeing in a lot of the metros, and a school. Syracuse has a school that they turned into a movie studio. That's cool.”
Who knows what and where might pop up in his project while filming in Genesee County, which also boasts a few such pieces of vintage architecture-turned-repurposed property. He's not spilling just yet.
Those half-dozen minutes and eight-page script may be short by comparison to larger-scale productions, which DiLullo includes in his portfolio, but they will be “impactful,” he said.
“It’s about having pride in the community, cheering your hometown,” he said. “My last film (“Goldenrod”) was at the global level; we know we can reach that audience. I’m planning to hire all local talent, about 12 to 15 people depending on the time and days, on the needs for the days, the special effects and visuals.”
Who is his audience for such a brief piece of work? This film will go to the Buffalo International Film Festival along with its debut in Genesee County before the end of this year, he said. Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council awarded him a $5,000 Reach grant, which will be reinvested into the community through the casting and filming of the “Kitty” project, he said.
His home base these days is California, where he operates a 425-acre film production studio named Beauty View Ranch in Cattaraugus, NY. The 2007 Batavia High School grad also returns to his hometown enough to consider himself bi-coastal.
His film “Goldenrod” premiered at the 2022 Buffalo International Film Festival, and he went on to produce “Unbelievable” in 2023, a feature-length “what could go wrong” comedy, only this time about a group of die-hard Buffalo Bills fans that come together to watch their beloved team play in the biggest game ever with some ticklish results.
He has been mulling ideas about where to debut the film, possibly at Stuart Steiner Theatre or other venues, however that’s not the foremost priority at this point. Di Lullo will be hanging out with his favorite four-legged — Renata, an American Staffordshire Terrier — until he boards a plane to get the main job done.
“You can’t just make it; you have to show it,” he said. “But our focus right now is to get it shot.”
Matt Pietrzykowski was named Firefighter of the Year by the Alexander Volunteer Fire Department. Presenting the award were Sean McPhee and Ryan Hinz. Photo by Howard Owens.
Alexander Volunteer Fire Department members were proud to show off their renovated rec hall on Saturday during its 2024 awards and installation dinner.
With freshly painted walls, ceiling and a newly poured epoxy floor, the $50,000 renovation gives the hall a fresher, newer look.
It was also a night to recognize a few of the department's key contributors in 2023, including Firefighter of the Year Matt Pietrzykowski, who responded to a fatal fire in February. He was the firefighter who found the deceased's body and was commended for his career and professionalism in handling the situation.
Jim Burkhardt and Regan McPhee were named EMS Providers of the Year.
Regan McPhee received the Chief's Award.
The newly installed officers are, on the Firematic side:
James Burkhardt, chief
Nathan Fix, deputy chief
Thomas Green, 1st assistant chief
Anthony Johnston, 2nd assistant chief
Matthew Pietrzykowski, 3rd assistant chief
Jenny McPhee, EMS captain
Todd Fleenor, EMS lieutenant
Nicholas Yackeren, truck lieutenant
Lance Scharlau, training captain
Bernie Fix, safety officer
John Meier, parade chairman
Heidi Richmond, parade co-chairman
Administrative officers:
Sean McPhee, president
Thomas Green, vice-president
Amanda Donnelly, recording secretary
Heidi McPhee, financial secretary
Barbara Pietrzykowski, treasurer
Robert Spiers, chaplin
and, trustees Matthew Fernaays, Nathan Fix, Amanda Donnelly, Nicholas Yackeren, Anthony Johnston, Darlene Merle, Matthew Pietrzkowski, and Matthew Grimes.
Jim Burkhardt and Regan McPhee were named EMS Providers of the Year. Presenting the awards were Todd Fleenor and Jenny McPhee. Photo by Howard Owens
Regan McPhee received the Chief's Award from Jim Burkhardt. Photo by Howard Owens.
Department President Sean McPhee with remarks during the ceremony. Photo by Howard Owens.
Installation of officers. Photo by Howard Owens.
Honoring members who passed. Photo by Howard Owens.
Honoring members who have passed, including former member Sgt. Thomas Sanfrello, with a Stetson on the right, who died in the line of duty on March 10. Photo by Howard Owens.
Cutting the anniversary cake, from left, Shanna Shaw, Kathy Dispenza, Debbie Chilano, Wendy Castleman, Debbie Stocking, and Angela Knisley. Photo by Howard Owens.
Volunteers for Animals celebrated its 40th anniversary on Saturday at Batavia First Presbyterian Church.
Julie Jenkins with shirts being sold to support VFA. Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Mary Della Penna and Shanna Shaw with sheet pizzas donated by Main Street Pizza to the event. Main Street donated 10 sheet pizzas. Photo by Howard Owens.
Michael Joseph Torres, 40, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. While attempting to locate a warrant suspect, Deputy Jeremy McClellan came into contact with Torres at 2:09 p.m. on May 14 on Columbia Avenue, Batavia, who was also wanted a warrant. Torres was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance. He was arraigned and released.
Lance Donald Beals, 53, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with menacing 2nd. Beals is accused of pointing and shooting a BB gun toward another person, placing that person in fear of injury at 7:16 a.m. on May 14 at a location on West Main Street Road, Batavia. He was arraigned and released.
Nathan Wayne Campbell, 43, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Campbell was accused of stealing merchandise from Walmart at 12:56 p.m. on May 13. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Micahel J. Difalco is indicted on counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony, and menacing in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Difalco is accused of possessing a dangerous instrument on Dec. 21 in the city of Batavia while having previously been convicted of a crime. He is also accused of threatening another person with a dangerous instrument.
Daniel J. House is indicted on counts of criminal contempt in the first degree, a Class E felony, and harassment in the second degree, a violation. House is accused of violating an order of protection on Jan. 23 at a location in the town of Batavia and of having unwanted physical contact with another person.
James A. Williams is indicted on counts of DWI, a Class D felony, aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony, circumventing an interlock device, a Class A misdemeanor, and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree. Williams is accused of driving a 2008 Hyundai with an Ohio license plate on Route 33 in the town of Stafford while intoxicated on Sept. 24. He was allegedly driving intoxicated while knowing or should have known that his driving privileges were suspended. The Hyundai was not equipped with an interlock device. He is accused of trying to prevent a government official from performing his official duties. The felony DWI charge stems from a prior DWI conviction in March 2019 in Rochester.
Isaac C. King is indicted on a count of bail jumping in the second degree, a Class E felony. King is accused of failing to appear in Genesee County Court as ordered on a felony charge after being released on bail or on his own recognizance on Dec. 4.
Tanisha N. Gibson is indicted on a count of criminal mischief in the second degree, a Class D felony. Gibson is accused of intentionally damaging the property of another person on Jan. 8 with a value in excess of $1,500.
Lashayia S. Bussey is indicted on counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree, a Class E felony, and conspiracy in the fifth degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Bussey is accused of stealing property with a value in excess of $1,000 on Sept. 14, 2022, in the town of Batavia. She is accused of concluding with another person to commit the crime.
Shameek T. Taylor is indicted on counts of criminal contempt in the first degree, a Class E felony, and burglary in the second degree, a Class C felony. Taylor is accused of violating a stay-away order of protection on Feb. 24 in the town of Batavia. On that same date, Taylor is accused of entering a building with the intent to commit a crime within.
Evan J. Vanskiver is indicted on a count of bail jumping in the second degree, a Class E felony. Vanskiver is accused of failing to appear in City Court as ordered on a felony charge.
Jacob W. Patterson is indicted on a count of promoting prison contraband in the first degree, Class D felony. Patterson is accused of introducing two glass pipes into the Genesee County Jail on Feb. 6.
Adrian L. Sheppard is indicted on a count of bailing jumping in the second degree, a Class E felony. Sheppard, having been released on his own recognizance, is accused of failing to appear in City Court as ordered on felony charges.
Signature colored gold and blue balloons fall on the Class of 2024 graduates during the 56th annual Genesee Community College commencement ceremony Saturday in Batavia. Photo by Nick Serrata
As he addressed a packed Richard C. Call Arena filled with anxious impending graduates and Saturday afternoon, Genesee Community College history professor Charles Scruggs drew upon where they sat and what it meant in every sense of the word.
He first gave the precise location of where they sat — 43.1059 degrees north of the equator and negative 78.1404 degrees west of the Prime Meridian.
“But today is really not about pinpointing degrees; it’s about conferring them. And that will be done right here in the Call Arena. What a fitting and proper name, a call arena with which to complete the delineation of our commencement address. The most obvious observation to make in defense of my thesis is that while each part of today’s program is integral to the whole, we are all eagerly awaiting the time at which the provost will quite literally call the name of each graduate,” Scruggs said. “My thesis finds further support … the Latin verb is vocare, which means to call, and its ‘voc’ stem makes its way into English and a number of words which are astonishingly relevant to our celebration this afternoon.”
He cited three examples: convocation, which means a calling together of a community of scholars to mark the milestone; vocation, the work we are called to do to fulfill a higher purpose; and the word advocate, meaning one who calls for public support of a cause.
“My colleagues and I, decked out in our academic regalia, are not contractually obligated to be here today, but our presence today has nothing to do with a contract and everything to do with answering a call to pay tribute to you, the Class of 2024,” he said. “May each of you in the Class of 2024 find your calling as my colleagues and I have found ours as educators. May each of you in the Class of 2024 follow the lead of Richard C. Call and be an advocate in your personal and professional lives. If Call is a fitting and proper name, so too is arena, and they complement each other perfectly.”
He referred to the frequently quoted speech given by Theodore Roosevelt about the Man in the Arena.
“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs, who comes up short, again and again. Because there is no effort without error and shortcoming,” he said. “But who does actually strive to do the deeds, who knows great of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”
“The Class of 2024 is positively resplendent in its diversity. In striving to complete a challenging curriculum, each of you in the Class of 2024 has dared greatly, and today, we celebrate your triumph of high achievement,” he said. “May you continue to dare greatly in the arenas of your choosing, and may you always remember that you have family, friends, and a faculty and staff that are never more than a call away.”
Outgoing college president Dr. James Sunser officiated the 56th commencement ceremony and was keynote speaker. Sunser had previously announced that he would be retiring from his post at the end of this college year after assuming the role in the summer of 2011.
Before coming to the Batavia campus, he had been an administrator at Syracuse University for five years and Onondaga Community College for more than 22 years, and he had worked in other senior-level positions throughout his education-focused career.
“Dr. Sunser is known for his collaborative approach, bringing together stakeholders from across the academic community to drive positive change and achieve shared goals,” Board of Trustees Chairwoman Jackie Whiting said. “During his career, he has spearheaded initiatives aimed at expanding access to quality higher education, fostering a culture of academic excellence and promoting student success. Dr. Sunser has left a lasting impact on the college and broader community that is inspirational to future generations of educators and leaders.”
Sunser said that he hoped his words would perhaps serve as a bit of inspiration since, as a first-generation college student who worked his way while pursuing degrees, from an associate's to a bachelor’s degree in science on to his master’s and finally a doctorate from the University of Rochester. He didn’t stop there, also completing postdoctoral work at Harvard and Cornell universities, certainly walking his family’s talk and beliefs in the importance of obtaining a solid education.
The son of a blue-collar father who worked hard for 25 years before being let go when the company left New York, Sunser learned early on how difficult it could be to be left in the lurch with only a high school diploma and a company pin to show for it.
His father, a dedicated employee who was then in his 40s and unemployed, had to shift his previous thinking about sending the kids to college full-time while also realizing the difficulty of finding a job without a higher education.
“My older sister and I saw the impact it had on our family, and as things tightened more and more, we had a conversation with our parents. We talked about shifting our focus from full-time college and part-time work to full-time work and part-time school so we could help out more at home. That was an extremely hard conversation for my father to listen to. And when he did not immediately say no to our suggestion, we knew how serious it really was. After that conversation, my nontraditional higher education journey began in earnest. I spent the next few years working full time at everything from being a janitor in the local church that was near my community college to overnight as a loader for UPS while I also attended college both full- and part-time until I finished my associate's degree,” he said. “Following my associate's degree, I worked in the private sector and continued to take part-time classes and work towards more degrees, actually having earned two at Syracuse University. An opportunity arose while I was working to work for Syracuse University. And at that time, I was able to work full-time and attend college full-time, allowing me to earn those degrees. And I was very grateful for that opportunity.”
He credited his wife Roseanne for helping him through the rest of his journey so far, encouraging graduates that “we all need help and support to live our best life,” and said that his father ended up getting a job that he loved and seeing all three of his children walk across the stage as college graduates.
“And it was one of his proudest moments,” Sunser said. "Sadly, my father passed away at 64. Coincidentally, the age I am as of today is far too young in my mind, but I’m grateful he lived long enough to see his biggest personal regret of us having to alter our college plans rectified with all of us graduating. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, being able to attend some of the best colleges and universities in the world.
"I’ve done it with a lot of help and support, but none of it was done with an eye towards becoming a college president and how that could play a role in impacting others. But fortunately for me, it has led to that very result," he said. "I don’t say this as a kind of boast or self-adulation; I say to you because I want you to see firsthand an example of how education, staying open to opportunities, and working hard can lead to success in your life and career.”
He then gave the audience a quiz based on famed cartoonist Charles Schultz’s philosophy about the type of people who really make an impact on one’s life. After asking folks to name the wealthiest people, Heisman Trophy and Pulitzer Prize winners and such, and acknowledging that he, too, came up short on naming names, Sunser then asked attendees about friends who helped them through a very difficult time, taught them something worthwhile, made them feel appreciated and special, and are people they enjoy spending time with.
“Was that easier? I think so. The lesson: the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most,” he said. “Graduates, tell the people who have made a difference in your life today what they've meant to you, and going forward, take baby steps and commit yourself to being that special person for others. It may not seem like much, but can you imagine how much better the world would be if we all follow those simple rules?
“It may not seem significant, but that philosophy has made a tremendous difference in my life. And I hope it can for you also. Don't get consumed or overwhelmed thinking you really can't make a difference because you can. Don't be frozen by thinking that the world is ending tomorrow. It won’t. In fact, as proof, I can tell you, it's already tomorrow in Australia,” he said. “Commit yourself to taking baby steps, and you can make everyone's tomorrow brighter and better. Just follow the simple philosophy of Mr. Schultz. Congratulations, Class of 2024. Go forward, take baby steps and make a difference in the world.”
Photos by Nick Serrata
GCC history professor Charles Scruggs offers some words about the venue and its deeper meaning Saturday during the GCC graduation ceremony. Photo by Nick Serrata
Retiring GCC President James Sunser presents diplomas to 2024 graduates. photo by Nick Serrata
GCC graduate Mya Thomas sings "God Bless America" during the 56th annual commencement ceremony Saturday at the Richard C. Call Arena in Batavia. Photo by Nick Serrata
Batavia Brass Society provides musical entertainment Saturday at GCC's 56th annual commencement ceremony in Batavia. Photo by Nick Serrata
The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Monday, May 20, and Tuesday, May 21, and Wednesday, May 22 from approximately 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the general area of North of East Main Street and East of Bank Street.
Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about 5 minutes or until clear.
This annual testing is essential to maintain the communities class III Insurance Services Office (ISO) public protection classification and to assure that fire hydrants are operating efficiently for fire protection purposes.
Along with maintaining the fire rating, the test monitors the health of the city's water system, identifies weak areas in the system, and removes material that settles in the water lines.
Checking each hydrant improves fire department personnel knowledge of the hydrant locations. If you have any questions or should notice a hydrant in need of repair, please contact the fire department at 585-345-6375.
According to the New York State Department of Health Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System 2021 report, Genesee County has 13.4% of adults and Orleans County has 11.4% adults diagnosed with prediabetes.
People with prediabetes — higher-than-normal blood glucose (sugar) levels — are 5 to 15 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with normal blood glucose levels. In fact, many people with prediabetes can be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within 5 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Genesee County Health Department has reviewed feedback from a recent survey and will be hosting the Lifestyle Change Program starting Wednesday, June 12 from 5 - 6 p.m. at the Town of Oakfield Community and Government Center, 3219 Drake Street Rd., Oakfield.
If your healthcare provider told you, you have prediabetes or are at risk of prediabetes; if you have been told you are overweight; if you have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes; if you had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby who weighed over 9 pounds; this program may be for you.
The Lifestyle Change Program group meets for a year — weekly for the first 6 months, then once a month for the second 6 months to maintain healthy lifestyle changes. The program’s group setting provides a supportive environment with people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make the same changes. Together participants celebrate their successes and find ways to overcome obstacles.
“One in three American adults has prediabetes, so the need for prevention has never been greater,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “The Lifestyle Change program offers a proven approach to preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes through modest lifestyle changes made with the support of a coach and one’s peers.”
Participants learn how to eat healthy, add physical activity to their routine, manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes.
Now is your time to take control of your health and lower your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Register for the class now to claim your seat for better health: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GeneseeNDPP2024 , e-mail sherri.bensley@geneseeny.gov, or call 585-344-2580 x5528.
For more information on GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at:
Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
Orleans County: 585-589-3278
Follow GO Health on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at GOHealthNY.
