Batavia Kiwanis Club

To keep up on all the latest information about the upcoming Bidding on a Brighter Future Gala and Auction in support of the Child Advocacy Center, like the event's Facebook page. Like the page and complete the contest registration form and you will be eligible to win a $100 gift certificate from City Slickers. Click here to like the page and enter the contest.

Press release:

BATAVIA — Kiwanis Club of Batavia is gearing up for its third annual Gala fundraiser, "Bidding on a Brighter Future." With a different venue, live entertainment, a great menu and specialty raffles, this event will offer something for everyone as it raises money to help the Children's Advocacy Center right here in Batavia.

It's set to begin at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 at The Forum at Genesee Community College, 1 College Road.

Over the last two years, the gala has brought in more than $70,000 to support a new location for the Center. In the meantime, the Center has been in progress with moving to a temporary location next to First Presbyterian Church. That will allow Center staff to save money on rent and instead use it for crucial services for child victims of sexual abuse.

Hundreds of children and families use this center throughout the course of a year for medical, legal, emotional and law enforcement assistance. The Center serves families in Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming and Livingston counties.

The Gala Committee welcomes and encourages local businesses, organizations and individuals to support this event. You may do so by becoming a sponsor, making a donation for one of the many auctions or by purchasing a program ad.

Tickets are $50 a person or $400 for a table of 10. Special sponsorship levels are also available, such as a $500 table for 10 that includes promotional perks.

WHAT: Third annual Bidding on a Brighter Future Gala & Auction
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
WHERE: The Forum, Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia

CONTACT: Phone -- 815-5234 or e-mail info@biddingonabrighterfuture.org, or visit
www.biddingonabrighterfuture.org.

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia honored the top 10 seniors of Batavia High School during its weekly luncheon today.

Honorees were Jenna Mancuso, Niha Idrees, Alexis Logsdon, Andrea Raphael, Rachel Paige Henrici, Rebecca Zinni, Maria Robusto, Lindsay Wrobel, Mark Zinni and Zachary Hale.

Winning awards were Logsdon for citizenship, Samantha Mitchell for band, Wrobel for orchestera and Kaitlin Logsdon for chrous.

Last week the club honored the top 10 seniors from Notre Dame: Timothy Bergman, Ashleigh Cheverie, Margaret Marchese, Madison Cluck, Riley Norton, Jeongui Park, John Tipton, Grace Bergren, Julian Blackburn-Baskin, and Lindsay Hilburger. Awards were given to Peter Kehl, vocal, Cheverie, instrumental, and Bergren, citizenship.

UPDATE: Joe Scanlan e-mailed us pictures from last week's lunch with Notre Dame.

Over the past 90 years, the Kiwanis Club has become part of the fabric of the community, Secretary Peter Guppenberger told his fellow Kiwanians during the club's anniversary celebration at Bohn's Restaurant last night.

So many of the club's activities have come cherished community events, from the Easter Egg Hunt in Centennial Park, to Pancake Days, to the Thanksgiving Day Skate and the Golf Ball Race at Picnic in the Park.

Many of these events serve the children of the community, which is the primary mission of Kiwanis.

"When you see the smiles on the kids' faces, you realize that's what it's all about," Guppenberger said.

Past President Lawrence Friedman spoke about how the club's current long-term project has re-energized the organization.

The Kiwanis Club is working to raise $150,000 to provide the Child Advocacy Center with a permanent home that the agency owns. So far $80,000 has been raised, with $60,000 of it coming from a pair annual auction galas.

The project was meant to position the club to do something meaningful for the community, but it has also served to bring in new members, with about 15 people joining last year and another half dozen so far this year.

This year's gala will be Sept. 21 at Genesee Community College.

Current Club President Ed Minardo

Frank Romeo, Lt. Governor of the Genesee Division of Kiwanis

Barb Lewis, from Ladies of Kiwanis

Past President Patrick Forsyth

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia hosted its annual Law Day Dinner and honored six individuals for their outstanding career achievements in law and law enforcement.

Family Court Judge Eric Adams, above, was the keynote speaker.

Here are the honorees and information about their accomplishments as provided by the Kiwanis Club.

Gary A. Graber - Town Justice, Darien, New York
Judge Graber has been the Town Justice of Darien for the past 33 years, the longest presently sitting Justice in Genesee County. He has been a life member of the Darien Center Chemical Fire Department for 38 years, 10 years on the Board of Directors including two years as chairman. He also served as Darien Town constable prior to being elected town justice. Judge Graber has been an outstanding and recognized leader in the area of criminal justice in Genesee County, New York State and nationally.  He most recently was elected as president of the New York State Magistrates Association for 2012-2013 and has been a member of several committees and associations. Judge Graber was nominated for this award by retired Town of Bethany Justice Edgar J. Hollwedel.

Nicole Desmond – Treatment Court Coordinator, Batavia City Court
Nicole Desmond has had a substantial and significant impact on the criminal justice system in Genesee County.  She was hired in June of 2004 as a therapist with the Genesee County Mental Health Clinic and was assigned responsibility for Court Evaluations and the mental health needs of the inmates housed in the Genesee County Jail. In 2008, Ms. Desmond became the Drug Court coordinator, working out of Batavia City Court. She established weekend DWI testing protocols and worked along with several professionals and organizations to establish the Mental Health Court and the Veterans Track. Ms. Desmond has distinguished herself as a knowledgeable, passionate and hard-working professional dedicated to identifying gaps in systems and helping to facilitate humanistic programs to effect positive change. She was nominated for this award by Genesee County Jail Superintendent Ed Minardo.

Eugene A. Jankowski – Retired Lieutenant, City of Batavia Police Department
Eugene A. Jankowski served as the commander of the Batavia Police Department’s Emergency Response Team since its inception in 1994 until his retirement in 2013. He oversaw and organized the establishment of the team, sought out experts in the field, fostered relationships and arranged for the team’s training. Mr. Jankowski has dedicated an extraordinary amount of time and devotion to ensure that the team receives the proper training in up-to-date tactics and the best equipment, ensuring the safety of the team’s members and the success of the missions performed. Mr. Jankowski also was instrumental in the transition of the team from being solely a Batavia Police Department team to one that also incorporates members from the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, enabling the team to provide services to all of Genesee County. Mr. Jankowski was nominated for this award by Batavia Police Detective Sergeant Patrick J. Corona.

Robert C. Noonan – Genesee County Judge, Genesee County Court
Robert C. Noonan is currently Genesee County Judge and has been since first elected in 1997.  He also serves as an acting Justice of the Genesee County Supreme Court. Judge Noonan served as Genesee County District Attorney from 1988 to 1996 and served as First Assistant District Attorney from 1980 to 1987. He attended St. Lawrence University and obtained a law degree from Fordham University Law School in 1975. Judge Noonan is former chair of the New York State Bar Association Special Committee on Procedures for Judicial Discipline and is past president of the County Court Judges’ Association of the State of New York. Judge Noonan has been a leader in criminal justice for several years and is well respected by his peers and members of the criminal justice system. Judge Noonan was nominated for this award by Genesee County Sheriff Gary T. Maha.

Sandy Wojtaszczyk – Child Protective Services Supervisor, Genesee County Department of Social Services
Sandy Wojtaszczyk began her employment with the Genesee County Department of Social Services in 1998 as an aide for Adult Services, was promoted in 2000 to caseworker and then to supervisor in 2009. She supervises a staff of eight full-time caseworkers who oversee 1,000 suspected cases of child abuse, neglect and/or maltreatment each year in the Genesee County area. Sandy is also responsible for the on-call system 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. She volunteers to supervise student interns from various local colleges that wish to obtain practical experience in the field of child welfare. Sandy has served on several teams and panels in the community and continuously volunteers at the Salvation Army during the holidays and for the women’s auxiliary at the Elba Fire Department. Ms. Wojtaszczyk is an efficient, effective, and respected supervisor that has served her community and county in many capacities in a humble, modest and respectful manner. Ms. Wojtaszczyk was nominated for this award by New York State Police Investigator Andre Dunlap.

Thomas A. Graham – Town Justice, Oakfield, New York
Judge Graham has been the Town Justice for Oakfield since 2006. He is the treasurer for the Genesee County Magistrates’ Association and is also responsible for coordinating training for the group. Previously, Judge Graham was employed as a sargeant with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, and after serving 20 years, retired in 2005. During his tenure at the Sheriff’s Office, Judge Graham oversaw the Dispatch Center and its transition to the 800-megahertz radio system. Judge Graham is involved in educating the youth in Oakfield by allowing Boy Scout Troops and students to attend his court sessions and then stays after to answer questions and explain court procedures. In his role as Town Justice, Judge Graham has earned the respect of other judges and attorneys in the County by portraying a professional and fair attitude. Judge Graham was nominated for this award by fellow Oakfield Town Justice and Retired Batavia Police Chief Randy Baker.

CHARLES L. MANCUSO AWARD
The “Charles L. Mancuso Award” was presented to the members of the Batavia High School Mock Trial Team as winners of the 2013 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 Batavia High School team members honored at the dinner include: Attorneys: Kaitlin Logsdon, Trey Abdella, McKenzie Stevens, Matthew Gabriele, Bryce Rogers, Beth Bennion, Rebecca Canale, Danielle Quinn. Witnesses: Brandon Smart,
Dylan Beckman, Samir Jain, Eric DiLaura, Katie Kesler, Cara Ranalli, Alex Mott, Adam Weaver, Chelsea Jensen.

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.

Eugene Jankowski

Sheriff Gary Maha and Judge Robert C. Noonan

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Bryanna Dunlap and Andre Dunlap serve up spaghetti Saturday night at the annual Kiwanis Club of Batavia Spaghetti Dinner at the YWCA.

It was a banner day at the weekly meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia, with a donation in support of the club's long-term project and six new members joining the club on a single day.

Charlene Schoenenberger, representing the Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford club presented the Batavia club with a $1,365 check. The donation assists the Batavia club toward raising $150,000 for the Child Advocacy Center to build a new facility. The Batavia club is raising $100,000 and the other area Kiwanis clubs are being asked to chip in $50,000.

So far, $80,000 has been raised.

President Ed Minardo (above with Schoenenberger) said six members joining on the same day was probably a record for the club.

New members with their sponsors: From left, Gary Maha and new member (and returning member) Susan Maha; Past President David Chua and Rick Dunn; Jay Nickerson and new member Mike Rimer; Myra Schroeder with sponsor Jeanne Walton; Shannon Ford and Joycelyn Sikorski with sponsor President Ed Minardo.

In the Lynn E. Browne Library Instruction Room, students at Genesee Community College not only learn skills that will help them successfully complete their education, but they receive lessons that will last them a lifetime.

That was the legacy Lynn Browne wanted, according to Rick Ensman, who said that when Browne was asked which room he wanted his name on in the Conable Technology Center while it was under construction, he insisted his name go on the little room in the library.

The room, named after Browne, who died in 2011, was officially dedicated Friday afternoon.

Browne was born and raised in Batavia, but college and a business career took him away from his native soil. He made his fortune in the button business, but returned to his hometown in retirement. He became a fixture in Batavia, involved in numerous philanthropic endeavors and volunteering with several community groups.

Browne's service included 14 years as a member of the Genesee Community College Foundation Board of Directors (1996-2010), 12 of those as treasurer. He was instrumental in overseeing substantial growth in the foundation's assets, its endowment fund, and had an unwavering commitment to student housing at College Village.

A contingent of Kiwanis members attended the ceremony because Browne was a dedicated Kiwanian who gave generously to the Batavia club both of his time and money. One member remembered how Browne used to randomly pass out silver dollars to fellow members. Browne was also a big supporter of the annual Kiwanis law enforcement awards.

Bill Kauffman (inset, left), local author and screenwriter, was the keynote speaker and recalled Browne as a friend and a tireless advocate for his hometown.

"Lynn told me that he’d never wanted to leave town in the first place," Kauffman said. "He wished to commute to the University of Rochester, but his mother insisted he attend the University of Pennsylvania. She rode the train to Philadelphia with him because she was afraid he’d get off at one of the stops and come back."

Kauffman served with Browne on the Holland Land Office Museum Board of Directors.

"He took up these responsibilities with a sense of duty but also with a real joy: these weren’t grim obligations to him; they were opportunities to express his love of his community," Kauffman said. "He served as our treasurer, as he served as treasurer for other organizations, and it was a fitting title in more ways than one: he really treasured these groups, treasured his neighbors. Lynn brightened his little corner of the world; he left it a richer place, and I don’t mean monetarily. He was a citizen of his place. He was a man to be emulated."

If you've been to Tops in the past couple of weeks you've seen members of your community there ringing little red bells as part of the Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle Campaign.

Today, members of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia volunteered in shifts to ring bells and maybe even sing Christmas carols, as Allison Chua and Ross Chua are doing above.

The Salvation Army always needs volunteers to help support the campaign. To volunteer, contact Patricia Kurtz, at 343-6284 or e-mail at patricia.kurtz@use.salvationarmy.org.

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia are collecting donations today for the people downstate effected by Superstorm Sandy.

The drop-off location is on Veterans Memorial Drive, between Michael's and the former Lowe's location.

Canned goods, bottled water, and other non-perishable items along with blankets are welcome donations.

Donations will be collected until 2 p.m., when a truck that is making the rounds throughout New York will stop and pick up all of today's donations.

Photo: Andre Dunlap, left, Mike Rich and Paul White. Below, Harold Kilthau, of Batavia, drops off a donation.

Batavia Kiwanis hosted another successful Pancake Days pancake breakfast at the First Presbyterian Church today.

This Saturday, you can get your flapjacks flipped by Sheriff Gary Maha and served table side by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman.

Saturday is the annual Pancake Days sponsored by the Batavia Kiwanis Club. Maha and Friedman are both Kiwanis members and they will be joined by a couple dozen more Kiwanis members who will ensure you get a hot, tasty breakfast for the low price of $5 (children 10 and under, and seniors, $3).

The breakfast runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Main and Liberty streets, in Batavia.

Arrive early. There's always a big turn out.

To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Anita at 585-813-5371, or ask a local Kiwanian.

Pictured are Anita Strollo, left, Friedman, Club President Ed Minardo, Maha, Immediate Past President David Chua and Joe Forsyth.

Below, an article about the breakfast from Anita Strollo:

It’s been a long year sampling pancakes all over Western New York to insure that this year’s Kiwanis Club of Batavia’s 54th Annual Pancake Day lives up to the reputation it had in years past.

Last year our suppliers got changed unexpectedly and we thought we were getting comparable product only to find out that the pancake batter and sausages were less than satisfying. It was too late at that point and we counted on our understanding community and the fact that so many other treats were available at the annual event which raises funds for area children’s projects.

This year Serena, Joe and I sampled a lot of pancakes! I am a notorious pancake hater so we were looking for a pancake that even I liked. When Sheriff Maha (our chief pancake cook and longtime Kiwanian) offered that he and his wife recommended a local stop for pancakes, we ventured there. They had a similar situation with pancake mixes years ago and had to go on the same type of quest!

Serena and I sampled the pancakes there and they were fabulous. After some research by us and much help from Batavia Restaurant Supply to locate a supplier on the East Coast, we are now ready to serve up the tastiest pancakes we’ve had in years. Batavia Restaurant Supply is going to be stocking the mix from now on!

Joel Chasteck from the Genesee County Nursing Home located the brand of sausage that we always used, and after we add our “secret ingredient” our customers will be very pleased.

When it looked like the bad apple crop and the closing of our cider supplier’s mill was going to preclude us from serving fresh apple cider for the first time ever, Roanoke Apple Farms quickly jumped into action. They gave us a very fair deal on cider so we can serve and sell it again at this year's breakfast.

We will also be offering a Gluten-Free option. Patricia Hawley from Fountain of Youth Organics in Brockport will be donating some pancake mix as well as lending her gluten-free designated griddle and cooking implements.

Pancake Days is so named because it used to be a two-day event.  Within the last few years, it has become a one day event that still serves the same amount of pancakes and extras as the two-day fundraiser did.

The funds raised allows Batavia Kiwanis to sponsor free community events like the Thanksgiving Day Skate, Easter Egg Hunt, AMBA Blood Screening, Kiwanis Night at the Muckdogs and so many other events.

The all-you-can-eat breakfast is fully served and includes a beverage choice of cider, coffee, milk (chocolate or white compliments of Upstate Milk Cooperative) orange juice or tea.

Pancake Days will be this Saturday, Oct. 27 at the First Presbyterian Church Service Building on the corner of Liberty and Main streets in Batavia from 7 a.m. – 2pm. Cost is $5 for adullts, $3 for seniors 62 and over and children 10 and under.

Any one child in costume accompanied by one adult will also get in free.

There will be entertainment as usual and there are tickets available at the door or from any Kiwanian.

Justice For Children's Advocacy Center's 2nd Annual Bidding On A Brighter Future Auction & Gala will be held on September 22, 2012 at the Batavia Downs Raceways and Casino in the Paddock Room. The cost is $40 per person or $75 for two. 

Special guest honorees are: former Sheriff, Douglas Call & former Genesee Justice Director, Dennis Wittman!

Registration & Social Hour 5:30 - 6:30pm. Grazing stations, free play, raffles, cash bar, live and silent auctions throught the night.

Sponsorship opportunities still available! Some tickets at the door and still accepting donations!!! For details, please call 585-813-5371 or 344-8576.

This morning a couple members of the Batavia Kiwanis Club went to Paul White's place to get a look, and take a ride, on his paraglider.

White is donating a ride on the paraglider to be auctioned off at the club's Bidding on a Brighter Future Auction & Gala at Batavia Downs on Sept. 22.

The event is the club's big annual fundraiser to benefit the Child Advocacy Center, which needs to move into a new home that it will own.

Last year, the event raised $30,000 for CAC. Kiwanis members have set a goal of $150,000.

The center has assisted more than 1,400 children who were victims of physical and sexual abuse over the past 13 years. CAC provides a safe and comforting environment for forensic interviews, medical examinations and advocacy for children who are victimized in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

Besides the paraglider ride, this year gala guests will be able to bid on a fully stocked freezer, sea cruises, cigars and accessories, fun in South Carolina -- a Hilton Head stay and a Myrtle Beach vacation, a Batavia Police Department "CSI Experience," a private pistol lesson for two with a sharpshooter from Batavia PD, fresh baked pies, children's scooters, a stained glass work, couch, chairs, sink and vanity, double oven, jewelry and lots more.

Tickets are $40 per person or $75 for a couple. Sponsorship levels range in price from $50 to $5,000. Sponsors must sign up by Sept. 12.

The club is also still accepting donations.

All donations to the foundation are tax deductible.

For more information, contact Anita at 813-5371 or Grace at 344-8576.

Below: Kiwanis member Peter Guppenberger prepares for a ride with Paul White. Photos provided by Grace Flannery.

The Batavia Kiwanis Club and the Genesee County Bar Association held their annual Law Day dinner at Bohn's Restaurant on Wednesday night.

Deputy Brian Thompson (top photo) received the Kathy Seymore Volunteer Service Award.

Winners of Criminal Justice Awards were: Andre R. Dunlap, investigator, New York State Police Troop “A”; David E. Gann, retired from the Genesee County District Attorney’s Office (second photo); Edward M. Minardo, currently jail superintendent; Michael A. Messina, chief of police, Buffalo/Batavia Veterans Administration Police Forces, and Colleen M. Marve, coordinator, Justice for Children Advocacy Center.

The Pembroke High School Mock Trial Team was honored for winning the regional championship (third photo).

If you're unable to view the slide show below, click here.

To purchase prints of these photos, click here.

After the jump (click on the headline), the press release for the awards:

Press release:

Kiwanis President David Chua announced the awards during a dinner held at Bohn’s Restaurant on Thursday, April 26, 2012. 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 Hon. Robert C. Noonan, Genesee County Court judge.

Description of the Award

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

2012 AWARD RECIPIENTS

Andre R. Dunlap – Investigator, New York State Police Troop “A”
Investigator Dunlap is a 21-year veteran of the New York State Police.  Throughout his illustrious career, Investigator Dunlap has received numerous letters of appreciation from the public and partner police agencies for his professionalism and superlative law enforcement service. Investigator Dunlap is a recipient of the Lila McNall Award for his outstanding contribution to the Children’s Services Division of the Genesee County Department of Social Services and a past recipient of Genesee County MADD award for superb DWI enforcement. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia and a participant in the Ride for Roswell. Investigator Dunlap continues to serve the citizens of Genesee County in a professional and civic manner and was nominated for this award by New York State Police Captain Steven Nigrelli.

David E. Gann – Genesee County District Attorney’s Office (retired)
David E. Gann was a member of the Genesee County District Attorney’s Office for 31 years prior to his retirement on December 30, 2011. Mr. Gann served as Sr. Assistant District Attorney and had vast trial and case appeal experience. He was responsible for the prosecution of several major felony drug cases and was an authority on D.N.A. evidence. David Gann was an ultimate public servant, never shying away from extra work. He was available on a 24/7 basis for law enforcement agencies and was regularly called out in the middle of the night to draft search warrant applications and provide legal advice to police. His ethics, intelligence, knowledge of the law and dedication to his job earned him the well-deserved respect of the judiciary, law enforcement and colleagues. In January 2012, Mr. Gann was awarded the prestigious Robert M. Morgenthau Award presented to him by the District Attorneys’ Association of the State of New York in recognition of his many accomplishments. Mr. Gann was nominated for this award by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman.

Edward M. Minardo – Genesee County Sheriff’s Office
Edward M. Minardo currently serves as jail superintendent of the Genesee County Jail. He served as director of Genesee Justice from 2005 through 2010 when he voluntarily relinquished his job in order to meet budgetary constraints and keep Genesee Justice programs intact. Mr. Minardo kept a positive attitude and was instrumental in establishing the Genesee Justice Foundation in hopes of raising funds for Genesee Justice. He also plays an important role in raising funds for the Child Advocacy Center and is a believer in restorative justice.   During his tenure as director of Genesee Justice, Ed served as chair of the Genesee County Criminal Justice Council, promoting cooperation and collaboration of all criminal justice and support agencies within Genesee County.  Mr. Minardo is president-elect of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia and was nominated for this award by Sheriff Gary T. Maha.

Michael A. Messina – Chief of Police, Buffalo/Batavia Veterans Administration Police Forces
Michael A. Messina is currently chief of police for the Buffalo and Batavia Veterans Administration Police Forces. Under Chief Messina’s leadership, the Batavia V.A. Police Force has become an important partner in our local criminal justice community. Chief Messina has established relationships with area law enforcement and service organizations, which benefits our community. During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Chief Messina provided resources and information on the topic of “Coming Home….Challenges and Opportunities for Returning Veterans." He also assisted with organizing and participating in this excellent program. Chief Messina exemplifies the conscientiousness to citizenship and spirit of selfless public service. Chief Messina was nominated for this award by Batavia City Police Detective Sergeant Patrick Corona.
       
Colleen M. Marvel – Coordinator, Justice for Children Advocacy Center
Colleen Marvel started working for Genesee Justice in 1999. In 2000, she was assigned to the Justice for Children Advocacy Center and in 2001 became its coordinator. Colleen put her heart and soul into the Child Advocacy Center and worked tirelessly to assist and serve sexually abused children from the GLOW area. She worked very closely with law enforcement, social services, district attorneys and other support agencies in the quest to prevent sexual child abuse and to prosecute those who committed such crimes. She made herself
available 24/7, whenever the Child Advocacy Center was needed. Colleen has a bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies from SUNY Plattsburg and resides in the Town of Pavilion with her 5-year-old daughter, Grace. Colleen will be leaving the Child Advocacy Center on May 11, 2012, as she has accepted a position in Wyoming County. Ms. Marvel was nominated for this award by Sheriff Gary T. Maha.

Kiwanis President Dave Chua presented the awards on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia.

CHARLES L. MANCUSO AWARD

The Charles L. Mancuso Award was presented to the members of the Pembroke High School Mock Trial Team as winners of the 2012 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 six years ago. The Pembroke High School team members honored at the dinner include: Patrick Burns, Dean Cullinan, Cale Fryer, Rachel Seweryniak, Joelle Fugle, Brett Jones, Andrew Reynolds, Brandon Kohorst, Benjamin Reiner, Christian Burns, Justin Sformo, Eva Reda-Kendrick, Sabrina Sanner and Karen Glomb.

Genesee County District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, who serves as coordinator of the local Mock Trial Program, and Genesee County Bar Association President Durin Rogers presented the award.

KATHY SEYMOUR VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD

The Genesee Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (GCASA) presented its Kathy Seymour Volunteer Service Award during the dinner. This award is presented to a citizen, volunteer, law enforcement officer or emergency medical service provider whose actions and commitment have helped to make our community a safer place. This year’s award was presented to Deputy Brian A. Thompson of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Thompson has served for many years as a volunteer on the DWI Victim Impact Panel and speaks of the consequences of being arrested for DWI.

The award was presented by Barbara Maryniak, Victim Impact Panel coordinator, GCASA.

The annual Kiwanis Easter Egg hunt was held at Centennial Park in Batavia this morning.

No matter how many eggs the Kiwanis members put out, they're all gone in about 60 seconds.

If you have trouble viewing the slide show below, click here. To purchase printed copies of these photos, click here.

The U.S Attorney for Western New York was in Batavia today to speak to the Kiwanis Club about the three broad areas of crime he said his office spends much of its time prosecuting: crimes against your kids, your money and your identity.

William Hochul spent much of his time talking about the two things he said that most put kids in danger -- sexual predators and drugs.

It used to be, he said, parents told their children to run from strangers and not take candy from people they didn't know. Now sexual predators often find their victims on the Internet.

He told the story of a high-school teacher in Erie County who identified lonely, vulnerable boys and then pretended to be a girl contacting them online. Eventually, he would lure them into sending sexually explicit pictures.

"Once they did," Hochul said. "He had them." 

From that point, Hochul explained, the teacher blackmailed them into sending increasingly explicit pictures of themselves.

"He will spend 35 years in jail," Hochul said.

Recently, Hochul said his office has taken an interest in so-called synthetic drugs. While many of the compounds used in the drugs are not yet banned in New York, they are being added to the banned substances list by the federal government.

Another big drug problem, he said, is kids getting ahold of prescription drugs, which he said is a growing problem.

"My message to you," Hochul said is, "lock up your prescriptions."

Another growing problem in WNY, Hochul said, is con artists. Most typically, these criminals use various techniques to steal your identity and then steal your money.

"You can't believe how sophisticated some of these scams have become," Hochul said.

One scam he described involved people calling WNY residents claiming they were from a credit agency and that the targets owed them money. The caller would tell the targets that if they didn't pay immediately the police would be right over to arrest them.  The caller would then say the police had arrived and then describe the target's house -- with the description coming from a picture off Google Maps.

If the person agreed to pay, the caller would pretend he told the police to leave and then take a credit card payment.

"Now you might say to yourself, 'well, I would never fall for that,' but we prosecuted two men who got $6 million from 124 victims," Hochul said.

Prior to the Hochul speaking, the club received an award for being a "Distinguished Club" in 2011, primarily because of its long-term project -- raising funds for a new building for the Child Advocacy Center.

Photo below, Kiwanis Genesee Division Lt. Governor Ron Pollack, left, Batavia Immediate Past President Larry Friedman and Kiwanis Genesee Division Immediate Past Lt. Governor Bob Reusch.

Disclosure: Howard Owens is a member of the Batavia Kiwanis Club.