Batavia City School District’s Jackson Primary School teacher, Melissa Mattice, was presented with an Outstanding Employee Award by Board of Education President Patrick Burk at the Dec. 20 Board meeting.

She was nominated by Jackson Principal Diane Bonarigo, who wrote, “Mrs. Mattice is a kindergarten teacher at Jackson School. She is a teacher leader and serves Jackson Primary School in many different ways year after year. She has volunteered her time on the School Improvement Team, PARP (Parents as Reading Partners) Committee, Parent Home School events and works closely with administration and staff to promote a positive and collaborative culture in the building as well as on the APPR District committee.

"Mrs. Mattice sets high academic standards and builds strong relationships with her students. She has earned a great deal of respect in the community as evidenced by the number of parent requests we receive each year, asking for Mrs. Mattice to be their child’s teacher.”

Batavia City School District’s Jackson Primary School teacher, Marie Bigsby, was presented with an Outstanding Employee Award by Board of Education President Patrick Burk at the Dec. 20 Board meeting.

She was nominated by Jackson Principal Diane Bonarigo, who wrote, “Mrs. Bigsby continues to serve the students and families of Jackson Primary with great enthusiasm and dedication. Mrs. Bigsby is a standing volunteer member on many Jackson committees. Over the past several years, however, she has also dedicated a great deal of her time as a Jackson Teacher Representative and meets monthly with our parent group volunteers and the Parent Co-Presidents to support the school with evening and weekend events.

"You can always find Mrs. Bigsby volunteering to get the school ready for Fall Carnival, Breakfast with Santa, and Family Learning Nights. She works closely with staff to create a strong partnership with our families and is able to initiate great school support throughout the year. We appreciate her hard work and am thankful for her continued contribution to Jackson School.”

Photos and info submitted by Kathy Scott, Batavia City Schools.

Press release:

Genesee County Deputy Sheriff Andrew B. Hale was honored by the Western New York Chapter of American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) International at its Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon held on Dec. 1 at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens.   

Sheriff Gary Maha nominated Deputy Hale for his heroism, dedication, valor, and for performing “above and beyond” the call of duty. Deputy Hale was hired on June 17, 2013, and has since been involved in two very notable incidents where he demonstrated great courage and leadership. He utilized exceptional self-restraint and judgment in order to resolve the situations without harm to himself, fellow officers or the public.

“Deputy Hale is an outstanding police officer and is most deserving of this recognition,” Sheriff Maha said.

Standing with Deputy Hale, from left, are Sheriff-elect William A. Sheron Jr. and Sheriff Maha.

A dog fell through the ice and is in the freezing water of the creek at Indian Falls. East Pembroke Fire Departmen's water rescue unit is called to the scene and all of its available manpower is called to the fire hall. The address is 1663 Indian Falls Road.

UPDATE 1:59 p.m.: The dog was successfully rescued.

UPDATE: Reader-submitted photos added. A bystander praised the caring and professionalism and efficiency of the volunteers in their response and actions.

A car fire has become a garage fire at 2093 Lewiston Road, Alabama.

Alabama fire and an engine from Oakfield fire, along with Mercy EMS, requested to the scene.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 1:37 p.m.: This is a two-car garage. A person has third-degree burns on the right hand.

UPDATE 10:10 p.m.: Alabama Fire dispatched for a rekindle. 

UPDATE 10:14 p.m.: Chief on scene, nothing showing. Engine can respond non-emergency. 

Press release:

On Wednesday afternoon of this week, Josh and Justin Smith from H.E. Turner & Co, Bohm-Calarco-Smith, Burdett & Sanford Funeral Homes along with their kids -- Gabriella, Brendan, Noah, Nicolas and Caleb -- stopped by the Sheriff’s Office to deliver platters of submarine sandwiches for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office to say thank you for all the service provided to the community throughout the year. Pictured with the kids are Deputy Howard Wilson, Investigator James Diehl and Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

This morning, students from Batavia Middle School stopped by the Sheriff’s Office with gifts of hot chocolate for the deputies to say thank you for all they do.

The Sheriff’s Office employees would like to express their sincere appreciation for these thoughtful gestures.

Press release:

At Tompkins Bank of Castile, we recognize that decades of service characterize our stability and loyalty as an organization. We are pleased to honor our longtime employees who have contributed so much to the Tompkins Bank of Castile. Our customers have benefited from their knowledge and experience, and our company values these great employees.

Diana Williams, assistant vice president of the Avon branch, is celebrating 35 years with the bank. She began her banking career in 1977 as a part-time teller at the American Express branch in Augsburg, Germany. When she moved to the United States, she stayed with the financial services industry and began working for Chase at the East Avon branch, which was purchased by The Bank of Castile in 1994. Diana and her husband, Richard, live in Livonia. They have three children and four grandchildren. She is active in the Avon Rotary and Junior Achievement.

The following employees are celebrating 25 years of service:

Theresa Nicastro is the assistant manager of Commercial Loan Operations. She is active in planning, organizing and coordinating efficient service of commercial loans for Tompkins Bank of Castile as well as the three other banks of Tompkins Financial Corp. She began her career as a teller in the Perry branch and has held numerous positions ranging from administrative assistant to branch manager. She says being a part of the Tompkins family is a special blessing and loves being a part of such a wonderful organization. She and her partner, Steve, reside in Silver Springs along with their two rescue dogs.

Annette Granger started in the Proof Department and was working as a commercial credit Services Associate at our Operations Center in Perry until she retired this past year. We appreciate her years of dedicated service, and wish her well in retirement!

Debbie James, vice president – Consumer Product Manager, works to ensure a superior customer experience and that our products are competitive and customer-friendly. Her first job was as a teller in the Perry branch. She has continued to grow within our company, serving several years as the Castile Branch Manager. Based at our Operations Center in Perry, her current responsibilities encompass all of Tompkins Financial Corporation. Debbie and her husband, Brad, have two children, Erika and Michael. They live in Silver Springs.

Carolyn Francis, assistant vice president, Small Business Credit officer, joined the bank in 1986 and has held various positions. She started in the Proofing Department, went to the mortgage department and finally landed in the commercial department working specifically with small businesses in the community. Carolyn left the bank for a brief time, but said she came back because she loves all the great people that she works with and they are like family to her. Carolyn resides in Fillmore with her husband, Greg. They have two children and two grandchildren.

"Our employees are truly what differentiate our company, delivering superior customer service every day,” said John McKenna, president & CEO of Tompkins Bank of Castile.“We work hard to provide a rewarding and engaging workplace which helps us attract the best talent and results in extraordinary consistency of our employee base."

Tompkins Bank of Castile values the commitment and service these employees have given our company. We would like to thank them for their years of service and congratulations!

Press release:

Tompkins Bank of Castile prides itself on being a community bank, and one of our core values is our commitment to the communities we serve. During the holiday season, our staff in each branch selects local organizations to receive special contributions to make the holidays brighter. Our Le Roy branch selected the Le Roy Food Pantry to receive a $500 donation. The Le Roy Food Pantry has provided for people in need, free of charge, without question for several years. It is maintained by volunteers and is an effort among the local churches in the Le Roy community.

Mickey Hyde, Le Roy branch manager; Christine Orto, teller in the Le Roy branch; and Danielle Clark, Tompkins Insurance account manager, present checks to Judy Riley (second from left) of the Le Roy Food Pantry.

The process of replacing the crumbling Bethany Center Road bridge over Route 20 will begin soon, according to Lori Maher, spokeswoman for the NYS Department of Transportation.

The project has long been on the DOT's capital program list but it wasn't scheduled to begin until October, however when asked about a report that the DOT was moving the project up, Maher said, "yes."

Maher said in an email, "Our engineering team will be advancing the contract plans and will be implementing a public outreach component to keep the community informed of the project."

While the original completion date was fall of 2018, the new completion date isn't available yet.

Previously:

• Photos: The decaying state of the Bethany Center Road bridge
• Photos: Bethany Center Bridge suffers more visible damage over the winter
• Statements from officials on the status of the Bethany Center Road bridge
• Ranzenhofer asks DOT for faster action on deteriorating Bethany Center Road bridge

Photo: FIle photo.

The Town of Alabama is looking for applicants for positions on the planning board (the chairman position is open) and zoning board (including chairman).

Interested town residents should send a letter to the Town Board, 2218 Judge Road, Oakfield, NY 14125; or drop them off at the Town Clerk’s Office. All letters must be received no later than Jan. 5.

Lawley Genesee staff members Sherri Wahr, Beth George, Lori Crandall and Lisa Barie deliver a bounty of gifts to YWCA of Genesee County as a yearly effort to add some joy to a family affected by domestic violence that served by YWCA. The nonprofit has served more than 680 new domestic violence victims so far this year and is extremely thankful for the generosity of Lawley Genesee to brighten the lives of those impacted by domestic abuse, Executive Director Jeanne Walton says.

Photo and info submitted by Joanne Beck, YWCA.

As students at Oakfield-Alabama Elementary left school yesterday, they were given a "High-Five Goodbye" from six NYS Troopers and K-9 "Paris."

Photo and info submitted by Lynn Gehlert.

Press release:

A sell-out crowd of 320 guests enjoyed a celebratory night at Encore 2016 last week, Genesee Community College Foundation's annual holiday fundraising event featuring a holiday concert by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. The Dec. 13th celebration continued the long-standing tradition of a fun and festive evening with new and old friends coming together in the spirit of raising funds for the College's numerous scholarship programs. More than $50,000 was raised.

Following the theme, "A Star Shines On," the event recognized both the 25th anniversary of Encore together with the Genesee Community College's 50th anniversary. This year, Encore was organized by a chairing committee featuring the two sisters who organized the first of the Encore events in 1991, and their multigenerational families. The co-chairs included Glenn and Rosalie Maguire Simon, joined by Rosalie's sister, Lucy Barnett and her husband, Timothy; daughter Jessica Maguire Tomidy and her husband, Alan; as well as son, Andrew Maguire and his fiancée, Jamie Beswick. In addition, Encore included special programming just for children the first time this year, allowing the children and grandchildren to attend as well.

"Planning the first Encore is a very fond memory for me and my sister Lucy. We were delighted to bring in the next generation for this significant milestone and also give children a chance to experience the arts and this incredible event," Rosalie Maguire Simon said. "We specifically revisited the theme from 25 years ago, 'A Star Shines,' and featured the star logo and artwork designed by GCC's late art instructor, Michael Powers from many years ago."

The evening featured four segments: the Prelude in the Genesee Center for the Arts; Dinner with numerous food stations set up in the central William W. Stuart Forum; the BPO concert in the Stuart Steiner Theatre featuring soprano soloist Emily Helenbrook; and finally desserts in the Wolcott J. Humphrey III Student Union.

The Genesee Community College Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to providing volunteer and philanthropic support to Genesee Community College. Formed in 1986, the Foundation has been instrumental in providing thousands of scholarships over the last decade, and assisting with the funding of numerous capital projects including the Student Success Center and the Richard C. Call Arena currently under construction and scheduled to open in the summer at GCC's Batavia Campus. The Foundation also supported the construction of the Conable Technology Building, the Humphrey Student Union, and the expansion of College Village, Genesee's student residence.

Top photo: The event's co-chairs; bottom photo: Roseann and James Sunser, and Emily Helenbrook.

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

"As we approach the 2016 holiday season, I want to wish all my constituents and New Yorkers alike a safe and happy holiday season from the bottom of my heart. The holidays are one of the best times of the year to relax, exchange gifts and enjoy the many opportunities we have to be with family and friends. As we enjoy this special time of year, please take a moment to thank the thousands of servicemen and women who are overseas and unable to spend the holidays with their families. They and their predecessors’ sacrifices have made it possible for us to realize such an extraordinary and memorable time of year.

“As you give and receive gifts this year I encourage you to keep in mind that local families are still struggling in our area and many children are unsure whether they will be receiving any gifts. It is important for us to help the less fortunate and realize that a small donation will brighten a child’s day more than you can imagine. Please take advantage of some of the local opportunities to make a donation, and together we can build a stronger Western New York.”

• The Salvation Army provides clothing and other necessities to those in need during the holiday season. Donate today by visiting http://empire.salvationarmy.org/.
• Consider donating a holiday basket to a needy family through the Community Action of Orleans and Genesee by visiting http://www.caoginc.org/. 
• Make a child’s Christmas wish come true by donating to Toys for Tots at www.toysfortots.org
• Catholic Charities offers a wide array of volunteer opportunities geared toward the holidays at http://www.catholiccharitiesnyvolunteer.org/Holiday. 
• Episcopal Charities offers food pantries, community kitchens and a wide variety of services during the holidays. Learn how to help at http://episcopalcharities-newyork.org/.     

A Mexican citizen barred from ever entering the United States again after serving a prison term on a rape conviction has pled guilty to re-entry after deportation in federal court.

Jose Maria Agustin, 43, arrested in Elba a year ago following a raid of a property by the Sheriff's Office and Homeland Security, faces a possible sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

In 2009, Agustin was convicted in California of forcible rape and assault with a deadly weapon. After serving a five-year prison term he was deported. 

Agustin was located in Elba following an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Sheriff's Office. He was arrested locally on a charge of sex offender failing to report a new address. He had not registered in New York and was working in the United States without authorization.

Children being exposed to lead, leading to higher risk of learning disabilities and a risk for other health issues, has regularly been in the news ever since contaminated water was found to be flowing into the homes of Flint, Mich.

This week, the Reuters news agency released a report indicating that 3,000 neighborhoods across the nation seem to have high lead contamination levels.

No neighborhoods in Genesee County appear to be on that list, according to data available through a New York State website that tracks reports of lead poising in children.

In 2012, only four children under age 2 of the 1,036 in the county who were tested had elevated lead levels detected in their blood samples.

Paul Pettit, director of the health departments in Genesee and Orleans counties, said the relevantly few children with elevated lead levels does seem to confirm that there is no widespread contamination in the community.

That doesn't mean it's not an important issue, he said.

The likely culprit in the four cases is lead paint in homes.

Any housing unit built before 1978 may contain lead paint. The paint on older homes chips or gets ground into dust by the opening and closing of doors and windows, and lead particles can fall into carpet or onto flooring where children crawl.

The easiest way to remediate lead paint is to paint over it, which doesn't eliminate the lead paint but does stop the lead particles from spreading. Children can also be exposed to lead while visiting a friend or family member's house, or if parents work in an environment where lead is present and it attaches to clothing or shoes. 

Pettit said parents should have their children tested at age 1 and age 2, for sure, though lead continues to be a risk factor for children through at least age 6.

Typically, the test is conducted in the office of a primary health care physician. It consists of a pinprick on the child's finger and the blood can typically be tested right in the office.

If elevated levels are detected, the child is typically referred to a lab where blood can be drawn and more thoroughly tested.

Ideally, a child will have no lead detected in his or her blood.

The amount of lead is counted by micrograms per deciliter, abbreviated to mcg/dL.

Of the four children in 2012 with elevated lead levels in their blood, one fell within the 10 to 15 mcg/dL range and three were above 15.

Those levels are consistent with a child being exposed to lead paint particles, Pettit said.

When you start seeing children with counts of 50, 60 or higher, it usually means they've ingested something contaminated with lead, such as a paint chip.

In 2012, about 50 to 60 percent of the children who should have been tested for lead were tested for lead, Pettit said.

More recent data was not readily available, but Pettit said of his 20 years involved in public health in the two counties, the numbers of children with elevated lead levels has remained pretty consistent.

When a child is found to have elevated lead levels, in the range up to 15 mcg/dL, the health department works with the parents where the child lives to eliminate possible sources of lead.

When the level is over 15, the process is more involved, Pettit said.  Personnel from the health department visit the home and do a lead risk assessment and develop with the homeowner or landlord a corrective action plan. Landlords are typically cooperative, but the department can issue a "notice and demand" to remediate any problems identified. 

"At 15 and above, it is a serious health issue to the child," Pettit said. "We take intervention steps to stop it."

When levels of 50 or 60 mcg/dL, children are hospitalized so the lead can be removed from their blood.

Lead poisoning in children is associated with cognitive issues and health issues can include decreased bone and muscle growth, poor muscle coordination, damage to the nervous system, kidneys and hearing.

Petit said he welcomed the opportunity to talk about the issue because he would like to see more awareness among parents on the importance of testing. Every child should be tested.

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia were at their Secret Santa location yesterday getting ready dozens of holiday tote bags and other gifts for families that will be invited today to that location to pick up the care packages, receive gifts and visit with Santa.

The project is an annual event organized by the Kiwanis Club.

The families receiving the assistance are identified by local organizations and invited to the event.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

On Saturday (Dec. 17), the curtain came down on the 70^th anniversary season of racing at Batavia Downs. America’s oldest lighted harness track’s meet that began on Monday (July 25), ran two days longer than originally scheduled after racing was extended for an extra weekend.

As usual, the stake season was highlighted by eight divisions of the New York Sire Stake series, which featured the best state bred horses and Grand Circuit horsemen. The series featured visits from the likes of John Campbell and Andy Miller and produced two new track records.

On Saturday (Sept. 3) Pointomygranson (Marcus Miller) toured the facility in 1:53.2 and set a new standard for 2-year-old pacing geldings and on Wednesday (Sept. 14) Zack’s Zoomer (Marcus Miller) trotted a mile in 1:58.1 and established a new track record for 2-year-old trotting colts.

Racing under saddle (RUS) made its debut at the Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 7) and that produced a new track record as well. Admirable Hanover who was ridden by Vanessa Karlewicz won the $4,000 event in 2:03.4.

On Saturday (Oct. 9), Batavia Downs signature stake, the $50,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial trot saw the $7 million man, Foiled Again (Kevin Cummings) come from well off the pace to win by a length in 1:52.2 on the strength of an exciting stretch drive at 9-1. That win marked the 90^th trip to the winner’s circle for the richest standardbred in the history of the sport.

For the first time ever, Batavia Downs offered a new claiming series that ran throughout the whole meet. Claimers of both gaits accrued points month to month in order to make finals worth between $15,000 and $20,000. On Saturday (Nov. 13) trotters Love U Forever and Chrome Finish, and pacers Outoftexas, War Front, Vals Jett, Big Unit and Can U Be Fun won the finals in their respective divisions.

In September, Batavia Downs hosted a new owners' seminar in conjunction with the United States Trotting Association and the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State. Twenty-six people took part in the workshop that took them from the classroom to the paddock and provided them with everything they needed to learn in order to make informed decisions about standardbred ownership.

On the track, one of the best driving colonies in some time put on quite a show. Perennial local favorite Jim Morrill Jr. put in another stellar effort that was highlighted by a seven-win night, two six-win nights and four five-win nights.

But it was 22-year-old Drew Monti who eventually won the dash driving title with 116 wins for the meet. Monti also registered a seven-win night and two five-win efforts as well. It was the first ever driving title won by Monti.

Jim Morrill Jr. did set a new single meet earnings record at the Downs after he banked $849,024 in purses from July to December.

JD Perrin “three-peated” his training crown, finishing first again this year with 47 wins. Perrin’s meet started off strong before many of his horses fell ill. But after a trying middle stretch, the stable got back on track over the last month and Perrin was able to defend his title again.

The winningest post position was post one with 231 wins followed by post two (151), post four (138) and post three (126). Post one also made the board 63 percent of the time.

Also, the favorites won the race 46 percent of the time during the course of the meet.

“We had a very exciting year at Batavia Downs this year. The product on the track was very competitive and having drivers like Jim Morrill Jr., Drew Monti, Shawn Gray and newcomer Larry Stalbaum joining the fray, the competition was fierce every night” said Todd Haight, GM/Director of Live Racing. “Despite our handle being down 5 percent for the meet, we paid out a record $5.9 million in purse money and we look forward to doing that again next year.”

Pending approval from the New York State Gaming Commission, the 2017 live racing meet at Batavia Downs will start on Wednesday (July 26).  

The management and horsemen of Batavia Downs would like to wish everyone in the industry a very happy Holiday Season and the best of luck in the upcoming new year. 

On Wednesday afternoon, the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce staff received a sneak preview of Farmer’s Creekside Inn in Downtown Le Roy. With the structural and outside work mostly completed, the interior of the restaurant was buzzing with activity as they strive for a spring opening. Without giving away all the details (we’ll let the restaurant do that), Farmer’s Creekside Inn is going to be a must-visit restaurant for the people of Le Roy, Genesee County and beyond. The owner and management are working hard to create something special – with the results evident during our visit. The facility’s multiple dining rooms and outdoor seating areas overlooking the serene Oatka Creek spillway will create many different opportunities for patrons.

Here are a few photos:

Visit www.VisitGeneseeNY.com to learn more...