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Genesee Community College's History Club will begin its fall lecture series on Wednesday, Sept. 5, when Kevin R. Pawlak speaks on "The Jewels of War: Robert E. Lee, George B. McClellan and the Battle of Antietam."

The free lecture will take place at 7 p.m. in Room T102 in the Conable Technology Building at GCC's Batavia Campus, located at One College Road. All are invited.

The History Club will host a lecture on the first Wednesday evening of every month this fall as part of its Historical Horizons Lecture Series. 

Pawlak is the author of "Shepardstown in the Civil War."

The Battle of Antietam is America's bloodiest single day. In totality, 12 hours of fighting on Sept. 17, 1862 left approximately 23,000 casualties. During this lecture, Pawlak will assess the dramatic events of the Civil War battle from the unique perspective of the commanders on the field.

(Photo of author Kevin R. Pawlak, courtesy of GCC.)

Women of the Moose in Le Roy will host a Pig Roast to benefit the YWCA of Genesee County from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Loyal Order of Moose No. 1132, located at 21 Bank St. in Le Roy.

Open to the public.

There will be basket raffles, prize raffles, and 50/50. Also, the YWCA will be on hand selling their cash raffle tickets for a chance at the Grand Prize of $10,000. Only 200 tickets at $100 apiece will be sold for the Grand Prize. Drawing will be held Dec. 6.

Food: roasted pork, salt potatoes, macaroni salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, roll and butter, dessert. All you can eat; includes a bottle of water. Cash bar. No take-out containers will be provided for in-house dining.

Price: Adults -- $12; Kids 11 and older -- $7; Kids 10 and under eat free.

Tickets available at the Le Roy Moose Lodge or at the YWCA, 301 North St., Batavia; or by calling Martha Bailey at 261-0714.

All proceeds benefit the YWCA of Genesee County to help with the important work they do in our community.

The 71st annual Batavia Gun and Sportsman Show, sponsored by the Alabama Hunt Club, will be held the weekend of Sept. 15 and 16 at Quality Inn & Suites in Batavia. There will be more than 100 vendor and exhibitor tables and plenty of free parking.

Hours on Saturday are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The hotel is located at 8250 Park Road and features a restaurant and a water park.

Admission is $6. Children under 12 get in free when accompanied by adult.

Exhibitors will bring items for collectors, including antiques and investment firearms, swords and knives, Revolutionary War to World War II militaria, plus books, traps, pistols, gun parts, ammo and hunting accessories, black powder accessories, reloading equipment, archery, medals and more.

The public is urged to participate by bringing items to sell or trade with dealers.

Note: All Firearm Laws MUST Be Obeyed.

A national instant criminal background check, which is free, MUST be completed prior to all firearm sales.

Exhibitors/dealers may only set up Friday, Sept. 14, from 1 to 7:30 p.m. or Saturday, Sept. 15, from 7 to 8 a.m.

No dealing is authorized out of autos, trucks or in the parking areas.

Exhibit tables require a $40 deposit per table and are available on a first-come basis. (Cancellations will be charged a $25 fee per table.) You must received a confirmation card in order to get a table(s).

(Editor's note: On Sept. 21, 2019, personal contact information for this event's organizer was redacted upon request of that organizer; and the request was granted because the information is no longer relevant.)

A T-bone accident is reported at Wortendyke Road and Pearl Street Road in the Town of Batavia. East Pembroke firefighters and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 6:21 p.m.: Injuries are reported. One vehicle rolled over.

UPDATE 6:22 p.m.: A second ambulance is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 6:26 p.m.: Serious injury accident. Mercy Flight is called to the scene. Town of Batavia Fire Police are asked to shut down Route 33 at Donahue Road, and Corfu Fire Police are to shut down 33 at Read Road.

UPDATE 6:32 p.m.: "The landing zone is no longer needed to be secured."

UPDATE 6:41 p.m.: This is a fatal accident. Mercy Flight was cancelled. An official at the scene said four young people from New Jersey were traveling in a blue SUV southbound on Wortendyke Road when the driver, who says she never saw a stop sign, blew through the intersection and T-boned a westbound SUV on Route 33, killing the female driver. The westbound SUV rolled after it was struck and landed on the shoulder of the roadway. The four occupants from New Jersey are being evaluated at the scene, but none have life-threatening injuries. A portion of Route 33 will remain closed for awhile while the accident is being investigated.

Press release:

Ten years ago, the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees introduced a summer scholarship program that exemplified the College's commitment to increasing accessibility to higher education. As Genesee Promise Plus recognizes its 10-year anniversary, more than 4,000 students have taken advantage of the tuition-free summer courses at GCC, Shelitha Williams, Ph.D., vice president of Student and Enrollment Services reported to the Trustees at the Aug. 13, Board meeting.

Genesee Promise Plus (GPP) scholarships remove financial barriers to college for citizens across the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming (GLOW) counties providing high school students, as well as adults with no previous college course credit the chance to "try it" tuition-free at GCC!

The program was originally aimed at graduating high school seniors, but in 2010 officials realized that GPP would serve high school juniors equally as well. And in 2013, GPP expanded again to provide adults who had never attended college in the past with the summer scholarship program. 

While increasing access to college was GPP's primary goal, there have been any many tangential benefits. College bound students can complete developmental classes or prerequisites to lighten their freshman year course load helping ensure timely college graduation. GPP builds confidence and gives some students, particularly adults, the chance to try college without a huge investment, Williams said. 

On average, 312 high school seniors annually participated in GPP with 2010 being the peak year of enrollment with 392 students. High school juniors averaged 82 participants annually with 2016 being the peak year with 197 enrolled students. Adults averaged 11 students annually with 30 students enrolled in 2014. This past year (2017), 27 adults enrolled. Final figures for this summer (2018) are not yet available.

In other business, the Board of Trustees:

Approved the granting of degrees and certificates to August 2018 graduates, subject to their satisfactory completion of academic requirements. The College anticipates awarding one Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree, 48 Associate in Science (A.S.) degrees, 38 Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees, and 1 certificate.

Heard a report from President James Sunser about the hiring of five new employees including: 

Michael Heel will begin his role as the director of Interdisciplinary Academic Support on Sept. 7, a position that helps assess and develop new programs and curriculum. Heel served as coordinator and associate director of Curriculum Assessment at Monroe Community College for 10 years. He holds two master's degrees -- one in Public Policy from Harvard University and the other in Political Science from the University of Rochester. He has been active in Middle States Commission for Higher Education as an evaluator and trainer, and he received a SUNY Chancellor Award for Excellence in Professional Service in 2015. Heel resides in Livonia.

A seasoned GCC adjunct and a 20-year veteran of the Rochester Police Department, Jay Bushen will be a full-time Criminal Justice instructor this fall. His diverse experience in the RPD includes crime scene technician, bomb squad, recruitment, and investigating violent felony offenses. Bushen earned his BS in Criminal Justice from SUNY Buffalo State College, and his MA in Social Policy at Empire State College. He has also taught online courses at Aspen University and was Instructor of the Semester at GCC's Warsaw Campus Center in 2009. Bushen resides in Rochester.

Amy Provenzo, of Fairport, will be joining GCC's Respiratory Care program as an instructor and clinical education coordinator. Her experience includes being an acute and critical care respiratory therapist, as well as a successful salesperson for Philips Respironics. She earned her BS in Respiratory Care from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

With more than 25 years of experience in customer relations including six years in undergraduate admissions, Ann Valento is a dynamic new member of GCC's ACE (Accelerated College Enrollment) team. Her previous position at Roberts Wesleyan College was a data and response coordinator and communication specialist and included experience with program development, marketing and event coordination. She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a master's degree Corporate Communications, both from Ithaca College. She resides in Pavilion.

Michele Sformo is the new face in GCC's Business Office and she will serve as financial operations specialist. A GCC alumna with an AAS degree Accounting in 1986, Sformo continued her education earning a BS in Accounting from Empire State in 2010. Previously, she served as the finance director and assistant executive director for the Mental Health Association of Genesee and Orleans Counties. She resides in Corfu.

Heard a report from Levi Olsen, GCC's director of Buildings and Grounds on the progress of the summer projects featuring extensive renovations in the B200 and C200 suites including new ceilings, flooring, paint, LED lighting, repairing electrical service as well as some asbestos removal and HVAC repairs. Other indoor projects included new concrete on the north entrance of the Genesee Center for the Arts, a new hot-air curtain in the entrance of the Student Success Center and infrared imaging of the main electrical panels to proactively identify any concerns or issues. The pool was also drained, cleaned and regrouted as needed. Outside, the new pedestrian walkway features five themed garden islands and all the trees, shrubs and flowering perennials have been planted for this year's Phase I. In addition, the softball field has new sections of turf and infield mix.

Press release:

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, in partnership with the Lake Plains Waterfowl Association, will soon host its 45th Annual Young Waterfowlers Program.

The program will include an orientation class at the refuge headquarters on Saturday, Sept. 29, and a youth-only hunt day on Saturday, Oct. 13.

The Young Waterfowlers Program will be open to junior hunters between 12-15 years of age. There is no charge but space is limited with preference given to first-time participants. Preregistration does not guarantee participation. Those selected will be notified by mail.

To preregister, complete the Waterfowl Lottery Application Form and return it to the refuge headquarters at 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013 by the deadline of 4 p.m., Sept. 15.

Application forms can be requested by phone or in person. A PDF version of the form may also be downloaded and printed from the refuge website here.

The morning session of the orientation class will consist of a New York State sanctioned Waterfowl Identification Certification class from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. The afternoon session from 12:30 – 3 p.m. will cover decoys and calls, ballistics, clothing and equipment, hunter ethics and safety, an overview of the refuge waterfowl program as well as a retriever demo and trap shoot. The morning session is not required if the youth hunter has previously completed and passed a NYS Waterfowl ID course. The afternoon session is mandatory in order to participate in the hunt, except for those who have been through the program at least twice before.

All junior hunters will be required to have a guide with them on the day of the hunt. We strongly recommend each junior hunter secure their own guide prior to orientation in accordance with DEC Junior Hunting License Regulations.

For additional information about the program, please contact Paul Hess at (585) 948-5445, ext. 7032. Individuals with disabilities and any other person who may need special assistance to participate in this program should contact refuge staff at (585) 948-5445 or at the Federal Relay No. 1-800-877-8339.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is located midway between Rochester and Buffalo and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Steven A. Barclay, 32, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon -- defaced for concealment. He was arrested at 7 p.m. on Aug. 16 on Apollo Drive in Batavia for allegedly stealing from his employer. While investigating the larceny, it was discovered that Barclay also allegedly possessed a defaced, illegal firearm. He was arraigned in City Court and put in Genesee County Jail. He was due in court on Aug. 22. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Devin L. Stevenson, 26, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with open burn. On Aug. 19 at 10:32 p.m. City fire responded to 411 Ellicott St. where they located a recreational fire where plastic was being burned. Stevenson was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 28 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Julie R. Ewing, 29, of Mill Street, Akron, is charged with: DWI; DWI -- operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or higher; driving left of pavement markings; and failure to signal. Ewing was arrested at 3:06 a.m. today (Aug. 24) on Bloomingdale Road in the Tonawanda Indian Reservation following a traffic stop. She was arraigned in Alabama Town Court and jailed in lieu of $1,000 cash bail or $2,500 bond. She is due back in court on Sept. 6 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Ronnie J. Flinchum, 59, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested Aug. 20 on an active bench warrant out of City Court. Flinchum was located at an acquaintance's residence on West Main Street in Batavia during an unrelated incident. During the investigation, the bench warrant was discovered. The defendant was taken into custody without incident, arraigned, then jailed in lieu of $1,500 cash bail or $2,500 bond. Flinchum is due in court at a later date. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Kyle Krtanik, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Mikia M. Thomas, 30, of Norton Street, Rochester, was arrested at 9:33 a.m. on Aug. 22 for failing to appear in court on two traffic tickets. The tickets were for aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and inadequate or no stop lamps. Thomas was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance. She is to return to court on Sept. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Jason Davis.

Taylor L. Finnin, 25, of South Swan Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant Aug. 22 for failure to show up for court after being served an appearance ticket on a previous charge. After being processed at BPD, Finnin was issued another appearance ticket and is due back in court on Aug. 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

David P. Grossman, 35, of State Street, Batavia, was arrested Aug. 23 on a bench warrant for allegedly failing to appear in City Court for sentencing. After arraignment, he was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court on Sept. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Pavel V. Yefremenko, 30, of Broadway Road, Darien, was arrested on Aug. 23 on a bench warrant out of City Court after he allegedly failed to meet requirements of his release. He was arraigned, held on bail, and was due in City Court this morning. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Cowen Mitchell.

Tyler D. Price, 25, of Ross Street, Batavia, was arrested at 9:21 p.m. on Aug. 22 on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court. It is alleged Price failed to comply with a court-ordered program. The defendant was arraigned in City Court and jailed in lieu of $100,000 cash or bond. Price was due in court Thursday (Aug. 23). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

Kaylynn C. Buchinger, 19, of Judge Road, Alabama, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Buchinger was arrested on South Jackson Street in the City of Batavia at 10:43 p.m. on Aug. 22 after police investigated a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot. The defendant was allegedly found to be in possession at marijuana. She is due in City Court Sept. 4 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Peter Flanagan.

Northgate Free Methodist Church is continually opening its doors to the community and is inviting everyone to their fall kick-off events throughout September.

Beginning with a new message series starting on Sept. 8th and 9th, pastors Vern Saile, John Keller and Marsha Rivers will examine the "Fruit of the Spirit" -- characteristics of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control -- and how we can bring more of these into our lives.

In addition to worship services, Northgate offers dozens of volunteer-led small groups, many of which are open to the public. Several groups relaunch in September, including:

Grief Share, a 13-week group designed to help and encourage those grieving the loss of a loved one due to death. The format is a weekly video presentation and discussion time that offers hope and comfort. Find more information at http://www.griefshare.org/about. Meetings will take place on Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m., starting Sept. 18th, at Northgate’s North Campus, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia.

Divorce Care, a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. Divorce Care seminars and support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help. You will learn how to heal from the deep hurt of divorce and discover hope for your future. A new 13-week session begins on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Northgate’s North Campus.

Mothers of Preschoolers or “MOPS” are women who gather together twice a month to share and support each other in the remarkable journey that is motherhood. Meetings consist of relevant speakers, fun crafts, supportive conversations and fellowship. There is always hot coffee and childcare is provided at MOPS meetings. Moms can choose a 9 a.m. group or a 6:30 p.m. group – both meetings begin on Sept. 25th. MOPS is open to all moms with children from birth until their youngest child finishes kindergarten. MOMS Next is also available for moms of school-age children; they meet every second and fourth Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Visit Northgatefmc.com/mops for more information.

Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday evening at 6:30 (including any and all holidays that fall on a Thursday, unless there is a serious snowstorm). Our CR leaders guide and assist those of us who are gaining joy and freedom in Christ as we apply the 12-Steps of Celebrate Recovery to the hurts, habits and hang-ups we all struggle with. All are welcome! We believe anyone and everyone would benefit by attending this group, where we take off our masks and allow God to transform our lives. We are able to share openly and honestly about our struggles with people we come to trust, who will maintain confidentiality, and who will not judge us. For more info, go to: https://northgatecr.weebly.com/

For more information about any of these groups or other events, please contact the Northgate office at (585) 343-4011 or email office@northgatefmc.com

Press release:

If you are interested in taking the Master Gardener training this fall, we still have a few spots open. Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9, starting Sept. 5 and running through Nov. 14.

There will also be a full day of classes on Saturday, Nov. 3. Classes will be held at the Cornell Cooperative Extension office at 420 E. Main St., Batavia. Each class will focus on a different horticulture topic.

Anyone interested in learning more about gardening may attend the course. Preregistration is required and has been extended to Aug. 30 or until the class is full.

The fee for this horticulture training is $225 per person, which includes all class sessions and materials. The Cornell Master Gardener manual is available online.

If you have a passion for volunteering and gardening, this training is the first step to becoming a Genesee County Master Gardener volunteer. A Master Gardener volunteer should have a willingness to give back to the community and help put into practice what they learned at training. Enthusiasm for sharing their gardening skills and knowledge is a must. Graduates of the program (Genesee County residents) are then eligible to apply to become a volunteer.

For an application or to register contact Brandie Waite at 343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the Extension office located at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.

Press release:

Calling all singers! Join with the Genesee Chorale in preparing for a holiday concert of glory and majesty, including the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel’s "Messiah" and a newly commissioned work celebrating the beauty of Letchworth Park.

First season rehearsal is 7 to 9 p.m., Monday, Sept. 10, at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia, with other rehearsals following Monday evenings leading to Dec. 12, 14 and 16 concerts.

Ric Jones is director, and all skills are welcome. For further information contact Heather Lovelace at (716) 531-8986, e-mail Info@geneseechorale.com

There will be a public informational meeting for the proposed Bethany Water District #5 on Monday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m. at the Bethany Town Hall. This is to discuss the $14.5 million water project for most of Bethany.

The public is encouraged to attend.

Bethany Town Hall is located at 10510 Bethany Center Road in Bethany.