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Photos: Christmas in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

Kaitlyn Sturgeon tells Santa that for Christmas she wants a big Lego set during Santa's visit to Oakfield yesterday.

Below, Christian Quinn, Kaylee Quinn, Mitchell Quinn, Kaitlyn and Hannah Sturgeon.

While in Oakfield, we also visited the Genesee Society of Model Engineers' annual open house.

Photo: Santa at Foxprowl

By Howard B. Owens

Six-year-old Taylor Moorehead tells Santa and Mrs. Claus that she wants a remote car for Christmas during a visit to Foxprowl on Ellicott Street in Batavia yesterday.

A few superheroes also dropped in at the store, as well.

Photo: December Rainbow

By Howard B. Owens

Lyndsay Baker captured a shot of a rainbow this morning.

Jerome Foundation honors Dr. Matthew Landfried for contributions to the community

By Howard B. Owens

The admiration for Dr. Matthew Landfried ran deep Friday at Terry Hills for the presentation of the Jerome Foundation's Health and Humanitarian Award but there was also a bit of humor along the way, including a giant bumblebee that delivered an honorary proclamation from State Senator Michael Ranzhofer along with a bouquet of flowers.

In the end, Landfried expressed his appreciation for the award.

"This doesn’t say what I do," Dr. Landfried said. "This tells me what the community thinks of who I am. I really appreciate it. Thank you very much."

Dr. Landfried is currently the medical director of Surgical Services and chairman of the Department of Surgery at UMMC, and serves on multiple committees at UMMC and its partner Rochester Regional Health. 

He also volunteers his time with Batavia and Notre Dame high schools, assisting on the sidelines of sporting events, serving as a team doctor. He's also been involved in several community organizations and supported many local causes financially. 

Greg McAlister introduced Dr. Landfried before the award presentation and his remarks along with a tribute video recalled many of accomplishments of Dr. Landfried's medical career, including remarks by a woman who recalled how Dr. Landfried stepped in to assist with a case after her father contracted sepsis after surgery.  The woman said she didn't want to return to the original surgeon. She said Dr. Landfried spent hours researching the case and trying to assist. When her father took a turn for the worse he tried to refer the case to a specialist in Rochester but none of the doctors he contacted would take the case.

"I begged Matt to try one last time and he did and he got a specialist to take the case," McAlister said, quoting from the unidentified woman's letter. "Because of Matt’s determination, my dad lived another 15 years.”

Dr. Landfried is a member of the Trauma and Critical Care response team of National Disaster Medical System of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, he has volunteered in Haiti, Texas, and other disaster sites supporting the critical medical needs of the communities struck by disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. He assisted at an orphanage in Haiti and remains in contact with them and provides financial help as well.

As part of Friday's festivities, each guest of the luncheon received a small jar of honey and a small wooden honey wand, which, along with the bumblebee costume, recognizes one of Dr. Landfried's hobbies: raising honey bees. He and his wife also grow apples, grapes and make wine on their farm property on Shepard Road.

In addition from a proclamation from Ranzenhofer delivered by a bee, Dr. Landfried received proclamations from Assemblyman Steve Hawley's Office, the County Legislature, delivered by Legislator Shelly Stein, and the Batavia City Council, delivered by Councilman Bob Bialkowski.

"People like you," Bialkowski said, "with your commitment, your dedication, all your time and contributions, you make Batavia a great place to live."

Le Roy celebrates Winterfest today

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Le Roy Business Council, along with The Woman of the Moose, Lodge 1132 will once again host Winterfest in the Village of Le Roy on Saturday, Dec. 1st, beginning at 10 a.m., with events going throughout the day and night. 

There will be a scavenger hunt throughout businesses and organizations in Le Roy beginning at 10 a.m., with cards available at the Moose, 12 Bank St, Le Roy. Prizes will be awarded to top finishers. Main Street of Le Roy businesses will have sales and specials throughout the day.  The Jinglin’ All the Way Run/Walk will take place at 3 p.m., with registration beginning at 1 p.m. at the Masonic Community Center, 21 Bank St.

The Christmas Around the World Project on the Oatka Creek Bank will be on display starting at Winterfest. The Annual Community Tree Lighting will be at 6 p.m. on the northeast corner of routes 5 & 19.

Visiting Nurses Association opens new, larger office in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

The Visiting Nursing Association hosted a grand opening today of its new office on Telephone Road in Pavilion.

The VNA is part of a regional network of providers based in Buffalo and the Pavilion office serves the GLOW region.

It consolidates offices that were in Batavia and Wyoming County in what VP Lisa Greisler said is larger and more convenient for the entire staff.

"We really wanted something that was centrally located for our staff and really for our referral services to know we’re smack in the middle of where you need us to be," Greisler said.

There are 70 nurses, aides and support staff serving the GLOW region with an increasing need for more staff, so the new facility will help meet current and future demand. The nurses and aides make more than 28,000 home visits a year.

The office provides visiting nurse -- who mostly work remotely -- with a central location for doing paperwork, getting supplies and meeting with other caregivers.

“We’re growing, which is good news," Greisler said. "This region, in particular, is continuing to grow with the number of patients we’ve been serving and it is growing every day so we’re happy to be able to be here and serve."

Photo: Lisa Greisler, Judy Baumgardner, president, Peggy Weissend, Lyn Waldraff, Courtney Boss, Sarah Dufour and Wendy Swart.

Pavilion man accused of dealing fentanyl, allegedly in possession of heroin at time of arrest

By Howard B. Owens
      Jack Benson

A 60-year-old Pavilion man has been arrested and accused of illegally selling fentanyl in Genesee County.

Jack E. Benson, of St. Mary's Street, Pavilion, is charged with three counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd.

Benson was taken into custody on an arrest warrant stemming from a sealed grand jury indictment following a traffic stop this afternoon in Stafford.

He is accused of selling fentanyl to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force on three different occasions. 

At the time of the stop, he was allegedly in possession of 24 doses of heroin and $1,300 in cash. 

Jolynn M. Gorski, 38, of Batavia, was reportedly a passenger in Benson's vehicle at the time of the stop. She was allegedly found in possession of drug paraphernalia and charged with criminal use of drug paraphernalia.

Benson was arraigned in County Court by Judge Charles Zambito and ordered held in the Genesee County Jail without bail. 

Additional charges are pending.

The arrest was the result of an investigation by the Local Drug Task Force. The task force was assisted by Batavia PD and the District Attorney's Office.

Oakfield-Alabama hires new superintendent

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Oakfield-Alabama Central School District’s Board of Education (BOE), has selected John Fisgus as the district’s next superintendent.

 "I am deeply honored and extremely excited to join the Oakfield-Alabama school community and family," Fisgus said. "I am eager to begin my work as your next superintendent and I am excited to work for such a great board and staff at Oakfield-Alabama. It is my mission to make O-A a 'District of Distinction' and through collaboration and teamwork, the place to be!"

Matt Lamb, president of the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District’s Board of Education, said: "The Board of Education truly values the input we received from the various stakeholder groups who met with the candidates to help us make a final decision.

"We are confident that John Fisgus will lead our district through the issues we face in our region. With his leadership, we will work together to deliver the best education possible for our students.”

Fisgus is currently the principal of Royalton-Hartland Middle School, in the Royalton-Hartland Central School District (RHCSD), where he has served since 2008. His responsibilities as principal include supervising and hiring all instructional and support staff, developing and managing a building budget as well as assisting with the district budget development process.

Fisgus created honor courses in all four academic core subjects within the middle school and is the facilitator of the district’s Professional Learning Community Team. Prior to that, he served as the assistant principal at Lake Shore Middle School.

Fisgus began his career in education in 1998 as an eighth-grade math teacher at Depew Middle School in the Depew Union Free School District.

He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Secondary Mathematics Education from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Fisgus earned a Master of Science in School Administration from Canisius College and holds a New York State School Administrator/Supervisor and School Administrator Certificate.

The anticipated start date for the new superintendent is January.

Kevin MacDonald, district superintendent of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, acted as the search consultant and noted that the search process was a true collaboration between the Board of Education, district staff and community.

Collins lauds signing of new trade deal with Mexico and Canada

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) praised President Trump and his administration for officially signing a new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

USMCA will make significant changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that will put the United States on more equal footing with the other nations. Specifically with regard to the dairy industry, Canada’s pricing program has created an unfair playing field and has essentially eliminated U.S. exports of certain dairy products, harming Western New York’s dairy industry.

“President Trump promised better trade deals and he has delivered replacing NAFTA which has caused our region to hemorrhage good paying manufacturing jobs for some time now,” Collins said. “Not only will this new treaty help with manufacturing, but it protects American farmers from burdensome tariffs and regulations.”

Collins has led the fight to end Canada’s unfair Class 7 pricing program, which has severely impacted New York dairy farmers. Under USMCA, Canada has agreed to eliminate this program in order to level the playing field between the United States and Canada while allowing our dairy producers the ability to expand sales overseas.

“With this barrier being struck down, Western New York dairy farmers are now able to compete fairly in Canada, and I thank the president for working to ensure NY-27 farmers are treated fairly,” Collins said.

Outside of the dairy industry, the new trade agreement will increase the production of American goods and services. The agreement requires that 75 percent of auto content be produced in North America and makes critical reforms that will boost auto workers’ wages. Additionally, the USMCA includes strong labor provisions that prioritize and protect American manufacturing jobs.

Furthermore, the agreement provides strong protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights. This includes 10 years of data protection for biologic drugs and a large scope of products eligible for protection. These reforms are critical to driving innovation, creating economic growth, and supporting American jobs.

Collins added: “By signing the USMCA, President Trump has fulfilled yet another campaign promise for the American people. Our country has been rightfully restored to a leader on the world stage, and I will continue to work with the White House and Republicans in Congress to uphold and advance the Make America Great Again agenda.”

Byron girl found safe, Amber Alert canceled

By Howard B. Owens

A 14-year-old Byron girl who was the subject of an Amber Alert earlier today has been located safe, according to Sheriff Bill Sheron.

He said more information will be released soon.

The 22-year-old man, Guillermo Torres-Acevedo, suspected of taking her away from a location on West Bergen Road, Byron, has also been located.

UPDATE: The girl and Torres-Acevedo were located in Mansfield, Pa., by Pennsylvania State Police. Torres-Acevedo was taken into custody on a warrant and is being held pending extradition. The girl is returning to Genesee County. 

Assisting in the investigation, the New York State Police and U.S. Secret Service. Additional charges are pending.

Updated photo released of suspect in Amber Alert

By Howard B. Owens
        Guillermo Torres-Acevedo

UPDATE 7:15 p.m.: Amber Alert canceled. The girl has been located and is safe. The suspect has also been located.

The suspect in the disappearance of a 14-year-old girl from Byron shaved his head before this morning, according to Sheriff Bill Sheron.

This evening, the Sheriff's Office released an updated photo of Guillermo Torres-Acevedo with short hair and a trimmed Van Dyke-style goatee. 

According to the Sheriff's Office, Kamerie Elliot willingly got into Torres-Acevedo car at about 8 a.m. today and left with him and hasn't seen since.

She is considered in "imminent danger or serious harm and/or death" and an Amber Alert has been issued.

The suspect vehicle is a blue Dodge Journey are New York HHP5458.

Kamerie currently has hair that is dyed cotton-candy blue.  

If you have information or spot the vehicle or either individual, call 9-1-1 or (585) 343-5000.

For more information, our previous story: Girl from Byron missing after leaving with man ordered to stay away from her

This is not a picture of the vehicle but it looks like the vehicle in this photo.

Alexander needs new bus garage, classroom upgrades, football lights go along with it, residents told at forum

By Howard B. Owens

Becky Cokelet, SEI Design Group

A $12.6 million capital improvement proposal for the Alexander Central School District truly is a collaborative effort by members of the local community, Superintendent Catherine Huber, Ed.D., told residents at a community forum Wednesday night.

"The committee worked tirelessly for several months and really came up with a plan that represents the voices of the community," Huber said. "The work was nothing but true collaboration and this plan really does represent the voices of our community."

The plan calls for a new bus garage, four upgraded classrooms in the elementary school building, and lights for the football field.

There are some in the community, including Toby Wade, who had a lot to say at the forum, who suspect the lights for football is a sort of bribe of the community to get approval for the bus garage.

"There is a perception out there by some people, and I admit, I'm one of them, who think you are just throwing them a bone so you can get the rest of the stuff you want," Wade said. 

Huber said the football lights were included because lights on the football field are a long-standing request of the community. She said it was one of the first things brought up to her by community members when she joined the district two years ago. The need for a new bus garage and dealing with the classroom situation is driving the need for a capital project, and that creates an opportunity to wrap in lights for the football field.

"We feel like this plan is not a matter of throwing a bone to anybody," Huber said. 

The state requires school districts to do a facilities review every five years and identify potential issues that need to be addressed. To comply with that requirement, Huber said, the district formed a committee -- any member of the community was able to participate -- and committee members toured the entire district property.

"When we came back from our site tour, almost everybody in that room knew what our priorities should be," Huber said. "When we toured the transportation facility, we realized what dire straits that transportation facility is in. We had no idea what condition the classrooms were in on the garden level but flooding was happening there regularly. The transportation facility and the elementary school building, we knew we had to do something about that. That was our jumping off point."

The current bus garage is beyond repair, Huber said. Bricks are deteriorating, there are other structural problems, and modern buses don't fit in it well.

There is also a persistent complaint about the safety of the current location. The current configuration means buses must back up into both car and pedestrian traffic areas.

Another long-standing request from the community, Huber said, is for a sidewalk connecting the high school with the elementary school in order to improve safety.

The proposed new transportation facility would eliminate indoor parking for buses (a configuration the state would not fund), create bays for bus maintenance, and a second floor for offices for transportation staff.

The transportation facility would be on a raised elevation, creating separation from pedestrian traffic on the sidewalk next to the football field.

Huber said the district decided to build a new transportation hub at the present location of the bus garage because there was no other available space on school district property and with declining enrollment, it made no sense for the district to acquire off-campus property for buses.

"We looked at several locations on campus and everywhere we ran into issues -- slops, water flows, traffic," Huber said. "It's a very complicated space."

Becky Cokelet, project consultant, from SEI Design Group, explained the situation with the elementary school classrooms.

There is a problem with flooding in the lower southwest area of the building because of soil conditions and that has caused damage to the building. 

The plan also calls for eliminating the bathrooms in each classroom and converting those to storage closets. Two new multi-stall bathrooms will be added where there is currently a classroom. 

The classrooms will be updated with modern fixtures and features and module desk units purchased. There will also be new lockers installed in the hallway.

Funding for the $12.6 million projects will come from a variety of sources:

  • $1.9 million from capital reserves;
  • $750,000 from other reserves;
  • and, 79 percent funded by state aid.

There will be no tax increase in either the near-term nor the long-term related to the project, Financial Director Tim Batzel said.

The district will be required to take out a 15-year bond on the classroom renovations and a 30-year bond for the new building but there will be no increase in the tax levy as a result.

The bonds will be repaid over the years by reimbursements from the state, not out of district funds (after the allocated reserves are spent).

While the statutory language of the ballot measure voters are being asked to approve Monday discusses using tax levy funds to pay for the project, that is language required by state law. In reality, Batzel, future tax levy money will not be used for the project. The expense of the project is completely covered by existing reserves and state aid.

If voters approve the project, Cokelet and her SEI colleagues will need until June 2019 to draw up architectural plans, then state officials will need to approve those plans -- a process that takes several months -- so construction won't begin before 2020 and then will take 10 to 12 months to complete.

Toby Wade said it seemed like there were a lot of unanswered questions about project details, particularly around the design of a retaining wall that he and others thought could present a safety issue.

Huber assured the audience that there is no way the district would approve plans that didn't adequately address safety issues.

As for the lack of detailed design plans, Cokelet said the stages of development are driven by state regulation. First comes the assessment, then a preliminary plan, which requires state approval, and then that plan is presented to the school board for approval. After the board approves it, it is brought to district voters for consideration.

It's only after voters approve it that architects can begin to actually design the buildings and infrastructure of the project.

Wade said that process is a problem because the district voters have been burned before.

"The year 2000 building project was a complete failure," Wade said. "We had to go through lawsuits and it was a huge disservice to people. I can respect that you're trying to do what is needed, but a lot of people in the community aren't going to trust that you're doing your due diligence and trust that it's all going to turn out right."

Cokelet didn't deny the previous project had numerous problems but she said she wasn't involved in the 2000 project, nor was her company.

"I'm ashamed on a professional level, on behalf of my profession, how that firm represented (and) handled that project, but thankfully that firm is out of business," Cokelet said.

However, the district won't be able to maintain the garage much longer. Soon the state will require it be replaced.

"I understand this requires faith and trust but I hope you will look at our most recent projects and I hope you see the great work that was done on limited budgets," Cokelet said.

Voters in the Alexander Central School District can vote on the capital improvement project at the school on Monday (Dec. 3) from noon to 8 p.m.

Bathroom fire reported at mobile home park

By Howard B. Owens

A bathroom fire is reported at the Apple Grove Mobile Home Park, Lot #5, 3207 Pratt Road, Batavia.

East Pembroke fire, Town of Batavia, Oakfield, Corfu, and the City's Fast Team requested to the scene.

Batavia CTE students restore 1934 fire truck for Conesus volunteers

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

When Jeff Fronk was approached by a member of the Conesus Fire Department regarding a project, he never thought that the venture would take on a life of its own. Fronk is the Collision, Custom, and Restoration (CCR) instructor at the Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center. 

Dale Eddy is the assistant fire chief and vice president for the Conesus Fire Department. He contacted Fronk last spring with the hopes of having the CCR students work on a 1934 Dodge firetruck that was in dire need of repair.

“The truck had been stored since the '70s when it was put out of commission. It was in very bad shape, even trees were growing out of it,” Eddy said. “We contacted Jeff and hoped he would be willing to take on this project. He showed great interest because he saw the potential for the truck. We were hopeful that he could complete the extensive overhaul that the truck needed.”

“I knew this would be a big undertaking because the truck was in such disrepair,” Fronk said. “It had sat idle for many years; there were parts and pieces missing.”

Fronk inspected the truck and decided to tackle the project. Fronk and the CCR students delved into restoration and uncovered how much work that the truck required. Learning the scope of the work needed, Fronk called upon some of the other Batavia CTE instructors for their assistance, as well.

“The Conservation students milled the wood for the truck bed flooring, and then pre-drilled these oak planks for installation, the Welding students fabricated the side panels and fenders,” Fronk explained. “My CCR students repaired the body pieces that were salvageable, sandblasted the exterior, then primed and painted the exterior. The students even polished the brass bell that’s on the front of the truck.”

Due to a Conesus Fire Department event, the project was under a tight deadline. The entire restoration took place within a four-month period so the firetruck could be used during the summer months. When school ended in June, the truck was not fully completed, so Fronk, along with the help of some fellow CTE teachers, completed the project.

Eddy and the other fire department members were in total awe of the project when the truck was delivered to the fire department in July.

“I knew this was a project that the students could take on," Eddy said. "I completed the Auto Technology Program at the Mount Morris Center, so I’m a BOCES graduate.

"But when all of us saw the finished truck, we were amazed at the quality of the work that the students and instructors completed. That truck was, and still is, smiling from fender to fender.”

The finished truck was recently displayed at the Batavia CTE Center so the students could view their work. Fronk noted how students reacted to seeing the restored truck.

“When the students saw the truck, their jaws dropped and eyes were so big; they were in disbelief! They are so proud of their work,” Fronk said. “This was an incredible project for the students to complete. I’m sure that they will never see a project like this again; I know that I never will!”

The truck is now showcased at the Conesus Fire Department and is used for special community events.

Girl from Byron missing after leaving with man ordered to stay away from her

By Howard B. Owens

UPDATE 7:15 p.m.: Amber Alert canceled. The girl has been located and is safe. The suspect has also been located.

The Sheriff's Office believes a 14-year-old Byron girl was allegedly abducted this morning from a location on West Bergen Road, Byron by a 22-year-old man driving a blue Dodge Journey.

She is considered in "imminent danger or serious harm and/or death" and an Amber Alert has been issued.

Kamerie Elliot is described as 4 feet, 11 inches tall and 140 pounds. She normally has brown hair but recently dyed it a cotton-candy blue.

The suspect is Guillermo Torres-Acevedo, who has black hair and brown eyes. He is approximately 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds.

The license plates of the Dodge Journey are New York HHP5458.

According to Sheriff William Sheron, Kamerie and Torres-Acevedo knew each other and Torres-Acevedo had been arrested by State Police on Monday in connection with that an incident involving the girl.

According to State Police public information officer for Troop A, James O'Callahan, the Bureau of Criminal Investigations received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and BCI opened an investigation into Torres-Acevedo's activities. Torres-Acevedo was arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

He was jailed on $5,000 bail and issued a complete stay away order as a result of the charge.

This morning, Kamerie apparently got into his car willingly at about 8 a.m.

The car was last seen traveling northbound on West Bergen Road. 

Town of Batavia Justice Tom Williams this morning signed an arrest warrant for Torres-Acevedo for the alleged violation of the stay away order.

If you have information or spot the vehicle or either individual, call 9-1-1 or (585) 343-5000.

UPDATE 3:21 p.m.: The suspect may have shaved his head this morning, according to Sheron.

This is not a picture of the vehicle but this photo looks like the suspect vehicle.

Treasurer announces online tax portal for county residents

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Genesee County Treasurer Scott D. German is pleased to announce that Genesee County residents (outside the City of Batavia) now have online access to their Town/County property tax information. This website:  http://genesee.go2gov.net  can be used to inquire on the status of their taxes, review payment history or make payments online with credit or debit cards or an e-check. A convenience fee will apply for online payments.

Tax information can be looked up by: the property owner’s name; property address; mailing address; or by tax ID number. The site is very easy to navigate and can provide very useful tax information.

Everything on the website is information already available to the general public.

As always, anyone with any questions can contact my office at 585-815-7803.

Pettinella to spin Chicago on Geezer Radio tomorrow night

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Batavian Mike Pettinella, longtime local journalist and fan of the legendary rock group Chicago, will be the guest of DJ Richard Beatty on Friday night on the Geezer Radio show.

The “Evening with Chicago” show airs from 8 to 10 p.m. on WGCC radio, 90.7 on the FM dial. It also can be heard on the Internet --https://tunein.com/radio/907FM-s28965/

Pettinella has been a Chicago devotee since the band released its first album, Chicago Transit Authority, in 1969. He attended his first Chicago concert on Aug. 31, 1971 at the old War Memorial Stadium in Buffalo and has seen the group perform more than 65 times since then at various venues in the Eastern United States and Canada.

He also has had the privilege of talking with band members after their show on several occasions and was among the thousands on hand at the group’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in April 2016 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Tomorrow night’s show will feature numerous songs spanning the “rock and roll band with horns'"51-year career along with discussion about the group and other songs selected by the Geezer.

Chicago is one of the longest-running and most successful rock groups, and one of the world's best-selling groups of all time, having sold more than 100 million records. To date, Chicago has sold more than 40 million units in the United States, with 23 gold, 18 platinum, and eight multi-platinum albums.

It's that time of year: Adopt a hydrant

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

With winter now thrust upon us and in the event of an emergency, could firefighters find the closest fire hydrant near your home or business?

Fire Chief Stefano (Steve) Napolitano and the members of the City of Batavia Fire Department are encouraging residents to “adopt a fire hydrant” near their home or business this winter season. We are asking residents and business owners for their assistance in keeping fire hydrants clear of snow and debris. The Chief also noted that this is an informal program and therefore it is not necessary to advise the department about which fire hydrants you will be keeping clear.

If possible, we ask that the “adopted” hydrants be uncovered of snow after each snowfall and provide a clear path of approximately three feet around the hydrant. This path will allow fire department staff to quickly locate the hydrant and obtain a water supply used in firefighting activities. Delays in locating and connecting to a fire hydrant can hamper fire suppression activities, raising the risk of injury and furthering property damage.

Additionally, the department asks residents and business owners to contact fire headquarters at 585-345-6375 if they require assistance in keeping their hydrants clear or notice damage to the hydrant itself or the reflective marker attached to the hydrant.

Lastly, please consider helping a neighbor who may be elderly or has a medical condition by keeping the fire hydrant clear near their residence.

“Together we can help keep our City safe this winter season” Napolitano said.

On behalf of the fire officers and firefighters of the City of Batavia Fire Department, we thank the community for its continued support of the men and women of the department and the services that we provide.

Forum Players present 'Single Black Female' at GCC

By Howard B. Owens

Genesee Community College's Forum Players present "Single Black Female," written by Lisa B. Thompson, an award-winning playwright, with an open performance tonight followed by performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

In this show, quick comic vignettes tell the story of two thirty-something African-American middle-class women looking for love, clothes, dignity and more in a world that only sees stereotypes. This production is a thesis project for co-director Jaime Arena, who is pursuing a master's degree at Regent University.

The GCC production stars Tori Ogunsanya, of Brooklyn, and Khalisah Muhammad, of Harlem.

The supporting cast includes Natsumi Sasabe, of Tokyo, Akane Hagiwara, of Tokyo, Runo Suzuki, of Hokkaido, Japan, Fu Kikuchi of Fukuoka, Japan, Chiyori Nakadai of Chiba, Japan, Lakeithia Lindsey, of Tampa, Fla., and Salma Huzair, of Waterport (not pictured in cast photo below).

Performances: 

  • Tonight, starting at 7:30
  • Tomorrow, starting at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, 2 p.m.

Tickets for these performances are $8 for adults and $5 for seniors (55+) and students (16+) and GCC faculty/staff. GCC students with ID are $3, and GCC alumni with ID will receive a $2 discount on an adult ticket. To reserve seats, contact the GCC box office at boxoffice@genesee.edu or (585) 345-6814.

The performance is staged on the theater stage so seating for each performance is limited.

Photos by Howard Owens except cast photo (submitted by GCC).

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