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Milestones include engagement, wedding and birth announcements as well as job promotions, military service and similar personal accomplishments of you and your family that you wish to share with the community.

Alexander HS Class of 1955 celebrated 64th reunion at Terry Hills

By Billie Owens

Photo and information submitted by Paul Judkins, of Bonita Springs, Fla., formerly from Alexander.

The Alexander Central School Class of 1955 celebrated its 64th reunion on Aug. 7th, in a luncheon held at the Terry Hills restaurant in Batavia.

In attendance were nine of the known 18 surviving members of the class, along with three spouses of deceased members of the class. These were Wayne Keller, husband of the late Sharon Werner Keller; Marcia Brown, wife of the late Harold Brown; and Peggy Kelsey, wife of the late Bob Kelsey.

Pictured, in front: Carol Hirsch Janes, Annette Roth Lund, Joanne Gerould Hyde and Joyce Pestlin Sciarrino. Back row: Jerry George, Carl (Golanski) Gerard, Dean Wright and Paul Judkins. Attended reunion but not pictured: Bernice Greiner Wight.

UMMC League is celebrating its 50th anniversary

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The United Memorial Medical Center League is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The organization was founded by local volunteers in 1969 who wanted to give back to the community by raising money and collecting resources to support United Memorial Medical Center. Through these efforts, they have made our community a healthier and better place to live.

Recent UMMC League initiatives include the purchase of water bottles, through the continued dues support of League members, for patients at the Lipson Cancer Center at UMMC.

In the above photo with the water bottles are, from left: Laura Phillips, Patient Access specialist at Lipson Cancer Center; Elaine Dorris, volunteer at Lipson Cancer Center; Mary Smith, UMMC League co-president; and Pam Whitcombe, UMMC League Board member.

Another initiative is the Women’s Health Fund, which the League established 15 years ago to provide nursing education books to the Maternity Department at UMMC. These books are distributed to all new moms.

In the photo below are supporters of the Women's Health Fund, from left: Mary Smith, UMMC League co-president; Pam Whitcombe, UMMC League Board member; Olivia Barren, Nurse Manager on Maternity; and Barb Hale, UMMC League Board member.

Happy 100th birthday on Aug. 10, 2019 to former Pavilion resident Neva Hettrick

By Billie Owens

Neva Hettrick (née Harmer), formerly of Pavilion, will be turning 100 on Aug. 10, 2019.

She now resides at the Morgan Estates in Geneseo.

They will be having a birthday celebration for her on Friday, Aug. 9.

Her niece, Carol Hettrick Elliott, visited her recently and said she does not recognize a lot of people anymore, nor is she aware of much of what goes on around her, but her family is proud of her reaching the year of her centennial.

Neva was born in Batavia to Frank and Bertha Williams Harmer. Her family lived in Byron before moving to Pavilion in the 1930s.

She graduated from the Pavilion Central School in 1937.

James Hettrick caught her eye and they were married in 1940. They traveled all over the country during World War ll because James was stationed at various Army bases as a meat inspector.

Neva was well known in Pavilion because she worked in the U.S. Post Office for many years. At the same time, James was the superintendent of the Highway Department, so everyone knew him, too.

They didn't  have any children but they had many friends and were well respected in the community.

Throughout her life, she loved to read and grow flowers and she crocheted many beautiful items.

Neva has been widowed for about 18 years. However, even though it has been hard for her, she has persevered and now she has reached this important milestone.

Former BCSD superintendent Chris Dailey honored with Apple Award

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The BCSD Foundation lnc.'s Board of Directors is pleased to announce Chris Dailey as a recent recipient of the BCSD Foundation Apple Award. He was nominated by Stephen Ognibene in June.

Ognibene nominated Dailey and presented him with a Foundation Apple for many reasons. First he would like to "thank Mr. Dailey for his 11 years contributing to much success in our school district." He is a leader to his staff, students, and parents who have connected with him. He has fulfilled his motto "Take Care of BCSD" in so many ways.

Dailey has been engaged in every way with our students and family members. He attended many sporting, events, Mr. Batavia, music concerts, and his worked helped achieve the number one workplace for our district. He was a Blue Zoo participant and a Blue Devil at heart. Our community is truly thankful for the years of commitment to BCSD.

About the BCSD Foundation Apple award

It is given by a member of the school and/or local community to a Batavia City School District employee or volunteer. In the opinion of those giving the honor of this distinction, the awardee has gone above and beyond in their role and is being recognized by one or more people for these accomplishments.

Local artist, Mark Jensen, will be making each individual resin apple -- none will be exactly the same. If you are interested in giving a Foundation Apple award, please submit your nomination form and $75 (payable to the BCSD Foundation Inc., 260 State St., Batavia NY 14020, att: Allison Chua). Nomination forms may be found on our webpage (at www.bataviacsd.org under Quick Links).

Community members with questions are asked to email us at foundation@bataviacsd.org.

Photo: Nominator Stephen Ognibene and awardee -- former BCSD Superintendent Chris Dailey, now superintendent of Gates Chili Central School District in Monroe County.

GC Deputy Fire Coordinator obtains Remote Pilot Certification for drone program

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Technology tools have become a mainstay of emergency services and law enforcement activities. Capitalizing on new technology, the Genesee County Emergency Management Office in partnership with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office has initiated an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) drone program. 

A requirement of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), drone pilots must be licensed as a remote pilot under the Small Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Part 107 Rule.

Congratulations to Deputy Fire Coordinator Daniel Coffey on obtaining his Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

Among the topic areas tested, DFC Coffey was required to show proficiency in applicable regulations relating to UAS aircraft system rating privileges, limitations, and flight operation; aviation weather sources and effects on UAS aircraft; and emergency procedures, radio communications, maintenance and preflight inspection procedures.

Once operational, the county drone program will enhance the fire/ ems and law enforcement  recon, search & rescue, monitoring and photo capabilities to name a few of the many benefits of this program ; as it simplifies and expedites tasks, ensuring accurate data and in many cases increases overall safety.

Three GC men promoted in NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

  • Peter Saxman, from Corfu, and assigned to the 222nd Military Police Company received a promotion to the rank of Private First Class.
  • Zachary Cratsley, from Byron, and assigned to the Company A, 2-108th Infantry received a promotion to the rank of Specialist.
  • Travis Lambert, from Byron, and assigned to the Headquarters Service Company, 642nd Support Battalion received a promotion to the rank of Private.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com

The New York National Guard (New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs) is the state's executive agency responsible to the Governor for managing New York's Military Forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard.

Batavia's Jeff Redband of Daemen College named to National Association of Basketball Coaches Honors Court

By Billie Owens
AMHERST  -- Daemen College men's basketball student-athletes Jeff Redband (Batavia) and Andrew Sischo (Guilderland) have been named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Honors Court, recognizing their academic achievements during the 2018-19 academic year. It marks the seventh straight year that Daemen has had at least one NABC Honors Court selection. 

Both Redband and Sischo met the high standard of academic criteria to be considered fo the NABC Honors Court which is awarded to junior and senior (academic) varsity players who hold a cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 or higher. Honorees must have also matriculated at least one year at their current institution, and be a member of an NCAA Division I, II or III, or NAIA Division I or II program whose head coach is a member of the NABC. Redband collects the honor for the second straight year. He will return for his final season of eligibility in 2019-20 after graduating in May with a degree in Business Administration. Sischo, who has two years of remaining eligibility, is on track to graduate next May with a degree in Sport Management. 

"We are very happy for Jeff and Andrew. They continue to make Daemen proud," said Daemen Head Coach Mike MacDonald. "Not only have they proven to be all-stars on the court, but they are superstars in the classroom, too. They are both tremendous examples of what a Daemen student-athlete should be."

On the court, both Redband and Sischo played vital roles in Daemen's most successful season since gaining full NCAA Division II membership status prior to the 2015-16 academic year. Redband averaged career-highs of 13.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, and finished third among the East Coast Conference leaders with 79 three-point field goals en route to earning second-team All-ECC honors. The 6-foot-9 Sischo was dominant in the paint, finishing second in the league in scoring (20.9 ppg) and rebounding (10.1 rpg). He was named the ECC Player of the Year, the Division II Conference Commissioner's Association (D2CCA) East Region Player of the Year and a second-team All-American. Together, the duo led Daemen to a 24-6 record, the ECC regular season championship and the program's first-ever NCAA tournament berth. 

Previous NABC Honors Court selections from Daemen include Giambattista Davis (2018), Alex Borges (2016, 2017), Arif Mehmetaj (2015), Aaron Davis (2013, 2014) and Troy Nowak (2013, 2014). 

Daemen College features the only NCAA Division II athletics program in the Buffalo-Niagara region, sponsoring 17 intercollegiate teams.

 

GC Treasurer Scott German took continuing education courses in Nevada to stay on the cutting edge

By Billie Owens

Scott D. German, treasurer of Genesee County, recently attended the annual meeting of the National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers and Finance Officers (NACCTFO) in Clark County, Nev., on July 10th and 11th.

The meeting includes continuing education courses in policy and management offered by the Graduate Program in Public Administration at Wayne State University.

“County collectors, treasurers, and finance officers must constantly upgrade practices in their offices in order to best serve the needs of the public,” said Kyu-Nahm Jun, director of the Public Administration at Wayne State.

“The certification program provides the opportunity to learn from nationally recognized faculty, and to share information with colleagues from across the nation. This prepares them to serve the public more effectively.”

Session topics included talent retention, revenue recovery, and trends in county government organization. Participants also engaged in an information sharing session where they shared best practices with their peers.

“By participating in the program, German reflected his desire to keep his county on the cutting edge of public service,” Jun said.

Visit http://clas.wayne.edu/mpa for more information on Wayne State’s Graduate Program in Public Administration.

Pavilion's Lydia Milligan, a student-athlete at Elmira College, named to President's List

By Billie Owens

The Empire 8 Conference honored 77 Elmira College student-athletes, including Lydia Milligan (Women's Volleyball), of Pavilion, on its President's List, which recognizes student-athletes who earned a grade-point average of 3.75 or higher during the spring term.

In addition, a total of 11 EC teams were named to the E8 All-Academic Team for possessing a GPA of 3.20 and higher.

"Our student-athletes continue to achieve at very high levels in the classroom. I am so proud of their accomplishments," said E8 Commissioner Chuck Mitrano. "The commitment to academic excellence from our member institutions is unmatched and these numbers prove it."

Recipients of the President's List distinction must be enrolled full-time at their respective institution and carry a minimum GPA of 3.75 while participating in a conference-sponsored sport and displaying positive conduct on-and-off campus. As the Empire 8 states, "Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the Empire 8."

In total, 750 student-athletes from across the Empire 8 Conference earned a spot on the President's List, while a total of 116 teams were named to the E8 All-Academic Team.

Of the nine institutions in the E8, seven placed 10 or more teams on the E8 All-Academic Team. Among EC's 11 All-Academic Team recipients, women's volleyball and field hockey shared the honor of having the highest GPA among the Soaring Eagles, as both finished the spring term with a 3.59. Women's basketball and women's tennis were not far behind with GPAs of 3.54 and 3.52, respectively. Also qualifying for the award were men's ice hockey, men's tennis, women's cross country, women's lacrosse, softball, women's soccer and women's ice hockey.

Additionally, each Empire 8-affiliated institution sported a healthy 3.00 GPA and six of the nine finished the spring term with a 3.20 GPA or better. As a department, Elmira finished with an impressive 3.21 GPA.

Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering 30-plus majors, an honors program, 17 academic societies, and 20 Division III varsity teams. Located in the Southern Finger Lakes Region of New York, Elmira's undergraduate and graduate student population hails from more than 20 states and nine countries. Elmira is a Phi Beta Kappa College and has been ranked a top college, nationally, for student internships. The College is also home to the Center for Mark Twain Studies, one of four historically significant Twain heritage sites in the U.S., which attracts Twain scholars and educators from around the world for research on the famous literary icon. Proud of its history and tradition, the College is committed to the ideals of community service, and intellectual and individual growth.

Batavia's Benjamin Martis named to dean's list at Oglethorpe University

By Billie Owens

Oglethorpe University has announced its Spring 2019 dean's list, honoring those scholars who achieved at least a 3.50 term grade-point average while earning 12 or more semester hours. Among them is the following local student:

  • Benjamin Martis -- a senior, Theatre major, from Batavia.

About Oglethorpe University

Founded in 1835, Oglethorpe University is Atlanta's only co-educational small private college, home to 1250 eclectic and engaged students from 33 states and 31 countries.

Renowned for its groundbreaking Core program, Oglethorpe's academically rigorous programs emphasize intellectual curiosity, individual attention, close collaboration among faculty and students, and active learning in relevant field experiences. Oglethorpe joins theory and practice in its A_LAB (Atlanta Laboratory for Learning), an incubator for experiential learning via internships, study abroad, civic engagement, and undergraduate research.

Under the leadership of President Lawrence Schall since 2005, Oglethorpe has entered an unprecedented era of innovation and growth, evidenced by increased enrollment and philanthropic giving, and new strategic entrepreneurial partnerships. Since 2013, Oglethorpe has seen the addition of an award-winning campus center; a residential complex with six state-of-the-art classrooms; and the expansion of arts and athletics facilities. Oglethorpe's partnership venture with LeadAbroad has expanded its global footprint with the development of five global campuses in Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Cape Town -- South Africa, and Greece. 

In 2019, Oglethorpe opened the I.W. "Ike" Cousins Center for Science and Innovation and will launch the Q. William Hammack, Jr. School of Business.

Oglethorpe is home to the Conant Performing Arts Center, Oglethorpe University Museum of Art, and the Piedmont School of Atlanta. The Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels compete in the NCAA Division III Southern Athletic Association. 

Website: oglethorpe.edu

Bergen's Sean Donovan earns bachelor's degree in Music Composition

By Billie Owens

BEREA, OHIO -- Sean Donovan, of Bergen, a graduate of Byron-Bergen High School, graduated from Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio, with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Composition.

Baldwin Wallace University recognized the achievements of 739 graduate and undergraduate students at BW's 169th Commencement ceremony in May.

Before taking a triumphant walk across the stage to receive congratulations, members of the BW Class of 2019 were inspired by commencement speaker Akram Boutros, M.D., FACHE, president and CEO of The MetroHealth System. Dr. Boutros focused his address on "Choices" that can make all the difference in life.

He encouraged the graduates to choose to "stop listening to the voice that says you're not good enough" and to "stand up to those doubts."

Baldwin Wallace University, founded in 1845, was one of the first colleges to admit students without regard to race or gender. An independent, coeducational university of 4,000 students, BW offers coursework in the liberal arts tradition in more than 80 academic areas.

Located in Berea, 12 miles from downtown Cleveland, BW offers students the cultural, educational and business advantages of a major metropolitan area.

Two GCC students awarded scholarships from GC Interagency Council

By Billie Owens

Pictured from left are members of the scholarship committee and the 2019 recipients: Karen Hall, Hannah Kujawski, Peg Patterson-Case, Melissa Vinyard, Chelsea Elliott, Todd Rapp, Amy Swanson, Kari Heidemann and Melinda Rodriguez.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Genesee County Interagency Council awarded two $1,000 scholarships at their annual picnic last month at the DeWitt Recreation Area.

This year’s recipients are Melinda Rogriguez and Melissa Vinyard.

Special Thanks to the Red Osier Landmark Restaurant in Stafford for catering such a wonderful meal for our council, scholarship recipients and their guests.

The goal of the scholarship is to support students who have a strong drive to contribute to the field of Human Services. The Council was seeking applicants who were pursing their education in a Human Services major.

The mission of the Genesee County Interagency Council is to create fellowship and understanding among community human services agencies. The council helps to identify community issues and encourages development of resolutions.

The Council is happy to have been able to award such deserving candidates and wishes them nothing but success for their future!

About the Scholarship Winners

  • Melinda Rodriguez, of Bergen, is a mom of five kids, a full-time student at Genesee Community College and a dean's list honoree. Her goals are to earn a degree in Social Work with a focus in the medical field. We look forward to seeing her develop her skills in the Human Services fields and joining our council in the future as a colleague.
  • Melissa Vinyard, of Batavia, is a second semester student at Genesee Community College majoring in Human Services with a focus on alcohol and substance abuse. Her goals are to help those in sobriety find support by being a counselor. We look forward to her joining the Interagency council some day at a colleague.

Highlights of CTE awards ceremony for new grads

By Billie Owens

Above, Shelby Ulm (right), Cosmetology student from Attica CSD, accepts the AM Student of the Year Award from Catherine Bennett, assistant principal at the Batavia CTE Center.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center celebrated the achievements of its seniors at an awards program last month at Le Roy High School.

The scholarship and award winners, their programs and home schools are noted below.

  • Student of the Year (a.m.), Shelby Ulm, Attica CSD, Cosmetology;
  • Student of the Year (p.m.), Taylor Tyczka, Attica CSD, Information Technology Academy;
  • Blakeslee Memorial Award, Karl Steffenilla, Pavilion CSD, Building Trades;
  • Donald Abramo Jr. Memorial Award, Steven Keicher, Attica CSD; Anthony McMaster, Batavia CSD, both Metal Trades students;
  • Gene Haas Foundation Scholarship: James Roggow, Byron-Bergen CSD; Evan Bartz, Batavia CSD; Arden Schadt, Attica CSD; Noah Stachowiak, Attica CSD; Anthony McMaster, Batavia CSD; all Metal Trades students;
  • AutoDesk Master Manufacturing Scholarship: Benjamin Bailey, Pembroke CSD, Metal Trades;
  • James P. Donnelly Memorial Award: Garret George, Attica CSD; Lucas Stucchio, Byron-Bergen CSD, both Building Trades students;
  • Paul Levins Memorial Award: Zachary Heaton, Attica CSD, Building Trades;
  • Batavia Rod & Gun Club Memorial Scholarship: Eric Lewis, Pavilion CSD, Building Trades;
  • Roy H. Turnbull Memorial Scholarship Award: Joshua Kelsey, Alexander CSD, Building Trades;
  • Ignatius J. Radesi Memorial Award: Tyler Totten, Notre Dame Batavia, Building Trades;
  • Pullinzi Family Scholarship: Jonathan Bigsby, Alexander CSD, Building Trades;
  • Building Trades Alumni Award: Nicholas Bonamici, Attica CSD, Building Trades;
  • Jason H. Rowcliffe Memorial Scholarship: Melissa Volutra, Oakfield-Alabama CSD, Culinary Arts;
  • Chef Russell Bugbee Memorial Award: Jason Lowe, Alexander CSD, Culinary Arts;
  • Red Osier Scholarship: Jason Lowe, Alexander CSD, Culinary Arts;
  • Josh Mouery Memorial Award, Jason Lowe, Alexander CSD, Culinary Arts;
  • C. Thomas Olivo Award - ACTEA: Taylor Tyczka, Attica CSD, Information Technology Academy;
  • Batavia Rotary Club Memorial Fund Scholarship: Tyler Kirst, Pembroke CSD, Health Dimensions;
  • Kiwanis Citizenship Scholarship: Emily Boldt, Pavilion CSD, Justice Academy;
  • Adams’ Welding & Fabrication Scholarship: Ayden Odachowski, Batavia CS, Metal Trades;
  • Dr. Charles Holowach Memorial Scholarship: Taylor Schofield, Pavilion CSD, Health Careers Academy; Madison Dedman, Batavia CSD, Health Careers Academy; Taylor Tyczka, Attica CSD, Information Technology Academy.

Above, Taylor Tyczka (right) an Information Technology Academy student from Attica CSD, accepts the $2,000 Charles Holowach Scholarship from Julie Donlon, assistant superintendent for the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership.  

About the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center

It is a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York state.

Two Le Roy students named to spring dean's list at SUNY Oswego

By Billie Owens

OSWEGO -- Students earning a grade point average of 3.3 to 3.79 appear on SUNY Oswego's spring 2019 dean's list, include two from Genesee County:

  • Holden T. Borrelli, of Craigie Street in Le Roy, a senior majoring in Finance;
  • Cameron Slaven, of Warsaw Road in Le Roy, a senior majoring in Broadcasting and Mass Communication.

Admission to SUNY Oswego is competitive. U.S. News Media Group counts SUNY Oswego among the top public regional universities in the North for 2019, and the Princeton Review includes Oswego in its 2019 college guidebook "The Best Northeastern Colleges" and in its national list of "Green Colleges."

A 158-year-old comprehensive college in the State University of New York system, Oswego enrolls about 8,000 students in its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Communication, Media and the Arts; and School of Education.

Visit oswego.edu for more information.

Corfu's Catherine McMullen named to spring President's List at SUNY Oswego

By Billie Owens

OSWEGO -- Catherine McMullen, of Corfu, a senior majoring in Creative Writing, has been named to the President's List for the spring 2019 semester at SUNY Oswego.

McMullen was among SUNY Oswego students who achieved a grade point average of 3.80 and above on the 4.00 scale. Those achieving a GPA of 3.30 to 3.79 earned dean's list recognition.

Admission to SUNY Oswego is competitive. U.S. News Media Group counts SUNY Oswego among the top public regional universities in the North for 2019, and the Princeton Review includes Oswego in its 2019 college guidebook "The Best Northeastern Colleges" and in its national list of "Green Colleges."

A 158-year-old comprehensive college in the State University of New York system, Oswego enrolls about 8,000 students in its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Communication, Media and the Arts; and School of Education.

Visit oswego.edu for more information.

Three local students named to spring dean's list at St. Lawrence University

By Billie Owens

The following students have been selected for inclusion on the dean's list for academic achievement during the Spring 2019 semester at St. Lawrence University.

  • Quinn D. Audsley, of Corfu. Audsley is a member of the Class of 2020 and is majoring in Sociology. Audsley attended Pembroke Central School.
  • Margaret M. Graney, of Stafford. Graney is a member of the Class of 2022. Graney attended Byron-Bergen High School.
  • John W. Sutherland, of Batavia. Sutherland is a member of the Class of 2020 and is majoring in Mathematics. Sutherland attended Notre Dame High School.

To be eligible for the dean's list, a student must have completed at least four courses and have an academic average of 3.6 based on a 4.0 scale for the semester.

About St. Lawrence University

Founded in 1856, St. Lawrence University is a private, independent liberal arts institution of about 2,500 students located in Canton. The educational opportunities at St. Lawrence inspire students and prepare them to be critical and creative thinkers, to find a compass for their lives and careers, and to pursue knowledge and understanding for the benefit of themselves, humanity and the planet. Through its focus on active engagement with ideas in and beyond the classroom, a St. Lawrence education leads students to make connections that transform lives and communities, from the local to the global. Visit www.stlawu.edu.

Le Roy grad Farryn Kennedy is 50th recipient of Gary Scott Scholarship, in honor of fallen Vietnam War soldier

By Billie Owens

LE ROY -- The Gary Scott Scholarship has been awarded for 50 years in memory of alumnus Gary Scott, Class of 1963, at Le Roy High School. Lt. Scott was killed in 1968 while serving in Vietnam.

Scott’s friends and fellow classmates from Syracuse University, established the scholarship to recognize a Le Roy student who embodies the traits of Gary Scott: being able to overcome hardships, show leadership and encourage community participation.

This year, the $8,000 scholarship was awarded to new graduate Farryn Kennedy, whose grade-point average is 94.8 and who is preparing to major in Engineering at Clarkson University in the fall.

Kennedy was selected because of her dedication to the Knights Tech Desk, which helps students and community members navigate technology.

As part of the Emerging Knights Leadership Team, she created a student recognition program, which selects monthly winners of the Knowledgeable Knights award. 

Above is a photo of Scott’s friends who created the scholarship and manage donations, his family members with the winner.

Anyone interested in donating to the scholarship fund to assure its continuance can send contributions to: Gary Scott Scholarship Fund, ℅ Le Roy High School, 9300 South Street Road, Le Roy, NY 14482.

GC Sheriff's Civil Office and county 9-1-1 center earn hard-to-get re-accreditation from Sheriffs' group

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. and his staff were honored last Wednesday at a meeting of the Genesee County Legislature for having achieved re-accreditation of the Sheriff’s Civil Office and the County 9-1-1 Emergency Services Dispatch Center from the New York State Sheriffs’ Association.  

Peter Kehoe, executive director of the association, pointed out that only 25 of the state’s 62 counties have been able to achieve accreditation of their civil office, and only 15 counties maintain an accredited communications center.

“To earn accreditation,” Kehoe said, “the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office had to demonstrate that it adheres to a strict set of standards and best practices established by experts in the fields of both civil process and emergency communications.”

The Sheriff’s Office has also received accreditation of the Sheriff’s Road Patrol from the New York State Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Council.

“Each of these accreditations, standing alone, is a significant achievement, and taken together, they clearly demonstrate the commitment of the Sheriff and his staff to excellence in their profession,” Kehoe said.

“You have an outstanding Sheriff and Sheriff’s Office, which are very well respected locally, but also throughout the state. The citizens of Genesee County, and this Genesee County Legislature, should be very proud of their Sheriff’s Office.”

Sheriff Sheron thanked his deputies and staff for all their hard work for the citizens of the Genesee County, and for their efforts in achieving accreditation.

Special recognition was given to Deborah Shea, principal financial clerk in the Sheriff’s Civil Office, and to Robert Tripp, senior emergency services dispatcher, for their work in guiding the re-accreditation effort in their respective divisions.

Sheriff Sheron also acknowledged County Legislator Gary Maha, former Genesee County Sheriff, for his efforts in starting the original accreditation programs during his tenure as Sheriff.

Sheriff Sheron and his staff have worked diligently to continue meeting the accreditation standards, as they are periodically updated, in order to earn the reaccreditation which was awarded at the meeting Wednesday.

Accreditation is for a five-year period and may be renewed indefinitely, as long as the agency continues to meet the established standards.

The New York State Sheriffs’ Association, headquartered in Albany, is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1934, which assists the sheriffs of New York to effectively and efficiently deliver services to the public. Sheriff Sheron serves as a Trustee and member of the Association’s Executive Committee.

Top photo: 9-1-1 Emergency Services Dispatch Center (from left): Executive Director Peter Kehoe; NYS Sheriffs' Association Director of Emergency Communications Steven C. Sharpe; Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp; Assistant Director of Emergency Communications Frank A. Riccobono; GC Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr.

Above photo -- Civil Division (from left): Executive Director Peter Kehoe; NYS Sheriffs' Association Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello; Principal Financial Clerk Deborah A. Shea; Financial/Records Clerk Tracy L. Ranney; and GC Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr.

East Bethany's Beth Britton reenlists in NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

LATHAM -- Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General, announces the recent reenlistment of members of the State National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Sergeant Beth Britton from East Bethany reenlisted to continue service with the Company C, 1-171st Aviation Regiment.

"It's great to see soldiers staying in the Army and continuing to serve their State and Nation in the New York Army National Guard," Shields said. "The most important Army asset we have is the individual soldier. The dedication, skills, and leadership traits they bring to our community and their employers are invaluable.

"By choosing to stay in the Army National Guard they directly contribute to our nation's security and to the governor's ability to respond to disasters, all while building a bright future for their family through the Guard's retirement, education, and health insurance programs."

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.

The New York National Guard (New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs) is the state's executive agency responsible to the Governor for managing New York's Military Forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard.

Seven local students named to Spring dean's list at Buffalo State College

By Billie Owens

BUFFALO -- Buffalo State College is pleased to recognize the following students who have been named to the Spring 2019 dean's list:

Kaylee Cassidy, of Batavia (14020)

Hannah Dunlap, of Batavia (14020)

Holly Grayson, of Oakfield (14125)

Brendon Kendall, of South Byron (14557)

Dylah Pantlin, of Batavia (14020)

Miranda Schiller, of Alexander (14005)

Matthew Stroka, of Corfu (14036)

In general, students who have completed at least 12 credit hours and who have attained a GPA of 3.5 or higher qualify for the Buffalo State dean's list.

Full criteria and grade-type exceptions can be found in the undergraduate catalog.

Buffalo State is a State University of New York (SUNY) college located in Buffalo. The college offers 79 undergraduate majors as well as many minors and certificate programs. Every year, thousands of students benefit from Buffalo State's community engagement, hands-on learning opportunities, and affordable SUNY tuition. Buffalo State also offers more than 60 graduate programs.

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