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Thomas L. Hill Jr., 26, of Fayette Street, Brockport, is charged with: unlawful possession of marijuana; two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree; and second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia. Hill was arrested at 8:15 p.m. on April 21 after a citizen complained of a suspicious vehicle on Hutchins Place. Police located the vehicle in the parking lot of the Circle 3 Food Mart on Ellicott Street. An investigation allegedly revealed crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia and a small amount of marijuana inside the vehicle. Hill was jailed without bail and is to appear in City Court today. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Chevaughn D. Hanson, 22, of East Main Street, Batavia was arrested for disorderly conduct following an altercation at 3:27 p.m. on April 19 on East Main Street with another male. Hanson is accused of engaging in violent, tumultuous and threatening behavior. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on April 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Dylan B. Boykins, 43, no address provided, is charged with disorderly conduct -- fight/violent behavior. Patrols were dispatched to Highland Park near Jackson Street at 1:34 p.m. on April 16 for a reported altercation between a male and female. Boykins, who was located a short time later, was arrested following an investigation into the disturbance. Boykins allegedly shoved and attempted to strike another person and was arrested. The case was handled by Baavia Police Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Marc Lawrence.

Maggie S. Dipilato, 22, of Nelson Street, Holley, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia. Dipilato was arrested on April 18 following a domestic incident on Hutchins Street on April 13 in which she allegedly violated a complete stay away order of protection. Dipilato was allegedly found in possession of drug paraphernalia and was jailed on $1,000 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer  Christopher Lindsay.

James R. Kosiorek, 23, no permanent address, is charged with criminal possession of a loaded weapon. He was allegedly in possession of a loaded hanbdgun in November 2014 that had previously been stolen from a vehicle in the Town of Le Roy. He was arrested on this charge April 21 while he was in Genesee County Jail on unrelated charges. He had $1,000 bail on this charge. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Gregory Walker.

Ashli N. Zajaczkowski, 25, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Zajaczkowski was arrested at 7:48 p.m. on April 21 following a traffic stop during which the investigating officer detected the odor of marijuana. The officer allegedly located an amount of marijuana that would be consistent with personal use in the vehicle. Zajaczkowski was issued an appearance ticket for City Court for May 3. Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan investigated the case.

Cody E. Snyder, of East Shelby Road, Oakfield, is charged with offering a false instrument in the first degree and possession of a forged instrument in the second degree. Snyder was arrested on April 18 following an investigation into a complaint filed by Genesee County Probation. The incident occurred on Dec. 29, 2014. He was jailed in lieu of $10,000 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

James A. Mitchell, 37, of Jackson Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court after allegedly failing to pay a fine associated with a disorderly conduct violated issued on April 5 on West Main Street, Batavia. He was released after posting $100 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Michael Givonnie Chance, 18, of 145th Road, Springfield Gardens, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 8:34 p.m. on April 19, Chance was allegedly found to be in possession of a small quantity of marijuana on Batavia-Stafford Townline Road and was arrested and issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court on April 25. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien and Deputy James Diehl.

Press release:

The City received notification yesterday from FEMA and the Insurance Services Office (ISO) that it will be accepted into the Community Rating System at a Level 7, becoming the fourth top-ranked community statewide. Beginning Oct. 1, residents and business owners in the City's Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) will receive 15-percent discounts on their flood insurance premiums while those outside the SFHA will receive an additional 5-percent discount on top of already reduced rates.

The total annual savings for residents today stands at $53,048, but Assistant City Manager and CRS Coordinator Gretchen DiFante is quick to point out that cost savings is hardly the sole benefit to being a member of the rating system.

"The purpose of the CRS is to improve flood mitigation efforts in a community," DiFante said. "The results of those efforts are better-informed citizens, enhanced public safety, a reduction to potential damage to property and public infrastructure, avoidance of economic disruption and protection of the environment. In addition, implementing some CRS activities, such as floodplain management planning, can help a community qualify for certain federal assistant programs."

City Manager Jason Molino, who three years ago proposed to City Council that the City set a target for CRS membership, reiterated that the system is an additional part of a comprehensive strategy to improve neighborhoods and the value of City homes.

"These efforts, coupled with our vacant homes strategies, code enforcement measures and focus on collaborative neighborhood efforts help bring together a comprehensive community development approach," Molino said.

While City staff consider the achievement of a Level 7 to be a cause for celebration, they also acknowledge the enormous amount of work on behalf of dozens of people and organizations necessary to maintain that rating and the level of collaboration inherent in ongoing success.

"As a non-coastal community with very little open space, we really had to look to some less-traditional activities to achieve our rating," says DiFante (See Attached Table A-1 for scoring breakdown). "The situation for Batavia was a little like being a runt and having to be creative and make intelligent decisions to catch up with the rest of the group; however we were very fortunate to be able to draw upon an enormous number of local, regional and state-wide resources for help."

DiFante and teammates Captain Bob Fix, Ron Panek and Meg Chilano cite the following individuals/organizations as being instrumental to the City's success:

• David Zorn and his team from the Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council;
• Joe Teresi and Sally Hoyt from Tompkins Insurance Agencies;
• Tom Turnbull from the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce;
• Tim Yeager from Genesee County Emergency Management;
• Lisa Gautieri from Bank of Castile;
• Robert Conrad, executive director of the Richmond Memorial Library;
• A local realtor group that met monthly and included Russ and Gillian Romano and Danielle Torcello from Nothnagle, Lois and Robert Gerace from Realty USA, WNY and Lynn Bezon from Reliant Real Estate;
• Tom Lichtenthal and the rest of the Town of Batavia Engineering Department;
• The Village of Mamaroneck, which shared its entire CRS application;
• John Gauthier, engineer from the Town of Greece;
• Jacob Tysz from Adkins Global;
• Janet Thigpen, Chemung County certified floodplain manager;
• Bill Nechamen, Mary Binder and Karis Manning from the NYS DEC;
• Michael Messerly and staff from the Batavia Daily News who were unrelenting and creative in their efforts at public service creation and communication;
• Mike Pettinella from the Buffalo News and Alecia Kaus from Video News Service, who were eager to communicate key messages to readers and viewers to help gain points;
• Howard Owens from the Batavian who allowed the team to publish photos that painted powerful pictures of the results of flooding;
• Dan Fischer and WBTA who helped with emergency communication tactics and will be an important ongoing voice of emergency communication;
• Felipe Oltramari, Derek Kane and Erin Pence from the Genesee County Planning Department, whose members the CRS team relied heavily on for quality mapping and advice.

DiFante believes it's important that the public understands the number of people and organizations needed to achieve such a success.

"We've all encountered times when organizations fail to work together towards a common goal, and we were amazed at the collaboration at all levels of government and in our community to make the CRS a success," DiFante said. "Not only were our partners in the city, town, county, region and state willing to help — they were all eager to learn, get involved, problem solve and do what needed to be done — even though we were truly learning together and had a few missteps along the way. This process could be a model for how many different organizations can achieve a common goal through focus, collaboration and hard work."

Molino acknowledges that the work has just begun and ongoing activities will be vital to maintaining the City's current level and to researching the readiness and ability to move beyond a Level 7 (something not yet achieved by any New York State community).

"We are all pleased with the benefit to the community thus far and with the cost reduction for our residents, and we're ready to keep improving," Molino said.

The Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble performs a spring concert at 4 p.m., Sunday, at Elba Central School, 57 S. Main St., Elba. 

The performance will feature the Rockwell Brass Quintet and include pieces by Leonard Bernstein, John Williams, Hamlish and Kleban, Frank Tichelli and Gustav Holst.

The wind ensemble is conducted by Phil Briatico.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for students, and families are $25.

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia hosts its annual spaghetti dinner from noon to 3 p.m., Sunday, at the YWCA, 301 North St., Batavia.

The event benefits local children's projects. 

The cost is $7 per person and includes spaghetti and meatballs, salad, Italian bread, lemonade, coffee or tea and dessert. 

Pictured, Matt Landers, Shanon Ford, Frank Ciaccia, Jeanne Walter and Peter Guppenberger.

Press release:

The City is pleased to announce the following recipients for the 2015 City Recognition Awards:

Business of the Year – WBTA FM & AM is recognized for the positive contribution and support they have provided within our community. WBTA demonstrated continuous community involvement with the Centennial Celebration throughout 2015. The station broadcasts a well-organized scheduled to interact with community business owners, volunteers, schools and government. WBTA also had involvement in the Emergency Management Planning and Support for the community. They continue to strive to provide excellence through their daily broadcasting which keeps the community involved and informed of the latest and greatest news.

This year, there are two Homeowner’s selected for the 2015 Recognition Award:

Homeowner of the Year – Don and Pam Hirons are recognized for their demonstration in maintaining and improving their home on 137 Summit St. and taking pride in their neighborhood. They have accomplished the creation of a neighborhood coalition to keep a close connection with the homeowners and participate in the revitalization of Summit Street. Don and Pam strive to keep their neighborhood safe and thriving within the community. These two are true hometown heroes who serve as role models for other citizens determined to revitalize a neighborhood.

Homeowner of the Year – Tonya Passamonte and Adam Steadman are recognized for their demonstration in maintaining their home on 12 Washington Ave. and taking pride in their neighborhood. Tonya and Adam created extraordinary displays for Halloween and Christmas which were admired by many. They fabricated festive displays using memorable characters from childhood stories. As holiday music plays in the distance, the community comes alive, drawing the attention to approximately 500 children during the Halloween season. As the children walk away with a piece of candy they are also walking away with a memory and tradition. Tonya and Adam’s community spirit does not go unnoticed.

Community Volunteer of the Year – Larry Barnes is recognized for his extraordinary efforts that he brings forth to our community. As the City Historian, he donates his time to share the connection between the past and the future for the City of Batavia. Larry works hard to catalog important historical documents at City Hall for future generations. He was an integral volunteer to the successful events during the 2015 Centennial Celebration. Larry has written a book on the City’s history, has produced many articles on the City’s Web site and continues to offer his knowledge in tours and group discussions. Larry’s true dedication and positive impact are instrumental to our community.

Employee of the Year – Chad Richards consistently goes above and beyond the expectations of his position as a Police Officer. The department has received acknowledgements from the community of his courteous, compassionate and patient behavior as an officer. Chad is actively involved in the Emergency Response Team and has gone above and beyond his normal scope of duties as an ERT operator. Chad has been crucial in investigation and successful prosecution of many cases. He demonstrates his true commitment to the community by participating in community events, such as, “Shop with a Cop,” which was held at the Batavia Walmart during Christmas. Chad embodies the qualities that the City strives to maintain for all of their employees.

Please join us in congratulating the recipients of the 2015 City Recognition Awards.

These awards will be presented during the City Council Conference Meeting on Monday, April 25, at 7 p.m., in the Council Board Room at City Hall.

This past weekend, more than 400 people turned out for a fundraiser to benefit Michael Tenebruso, who is up against Stage IV lung cancer.  This video was made by Cosmic Video to document the event.

Those who wish to make a donation can send a check in Michael Tenebruso's name to Big Pauly's Pizza, 314 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY 14020.

James Carter "Jimmie" Walker Jr., who played James Evans Jr. ("J.J.") from the mid-'70s TV show "Good Times," headlined Batavia Downs' first of many Comedy Nights scheduled this year. Walker has been entertaining people for more than four decades, from TV to comedy acts with his great one-liners, humor and his signature catchphrase "Dy-no-mite!"

He spoke about the era many years ago when TV had a whoppomg three channel and when it got to be very late, the signal went off the air with a beep and lines. Walker was nominated for Emmys, Golden Globes and more. The 68-year-old guy Bronx native entertained a packed crowd with laughter, wit and charm and was well received by Batavia.

Rochester native Todd Youngman opened the show for Walker.

The next Comedy Night at Batavia Downs is Wednesday, May 11th, with Michael Winslow from "Police Academy."

Pictured below, Todd Youngman.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today released the following statement after introducing H.R. 5021, the Better Accounting for Medicaid Costs Act. The legislation will focus on reducing costs associated with Medicaid information requirements.

“States and the federal government currently spend over $500 billion a year on Medicaid,”Congressman Collins said. “If we are serious about tackling our nation’s budgetary challenges, we must confront this massive and out-of-control expense.

“Through common-sense measures, we can easily save taxpayer dollars, while improving transparency and accountability within the Administration. This legislation will protect states and the federal governments from unknowingly footing the bill for overly expensive Medicaid policy clarifications. Requiring the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide notice and comment rulemaking on sub-regulatory guidance that will cost states over $50 million or the federal government over $100 million in one year is simply smart policy.”

Lately, CMS has issued expensive Medicaid policy clarifications and interpretations through informal guidance such as letters to State Medicaid Directors, Informational Bulletins, and Frequently Asked Questions. Sub-regulatory guidance makes sense for certain updates and changes, given the Federal-State nature of the Medicaid program. However, some of these “clarifications” can actually present states and the federal government with high and unexpected costs.

This legislation requires CMS to go through notice and comment rulemaking if the Secretary of HHS determines that Medicaid sub-regulatory guidance will cost states more than $50 million or the federal government more than $100 million in one year, increasing transparency and accountability within the entitlement program.

Press release:

Imagine a classroom where students can design and manufacture an iPhone case, whistles or even a part for an RC car for pennies on the dollar.

It's happening at Elba Central School with the help of a 3-D printer, which the school acquired as part of Genesee Valley BOCES Make and Take Workshop back in February.

A 3-D printer works much like a more familiar 2-D text and picture printer.

"3D printers take a digital file and turn it into a three-dimensional object layer by layer," said Elba's Technology coordinator, Mary Beth Stacy. "Engineering classes can print their designs and see if they will actually work instead of just assuming that it will. The printer we have can actually print many of it's own parts."

"The students design the objects using CAD software and then print it," Stacy said. "Sometimes the design works and sometimes it fails. Great life lessons about learning from their mistakes and not giving up are being reinforced, along with critical thinking and problem solving skills."

Instead of ink, users can choose their own material. Most educators use a low-cost plastic filament.

"The students are really excited to see it," Kevin Rombaut, technology teacher at Elba Central School said. "It allows them to see rapid prototyping and modeling. It gives them actual objects that they can see and hold other than just a computer rendering or imagination.

"It allows them to create parts and/or objects and to re-invent. I had one student break a part on their RC vehicle. They took it, drew a new one, changed the design to offer more support, and printed a new part out."

Elba Central School is doing what it can in keeping current with technology to help their students succeed in the future.

As Stacy pointed out, "Our students' futures will have technology embedded in their daily lives."

Photo by Jim Burns.

Shortly after 4 p.m., this semi-truck on Elm Street, near Main Street, took out phone and cable lines.

Intoxication played a significant role in the drowning death of a 49-year-old Batavia man who's body was found in the Tonawanda Creek near Kibbe Park in August, according to information released by Batavia PD this morning.

In a statement, the police say that a Medical Examiner's investigation has concluded Troy Hickman drowned and was intoxicated at the time of his death.

No further information about the incident was released.

Le Roy village residents will pay more for sewer service starting this summer.

The Village Board on Wednesday approved a 21-percent hike — from $33 to $40 — in the village’s minimum quarterly sewer rate, effective with the August billing.

Sewer charges are based on water consumption. The minimum quarterly sewer charge includes the first 3,000 gallons.

The board also raised the village’s “excess” rate, from $5.81 to $8 per 1,000 gallons above the minimum.

Sewer rates will also increase for the handful of customers outside the village. The minimum will go from $100 to $120 per quarter, while the excess charge rises from $6.76 to $9.25 per 1,000 gallons.

The increases — the village’s first since 2002 — were prompted by a sewer fund deficit and the need to pay for long-deferred improvements to the village’s 54-year-old sewer treatment plant on Red Mill Road.

Mayor Greg Rogers said the village is meanwhile eyeing a $5 million to $6 million plan for plant upgrades. The first phase could be in place by the end of the year.

Rogers said the board’s hope is that those upgrades will cut treatment costs — and eventually allow for a lower sewer rate.

“Once we get going, this rate could slide back considerably,” Rogers said. “But for this year, we have to budget to break even.”

Rogers estimated that an average family of five will pay an additional $200 in sewer costs in 2016-17.

Residents who pay only the minimum — a category that includes about 20 percent of the village’s 1,751 customers — will pay an extra $7 per year.

The sewer budget, by law, must be self-funding. The 2015-16 fiscal year will however end with a $220,000 sewer fund deficit, Rogers said. That will be covered by reserve funds, but must be repaid to the general fund next year, he said.

The deficit was fueled by the cost of wastewater sludge hauling, which has been entirely in the village’s hands since We Care Organics of Rochester stepped way from its hauling agreement late last year.

“That’s the major contributing factor,” Rogers said.

The costs of operating the treatment plant — including employee wages and benefits — have continued to rise, Rogers said. But lower water consumption — thanks in part to residents’ use of water-efficient appliances — has held sewer revenues in check. 

Another new but necessary expense, Rogers said, is an equipment repair and maintenance effort directed by Steven Carroll, plant superintendent since March 2015.

Rogers said the Village Board, along with the village sewer board and engineers Clark Patterson Lee, are developing a $5 million to $6 million plan for treatment plant upgrades. The village will pursue grants and interest-free financing offered through the state Environmental Facilities Corporation.

The immediate goal is to purchase a belt filter press, used for sludge dewatering. Rogers said the equipment costs about $600,000, but would dramatically reduce hauling and landfill expenses.

“Our first step is, we have to get the money,” Rogers said. “The second step is to get the belt press. Once we do that we can start seeing a real savings.”

The village’s sewer treatment plant is a long-simmering problem that no one has been eager to address — in Roger’s words, the “5,000-pound elephant in the room.”

Outstanding debt on the plant — which costs nearly $400,000 a year to service — will not be retired until 2019.

“To be honest, everybody — present company included — was just trying to get to the end of that before stacking on more debt,” Rogers said.

“You knew it was there, and you knew that someday it would have to be done,” he said. “The witching hour is here.”

In other action Wednesday, the board adopted a $3.375 million budget for 2016-17. The budget raises the tax rate by a penny, to $10.46 per $1,000 assessed value.

The budget that was the subject of a public hearing last week. The village’s 2016-17 fiscal year begins June 1.

Rancho Viejo Mexican Restaurant opened Wednesday in the Le Roy Village Plaza on West Main Street. (Photo courtesy of Marysol Leon.)

Le Roy’s newest restaurant has plenty of longtime fans.

Rancho Viejo Mexican Restaurant had a “soft opening” Wednesday in the Le Roy Village Plaza on West Main Street.

The location is one of several owned by Jose and Marysol Leon, including Rancho Viejo in Batavia and a Mexican restaurant in Warsaw.

“We’re happy to be in business,” Jose Leon said. “I invite people to give us a try.”

Many already have.

The Batavia restaurant opened in 2011, inside a former Ponderosa on Ellicott Street. It soon built a loyal customer base — including LeRoyans who lobbied for a restaurant in their hometown.

Jose Leon said he was interested in Le Roy because it did not have a Mexican restaurant. The plaza location was also ideal, offering plenty of space inside, and lots of parking outside.

And its West Main Street address, next door to Le Roy Medical Associates (UR Medicine), guarantees visibility and foot traffic, he said.

Marysol Leon said business was steady on Wednesday, even though the opening wasn’t announced.

“People have been calling to ask, ‘When are you going to open?’” she said.

Le Roy Village Plaza is a former supermarket. The space occupied by Rancho Viejo was formerly a Chinese buffet. It’s been remodeled, brightly painted and decorated.

Jose Leon said food is prepped twice daily, guaranteeing fresh, “home style” cooking. They have applied for a liquor license.

The menu will be familiar to anyone who has been to the Batavia restaurant. 

For first-time diners, Marysol recommended the deep-fried Rancho Viejo Burrito, which is stuffed with ground beef, chicken, rice and beans and topped with nacho cheese and pico de gallo. Rancho Viejo Special Fajitas are served with sliced grilled beef, chicken, pork sausage and shrimp — along with the traditional bell peppers, onions and tomatoes.

Rancho Viejo also offers a children’s menu, vegetarian dishes and “All-American” options that include burgers and a grilled chicken sandwich.

Take-out service is available.

Hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. For information call (585) 502-5292.

(Photo courtesy of Marysol Leon.)

Press release:

Residents with questions about their smart phones, laptop computers, tablets, computer programs, or an app can bring them to a Technology Tuesday at the Corfu Free Library for answers.These monthly hands-on help sessions are held every 4th Tuesday of the month from 7 to 8 p.m.

Electronic devices are becoming an essential way to shop, find information, enjoy reading and be entertained, and with the new digital services offered by the library, learning how to use them is more important than ever.

“The library isn’t just about books and magazines anymore,” says Diana Reding, director at the Corfu Free Library. “There are a large number of free eBooks, music albums, TV shows, movies and comic books available via digital download that are now part of the services we offer.

"All patrons need is their library card to be able to use and enjoy them. We have both free WiFi and computer workstations at the library. Better still is when folks bring in their own devices to learn on them right here during a Technology Tuesday."

Reding, and Kristie Miller, president of the Board of Directors and a librarian at the Alexander Central School District, Julie Hengenius, board secretary and librarian at Pembroke School District, will also be at the library to assist patrons at the Technology Tuesday sessions.

Interested residents are encouraged to bring in their own devices such as an iPhone, Kindle, Nook, iPad, flash drive, or laptop computer (including charging cords) and ask questions about them.

Residents can even learn to download a wide variety of digital items from Hoopla as well as eBooks from Overdrive and eMagazines from Zinio right at the sessions. These electronic download services provided through the Nioga Library System, are free to library patrons.

In addition to Technology Tuesdays, there are some short instructional videos explaining how to use Hoopla, one of the digital services available at the library, and Gmail on the Corfu Free Library’s website. “We will be adding more ‘How To’ videos through the year on our Web site,” adds Reding. “And we are always here to answer questions about the services our patrons can access through the library.”

The Corfu Free Library periodically offers sessions like Technology Tuesdays and residents are encouraged to check the library’s Web site at www.CorfuFreeLibrary.org, stop by 7 Maple Ave. in Corfu for program information, or they can call the library at (585) 599-3321.

Jerry Riley III

Press release from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office:

The Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, comprised of officers from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Batavia Police NET officers, and the Le Roy Village Police Department, concluded as investigation into the illegal sales of narcotics from a Bank Street residence in the City of Batavia with the arrest of a Rochester man on Wednesday afternoon.

Jerry Riley III, 38, of Jay Street, Rochester is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, a Class B felony, and two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, also a Class B felony.

He is already in custody at the Genesee County Jail from an incident that occurred in the city earlier this month and has now been charged with four additional felony charges this afternoon stemming from the sales of "crack" cocaine in the city in March.

Riley is in jail with $2,000 of additional bail.

For initial post on Riley, click here.

Batavia City School District Board of Education President Pat Burk, right, is congratulated by Superintendent of Schools Christopher Dailey for receiving an Award for Excellence from the Western New York Educational Service Council.

Submitted photo. Press release:

To say that Patrick Burk is a champion of students and school staff gives new meaning to the word “understatement.” That sentiment was recognized recently by the Western New York Educational Service Council in presenting him with a 2016 Award for Excellence in the category of Board Member.

A graduate of nearby Caledonia-Mumford Central School and resident of Batavia for more than 35 years, Burk has been a Batavia City School District Board of Education member for 30 years and served as the Board’s president 10 different times, including presently. Most recently, he was key to starting a recognition program that highlights outstanding students, staff, and community volunteers at each Board meeting, and was quintessential in establishing the Batavia City School District Education Foundation. 

“Mr. Burk is the backbone of our district,” says Superintendent of Schools Christopher Dailey. “He is our greatest cheerleader, advocate, and friend.”

Burk says, “I know that we have a solid District and I am extremely proud to be a part of it. I am pleased with our outcomes and see a tremendous amount of positive results from our students. I also am champion of our staff. I believe that they are excellent and I see that they work hard to obtain the positive outcomes.”

In addition to his work for the Batavia schools, Burk also has served on the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership board for the last three years, is a delegate to New York State School Boards Association, and, as he has for the past 10 of 12 years, serves as the president of the Genesee Valley School Boards Institute. He is also a longtime supporter of and volunteer for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program, and is the executive director and artistic director of the Batavia Players. Previously, he has served on the GO ART! Board of Directors and the Batavia Youth Center Board of Directors.

Though his record of community service is lengthy, his longest Board affiliation is with the Batavia City School District.

“Being a Board member allows me to contribute to the education of our young people,” says Burk. “It is the most important investment we can make. It also allows me to be a part of a successful District. I have enjoyed my involvement with the Batavia City School District and I do want to continue that involvement.”

Says Dailey, “He deserves to be recognized for his selfless dedication to public education in the Batavia City Schools."

Press release:

Tonight, Byron-Bergen Central School honors the two newest inductees into its Hall of Fame. Judy (Hulburt) Holly (Class of 1976) and Amy (Seward) Stacy (Class of 1980) join the ranks of other distinguished Byron-Bergen alumni honored with a place in the Hall of Fame for their achievements after graduation.

The Byron-Bergen Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes the accomplishments of the district’s graduates, providing young people of our district with positive adult role models, showing that graduates of Byron-Bergen can achieve high levels of accomplishment in their lives.  This honor is in its 13th year and has become part of our school district culture and a permanent reminder to our students about the outcome of hard work and diligence.

The 2016 inductees will be honored on tonight at the school at 7 o'clock. Each will briefly speak to students and receive their B-B Alumni Hall of Fame plaques at the Sr. National Honor Society induction ceremony. They spent the day visiting with Byron-Bergen students and sharing how their school experience influenced their lives.

During her years at Byron-Bergen, Judy (Hulburt) Holly (shown left) participated in National Honor Society, Student Council, Spanish Club, and Ski Club. She attended Russell-Sage College (1976-77) for Physical Therapy during 1976-77 and then transferred to SUNY Brockport and earned a bachelor’s degree in Nursing in 1980.

After college graduation, Holly was employed as a nurse at Highland Hospital (Rochester), working on a medical floor then transferring to labor and delivery. She worked there until she started her family.

Holly has stated that her greatest achievement is her family. She is married to a wonderful man; together they are parents of six children, and have two grandchildren.

She and her husband are foster parents (through Monroe County) and have fostered 50 foster babies (so far), many of whom are medically fragile infants.

Holly has dedicated herself to helping children, most of whom are unable to care for themselves and in need special attention, demonstrating the utmost compassion.

Holly is an excellent role model and source of inspiration to the youth of Byron-Bergen.

While attending Byron-Bergen, Amy (Seward) Stacy (pictured above) participated in Volleyball (MVP her senior year), Basketball, Chorale, Band, Spanish Club, National Honor Society, Student Council, Drama Club, AFS, was a Peer Counselor, First Presbyterian Church youth group, and a teacher for Vacation Bible School.

She earned several scholarships and awards upon graduation.

After high school, she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1984 from Cornell University in Nutrition, and a master’s degree from SUNY Brockport in Health Education in 1989. Stacy is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, certified dietitian/nutritionist, and certified pump trainer.

She has worked for the WIC Program, Lakeside Memorial Hospital, Strong’s Cardiac Rehab Program, and Lakeside Memorial’s Wellness Center.

Currently, Stacy works for Rochester Regional Health System (Unity Diabetes Program in Brockport) and is the sole proprietor for Innovative Nutrition by Amy.

Awards include Who’s Who in Diabetes Education and the Healthy Heart Contributor Award. She also received a New York State grant for nutrition education. Memberships include the American Diabetes Association, American Association of Diabetes Educators, Rochester Association of Diabetes Educators, American Dietetic Association/Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Genesee Dietetic Association, and Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

She is an active community member who is involved in her church (Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School, worship team), and numerous activities within the Bergen area. Stacy stated her greatest achievement has been to raise four wonderful children with her husband, Rick, and being grandparents.

Involved in her community and through her faith, Stacy inspires the youth of the Byron-Bergen community.

Press release:

Andrew Lipnicky, of Basom, from the RIT Rock Climbing Team, will compete in national competition Friday and Saturday at the Collegiate Climbing Series in San Diego, Calif.

Lipnicky is a Ph.D. student in the Astrophysical Sciences and Technology program.

Nearly 400 athletes from approximately 40 colleges will participate in various competitions, including speed, bouldering and sport climbing.

The team is coming off of a first-place overall victory in Northeast regional competition earlier this month in Albany, against teams from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Press release from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office:

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office investigated a motor-vehicle accident at the 7-Eleven convenience store on South Main Street in Oakfield on April 19 at about 2 p.m.

A motor vehicle crashed into the south wall of the store and immediately fled the scene. The vehicle was later found on Townline Road in Byron occupied by a male operator. The male was identified at Hicham Fathallah, 34, of Rochester. He was charged with leaving the scene of a motor-vehicle accident and inadequate brakes.

He is to appear in the Town of Oakfield Court at a later date and time.

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