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Press release:

Auto Wash Car Wash, with a location on West Main Street in Batavia, is matching dollar for dollar all donations made to a Ukraine relief fund when a wash is purchased until it reaches its goal of raising $5,000.

To donate, simply select a donation amount ($1, $3, or $5) at the pay station at our car wash and pay with cash, credit, or apple/android pay.

All money raised will go to the International Committee of the Red Cross https://www.icrc.org/en/donate/ukraine and Baranova27 (@baranova27) which provides humanitarian aid and supplies to families and frontline heroes of Ukraine.

Money raised will be split 50/50 between these two organizations. 

Auto Wash has six car wash locations serving the Auburn, Batavia, Canandaigua, Farmington, and Geneva communities. Visit www.AutoWashCarWash.com/ukraine for more information on this fundraiser.

Our hearts all go out to those affected by this crisis, thank you for your donation. 

Press release:

The Batavia Development Corporation (BDC) will begin the process of seeking a new Director of Economic Development.

Brett Frank, the current BDC Director of Economic Development, has accepted a position with the City of Batavia, his last day with the BDC will be March 25^th, 2022.

“On behalf of the board of directors of the Batavia Development Corporation we wish Brett the very best in his new endeavor,” said BDC President Lori Aratari.   

In the upcoming weeks the official employment posting and brochure will be listed on the BDC and City of Batavia’s websites.

Press release from Automobile Association of America:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.25, down 8 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.88. The New York State average is 4.37, down 8 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.92. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $4.35 (down 3 cents from last week)
• Buffalo - $4.37 (down 3 cents from last week)
• Elmira - $4.31 (down 10 cents from last week)
• Ithaca - $4.33 (down 11 cents from last week)
• Rochester - $4.38 (down 4 cents from last week)
• Rome - $4.30 (down 10 cents from last week)
• Syracuse - $4.33 (down 9 cents from last week)
• Watertown - $4.34 (down 7 cents from last week)

Drivers are getting a bit of relief at the pump as gas prices are down across the region. Oil prices are near $110 per barrel this morning rather than over $130 two weeks ago. In August, oil prices were $30 per barrel. Oil prices dropped last week when China announced COVID-19 lockdowns last week.

From Gas Buddy:

“GasBuddy, last week, predicted that a top was in for the national average price of gasoline, and indeed, for the first time in 12 weeks, the national average price of gasoline has declined. While the decline is still subject to changes in global supply and demand, Covid and Russia's war on Ukraine, we are poised to see additional downdrafts at the pump this week in most areas," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "For now, gasoline demand has shown absolutely no signs of buckling under the pressure of higher prices, even as California nears an average of $6 per gallon, with spring break travel well underway. If the situation does worsen, with more oil being kept away from global markets, it's not impossible that gas prices would still have to climb a considerable amount for Americans to start curbing their insatiable demand for gasoline."

Press release:

Imagine calling 911 for your emergency and nobody came! In times like these, it could be a possibility, but our little Byron Fire Department and Rescue Squad does not want this to happen to you! Last year this small-town squad answered a whopping 276 calls for 9-1-1 in and around the town of Byron. These are the most calls answered from any volunteer ambulance squad in all of Genesee County

The Byron Rescue Squad, started in 1976 has never received any tax dollars, they are funded only by donations. The dedicated volunteers of this small devoted squad are ready and willing to help, but their 14-year-old ambulance is aging and repairs are becoming very costly. The squad is in desperate need of a new one.  The old, outdated ambulance currently in use will last a little longer, but action is needed quickly otherwise the community may be without the critical care vehicle needed to respond to emergencies.

Everyone knows that the cost of nearly everything is rising. Items that were always available are now unpredictable or unavailable. This is the case with our medical supplies as well. Luckily our dedicated volunteers are still more than generous with their time and are happy to arrive at nearly every emergency call in our community ready and willing to assist. Each call requires a driver and at least one EMT. Depending on the emergency, many times additional fire personnel are required to manage the scene, give lifting assistance and provide whatever help needed to safely transport the patient to the hospital. Once at the hospital, ambulance personnel are required to remain with the patient until the hospital’s ER staff releases them and takes on the responsibility of that patient. With COVID and the hospital staff shortages, that time has increased. However, releasing the patient to the hospital is not the end of the rescue squad’s duties! It sometimes takes an hour or more to complete the required documentation.

Every year Byron Rescue sends out to each household a letter requesting donations. Luckily, we receive donations from some of our residents and we are very grateful for those donations. It helps us cover the cost of gas, supplies, some training, and light maintenance of our vehicle and equipment. This past year we had a most generous donation from an average couple (who wishes to remain anonymous). Their donation of $10,000 really jump-started our most needed mission to purchase a new ambulance. Other donations come to us via United Way and a go-fund-me page on the Byron Rescue Squad Facebook page or use this link - https://gofund.me/c0d1d2f7. There are also pledges from some generous individuals made in their last will and testament. A very thoughtful way to say thank you and a final giving gesture to keep Byron a safe place to work and live.

In addition, our department does continue to do fundraising, however, fundraising is very time-consuming, and takes away time volunteers might otherwise have for themselves or helping others. We are planning a chicken bar-b-que this Memorial Day, Monday, May 30th after the Memorial Day parade. This will be held at the Byron Fire Hall around 11:30 a.m. until food is sold out. It will again be a drive-thru event. The cost this year will be $15.00 a half chicken with home-made macaroni salad, coleslaw, and roll. Our firemen will also be outside seeking boot donations. Please plan to come early to enjoy this most delicious meal!! 

The cost of a new ambulance is approximately $200,000. We need to push forward so our dream of a new ambulance can be realized. It is becoming a financial burden to continue patching up our old ambulance; it is draining the funds we need to operate. We will reach a point when we will have to take our current ambulance out of service, but hopefully, we will have a new one purchased before that time comes!

Our Byron Rescue Squad is reaching out to anyone who would like to help us help others by donating to this more than worthy cause. Byron is a great place to live and raise a family, and for the most part our little community has wonderful, caring people, and our community should be very thankful for that! COVID has been a great time to reflect on and be thankful for what we have. We know not everyone has the knowledge and ability to help out when a Medical Emergency happens, and it is sometimes difficult for our volunteers to stop in the midst of their day or night and run to the fire hall, and head out to help those who are probably having the worst day in their life, but that’s what our volunteers do day after day! Everyone who can help should help a little!

If you are a person who likes to help others, consider lending your talents and skills to our dedicated Byron Rescue Squad.  Fall EMT classes are free and they start in September and run through March, usually Tuesdays and Thursday nights in Batavia. There is training here in Byron at the Fire Hall on Monday nights, feel free to stop by and say hello. Please don’t wait for an emergency to do your part, help us get this new ambulance on the road so that we can all be safe!

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is announcing the NY-27 Congressional Art Competition for high school students is returning.

“I am pleased to announce the Congressional Art Competition is once again open for NY-27 high school students,” Jacobs said. “Last year we had some incredible submissions from young artists in our area, I am looking forward to once again showcasing the talent of Western New York!”

The Congressional Art Competition is a national program started over three decades ago as a way to showcase the extraordinary talent in congressional districts around the country. In NY-27, this program is open to any high school students who reside in the district.

Schools and students wishing to participate are urged to reach out to one of Jacobs’ district offices located in Clarence (716-634-2324) and Geneseo (585-519-4002). All artwork must be submitted between Monday, April 11th, 2022 and Friday, April 15th, 2022.

A reception to celebrate the artwork and recognize the winners will be held. First Place will have their artwork hung in the Capitol for all members and visitors to see. Second Place will have their artwork hung in Rep. Jacobs' Washington, D.C. Office. Third Place will have their artwork hung in Rep. Jacobs' Clarence District Office.

For more information on the Congressional Art Competition and eligibility requirements for artwork, interested parties can visit: jacobs.house.gov/services/art-competition.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is slamming proposed legislation (A.9563) that would establish an excise tax on ammunition purchased in the state, costing sportsmen an extra two to five cents per round. These funds would be deposited into a gun violence research fund, and while proponents of the legislation argue hunters and others who enjoy shooting sports should contribute to efforts that mitigate the harm caused by firearms, Hawley argues such a tax would be an unconstitutional, onerous burden that infringes upon the Second Amendment rights of New Yorkers.

“If tomorrow it was proposed that the faithful be made to pay to freely worship, or that anyone who wanted to espouse a controversial opinion be taxed in order to mitigate the consequences of them doing so, such bills would be dismissed with disgrace,” said Hawley. “When we take our oaths of office to protect and defend our U.S. Constitution as state lawmakers, we make a commitment to defend the document in its entirety, so it’s a shame the Second Amendment has become something members of the Majority feel can be consciously ignored in their policymaking. 

“While those in support of this bill argue that taxing ammunition by just a few cents a round does not place a substantive financial burden on sportsmen, the implementation of financial barriers of any kind to exercise constitutional rights sets a dangerous precedent that could enable the nickel-and-diming of our fundamental liberties in the future. This latest attempt to stifle criminality by inconveniencing the law-abiding may be the most dangerous we’ve seen in some time, and I’d encourage this bill’s sponsors to reflect deeply on the implications its enactment could have on the protection of their favored rights within our constitution.”

Press release:

Joie shared a little bit of her life, her hopes and dreams on WBTA Radio, Friday morning during an Arc GLOW interview on Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.   She told listeners that shortly after she was born she had a stroke, resulting in a seizure disorder. She has an autism diagnosis and attends Arc GLOW’s Community Prevoc program to help develop work skills.  The Prevoc program introduced Joie to activities including delivering Meals on Wheels and volunteering at a food pantry. 

“I love volunteering at the community food pantry in Oakfield, and would love to open a food pantry of my own someday,” Joie said.

Arc GLOW’s Shelley Falitico shared Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness about the inclusion of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in all areas of community life and it’s an opportunity to highlight their contributions.

“Individuals living with disabilities in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties are making contributions to our community across the spectrum,” Shelley said.  “This month may be nationally recognized as DD Awareness month but we at Arc GLOW celebrate daily individuals with disabilities served, families, guardians, friends, providers, staff and all of those who use their talents and continue to push initiatives that help individuals with disabilities create a more inclusive community,” she added.   (Listen to Friday’s full interview, posted on the Arc GLOW Facebook page).

During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Arc GLOW has kicked off its annual Membership Drive, received proclamations from each of the four GLOW County Legislatures/Boards of Supervisors, and is participating in restaurant and cookie fundraisers across the four counties.  Details can be found on Arc GLOW’s website, www.arcglow.org. 

Press release:

This spring the Wolcott J. Humphrey III Symposium on Leadership and Community Life will return to Genesee Community College. The Symposium honors the memory of Wolcott (Jay) Humphrey, a highly-respected business and community leader who passed away in 2001. Jay dedicated time, resources, and energetic leadership to the college and the GLOW Region. He saw himself as a change agent and encouraged friends and colleagues to develop leadership and change management skills. The Symposium is facilitated by the Genesee Community College Foundation.

As in the past, this year’s Symposium will feature a distinguished speaker and panelists with the purpose of creating an energetic and informative dialogue that will greatly benefit the civic, business, and professional community. Participants will be able to take real-life ideas and techniques back to their organizations and community.

To date, there have been eight Symposiums. Speakers have included Jim Boeheim, B. Thomas Golisano, Honorable William Hudnut III, Dr. Donna Fernandes, Paul Speranza, Fred Grandy, Jerry Greenfield, and most recently Jack Uldrich. This year the focus will be on Climate Change and Sustainability. We are pleased to announce Peter Boyd as the keynote speaker. Peter is a Lecturer at the Yale School of the Environment, a Lecturer in the Practice of Management and a Resident Fellow at the Yale Center for Business and the Environment. He is passionate about system change to a “Net -Zero” world: from writing and speaking to directly helping groups that are accelerating the transition. Peter’s accomplishments are numerous and his expertise and experience will drive a great experience for participants.

In addition to Peter Boyd, the Symposium will feature a panel of experts in various areas impacted and associated with Climate Change and Sustainability. The panel will be moderated by Dr. Benjamin Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University. Panelists include William Carleton, General Manager, Solar O&M, Clearway Energy; Andrew March, CEO, Plug Power; Suzanne Hunt, Co-Owner of Hunt Country Vineyards and Curt Gooch, Dairy Science Expert, Land O’Lakes.

Participants will not only have the opportunity to hear the comments of Mr. Boyd and our panelists but will take part in facilitated table talks to further the discussion on Climate Change and Sustainability. The Foundation is focusing on GLOW Region business leaders, Genesee County Economic Development Center, Genesee Valley Educational Partnership and Orleans Niagara School District Leaders and students. We are encouraging businesses to send a leadership team.

In addition, participants will have the opportunity to learn about GCC’s new Solar Electric Technician Certificate. Renewable energy in the form of solar electric (photovoltaic) grid systems are expanding rapidly throughout New York State both residential and commercially. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for photovoltaic energy workers is projected to increase 50% or require 6,000 new workers over the next ten years. GCC’s new technical training lab is outfitted with state-of-art tools and equipment to provide students hands-on, practical training with individualized attention for the novice learner to the experienced mechanic. GCC provides a safe, convenient, and welcoming environment with campus amenities such as athletic facilities, library, food service, and student academic support services.

The Symposium will be presented on April 21 with a timeline of 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM. The Symposium will be held in the Richard C. Call Arena. Lunch will be provided. The cost will be $20.00 per participant. Student tickets are free. The event will be live-streamed with access available to registered participants.

We expect that this will be a meaningful event that will challenge our thinking and leadership and help to shape a positive and productive future for our area.

Additional information is available at https://gccfoundationinc.org/humphrey/

Thomas A. Cox
President
Genesee Community College Foundation.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27), NYS Senator Ed Rath (R,C,I - Amherst), and NYS Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) held a press conference this morning to call on Governor Hochul to reject the NYS Farm Laborers Wage Board’s decision to lower the overtime threshold from 60 hours a week to 40 hours.

“Farming is already a business suffering from labor shortages with incredibly tight margins, if the Governor were to accept this decision it would have disastrous impacts on the viability of agriculture in our state and the security of our rural economies,” Jacobs said. “Lowering the threshold would force producers and workers out of our state, and bankrupt generation family farms. I urge the Governor to reject this decision – made at the expense of our farmers – our region’s future prosperity depends on it.”

"The decision by the Farm Laborers Wage Board to lower overtime hours from 60 to 40 hours is fatal to our farms. As the largest industry in New York, agriculture is a vital part of our Upstate community. With this overtime change, many family farms will not survive. I have spoken with countless farmers and farm workers who have shared their concerns with this hour reduction. I remain deeply troubled by this decision and the impact it will have, not only in my district but across our State," Rath said.

“Our state’s agribusinesses and rural communities are staring down the edge of a cliff as they eagerly wait to see whether Gov. Hochul will stand up for them, or for the special interests who’ve been pushing this policy through the bureaucratic process,” Hawley said. “Farmers, lawmakers, farm laborers and experts alike have made clear the devastating consequences this decision will have on agriculture. In this moment, Gov. Hochul has the power to save agriculture in New York state, or put it down a path that will cause it to become something completely unrecognizable. Having represented a rural part of upstate New York in Congress, I sincerely hope she understands how dangerous this decision would be not just for farmers, but for rural communities throughout the state.”

Jacobs recently joined the New York Republican Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to Governor Hochul outlining the disastrous impacts of this recommendation from the wage board and urging her to reject it. You can read that letter here.

Press release:

Twenty-one teams and 17 doubles sets will be competing this weekend in the 15th annual Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament, that gets underway with a 7 o'clock squad tonight at Mancuso Bowling Center.

Squads are set for Friday night, Saturday and Sunday (11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. both days), with competition in Team, Doubles and Singles.

Plenty of spots remain on most shifts for next weekend.

The deadline for paid entries to be received in the Genesee Region USBC office is Tuesday, March 22.

First prize in the Open Team event is $1,000 guaranteed. Prizes in all categories in both the Open and Women’s Divisions will be paid on a 1:5 ratio.

The schedule is as follows:

Friday, March 18, 7 p.m. (Team event only);
Saturday, March 19, 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Sunday, March 20, 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Friday, March 25, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 26, 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Sunday, March 27, 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The entry fee is $30 per person per event. The All-Events fee (Team, Doubles and Singles scores combined) is $10.

For an entry form, go to www.bowlny.com.

To reserve a spot, send an email to mikep@bowlgr.com.

Press release:

On Thursday, March 17, 2022, at approximately 6:38 p.m., State Police responded to a report of a serious injury crash on I-90 westbound in the town of Batavia, Genesee County.

The crash occurred in the area of mile marker 389.7, between the Le Roy and Batavia exits.  

A preliminary investigation determined the crash involved a tractor-trailer and an SUV.  As a result of the collision, the SUV became fully engulfed in flames.  One individual was flown to the hospital by Medicac with life-threatening injuries and two others were transported by ambulance for serious injuries. 

All westbound lanes are currently closed.  Traffic is being diverted at exit 47 (Le Roy) until accident reconstruction has been completed.  

More information will be released when it becomes available.  

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service

Press release:

“While colleges and universities are indeed places where uncomfortable conversations about controversial subjects should take place, I am deeply disappointed that members of the SUNY Brockport Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion have decided to invite Anthony Bottom, a convicted cop-killer, onto campus while framing his experiences as those of a ‘political prisoner,’ all while using taxpayer grant funding to do so. It is nothing less than a slap in the face for the family of the two officers he murdered, as well as those serving currently in law enforcement who face very real threats from individuals like him daily in their work.

“In speaking with administrators of SUNY Brockport, I have been reassured this decision was one that was spearheaded by a subcommittee consisting of several faculty members in conjunction with the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Unless Mr. Bottom plans on speaking about how remorseful he is for his actions, he has no place on a SUNY campus, especially not as a paid speaker. I very much so hope a closer review of grant applications will be forthcoming.”

UPDATE:

Press release from Chris Jacobs:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) was joined by Representatives Stefanik (NY-21), Malliotakis (NY-11), Garbarino (NY-02), Tenney (NY-22), Zeldin (NY-01), Reed (NY-23), and Katko (NY-24) in calling for SUNY Brockport to rescind its invitation to Jalil Muntaqim (a.k.a. Anthony Bottom) to deliver a speech entitled, "History of Black Resistance, U.S. Political Prisoners & Genocide: A Conversation with Jalil Muntaqim."

“As members of Congress representing thousands of brave police officers throughout New York State – we find it unsettling that a taxpayer funded College would believe it is acceptable to give a platform to an individual who was convicted of murdering two law enforcement officers, Joseph Piagentini and Waverly Jones, in cold blood, especially at a time when violent murders and ambushes of police have skyrocketed in this nation,” the Representatives wrote.

Jalil Muntaqim was convicted of the 1971 murders of NYPD Officers Joseph Piagentini and Waverly Jones. Muntaqim, along with others, ambushed the patrolmen after they were lured into public housing using a phony 911 call.

“We urge SUNY Brockport to withdraw its invitation to Jalil Muntaqim immediately and to apologize to the families of Joseph Piagentini and Waverly Jones as well as every law enforcement officer in our state,” the Representatives said.

Press release:

Recent redistricting created New York State Congressional District 24, the Lake District, which is 258 miles long and includes 14 counties, bordered by Lake Ontario to the north and the Finger Lakes to the south. It is one of the largest districts in the state and has no incumbent representative for Congress. The Democratic leadership in the district sees an opportunity to find a strong, qualified candidate that will create consensus and represents all western New Yorkers.

“We want to bring people together and appeal to the common goals of people in the district, like a clean environment, better access to affordable healthcare, voting and civil rights for all, and better education outcomes. We want our representative to reflect our culture of hard-working middle-class Americana, and speak for all of us,” said Elizabeth Passer, spokesperson and Oswego County Democratic Chair.

The new district encompasses constituents of rich and varied lifestyles and socio-economic backgrounds including farmers, business owners, and vacation homeowners, who make their livings in industries like agriculture, viniculture, technology, manufacturing, tourism, and more. This traditionally conservative part of New York State also includes many liberal voices who want their representative to work for them, too.

The Chairs of the 14 member counties of The Lake District are asking for interested individuals to send their resumes with a cover letter to oswegodemocraticcomitteechair@gmail.com. The candidate needs an understanding of rural, town, and tourist community life as well as the current obstacles found on a national level. 

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) released the following statement after Ukrainian President Zelenskyy delivered a speech to a joint session of Congress.

“The continued Russian assault on the sovereign nation of Ukraine is reprehensible. I commend President Zelenskyy for his strength and poise in the face of this assault on his country. Last week Congress approved additional aid - we must expedite its delivery and not delay any new economic action. We must continue to provide humanitarian assistance and military equipment, including MiGs and other air defense systems, to restore peace, end the Russian invasion, and hold Vladimir Putin accountable for the war crimes being committed in Ukraine."

Press release:

The YWCA of Genesee County announced that it hold its Women of Inspiration Brunch on April 30, 2022, at the Batavia Country Club, 7909 Byron Road, Batavia, NY 14020, from 11:00 am-1:00 pm.  Tickets are $35 each and may be purchased in the following ways: Scan the QR Code, visit ywcagenesee.org or make a check out to The YWCA of Genesee County and send to 301 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  Tickets are limited to the first 125 people and may be purchased up to and including April 10th, 2022.

Executive Director, Millie Tomidy-Pepper said that four local women will be honored with the “Women of Inspiration Award” for the awe-inspiring ways in which they each live out the mission of the YWCA every day. 

Recipients include:

• Rev. Dr. Roula Alkhouri, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church
• Maureen Notaro, Principal, Jackson Primary School
• Marci Redband, Accounting Specialist, Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union
• Jaquelyn Swinarski, Retired Teacher, Robert Morris School, Community Volunteer

In addition to the Women of Inspiration Awards, The YWCA of Genesee County will be presenting Synia Morrison, Senior at Batavia High School, with the Frances G. Francis Scholarship Award.

Officer Miah Stephens, School Resource Officer from the Batavia Police Department, will be this year’s guest speaker.

The YWCA is grateful to everyone who took the time to nominate these amazing women and look forward to celebrating their inspirational lives on April 30, 2022.

For the last 112 years the YWCA has been Eliminating Racism. Empowering Women and Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom, and Dignity for all.

Press release:

Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Ryan J. Mullen, Carlos O. Ortiz Speed, and Alexander R. Hadsall graduated from the 77th Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy at Niagara County Community College on March 8, 2022.

Deputy Ryan J. Mullen is a 2015 graduate of Batavia Central School. He was previously a Correction Officer at the Genesee County Jail, hired on March 13, 2021, before being appointed a Deputy Sheriff. Deputy Mullen attended Finger Lakes Community College and earned an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Natural Resource Conservation: Law Enforcement.

Deputy Alexander R. Hadsall received the Sgt. Jeff Juron Defensive Tactics Award in his basic academy class. He is a 2015 graduate of Alexander Central School. Deputy Hadsall was previously employed as a Correction Officer with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) at Attica Correctional Facility.

Deputy Carlos O. Ortiz Speed is a 2016 graduate of Batavia Central School. He was previously employed as a Loss Prevention Investigator for Six Flags Darien Lake.

Sheriff Sheron stated, “I am pleased to welcome these three outstanding individuals to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office to serve the residents of our county.” 

Submitted photo: Deputy Alexander R. Hadsall, Deputy Carlos O. Ortiz Speed, Deputy Ryan J. Mullen 

Press release from the Town of Batavia:

Starting March 21st through the fall of 2022, a contractor for the Town of Batavia, CATCO, will be installing new utilities, reconstructing, and resurfacing Park Road from the intersection of NYS Route 63 to NYS Route 98.

To complete this project, the following changes will be implemented during construction:

For this project Park Road, northbound traffic will be detoured onto Veterans Memorial Drive, and Park Road southbound traffic will remain on Park Road. This means only a single lane of traffic will be established for southbound travel. The timeline for completion is November 2022.

We ask that you bear with us during construction and consider making changes to your daily commute or plans to visit any establishments along Park Road since traffic will be restricted during construction. Alex’s, Tops Plaza rear entrance, and Batavia Downs will remain accessible only while traveling southbound. See attached Traffic Flow Map. Construction updates on this project, in addition to other Town of Batavia projects, can be found here: www.townofbatavia.com 

Press release:

Rich Monroe describes Joe Rebmann as a self-starter. Monroe, the ElectroMechanical Trades Instructor at the Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, also noted that Joe tackles projects head-on and is a model student.

Joe Rebmann is a senior from Alexander and is a second-year student in the Electro-Mechanical Trades Program. Joe was recently awarded a $500 School-to-Work Scholarship from the Electrical Association of Western New York. According to the Electrical Association, the purpose of this scholarship is to be used toward the cost of tools for individuals seeking a career in the electrical trade.

Joe was recently chosen to participate in the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program and was selected for a paid co-op at Tambe Electric. Joe has high hopes for this work opportunity as his goal is to go directly into the workforce after graduation.

“After my co-op, I want to continue working and I hope that Tambe Electric hires me. I love to work with my hands, and always had an interest in anything to do with electricity. When I was young, I used to wire circuit boards,” Joe said. “I will use this scholarship to purchase any tools so I’m ready to go to work.”

Monroe is confident that Joe’s co-op will lead to employment because Monroe describes Joe as “career-ready.”

“Joe is a great student who works independently, is able to decipher directions, and follow through with any task. He is an independent thinker and is totally employable,” Monroe said.

Joe recently had a work experience during a school day at the Batavia CTE Center replacing outdoor light fixtures with exterior LED lighting.

 “I worked with five juniors and I was the group leader. I showed them how to replace the fixture from chiseling concrete to making wire pigtails. We were able to replace all the fixtures on the building with little help from adults. I feel that this experience gave me great leadership and efficiency skills,” Joe explained.

Margaret Poray is the Executive Principal of the GV BOCES Batavia Campus. Like Monroe, she believes that Joe will be successful.

“Joe is a fine example of how our CTE programs prepare students for their next step in life, whether it be college or career. Each Batavia CTE Center program integrates both applied and practical skills into the curriculum as students gain hands-on experience in their chosen field. Joe is well-prepared and ready to go to work,” Poray said.

Submitted Photo: Margaret Poray, Executive Principal of the GV BOCES Batavia Campus, Joe Rebmann, and Rich Monroe, the ElectroMechanical Trades Instructor at the Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center.  Note:  the photo was taken before the mask mandate was lifted.