Here are the results of yesterday's vote in the Byron-Bergen Central School District:
Music students from Genesee and Wyoming counties will perform today at 2 p.m. at Pavilion High School in the second of two all-county music festival concerts.
The festival is organized by the Genesee-Wyoming Music Educators Association.
Today's show features the high school band, the junior high chorus and the elementary band.
Tickets are $4 each at the door.
These photos are from yesterday's rehearsal.
Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:
“It is unconscionable that an agreement, which state leaders have had months to negotiate, must wait until the absolute last minute year after year, leaving the public and legislators in the dark.”
“In keeping all 213 state legislators in Albany this week voting on useless legislation while a deal is struck behind the scenes, state leaders will have potentially cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in per diems because they are too incompetent and beholden to special interests to agree on a deal anytime in the previous several months.”
“At this point, it seems as though the ‘Three Men in a Room’ are hashing out various policy and spending proposals behind closed doors. Unfortunately, this troubling lack of transparency is usual during the final days of budget negotiations, but it is certainly not the appropriate way to do the people’s business.”
“Rumors are circulating surrounding an agreement on Upstate ride-sharing, a major clean water infrastructure investment and raising the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18, but little legislation has been introduced or printed and we are at the will of the nebulous legislative leaders.”
“I am hopeful that the 2017 Charitable Gaming Act, increased money to repair our roads and bridges and small-business relief are included in the final budget and I will be fighting for our community every step of the way. I will keep you updated and issue reports when more information is known.”
A sold-out crowd packed Batavia High School last evening for the fifth annual Mr. Batavia Competition hosted by its student government.
The mission behind the community fundraiser is to “take care of BHS,” said Lisa Robinson, student government advisor.
Twelve seniors participated in these categories: Dance, Talent, Question & Answer, Swimsuit, Lip Sync and Tux Walk.
The contestants were: Jerry Reinhart, Dominic Brown, Campbell Andersen, Casey Radka, Cody Dioogardi, Sam Bartz, Quentin Branciforte, Ryan Bieniek, Casey Ausin, Joe Allegue, Freddie Cunningham and John Currier.
Lisa said they raised a new record of $4,500 for the local charities chosen by the top three winners. Habitat for Humanity is winner John Currier's charity; first runner-up Ryan Bieniek selected All Babies Cherished; second runner-up was Quentin Branciforte, whose charity of choice is Anna’s Wish Inc.
The judges were: Kaitlin Logsdon, cocreator of Mr. Batavia, past BHS student and senior at Ithaca College; Shawna Murphy, Batavia City Schools Board of Education member; Jim DeFreeze, Batavia City Police officer; and Matt Morasco, Batavia City fireman.
Tuxedos for the event were provided by Charles Men's Shop and Reed Eye Associations donated sunglasses to the dozen seniors who competed.
To view and or purchase photos go to: Steve Ognibene Photography
Adam Steadman, with Henry H. Cook, mugs with a, um, mug, that's shaped like a toilet, in the booth for his employer, during set up for the Genesee County Home Show, which opens this evening.
The mug will be used as a candy dispenser at the Henry H. Cook booth.
Dozens of vendors have set up booths at the Falleti Ice Arena in Batavia for the home show.
The show opens this evening at 5 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. Hours for Saturday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Mr. Batavia contest starts at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of Batavia High School, but if you don't have tickets, better get their early, because the event is nearly sold out.
Press release:
Families with students attending Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School gathered in the school’s auditorium for College Readiness Night on March 29. The presentation, by College and Career Counselor Robert Kaercher, was an informational overview of the college admissions process.
Topics included SAT and ACT testing, the Common Application Form, recommendation letters, deadlines, scholarships, grants, and financial aid. Although geared toward sophomore and junior students and their families, the presentation was open to all, and several families of eighth-graders took advantage of the evening.
“It’s never too early to begin planning,” Kaercher said.
“Choosing a college can be daunting,” said Principal Patrick McGee. “Researching, narrowing the field, visiting, applying, getting financial aid — there is so much involved at every step.
"That’s why our district is committed to helping students and their families negotiate the process. This is the second year for our dedicated College and Career Counseling Center. This outreach event is another way to increase awareness of the assistance available. Don’t do it alone. We are here to help.”
The Center is a busy place and its resources are growing. In the fall, it hosts a full schedule of visits and special presentations from a wide range of regional and national two- and four-year colleges, trade schools, and military branches. In the spring, the focus is on ensuring all seniors have a plan and have taken the steps needed to be successful after graduation.
Kaercher helps them apply for scholarships and financial aid.
“There are over 50 scholarships available right from our own community,” he said, adding that he can also help job seekers improve their interview skills and write better resumes.
“This is also the time to help juniors get serious,” Kaercher said. “I like to meet with each student to help them find their path. If they plan on college, I can give them personalized lists of college recommendations for them to start researching.
"Spring is a great time to plan college visits. Colleges all have preview days, tours, and open houses.”
The Center is planning a College Fair in May that will bring students together with representatives from a number of regional colleges.
Top photo: Families of college-bound students were welcomed to Byron-Bergen’s College Readiness Night by (l-r) College and Career counselor Robert Kaercher, School counselor Andrea Feeney, and Principal Patrick McGee.
Byron-Bergen HS College and Career counselor Robert Kaercher helped families begin the journey of preparing and applying for college.
Press release:
On March 13, representatives from the Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School Girls’ Soccer Team visited the University of Rochester Medicine’s Wilmot Cancer Institute. Seniors Olivia Audsley, Karson Richenberg, and Kelsey Mauer were there to present a check for $3,200 to help combat head and neck cancer.
The team, led by Coach Wayne Hill, has been raising funds to support cancer awareness for many years. This is the third year they have focused on head and neck cancer, in honor of Richenberg’s mother, Toni, who has throat cancer.
This year’s fundraiser, which raised $1,800 more than last year, was held in September. It was supported by many local businesses, including Sloat Tire Shop, Fullerino’s Pizzeria, and NAPA Auto Parts in Bergen. Donated products and services filled gift baskets that were raffled auction-style during halftime at one of the team’s games.
Principal Patrick McGee said, “I am so proud of our girls’ efforts. They have showed over the past few years a true commitment to fighting cancer. I would also like to thank everyone in our community for their extraordinary generosity and for supporting our students and all of their hard work.”
UR Medicine’s Wilmot Cancer Institute is the Finger Lakes region’s leader for cancer care and research. To learn more, visit www.wilmot.urmc.edu.
Photo: Byron-Bergen Girls’ Soccer Team members with Wilmot Cancer Institute staff. (front, l-r) Principal Patrick McGee, Coach Wayne Hill, teammates Olivia Audsley, Karson Richenberg, and Kelsey Mauer, and mother Toni Richenberg.
Press release:
Anita Strollo, the coordinator for Batavia High School’s College and Career Center, is “casting a wide net” to find local businesses that may be interested in being part of the school’s second Hiring Fair on Tuesday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at BHS, 260 State St.
This time frame allows for students that attend Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (formerly BOCES) for skilled trades to meet with potential employers.
“We had nearly 12 businesses last year for our first hiring fair and would be happy with at least that many again this year,” says Strollo. “Over 35 students got hired at that fair and that is a number I could live with again."
Last year approximately 100 students took advantage of the opportunity to meet with potential employers and organizations. Having all these employers and organizations come to us provides them with the opportunity to meet face-to-face with a large pool of well qualified, potential employees and volunteers under one roof.
“This year, with all of our students having their own Chromebooks it will be very easy to submit online applications. We will also provide, as we did last year, quiet zones for interviewing.
“What is still on our wish list is volunteer organizations, job shadowing opportunities and nonprofits for students seeking volunteer opportunities or a chance to test the waters in career exploration. I am optimistic that such organizations will be abundant this year also,” Strollo says.
On a purely selfish note Strollo says “we have extraordinary students at BHS and this is a great way to show them off!"
For more information, contact Anita Strollo at amstrollo@bataviacsd.org, or 343-2480, ext. 2012.
Written by Serena Strollo-Dicenso, BHS '17
It’s been a long cold winter and now it’s time to “think spring.” And there’s no way better way to beat those long winter blues than by attending the second annual Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Home Show. The Home Show will be held at Falleti Ice Arena in Batavia Friday through Sunday, March 31st - April 2nd.
Here’s your chance to talk face to face with more than 60 area businesses attending this year’s Home Show for help with your home ideas and projects. And while you’re there, make sure you register for a chance to win a $500 gift certificate from the Home Show vendor business of your choice. The winner will be drawn at the conclusion of the Home Show and you do not need to be present to win.
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Home Show will be open Friday, March 31 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. And if you’re hungry, the concessions are being run by Alex’s Place, so you know the food will be excellent!
Admission is only $3 per person and children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Parking is free at the Falleti Ice Arena. Coupons good for $1 off all admissions are available at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce office, 8276 Park Road, Batavia, or at any of the participating businesses.
For a complete list of participating businesses go to www.geneseeny.com/homeshow. For more information, call the Chamber office at 343-7440.
Tracy Lynn Miller, 32, of South Lake Road, Pembroke, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Miller was taken into custody on a warrant after being released from the Erie County Holding Center. Miller allegedly failed to appear in County Court after being indicted by a grand jury. The indictment stems from an alleged theft/or use of a stolen credit card. She was jailed on $10,000 bail.
Jeffery Lee Tennity, 52, of Keeney Road, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Tennity was charged following an investigation into an unspecified complaint at 4 p.m. Thursday on North Byron Road, Elba. The complaint was investigated by Deputy Jeremy McClellan.
Kendra Quinette Thomas, 29, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with driving on a suspended registration. She was arrested on a warrant for the charge following a traffic stop by Deputy Cory Mower.
Press release:
On Saturday, April 1, Sister District for Western New York (SDWNY) will bring the national Knock Every Door (KED) campaign to Batavia. According to Tom White, SDWNY captain, “we want to have real conversations, listen to voters and non-voters alike, and learn how people feel about the past and upcoming election."
The Knock Every Door organization believes that both political parties, along with the media, need to hear what voters all across the country are saying about the challenges they face, understand whether policies meant to help people are truly improving their daily lives and what people want from their elected leaders.
The Batavia organizers emphasize that they are not collecting information on any political party’s behalf, and they hope public-spirited Batavians will be willing to have a talk when their doorbell rings next Saturday.
You can learn more on the KED website https//knockeverydoor.org, or the SDWNY event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1776864832641664/
Residents of the Byron-Bergen Central School District are being asked to vote today on a $20 million capital improvement project to help improve safety and energy efficiency as well as promote educational opportunities.
For more on the project click here.
Graphic from the Byron-Begen district.
This is part eight of an eight-part series on trade and how changes in policy might affect the local economy.
There's been a lot of talk about trade from President Donald J. Trump, but so far, no real action -- no new trade deals, no concrete action on tariffs or border adjustments. But just the idea that there might be some future advantage to manufacturing in the United States is already having an impact locally, said Steve Hyde, CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center.
"At least in the short term, this push, this effort to try and balance the trade profiles and make sure the U.S. is on an equal footing with the rest of the world, honestly, we're seeing an uptick in interest in manufacturers looking for U.S. sites, including direct foreign investment," Hyde said.
It's almost like all the work of GCEDC since Hyde became the CEO 14 years ago aligns with this potential new direction for the country. During those 14 years, GCEDC has been aggressive about creating build-ready industrial parks, from Gateway II, Apple Tree Acres, Buffalo East Tech Park, the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park and WNY STAMP.
"I think there is still a wave of optimism going on about whatever relative changes may be coming," Hyde said. "The president is very focused on trying to beef up manufacturing in America and that's certainly helped our focus here on Genesee County to bring back manufacturing in both food and ag and in advanced manufacturing."
The president's potential policies just enhance GCEDC's efforts, Hyde said.
"There's a bit of a bubble and ramp up of interest in manufacturing products of late and siting new facilities and trying to bring back growth and manufacturing to the state."
Hyde said he's recently had specific inquiries from foreign investors in sites at Gateway II and STAMP, with a lot of activity around STAMP.
The plan is still to break ground on STAMP this spring, though there seems to be an air of uncertainty about the company expected to be STAMP's first tenant -- 1366 Technologies.
While 1366 has raised tens of millions of dollars in venture capital backing, has already signed contracts with foreign firms to buy its solar wafers, there is still a potential issue with the company receiving funding assistance from the Department of Energy.
The Trump Administration has taken steps that alarm some environmentalists concerned with climate science, but that has been mostly directed at the Environmental Protection Agency. Rick Perry, Trump's selection to head the Department of Energy, testified during his Senate confirmation hearing that he's had a change of heart on climate science and has come to accept climate change as a real concern.
"I believe the climate is changing. I believe some of it is naturally occurring, but some of it is also caused by man-made activity," Perry said. "The question is, how do we address it in a thoughtful way that doesn't compromise economic growth, the affordability of energy, or American jobs."
On the manufacturing front, as 1366 officials point out, if the Trump Administration goal is to increase U.S. manufacturing and U.S. exports, 1366 will be exactly that kind of company. At least initially, 1366 expects to export all of its solar wafers.
We asked Laureen Sanderson, a spokesperson for 1366, about the status of the project in light of the new administration and when we can expect 1366 to break ground on its local factory. Here's her response:
Yes, we’re factoring in the change in administration into our business plans. We expect the new administration will support U.S. manufacturing jobs and we’re looking forward to working with the team to do just that. At this time, I don’t have any additional details or timing to share but I will be sure to let you know as soon as we do.
Your trade questions are all excellent but we don’t want to speculate. We obviously support policies that support the global industry and its growth. We do not need clarity to move forward. One of the great things about the Direct Wafer technology is just how competitive it is, the cost reductions we allow for are unmatched and that positions us really well.
One of the possible trade policy changes is the Border Adjustment Tax. That would put a 20-percent tax on imports but make revenue derived from exports completely tax free.
"That would be a huge benefit for 1366," Hyde said.
One of the criticisms economists have leveled at a potentially more protectionistic regime from the Trump Administration is that the United States simply doesn't have the supply chain any longer to support increased domestic manufacturing.
Trump's trade policy advisor, Peter Navarro, doesn't think that will be a problem.
“We need to manufacture those components in a robust domestic supply chain that will spur job and wage growth," Navarro said.
Hyde said with Genesee County sitting half way between Rochester and Buffalo -- the second and third largest population centers in the state and the second and largest export areas in New York -- along with all of the build-ready sites, the county is well positioned for any repatriating of a manufacturing supply chain.
"A lot of manufacturers want supply chain partners within an hour of their manufacturing site," Hyde said. "Some of the things going on at the Federal level has us well positioned to attract some of that supply chain, depending on how things unfold."
Like a good entrepreneur, Hyde is always optimistic. He never lets go of the big vision he has for creating jobs in Genesee County and he's excited by the activity he is seeing around not just STAMP but Gateway II and the other sites GCEDC has ready for new factories.
"About 5.6 percent of New York's private sector jobs come from employment at foreign-owned companies," Hyde said. "Foreign direct investment is a prominent part of New York's economy. With a focused policy at the federal level, advanced manufacturing is something we could see go up and that means good-paying jobs. Advanced manufacturing is the best way to build wealth in a community."
GRAPHIC: A rendering of what WNY STAMP might look like some day.
Nikayla Cheyenne Lee Jackson, 19, of Slusser Road, Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. Jackson was located outside of Walmart at 12:42 p.m. Monday by Trooper Brian Pritchett and Sgt. Ron Meides. She was wanted on a City Court warrant so the officers attempted to take her into custody. Jackson allegedly became abusive and disorderly and physically struggled with officers and did not comply with commands. Once restrained and placed in the back seat of a patrol vehicle, she allegedly kicked the rear passenger door and plexiglass cage. She then reportedly used her forehead to strike the cage several times. The cage was not damaged. She was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.
Charles S. Ganoung IV, 33, of Transit Road, Elba, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd. During an investigation of an unrelated incident by Deputy Howard O. Wilson, Ganoung was allegedly found in possession of an unregistered assault weapon with a high-capacity magazine. Following arraignment, he was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.
Samuel Gene Coughlin Jr., 21, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 4th, speed exceeding 55 mph, and driving on a suspended registration. Coughlin was stopped at 10:06 p.m. on Main Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Kevin Forsyth. He was allegedly found in possession of more than two ounces of marijuana.
Carl M. Vander, 22, formerly of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with burglary, 3rd, and criminal mischief, 4th. William J. Hixenbaugh, 27, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with burglary, 2nd, petit larceny, and criminal mischief, 4th. Vander, who is currently an inmate in the Wyoming County Jail on unrelated charges, and Hixenbaugh were arrested by Le Roy PD following a six-month investigation into a forced-entry burglary to a tenant room on Lake Street. A television and mobile phone were stolen and later recovered. Hixenbaugh was jailed on $5,000 bail.
Immigration rights supporters were at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia this morning to protest the detention of José Coyote Pérez, an immigrant who had been cleared to work in the United States but has been held in detention since Feb. 24 without explanation, according to his supporters.
The Worker Justice Center of NY released the following statement from Pérez:
“Last September a judge administratively closed my case, and I had so much hope to finally be a part of the community – I had a work permit, I was about to get my driver’s license, I was part of the community and represented my colleagues and I felt free finally, after living in fear for so long. People know me, I speak up, I am not hiding, and when they called me to go in and sign I went, I didn’t hide. It is so upsetting what is happening to immigrants. I’ve been here in jail for more than a month, without the chance to see a judge, and I don’t know why, not even my lawyer knows why. I have gotten phone calls, visits (from) the organizations I am a member of and even the students at Geneseo, too. This is what keeps me strong, the people who are fighting for me and helping me.”
Pérez had been working in the United States for 15 years and has three children, all U.S. citizens. He's active with the Worker Justice Center in support of farm labor and immigrant rights.
Pastor Chava Reddonet, speaking in the top photo, said she came out to the protest today because she feels farmworkers are not treated fairly and now face new challenges with seemingly increased immigration enforcement.
She said farmworkers work harder than she can imagine.
"They do this day after day so they can send money home to their families and help them all to survive and then we punish them for being here," Reddonet said.
Jaqueline Travis, from the Syracuse area (second photo), came to the United States from Bolivia in 1997. She said she is proud of the farm work she and her fellow immigrants do.
"I enjoy apples and my daughter loves cheese and yogurt and my husband loves milk in his coffee and we really do have great products," she said. "It’s a shame — (how) we are treating (farmworkers), these are my brothers and sisters, just like you are, and we are putting all of that aside ... These are the people who are making so much money for these farmers and I can’t make sense (of it). It makes me so sad that we can treat people like this and we can be OK with that and as a society we don’t even want to think about it. When you mention things like this, people get uncomfortable.
She said people need to know what's going on.
"If this is what makes America great, then, I am sad and I’m so afraid for our farmworkers and everybody who brings food to our table," she said.
Dolce Panepinto works tirelessly to protect the rights of injured workers by making sure that those responsible are held accountable. If you or a family member are injured at work, or in your private life, contact us today for a free case evaluation at 585-815-9003. Below are some previous litigation highlights:
For further question regarding Workers' Compensation Law or to contact Dolce Panepinto: click here.
Pembroke High School took first place, beating Byron-Bergen in the finals yesterday, in the regional Mock Trial competition.
The final was held in the Orleans County Courthouse with Michael Rivers presiding.
Pembroke team members: Kassandra Sanner, Matthew Reeb, Eli Fox, Seth Librock, Tyler Wood, Bethany Zwolinski, Sophia Zwolinski, Aiden Costich, Rachel Tebor and Theodore Pintabona.
The Byron-Bergen team members: Nathan Knickerbocker, Shaun LoVerdi, Jared Fregoe, Michael Caruso, Reanne Dressler, Rebecca Johnson and Hannah VanSkiver.
Advisors: Marian Gerhardy and Donna McJury; Attorney Advisor: Jake Whiting.
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