Press release:

First as a student and now as a faculty member, Patty Page has been making a difference in the lives of Holy Family School students in Le Roy for the past 23 years. A 1965 graduate of the school located in eastern Genesee County, Page will receive the “Sister Lucille Socciarelli - Father John Sturm Making a Difference Award” on Jan. 26 at the annual dinner that raises funds for needs-based tuition assistance for students attending Catholic elementary schools in the Diocese of Buffalo.

In his letter of nomination, Holy Family School Principal Kevin Robertson wrote, “Patty is a very spiritual person and shares her great sense of responsibility with her students and coworkers every day. Patty’s second-graders leave her classroom at the end of each school year with knowledge of Jesus, His many teachings, the saints and the essential values of being a caring and honest person.”

Father Michael Rock, OdeM, canonical administrator of the school, said that for Page, teaching is a true vocation and call to ministry.

“In everything she does, she is not only an exceptional professional but she has the compassion and gentleness of a true Christian,” Rock said.

The award that Page will receive at the “Making a Difference Dinner – A Celebration of Catholic Schools,” was originated in 2000 by the late Tim Russert of NBC’s “Meet the Press.” The South Buffalo native was inspired by two religious mentors, Sister Lucille Socciarelli, RSM, who taught him at St. Bonaventure School in West Seneca, and Father John Sturm, SJ, dean of discipline at Canisius High School in Buffalo.

Following Russert’s death in 2008, the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo decided to continue the award on Russert’s behalf.  Since the 2009 dinner, Russert’s son, Luke, has introduced the honoree via videotape from the NBC News set in Washington, D.C. The practice will continue at next month’s dinner.

Lead sponsors of the dinner are the William E. & Ann L. Swan Foundation and Restonic – Tom and Jean Comer. Platinum sponsors are the Mazurkiewicz Family and Mrs. Arthur J. Schaefer, Lawley, John and Betsy Sullivan, and Richard and Karen Penfold.

Tribute sponsors are KeyBank, Jake and Katie Schneider, Steve and Kellie Ulrich, M&T Bank, Pratt Collard Advisory Partners, LLC, and The Kenneth L. & Katherine G. Koessler Foundation, Canisius High School, Dietrich Law Firm, Personal Touch Food Service, Phillips Lytle, Franchise Technologies, Catholic Health, St. Mark Parish and School, and Dave and Mary Pietrowski.

For sponsorship and ticket information, contact Susan Burns, coordinator of Special Events, at 716-847-8373 or sburns@buffalodiocese.org.

Press release:

Downtown Batavia – The first “Taste Of The Holidays” hosted by the Batavia Business Improvement District, which took place on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2-3, was a huge success. More than 400 people attended the Friday night tastings under the Holiday Tent.

Seven area restaurants participated and three winners were selected by the people as the “Best of…The Taste of the Holidays” based upon their favorite tastings.

First place went to the B.I.D.’s own Sunny’s Restaurant,12 Batavia City Centre, for their outstanding Artichoke French and Vodka Pasta dishes. Second place went to Delavan’s, 107 Evans St., for their scrumptious Italian Sausage with Peppers & Onions, and in third place was Batavia’s Original, 500 E. Main St., for their delicious Specialty Pizzas. Other participants were: Coffee Culture, Molasses Hill, O’Lacy’s Irish Pub and T.F. Brown’s. All should be congratulated as they made the debut of this event most successful.

Three individuals who won the gift certificates were: Jeff Allen from Oakfield, Darrell and Janet Smith from Medina, and Carrie Lawrence from Batavia.

Jeff Allen from Oakfield said, “Hope this is a tradition that will grow.”

We hope so, too, and encourage more area restaurants to join us next year. Any restaurants who are interested in participating or individuals who would like being on the committee for the 2012 “Taste of the Holidays,” please let us know by calling Don Burkel at the B.I.D.: 344-0900.

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

The final package of legislation voted on today included added measures providing tax relief for families and businesses that Western New Yorkers desperately need.

By reducing income levies on tax-paying citizens and business owners, we are embracing the families and job creators that make New York the Empire State. Additional provisions that support our educational institutions address even more issues facing our region, making today’s vote a victory for Western New Yorkers.

In addition, I supported a pair of hostile amendments that would have addressed the most pressing issues facing New York – mandate relief and a state spending cap – which were denied by the Assembly Majority.

These are solutions to problems that have plagued New York State for years. Until we address these issues, we cannot dig New York out of the financial hole it persistently finds itself in, but the numerous other benefits of this legislation are steps in the right direction for Western New York.

Chad Alexander Koschuk, 25, of Genesee Street, Alden, is charged with petit larceny. Koschuck is accused of shoplifting a DVD worth $19.99 from Kmart.

Stephanie Lynn Buss, 23, of Genesee Street, Alden, is charged with petit larceny. Buss is accused of shoplifting jewelry worth $20.49 from Kmart.

Kati Mancuso, 28, of Fordham Drive, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Mancuso is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Jenny Elizabeth Stephens, 28, of Jerome Place, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Stephens is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Christopher James Seller, 49, of Cedar Street, Akron, is charged with DWAI/alcohol and speed in zone (56 mph in a 40 mph zone). Seller was stopped at 12:24 a.m., Wednesday on Route 5, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Philip Michael Busch, 20, of Bowen Road, Alexander, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. Busch is accused of hosting an underage drinking party at his home.

An Attica resident accused of selling drugs to an undercover agent of the Local Drug Task Force turned herself in Tuesday evening.

Charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, was Virginia R. Jozwiak, 44, of Graff Road, Attica.

Jozwiak was also charged with aggravated unlicensed operation.

Jozwiak allegedly sold pills containing a controlled substance to an agent in February.

Following arraignment in Alexander Town Court, Jozwiak was released on her own recognizance.

The unlicensed operation ticket was issued after it was discovered that she had allegedly driven herself to the Sheriff's Office while on a suspended license.

Tanner Kolb is 12 years old, a sixth-grader at Batavia Middle School, and is officially an alumni of the Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC). Tanner was nominated by her fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Brown at John Kennedy School, to participate in the annual event held at our nation's capital, and made the journey Oct. 8 -13.

The JrNYLC is designed for high-achieving middle-school students, and offers these students "the opportunity to learn about leadership by studying the leaders of the past and by focusing on social advocacy to make a positive impact in their homes and communities." (http://www.cylc.org/jrnylc/JrNYLC_about.cfm)

Tuesday night, Tanner was excited to share her experiences. She said her favorite place she visited was Harper's Ferry, where she participated in a Civil War era battle reenactment. She met and made friends with students from not just across the continental 48 states, but places like New Zealand, Guam, Germany and Hawaii, and now has herself some pen pals.

When asked what lessons she learned from her experience, Tanner told me "Anyone can be a leader, if they're willing to work for it. Leaders are not born that way, they have to work for it." I asked what message she would like to send to other students who might be able to earn a nomination to participate. Her response was simply, "I'd tell them go for it. Definitely go for it."

She was written a thank-you letter to all her supporters, whose fundraisers made the trip possible. Afterall, going to D.C. can be pricey.

Here's her thank-you letter in full:

"I would like to personally thank everyone who donated pop cans, bought something from one of my fundraisers, or donated money to help me go on my trip to Washington, D.C. I had tons of fun and went to lots of interesting places.

I went to Harper's Ferry, an old Civil War town where we reenacted a battle. We went to lots of memorials, like the Lincoln, the Martin Luther King Jr., the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and many other places such as the Capitol building, the White House, and the Museum of American History. We ate at the Hard Rock Cafe, and Buca di Beppo restaurant.

I made lots of new friends from all around the world and I still talk to them a lot.  We also had a sleepover at the Maryland Science Center! I would like to say a special thank you to my fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Brown, who nominated me for this trip. It really means a lot to me that she believed in me that much. I loved this trip and it would not have been possible without your help.

Thanks you so much,

Tanner Kolb

A young woman lost part of her leg in a farm machinary accident off Drake Road, Elba, on Wednesday afternoon.

A hunter found Diana M. Beechler, 24, of Water Street, Oakfield, with her arm and leg stuck in an auger she had reportedly been cleaning.

Elba Fire, along with more volunteers from Batavia and Oakfield worked for than 90 minutes to extricate Beechler from the machine.

Mercy Flight transported Beechler to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

"It was a pretty tough extrication," said Brian Russell, chief of the Elba Volunteer Fire Department. "We’re used to extricating out of cars, not farm equipment, so it definitely adds to the challenge."

Russell said crews had to cut through two layers of metal covers to be able to safely pull Beechler from the auger.

Beechler was reportedly an employee at the farm at 3869 Drake Street Road and was inside a grain cart cleaning it out when she either fell or was pulled into the auger.

It's unknown how long she had been stuck when a local hunter came upon the machinery and noticed a problem with the power take off (PTO) of the tractor. When checking the PTO problem, he discovered Beechler lodged in the auger.  He shut down the PTO and called 9-1-1.

Russell said Beechler was alert and conscious throughout the extrication.

"We controlled the bleeding as best we good," Russell said. "It was hard with her being stuck up inside there, but they (the volunteers) did an excellent job."

Alton Beechler, Diana's father-in-law, called it "an unfortunate accident."

"She is pretty tough," Alton added, "and if anybody can make it, she can."

Assisting at the scene were Mercy EMS and the Sheriff's Office.

(Initial report)

People are reportedly smoking pot in plain sight in front of the Harvester Center on Harvester Avenue. City police are heading there now.

A man's 24-year-old woman's arm is reportedly caught in a grain auger behind the residence at 3869 Drake Street Road in Elba. The location is between Pekin and Weatherwax roads. She is conscious and breathing.

Elba Fire Department, Mercy medics and Sheriff's deputies are also responding.

UPDATE 3:36 p.m.: Mercy Flight is called to the scene.

UPDATE 3:39 p.m.: Mercy Flight is en route. Elba units, along with one from Oakfield Fire Department, are going to set up the landing zone.

UPDATE 3:53 p.m.: An engine from Barre is called to Elba's Fire Department.

UPDATE 4:14 p.m.: Town of Batavia's fire rescue unit is called as mutual aid to the scene. Barre is now standing by in Elba's hall.

UPDATE 4:50 p.m.: Mercy Flight has been waiting at the scene for some time now. "The victim has been freed from the equipment." Fire police are handling traffic, with one lane of traffic eastbound, alternating with one lane of traffic westbound.

UPDATE 4:59 p.m.: The victim is being loaded into Mercy Flight which "fired up" and is preparing to take off. Traffic has been stopped for this.

UPDATE 5:02 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne and heading to Strong Memorial Hospital. The traffic shuffle resumes.

Reminder...

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce's Annual Awards Committee has announced the 2011 Annual Awards Dinner will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the Clarion Hotel, Park Road, Batavia. This is the county’s premier event that honors businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service and volunteerism.

The chamber has streamlined its nomination forms to make submissions less cumbersome and time consuming. Please note that a brief write-up will qualify your nominee for consideration.

Nominations are now being accepted for Business of the Year, Entrepreneurial Business of the Year, Agricultural Business of the Year, Innovative Enterprise of the Year, Special Service Recognition and Geneseean of the Year. Business Nominees must be a chamber member (If unsure of your nominee, call the chamber to verify).

Nomination forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, 210 E. Main St., Batavia and can also be downloaded from the chamber website at www.geneseeny.com.

If you would like more information, feel free to call Kelly J. Bermingham, director of Membership & Special Events at the chamber office, 343-7440, ext. 26.

Deadline for nominations is Jan. 6

• Business of the Year Award

The nominee must have demonstrated significant business stability, commitment to the business community, community service and leadership.

• Entreprenuerial Business of the Year

Leading the way in the development of business through opportunities that created uniqueness of business ideas and initiation of the owner.

• Agricultural Business of the Year

Nominee must be considered an agri-business and have demonstrated steady or increased growth in this industry.

• Innovative Enterprise of the Year

A business that is successfully generating and implementing new or novel ideas and methods.

• Special Service Recognition

Does not have to be a business. Can be an organization, club, government agency, educational institute or health care facility that is recognizing a major event or activity/activities. Must have had lasting benefit to the community at large for that organization.

• Geneseean of the Year

A person who has made an outstanding contribution to the community, contributed or volunteered beyond the call of duty, a true unsung hero of today. Person must be a resident of Genesee County.

(Members of the chamber of commerce board of directors are not eligible for awards.)

Beset by problems, limited in resources, but possessing much potential, Batavia can make big strides toward a brighter future over the next three years, according to consultants hired by the city to help with strategic planning.

After going through some of the strengths and weaknesses in Batavia, the consultants laid out a 36-month plan -- leading up to the city's centennial celebration -- and a couple of longer-range initiatives the city can pursue.

"We're not the kind of consultants who paint you a bunch of pretty pictures and tell you this is what you should be when you can't afford it," David Boehlke said. "We want to be realistic."

The 36-month plan:

• Develop 12 block clubs or three neighborhood associations
• Create a resident task force supporting neighborhood activities
• Sponsor 24 celebratory events
• Promote six to eight events focusing on business success
• Establish a citywide awards committee
• Establish at least one community tour
• Sponsor 10 open houses per year
• Graduate three leadership classes of eight participants each
• Complete one new gateway sign each year
• Install community identity banners at 12 locations
• Create a resident communication initiative
• Implement a community-wide tree planting/guardian project

In additional, the city should pursue three longer-range projects:

• Establish a program to help potential home owners qualify under the federal Farmers Home Loan Program (since Batavia qualifies as a rural community, Batavia residents would qualify for loans).
• Purchase blanket flood insurance, which would lower insurance costs for homes and businesses in flood plains and increase property values by $10,000 or more, making rehabilitation more economically viable. ("Inside the dotted lines, property owners get their equity sucked right out," Boehlke said.)
• Establish a program to target 12 properties a year on corridor streets (such as Oak and Ellicott) for improvements.

In all, the three-year plan would cost $60,000 per year. The funds could be obtained through grants and gifts from local big businesses, Boehlke said.

"We've seen it done in other communities," he said. "If you don’t invest at least at that level, I don’t see any of this happening."

Downtown needs to be an important focus for improvement, both Boehlke and Charles Buki said.

The mall has failed as a retail space and City of Batavia residents are spending more than $24 million annually in other markets that they might spend in Batavia if given the right options.

The city has opportunities to capture those dollars in entertainment, dining, apparel and home furnishings.

"A reason some of the restaurants (in town now) aren't doing as well as they could is there aren't enough of them," Buki said. "They need to be clustered together."

The city and the BID need to work together to recruit businesses to downtown that will help keep some of the money being spent outside the city, inside the city.

"You're doing loads of the right thing now, but you need to do loads more," Boehlke said.

Here's what the consultants found is working for the city:

• The housing stock is largely in good condition
• The market is affordable for home owners
• There is a quality rental housing market
• Downtown has great potential
• The city has forward-looking leadership

They described Batavia as an authentic small city, with a viable business community, responsible property owners and committed citizens with a good city government.

• The city is losing population
• Lower home ownership rate than the competition
• Older, aging community
• Aging home stocks
• Struggling renters
• Downtown that's not working optimally

According to Boehlke, enough families with purchasing power have moved out of Batavia over the past 10 years that the city has lost about $20,000 in annual purchasing power per week over that 10 year span.

As for ownership rates, Boehlke said, "It's not that you have too much rental. It's that your competition has less rental."

When asked who the competition is, Boehlke said it's the Town of Batavia, primarily.

"The town is your competition at this stage because if somebody wants to build, that’s where they’re going to build because that’s where it makes the most sense to build," he explained.

The aging population -- 25 percent of city home owners are 65 or older -- is especially a problem when combined with the aging housing stock. Eighty percent of the homes were built before 1930.

"They’re getting old and the houses are getting older and you don't have a incoming flow of buyers," Boehlke said.

On the rental front, a significant number of renters in the city don't have a car, which limits their employment opportunities, which means they continue to struggle to make ends meet.

"There are limited employment opportunities, but it's not surprising that they come here," Boehlke said. "You have better schools and safer streets. (Struggling renters) may not be economically the best outcome for your community."

Downtown isn't failing, both consultants said. It isn't working optimally. There is room for improvement.

"When you're a visitor, the impression you get is that downtown is fading," Boehlke said. "There are enough storefronts closed, enough homemade signs hanging in windows, that it speaks to a downtown that isn't valued. If you don’t know this town and you drive downtown for the first time, your impression is that the community is a lot more stagnant than it is."

If the city doesn't act to reverse course, Buki said, the outcome is predictable: population loss will continue, Batavia will continue to get older, home ownership rates will keep falling, there will be no new housing, and renters will continue to struggle and be a challenge.

Photo: Charles Buki

St. James Episcopal Church, undergoing renovations, was dressed up with a big red bow today. Workers attached the bow to the cover of the scaffolding around the church tower.

Submitted by Batavia City Schools:

Highlights from the Batavia City School District Board of Education meeting on Dec. 5, 2011, include the following:

Explanation of the district policy about holidays

Superintendent Margaret Puzio reported that many questions have been asked about our district’s policy on celebrating Christmas. In response, she wrote a short explanation to post on the website along with copies of the actual board of education/district policies that pertain to the topic. For the link to that full message, copy/paste this into your address bar: http://www.bataviacsd.org/news.cfm?story=832&school=0

Enjoy holiday concerts!

In addition to praising last week’s Winter Concert performances by the Morris Chorus under the direction of Mrs. Lisa Gilebarto, and the Jackson Chorus under the direction of Ms. Robin Crowden, Superintendent Puzio encouraged all to attend upcoming concerts around the district.

Click on the headline above to read more: 

* Thursday, Dec. 8, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The Batavia High School Winter Concert includes performances by the BHS band under the direction of Ms. Jane Haggett, the BHS orchestra under the direction of Mr. Gilbert Pease, and the BHS women's chorus and Select Chorus under the direction of Mr. Daniel Grillo.

* Tuesday, Dec. 13, from 7 to 8 p.m.

The John Kennedy Chorus Winter Concert
 features the John Kennedy Chorus, under the direction of Mr. Jeff Langdon.

* Tuesday, Dec. 20, from 7 to 8:15 p.m.

The Batavia Middle School Winter Concert includes performances by the BMS band under the direction of Ms. Jane Haggett, the BMS orchestra under the direction of Mr. Gilbert Pease, and the BMS girls chorus and Mixed Chorus under the direction of Mr. Daniel Grillo.

* Wednesday, Dec. 21, from 7 to 8 p.m.

At the Batavia Middle School Auditorium, the Sixth-grade Chorus/Advanced Band Winter Concert 
includes performances by the BMS sixth-grade chorus under the direction of Mr. Daniel Grillo, and the Batavia Advanced Band under the direction of Mrs. Dawn Mark.

Batavia High News Ex-officio Student Board Member Taylor Harkness reported that:

• The boys’ JV and varsity teams won their respective tournaments in Olean this past weekend (12/2 and12/3). In addition, Justin Washington was named tournament MVP, and Jalen Smith and Tommy Prospero were named to the all-tournament team.
• The BHS chapter of the National Honor Society is supporting the Salvation Army’s effort to supply warm, clean, usable coats for those in need by asking all to drop off old coats at the BHS learning center by Friday, Dec. 16. The NHS members will deliver them to the Salvation Army.
• Also at the high school, the Z-Club has placed a donation box in the BHS main office for those wishing to donate toys and lightly loved stuffed animals for the Toys for Tots drive for Galisano Hospital. The box will remain in the office until Dec. 9.
• The senior class Vendor Blender was a success, and that auditions will soon be starting for the BHS production of "Guys and Dolls."

Batavia Middle School Update

The number of schools identified by New York State as “in need of improvement” jumped from 99 in 2010-2011 to 847 in 2011-2012. A significant explanation for the jump is federal pressure on the state to increase academic expectations and performance of students.

Principal Sandy Griffin and Assistant Principal Tim McArdle presented information about the Batavia Middle School’s move from recently being named a “High Peforming Gap-closing School” in annual rankings by the NYS Education Department to being identified as a “School In Need of Improvement” (SINI) by the State.

The noted increase in expectations has (made it) less predictable than in the past and (there are) higher cut points for proficiency -- so from Year A to Year B, students had to have a higher grade in order to be considered proficient.

But while the bar has risen quickly, the fact that the bar has been raised is a good thing. Mrs. Griffin and Mr. McArdle, viewing the SINI status as a gateway to future success, have been working hard with the rest of the staff on developing and strengthening school-wide initiatives that emphasize implementation of the Common Core State Standards, higher-order thinking skills, and literacy skills, including writing about information text.

For this school-wide push toward increased rigor and advanced learning, they are utilizing a three-pronged approach that includes faculty collaboration, emphasizes continual assessment of teaching methods and measured results to improve instruction, plus increases in personalized instruction.

The results thus far have been encouraging and Mrs. Griffin and Mr. McArdle expect that the academic benefits students are reaping from these initiatives will be reflected in increased assessment scores and increased preparedness for the 21st Century.

Financial Summary Report for October 2011

Business Administrator Scott Rozanski reported on the October 2011 revenue and expenses for the district, reviewing them in comparison to the October 2010 figures.

Total recorded revenues were up by slightly more than $1,090,000, or 5.3 percent, primarily due to a $706,000 or 4.13 percent increase in the tax levy. Two other revenue categories also contributed to the increase: Non-property tax items (utility tax) and state and federal aid.

The utility tax, which, as previously reported, had been in decline for several school years including 2010-2011, increased by $84,900, or more than 46 percent. State and federal aid were up $324,000 or 8.4 percent over last year at the same time, primarily because of the increase in the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) payment in October. The state makes this payment on districts’ behalf as part of their annual aid, and it's therefore recorded by districts as revenue.

Expenses were down by about $959,000 or 10 percent, as compared to October 2010. Approximately half of the decrease was in the timing of payments on the GV partnership bills. In 2010-2011, there were three payments made in October whereas in this school year only two were made in October.

In addition, Mr. Rozanski highlighted adecrease of $247,000 or nearly 22 percent in Central Services. This stems from a change in our purchasing cycle and the subsequent timing of orders being processed, and in part to charges for work done to the administration building for roof repairs and repair for earthquake damages. Those expenses were initially charged to the general fund until they could be reconciled at year's end and charged to repair reserves.

Gail Patricia Rumble, 47, of North Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with identity theft. Rumble is accused of using another person's identity to secure services illegally.

David L. Andrews, 24, of 19 Holland Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 5th. Andrews is accused of possessing a license plate stolen from a local business.

Jeffrey L. Deats, 25, of 10 Olyn Ave., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Deats is accused of threatening another family member.

Todd Steven Logsdon, 21, of Otis Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Logsdon was apprehended at about 8 p.m., Oct. 21, following a report of a suspicious condition on Route 63 in Batavia. Logsdon was found by Deputy Brad Mazur to be allegedly operating a motor vehicle in an intoxicated condition.

Two men suspected of being in the country illegally were arrested Monday afternoon following an accident at Route 98 and West Saile Drive.

Taken into custody were Juan H. Gomez, 25, a resident of Hamlin, and Humberto O. Escalante, 24, a resident of Elba.

Both men were charged with illegal entry and turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol.

Gomez was the driver. Gomez allegedly made a left-hand turn from Route 98 onto West Saile Drive and failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic.

Injured in the crash at 5:18 p.m. were the driver and passenger of the other vehicle, Judith M. Drews, 65, of Byron, and Judith M. Drews, 90. Both women were transported to UMMC by Mercy EMS with minor injuries.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Joseph Graff.

The doors to Oatka School of Glass opened on Monday evening, giving visitors -- mostly Chamber of Commerce members -- a chance to see what the school has to offer, most notably its new glassblowing class area.

New instructor Justin McKenney gave a lengthy demonstration and lecture on how glassblowing works and how he teaches his classes.

The Alfred University graduate taught glassblowing in the Boston area before deciding to move back with his wife to her hometown, Buffalo.

McKenney said the new glassblowing school at Oatka is the only one of its kind between Buffalo and Corning.

Classes are structured to give people the ability to just dabble in glassblowing -- close supervision on making, for example, Christmas ornaments -- or new students interested in a long-term hobby can start with glassblowing 101. There are also family classes and one-on-one instruction.

McKenney will provide more glassblowing demonstrations during Holidays at Harvester from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday.

For more information on the school, click here.

Bottom photo, some of the Christmas decorations made Saturday by 75 Girl Scouts who visited Oatka on Saturday.

LPL Financial is growing, and to accommodate the growth has moved into new office space in Downtown Batavia.

The financial services office is now located at 216 E. Main St., #3.

Joining LPL as a financial advisor is Judy Thompson, who has more than 30 years experience in the financial services industry.

“We are very excited to have Judy working along side us at LPL,” said Marc Staley, managing principal. “She brings tremendous experience to our office, along with many wonderful relationships throughout Genesee and Wyoming counties”

Thompson joined the firm Nov. 28.

“I am thrilled about continuing my career as an independent advisor,” Thompson said. “I am very passionate about servicing my clients, and dedicated to the ongoing commitment that it takes to build solid relationships with them.”   

Thompson joins the team that already included Jill Meeder, relationship manager.

Staley said that with Thompson’s addition, LPL needed more private and functional office space, so the firm moved from its former location at Main and Jackson streets.  

“Jill and I knew we wanted to stay downtown and remain in the BID," Staley said. "We loved our old location, but privacy and confidentiality became an issue as we grew. Our new space has four large offices, a conference room and a nice reception area.” 

The space also opens the door for adding another financial advisor to the staff at some point in 2012.

It's a matter of finding the right person, Staley said.

“Judy and I share a very similar approach to managing our clients, and it just happens to fit perfectly with LPL’s model," Staley said.

Judy lives in Attica with her husband Peter. She can be reached in her new office at 345-9797 or by email at judy.thompson@lpl.com.

Photo: Staley, left, Thompson and Meeder.