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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.

Sen. Gillibrand nominates young man from Darien Center as candidate for Air Force Academy

By Billie Owens

Press release:

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today announced her nominations for candidates from the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region to two of the nation’s leading service institutions: the United States Naval and Air Force academies.

This year, Senator Gillibrand nominated five candidates from the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region to the service academies.

Only one candidate nominee is from Genesee County: Edward Foeller (Darien Center) – U.S. Air Force Academy.

“I am honored to nominate such dedicated and talented students to our nation’s service academies," Senator Gillibrand said. "They have demonstrated exemplary leadership abilities and an outstanding academic record, as well as a passion to serve our nation.

“Our service academies cultivate top-tier officers who bravely protect our nation, and I look forward to these nominees’ successes as they further their education and continue their commitment to our country in the armed forces.”

A selection committee formed by Senator Gillibrand chose the nominees from a large group of qualified applicants. Decisions were based on criteria including academic record, leadership potential, and overall achievement. Final acceptance is determined solely by the service academies.

The United States service academies offer a first-class education as well as a chance for young people to serve our country upon graduation as commissioned officers in the United States Armed Services.

Lily Hamill of Batavia named to President's List at SUNY Potsdam

By Billie Owens

Lily Hamill, of Batavia, NY was recently named to the President's List at The State University of New York at Potsdam.

Hamill, whose major is Literature/Writing, was among 945 SUNY Potsdam students who were honored for academic excellence in the Fall 2018 semester. College President Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg recognized the students for earning top marks.

To achieve the honor of being on the President's List, each student must have satisfactorily completed 12 numerically-graded semester hours, with a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 3,600 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit http://www.potsdam.edu.

Six Genesee County students named to Fall 2018 dean's list at Nazareth College

By Billie Owens

ROCHESTER -- Nazareth College students named to the Fall 2018 dean's list are as follows:

  • Kimberly Davis, of Pavilion
  • Danielle Foeller, of Bergen 
  • Bailey Groth, of East Pembroke 
  • Chelsea Jensen, of Batavia
  • Jessica Meyers, of East Bethany 
  • Lauren Reding, of Oakfield 

Nazareth College's academic strengths cross an unusually broad spectrum of 60 majors, including education, health and human services, management, the fine arts, music, theater, math and science, foreign languages, and the liberal arts.

The coeducational, religiously independent, classic campus in a charming suburb of Rochester challenges and supports 2,000 undergrads and 800 graduate students. Nazareth is recognized nationally for its Fulbright global student scholars and commitment to civic engagement. Rigorous programs, an uncommon core, experiential learning, career skills, and a global focus prepare graduates for not just one job, but for their life's work.

Batavia's Margaret Cecere inducted into National Society of Leadership and Success at Kutztown University

By Billie Owens

Margaret Cecere, of Batavia, has been inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) at Kutztown University as part of the December 2018 class.

The NSLS is the nation's largest leadership honor society. Students are selected by their college for membership based on either academic standing or leadership potential. Candidacy is a nationally recognized achievement of honorable distinction. With 662 chapters, the NSLS currently has 956,712 members nationwide. 

In addition to honorable distinction, the NSLS provides a step-by-step program for members to build their leadership skills through participation at their campus or online. Upon completion of the program, members receive their leadership certificate and take their place among the top student leaders at their campus and across the country. Members are able to list their affiliation on all statements of personal accomplishment, including their resume. 

Membership is for life and provides access to benefits including scholarships and awards, exclusive on-campus events, employer recruitment through an online job bank, and discounts on computers, textbooks, grad school prep courses, insurance and much more.

To be inducted at KU, students must attend an orientation, a three-hour leadership training seminar, three success networking team meetings and three speaker broadcasts featuring leading figures delivering success-related messages to members.

About Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 

Founded in 1866, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is a proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education located on 289 acres nestled in the beautiful East Penn Valley in Berks County, between Reading and Allentown, Pa. KU is just two hours from New York City; 90 minutes from Philadelphia. 

As the region's center for excellence in academics, culture and public engagement, KU's programs and reputation for quality offer students the opportunity to discover lifelong avenues of learning and discovery. KU students select from more than 100 areas of study within four colleges in a diverse liberal arts academic environment. To complement their studies, KU's NCAA Division II athletics program with 21 varsity sports joins the more than 160 student clubs and organizations providing students with a variety of activities for learning and discovery. 

Nondiscrimination Statement

Kutztown University does not discriminate in employment or educational opportunities on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status.

For more information, please visit us at www.kutztown.edu.

Bergen and Stafford students earn scholarships at Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio

By Billie Owens

Students from our area were among more than 600 students who earned endowed scholarships at Baldwin Wallace University this fall. BW has a long history of endowed scholarship support from alumni, faculty, trustees and friends.

More than 400 named scholarships provide in excess of $3 million to help students attend, persist and graduate from BW. Endowed scholarships vary in their requirements with many specifying financial need, a course of study, involvement on campus or a commitment to excellence in a particular field.

BW grants a wide range of scholarships to current students each year. Including endowed, merit and need-based scholarships, BW students received over $48 million in financial support from the University for the 2018-2019 academic year. The following local students earned endowed scholarships:

Sean Donovan, of Bergen, a graduate of Byron-Bergen High School majoring in music composition, earned the William F. Grady Scholarship.

Fiona O'Connor, of Stafford, a graduate of Le Roy Central School majoring in criminal justice and political science, earned the Dr. Lucille Mercer Scholarship.

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, Ohio, BW offers students the cultural, educational and business advantages of a major metropolitan area.

Sarah Rynkowski from Alexander completes Army basic combat training in NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General of New York, announces the recent service accomplishment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their initial commitment to serve community, state and nation.

The newest Citizen Soldiers to complete Army basic combat training and advanced individual training were welcomed to their units during a New York Army National Guard battle handoff ceremony Sept. 8.

Pfc. Sarah Rynkowski from Alexander was formally welcomed into the Headquarters and Services Company, 642nd Support Battalion during a transition ceremony at the Patriot Way Armory in Rochester.

The ceremony marks their completion of the National Guard Recruit Sustainment Program, a preparatory training program that provides new recruits with training, lessons and skills to excel at their initial military training.

The Soldiers will now embark on their traditional National Guard service to state and nation as part-time Citizen Soldiers.

"For these new Soldiers, being welcomed to their unit after basic training and advanced individual training is exhilarating and a proud day for them and their families. They received their unit's distinctive shoulder patch, which officially makes them part of their new team," Shields said. "I congratulate these Soldiers on this tremendous individual achievement and wish them the best as they integrate into their new unit and learn the teamwork and leadership skills necessary for success."

"Every Soldier or Airman across our great State makes a difference every day they serve, whether helping their community at home or serving our nation overseas. We welcome these newest Citizen Soldiers and Airmen as part of our Guard family," he said.

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.

SUNY Buffalo welcomes Class of 2022, four are from Genesee County

By Billie Owens

Buffalo State is pleased to welcome the Class of 2022 to campus. The new Bengals started class on Aug. 27.

  • Brooke Ziminski, of Batavia
  • Brendon Kendall, of South Byron
  • Riley Sadler, of Byron
  • Grace Krizen, of Batavia

Buffalo State is a State University of New York (SUNY) college located in Buffalo.

The college offers more than 160 undergraduate programs,including business administration, education, forensic chemistry, psychology, and television and film arts. 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.

Batavia surgeon Matthew Landfried to be honored next month by The Jerome Foundation

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The Jerome Foundation is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 36th Annual Health and Humanitarian Award is Dr. Matthew Landfried, who will be recognized at a luncheon next month at Terry Hills Restaurant.

The award is presented by the Foundation to recognize volunteer men and women of Genesee County who have helped promote the emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of the area’s residents. Nominees reflect “ordinary people who reach far beyond themselves to the lives of those in need bringing hope, care, and friendship and helping build a stronger, healthier community."

Dr. Landfried is currently the medical director of Surgical Services and chairman of the Department of Surgery at UMMC, as well as serving on multiple committees at UMMC and its partner Rochester Regional Health. He is an adjunct professor at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and D’Youville College and mentors Physician Assistant students, medical students and residents.

Professionally, Dr. Landfried is well respected in his field and has been published in multiple medical journals. Among other professional honors, Dr. Landfried has been named a “Top Doctor” by U.S. News & World Report.

As a member of the Trauma and Critical Care response team of National Disaster Medical System of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, he has volunteered in Haiti, Texas, and other disaster sites supporting the critical medical needs of the communities struck by disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. He assisted at an orphanage in Haiti and remains in contact with them and provides financial help as well.

Dr. Landfried is the medical lead for several area sports programs including Batavia and Notre Dame high schools, as well as assisting with various sports medicine needs at Genesee Community College. You see him on the sidelines at many youth sporting events where he donates his time and often medical assistance outside the office to student athletes in need.

He and his wife Kerry have opened their home to many Muckdog baseball players as well as exchange students.

Batavia has its own version of the Blindside movie, played by Dr. Matt Landfried and his wife. They brought into their home a high school football player who experienced a very troubled homelife. With the Landfried’s caring support and encouragement, the young man graduated from Batavia High School and completed a successful undergraduate and graduate college program and is now an educational professional in Boston.

His compassion is demonstrated in a variety of ways that are often outside of medical care. He has gone to nursing homes or made a home visit to talk with family members about a loved one’s condition or to assist in special treatment. There was a time when a patient with multiple complications needed to be transferred to a Rochester hospital. Because of the complexity of the case, there were many instructions that had to be relayed and special care provided during the transfer. In order to make sure things were done appropriately, Dr. Landfried rode in the ambulance to assure the proper care was provided and treatment would be continued suitably.

Throughout their 28 years in our community, Dr. and Mrs. Landfried have financially supported too many causes to mention. Our community is infinitely enriched by the presence of Dr. Matthew Landfried and The Jerome Foundation is pleased to honor him with the 2018 Health and Humanitarian Award.

Dr. Landfried will be honored by The Jerome Foundation at a luncheon on Friday, Nov. 30, at noon at Terry Hills Restaurant.

The cost of the event is $20 a person and is open to the public.

Reservations are now being accepted by:

  • Mailing a check to The Jerome Foundation, P.O. Box 249, Batavia, NY 14021
  • Or by emailing thejeromefoundation@gmail.com
  • Or online at www.thejeromefoundation.org

For questions or reservations, please call Chris Fix at 585-356-3419.

Lydia Milligan of Pavilion inducted into Phi Eta Sigma honor society at Elmira College

By Billie Owens

Lydia Milligan, of Pavilion, was one of 49 students inducted into Phi Eta Sigma, the International Honor Society rewarding first-collegiate-year scholarship, during a ceremony held Family Weekend in Peterson Chapel.

In addition to the 49 students, Joel Stoker, professor of Religious Studies, was inducted as an honorary member. Professor Stoker was selected because the membership found him to exemplify the qualities of Phi Eta Sigma through his commitment to continually pursuing intellectual growth and encouraging his students to do the same. 

Phi Eta Sigma, the oldest and largest first-year honor society, was founded in 1923 at the University of Illinois with the goal of encouraging and rewarding academic excellence among full-time, first-year students in institutions of higher learning.

The Society has established chapters in over 350 institutions of higher learning in the United States. Elmira College is the 289th chapter, established in 1990.

The three Greek letters, Phi, Eta, and Sigma, represent the basis of the organization's membership, in that they mean literally "lovers of wisdom."

About Elmira College

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 United States, 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.

Bob Boyce enjoyed being honored Saturday night as 2018's LeRoyan of the Year

By Billie Owens
Press release and file photo.
 
Surrounded by many family members, business associates and friends, Robert L. "Bob" Boyce and his family enjoyed a very rewarding and entertaining Saturday evening at the American Legion Post home in Le Roy.
 
The event, the 50th Annual presentation of the “LeRoyan of the Year” Award, recognized Bob’s many years of community service and dedication.
 
There were testimonials and acknowledgement by longtime associates, board members from both Genesee Community College and United Memorial Medical Center, including a brief visit by longtime friend and acquaintance, Senator Michael Ranzenhofer.
 
The evening featured a fine meal, followed by a program which included proclamations and citations from various state, county and well as local officials and organizations. 
 
The culmination of the program included the “Citizenship Award Medal” and a plaque from the American Legion Americanism Award.
 
For previous coverage about Boyce being named LeRoyan of the Year, click here.

Troop #42222 of Elba completes fairgrounds' horse barn project to earn prestigious Cadette Silver Award

By Billie Owens

Elba Girl Scout Troop #42222 members are pictured above from left: Alexandra Belluscio, Lindsay Augello, Laci Sewar and Dakota Brinkman.

Submitted photos and press release:

Elba Girl Scout Troop #42222 is proud to announce the completion on Sept. 30 of the requirements for their Cadette Silver Award.

Their project focused on making multiple improvements to the horse barn at the Genesee County Fairgrounds. The horse barn is used by various horse programs throughout the community during the year.

Just a few of the areas the Troop focused on were various structural improvements made to the west entrance way and gate of the barn.

This consisted of: the replacement of the damaged primary entrance way walls; hand digging 4-foot deep holes to replace support beams for the entrance walls; adding a weed barrier prior to placing fresh mulch; installing a wheel on the gate; and organizing the tool supply storage area after making the necessary wall repairs to improve its usability.

The girls spent numerous hours painting donated wood, walls and doors as well as obtaining several supply donations (rakes, shovels, water buckets, etc.) for shared use by those using the horse barn.

The Troop would like to thank the many donors and volunteers who helped to make this project a successful one. The girls will now bridge from a Cadette to a Senior level Girl Scout and can begin thinking about their Gold Award Project!

Quinn Audsley of Corfu named to dean's list at St. Lawrence University

By Billie Owens

Quinn D. Audsley, of Corfu, has been selected for inclusion on St. Lawrence University's dean's list for academic achievement during the Spring 2018 semester.

Audsley is a member of the Class of 2020 and is majoring in Sociology. Audsley attended Pembroke Central 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, New York. 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.

Thursday is Patti Pacino's night to shine in Buffalo when the Girls Scouts of WNY honor her

By Billie Owens

In July we announced that Patti Pacino was named one of eight women to be honored Sept. 20 by the Girl Scouts of Western New York.

Today, the organization provided more information about her many deeds which garnered the distinction for which she will be feted Thursday in Buffalo.

Press release:

Girl Scouts of Western New York will recognize eight honorees at the 2018 Women of Distinction Dinner & Awards Ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 20, at 5:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Buffalo.

One of the eight distinguished 2018 Women of Distinction is PattiAnn ("Patti") Pacino, of Genesee County. Pacino has served as Second Ward Councilwoman for the City of Batavia since 2010. Prior to that she served as alumni coordinator for Genesee Community College and Career Center Coordinator for Batavia High School.

While on city council, she has served as liaison to and board member of Batavia Business Improvement District (BID), co-chair Committee Volunteer Selection Committee, and Memorial Day Parade Committee.

She is also chair of membership for Zonta Club of Batavia-Genesee, as well as past president. She serves a Genesee-Orleans Counties Arts Council Board member. She is a member of Kiwanis Club of Batavia and also served as a past president. She served as a member of the Alumni Committee, Design Teams for Education Day & Arts, Diversity Day, and Golf-Bocce Tournament Committee for the Leadership Genesee Class of 2002.

She was a member of Girl Scouts of Genesee Valley Inc. as a member of the Alumni Committee, past manager of the Big Bend Service Unit, a troop leader, Older Girl Consultant, Outdoor Consultant, Council Trainer, and Delegate to the Genesee Valley Council.

She received a BA in English from SUNY Potsdam. She also holds certificates in Montessori teaching and American Red Cross First Aid.

She has received awards and honors for City of Batavia Genesee County Youth Bureau’s Youth Worker Award 2001, Kent State University Career Counselor of the Year Award 2001; Batavia High School Outstanding Worker 2003; Zonta Club Woman of the Year 2004; Geneseean of the Year 2004; Kiwanian of the Year 2007; Leadership Genesee Outstanding Alumnus of the Year 2008; Chairman and Hostess of Genesee Community College Scholarship Fundraiser, Encore! 2017; and Zontian of the Year 2017.

She is married to James Pacino and lives in Batavia.

The honorees were nominated by members of the community because of their demonstrated leadership in their careers and in their communities through public service. These women are considered role models for all girls, and in accepting this award, they commit to mentoring the young women involved with the Women of Distinction event.

This program is part of the nationwide Girl Scouts of the USA program and is designed to recognize the achievements of women, provide mentoring opportunities for older Girl Scouts and fund local Girl Scout educational opportunities and programs for girls 5 to 17 years of age. 

About Girl Scouts of Western New York

Girl Scouts of Western New York (GSWNY) serves nearly 15,000 girls and 7,000 adult volunteers across the GSWNY jurisdiction, including Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties. The council’s administrative service centers are located in Batavia (on Jackson Street), Buffalo, Jamestown, Lockport, Niagara Falls and Rochester.

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, girls discover their personal best and prepare for a positive future, connect with others in an increasingly diverse world and take action to solve problems and improve their communities.

(Inset file photo from 2009.)

Christopher Niepsuj of East Bethany awarded gold stars for spring 2018 academic achievements at The Citadel

By Billie Owens

Christopher Niepsuj, of East Bethany, was awarded gold stars by The Citadel for achieving a 3.7 grade-point average or higher during the 2018 spring semester. Cadets and students who achieve gold star recognition are also placed on The Citadel's dean's list.

About The Citadel

The Citadel, with its iconic campus located in Charleston, S.C., offers a classic military college education profoundly focused on leadership excellence and academic distinction. Graduates are not required to serve in the military but about one-third of each class commission as officers in every branch of U.S. military service. Graduates of The Citadel have served the nation, their states and their communities as principled leaders since the college was founded in 1842.

The Citadel Graduate College offers 26 graduate degree programs with 42 concentration options, 25 graduate certificate programs and 10 evening undergraduate programs, through an all-evening schedule with many courses now available online. The Citadel was named Best Public College in the South by U.S. News & World Report for seven consecutive years, and #1 Best Public College for Veterans in the South as well as Best Value out of all South Carolina colleges and universities by Forbes.

Stafford's Fiona O'Connor named to dean's list at Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio

By Billie Owens

Fiona O'Connor, of Stafford, a graduate of Le Roy Central School majoring in Criminal Justice and Political Science, has been named to the dean's list for the spring 2018 semester at Baldwin Wallace University.

Students who receive at least a 3.6 GPA for seven or more graded hours in a single semester are named to the dean's list.

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.

City earns Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for fourth consecutive year

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia is proud to announce that the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) announced that the City of Batavia has received the GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget presentation for the fourth consecutive year.

The award represents a significant achievement by the City. It reflects the commitment of the City Council and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the City had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation.

These guidelines are designed to assess how well the City’s budget serves as:

  • A policy document

  • A financial plan

  • An operations guide

  • A communications device

Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories, and the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.

There are more than 1,600 participants in the Budget Awards Program. The most recent Budget Award recipients, along with their corresponding budget documents, are posted quarterly on GFOA’s website. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments through North America.

The Government Finance Officers Association is a major professional association servicing the needs of more than 19,000 appointed and elected local, state, and provincial-level government officials and other finance practitioners. It provides top quality publications, training programs, services, and products designed to enhance the skills and performance of those responsible for government finance policy and management.

The association is headquartered in Chicago, with offices in Washington, D.C. The GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting.

Independent Living employee in Batavia gets statewide recognition for service

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), and our colleagues in our sister agencies in the Western New York Independent Living Family of Agencies (WNYIL), offer our warmest congratulations to ILGR Independent Living specialist in Batavia David Dodge, as his service to citizens with disabilities across the Empire State was recognized last month.

Sheila J. Poole, the commissioner of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) issued a Citation to Dodge, recognizing his "Outstanding Service to the Statewide Rehabilitation Council (SRC) of the New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB)."

In addition to his ongoing contributions as "a loyal and dedicated member" of the SRC, the document particularly lauds Dodge, (who is, himself, legally blind), for his work: on NYSCB's Assistive Technology Task Force (ATTF); advising the Commission on the development and reinvestment in seven Assistive Technology Centers in all regions of the State; helping to advance the personal development of children with visual impairments through use of appropriate technology; and working to improve AT services, generally.

It goes on to single out his ability to function as a guest speaker with little notice.

Dodge has also been scheduled in advance for some venues, such as: sharing the podium with ILGR Director Rae Frank for "Diversity in Disability sharing Universal Design Principles with the Community" at the New York Association for Independent Living (NYAIL)'s 2017 Statewide Conference and Expo, "Purpose. Progress. Power." in Troy; and presenting alongside Esther Greenhouse of Cornell University at Access to Independence of Cortland County Inc.'s June Workshop "Universal Design Strategies: Developing Environments for the Lifespan!"

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Le Roy HS Alumni Committee honors its busy, fact-filled town Historian Lynne Belluscio

By Billie Owens

Town of Le Roy Historian Lynne Belluscio holds the Certificate of Appreciation she received from Joe Riggi at the Le Roy High School Alumni Banquet on July 13.

Submitted photo and press release from Pat Iamon:

On July 13, during the Le Roy High School Alumni Banquet at Sacred Heart hall in Batavia, Joe Riggi presented Lynne Belluscio, Town of Le Roy historian, with a framed certificate thanking her for her dedicated service to Le Roy.

The annual alumni banquet is for Le Roy High School students who graduated 50 or more years ago.

Busy as she always is, Lynne rushed in, bounced around the room chatting with many of her fellow LeRoyans; many that she called by name. At the start of the festivities Riggi introduced Lynne who gave an interesting talk about Le Roy’s Jell-O history. She shared many facts about the invention of Jell-O, the Woodward family, the Jello-O plant, marketing stories of the product and also about the artifacts at the Jell-O Museum she manages.

Lynne asked for a raise of hands from those in attendance whose family members worked at the North Street Jello-O plant. It quickly appeared that about 15-20 percent in attendance had mothers, fathers, aunts or uncles who worked at the plant. Marie, Rose and Joe Riggi, all present and members of the Alumni Committee have a long history with Jell-O. The Riggi’s mother and father relocated to Delaware when General Foods moved the plant to Dover. Once in Delaware their other siblings, Frances and Sam not only found work at the plant but also met their spouses there.

Following her talk Lynne could not stay for the meal and said her goodbyes while inviting everyone to come to the Jell-O Museum over Oatka Festival weekend. As she was ready to turn and leave Riggi stopped her to recognize her with the committee’s award of appreciation. 

This year there were members from the Class of 1944 through the Class of 1967. During the program Riggi showed many old photos of Le Roy as well as photos of the classes in attendance taken from old yearbooks. If anyone wants information on attending future banquets or becoming a member of the committee, please give Rose Scott a call at 585-768-7534.

Knowing that Lynne would be honored, Pat Iamon tried to quickly get some information about our keeper of Le Roy’s information. She spewed out her story as Iamon scribbled notes down. Lynne is a wealth of dates and details. Her memory is outstanding. As the town historian for the past five years it is hard to believe she’s dedicated herself to a town that’s not her home town. Lynne’s only been here since 1969 when she and her husband built their family home on North Road.

Lynne and her husband, Bob, are both from Rochester. Lynne attended Monroe High School then graduated from SUNY Oswego and worked as an Industrial Arts teacher at the Number 2 and 7 schools in Rochester. Bob attended West High School and graduated from RIT, he worked for Kodak. They have two children: Mark born in 1971 and Laura in 1972.

When they decided to build a home, they chose Le Roy. Lynne stayed home for a period of time before accepting a position heading up the special events at the Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford. During her years there she initiated many of their established yearly events such as the Agricultural Fair. She also established a baseball team known as the “Slab City Sluggers” who played ball around the community for several years.

Lynne had been a member of the Le Roy Historical Society since 1971. She became the director in 1988 and in1989 she initiated the column that appears in the Le Roy Pennysaver & News every week. Lynne estimates that she has written more than 1,000 of these lengthy fact-filled articles.

Once she became our town’s historian she has headed up many initiatives. She led the crusade to beautifully restore our little Statue of Liberty on the banks of the Oatka Creek. Last year she established a marker to commemorate the first Le Roy woman to vote. On April 2, 1982 she cast her historic vote. The marker stands in front of Le Roy’s Municipal Building.

Besides her continuing work in educating us, upgrading and increasing the collections and improving the appeal of the Le Roy House and Jell-O Museum, Lynne has more projects in the works. She is planning a new World War I memorial for Trigon Park and also has some plans for the historic steam shovel located on Gulf Road.

Lynne who is more than dedicated to Le Roy’s history is constantly digging up facts and happy to teach us all about this delightful little town. At the end of her talk, Lynne expressed her desire to become an honorary member of the Class of 1962. Any class would welcome her!

Fifteen volunteer fire students complete Apparatus Operator - Pump program

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Fifteen students successfully completed the Apparatus Operator – Pump program on June 23. It was held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center.

Building on the knowledge and skills obtained through the Basic Exterior Firefighter Operations (BEFO) program, the 24 hour Apparatus Operator – Pump course offers fire service personnel the knowledge and skills essential to pump operations.

These include: hydraulics and friction loss, pump control and accessories, fire streams, pumper practices, pumping from draft and pump evolutions and using the fire pump at the fire hydrant.

Participants included: 

Alabama

  • Ryan M. Thompson

Alexander

  • Anthony R. Johnston
  • Jennifer R. Merle

Elba

  • Nicholas Guarino
  • Timothy J. Hoffarth
  • Michael J. Pfendler
  • Oliver R. Shuknecht

Oakfield

  • Joshua M. Finn
  • Jeffery W. McIntire

Pavilion

  • Nicholas P. Saravullo
  • Sean Vogt Jr.

South Byron

  • Nicole M. Boldt
  • Mathew T. Dougherty
  • Vito J. Muoio

Indian Falls

  • Colby Sanner

Total of 18 fire service volunteers complete entry-level Basic Exterior Operations training

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

A 2018 Tri-County BEFO program, sponsored by Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties concluded on Friday, July 13. Eighteen students completed the 79-hour program from 13 departments across the region.

The Basic Exterior Firefighter Operations (BEFO) program is an entry-level program for the volunteer fire service designed to prepare students to respond to emergencies as exterior firefighters.

Students are instructed in fire extinguishers, building construction, forcible entry, ladder deployment, incident command, drafting operations and hazardous materials operations level. In addition, students are trained in ropes and knots, and first aid/CPR.

A Basic Exterior Firefighter Operations (BEFO) program, sponsored by Genesee County, is scheduled to begin in August. Anyone interested is encouraged to contact your community volunteer fire department or the Genesee County Fire Training Center (585-344-0078).

Participants last Friday included: 

Alabama

  • Rebekah J. Allen

Alexander

  • Daniel Harris

Attica

  • Kaylee Sumeriski

Town of Batavia

  • Bryan Moscicki  
  • Ian Sanfratello
  • Tyler Stewart

Bennington

  • Jordon McKinsey
  • Grace Schmidt

Bergen

  • Tina M. Carson          
  • Harrison T. Dodson

Byron

  • Paige E. Johnston

Carlton

  • Matthew Edick

Castle

  • Zachary Dake

Corfu

  • Justin Rodland

East Avon

  • Jefferson Moon

North Java

  • Taylor Guizzotti
  • Tyler Shaver

Strykerville

  • Matthew Solly

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