Press release:

Culinary Arts students from the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center brought home the Culinary Cup for the fourth consecutive year! These students took first place in the ninth Annual Taste of Culinary Competition hosted by the American Culinary Federation of Greater Buffalo. This event was held at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, Niagara Falls.

Chef Nathan Koscielski's culinary team of 17 students consisted of morning and afternoon juniors and seniors. The team competed against student teams from other colleges, high schools and BOCES. During the event, this team prepared and presented their menu to more than 300 attendees in a three-hour time period. Each student needed to be familiar with each dish and be able to answer questions. Mystery judges adjudicated the teams and their menus.

Jonathon Quinn is a first-year Culinary Arts student from Batavia City Schools.

“Chef K. is passionate about our work and he builds our confidence. We were well prepared for this competition because of what he taught us. This was a real-world work experience,” Jonathon said.

Adrian Lambert, a second-year Culinary Arts student from Byron-Bergen, was thrilled to be part of this team for the second year.

“This was a huge accomplishment to win first place for the fourth year in a row. We worked together as a team to learn the skills necessary to be ready for this contest,” Adrian said.

Chef Koscielski is proud of his team not just because this group of students won, but because of the professionalism and enthusiasm these students showed while in the kitchen and at the serving tables at this competition.

“This team is made up of students who have a good attitude, excellent attendance and a work ethic that shows a passion for the culinary arts. This year we won the People’s Choice Award. We were chosen by over 300 people who attended this event as the best overall culinary team,” he said.

The team began their presentation with a roasted poblano gazpacho garnished with farm fresh, hard-boiled duck eggs. The main entrée was guinea hog carnitas served with fresh-made flour tortillas topped with an avocado-lime crème and mango cheese. The meal was served with freshly made iced hibiscus tea.

This menu was prepared with products that were raised by the Animal Science Program at the Batavia CTE. These students raised the guinea hog used in the main dish along with the duck eggs that were used to garnish the gazpacho.

“Culinary Arts students learn to prepare a wide variety of foods throughout the school year, including production animals raised by the Animal Science program. The collaboration between Culinary Arts and Animal Science results in a unique experience for these students as they begin to understand the farm-to-table concept and, thereby, gain respect for mankind's food sources. The end result of this process is better food production, more knowledgeable chefs and food processors, and ultimately, a more healthy choice for the consumer,” said Holly Partridge, Batavia CTE Animal Science instructor.

Jon Sanfratello, principal of the Batavia CTE, noted how this cross-curriculum has provided students with the opportunity to cut through traditional subject matter lines and explore relationships of subjects to one another.

“The collaboration between the Culinary Arts and Animal Science programs has brought the farm-to-table concept into the classroom and kitchen. This partnership has played a major role in the success of our students in making them career and college ready. We are so proud of our students and instructors on their winning streak of four first-place finishes!” Sanfratello said.

Photo: The Batavia CTE Culinary Cup Champions.
First row, from left: Adrian Lambert, Byron-Bergen; Olivia Majors, Batavia; Elisabeth Skillman, Le Roy; Hannah Baumgart, Le Roy; Noah Garcia, Batavia; Maylee Zipfel, Pavilion.

Second row, from left: Alyssa Wilson, Caledonia-Mumford; Emily McVicker, Le Roy.

Third row, from left: Nicholas Shepard, Le Roy; Cameron Kleist, Le Roy; Steven Horn, Caledonia-Mumford; Nicholas Amico, Batavia; Chef Koscielski.

Back row, from left: Jonathon Quinn, Batavia; Jamall O'Neil, Batavia; Conner Gricius, Le Roy; Clinton Nickens, Le Roy; Brandon Jones, Caledonia-Mumford.

Previously:

• Pair of BOCES teachers mixing the right ingredients for culinary and animal science students
• In Chef K's kitchen, if it's not right, it's wrong

A car accident with minor injuries is reported at Route 5 and Boyce Road. East Pembroke fire and Mercy medics are responding.

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia and the Genesee County Bar Association hosted their annual Law Day Criminal Justice Awards dinner at Batavia Country Club on Thursday evening.

Among the winners, Det. Kevin Czora and Det. Richard Schauf, Batavia PD, for their work in the successful apprehension and conviction of child molester Sean Vickers. Vickers received more than 100 years in prison as a result of the work of the two detectives, who also assisted the victims in the case. 

Other awards went to:

William Zipfel, jail superintendent, for his more than 32 years of service in law enforcement and what Undersheriff Bill Sheron said is the outstanding work he's done as head of the Genesee County Jail.

Susan Gagne, executive director of the Mental Health Association of Genesee County, for the services she provides to the criminal justice community. Her efforts have assisted in criminal justice professionals gaining knowledge of people dealing with mental illness. She's also helped arrange events and speakers that have raised awareness and knowledge of mental health and criminal behavior.

The Batavia High School Mock Trial Team received the Charles L. Mancuso Award for winning this year's competition.

Judge Robert C. Noonan, who is likely to retire within the next year, received an exceptional jurist award. A graduate of Batavia HS, Noonan attended St. Lawrence University and Fordham Law School. He worked in the District Attorney's Office for 19 years, eventually becoming District Attorney. He was elected to the bench in 1996. The award recognized his years of dedicated service to the community and his "great intelligence, fairness and knowledge of the law" while working as a jurist.

Judge Michael DelPlato, who has retired as a City Court justice. A graduate of Notre Dame High School, he attended Canisius College and SUNY Buffalo School of Law. He's been practicing law since 1973. He's been a teacher in Alexander and substitute with Batavia City Schools. He's been a director and president of the Bar Association. He served as a City Court judge from 2003 to 2015. He was honored for his lifelong commitment to the people of Genesee County.

Deputy Brian Thompson was honored by GCASA for exceptional service for his work with the DWI/Victim Impact Panel. On a monthly basis, Thompson meets with panel members to discuss his own experience as a victim of a drunken driver. He also helps keep panel gatherings civil and respectful. 

Batavia High School Mock Trial Team

Judge Robert C. Noonan

To purchase prints, click here.

Buffalo News: Is boxing down for the count?

A field fire is reported in the area of 10553 Bethany Center Road. Bethany Fire Department responding.

UPDATE 6:43 p.m.: No fire located. Assignment back in service.

The Batavia Improvement District held its annual luncheon this afternoon at the City Church Generations Center on Center Street.

Top photo: Steve Krna, vice president of Genesee Patrons, an insurance company, accepts a Spirit of Downtown Award.

David Boyce, CEO of Tompkins Insurance, receiving a Spirit of Downtown Award for Tompkins.

John Roche, Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, was honored as a volunteer.

Mary Valle, Valle Jewelers, was also honored as a Volunteer of the Year.

The keynote speaker was Michael Schmand, executive director of Buffalo Place.

A Conversation with Kay Ognibene…

Seated at her kitchen table, Kay Ognibene, dressed like she was ready to go back to the office, with her cellphone by her side, spoke of her 40 years in real estate.

“It started in 1974 when I was asked if I was interested in taking a '14- week' real estate course on Wednesday nights at Genesee Community College," Ognibene said.

Though Wednesday was her bowling night, she thought it sounded like interesting so she signed up.

Prior to starting a career in real estate, Kay said she worked at the telephone company for 16 years and then was a stay-at-home mom. But then she completed the real estate course and got her license. She worked while her children were at school, occasional evenings and weekends.

"I worked and I was still able to have supper on the table for my family…I trained my children not to answer the phone because she had to answer if clients called."

Kay initially worked for her brother-in-law, Tony Giordano, until he moved to Florida; then she was hired by Feary-Hyatt Realty. Of her days working with Dick Feary, she said the business was growing at the time and she remembered Dick keeping his team motivated and competitive amongst each other in a very positive manner. He taught her the term “Circulate to Percolate” -- he was referring to getting out in the community and talking to people to “percolate” or produce more connections and possible sales. After her start with Dick, she then worked with Pearl Hyatt and later Howard Cohen. And when Howard moved to Florida, she went to work at Mancuso Realty.

She spoke positively of all her colleagues and repeated how much she loved her work.

"It is a great field and you have to like what you are doing. My advice would be to work hard and listen to people. If you listen, you will give people what they want.”

Asked if it was difficult at the beginning working in a male-dominated career, and she replied “No, everyone was good to me."

Kay was the first woman on the Genesee County Board of Realtors. She says throughout her career, she kept up to date by going to seminars and taking required tests every two years.

“I went to seminars to improve myself -- I wanted to be successful."

And successful she was, with a career that spanned for four decades. One of the big changes in the industry was the use of advertising.

"When I first started, the newspaper was the main avenue to advertise," she said. "But now the use of the computer and online listings are how most people look for real estate. In addition, the secretaries used to do the computer listings, and only about eight years ago, she learned to do her own listings, use e-mail, and work with technology."

But some things don't change.

"If the price and location are right… the house will sell. Location is key."

Interviewing Kay, it's clear that she enjoys her chosen field.

"It was fun... I loved real estate. ... When I took that course, I did not know what a mortgage was. I guess I’ve come a long way.

Kay continues to be active in the community and is a member of both the Paolo Busti Organization and Batavia Businesswoman’s Group.

The City of Batavia is wired. Wired for high-speed broadband, that is. 

Empire Access can now deliver download speeds of 100 megabits to more than 95 percent of the properties in the city. There are only about 40 or 50 households that would be hard to reach, but once a couple of access hurdles are cleared, Empire will be able to service those customers as well.

"We're very pleased with the response we've received," said Jim Baase, president of Empire. "Even without video, we've sold a lot of internet-only packages. We're ahead of plan of where we thought we would be and video will only help with more penetration."

While broadband and telephone service is licensed through the state and requires no local approvals to provide service, federal law requires cable TV providers to sign franchise agreements with local municipalities.

Empire has been in negotiations with the City of Batavia for a franchise agreement for at least six months. Councilman John Deleo has raised the issue at two consecutive City Council meetings and City Manger Jason Molino hasn't wanted to comment further in public than "we're in negotiations."

Empire already has franchise agreements with 35 other municipalities in New York.

"Typically, it takes a couple of months to get through negotiations," Baase said. "It's taking a little longer with the City of Batavia. There are still a few outstanding issues that the city is requiring us to agree to. We haven't resolved those issues yet. We're hopeful in the next few weeks those issues will get resolved."

For residential customers wanting affordable, high-speed broadband now, the installation process typically takes about two weeks.

The photos with this story are of an Empire crew doing a line drop on a residential street in Batavia and at a Downtown location.

Once a customer signs up for the service, an outside crew drops a line to the location and tests it. An inside crew comes later, at an appointed time with the customer, to finish the install inside the residence.

The installation make take a little longer with apartment complexes serviced by underground utilities.

Empire is also working on expanding service beyond the City of Batavia. The company is working with Town of Batavia officials now to start stretching beyond the city's borders and engineers are drawing up plans for providing service in Le Roy.

The company hopes to start building the network in Le Roy by the fourth quarter of this year.

As for reaching more rural parts of the county, Baase said the company is looking for municipal partners in that process and is in fact talking with Town of Batavia officials along those lines.

With such partners, it might make it possible to tap into the $500 million in seed money Gov. Andrew Cuomo has proposed for expansion broadband in rural New York.

They're also looking for more partners like the Town of Big Flats, in Chemung County, where officials didn't want to wait around for grant money, so the town helped Empire secure a low-interest loan to build out the network.

"There are limited resources and we can't build everywhere at once," Baase said. "We're in the Town of Big Flats because they reached out to us. We're looking for more partnerships like that."

Photos: The work crew handling the outside installation work yesterday was Rick Burke, Kasey Wetmore, Don Todd, Joe Kirchner and Roy Faulkner. Pictured are Burke, in the cherry picker, and Wetmore, seen in the fourth photo splicing together a line from the outside of a house to the inside wire.

A truck driver passing through a railroad crossing in Bergen tells dispatchers that his tractor-trailer was still in the crossing when the gates came down.

He had not choice but to continue through the crossing to avoid being hit by a train.

The gates were damaged. He's waiting roadside. A deputy is responding. The railroad company has been notified.

Le Royans will often tell you, they live in a special place. Now they have some proof and a chance to demonstrate just how special it is, with the chance at a $3 million prize at the end of the rainbow.

Frontier Communications, drawing from 138 applications in 27 states, has picked Le Roy as one of the Top 50 communities in America.

The honor comes with a $50,000 prize to help fund writing a comprehensive plan aimed at spurring business growth with assistance from business leaders at IBM.

"For those of us who choose to live here, and those people who have chosen to move away and come back, there is a draw to la-roy, or lee-roy (pause for laughter), and we need to capitalize on that, and I think maybe that's why we were so strong with our application," said Lynn Belluscio, curator of the Le Roy Historical Society, who helped with the application process. "It is going to take all of us going in the same direction, which we know is sometimes difficult in this community, but I think we can do it."

The impetus to apply came from County Legislator Shelly Stein, who worked with the staff at GCEDC to get the ball rolling, but the application process and letters of support brought together not just Stein and the GCEDC, but Belluscio, Supervisor Steve Barbeau, the Rotary Club of Le Roy, the Chamber of Commerce, Superintendent of Schools Kim Cox, the Le Roy Business Council, County Planning Director Felipe Oltramari and the Village of Le Roy.

The Village and Town of Bergen also pitched in because Le Roy by itself didn't have a big enough population to qualify.

The business project that will be targeted for infrastructure improvement -- a bigger natural gas pipe and broadband -- is the park at Route 19 and West Bergen road.

Robert Smith, the Rochester area general manager for Frontier, said he though Le Roy and Bergen were a great choice.

"But the work doesn't end here," Smith said. "You have a lot more to do because there is a lot more that can come from this."

The comprehensive plan will be reviewed in November and after that the Le Roy group will find out if it moves onto the next stage.

The eventual payoff for the winner is a $3 million prize, but second plays will earn $2 million and third, $1 million.

Growing the local business base is critical, Barbeau said.

He noted that for every tax dollar generated by a commercial property, businesses consume about 60 to 70 cents and services. For agriculture, it's about 30 cents in services. But residential, he said, eats up about $1.30 in services.

"We feel like this is a perfect opportunity to expand our infrastructure and bring in more business," he said.

Steve Hyde, CEO of GCEDC, said this is an exciting opportunity for Le Roy and Bergen and fits right in with everything GCEDC is trying to do to attract more industry to Genesee County.

"When you try to grow an economy, you need to be able to talk about the quality of life and the factors that make it a place where people want to live, work and play," Hyde said. "This community has that."

Photo: Smith presenting a finalists' certificate with Rotary president Randy Vink and Stein in the background.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $103,637 in federal funding for Mercy EMS in Batavia. The grant was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG), which is designed to help first responders improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.

“Providing the necessary funding for our first responders is an excellent and prudent use of federal money,” Congressman Collins said. “Our local heroes need the proper resources to do their jobs and protect our communities. Many small fire companies and emergency medical service providers are unable to purchase necessary equipment upgrades due to financial limitations. This funding will help create more efficient and effective first responders, and I am proud I was able to help Mercy EMS secure this money.”

“Mercy EMS is extremely pleased to be awarded a grant through the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program,” said Bill Schutt, general manager for Mercy EMS. “The grant will allow Mercy EMS to equip all our first-line ambulances with power-lift stretchers and tracked stair-chairs. These two devices will have multiple impacts on our operations. The power stretcher allows a crew to lift a patient with the touch of a button, eliminating manual lifting and the associated risk of injury to crews. Likewise the tracked stair-chair allows a patient to be moved down a flight of stairs with no lifting involved, again reducing the risk of injuries from lifting. The additional impact of the equipment involves increased patient safety and when dealing with larger patients the ability to move them with an increased level of dignity. As a nonprofit agency Mercy EMS could not afford these upgrades without grant assistance.”

Press release:

The Town of Pavilion Republican Committee is still seeking candidates for the following positions, which will appear on the election ballot in November:

• Town supervisor
• Highway superintendent
• Town justice
• and a Town Board seat.

Another endorsement meeting is being held on May 7.

Any town resident interested in one of the positions is asked to send a letter to:

Town of Pavilion Republican Committee

c/o Dorothy Wentland, Chair

10511 Asbury Road, Le Roy, NY 14482.

Letters must be received by May 4 for consideration.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department will be making a repair on the water system Thursday April 30th on Pearl Street near Roosevelt Avenue. Low water pressure or water service interruption may occur on Pearl Street in the area of Dewey Avenue to Brooklyn Avenue and possibly some adjacent areas while repairs are completed. There may also be a period of water discoloration in the immediate area as a result. Traffic patterns are expected to be maintained, but will be slow near the repair area.

Press release:

Four New York communities – including three in greater Rochester and the surrounding area -- are celebrating their first round of success in the America’s Best Communities competition, a $10-million initiative to stimulate economic revitalization in small towns and cities. Webster, Le Roy and Livingston County, plus Norwich in Central NY are moving ahead in the competition. Each will receive $50,000 to develop comprehensive strategies to accelerate the revival of their local economies and improve the quality of life in their communities.

Frontier Communications, DISH Network, CoBank and The Weather Channel — the competition’s sponsors — today announced that Webster, Le Roy, Livingston County and Norwich have advanced into the quarterfinals of this innovative competition. They are among the 50 quarterfinalist communities that now have six months to complete their revitalization plans and compete for up to an additional $3 million to bring their ideas to life.

In the months ahead, the communities will partner with a major corporation that will provide guidance and support throughout the next stage of the competition. The America’s Best Communities Adopt-a-Community Program has brought together 50 distinguished companies from across the nation to support the quarterfinalist communities. Each corporation will be paired with a community to serve as their strategic mentor, while also contributing $15,000 of the $50,000 in prize money. These corporate partners will forge relationships with local leaders and focus their efforts on successful implementation of the innovative business plans.

“It gives me great pleasure to announce Livingston County and Le Roy as two community areas that have pulled together their talent and first-class ideas and are now moving forward in the competition,” said Bob Smith, area general manager of Frontier’s Rochester West operations. “I can speak from personal experience as to the caliber of the leadership, the resilience and strength of the communities, and the overall commitment they have toward enhancing, growing, and setting the bar high.”

Julie Marshall, Livingston County director of Economic Development stated, “We are pleased to be selected in the America’s Best Communities competition. The community revitalization plan that we will develop with the financial support from America’s Best Communities will be designed to generate sustained economic momentum that will further strengthen Livingston County for many years.”

Shelley Stein, County Legislator for Le Roy, said: "The community of Le Roy and Bergen are so excited to learn that we are one of America's Best Communities! Our application was a shared effort of the Town Supervisor Steve Barbeau and Director of the Jell-O Museum and the Le Roy Historical Society Lynne Belluscio. All of us are eager to share our story of agrarian roots and our ability to create local/regional commerce steeped in strong entrepreneurial tradition in the community.

"We look forward to meeting with our strategic mentor and continuing this exciting opportunity for Le Roy to attract more attention to our incredible work ethic, ability to collaborate and strong leadership capacity. We sincerely thank Frontier, Dish Network, CoBANK and The Weather Channel for assisting rural communities reach our full potential.”

Sharing comments on Le Roy making it to the quarterfinals, Belluscio stated: “This is great news! Le Roy is extremely proud to be included in this national search for America’s Best Community. Rural communities are great places to live and raise families. This is where neighbors help neighbors, and the true American spirit is fostered. It is where American entrepreneurs can thrive with proper planning and economic development. It takes a team of dedicated people to make it happen - - and Le Roy has that team - - now we hope that this kind of economic investment and technical support will propel this community into the next generation.”

As the newly appointed Area General Manager of Frontier’s Rochester East operations, Bill Carpenter said, “I am very excited to have a town in my area of responsibility move forward in the competition. Webster has demonstrated that it has the inspiration and dedication to generate ideas that will reinvigorate the community. It’s this type of local engagement that attracted me to Frontier, and I am very proud to work with Webster as the community moves to the next round of competition.”

Speaking on behalf of Webster, Matt Chatfield, executive director of the Webster Community Coalition for Economic Development, noted: “The Webster community is grateful to receive this national recognition for the long-standing efforts of its political, civic and business leadership to make Webster a community of choice in Upstate New York. We are also excited about the prospect of working with our corporate partner to develop a unique, sustainable and achievable business growth plan that will propel our community forward for the foreseeable future.”

After launching in September, the America’s Best Communities competition successfully attracted entries from 138 applicant teams, representing 347 communities across the country. All 138 applications were reviewed by a panel of independent expert judges who selected the 50 winning communities based upon an objective set of criteria.

America’s Best Communities is a multi-stage, three-year competition that will provide $4 million in seed money and other support to assist communities as they develop new economic growth strategies. The top three communities — those with the most innovative proposals being effectively implemented — will share a total of $6 million in prize money. The winning community will be awarded $3 million, with $2 million for second place and $1 million for third.

“As the largest telecommunications company focused on rural America, we recognize the economic impact that strategic investments often have on the revitalization of small towns and rural cities,” Frontier Communications Executive Chairman Maggie Wilderotter said. “America’s Best Communities has already inspired new collaboration among local leaders across New York, and it’s just getting started. The innovative ideas the competition is investing in have the potential to become roadmaps to growth for communities across the U.S.”

Press release:

Centennial Arts Fest, Tuesday, June 16th, 4-8 p.m., in Downtown Batavia, will feature artists and crafts people exhibiting their art work in celebration of the City of Batavia’s 100th Year. This will take place in historic Jackson Square. Rain date: Tuesday, June 23rd.

This is free to all artists and crafts people who wish to be a part of our outdoor gallery. We are hoping to have 100 participants to make this a grand celebration of arts and culture in our community. The B.I.D. Promotion Committee is offering a "$100 Prize" based upon the “People’s Choice” award for the best all-around artist. Deadline for applications: Monday, May 18th!

Applications and info are available at: Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District, 200 E. Main St., Suite 12, Batavia NY 14020

585-344-0900

visit: www.downtownbataviany.com

Press release:

The Batavia Cemetery Association will hold a Victorian Home Tour from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 17th. The interior home tour will feature some of Batavia's finest examples of Victorian architecture on Ellicott Avenue, and Ross and Summit streets. The houses were built between 1862 and 1899. The tour starts at the Historic Batavia Cemetery on Harvester Avenue at 12:30 p.m.

Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online at bataviacemetery.com, in person at T-Shirts, Etc., Center Street, Batavia, or by calling 507-6524. Any remaining tickets may be purchased at the cemetery the day of the tour, however advance purchase is recommended as a limited number will be sold. No children under the age of 12 please.

All proceeds benefit the upkeep and restoration of the Historic Batavia Cemetery, which was founded in 1823 and was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places in 2002.

Press release:

The United Way of Genesee County is pleased to announce the formation of the Genesee County Race Series. The event is a collaboration between the United Way and six local 5K events and will culminate with the annual Runner of the Year Award.

Runners will be required to participate in at least three events to be eligible for awards. The top four race results will be counted toward an individual's ranking. Cash awards ($300 for first, $150 for second and $50 for third) will be presented to the top three male and female runners. In addition, awards will be presented to the top three runners in each age group (overall winners will not be eligible for age group prizes). There will also be awards given to individuals who participate in all six races. Awards will be presented at a year-end banquet in October.

According to United Way of Genesee County Director Erik Fix, “The United Way believes in building a better community through education, income and health. The Race Series is just one way we can help build a healthy community. We are excited to partner with six great local races to create the series. Our goal is to quickly grow to 10 races by 2017.”

The vision for the series is to draw more people to each event and getting more people out to participate.

“We hope the additional prizes including a cash prize will help to draw some quality racers and their families and friends to Genesee County,” Fix said.

The series will begin with the UMMC Spring Sprint 5K on May 9 and culminate with the ARC Friends and Family 5K on Sept. 26.

The six races are:

• May 9 -- UMMC Spring Sprint 5K
• May 29 -- Genesee Cancer Assistance Festival of Hope 5K
• July 4 -- Kiwanis Independence Day 5K
• Aug. 15 -- Don Carroll Toys for Kids 5K
• Sept. 7 -- Jaycees Labor Day 5K
• Sept. 26 -- ARC Friends and Family 5K

The series is being sponsored by Alpina Foods. The yogurt company will be present with sample products at each event. The series is open to individuals of all ages regardless of where they reside. Series registration is not necessary. By registering for an individual race you are automatically qualified for the series. For full series details please check out the United Way of Genesee County Web site www.uwgeneseecounty.org