Batavia Kiwanis Club

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia honored the Top 10 students at their weekly lunch today.

In addition to the Top 10 honorees, Bryce Rogers received the Outstanding Citizenship Award, and Music awards were given to Chelsea Mountain, Mason Battaglia and Lauren Dunn.

Here's bio information on each of the Top 10 students:

Samir Jain is the son of Dr. Lalit and Abha Jain of Batavia. Samir will be attending Cornell University at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Samir is one of 25 seniors out of 20,000 in Western New York to be recognized with First Team honors on Business First’s 2015 All-Western New York Academic Team. He is captain of the varsity soccer and tennis teams, a member of the champion scholastic bowl and math teams, and an attorney for the regional-finalist mock trial team. Samir participates in community service as a volunteer for Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership.

Katie Kesler is the daughter of Paul and Jana Kesler of Batavia. Katie will be attending Boston University in the fall to major in both Behavior and Health and Hispanic Language and Literature. She plans to attend graduate school to become an occupational therapist. Katie has been involved in Mr. Batavia, mock trial, student government, National Honor Society, Youth Court and jazz band. She was a scholar athlete on the varsity soccer team. She attends Grace Baptist Church where she helps out in the nursery and in a preschool class. Katie especially enjoys volunteering at YMCA Challenger Sports.

Dylan Beckman is the son of Anthony and Jolene Beckman. He is attending the University of Rochester with an intended major of Optical Engineering. He plans to get some experience in the field, and then return to school to obtain a graduate degree in the field and eventually become an Optical Engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Labs. Dylan is vice president of his class, he is a member of National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, Link Crew, mock trial, and participated in this year’s Mr. Batavia Pageant, securing third place.

Brandon Smart is the son of Doug and Bernadette Smart of Batavia. Brandon received the Dean’s Scholarship to the University of Rochester and will be majoring in computer science to one day become a researcher on the quantum computer team at Google. He is a member of National Honor Society, treasurer of the senior class, regional finalist in the 2015 Science Olympiad competition and seven-year veteran of the championship math team.

Andrew Maniace is the son of Rick and Kathy Maniace of Batavia. Andrew received the Rensselaer Medal Scholarship, and will be attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy in the fall majoring in nuclear engineering. He is in National Honor Society, math team, Science Olympiad, a contributor to "Blue Canon," and was a contestant in Mr. Batavia. Andrew has been a three-season scholar athlete on varsity cross-country, indoor and outdoor track teams for the last four years.

Bryce Rogers is the son of Paula and Durin Rogers. Bryce will attend American University participating in their prestigious Scholars Program having received the Dean’s Scholarship. Bryce intends to dual-major in International Relations and Economics while concentrating in Foreign Policy and National Security. At BHS, Bryce is an active member of the mock trial team, National Honor Society, is the managing editor of BHS’ Literary Magazine, and band president. Bryce is active in his community serving on the Genesee County Youth Court and the County Youth Board as secretary. Bryce is also the AmeriCorps Program coordinator for the Batavia Summer Recreation program.

Emily DiBacco is the daughter of Michael and Mary Beth DiBacco of Batavia. Emily is president of National Honor Society, Student Ex-Officio to the Board of Education, an editor for the "Blue Canon" literary magazine, a Link Crew leader, and a committee head for the Mr. Batavia Pageant. She has also been a scholar athlete on the varsity swimming and diving team, as well as a member of the Board of Education’s Code of Conduct Committee. Emily will be attending the University of Pittsburgh with a double major in Business Administration and English, to pursue a career in publishing.

Rebecca Canale is the daughter of John and Cindy Canale of Batavia. Rebecca will be attending the University of Rochester in the fall majoring in Biology with a minor in Business in hopes of attending medical school to become a pediatrician. She is very involved in the school community, participating in varsity soccer, indoor and outdoor track, mock trial, student government, Tri-M Honor Society, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, beauty shop quartet, chorus, Link Crew, and Mr. Batavia. Rebecca also participated in the Roswell Park Summer Research Program as an intern in the Cell Stress Biology department.

Brooke Leddon is the daughter of Shane and Crystal Leddon of Batavia. Brooke is attending SUNY Brockport and majoring in Political Science with a double minor in International Relations and pre-Law. Brooke has been a part of the varsity swimming and diving team since she was in seventh grade.  She has been the team captain for the past two years.  Brooke plans on continuing her diving career at Brockport in the fall.

Kristyn Mott is the daughter of Amy and Jamie Mott.  Kristyn received the Dean’s Scholarship along with the Horizon Scholarship and will be attending Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. She will be majoring in business of Art and Design. She plans to work in the advertising and marketing community. Kristyn was a three-season scholar athlete for varsity soccer and indoor and outdoor track. She plans to continue pole vaulting with different local clubs while in college.

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia and the Genesee County Bar Association hosted their annual Law Day Criminal Justice Awards dinner at Batavia Country Club on Thursday evening.

Among the winners, Det. Kevin Czora and Det. Richard Schauf, Batavia PD, for their work in the successful apprehension and conviction of child molester Sean Vickers. Vickers received more than 100 years in prison as a result of the work of the two detectives, who also assisted the victims in the case. 

Other awards went to:

William Zipfel, jail superintendent, for his more than 32 years of service in law enforcement and what Undersheriff Bill Sheron said is the outstanding work he's done as head of the Genesee County Jail.

Susan Gagne, executive director of the Mental Health Association of Genesee County, for the services she provides to the criminal justice community. Her efforts have assisted in criminal justice professionals gaining knowledge of people dealing with mental illness. She's also helped arrange events and speakers that have raised awareness and knowledge of mental health and criminal behavior.

The Batavia High School Mock Trial Team received the Charles L. Mancuso Award for winning this year's competition.

Judge Robert C. Noonan, who is likely to retire within the next year, received an exceptional jurist award. A graduate of Batavia HS, Noonan attended St. Lawrence University and Fordham Law School. He worked in the District Attorney's Office for 19 years, eventually becoming District Attorney. He was elected to the bench in 1996. The award recognized his years of dedicated service to the community and his "great intelligence, fairness and knowledge of the law" while working as a jurist.

Judge Michael DelPlato, who has retired as a City Court justice. A graduate of Notre Dame High School, he attended Canisius College and SUNY Buffalo School of Law. He's been practicing law since 1973. He's been a teacher in Alexander and substitute with Batavia City Schools. He's been a director and president of the Bar Association. He served as a City Court judge from 2003 to 2015. He was honored for his lifelong commitment to the people of Genesee County.

Deputy Brian Thompson was honored by GCASA for exceptional service for his work with the DWI/Victim Impact Panel. On a monthly basis, Thompson meets with panel members to discuss his own experience as a victim of a drunken driver. He also helps keep panel gatherings civil and respectful. 

Batavia High School Mock Trial Team

Judge Robert C. Noonan

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Members of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia are inviting you to the club's annual spaghetti and meatball dinner from noon to 3 p.m., April 26 at the YWCA, 301 North St., Batavia. Tickets are $7 per person and available at the door.

Pictured are club members, from left, Shannon Ford, Jeanne Walton, Anne Bezon, Patti Pacino and Theresa Asmus.

The Easter Bunny paid a visit to St. Joseph's on Wednesday so he could invite all the children of Batavia to the annual Kiwanis Club Easter Egg Hunt at Centennial Park at 9 a.m., April 4. 

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Members of the Kiwanis Club have been working hard for months to bring together the annual Bidding on a Brighter Future Gala and Auction, which is next Saturday, Sept. 13, at The Forum at Genesee Community College.

The fun starts at 5:30 p.m., which includes live and silent and basket auctions, appetizer, entree and dessert stations.  

The emcee for the evening is Hiram Kasten.

Tickets are $50 per person or $400 for a table of 10.

Proceeds benefit the Kiwanis Club's effort to purchase a new home for the Justice for Children Advocacy Center.

To purchase tickets or make donations, visit GLOWGala.org.

Tonight’s Muckdogs game was sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Batavia and numerous events during the game were recognized. In 2011, Kiwanis Club of Batavia lost their location to hold their annual “Pancake Days” but since then Ken Dudek (center), manager of Countryside Travel Centers of America, received an appreciation plaque from President Pat Corona of Kiwanis (left) and organizer of the event at the ballpark, Anita Strollo (pictured far right). Dudek has generously donated all supplies for this event since then and the club honored him this evening.

The first pitch was thrown out by Pat Corona and followed by the first pitch was an ALS challenge Anita Strollo had to fulfill. She challenged Travis Sick, Eric Geitner, Dr. Antoinette Cecere, Ken Dudek and Serena Strollo-Dicenso. The ice bucket was thrown by Joe Forsyth and Pat Corona.

Bottom of the 4th inning Kiwanis announced two lucky winners of their annual children’s bike giveaway. The lucky girl was Madison Williams, age 6, and lucky boy was Matthew Covert, age 7.  Kiwanis Club members from left, pictured is Anita Strollo, Theresa Asmus-Roth, Michael Rimmer and Pat Corona.

All proceeds of Kiwanis Club benefits children's projects in Genesee County such as Thanksgiving Day Skate, Kiwanis Night at the Ballpark, Easter Egghunt, to name a few. This year’s Pancake Days will be on Saturday Oct. 25^th at the ARC Community Center on Woodrow Road behind Notre Dame High School.

Batavia lost to Jamestown tonight 4-3. Their next home game is next Friday night, Aug. 22, vs Mahoning Valley, 7:05 p.m. where they will try to set a new attendance record as previously mentioned on The Batavian.

When Stuart Lowe stopped at the visitor's information booth in the Holland Land Office Museum parking lot on West Main Street, he may not have been expecting the kind of welcome he received.

Lowe is from the U.K. and is riding a bicycle from San Francisco to Boston, following the path of Thomas Stevens, the first person to successfully cross the United States on a bike, which he did in 1884.

Lowe is making the trek in support of Doctors Without Borders.

Members of the Batavia Kiwanis Club often volunteer to staff the information booth, so when Lowe arrived and spoke with the volunteer there, local help for him was quickly mobilized. Kiwanis members came up with an expired gift certificate for the Days Inn and convinced the Days Inn manager to honor it. They also contacted Ken Mistler at City Slickers. Mistler provided Lowe with a hot meal.

By this morning, Lowe was heading east once again, following the trail first blazed by Stevens.

Top photo submitted by Anita Strollo. Bottom picture from Marc Tillery.

A video about Stevens:

The top senior scholars, musicians and citizens from Batavia High School were honored Thursday by the Batavia Kiwanis Club. Here's information provided by the school on each award recepient.

Sydney Loria is the daughter of Nathan and Kathy Loria, of Batavia. Sydney will be attending Colgate University this fall, majoring in Chemistry with hopes of continuing on to medical school in the future. She is the executive teasurer of Student Government and a member of National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Z-Club. She is also the concertmaster of the Orchestra and has participated in JV and varsity volleyball for the past four years. Sydney enjoys volunteering and has spent the past two summers volunteering at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Alexis Kindig is the daughter of John and Diana Kindig, of Batavia. Alexis received the Presidential Scholarship and is enrolled in the Clinical Health Studies/Physical Therapy program at Ithaca College to obtain her doctorate and become a physical therapist. She is in National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society, as well as Link Crew. She also plays violin in the school orchestra and is a member of Strings Sensations. She was a three-season scholar athlete all four years on the varsity cross-country, indoor track, and track and field teams.

Haley Case is the daughter of Dexter and Brenda Case. In the fall, Haley will be attending Genesee Community College to play volleyball. She will be majoring in Communications Studies with a minor in Political Science. Afterward, Haley will transfer to a four-year school before pursuing a plan to move on to law school. In high school, Haley was treasurer of National Honor Society, a member of National Art Honor Society, a mentor for Link Crew, and a representative for Student Government, including organizing the Mr. Batavia Pageant. Third in the class, Haley was also an eight-time scholar athlete.

Mike DiBacco is the son of Michael and Mary Beth DiBacco. Mike is a recipient of the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship and will be attending Carnegie Mellon University in the fall to study Mechanical Engineering. He is an active member of National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Model UN, and is president of Batavia’s Scholastic Bowl team. Mike served as co-mayor of the student body his senior year, and has participated in Student Government for three years. Mike is captain of the varsity swim team and is a two-time state finalist and national qualifier.

Ashlee Yasses is the daughter of Tim and Jill Yasses, of Batavia. Ashlee received the Presidential Scholarship and will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology, majoring in Engineering.  Ashlee is involved in Student Government and is the school’s Executive Council secretary. She was also very involved in this past year’s Mr. Batavia competition as a cohost for the event. Ashlee has played volleyball all four years of her high school career and was a co-captain for the past two years. Ashlee is also involved in National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Z-Club and Link Crew.

Taylor Sanders is the daughter of Gerald and Lynn Sanders, of Batavia. Taylor will be attending Niagara University on the Trustees Scholarship. She will be majoring in Biology with a pre-medical advisement, along with a Chemistry minor and a possible Dance minor. Taylor hopes to one day be a pediatric doctor. Taylor is the president of the Class of 2014 and is in National Honor Society.  She is also the secretary of National Art Honor Society. Taylor is very involved with her dance studio Images in Dance and has been since she was young.

Courtney Jones is the daughter of Diana Miller and Carl Jones, of Batavia. Courtney received the Presidential Scholarship and the Fr. Dunne Scholarship, and will be attending Niagara University to major in Early Childhood/Childhood Education. She is a member of National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society, where she is public relations coordinator. Courtney is very active in the 4-H Horse Program, and competes in local shows as well as the county fair and state fair. She has volunteered for the Batavia Youth Football and Cheerleading Program and for the Holland Land Office Museum.

Courtney Smith is the daughter of Richard and Lisa Smith, of Batavia. Courtney received the Achievement Scholarship and will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology majoring in Political Science and Journalism. She attended the Washington Journalism and Media Conference, a weeklong event hosted by George Mason University in Washington, D.C., in July 2013.  Courtney is a member of National Honor Society, volunteers at many community service events, participated in varsity soccer, and has worked at Sunny’s Restaurant for nearly three years.

James Fazio is the son of Jim and Nickie Fazio and resides in Batavia. He will be attending the University of Rochester in the fall and will be pursuing degrees in Computer Science and Computer Engineering. James is both a member of Batavia’s National Honor Society and Link Crew programs and has been a member of the BHS varsity baseball team for two years. He is also an active supporter of youth sports, as he contributes in the form of umpiring and refereeing youth baseball and basketball games.

Jessica Callisher is the daughter of Pamela and Arthur Callisher. Jess has received the Founder’s Scholarship from Syracuse University and will be attending there in the fall to major in Biology with the hopes to continue on to veterinary school. Jess is a scholar athlete for varsity soccer, and plays year-round. She is the secretary for National Honor Society, Student Government representative, treasurer for Stained Glass, volunteer for Mr. Batavia, and also an active member of the prom and dance committees.

Recipient for the 2014 Kiwanis Music Award Recipient for Band is Amanda Schelemanow. Amanda has participated in the concert band, jazz band, and marching band for the past four years. For the past two years, she has been lead trumpet for all ensembles. She also performs lead trumpet in our trumpet ensemble and is a member of our percussion ensemble. Amanda throughout her four years participated in the full orchestra. She is a member of our National Music Honor Society and BHS's National Honor Society. Next year she will be attending SUNY Fredonia where she is pursuing a career in Music Therapy and Psychology. Amanda will be dearly missed next year but I know she will excel next year at Fredonia.

Cassandra Warren is the daughter of Pamela Sivret and Scott DeSmit, of Batavia, and Eric Warren of Springfield, Mass. Cassandra will be attending Genesee Community College in the fall and will be majoring in Health Sciences with the hopes of continuing on to SUNY Brockport. Cassandra served as president of the Genesee Valley BOCES Chapter of the FFA in 2013-2014 school year, and has been active in Chorus since sixth grade. She has participated in Solo Fest all seven years, and was selected for All County Chorus this past March. Cassandra has also participated in both Drama Club and Production Club productions since the eighth grade, and has earned lead roles in her freshman, junior, and senior years. She has also participated in several productions for the Batavia Rotary Club, and Batavia Players. Cassandra also plays bass guitar and performs with area bands at various venues.She plans to join the Theater group at GCC. 

Val Palmer won the Kiwanis Citizenship Award for outstanding community service. Valerie is graduating this year, in just three years, still ranking in the top 15 percent of her graduating class. She is a scholar-athlete on the swimming and volleyball teams and is a member of the National Art Honor Society. Val has volunteered in the community by providing daycare for parents to attend school events and painting murals throughout the city. Her greatest passion has been working for Soup Supper at Sacred Heart Church. It is Val's generous heart and passion for helping others that has been displayed here. Val is passionate about helping others and will continue to do this as she pursues a degree in Elementary and Special Education at Canisius College in the fall.

At the annual Kiwanis Club Law Day Dinner Thursday night at Terry Hills, Deputy Joseph Corona was among those in the local criminal justice community who were honored for their work. Corona received the Exceptional Service Award from GCASA. In 2013, Corona, who joined the Sheriff's Office in 2012, had the highest number of DWI arrests in the county. 

Also honored were Chief Deputy Jerome E. Brewster, Batavia Police Officer Kevin M. DeFelice, Theresa Asmus-Roth, Area Supervisor at RESTORE, the Justice for Children Advocacy Center (the first time an organization has been honored), District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, former Public Defender Gary Horton and the Byron-Bergen High School Mock Trial Team.

The keynote speaker (pictured below) was Michelle Y. Spahn, resident agent-in-charge for the federal Drug Enforcement Administration office in Buffalo.

Press release with details of the awards after the jump.

Press release:

Kiwanis Club President Pat Corona announced the awards during a dinner held at Terry Hills Restaurant on Thursday, May 1, 2014. The awards dinner was held in partnership with the Genesee County Bar Association during its observance of Law Day. The honored speaker at the dinner was Michelle Y. Spahn, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) resident agent-in-charge of the Buffalo office.

KIWANIS CRIMINAL JUSTICE AWARD
The Kiwanis Club of Batavia Criminal Justice Award is presented to a member or members of the community, law enforcement, or a criminal justice agency serving the citizens of Genesee County whose exceptional career achievements and conscientiousness of citizenship have demonstrated a spirit of selfless public service or demonstrated an act of exceptional valor or heroism.

2014 AWARD RECIPIENTS:
Chief Deputy Jerome E. Brewster, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office
Chief Deputy Jerome E. Brewster has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for more than 39 years.  
He started his law enforcement career as a dispatcher in 1975 and was appointed a Deputy Sheriff (Jail) in 1977. In 1979, he was assigned to road patrol and in 1982 he was promoted to road patrol sergeant. However, his true talent and heart was in criminal investigations, and in 1988, he was appointed an investigator. In 1994, Jerry was promoted to Chief Deputy in charge of the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, a position he holds today. As Chief Deputy, he oversees not only the Criminal Investigation Division, but also the Youth Officers, Evidence Room, Pistol License Investigations and the Local Law Enforcement Drug Task Force. Chief Deputy Brewster has supervised several “high profile” criminal investigations for the Sheriff’s Office during his tenure and has represented the Sheriff’s Office on several matters related to criminal justice. He is the recipient of five Commendation awards, two Meritorious Service awards and was the Genesee County Sheriff’s Officer of the Year in 1993. Chief Deputy Brewster was nominated for this award by Sheriff Gary T. Maha.

Police Officer Kevin M. DeFelice, City of Batavia Police Department
Police Officer Kevin DeFelice is a six-year veteran of the City of Batavia Police Department. He is one of the most dedicated, conscientious, professional and community-relations-oriented officers of the Batavia Police Department. Kevin put forth great effort toward the establishment of a bicycle patrol, much on his own time and at his own expense. Officer DeFelice has provided Honor Guard duties for the Batavia Police Department at ceremonies and flag-raising events and again incurring personal expense. Kevin’s investigations are always thorough and complete, and he has successfully completed many complex and serious cases. He is always willing to put in the extra time and effort required to complete an investigation. Officer DeFelice is a Field Training Officer and is very fair and thorough with training new recruits. Kevin is a good example of what a police officer should be and sets a fine example for others to follow. Officer Kevin DeFelice was nominated for this award by Detective Sergeant Pat Corona and Detective Charles Dudek of the Batavia Police Department.

Theresa Asmus-Roth, Area Supervisor at RESTORE
Theresa Asmus-Roth started her distinguished service in Genesee County as an employee of Regional Action Phone (RAP). In 2001, she accepted a position as the Rape Crisis coordinator for Genesee County and was promoted to the position of coordinator for the GLOW region. Rape Crisis, now renamed RESTORE, provides various services to victims of sexual assaults. Theresa trains and mentors volunteers to cover a 24-hour hotline and was the catalyst for developing protocols with law enforcement on handling sexual assault cases. She has served as co-facilitator in working with male batterers and is one of the lead facilitators in training people in the “Darkness to Light” model to help keep children safe. Theresa is a passionate advocate for the Justice for Children Advocacy Center and has been the coordinator of the annual Genesee County Crime Victim’s Rights Week for several years. She has served as president of the Western New York Coalition for Crime Victims, was board member with the NYS Office of Victim Services and is current president of the Genesee County Inter-Agency Council. Theresa is the recipient of the 2012 NYS Mental Health Association Volunteer of the Year Award and will be the incoming president of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia. Theresa Asmus-Roth was nominated for this award by former Genesee County Jail Superintendent Ed Minardo.

Justice for Children Advocacy Center
The Genesee County Justice for Children Advocacy Center and its staff are being recognized by the Kiwanis Club of Batavia for the great work they do with providing services to children who have been physically or sexually abused. Not only are services provided to the child victim, but also to the victim’s family. Services such as counseling, emotional support and assistance with the legal process are provided on a daily basis. Forensic interviews and medical examinations provided at the Child Advocacy Center are invaluable during the prosecution of a sexual abuser, along with the expert testimony offered by the forensic interviewer. Justice for Children Advocacy Center team members Shannon Ford, director of Genesee Justice; Anne Bezon, CAC supervisor; Erin Martin, victim advocate; Jack Coyne, M.D.; Cecelia Lyons, P.N.P; Amy Hayward, nurse; Donna Harris, financial management assistant/victim advocate; Julie Walsh, therapist; and forensic interviewers Kathy Colgan and Laura Keleman are to be commended. This nomination was made by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman.

CHARLES L. MANCUSO MOCK TRIAL AWARD
The “Charles L. Mancuso Award” was presented to the members of the Byron-Bergen High School Mock Trial Team as winners of the 2014 GLOWS (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming and Steuben counties) District Competition in the New York State Bar Association High School Mock Trial Tournament. The award reads “Dedicated to the Memory of an Outstanding Attorney-Citizen”, Mr. Mancuso, a Batavia lawyer, served as coordinator of the local competition until his untimely death seven years ago. The Byron-Bergen High School team members honored at the dinner include:  Kaleb Bobzien, Christine Burke, A.J. DiQuattro, Bethany Ezard, Noelle Ferris, Milton Griffin, Meghan Johnson, Ashley Montgomery, Laura Redinger, Amanda Streeter and Dakota Zambito. Genesee County District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, who serves as coordinator of the local Mock Trial Program, and Genesee County Bar Association president Mary Kay Yanik presented the award.

GENESEE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION AWARDS
Appreciation Award - District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, Esq.
Mary Kay Yanik, president of the Genesee County Bar Association presented the Appreciation Award to District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, Esq., in grateful appreciation for his years of outstanding dedication and commitment as Genesee County Mock Trial coordinator. The Mock Trial Program is sponsored by the New York Bar Association and is a statewide program. Under Mr. Friedman's tenure, Genesee County joined with Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties in competitions so that the students would be able to have additional teams to compete against. Mr. Friedman is retiring from this role as coordinator and Kristie DeFreze, Esq., an associate at the Bonarigo & McCutcheon, L.L.P., law firm will now take over that role.

Unsung Hero Award - Gary Horton, Esq.
Mary Kay Yanik, president of the Genesee County Bar Association, presented the Unsung Hero Award to Gary Horton, Esq., for his tireless dedication in providing quality, professional legal services to the indigent people of Genesee County. This award was last given in 2009. Mr. Horton has spent the majority of his career in working as a public defender eventually being named as the head of the Genesee County Public Defender's Office, which provides services to indigent criminal defendants as well as litigants in Family Court. Mr. Horton has retired from the Genesee County Public Defender's Office and will now be working as head of a legal services organization, here in Batavia, representing veterans.

GENESEE/ORLEANS COUNCIL ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE (GCASA) AWARD
Exceptional Service Award - Deputy Sheriff Joseph A. Corona. Bethany Iacucci, prevention educator for GCASA, presented the Exceptional Service Award to Deputy Sheriff Joseph A. Corona from the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Corona started his career here in Genesee County on July 20, 2012, right out of the academy. He had the highest number of DWI arrests for 2013 and continues to lead again this year. He was instrumental in implementing the use of the Alco-Sensor for GCASA’s DWI Victim Impact Panel in January of this year. Deputy Corona not only assisted in creating the procedure but also went above and beyond to assure that every panel assignee was treated equally and with respect. When there were disruptive attendees, he assisted with defusing the situation. He demonstrates respect toward participants and GCASA staff, and goes out of his way to insure that our speakers feel comfortable and safe.

The Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt this morning at Centennial Park might be called an Easter Egg Scramble. It starts at 9 a.m. and pretty much all of the plastic eggs containing either candy or prize numbers are off the ground by 9:01.

 

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Members of the Kiwanis Club are just about ready to host the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Centennial Park. The hunt is at 9 a.m. a week from today.

Pictured are Club President Pat Corona, Allison Chua, Easter Bunny (Ross Chua), Adan Chua, Dave Chua and Phill Ricci.

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New location, new recipe, but same big success this year for the annual Pancake Days breakfast put on the by Kiwanis Club of Batavia.

Because of remodeling at the First Presbyterian Church, the event was moved to Daphne's on Swan Street this year.

Top photo, Sheriff Gary Maha pours out another batch of pancakes.

Andre Dunlap pauses from serving to enjoy his own breakfast.

Matt Landers, Anita Strollo (who chaired the event this year) and Dunlap.

Travis Sick serves breakfast.

The third annual "Bidding on a Brighter Future" gala and auction was hosted by the Kiwanis club of Batavia on Saturday night at Genesee Community College's forum. Big turn out, lots of auction items -- all signs of a hugely successful event.

Proceeds will go to the Child Advocacy Center/Justice for Children Foundation to provide the CAC with a permenant building for its operations.

No word yet on how much money was raised or the final total of attendees, but it was a full house.