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Swift, Mars, Elvis and Disco coming to Batavia Downs

By Press Release

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Press Release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced the onsale dates for two upcoming concerts taking place at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel’s Park Place Room along with the facility’s first “Silent Disco.”

22K Magic – a Tribute to Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars makes it’s Batavia Downs debut on Saturday, September 2nd.  Hailing from Canada, music talents Carla and Joshua bring the spirit and energy of Taylor and Bruno to their performances.  Together, they put on a show with all your favorite songs, clean lyrics and a whole lot of fun.  Tickets are $15 and attendees receive $10 in Free Play on the day of the show.

Also making his first appearance at Batavia Downs is Rick Alviti’s Tribute to Elvis “That’s the Way it Was.” This Elvis tribute is high-energy and full of audience interaction.  Rick has performed all over the country and in many parts of the world including the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas.   This tribute to Elvis show is truly the closest thing to a live Elvis performance you will ever see or hear.  The event is happening on Saturday, September 9.  Tickets are $30 for VIP, $20 for General Admission and attendees receive $15 in Free Play on the day of the show.

For the first time ever, Batavia Downs will be hosting a “Silent Disco” on Saturday, September 16.  A Silent Disco is an event where people dance to music listened to on wireless headphones rather than on speakers. Several types of music will be broadcast to attendees who are wearing those headphones, so party goers could be listening to several different types of music at a given time.  Since those without the headphones hear no music, the effect is a room full of people dancing to no sound.  Tickets for this event are $20 and include $10 in Free Play. 

Tickets for these events will be available at www.BataviaConcerts.com beginning on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

“We are thrilled to welcome these new and exciting events to Batavia Downs this fall,” said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO for Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “Tribute concerts featuring modern pop stars have proven to be a huge draw to attract new guests into our facility.  We know there are many Elvis fans out there and WNY’s own Rick Alviti is one of the best at preserving the King’s music for all his fans.  With so many of our own employees enjoying Silent Discos at other entertainment venues, we knew it was time to do one here.”

All are invited to GCC's 'The Last of the Dragons' April 20-22

By Press Release

Press Release:

"The Last of the Dragons" by Kristin Walter, adapted from the story by Edith Nesbit, will be performed by Genesee Community College's Children's Theatre class for local schools on April 20 & 21 at 10:30 a.m. The children will have the opportunity to talk to the cast and ask questions after the performance. If you would like more information about this, please email boxoffice@genesee.edu.

Performances that are open to the public will be held on April 20 at 12:30 p.m., April 21 at 7 p.m. and April 22 at 2 p.m. The show runs roughly an hour long and are free of charge. All are welcome to attend.

"In the kingdom of Middlefield, there is a tradition. On a princess' sixteenth birthday, she is tied to a rock, kidnapped by a dragon, rescued by a prince and lives happily ever after. But what happens when the prince is too afraid to fight, the princess wants to do the rescuing by herself, and the dragon is nowhere to be found? Adapted from the story by Edith Nesbit, The Last of the Dragons tells a tale of bravery, intelligence and unexpected friendship." - summary by Concord Theatricals.

"The Last of the Dragons" was originally produced in 2006 by the celebrated and critically-acclaimed Manhattan Children's Theatre. The show focuses on two main themes. First, it empowers girls to know they can do anything as well as boys and they should let nothing stop them from following their dreams. The Princess rejects the notion of being a damsel in distress and wants to avoid fighting the dragon all together. She hatches a plan with the Prince to avoid conflict so no one has to perish. Second, it's about not judging. It is assumed that the dragon is scary and bad just because he is a dragon. But through patience and compassion, the dragon's true nature and desires are revealed. The story challenges the notion of tradition for traditions sake, and demonstrates how the world can be vastly improved through kindness.

The script follows the original story closely while infusing contemporary humor into the dialogue. The show is directed by Rob Reiss with Maryanne Arena serving as the acting, voice, and movement coach, and Brodie McPherson as the production designer.

Children's Theatre (THE221) is a course held once a year. Students participate in auditions, rehearsals and production of a Children's Theatre play. It includes reading, analysis and interpretation of children's theatre literature. The goal of the class is to have a play to present on GCC's campus to area schools. Sometimes the show will tour the area and play at local schools and recreational sites. The students are able to explain the way children's theatre differs from other forms, analyze the design aspects of a given script and to implement experimental learning. Our college students have learned new and creative storytelling techniques that they can't wait to share with the community.

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

10 BHS seniors to vie for Mr. Batavia 2023 this Friday

By Joanne Beck

This year's Mr. Batavia contest features 10 Batavia High School seniors who are prepping to compete for the esteemed title at the 10th annual competition. It's set to begin at 7 p.m. Friday in the Frank E. Owen Auditorium at BHS, 260 State St., Batavia.

The students compete in multiple rounds of the event to display their various talents -- from singing and comedy to playing instruments and acting. Donations raised from ticket sales and donations will be given to the top three winners’ charities. Since 2013, the annual event has raised $32,719 for local organizations.  

This year’s contestants

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Aidan Anderson
Batavia VA

 

Aden Chua
Genesee Cancer Assistance Alex Johnson
The David McCarthy Memorial Foundation
Brendan Burgess Volunteers for Animals
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Cooper Fix
Ricky Palermo Foundation
Garrett Schmidt
All Babies Cherished
Ifran Armstrong Crossroads House Shawn Kimball Habitat for Humanity
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    Michael Marchese
Batavia City Schools Foundation
Fabian Vazquez
Golisano’s Children Hospital
   

Additional members of the Mr. Batavia Committee include Julia Clark, Julia Preston, Brooke Scott, Lydia Evans, Clara Wood, Nora Wood, Olivia Shell, Cassidy Crawford, Isabella Walsh, Aleeza Idress, Grace Parker, Brie Gabriel, Jakayla Rivera, Addison Glynn, Bridget Taggart, Alyssa Talone, Anna Varland, Julia Petry, Abby Moore, and Sydney Konieczny.

Hostesses for the evening’s event include Clara Wood, Maya Schrader, and Lucy Taggart.

Staff choreographers for Mr. Batavia include Saniiya Santiago and Melania deSa e Frias. 

Tickets are $10 each and will be sold to students during school lunches the week of April 17 and at the door for the community. 

Lisa Robinson, advisor for Mr. Batavia, would like to thank the Batavia City School Foundation for its help and support in collecting and distributing funds to the local organizations. 

Photos submitted by Batavia City Schools. 

Law and Order: Rochester man accused of dealing crack in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens
Tylee Gaines

Tylee D. "Love" Gaines, 44, of Summerville Drive, Rochester, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd, three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th.  Gaines was arrested on a warrant stemming from a sealed Grand Jury indictment. The charges were sought by members of the Local Drug Task Force following an investigation into the sale of crack cocaine in the City of Batavia. Gaines is accused of selling crack cocaine to agents of the task force while in the City of Batavia. He was allegedly found in possession of 14 bags of crack cocaine, leading to additional charges not contained in the original indictment. Gaines was arraigned in County Court and released under supervision.

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Raymond Amaro

Raymond Amaro, 36, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with robbery 3rd, assault 2nd, grand larceny 4th, reckless endangerment 2nd, and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident. Amaro is accused of stealing car keys from a victim by force at a location on East Avenue and then striking that person with the vehicle while fleeing the scene on April 4 at an unspecified time. Amaro was arraigned in City Court and held on bail.

Andrew William Taylor, 35, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with arson 4th, reckless endangerment 2nd, and criminal mischief 4th.  Taylor was arrested by Deputy Jenna Ferrando. The Sheriff's Office released no information on the incident that led to the arrest of Taylor other than the incident was reported at 7:34 a.m., April 2, at a location on West Main Street, Batavia. Taylor was released on an appearance ticket.

Anthony Freeman Armstrong, Jr., 34, of Calmlake Circle, Rochester, is charged with possession of prison contraband.  Armstrong is accused of possessing contraband inside the Genesee County Jail at 10:35 p.m. on April 7. The Sheriff's Office did not release further information about the circumstances of Armstrong's arrest.  Armstrong was issued an appearance ticket.  Armstrong is also charged with criminal mischief 4th. Armstong is accused of ripping a hot/cold compress rendering it useless while inside the Genesee County Jail on April 12 and 8:30 a.m.

David Edward Brege, 36, of West Center Street, Ridgeway, is charged with promoting prison contraband 2nd and petit larceny. Brege is accused of stealing a $10 bill from another inmate at 4 p.m. on April 5 while in the temporary hold cell/booking area of the Genesee County Jail. He was allegedly found in possession of a $10 bill inside a secure holding area of the jail.  Brege was issued an appearance ticket.

Robert L. Drennen Sr., 41, of Holley Street, Brockport, is charged with grand larceny 4th. Drennen is accused of stealing a debit card on March 30 and withdrawing money from the victim's bank account without permission. Drennen was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.

Leonard E. Aguayo, 36, of Cross Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass 2nd and resisting arrest.  Officer Sam Freeman reportedly tried to arrest Aguayo on a warrant on March 30. Aguayo allegedly resisted arrest. The warrant was the result of an investigation into a prior incident on South Main Street, Batavia. He was arraigned in City Court. Release status not reported.

Cody J. Nichols, 38, of North Street, Caledonia, is charged with petit larceny. Nichols is accused of stealing $300 in merchandise from a supermarket (the name of the market was not released). Nichols was issued an appearance ticket.

Samantha L. Tate, 30, of Federal Drive, Batavia, is charged with improper turn and DWI/drugs. Tate was stopped at an unspecified time on March 31 on Ellicott Avenue by Officer Sam Freeman. Tate was issued an appearance ticket.

Rickie L. Pitts, 56, of Prospect Avenue, Medina, is charged with DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation 1st, and no/inadequate headlamps. Pitts was stopped at an unspecified time on April 2 on Main Street at Jefferson Avenue by Officer Adam Tucker. His release status was not provided.

Joshua Edward Szumigala, 27, of Orchard Park Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, drinking alcohol or using cannabis in a motor vehicle, driving left of pavement markings, and moving from lane unsafely. Szumigala was stopped at 5:42 p.m. on April 1 on Batavia Oakfield Townline Road by Deputy Jacob Kipler. Szumigala was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Court. His release status was not provided.

Rosemary Renee Waters, 37, no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny.  Waters is accused of stealing merchandise from an undisclosed store on Veterans Memorial Drive at 9:28 on April 7.

Justin Ryan Nadrowski, 31, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful surveillance 2nd.  Pratt is accused of hiding a camera inside the bedroom of another person at a location on Pratt Road.  Nadrowski was jailed pending his arraignment.

Joshua M. Ruffin, 27, of Burrows Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th.  Ruffin was arrested by Deputy Trevor Sherwood.  The Sheriff's Office did not release details on the circumstances of his arrest. He was arrested on Main Street, Batavia, at 10:19 p.m. on March 19. He was arraigned in City Court and released. 

Ivette Amanda Dejesus, 21, of West Colvin Street, Syracuse, is charged with petit larceny. Dejesus is accused of stealing merchandise, along with two other women, from the Old Navy store in Batavia. Dejesus was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

Jennifer Sandra Lee, 39, of Therston Road, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and promoting prison contraband 1st. Lee is accused of possessing a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia while inside the Genesee County Jail on April 11 at 4:54 p.m.  Lee was held pending arraignment.

Allison Ann Forsha, 31, of Nunda, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. Forsha is accused of shoplifting on April 11 from Dick's Sporting Goods and Target in Batavia. Forsha was issued an appearance ticket.

Chase P. Ackerson, 24, of Henrietta, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Ackerson was stopped by State Police at 9:29 p.m. on April 15 in the Town of Le Roy. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Palen Cordell, 19, of Le Roy, is charged with grand larceny 3rd. Cordell was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 11:15 a.m. on April 11 in the Town of Batavia. Cordell was also charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th  for an incident reported at 6:10 p.m. on April 14 in the Village of Le Roy. The State Police did not release details on either incident. Cordell was released on his own recognizance. 

 

Gibson ends season with 300 at Rose Garden Bowl

By Mike Pettinella

Press release:

Scott Gibson of Oakfield closed out the regular season in the Wednesday Men's Handicap League at Rose Garden Bowl in perfect fashion last week.

The 57-year-old right-hander rolled a 300 game in the third game on lanes 7-8 to cap off a fine 774 series at the eight-lane Bergen establishment. The 300 is Gibson's seventh United States Bowling Congress-certified perfect game.

In the Thursday Owls League at Rose Garden, Bill Neubert of Batavia posted 721 to help his Genesee Patrons team take the league title.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

ASSOCIATION TOURNAMENT WINNERS

Results of the 16th annual Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament are official, with the Nothnagle Drilling team winning the Open Division and the Perry Girls team taking the Women's Division.

The tournament took place on March 24-26, 31-April 2 at Perry Bowling Center (Team event) and Mount Morris Lanes (Doubles & Singles events).

Division champions are as follows:

Open Team -- Nothnagle Drilling, Le Roy Legion Lanes, $1,000. Team members are Kristin Clements, Jeff Nothnagle, Andrew Martin and Polly Nothnagle.

Women's Team -- Perry Girls, Perry Bowling Center, $360. Team members are Montana Bzduch, Joann Van Duser, Katy Bzduch and Rachel Huntz.

Open Doubles -- Steve and Cory Werner, Perry Bowling Center, $400.

Women's Doubles -- Roe Smith and Missy Potter, Mount Morris Lanes, $300.

Open Singles -- Matthew Hurlburt, Perry Bowling Center, $300.

Women's Singles -- Barbara Casavant, Oak Orchard Bowl, Albion, $200.

Open All-Events -- Jeff Nothnagle, Le Roy Legion Lanes, $120.

Women's All-Events -- Traci Spanitz, Le Roy Legion Lanes, $80.

Final standings and prize list can be found at www.bowlgr.com.

O-A extends winning streak to four games with 10-7 victory

By Howard B. Owens

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Oakfield-Alabama remains undefeated in baseball after beating Akron on Saturday, 10-7.

The 4-0 Hornets were led by Kyle Porter and Aiden Warner, who each went 3-4, scoring twice and driving in two runs apiece.

Colton Yasses was 2-4 with a run scored. Davi Schnaufer was 2-4 with a run scored and an RBI.  Shaun Alexander was 2-3 with a run scored and two RBI.

Brodie Hyde picked up the win, taking over in the first inning after Yasses faced only one batter, giving up a hit.  Hyde went six innings, giving up 10 hits and seven runs. Porter pitched an inning and struck out two while not letting a man reach base.

Photos by Kristin Smith.

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Photo: Mourning Dove

By Howard B. Owens

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A mourning dove in a backyard in Batavia.

Photo by Jason Smith.

Volunteers sought to serve on Memorial Day Parade committee

By Press Release

Press release:

Do you love a parade?  Do you want to see a really great parade in the City of Batavia on Memorial Day?   Do you know of any groups or clubs who you would like to see march in our local parade?   

If you answered YES to any of these questions, please join our Planning Committee on Wednesday, April 19 at 5 p.m. at City Hall in Batavia.  

For any questions or more information, please contact Bob Bialkowski, City Council member at large and parade chairman, bbwski@yahoo.com

Fire reported in back yard of residence on Hutchins Street, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A fire is reported in the back yard of a residence on Hutchins Street in Batavia.

City Fire dispatch as well as Batavia PD.

City Fire is responding non-emergency.

There is a burn ban in effect until May 14.

UPDATE 2:02 p.m.: Fire is out. City Fire back in service.

Hornets beat Pembroke in baseball 10-1

By Howard B. Owens

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Oakfield-Alabama improved to 3-0 to start the baseball season with a 10-1 win over Pembroke (2-2) on Friday.

David Schnaufer collected three hits for the Hornets and drove in three runs. Kyle Porter had two hits and an RBI.

Colton Yasses got the win going 5 2/3 an inning, giving up three hits, three walks, and striking out nine. Schnaufer finished the game, pitching 1 1/3 innings of hitless ball.

Photos by Kristin Smith.

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Sponsored Post: New Listing Alert from Reliant Real Estate: 9341 South Lake Road, Pembroke

By Lisa Ace


New Listing Alert from Reliant Real Estate: 9341 South Lake Road, Pembroke​! Solid and lovingly maintained country home located on pretty country road in Pembroke School System. This 3 bedroom home has been updated through the years and was just recently painted throughout! The downstairs is spacious large and bright with awesome oversized back entry/pantry area with first floor laundry and there is also large enclosed front porch perfect for enjoying summer days and nites! Upstairs features 3 large bedrooms all with nice hardwood floors and good size closets. Basement has plenty of space for all your extra storage needs or place to hangout or putter and was also freshly painted! This home sits on large park like yard, plenty of room for outdoor entertaining with large side yard big enough for your own football game or perfect for xtra over sized garden!! This home not only is minutes to most major routes but thruway entrance as well for easy commutes! This one is ready to move in and start enjoying immediately!!

Round II of All-County offers 'pinnacle' experience: music students can make music together

By Joanne Beck

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By 5:45 p.m. Friday, the dense heat was broken up by intermittent breezes, which provided some cool comfort for a group of students in the back of Le Roy Junior-Senior High School.

They weren’t playing baseball or having a picnic, or goofing around at all. Students and music teachers were at the tail end of a three-hour practice in prep for Saturday’s Genesee-Wyoming Music Educators Association All-County chorus and band concerts. The band room doors were wide open, leaking out a steady rhythm of brass, woodwinds and percussion.

This is Kiptyn Cone’s first all-county event, and he’s enjoying it, he said. His favorite performance piece is “Metal Heads,” which, as the name implies, features a lot of heavy metal style and metal sounds, including cowbells and brake drums. A fifth-grader from Le Roy, Kiptyn is a percussionist who really appreciates the full drum set.

“With all the toms and the snare drum and bass drum with the foot pedal and high hat and splendid cymbal,” he said during a quick break.

The 10-year-old is following in his older brother’s footsteps, but he also believes the drums have an important role in a band.

“They’re keeping the beat, kind of the rest of the band depends on the percussion, the drums in particular. And because we’re the ones like, boom, boom, boom, keeping the beat so they know what to follow,” he said, sharing how he feels about Saturday’s concert. “I’m actually not feeling nervous. I feel pretty prepared. I feel like I know my stuff.”

Kiptyn is far from alone in this being his first all-county music festival. With COVID-19 and the shutdown of schools and most everything, the festival was swept up in that as well. Kids missed out on those opportunities for four years.

Dan Klinczar, vice president of the GW Music Educators Association, is not even sure if 10th graders ever had the chance to participate in all-county. The festival involves all school districts in Genesee County, plus Attica from Wyoming County.

“So for most of the students and all the junior high, and all of the elementary, this is their first all-county experience. So they get to work with a guest conductor, and they get to work for a long time. It's a long practice. So it's a really good opportunity for them to make music with other really strong and dedicated musicians across the county, which is the really cool thing,” Klinczar said. “That's the pinnacle of what musicians want to do -- make music with others. “It’s getting together today and tomorrow before the concert. They'll rehearse tomorrow from nine to 1:30 back in the same spot before they do a concert.

"And like I said, it’s a culminating event for them, you know, and this is supposed to be a mountain experience for kids because it's the opportunity for them to make music with others, and see that people across the county and outside of their small little niche of their own school who can make music and have fun together," he said. "And we’ll be awarding a couple of awards tomorrow. “

The John Mikalski Memorial Career Scholarship will be presented to seniors Evan Williams and Jackson Cain, both of Le Roy.

At 18 and about to graduate, Cain is debating which college to attend. It’s an 80-20 split, with Fredonia State College carrying more weight than Nazareth, he said, to pursue a degree in music education. He’s on a career track to teach music and, hopefully, right in his own hometown.

He is eight years older than Kiptyn and every bit as passionate about the percussion section.

“I think, with all the other tonic instruments, like the ones that have the pitches and all that, it's very easy to express yourself. And I liked that. But with something like a snare drum or a drum set, it's more difficult to bring that out. And I think that's really cool that you can, you know, if you hear someone play a snare drum, you're expecting like, oh … military,” he said. “And then if they come out, and they play the solo that's like, oh, wow, I get expression through this, even though it's just one pitch, I still get that story, and I get what is happening. So I think that's really cool. That you can take something almost one dimensional as a snare drum and turn it into something that's like, artistic and beautiful like that.”

He admitted that, at first, he wasn’t looking forward to a three-hour after-school practice. But then there’s something about several strangers coming together to create something brand new together.

“And then just like, instantly, it all comes together, because we're all practiced, and we all know what we're doing. And it's like, wow, it's like, it's just super fun that, off the ground floor, we all have a very strong understanding of the pieces,” he said. “And we really get to hear these, you know, live, and it's like, we get to watch them grow and build, it's really, really cool. I love every bit of it.”

Cain credits music teacher “Mr. N" (Nordhausen), who first taught him in fourth-grade band, has a sense of humor and other similarities that Cain can relate to, and is a fifth and sixth-grade band teacher; and Miss Dotts, “an incredible band teacher” for grades seven through 12.

The future high school graduate also described a pivotal moment that validated what he wanted to do in life. When a band director was out sick, Cain was picked to fill in, and he worked with students in band camp. He taught drumline and how to march, and afterward realized that he helped those kids.

“And even from then on, it's like, it's helped me realize a lot of things about myself, like marching band specifically was one where I realized if I apply myself, I will see the results that I want. If I really work hard, and I really focus on something that, if I'm passionate about it, I'll see the results that I want,” he said. “And then, of course, the no-brainer’s music education, and then, finding that this is a huge passion for me, and I love doing this and … this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I want to cultivate this experience for other kids.”

Photos by Howard Owens

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The McCarthy jammed with vendors for this weekend's Home Show

By Howard B. Owens

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It's going to be warm outside this weekend so if you need a break from the unseasonable heat, Chamber of Commerce President Brian Cousins has a suggestion -- come on down to the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena for the 2023 Home Show.

"I know it's a great weekend," Cousins said. "The weather this weekend is awesome, which is unheard of in April -- you get 80-degree weather. But you know, the inside of the Ice Arena is a little bit cooler than outside. It's like natural air conditioning in here. So it's very comfortable for people. I'm looking forward to seeing as many people can come out do so to work on their to-do lists."

This is the first home show for Cousins as chamber president, and he's excited to see it off to a good start.  All of the vendor booths are full, and the chamber even had potential vendors trying to sign up for booths on Friday morning.

Admission is $3 for adults, and hours Saturday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

"Make a list," Cousins said, "check it twice when you're out sitting on your deck or something this weekend, then make a quick trip out, spend an hour to get some different ideas and things that you wanted to do over the course of the last two, three years, especially over the COVID time period when you couldn't get somebody to help you out with things."

Photos by Howard Owens

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Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week not long enough

By Joanne Beck

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There have been a lot of proclamations handed out this week, and all of them involve important issues, from public health and safety to emergency communications and the rights of crime victims.

However, one of them may tug at the heartstrings just a little bit stronger, and it’s not even because of a dire threat to humanity. At least not physically. But ask any animal lover how important it is to protect the welfare of pets, and it can become an emotional topic rather quickly. In short, most folks would say don’t come between me and Fido, thank you.

Fortunately, there are laws and personnel to ensure those protections, and the Genesee County Legislature acknowledged them with National Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week, which ran this week ending on Saturday.

This week is a way to recognize all officers for the invaluable roles they play in their communities, Legislator Christian Yunker said during the Legislature’s meeting this week.

"It's my honor to present this very underrated but very critically important service that we provide the county, National Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week," he said, reading the proclamation:

 Whereas, national animal control officer Appreciation Week was started by the National Animal Care and Control Association as a way to recognize all officers so  they're invaluable roles they play in the communities and

Whereas, Genesee County dog control officers are compassionate and committed to individuals who serve to protect the animals everyday by enforcing laws pertaining to their treatment.

And whereas, our dog patrol officers are tasked with picking up stray or dangerous animals to ensure the protection of our communities residents in addition to the operation of a county animal shelter, and

Whereas, they exhibit continuous compassion and understanding and professionalism during the performance of their job.

Now therefore be it resolved, the Genesee County Legislature hereby declared a week of April 9 to 15th 2023 National Animal Control Appreciation Week in Genesee County, and takes great pride in honoring the officers whose dedication and professionalism protect the welfare of helpless animals and pets within our county.

 

Catherine Seward is a dog control officer at Genesee County Animal Shelter. She said a few words in response.

“On behalf of myself and Sarah Fountain, the other dog control officer, I want to thank the sheriff and the Sheriff's Department, and all of you volunteers for stray animals, and really, our whole community,” she said. “We're very proud of serving our community and all the good that we're able to do for both the animals and the people that we're helping every day. Thank you.”

Even though the official week is done by Saturday, feel free to show appreciation for those that rescue, clean, feed, treat, care for and protect animals. There’s no time limit on that, and they deserve it.

Photo of county Legislator Christian Yunker, Catherine Seward, and Sheriff William Sheron, by Joanne Beck.

Youth Recognition event a time to enjoy, be proud and feel good about thinking of others

By Joanne Beck

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There’s one evening each year that parents enjoy because it highlights the efforts of their children, and that youth and school leaders proudly attend because it’s an opportunity to boast a bit about the talents, kindness, volunteer and myriad other contributions that students have made to their communities.

And finally, it’s an evening that kids can feel good about by being given the spotlight for those who, as Board President Paul Osborn says, “shared the love and compassion with their hearts to benefit others.”

“This community is truly blessed. Our future is bright with the youth you see before you. If you look at the back of your program, you all exemplify these characteristics as an honor to be a part of the youth board and serve with individuals who share a passion for a community, and, most importantly, our youth. Tonight, I am confident we leave here knowing there is hope and promise for the future because of those recognized here,” Osborn said during Thursday’s youth recognition banquet. “So, all those recognized here tonight, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to you and all those who have supported your efforts. I would especially like to acknowledge the parents, the guardians and extended families of the youth recipients. I'm sure you are proud, and rightfully so. But you all need to be commended for providing the guidance and care that has prompted these youth to rise to a level deserving of recognition.

“I would also like to thank the families and spouses and significant others of our adult award recipients for their unselfish willingness to share your loved ones who provide a great service to our youth and community,” he said. “So thank you all for coming and sharing this moment to recognize all the recipients this evening.”

There were 25 youths presented with youth recognition awards. They are:

  • Brecken Capone
  • Caris Carlson
  • Mary Engelhardt
  • Katelynn Everett
  • Gabrielle Graff
  • Mary Grimes
  • Lily Haacke
  • Aubrey Hamm
  • Kaelee Kelso
  • Alaina Manges
  • Kathryn McClellan
  • Arianna McLaughlin
  • Maggie Monachino
  • Brenna Munn
  • Evelyn Northrup
  • Cesia Murillo Rios
  • Lauren Reimer
  • Olivia Walton
  • Maia Zerillo

Another six students received Winter Storm Elliott awards for their selfless service to others during that wintry blast and dumped several inches of wind-drifted snow on Genesee County Dec. 22-Dec.25, 2022.

Elba School Superintendent Gretchen Rosales spoke about the winter storm that “I’m sure we all remember with great fondness,” she joked. Of course, that was the long Christmas weekend that began with a bang that forced the city of Batavia and Genesee County to close and then followed by the closure of the Thruway.

“I had six students who gave up their own time, our schools as opened as a warming shelter, and I do believe that it is because of those students in the Elba Fire Department that lives are saved,” Rosales said. “And so this is a profound recognition of those students. When the rest of the community was stranded, these young individuals left the comfort and warmth of their homes to save others’ lives. During the storm, each of them went to the school to provide blankets, serve meals, set up cots for sleeping, kept strangers company, checked on the well-being of others, and even put on movies for children who were spending Christmas away from home.”

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She went on to state the other good deeds they do on a regular basis: shoveling out hydrants and plowing driveways and sidewalks, while quietly going about their work.

“When not contending with an epic storm event, these students dedicate between five and 15 hours each week to our fire department to engage in training to respond to calls alongside their adult counterparts. They render first aid to accident victims, fight fires and provide emergency response in medical situations,” Rosales said. “These young adults represent what is good about our youth. They are fine examples for everyone, no matter their age. They are athletes. They have part-time jobs, and they are on the honor roll.”

Perhaps most important to note, is that their bravery and selflessness are “commendable beyond measure,” she said. Rosales then called them up for their awards:

  • Ayden Esten
  • Garrett Heale
  • Emily Hoag
  • Abigail Russell
  • Joey Schnitzer
  • Colton Walczak

Two adults were also recognized for their contributions to youth — Youth Worker of the Year went to Robert “Bob” Swanson, and Volunteer of the Year went to Kathy Zipkin and Tilly, her gentle four-legged sidekick.

SOAR Director Christine spoke about Zipkin’s positive influence on children’s reading work in their city schools. Beyond school work, however, there has been so much gained from the social and emotional connections made through sweet Tilly.

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“So in terms of emotional regulation, in terms of support, in terms of compassion and love, and providing that, that calm no judgment zone, we are so grateful to have Kathy as part of our district, and we are so grateful to have Tilly as well — it literally is part of the best part of my week as well,” Merle said. “So we're amazed and appreciative she's willing and able to spend a day and a half each week with our students at Batavia, although the students may come down to see Tilly, their interactions with Kathy are just as important. Her years as a teacher in our district have given her the knowledge, experience and understanding needed to work with our kids and we're very grateful for that.”

Robert Swanson, better known by kids at Agri-Business Child Development as Bob the Builder, has worked there for more than 10 years as a maintenance man, but award presenter Elizabeth Ormsby said, “he’s much more than that.”

“He goes above and beyond his job duties and truly integrates himself into many different areas of the program. He works closely with all the administrators, teachers, children and families. He has become a father figure to many of us workers. I call him my work dad. But he’s a strong male role model for the children in the center as well,” Ormsby said. “Bob remembers all of the children's names and comes in and has conversations with them every day. You know when Bob is in the building because you hear all the children cheering, ‘Bob is here, Bob is here.’ Since he has maintenance, he spends a lot of time fixing things. So many of the children have started to call him Bob the Builder. He will come and read stories to our classrooms. And during the holidays, he likes to dress up festive for the children.

“Bob has also volunteered his time to create, in partnership with families and children, our vegetable garden on our playground. The produce is harvested and given to families or cooked here at our center,” she said. “Anything a family needs, he is there to assist them, whether to blow up a flat tire in the parking lot, helping with moving or donating food. He is such an asset to the team, but especially to our children and our families.”

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Osborn also gave well-deserved kudos to an outgoing Youth Board member, for most years serving as president, Jay Lazarony. During his 26-year service on the board, "Jay has been a mainstay in the field of youth services," Osborn said. Known as Mr. Laz by the youth he impacted over the years, Lazarony was not only an idea guy but also helped to bring them to reality, such as by designing a mini park, picking out plants, determining the mulch and size of picnic tables. He developed the GLOW With Your Hands program, and thousands of kids have stretched their potential as a result, Osborn said.

"Our youth have been blessed. Thank you for your time and efforts, and most of all, your love for the youth in the community, Mr. Laz."

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Photos by Howard Owens.

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