Press Release:

On Monday, upon recommendation from Superintendent Jason Smith, the Batavia City School District Board of Education approved the appointment of Chad Bliss as Director of Facilities III, effective June 16, 2023.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Chad Bliss as our new Director of Facilities. Chad brings more than 20 years of leadership and management experience and has a thorough understanding of the scope of operations involved in managing the facilities of a public school system. We look forward to tapping his expertise in all areas, including safety and access systems, energy management, special events, facilities, education, and athletics, as well as his knowledge of New York State codes and regulations,” said Superintendent Jason Smith. 

Mr. Bliss currently serves as the Director of Facilities for the Eden Central School District, and has served as a Construction Manager for Campus Construction Management, a firm that specializes in K-12 capital construction projects. 

“I look forward to working with the BCSD facilities team to ensure our community members take pride in the safety, cleanliness, and appearance of our buildings and grounds,” said Chad Bliss. “I am eager to get started, and I am genuinely excited to become part of the Blue Devils family.” 

“We have a BMS capital project on the horizon, which is outlined in this year’s proposed 2023-24 budget, as well as ongoing tasks to wrap up the 2020 Vision Project, including our Energy Performance Contract. It’s essential that we have dedicated leadership in place to execute these projects, and we’re confident that Chad’s project management, communication, and strategic planning skills will lead us toward success,” said Scott Rozanski, BCSD Business Administrator.

Photo submitted by Batavia City Schools.

A car vs. tractor-trailer accident is reported on Route 63 near Starr Road in Pavilion.

Unknown injuries.

Airbag deployment reported.

Pavilion Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 8:43 p.m.: Bethany Fire requested to Texeco Town to shut down Route 63 south.

Jacob W. Patterson, 27, of Kilian Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, obstructing governmental administration and operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs. Patterson was arrested after officers William Yung and John Gombos were dispatched to a gas station on East Main Street on April 24 to check on a report of an intoxicated driver. Patterson allegedly tried to run from officers before being subdued and apprehended.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jordan E. Hamilton, 26, of Baker Road, Kent, is charged with tampering with physical evidence and criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Hamilton was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle at a gas station on East Main when Officer William Yung dispatched on April 24 to check on a report of an intoxicated driver. Hamilton was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Tonya Marie Ficarella, 36, of Lovers Lane, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Ficarella is accused of stealing merchandise from a store on Veterans Memorial Drive at 1:44 p.m. on May 2. The Sheriff's Office withheld the name and address of the store. Ficarella was issued an appearance ticket. UPDATE: The Sheriff's Office has released that the location was Walmart.

Jaime Leigh Ayala, 43, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Ayala is accused of entering a store where a protected party worked at 8:28 a.m. on May 2. Ayala was released on an appearance ticket.

Jakob Neale Abrams, 18, of Indian Falls Road, Darien, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, driving while using a mobile phone, failure to keep right. Abrams was reportedly involved in a property damage accident at 1:59 a.m. on April 30 on Harper Road, Darien. He was arrested following an investigation by deputies Ayrton Blankenburg and Jeremiah Gechell.

Christopher John Gulczewski, 33, of Thomas Street, Holley, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Gulczewski is accused of threatening to kill a mother in front of her children at 3:20 p.m. on May 3 at a location on South Main Street in Elba.  He was held pending arraignment.

Jerrol Paul Newell, 53, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd.  Newell was arrested while incarcerated in Genesee County Jail for an incident reported at 2:29 p.m. on May 2. The nature of his alleged offense was not released by the Sheriff's Office. He was arraigned and remanded back to the custody of the jail.

Auntunez Jaime Antunez, 35, of Dewey Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right and speeding. Antunez was stopped at 11:25 p.m. on May 5 by Deputy Ryan Mullen on Route 33 in Batavia. He was issued and appearance ticket.

Danielle Florance Reed, 34, of Standart Woods, Auburn, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, speeding, failure to dim lights, and moving from lane unsafely. Reed was stopped at 1:50 a.m. on May 7 on Route 20 in Pavilion by Deputy Zachary Hoy.

Casey T. Vaughn, 33,of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd, strangulation 2nd, criminal mischief 4th and aggravated family offense. He is also charged with criminal mischief 4th and criminal tampering 3rd. Vaughn allegedly struck another person and broke a mirror on April 28 during a disturbance at a location on East Main Street, Batavia. That same day, while in custody, Vaughn allegedly spit on a wall, floor, bench, and desk in an interview room at the Batavia police station. He is also accused of pulling molding off the wall.  On the first set of charges, he was ordered held on $10,000 bail. On the second set, he was issued an appearance ticket.

Cassandra F. Smith, 37, of Manhattan Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on four warrants issued by Batavia City Court. Smith was first arrested on April 8 on two counts of petit larceny after she allegedly stole property from different yards on Manhattan Avenue. On April 14, Smith allegedly committed criminal tampering and trespass at a residence on Ross Street by being on the property after being trespassed earlier by police and throwing garbage/other items at the residence.  A warrant was requested.  On April 23, Smith allegedly trespassed again at the residence on Ross Street and was captured on Ring cam.  A warrant was requested. 

Tanika N. Avant, 21, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of harassment 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child. Avant is accused of being involved in a disturbance on April 28 at an undisclosed location and engaging in a physical altercation with another person. During the course of the altercation, he allegedly struck a juvenile. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

James T. Hardaway, 39, of Utica Street, Brockport, is charged with speeding, unlicensed operation, and DWI. Hardaway was stopped on April 30 on Clinton Street, Batavia, by Officer Joseph Weglarski. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Misty R. Scutt, 34, of Exchange Street, Attica, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. Scutt was the subject of a traffic stop by Officer Joseph Weglaski on Jan. 28 in the City of Batavia and arrested on April 28 following the return of a lab analysis of a blood sample. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Hunter M. Passage, 22, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with no headlamps, speed in zone, and driving while ability impaired by drugs. Passage was stopped at a gas station on West Main Street, Batavia, by Sgt. Mitch Cowen on April 27. He was issued an appearance ticket.

A vehicle is off the road, and entrapment and injuries are reported in the area of 9575 Alleghany Road, Darien.

Darien Fire and ambulance and Corfu Fire dispatched.

A first responder reports patients are conscious.

UPDATE 5:55 p.m.: There are two patients.

UPDATE 5:56 p.m.: Mercy EMS dispatched.

A vehicle off the road on Route 63 just north of Route 20 in Pavilion following a reported chase by law enforcement starting in Livingston County of a stolen vehicle.

The vehicle was reportedly occupied by two black males.  At least one of the males fled from the car and law enforcement is conducting a search of the area.  The State Police is assisting with a helicopter and drones.

There's been no response from the Sheriff's Office to a request for more information.

Reader submitted photos.

Press Release:

Residents of the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District are being reminded to vote on Tuesday, May 16, at the Oakfield-Alabama High School from noon to 8 p.m. 

Posters about the Haxton Memorial Library vote featuring local residents and library patrons can be seen in the library and at various locations throughout the area. The signs and posters are a reminder for residents that their votes will determine the future of the Haxton Memorial Library.

A presentation by the Haxton Memorial Library Board of Trustees with details about the proposition was held at the Oakfield Government and Community Center on March 28 at 7 p.m. Details from this meeting can be viewed at www.HaxtonLibrary.org/vote and can also be picked up at the library. An informational flier with details about the budget vote was mailed to Oakfield-Alabama School District residents in mid-March.

The Board of Trustees also hosted two small group sessions at the library for residents on April 13 and 15. At these meetings, Carol D’Alba, president, and other Trustees from the noard of the Haxton Memorial Library, shared information about the May 16 vote that proposes to transition the library to a school district public library. The library’s service area would expand to serve the residents of the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District.

The library would remain housed in the same building with the same staff. The school district would have no direct control of the library but would collect funds for the library. This transition to a school district public library would stabilize the funding needed to operate the library and provide elected representation to the taxpayers as library trustees will be elected rather than appointed. 

According to D’Alba, “We hope that residents remember to vote on May 16. At our meetings and online, we have explained that library usage remains strong while our funding has decreased. With this vote, the proposed level of community-based funding would amount to 57 cents per $1000 of assessed values on properties in the Oakfield-Alabama School District. Without this transition, the future of the library is uncertain. We have been encouraged by the positive comments we have received from the community who believe that the library is important to all of us.” 

The slide presentation, along with additional information about the upcoming library vote, are available online at the library’s website at www.HaxtonLibrary.org/vote. Residents with questions can also contact D’Alba by calling the library at (585) 948-9900.

Photo: Submitted by Patt Fagan

You know that old saying, April showers bring May flowers, and, of course, school budget season and related district resident votes.

Batavia City Schools will be reviewing its $58.9 million proposed budget during a public hearing at 6 p.m. Monday in the Superintendent’s Conference Room at Batavia High School, 260 State St., Batavia. This is the time to ask questions, voice comments, or express concerns about the district’s spending plan.

The budget is an increase of $4,168,181 from the prior year, or 7.6 percent, with a related tax levy of nearly $19.9 million. That levy equals an increase of 1.02 percent, or $200,093, district officials said.

Despite a tax levy increase, officials predict that the tax rate will go down by 34 cents per $1,000 assessed property value. Based on that decrease, a home assessed at $100,000 would pay $34 less per year (with no change in assessment from 2022-23 to 2023-24).

Factors impacting the change in the projected tax rate, according to district administrators, including the tentative assessed values have increased slightly at 3.06 percent; equalization rates have decreased slightly, and the tax rate has decreased by 1.95 percent with a levy increase of 1.02 percent.

Other key points school administrators want to emphasize are that Robert Morris School was reopened this past year to be used for Universal Pre-Kindergarten and preschool; Community Eligibility Provision was extended through 2025-26; administrators are active in pursuing new grant funding for mental health, Community Schools, pre-school and a 21st Century Schools grant; and they are working on the next capital project.

Important numbers include student enrollment: Grades pre-K are at 72; Grades K through one, 340; Grades two through four, 482; five through eight, 592; and nine through 12, 641.

The average Class Size for UPK is 18; K through one is 17; Grades two through four, 20; Grades five through eight, 21; and Grades nine through 12, 20.

Staff numbers include:

• Total Number of Teachers - 269
• Teacher Aides/Clerical - 140
• Maintenance Staff - 39
• Nutritional Services - 25
• Assistant Principals - 6
• Principals - 4
• Central Office - 7
• Information Technology - 3

Revenue Sources for 2023-24 are:

• State and Federal Aid - $33,174,343 (56.3 percent)
• Tax Levy - $19,888,991 (33.7 percent)
• Other Local Revenue $1,492,750 (2.5 percent)
• Appropriated Fund Balance $3,536,895 (6.0 percent)
• Other Local Tax-related Items $877,795 (1.5 percent)
• TOTAL: $58,970,774 100.0 percent

Appropriation (Expenses) Budget:

• General Support $6,471,769 11.0 (percent)
• Instructional Support $34,372,758 58.3 (percent)
• Transportation $2,753,845 (4.7 percent)
• Employee Benefits $12,501,759 (21.2 percent)
• Debt Service $2,735,643 (4.6 percent)
• Interfund Transfers $135,000 (0.2 percent)
• TOTAL: $58,970,774 100.0 percent

There are four propositions on the city school district’s ballot up for vote:

1. The 2023-24 budget approval 
2. Continuing placement of a student ex-officio on the board
3. To fund a capital reserve of up to $10 million
4. Election of two board seats due to the terms being up for incumbents Alice Ann Benedict and Barbara Bowman

Voting will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 16 at district residents’ designated polling locations.

A regular board meeting is to follow the budget hearing. To view it online, go HERE.

File Photo of Batavia Board of Education members, with Superintendent Jason Smith, taking a tour of Robert Morris before it opened last year for Universal Pre-Kindergarten and pre-school. Photo by Joanne Beck.

It's doubtful the folks who gathered at Churchill Downs in Louisville had much more fun than the nearly 250 people who gathered at Terry Hills on Saturday for the 10th Annual Derby Day to benefit the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation.

Before the big race, attendees socialized and participated in a fast-paced live auction led by Todd Jantzi from Bontrager's Auction House.

The bidding was quite competitive. For example, a four-night stay at Palm Harbor in Florida for up to 11 guests attracted a lot of attention.

Keith and Jill O'Neill, from Pendleton, were particularly excited to win the vacation package.  Keith said he wasn't sure how much it was worth, but he was sure it was a bargain at $4,000.

He beat out at least four other bidders.

"This is the first time I've ever done anything like that in my life," Keith said. "So I feel good. It is so worth it. The charity the money is going to, the money couldn't go to a better place."

It is a fun event, but also bittersweet, said Laurie Napoleone, whose son Michael would have turned 25 this year, possibly graduating from college, if not for the cancer, Burkitt’s Lymphoma/Leukemia, that claimed his life when he was eight years old in 2007.

"We wish we could have Michael back with us," Laurie said. "It was tragic and the worst thing that happened in my life, but people rallied around us, they came together to help us and supported us, and supported us financially, and out of that came the foundation so we could pay it forward."

The foundation has paid out more than $900,000 to families in circumstances similar to the Napoleones.

As fun, as Derby Day is every year, there is a moment of serious contemplation every year when one of the families assisted by the foundation tells their story. This year, Laurie said, it was the Waterman family from Middleport.

"We work hard to make this a great, fun event," Laurie said. "But the flip side is, we have to help out families with kids who are facing the challenge of cancer. Every year, we have somebody come and tell their story, and it's always hard to hear. It's emotional. It's heart-wrenching, but it's why we're here."

It was a big night in the Call Arena at Genesee Community College, with the school hosting its 42nd Annual Fashion Show, featuring the design work of fashion students at the college.

This year's theme was "Ageless." The show celebrated fashion in all its forms and highlights the diversity of style across generations. The show paid tribute to fashion trends throughout the decades from the 1920s to today and beyond, showcasing the talent and creativity and interpretation of GCC's fashion students.

Photos by Nick Serrata.

Pitching dominated in Saturday's nightcap of the annual Batavia Rotary Club Baseball Tournament at Dwyer Stadium, with Notre Dame beating Batavia 3-2 to claim the championship.

Bryceton Berry, the tournament MVP, picked up the win, going seven innings, striking out nine Blue Devils, and surrendering eight hits and two runs.

Batavia's Shawn Kimball took the loss despite giving up only three runs and three hits over six innings.  He struck out six hitters.

Kimball was also the only hitter in the game to pick up two hits.

Earlier in the day, Notre Dame beat Oakfield-Alabama 5-2, and Batavia beat Attica 12-1.

Photos by Kristin Smith except where noted.

Alexander Girls Softball cleaned up over the weekend, getting three wins over two days, including a muddy mess of a win over Kendall on Sunday evening.

Coach John Goodenbury called it a slip-and-slide contest.

The Trojans won 8-5.

Emily Pietrzykowski picked up the win for Alexander, pitching 7 innings allowing five hits, six free passes and notching eight whiffs.

Senior Olivia Delelys led Alexanders' offensive, going 3-3 with a double and 2 RBIs.  Melissa Sawyer went 2-2 with an RBI.  

“We were not sure we would get this game in today because of the forecast," Goodenbury said. "At game time, the weather didn’t seem like the rain was too heavy or that it would last long, but we were wrong.  Kendall’s head coach Jeff Parizek and I just wanted to play this game, so we rolled with mother nature’s punches and played on.  Looking back at the game, I think both teams had a blast, the girls got the chance to be like little kids again as they were sliding around the bases and getting covered in mud.  To see the girls with big smiles playing a game, I am sure they will always remember, is worth the extra laundry detergent to me.”

With the win, Alexander is now 9-5 on the season.

Two of those nine wins came on Saturday when Alexander beat Byron-Bergen and Barker.

In game one, the Trojans shut out the Bees 6-0.

Madison Boyce tossed a 4-hit shutout. Boyce pitched 7 innings, allowing four hits, eight walks and recording 

Emily Pietrzykowski was 2-4 with 2 runs scored and an RBI, while Lilly Szymkowiak was 2-3 with a double and 1 run scored. 

In game two, Alexander beat Barker 11-6.

Alexander racked up 13 hits during the contest. 

Makenna Boyce, Olivia Delelys and Melissa Sawyer all collected multiple hits for Alexander. Senior Makenna Boyce led Alexander going 3-4 with a triple and 2 RBIs, and a stolen base.  Emily Pietrzykowski, Madison Boyce and Melissa Sawyer combined pitching efforts for the win, surrendering four hits while striking out 9.

“The past week was a tough week for the entire GR with bad weather that forced many cancellations and that resulted in us stacking a doubleheader today," Goodenbury said. "A scheduling conflict had us play both games today back-to-back with no break in between games, so our girls had to dig deep today.  They made it work and came out on top of both contests.  Maddison Boyce has been pitching outstanding for us, and today she completed her third shutout of the season and reached 60 strikeouts after 33.2 innings on the bump so far.  It was Senior Day for us, and both of our seniors, Makenna Boyce and Olivia Delelys, played great to make it a special day for Alexander.”

Story based on submitted information.  Submitted photos.

When it comes to getting news out first, The Batavian doesn't always beat the competition, but we beat them more often than they beat us.

We work hard to bring you the news of our community quickly, thoroughly and accurately.  

We do a lot of original reporting and break a lot of important stories, but our format also allows us to publish all of the press releases we receive, which helps us lead all other news sources in bringing you the most local news.

This is why you should sign up for Early Access Pass.  We bring you more news faster, and as a member of Early Access Pass, you get access first.

Here is a list of stories published over the past seven days, excluding press releases and scanner reports (just original reporting) where we beat the competition.  These are also stories in the vast majority of cases, the competition hasn't even covered yet. 

And speaking of exclusive coverage of important community news, The Batavian broke the story earlier this year of the change in maximum income requirement for the apartments at Ellicott Station (perhaps one of the most important stories of the year) and the competition has barely covered anything about the issue.  

And as for the biggest story of the past week, the changes at Batavia Downs, The Batavian not only broke the story locally but provided the most thorough and in-depth coverage.

When you support The Batavian, this is the kind of dedication to covering the community you are supporting.

• Former Le Roy resident shares memories and experience as Broadway actor, by Joanne Beck
• County health puts in request for OD analyzer, by Joanne Beck
• Residents who lost home to sinkhole in Pembroke file a lawsuit, by Chris Butler
• Fix digs into assistant city manager role to add value, by Joanne Beck
• Enter through the coffee shop for art and music @ The Harve, by Joanne Beck
• State budget provision drastically changes structure, voting format of WROTB board of directors, by Mike Pettinella
• County legislature chair on WROTB changes: 'Completely unfair, totally unnecessary', by Mike Pettinella
• Siebert steps down as WROTB director, calls Albany action 'a blatant move to take over jobs', by Mike Pettinella
• Sweet Betty's reopens with new owners and ready to please, by Joanne Beck
• Walk this way: task force seeks to use grant for cross-'walkability' study, by Joanne Beck
• New trophy, same hard ball excitement on tap for annual Rotary Tournament on Saturday, by Howard Owens
• Unusual Discovery Made on Vacant Property in Pembroke, by Chris Butler
• Medications to treat substance use disorder are proven 'tools' in recovery, panelists say, by Joanne Beck
• Wings Over Batavia in good shape so far, volunteers and sponsorships sought, by Joanne Beck
• Lottery drawing selects 55 tenants for Ellicott Station, Savarino says, by Joanne Beck
• Down early, Batavia bounces back to remain undefeated in Flag Football, by Steve Ognibene
• Corey the Dribbler steals the show on Reading Night at Jackson Primary, by Howard Owens
• Batavia Kiwanis recognizes outstanding service in criminal justice, photos by Howard Owens
• GC Fair organizers promise more to come this year after record 2022, by Joanne Beck
• Bank Streetscape enhancements part of total package beginning this fall, by Joanne Beck
• Medicare rule change could add $8.5M to UMMC yearly budget, by Chris Butler
• Apartment complex with 80 units proposed across the road from GCC, by Howard Owens
• Second trial on Monday for suspect in shooting on Elm Street last summer, by Howard Owens
• Le Roy man in 'shots fired' case sent to prison for 10 years on multiple criminal charges, by Howard Owens
• New director praises Richmond Memorial Library, sees it as a community center where all are welcome, by Howard Owens
• Photos: Classical guitarist Peter Fletcher performs at the Richmond Memorial Library, by Howard Owens

A reminder on how Early Access Pass works: When we do original reporting, meaning something, we go out and gather information to report, and write a story that has a byline on it, for the first four hours after publication, that story will be exclusively available to people who have joined Early Access Pass. However, posts that are press releases or scanner reports, and some other occasional items, will be available immediately upon publication.  In one way or another, everything we publish remains free for those who either don't want to sign up for Early Access Pass or who can't afford to sign up.  We appreciate the support of everybody who signs up, but joining is completely optional. 

To sign up for Early Access Pass, click here.

Press release:

For the second straight year, the sun shined bright as the ladies of varsity Genesee Region Golf took to Batavia Country Club on Saturday. The event gave the young ladies an opportunity to face off against ladies only, as for the rest of their season, they have to play alongside the boys and from the men’s tees. This year’s individual champion was Lily Tobin, a senior from Kendall. Last year's champion, Elba/OA freshman Jada Fite finished in the runner-up position. Rounding out the top four were Elba/OA sophomore Aerianna Cintorino and Elba/OA Senior Taimi Pike.

Submitted photos.

A car has reportedly struck a tree, and injuries are reported in the area of 9939 South Lake Road, Pavilion.

Pavilion Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Classical guitarist Peter Fletcher performed an afternoon concert at the Richmond Memorial Library on Saturday.

Fletcher has been recording and performing classical guitar music for more than 40 years. He holds a Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester.  He has studied with David Leisner, David Russell, Oscar Ghiglia and Pepe Romero. He has performed recitals throughout the U.S., including two recitals at Carnegie Hall in New York.  He's also made numerous appearances on radio and television. 

He currently resides in Detroit and New York City.

His CD releases include The Art of Classical Guitar, A Peter Fletcher Recital and Federico Mompou: Guitar Works. In 2005, Centaur Records released Peter Fletcher plays Erik Satie.  Peter Fletcher Plays Baroque Music for Guitar was released in 2008 on the Tower Hill Recordings label.   His current release is 

For more information about Fletcher, click here.

Photos by Howard Owens.

The Richmond Memorial Library is a community center, and so a place where everybody should find a fun and friendly place to visit, said Beth Paine, the library's new director.

Paine started her job in February but has been busy the past several months getting settled into the job. On Saturday, community members were invited to the library to meet her and socialize.

"No one should ever feel they are not welcome here," Paine said. "We're a happy place. So much is going on in a world that is depressing and upsetting, and here we're happy, and we love our patrons, and we're an open source for any kind of information."

The previous director, Bob Conrad, took a new job downstate, and after an extensive search, New York native Paine was selected by the library board. 

Paine has held the director's position at three other libraries in New York -- Sydney, Watkins Glen, and Prattsburg.

She said she's impressed with the Richmond Memorial Library and its staff.

"The programming here is amazing," Paine said. "The staff is very good with the patrons."

There are a few things she would like to upgrade, she said.

"We're looking at getting more Wi-Fi access points and adding in a little bit of more security, and expanding the collections in certain areas that have been not used as much," Paine said. "Right now, there's really not a whole lot to improve. It's a great library, I'm really excited to be here."

She said she has an open-door policy for patrons and wants to hear from them when they have suggestions or issues to discuss.

Now that she's settled in, she plans to be out in the community more.  She is going to a Batavia Rotary Club meeting soon to make a presentation, and she also plans to start volunteering at the animal shelter.

"That's what I've done for many years," Paine said. "I volunteered at the Yates County shelter when I lived in Penn Yan, and then when I moved to Delaware County, I volunteered at the one there, and so now that I'm here, I plan on offering my dog walking services. That's usually what I do."

Previously: New director invites you to 'stop by and say hi' at RML

Press Release:

The Richmond Memorial Library would like to thank everyone who came out to vote in our library trustee election today. Richard Beatty received 160 votes, and there were three write-ins. Congratulations to Richard, and we are very excited to welcome him aboard on July 1.

Previous Story: Richmond Memorial Library’s annual trustee election is May 4

Press Release:

On Sunday, April 30 th the Genesee Amateur Hockey Association celebrated their end-of-the-year awards ceremony, held at the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena. The teams of Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam, Midget MOHL and Midgets were celebrated. The Beginners had their year-end Beginner Jamboree on Saturday, March 18 th and the Mite Division held their year-end celebration on April 22 at St. James Episcopal Church. A great time was had by all of the players. 

The theme of this year’s event was “Out with the Old, in with the New.” About 225 members of the GAHA family joined to celebrate GAHA’s new logo, new facility name – The David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena, and new management – Operating Manager Matt Gray, General Manager Kati Murray and her Rink staff, and the efforts of the “Friends of the Rink”.

GAHA President Dale Hutchins welcomed all of the players and their families, and Erik Triftshauser served as Master of Ceremonies for the event. The group enjoyed a catered breakfast served by D and R Depot of Le Roy, who did a terrific presentation. Thank you, Sean and company.

The GAHA graduating seniors were recognized as they leave the Association and moved toward their selected futures. Those seniors were Gino Falleti, Bryce Feldmann, Ronin Hofmaster, Ryan Hamilton, Cooper Hamilton, Noah Hudson as well as Alex Johnson.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the yearly awards handed out by GAHA. The first award was the Matthew Mondi Memorial Award which was presented to Mite Player Abram Lopez; the Danny D Tribute Player Award went to Mite Player Wesley Lasher and Bantam player Justin Gabehart; the Pam Borden Memorial Award was presented to Bantam player – Alex Wyder; and the David McCarthy Leadership Award was presented to Carter Fix. These awards are in the form of scholarships toward next year’s fees. The Sharon Valyear Dedication Award was presented to Sharon’s granddaughter – Lilly Gray. is 

The last award of the evening was the Tom Scott Volunteer of the Year Award, which is presented to the GAHA volunteer who has dedicated countless hours to the betterment of the organization and exemplifies the ideals of GAHA as well as USA Hockey. This year’s award was presented to Coach Fred Hamilton, who is lovingly referred to as the Pied Piper of all hockey players. Fred has been instrumental in the success of the Beginner Program and many of the other divisions within GAHA and also a huge asset to the USA Hockey Try Hockey for Free event that GAHA hosts twice a year. He has the patience of a saint with all of the little ones with his even falling down on the ice when they take a spill. There aren’t very many players within the association that haven’t been touched in the heart by Coach Fred in the “Yellow Helmet.”

The afternoon ended with all those present showing their gratitude to all of the Team Coaches (who did a presentation for their respective teams), Assistant Coaches, Team Managers and also to all of the Association Goalies who play an essential role in each and every game.

 Photos submitted by Sharon Gray.