Pete McQuillen has plans for more development at his property in Presidential Acres in the Village of Le Roy.

But that apparently won't include duplexes, which just became a lot harder for him to build on those lots with an appellate court ruling last week that found he would need to seek a variance from current zoning to build duplexes.

Asked about the court decision this morning in an email, McQuillen did not have a lot to say, other than that his plans for new construction will "mirror" the findings of a recent Genesee County housing needs assessment report.

"However, I am not just ready to relay my plans for the balance of the subdivision," McQuillen said. "I will say we have an OPEN HOUSE on April 14 and April 21 showing our brand new patio home. Again, mentioned as a need in the study."

The legal battle between McQuillen and residents of Presidential Acres has been ongoing for nearly a decade and in February, McQuillen received a court ruling that would allow him to build duplexes on his lots.

The plaintiffs -- Randolph Bartz, Jane Bickett, Candace Bower, David Boyce, Robert Boyce, Elizabeth Boyce, Joseph Condidorio, John Green, Joseph Mckay, Stephen Moulton, and Ronald Paganin -- were able to get that decision overturned last week, however.

The case stemmed from an appeal in 2015 by David Boyce of the Zoning Board of Appeals' decision to grant a building permit for a duplex on Lot 18. The ZBA relied on the fact that two lots already had duplexes, built by McQuillen and his partners, on them and therefore a variance wasn't necessary.

When the ZBA denied the Boyce appeal, Boyce and the other residents sought relief from the courts. Judge Emilio L. Colaiacovo sided with the ZBA and the village, but the Fourth Division of the state Appeals Court ruled last week that the right to build duplexes in what is clearly an R-1 zone had not vested.

Amy Kendall, attorney for the plaintiffs, said the ruling gave her clients exactly what they sought all along -- no duplexes without a variance approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Village of Le Roy.

Such a variance, she said, would be a hard bar to pass.

"I can tell you without hesitation that my clients are pleased with the outcome," Kendall said.

The 2015 conviction of a Pavilion man on sexual abuse charges has been thrown out on an appeal because of what the court deemed the improper use of testimony by an expert witness.

The State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Judicial Department, ordered that Beniluis Ruiz receive a new trial on counts of first-degree sexual abuse, two counts of criminal sexual act in the third degree, as well as five other counts in his original indictment.

The court ordered Ruiz released from prison last week, about nine months shy of his scheduled release on his four-year prison term. He's scheduled to appear in Genesee County Court on March 30 for further proceedings in his case.

Ruiz was convicted following a jury trial in 2015. At his sentencing before Judge Robert C. Noonan, now retired, Ruiz maintained he was innocent.

In the trial, Assistant District Attorney Kevin Finnell called on an expert witness to testify about the symptoms commonly exhibited by children who have been sexually abused.

That testimony would explain to a jury some of the seemingly contradictory behavior of a child who has been sexually abused. For example, they won't necessarily tell a mother immediately, or they might recant statements later -- what the court referred to as admissible evidence regarding a "pattern of secrecy, helplessness, entrapment [and] accommodation."

This expert, however, also testified about a perpetrator's conduct, which the court found was used to point to the defendant's guilt rather than as just an explanation of conduct.

"The expert explained 'grooming' and other behaviors associated with perpetrators of child sexual abuse," the court stated in its ruling. "Her detailed description of a typical perpetrator’s modus operandi, moreover, closely tracked the victim’s testimony concerning defendant’s conduct, and the prosecutor on summation urged the jury to conclude that defendant’s interactions with the victim fit the description of a typical perpetrator’s conduct as described by the expert.

"In sum, that part of the testimony of the expert describing the conduct of a typical perpetrator was not directed at explaining the victim’s behavior. Rather, it was presented 'for the purpose of proving that the [victim] was sexually abused.' "

Press release:

Each year in April, the Office for Victims of Crime helps lead communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), which will be observed this year April 8-14. The 2018 theme is “Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims” and it emphasizes the importance of inclusion in victim services.

Monday of that week, April 9, is designated Criminal Justice Day 2018: "Surviving and Thriving After Trauma." It will be held locally at Genesee Community College from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Conable Technology Building, Room T102, 1 College Road, Batavia. The day is sponsored in part by GCASA and Our Lady of Batavia Knights of Columbus.

Cost to attend is $20 per person / $10 per student or senior (62+) and lunch is included.

For registration, contact Genesee Justice at 344-2550, ext. 3929, or e-mail: Holly.McAllister@co.genesee.ny.us

Keynote Speakers:

Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb of Cattaraugus County. Sheriff Whitcomb is a dynamic and powerful speaker who lectures on topics such as: post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide, and protecting and treating those exposed to trauma. 

Eva Abrams, a survivor of the Holocaust, along with her daughter, Bonnie Abrams, who is Director of the Center of Holocaust Awareness and Information in Rochester. Eva was born in Oradea, Romania, in 1926 and was 17 when the Nazis occupied her hometown and sent her family to a ghetto. Her family was then deported to Auschwitz a month later.

Criminal Justice Day 2018 Partners are:

• Batavia City Police
• Justice for Children Advocacy Center
• Genesee Community College
• Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (GCASA)
• Genesee County District Attorney’s Office
• Genesee County Mental Health
• Genesee County Office for the Aging
• Genesee County Sheriff’s Office
• Genesee County Youth Bureau
• Genesee Justice
• Mental Health Association of Genesee and Orleans Counties
• RESTORE Sexual Assault Services
• YWCA of Genesee County

Press release:

The Genesee Community College Nursing Alumni Committee has established a new scholarship opportunity for future Nursing Program students to help mitigate financial obstacles to GCC student success.

The committee is excited to invite the entire community to kick off National Nurses Week at the Batavia Downs at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 4, for the premier of the Gatsby Gala to support the GCC Nursing Alumni Scholarship.

There are nearly three million nurses working in the United States today. It is a demanding and skilled profession oftentimes with intense emotion. GCC's Nursing Program produces qualified and skilled job candidates for the healthcare field each year. Now, under the direction of the Alumni Affairs Office, the Nursing Program Alumni are working hard to help ensure every qualified Nursing Program student can and will succeed.

The Gatsby Gala will include dinner and dancing for all and chances to win big with door prizes and a cash raffle! Tickets are only on sale until April 20 -- so contact the Alumni Affairs Office at alumni@genesee.edu today.

You can also get your tickets and RSVP online at here. Tickets to the gala cost $100 per person and all proceeds go directly to the GCC Nursing Alumni Scholarship.

In addition to attending the Gatsby Gala, there are opportunities to sponsor the scholarship at a number of levels. The sponsorship opportunity detail is available here and includes commitments of $100 - $3,000 and includes In-kind Support for those wishing to customize their sponsorship. All sponsorship levels include a variety of benefits from free advertising to photos, and GCC Foundation recognition.

All sponsorships must be submitted by April 20 for full recognition. 

The Nursing Program Alumni committee includes:

• Committee Chair -- Michelle Grohs, director of Surgical Services, Maternity and Women's Health at Wyoming County Community Health System;
• Decoration Chair -- Heather Glosser, Warsaw Central School District School nurse and owner of Glosser Family Farms;
• Food and Beverage Chair -- Susanne Roggow, Spectrum Human Services nurse;
• Ticket Chair -- Stephanie Durfee, GCC Nursing Program instructor;
• Hospitality Chair -- Laurel Sanger, GCC's director of Nursing Program;
• Entertainment Chair -- Kelli Pease, WCJW radio personality and GCC Communications instructor;
• Photography Chair -- Maureen Spindler, GCC's visual communications specialist and photographer;
• Communications Chair and Event Emcee -- Scott Gardner, president of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce;
• Sponsor Chair -- Jennifer Wakefield, GCC's assistant director of Alumni Affairs. 

For more information, contact Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs Jennifer Wakefield at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6265, or via email at jgwakefield@genesee.edu.

Submitted photos. Information provided by Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

The folks at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation got a jump-start on Easter and invited a Big Bunny in a snappy vest over on Saturday (March 24).

A Community Easter Egg Hunt was held on the front lawn for children 12 and under at the nursing facility, located at 278 Bank St. in Batavia.

The event ran in conjunction with a Job Fair (which produced a good turnout and resulted in the hiring of five new employees).

Also, inside the nursing facility were many activities for children including basket raffles, face painting, crafts, cotton candy, cookies and other refreshments, and as noted, a visit from the Easter Bunny.

There were also raffle tickets for sale for two bicycles that were awarded.

During heavy rainstorms, the sewer pump station that serves the Bogue Avenue and Redfield Parkway area of Batavia can back up and reach the point of potential failure, according to City officials, so last week, about 100 area residents received letters asking them to meet with the City about their sump pumps.

Under City code, sump pumps are not supposed to pump water into the sanitary sewer system and reducing those connections could help avoid a problem at the pump station in the Redfield Parkway area.

"About 100 houses got the letter and even if only half of them had sump pumps (connected to the sanitary system), even if it's only five gallons a minute, that's five gallons times 50 connections, all of the sudden it's 250 or 300 gallons per minute," said Matt Worth, interim city manager. "Add that on top of normal flow downstream to the pump station, it can become overloaded. If there's a mechanical failure, that can cause the system to back up."

And what gets backed up into people's basements, starting with the person who has the lowest basement, is "dirty" water, Worth said.

That's a problem the city would like to avoid.

The letter Redfield and Bogue residents received apparently caused some residents to believe the City was going to force them to disconnect their sump pumps from the sewer system and find some other way of getting rid of water that flows into their basements.

Worth said that isn't the case at all.

"We’re trying not to be draconian about it," Worth said. "The request is for people to call, make an appointment, we’ll come, and have those discussions. We’re trying to offer as low-cost solutions as possible."

The code that prohibits sump pumps from pumping stormwater into the sanitary system has been on the books since at least 1966, Worth said, and it also provides a "grandfather clause" for homes with sump pumps built prior to enactment of the ordinance.

Two things about the clause: The clause isn't effective if pumping the water into the sewer system is determinant to the system; and, if there is no other solution available, then the resident can continue to pump water into the system.

About a dozen residents from the Redfield area attended Monday's City Council meeting and a few spoke to voice their concerns about the letter.

Don Fryling said he thought the City was just trying to dump its problem off on residents.

"Perhaps the city should update the pump station instead of pushing the problem back on the residents," Fryling said.

Jim Owen suggested the City try to secure a grant to pay for a new pump station.

Worth said a new pump station isn't really a solution because the federal and state grants used to help build the wastewater treatment plant prohibit "clean" stormwater from being processed at the plant, so the City can't intentionally take action to ensure stormwater is being mixed in with sewer water.

So far, the City has met with 15 residents and found only four sump had pumps that were pumping water into the sewer system. All four voluntarily agreed to mitigate the condition.

With that information, Council President Eugene Jankowski suggested residents simply talk with the City and figure out what the situation is for themselves.

"To the people who spoke today, I guess, my request to you is meet with Jim (Ficarella) and see if you can help the City and find a mitigation, and if you can’t, then you can’t," Jankowski said. "If you can’t do it, you can’t do it. Some of you can help and assist and there are ways to fix your problem and give the city a break and relieve some of the pressure on that pump station. That will help the rest of your neighbors out as well. Nobody is forcing you to do anything."

Matthew Scott Williams, 30, of Hundredmark Road, Elba, is charged with criminal possession of criminal property, 5th, and falsifying business records, 2nd. Williams is accused of selling another person's property at Pawn King in Batavia. He was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Latiqua S. Jackson, 24, no permanent address, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to comply with a court-ordered program. Jackson was jailed without bail.

A 17-year-old resident of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana and criminal use of drug paraphernalia. The youth was arrested at 11:26 p.m. Sunday on Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Jacqueline M. Biglow, 55, of Prune Street, Batavia, is charged with dog running at large. Biglow was charged after police were dispatched to Prune Street at 4:54 p.m., Monday, for a report of an aggressive dog running at large in the area.

Jeremy S. LaCarte, 40, of Kibbe Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to comply with court conditions. LaCarte posted bail and was released.

Roseann Cooper, 48, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Cooper is accused of shoplifting at Tops Friendly Market in Batavia. She is accused of concealing $33.54 worth of merchandise in her purse and leaving the store without paying.

A 16-year-old resident of Gilbert Road, Bergen, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. The youth is accused of hosting a party at 9:55 p.m. Friday at his residence where he was serving alcohol to people under age 21.

Tyler Lee Walls, 21, of Upper Holley Road, Holley, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and criminal possession of marijuana, 4th. Walls was stopped at 8:21 p.m. Friday on Holley Byron Road, Byron, by Deputy Christoper Erion and K-9 "Destro."

James Andrew Douglas, 67, of Alger Street, Rochester, is charged with DWI, refusal to take a breath test, and speeding. Douglas was stopped at 2:13 a.m.,Saturday on Lewiston Road, Batavia, by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

Tyler John Henderson, 29, of Maple Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and speeding. Henderson was stopped at 1:07 a.m. Saturday on Lewiston Road, Batavia, by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

St. Joe's Mammoth Sale, which is Western New York's Largest annual indoor garage sale, is on Saturday April 7th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the cafeteria of St. Joesph's School at 2 Summit St., Batavia. Pictured are co-chairs Randa Williams, left, and Kathy Stefani who organize this annual event, now in its 14th year.

"We start about two weeks after the last sale in early May -- that takes about a year to prepare for," Stefani said.

Many volunteers help prepare and sorting collectables, furniture, household goods for sale at St. Mary's on a weekly basis until the event. One key item she points out is it's FREE, no admission cost to get in and has been since she started this as the largest fundraiser for the school.

A couple of her big supporters are: Mary Dee Ognibene, who gathers more than 600 boxes from TOPS in Batavia in her little red car; Rick Mancuso, who donates a storage facility annually to store the furniture and bigger items; and Jerry Fisk, who repairs items as needed.

In addition, there will be a cafe with breakfast and lunch available for purchase, raffle baskets and tens of thousands of items to choose from.

If you would like to donate any items and/or volunteer the day of the event, contact Kathy Stefani at 344-2701

Press release:

The Byron-Bergen Central School District is one of 152 school districts and Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in New York State to receive the Utica National lnsurance Group's School Safety Excellence Award for 2018.

District Superintendent Mickey Edwards, Jr./Sr. High School Principal Patrick McGee, and Elementary School Principal Brian Meister accepted the top “Titanium with Honors” level award and a $500 prize, to be used to further safety efforts, on March 22.

“Our district has continued to take action in making our school safe and secure,” Edwards said. “We were one of the first in our area to bring in a school resource officer. Over the past few years, he has become an integral part of our schools and our culture, forming personal connections and relationships at all grade levels.

"Our character education program and anti-bullying activities are making measurable impacts on a daily basis. We also continue to use and improve security measures like the New York State Sheriff’s Association (NYSSA) Rapid Responder® Program, an all-hazards site-based crisis management system; our security camera system that oversees buildings and grounds; and our comprehensive visitor management system.”

“Providing a safe and secure learning environment for our students, teachers, staff, and visitors is our first priority,” he said. “We are honored to receive this recognition.”

The School Safety Excellence Award Program has three levels  —Titanium, Platinum and Gold — and annual awards are given based on quantifiable measurements of excellence in categories that include bullying prevention programs, playground safety, and other areas.

Utica National has kept children and school staff safe for more than 40 years, and currently insures more than 300 school districts in Upstate New York alone.

"Safety and health concerns continue to be a priority in our school districts," said Brian Saville, resident senior vice president in Utica National's Educational Institutions Unit. "Districts that go above and beyond to provide a safe, healthy and focused culture for learning are to be applauded, and we're pleased to count Byron-Bergen Central School District among them."

Saville noted that, beyond the recognition itself, an added benefit of following the safety program is the chance to pinpoint specific threats to safety.

“The time to address those threats is before a loss happens, which really helps contribute to the safety culture that districts are working toward,” Saville said.

Press release:

New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Paul A. Karas today announced that construction has begun on a $1.4 million project to replace the bridge carrying Bethany Center Road (County Road 15) over U.S. Route 20 in the Town of Bethany, Genesee County.

The project will replace the 86-year-old bridge and improve safety for both motorists and pedestrians with upgraded guide rails, pavement markings, and signage. The bridge carries an average of more 1,500 vehicles each day.

“Governor Cuomo has made smart investments in transportation a priority across New York State, modernizing bridges and highways to support mobility and commerce, Acting Commissioner Karas said. “This bridge in Genesee County will provide safe, reliable passage for motorists and pedestrians for generations to come.”

The existing bridge will close on April 8th and traffic will be detoured. Construction is scheduled to be completed this fall.

The bridge, first constructed in 1932, will be replaced with a single-span steel structure. The two piers that support the bridge will be removed, eliminating the potential for falling concrete.

The new bridge will facilitate the movement of freight and support emergency service vehicles.

Senator Michael Ranzenhofer said, "The condition of the Bethany Center Road Bridge has been deteriorating for years, and I have been advocating for replacing the 86-year-old bridge. That is why I am pleased that this project is moving forward. This infrastructure improvement project will ensure the safety of the more than 1,500 vehicles driving over the bridge each and every day."

Assemblyman Stephen Hawley said, “Residents shouldn’t have to worry about their safety when crossing one of our area’s local bridges, and the Bethany Center Road Bridge replacement gives peace of mind to our families and businesses that use this route each day.

"Bridges are not only a means of travel from one place to the next but a means of security for our citizens making the morning commute, our children taking the bus to school, our emergency, fire and police vehicles responding to an accident and our business owners transporting goods to market. Projects like this are crucial to the vitality of our economy and community, and I am pleased to see it moving forward.”

Consistent with Governor Cuomo’s Drivers First initiative, this bridge project was designed to minimize impacts to the traveling public. The bridge is being closed to all traffic so that work can be completed most efficiently. Two types of detours will be put in place.

During the replacement of the bridge, Bethany Center Road will close for approximately five months. A southbound detour will be posted for motorists to use Old Telephone Road, Route 20, East Road, and Raymond Road. Local traffic will be maintained, but not over the bridge.

Additional temporary detours will be posted to reroute traffic from Route 20 onto Old Telephone Road, which runs parallel to it, for safety purposes during the demolition of the existing structure and placement of the new bridge. This detour will be in effect for the following dates:

April 9 to April 22 from 7 a.m. to 7 a.m.
June 5 to June 8 from 7 a.m. to 7 a.m.
July 10 to July 12 from 5 a.m. to 5 a.m.

Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver’s license.

PHOTOS: Photos from 2012 by Howard Owens.

Press release:

The Fashion Program students at Genesee Community College have been interviewing models and finalizing pieces for the 37th Annual Fashion Show to take place on Saturday, April 28, at 7 p.m. in the new Richard C. Call Arena. Get your tickets now!

Each scene in the show is designed and coordinated by a student in the Fashion program. This year, the students challenged themselves, selecting "Ascendant" as the show theme.

"Ascendant" speaks to the rising power GCC has in communicating thoughtful and impactful fashion while simultaneously representing a person's rising sign -- the astrological sign under which a person is born. The "Ascendant" theme moves beyond recognizing astrologically assigned character trait differences and to using fashion to make statements about appreciating those differences as potential contributions to creative teamwork.

This year's show features the following scenes:

Cancer -- Fuses bohemian wear and earthy elements into a free-spirited look.

Scene Coordinator: Maya Neeley of Harrisville, NY

Libra -- A wedding scene emphasizing romance and elegance.

Scene Coordinator: Jewel Watters of Sandy Valley, NV

Gemini -- Examines the sameness and individuality of twins.

Scene Coordinator: Emily Lontkowski of Batavia, NY

Capricorn -- Showcases the independent and professional women's work attire.

Scene Coordinator: Alexa Higgins of Le Roy, NY and Tykayila Hawkins of Rochester, NY

Taurus -- Demonstrates the conservative and unisex styles of today.

Scene Coordinator: Felton Terrell Poole of Medina, NY

Virgo -- Exposes an inner realness through the transparency of ingenuousness.

Scene Coordinator: Adeline Kijsiravej of Bangkok, Thailand

Pisces -- Utilizes bright colors and impactful graphics to depict the Pisces personality.

Scene Coordinator: Serenity Brown of Rochester, NY

Scorpio -- Compiles mystery, passion and fierceness into a contemporary street look.

Scene Coordinator: Charlotte Hughes of Ordizan, France

Leo -- Portrays a desire for love and admiration

Scene Coordinator: Tsubasa Mirua of Japan

Aries -- Represents individuality and confident fierceness through dark and neutral colors with bold trims.

Scene Coordinator: Katie Plummer of Brockport, NY

Sagittarius -- Screams "Freedom" through a variety of denim pieces.

Scene Coordinator: Harrison Lourens of Batavia, NY

Aquarius -- The unique nature of Aquarius will be communicated through garments of unique styles constructed by various GCC students

Luna - A nighttime scene that showcases formalwear created by various GCC students

In Darkness & In Light -- Draws luxury from utility as light is drawn from darkness.

Scene Coordinator: Kaeli LaFrance of Akwesasne, NY

Comet -- Elegant formal wear with an upbeat taste.

Scene Coordinator: Kaitlyn Tipton of Meyersdale, NY

Ophiuchus -- The newest zodiac sign which falls between Scorpio and Sagittarius is being celebrated by our guest design company, Sseko Designs. Sseko Designs develop clothing and accessories that are constructed by women pursuing higher education and fair wages in Uganda, Africa. The new zodiac sign is a positive representation of a new ethical direction of the fashion industry.

"Ascendant" will completely transform the field house in the new Richard C. Call Arena into a dreamlike space with a powerful runway! Tickets to attend the show are available in advance for $5 per person until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25. Tickets will also be available at the door for $8 per person. To purchase tickets in advance, email fashionshow@genesee.edu today. 

Are you interested in an opportunity to show your support for the Fashion Show? GCC's fashion program students are currently soliciting and accepting production sponsors. Business donation opportunities of $10 and personal donation opportunities of $5 are still available.

Sponsors will be included in the Fashion Show Program as well as on the Fashion Show website. Please email fashionshow@genesee.edu to schedule a donation pick up or to make special arrangements for your donation. Checks should be made payable to GCCA and can be mailed to Genesee Community College, Fashion Show, One College Road, Batavia NY 14020-9704.

As it has in the past, the Fashion Show will include a vendor fair giving local businesses a chance to showcase their products and services. There are still a few tables available for additional vendors. Interested businesses should email fashionshow@genesee.edu. Tables are only $25 and are an excellent marketing opportunity, given the fashion show attendance of nearly 2,000 local consumers.

To get an inside look at the 37th Annual Fashion Show, Ascendant, follow @trendygcc_ on Instagram and @trendygcc on Twitter. You can also read our student blogs at https://geensee.edu/wordpress.com/blog/. Students will be sharing details about the show and more!

A couple of hours ago, Lisa Wittmeyer, the Emergency Services case manager for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, sent us a desparate plea asking the public to drop off recycled plastic or canvas bags at the organization's Batavia office.

She implores "NO HOLES PLEASE!" These are to be used for food packages at the Albion office.

The dearth is apparently quite severe.

If you or anyone you know has CLEAN bags like these and can donate them, please drop them off posthaste at 5073 Clinton Street Road.

Call 343-7798 for more information.

Chad Freeman was named Pavilion fire's Firefighter of the Year, but he's on vacation so he couldn't be at the award's ceremony and dinner on Saturday night, so he got a picture of Chief Dewey Murrock and emcee Josh Finler, from Le Roy fire, holding his award.

Doug Logsdon became the fourth current member of the Pavilion Fire Department to reach the milestone of 50 active years of service. The awards were presented by Doug Wright, also a 50-year active member.

Kathleen Wright received the Life Member Award, presented by David Wright.

The department also installed its 2018 officers.

Department officers are: Dewey Murrock, chief; John Weis, 1st assistant chief; DR Roblee, 2nd assistant chief; captains Tyler Schiski, Mike Wright, Chad Freeman, Josh Mess, and Bryen Murrock; lieutenants Kelly Kraft, Nick Saravullo, Jason True, and Nick Taylor; Gerald Feurch, fire police captain; and Bill Kegler and Nick Wright are safety officers.

The social officers are: Donna Davis, president; Paul Dougherty, vice president; Bill Carrigan, treasurer; Kathy Wright, recording secretary; and Kelly Kraft, financial secretary.

Press release:

In April, the premier consumer-run disability service organization serving Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), is resuming “The Wellness Hour” -- a series of four FREE classes to help the whole community to live healthier.

Taking place from 10 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday in April in the front lobby of the ILGR office, 113 Main St. at Center Street, Suite 5, Batavia; the series of Informational talks is designed to expand participants’ awareness of tools that can promote wellness.

• April 3rd—Jill Smith, Healthy Living in Batavia: 
  On screenings for cancer, such as breast and prostate cancers
• April 10th—Nicole Cummings, personal trainer:
  Be as fit as you can be
• April 17th—Laura Koepp, naturopathic doctor: 
  Using noninvasive procedures and natural remedies to promote self-healing; she is the author of "Broken: a Mother's Story," about her family's struggles after her daughter survives an auto accident
• April 24th—Chris Saraceni, M&T Bank:
  All about reverse mortgages 

ILGR stresses that the information shared is not intended to replace a doctor’s instructions. You should always consult with your physician or health care provider before beginning any new treatment.

While reservations are not required, so that we can plan, we would appreciate participants calling Bridget Mosman to RSVP at 585-815-8501, ext. 400.

All WNY Independent Living, Inc. services are accessible to persons with disabilities, including sign language interpreters and materials in alternative formats. To request a specific reasonable accommodation, please contact (716) 836-0822, ext. 126.

Press release:

The Bergen Swamp Preservation Society is hosting a free public presentation on endangered species at the Gillam Grant Community Center on Saturday, April 28, to encourage Bergen Swamp community members to be aware of the sensitivity of this ecosystem.

The society wants to bring awareness about the need to preserve the rare animals in the swamp, discourage poaching or killing these animals, and how to identify and report some non-native invasive species.

Bergen Swamp Preservation Society's “Meet and Greet” at the Gillam Grant Community Center will begin at 4 p.m. and end at 6 p.m. The center is located at 6966 W. Bergen Road in Bergen. Refreshments will be available.

The Bergen-Byron Swamp is a refuge for a diversity of wetland plant and animal life. How many people have actually seen some of the most famous animals of the swamp? Now is your chance to meet some of these animals in person with Seneca Park Zoo herpetologists.

These professional herpetologists will share with the public a live Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, a black rat snake and a spotted turtle.

Learn about the natural history of the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, as well as some of the other reptile species found in the swamp. Learn why these reptiles are an important part of the ecosystem and what you should do if you encounter one!

Bergen Swamp Preservation Society trustees will also be on hand to answer any questions about the swamp’s special flora, fauna and geology. Learn about a new non-native invasive grass, brachypodium sylvaticum -- commonly known as false-brome, slender false brome or wood false brome -- that threatens the Bergen Swamp and what we can do to mitigate its threat.

Also, please note that Bergen Swamp Orchid tour will be held Saturday, May 19th. Tours are at 9 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. and meet at the Gillam Grant Community Center on West Bergen Road, Bergen.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) will consider approving incentives for two project as well as consider accepting an application for another.

Genesee Lumber Company will demolish an existing structure to make way to build a 7,158-square-foot warehouse addition to their operation in the City of Batavia. The $300,000 capital investment project would create three new jobs and retain 29 jobs. Genesee Lumber Company is seeking approximately $57,000 in incentives. If the project is approved, it will contribute to the Batavia to Prosperity (B2P) and Reinvestment Fund.

Town Center Plaza LLC is seeking to bring back a grocery store to the Village of Corfu on a site that also was a former grocery store that has been closed for several years. The new 20,000-square-foot facility is a $1 million investment that would create seven new jobs. The company is seeking approximately $77,000 in incentives.

While the grocery store is a retail project, it qualifies to apply for financial incentives because the store will be located adjacent to a highly distressed census tract. Town Center Plaza LLC also is claiming that they will provide unique goods and services to the community that otherwise are not available.

Finally, the GCEDC board will consider accepting an application from Xylem (Golden Pumps). The company is proposing to expand its existing facility of 18,282 square feet to 26,382 square feet. The expansion would result in a capital investment of approximately $800,000. Total incentives being sought are approximately $100,000 and as such would require a public hearing. Xylem is planning to consolidate Rochester operations into Batavia as well.

The GCEDC Board meeting is at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 29th, in the Innovation Zone at 99 MedTech Drive in Batavia. The meeting is open to the public.

Joseph M. Tornabene, 26, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with third-degree assault, aggravated criminal contempt, fourth-degree criminal mischief, and second-degree robbery. Tornabene is accused of physically attacking a woman during a violent domestic dispute, causing injuries. He is also accused of forcibly taking the victim's mobile phone, preventing her from calling 9-1-1. He also allegedly violated an order of protection. He was jailed on $25,000 bail.

Daniel Edward King, 41, of Phelps Road, Pembroke, is charged with failing to register a change of address within 10 days as a sex offender. The charge followed an investigation into an incident in the Town of Pembroke.

Bin Chen, 32, of Wangman Street, Rochester, is charged with possession for the purpose of sale of 30,000 or more untaxed cigarettes, criminal tax fraud, 3rd, and failure to stop at stop sign. Chen was stopped at 1:29 a.m. Friday in the area of 7152 Alleghany Road, Alabama, by Deputy James Stack.

Jacob Russell, 22, of Walkers Corner Road, Byron, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon with a previous conviction and unlawful possession of marijuana. Russell was charged following a search of his residence by probation officers, who allegedly found a switchblade knife and five marijuana smoking devices containing marijuana. Russell was jailed on $20,000 bail or $40,000 bond.

Kevin Watson, 58, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Watson is accused of stealing several items from Dollar General.

Scott D. Larnder, 41, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with an unlicensed dog and owning a vicious dog. Larnder's dog allegedly bit another person at his residence at 10:23 p.m. on March 12.