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Sales from ‘Genny Sees the Eclipse’ raises more than $28K for area animal rescues

By Howard B. Owens
genny book donation
Chamber President Brian Cousins presents a display check to Jonell Chudyk, Mockingbird Farm Sanctuary; Marcy Colantonio, Volunteers for Animals; Maryanne Arena, Mary Land Haven for Horses; Pamela Harmon, Cherry Hill Sanctuary.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Proceeds from the sale of a children's book developed by the Chamber of Commerce --  “Genny Sees the Eclipse” -- will help feed rescue animals and even enable a couple of sanctuaries to give a couple of horses a safe place to retire.

On Tuesday, Brian Cousins, president of the Chamber, presented $28,653.56 to Jonell Chudyk, Mockingbird Farm Sanctuary; Marcy Colantonio, Volunteers for Animals; Maryanne Arena, Mary Land Haven for Horses; Pamela Harmon, Cherry Hill Sanctuary.

Each organization is receiving  $7,163.39.

"This is truly life-changing," said Chudyk. "I know for us from Mockingbird Farm Sanctuary, that amount, that total amount, will pay for the amount of hay that we need through winter. So thank you so much."

Harmon said the $7,000 would help Cherry Hill rescue more horses, and Arena, at Mary Land, said her rescue for retired racehorses would be able to add two horses to its stable.

"It may sound like, 'Oh, two horses,' but that means two lives saved," Arena said.

The book was produced to educate children about the April 8 total eclipse of the sun in Genesee County.  The chamber received orders from 28 states -- including Hawaii -- and 165 cities.  Forbes named it one of the best five books for people to buy to learn more about the eclipse.

It was written by Colleen Onuffer and illustrated by Andy Reddout.

"We talked to the agriculture community, and we talked with the scientific community to make sure the book was true to life," Cousins said. "Then we thought about how we could commemorate this book to our community, and we thought of you and your selfless devotion to these animals. If you take a look at the book, you will see each one of the animals that you take care of day in and day out are represented in that book." 

genny book donation
Jonell Chudyk, Mockingbird Farm Sanctuary, expressing her gratitude for the donation to her organization.
Photo by Howard Owens.
genny book donation
Cover of Genny Sees the Eclipse
Photo by Howard Owens.
genny book donation
Illustrator Andy Reddout also designed a barn quilt, shown on this model barn, and also on a barn on Route 19 in Le Roy.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Annual Pride events set for Friday and Saturday

By Press Release

Press Release:

GLOW OUT! is excited and proud to announce multiple events, with the potential for many more throughout Pride Month across the GLOW region. We welcome the LGBTQ+ community, allies, friends, and loved ones to the 2024 festivities. 

This year's theme is "Be Your Passion. Be Your Pride."

On Friday, June 7 all are welcome at Eden Cafe’s First Friday Art Opening featuring Buffalo artist Janna Willoughby-Lohr and an exhibit from LGBTQ+ youth superstars from 5:30 - 7 p.m. Eden Cafe is located at 242 Ellicott St in Batavia.

Also on Friday, June 7 those 21 and over are invited for a Professional Happy Hour at GO ART! from 4 - 6 p.m. Meet your peers, make some friends, and get ready for Pride! GO Art! is located at 201 Main Street, Batavia.

Finally on Saturday June 8, join us for our Pride Parade, Festival, Vendor Fair & Story Hour. The afternoon begins with the Drag Queen Story Hour event for families in Jackson Square at 3 p.m. 

Then the Pride Parade will line up at Batavia First Presbyterian Church, with marchers assembling at 4 p.m. and stepping off at 5 p.m. 

The route will cross Main Street, turn left onto Washington Avenue, and again onto Bank Street, finishing at Jackson Square for the Pride Festival, featuring family-friendly drag performances from 6 - 10 p.m. While waiting for the parade, enjoy the vendor fair on Jackson Street from 4 to 8 p.m. featuring eclectic artisans, local non-profits, and a variety of food trucks!

GCC names Lamb successor to outgoing college president

By Press Release

Press Release:

The State University of New York Board of Trustees today appointed Dr. Craig Lamb as president of Genesee Community College. Lamb’s appointment is effective August 1, 2024.

The SUNY Board of Trustees said, “After an extensive and thorough search for the president of Genesee Community College, we would like to congratulate Dr. Craig Lamb. He is no stranger to SUNY, serving at GCC since 2013. His incredible career championing higher education will serve him well as he leads the institution into a bright future.”

“Community colleges offer so much for the areas they serve, from workforce development and microcredentials for individuals seeking to upskill, to providing students with springboards from associate degrees to our bachelor’s degree programs,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “Having presidents who understand each campus and know what the communities need is crucial in fostering student success and upward mobility. I congratulate Dr. Lamb on his appointment and look forward to collaborating for the benefit of our students, faculty, and staff.”

About Dr. Craig Lamb

Dr. Craig Lamb joined Genesee Community College in 2013 and currently serves as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Having held various leadership and administrative roles, Dr. Lamb is a believer in the transformative power of a high-quality, affordable, and accessible college education, especially for individuals who have been historically underrepresented and underserved. Dr. Lamb’s efforts are driven by his commitment to inclusivity, intellectual and social growth, shared governance, fiscal responsibility, and the development of life-long learners.

Dr. Lamb’s career has been dedicated to the public postsecondary educational sector, including previous positions at SUNY Empire State University, the University of Connecticut, and SUNY Plattsburgh. He has completed several professional development programs specifically focused on executive leadership within an ever-changing educational environment. Along with his professional and administrative roles, Dr. Lamb has taught a variety of college courses in face-to-face, hybrid, and online modalities for more than two decades.

Dr. Lamb earned his Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the University at Albany, and his Master of Science in College and Agency Counseling from SUNY Plattsburgh.

Chair of the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees Jacalyn Whiting said, “The Genesee Community College trustees are pleased to welcome Dr. Craig Lamb as our next president. Dr. Lamb brings extensive experience and leadership to this role, and we look forward to working closely with him in continuing our commitment to student success above all else.

Dr. Lamb said, “It is a profound privilege to be selected as the next President of Genesee Community College. I am deeply thankful to those who have entrusted me with this role. For the past ten years, I have been honored to be part of the GCC community, and I am excited to lead our campus in our steadfast commitment to student success.”



 

County calling reform to law driving up costs of ensuring defendants are mentally competent to stand trial

By Howard B. Owens
Lynda Battaglia, director of Mental Health & Community Services
Lynda Battaglia, director of Mental Health & Community Services.
Photo by Howard Owens

When a criminal suspect with mental health issues enters the justice system following an arrest, that defendant has a constitutional right to understand the proceedings, whether the defendant eventually ends up accepting a plea offer or facing trial.

In New York, that right is protected by statute as well in Article 730 of the Criminal Procedure Law.

Officials in Genesee County want to see the law changed because it is antiqued, and complying with it is expensive and less effective than more contemporary options for dealing with a defendant's mental health capacity.

To that end, the Genesee County Legislature is preparing to pass a resolution asking the State Legislature to amend Article 730.  The Human Services Committee on Monday recommended the resolution be presented to the full Legislature.

"We're in a new era, and things need to change," Lynda Battaglia, director of Mental Health & Community Services, told the committee. "We have more innovative services; we have diversion; we have mental health treatment courts. All of that can be utilized before a person even gets to court. We have mental health treatment courts and drug treatment courts. All of those (options) will assist with lowering the cost of restoration."

With four defendants currently in state mental health hospitals undergoing restoration services, the county is facing a potential expense for 2024 of $1.2 million after budgeting only $300,000 for such services.

County Manager Matt Landers explained that he knew the expense could be higher when he was preparing the budget. The annual expense is impossible to predict because there is no way to guess at how many people arrested will have potential competency issues. If he had included even just another $300,000 in the budget, the property tax rate for the county would have gone up.  With the conservative approach, he could avoid raising taxes, he said, and if the unanticipated expense hit, find the money elsewhere in county coffers -- for example, higher than anticipated sales tax revenue or fund reserves.

On Monday, the Human Services Committee also approved a resolution transferring $300,000 from personal services and the medical line item to contracted mental health care. The resolution still needs to be approved by the full Legislature at its next meeting.

The purpose of Article 730 is to ensure a defendant is able to understand the charges against him or her and participate in his or her own defense.

The state operations "forensic" hospitals solely for the purpose of trying to restore a defendant to competency so they can participate in the legal proceedings.

While competency restoration provides medication, the primary purpose is to help the defendant understand the proceedings in the courtroom.

It is not mental health treatment and does nothing to help alleviate or manage the defendant's mental health issues.

Judges, according to the proposed resolution, often do not understand that competency restoration is no substitute for mental health treatment. 

Restoration can take from 90 to 150 days at a cost to the county of $1,300 a day.

Some defendants in New York have been in restoration for three, six, or even 10 years, though by legal precedent, the state cannot hold a mentally incompetent person indefinitely. 

"They do have a right to restoration," Battaglia said. "They have to understand what's happening, what charges are being brought against them and to understand the trial process. That's their civil liberties." 

Landers hopes that the four defendants currently receiving restoration services will be found competent to proceed with legal proceedings well before the county's bill approaches that $1.2 million mark.

He said he met with other county administrators from throughout the state a month ago, and competency restoration costs were a common concern.

All are pushing for changes in Article 730, including ensuring judges understand the 730 process is not mental health treatment and that the professionals conducting competency exams inform judges whether there is a reasonable chance of restoration, allowing judges to explore diversion programs and mental health treatment.

The change would also require counties to invest any savings realized from reform into community-based mental health services.

"It makes too much sense and I guess we're frustrated because from a clinical and from a financial side, we don't understand why there isn't movement on this," Landers said.

matt landers county manager genesee county
County Manager Matt Landers.
Photo by Howard Owens

Hawley sponsors benefit for Gold Star families

By Press Release

Press Release:

File photo of 
Steve Hawley.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is sponsoring a proposal in the state Assembly that would eliminate the registration fee for Gold Star mothers’ and Gold Star family members' distinctive license plates. 

Hawley believes this initiative is a small way for New York to show its appreciation for the families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

“As an Assemblyman and a veteran, one of my top priorities is finding ways to give back to the families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Hawley. “Gold Star families have given so much for our country and this is just one small way for our state to show our gratitude for all they have done. I’m proud to sponsor this proposal and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to consider this initiative to show our thanks to our Gold Star families.”

YWCA of Genesee County announces new board members

By Press Release
board-photo-32.jpg
Submitted photo.

Press Release:

YWCA of Genesee County is growing! Executive Director, Jamie Rada, announces several new board members carefully chosen to meet the needs of the agency.

“Our community has some incredible resources, agencies, and people. Our goal is not to reinvent the wheel but to work with community members to fill in gaps and assure that there is an intersectionality of services and support for the people we help. We have an amazing team of staff and an incredible, dedicated board," says Jamie Rada, Executive Director.

The Executive Board includes:

  • Board Chair - Georganne Mott-Lang, Community Integration Specialist for Lifetime Assistance, Inc.
  • Vice President - Emily Marling, Certified Financial Planner for Merrill Lynch
  • Treasurer - Shannon Ford, Service Director of Communications and Development for Uconnect Care

Board Members include:

  • Dr. Emily Fraser Branche, Pediatrician and Practice Owner for Three Little Birds Pediatrics
  • Cassandre DiPiazza, Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Veterans Health Administration
  • Chris Fix, retired
  • Laurie Pfaff, Senior Manager of Marketing Support for Liberty Pumps
  • Lisa Smith, Senior Employment and Training Counselor for Genesee County Job Development Bureau
  • Lauren Casey, Financial Assistant for the Genesee County Economic Development Center
  • Ashlee Reigle, Human Resources Manager for Liberty Pumps 
  • Anita Strollo, Coordinator for Genesee County Business Education Alliance

“Each of these women brings an incredible and unique skillset to the table, allowing us to enter into a period of agency and program growth and development in order to expand our reach and support more people”, says Rada.

board-photo.jpg
Submitted photo.

Hawley to host annual electronic recycling event June 22

By Press Release
steve hawley recycling
Photo from 2022 recycling event. 
Photo by Howard Owens.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is once again partnering with Sunnking Sustainable Solutions to offer free electronic device collection and recycling for the community. Collection day will be Saturday, June 22 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the parking lot at 5130 E Main Street Rd. in Batavia. Pre-registration is requested of all attendees at the website https://form.jotform.com/Sunnking/eo-batavia---june-2024.

“Recycling is a small but impactful way we can help keep our communities clean and I’m grateful to the good people at Sunnking Sustainable Solutions for partnering with me for another year of work,” Hawley said. “Anything from cell phones to computers to TVs can be recycled, so please, register today and help keep our communities clean!”

Genesee County expands HELP program to address staffing shortages

By Press Release

Press Release:

Genesee County is pleased to announce the expansion of the Hiring Emergency Limited Placement (HELP) Program, approved by the New York State Department of Civil Service, to address staffing shortages for critical roles.

The HELP Program, initially implemented for the following key positions, has now been extended to include several additional titles. 

Previously Approved HELP Program Titles:

  • Caseworkers
  • Emergency Services Dispatchers 
  • Mental Health Clinical Therapists
  • Mental Health Clinical Social Workers
  • Social Welfare Examiners

Newly Approved Non-Competitive Positions:

  • Accounting Supervisors
  • Assistant Social Worker II
  • Case Manager II
  • Clerk Typist
  • Electronic Health Records Program Specialist
  • Financial Clerk Typist
  • Housing Coordinator
  • Intake Clerk
  • Legal Clerk Typist
  • Motor Vehicle Service Representative

Effective immediately until December 31, 2024, candidates hired for these positions will not be required to undergo Civil Service testing and will be hired in a non-competitive classification. This extension aims to enhance recruitment efforts, increase the pool of qualified candidates, and alleviate concerns about exam requirements.

The County's Human Resources Department will continue collaborating with various departments to ensure a smooth transition and effective recruitment for these roles.

Candidates must still meet the minimum qualifications for their respective positions. Genesee County remains committed to maintaining high standards and ensuring hired professionals are well-suited for their roles.

For further information or inquiries about the expanded HELP Program, please contact the Genesee County Human Resources Department at 585-815-7805 or civilservice@geneseeny.gov.

Friends of the Peace Garden unveil new panels Thursday

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden have commissioned five beautiful interpretive panels that are scheduled to be unveiled at the Batavia Peace Garden during a special ceremony on Thursday, June 6 at 1 p.m. 

The public is invited to attend. A reception will follow with light refreshments at the Holland Land Office Museum.

The interpretive panels were designed by local graphic artist, Matt Steinberg.

These panels were made possible through the generous support of GoArt! and the NYS Community Regrant Program.

These beautiful panels complete phase one of the Batavia Peace Garden. Phase two is a work in progress located behind the Genesee County Court House.

We invite the public to visit the Batavia Peace Garden and enjoy the ongoing display of beautiful seasonal blooms and artistic displays. We have an amazing story to tell and now that the panels are installed, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about our fascinating history.

The Batavia Peace Garden is made possible and maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers. Volunteers are always needed and welcome to assist in the many activities of maintaining this beautiful community garden.

Please visit our website at Bataviapeacegarden.com for more information.

Pavilion Central Schools sponsors inaugural community 5K

By Press Release
pavilion 5k

Press release:

While gophers may not be well known for their running ability, Pavilion Central School’s Gopher 5K Fun Run/Walk – named for the school’s mascot – asked its students, staff, and residents to do just that.  Competitive racers, walkers, and families participated in the school’s first annual event, held on Saturday.  

Divisional winners all took home awards, and a special prize was given to the “most spirited family” decked out in purple and gold, the school’s colors.  “Excellus (the company behind the school’s health care plan) gave us promotional items for each family participating,” said Ashley Tallman, District Wellness Committee Coordinator and Health/Physical Education Department Chair.

This event fits in well with her department’s goals:  “We really are just trying to get people to be more active and use our community resources in (the 5K), especially our Walking Trail,” said  Tallman.  “We just completed it with a  grant from the New York State Department of Transportation through BOCES, and basically, we were able to utilize some of that funding to clear parts of our path and buy equipment like bicycles, lumber for bridges, map consoles, etc.”  

The Walking Trail, partially funded by the state’s Creating Healthy Schools and Communities Initiative, is about 2.2 miles. “Our actual 5k course is modified from the Walking Trail a little, as it needs to be the correct distance for a 5k, " said Tallman.  The trail spotlights some of PCS’s educational programs, such as the Outdoor Classroom, and fits the district’s goal to promote physical fitness for its students, families, and the Pavilion community.  The physical education department hopes to increase the use of the trail through a new curriculum, cross-country meets, and more community events..  

The 5K began at 10 AM, and more than 100 people registered, including 30 competitive runners and 80 who signed up to walk with their families. “We’re hoping to grow it every year,” Tallman said.  

Proceeds from the school’s first annual event benefited the Wellness Committee and Walking Trail maintenance in addition to covering event costs.  

Photos by Ashley Tallman

pavilion 5k
pavilion 5k
pavilion 5k
pavilion 5k

Time travel and Shakespeare set the scene for Whirligig of Time, opening Friday at Main St. 56

By Howard B. Owens
whirligig batavia players
Anthony Haitz as Shakespeare and Sarah Hill as Olivia.
Photo by Howard Owens

“The Whirligig of Time,” the newest production from the Batavia Players at Main St. 56 Theater, melds the fantasy of time travel with the magic of William Shakespeare to captivate an audience's imagination.

Written by Rick Bingen, Whirligig (itself a reference to a line in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night), the play is the story of a woman who visits London on vacation and then returns to complete the journey he longed to take before they returned home. Her husband, a software engineer obsessed with Shakespeare, had planned a visit to a tavern known for its authentic recreation of a watering hole from the Bard's time. Alas, when they arrive on that last night, the tavern is closed.  

The husband begs his wife, Olivia (another allusion to the Twelfth Night), to stay in London a few more days and catch another flight home. After all, he argues, you never know if their plane might roll off the runway or he might die of boredom in his job.

After he passes, Olivia returns to London and that tavern. After a brief visit to contemporary times, she is magically transported back four centuries and meets Shakespeare and his friends and associates, Richard Burbage, Will Kemp, Rebecca Heminges, and John Heminges.

Photos by Howard Owens.

whirligig batavia players
whirligig batavia players
whirligig batavia players
whirligig batavia players
Whirligig
whirligig batavia players

Notre Dame graduates encouraged to be 'relentless' in future endeavors at 70th commencement

By Steve Ognibene
Senior Kaitlyn Landers moving her tassel being conferred of her diploma.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Senior Kaitlyn Landers moves her tassel as the traditional conferring of her diploma.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Notre Dame High School graduated 36 students from the Class of 2024 Sunday afternoon at Resurrection Parish in Batavia.

Kalen Muehlig was the class valedictorian. He encouraged his classmates to be "relentless in everything you do."

Kate Ricupito was the salutatorian. She told her classmates, "Do what you love and see where it takes you. Nothing is permanent. Countless doors are open and waiting."

Interim principal Michael Rapone honored many students with awards in academics and athletics, as well as staff and parents who have embraced and helped make the school year memorable.

Jay Antinore, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jaden Sherwood were co-Man of the Year. Teresa Compton and Emma Sisson were co-Woman of the Year. 

Assistant Principal Lindsay Warner presented the candidates, senior awards, and special recognition awards.

George Woodruff, class president, presented the senior gift to the school.

The top 10 students recognized were Kalen Muehlig, Kate Ricupito, Violet March, Emma Sisson, Joshua Kirsch, Owen Murray, Theresa Compton, Maria Dollas, Sophia Iovannisci, and Harold McWilliams.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Mr Michael Rapone, Interm Principal.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Michael Rapone, Interm Principal.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Class Valedictorian, Kalen Muehlig.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Class Valedictorian Kalen Muehlig.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Class Salutatorian, Kate Ricupito.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Class Salutatorian Kate Ricupito.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Co- Man of the year awards  photo by Steve Ognibene
Co-Man of the Year awards  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Co- Woman of the year awards  photo by Steve Ognibene
Co-Woman of the Year awards  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Gabe Yonkin embraces his mom with the presentation of flower.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Gabe Yonkin embraces his mom with the presentation of a rose.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Spartans hang tough in 16-6 loss to visiting Lockport Wildcats

By Press Release
spartans-reese-1.jpg
Genesee Spartans’ halfback Jed Reese looks for running room during Saturday’s semipro game against the Lockport Wildcats at Pembroke Town Park. 
Photo by Lauren Donovan.

The Genesee County Spartans gave the Lockport Wildcats all they could handle on Saturday afternoon before falling, 16-6, in their Northeastern Football Alliance semipro opener at Pembroke Town Park.

The Spartans’ defense kept the Wildcats, who went 9-1 last season, in check for most of the game except for a 60-yard touchdown pass from strong-armed quarterback Willie Fair III to Jason Thurman on the opening drive and a four-yard TD run by Fair with 1:18 to play.

Lockport was able to run for both two-point conversions.

Genesee’s offense sputtered in the first half, losing the ball twice on botched snaps, but put together its only scoring drive to begin the third quarter.

Halfback Jed Reese (Notre Dame graduate) gained 12 yards on two plays up the middle before wide receiver Deyonci Farley picked up 10 yards on a sweep.

On third down, quarterback Alex Rood threw a deep ball intended for wide receiver Rayshawn Huitt, who drew a pass interference penalty – putting the ball at the Lockport 7-yard line.

The Wildcats stiffened on the next two running plays and a false start penalty on the Spartans moved the ball back to the 15. From there, Rood found Huitt in the end zone for a touchdown, pulling Genesee to within two at 8-6.

Another pass intended for Huitt for the two-point conversion fell incomplete, however.

Both teams punted three times until the Spartans took possession at their own 47 with 4:39 to play. Following a couple of short gains, Rood hit Farley for a first down but a fumble on the play and long return gave the ball back to Lockport at the Spartans’ 26, setting up the visitors’ final scoring drive.

Spartans Head Coach Harry Rascoe said he was proud of the way the defense shut down the 6-5, 250-pound Fair for most of the contest. LB Marley English had an interception for Genesee.

“This was the best QB in the league and one of the best teams,” he said. “We’re close and we’re going to get better.”

Fair credited the Spartans for their defensive game plan.

“I want to take my hat off to their defensive coordinator (Craig Tiberio),” he said. “His schemes and stuff were a little tricky and we didn’t make the right adjustments.”

Reese said he saw a lot of good things, mentioning the Spartans’ effort and togetherness.

“This is our second season, and we will improve. I really like the way that everyone is more positive (this season) and willing to work with each other,” he said. “We’re playing like a team, not a bunch of individuals.”

The Spartans next game is against the Rochester Chargers at 5 p.m. Saturday at Franklin High School in Rochester.

Sponsored Post: If opportunity doesn't knock; build a door! Call Reliant Real Estate today

By Sponsored Post
Reliant Real Estate
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Sponsored Post: Join the Early Access Pass today and receive a $50 T.F. Brown's gift card

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Early Access Pass


Click here to sign up for an Early Access Pass from The Batavian. Join before June 14 and receive as a thank you gift from The Batavian and T.F. Brown's a $50 gift card redeemable at T.F. Browns.

Use the promo code BROWNS1050 and get an additional $10 off.

Members of Early Access Pass help support local journalism and get early access (currently, four hours) to select stories published by The Batavian.

City Fire announces hydrant flushing for Tuesday and Wednesday

By Press Release

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will flush fire hydrants on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, Wednesday, June 5, and Thursday, June 6, from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the general area North of E. Main St. and East of Bank St. 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 five minutes or until clear.

This annual testing is essential to maintain the community 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's 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.

Five Genesee County graduates earn GCC degree alongside high school diploma

By Press Release
gcc_ace_graduates_2024.jpg
Photo of GCC Accelerated College Enrollment graduates, courtesy of Genesee Community College.

Press Release:

On May 18 Genesee Community College celebrated its 56th annual Commencement Ceremony with a group of 15 students from area high schools and homeschools deserving special mention. They completed their GCC degree requirements concurrently with their high school diplomas or New York State High School Equivalency. Nine of these graduates participated in the sixth annual cohort of the College's Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Enrichment Program through GCC's Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Office.

These high-achieving individuals include the following: Jason Anstey (Albion), Finnegan McCue (Albion), Meganne Moore (Albion), Lucy Rivers (Albion), Jacqueline Santiago Garcia (Albion) and Isabella Thom (Holly). 

The following graduates took part in the STEM Enrichment Program: Alexander Balaban (Medina), Cash Domes (Attica), Connor Domoy (Oakfield), Kaylynn Green (Oakfield), Nicholas Martinucci (Batavia), Zachary Narowski (Perry), Benjamin Stone (Batavia), Kara Tobolski (Oakfield) and Samantha Werner (Warsaw).

The STEM Enrichment program began in 2012 allowing the students to start their college studies as early as the seventh grade. In addition to their traditional schoolwork, they enrolled in college level coursework each year taking advantage of many academic opportunities and successfully completing all of the rigorous challenges of an associate degree.

"We are extremely proud of these 15 exceptional students who have not only earned their high school diplomas but also completed their GCC degree requirements. Their dedication and hard work demonstrate the power of early college enrollment and the opportunities it provides. They are truly an inspiration to future generations of students," said Ann Valento, director of Accelerated College Enrollment programs at Genesee Community College.

Kaitlyn Harloff, STEM/EXCEL program coordinator at Genesee Community College, added, "This program highlights the remarkable achievements of our students and their ability to excel in demanding academic environments. Their success is a testament to the effectiveness of the STEM Enrichment Program and the commitment of our faculty and staff to support and guide them."

Genesee Community College's 56th annual Commencement Ceremony was held at the Richard C. Call Arena and featured special guest Keynote Speaker Dr. James M. Sunser, President of Genesee Community College. To view the ceremony, please visit: https://www.genesee.edu/commencement/.

For more information contact Vice President, Development, Admissions and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.

Genesee County announces multiple road paving projects, Perry Road starting Monday

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Genesee County Highway Department is announcing the commencement of the first round of NOVA Chip Paving on Monday. This project will enhance road surfaces across several vital routes, improving driving conditions and extending the life of local roadways.

Schedule and Locations: 

Perry Road (Pavilion/LeRoy): 

  • June 3 - 4: Route 20 to Route 19
  • June 5 - 6: Route 20 to Route 63

Linden Road (Bethany):

  • June 10 - 11: Bethany Center/Linden intersection to Silver/Linden intersection

Brookville Road (Alexander):

  • June 12 - 13: Brookville/Creek intersection to Brookville/Route 20 intersection

Dodgeson Road/Bennett Road/Simonds Road/Sumner Road (Darien):

  • June 17 - 20: Dodgeson/Halstead intersection to Sumner/Harper intersection

Weather permitting, the entire project is expected to be completed by June 20.

Road Closures and Access:

During work hours (Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. - 4 p.m.), the affected roads will be closed to through traffic. Emergency responders will be able to pass through the work zones as needed. 

Local schools, including Le Roy School, Pavilion School, Alexander School, and Pembroke School, have been notified to ensure school buses can still pick up and drop off students without disruption. Adjustments will be made to accommodate school transportation needs. 

Residents and commuters are advised to plan alternate routes during this period.

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Town Court Clerk Below are two lists: one details the myriad responsibilities that fall within the purview of the court clerk; the other summarizes the knowledge and abilities that court clerks possess or acquire through training. These lists are provided so that a judge and municipality can intelligently discuss the benefits that a court clerk can provide. The items below can also form the basis for a list of job duties should a municipality need to fill a vacancy in a court clerk position. Primary Responsibilities A. Maintain confidentiality of records and information when required to do so B. Prepare court calendar C. Collect monies, reconcile daily receipts, deposit receipts, prepare reports for monthly disbursements, reconcile bank accounts, and prepare administrative reports D. Enter convictions on drivers' licenses and prepare conviction reports electronically transmitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles E. Enter criminal conviction on NCIC reports and electronically send same to Division of Criminal Justice Services F. Respond to inquiries-in person, by phone, by e-mail and by mail-and provide assistance to lawyers, litigants, media, and members of the public G. Prepare monthly reports that are electronically sent to the Office of the State Comptroller H. Prepare orders, summonses, warrants and other court forms i. Communicate with outside agencies in order to coordinate the Court's activities and provide services to litigants. Such agencies include: ii. Law enforcement agencies, such as local police departments, New York State Police, Sheriffs office, FBI and CIA, US Armed Forces, and the Office of the District Attorney; I. Other courts, including superior courts and other local town and village courts; and i. Miscellaneous county agencies, such as Community Service, Community Dispute Resolution Center, Pre-trial Release, Probation, Stop DWI program, Victim Impact Panel, and Youth Court. ii. State agencies that require periodic reporting, including the New York State Unified Court System, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Office of the State Comptroller, the Division of Criminal Justice Services, and the Office of Court Record Retention. J. Examine court documents to ensure their accuracy and completeness K. Receive and file summonses, traffic tickets and other documents for court proceedings i. Assist the Justice at the bench during all Court proceedings Knowledge of: 1. The functions and organization of the Unified Court System ii. Basic legal terminology, codes and abbreviations iii. Court forms, practices and procedures, including those set forth in the Uniform Justice Court Act and the Uniform Civil Rules for the Justice Courts (22 NYCRR Part 214) 2. Ability to: i. Prepare judicial orders and decisions ii. Effectively communicate information orally and in writing iii. File and retrieve materials, extract data from various sources for entry onto court form iv. Research and interpret laws outlined in court documents and litigants' motions and other papers v. Perform mathematical tasks in order to compile court activity reports, total receipts, accept payments, and verify bills vi. Refer to appropriate documents, statutes, citations or other sources in order to respond to specific questions from attorneys, litigants and members of the general public vii. Interpret policies, statutes, rules and regulations and apply them in specific contexts viii. Establish work priorities ix. Constructively manage conflict with court users Qualifications: Highschool diploma recognized by the NYS Dept of Education or appropriate equivalent. Along with 4 years of college, specialization in criminal justice, law, business administration or related field. -OR- 2 years college with specialization in Business Administration or related field. Please email your resume to abrownell@townofbatavia.com no later than 12/16/2024. Pay is based on experience.
Tags: Jobs Wanted
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 1ST CITY OF BATAVIA 4-5 bedroom Duplex apartment with 1 Bedroom, Living room, laundry room, dining room, bathroom, and small kitchen on first floor. 4 bedrooms 2nd floor. Newly painted. Some new carpet. Basement storage. 1/2 garage use for storage/ not parking. Large yard. $1,100/month includes trash pickup, Refrigerator, Gas Stove. You pay gas, electric, water. No dogs. Good references required with background check. Pathstone approved. Near ARC. Mike 585-993-4002
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