A man who is remembered by those whose life he touched as an icon of the local sports community died today and people who knew Dan Gilbert say he will be missed.

Gilbert, a Little League and softball coach who coached Oakfield-Alabama to Section V titles in baseball, succumbed to cancer more than 18 months after beginning treatment.

"He was one of those types of people who is a pillar in the community," said Oakfield resident Jeremy Yasses. "He built programs for sports for the school and the community. He touched a lot of lives, not only because he won, but because he was a class act on the field and off the field. He taught a lot of kids life lessons."

Yasses said Gilbert, who was also a physical ed teacher at O-A, spent a lot of selfless hours coaching kids and helping them succeed not just in competition on the field but at life.

Parents and students were notified by the school district by phone this morning of Gilbert's passing.

Oakfield-Alabama Social Studies teacher and Athletic Director Jeff Schlagenhauf said Gilbert was his good friend for 30 years and described him not only as a stalwart member of the community but a dedicated family man.

"He was a mentor to a lot of kids," Schlagenhauf said. "He was just a great teacher. The community lost a really good person today."

News partner WBTA contributed to this story.

Press release:

Community members of all ages should save the date for Genesee Community College’s 36th Annual Fashion Show scheduled for Saturday, April 29.

This year’s show entitled “Elysium” was introduced by fashion student Ciera Schwartz, of Akron, Elysium can be defined as “an often imaginary place or state of utter perfection and happiness.” Schwartz explained how the word is derived from the Greek mythological interpretation of heaven, and is often referred to as paradise or a land where all beauty lies. Hence, this year’s Fashion Show theme focuses primarily on student’s interpretations of different Greek gods and goddesses.

“Elysium” gives students the opportunity to not only express their creativity and originality, but to tell a story. By tying together elements from Greek mythology and drawing inspiration from the lives and personalities of Greek gods and goddesses, GCC students intend to show how today’s fashion is much more than just a materialistic concept. The show will illustrate how GCC fashion students appreciate both art and history, and how aspects from different cultures are presented universally in the fashion world today.

To quote Homer from "Odyssey" in “Elysian Fields,” Elysium can be described as a paradise: “to the Elysian plain… where life is easiest for men. No snow is there, nor heavy storm, nor ever rain, but ever does Ocean send up blasts of the shrill-blowing West Wind that they may give cooling to men.”

Due to the overwhelming popularity of GCC’s annual Fashion Show, the event features two complete shows scheduled on April 29 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the William W. Stuart Forum of GCC’s Batavia Campus. Tickets for the show are available for $5 in advance or $7 at the door and can be purchased by calling 585-345-6830. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.

Sponsors for the production are currently being solicited and accepted. Business donations of $10 or personal donations of $5 are available. To extend appreciation, the business or personal name will be included in the souvenir program and on the Fashion Show website. If writing a check, please make it payable to GCCA. To schedule a time for pick up or to make special arrangements for your donation, please contact Cheryl Young, 585-345-6830.

To stay current on details and information about this year’s show and to gain an inside look at the lives of the fashion students at GCC, follow @trendygcc_ on Instagram and @trendygcc on Twitter for updates!

The Elba Volunteer Fire Department wants the public to know that it is starting up Bingo again for the year at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7, at the fire hall, located at 7143 Oak Orchard Road, Elba.

Ken Miller, president of the fire department, notes that the Queen of Hearts is now more than $6,400! Also, there will be other jackpots offered.

Mixed Martial Arts returns to Batavia March 25 with a 16-fight card from local promoter Ground Force Fights at Quality Inn & Suites.

The card includes title fights, including two female title fights.

Three Batavia fighters will be competing. Pictured above are promoter Richard Mitchell and local fighters Steven Kleckler, Kevin James Hodge and Peter Flanagan.

For more information and tickets, visit groundforcefights.com

Previously: Batavia's first MMA event draws capacity crowd

Press release:

The Genesee County Youth Bureau will honor its AmeriCorps members during National AmeriCorps Week, March 4 – 11. AmeriCorps programs use this opportunity to celebrate the great things that our members have accomplished, to encourage participation in national service and to thank our community partners for their support of the program.

AmeriCorps members, who must be at least 17 years old and a U.S. citizen, agree to complete a specific number of service hours over a set time period. Members receive a modest living allowance while serving and upon completion of their commitment qualify for a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. The education award can be used to pay for college or graduate school or to repay qualified student loans.

The Youth Bureau received a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service to establish an AmeriCorps program in October 2004. Since that time, 404 members have been placed at over 70 host site locations performing a combined total of 288,000 hours of service and earning over $799,000 in education awards.

Members serve at a variety of organizations in Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming and Cattaraugus counties. Sites include schools, community centers, libraries, county government departments and other human services agencies. Assignments fall under the categories of healthy futures fitness and nutrition education, environmental stewardship and capacity building. Members are celebrating AmeriCorps Week by writing articles about their experience, creating displays and coordinating service projects for youth volunteers.

Members have been able to explore career options, learn valuable skills, help finance their education and have the satisfaction of knowing that they have made a positive contribution to their community. If you would like more information about serving in AmeriCorps or hosting a member at your agency, contact Kathy Frank at 585-344-3960 or Kathy.Frank@co.genesee.ny.us

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum presents its annual Irish Music Night at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 10. The music will be provided by the well known local group No Blarney!

The event will be held at the Holland Land Office Museum at 131 W. Main St., Batavia. Light refreshments will be served and the museum will be open for visitors to tour.

Tickets for Irish Music Night can be bought by calling the museum at 585-343-4727, or by purchasing in person at the museum. Tickets are $5 in advance, or $7 at the door. Space is limited so advance purchase is recommended.

The Batavia Blue Devils played hard but came up short, letting a five-point lead slip away in the closing minutes of play against Wilson in a Section V semi-final to lose 57-55.

"My guys fought," said Head Coach Buddy Brasky. "They fought. We could have folded and they fought."

They fought on even after star guard Tee Sean Ayala fouled out with more than a minute left in the third quarter, putting him and his game-high 24 points on the bench the rest of the way.

That isn't the reason Batavia lost, though. Jonathon Liciaga in particular stepped up to fill the void, finding ways, even at 5' 9", to slip in behind Wilson's big center, 6' 7" Patrick Phillips, for easy baskets. He scored six points in the final quarter.

"I give a lot of credit to our guys," Brasky said. "After Tee Sean went out, they could have folded. They didn’t. Some other guys stepped up, but it just wasn’t enough."

Liciaga, who scored 11 points total, has become a bigger factor in Batavia's offense as the season has worn on as his talent for finding open space on the court has become more apparent.

"Guys figured out as the year went on, he’s open and he can put the ball in the basket," Brasky said. "As the year went on they started finding him more and more."

In the final minute, the Blue Devils didn't score and Brasky said that was the result of some bad decisions.

"The initial pressure (from Wilson) didn’t hurt us," Brasky said. "On the back end, we had some turnovers down the stretch. We made some bad decisions. We missed some open guys. That’s what young teams do, I guess."

Brasky and every player on the team certainly wanted to end the season with a Section V trophy. That, after all, is kind of a Blue Devil's tradition under Brasky, but as Brasky noted, this is a young team (only three seniors). The team has come a long way over the course of the season from a rather disorganized, mistake-prone group to being more disciplined on offense and defense.

"We preach at beginning of the year, especially this year, that it’s going to be a journey," Brasky said. "We had to keep trying to improve and we wanted to try and peak at the end.

"We went through some tough stretches and at the end of the year, we started playing some pretty good basketball. I thought we played, for the most part, tonight, we had stretches of really good basketball from a lot of guys, but again, it wasn’t enough."

To purchase prints, click here.

Continuing with our series, take a peak inside the Pembroke Museum located in the town offices at 1145 Main Road, Corfu (NY 14036).

Your visit is always welcome - call 585-599-4892 to schedule a visit!

Visit www.VisitGeneseeNY.com to learn more about Genesee County's unique attractions.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) has released the following statement after President Trump’s address to Congress.

“Americans across the country tonight witnessed a leader committed to restoring American greatness,” Congressman Collins said. “This past November, voters elected a change agent. In his first 40 days in office, President Trump is already delivering the results Americans, especially those in my district of Western New York, have demanded. Whether it’s fighting to return American jobs stolen by countries like Mexico and China, or securing our porous borders, President Trump has shown the world he is a president of action.

“If we are going to restore the hope of the American Dream for our children and grandchildren, tough choices need to be made. Unlike our last president, President Trump acknowledged that reality, and outlined a clear vision for us to overcome the challenges we will face. We are going to fight for the American worker, respect the rule of law, and harness the endless potential all Americans possess.

“I look forward to President Trump implementing the change Western New Yorkers voted for, and will continue to fight here in Congress for policies that improve the lives of my constituents.”

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) has released the following statement on President Trump’s executive action regarding the Obama administration’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.

“President Trump is delivering on his promises to end the crippling regulations that have devastated Western New York’s farming communities,” Congressman Collins said. “The waters of the United States rule is a prime example of harmful federal government overreach. I applaud the Trump Administration’s decision to review this harmful rule and fully expect them to free our nation’s farmers from this onerous regulation once and for all.”

UPDATE: The word "overturn" has been removed from the headline because that word turns out to have been inaccurate. The executive order requires the EPA to review the rule.

Press release:

The family of Patrick J. Pedro is pleased to announce the establishment of a scholarship in his name to be awarded to a high school senior at Oakfield-Alabama Central School. Patrick was a graduate of the school and a highly accomplished person. He passed away in May after a very difficult battle with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS).

Press release:

Genesee Community College will host a Job and Transfer Fair dedicated to careers in the health care industry from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 9 at the College's centrally located William Stuart Forum.

The event is designed to introduce potential new employees to employers, and also provides health care businesses an opportunity to present their trade and services to the local community. Local and regional health care companies will be available to answer questions, accept resumes and distribute material relating to their company. Area colleges will also be present to discuss transfer opportunities within their programs.

The following employers and colleges will be available to distribute career information and other printed materials, answer questions and receive resumes (this list is subject to change):

Employers:

ACM Global Laboratories

Ardda Animal Hospital

Crossroads House

Erie Canal Animal Hospital

Fidelis Care

Finger Lakes DDSO

Heritage Christian Services

Highland Hospital

HomeCare & Hospice

Livingston County Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation

Maple City Physical Therapy

Maxim Healthcare Services

Rehab Resources

Rochester Psychiatric Center

Tender Loving Family Care

Thompson Health

Army National Guard

Marine Corps

Navy

Colleges:

SUNY Alfred State

Chamberlain College of Nursing

The College at Brockport (SUNY) Army ROTC

The College at Brockport (SUNY) – Department of Nursing

Daemen College

Roberts Wesleyan College

SUNY Empire State College

St. John Fisher College – Wegmans School of Nursing

Positions being recruited include: Veterinary Technology, Medical Administrative Assistant, Registered Nurse, Physical Therapist Assistant, Respiratory Care and Polysomnographic Technology.

The job fair is FREE and open to the general public. For the most current listing of registered employers, please visit the Career Services Web page at www.genesee.edu.career/events. Employers interested in attending the fair should contact the Career Services office at 585-345-6888 to register for this event.

Press release:

The City of Batavia is currently seeking nominations for the 2016 Recognition Awards.

If you know of someone that you would like to nominate please complete the nomination form and submit to Lisa Casey by Friday, March 3.

The awards will be presented by City Council at a future City Council Meeting.

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

An outstanding individual in the community that demonstrates excellence in volunteerism. This individual goes above and beyond normal responsibilities creating a lasting and beneficial impact.

HOMEOWNER OF THE YEAR

An engaged resident who has given extra effort to go above and beyond in maintaining their home and enhance their neighborhood.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

A business that has demonstrated community involvement and represents entrepreneurial spirit while providing exceptional customer service, professionalism and integrity.

Nomination forms available by the following:

• City website: www.batavianewyork.com under the home page
• Can be picked up at the City Manager’s Office
• Call (585) 345-6333 to have form emailed to you
• Email at Lcasey@batavianewyork.com
• Mail nominations to: Lisa Casey, City of Batavia, One Batavia City Centre, Batavia, NY 14020
• Fax nominations to (585) 343-8182 request to send nomination form

Submitted photo of Assemblyman Stephen Hawley with youth representing the Batavia City Youth Bureau, the Genesee County Youth Bureau and the Orleans County Youth Bureau along with staff from the Batavia City Youth Bureau and the Genesee-Orleans County Youth Bureau.

Press release:

Earlier this month, local youth from Genesee and Orleans County met with Senator Ranzenhofer, Senator Ortt and Assemblyman Hawley to get supprt by investing money in the Youth Bureau System. The youth asked for help in urging the $1.7 million to be restored for the 2017-2018 Youth Bureau Development Program.

The Youth Development Program allows youth bureaus, along with many other community based organizations to operate after school prevention programs, which help youth succeed. The youth all shared their experiences being involved with the Youth Bureau System and how it has positively impacted their lives.

Press release:

Hélène Biandudi turned a fascination with the game 20 Questions and family dinners into an award-winning career. Her desire to be a journalist began at the age of 8 in her makeshift production studio in her childhood home, and on Wednesday, March 8 she will visit Genesee Community College as part of the Fashion Business Program Speaker Series.

Biandudi is an acclaimed journalist, documentary filmmaker and the host and producer of the PBS weekly news magazine show, "Need to Know" on WXXI Television in Rochester. Her desire is to shed light issues affecting the underserved and to connect cultures and communities through the power of story, and her work includes covering the first inauguration of Barack Obama, the death of music icon Michael Jackson, and the CBS/Vogue Fashion's Night Out program. She previously worked at the CBS Primetime show "48 Hours Mystery" in New York City where she contributed to several documentary specials for the network.

Among her current projects is "The Empty Hanger," an original series created by Biandudi, which uncovers and reveals the untold and often overlooked stories of the people who design, manufacture, tailor, study, wear, talk about and claim to be forever changed by clothing. The goal of the series is to challenge and expand how consumers view fashion choices and everyday dress by examining the varying degrees of impact and influence of clothing on our culture.

Don't miss the chance to listen to Hélène Biandudi on Wednesday, March 8, from 1 – 2:30 p.m. in room T102 of the Conable Technology Building at the GCC Batavia Campus. The event is free and open to the public; however, seating will be limited. Those wishing to attend can RSVP by calling (585) 345-6830.

For further information on Biandudi's work and projects, visit her website at www.helenebiandudihofer.com.

The 23rd annual Lenten Fish Fry will be held each Friday beginning March 3 and running through April 7 at St. James Episcopal Church. It is located at 405 E. Main St. in Batavia.

Choose baked or fried fish, French fries or baked potato, coleslaw or apple sauce, and enjoy homemade desserts.

Cost is $9 fish fry; $4 for dessert; $1 per beverage.

Take-outs available starting at 4:30; Eat-in starting at 5 p.m.

St. James congregants are especially pleased to welcome St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Le Roy and St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Stafford as their partners.

All are welcome!

Press release:

Artwork and creations from Fine Arts majors at Genesee Community College as well as non-majors registered in arts courses will soon be showcased at the Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery when Artists Taking Flight, GCC's annual Fine Arts Student Exhibition, is on display beginning on Wednesday, March 1.

The exhibition is held annually to showcase the artistic achievements of Genesee Community College students. An opening reception is planned for Thursday, March 2, from 12 – 2 p.m. and again from 5 – 7 p.m.

"Each year, this exhibit gives us a chance to highlight the many talents of our students," said GCC Professor of Ceramics and 3-D Design Moi Dugan. "Whether they are students in our Fine Arts program or just taking one of our many offered arts classes here at the College, the work will show how hard-working and talented our students really are."

The exhibited artwork will reflect a diverse range of coursework from drawing, painting, 2D & 3D design and ceramics. All of the artwork is created within the perimeters of a specific project assigned from the curriculum established for each individual Fine Arts class. The assignments range from projects aimed at refining technical skills and learning basic fundamentals, to challenging students to use aesthetics as a means to convey conceptually sound ideas.

While stressing the importance of visual communication and expression, courses in Fine Arts provide students the opportunities to develop a range of highly creative skills, knowledge and values relating to careers as professional artists.

The exhibit will be on display in the Roz Steiner Art Gallery through March 31. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information on all upcoming events at the Roz Steiner Art Gallery visit www.genesee.edu/gallery or www.facebook.com/gccgallery.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins today released the following statement announcing this year’s Congressional Art Competition and encouraging local high school students in New York’s 27th district to participate.

“The Congressional Art Competition is a great opportunity for hardworking high school students to showcase their work to the hundreds of thousands of people who visit the Capitol each year,” said Congressman Collins. “There are incredibly talented artists throughout NY-27. I look forward to seeing this year’s submissions and the opportunity to welcome the winning artist to our nation’s capital.”

Now in its 35th year, the Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students who reside in New York’s 27th Congressional District. Last year there were more than 90 submissions. The winning artist will receive a round trip flight to Washington, D.C., to see their artwork in the U.S. Capitol, where it will be on display for one year.

Submissions are due to either of Congressman Collins’ two district offices no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4. A reception and award ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 8th, at the Roz Steiner Art Gallery, located on the Genesee Community College campus in Batavia. Local high schools have been notified regarding contest rules and submission guidelines.

Interested students should see their art teacher for details or contact Chris Catt from Congressman Collins’ office at (585) 519-4002.