Long before there was a John Kennedy in the White House, there was a John Kennedy in Batavia.

Before there was "Profiles in Courage," there was "Individual Instruction" and "The School and the Family."

Before PT109, there was the Civil War and a young man born in England, who moved to Iowa and joined the Union's cause.

The John Kennedy of Batavia was an educator, a veteran of the War Between the States, and a preservationist, saving the Holland Land Office from assured destruction.

"I don’t think people associate the name of John Kennedy School with the right individual," said County Clerk Don Read, an avid history buff, especially of Genesee County. "Many people don't know that the John Kennedy in the history of Batavia certainly occupies a place in education history and the history of Genesee County. Not many people of his stature have come out of Genesee County."

And that's why there's a school in Batavia with brass Helvetica letters on its brick facade that reads, "John Kennedy School."

The school opened in 1956, and now there's some talk of changing its name, perhaps to Batavia Intermediate School.

The subject came up at Monday's school board meeting and the board seems to be considering the idea.

Board President Gail Stevens said she will support whatever the community wants for the names of it schools (Jackson School is also up for grabs).

"I’m all for giving the community a choice," Stevens said. "They’re the stakeholders in the school, the parents, the teachers, the students. If the community wants change, then I'll represent the community."

While the decision to consolidate schools -- leading to the closure of Robert Morris -- was driven by financial issues, what the schools are named is purely a matter of community choice and Stevens said she didn't want to impose her viewpoint on that choice.

The issue came about, according to Board Member Phil Ricci, because a group of parents brought the issue to the board.

According to Ricci, the parents were concerned that students transferring from Robert Morris would join community schools with community identities, and potentially feel left out of the mix.

Changing school names is a matter of changing brands and getting all of the students involved, Ricci said.

"I think the primary thing to understand is that it isn't so much changing the name of the school," Ricci said. "The way of doing business, the way the schools are run, the way we're deliving educational services is being changed."

The former names no longer fit, Ricci said, especially if you consider the name of JK to be John Kennedy Elementary School.

On the district's Web site, that's the name of the school. On the school building itself, it's simply John Kennedy School.

Ricci said there is a push by some parents to change the name to Batavia School or Batavia Intermediate School. 

Another option, Ricci said, one he favors, is John Kennedy Intermediate School, and some have suggested, he said, Batavia Intermediate School at John Kennedy.

Both Stevens and Ricci said the cost of a name change would be minimal, and there are no concrete plans right now to institute a name change.

The board will discuss it further at its next meeting, Stevens said, and decide what to do from there.

The idea of dropping John Kennedy caught the attention of local historians and preservationists.

The board of the Holland Land Office Museum voted Tuesday night to oppose the change.

"You would  be taking away the history of the community," said HLOM Director Jeff Donahue. "The man should be honored because of the great work that he did for this area and for education in general."

Local author, localist and lover of Batavia Bill Kauffman was chagrined at the idea of Batavia once again turning its back on its history.

"Modern Batavia's besetting sin has been its disregard, even contempt, for Batavia's history," Kauffman said. "The catastrophic urban renewal of the 1960s and '70s was the most spectacular example of this. Renaming Batavia's schools would be yet another -- and wholly unnecessary -- case of the city wiping out its past and severing its connection to those who have gone before. As a proud alumnus of John Kennedy, I really hope that great little school on Vine Street retains its name."

John Kennedy was born Sept. 17, 1846, in England. He was one of 14 children. His father brought the family to New York hoping for work on the Erie Canal, but after Mrs. Kennedy heard nothing of her husband, she packed up the family and moved to Greeley, Iowa.

After the Civil War, Kennedy returned to Iowa where he became a school superintendent, soon gaining recognition for his innovative education techniques.

Kennedy spoke to educators in New York on a couple of occasions, and then the fairly new Batavia City Schools District invited Kennedy to become its second superintendent.

Over the next 23 years, Kennedy led the district, creating a number of innovations in education, such as teacher's aides and a style of teaching that offered encouragement to students rather than direct help.

In 1894, Kennedy learned that the former Holland Land Office, which had been a private residence, was going to be torn down and its bricks sold to Henry Ford for reconstruction of the building on his estate in Michigan. Kennedy started a "penny drive" to raise enough money for a down payment on the property. When he reached that goal, other community members pitched in to complete the purchase and donate the building and land to the county.

"Kennedy realized the significance of the building and because of him, we still have the Holland Land Office today," Donahue said.

Ricci said if the school name is changed, none of the history will be lost. Everything on and in the building of historical value will be preserved, he said.

"I'm fine if it's Batavia Intermediate or John Kennedy Intermediate," Ricci said. "I'm not trying to be blase about it, because I know it means something to a lot of people, but the history that goes with that school is all inside of it. It all stays. The name on the building needs to fit the new brand.

"We have three cultures in three different schools. What we call the schools needs to reflect what goes on in the schools. That doesn't mean we have to get rid of John Kennedy as the name, but possibly add to it; John Kennedy Intermediate school."

FOOTNOTE: Ricci was appointed to the board to fill a vacancy, and subsequently won a seat outright on the board. But because he came in second in the voting, he won't be able to officially vote on anything until July. As top vote-getter in the election, Gretchen DiFante assumed the vacant seat on the board.

Bill Ruffino, owner of Bill's Auto on Evans Street in Batavia did a little giving back today. Ruffino, who is on the advisory committee for the automotive program of the Genesee Valley Education Partnership drove to Mt. Morris and conducted a seminar for the students on software transfer and computer programing on automotive computers and modules.

"This not only allowed the students to see this process firsthand, but it also started them networking with a leader in the industry that they hope to someday soon be a part of," said Michael Johnson, the class teacher, who provided the photo and information.

While I was in Settler's this afternoon, four waitresses came out carrying a birthday cake and brought it over to a group of people at one of the tables.

The cake was for Mary Vangalio, who turns 99 on Friday. Pictured with her is her nephew, Mike DiMartino.

State Police, joined by law enforcement representatives from throughout the region, gathered at the Batavia Barracks on West Saile Drive in Batavia this morning to honor the men and women of Troop A who gave their lives in the line of duty.

In the 40 years since the first service, six more names have been added to the granite monument outside the barracks, including Kevin P. Dobson, a 14-year veteran struck and killed during a routine traffic stop in Tonawanda in 2011.

The names of the fallen are:

Trooper James B. Losco, 1925
Trooper Robert Roy, 1927
Trooper Arnold T. Rasmussen, 1927
Trooper Thomas L. Corbett, 1931
Sergeant Homer Harrison, 1933
Trooper Jerome B. Nugent, 1933
Sergeant Harry Adams, 1951
Trooper James D. Conrad, 1966
Trooper Richard Weltz, 1970
Investigator Thomas L. Buck, 1981
Trooper Gary E. Kubasiak, 1982
Trooper Joseph A. Longobardo, 2006
Trooper David C. Brinkerhoff, 2007
Trooper Jill E. Mattice, 2010
Trooper Kevin P. Dobson, 2011

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If you can't view the slide show, click here. To purchase prints of these photos, click here.

Press release:

The Batavia Concert Band’s 88th season of music-making and free public concerts begins June 20 in Centennial Park. Additional concerts and parades will feature the band at other locations and times including the ever popular July 4 Picnic In The Park.

The Batavia Concert Band’s repertoire is wide-ranging in origin, period and style: marches, Big Band and swing numbers, popular songs from musicals and movies, classical adaptations, rock favorites arranged for band, fun songs for kids of all ages … and everything in between.

The band consists of about 50 brass, woodwind and percussion players ranging from talented local high school students to 60-year veterans. Many have professional experience; the rest are advanced amateur musicians. All love to play.

The conductor’s podium will be shared by a team of Batavia Concert Band conducting veterans, to be announced. Derek Reiss and Dizzy will again cap this year’s Concerts in the Park on Aug. 8 as a benefit fundraiser for the Batavia Concert Band.

Founded in the early 1920s, the Batavia Concert Band has brought musical pleasure to the region every year except during WWII. The band currently enjoys financial support from GO-ART!, concert sponsors, program advertisers, and individual patrons. The band also sponsors a “Sample of Western New York” gift certificate raffle from selected area restaurants and retailers, 50-50 raffles at every concert, bake sales and other low-key fundraisers.

Downbeat for regular season concerts is 7 Wednesday evenings in Centennial Park in the City of Batavia.

All concerts are free to the public of all ages. Light refreshments are usually available. Bring the family, some friends, lawn chairs or a blanket… and enjoy!

Info contact:  Bob Knipe, bobknipe@hotmail.com, 343-5991 / 590-6457 (cell)

Batavia Concert Band
Summer 2012 concert season

Date/Time                        Conductor

June 20 -- 7 p.m.* -- Brad Meholick
June 27 -- 7 p.m.* -- Wayne Burlison
July 4  -- 12 noon -- Phil Briatico
July 11 -- 7 p.m.* -- Jane Haggett
July 18 -- 7 p.m.* -- Phil Briatico
July 25 -- 7 p.m.* -- Wayne Burlison
Aug. 1 -- 7 p.m.* -- Jane Haggett
Aug. 8 -- 7 p.m.* -- Derek Reiss & Dizzy

(*In the event of rain, concerts will move to Genesee Community College's Stuart Steiner Theatre. Notices will be posted at the NW corner of Centennial Park and announced on WBTA radio AM1490, and http://TheBatavian.com.)

Local artists are wanted to participate in a newly forming weekly event sponsored by the Batavia YWCA called "The Market at North Street." It's going to be a farmers market that also showcases art demonstrations and/or displays.

It will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sundays on the grounds of the Batavia YWCA, located on North Street in the city. The market will run from June 17 through Oct. 14.

You may participate for the entire five hours or for a limited time as you specify. You may also choose which Sundays to take part. Electricity is available.

The application deadline is Friday, June 1. It consists of basic contact info., a brief description of your display/demonstration, number of artists, size of space needed, and the dates and times you plan to participate.

For more information or to get an application, contact Christine Ditzel at 356-5861 or cjditzel@buffalo.edu

Mail completed applications to:

YWCA of Genesee County

Attn: Christine Ditzel

301 North St.

Batavia NY 14020

Batavia's younger players are coming into their own just at the right time, said head baseball Coach Rick Saunders -- just as the Blue Devils enter sectional playoffs.

The team won a first-round playoff game Tuesday at Dwyer Stadium over Greece Olympia, 12-5.

"They struggled with the bats the first time they’d seen varsity pitching and now we’ve won five out of our last six," Saunders said.

The Blue Devils jumped to a quick 7-1 lead in the first two innings Tuesday, but then Greece Olympia made it look like they might make a game of it with four runs in the fifth.

But Saunders said his #5 seeded team responded well against the #12 seed, rallying for five runs in the bottom half of the sixth inning.

"(There were) two positive things," Saunders said. "When you play a team that’s a lower seed than you, you have to jump out to an early lead. Then you need to tack on runs to put them away, and when they made their come back to get back in the game, we tacked on five in the sixth to put them away. That’s how you win big games. That was the key."

Batavia (13-7) will face Greece Arcadia in a round two game at 4:30 p.m., Friday, in Greece Aracadia. The winner of that game will play a semi-final game next Tuesday against either Pittsford-Sutherland, the #1 seed, or Geneva.

In the game, Tommy Prospero was 2-3 with a walk and two stolen bases. Ryan DiMartino was 2-4 with a double and two RBIs. Zach Hale, who was also the winning pitcher, going 4 1/3 innings, was 2-4.

Saunders likes his team's chances of advancing.

"We’ve played all these teams," Saunders said. "Our pitchers have got to throw strikes. It’s basic baseball, pitchers throw strikes and if we can play good defense we can play with anybody. When we've that this year, we've won. When we haven't, we've struggled."

In other Section V baseball today, Alexander plays Warsaw in Warsaw; #2 seed Pembroke plays Bishop Kearney in Pembroke; Pavilion plays Canisteo-Greenwood in Pavilion; #2 seed Oakfield-Alabama plays Cuba-Rushford in Oakfield; Le Roy plays Granada in Le Roy; and on Friday, Notre Dame plays Prattsburgh at Dwyer Stadium.

If you can't view the slide show, click here.  To purchase prints of these pictures, click here.

Michele Ann Case, the registered nurse who was convicted by a jury in March of third-degree grand larceny, maintains she never stood a chance at real justice.

This was the overarching message written in a single-spaced, one-page letter the Bergen resident (or former Bergen resident) read before being sentenced this afternoon in Genesee County Court to four months of intermittent jail time and five years probation.

The matter of restitution was held over until next Wednesday morning.

Case was found guilty of submitting inflated mileage claims and fraudulent "call-in" claims whereby $14,650 was diverted from her employer, a hospice care agency. The claims were submitted from January 2009 through January 2011.

Before imposing sentence, Judge Robert C. Noonan noted that the court received a total of 11 letters in support of Case and a slew of emails, too. He said there were also a number of emails showing communications between the emailers and Case.

"Maybe she's convinced herself that she's not guilty, and she's apparently convinced others she's not guilty, but a unanimous jury of 12 found her guilty and she continues to refuse to take responsibility for what she's done," District Attorney Lawrence Friedman told the court.

Public Defender Gary Horton told Noonan he studied the evidence thoroughly and deemed the particulars difficult to understand and likewise the basis on which the claims were made. Horton said his client is "merciful" and has a "history of dedication" and disagreed with portions of the pre-sentencing report.

"I see nothing in Michele Case that indicates she doesn't understand right from wrong -- her sense of right and wrong is highly developed," Horton said, adding that it's not true she that has no conscience, she has a highly developed conscience.

"I do not believe Michele Case had an intention to defraud," Horton said, "...I do not see her as a criminal."

With the exception of a DWI conviction, she has a clean record, Horton said, and in this matter, she misunderstood what she was entitled to claim and the requirements of logging mileage.

When it came time for her to say something on her own behalf, she held forth, detailing all the ways in which she had been wronged.

Wearing brown polyester slacks and a short-sleeved floral knit top, the stout nurse took no prisoners.

In her opinion everyone from Noonan himself, whom she claims ruled inappropriately on a motion and "denied" her defense, and Mr. Friedman "who had it in for me," to the blackballing work supervisor and the "clouded judgment" of Det. Charles F. Dudek of the Batavia Police Department -- each played a role in denying her true justice. Furthermore, the matter was filed purposely in Genesee County because the likelihood she would be convicted here was greater, thanks in no small part to "assumptions" by Dudek and Friedman.

Her letter detailed what "didn't come out at trial": how she stepped up to the challenge of working 70 hours a week when staff was short and the turnover rate was high; how her children's absent father made false statements about her on the record; how she was in an auto accident and yet she was not compensated for the eight days she was absent, moreover, how she was subsequently forced to work for 20 hours despite her injuries; "how hospice really works" and how the organization inflated its findings against her.

As for the record keeping "a real forensic audit was warranted because a computer does not lie."

But in the end "the court only cares about convictions," she said, adding that her's ought to be overturned and a mistrial declared. She indicated she hopes to raise the funds to appeal.

This was a case for the State Labor Board and it should have been left to the State Labor Board, according to Case.

Still, she can take comfort in the many cards and letters from patients and supporters who she said "are dear to my heart."

"I was wrongfully accused of a crime I didn't commit," she told the court, and in the wake she can't find a job, is losing her house, suffers from post-traumatic stress syndrome and her two children, ages 10 and 15, are devastated. "I cannot move on with my life."

When she finally finished, Noonan said he would first specify what this case is not about.

"It's not about your nursing skills, or your strong work ethic, as evidenced by the letters and emails," Noonan said. "You should sit back and ask yourself how of all the people responsible for your conviction, there's only one person who has not had a hand in it and that's Michele Case.

"The evidence clearly, clearly indicates you were enhancing your income by the documents submitted. You pumped up the documentation. Perhaps you needed more income. You should reflect on that."

And so the judge decided "some incarceration is appropriate" but "because of the children," it should be intermittent in 48-hour intervals, beginning this Friday at 6 p.m. Case was also told of four orders of protection against her and told that during her probation she cannot hold a job or otherwise be in a position to exercise fiduciary responsibility.

LaVerne "Vern" M. Bridge was a man known to enjoy working in his yard and being seen around town in work boots, blue jeans, suspenders and a baseball cap.

Today, at the Maple Avenue Cemetery in Elba, Bridge was laid to rest in his favorite attire while his pallbearers and some friends wore similar clothing in his honor.

The 84-year-old Oakfield resident was working in his yard at 6624 Fisher Road last week, apparently cutting down a tree, when the tree fell on him.

Pallbearers in the top photo are, from left, Joe Seweryniak, John Latko, Rob Warboys, Scott Mabon, Andrew Fowler and Roy Scroger.

For the full obituary of Bridge, click here.

A 48-year-old Batavia woman was injured in a motor vehicle accident at 8:15 a.m., Monday, in the Town of Middlebury after another driver allegedly failed to stop for stop sign.

Patricia E. Chaya, 48, was transported to UMMC for treatment.

Chaya was heading south on East Bethany Road when Rebecca A. Tallman, 21, of Telephone Road, Le Roy, allegedly failed to stop at the intersection of West Middlebury Road and East Bethany.

Tallman was issued a traffic citation.

The accident was investigated by the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office.

Bethany Fire Department responded to the scene.

An 19-year-old Batavia resident who broke into three local businesses said in court today that a proposed sentence of up to 14 years in prison on his burglary convictions was "a harsh punishment for somebody my age."

Judge Robert C. Noonan told Trevor M. Pilc, formerly of 404 Jackson St., Batavia, that he agreed, but added, "you've made your own bed and negotiated your own disposition."

Noonan then sentenced Pilic to two-and-a-third to seven years on two counts of burglary in the second degree, with the sentences to be served consecutively.

The prison term will be served concurrently to a similar sentence on burglary convictions in Wyoming County and with a one-and-third to four year sentenced Noonan imposed for a violation of probation conviction.

On Feb. 23, Pilc entered a guilty plea after reaching a plea deal for burglarizing four Batavia establishments -- Neptune Gardens, Batavia's Original, Blondie's and the Batavia Youth Bureau building.

Pilc was ordered to pay $11,800 in restitution to the businesses and two insurance companies.

"I realize what I did was wrong," said Pilc, who came to court in state prison-issued khaki slacks, a pressed white shirt and heavy shackles on his wrists. "I've hurt the business owners and their families and my family both financially and emotionally. I think it's a harsh punishment for a person my age, but I accept the consequences for what I've done."

Pilc and his accomplice, Michael A. Ames, 19, of 508 Dale Road, Dale, were arrested in September, aided by tips generated by the release of a video surveillance tape posted on The Batavian.

Ames is also serving  four-and-two-thirds to 14 years in state prison, concurrent with his sentence out of Wyoming County.

Press release:

District parents and students are encouraged to attend Open House events at the Middle School, John Kennedy, and Jackson building sites. 

We hope to have parents and students tour the buildings where students will attend next year and meet some of the staff. Also, this is a great time to sign up for newly forming parent groups at each of the schools. 

Details are as follows: May 30 -- Next year’s fifth-graders and their families are welcome to tour Batavia Middle School. Short presentations will occur in the school auditorium at 4 and 5:45 p.m. Refreshments will be served and tours will be informal. Be sure to sign up to participate in the parent group for parents of fifth- and sixth-grade student. Also,the YWCA will be at the middle school on both days with information on their after-school child care program for the 5/6 House.

Next year’s second-, third-, and fourth-graders and their families are welcome to tour John Kennedy School. Short presentations will occur in the school auditorium at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served and tours will be informal. Be sure to sign up to participate in the parent group for parents of second-, third-, and fourth-grade students.

May 31 -- Next year’s sixth-graders and their families are welcome to tour Batavia Middle School. Short presentations will occur in the school auditorium at 4 and 5:45 p.m. Refreshments will be served and tours will be informal. Be sure to sign up to participate in the parent group for parents of fifth- and sixth-grade students. Also, the YWCA will be the middle school on both days with information on their after-school child care program for the 5/6 House.

Next year’s pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first-graders and their families are welcome to tour Jackson School. Short presentations will occur in the multipurpose room at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served and tours will be informal. Be sure to sign up to participate in the parent group for parents of pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first-grade students.

A caller at 10 or 12 Clay St., Le Roy, reports the smoke detector going off in the lower apartment and smoke in the hallway upstairs.

Le Roy fire and ambulance dispatched.

The first chief on scene reports nothing showing.

UPDATE 11:59 p.m.: Burnt food. Le Roy firefighters will ventilate. Bergen's ladder, which was also dispatched, is put back in service.

View Larger Map

During the storm this afternoon, it seemed like a good time to drive around and look for pictures. 

Above, a farm on Brown Road.

Gilhooly Road

The view from Brookville Road

Brookville Road

Also on Brookville Road

Stafford Country Club

Prole Road

Driving down Creek Road this evening, I saw something head of me in the road. As I got closer, I thought it might be a turtle and just about that time, a car coming from the opposite direction was stopping.

John Volpe jumped out of the car and scooped up the snapping turtle and carried it over to the side of the road.

Volpe then called his father and told him about the turtle, which he said had a slight deformity in its shell and might be a female.

He told his dad his location and said he would wait for him.

Volpe explained to me that he and his father often rescue turtles. He said they would take the turtle home, ensure she (or he) is healthy. If healthy, and a female, they would hold her until she laid her eggs, then release her back into the wild, then raise the babies.

"Turtles mean a lot to us," Volpe said, who is Native American.

When his father arrived, Mary Volpe jumped out of the minivan and grabbed the turtle's shell from behind and carried it over to a plastic carry-all.

We're a bit tardy in publishing this, but last week the Landmark Society of Genesee County gave out its annual awards in drawing contest, which is open to fourth-graders from throughout the county.

The first-place winner was Esmeralda O'Campo, center, from Elba Central School for her relief artwork of 4899 Ford Road, Elba. She receive $50, a framed certificate and a copy of the book "The Architectural Heritage of Genesee County."

The second-place winner was Isabella Riner, left, from Elba Central School for her mixed media artwork of 39 S. Main St., Elba.

The third-place winner was Gabrielle Root from St. Joseph School for her mixed media artwork of the E.N. Rowell House in Batavia.

Second- and third-place winners received $25, a framed certificate, and a copy of "The Architectural Heritage of Genesee County."

Honorable mentions were Trinity Aponte, Lauryn Engle, Morgan Harrington, Trevor Matthison, Adryona Miller, and Harmony Parker.

The guest judges this year were Sharon and Don Burkel, of Batavia. Sharon Burkel is an architectural historian and currently serves on the City of Batavia Historic Preservation Commission. Don Burkel is the Executive Director of the Batavia Business Improvement District (BID). Both are members of the Landmark Society. 

Press release:

Today, Congresswoman Kathy Hochul (NY-26) hosted a call with Dallas Tonsager, the under secretary for Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture(USDA) to discuss major upcoming projects in rural communities across the 26th District. 

“It is vital that Western New York receive the support necessary to continue the agricultural and rural development that helps keep us healthy and competitive,” Hochul said. “USDA Rural Development recognizes the importance of investing in our region, and they see the assets of our rural communities. I spoke with Under Secretary Tonsager today to encourage further investments, such as the urgent need for rural broadband access for our small towns and farmers. I am confident the USDA will continue to direct resources into our local communities."

"This is an exciting time for rural America and USDA Rural Development is assisting communities across the country," said Under Secretary Dallas Tonsager. "We look forward to continuing our work with Congresswoman Hochul to create jobs and economic development for the people of Western New York."

Tonsager was appointed as under secretary for Rural Development and sworn into office in May of 2009. Tonsager has more than 35 years of agricultural, business, cooperative, and financial experience through his work as a farmer, businessman, and community, state and national leader.

A group of geese were behind Settler's -- as there often is -- and keeping cool in the Tonawanda this afternoon.

The temperature today is 76 degrees with humidity at 56 percent.

Thunderstorms are expected between 6 and 8 p.m.

Temperatures are expected to climb into the 80s by Wednesday with lots of sun.