Ernest A. Smith, 36, of Penway Street, Philadelphia, is charged with forgery, 2nd, and falsifying business records, 2nd. Smith was arrested at Darien Lake at 9:15 p.m. Wednesday on charges of trespass and false personation. He was transported to the Genesee County Jail where he allegedly provided a false identity of Calvin W. Smith III and forged that name on documents. He was jailed on $25,000 bail, $50,000 bond.

Russell Ray Miles Jr., 50, East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief. Miles is accused of intentionally breaking the front grill of a vehicle that was for sale on East Main Street, Batavia, at 4:54 p.m. June 21.

John A. Stoneham, 54, of Bethany Le Roy Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to keep right. Stoneham was stopped at 10:03 p.m. Thursday on West Main Street, Batavia, by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Stacy Lynn Parks, 38, of East Avenue, Hilton, is charged with DWI, felony DWI with a passenger less than 16, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and endangering the welfare of a child. Parks was stopped at 11:14 p.m. Wednesday on Route 20, Darien, by Deputy Erik Andre. Parks allegedly had a 1-year-old child in her car.

Press release and submitted photos:

Richmond Memorial Library has seen a lot of change in the past few months in the form of three new faces on its professional staff roster. Mike Boedicker, Jennifer Potter and Samantha Stryker have recently come on board after an outside promotion and an internal retirement incentive created three librarian vacancies.

They join Media Services Librarian Rita McCormack, and all look forward to working with and serving the community!

(Photo: Mike Boedicker, Nonfiction, IT, Webmaster and Genealogy librarian)

Mike Boedicker has his Bachelor of Arts in Communications from SUNY Oswego and attended the University at Buffalo for his Master of Library Science. He was raised in Binghamton and started his library career there as a page and clerk at the Broome County Public Library.

After earning his MLS, he worked as audiovisual librarian and then assistant director at the Danville Public Library in Illinois.

Mike shares that a desire to stay in public libraries brought him to Batavia.

“After 17 years in the Midwest, my wife and I moved back to NYS for her new job (she's director of the Parma Public Library outside Rochester)," he said. "I wanted to remain in public libraries and applied to RML.”

Boedicker has several goals as he begins here at RML. He wants to learn the ropes and discover more about the community by developing a community needs assessment. He hopes to help the library address the community’s changing needs. He’s also planning a website redesign and would like to offer more technology programming.

Since he began here, Boedicker has noticed that Batavians are active users of the library and a friendly, approachable, diverse group.

“This is a special library; I could feel that from my first visit," he said. "I want to help make sure the library remains a well-used resource in the community."

Why should people visit Richmond Memorial Library? "It's a cultural hub of the community, offering great collections and services, diverse programming, and a dedicated staff that cares."

(Photo: Jennifer Potter, Youth Services librarian)

Jennifer Potter comes to Batavia from the Niagara Falls Public Library and Niagara University. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Binghamton University and received her Master of Library Science Degree at the University at Buffalo.

She has always dreamed of being a Youth Services librarian! She finds Richmond Memorial to be active and inviting. Potter says her goals are “Reaching more children, parents, and caregivers so that they know what we offer at the library and understanding what the community wants in children's and teen programs and materials.”

In her short time here, Potter has found that even though Batavia is a city, it has a warm small-town feel to it. She wants the community to know that they can start clubs and meet here. For example: homeschoolers, at-home moms, or a teen robotics group. There are guidelines to use our meeting rooms, but people can use the library for many clubs and gatherings. 

Why should people visit Richmond Memorial Library? "To get free, reliable information and to relax and read in a comfortable environment away from life's pressures -- among other reasons."

(Photo: Samantha Stryker, Community and Adult Services librarian)

A lifelong resident of Genesee County, Samantha Stryker received her Master of Library Science from the University at Buffalo and a Bachelor of Arts in English from SUNY Fredonia. She has been working at the library part-time for several years and is excited to begin a full-time position here.

Most recently she worked for Cornell Cooperative Extension Genesee County and the Leadership Genesee program as an Executive Assistant.

“My past experiences helped me create a strong network in the community and learn what our challenges and opportunities are in Genesee County,” Stryker said, noting she has “big shoes to fill” (those of her predecessor Leslie DeLooze).

She hopes to use her knowledge of the community to bring new programs to the library and seek out more partnerships.

“It’s already been such a pleasure getting to know our patrons more," Stryker said. "We truly have a wonderful community in Genesee County. I always joke that we are a ‘small big town’ but it’s true -- in the sense that everyone seems to know everyone, but also that people are very friendly and truly want to do whatever possible to help our community succeed. We have a lot to be grateful for here.”  

Why should people visit Richmond Memorial Library? "Summer is a great time to visit the library! Come for the air conditioning and stay for the many resources and summer programs. We have an awesome youth services staff planning a full summer of activities and adults can participate in our Summer Reading BINGO challenge."

We had to ask: What are you all reading?

Mike: "Reporter" -- a memoir by investigative reporter Seymour M. Hersh.

Jennifer: I'm reading a funny book called "The Fakir who Got Trapped in an Ikea Wardrobe" by Romain Puertolas, Barbara Eherenreich's "Bright Sided" and a funny Young Adult book called "My Lady Jane."

Samantha: I’m reading Ruth Hogan’s "The Keeper of Lost Things" for adult book discussion in July (shameless plug) and I’m also reading "Lady Killers: Deadly Women Throughout History" -- a nonfiction book by Tori Telfer.

Grammy-Award-winning artist Chris Stapleton headlined Darien Lake performing arts center last evening (June 28) in Darien.

The Southern rock-country guitarist opened with "Midnight Train to Memphis," which he first recorded when he was the frontman of The Steelriders" in the late 2000s.

Stapleton has won several country music awards including Album of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year.

Brent Cobb, and Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives opened for Stapleton.

Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives

The Batavia Muckdogs fell back to .500, at 6-6, after a home loss Thursday to Auburn, 14-9.

A passed ball in the first inning followed later by an error by third baseman Denis Karas helped pave the way for a six-run first for Auburn. Starting pitcher Dakota Bennett, who gave up 10 runs, but only one of them earned, over four innings, took the loss. He's now 0-2.

The league's top hitter for average, Jerar Encarnacion, was 2-4 with a double. He's hitting .479 on the season.

J.D. Osborne, who was the DH last night, and has also played catcher and third base this season, was 2-5 and his now hitting .378, eight best in the league.

Big first baseman Sean Reynolds has been on a tear in recent games. He is now hitting .305, going 2-4 last night. He has an eight-game hitting streak, going 9 for 23 in that span with two home runs.

Karas was also 2-4.

The Muckdogs are in Auburn tonight.

The Genesee County Interagency Council awarded two scholarships at their annual picnic on June 20 at DeWitt Recreation Area.

The goal of the scholarship is to support students who have a strong drive to contribute to the field of Human Services. The Council was seeking applications from high school students as well as college students who were pursing their education in a Human Services major.

The Genesee County Interagency Council awarded $1,000 to Parise Ricks. Ricks is a Batavia High School graduate and will be attending Ithaca College in the fall to study Psychology. Her long term goal is to earn a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

The Genesee County Interagency Council awarded $1,000 to Eva Graham. Graham is a wife, a mother of three, and will graduate with a degree in Human Services from Genesee Community College in December with a focus in Gerontology. She plans to continue her education at SUNY Brockport to study Social Work next spring.

Applicants had to be in a good academic standing, majoring in Human Services, Social Work, Sociology, or Psychology. Applicants needed two letters of recommendation from a guidance counselor, teacher, or other professional person. They also had to describe why they were deserving of this scholarship.

The mission of the Genesee County Interagency Council is to create fellowship and understanding among community human services agencies. The council helps to identify community issues and encourages development of resolutions. The Council is happy to have been able to award such deserving candidates and wishes them nothing but success for their future!

Downstairs features a large family room with gas fireplace, pretty ceramic floors, brand new full bath-perfect hang out room or an awesome large master bedroom suite! Upstairs features hardwood floors large open kitchen/dining/living space ideal for entertaining! Three bedrooms with full closets and another brand new bath.

Not a lot to do here but decorate! Outside is nicely landscaped and lot backs up to fields with pretty views – very easy to see. Call Lynn Bezon, Reliant Real Estate 585-344-HOME or click here for more information on this listing.

A minor injury accident is reported at Oak Street and Park Road, Batavia.

City Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Press release:

U.S. Representative Chris Collins (NY-27) and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today introduced "Denying Chinese Investors Access to U.S. Small Business Aid," a bill that would prevent businesses owned by citizens of the People’s Republic of China from accessing all assistance offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA).

“The SBA exists to help Main Street America grow and flourish, not to aid companies whose profits go to China," Collins said. "This is a common-sense reform that provides a greater check on where taxpayer dollars are going because they certainly should not be going to China.

"SBA programs should focus on helping small business owners in communities like Western New York, and I am proud to join with Senator Rubio to advance this important legislation.”

“Chinese companies are abusing our current system to exploit American small business programs, which are taxpayer subsidized and were created to help spur American ingenuity and boost small businesses,” Rubio said. “This bill will ensure that our tax dollars aren’t going overseas to China, our biggest economic competitor.”

Current law permits SBA to provide assistance to qualifying small businesses who legally operate in the United States, allowing Chinese-owned businesses to obtain a federally guaranteed loan, surety bond, research and development grant, or disaster loan, among other SBA programs.

The Denying Chinese Investors Access to U.S. Small Business Aid would prohibit SBA benefits from being awarded to businesses headquartered in China. Under this bill, those China-based businesses with operations in the United States or those with at least 25 percent of their voting stock owned by Chinese investors will no longer be able to benefit.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) is conducting a search to hire a new director of marketing and communications.  The position was recently vacated when it was announced that the current Director, Rachel Tabelski, will become the next director of the Batavia Development Corporation.

The director of Marketing and Communications is responsible for the development, implementation and management of marketing and communications plans and activities in support of the GCEDC’s mission.

Among the responsibilities include, but are not limited to: development, implementation and management of the organization’s marketing collaterals; media and public relations; management of website, social media and customer communications; sales support; and, public policy engagement.

“The position has really evolved over the last few years under Rachel as the person we are seeking to hire will have a number of responsibilities as the role touches all aspects of the operations of our agency,” said Steve Hyde, GCEDC president and CEO.

“It is a dynamic and a critically important role as our region continues to attract interest among national and international site selectors, but also keeping in mind that we have many local and regional companies seeking to grow and expand here and we need to make sure our marketing and communications are aligned for both.”

Those interested in applying for the position must respond by July 12. A job listing has been posted on the GCEDC website at www.gcedc.com.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today condemned the Cuomo administration’s recent announcement that more taxpayer-funded resources across a wide array of departments will be available to illegal immigrants in New York state.

The announcement is another staple in Gov. Cuomo’s recent history of sparring with the federal government on a host of policy issues.

“While I believe it is always the best policy to keep families together, I am concerned about continual use of taxpayer-funded resources being dolled out by the Cuomo administration to individuals here illegally,” Hawley said.

“Instead of state leaders engaging in useless political quarreling and grandstanding we should be using those resources to better empower Child Protective Services and the Department of Social Services to protect the needy and less fortunate children that have already suffered in our state.”

Gov. Cuomo has recently called himself “undocumented” in recent weeks and boasted about the success of his signature Liberty Defense Project, a multimillion dollar taxpayer-funded program, signed into law last year, which offers legal defense and counsel for illegals facing deportation.

“Our state agencies and departments are already working at full capacity to help law-abiding citizens and to think Gov. Cuomo is pushing them to the wayside to help illegals is deeply regrettable,” Hawley continued.

“We need to end the billions of dollars in unnecessary expenses forced upon local governments so agencies working at the local level can realize more resources to care for our children. The priorities of this administration are extremely out of control and continue to endanger middle-class New York by the day.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that millions in transportation upgrades have been awarded to the 139^th Assembly District. Funding will improve operating assistance, transit buses, facilities and services in Genesee, Orleans and Monroe counties.

This includes funds to replace three transit buses and one bus shelter in Genesee County, improve operating functionality in Monroe County and the purchase of a new bus facility in Orleans County.

“Our local public transportation system is crucial to maintaining a strong and bustling community for all walks of life,” Hawley said. “With all the difficulties of traffic, parking and expenses of commuting for oneself, public transportation is extremely important to many residents of Western New York.

"Thousands of people rely on our buses to travel to work, go shopping and travel around the district, and many school age and college students need reliable transportation to and from campus. I am pleased to announce that this funding will be injected into our local transportation system and look forward to a more seamless commute for our residents.”

Photo: Hannah Pierson (right), Culinary Arts student from Le Roy CS, accepts the Rochester American Culinary Federation Scholarship and Chef Russell Bugbee Memorial Award from Chef Tracy Burgio, Culinary Arts instructor at the Batavia CTE Center. 

Submitted photo and press release:

Batavia, New York, June 25 – The Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center recently celebrated the achievements of 309 seniors at an awards program earlier this month at Le Roy High School. During this ceremony, 25 scholarship awards were presented.

The scholarship winners, their programs and home schools are noted below.

Student of the Year (a.m.): Casey Shaw, Pembroke CSD, Health Dimensions

Student of the Year (p.m.): Zachary Boneberg, Le Roy CSD, Criminal Justice

Blakeslee Award: Christian Bradt, Oakfield-Alabama CSD, Building Trades

Donald Abramo Jr. Memorial Award: Vanessa Horseman, Batavia CSD, Metal Trades; Garrett Sando, Byron-Bergen CSD, Metal Trades

Gene Haas Foundation Scholarship: Matthew Kurowski, Attica CSD, Metal Trades

Master Manufacturing Scholarship: Matthew Kurowski, Attica CSD, Metal Trades

James P. Donnelly Memorial Award: Bradly Arnold, Oakfield-Alabama CSD, Building Trades; Cameron Brumsted, Byron-Bergen CSD, Building Trades

Paul Levin’s Memorial Award: Ethan Conrad, Notre Dame -- Batavia, Building Trades

Batavia Rod & Gun Club Memorial Scholarship: Brandon Lewis, Byron-Bergen CSD, Building Trades

Roy H. Turnbull Memorial Scholarship Award: Kyler Chambry, Byron-Bergen CSD, Building Trades

Ignatius J. Radesi Memorial Award: Benjamin Lathan, Byron-Bergen CSD, Building Trades

Pullinzi Family Scholarship: Christopher Decker, Attica CSD, Building Trades

Building Trades Alumni Award: Joseph Aguglia, Attica CSD, Building Trades

Homeowner Award: Chandler Bow, Byron-Bergen CSD, Building Trades

Jason H. Rowcliffe Memorial Scholarship: Timothy Herter, Attica CSD, Culinary Arts

Chef Russell Bugbee Memorial Award: Hannah Pierson, Le Roy CSD, Culinary Arts

Rochester American Culinary Federation Scholarship: Hannah Pierson, Le Roy CSD, Culinary Arts

Josh Mouery Memorial Award: Danny Pernesky, Le Roy CSD, Culinary Arts

B.J. Mancuso Memorial Award: Taylor Almeter, Attica CSD, Cosmetology

Batavia Rotary Club Memorial Fund Scholarship: Rachel Tebor, Pembroke CSD, Cosmetology

Dr. Charles Holowach Memorial Scholarship: Kim Davis, Pavilion CSD, Health Careers Academy; Paige Perry, Attica CSD, Health Careers Academy; Ethan Hutchins, Notre Dame Batavia, Health Careers Academy.

###

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

Photo: Arc of Genesee Orleans Board Member Deb Riggi and daughters Cassidy and Masha are encouraging caregivers to sign up for Camp Caregiver Day, Aug. 4 in Lyndonville.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Empowering Families Program at the Arc of Genesee Orleans is trying something new this summer -- an event called Camp Caregiver Day.

"This is a day to give back and re-energize caregivers whose lives are committed to caring for their loved ones with disabilities," Empowering Families Advocate Bethany Willis said. “Caregivers aren’t only parents; they are also often siblings, extended family, neighbors, and friends.

"As the definition of caregiver expands we want to expand the types of support, resources, and experiences we provide.”

Arc Board Member Deb Riggi and her husband, Mike, are parents of Masha and Cassidy, 14-year-olds with Down syndrome.

“I would encourage moms, dads and everyone in a caregiver role to register for this day,” Deb said. “Being a caregiver is rewarding, but can also be very challenging; Sometimes a break is just what’s needed."

Camp Caregiver Day, on Saturday Aug. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is open to caregivers in Genesee and Orleans Counties and will be held at the Arc of Genesee Orleans' Camp Rainbow in Lyndonville. It is located at 2272 Yates Carlton Townline Road.

Arc Community Relations Coordinator Sandy Konfederath calls it a perfect setting and shares the significance of Camp Rainbow in the Arc chapter's history.

"It was the very first program on our Orleans side and has provided a summer day camp experience for children of all abilities since 1970," Konfederath stated. "Caregivers will find it a great place to relax, unwind and meet other caregivers in our community."

Camp Caregiver Day is a free event and includes lunch. Some optional activities may have a small fee. To make it easier for caregivers to attend, the Arc is providing respite and sibling care.

In order to plan appropriate staffing for respite, caregivers need to call and register by July 20 by contacting Bethany Willis at 585-344-1678, ext. 229.

Richard Beatty, the host of "Geezer Radio" on WGCC, 90.7 FM, invited me to come on his show tonight at 8 p.m. to share some songs from my rockabilly music collection.

We'll play some new stuff, such as Imelda May and the Bellfuries; the first stuff, such as Elvis Presley and Carl Perkins; as well as dig into the Sun Records archives a bit, and a few obscure rockabilly pioneers such as Jack Earls, Johnny Carroll, and Joe Clay.

Press release:

Individuals with disabilities in Genesee County who seek to hone their job-hunting skills are invited to attend the free series of CAREERS training classes, sponsored by Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR).

CAREERS stands for “Committed, Ambitious Reliable, Educated, Enthusiastic, Responsible, Successful.”

This series of classes teaches the necessary skills for securing employment. Location is 113 Main St. (at Center Street), Suite 5, in Batavia. They will be held on six Tuesday mornings, starting July 17^th.

Classes begin PROMPTLY at 10 a.m. and end at 11:30. The Agency stresses that attendance at all the workshops is vital to your success in the program.

Topics to be covered in the classes include résumé preparation; communication skills; online applications; interviewing; networking and more.  Participants will receive materials and skills to increase their chance of gaining employment.

Participants MUST pre-register to attend; to RSVP or get more information, please call Dominique Johnson at 815-8501, ext. 405, email him at djohnson@wnyil.org, or call Rae Frank, at ext. 406.

ILGR is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.