Genesee Community College (GCC) is excited to announce the launch of its newest program, the Cybersecurity, Systems and Networking Associate in Applied Science Degree, commencing this fall. This innovative program is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for careers in network administration, systems administration and cybersecurity analysis.
In today's digital landscape, Network Administrators, Systems Administrators, and Cybersecurity Analysts play a crucial role in ensuring the secure operation of organizations' computer systems and networks. They are responsible for installing, configuring, and troubleshooting various information technology systems, including networks, cybersecurity measures, communication systems, and operating systems such as Microsoft Windows and Linux.
What sets GCC apart is our commitment to providing hands-on experience through practical labs and technical electives. Students will not only learn theoretical concepts but also apply them in real-world scenarios, gaining proficiency in assembling, testing, and troubleshooting computer systems.
The Cybersecurity, Systems and Networking curriculum at GCC covers a comprehensive range of topics, including cybersecurity, networking, desktop support, server administration, and information technology systems. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving technology industry.
"At GCC, students have the opportunity to pursue IT degrees and certifications in areas such as networks, cybersecurity, communication systems and operating systems," said James M. Bucki, Sr., director of Information Technology Programs at GCC. "Our program prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in cybersecurity analysis, network administration and system support."
GCC's Cybersecurity, Systems and Networking program can optionally be completed 100 percent online. All cybersecurity courses are offered via HyFlex providing flexibility for students to balance their studies with other commitments. Whether you're starting your career in IT or looking to advance your existing skills, the Cybersecruity Systems and Networking Degree offers the perfect opportunity to pursue your passion for technology. Learn more by visiting: https://www.genesee.edu/academics/programs/cybersecurity-systems-and-networking/
For more information contact Vice President, Admissions, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
Six Flags Darien Lake, the Thrill Capital of New York, will celebrate Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks show on July 4. Dazzling Patriotic fireworks set to Patriotic music will light up the night sky at 9:45 p.m. after our Laser Light Spectacular show.
Guests can experience heart-pounding coasters and exciting attractions along with our Laser Light Spectacular show running each night July 3 - 7. The Theme Park is open 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Hurricane Harbor is open 11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Six Flags Darien Lake’s 2024 summer events include:
Laser Light Night Time Spectacular, guests can enjoy our Laser Light Spectacular show on select nights, in Darien Square from 9:15 - 9:45 p.m.
July 4 Fireworks Celebration, Celebrate the holiday with coaster thrills, delicious, sweet chills, and exciting firework illuminations at night from 9:45 – 10:10 p.m.
NEW FOR 2024, Bews & Bites, Saturdays, and Sundays July 6 through July 21, this family friendly festival features a selection of seasonal craft beers, delicious cuisine from all over the world, live music, dancing, and a selection of local craft artisans.
Six Flags Darien Lake now operates daily through August 5. Single day tickets are now available to purchase online for as low as $29.99. For more information on these offers, visit www.sixflags.com.
Nikki Lane knows exactly where she wants her music to be – right between rock ‘n’ roll and country.
And that’s exactly where it winds up on “Denim & Diamonds,” the album she released last September, and in her, at times, raucous shows.
“That’s the spot for me throughout my career,” she said in a recent phone interview. “I’ve finally gotten there on this record. I listened to rock ‘n’ roll. When I talk, it sounds country. I tell stories in my songs, so that’s it (country) too. But I want to have an edge to it.”
Told that when she’s hitting the sweet spot between rock ‘n’ roll and country, she’s in the same place as Elvis Presley, when he tore up the South with his mid ‘50s rockabilly, Lane was flattered by the comparison.
“I don’t deserve it, but to hear my name in any sentence that has Elvis in it is an honor,” she said. “That’s kind of like Homme.”
Homme would be Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, who produced “Denim & Diamonds,” Lane’s fourth album. So how did she get Homme, who collaborated with Iggy Pop a few years back, to work on her record?
“My previous manager had the idea, he was kind of a music fan first…I was kind of like ‘Bulls***t’ If you think you can get that guy on the phone, fine,’” Lane said. “I felt really lucky to get him during a time when we had so much time off and so little time. I got to have an edgier push to my music.”
That desire to be edgier emerged months before she teamed up with Homme.
After recovering from a too-long stint on the road that was ended by COVID-19, the “Highway Queen” (“After touring so long, I realized that wasn’t just my most popular sign, it was me.’) Lane started writing new songs, among them, the pulsing, hook-filled, Stones-riff driven, Springsteen name-dropping rocker “First High.”
But she said Homme inspired her to take closer to the rock n’ roll edge.
“You’ve just got to lean into it more and more,” Lane said. “That’s fun to be able to find inspiration in someone’s art as a muse for the new project. It was really fun to work with a bunch of artists I didn’t know – ‘will they like me? I like me.’ I’ve been really lucky with my producers Dan (Auerbach), Dave Cobb and Josh, they pick the right people and the key is to go for it.”
Many of the “Denim & Diamonds” songs rock even harder live than they do on record – songs, like the country-tinged “Born Tough,” the Stones-ish “Black Widow” and the swaggering title cut, an “I can by my own damn denim and diamonds” song of independence.
But there’s some quieter, more country-ish material, like the gently rocking, inspirational “Try a Little Harder” and “Good Enough,” a sweet song based on her grandparents’ lifelong relationship – “I decided I should write at least two love songs in my career,” she quipped.
That song is, obviously, taken from Lane’s life. So are many of the rest of her compositions, even though they don’t immediately sound autobiographical.
“The thing I’ve seen is a lot of songs start from my standpoint, then shift to the people who are going through it, what they’re doing,” Lane said. “It’s like the movie ‘Big Fish,’ which is one of my favorites, telling a big story through real stuff.
“In my family that’s kind of what our life has been, a little over the top,” she said. “Nikki Lane is the character that came from being a real girl who couldn’t control all these little things but found a way through. I use it to my advantage.”
Lane’s been called the Queen of Outlaw Country and is an annual hit at the Americana Music Awards and Festival. But, she says she only uses the words, “outlaw” and “Americana” to help people get a bead on where her music is coming from.
“My dad’s friends listen to the radio,” she said. “They haven’t even made it to Sirius XM…When I go to Montana and the fishing guides are listening to Cody Jinks and (Chris) Stapleton, which they’ve heard on the radio, it gives you a bridge to them, that I’m similar. What I know is I’m not pop country. Outlaw or Americana helps tell people that.”
Lane was in the middle of a few days off at her Nashville home, resting up and trying to get over the allergies that hit her in the previous few weeks – “If we were out, I’d have had to cancel the show tonight,’ she said during the interview. “My voice is shot.”
Then she was to head off on a tour that will take her through the end of the year.
As she often does, Lane was planning to drive herself, separate from her band, so she can roll into a city and “buy up all your antiques.” And, she said, the band likes it because “it’s the first time we’ve been to sound check on time in years, which is probably true.”
Some of those purchases will end up in High Class Hillbilly, the Nashville shop she’s run for a decade that handles vintage clothing and Americana, including items she’s picked up on tour.
Lane has kept HCH going, even though she’s spending less and less time in Music City.
“I really like being able to put my heart into something good,” she said. “I know the store’s good. The music career, I felt a lot of uncertainty. I kept the store just in case. Now I keep it just because.”
Other purchases can end up on stage as Lane dresses in eye-catching vintage outfits during her shows.
“I got to do some modeling early on because I’m tall and I try to find things that look cool,” she said. “It’s fun to play dress up. Now it’s part of Nikki Lane, I lean into it and into the character.”
Nikki Lane will be performing at Darien Lake Amphitheater on Thursday, July 11.
Aaron Ettestad, production assistant; Mike Bouquard, sound; and Any Morin, cinematographer work on the set of "Kitty" at John Kennedy Intermediate School in Batavia during filming. Photo by Howard Owens.
While James DiLullo is a proud Batavia native who just brought in a cast and crew from Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Bergen, Waterloo, and yes, his own hometown, to film “Kitty,” the short work he scripted and produced at John Kennedy Intermediate School, he likes to tout the idea of regional versus local.
After all, he introduced all of those out-of-town visitors to a taste of this area, literally, through the food and beverage businesses that treated them aesthetically, as they commuted from their residences and experienced the scenery, Thruway system and landmarks in and around the city of Batavia.
“We were showing a lot of these regional people what Batavia is, and, you know, many of them don't see it from off the Thruway. They only know the Thruway exit. So it was cool to show local families Batavia is more,” DiLullo said Monday from his family farm in Cattaraugus. “I would like to thank the teacher whose room we used and district leadership and facilities director Chad Bliss and Jason Smith for allowing this to occur.”
The city school district, parks and police department, and GO Art!, which awarded him a $5,000 grant, Batavia Players and Pat Burk were all on board with the project and helped make it a smooth effort, he said.
It was two days of filming at the Vine Street school, with a cast of 19 children from Rochester, Bergen, Waterloo and Batavia, and the lead feline character, Bunny Pitbull Buzzkill, who has experienced her “first and last acting performance,” he said.
Not that production was in any way negative, he said. In fact, he was quite pleased with excellent performances by a primarily youth cast. It went “better than planned,” he said.
“Beyond better. It blew my mind what what we did this weekend, it was just, it's really accomplished all my goals. As stated in the previous article, we got a lot of positivity and a lot of inspiration. We had a special set visitor one day — both of our lead little girls in the film play hockey; they're both 8-year-old hockey players. So I had Mr. Gerry Meehan visit the set … he's a business associate of mine, so I had him visit the set and provide some inspiration beyond film for those children. So that was excellent. It was excellent to be able to include a local legend in the filming process. He's not part of the crew or anything, he was just a visitor, we called him to set a little perk for our girls because they were hockey girls so it made sense.”
He wanted to treat the two young actors who are involved in hockey to a surprise, so Meehan, the first captain for the Buffalo Sabres and former general manager, stopped by for a surprise visit.
DiLullo made the six-and-a-half-minute film and invested the grant money here in Genesee County. Meant to pique the curiosity and imagination of an audience, this short film is based on DiLullo’s childhood experiences with pets and how perceptions may differ from those of adults. Putting the four-legged star into action had its trials, he said.
“It was a challenge. Dealing with animal talent is never easy,” he said.
Part of his goal was to focus on the regional aspect of the project — working locally here and putting Batavia in the center “geographically as well as economically,” he said. While stationed in Batavia, he also brought in talent from other areas in Western New York. He went through a Rochester casting agency and struck gold for finding what he needed.
“It’s local and exposing local, but the talent is regional,” he said. “The region has the primary talent. And it was excellent. I couldn't have asked for a better performance.”
After relaxing with family for the Fourth of July weekend, he will head back to his home in Los Angeles and work on post-production — audio, music, post-sound, color correction, and making important connections.
“It’s locating an executive producer that can help expose the film to more people, so all the post production has to occur,” he said. “And we're hoping to do that very quickly in order to have a finished product by the beginning of September so that we can start to send that out to various film festivals and get some attention on the project and the wonderful creatives and technicians who executed it from Western New York.”
He’s grateful for the support of four businesses, Cinquino’s Pizza, The Yngodess Shop, Pub Hub Coffee Shop and Everybody Eats, he said.
In turn, he likes to reciprocate when possible by doing business here, purchasing local goods and services, and even treating the crew to some local fun when it’s available. Once filming was wrapped up, several of the Kitty crew attended Barracuda at Batavia Downs, DiLullo said.
While it may seem like an aside, he sees it as an extension of what he’s always trying to do: strengthening the local economy by bringing in outside dollars. He did just that by treating his crew to a concert at Batavia Downs.
“It was the best way to end a hectic shooting schedule; it was just to relax and slam some blues with 4,000 boomers. And just have fun. That was a great show,” he said. “So shout out to Batavia Downs for their concert series and bringing the quality acts that are relatable to many generations, right?
“Several of us, including producers, attended the Heart show, and it was excellent. We had a blast. So there’s a lot going on in Batavia. There’s a lot happening; it’s just harnessing that and then bringing the dollars from outside in,” he said. “That’s my goal, bringing the dollars, show the world it can be done here and it can be done efficiently and economically.”
The film is dedicated to the memory of Florence Lullo, a longtime supporter of baseball in Batavia and DiLullo’s grandmother.
Producer and Director James DiLullo. Photo by Howard Owens.
Local organizations are increasingly relying on social media to announce their events and other important announcements without putting out a press release.
Please be advised that the City of Batavia Water Department will be repairing a water main on Center Street on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.
The water will be turned off from Main Street to School Street. The length of time the water will be off is unknown. Traffic will be closed in the area of Center Street from School Street to Main Street while the repairs are being made.
As always, when the water is restored, it may be discolored. Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.
We apologize for any inconvenience and the public’s patience is greatly appreciated.
Adam Troy Shipwash, 44, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with possession of dangerous contraband in prison 1st, possession of contraband while in prison 2nd, attempted criminal contempt 2nd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. In connection with an incident reported at 9:20 am.. on June 26, Shipwash was arrested that afternoon. Full details of the events that led to his arrest were not provided, except that he is accused of possession of a controlled substance while in the Genesee County Jail and that he attempted to contact a protected party. He was arraigned on June 27.
Allyson Paige Lawrence, 29, of Minnick Road, Lockport, is charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Lawrence and Warren Thomas Cotton and Paige were located behind the strip mall at 4133 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan at 11:40 p.m. on June 10 and allegedly found with unopened merchandise in a Walmart cart. When the subjects saw a patrol vehicle approaching, the two people started walking away. Both subjects reportedly tried to avoid the deputy and disobeyed lawful orders to stop. The subjects were detained. Upon investigation, Lawrence and Cotton were charged with petit larceny and accused of shoplifting from Walmart.
Martin James Dolivo, 66, of English Road, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, and moving from lane unsafely. Dolivo was allegedly involved in a motor vehicle accident at 7:31 p.m. on June 29 on Vallance Road, Le Roy. The accident was investigated by Deputy Zachary Hoy and Deputy Jonathan Dimming. Dolivo was released on appearance tickets.
Lisa Ann Strong, 41, of West Proverbers Court, Lecanto, Fla., is charged with trespass. Strong was arrested for allegedly entering private property on West Main Street Road, Batavia, after being barred from the property. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Alec R. Posa-Whittington, 24, of Briarwood Terrace, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th, unlawful imprisonment 2nd, and harassment 2nd. Posa-Whittington is accused of preventing a person from leaving a residence and from placing a call to 9-1-1 during a disturbance on Briarwood Terrace, Batavia, at 4:12 a.m. on June 29. Posa-Whittington is also accused of making unwanted physical contact with the person. Posa-Whittington was held for arraignment.
As the first-year manager for Le Roy Farmers Market, Andres Manamon is eager to share the bounty with folks looking to shop for anything from fresh produce and scrumptious cookies to honey, pasture-raised meats, flowers, cider, organic breads, desserts and more every weekend.
The market runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays (except during the Oaktka Music Festival) until Oct. 5 at Trigon Park on Main Street, Le Roy.
“On average, 350 to 400 people visit the market,” Manamon said Monday, promoting the addition of four new vendors. “We have live music and food trucks.”
The new vendors are Bubby’s Breads of Attica, with home-baked, assorted organic breads, sweet rolls and “she also makes bear claws and wonderful stuff;" That Little Roadside Stand of Attica, featuring pies made with fresh and local ingredients “that are out of this world;" Wright’s Homestead from Bergen selling eggs and country knickknacks, rice bags and such; and The Painted Pixie from Batavia, serving up a little face-painting entertainment.
He is looking for a fresh produce vendor to fill a spot, so if there are any fruit growers out there thinking it’s too late, good news: Le Roy has space after a vendor pulled out for the Hamburg market.
Originally from Massachusetts, Manamon has taken some time to get to this point in his life and career. He traveled the world as a merchant marine engineer and lived for ten years in Long Beach, Calif.
“A long time ago, my great-grandfather had a farm, and when I was a kid, I visited him in Pennsylvania, where he grew up. And I just enjoyed being on the farm with him,” Manamon said. “And then I was working for a small oil company, I was a marine engineer, merchant marine, I sailed for a little bit. And then I just kind of got sick of it, and I just enjoyed being outside working on the land, as opposed to being shoved in an engine room. Or hopping on a barge and tugboats. It was something that I think in the back of my mind was there, but then one day I just decided, and my wife backed me up.”
With the support of his wife, they packed up and moved to Pavilion, where they own and operate Peas and Harmony Farm. Monday meant cleaning garlic and watching their three children, a 5-year-old girl and two 4-year-old boys, which is a nice outdoorsy change of pace, he said.
He began working at the market four years ago and was given the managerial role when Mary Margaret Ripley stepped away to spend more time with his family after building the market into a successful longtime venue.
Other vendors include Casper’s and Garner’s Farms, which each sell pasture-raised meats; Petals and Flour with home-baked cookies and flower arrangements; Locust Oak Farms Apiaries with honey, honey stix and skin care products; Tree Hugger Hard Cider; Oatka Creek Farm with produce; Carousel Cookies; Yummy’s Ice Cream; Rooted in Joy produce, baked good and cut flowers; Bec’s Bath & Body Boutique; and Manamon’s own farm, with fresh vegetables and fruits.
To contact him for a spot at the market, email leroyfarmersmarket@yahoo.com or call 562-400-0398.
A Batavia man faces felony charges after engaging in police in a two-hour standoff at an apartment building on Friday on South Main Street in Batavia.
Martin F. Jones, 53, is charged with burglary in the second degree, menacing in the third degree, and harassment in the second degree.
Following his arrest, he was arraigned in City Court and ordered held pending his next court appearance.
The incident began around noon when a caller reported that a man was attempted a break-in at 11 South Main St.
The caller stated the man was in possession of a gun and had threatened the caller following an earlier argument.
When officers from Batavia PD arrived, they learned the suspect had retreated into another apartment and threatened use of an "AK."
The other tenants of the complex were evacuated while officers attempted to contact the suspect.
Residents in the area who were unable to leave were advised to shelter in place.
South Main between Oak Street and the footbridge was closed to traffic.
The suspect refused to cooperate with officers.
Batavia officers were assisted by deputies and troopers.
The Crisis Negotiations Team from Batavia PD was able to make contact with the suspect. The suspect surrendered about two hours later without further incident.
Jones was taken into custody and processed on the listed charges.
Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Trivia Night @ the Museum on Thursday, July 11 at 7 p.m. In honor of the Fourth of July, our topic will be the document that started it all the Declaration of Independence. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum on Saturday, July 13 at 1 p.m. for a full screen presentation by New York City painter and sculptor Anthony Terrell on his two new murals. Anthony, a former resident of Batavia, will show off his latest large scale works, "Crossing the Atlantic in Chains and Shackles" and "She Has Beautiful Windows (Doesn't She)." There will also be an open discussion of the development of both murals along with sketches and drafts. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum if you plan on attending at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.
Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Java with Joe series on Thursday, July 25 at 10 a.m. Listen to our curator, Tyler Angora, talk about some of the most famous women who came out of the American Civil War. Women played a larger role in the American Civil War than what is often portrayed in American history. Come and hear about how women aided the war and willingly made their presence known or unknown! Admission is free with coffee and cookies. Thank you to Pub Hub Coffee for sponsoring Java with Joe for 2024.
Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Guest Speaker Series, presented by David Reilly. Since 2018, Dave Reilly has been writing stories for The Batavian about growing up in Batavia in the 1950s and ‘60s. He combined 20 of these stories into a book called “Small Town Talk”. On Friday July 19 Dave will be doing a book talk at the HLOM at 2 p.m. He will have books available at that time for $20 and will be happy to sign a copy for you. The following day will be the 60th reunion of Dave’s Notre Dame Class of 1964 so he especially invites any of his classmates who are in town and still “above the grass” to attend. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. If you would like to attend please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.
"This project is made possible with funds from the statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!"
Every third Saturday at the museum come from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. to participate in a workshop to help you preserve, create, or research your history! On July 20, come and learn how to preserve and store your family’s photos and photo albums at home! Our curator Tyler Angora will teach you tips and tricks on how to store your beloved family photos for years, and how we store out photos here at the museum! Admission is $5 or $4 for museum members. If you would like to attend, please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Guest Speaker Series. On Wednesday, July 24 at 7 p.m., the museum welcomes back Kevin Pawlak, who is the Historic Site Manager for the Prince William County Historic Preservation Division and works as a Licensed Battlefield Guide at Antietam National Battlefield. He will be presenting on Western New Yorkers at the battles of Bull Run. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.
"This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!"
Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Java with Joe series on Thursday, July 25 at 10 a.m. Listen to our curator, Tyler Angora, talk about some of the most famous women who came out of the American Civil War. Women played a larger role in the American Civil War than what is often portrayed in American history. Come and hear about how women aided the war and willingly made their presence known or unknown! Admission is free with coffee and cookies. Thank you to Pub Hub Coffee for sponsoring Java with Joe for 2024.
Bring the kids by the Holland Land Office Museum for our new History Storytime for Summer 2024. On Saturday, July 27 at 11 a.m. Joyce Thompson-Hovey will be sharing life in the "Early Schools of the 1800s." It covers not only the role of the student and teachers during this period but also what school was like both in the North and the South. There is lots of class participation because we run it like a typical school day back then. Admission is $5 or $3 or museum members. If you would like to sign up please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.
James Pontillo and his wife Laura came home from vacation on Friday and found a notice on the old Odd Fellow's Hall in Stafford with a "Do Not Occupy" notice on the doors.
The doors had also been broken open.
He called the Sheriff's Office, and the arrival of deputies drew the attention of Stafford residents.
It's Pontillo's understanding that the town determined the building was abandoned and, therefore, condemned. He said he received no prior notice of an issue.
On Friday, a small band of Stafford residents volunteered to clean up the outside of the historic building.
"I was just kind of overwhelmed that some of the residents came up to see what's going on because the sheriffs were here because we had a break-in," Pontillo said. "They stopped and had a little talk. Before I knew it, they had put together a little work detail to come out and help me with the outside."
Asked about the status of the building, Pontillo said, "That's a good question. Because they're stating that the building has been abandoned. So I'm not sure. I haven't gotten a call from the inspection department. I haven't gotten a call from anybody, nor have any letters, regular mail, or emails. They have that information. So it's kind of interesting that they would say it's abandoned without maybe contacting me first to get some insight on the paperwork; it says that it was inspected. But I don't know how it was inspected when they don't have access. But all the doors were broken open. I'm not saying that they did it. So it's kind of interesting."
On Sunday afternoon, The Batavian emailed a series of questions about the notice and what Pontillo said about it to Supervisor Robert Clement and The Batavian has yet to receive a response.
There are apartments on the second floor of the building, and Pontillo said it's been a "few years" since his tenants were "illegally" (his word) evicted by town inspectors.
Pontillo said the town keeps frustrating his attempts to restore the building. He said when he gets a building permit, such as for a new fence or new roof, just as the work nears completion, he gets a stop work order.
He said he has the financial ability to complete the project if the town "would let me continue work."
Pontillo purchased the property at auction in 2010 for $40,000. The assessed value is $44,000. Pontillo said if he could complete the project, the assessed value would increase, meaning more revenue for the town.
"Look at all the money that was spent on attorney fees," Pontillo said. "They haven't really put that out there. But let's say it's $30,000 or $50,000. Well, if you want to waste that kind of money, they could have put half of that towards a fundraiser or something to fix the building up or donate to the historical society or something else. I mean, it's very foolish not to look at the revenue lost by not having a restaurant downstairs or a hairstyling shop; that's what we were getting ready to put on the other side. And having tenants upstairs. That's a lot of revenue from people who would be spending their money here."
Ryan Thompson and Brianna Smith demonstrate the operation of the LUCAS Chest Compression System. Photo by Howard Owens.
The LUCAS Chest Compression System is a proven lifesaver, and even if it can't save every person suffering a cardiac event, it can save more people than manual CPR alone.
Though, any attempt at CPR until medics arrive is better than no life-saving attempt.
That was the message of speakers on Saturday at the Alabama Fire Hall during a ceremony thanking the Woodward family for donating a LUCAS system to the Alabama Volunteer Fire Department.
"Chest compressions during CPR are the single most important and most effective life-saving measure when doing CPR, and the LUCAS device implements those compressions perfectly to the right depth, and the right timing and the right speed to give the patient the utmost chance of life," said Wendy Thompson, president of the Alabama Fire District.
The devices can cost as much as $20,000.
The Woodward family has been associated with the Alabama Hotel since 1950. The current owner is Bonnie Woodward, whose husband, Mike Woodward, died July 11. CPR was performed, and a LUCAS system was deployed by medics when they arrived; it didn't save him, but the Woodward family recognized the importance of the availability of the device in Alabama.
"I'm sure, you know, being from Alabama and the family and the roots here and the community is why she wanted to contribute to this fire department," said her son, Mark Woodward.
"What I witnessed was that it allowed the first responders to focus on dealing with the hospital, talking to the doctors, what do we do next," Mark said. It also afforded them space to work. Imagine somebody there in the way while you're trying to do all that other work. It was something that just allowed the first responders to do the best job that they could."
Mark acknowledged that not everybody can be resuscitated, "but I'm certain that this device will save lives because there are those people that, with this device, they'll survive where they otherwise wouldn't have."
In dedicating the new device, Pastor Ron Dart of Genesee Country Church noted the blessings of advanced medicine. He said he was the youngest of five or six siblings (he explained this was a topic not much discussed in his family), and with all of his brothers and sisters dying in childbirth, he said it was sobering to think about his survival.
"I happened to come along quite a bit later when there was more medical development taking place in the medical field," He said. "Due to that medical advancement, I'm here."
He said the advancements in health care are a gift from God.
"You know, God has enabled man to learn more about the complexity of how God has created us," Dart said. "So, a passage of Scripture says we are fearfully and wonderfully made. And I firmly believe that. We do not just, poof, happen. We have an Almighty God who has laid out a desire for mankind to be able to be upon this earth and to function and to live."
Mark Woodward. Photo by Howard Owens
Pastor Ron Dart Photo by Howard Owens
Terry Thompson, Wendy Thompson, and Bonnie Woodward. The plaque will hang in the fire hall in memory of Mike Woodward and the donation made to the department in his name. Photo by Howard Owens
Members of the Alabama Volunteer Fire Department and the Woodward family. Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia High School celebrates its 142nd Annual Commencement. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Van Detta Stadium was filled once again with cheering fans Friday evening, only this time they were parents, family members and friends of the 169 graduates of Batavia High School’s Class of 2024 during commencement ceremonies.
Dressed in school colors of blue and white, graduates were sent off with words of encouragement to persevere, celebrate one another, challenge the norms, uplift those around them, and use Batava’s educational lessons to press and move onward through life.
“We may not be ready; nevertheless, we face onwards and take the first step forward,” Class Co-Mayor Lilyana Burke said. “Graduating high school, we’re apparently adults now, and yet I have absolutely no idea what is going to happen next, but that’s the best part. So far, we have experienced everything from friendships and football games to breakups and bus rides. Now it is time for us to experience something new.”
Co-Mayors Parris Price and Burke offered words of reflection for what they and their class members just endured and the people who supported them through it — some 60 teachers, aides, lunch ladies, office staff, faculty, security guards and school resource officers — as they remain “wide-eyed and excited for what comes next,” Burke said.
When working on a college essay, she discovered a quote from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that she will use to guide her into this next chapter of life: “Is it really just the issue of physical safety that makes our loved ones so anxious at the idea of us getting out there? Or is it the threat that if we look past our frames, the frames of our own lives, of our own communities’ structured values and belief systems, to truly engage with people who believe fundamentally different things, we could perhaps be transformed into someone new and unfamiliar to those who know and love us?”
During her high school career, she learned that people are afraid of change: old friends can become strangers, and old habits can become lost. Yet, people are also attracted to change, as old strangers can become family while bad habits are lost, she said. To boil that down, she said that “without change, growth cannot occur. Without growth, there is no life, only routine.”
Price added that navigating life is like playing a game where “we encounter challenges, make choices and strive for achievements.”
High school was rife with events such as homecoming that captured the school spirit perfectly, he said.
“From creating vibrant murals that painted our school with creativity to the exhilarating relay races between classes, we embraced teamwork, creativity, and friendly competition — all essential skills in the game of life,” Parris said. “Just as in any game, each moment taught us valuable lessons about collaboration, perseverance, and the joy of shared experiences, preparing us for the challenges and victories beyond the halls of high school.”
Commencement Speaker Joseph Hussar, a 19-year city school district veteran and high school counselor, began his talk by offering the group an opportunity to breathe.
This ceremony is a culmination of 13 years in the making, he said, and it was now okay to really absorb this once-in-a-lifetime moment after enduring the trials of academics, COVID and random school threats.
“I want to say that there's never been a group of students that I've been more excited to see than the class of 2024, having walked into the school as freshmen. I remember so many of the high points and low points of your high school journey, both collectively and individually. And I feel honored to be a part of it. I remember the one-way stairs, the cones in the halls, classes every other day, and tables in the cafeteria. And even though it wasn't ideal, we were all excited just to have another opportunity to be back in school, and opportunity to make memories and to try to have our normal life back. Because that was all we wanted, was a chance to be normal again,” he said, recalling those early days of the pandemic. “But then I remember in November and December of 2021, without question in my career, that's the lowest point I've ever seen in a collective group of students. We canceled school because of violent threats. We mourned the loss of one of your classmates. And student and staff engagement was at an all-time low.
“The counselors ran circles in your classes to address concerns about the school climate, to see what we could do to improve the school climate. We wanted to give you a chance to speak up and make positive changes in the school. And you did. You were honest and open and respectful. And you made the school better, not perfect, but better than it was before. You showed them when given the opportunity, you can use your voice to encourage each other and to inspire change,” he said. Today, you'll be given a diploma. And with that, an opportunity to open more doors. However, opportunity without action is useless. The only thing opportunity promises you is a chance; what you do with that chance is up to you. Up to this point in your life, you've been in the passenger seat; you've always had someone else to blame, whether it was parents or teachers or any other rules. No matter what, you follow those rules, whether you like them or not. After today, you are now the driver.”
Being the driver means access and ability to choices: don’t like your job, find a new one or work to make it better; if you don’t like where you live, then move; if you’re unhappy in your relationship, work it out or leave, he said.
“No matter what, you have opportunities to make your life what you want it to be. The harsh reality is that the older you get, the less patient people become with your excuses,” he said. “If you don’t like something in your life, make a change; you will finally be given that opportunity. As you go out into the next chapter of your life, I really hope that you never forget that you matter and that you have a purpose. You are everything to someone, and you have an impact on people that you may never know. You are the hero in someone’s story, and you are the role model to others in need.”
He ramped up the crowd by suggesting that while the diploma was for the student who walked up front to accept, it was for those onlookers in the stands politely holding their applause during each speech. “Let them take pictures and scream your name and embarrass you a little bit today,” he said.
His final piece of advice to these impending graduates — 46 going on to four-year colleges and 61 to two-year schools, four entering military service, and 29 already have found jobs — is to be grateful and humble. Be responsible. Be a voice for the voiceless and hope for the hopeless, he said.
“Stop comparing yourself to everyone else,” he said. “There will never be a better version of you than you no matter what. Don’t ever let anybody ever tell you that you are a yellow Starburst because you, my friends, are pink Starbursts., and don’t ever forget that.”
It wouldn’t be a traditional BHS graduation without Superintendent Jason Smith’s story about someone’s perseverance and a related token to be given to each graduate.
He shared about Ferdinand Cheval, a 19th-century Frenchman who built a palace from pebbles. Regarded as an amazing example of architecture, Smith noted its even more astonishing trait of having been built over the course of 33 years by Cheval. It took him eight more years to build his own future mausoleum.
“Each of you will receive a small bag of blue pebbles inspired by this story and to remind you of the power of perseverance and persistence when setting goals as you begin life post-high school,” Smith said. “Use your Batavia roots and the lesson of perseverance and persistence to make a positive and lasting impact in our world. When you persist, you keep going. You keep moving. Failures will always happen, but always keep moving forward and build your own castle and dreams, whatever it may be, but persist and move on.”
And finally the moment arrived for High School Principal Jennifer Wesp to hand out the diplomas. She cautioned the group about a human tendency to go to the “dark side” sometimes and predict doom and gloom rather than opt for positive outcomes. Choose the latter, she said.
“I have no doubt that the future holds incredible opportunities. Go out and seize them with courage, grace, and the boundless talent that defines you all. And, when you are feeling nervous about a new beginning, perhaps your dark side thoughts come thundering in, just pause. Get centered. Reflect back on your time at Batavia and all the news that you triumphed through,” West said. “Choose excitement instead. Trust that you, my dear Seniors, have all you need inside to do anything you so choose.”
Special awards were given to the following: The E.G. Richmond Award, for a student with outstanding academic achievement in all courses of study, went to Emma Bigsby. The Board of Education Award Ex-Officio Member Award went to Peyton Woeller, and the Batavia City School District Foundation Award went to Kaelee Kelso and Peyton Woeller for having been successful in their education programs and for exemplifying a school culture of being respectful, responsible, safe, connected and ambitious.
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