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Photo: A fall tree

By Billie Owens

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Nancy Gilmartin shared this photo with us today.

Phil Your Boots upsets in Batavia feature

By Billie Owens

(Photo courtesy of Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Sent off at 12-1, the lightly regarded Phil Your Boots made believers out of those doubters as he overcame a huge deficit at the half to win the $9,500 Open pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Oct. 10).

Off the wings, Cobble Beach (John Cummings Jr.) and Fireyourguns (Mike Caprio) both left in search of forward positioning. Jokerman (Jim McNeight), who had the pole, let Cobble Beach go while seating Fireyourguns. After all grabbed a spot, the single-file pack tripped the quarter in :28.4 and the half in :56.1. At this point, eventual winner Phil Your Boots (Drew Monti) was sitting last, 10-lengths off the lead behind a drifting and gapped Bakken (Ray Fisher Jr.).

Monti got his charge around the lagging horse and quickly caught the field. When Button Fly (Shawn McDonough) started an outer-flow, Phil Your Boots followed second-over as they reached the three-quarters in 1:26.1. At the top of the stretch, Cobble Beach packed it in but Fireyourguns still looked strong. Undaunted, Phil Your Boots tipped three-deep and put on a ferocious charge to just nose-out Fireyourguns in 1:54.2.

It was the tenth win of the year for Phil Your Boots ($26.00) including six out of his last eight. And the winner’s share of the purse inflated his 2015 earnings to $43,750 for owner Lou Frascella. Carl Smith trains the winner.   

Drew Monti scored a driving triple Saturday, winning with Phil Your Boots ($26.00), Rockstar Temper ($3.40) and The Battle Begins ($3.60) while Kevin Cummings, Shawn McDonough and Jim McNeight all registered driving doubles.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday (Oct. 12) with a special Columbus Day matinee card that gets under way at 1:15.

Tequila Haze a clear winner in Batavia feature

By Billie Owens

(Photo of Tequila Haze with reinsman Jim McNeight, courtesy of Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

In as definitive a manner as could be displayed, Tequila Haze ($11.20) led at all stations en route to capturing the $7,700 Open II trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Oct. 9).

While weekly regulars Lutetium and BZ Glide were not in the race, Tequila Haze (Jim McNeight) took full advantage of the opportunity and used his gait speed to power to the front off the gate and take immediate command of the race. Enjoying a loose-length lead, McNeight took the field through fractions of :29.2, :59.3 and 1:28.3 before raising the lines and giving Tequila Haze his head around the last turn.

With some rocking and knocking encouragement down the lane, Tequila Haze held strong and hit the wire in front in 1:58. Keystone Wild Card (Drew Monti) was second and Studio City (Dave McNeight III) was third.

It was the fourth win of the year for the 4-year-old gelded son of Muscle Mass and it raised his seasonal earnings to $33,399 for owners Michael Ventura and James McNeight Jr.

Shawn McDonough scored a driving triple of Friday’s card while Jack Flanigen and Ray Fisher Jr. both had doubles.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Oct. 10) with post time for the first race set at 6:35.

Mark Your Calendar: Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble to perform Fall Concert at Elba Central School on Nov. 15

By Billie Owens

Mark your calendar: The Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble will present its Fall Concert in the auditorium of Elba Central School at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15.

"This event is put on to expose and educate our community to different and familiar genres of musical works and help our organization’s members further develop their skills though preparation and performance of this music."

The school is located at 57 S. Main St., Elba.

Admission is:

  • $25 -- Family Deal
  • $10 -- Adult
  • $8 -- Senior 55 and older & Veterans
  • $5 -- Student with ID
  • Free -- Children ages 5 and younger

Contact:

geneseevalleywindensemble@gmail.com

That's just dandyism -- chronicler of the return of the elegant gentleman to visit GCC

By Billie Owens

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(Submitted photo of Rose Callahan.)

Press release:

What is dandyism? Its attributes have been passionately debated since the late 18th Century where it got its start in England and France. Among the definitions in Webster's New World Dictionary: dandy (dan'di) n. pl. dan·dies 1. A man who affects extreme elegance in clothes and manners; a fop. 2. Something very good and agreeable.

Rose Callahan, co-author of "I am Dandy: The Return of the Elegant Gentleman" has spent years exploring the fascinating phenomenon of dandyism and will visit Genesee Community College at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, for an afternoon that includes an hour-long presentation, a Q&A opportunity, an autograph session and a special Dress Like Dandy Contest.

Students, staff, faculty and the community-at-large are invited to "dress the part" or GCC's Dandy Day. The top five contestants deemed most elegant, stylish and sophisticated by a panel of GCC judges will win an autographed copy of Callahan's book.

While Callahan does not claim to have the last word on what exactly dandyism is, her collection portrays a very personal exploration of the art form.

"With each new portrait comes more curiosity, and the realization that a true dandy is a rare thing indeed," Callahan writes on her online blog, http://dandyportraits.blogspot.com/

Here, hundreds of Callahan's photos and dynamic portraits can be viewed, all under the title of her current project and obsession, "The Lives of Exquisite Gentlemen Today, The Dandy Portraits, Field Notes & Photos by Rose Callahan."

Callahan will be available for press interviews and photographs at 12:30 p.m. in the Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery in the Genesee Center for the Arts 30 minutes prior to her presentation, which will be held at 1 p.m. in the Conable Technology Building room T102.

Callahan's visit is part of the annual Fall Fashion Speakers Series at GCC, which in recent years has featured David Zyla and Anya Ayoung-Chee.

With picture perfect and exquisite serendipity, the Fashion Business program at GCC has its own very special contribution to Dandy Day. The College is introducing the new, unique, GCC alumnus-designed plaid pattern, which embodies not only the institution's official color scheme, but also exemplifies GCC's spirit and the "Beyond Expectations" brand.

Last year, the Fashion Business program initiated a contest to design the GCC plaid that was open to students and alumni to create a pattern that would be distinctive, professional, sellable, and ultimately woven into scarfs, neck ties and bow ties. Under the guidance of Professor Donna Ehrhart, the results of this extraordinary project will be unveiled during Dandy Day.

The successful plaid design was created by Michael Moultrup, of Batavia, who earned two degrees from GCC, Human Services, AAS in 1999, and Digital Art, AAS in 2011. The intricate pattern developed by Moultrup is a strong reflection of his skill as a designer and also his overall positive experiences as a GCC student in two very different fields. Interestingly, Moultrup actively uses the skills he developed in both programs in his everyday life.

He works as a private, home healthcare aide with Johnny's Angels, and also runs his own design business, A&M Dream Creations with his wife, Allana, whom he met at GCC.

The plaid design challenge was a welcomed opportunity to support his alma mater and fosters the team building skills that he learned and valued at GCC.

"I was happy to do something for the College," Moultrup said. "And if it helps the College make a little money, that's good."

Having designed Web sites, logos, wedding invitations and many other creative elements -- but never a plaid, Moultrup applied the lesson he learned from one of his favorite GCC professors, Pam Swarts. He went online to www.Lynda.com, a widely used video tutorial resource, and learned all about plaids and the plaid design process. His efforts were obviously well received, and he won the $100 prize award.

Professor Ehrhart and her team of current students took Moultrup's winning design and moved it along into a real-world, product development learning experience. They reviewed all aspects of creating 100-percent silk scarfs, neck and bow ties that are affordable, yet high quality, and they considered other aspects of production, such as child labor laws and environmentally sound dyes, weaving and manufacturing techniques. Future projects may involve working with a local weaver and exploring new uses for the GCC plaid design.

"GCC's Dandy Day is so exciting in so many ways," Professor Ehrhart said. "Just meeting Rose Callahan and hearing about her work and experiences gives our students a broad, worldwide and also historical perspective of dandyism. But then, we are able to tie-in – pun intended – the GCC experience that is personal, professional and continuously beyond expectations."

The new women's scarfs and men's neck and bow ties are now on sale for just $20 each by contacting GCC's Fashion Business office at 585-345-6830. In addition, approximately 40 Fashion Business students and faculty will be giving a few GCC scarfs and ties away as gifts to key fashion industry experts who are helping host their annual visit to New York City's fashion mecca over Columbus Day weekend.

Many of the hosts on next week's trip are GCC fashion program alumni. To read about their trip, go to GCC's blog at https://gcccampusblog.wordpress.com/

For further information contact Donna Rae Sutherland, GCC's Marketing Communications associate director at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or via email: dsutherland@genesee.edu.

(Submitted photo below of GCC professors Rick Dudkowski and Donna Ehrhardt with alumnus Michael Moultrup.)

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Grand Jury: pair of DWI cases, one from Le Roy, the other from City of Batavia

By Billie Owens

Eugene L Sumeriski is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. On Sept. 19 in the City of Batavia, Sumeriski allegedly drove a 2010 Kia while in an intoxicated condition. In count two, he is accused of driving while intoxicated, per se, as a Class E felony, and having a BAC of .08 or more at the time. In count three, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony, for driving that day in an allegedly intoxicated condition while knowing or having reason to know that his driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities. In Special Information accompanying this indictment, Sumeriski is accused of having been convicted of felony driving while intoxicated, per se, on Aug. 11, 2006, in Erie County. The conviction forms the basis for the suspension or revocation referred to in count three and together with an earlier revocation on Sept. 15, 2005, which was the basis for an earlier DWI conviction, indicates that Sumeriski knew or had reason to know of the prior convictions and that his driver's license was suspended or revoked as a result and that the suspension or revocation was still in effect.

Guru Kadel is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a misdemeanor. He is accused of driving a 2010 Honda on the Thruway in Le Roy in an intoxicated condition on April 28. In count two, he is accused of the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree for driving a vehicle while knowing or having reason to know that his driver's license was suspended pending prosecution on April 20, 2014, and at the time he was under the influence of alcohol or a drug.

East Pembroke house searched by law enforcement

By Billie Owens

A house in the 2500 block of Main Road, East Pembroke, was searched this afternoon after authorities claimed they suspected it could be the site of a meth lab. A subsequent search failed to uncover a meth lab, although the investigation is continuing.

A routine check on a parolee resulted in a conversation wherein a parole officer suspected there could be a meth lab on the property. State police responded and requested the assistance of the East Pembroke Fire Department. An investigation was conducted but no evidence of meth production has been uncovered at this point.

GCC's Harvest Fest showcases local ag, features farmers' market and petting zoo

By Billie Owens

The community is welcome to join hundreds of GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming) region high school students at the fourth annual Harvest Festival and Farmer's Market on Thursday, Oct. 15, at Genesee Community College.

The event aims to expose students interested in careers in agriculture to all the local opportunities available in agri-business. Visitors can purchase locally produced products from maple syrup to apples. The College will also participate in its own version of the New York Campus Crunch, a statewide celebration of local food that's healthy for people and the planet.

The event kicks off with presentations focused on food processing by local agri-business professionals who will offer 20-minute presentations that will run concurrently from 9 -11 a.m. and 12-12:45 p.m. Presenters include:

•    Barb Shine, Business Consultant & Trainer / GCC Professor of Business (ret.)

•    Greg Sharpe, Food Processing Technology Instructor at GCC

•    Robin Waite, Quality, R&D Manager, Perry's Ice Cream

•    Katie Scarborough, Quality Systems Coordinator, Muller Quaker Dairy

•    Kendra Lamb, Lamb Farms

The GCC Veterinary Technology Club will once again delight children and animal enthusiasts with the small animal petting zoo hosted by students and located on the east lawn of the campus. A new addition to the petting zoo this year will be Lamb Farms, which will offer a meet and greet session with a calf.

All attendees are invited to participate in GCC's Campus "Crunch" at 1 p.m. in the central Forum. Statewide, a number of colleges and universities participate in the "New York Campus Crunch" during the month of October. Collectively across campus, participants bite into an apple at the same time together to affirm a commitment to food that is healthy, and in GCC's case, locally grown. GCC will conduct its crunch at the Harvest Fest providing a free, delicious apple to each "cruncher."

"Harvest Fest is a great event that focuses on the agri-business community in the GLOW region," said Debbie Dunlevy, GCC Career Pathways program director and festival organizer. "It's a fun event and we continue to open up students' eyes to the many careers in this important segment of our local economy."

The Festival's Farmer's Market is open to all from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and located in the Forum.

"We have another great group of vendors who will be selling their wares," Dunlevy said. "So, don't forget your wallet!"

Locally grown fruits and vegetables, maple products, soaps and fiber art items will be featured during the market. Vendors who plan to attend include:

•    Harrington's, Batavia – vegetables and fruits

•    Harper Hill Farms, Darien – goat milk soaps

•    Hill 'n' Hollow, Pavilion – chutneys and vinegars

•    Maple Moon Farms, Attica – maple syrup

•    Once Again Nut Butter, Nunda – butters and honey

•    Tripleberry Farm, Kendall – fruit jams and jellies

•    Artisans on North – variety of handmade items

•    Mama Bucks, Dansville – brittles

For more information, contact GCC Career Pathways Program Director Debbie Dunlevy at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6316, or via e-mail: dkdunlevy@genesee.edu.

Disc Golf Tournament at Bergen's Hartland Park, debut of Family Shenanigans this Saturday

By Billie Owens

This Saturday (10/10) there will be a Disc Golf Tournament to celebrate the grand opening of a Disc Golf Course in Bergen's Hartland Park (62 S. Lake Ave.).

It starts at 9:30 a.m. and will go to about 1 p.m.

Also across the street in Hickory Park will be the debut of Family Shenanigans, which is a fun event for the whole family starting at 1 p.m. -- http://www.bergenfamilyshenanigans.org/

Grand Jury indicts man on five felony counts for alleged sex crimes with child under 11

By Billie Owens

Kenneth J. Tidd II is indicted for the crime of predatory sexual assault against a child, a Class A-II felony. Tidd, being age 18 or older, is accused of committing a course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree. Between September 2013 and December 2014, over a period of time not less that three months in duration, he allegedly engaged in two or more acts of sexual conduct, which included at least one act of oral sexual conduct with a child less than 11 years old. In count two of the indictment, he is accused of predatory sexual assault against a child. In or about the spring or summer of this year, on a date prior to Sept. 19 in the City of Batavia, Tidd is accused of committing the crime of criminal sexual act in the first degree by allegedly engaging in oral sexual conduct with another perosn who was less than 11 years old. In count three, he is accused of criminal sexual act in the first degree, a Class B violent felony, for allegedly engaging in oral sexual conduct this spring or summer with another person who was less than 11 years old. In count four, Tidd is accused of predatory sexual assault against a child for committing, on Sept. 19 in the City of Batavia, a criminal sexual act in the first degree by allegedly engaging in oral sexual conduct with another person who was less than 11 years old. In count five, Tidd is accused of criminal sexual act in the first degree for allegedly, on Sept. 19 in the City of Batavia, engaging in oral sexual conduct with another person who was less than 11 years old.

UPDATE: This afternoon, Tidd was arraigned on this indictment and entered pleas of not guilty to all counts. Judge Robert C. Noonan ordered him held on $50,000 bail or $100,000 bond. He has no prior criminal record, according to his attorney.

Country Delight takes Batavia feature; Cummings Jr. wins five

By Billie Owens

(Photo of Country Delight with driver Jack Flanigen, courtesy of Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Two divisions of $7,700 Open II pacing mares headlined the card at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Oct. 7) with eleven ladies going postward.

The better of the two contests turned out to be the second when Country Delight ($5) took a pocket trip en route to winning the seventh race by a long length.

Memumsnotnice (Kevin Cummings) got away sharply as Country Delight (Jack Flanigen) tucked in behind her as the only leaver in the race. From there, Cummings led the field through fractions of :28, :58.2 and 1:27 before they circled the far turn.

At the top of the stretch it appeared as if Memumsnotnice had the race won, but Flanigen shooed Country Delight into the passing lane where she accelerated past the leader to win in 1:55.4.

It was the ninth win of the year for the 5-year-old American Ideal mare who has now earned $57,473 in purses this year for owner James Frandsen. Country Delight is trained by James Clouser Jr.

In the first division, Infrontigo Hanover (Jim McNeight) went to go in front immediately at the start and maintained that position the entire mile, hanging on to beat the pocket-sitting 1-9 favorite, Climate Hanover (Drew Monti) by a mere nose in 1:57.

It was the fifth win of 2015 for Infrontigo Hanover who now has $50,444 in the bank for the year. The 7-year-old Western Hanover mare is trained by Bob Gruber, who co-owns with Summer Wind Stable of NY.

Driver John Cummings Jr. was on fire Wednesday, winning five races on the card. He took his picture with LG’s Pride ($65.50), Seascape Hanover ($5.10), Voltina ($10.80), Hawaiian Joe ($4.60) and Regal Beau ($4.60). Sean McDonough and Jack Flanigen each had driving doubles.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday night with the first post set to go at 6:35.

Hawley observes October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Billie Owens

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today applauded October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month nationwide. Hawley expressed concern about this issue and was pleased to see many New York State leaders, including Gov. Cuomo, raising awareness of breast cancer research.

“Cancer is something that touches tens of thousands of families a year in New York, and breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death for women across the U.S.,” Hawley said. “We have made significant strides toward finding a cure for cancer over the last decade but we are not there yet. I am proud that the pink ribbon has become a widely recognized symbol in society because that means we are increasing awareness of this issue and more women are remembering to schedule regular mammograms.

"I will do my part to push for increased funding for breast cancer research at the state level and I encourage all of my constituents to spread the word so together we can beat this disease."

Tops Friendly Markets appoints new president/COO

By Billie Owens

(John Persons, Tops new president and COO.)

Press release:

As part of a long-term leadership strategy, Tops Friendly Markets has named John Persons, long-time Tops associate and executive, as president and chief operating officer while Frank Curci will continue to actively serve as Tops chief executive officer and board chairman, the company announced today.

“John’s appointment is the first step in an organized and planned effort to ensure we have consistent and experienced leadership to guide the future growth and success of Tops Friendly Markets,” Curci said. “Over the past eight years, John has played a significant role in building our organization and is committed to ensuring that Tops is providing the best value possible for our many customers.”

In his role as president and COO, Persons will oversee all store operations in Tops’ three-state geographic footprint and all sales, marketing and merchandising operations.

“I look forward as president and COO to working with all members of the Tops family – associates, vendors and suppliers – as we strive to provide Tops’ customers with what they want, when they want it, and saves them time and money,” he said. “I also thank Frank Curci and the Tops’ Board of Directors for the confidence they have placed in me as we continue to build a stronger Tops in the communities we serve."

Persons has been with Tops for more than 30 years, most recently serving as executive vice president of sales, marketing and merchandising. Prior to that, he was senior vice president of retail operations from 2007 to 2014 and vice president of retail operations from 2000 to 2007.

He has been a board director of the company since 2013, having been part of the management team, led by Curci, which bought out Tops from its previous owner, Morgan Stanley Private Equity, in December 2013.

Curci has served as president, chief executive officer and director of the company since December 2007 when Morgan Stanley Private Equity purchased Tops Friendly Markets from Koninklijke Ahold, N.V. (Ahold). He became chairman of the board of directors upon the 2013 management buyout, which returned Tops to local ownership.

Under Curci’s leadership, Tops has more than doubled the number of stores to 165 full-service supermarkets, expanded its geographic reach into eastern and northern New York, Vermont and northern Pennsylvania, invested more than $200 million in store renovations and updates, and created gourmet retailer Orchard Fresh in Orchard Park, NY.

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Tops Markets, LLC, is headquartered in Williamsville and operates 165 full-service supermarkets – 160 company-owned and five franchise locations. With more than 16,000 associates, Tops is a leading full-service grocery retailer in Upstate New York, Northern Pennsylvania and Western Vermont. For more information about Tops Markets, visit the company's Web site at www.topsmarkets.com.

Jerry Grasso named Italian-American of the Year by Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

(Submitted photo: Jerome J. “Jerry” Grasso)

Press release from Batavia Downs:

Jerome J. “Jerry” Grasso has been named the recipient of Batavia Downs Gaming’s annual Italian-American of the Year award. Jerry Grasso will be honored with this accolade on Monday (Oct. 12, Columbus Day) with a special trackside ceremony after the seventh race.

Joe Gerace, the first recipient of this award, will act as master of ceremonies.

“Jerry is a wonderful individual. In addition to being a good family man, he has been an asset to our community for many years and is truly deserving of this award.” Gerace said.

Mr. Grasso, who resides in Batavia, is a current trustee of the Knights of Columbus (Monsignor Kirby Council #325) where he was also a past Grand Knight. He is a faithful navigator of the Knights of Columbus 4th degree, Batavia Assembly #0755.

Aside from his involvement in the K of C, Mr. Grasso was a volunteer at Notre Dame High School for 25 years where he contributed his time heavily to sports and scholarships.

Besides his efforts for the school, Mr. Grasso has also spent countless hours volunteering and assisting in fundraising for multiple organizations, in and around Batavia.

He has been a Eucharistic Minister in the Catholic Church since 2001, taking particular pride in giving Holy Communion to those unable to attend church services.

Joining Mr. Grasso in the winner’s circle for the presentation will be past Italian-American award winners Chuck Zambito, Ray Cianfrini, Joe Teresi, Charles Ruffino, Russ Romano and Laurie Napoleone.

Town of Darien justices attend annual meeting and training conference

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Hon. Gary A. Graber (past president) and Michelle Krzemien, justices in the Town of Darien, recently attended the 106th Annual Conference and Certified Advanced Training Program of the New York State Magistrates Association held in Niagara Falls Sept.  27-30.

More than 250 local judges from all areas of New York State took part in the four day event, which combines the State Magistrates Association Annual Meeting and Conference with the Advanced Training Courses as required by New York State for all town and village justices in the Unified Court System.

The major purposes of NYSMA are the maintenance and support of the local judiciary through education and coordination with the New York State agencies regarding laws and other matters affecting local courts, “The Courts Closest to The People."

NYSMA works closely with the Office of Court Administration to assure the training enhances the professional development of the judges and is relevant to the practical situations encountered in the local courts. In addition to the required courses there are many elective opportunities offered for those attending.

The keynote speaker at the banquet was Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. Hon. Harold Bauman was sworn in as the 2016 president along with the officers and directors.

Presentations over the four day event were made by the Office of Justice Court Support, City, Town and Village Resource Center, Unified Justice Court System, The 8th Judicial District, Peter Gerstenzang, Esq., Commission of Judicial Conduct, Professor Heverly of Albany Law School, Service Education, Inc., Gerald Stern, Esq., Daniels M. Killelea, Esq. Maryrita Dobiel, Esq., Assistant Professor Al Chapleau of the College of St. Rose, Hon. James Murphy, Onondaga Supreme Court Justice, Hon. Michael Mohun, Wyoming County Court Justice, Hon. Sara Sheldon, Niagara County Supreme Court Justice, Selden Fritchner, Division Chief. CDL Division, FMCSA, Washington, DC., Neil Schoen Esq, Deputy Commissioner, NYS DMV, Office of Court Administration, DMV, Westlaw, Lexis-Nexis, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, NYS Office of Indigent Legal Services, Dept. of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement, NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, as well as many of our officers and directors of the New York State Magistrates Association.

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