A two-vehicle accident with injuries is reported in the area of 7593 Alleghany Road, Alabama.
Alabama fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.
The location is between Ledge Road and Marble Road.
UPDATE 11:38 a.m.: Two patients being transported, one to ECMC, the other to UMMC.
A car has hit a utility pole at 670 East Main Street near Blondie's Sip-'n'-Dip.
No injuries are reported.
National Grid is being notified.
City fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.
Photos submitted by Jen Reichert.
There was another large crowd at Eli Fish Brewing Company today as Batavia's first brewery in decades -- named after a brewery of a prior century -- held its grand opening.
Previously: Eli Fish Brewing Company ready for grand opening tomorrow
Across the country today protests against gun violence in schools were held in cities large and small, and news reports indicate many high school students joined those protests, dubbed nationwide as "March for our Lives."
There was also a march in Batavia today, organized by local progressives, and more than 200 people turned out -- mostly adults, mostly people age 50 and older.
The idea of high school students grabbing the spotlight in the fight against gun violence began after the Parkland, Fla., shooting where 17 students died and students at that school immediately began speaking out.
On March 14, hundreds of Batavia High School students participated in a national walkout to protest gun violence at schools.
Few of those students turned out for today's event. There were perhaps five or six teenagers in today's crowd.
Batavia HS student Lauren Leone served as the event's emcee and one of the speakers was BHS student Sophia Alkhouri Stuart.
"We are calling all the adults in our country to live up to their responsibility to help protect us from gun violence," Stuart said. "Today as you march, you are marching for life. We need to be united in our commitment to life and to innocent children who are committed to learning. We need to eliminate the ability of those who seek to harm others to get ahold of a gun. This is our time and this is our chance to change the story of our schools."
The other speakers were all adults.
Pastor James Renfrew opened with a short sermon drawing on a parable from the New Testament about a farmer sowing seeds. Renfrew said there were many lessons to draw from the parable, including the importance of listening.
"Listen to our children," Renfrew said. "Listen to their worries and fears. Listen to their thoughts and dreams. In listening, we become the seeds planted in good soil, growing, and thriving and multiplying God’s hopes. As you listen to the voices of children, it becomes the amazing harvest described in the parable."
Most of the signs carried by marchers called for some degree of elimination of guns, such as banning assault rifles.
While not naming the National Rifle Association, Gary Pudup called out those organizations that oppose any and all gun control.
"There are those who will make false arguments trying to distract us from our goal, a society free of the constant fear of gun violence," Pudup said. "They will say we should simply strengthen background checks when strengthening background checks is meaningless unless the laws behind them are meaningful.
"They will tell us that teachers with guns are the cure for what ails us" -- at which point several people cried out "No." -- "They will tell us that the young man who committed the murders at Parkland was evil as if a 19-year-old was the very definition of evil. Let me give you my definition of evil. Evil is an organization that holds the values of profits higher than the value of children’s lives."
Pudup did praise a group founded in Rochester that is pursuing legislation focused on keeping guns out of the hands of potentially violent people, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. The organization is backing a bill that would create an "Emergency Restraining Protection Order," which would create a process in court to deny access to guns to anybody who is a threat to themselves or others.
Bethany resident Carol Kistner then spoke and said she had recently joined Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. She was dressed in a camouflage jacket that belongs to her husband and a camouflage shirt that belongs to her father to also represent her family's hunting interest. And the layers of clothing also represented the multilayered problem of gun violence, that the problem is complex and will defy easy solutions, such as just taking away guns.
She said Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is an organization not interested in taking away anybody's guns.
"We recognize and want to preserve this wonderful tradition that my family has enjoyed forever," Kistner said. "Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America recognizes that there is a great fear among those who enjoy sports, the sports of shooting and hunting.
"We honor those traditions but our biggest challenge is to get out the word to our rural counties just like this one that we are not against you. We are for you. No one has greater respect for guns and gun safety than hunters and sportsman."
She said it's really up to those who understand guns and gun safety to support sensible action to help reduce gun violence.
She said the legislation the group is backing in New York would provide a process to deny access to guns for people who have threatened suicide, have shown they are violent criminals, or the violently mentally ill.
"Those are three places to potentially remove guns — with due process, of course," she said.
After the speech, the group marched from Williams Park to City Hall chanting slogans such as "Enough is Enough" and carrying their signs.
Top photo: Sophia Alkhouri Stuart.
Carol Kistner
Friday night, the YMCA hosted Healthy Kids Day and Easter Egg Hunt. This year, the hunt included not only eggs hidden around the building but an Easter egg hunt in the pool. There were also raffle prizes.
Photos by Rachel Hale.
The sixth annual Mr. Batavia brought a nearly sold-out crowd last evening to Batavia High School, and raised an estimated $4,400 for charity.
Since its inception in 2013, more than $20,000 has been raised, said Lisa Robinson, Mr. Batavia advisor and co-advisor of student government. Each contestant performs their best in different catagories like group dance, talent, swimsuit, lip sync, tux walk, question and answer.
Crossroads House will receive 50 percent of the money raised by the winner of the event, Joe Marchese.
"Going into the show I felt really confident," Joe said, "then about 30 minutes before the show, I felt like I was going to have a nervous breakdown, literary choking up and said to myself 'I cannot do this.'
"I went to get some water, got out there, did the group dance and feeling good, then took the momentum all the way through the night and had a such great time."
Joe continued "I have wanted to do Mr. Batavia since my freshman year. Working with these group of guys was so amazing, which made my senior year come full euphoria and (I) have no words to describe the feeling at this moment."
His mom, Sandra, said "What stands out for me is Joseph's confidence and creativity in public speaking and performance. You are amazing, Joe! All the time and effort over the years that you have put into your personal development and leadership skills is shining through!"
Anand Patel was first runner-up. His charity was Golisano’s Children’s Hospital. Cameron Hardy was second runner-up and he raised funds for Genesee Cancer Assistance.
Charles Men’s Shop donated use of tuxedos, Reed Eye Associates provided the sunglasses. Many other members of staff, volunteers, students and additional sponsors also contributed to this annual event.
Local Judges were: Peter Cecere, VP of Batavia City School District BOE; James DeFreeze, City of Batavia Police Department; Matt Morasco, City of Batavia Fire Department; and Shellye Dale-Hall, Prevention Education, GCASA.
Other contestantants were Nichalas Neid, Chase Monachino, Brandon Buck, Valentino Zinni, Jon Liciaga, Nate Loria, John Kindig, Julio Vazquez and Evan Bellavia.
To view photos or purchase prints click here.
Pictured above are hostesses Paige Wasilewski, Lauren Leone and Michal Lullo.
A few years ago, Brian Kemp, co-owner of T-Shirts Etc., set up a Little Free Library on Main Street near his former location then this past summer, it got vandalized. This week with the help of Espe Hernandez, Myloh, and Aslan Kemp, he fixed it back up and got it restocked with books.
He said book donations, when there isn't enough space in the Little Library, can also be brought to his shop at 37 Center St., Batavia. The current location of this Little Free Library is front of the Independent Living Center -- Genesee Region.
This morning Assemblyman Steve Hawley read from a book about farming called "Before We Eat" to preschoolers at Agri-Business Child Development Center on Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, as part of Ag-Literacy Week.
A three-vehicle collision is reported at 5215 Clinton Street Road, Batavia. One male is requesting EMS. Town of Batavia fire and Mercy medics are responding. The location is in the area of Crystal Lane.
UPDATE 3:45 p.m.: A 30-year-old male who was not wearing a seatbelt is being transported to UMMC with neck pain. There was "window spidering" in the vehicle he was riding in as a result of the impact.
A former Pavilion resident held a press conference in Buffalo today and said that he was abused by a priest at St. Mary's in Pavilion when he was 16 years old in 1980.
Wayne Bortles said that Father Robert P. Conlin, who was appointed pastor of St. Mary's in 1977, abused him in a basement of the rectory recreation room where youth gatherings were sometimes held, according to WBEN.
"He touched me all over, and he wouldn't stop," Bortles said.
Conlin died in 1997 and is one of at least four Catholic priests with ties to Genesee County who have been accused of sexual misconduct.
This week the Diocese of Buffalo released a list of 42 priests who served in Western New York who have been accused of sexual misconduct.
Included on the list were Father Donald W. Becker, who served two terms at St. Mary's and has denied any wrongdoing, Father Fred Ingalls, who served at St. Joseph's from 1974 to 1982 and from 1990 to 1996, and Father Richard Keppeler, who was appointed to St. Brigid in Bergen in 1973, became pastor there in 1974 and served until his retirement in 2003. He died in 2011.
Ingalls admitted in Federal Court in 2004 to the acquisition of child pornography.
Conlin's name is not on the list released by the Diocese, which only includes names of those who were removed from the ministry as a result of allegations, were retired or left the ministry after being accused of sexual misconduct. It also includes the names of priests who died with two or more allegations against them.
Before today, Bortles had not made a public allegation against Conlin.
Today, Bishop Richard J. Malone issued a videotaped apology for the sexual misconduct of priests in the diocese (embedded below).
Bortles said an apology wasn't enough.
"I don't know how an apology would impact me," Bortles said. "I mean, the sentiment is nice, but there is more, obviously, that needs to be done."
Bortles said the parish social hall in Pavilion is named after Conlin and there is a large picture of him in the hall. He thinks the hall should be renamed and the picture removed.
He believes there were other victims of Conlin in Pavilion and that they should come forward.
Press release:
The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council has announced plans to reopen the former Batavia Club Bar in the historic Seymour building located at 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia.
GO ART! members and special guests are invited to a private prelude opening at the newly named Tavern 2.o.1, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 6.
Guests will be treated to hors d'oeuvres from the Red Osier Landmark Restaurant. Specially priced tasting of the selection of wine, cider and beers being served at Tavern 2.o.1 will also be available.
The doors officially open to the public immediately following the private prelude -- at 7 p.m. on April 6. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, door prizes and raffles.
Tavern 2.o.1 will be serving a selection of wines, ciders and beers (many of which are locally created within the GLOW region).
Staff and Board members will be on site for the opening reception to promote and describe the delicious libations.
"Our bar has the capability to offer events that people are traveling to Rochester or Buffalo to attend," said GO ART! Board President Tammy Hathaway. "After numerous requests from groups to partner and hold festivities, we made the commitment to open the space as a tavern and to begin scheduling some fun evening experiences for the community.’’
Currently, Tavern 2.o.1 will be open for both public and private events held at GO ART!’s headquarters, the Seymour building. However, there is talk of the bar being open for regular hours in the future.
For more information on events at GO ART! visit our website at www.goart.org
Melissa Ostrom, an English literature professor at Genesee Community College, describes the Genesee Valley as having a big sky and rich soil.
She is originally from Jamestown but learned to love the area where she taught, which inspired the location for her first historical fiction novel. “The Beloved Wild” will be hitting the shelves on Tuesday, March 27.
“I think it’s beautiful here,” Ostrom said. “I had a beautiful teaching experience here. I love the landscape.”
In 1807, Harriet Winter, a 16-year-old headstrong girl, disguises herself as a boy in order to escape her overbearing parents. Her mother died during childbirth, and she is raised by her stepmother and father. She questions things around her, and travels to Western New York with her stepbrother, where she disguises herself as a boy. She uses the opportunity to see what she would normally be denied of, because of her gender.
“It’s not a fairy-tale with a bad situation,” Ostrom said. “She is cognitive of how the one path available for women is really not just narrow but comes with risk.”
Ostrom did research about the area, discovering information about Holland Land Company and the Genesee Valley.
“That was in my mind, wanting to tribute this place,” Ostrom said. “Conversations with friends in local history inspired me.”
Ostrom previously taught at Kendall High School for 11 years but decided to teach part time when her daughter was born, which gave her an opportunity to explore writing.
“I had done quite a bit of poetry writing in college,” Ostrom said. “I was interested in trying other forms and I started experimenting in fiction and that’s what I’ve been doing. Teaching a little bit and writing a lot.”
Although Ostrom had no connections in the publishing world, she built up her resume by publishing short stories, establishing her credibility. When it was time to send her novel, it gathered a lot of interest, Ostrom said.
“I think I had prepared myself with failure before that I wouldn’t go anywhere with it,” Ostrom said. “I got immediate request for manuscripts, and the agent I went with was the most enthusiastic.”
Ostrom will be celebrating the launch of her first novel at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 14, at Lift Bridge Bookshop, located at 45 Main St. in Brockport.
Macmillan Publishers gave Ostrom a two-book deal, so she is currently working on a contemporary book with serious subject matter but is set on Lake Ontario. The novel will be coming out next year.
There are only 150 tickets left for Mr. Batavia at Batavia High School tonight.
Tickets can be purchased at the school, located at 260 State St. in the City of Batavia.
Doors open at 6 p.m. for the annual competition of Batavia HS seniors, which helps raise money for local charities.
Press release:
Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer today announced his support for the 2018 “Growing Strong” Plan. The “Growing Strong” plan will help strengthen agribusiness and create new jobs in the agriculture industry by expanding markets, reducing production costs, and investing in the state’s leading industry.
“Family farms are a major contributor to our state and local economies. Implementing these initiatives will help the agriculture industry thrive and expand a workforce of more than 100,000 men and women. This new plan will help make it more affordable for New York’s 35,000 farms,” Ranzenhofer said.
The comprehensive legislative package of initiatives includes:
• Examine burdensome regulations: Direct state regulators to study existing state regulations that are harmful to farming, unnecessarily increase costs, and prevent farm success.
• Repeal the Highway Use Tax for farm-registered trucks, and exempt farmers from any proposal to add new “tolling” to enter New York City, as a way to bring more New York-grown products into the nation’s largest consumer market. New York is one of just four states that still imposes such a tax.
• Help farmers invest in facilities and buy equipment: S7851 provides a tax credit for dairy farmers to encourage investment in facilities and equipment that will allow them to take advantage of a growing demand for “value-added” dairy products, like flavored drinks, yogurts, and other products that can satisfy existing demand.
• Help farmers by giving them access to IDAs: S2388 authorizes industrial development agencies (IDAs) to provide technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers that grow, harvest, or produce agricultural products in this state.
• Create a “Lifeline Dairy Energy Assistance Program” for dairy farmers struggling with a prolonged slump in milk prices, directing $10 million in existing NYSERDA funds to install high-efficiency lighting, pumping and cooling equipment, and to promote investment in energy-producing biomass generators and digesters.
• Expand agricultural P-Tech education programs that help prepare students for increasing technology demands of farming careers, restore funding for Beginning Farmer Grants that was cut from the Executive Budget, and increase support to establish new chapters of school-based Future Farmers of America programs in response to growing interest in agriculture. In addition, the proposal expands opportunities for success in agriculture by creating a specialized education certificate to acknowledge student achievement and training in the field.
• Encouraging more women to pursue farming careers: S7843 authorizes the Department of Agriculture and Markets to conduct a study to identify obstacles and impediments that prevent more women from pursuing agricultural careers. Attracting new farmers to pursue farming careers in New York is critical, and continuing to focus the state’s efforts on encouraging growing sectors of the agricultural economy, like women-owned farm businesses, is a very important step in that direction.
Kyle Carretto, of Corfu, is in the back row, third from the right.
Submitted photo and press release:
A team of Rochester Institute of Technology students, including Kyle Carretto, of Corfu, took second place at the annual Northeast Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition held March 16-18 in New Hampshire.
University at Buffalo took first at the 2018 regional competition. RIT placed second and Northeastern University placed third.
The annual event is part of the nation's largest college-level cyber defense competition, an extracurricular event that helps to train the next generation of cybersecurity experts. The competition gives student teams the opportunity to assume responsibility for the information technology operations of a simulated organization, allowing them to apply cyber defense skills in a real-world scenario.
For the competition, a group of industry professionals from government and companies-called the red team-is assigned to break into computer networks to exploit information from a mock company. Teams of students are "hired" by the company to prevent that information theft from occurring.
In this year's scenario, teams were brought into a fictitious security company called "Wild Eagle" and were expected to secure the network after members of their previous team left the company. Students had the opportunity to test their skills securing and defending widely deployed technologies, including Windows and Linux servers and workstations, next-generation firewalls, and cloud services.
Teams were scored on their ability to detect and respond to outside threats, maintain existing services, respond to business requests such as the addition or removal of services and balance security needs with business needs.
Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 19,000 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.
The university is internationally recognized and ranked for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. RIT also offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Global partnerships include campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo.
Phillips S. Muzzy Jr. is indicted for the crime of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 22 at about 12:45 a.m. that he knowingly unlawfully entered the Pavilion Farms gas station on South Lake Road in Pavilion with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, he is accused of second-degree criminal mischief, also a Class D felony, for allegedly intentionally damaging property belonging to others. Muzzy allegedly damaged a glass door, computerized cash register system and cash drawer, in an amount exceeding $1,500. In count three, the defendant is accused of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly stealing property from Pavilion Farms. In count four, Muzzy is accused of another count of third-degree burglary on the same day. He is accused of knowingly and unlawfully entering another gas station, Crosby's on Telephone Road in Pavilion, with the intent to commit a crime. In count five, he is accused of third-degree criminal mischief, a Class E felony, for allegedly intentionally damaging the property belonging to another. He is accused of damaging a glass door in an amount exceeding $250. In count six, Muzzy is accused of fourth-degree grand larceny, another Class E felony, for allegedly stealing property from Crosby's having a value exceeding $1,000.
Karaya D. Cummings is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 8 in the Town of Le Roy that Cummings knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- heroin -- with the intent to sell it. In count two, she is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a Class E felony, for operating a 2006 Hyundai on Route 490 while her privilege to drive in New York was revoked by authorities. The indictment states the defendant had 10 or more suspensions in effect, imposed on at least 10 different dates, for failure to answer, appear or pay a fine in Monroe County in the City of Rochester from Feb. 4, 2014 through Oct. 23, 2016, and on Christmas Day (Dec. 25) 2013 in the Town of Ogden.
YMCA Summer Camp 2018 -- Registration is underway! Registration now open for YMCA Kinder Camp or traditional Day Camp. Spaces are limited and programs fill up fast. This summer’s dates are from June 25th – Aug. 24th. You can register for a week or as many as you’d like.
Our caring and nurturing staff are carefully selected based on their previous experience and schooling. This ensures that our staff is the perfect fit for making your families summer experience one you will never forget.
YMCA summer camps are certified by the New York State Health Department and we adhere to strict safety regulations. Register for one week or join us for all nine.
The YMCA offers flexible enrollment and payment plans to fit the needs of any family. The Y also provides scholarships to those who qualify which makes YMCA summer camp one of the most affordable options around.
For more information on the YMCA’s summer camp programs or to register, contact the YMCA at 585-344-1664 today.
The youth bureau boards of Genesee County and Batavia held their 22nd Annual Youth Recognition Banquet at Terry Hills on Thursday night.
Arron Brown, top, received the Adult Youth Worker Award. Adult youth volunteers honored were Laura Luft and Stan Kaus. Sixteen students received youth recognition awards.
Information on each winner after the jump.
Photo by Michelle Witherow.
Text from the awards program:
Arron Brown -- Adult Youth Worker Award: Arron is currently a fourth-grade teacher at Pembroke Intermediate School. As a teacher, Arron continues to go above and beyond for his students and families alike. He is always willing to go the extra mile and do whatever he can to help. During Arron’s 12 years at the school, he has served as the SADD Club Advisor where he is constantly helping students make positive decisions and guiding them to help their families make healthy decisions as well.
This December, Arron took on the additional role of Student Council Advisor. As the advisor, he has planned numerous events for the school. He has helped organize multiple food drives to benefit the Buffalo City Mission and the Corfu United Presbyterian Church. Arron has taken students to the City Mission to personally deliver the food and donated items. Arron has reached out to multiple athletes such as Lorenzo Alexander and Preston Brown of the Buffalo
Bills asking them to come in and talk about dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Both players have since sponsored reading contests to motivate students. Arron is also instrumental in planning and executing Pembroke’s Annual “Shooting For A Cure” Pink Game, an event held to support Roswell Park (Comprehensive Cancer Center). He goes above and beyond securing donations from the community. Pembroke is fortunate to have Arron as a teacher and community member.
Stan Kaus -- Adult Youth Volunteer: Stan first became involved with coaching girls fast pitch softball when his daughters were eligible to play. He coached the former Tonawanda Valley Fast Pitch Softball League until his daughters aged out and then turned his attention to umping. But as he umped, Stan grew increasingly discouraged by what he saw happening to the softball program. He decided to do something about that and formed an independent Girls 12 and Under Fast Pitch Softball Team called the Batavia Stingers. He made sure these young ladies had “real” uniforms and a coach that provided a consistent, structured practice schedule while teaching them the fundamentals of the game. Stan is terrific at relating to situations that occur on the field and turning them into valuable lessons for the girls. He will take a loss as an opportunity to explain to the ladies why it is so important to never give up.
When Stan discovered that the other local softball organization in Batavia disbanded, he instantly was on the phone with parents who wanted their daughters to play for the Stingers. He organized a meeting with the parents to discuss what would be needed to expand the league and was critical in forming a nonprofit called the Batavia Girls Fast Pitch Softball, which now has a seven-person board, and successfully fielded a 10-year-old team, two 12-year-olds teams, and a 15-year-old team. In February, Stan was nominated to fill a recently vacated board seat. He is considered to be the founder of the league and it could honestly be said that there would not be fast pitch softball in Batavia today if not for Stan Kaus.
Laura Luft -- Adult Youth Volunteer: Some words that are used to describe Laura are passionate, engaged, involved, selfless, leader, caring, organized, giver, humorous and focused. These words came from several of the MANY people who Laura influences on a daily basis. Laura devotes countless hours to making sure the lives of the young people in Elba and Genesee County are better. Several avenues she uses to do this are through Helping Hands Community as a liaison. Laura serves in the leadership role for the organization at Elba Central School, an organization that collects donations and volunteers to support families in need. She also serves on the Elba Hall of Fame Committee in which she fundraises and hosts an annual dinner to honor past ECS grads as well as setting up scholarships for future grads.
Another big way Laura is involved in the community is through the Elba Volunteer Fire Department. While she doesn't directly fight fires, she plays an integral role in the planning and organizing of fundraisers for the Department. She is also involved in the Elba Onion Queen pageant, which helps supply scholarship opportunities to local girls. This also leads us to talk about her role with the Elba Betterment Committee where she is always there to help organize the Elba “staples” such as the Kiddie Parade and the Annual Pig Roast. Laura continually spreads her sense of love for her community and its residents. She helped organize a mail campaign for her next door neighbor who recently lost her battle with Leukemia. While Laura does not ask for recognition or limelight, her good deeds do not go unnoticed. She is definitely a great role model for her daughter and is hoping to pass on that sense of community to future generations.
Youth Recognition Award Winners
Evan Amberger, 14, Pavilion Central School
Evan has a track record of extraordinary community service. Evan is a member of Boy Scouts of America, where he volunteers at least 10 hours a year. He recently worked with younger scouts showing them how to tie knots, cleaning a cemetery, and visiting a nursing home as well as the Veterans' home. He also volunteers through his church. Evan is an accomplished musician and was asked to perform at his church’s Christmas Eve mass this year. He also volunteers behind the scenes setting up and taking down after events as well as helping with food service. Evan’s service extends to his school as well. He spent two hours digging post holes for the trail of Pavilion’s outdoor classroom. Evan goes above and beyond in all aspects of his life, both personal and academic, and that is why he is being recognized for this extraordinary service to his community.
Nominator: Ann Pursel, School Counselor. Parent(s): Mr. and Mrs. John Amberger
Camryn Arthur, 19, Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School
Camryn is a caring young woman who empathizes with her fellow students. Cam holds several leadership roles, through student government, sports, and Le Roy’s peer mentoring programs. She goes out of her way to make students feel included, valued and accepted. As a senior, Cam has taken it upon herself to seek out younger students who are more timid and take them under her wing. In doing this she has formed amazing friendships with these younger classmen, all the while mentoring them to become leaders in the school once she graduates. Cam is making a lasting impact on these girls’ lives. What freshman wouldn’t want to be befriended by a senior? Cam does not do this for the recognition but instead for the friendship and that is why she is so deserving of this award.
Nominator: Kelly Ronan, School Counselor. Parent(s): Justine & Robert Arthur
Madalynn Augello, 16, Elba Central School
The unique thing about Elba is that the students are together in the same building from pre-K all the way to 12th grade. That being said, Maddie is a student that you will often see volunteering her time with the younger students. Recently she volunteered her time at the elementary skating party and provided child care for parents attending various parent meetings. Maddie has volunteered for two food drives this school year. Elba is a close-knit community and relies on student volunteers for many events. Maddie is not shy about offering her time to outside events. She worked to clean up at the Annual Pig Roast and the lighting of the Christmas Tree. Maddie is academically busy as well, as she is a member of student council and SADD. She is a great role model to her peers and very deserving of this award.
Nominator: Alison Riner, School Counselor. Parent(s): Charles Augello & Tamara La Pierre
Ryan Bowen, 15, Batavia High School
Ryan is eager to help his community. Ryan has been volunteering at the St. Joseph School’s Mammoth Sale for many years. He started when he was very young. He would volunteer with his dad and help move hundreds of boxes and set up the tables. As Ryan has grown so have his responsibilities. He now helps pick up donated furniture, lifting heavy bureaus and dressers for the other volunteers. Ryan spends many hours going through box after box as well as pricing and checking for damage before the sale. This process usually takes up most of Ryan’s Easter vacation, but he does not mind; he is always eager to help wherever he can. This includes cleanup, which is a huge ordeal. The volunteers and parents are very thankful for all of Ryan’s help at this event, saying he is invaluable to this function.
Nominator: Kathy Stefani, Mammoth Sale Chair. Parent(s): John & Wendy Bowen
Lydia Daley, 14, Alexander Central School
Lydia has a diverse history of volunteering already. She stays busy by volunteering her musical abilities at the nursing home, playing the flute and singing for the residents. She also volunteers at her church, helping out with Vacation Bible School and going on a mission’s trip to Tennessee to help parents who couldn’t afford childcare during the summer. Not only does Lydia give of her time, but also she gives her heart. Lydia has befriended a girl from her school who has had a hard time making friends. School can be tough for anyone but for some, it can also be lonely. Lydia noticed a girl sitting alone at lunch and approached her and, out of this act of kindness, she gained an amazing friend. Lydia’s choice to show kindness has inspired others to do the same and that is the sign of a true role model.
Nominator: Ashley Cangialosi, School Counselor. Parent(s): Steve & Julie Dailey
Summer Jeschke-Dean, 16, Alexander Central School
Summer says volunteering has been relatively new to her these past few years. You would not know this if you looked at her community service career. Summer and her mom have organized the VFW’s seasonal parties (Halloween and Christmas) for the past four years. This has meant many late hours of decorating and cleaning up afterward. Summer volunteers in school as well. She joined the SADD and Donate Life Clubs last year and has since been a part of several blood drives and special events like Red Ribbon and Donate Life weeks. This year Summer joined Genesee County Youth Court, which has taught her the power and importance of restorative justice. She is thankful for the opportunities and takes pride in helping her community.
Nominator: Ashley Cangialosi, School Counselor. Parent(s): Cindy Jeschke & Gary Dean
Sheron Perez-Fuentes, 17, Elba Central School
Sheron is a standout student who has found time to volunteer her time in the community even with a host of responsibilities she undertakes at home. Over the past several years, both of Sheron’s parents have undergone several surgeries for medical conditions. Since taking care of them post surgery it has become a goal for Sheron to enter the medical field as a career. Even though she is busy at home and with her academics, Sheron still finds time to give back to her community. She has volunteered to work Open Houses at the school, Darto night through the Parent Teacher Association, as well as volunteering for several food drives at the school. Sheron is a caring, kind, hardworking and responsible young lady who is very deserving of this award tonight.
Nominator: Alison Riner, School Counselor. Parent(s): Edgar & Aminda Fuentes-Perez
Connlan Hotnich, 16, Alexander Central School
Connlan has been an active member of his community in various organizations for a while now. He started volunteering four years ago at his church. Connlan is part of the tech team, meaning he is in charge of changing the lyrics on the projector, helping with the band and the lights. He also helps out with the youth group and has been a leader for the middle school group for two years now. Connlan had the opportunity to be a junior counselor for his church’s youth retreat this winter. Connlan is also active in his school assisting with the PTA’s production of "Sherlock Holmes." He was a junior director for the younger actors. He is also an active member of the Boy Scouts of America and is considered a Senior Patrol Leader.
Nominator: Ashley Cangialosi, School Counselor. Parent(s): Julie & EJ Nichols, Sean Hotnich
Camden King, 13, St. Joseph School
Camden has already been making extraordinary contributions to his community at such a young age. Camden plays his part by volunteering at various functions throughout the year. He has been an altar server for St. Joe’s and Resurrection Parish for the past five years. He always arrives early on weekends to assist Father Ivan or the Deacons during Mass. Every year, Camden not only assists with the St. Joe’s Penny Carnival but also spends time setting up and cleaning up after the event. Camden completes all his tasks with a smile on his face. These are just some of the things that make him an extraordinary young man.
Nominator: Alicia Palmer, Teacher. Parent(s): Stephanie & Edward King
Nathan Knickerbocker, 18, Byron-Bergen High School
Nathan has been a member of Youth Court since 2016 after attendinging an intense nine-week training and passing a bar exam. The Youth Court Coordinator is impressed with Nathan’s ability to always show up on time or even early to every case he is able to attend. He is one of the only members that can take on any role in the courtroom, including Chief Judge. All of the Youth Court members look up to Nathan in the courtroom. This year he went to Albany on behalf of the County Youth Bureau to advocate for funding. While in Albany, Nathan was looked at as a leader not only within the small group he attended with but by the 150 youth who were at the conference. Nathan is truly a well respected Youth Court member and a great asset to the Youth Bureau system.
Nominator: Chelsea Elliott, Youth Court Coordinator. Parent(s): Stefanie & Kevin Knickerbocker
Jillian Menzie, 15, Byron-Bergen High School
Jillian is being honored with this year’s award due to her dedication to the Arc of Genesee Orleans County Bowl-A-Thon. Jillian and her sister have been involved in the Bowl-A-Thon since they were young. It has been a family affair as their grandmother was one of the original organizers of this event. This year with Jillian’s help the Bowl-A-Thon raised more than $3,400. Over the past three years, Jillian has helped raise $8,716 for the Arc. Besides her volunteering, Jillian is a model student. She is involved in Girl Scouts, Young Life, and the Bergen Explorers.
Nominator: Patrick McGee, High School Principal. Parent(s): Tammy & Gerry Menzie
Julia Menzie,17, Byron-Bergen High School
Julia is being honored with this year’s award due to her dedication to the Arc of Genesee Orleans County Bowl-A-Thon. Julia and her sister have been involved in the Bowl-A-Thon since they were young. It has been a family affair as their grandmother was one of the original organizers of this event. This year with Julia’s help, the Bowl-A- Thon raised over $3,400. Over the past three years, Julia has helped raise $8,716 for the Arc. Besides her volunteering, Julia is a model student. She also plays soccer and golf. Julia also participates in horseback riding and is involved in the Bergen Explorers Program.
Nominator: Patrick McGee, High School Principal. Parent(s): Tammy & Gerry Menzie
Benjamin Slenker, 18, Alexander Central School
Benjamin is very involved in his school and community. His first experience with community service began when he participated in the pit band for the Drama Club. After giving his time, Benjamin discovered he wanted to do more, so for the next three years he continued to volunteer in various capacities with the Alexander Drama Club. Through Drama Club, he met friends who would inspire him to look for other opportunities in the community to reach out. It was there that he found bell ringing. He and a group of friends decided they would go to several locations and bell ring for the Salvation Army. They even took that up a notch by greeting shoppers with instrumentals and song. The opportunity Benjamin has enjoyed the most, is his involvement with the Big Buddy Program with the elementary school. He enjoys hanging out with the young students several days per week acting as a role model to them as they come up through his school and community.
Nominator: Ashley Cangialosi, School Counselor. Parent(s): John & Jennifer Slenker
Justina Pruski, 17, Oakfield Alabama High School
Justina is being honored for her dedication and service to her church. Justina is enthusiastic, dependable, knowledgeable, and is a great role model for the children with whom she works. The Parish community has been enriched by the efforts of Justina each week as she volunteers to assist with the Faith Formation classes. She has always been a very active young person at the parish, participating in many events and activities including choir. She’s the first one to step forward when the need arises for an extra set of hands. Justina is also a member of Genesee County Youth Court and can be counted on to fill many roles within the courtroom.
Nominator: Rev. Thaddeus Bocianowski, Parish Priest. Parent(s): Daniel & Anna Pruski
Eric Stroud, 17, Alexander Central School
Eric uses his time in and out of school to help his community at large. Eric is a great swimmer who uses his personal motivation to do well and to inspire others in the pool. Eric has always strived to succeed whether it be academically or athletically. Eric had a realization this year that it wasn’t so much about his success as it was about helping others be successful. With that attitude, he now spends his time helping the modified swim team. You can also find him in the booth announcing the meets. Outside of school, Eric is very involved with his church. He spends his Sundays preparing food and drinks for after service, saying this service makes him humble, thankful and compassionate.
Nominator: Ashley Cangialosi, School Counselor. Parent(s): Matthew & Joelle Stroud
Isabella Riner, 15, Elba Central School
Isabella challenges herself both academically and socially. While taking accelerated classes in school, Isabella is also involved in many extracurricular activities and programs such as National Honor Society, Mock Trial Team, Student Council, varsity soccer, basketball, and tennis team. Even with all these activities going on, Isabella is often one of the first to sign up when a new volunteering opportunity becomes available whether she is providing school tours to ECS alumni, helping with alumni annual dinners, assisting with the JV Girls’ Basketball Team or supervising elementary students during both National Walk to School Day and Santa’s Secret Shop. Isabella is an intelligent young woman who serves both her school and community faithfully and is very deserving of the recognition she is receiving tonight.
Nominator: Lauren Kent, Teacher/NHS Advisor. Parent(s): Michael & Alison Riner
Batavia resident Richard Beatty kicked off his new show, "Geezer Radio," on GCC's college station, WGCC, with guest Bill Kauffman, who helped select the music for the evening, digging deep into the station's archives to pull out little-known treasures from the '50s, '60s and '70s.
Geezer Radio airs Thursday nights from 8 to 10.
Previously: Batavia retiree and student team up for new weekly 'Geezer Radio' show airing on WGCC
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