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Genesee Community College is proud to announce the appointment of David Hagelberger to the College's Board of Trustees, effective April 27, 2022, through June 30, 2025.

Mr. Hagelberger earned an AAS in Electronic Communications degree from SUNY Alfred State and a BSEE from SUNY University at Buffalo. He began his career as a design engineer working on U.S. Military Defense projects for Sierra Research Corporation in Buffalo, New York. He worked for the company through several ownership changes in various leadership positions for 44 years, retiring in 2012.

Mr. Hagelberger has a long history of public service. In 1998 he was appointed to the Town of Darien Planning Board and soon became the chairman. In 2003 he was elected Town of Darien Supervisor and re-elected to three additional terms, retiring in 2019. During that period, he was a member of the Genesee Association of Municipalities and served as their representative for various committees.

Mr. Hagelberger and his family have resided in Darien since 1973 where he and his wife raised their three children. Since then, their family has grown to include four grandchildren. The ten-member Genesee Community College Board of Trustees is the governing body of Genesee Community College. Trustees are volunteers. Five members are appointed by the Genesee County Legislature; four by the Governor; and one, a student trustee is selected by the student body.

Press release:

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee has announced an agency-wide effort to collect personal care items that will be distributed to community members when they are facing an immediate need.

The agency will be collecting personal and household items such as deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, feminine hygiene products and toiletries for the entire month of July. These items will be used to assist those facing emergencies such as fires, domestic violence, job loss, and more.

Donations can be made in person at:

5073 Clinton Street Road,
Batavia, NY 14020
(585) 343-7798

For additional information, or to make a financial contribution, please visit our website at www.caoginc.org. 

Press release:

Pembroke Dragons 10U secured the All-Star Championship Wednesday evening with a 7-6 victory over Pavilion.

The undefeated #1 seed held home-field advantage at Pembroke Town Park.

Pitchers Connor and Carter Lang split the game with three innings a piece.

Jackson Loggins hit a solo home run and Cooper Senko stole home, boosting the team’s offensive play.

Ryder Metz contributed defensively with a huge catch in left field and Lukey Windnagle played a solid game behind the plate.

Carter Lang locked in the win with a walk-off single sending Owen Williams home.

Pembroke’s All-Star team included Connor Lang, Carter Lang, Owen Williams, Lukey Windnagle, Cade Weatherbee, Cooper Senko, Chase Henskee, Harlan Campbell, Simeon Calderon, Michael Gorski, Ethan Fancher, Ryder Metz, Lincoln Metz and Jackson Loggins.

This year’s coaches included Daniel Lang, Troy Williams, Luke Windnagle and Lyndsay Weatherbee.

Submitted photo

Press release:

Six Paul Harris Fellowships were awarded to members of the Batavia Rotary Club during its annual Awards Night in June.  The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation and was started in 1957.  Our club contributes to the Foundation on behalf of members who exhibit outstanding service to RI and our club. 

Our 2022 recipients were introduced by the Foundation President Jay Gsell:

Jamie Mott, a member since 2015.  Jamie has filled a number of roles, most recently handling the budgeting and books as club treasurer. You can see Jamie pitching mulch at Rotary Park or flipping pancakes at the Fly-In breakfast.

Marlin Salmon, who joined Rotary in Batavia in 1981, then spent some years in the LeRoy Club, before returning to the fold in Batavia. He has been serving as our club president during the Rotary year that ended June 30.  Under Marlin's leadership, we returned to many of our traditional activities, including in-person meetings, several fundraisers that were disrupted by covid, and service projects in our community.

Laurie Mastin joined Rotary in 2003, served as our president during the club's centennial year, was secretary this year and co-chaired the very successful Corvette Raffle fundraiser.  She is a multiple PH Fellow.

Chris White, a member since 2013, Chris chairs the hardest working committee in our club:  the Flags and Flowers sale.  He also chairs the ever-vigilant Membership Committee. 

Sharon Kubiniec, who joined us in 2010. One of her first Rotary roles was as a beer wench in our production of Oliver, when our club produced annual Broadway shows as community events and fundraisers.  Since that time, she has tirelessly volunteered for many committees and projects, plus serving on the Board. 

Mike Kubiniec, who is probably the only Batavian who recruited his father to join the club.  Mike came on board in 1995, then convinced his dad, Conrad, to also become a member.  Past president, club secretary and one of Santa's elves are just a few of the roles Mike has contributed.  He and his wife, Sharon, are multiple PH Fellows.

Congrats to all recipients for their lasting contributions to our club through their boundless ideas, activities and energy.

Press release:

The Haxton Memorial Library had its Summer Reading Kick-off Carnival on Thursday, June 30th from 6:30-8:00 at Triangle Park in Oakfield.

This year’s theme is “Oceans of Possibilities” and our Carnival consisted of kiddie games, face painting, beachballs, popcorn, ocean gummy treats and the Aquarium of Niagara brought a touch tank for the children to enjoy.

“We had over 200 people attend this event, which is an amazing turnout and we know this is a great start to our Summer Reading Program”, said Kim Gibson, Library Manager for the Haxton Memorial Library. Our Summer Reading Program starts on July 5th and goes until Aug. 15th. Throughout this 6-week program our readers of all ages can participate in our programs and win prizes and more importantly read for fun!

“We love to see the excitement in our young reader’s faces when they return to the library to share how many minutes that they have read that week. “Seeing their love for reading and their joy of coming into the library, reassures us we are setting the foundation for all our future young readers and that makes all the difference in the world to us.”

Press release:

Madisonation was created to raise awareness and funds for other children and families fighting their battle against cancer. Madisonation has raised over $71,000 over the last 10 years for families and organizations. Previous recipients include: Golisanos Childrens Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Make A Wish Foundation, Michael Napoleone Foundation and several families whose children were battling cancer.

This year we will be partnering with Joe and Meaghan Suhr to organize and provide Christmas bags and presents for Western New York children in area hospitals battling pediatric cancer. Please help us put a smile on the faces of these warriors during what’s supposed to be the happiest time of the year. Thank you for your support for such a great cause.

Please come and join us in our fight against childhood cancer and help raise funds for such a worthy cause. Please join us on August 28, 2022 for our 11th annual Madisonation "Never Give Up" Golf Tournament. The event will be held at LeRoy Country Club in LeRoy, NY. It will be a 4-man best ball tournament for $400 per team which includes, 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, dinner, raffles, silent auction, hole contests and lots of fun, not to mention supporting a great cause.

Please contact Kevin Muckle at 585-300-7499 or Jen Moore at 585-300-8440 for more information or to register. Any donations can be mailed to Madisonation, 30 Lake St, LeRoy, NY 14482.

Press Release

To all motorists, a portion of Richmond Avenue in the City of Batavia will be closed two days this week for road construction between Redfield Parkway and Park Road. The closure will occur between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and is to be re-opened after those time periods each night.

Motorists looking to access Park Road are asked to approach from the North at the intersection of Park Road and Veteran’s Memorial Drive.

If there are any questions concerning this work, please, contact The Town of Batavia Highway Department at (585) 343-1729, Extension 218.

Thank you for your cooperation in advance.

The Hope Center of Le Roy announced today that Diane Sia has been hired as the Director of Development. The Director of Development is responsible for the overall operation of the Hope Center which offers free programs and services to the community such as the Fresh Start Tutoring program for children.

“We are delighted to have Diane on board,” said Board Member Bill Friedman. “She has the right personality and skillset to work with our program directors and volunteers, as well as with community and business leaders, to advance the growing activities and services we provide to the families in our region.” 

Diane brings a wealth of knowledge from the nonprofit sector, having recently served as the Director of Development for Crossroads House, Batavia. With more than twenty years of experience in management support roles including three years in administrative nonprofit responsibilities, she helped the home meet its financial objectives by overseeing fundraisers, business appeals, and their annual campaign. She directed marketing and promotions, edited their biannual newsletter, and managed multiple special projects while continuing to build a strong relational network.

Henry Moore, Board Member, and the Hope Center’s former Executive Director said, “A major part of Diane’s role will be to establish solid relationships with the families who receive our services, our staff and volunteers, business sponsors, community members, schools, and churches. We are confident she will excel in enhancing each of these important connections.”

“I am so happy to join the dedicated staff and volunteers at the Hope Center and to be a part of its vision for the future,” Sia said. “I am excited to contribute to the organization’s efforts to address community needs by focusing on program development, financial stability, and relational health,” she added.

With expertise in communications, marketing, and management, Diane previously worked as the Store Employment Associate for Tops Market and as the Financial Records Control Clerk for LeRoy Central School. Diane lives in LeRoy with her husband, David.

Press release:

The Batavia Society of Artists is hosting artist Kevin Feary in a Plein Art Painting (painting outdoors) demonstration on Tuesday, July 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. 

The demonstration will be held at Karen's Yarn, Paper and Scissors, in the back yard, at 550 E. Main St., Batavia. Bring a lawn chair. 

Non-members are welcome for a $5 fee.

Kevin will base a quick demo on how to capture light effects through observing how the light hits a bush or potted plant or some other simple object. There will be something in Karen's backyard we can use to get sunlight where he can demonstrate how the light hits an object and how we can create an impression of that on our canvas.  He will also try to demonstrate how to paint scrub and weeds to add interest. People can bring their paint gear and give it a try, kind of like a short class, hands-on thing.

Kevin will do his best to keep it quick so people can try it if they want.

Press release:

As part of its mission to understand and bring focus to health equity, Common Ground Health is launching its My Health Story 2022 survey. Residents of Chemung, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties are invited to answer questions about their health by completing the online survey at MyHealthStory2022.org and MiHistoriadeSalud2022.org.

The goal is to provide a vehicle for at least 10,000 respondents to share their health stories, especially under-resourced communities and individuals whose stories are often left out of efforts like these. Survey responses will help deepen understanding of the dynamics that drive health equity, and reveal where program and policy changes could make our communities healthier. The survey will be open throughout the summer.

“Four years ago, Common Ground Health conducted the My Health Story 2018 survey, which led to a host of insights that were published in health equity reports such as Overloaded and The Color of Health,” said Mary Beer, Ontario County public health director. “These learnings also formed the foundations of health improvement plans developed by local health departments.”

“We look forward to hearing the health stories of our community – especially in this critical moment as we emerge from COVID-19,” said Wade Norwood, CEO of Common Ground Health. “Our 2022 survey delves into the key factors that play an outsized role in determining people’s health including housing and transportation and examines the direct impact on health throughout all stages of life. We believe these findings will be key to understanding what services our community needs in the coming years.”

In 2018, nearly 7,000 residents participated in the survey. Key findings included:

• Housing impacts health in many ways. People who are stressed about housing payments are more likely to have health problems.
• Early death rates are as high in some rural communities as they are in poorer urban neighborhoods.
• African Americans struggle with dramatically higher rates of heart disease than other groups.
• Residents with the lowest incomes had three times the feelings of helplessness verses their higher-income peers. 

By the time the survey closes, we will have introduced new accessibility and inclusion features to reach even more residents in the community. “For the findings to be meaningful, participation is needed from as many residents as possible,” explained Norwood. “We encourage everyone to share the link with friends, family and colleagues. Everyone’s story can make a difference.”

Participants can complete the survey anonymously. It is available in English at MyHealthStory2022.org, and in Spanish at MiHistoriadeSalud2022.org. An ASL version of the survey will be available soon. A toolkit to share word about the survey is available here.

Press release:

Mary Todd Lincoln to visit Richmond Memorial Library

Richmond Memorial Library is pleased to host librarian Laura Keyes of Historic Voices as she portrays Mary Todd Lincoln on Saturday, July 16 at 2 pm. The program will take place in the Reading Room and is free to attend. All are welcome!

Mary Todd Lincoln lived a life filled with triumphs and tragedies but few people know her story. Now, librarian Laura Keyes shares Mary’s story in an entertaining and educational program entitled “Mrs. Lincoln in Love,” which is set on January 31^st 1862, when Mrs. Lincoln and her family are settled comfortably in the Executive Mansion. Visiting with ladies during Afternoon Tea, Mrs. Lincoln reflects on the Loves of her Life – her children, her husband, and her country. She even shares some of Mr. Lincoln’s love letters to her! Learn how Mary’s knowledge of both politics and social customs made it possible for a backwoods frontier attorney to achieve the highest office in the land.

Laura Keyes graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Master’s Degree in Library Studies and is Director of the Dunlap Public Library. Laura is a lifetime member of the Association of Lincoln Presenters, and in 2017 won the Mary Todd Lincoln Oratory Contest at the Lincoln Days celebration in Hodgenville, KY.

For more about Laura Keyes, visit www.LauraFKeyes.com or visit her Facebook at facebook.com/HistoricVoices. Find more programs and events at Richmond Memorial Library at batavialibrary.org/calendar. Summer Reading programs for children, teens, and adults are now in full swing! Visit the library or the website for more information.

Photo via LauraFKeyes.com 

Press release:

Northgate Church is hosting a children’s summer camp, On The Case, July 11-15. 

This week-long camp will be structured for children ages 3-9.

Kids Camp will run Monday through Thursday, July 11-14 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Friday, July 15 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) with lunch provided.

The camp will take place at Northgate’s North Campus located at 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia.

The cost per camper is $125 with a subsequent discount for multiple children. 

Pre-registration is required.

Applications and cost descriptions are available here: ​​https://northgatefmc.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1300091. 

Scholarships are available.

If you have any questions about the camp, please email leah@northgatefmc.com or visit northgatefmc.com 

Press release from the Automobile Association of America:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.80, down 10 cents from last Monday and down 8 cents in one week since last Tuesday. One year ago, the price was $3.13. The New York State average is $4.89, down 7 cents since last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.18. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $4.79 (down 9 cents from last Monday)
• Buffalo - $4.81 (down 5 cents from last Monday)
• Elmira - $4.87 (down 6 cents from last Monday)
• Ithaca - $4.91 (down 4 cents from last Monday)
• Rochester - $4.92 (down 3 cents from last Monday)
• Rome - $4.95 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
• Syracuse - $4.88 (down 5 cents from last Monday)
• Watertown - $4.93 (down 4 cents from last Monday)

About 80 percent of gas stations across the country are now selling regular unleaded gasoline for under $5 a gallon. Oil prices are down amid broad market concern regarding the potential for economic growth to slow or stall due to rising interest rates and inflation. This morning, oil prices are at $103 to $107 compared to $108 to $113 per barrel one week ago.

With the Independence Day holiday behind us, summer travel is in full swing. AAA expected 47.9 million people to travel 50 miles or more from home over the holiday weekend. This is an increase of 3.7% over 2021, bringing travel volumes just shy of those seen in 2019 with car travel setting a new record. Summer travel is expected to be robust through Labor Day.

From Gas Buddy:

“As expected, and for the third straight week, average gasoline prices have fallen to their lowest level in over a month. The price of wholesale gasoline has plummeted, providing price relief as millions of Americans hit the road for the holiday weekend," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "While we may see prices decline into this week, the drop could fade soon if oil prices reverse, especially with strong demand over the holiday. For the time being, Americans are spending nearly $100 million per day less on gasoline than when prices peaked a few weeks ago, and that's well-needed relief at a time when gas prices remain near records."

Press release:

With the recent drier than normal weather and forecasted above-average temperatures, Genesee County officials are once again asking residents to conserve water. 

“Work on various water infrastructure projects continues in the effort to increase the water supply, but this process is complex and will take several years to complete,” said Genesee County Highway Superintendent and County Engineer Tim Hens.  “This work is to ensure that Genesee County has an adequate supply of water to meet projected demands for the next 100 years.”

County officials stressed it has plenty of water throughout the year on average days, but without conservation efforts, keeping up with demands during hot dry stretches is difficult. The County is again asking everyone to pitch in on water conservation efforts through the peak of summer heat.

“It’s important that we have the cooperation of residents in avoiding watering lawns, washing cars and filling pools on hot days. Water gardens at night or early morning when evaporation is less,” Hens continued. “We have contingency plans in place for emergency water supply and pumping, but if everyone works together to do their small part at conservation efforts we can avoid water supply issues.” 

Press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office new K9 obstacle course is located at the Genesee County Fire Training Center and is the result of a partnership with the Rochester Area Crime Stoppers.

All labor and materials from design, layout, construction, and completion were donated through a collaboration with local businesses that included several grants. No costs were incurred by taxpayers. We would like to thank the following partners for their hard work and dedication:

• Rochester Area Crime Stoppers, Joyce Palumbo, Board Member and K9 Initiative Chair
• CountryMax Stores, Brad Payne, Director of Sales
• Home Depot. Tim Mullen, Assistant Manager - Batavia Store
• KeyBank, Phil Muscato, Rochester Market President and Regional Commercial Executive, and Mark Krueger, Executive Assistant
• Genesee Valley BOCES Building Trades Program, Jon Sanfratello, Director of Instructional Programs, and Margaret Poray, Executive Principal - Batavia Campus
• Hoselton Auto Mall, Drew Hoselton, President, and Chris Cammarata, Leasing Manager with a special thank you to the Hoselton Auto Welding Team

The course will be utilized by law enforcement agencies for training purposes to simulate obstacles that K9 teams will most likely encounter in the field during

deployments. These obstacles include crawling under porches, jumping through house/building windows, climbing ladders, and walking on unstable surfaces. This training will provide handlers and their K9 partners the confidence to complete these tasks in the field. The course will primarily be used by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office K9 unit as well as other outside law enforcement K9 units upon request and availability.

“We are very fortunate to have a community that continuously supports our K9 program. Thank you to all the individuals that made this course a reality for our Office and other law enforcement agencies to utilize,” stated Undersheriff Bradley Mazur. 

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service

Press release:

Working with GO ART!, the Arts Council for Wyoming County (ACWC) and the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts (GVCA), ten local artists announced today they received an Artist Employment Program (AEP) grant from Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY). Designed to support employment opportunities for artists, the program is funding 98 collaborations involving a dynamic group of 300 artists employed by community-based organizations, municipalities, and tribal governments across New York State. CRNY has awarded a total of $49.9M in funding to support artists’ salaries and benefits, with an additional $11.7M in funding provided to the organizations holding employment.

“If we are to truly rebuild our amazing state, we must celebrate artists’ contributions not only to the economy but to what makes us human,” says Creatives Rebuild New York's Executive Director Sarah Calderon. “The incredible work being funded through CRNY’s Artist Employment Program underscores the importance of direct support for both individual artists and the organizations that hold their employment.”

The artists will work with the three arts councils to provide arts programming throughout the region. The ten artists, listed below, are skilled in diverse visual and performing arts, including painting, sculpture, music, choreography, and theater. They will collaborate over a two-year period to create various exhibits, performances, classes and experiences. GO ART!, ACWC, and GVCA will collectively receive $1.5 million to support the collaboration, including artists’ salaries and benefits.

The ten artists included in this project are:

• Dan Butler, visual artist and muralist
• Ted Canning, musician and teaching artist
• Ruben Ornelas, choreographer and dancer
• Jill Pettigrew, visual artist and teaching artist
• Susan Ferrari Rowley, sculptor
• Rashaad Santiago, special effects artist and director
• Gaitrie Devi Subryan, choreographer and dancer
• Annette Daniels Taylor, poet, filmmaker and actress
• Paul Thomas, ceramicist
• Keith Walters, photographer and videographer

“The artists and staff of GO ART!, ACWC, and GVCA worked really hard on getting this grant. We are proud and beyond excited for this opportunity,” said Gregory Hallock, Executive Director for GO ART!. “This truly is an amazing, talented, and hard-working group of artists and art administrators. Look out Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties; we are going to be providing some amazing programming and art displays. Make sure to follow us on our social media pages and help us make art happen!"

Artist Employment Program recipients were selected through a two-stage process by a group of twenty external peer reviewers alongside CRNY staff. From an initial pool of over 2,700 written applications, 167 were shortlisted for interviews with reviewers. To view the list of 98 Artist Employment Program participants, visit https://www.creativesrebuildny.org/participants/.

For more information about Creatives Rebuild New York’s Artist Employment Program, please visit creativesrebuildny.org. 

Photo: File photo of Rashaad Santiago from 2017. Photo by Howard Owens

Press Release

Work on the federally funded project identified as Richmond Avenue (Oak Street to State Street) and Harvester Avenue Preventive Maintenance Project is expected to begin on July 6, 2022.

Construction will begin with the replacement of damaged sections of sidewalk on the north side of Richmond Avenue from Oak Street to New York Place then full replacement to State Street, followed by replacement of damaged sections of sidewalks on the south side of Richmond Avenue from Oak Street to Ellicott Avenue.

Sidewalk replacement on Richmond Avenue will be done simultaneously with the milling and paving of Richmond from Oak Street to State Street.

Construction on Harvester Avenue is expected to begin at the end of July.

Traffic delays should be expected; however, no street closures are anticipated at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience, and thank the public for their patience.

Press release:

Notre Dame is pleased to announce the following teaching and staff positions for the 2022-2023 school year.

We are pleased to announce that Kristen Gomez will have an enhanced role on our Administrative Team. In addition to her role as the Director of Academic Advisement and Learning Center teacher, Mrs. Gomez will become our Registrar and take on responsibilities specific to administrative leadership.

Amanda Coggiola has accepted the position of Administrative Assistant to the Office of Academic Advisement. Mrs. Coggiola comes to us with enthusiasm and we are pleased to welcome her to this position at ND. We thank Karen Rapone for her many years of service and wish her well upon her retirement.

Karina Treleaven has accepted the position of part-time Spanish teacher for our Junior High. In addition to her teaching duties, she is a proud parent of an upcoming senior and freshman at Notre Dame. We look forward to having her share her skills with our students and staff.